Fall

As I was travelling this summer I read several books that constantly talked about nature and how we should put aside a few minutes every day to really take it in and appreciate it. While we all hear this at some point or another, how many of us actually listen to it? Most of us are too busy people-watching (aka judging bodies, styles, labels, etc) to enjoy our surroundings. Of course, we could argue that in the city there is little to no nature to enjoy to enjoy. This, however, is bullshit. Even in the city there are tree-lined streets (The Annex, Rosedale, Forest Hill, etc). These trees are so old that they nearly form an arc over the street with the adjacent trees across the street. As a result of my readings I've given extra attention to the fall colours, and instead of getting frustrated with traffic, or the inability to find parking, I've recognized how amazing shit can be, and I've chosen to smile at life, rather than curse the asshole who can't drive in front of me.

Now, I know fall is coming to an end and snow is inevitable, but rather than dwelling on the cold weather, an overdue assignment, or your inability to get laid (you know who you are), enjoy the colours as nature's yearly art exhibition. To those of you who will chirp this as being 'gay' - grow up, get your heads out of your asses, open your eyes, and respect and admire what's around you.

Halloween And the Good Ol' Days

So this is my first post on my on own blog. I am sitting at my front door awaiting young children to come by, all dressed up, shouting the classic "trick or treat!". I cannot help but remember how much fun and excitement this night brought when I was a child. I remember going out every year in hand-me-down, homemade costumes (by my mom). I remember the lead up, trying to figure out what I was going to be, trying to convince my parents to let us get out early in order to get as much candy as possible, and I remember feeling sick as I would sneak candy at all hours of the day for the next week or so, or until mom would finally cut me off.


Then came high school and I was too cool to dress up, opting instead to get drunk and high with friends who were also too cool to dress up. Invariably these nights were huge disappointments and I never knew why.

Then came university and the hype of Halloween was back in full effect. At this point Halloween was used by women to slut themselves out, and used by guys to fulfill alter egos - pimps, kings, pirates, Navy SEALs, etc. The truly energetic would get into character and not let it rest until the night was up. I remember a Halloween or two where this was the case, and they are by far my best memories of Halloween. It was also in these years that I realised what the night was all about - letting go of any inhibitions and reclaiming the innocence of our youth, dressing and acting in a way we haven't done since our imaginations ran wild in our parents' basements with neighbourhood friends. To these people who have resigned Halloween as a night for children, I pity you, as this is the only night in the year where you can act a fool and actually have it appreciated by complete strangers and those closest to you (although I may act a fool on other nights of the year, and they may be appreciated by those closest to me, they are rarely condoned by strangers).

In conclusion, if you did not go out this year, creep any of the hundreds of Facebook photo albums that will undoubtedly be posted over the next week for ideas for next year, save the pictures to your computer, and get excited for '08. I know I will.