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2025/01 Moments January 2025

February 2, 2025 daviding

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Active month starting off the new year with family time, a full exploration of New Orleans, and back to Toronto to begin teaching, arriving at the date for cataract surgery.

Toronto, Ontario; New Orleans, Louisiana

Pizzaiolo Avenue Road: Lunch out on New Year’s Day reduces choices in restaurants. With Chinese food served three meals per day in the retirement home, pizza is a change for those who have lived in Canada for decades. Deal for two medium pies is convenient for ordering toppings on the second as vegan. (Pizzaiolo, Avenue Road, Nortown, Toronto, Ontario) 20250101

Centennial Park Conservatory: Show house with poinsettia plants is one of three greenhouses, beside the tropical house in the centre, and cactus house at the other end. Enjoyed the garden maintained by the City of Toronto, open 365 days per year. Walked 5 laps around the greenery. (Centennial Park Conservatory, Elmcrest Road, Etobicoke, Ontario) 20250101

Mr. Ed’s PoBoy Shop: Fun neighbourhood feel in the most casual branch of a well-known restaurant group known for its oysters. We declined to sit by the window with the wintry wind at the door, and bar stools are too spirited for us. Located on a quieter street in the French Quarter, tourists may not have found this place opened 3 months ago. (Mr. Ed’s PoBoy Shop, Iberville Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250110

Bourbon Street: Strolling through clubbing district on Friday 7:30pm, only a few bars are close enough to have loud music duelling loudly to attract customers. Foot traffic seemed light, maybe a combination of chilly temperatures, and the early hour. We started walking from Canal Street to the west, where memorials to the vehicle attack on crowds are still fresh, through to a dark Jackson Square. (Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250110

Mahogany Jazz Hall: From the street outside the renowned jazz club, we caught a few minutes of the Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet near the end of the early evening set. In the first few hours after arriving in the city, we had opted to wander around Bourbon Street to get a feel or the district. The apartment building where we are staying is literally wrapped around this music venue. (Mahogany Jazz Hall, Chartres Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250110

Canal Street, south of Bourbon Street: One week after the vehicle attack on pedestrains, a memorial for each of the victims has been placed on the east sidewalk by the curb. A large truck has been placed at the entry to Bourbon Street, blocking traffic. Waiting on the median for a streetcar, we could see mourners paying respects. (Canal Street, south of Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250111

Canal Street, north of Harrah Casino streetcar stop: Watched streetcar 47 Canal Street to Cemeteries pivot from southbound to northbound, pausing beside the 48 Canal Street to City Park before leaving. We were waiting for streetcar 49 Union Pacific Terminal to Riverfront for 15 minutes, and then checked the RTA map forecasting more than another 30 minute wait. We instead walked the Riverfront alongside the Mississippi River to the French Market district. (Harrah Casino streetcar stop, Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250111

Jackson Square: Cold shade on St. Peter St., but warming sun down Chartres Street, as Glory Land Brass Band winds down a set facing The Cabildo. Music was reflected all the way over to Decatur Street towards the Waterfront. This style of jazz seems better heard outdoors, from a tradition before electronic amplification was invented. (Jackson Square, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250111

Blue Nile: Doors to the club were open to the cold, with driving groove inviting visitors to listen to the George Brown Band. The trombonist was leading the bassist, pianist and drummer, with the trumpeter stepping in on this tune. All of the seats in the venue were already taken, my legs were too tired to last another set. (Blue Nile, Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250111

Frenchmen Art Bazaar: Market for handmade and artistic works doesn’t open until 6pm, showing that Frenchman Street doesn’t come alive until evenings. A little farther north than the jazz clubs, it’s not the recorded music that draws in visitors. Families with children noticeable in the district. (Frenchmen Art Bazaar, Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250111

The Presbytere: Second floor of norh wing of museum focuses on history of Mardi Gras, and the regalia associated with its parades. The Krewe du Vieux continues the Carnaval tradition of parody and irreverence mocking both local and international foibles. First floor was less joyous, with a review of living with hurricanes, especially learning from the failure of levees with Hurricane Katrina in in August 2005. (The Presbytere, Chartres Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250112

