I occasionally stray from my 'checking-in-with-the-news' ban to find out a few details about what's happening in our ever eroding universe.
I happened upon a great Letter to the Editor from last Wednesday's Star regarding an article about cell phone competition and increasing the number of phones in Canada. I really connected with what Joan Blackwood said:
'When did it become necessary to be available to the world 24/7? When did it become necessary to give voice to every thought or notion that crosses someone's mind at any hour of the day or night?'
I've often wondered this myself. I mean really, what did people do before the invention of the cell phone? You might have to go hours or even minutes without being in touch with so-and-so.
I've personally never owned a cell phone (except when I had to when I lived in Japan and couldn't afford a $500 deposit for a landline) and enjoy the fact that I need to get in contact with people for them to know where I am in the world.
But hey, I'm an old-fashioned gal, I still get excited when my friends from Japan send me old-fashioned mail for New Year's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_New_Year). There's something so much more personal and touching about the thought and inconvenience of putting together something for someone you care about.
The other downside of this whole technology blackberry, instant messaging, text messaging, cell phone phenomena is, I miss the silence. Whenever I'm in the city, I find it hard to block out that constant buzzing noise. It really gets under your skin. There's so much electricity flowing through this city, I imagine one futuristic day form now that we will find a way to replace our own bodily fluids with an electric current so that we can email or contact people just out of thin air (see Hana Gitleman's character in Heroes for inspiration).
There's nothing like standing on a crest in the middle of the Australian Outback and being able to see nature for miles. That sound of silence. Being able to tune in to every sound of a snake sliding through the desert. The sound of kookaburras calling to each other. The bounce of a kangaroo as it rushes away from you. That kind of buzz that comes when the temperature is just that side of incredibly hot.
City living disconnects us from one another, from the earth and our natural habitat. Urban living and being attached to our cell phones, SUVs and other forms of convenience take away from the sheer joy of living and breathing and being one with the earth, and all of her elements (fire, water, air, earth).
Every day that the temperature warms up I am that much closer to escaping this electronic-trap and that much closer to some beautiful forest far from the sounds and distractions of this urban life.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
I Froze by Lake Ontario & all I got was this lousy Hypothermia.
Ah yes, yesterday was fun, fun, fun!
2nd extensive bike ride of the season. 20kms+ out to Etobicoke.
The plan was to follow the Lakeshore trail, due to the wind I opted to inhale heaps of pollution through the filthy downtown streets (ooh and dodge cars that don't give a crap about bikers!)
My 1st pit-stop was in Parkdale at No Frills where I scored some yogurt and cheese/pita for my sandwiches. Not exactly a picnic type day so I had to devour most of it in the entrance of the grocery store and in a stairwell at my final destination.
The ride was incredibly windy, despite the beautifully blinding sun beaming down on me. I had to ride in a much lower gear most of the way just to be able to pedal forward. I got lost several times on the way out there. My achilles tendon and knees were just screaming at me the whole way there.
Biking the Queensway was some good scary fun. Always a pleasure to freak drivers out who don't understand why you would opt for pedals. Got somewhat lost in Etobicoke a few times but managed to find my way. No offence to Etobicoke, but ya need some more colour/life injected into your architecture. What a depressing ride at points!
When I finally arrived at my destination I stopped in at a sketchy place that offered cappucchino (because I was frozen and yet all my layers were soaked and I needed some heat to bring me back to life). Best cappucchino ever, the old fashioned way.
On the way up to Kipling subway I got misdirected on Dundas and ended up in Mississauga! Fortunately, it didn't take me long to backtrack.
I am bone tired and still somewhat chilly but it was so worth it! This training to bike to Montreal is going to be the experience of a lifetime :-)
2nd extensive bike ride of the season. 20kms+ out to Etobicoke.
The plan was to follow the Lakeshore trail, due to the wind I opted to inhale heaps of pollution through the filthy downtown streets (ooh and dodge cars that don't give a crap about bikers!)
My 1st pit-stop was in Parkdale at No Frills where I scored some yogurt and cheese/pita for my sandwiches. Not exactly a picnic type day so I had to devour most of it in the entrance of the grocery store and in a stairwell at my final destination.
