Prosit Neujahr!

Illustration taken from http://www.goethezeitportal.de/fileadmin/Images/db/bildungsgeschichte/neujahr_2009/Prosit_Neujahr_2015__500x790_.jpg

We had tickets to a New Year's eve party at St. John the Evangelist church. Dance, food, bubbly and meditations were on offer. Most dances were called square dances, actually group dances which we all learned there and then on the spot; Relative Harmony supplied the music, a blend of New England, Quebecois and Irish/Celtic tunes. Some Waltzes were thrown in for good measure - I'm just glad that we are now comfortable with a basic Waltz, and looked rather good on the floor, if I say so myself.

They served a light supper (of Haggis and meat pie) half-way through the evening. Just before midnight the whole group was piped (Scottish bagpipes) into the church adjacent, where there were a few meditations about the old and new year, and a few more carols sung by candlelight. We welcomed in the New Year and then returned to the hall for champagne and more dancing.

Most of the guests had made a real effort with dressing and had donned their tuxedos and black dresses. It was an all inclusive evening, with children as young as 5 years and seniors of all ages, and every age group in between, dancing together in the hall. There was a definite Scottish scheme around the event, with the bagpipes piping in the Haggis, leading the guests into the church, the playing out of First Footing: a tall dark man entering the house first in the new year for good luck - which was altogether a bit strange as we did not expect to return to the British Isles quite so soon.

We danced all night and met our friends again, had engaging conversations and were impressed by the tasteful decorations around hall and church. A great night was had by all!

The Holidays ...

... are well and truly over. To think how we spent them - indulging in fine food and drink, sweets and movies while sniffling away on the sofa. I had a rotten cold which knocked me out. My attention span lasted for three films a day and perhaps a little sustenance.

I could not have picked a better time for this cold, even if I had had a choice. On Christmas day it rained cats and dogs. It was never ending wetness. All my newly found friends had a great time with their respective families. Shops, Tim Hortons, UWO and the gym were closed. What a great time to curl up into a cosy ball and watch one movie after another. My favourite was The Santa Clause followed by Herbie: Fully Loaded, but there were many other beauties which bore witness to the seriously confused state I was in.

Finally it looks like snow. Not a lot, just a pretty covering, enough to make the cars go slowly, and the monster snow clearing tractors come out at 4 in the morning. This is the reason why on-street parking is discouraged and fined when you stay overnight. It makes a lot of sense when there is snow to be cleared.

This morning, taking a look out of the window; notice the good three inches of powder on the balcony railing? There shall be more where that came from, and we cannot wait to finally see the real Canadian winter.

p.s. that first picture is of a snow covered bush, which is adorned with festive lights.

God bless us, every one!

St. Paul's Cathedral, London, ON

To all of you who are looking into my diary from time to time, let me wish you a merry time at Christmas. We certainly enjoyed ourselves, singing carols in St. Paul's Cathedral, the same place in which I listened to a short and sweet organ recital a couple of days ago.

They have some brilliant stained glass windows in here:

In any case there is no shortage of churches in London.

And now for something different!

It is Christmas Eve, Heiligabend, what better to do than to volunteer to "help us spread the spirit and excitement of the torch relay by distributing flags to the many visitors throughout the park". A four hour commitment during which I distributed several hundred flags to the excited members of the audience in Victoria Park. What fun I had - they all cherished the flags and I have never heard that many "thank you"s in a single day.

A very friendly woman was inside this Miga mascot.

The 2010 Vancouver Olympic Torch Relay had come to London on its 56th day.  I saw the flame floating by, as I was busy with distributing flags. These guys here had the little Canada flags from me and the rest of the Flag Crew:

This image taken from http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2009/12/24/12265366.html

More exciting pics of the relay and the torch bearers are available at the London Free Press site.

The show surrounding the arrival of the flame was awesome. I particularly liked the hula hoop girls, but then again, I was busy handing out flags and only caught glimpses of the programme.

