I am skeptical this time...

So maybe I don't read the right fantasy novels....

I got this from dolimir: What woman in fantasy am I? ( Read more... )

Morning walk...

This morning I revived my summertime tradition of going for a long walk on Sunday mornings.

It isn't summer. After ten minutes of walking my fingers were aching from the cold in my gloves and I spent the rest of the walk (about an hour and twenty minutes) with my hands tucked into my sleeves. I walked alongside the canal to Dow's lake, and walked back on the canal itself - because I could. Not something I can do in summer. Because Winterlude is on, everything is well ploughed, despite the snow that fell yesterday.

There were a few skaters. I like the ones who skate with their hands behind their back, leaning forwards. They go so fast. Women tend to take shorter skating strides than men; I think it's because the men all played hockey at some point in their lives. (Don't all Canadian men play hockey at some point in their lives?)

I met some runners. One on the sidewalks, in full winter running-gear, including goggles - it looked eerily like scuba-wear. I even got a nod and a 'good morning' from him when I said 'good morning' first. I liked that. There were three joggers, later, on the canal itself. How can people run on the bare ice of the canal? In running shoes? It amazes me.

I tried to get out before the sun was up, but it was half-up by the time I was out the door. This is inspired by Robin Sharma's books, where being up before dawn is a spiritual exercise. Fine by me: I fantasize about being a spiritual order of all my own - but haven't got a name for it that just pins down the right spirtual mood - the Order of the Slashy Pen? Sisterhood of the Budgie Feathers?

It was a pretty dawn, and the light an amber colour - beautiful, but not warm even if it looked as if it should be.

A momentary pause...

What a day! Okay, I succumbed to temptation. Instead of the day of reading and writing I intended, I spent the morning lounging and talking with maboroshimaki and Marcelle, and then went to South Keys for some serious shopping. No, no, not clothes and shoes, I don't do that kind of thing. Books! DVDs! Crafts! Actually I didn't buy much; I'm thinking of doing some fannish scrapbooking and was researching the materials. Fun. Found a great book on paper crafts discounted for only $14.95 at Chapters, which includes rubber stamping, origami, and decoupage - my favourite crafts.

I also found a book I've been longing for but thought I could never afford - the lavishly illustrated and beautifully written The Spirit of Yoga by Kathy Phillips. Only $14.95. Yes, I've read it already - but delighted to read it.