The ride was incredibly windy, despite the beautifully blinding sun beaming down on me. I had to ride in a much lower gear most of the way just to be able to pedal forward. I got lost several times on the way out there. My achilles tendon and knees were just screaming at me the whole way there.
Biking the Queensway was some good scary fun. Always a pleasure to freak drivers out who don't understand why you would opt for pedals. Got somewhat lost in Etobicoke a few times but managed to find my way. No offence to Etobicoke, but ya need some more colour/life injected into your architecture. What a depressing ride at points!
When I finally arrived at my destination I stopped in at a sketchy place that offered cappucchino (because I was frozen and yet all my layers were soaked and I needed some heat to bring me back to life). Best cappucchino ever, the old fashioned way.
On the way up to Kipling subway I got misdirected on Dundas and ended up in Mississauga! Fortunately, it didn't take me long to backtrack.
I am bone tired and still somewhat chilly but it was so worth it! This training to bike to Montreal is going to be the experience of a lifetime :-)
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Friends For Life Bike Rally
Over the past couple of years I have been trying to make up for ignoring physical activity most of my life. Things that involve creativity inevitably always capture my attention first and then I become distracted.
Last year I started running longer distances and competed in a 5K (on New Year's Eve with ice pelting my face) and 10K (in Ottawa on the hottest bloody day in May I've ever experienced there) race. Running those types of distances takes a bit of a toll on the knees, especially when you're not a conditioned athlete.
3 years ago, I learned how to ride a bike (yes at the ripe age of 28!) and now you can't get me off the thing. This is the magic I have been missing my whole life. So Betty (yes that's my bike) pretty well gets me everywhere around the city. Now everything pales by comparison: buses, subways, cars, planes, walking. In fact, it has started to make me hate the traditional car roadtrip that has been a staple of my life since I was knee high to a grasshopper.
So now this crazy Cowgirl needs to up the ante. I've been eyeballing the Friends for Life Rally for the past couple of years, but figured it might be a good idea to consistently remember to come to a full stop before putting my feet on the ground first.
Brief backgrounder: FLBR is a huge successful fundraiser for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. Approximately 300 riders participate each summer and are required to bring in at least $2000 in donations to bike. Last year PWA raised $700,000 from this event alone! The ride essentially follows along Lake Ontario from Toronto, 600kms to Montreal. Imagine cycling about 100kms a day!(For more on the route, check out the maps on their site listed below.)
Pending a full exam of my wonky runner's knees, I plan on biking from Toronto to Montreal this summer with the FLBR folks. Even if I can't make it the full 600kms, I plan on training at least so that perhaps next summer I will be ready.
Last weekend I went out for my first ride of the season. There was still some deep snow on parts of the path, huge puddles that were fun to splash in (but not so fun when the wind blew off Lake Ontario afterwards) and plenty of ice to skid around on. Despite all that, it only increased my appetite for more. Oh beautiful biking!
I've seen some great blogs from FLBR participants and I hope to also be able to inspire people with my pictures and tales of training woes over this spring/summer. For more information on the Rally, check out:
http://bikerally.org/index.html
Last year I started running longer distances and competed in a 5K (on New Year's Eve with ice pelting my face) and 10K (in Ottawa on the hottest bloody day in May I've ever experienced there) race. Running those types of distances takes a bit of a toll on the knees, especially when you're not a conditioned athlete.
3 years ago, I learned how to ride a bike (yes at the ripe age of 28!) and now you can't get me off the thing. This is the magic I have been missing my whole life. So Betty (yes that's my bike) pretty well gets me everywhere around the city. Now everything pales by comparison: buses, subways, cars, planes, walking. In fact, it has started to make me hate the traditional car roadtrip that has been a staple of my life since I was knee high to a grasshopper.
So now this crazy Cowgirl needs to up the ante. I've been eyeballing the Friends for Life Rally for the past couple of years, but figured it might be a good idea to consistently remember to come to a full stop before putting my feet on the ground first.
Brief backgrounder: FLBR is a huge successful fundraiser for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. Approximately 300 riders participate each summer and are required to bring in at least $2000 in donations to bike. Last year PWA raised $700,000 from this event alone! The ride essentially follows along Lake Ontario from Toronto, 600kms to Montreal. Imagine cycling about 100kms a day!(For more on the route, check out the maps on their site listed below.)
