some sunshine, allergies, a few farewells, a much anticipated visit, and a trip to Italy.
This weekend started out with a colleague's leaving do on Friday night. Jo and I work for different organisations but together we were running a partnership training programme. I worked closely with her for eight months but she has now decided to take some time off for maternal reasons.
Saturday afternoon, I went to Julie L's leaving do at The Old Ship in Hammersmith. She's heading back to Vancouver after close to three years in London. She moved to London a year before I did and has been a principle character in my London experience. Although I know that I could expect to see her again in Vancouver, our last hug and well wishes were still difficult and sad. I am gutted she's leaving.
I left Julie's leaving do early because the smoke in the pub started aggravating my already highly active spring allergies and on my way home, I realised another friend who I met in London, Jon L, was moving back to the Philippines at the end of April and that last night would have been my last chance to see him. We arranged to meet for dinner close to London Bridge and again, I offered a farewell.
So far, this weekend has been a string of partings.
This morning at church was no different. One of the ministers celebrated his last day with the congregation today. Departure blessings were offered during the service and once again another farewell.
Spring seems to bring the 'move on'. It's a weekend of endings.
I don't think I've ever had to bid adieu as many times as I have in the past two years (and never so much in one weekend either!). Farewell is something I am better able to anticipate and accept but I don't think it's less affective. No matter how imminent it is, when the time comes, it often is difficult. But comings and goings also make those times of meeting ever more sweet.
Tomorrow I will be at Heathrow airport. Fortunately instead of another farewell, I will be welcoming Rick to London. He will barely have enough time to take a nap in London before we zoom off to Italy - Venice, Tuscany and Cinque Terre. Though brief, I look forward to these two weeks of his good company, warm weather (hopefully), lots of Claritin, and Italian scenery.
It'll be a sweet two weeks and another bittersweet farewell.
April 24, 2005
April 16, 2005
can't do any more all nighters
I apologise for my short self righteous rant on the previous post. I think my experience going to the trade justice vigil all the more made me realise how little I know.
The night started at Westminster Abbey so Nicky (my flatmate) and I headed over there for about 10PM. We joined the long queue (as queuing seems to be what the night was about...) and still failed to get into the Abbey because both the Abbey and the overflow area was full. They hadn't anticipated the 15,000-20,000 people who showed up.
Nicky's mom, Jane, was there, who by the way was what tipped the decision to go and stay for the night. If her mom could do it, certainly I can too (although I'm feeling absolutely wasted today - can't do all nighters anymore it seems). We met up with Jane and headed to Whitehall to wait for the start of the vigil.
So many people. I could hear a youth group humming and playing on harmonica 'This Little Light of Mine'; college students singing with a guitar 'get up stand up'; a madman yelling for Tony Blair to wake up; chanting trade justice, trade justice; yelling, singing, talking, laughing, just plain noise making...
But here's the most beautiful moment for me. Right when Big Ben chimed midnight, all thousands of people fell silent for a minute (alright, all but un loco who sounded like a drunk guy), lifted their candles, said a prayer or offered a silent thought.
Immediately afterwards, all three of us headed to a debate on fair trade/free trade in St Margaret's church (which is right next to Westminster Abbey) which really challenged me to understand economics much better. I also attempted to watch a 90 minute film by Naomi Klein called 'The Take'. I say I attempted because I got into the theatre and slept through the first hour and ended up watching a third of it. I would recommend the little I watched though. And would like to see the first part of it when I'm in a better position to.
The morning ended with a march around Whitehall, Parliament, Embankment. I started out very zombie like, my body was moving but my mind was asleep. After about 20 minutes or so, someone started playing their bongo drums while marching, which brought life into me but Nicky and I headed back before we reached the final destination. I was exhausted by the time I got home but I remember walking away from the final march, looking back and feeling overwhelmed at the sheer number of people who came out. There were seniors and middle aged people, families and college aged. But what surprised me were the number of 15-18 year olds (probably more than half). Many of which held home made signs and brought instruments and noise makers. I don't remember caring for much more than 90210 when I was their age.
I rarely walk around London at night, but last night was quite surreal. Walking from venue to venue there were pockets of people together, some with candles lit and others with music. London felt safe and warm. It's rare for me to see the sunrise so although at that point I was tired, annoyed and irritated at myself for staying up, I momentarily was able to appreciate how beautiful it was when sunlight started appearing. Now it's time for bed.
