Bucket List

If you don't know what one is: a Bucket List is a record of all the things you want to do in life while your alive. Many people have one, but whether they seriously follow it is another matter.

My sister has been going on about her own and asking when I going to make mine so we can be in pursuit together. So yesterday during our holiday long weekend walk, I started to compile a list of what I would love to experience and accomplish within my lifetime. Apparently the magic number is 101 items but I'll share what I have.

Think about what you've always wanted to do. Is there anything stopping you from realizing your dreams? Writing a list helps put things in perspective and will probably resurface a lot of past curiosities and passions. Be as specific, grand, or simple as your instincts tell you. It's important to note which items carry the biggest weights, those are the ones that you want to highlight as priorities. And you don't have to pick one, the beauty in life is that it's as limiting as you make it.

Fringe & SummerWorks Heat Up the Tdot

There are two shows I've marked in red on my summer calendar; we've got sexy, street and real topics and casts about to blow away audiences. Since these are festivals you have plenty of dates to catch at least one show, so don't be the person who has to hear about the play of the century. Don't slip.

#1

pomme is french for apple

pomme is french for apple, a new play by liza paul and bahia watson, is a fresh, funny and irreverent look at womanhood in all its glory: its perils, its pleasures, & all kinda madness in between. in a fast-paced series of vignettes, pomme is french for apple explores the life of modern women and their most intimate, embarrassing and empowering moments.

By: liza paul and bahia watson
Company: Paul Watson Productions
Company origin: Toronto, ON
Cast: liza paul and bahia watson

Show length: 60min.
Warnings: Sexual Content, Mature Language

http://pommeisfrenchforapple.com/

venue

Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace

show times

July 06 11:00 PM
July 08 04:00 PM
July 09 08:45 PM
July 10 04:30 PM
July 12 12:00 PM
July 13 06:15 PM
July 14 01:45 PM

#2 









ANEEMAH'S SPOT

Aneemah's Spot is a stylistic mix of stealthy dialogue, rhyme and spoken word. The funeral of "G" brings Aneemah and Wan together to mourn, and share their histories, as they are forced to let go of the past and choose how they will navigate life, either apart or together, from this moment on.


MotionLive in association with/ cric crac collective

Directed by Dian Marie Bridge
Cast: Araya Mengesha and Amanda Parris
Sound Designer: L'Oqenz
Assistant Director: Sea M. Walker aka cassandra 'cassy' walker Associate Producer: Jasmine Chen
Stage Manager: Nan Shepherd
Supported by Obsidian Theatre

In Ghana

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum

One of the highlights of my trip to Accra, Ghana was when I visited the Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. I admit I wasn't initially excited to go. I had no knowledge of this former president, but the friend I had traveled with was determined to go. So while aimlessly wandering I was approached by a tour guide. He asked why I was seemed so detatched and we quickly got into a deep conversation about how Africa is viewed by the West. The guide was curious as to why I we came to Ghana and I basically said I wanted to see it for myself. I was humbled by how friendly and helpful the people were and that I felt very safe (and well fed). After talking about my experience of merely a week, he said that I should take it upon myself to correct any misconceptions when I return home. He also explained the importance of celebrating Dr. Nkrumah and his significance to Ghana's liberation. Since I consider myself well educated on civil rights and black liberation leaders, it was a hard hit to realize that that the only African figures I knew about were Nelson and Winnie Mandela. The very tip of the iceberg.

I had to hold back the tears because it was finally feeling like I was connecting to the culture and country. I found most of our week of activities to involve going out to restaurants, night clubs and beaches, something any tourist could do. But I wanted step away from the conventional and wonder into local environments and to be introduced to traditional customs. Although I did not visit Africa in search for an untouched, nostalgic paradise, I also did not travel a fourteen hour flight just to eat KFC.

It's always hard to for me to sum up my trip other than I'm happy I went. I was well taken care of by our hosts and made great use of our time. The down side was that I only spent two weeks...and over $2000. Here a few pictures of my stay.

Black Faces

University of Ghana Campus

Kakum National Park

Cape Coast Slave Castle

Action Chapel Church

Bojo Beach

Grandma Pearly

Whoever said life is short didn't spend much time living.

I have three Grandmas, from my mom, dad and paternal father's side, all who I love very much. Two live outside of town, and one a 15 minute drive away.

My Grandma Pearl(y) is a woman who is hard to forget if you've had the chance to meet her. She's tall, bold and religious. Three qualities I love in her. 

I must also mention: hard worker. I remember her drive and compelling attitude as insurance broker. Outside of her career, she was friendly to every soul she passed by. In the elevator, at the bank, at church or from inside her car. "Heellllooo!" "How are you?" "Don't I know your mummy?" Yes she could talk! And those suits and heels, never one to leave her house undone. 

Swag Tun Up

It's that time of year...spring was nice, but summer is when things really get heated.

Now that I am shaking off some spring cleaning that was in order, I am finally in gear to refocuses on a pile of projects that I am to complete by this coming fall. It's a welcome overwhelming feeling because I am the primary beneficiary in this hustle, a key detailed I had sacrificed over a long period of time. (Dat nuh mek no sense, right? I know sometimes I have to wonder about me too, lol.)

As mentioned, my main focus is in the opening my multifaceted space and festival. Both are coming along well, and the feedback has been so empowering, I can't stop thinking about it.

I am undergoing a world-wind of personal transitions, but I fundamentally believe that these difficult times are blessings in disguise. With reinforcers, such as the above image I came across, I know that following my intuition will only guide me to fruition. That said, I am also conscious of how I present myself to others when dealing with frustration and to be mindful that it is easy to let loose as opposed to maintaining control. So luckily I've been able to walk off a lot of tension and at the same time receive clarity.


As for why this resonates > I have learned, it is one thing to be patient and kind, yet it is another to open to disrespect and intentional put-downs. You will only receive what you accept and I have allowed some to take my kindness for weakness. So it's time to cut ties from toxic relationships and learn from this experience to strengthen present and future relationships, where I will not let the longevity of a relationship cloud when I am unhappy.

The Alchemist

No word of a lie, I wished this book into existence. While going on a 'Goodwill run' with my mom and sisters a few weekends ago I was determined to find The Alchemist. As soon as we entered the first store I headed straight to the book section, my favourite area. At first I was contemplating what type of book I would like to find, usually I pick up ones I have previously read but have borrowed out (with no return in sight) or I myself have borrowed (and returned) but do not own a copy. I also like to pick up magazine to look for fashion inspirations that I can tear from the pages and save for when their needed.