Louis Armstrong Park: Walking northwest on Dumaine Street out of the French Quarter into Treme, Tivoli Gardens was the inspiration for the eastern extension of Congo Square. Lagoons are crossed on foot over multiple bridges. Green space was largely unoccupied on a cold January day. (Louis Armstrong Park, North Rampart Street at Dumaine Street, Treme, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250112

Hunters Field: Walked northeast under I-10 overhead freeway for some blocks to track down a traditional parade in Treme, with tractors pulling floats up front, and a brass band following with the second line of pedestrians joining the festivities. We could see the flashing lights of police escorts ahead of slow-moving vehicles from blocks away, directing traffic away from the mess. Event had started late due to the rain, we stood at intersection maybe 2 hours along the route, with another hour to continue. (Hunters Field, North Claiborne Avenue at St. Bernard Avenue, Treme, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250112

Hunters Field: Had found the listing for a second line parade with Dumaine Street Ladies Auxiliary, and so expected a brass band. The revelling pedestrians joined as dancers swamped the crowd, so we could barely hear the musicians, let alone identify them. After seeing the tubas pass, the police cars closed off the end of the procession. (Hunters Field, North Claiborne Avenue at St. Bernard Avenue, Treme, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250112

The Maison: Late afternoon on Frenchmen Street, discovered the Cigar Box Serenaders playing interesting tunes, so we stopped in for dinner. Musical instruments are all homemade from upcycled materials, including a guitar with neck added to a cigar box, electric bass made of a dresser drawer, and drums including the floor bass with a turned over plastic garbage can. Repertoire is wide-ranging, including a surf rock and Scott Joplin. (The Maison, Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250112

Cafe Negril: Expected Tri-Fi to be a piano-drums-bass, arrived to hear organ-drums-guitar-saxophone. Keyboardist was dancing on foot pedals for low notes, to free up left hand. Live performances are different from recordings, audiences sometimes like improvisation on top of familiar tunes. (Cafe Negril, Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250112

Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans: Subtle hiss suggesting a methane gas leak #HannahChalew (2024) Orphan Well Gamma Garden investigates impact of oil and gas pipelines. Salvaged wellhead repurposed as nourishing fountain for living plants. Plasticane mixes shredded reclaimed plastic with waste sugarcane fibrous waste. (Contemporary Arts Center, Camp Street, New Orleans) 20250113

Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans: Room-filling #JeannetteEhlers 2020/2024 We’re Magic, We’re Real #2 rotating ball with ominous sounds. Planet of synthetic afro hair examines identity in African diaspora. Makeshift universe of reflective emergency blankets. (Contemporary Arts Center, Camp Street, New Orleans) 20250113

Ogden Museum of Southern Art: Painting by Louisiana native Dickie Landry (1996) [Ogden] Red Split is in the permanent collection in New Orleans. After teaching in a rural school for 2 years, moved to New York in 1969 as a musician, then becoming a photographer influenced by abstract expressionism. Established as a saxophonist and composer, he moved back to Louisiana in 1995. (Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Camp Street, New Orleans) 20250113

New Orleans Museum of Art: Installed on wall on second floor, #LeonardoDrew (2016) Number 59S sculpture resembles debris. Gridded surfaces and protruding tree limbs and branches come from memories of landfill adjacent to childhood public housing project. History of harsh, crowded environments of American inner cities. (New Orleans Museum of Art, Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250114

Cafe du Monde City Park: Beignets and cafe au lait with chicory at midday, in the more spacious branch a 30-minute streetcar ride north. We visited the more famous location in the French Market, opting against the mob under the dark tent. Eating the French donut leaves powdered sugar on clothes. (Cafe Du Monde City Park, Dreyfous Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250114

Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden: Unlikely to close to safety, Coosje van Bruggen + Claes Oldenburg 1999 Corridor Pin, Blue looms overhead. Pop art renders banal objects in disproportion to evoke humour and wonder, reminding us of the everyday. Multiple copies of the sculpture were produced, set in alternate geographies. (Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20240114

The Spotted Cat: Caught last set of a 4-hour afternoon slot by #ChrisChristy Band, playing original contemporary tunes in a town with many traditional sounds. Seating in small venue was full on a Tuesday afternoon. Might have arrived earlier, but another unsuccessful wait for an waterfront streetcar delayed starting another trek across the French Quarter. (The Spotted Cat Music Club, Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 202141116