Pending a full exam of my wonky runner's knees, I plan on biking from Toronto to Montreal this summer with the FLBR folks. Even if I can't make it the full 600kms, I plan on training at least so that perhaps next summer I will be ready.
Last weekend I went out for my first ride of the season. There was still some deep snow on parts of the path, huge puddles that were fun to splash in (but not so fun when the wind blew off Lake Ontario afterwards) and plenty of ice to skid around on. Despite all that, it only increased my appetite for more. Oh beautiful biking!
I've seen some great blogs from FLBR participants and I hope to also be able to inspire people with my pictures and tales of training woes over this spring/summer. For more information on the Rally, check out:
http://bikerally.org/index.html
Monday, March 19, 2007
Imagine living in a Tire House!
I wanted to share something really interesting, it's a house built out of tires! It cost them $50k and they own it clear. I've seen the house & it's helping fuel my dreams:
http://www.sunspace.org/en/pottershouse_en.html
Please post your thoughts. I'm interested in what people think about sustainable living.
http://www.sunspace.org/en/pottershouse_en.html
Please post your thoughts. I'm interested in what people think about sustainable living.
The Sky Is Falling... No It's Evolution!
Based on a dessert-based conversation and request, I am going to elaborate on what I meant by 'evolution is inevitable' in the context of Judaism (or culture/religion in general):
'One day folks will realize that the true demise of a culture comes when that culture refuses to adapt, grow and change to its new environment. Evolution is inevitable. If synagogues and Jewish 'leaders' in the community continue to ostracize Jews for falling in love with people who aren't Jewish, the culture will eventually die out.'
There exist patterns in the universe. The way our ancestors have interacted with these patterns have altered our DNA. For example, Michael Jordan has developed himself as an exceptional basketball player. His mental sharpness, his ability to move a certain way both on and off the court has now become part of his DNA. He will pass that on. The way our parents move, affects the way we move.Now on to Judaism (culture, religion, etc).
Up until the 1840s, all Jews were Orthodox. Moving over to Canada and the US, suddenly we have the advent of the reform movement. Why? Because new world, different environment, Judaism adapted. Now in the 21st century, living in an increasingly mixed society, our minds are shifting. We don't live in a cultural vacuum. We are exposed to other possibilities, possibilities that can only serve to enrich and enhance how we already perceive ourselves vis-a-vis Judaism.
I have friends or family members who's only Jewish connection is hanging out with other family members. In fact my best friend who's Catholic probably knows more Hebrew words and has probably attended more seder's at this Cowgirl's house than many of the 'tribe'. This is evolution. Her kids will be exposed to this knowledge. They will be exposed to me. It's Judaism, but different than our parent's Judaism.The more insular we become, the less we are able to grow our culture in our minds and hearts in a healthy and positive way that brings us joy and brings us closer to the true knowledge of the universe.
Judaism is not a synagogue. It is not simply the Torah or dipping apples in honey on Rosh Hashana, it comes from within and it comes from our connection to the universe, this place where we dwell.The more institutional we become, the less we are in fact acquainted with Judaism (or any culture). To think otherwise is foolish and a large part of the reason of why people continue to move away from the culture in droves. The more we learn about others on earth, other cultures, traditions, the more we enrich our own. This is evolution.
My kids won't have a 5 hour seder. But they will learn about the story of Exodus and how it is linked to the circular pattern of oppression. For example: people kidnapped and sold into slavery from Africa, women in 3rd world countries helping 1st worlders live more comfortable lives, etc. The story of Exodus means nothing without modern day context. Why do we mourn for ancestors who were slaves 5000 years ago when we say nothing about the genocide in Sudan or young boys being forced to kill in Uganda?
We will never evolve as humans if we cannot see these connections in things.I'm not a religious person, but I have always believed in the story of the Tower of Babel. This is our test now. Societies have lived a part for so many millenniums. We're being tested to see if we can evolve together.
Now I feel rambley and it's time for sleep-land. Bonne Nuit :-)
'One day folks will realize that the true demise of a culture comes when that culture refuses to adapt, grow and change to its new environment. Evolution is inevitable. If synagogues and Jewish 'leaders' in the community continue to ostracize Jews for falling in love with people who aren't Jewish, the culture will eventually die out.'
