Yesterday I discovered a most wonderful and surprising place in the forested ravine of Lynn Valley. The sign calls it "30 Foot Pool", but this name barely does the place justice.
My mother being the ultimate Vancouver adventurist, has introduced me to many breath taking experiences throughout the city and surrounding areas. Today was no different. Also with us was Alizah, the older sister of my friend Akber.
After we hiked for a good 45 minutes, we came across it, right at the base of what my mother called "el capitan" - the excruciating stair case leading back to the beginning. I couldn't really see the depth of the pool until I got close, but the inviting clarity of the water in the shallower areas was an indication of the beauty I had come upon. I carefully climbed over the treacherous rock leading to the shore, and then I saw it...deep, green and clear - the water was being fed into the pool by a gush coming from seemingly nowhere.
The water is cold enough to loose the feeling in your fingers in under 20 seconds, then you ironically can't feel the cold anymore. I suppose the shock of jumping into this pool would be substantial, but I was tempted none the less...tempted, but not crazy!
It's places like this that remind me of home, the water and forest. Nature is a major favourite of mine and I seek out that nature to ground myself and re-gain perspective on life and the things that really matter. I can't wait to take my fiance there so that we might fall deeper in love jut for the sake of the beauty around us. I'm sure he'll love the massive staircase to get out of the canyon as well.
Overall it was a great place to get some peace and some exercise, and I plan to be a frequent visitor.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
What a difference a day makes.
I find it quite amusing that some of the most common and well known phrases are also featured in the lyrics of memorable music. Thinking about music brings up a lot of feelings and thoughts for me because most of my important life events can be linked to the specific music I listened to at the time.
Take for example, the very emotional song that is attached to the events surrounding my father. "Oh Father" by Madonna is that song, and there isn't a single time I've listened to it that I haven't been taken back to the memories of the pain and heart break. This song has also always given me hope that there is still a small part of him that misses me and wishes he never stopped seeing me.
When I think back on my high school days, some of my fondest music was from artists such as Sublime, Our Lady Peace, Smashing Pumpkins, Jewel, Madonna...and the list just goes on and on. Actually defining my music taste is quite difficult considering I went from the above mentioned to my later days of high school with techno, house and jungle. This was what I remember as the "rave days".
Techno music carried me through some good and bad times, but it's influence is still alive and well in my playlists.
Speaking of playlists...they are actually my obsession. I am always seeking the perfection of my playlists, making sure their fine tunes are well mixed and integrated takes some serious thought! The right playlist can actually ease the dreaded floor mopping and dish washing I've become so phenomenally talented at.
The final frontier for me will be creating my own music, something I have yearned to do for a very long time. I think my dream will come true this year, as it finally might be possible for me to fund the programs I need to get started on it. All it will take is a bit of practice and some help from my man, who is a whiz at all kinds of things.
One thing that I'm hoping will come back to me as well is my opportunity for performance. Music is not only my passion, but my God given talent as well. I was fortunate to be blessed with an ear for pitch and excellent vocal cords, which when combined and used, create a sound that is all my own. A sound that I was known for back in my home town. I really miss being a singer. My soul hungers for it as a total release of expression and feeling. When I don't sing, a little piece of my soul dies inside.
But not to worry, my soul still has many songs inside it, and I will make my voice heard throughout the land.
Take for example, the very emotional song that is attached to the events surrounding my father. "Oh Father" by Madonna is that song, and there isn't a single time I've listened to it that I haven't been taken back to the memories of the pain and heart break. This song has also always given me hope that there is still a small part of him that misses me and wishes he never stopped seeing me.
When I think back on my high school days, some of my fondest music was from artists such as Sublime, Our Lady Peace, Smashing Pumpkins, Jewel, Madonna...and the list just goes on and on. Actually defining my music taste is quite difficult considering I went from the above mentioned to my later days of high school with techno, house and jungle. This was what I remember as the "rave days".
Techno music carried me through some good and bad times, but it's influence is still alive and well in my playlists.
Speaking of playlists...they are actually my obsession. I am always seeking the perfection of my playlists, making sure their fine tunes are well mixed and integrated takes some serious thought! The right playlist can actually ease the dreaded floor mopping and dish washing I've become so phenomenally talented at.
The final frontier for me will be creating my own music, something I have yearned to do for a very long time. I think my dream will come true this year, as it finally might be possible for me to fund the programs I need to get started on it. All it will take is a bit of practice and some help from my man, who is a whiz at all kinds of things.