Bird Island Preserve, Audubon Park: Thousands of Black Bellied Whistling Ducks exhibited sociable behaviour with noisy wheezy sounds. The mostly non-migratory species unusually nests in trees, and enjoys Louisiana weather. We only strolled on the east side of the large park, on the way to Tulane University. (Bird Island Preserve, Audubon Park, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250115

Academic Quad, Tulane University: The Bead Three sculpture, installed in 2020, is a trio of 21-foot steel rods, where students toss their Carnaval throws especially during Mardi Gras season. This installation replaced the former Bead Tree that was struck by lightning and then infested with termites. Happened onto campus near noontime class change, with student travelling many directions. (Academic Quad, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250115

Chill Out Cafe: Mixed some academic exchange with prior scheduled vacation, lunch with some faculty from #TaylorCenter for #SocialInnovation and #DesignThinking. Outlined the 10-year journey of the #SystemsChanges Learning Circle, and teaching at #OCADU. Learned about Tulane U. program after 10-years. new emphasis on building collaborative capacity. (Chill Out Cafe, Burdette Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250115

Newcomb Art Museum of Tulane: Illuminated by windowed ceiling, Clarissa Tossin (2024) We Are Stardust has blue chiffon fabric hanging in parallel. Celestial shapes populate each translucent sheet bearing the national flag of a country. Conundrum of nation states claiming of-world territories, and private companies commercializing. Background Clarissa Tossin (2022) Future Georgraphy: The Five Galaxies of Stephen’s Quintet. (Newcomb Art Museum of Tulane, St Charles Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250115

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1: Commissioned in 1832, the most famous residents interred in this non-denominational necropolis are the Mayfair Witches, created by Anne Rice in _The Witching Hour_. This graveyard is closed to vistors for repair work and maintenance, levelling sidewalks and removing trees. Movies filmed here include Interview with a Vampire (1994) and Double Jeopardy (1999). (Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Washington Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250115

Jon Cleary | When You Get Back | Chickee Wah Wah | 2025-01-15:: Coming off a jazz cruise, Jon Cleary filled the room with his solo piano and singing. New Orleans isn’t just about jazz, as we’ve been exploring musicians playing funk. Appreciative audience filled room on a rainy Wednesday night, as we took a short streetcar and bus ride out of the more popular Bourbon Street district. (Chickee Wah Wah, Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250115

Congo Square: Off the southwest edge of Louis Armstrong Park, Sheleen Jones (2010) New Orleans Marching Brass Band depicts trombonist, saxophonist, trumpeter, snare drummer, bass drummer, and tubaist, as part of the Roots of Music Cultural Garden. The Black Code of 1724 established Sunday as a nonworking day, but it wasn’t until 1817 that Congo Square was declared as a place where Africans could dance and be merry. In 1940, this is where the first jazz festival was held. (Congo Square, North Rampart Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250116

St Roch Cemetery No. 1 ~ Campo Santo: Further northeast than most tourists would go, this Catholic cemetery and chapel was built on a 1874 promise by a priest if the congregation was spared the yellow feature outbreak. Vaults positioned above ground, due to the high water table in the region. Visitation of the chapel is available on the first Friday of the month. (St Roch Cemetery No. 1 ~ Campo Santo, St. Roch Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250116

St Roch Market: Originally built in 1838 as a city market in the New Marigny neighbourhood, and renovated in 1875 and 1950s, the building became a supermarket and then Chinese restaurant. Damaged with Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures in 2005, the mayor campaigned for state and federal funding to restore the building. In 2014, the city leased the building to a private business modernizing into a multi-tenant food hall. (St Roch Market, South Claude Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250116

30°/-90°: Soul-jazz trio with #Organami with #AaronWalker drums, #MattGalloway guitar, #TrisDuncan organ. Wearing a Maple Leafs shirt and originating from Toronto, the drummer discovered two couples in audience also visiting from up north. This was the fourth music club on Frenchman Street that we visited, arriving in time to hear two full sets. (30°/-90°, 520 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250116

