Sheppard Line Out of Service – Tuesday September 28, 2010
The only day I brought my camera with me to document my typical commute, the Sheppard line goes out of service.
I decided to film the havoc.
I never felt so trapped. It was rush hour, my house was an hour away, the streets are too clogged to hail a cab, and the shuttle bus wouldn’t come. I waited for 45 minutes before I decided to walk.
Here is just a glimpse of how commuting is like in the inner burbs of Toronto during September 2010. I made this video so I can remember how it was like and why I moved.
So here it is:
Hello,
Of course I’ve been busy with work, music and other personal commitments, but I found a small window of time to start a quirky little side project I named, funny love letters, found here at http://www.funnyloveletters.com.
This website basically showcases real life examples of love letters. There’s nothing more to it than that.
Some may find it wildly entertaining, some may find it painful, and some may dismiss it as a waste of time, but either way, I think it is important to archive words from around the world that express the pinnacle of human emotions.
So, I invite you all to check it out if its your cup of tea.
A homeless woman soliciting cars at the red light by Yorkdale Mall, in the suburbs of Toronto.
Her partner soliciting cars on the other side of the street. His sign says he is hungry.
As I was walking towards one of Toronto’s snazziest malls in the suburbs, I couldn’t help but notice a couple on the intersection stopping cars for money. Their signs that read “HOMELESS” and “HUNGRY” were written very legibly on good quality paper. They undoubtedly looked more well groomed than the stereotypical homeless guy. But at the same time their looks indicated despair.
Not everyone down on their luck is a toothless haggard.
The couple made me think of the many who are well educated and hardworking but somehow still fell through the cracks of the system. There can’t possibly be jobs for everyone. We don’t hear about those people because not everyone who is homeless necessarily begs for money.
The couple also made me think of poverty in relation to location. Homelessness isn’t a phenomena that only occurs in downtown. You can lose your job in a factory in the suburbs, inner burbs and rural areas.
Of course, there is more factors that come into play on the issues of homelessness. These were just some thoughts that occurred to me as I passed by them.
Homelessness is a very complex issue, and merits very complex answers.
Regardless, when I asked the couple if I could take their picture (shown above), they were very thrilled. This may be because this was the first time in a while anyone had any interest in them…
I JUST came back from the Celtic College in Goderich, Ontario, and I’m so excited to be warped onto the internet to share my story with the online public. So here it goes… allow me to unfold this story picture by picture.
At the Livery for registration in Goderich
My travels begin with signing in at The Livery to get my information package. I was greeted by the friendliest coordinators, they were happy to give me directions around the neighbourhood even though it may have been the millionth time they repeated it that day.
The Livery, a beautiful venue made from stone, was a great starting point to our trip. It was once a stable in the 1840’s and is one of many other relics in the town from way back when. My friend “S” and I are mesmerized by this old town charm and continue to roam around to absorb it all.
Window Display at the Livery
I’m impressed with this town’s commitment to music and the arts. Other than the Livery, the town was complete with a music shop, a co-op art gallery, and countless antique shops. Even the coffee shop sold music instruments. The town’s commitment into preserving the things from the past just added more to its character. It’s no wonder they have a reputation for being Canada’s prettiest town.
Once a working light house in Goderich
This old town charm definitely has rubbed on its inhabitants. You could see it on the detailing of people’s homes and in their cars. This picture is one of many old fashioned automobiles I saw around town.
Old school car in Goderich.
The downside to Goderich is that there is no public means of transit to get there. Stef, Bronwin and I were lucky enough to get a ride. The next best way would have been to take a bus to Stratford and from there hitchhike to Goderich. This picture below shows a train station that used to pass by. It’s been cut off eon’s ago, which consequently cuts off the town from a whole entire market of people, and erasing itself off the map.
This was once a train station in Goderich. Today, there is no means of getting to Goderich with public transit.
Another downer to Goderich was the cheap discount stores. Juxtaposed against these pretty boutiques and homes really took away from the experience. But I didn’t make this any better, I’ll admit I supported this by shopping there the most during my stay.
A cheap discount store in Goderich. At least its Canadian and independantly owned (?)
Anyway, I really enjoyed the nature at Goderich. But be careful at the beach, there are a lot of mosquitoes that will engulf you and the beach surface is entirely made from stones. Keep your shoes on and proceed with caution!
Beach at Goderich
And what’s a trip in rural Ontario without a picture of its vast farm fields?
Farm Field in Goderich
Lounging around the cottage eating local corn with good friends. Good times.
At the actual College itself, I’m overwhelmed with everything that’s going on! So many people, so much material to learn in the presence of so many super cool musicians!
They even have Celtic massages now.
And finally, I’d like to mention in closing one of the most phenomenal performance I’ve ever seen! De Temps Antan had energy like no other, they are super jovial and super talented and good looking. I’m so impressed that I will dedicate an entire blog post just about them. I really encourage everyone to check these guys out. You can listen to their awesome songs on http://www.myspace.com/detempsantan.
Pierre-Luc of De Temps Antan bringing his hot edge to accordian playing like no one ever before. It's about time!