And at 5pm it was all over: within an hour they had removed all the decking off the ice on the Victoria ice rink and activities resumed as normal.

Festive Spirit

I have to write about this evening because it was the most inspirational and fun Carol Service I have ever been party to. It took place at the Bishop Cronyn Memorial Church, which was packed to the gills with people of all ages. The M.C. for the evening (the Rev. Rae Fletcher) had a brilliant light touch when he introduced the traditions of Christmas, ranging from pagan customs to commercial uses. The songs and actions all made sense when the halls were decked and the trees lit. The readings were contemporary, to the point and relevant to me. The carols were there to be enjoyed in the language you preferred and I got to sing all the German favourites in my own tongue.

Two fine groups were performing, London Pro Musica and the Saturday Morning Brass, and were introduced with heartfelt warmth by the M.C.. The choir had put some effort into preparing for this performance and were quite exquisite.

But then came the best bit, the carol singing. Each block of the congregation got to chose their favourite carol from the song book. This song book was so well done, with so much additional information about the background of each tune, that it was hard to leave it behind in the pews at the end of the event. And thus a true jostle began "Number 23!", shouted one. "14!" another. But the M.C. had heard the person shouting "Number 10!" most clearly, and carol no. 10 it was. Each rendition was limited to two verses, so that as many carols as possible could be included in this wild round of requests. It was pure magic how the entire audience, the choir and the MC pulled together and made this singing truly inspirational.

Then followed the  North American Premier of A Christmas Cantata, described by the composer Pat Brandon as

"an instrumental prologue, 7 songs and a 'congregational' carol, interspersed with readings from the Gospel accounts of the Nativity. Duration approximately 29 ½ minutes."

It may well have been even 30 minutes, but they were well worth it, as the 7 songs were varied and rhythmical.

The whole service was rounded off by Cider and Kringle, and conversations with my friends in both the choir and the brass band. What a night!

"I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore"

is the 4th most memorable American movie quotation according to the American Film Institute. The most memorable? (Frankly, my dear, ...) - since I posted this, the most memorable quote changed to something else and "Frankly, " is nowhere to be seen anymore. Perhaps this bit of statistics is what Mark Twain described as "... lies, damned lies, and statistics".

The Wizard of Oz is the Grand Theatre's Holiday show. The Grand Theatre was spruced up last year and brought back to its former glory with the theatre auditorium featuring the original proscenium arch. Did you hear about the scarecrow who won a prize? It was outstanding in its field.

I was blown away by the performance tonight. The adult actors were very competent; they acted, sang, danced with panache. Not surprising, really, as these guys are all well established in the Canadian musical scene, and are leads in musicals such as We Will Rock You. What was even more amazing were the children. This musical requires little people: Munchkins, Winkies, Poppies, Appletrees, Crows, Jitterbugs. These kids knew their stuff and pulled off a great performance. The poppy costumes and choreography was just right, with the children wearing poppy crowns with a black cap showing through in the centre of the bloom.

Toto was a real Norfolk Terrier, which was exceedingly well trained. She seemed to enjoy herself on stage and did not put a paw wrong.

And this is the Barbie doll I brought home from America as a souvenir of my last visit there. Her Ruby Shoes light up when she says the famous words about Kansas.

What type of dance does the tin man dance? The Cancan.

"There's no place like home" - 23rd most memorable American movie quote. With a detour via the Wortley Roadhouse, and a few turns on the dance floor, that is exactly were I headed at midnight. This was one good night out.

On the road

Clark McDougall "Road Scene North Yarmouth". Oil on Masonite, 1956, 24 x 32 in.

Eight Mile Road, London. December 09.

I had a look at "The Road Show" presented by Michael Gibson Gallery. They described their current exhibition thus: "... attraction to the obscure rural roads of Ontario. It has been a great joy to curate this exhibition which combines two very important regional artists "road" paintings. These paintings demonstrate our seemingly unique North American fascination with the road trip and where that might lead." In this gallery, you take off your shoes at the door and walk around in socks. This is quite standard in Canada. Absolutely the must-do thing in private houses, and in show homes. It saves the carpet.