St. Peters Street: Walking back from Frenchman Street through Jackson Square, heard brass band and saw crowd walking north. Caught up to find wedding couple dancing with the Jaywalkers Second Line Band, celebrating with music. Unclear how many people were part of the procession, and how many chose to follow the group to Pat O’Brien’s pub. (St. Peter Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250116

Historic New Orleans Collection: Aeolian electric player pipe organ was installed in the 1920s by tobacco magnate William Ratcliffe for home entertainment. Restored and updated with MIDI controller by the Holtkamp Organ Company. Guests would ride the electric elevator to the third floor to hear the pipes in the walls of in this Seignouret-Brulatour Building. (Historic New Orleans Collection – Seignouret-Brulatour building, 520 Royal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250117

The Cabildo: Dark style of George Rodrigue (1973) Sugar Bridge over Coulée (Straub’s Coulée) emerged over three years. Found contrast between Texas with wide open spaces and large sky, compared to Cajun landscape as closed, dark, with very small sky. An early work in the Before the Blue Dog exhibition. (The Cabildo, Louisiana State Museum, Chartres Street, New Orleans, Louisiana) 20250117

OCADU Graduate Programs: Guest lecture by @redesign while in town, for a @OCADU_SFI class he originated, now led by @XformbyDesign. Reviewed current community around @RSDSymposium, with history back to two systems thinking classes becoming one. Content-full day for students on the second week of class. (OCADU Graduate Programs, Richmond Street West, Toronto, Ontario) 20250122

Pape Village: First family dinner of the year accidentally formal, falling on Lunar New Year’s Day. Catching up on stories of January visits to India, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand. May become the new regular periodic venue, since home remodelling of kitchen and dining room are done. (Pape Village, Broadview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario) 20250129

Kensington Eye Institute: Highly efficient cataract procedure seemed less involved than some dental surgery I’ve had. Put into chair, with simultaneous application of drops in eyes, blood pressure cuff, and IV into back of hand. Wheeled into operating room, with doctor and anesthesiologist for less than 10 minutes, then wheeled out to waiting room for pick up release. (Kensington Eye Institute, College Street, Toronto, Ontario) 20250131

2024/12 Moments December 2024

December 31, 2024 daviding

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December saw lots of events with family and friends, for birthdays as well as holidays

Toronto, Ontario; Markham, Ontario; Richmond Hill, Ontario

Gourmet Malaysia Restaurant: Family lunch starting with vegan versions of roti canal, mock chicken, mock shrimp, spring rolls, and mango salad. Beef rendang ordered on special request. First in a series of December events, it’s a busy month not only for holidays, but for birthdays. (Gourmet Malaysia Restaurant, Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough, Ontario) 20241207

Industrial Arts, Steelcase Art Projects: Hanging by the west window and a partially demolished wall, Deanne Gene (2024) Self-Inventory might be described as a shield, or a nest with portholes. Following the Face/Waste multi-artist exhibition, the artwork is made of garbage, including a lot of plastic bags, invasive plants, and kitchen discards. Large space in the northern suburbs, the family arrived with the first snowfall outside. (Industrial Arts, Steelcase Art Projects, Steelcase Road East, Markham, Ontario) 20241207

St. Michaels Hospital: Walked in for x-ray of left knee, images taken with pant legs rolled up in standing position, and lying down horizontally for skyline view. Pain that started a few days ago is subsiding, but family practice is thorough in trying to determine cause at appointment next week. Excellent health care system in Ontario! (St. Michael’s Hospital, Queen Sttreet East, Toronto, Ontario) 20241209

St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica: A quiet oasis in the middle of the city, occupied by only maybe 5 worshippers late on a Monday afternoon in December. Completed and blessed in 1848, the current state of the church shows how buildings well-maintained can endure. Just down the street from the St. Michael’s College School, and the hospital. (St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, Bond Street, Toronto, Ontario) 20241209

Centre for Social Innovation Spadina: Accommodating a request for vegan hot chocolate drink with crumbled candy canes, on top of whipped coconut cream. Dinner included delicious Afghan aush soup noodles with beans, we couldn’t figure out the mystery spices from looking up recipes online. CSI Holiday Party at Spadina location, after years going to Annex, got to meet some new people and missed some regulars. (Centre for Social Innovation, Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Ontario) 20241212

