b r i g h t

Winter in Canada can be, at times, seriously depressing. Once daylight savings has passed (when we jump our clocks back an hour in order to have more morning sunlight) the sun sets at approximately 4:00...When I leave work around 5:00 and it's as dark as midnight, it feels eerily like being in a time warp. What's even stranger is how this seems to bother me now, whereas in years past I could have cared less (and even relished the darkness more than the light).

[The night is dark and full of terrors].

*

Last Halloween was the first one that Josh and I spent together; we'd been dating for a little over a month and the party which we attended was the first major event where I would meet all of his friends. I made Josh's requested costume: a sunflower/dandelion. He wore green tights and a green ladies t-shirt from Joe Fresh (which I got to keep, hooray!) and the lovely headdress pictured above. I glued plastic flowers all over a decapitated hoodie hood for him; the hat is incredibly, surprisingly snuggly and we both joke about wearing it for a winter hat.

It's objects and memories like these that help me through the darkness.

m e o w

After an early-childhood trauma, I spent some time attending both individual and group therapy. The counselors who lead the group sessions stand out in my mind like the hosts of Polkaroo; they were all smiles and friendly encouragement and their sessions seemed more like fun than anything. One day, our group took turns role-playing the members of a family (I realize, in hindsight, to observe how typical our notions of family behaviour were); other children in the group elected to be the 'mom' or the 'dad', 'brother'; etc...wanting no part of that, I asked the leaders if I could be the cat instead.

At the time, I was oblivious, but now, I'm embarrassed.

I wanted to be the family pet. What did those therapists think of me? What does that say about me as a person?

(Despite what I can only imagine must have been uncomfortable reluctance, the leaders let me make my choice and I proceeded to crawl around on the floor and generally avoided participating in their exercise as a normal person).

o c t o b e r

I LOVE the fall. For me, it really is the most magical, enjoyable, comfortable part of the seasonal cycle; October is the month that fall/autumn really seems to kick off, and for that reason, it's one of my most beloved months.

OCTOBER, HOW DO I LOVE THEE?
LET ME COUNT THE WAYS:

I    
Cold weather = legitimate reasons to wear cardigans/tights/boots/scarves alllll the time (it should be noted that I literally dress this way all year long).

II    
Food Glorious Food!
There is no more perfect combination that Turkey+Mashed Potatoes+Gravy+Stuffing+Crans.

III  
Hallowe'en
DUH. Every year, without fail, I procrastinate/forget to think of a costume until the eleventh hour. This year, I'm trying to put some effort into things; I'm tossing it back and forth between Sailor Moon and Alice in Wonderland (although let's be honest, that's not a fair fight).
     
IV    
Thanksgiving Weekend
That's October 12th-14th this year for my non-canadian friends. Beyond the food, it's an excellent weekend of family shenanigans; I can't describe how much I love this holiday.

V  
I can now begin to legitimately plan out Christmas Presents (to give!)

•

I actually can't believe that Septemblur is over. Now that I'm no longer in school, it feels like a lame place holder month; nothing much happens, the weather is whatever and all of the bees go crazy (other stories for other times).

My best friend recently moved to Roncesvalles so I've been doing some exploring in the area lately (which, to be honest, is the most exploring I've done in Toronto in a while, for shame). Her neighbourhood is beyond adorable, and I've been (surreptitiously) snapping pictures like crazy!