Roly Fenwick "Rural Grafitti". Oil on Canvas, 1994, 36 x 48 in.

Denfield Road, London. December 09

Clark McDougall "Winter Landscape - Radio Road". Oil on Masonite, n.d., 20 x 24 in.

I must say, these paintings echo my feelings about Ontario roads accurately. I don't paint much here - but I might be inspired to pick up the brush again when I am back in Birmingham. Do a Norman Rockwell and paint from photographs, adjusting the details so that they match my ideal scenario.

At night, I tried out another dance hall: The London Tap House on Richmond Street. A washout, is all that comes to mind.

London by night

I had a number of errands to run today in town. Do you know the scene from Harold and Maude in which Maude asks the traffic officer whether there is anything not in order with the parked car he is investigating, and then proceeds to speed off in another - stolen - car? I had one of those moments today.

Apartment blocks along Dufferin Avenue.

I had found myself this lovely parking spot right in front of the Museum at 16:30. My car was one of a number of cars there. Upon my return I spotted the traffic warden, issuing a ticket to the one other car which was parked just a few meters behind me. I asked him how he could tell that someone was parked there for longer than the 2 permitted hours. (There are no blue parking discs here). "Ah" said he, "this ticket is for parking here during rush hour, 16:00-18:00. There is no stopping here during rush hour." I hurriedly advanced to my car and drove off rather unceremoniously. Honestly - the parking signs here are a nuisance. I sure had not noticed the special parking restriction which was sign-posted above several other parking signs on the same pole.

The thing was, I only returned to my car because I wanted to re-park it in a more convenient location for my next errand. I would not have been happy had I not followed my hunch that the car might be better off somewhere else.

Anyway, after all my business in town, and having attended a Potluck party at the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (which was really friendly and the food everyone had brought exceedingly tasty) I took a look at London from the 12th floor of the City Hall. It was a good night for this activity, as it was quite warm, -2 C.

Dufferin Avenue in between London Life Insurance and  Victoria Park.

Victoria Park with Bandshell and ice rink.

Victoria Park really is the centre of London. I'll be seeing a lot more of this park in the near future.

What's so funny?

Illustration taken from http://rodrigo.typepad.com/english/kermit_20xray_281_29_small.jpg

UWO organised another therapeutic event in their “Classes without Quizzes” complimentary lecture series for the community. Rod Martin, Western professor and expert on the psychology of humour, talked about the nature and effects of humour and laughter, and their role in personal relationships and in mental and physical health.

Here is what I took away from this lecture:

First of all - doing a "1-2-3 smile" cannot really work as a pick-me-up, as the 'mirth' experienced in humour is foremost a positive emotion. You need to be emotionally involved in the laughter, in order to experience all the positive physiological changes that accompany laughing: increased levels of opioids, hormones, and activation of the Mesolimbic reward system (which kicks in when things are pleasurable - food, sex, drugs).

Humour is a social, interpersonal activity which is used for communication. In groups it is a tool to strengthen bonding, establish norms, confirm hierarchy, express boundaries and exclude non group members. People who are on their own don't usually laugh.

To enhance your sense of humour, you need to take time to be playful, look for unusual perspectives, let yourself laugh freely and spend time with people who enjoy humour.

When you find a sense of humour this leads to such positive side effects as:
- flexible thinking, problem solving and lateral thinking skills, enhanced memory
- coping better with stress and adversity: a humorous viewpoint makes a difficult situation more manageable
- maintaining close, satisfying relationships, because you share the mirth with others.

Humour can be beneficial or negative, both types can be terribly funny. However, those who use humour as a put down (themselves or others) are rarely liked. The attractive person uses humour as a bonding tool (enhancing esteem and valuing people) or as a coping strategy (by laughing at themselves).

To follow the good Professor's advice, I immediately booked into a class coming up in the new year:
"Workshop in laughter yoga, which consists of a blend of deep breathing, gentle stretching, simulated laughter exercises and playful games and activities." That should do the trick!