Koffler Arts: Community group Sketch Working Arts (2022) Hear Us is a graffitied phone booth ironically without a phone. Originally was part of Reconstructions of Home public art exhibition shown on The Bentway in spring 2022. Temporarily part of the Another Decade show celebrating artists who have called the Youngplace hub a working home. (Koffler Arts, Youngplace, Shaw Street, Toronto, Ontario) 20241213

California Sandwiches: Afternoon walking tour from Little Portugal led into Little Italy, to sample original Toronto veal sandwich in kaiser bun, with eggplant sandwich for me. He said it was larger than a cake that he might have had to celebrate his birthday. Continued over to Cafe Diplomatico, a neighbourhood restaurant where it’s still possible to order just a cup of Americano. (California Sandwiches, Claremont Street, Toronto) 20241213

Tranzac Club: Relaxed gig with #ColletteSavard lead vocal without instruments, as broken arm not full recovered. #KevinBarrett lead guitar, #RebeccaCampbell guitar, #MeganWorthy keyboards, #JohnSwitzer bass. #MartinWorthy drums. Easy groove on Copper Moon, with space for guitar solo. Southern Cross space is barely larger than a livingroom, friendly audience would seem to include a lot or regulars. (Tranzac Club, Brunswick Avenue, Toronto, Ontario) 20241214

Denison Centre: Mid-morning extended family intercept meeting to accommodate conflicting lunch schedules. Hard to keep track of cousins’ kids growing up. Chose seating outside Chinese bakery in suburban mall as on the path to destinations. (Denison Centre, Denison Street, Markham, Ontario) 20241214

Perfect Chinese Restaurant: Simultaneous pull of party crackers at extended family lunch, with table for the youngers, and table for the elders. Wide variety of Chinese dishes to meet the spending minimum for private room, so many leftovers sent home afterwards. Karaoke bridging from boomers to Gen Z requires selective musical choices. (Perfect Chinese Restaurant, Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough, Ontario) 20241214

Riverside neighbourhood: Following the family tradition of stuffed stockings on Christmas Eve, we do have a fireplace that contains a television, not logs. Untraditional holiday dinner of pizza, avocado salad, and mango coconut tapioca pudding. For my birthday, I requested not gifts of more things, but instead decluttering a house for fewer things. (Riverside neighbourhood, Toronto, Ontario) 20241224

Dragon Pearl York Mills: Christmas Day lunch buffet, after an hour of sampling selections. Served as sherpa for my father making choices, roast beef and bacon aren’t normally served in his retirement home with Chinese residents. Subsequent food coma for most, with some having to look forward to dinner with families on a separate lineage. (Dragon Pearl Buffet, York Mills Road, Don Mills, Ontario) 20241225

Jefferson Richmond Hill: Deep fog on suburban street just south of Oak Ridges Morraine. Extra caution required on the drive 40km north of downtown Toronto. Saturday lunch with cousins, including out-of-town family members. (Jefferson Richmond Hill, Ontario) 20241228<

2024/11 Moments November 2024

November 30, 2024 daviding

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Road trip to Rochester NY and Ithaca, with visits to art galleries as the days get shorter.

Buffalo, NY; Rochester, NY; Ithaca, NY; Niagara Falls, NY; Toronto, Ontario

UB Anderson Gallery: From wall to wall in the second floor gallery, Christy Rupp (2024) Runoff installation of pipeline brings an industrial architecture indoors. Obstruction of access to windows overlooking tree canopy outside reminds observers of dependence on fossil fuels that the human comfort enabled is typicallly overlooked. Brief waypoint on a journey into Western New York State. (University of Buffalo Anderson Gallery, Martha Jackson Drive, Buffalo, NY) 20241102

14621 Neighborhood: Visit with a multigenerational family in the systems sciences, discussing making a difference in the world. Casual dinner sparked by selections from the flagship Wegmans market, spanning vegan, Asian and American cuisines. Making up for deferred shared time originally planned for Switzerland. (14621 Neighborhood, Rochester, NY) 20241102