There exist patterns in the universe. The way our ancestors have interacted with these patterns have altered our DNA. For example, Michael Jordan has developed himself as an exceptional basketball player. His mental sharpness, his ability to move a certain way both on and off the court has now become part of his DNA. He will pass that on. The way our parents move, affects the way we move.Now on to Judaism (culture, religion, etc).
Up until the 1840s, all Jews were Orthodox. Moving over to Canada and the US, suddenly we have the advent of the reform movement. Why? Because new world, different environment, Judaism adapted. Now in the 21st century, living in an increasingly mixed society, our minds are shifting. We don't live in a cultural vacuum. We are exposed to other possibilities, possibilities that can only serve to enrich and enhance how we already perceive ourselves vis-a-vis Judaism.
I have friends or family members who's only Jewish connection is hanging out with other family members. In fact my best friend who's Catholic probably knows more Hebrew words and has probably attended more seder's at this Cowgirl's house than many of the 'tribe'. This is evolution. Her kids will be exposed to this knowledge. They will be exposed to me. It's Judaism, but different than our parent's Judaism.The more insular we become, the less we are able to grow our culture in our minds and hearts in a healthy and positive way that brings us joy and brings us closer to the true knowledge of the universe.
Judaism is not a synagogue. It is not simply the Torah or dipping apples in honey on Rosh Hashana, it comes from within and it comes from our connection to the universe, this place where we dwell.The more institutional we become, the less we are in fact acquainted with Judaism (or any culture). To think otherwise is foolish and a large part of the reason of why people continue to move away from the culture in droves. The more we learn about others on earth, other cultures, traditions, the more we enrich our own. This is evolution.
My kids won't have a 5 hour seder. But they will learn about the story of Exodus and how it is linked to the circular pattern of oppression. For example: people kidnapped and sold into slavery from Africa, women in 3rd world countries helping 1st worlders live more comfortable lives, etc. The story of Exodus means nothing without modern day context. Why do we mourn for ancestors who were slaves 5000 years ago when we say nothing about the genocide in Sudan or young boys being forced to kill in Uganda?
We will never evolve as humans if we cannot see these connections in things.I'm not a religious person, but I have always believed in the story of the Tower of Babel. This is our test now. Societies have lived a part for so many millenniums. We're being tested to see if we can evolve together.
Now I feel rambley and it's time for sleep-land. Bonne Nuit :-)
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Kvetch: About the 'keep it in the tribe' gaggle
One of my real inspirations to start my own blog came from reading blogs this past year, many of whom purport the whole 'keep it in the tribe' philosophy. A few days ago, I came upon this The Urban Kvetch:
http://estherkustanowitz.typepad.com/myurbankvetch2005/2006/02/an_open_letter_.html#comment-63568154
Yet another attack on 'good Jewish boys who've gone to the other side' (meaning hooking up with a *gasp* non-Jewish girl). I'm really sick of all the kvetching about people ruining the Jewish culture because they are falling in love with and building lives with people outside the 'tribe'.One day folks will realize that the true demise of a culture comes when that culture refuses to adapt, grow and change to its new environment.
Evolution is inevitable.
If synagogues and Jewish 'leaders' in the community continue to ostracize Jews for falling in love with people who aren't Jewish, the culture will eventually die out. My living with a Muslim man does not make me any less Jewish. We share our deepest set of values that I have never found in anyone else (Jewish or otherwise).
Love doesn't come in a webpage package or a circumcision or a Jewish middle name. It doesn't come in going to synagogue or keeping kosher. Those things are all secondary to the simple rule: do you connect with this other person on a real personal, intimate, deep-down, life-affirming connection kind of way?When you look into this person's eyes does it make your heart beat just a little bit faster? When this person says something, does it connect with you somewhere deep down in your soul a place you never realized existed within you? Can you picture yourself living with and loving this person for the rest of your life, even if they don't know where the laundry basket is, even if they never wash their dishes? Is there just something about that other person that completes you?
Yes people, this is love!
