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!

h o m e

Home is: being greeted at the door by a ginger cat and a grey pug; lazily chatting on the back patio; a well stocked fridge; treadmill running in a retro laundry room; sleeping late, nestled in a sumptuous bed; verdant streets and yards, wide open spaces.

Home is: nostalgia; famaliar faces and voices.

Home is love and it's heartbreakingly hard to leave.