The time has come for a change - CV is being put to rest and a new chapter begins here: wanderobserve.wordpress.com
Thank you for visiting and taking the time over the past 6 years to read, comment and share. Looking forward to seeing you over at WO.
NF
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Life as your most important work of art
My horoscopes this week are both full of great advice and assurance:
- Put the emphasis on the quality of your adventures more than on what you produce
- Regard your life as your most important work of art
- The sword above your head is not going to fall.
Sounds good! So I'm getting on with it.
creatively speaking
Created by Sheila Heti and hosted by Misha Glouberman,The Trampoline Hall Lecture Series was a welcome addition to Montreal this past month. An evening of three lectures by "amateurs on random topics" was well-executed and thoroughly entertaining. It was set up as part of the book launch for Misha Glouberman's new book (intro and collaboration with Heti) "The Chairs are where the People Go: How to live, work and play in the city". THL is on regularly in Toronto and will hopefully be an ongoing event in Montreal.
inspired by
While I figure out how to make the most of travel and work over the next few months it helps to read that mobile work is increasingly on the rise and of personal experiences related to passion in play and work. Found OttsWorld a blog by "Sherry, a corporate cube dweller turned nomadic traveller".
pages
The Ground Beneath Her Feet - Salman Rushdie . Requires enough time to absorb the often dense, detailed stories embedded in this novel, but does not disappoint. The imagery, humour and socio-commentary make it like all others well worth it. His talent in combining pop culture and myth reminds me why I love fiction.
yum!
Ellefsen - if you're in the mood for blinis or smorebrod, check it out. New to the area, simple decor, looking forward to trying some of their mains. I can't imagine a cod poutine, but if you try it (and vouch for it) maybe I will.
Finally tried teas at Camellia Sinensis, all excellent - lovely tea room next door also.
happening
www.ecocity2011.com - in Montreal this year get your activism on.
NDG Arts Week
Ca m'interesse
Opera Piccola - inaugeral concert at Theatre Outremont this weekend.
Travel
Oct - Dec : Central [most of] and South America [Peru]. Planning is a full-time job - send any suggestions, right now it's all open.
- Put the emphasis on the quality of your adventures more than on what you produce
- Regard your life as your most important work of art
- The sword above your head is not going to fall.
Sounds good! So I'm getting on with it.
creatively speaking
Created by Sheila Heti and hosted by Misha Glouberman,The Trampoline Hall Lecture Series was a welcome addition to Montreal this past month. An evening of three lectures by "amateurs on random topics" was well-executed and thoroughly entertaining. It was set up as part of the book launch for Misha Glouberman's new book (intro and collaboration with Heti) "The Chairs are where the People Go: How to live, work and play in the city". THL is on regularly in Toronto and will hopefully be an ongoing event in Montreal.
inspired by
While I figure out how to make the most of travel and work over the next few months it helps to read that mobile work is increasingly on the rise and of personal experiences related to passion in play and work. Found OttsWorld a blog by "Sherry, a corporate cube dweller turned nomadic traveller".
pages
The Ground Beneath Her Feet - Salman Rushdie . Requires enough time to absorb the often dense, detailed stories embedded in this novel, but does not disappoint. The imagery, humour and socio-commentary make it like all others well worth it. His talent in combining pop culture and myth reminds me why I love fiction.
yum!
Ellefsen - if you're in the mood for blinis or smorebrod, check it out. New to the area, simple decor, looking forward to trying some of their mains. I can't imagine a cod poutine, but if you try it (and vouch for it) maybe I will.
Finally tried teas at Camellia Sinensis, all excellent - lovely tea room next door also.
happening
www.ecocity2011.com - in Montreal this year get your activism on.
NDG Arts Week
Ca m'interesse
Opera Piccola - inaugeral concert at Theatre Outremont this weekend.
Travel
Oct - Dec : Central [most of] and South America [Peru]. Planning is a full-time job - send any suggestions, right now it's all open.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
All I know is what I don't
Never really knowing what tomorrow brings - here's some stuff that recently made up part of the picture:
creatively speaking
Kid Koala is at it again with this latest project The Space Cadet Headphone Tour
inspired by
This creative take inspired by "movember" to raise awareness for cervical cancer
pages
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese - another ambitious attempt of a physician writing fiction. A decent read, but the detail is often in the wrong place as this review points out.
The Best Laid Plans finally got around to reading this - often overwritten and old school in its "canadianess" - but I can see why it has general (easy) appeal. Not sure one novel makes a novelist...
scene
Beginners excellent writing and acting, one of my faves this year.
Tree of Life lots of hype about this film - I can't say I loved it, but appreciate its ambitious scope.
Live and Become amazing story, powerful film - highly recommended.
yum!
Trying Fushi hope the reviews are right!
Travel
Chicago up next - looking forward to a week of urban discovery
creatively speaking
Kid Koala is at it again with this latest project The Space Cadet Headphone Tour
inspired by
This creative take inspired by "movember" to raise awareness for cervical cancer
pages
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese - another ambitious attempt of a physician writing fiction. A decent read, but the detail is often in the wrong place as this review points out.
