Surprises of all kinds...

Turning on the shower to be shocked immediately with cold water, discovering that a pompom can be very entertaining, hearing the melodious voice of Maria singing about her “Favorite Things”, and learning that one of your closest friends has flown across the country to spend your birthday with you… all wonderful, lovely, joy in the depth of your soul surprises.

I had been building up to the release of Harry Potter: The Half-Blood Prince movie for a couple months. So, when my Toronto friend suggested taking in a late show the Thursday before my birthday, I jumped. With my Birthday weekend creeping closer, Heather and I had been scheduling each moment with fun activities. Having the opportunity to see the new Harry Potter, was just the cherry-on-top (little did I know… that I really knew nothing at all). I jumped in the front seat of the car, excited for the evening. There was a knock at my window and I turned to see a familiar face and shadow. In the reality of where I was, I quickly convinced myself that it wasn’t possible. However, I was wrong – my dear friend Denise had flown into Toronto for a surprise visit that apparently had been planned since May!! At first I screamed, then I just stared and then I apparently looked pissed off (I wasn’t… just maybe feeling a bit overwhelmed). I have since identified these as the 3 stages of Surprise.

The four days that followed with laughter, activity and fun. She is the type of friend who I feel myself with… my goofy, awkward, spontaneous-self. The itinerary included: Lunch at the CN tower, a Blue Jays game, St. Lawrence Market, Dinner and Sound of Music, wine tasting at Niagara-on-the-Lake, shopping and Béyonce concert finale. All the activities were enriched by having yet another friend to laugh with and experience this great city with. Needless to say, a picture says a thousand words… and we took a lot of pictures. Oh and we did go see Harry Potter.

House Number 36...

In the beginning of Harry Potter’s adventures there is a house at Number 4 Privet Drive. As a reader, the detailed description of this, “thoroughly ordinary house, on a thoroughly ordinary road” captures your attention. The first home Harry knows is living with the Dursleys in Number 4. However, because of the vivid picture the author paints, the reader almost immediately associates a bitter taste with this house on Privet Drive.  It is amazing how words can create a picture in our mind’s eye. As well, develop feelings and help create understanding of something we do not know. As I sit at my Number 36, I hope to paint you such a picture, help you develop both feeling and understanding about this home… And I do hope you leave with a different picture than that of Number 4 Privet Drive.

Have you ever walked down a lane where the strong trees on both sides of you have stretched and grown forming an arch above? As you walk down such a lane, you are able to hear the rustling of the leaves and almost feel as though you have been taken to peaceful place – no matter what busyness is around you. This is essence is the description of my street. A small one-way road that holds beautiful old brick houses on both sides – each with their own unique characteristics that reflect their inhabitants. As you walk down this lane in particular, you are able to see the CN tower peek through the leaves, just to remind you of the great bustling city surrounding this quiet street. From the beautiful balcony that I sit on each morning, I can see a beautiful Russian Orthodox Church that has visiting members throughout the week. Heather and Patrick have covered their balcony with tomato and herb plants, along with various vines and bedded flowers. Their home is definitely eclectic. Reflecting the tastes and personalities of both individuals. Needless to say, I feel at home here.

Oh, how I enjoy Toronto! I am close to the university and its beautiful campus buildings, parks and coffee shops. Although the radio is spotted with the regular traffic reports that I hear at home, the majority of people spilling out onto the streets for the morning commute are either walking or riding their bikes. The global mentality here is refreshing. Recycling is not an idea with good intentions, but rather an accepted habit. They have different initiatives to encourage waste reduction, such as the green bin for compostable waste, no provincial tax on bikes, green taxis powered by bicycles and lower energy rates on the weekend.

The first week I found it difficult to deal with the excessive amount of time I had on my hands. However, this week I feel as though I have found my footing. Heather and I have been very active, which is wonderful – running, biking, swimming, you name it! We too have also found our footing, to the point of laughing uncontrollably while trying to do sit-ups.

I have filled my days with so much and I feel as though this was the right decision for me this summer. I have:

Enjoyed a Rib-Fest - a gorging of ribs, sauces and beer.

Watched a live, outdoor show of Blue Rodeo.

Sing Karaoke in a Private Room

Sat in numerous coffee shops

Watched Canada Day fireworks

Experienced the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit

Bought a bike

Read a few books

Walked through an outdoor Art Show

Savored gelato at a Little Italy Festival

Visited with new friends and spent time with family

Oh and I have also started taking my French classes, worth mentioning as it was the original purpose for coming...

I feel so blessed each day when I wake up and realize where I am. After all it’s not every day that one has the chance to live in the not so ordinary house, on the not so ordinary street.