Another Amazing Day
It started with this poem from a dear friend:
It Is a Wondrous Thing by Margaret Wheatley
It is a wondrous thing to know each other as humans
being fully human.
It is a wondrous thing to be able to restore sanity.
It is a wondrous thing to awaken our human spirits.
It is a wondrous thing to know all humans can be
generous, creative, and kind.
It is a wondrous thing to partner with life and Spirit.
It is a wondrous thing to experience uncertainty as
inviting rather than frightening.
It is a wondrous thing to create Islands of Sanity—
places of possibility and refuge where the human
spirit can thrive.
Restoring sanity is joyful work.
May we become intimate with this joy.
From her book Restoring Sanity, 2024
It ended
40 minutes ago with a play at the National Art Centre, Son Of a Preacher Man, written and performed by Ins Choi. This gift was from another dear friend.
Ins Choi, the creator of the brilliant play Kim’s Convenience comes from a long line of clergy. Intermission magazine describes it as “Part storytelling event, part stand-up comedy, part concert…it invites the audience to lean in and hear every word and parable uttered.”
This personal show is a tribute to Choi’s parents, a memoir, a history lesson and a recognition of Korean communities everywhere. I LOVED it. If it comes to your town I highly recommend it.
And In-between
Well that dear readers was a beautiful 90 minute walk, with my son Rob and daughter-in-law Allison, from Vancouver, on a pristine autumn day in Ottawa, followed by a delicious lunch.The walk went along the Rideau Canal, Dow’s lake, past a marsh, a series of locks where boats can travel through to the St Lawrence, across the Fletcher Wild Flower garden, and along the top of the Arboretum with a stop at my favourite bench. Honestly, what a day!
And if that was not enough, there is more,
Tomorrow
Off to Montreal for a three day weekend with the family as part of my birthday celebration :-)) but actually for one of the biggest cycling events in the world – The 2026 Road World Championships. However, the cycling event closest to my heart tomorrow is son Rob (57) and grandson Rowan (16) cycling the 206. KM from Ottawa to Montreal. What an experience for the two of them.
And this dear people sums up a glorious autumn day in September.
My heart is probably going to burst anytime soon with gratitude for being alive, for loving and being love, and for continuing to have so many reasons to get up in the morning. May it be true for you all.
Thank you for stopping here and sharing some of your precious time.
Warmest and best wishes, Trudy
PS I almost forgot once again to let you know that I am teaching a program at the ToDo Institute for the month of October with Kate Karius, my friend and colleague from Switzerland. Here is a link for more information and to register. Everyone is welcome. Living Fully with Illness
PPS Here is a great article worth reading from the New York Times by . This is a gift link so everyone can read it. The World Is a Room With a Piano Waiting To Be Played
PPPS Speaking of bikes, a sign posted by a bicycle mechanic in Vancouver, thanks to Rob.
Hi Trudy, I am reading this in my motel room in Montreal where I have come with my partner to volunteer at the World Championships in Cycling. So wonderful to know you will be here too.
Your son and grandson’s journey from Ottawa is just the beginning of other future cycling endeavors! My partner cycled across the country 10 years ago right after he retired to “transition” to retirement. We love cycling and how it carries you from place to place in a very low tech way (although I am learning that my bike isn’t really low tech.)
The weather here is gorgeous so enjoy your time at the races. I will warn you that there is gridlock due to road closures and very few places to park.
So happy for you Trudy, so much to be alive for. I know you will enjoy the Montreal cycling weekend. Thanks for reminding me of the bench at the Arboretum, was just thinking of going there this week. Loved Rosenblatt’s article, and all he has written. So much to love! xoxo