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I discovered quite by accident that today is World Poetry Day. It’s a day that UNESCO set aside in 1999 at its 30th Session held in Paris. This is what Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO has said about the day: “By paying tribute to the men and women whose only instrument is free speech, who imagine and act, UNESCO recognizes in poetry its value as a symbol of the human spirit’s creativity. By giving form and words to that which has none – such as the unfathomable beauty that surrounds us, the immense suffering and misery of the world – poetry contributes to the expansion of our common humanity, helping to increase its strength, solidarity and self-awareness.” ...

[caption id=“attachment_2902” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] In general, serendipity is the act of finding something valuable or delightful when you are not looking for it. In information technology, serendipity often plays a part in the recognition of a new product need or in solving a design problem. Web surfing can be an occasion for serendipity since you sometimes come across a valuable or interesting site when you are looking for something else. (whatis.techtarget.com)[/caption] ...

[caption id=“attachment_2888” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] God is discovered entirely through creation - the brilliance of a sunset, the powerful roar of a waterfall, the symphony of sounds you hear in the heart of the forest, or the vastness of space and its countless stars. God is the mastermind behind all matter - every earth shattering scientific discovery and mystery that is yet to be unraveled was dreamed and enacted by God. (Benjamin F Sullivan)[/caption] ...

It was a beautiful winter’s day last Saturday in Toronto and “Expressions of Love” took place in the Village of Yorkville Park - “icefest” it was called. This is its 11th year and the first time I have attended. There were people everywhere and the atmosphere was truly festive. The ice sculptures were magnificent and everyone was trying to get photos with the sculptures or of the sculptures. Many fine restaurants had their fare out. I even saw a sign there indicating there was wine tasting. It was quite the affair. ...

[caption id=“attachment_2858” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] “Sunshine cannot bleach the snow, nor time unmake what poets know.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson[/caption] It was very beautiful outside yesterday with the fresh-fallen snow. I couldn’t resist going around the building that I live in to capture some of all the white stuff. I’m used to snow now but remember vividly the first snow flurries that I saw and felt. Seeing snow for the first time was exciting! That was in 1968. Prior to that, the only snow I ever saw was on Christmas cards and in pictures. The only Christmas I had ever known was a green one. These days when there is a huge snowfall, as we have now, I’m happy to say that I relish the snow’s beauty. ...

[caption id=“attachment_2848” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] In our deepest moments of struggle, frustration, fear, and confusion, we are being called upon to reach in and touch our hearts. Then, we will know what to do, what to say, how to be. What is right is always in our deepest heart of hearts. It is from the deepest part of our hearts that we are capable of reaching out and touching another human being. It is, after all, one heart touching another heart. - Roberta Sage Hamilton[/caption] ...

On a recent visit to the Gerrard Indian Bazaar area in Toronto, I was fascinated once again by all the beautiful clothing on display. There were beautiful sarees and lehengas in different fabrics, designs, and colours. All the images below were taken there. The word sari and saree are synonymous. I had the pleasure of wearing a sari just once in my life and felt good wearing it - lots of fabric and lots of elegance! ...

“I am where I am because of the bridges that I crossed. Sojourner Truth was a bridge. Harriet Tubman was a bridge. Ida B. Wells was a bridge. Madame C. J. Walker was a bridge. Fannie Lou Hamer was a bridge.” - Oprah Winfrey It’s the birthright of every human being to be free. Slavery is one of the darkest marks on human history and we have to be grateful for its abolition. Black History Month is a time to remember just how far from those days we are today and of the outstanding achievements made by the descendants of those slaves. There are still barriers today but many bridges have been successfully crossed by many people. Hurrah for Black History Month! ...

The best comfort food will always be greens, cornbread, and fried chicken. (Maya Angelou) I find cornbread wonderful with afternoon tea. I have to try it with greens and fried chicken one day. Anyways, the recipe I have is ever so simple and can be made in the microwave. “Corn bread is a reminder of the Native American contribution to the southern American diet. Corn served an important role in Native American life and early settlers learned to adapt this versatile food into their own dishes when wheat was not available for bread making.” (tribal directory.com) ...

I believe that the nicest and sweetest of days are not those which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string." Anne of Green Gables A new year has just truly begun and the above advertising poster, “New Year, Wellness 2016, New You” struck a chord in me the other day. This was in one of my favourite downtown Toronto bookstores. I particularly noted the word “Wellness” there. Of course, there’s a huge inventory of Wellness books and magazines carried in this store. Immediately, the thought came to me that I should plan to spend more time exercising in the gym, taking walks outdoors, making healthy “green” drinks and eating more fruits and vegetables. Maybe, I thought, I should even consider taking a yoga class. Yoga is good for the body and mind. After all, wellness is one of the most important things in life, if not the most important. Or, is it health? ...