Anyway, to all you reading, have a bloody good day.
The night started at Westminster Abbey so Nicky (my flatmate) and I headed over there for about 10PM. We joined the long queue (as queuing seems to be what the night was about...) and still failed to get into the Abbey because both the Abbey and the overflow area was full. They hadn't anticipated the 15,000-20,000 people who showed up.
Nicky's mom, Jane, was there, who by the way was what tipped the decision to go and stay for the night. If her mom could do it, certainly I can too (although I'm feeling absolutely wasted today - can't do all nighters anymore it seems). We met up with Jane and headed to Whitehall to wait for the start of the vigil.
So many people. I could hear a youth group humming and playing on harmonica 'This Little Light of Mine'; college students singing with a guitar 'get up stand up'; a madman yelling for Tony Blair to wake up; chanting trade justice, trade justice; yelling, singing, talking, laughing, just plain noise making...
But here's the most beautiful moment for me. Right when Big Ben chimed midnight, all thousands of people fell silent for a minute (alright, all but un loco who sounded like a drunk guy), lifted their candles, said a prayer or offered a silent thought.
Immediately afterwards, all three of us headed to a debate on fair trade/free trade in St Margaret's church (which is right next to Westminster Abbey) which really challenged me to understand economics much better. I also attempted to watch a 90 minute film by Naomi Klein called 'The Take'. I say I attempted because I got into the theatre and slept through the first hour and ended up watching a third of it. I would recommend the little I watched though. And would like to see the first part of it when I'm in a better position to.
The morning ended with a march around Whitehall, Parliament, Embankment. I started out very zombie like, my body was moving but my mind was asleep. After about 20 minutes or so, someone started playing their bongo drums while marching, which brought life into me but Nicky and I headed back before we reached the final destination. I was exhausted by the time I got home but I remember walking away from the final march, looking back and feeling overwhelmed at the sheer number of people who came out. There were seniors and middle aged people, families and college aged. But what surprised me were the number of 15-18 year olds (probably more than half). Many of which held home made signs and brought instruments and noise makers. I don't remember caring for much more than 90210 when I was their age.
I rarely walk around London at night, but last night was quite surreal. Walking from venue to venue there were pockets of people together, some with candles lit and others with music. London felt safe and warm. It's rare for me to see the sunrise so although at that point I was tired, annoyed and irritated at myself for staying up, I momentarily was able to appreciate how beautiful it was when sunlight started appearing. Now it's time for bed.
Anyway, to all you reading, have a bloody good day.
April 11, 2005
trade justice
A garment factory collapsed in Bangladesh. As far as the reports go, at least 17 have been killed and over 200 are buried in the rubble. Such a tragedy!
It's a terrible welcome to the Global Week of Action, a week where networks, organisations, and campaigns get together in joint action to challenge the injustices of free trade. This Friday in London, there will be a Wake Up to Trade Justice Vigil in Whitehall, which crazily enough my flatmates and I are planning to go to. It starts at 10PM at Westminster Abbey and continues on to Parliament Square. A number of different venues will offer a variety of events during the night into the early morning - everything from films, to food, to puppet making and to writing your own protest songs!
So, why am I going? I'm not one to carry placards or to chant protest songs on the streets but I do know that everyone deserves to live fairly. Over 2.8 billion (nearly half of the world's population) live on less than US$2 a day and free trade is only aggravating the problem of poverty. I am compelled by the stories of child soldiers, trafficked women, and factory workers. I remember that I am called to administer true justice, to show mercy and compassion, to defend the orphan, widow and the poor, and to speak for those who have no voice.
So if you're in London this Friday, drop me a line and maybe I'll see you in Westminster Abbey.
It's a terrible welcome to the Global Week of Action, a week where networks, organisations, and campaigns get together in joint action to challenge the injustices of free trade. This Friday in London, there will be a Wake Up to Trade Justice Vigil in Whitehall, which crazily enough my flatmates and I are planning to go to. It starts at 10PM at Westminster Abbey and continues on to Parliament Square. A number of different venues will offer a variety of events during the night into the early morning - everything from films, to food, to puppet making and to writing your own protest songs!
So, why am I going? I'm not one to carry placards or to chant protest songs on the streets but I do know that everyone deserves to live fairly. Over 2.8 billion (nearly half of the world's population) live on less than US$2 a day and free trade is only aggravating the problem of poverty. I am compelled by the stories of child soldiers, trafficked women, and factory workers. I remember that I am called to administer true justice, to show mercy and compassion, to defend the orphan, widow and the poor, and to speak for those who have no voice.