Taughannock Falls Overlook: The path at the foot of Taughannock Falls looked inviting, but we hadn’t planned excursion time. Up from Route 96 on west side of Cayuga Lake, the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains is nestled in the Finger Lakes. Temperatures have fallen, so the trees with fall colors are dropping their leaves. (Taughannock Falls Overlook, Taughannock Park Road, Trumansburg, NY) 20241103

Ithaca Farmers Market: Long pavilion allows vendors to back in the their stalls, making unloading and loading off merchandise easier. Sunday morning seems to be popular with community shopping for items produced less than 30 miles from Ithaca. North end of pavilion has more vendors and artists, south end has food stalls offering service on reusable plates. (Ithaca Farmers Market, Third Street, Ithaca, NY) 20241103

Ithaca Falls: Sunday afternoon fisherman spinning flies into the brook by the gorge, dressed in hip waders. Easy walk on foot trail on east bank, seems popular amongst couples. Ruins of mills from the 1800s are visible on the way from the parking lot. (Ithaca Falls, Ithaca, NY) 20241103

Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art: Arranged in a semi-circle, Nigerian American artist and poet Precious Okoyomon (2024) The Self Grows Forward Out of Its Reference shows influences crossing West Africa, Europe and Japan. Artist was appointed as first visiting artist in 2022, engaging in research with faculty and students. Exhibition is part of Migrations Global Grand Challenge program at Cornell University. (Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Central Avenue, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York) 20241103

Statler Hotel: Opening speaker for Cornell Systems Summit, Patrick Hoverstadt compressed The Grammar of Systems talk as audience anticipated serving of food. Systems Practice is seen as balancing Structural Complexity, Dynamic Complexity, and Perceptual Complexity. I opted to pass on the wine and cheese led pairing tasting, since I gave up both alcohol and dairy about 30 years ago. (Statler Hotel, Corneill University, Ithaca, New York) 20241103

Schoellkopf Overlook: From American side of Niagara River, downstream and east of The Falls, is a view of the Rainbow international Bridge and downtown city centre in Ontario. We hadn’t crossed over from the USA as the sun set, and would only see the Canadian side in the dark. Swift drive from Ithaca, arrived home well after rush hour. (Schoellkopf Power Station, Niagara Falls State Park, USA) 20241105

Bau-Xi Gallery Toronto Dufferin: In large exhibition space, #EricLouie (2023) Lucky Money II is built up of many thin layers of luminescent oil paint. Title could refer to the Chinese red envelopes in which currency gifts are contained, or possibly the green lettuce in lion dances representing prosperity. Vancouver-based artist, showing in flagship location opened in 2023 in midtown Toronto. (Bau-Xi Gallery Toronto Dufferin, Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario)

Congee Queen Don Mills: Opportunistic early family lunch on Remembrance Day, when some employers choose to close while others have regular work hours. Father requested more dishes, as a change from the more limited but healthier menu at the retirement home. Chilly morning encourages winter jackets. (Congree Queen, Lawrence Avenue East, Don Mils, Ontario) 20241111

Evergreen Brick Works: Third of three parts of Space for Grief art installation, revised for fall 2024 showing at city’s flagship environmental park. Paper birds suspended from ceiling slowly drift, with projected movies and ambient music. Dark space with benches invites visitors to sit and reflect on losses that might have consumed them, or deterred moving on. (Evergreen Brick Works, Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario) 20241111

North York Central Library: Chinatown in Photos conversation with historian @ArleneChan1, photographer #MorrisLum and architect #LindaZhang as part of @torontobiennial. History of Old Chinatown from Chinese Canadian Archive at @torontolibrary, and side-by-side images of buildings changing over the last decade. Educational for many young adults in the audience, this was a stroll down member lane from my 1960s childhood. (North York Central Library, Yonge Street, North York, Ontario) 20241114

The Auto BLDG: Carved wood and textile installation Cristina Flores Pescoran (2023-2024) Caressing the Heart of the Bone at #TorontoBiennial represents parts of the artists body, including legs, breasts, arms and head. Self-portrait with personal experience of cancer treatment and recovery. Artwork suspended in a corner of the 9th floor, between mushroom columns of concrete. (The Auto BLDG, Sterling Road, Toronto, Ontario) 20241115

Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto: Surrounded by cord barrier, Tishan Hsu (2023) mammal-screen is resin-wrapped foam and fibreglass on a steel frame. Curved surface painted like skin or meat feels organic. Apertures and protrusions feel inorganic. (Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto, Sterling Road, Toronto, Ontario) 20241115

Rogers Centre: Before 4 pm, three hours before Taylor Swift concert begins, crowds are channelled along barricades and streets are blocked by police cars. Lots of girls and women dressed for the occasion, stopping to take selfies. Biked around the building from south around to north, hadn’t appreciated lineups to multiple gates on the back side. (Rogers Centre, Bremner Boulevard, Toronto. Ontario) 20241116

Collision Gallery: Acrylic painting and paper mache sculptures Tessa Mars (2024) All Islands Touch as part of @TorontoBiennial. Together, the landscape is a background for objects that viewers might carefully step around. Artwork addresses impact of human disruption on nature. (Collision Gallery, Wellington Street West, Toronto, Ontario) 20241116

Royal Ontario Museum: In the Samuel European Galleries, Jean Emile Puiforcat (1890) Pitcher for Orange Drink in silver with Rosewood handle, produced in France early in the Art Deco period. The saturation of Art Nouveau designs circa 1910 led to increasingly simple geometric shapes at the 1925 Exposition Internationale Des Arts Decoratif et Industriels moderns in Paris. This museum has more artifacts inside glass cases than I remember elsewhere. (Royal Ontario Museum, Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario) 20241119

Power Plant Gallery: In darkened room, Charles Campbell (2024) How Many Colours Has The Sea interprets the journey of enslaved Africans crossing the Atlantic. On south and west walls, four of the 9 breath portraits celebrate the divine spirits of the sea. Overhead aluminum sculpture on steel cables are inspired by the bathymetric data of submerged terrain where tectonic plates converge. (Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Queens Quay West, Harbourfront, Toronto, Ontario) 20241124

L'Amoureaux neighbourhood — L’Amoureaux neighbourhood: My friend Don has all of the tools to fix a computer, but it’s distressing to employ a drill when the last screw holding the motherboard is stripped. Replaced the fan led to a POST error, so we put the noisy one back in. The Thinkpad X230T is 12 years old, I’m now shopping for an updated model. (L’Amoureaux neighbourhood, Scarborough, Ontario) 20241127

2024/10 Moments October 2024

October 31, 2024 daviding

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Journey from Lugano Switzerland, return via Milan Italy, to fall in Toronto

Lugano, Switzerland; Milan, Italy; Toronto, Ontario

MASI Lugano: The naming by Johanna Kolaris of 12-foot work as “The sun is standing at about 35° from the gound. Just the way it should be at this time of year” makes more sense when explained that the painting is UV sensitive paint on drywall. Opening night for the Humere exhibition, titled as a play on the Latin root for web and also for humour. Winner of the Manor Art Prize 2024 for Lugano awarded biannually for artists under 40 years of age. (Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana, Piazza Bernardino Luini , Lugano, Switzerland) 20241003

Grottino Viganello: Morning plenary of day 5 of 2024 Banathy Conversation of #CSRPInstitute, with two groups in the reflecting phase, relating experiences from the prior 4 days. One group followed the traditional conventing of full-week immersion of international participants. The other group involved members within the region, and experimented with a core group maintaining continuity while swapped in as available. Asynchronous recollecting phase will follow with asynchronous collaborative editing of proceedings. (Grottino Viganello, Via della Pergola, Lugano, Switzerland) 20241004 https://sites.google.com/lab.csrp.institute/2024-banathy-conversation/engaging/reflecting

Lake Como:: With 5:02pm southbound departure from Lugano, opted for first class tickets to escape the standing-room-only ride we encountered in the second class northbound trip 6 days earlier. First class is only one half of the railcar, so we could see standees packed in through the door behind us. Arrival in Milan delayed before Como, we were messaging apartment agent for assisted check-in. (Lake Como, Italy) 20241004