Can 2 people be Jewish and be in love? Of course. But that cannot be the only factor, it will never be enough, it will never survive!Can a Muslim man and a Jewish woman raise beautiful loving children together who are open to the universe, to their cultures and traditions and who can grow to understand the multiplicity and greatness of all things? Yes of course!Will this relationship mean the death of Judaism? No. It is the evolution of Judaism. It is a new interpretation. It will eventually hopefully mean the death of wars and hatred which stems from differences and misunderstandings that stem from those differences. The more people in this universe meld mingle and mix, the more we will come to understand one another.
I will fight until the day I die this kind of kvetching, this ignorance put forth by fear mongerers that all _________ people should hook up with all ___________ people.
End the fear mongering now. Spread the love. Connect with people because you feel deep in your bones that you cannot live without them in your world, not because your parents are telling you to hook up with someone of your own culture.
End the fear. Stop the hate. Spread the love.
http://estherkustanowitz.typepad.com/myurbankvetch2005/2006/02/an_open_letter_.html#comment-63568154
Yet another attack on 'good Jewish boys who've gone to the other side' (meaning hooking up with a *gasp* non-Jewish girl). I'm really sick of all the kvetching about people ruining the Jewish culture because they are falling in love with and building lives with people outside the 'tribe'.One day folks will realize that the true demise of a culture comes when that culture refuses to adapt, grow and change to its new environment.
Evolution is inevitable.
If synagogues and Jewish 'leaders' in the community continue to ostracize Jews for falling in love with people who aren't Jewish, the culture will eventually die out. My living with a Muslim man does not make me any less Jewish. We share our deepest set of values that I have never found in anyone else (Jewish or otherwise).
Love doesn't come in a webpage package or a circumcision or a Jewish middle name. It doesn't come in going to synagogue or keeping kosher. Those things are all secondary to the simple rule: do you connect with this other person on a real personal, intimate, deep-down, life-affirming connection kind of way?When you look into this person's eyes does it make your heart beat just a little bit faster? When this person says something, does it connect with you somewhere deep down in your soul a place you never realized existed within you? Can you picture yourself living with and loving this person for the rest of your life, even if they don't know where the laundry basket is, even if they never wash their dishes? Is there just something about that other person that completes you?
Yes people, this is love!
Can 2 people be Jewish and be in love? Of course. But that cannot be the only factor, it will never be enough, it will never survive!Can a Muslim man and a Jewish woman raise beautiful loving children together who are open to the universe, to their cultures and traditions and who can grow to understand the multiplicity and greatness of all things? Yes of course!Will this relationship mean the death of Judaism? No. It is the evolution of Judaism. It is a new interpretation. It will eventually hopefully mean the death of wars and hatred which stems from differences and misunderstandings that stem from those differences. The more people in this universe meld mingle and mix, the more we will come to understand one another.
I will fight until the day I die this kind of kvetching, this ignorance put forth by fear mongerers that all _________ people should hook up with all ___________ people.
End the fear mongering now. Spread the love. Connect with people because you feel deep in your bones that you cannot live without them in your world, not because your parents are telling you to hook up with someone of your own culture.
End the fear. Stop the hate. Spread the love.
Beginnings
As a gal not born into the real age of technology I have been browsing various sites trying to get a feel for this new world order of connecting in a faceless environment. After posting many rants and raves on other people's pages, I figured that it's time to create my own rambling pasture.
The end of my 20s has been a tumultuous time of soul searching. As I near the number that marks the end of official youthdom, I seek new meaning and direction in my life.I realize that it's time for me to get back to what I really love: performing. I've started taking belly dancing classes and volunteering at an Improv theatre in the hopes of building back up that desire for the stage.
It's also time for me to get back into writing. I will consider this blog to be a testing ground of sorts for some stuff I've written and future works. At least it will give me some incentive to create as opposed to consuming.
So, welcome to Rasslin' Cowgirl’s tales.
I look forward to hearing from people all around the world.
The end of my 20s has been a tumultuous time of soul searching. As I near the number that marks the end of official youthdom, I seek new meaning and direction in my life.I realize that it's time for me to get back to what I really love: performing. I've started taking belly dancing classes and volunteering at an Improv theatre in the hopes of building back up that desire for the stage.
It's also time for me to get back into writing. I will consider this blog to be a testing ground of sorts for some stuff I've written and future works. At least it will give me some incentive to create as opposed to consuming.
So, welcome to Rasslin' Cowgirl’s tales.
I look forward to hearing from people all around the world.
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