So if you're in London this Friday, drop me a line and maybe I'll see you in Westminster Abbey.
April 09, 2005
highs and lows
I'm so pleased it's the weekend. I don't think I've ever had a week at work where everything was just about wearing my patience as thin as it was yesterday. So, to celebrate my Friday night, I came home, ate sushi with Nicky (my flatmate) and decided that it was time for bed by about 6:30pm. Sad I know.
I managed to catch a little bit of the pope's funeral yesterday which was quite moving. There are few people whose life and death have brought together people from all over the world. It was somewhat a sombre celebration of the life of a man who shaped an aspect of church and faith, brought together the world's youth and challenged existing social institutions.
Well, his funeral was reason enough to move the royal wedding a day later. So, on this glorious Saturday afternoon, I confess that I'll want to turn attention (just slightly) to watch British reporters' cover Charles and Camilla's wedding. In the many years I've been alive, I haven't seen a pope's funeral or a royal wedding of sorts (that I could remember). In case I ever attempt to take the moral high ground, remind me that I was interested in watching the Charles and Camilla wedding.
Speaking of how old I am, I have also been told this week that I remind someone of his grandparents. Don't know if it's because I've started commenting on the morality of TV shows or the way the young ones dress nowadays (or being in bed by 6:30!) but I seem to have aged very quickly.
I managed to catch a little bit of the pope's funeral yesterday which was quite moving. There are few people whose life and death have brought together people from all over the world. It was somewhat a sombre celebration of the life of a man who shaped an aspect of church and faith, brought together the world's youth and challenged existing social institutions.
Well, his funeral was reason enough to move the royal wedding a day later. So, on this glorious Saturday afternoon, I confess that I'll want to turn attention (just slightly) to watch British reporters' cover Charles and Camilla's wedding. In the many years I've been alive, I haven't seen a pope's funeral or a royal wedding of sorts (that I could remember). In case I ever attempt to take the moral high ground, remind me that I was interested in watching the Charles and Camilla wedding.
Speaking of how old I am, I have also been told this week that I remind someone of his grandparents. Don't know if it's because I've started commenting on the morality of TV shows or the way the young ones dress nowadays (or being in bed by 6:30!) but I seem to have aged very quickly.
April 08, 2005
world on fire
This has been around for a few months now but as I was listening to Sarah McLachlan this morning I thought it might be a good link for those who haven't seen her World on Fire video. It's moving, inspiring, heartfelt. Must see.
April 02, 2005
believe in fairies?
Finding Neverland is one of the sweetest films I've seen this year. It was tender, gentle, and beautiful.
The film shifts beautifully between the world of fairies and flying and the world of Victorian London - injecting hope into both life and death. Fact or fiction, it still is a moving film.
I would love to be able to see with such colour and life. I've been thinking about creativity and I wonder what I would see if I was to give myself permission to such creative expression. I feel as though I often come to blocks and feel the need step back and resort to what's in the box already. Any suggestions?
But really, I guess I just have to believe in fairies to see Neverland.oops....
I thought I had deleted the comments on previous posts but they're there if you click on the post titles. I seem to have gotten ahead of myself, thinking I'm all techno savvy...
I cut and paste a few codes to get this trackback (?) on the blog but I honestly don't understand what happened. Oh well. The trackback is there and the comments are somewhere at least.
I cut and paste a few codes to get this trackback (?) on the blog but I honestly don't understand what happened. Oh well. The trackback is there and the comments are somewhere at least.
friends - new and old
So, I had quite an unexpected week - though I procrastinated, I couldn't ask for a different Easter weekend.
I went to a stations of the cross exhibition at church.co.uk on Wednesday eve (two Wed ago!) called the Icons of Easter, organised by the local church community with artwork by local artists, a school and members of the headspace community.
After a conversation with Shannon (a friend who happens to be a hub of sorts) at the exhibition I decided to visit
This past week Joseph Bonifacio was visiting from
Spent some time as a tourist in
As my gorgeous belly dancing friend r said on the previous post's comment we often can't plan such cool moments. People we meet - new friends and old - is what makes life rich and fascinating. I could've planned the past week earlier but the moments with people are what makes life special - and even in my procrastination there was something Divine. Grace can't be planned.
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