Autumn colours

Since we're on a theme here at Straight From The Curls, I figured a few more photos from Toronto's beautiful fall show won't hurt. Here's the scene from my balcony over Thanksgiving weekend. My favourite one is of the heart tree. Nature sure is precious at times.

xo
SC

Autumn in Toronto

Autumn has always been my favourite season. There's just something so comforting about the weather, the colours, the food and the smells. Last year, while in Seoul, I really missed out on the autumn festivities in Canada, and was feeling rather homesick. But a friend was nice enough to take a photo of some trees in Toronto and send it to me.

This year, I've really indulged and made up for lost time. We went on a hike yesterday through Rouge Park, in the east end of the city. It was so beautiful and refreshing to be surrounded by nature in all its glory. In Korea, it's very easy to enjoy watching the leaves change because there's mountains no matter where you look. As long as you've got a clear view of the horizon, you're bound to see some peaks.

In Toronto, there's a lot of parks and wooded areas where you can go take a walk and indulge in nature's mastery. But Rouge park -- which can easily be compared to New York's Central Park or London's Hyde Park -- is the only place where the Ontario Green Belt reaches Lake Ontario... so it's rather special.

We also lucked out with the weather yesterday. It was warm for autumn temperatures and the skies were a shade of blue that could easily be compared to southeast Asia's deep blue waters. Yes, that good! I was pretty happy and felt like kid again, as I indulged in fresh air, and fall's bounty.

Here's a photo collage from our afternoon out. I'm glad I had a chance to take these shots because now you guys can see what I've been talking about for so long!

xo
SC

Giving Thanks in 2010

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope you're all set to have a special weekend with your nearest and dearest. May you always be wrapped in joy and surrounded with love!

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. After a whirlwind adventure, I'm blessed to be home, safe and sound, with those I care about most deeply. I thank my lucky stars every day for friends who keep me grounded, and for those who challenge me to colour outside the box! I'm giving thanks to those of you who remain faithful, even when I tend to run low on steam.

"Just keep swimming...."

All the best, my dear family, friends and readers! May the warmth of the season always find you all with smiles on your faces!

xo

SC

Image courtesy of Google Images

Common pride, not so common wealth

The 2010 Commonwealth Games opened in India last night, under a cloud of controversy and corruption. I hadn't paid too much attention to the issues surrounding the games, except for what I'd heard on the news about the athletes' village not being up to par or ready for people to live in, or the fact that many athletes bowed out of the competitions because they feared for their health and safety. I must admit, it looked pretty bad for a while, and I wondered if India would live up to expectations.

But if the opening ceremonies last night were any indication, it seems the organizers in India managed to pull a miracle and put on a good show. Viewers were treated to dances representing the different regions of the country, light shows, and live musical performances. It was pretty neat to watch it all from my living room in Canada. In fact, I should say the show made me rather nostalgic.

It seems that for a few hours, people were allowed to forget about all the controversy and issues that are yet to be dealt with. Instead, they were given glimpses into India's rich roots and heritage, that changes when you travel through all parts of the country. Everything from the vibrant saris to the dazzling array of colours, proved to be a spectacular feast for the eyes.

I knew India had many dance forms that range from the north's Kathak to the south's Bharatanatyam. However, it was pretty awesome to watch them all in a wonderful montage during yesterday's show. Then, of course, the games were declared officially open, as Indian musician A.R. Rahman (A la Slumdog Millionaire fame) belted out his famous 'Jai Ho' (be victorious!). It seemed an appropriate choice, all things considered.

That said, it didn't take long for the issues to stir up again. Less than a few hours after the games opened, the headlines over the net changed from reveling in India's ability to 'pull it together at the last minute' to the following:

• Indian wrestlers denied cow and fresh milk for village
• Delhi stadiums full of empty seats
• Commonwealth Games problems continue

So with the opening ceremonies out of the way, people are now talking about how there's no spectators at the games. Seats in stadiums are empty, and ticket sales have been lackluster. With more than a week left before the closing ceremonies, it should be interesting to see if organizers in Delhi will redeem themselves beyond the fanfare and regalia of the three hour opening show.


xo
SC

Images courtesy of Google Images