Cuba Slideshow

So here are some quick pics of the Cuba trip...

Step by Step

Woo Hoo! I've just returned from my first Ottawa Running Club outing - an almost 5km mix of jogging, walking and learning (en route) all about the basics of good running technique. In my mind, wisdom is now more easily recognizable by its applicability to the Camino. And wisdom we got. We learned that it is better to commit to the process of running rather than the "destination," or final goal. It's also very important to not over-do things physically; better to always leave your body wanting more, trusting it's own natural ability to become stronger and adapt with each run. This eight week course offers patience, forgiveness and powerful discipline - just like the Camino. Plus, we contribute to a marvelous charity called Sole Responsibility that raises funds and donates shoes for those who desperately need them.

So, I won't talk about goals yet... just revel in the pleasures of the crisp outdoors, meeting new neighbours and learning more about the neighbourhood. It's all good.

Some Cuba Pics & Box Tengor

Here are some photos (taken in Cuba) with my newly acquired 1930's Box Tengor camera. With great appreciation for the good folks at the Camera Trading Company who impressed this beauty upon me just two days before my departure south, I think I'm in love with my Tengor...

What to do?

So what do you do when you wake up in sunny cold Ottawa today, after waking-up in sunny hot Havana yesterday?

You kiss your hot water taps, fondle the extravagance of toilet paper, hug the washing machine. You venture out, bundled-up in an unnatural amount of clothing, to re-stock the fridge. Spontaneous f-words and other expletives escape your numb lips before you even realise that it's you cursing the burning, tight cold that grips your head and the inside of your eyes.

You buy your favorite bread from your favorite bakery. You can't decide which best represents your home-coming comfort food: beef bourguignon or roasted chicken. You splurge on a small grain fed chicken and some organic beef to decide later. You feel thankful beyond words for all the mobility and choice you have.

Saturday morning shoppers, bags full of vegetables and baguettes, with toddlers in tow wrapped in mits, hats and boots, their cold breath the wisps of angels, make you smile.

Garden on the balcony

Yes, my abundant little pots!


 

Summer Rain

 

I've noticed over the years that Ottawans love to comment on the weather: too hot, too cold, too wet, Winter's coming, Spring hasn't arrived, when will Summer begin... It's a funny impulse to comment on something we have such little control over. Anyway, while some are in their misery cups over the amount of wet stuff these days, I thought I'd offer an appreciative glance from my balcony.

Thoughts on Camino de Santiago

Here is a video made by Marcel from Switzerland - a tender and beautiful condensation of Camino reflections. Thank you for sending this along Marcel; we will always be connected by the enduring memory of singing together along that hot and dusty trek to Eunate.