One thing that I'm hoping will come back to me as well is my opportunity for performance. Music is not only my passion, but my God given talent as well. I was fortunate to be blessed with an ear for pitch and excellent vocal cords, which when combined and used, create a sound that is all my own. A sound that I was known for back in my home town. I really miss being a singer. My soul hungers for it as a total release of expression and feeling. When I don't sing, a little piece of my soul dies inside.
But not to worry, my soul still has many songs inside it, and I will make my voice heard throughout the land.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Maybe you should write a book...
I'll always remember my mother saying this to me, and it's this splinter in my mind that has finally spurred me to begin documenting my thoughts and feelings. This will be the chronicle of the places I've been, the people I've met, and all the crazy shit I've experienced along the way. I also have a lot to say about where I'm going, and where I see myself in the game of life.
Where to begin...this is always the hardest part for me. The memories I have are scattered throughout my brain, and sometimes recalling them is not the easiest of tasks. I suppose the best place for me to start is where I am right now.
I live in the bustling metropolis of Vancouver, and unfortunately I am forced to work a day job to pay the rent. I'm engaged to the best man on earth, and we're finally ready to start planning our special day. We've been together now for almost 2 and 1/2 years, the 2nd anniversary of our engagement is fast approaching along with my most special birthday: number 25. I have many comical memories of my time with him so far, all of which have helped to build on my knowledge of men in general. I have many hidden talents, like washing dishes and singing, but one of them gets more cultivation than it deserves due to my enslavement to domesticity. I sometimes like to sing when I do dishes, it helps a little if I'm mad about having to do them. Just because I'm good at washing dishes, doesn't mean I like to do it. I love butter chicken, but had never tasted it in my life until about 8 months ago. 8 Months ago was also when my fiance's friend Akber moved to this city from Toronto. He is now one of our closest and most trusted friends.
I love music more than butter chicken, and have an unfortunate addiction to iTunes. Yes, I BUY my music instead of illegally downloading it from the net. I like to think of myself as a collector of music. Music helps me think, remember, imagine and create. I'm still trying to solidify the soundtrack to my life...but this topic will be for another day.
I like pretty and sparkly things...and expensive things. My fiance tells me all the time that all I do is spend his money. That's only half true, however. I also spend my money. The money I make from the job I am forced to work at to pay the rent.
This is the full circle description of my life. Minus the details - which I'll roll out over time. It's my experiences and feelings that inspired my mom to suggest that I write a book, but just the thought of doing something that involved was enough to stop me from writing at all. Blogging seems like a great solution! Here I can review tidbits and form them into something much greater at a later time. This is how I shall write my book.
Where to begin...this is always the hardest part for me. The memories I have are scattered throughout my brain, and sometimes recalling them is not the easiest of tasks. I suppose the best place for me to start is where I am right now.
I live in the bustling metropolis of Vancouver, and unfortunately I am forced to work a day job to pay the rent. I'm engaged to the best man on earth, and we're finally ready to start planning our special day. We've been together now for almost 2 and 1/2 years, the 2nd anniversary of our engagement is fast approaching along with my most special birthday: number 25. I have many comical memories of my time with him so far, all of which have helped to build on my knowledge of men in general. I have many hidden talents, like washing dishes and singing, but one of them gets more cultivation than it deserves due to my enslavement to domesticity. I sometimes like to sing when I do dishes, it helps a little if I'm mad about having to do them. Just because I'm good at washing dishes, doesn't mean I like to do it. I love butter chicken, but had never tasted it in my life until about 8 months ago. 8 Months ago was also when my fiance's friend Akber moved to this city from Toronto. He is now one of our closest and most trusted friends.
I love music more than butter chicken, and have an unfortunate addiction to iTunes. Yes, I BUY my music instead of illegally downloading it from the net. I like to think of myself as a collector of music. Music helps me think, remember, imagine and create. I'm still trying to solidify the soundtrack to my life...but this topic will be for another day.
I like pretty and sparkly things...and expensive things. My fiance tells me all the time that all I do is spend his money. That's only half true, however. I also spend my money. The money I make from the job I am forced to work at to pay the rent.
This is the full circle description of my life. Minus the details - which I'll roll out over time. It's my experiences and feelings that inspired my mom to suggest that I write a book, but just the thought of doing something that involved was enough to stop me from writing at all. Blogging seems like a great solution! Here I can review tidbits and form them into something much greater at a later time. This is how I shall write my book.
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