The Best Laid Plans finally got around to reading this - often overwritten and old school in its "canadianess" - but I can see why it has general (easy) appeal. Not sure one novel makes a novelist...
scene
Beginners excellent writing and acting, one of my faves this year.
Tree of Life lots of hype about this film - I can't say I loved it, but appreciate its ambitious scope.
Live and Become amazing story, powerful film - highly recommended.
yum!
Trying Fushi hope the reviews are right!
Travel
Chicago up next - looking forward to a week of urban discovery
Sunday, June 26, 2011
a wide world of webs
Spent the last two weeks working/living in Toronto - wonderfully exhausting as usual. Thanks to all my hosts who shared space and time. Much to catch up on and note from the journey:
creatively speaking
Rhizome - "dedicated to the creation, presentation, preservation, and critique of emerging artistic practices that engage technology"
66 Ideas Inc. - G&M article about "a think tank that churns out colourful, creative possibilities of transformation.."
inspired by
Edible City
Toronto furniture bank
pages
Bastard of Istanbul - finally got around to reading something by Elik Shafak. The translation is stiff at times but interesting treatment of the discussion of the Armenian slaughter in Turkey (1914-18)and present day identity politics.
Love and Obstacles (video of Hemon reading) - great collection of linked short stories by Aleksandar Hemon of Sarajevo and his new home in the U.S.. look forward to reading more.
scene
Midnight in Paris like Woody Allen's two most recent films, this is easy, fun, charming.
yum!
Via Toronto - had a lovely/local meal at Local Kitchen and Wine bar
Travel
Thumbs up on my first experience with airbnb.com - heard many good things from friends and fellow travellers also over the last week.
Up Next
Montreal Jazz Festival - going to see Rich Aucoin, Misses Satchmo, Galactic, Misteure Valaire, Poirier Sound System and La Excelencia Cubanos.
creatively speaking
Rhizome - "dedicated to the creation, presentation, preservation, and critique of emerging artistic practices that engage technology"
66 Ideas Inc. - G&M article about "a think tank that churns out colourful, creative possibilities of transformation.."
inspired by
Edible City
Toronto furniture bank
pages
Bastard of Istanbul - finally got around to reading something by Elik Shafak. The translation is stiff at times but interesting treatment of the discussion of the Armenian slaughter in Turkey (1914-18)and present day identity politics.
Love and Obstacles (video of Hemon reading) - great collection of linked short stories by Aleksandar Hemon of Sarajevo and his new home in the U.S.. look forward to reading more.
scene
Midnight in Paris like Woody Allen's two most recent films, this is easy, fun, charming.
yum!
Via Toronto - had a lovely/local meal at Local Kitchen and Wine bar
Travel
Thumbs up on my first experience with airbnb.com - heard many good things from friends and fellow travellers also over the last week.
Up Next
Montreal Jazz Festival - going to see Rich Aucoin, Misses Satchmo, Galactic, Misteure Valaire, Poirier Sound System and La Excelencia Cubanos.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
What gets you up in the morning?
From an Adverblog Q&A with Mariano Dorfman, Founder, Executive Creative Director and Partner of Icolic, based in Argentina.
"Q1. What is the one thing about your job that gets you out of bed in the morning?
That every day is different. That every day there are new challenges. That every day I fall in love with new projects. And, of course, that every day the "big idea" may come up."
creatively speaking
Toasting the message
Nike Snowboarding
inspired by
Housing works
Try being a farmer
pages
Super Sad True Love Story (video trailer) - great read, looking forward to Aburdistan
scene
I love you Phillip Morris easy, summer film
Up Next
Working, eating and absorbing life through Toronto, collecting notes
"Q1. What is the one thing about your job that gets you out of bed in the morning?
That every day is different. That every day there are new challenges. That every day I fall in love with new projects. And, of course, that every day the "big idea" may come up."
creatively speaking
Toasting the message
Nike Snowboarding
inspired by
Housing works
Try being a farmer
pages
Super Sad True Love Story (video trailer) - great read, looking forward to Aburdistan
scene
I love you Phillip Morris easy, summer film
Up Next
Working, eating and absorbing life through Toronto, collecting notes
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Spring Forward
Amazing collection of stuff piling up over the last couple of months. Spending more time outside with all senses in gear, which (hopefully) means more consistent 'reportage'...here we go:
[Creatively Speaking]
Sauna pants. I honestly don't know what to say about this. it just is.
On another note, saw this in NYC, fun idea for daily scribbling: http://www.simplediary.com
[Geek Chic]
http://inmaps.linkedinlabs.com/ displays your connections visually
Bespoke Bikes - yes please.
[Words]
Read 'The Last Crossing' by Guy Vanderhague, took awhile but realized I saw every detail he wrote once I gave it the right time and attention.
Have 'The Amazing Absorbing Boy'on the go by Rabindranath Maharaj. Story of a Trinidadian teen who moves to Regent Park, Toronto.