It's the team, stupid!

I had my first interview at Tim Hortons. I told the interviewer all about my love for catering and experience in a restaurant kitchen and as a reception organiser,  and of my eagerness to see the real Canada.

The manager asked me some standard questions:

- what distinguishes a good employee from an average one?

- how would you describe the ideal work environment?

- what does Health and Safety mean in the workplace?

- what gives you satisfaction in your work?

- tell me about a time when you had to follow instructions.

I believe I did not quite get it right, as I only cottoned on fairly late in the conversation, that the right answer is: the TEAM - always and foremost.

So maybe that's the key to the Canadian psyche. Doing things in groups: in hockey teams, in brass bands, in choirs. The individual is insignificant - the sum of individuals achieves. There is more to explore here.

Anyway, as far as a job serving coffee and bagels is concerned, that's not in the bag yet. They will contact my references, and then there is a 2nd interview! As they have been holding plenty of interviews, the odds of landing a job at the minimum wage $9.50 are not all together in my favour. Watch this space!

Elsie Perrin Williams Estate

An Open House invitation to explore the Elsie Perrin Williams Estate. This house dates from the early 1900's and is part of the Heritage London Foundation. It is now used for wedding functions to earn its keep. Tonight, it was open for all, refreshments included.

Up the stairs to the bride's room:

The groom and friends settle here. What does he need all those suitcases for?

This was my preferred spot in the breakfast room. Angelo's deli donated the refreshments.

Philanthropy is everywhere in London.

The Estate organises croquet events on their extensive lawns in the summer - count me in!

Deutsch Kanadischer Verein

It won't take long before immigrants form their own nationality or language based club in another country. Canada is big in this aspect - after all it seems to be made up of Canadians who all come from somewhere else. In London there are the Polish, Greek, Italian, Chinese, South African, Irish, Welsh, Latin American, German and probably quite a few other ethno-cultural clubs.

My new found friends took me along to the Christmas party of the German Canadian Club. It was lovely, traditional, and it showed me that I am not 100% German anymore. I lived abroad too long to not appreciate the cultural idiosyncrasies of other countries as well.

This may be also the reason why even a once pivotal organisation like the German Canadian Club is struggling even here. As in Birmingham, there are too many silver haired first immigrants, and too few younger people who feel attached enough to find a home in this club.

Back to tonight! The programme organisers had decorated the hall lovingly (candles and garlands of fragrant winter green on all the tables) and put on an entertaining and varied show:

The easily 50-singer strong choir came wandering into the darkened hall with candles and sang the first few tunes by candlelight: stimmungsvoll - one of those untranslatable words like Gemütlichkeit.

They performed a number of German and English numbers, and the audience had their turn, too. The choir really got Leise rieselt der Schnee down to a T.

After that the choir served Kaffee und Stollen and the show continued with a mixed programme of Christmas stories and old favourites, like Wilhelm Busch's poem about preparing a roast. Finally Loriot's die Nudel and das Früstücksei. The audience found those clips hillarious, probably because these 30-year old scetches were genuinely new for some listeners. I found them funny the first time 'round as well.

Having fought off a bit of a cold last week I was back in the gym, swimming the customary 1 km.

Beaver country

It's still cold, but the sun is out. I went for a walk in Kilally West Northside Park, along the Thames river. Now take a look at these pictures. It's beautiful out here.

Cold feet anyone?

Blue skies above, ice below

Noticed something in the picture above?

The beavers are serious about felling trees here:

Ice baubles

Isn't this just magical?

In the evening I went dancing again. I am beginning to lose all hope that I will find a dance hall which is to my taste. Downtown Kathy Brown's was supposed to play music from the 80s and 90s. Unfortunately they interpreted that as mostly monotonous "House" music possibly from the 90s in Canada. So I found myself back at Wortley Roadhouse, bopping around to songs interpreted by Coming of Age. This was ok, but why does no bar just take this online radio programme and blast it out on to their dancefloor?