'Solo' by Rana Dasgupta is up next, hopefully will be warm enough to read in the hammock.
[Sounds]
The latest from James Blake, Beastie Boys, Lykke Li, Esparanza Spalding and Amos Lee all taking turns.
[I spy]
While window shopping in NYC, spotted the work of Sean Slaney. Can't find much else on him, yet.
[Opinions]
Election Day was a dark one this past month - lest we forget here's a site to keep bookmarked: http://100reasons.ca/
[Yum]
Had a nice meal at Domus in Ottawa last week, all locally-derived ingredients and interesting combinations. The mushroom bisque was a standout.
Looking forward to trying Su Shian Yuang, a vegetarian Vietnamese resto here in mtl.
[Creatively Speaking]
Sauna pants. I honestly don't know what to say about this. it just is.
On another note, saw this in NYC, fun idea for daily scribbling: http://www.simplediary.com
[Geek Chic]
http://inmaps.linkedinlabs.com/ displays your connections visually
Bespoke Bikes - yes please.
[Words]
Read 'The Last Crossing' by Guy Vanderhague, took awhile but realized I saw every detail he wrote once I gave it the right time and attention.
Have 'The Amazing Absorbing Boy'on the go by Rabindranath Maharaj. Story of a Trinidadian teen who moves to Regent Park, Toronto.
'Solo' by Rana Dasgupta is up next, hopefully will be warm enough to read in the hammock.
[Sounds]
The latest from James Blake, Beastie Boys, Lykke Li, Esparanza Spalding and Amos Lee all taking turns.
[I spy]
While window shopping in NYC, spotted the work of Sean Slaney. Can't find much else on him, yet.
[Opinions]
Election Day was a dark one this past month - lest we forget here's a site to keep bookmarked: http://100reasons.ca/
[Yum]
Had a nice meal at Domus in Ottawa last week, all locally-derived ingredients and interesting combinations. The mushroom bisque was a standout.
Looking forward to trying Su Shian Yuang, a vegetarian Vietnamese resto here in mtl.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
City Living
Was in Havana and NYC recently, still get overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the buildings in both cities. You need to 'escape' to smaller pockets (and avoid weekends if possible) in order to breath and enjoy what are still amazing cities.
[Pages]
a just review of Isabel's Allende's Island Beneath the Sea.
New Yorkers Jazz - David Lopez Ximeno (in Spanish) - poetry that dives into the writer's relationship with both NYC and Cuba.
Poesia de la Ciudad de La Habana - Angel Augier
[Déja Vu]
Incendie - excellent film based on the play by Wajdi Mouawad.
W - although watching the Bush family for 2hrs is torture, James Brolin does a good job.
Marie and Bruce - surprise find about the breakdown of a marriage based on a play.
[Yum via NYC]
Luckily on a late Monday night, a local gal pointed us to Meme in the West Village
On Tuesday,
Lunch in Harlem at the Society Cafe -excellent meal and good vibe.
For diner decided to re-visit Brown Cafe - which I like because they focus on organic, seasonal menu that changes weekly. And who knew! 1/2 price on all wine tues-thurs (a now more common practise in the city - yay). They also have a great private dinner space next door.
Wednesday - Lucked out again at Bianca in NoHo - a small albeit loud Italian restaurant that has locals buzzing. Incredible value for deliscious regional dishes. Afterward (if you can move) check out Von next door, a wine/beer bar.
Next time - an annual event called "choice eats" curated by Village Voice food critic Robert Sietsma: food from more than trendy 'ethnic' and obscure restaurants. Tix were only $30 incl. drinks and sold out :-)
[Pages]
a just review of Isabel's Allende's Island Beneath the Sea.
New Yorkers Jazz - David Lopez Ximeno (in Spanish) - poetry that dives into the writer's relationship with both NYC and Cuba.
Poesia de la Ciudad de La Habana - Angel Augier
[Déja Vu]
Incendie - excellent film based on the play by Wajdi Mouawad.
W - although watching the Bush family for 2hrs is torture, James Brolin does a good job.
Marie and Bruce - surprise find about the breakdown of a marriage based on a play.
[Yum via NYC]
Luckily on a late Monday night, a local gal pointed us to Meme in the West Village
On Tuesday,
Lunch in Harlem at the Society Cafe -excellent meal and good vibe.
For diner decided to re-visit Brown Cafe - which I like because they focus on organic, seasonal menu that changes weekly. And who knew! 1/2 price on all wine tues-thurs (a now more common practise in the city - yay). They also have a great private dinner space next door.
Wednesday - Lucked out again at Bianca in NoHo - a small albeit loud Italian restaurant that has locals buzzing. Incredible value for deliscious regional dishes. Afterward (if you can move) check out Von next door, a wine/beer bar.
Next time - an annual event called "choice eats" curated by Village Voice food critic Robert Sietsma: food from more than trendy 'ethnic' and obscure restaurants. Tix were only $30 incl. drinks and sold out :-)
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