Fondazione Prada Milano: Panoramic view north from eighth floor of the Torre building, with a series of glass cases including Damian Hirst (1997) Tears for Everybody Looking at You. An umbrella protects the decoy ducks from a continual rainshower, yet waterfowl need pools of water to float and swim. The other glass cases behind with collections of dead flies are less humourous. (Fondazione Prada, Largo Isarco, Milan, Italy) 20241005

Fondazione Prada Milano: On ninth floor of Torre building, visitors first trace a blind handrail through Carsten Holler (2000) Gantenbein Corridor (i.e. goose leg maze) completely dark passageway, to emerge out into brightness of (2000) Upside Down Mushroom Room. Lights from floor and spinning for ceiling produce a hallucination enjoyed by children. Adults attempt to capture the experience on their smartphones. (Fondazione Prada, Largo Isarco, Milan, Italy) 20241005

Ancient Lavoir Vicolo Lavandai: In a quiet alley north of the Naviglio Grande canal is a narrow stream, quiet except for the number of tourists visiting. The male guild of laundrymen used wooden slabs back into the 1700s. The stone slabs became known for laundrywomen taking over in the 1900s to bleach linens with ash, soap and soda, until mechanization became common in the 1950s. (Vicolo Lavandai, Navlgli, Milan, Italy) 20241005

Naviglio Grande: Squinting into setting sun, aligned with the canal teeming with visitors on a busy Saturday. Enjoyed pizza and meatballs with potatoes for early dinner at restaurant facing the passersby. Nearby Mudec wasn’t as close as maps suggested, as the walking path has to circumnavigate the railway tracks running parallel. (Naviglio Grande, Milan, Italy) 20241005

Pirelli HangarBicocca:: A video projector at each end of 24 silk panels #SaodatIsmailova (2024) As We Fade, part of the exhibition A Seed Under Our Tongue. One of twelve installations in the dark Shed, the Uzbehki video artist transmits landscapes and moving artifacts that dissolve into shades of colour less than halfway through the fabric series. Pictures in motion are reduced in translucence as light is dematerialized. (Pirelli HangarBicocca, Via Chiese, Milan, Italy) 20241006

Pirelli HangarBicocca: The first of five large painting added Anselm Kiefer (2009) Jaipur is at the north end of the Navette exhibition space. Of the Seven Heavenly Palaces first exhibited in 2004, the closest is (2004) Sefiroth, associated with ten different channels through which the one God reveals His will, in the later Jewish literature. The original temporary installation has become permanent, probably because moving and storing the work would destroy it. (Pirelli HangarBicocca, Via Chiese, Milan, Italy) 20241006

Sforzesco Castle: Originally built as Castello di Porta Giova for Visconti dukes circa 1370, the structure was enlarged in 1450 by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan. Repurposed many time over centuries, the city reconstructured the fortress as museums after WWII. Espoused as open until 7:30pm, we arrived after 5:00pm when ticket offices were closed. Sforzesco Castle, Piazza Castello, Milan, Italy) 20241006

Swiss Alps: Air Baltic 1617 flight from Milan to Zürich, flight time less than an hour over the Alps. Departure was cloudy, snow was evident in the southern facing mountain slopes. As we travelled north, the snow cover on peaks appeared less and less, exposing either rocks or trees. (LX1617, Alps, Switzerland) 20241007

15 Merchants Wharf: Ecological flipbook in #NuitBlanche Extended with #IsaacKing (2024) Humans Build the Biggest Nests. Narrative thinking about entangled ecologies influenced by theorists and indigenous thinkers. Visitors were encouraged to run hands through the cards to trace the interactions between species. (15 Merchants Wharf, East Bayfront, Toronto, Ontario) 20241009

125 Queens Quay East:: Unfixed dyed sand in #NuitBlanche Extended with #ShannonGardenSmith (2024) Snail-work (For The Lake) showed carefully grains at outset. Visitors were invited to gently disrupt the patterns by walking through. This reminds individuals about the accumulated environmental, historical and economic impacts of the world’s most popular construction material. (125 Queens Quay East, East Bayfront, Toronto, Ontairo) 20241009

HTO Park: On sidewalk just north of urban beach, #NuitBlanche Extended with #MichaCárdenas + the #CriticalRealitiesStudio (2024) The Probability Engine: Atlantic Overturning. Sculpture undulates for 15 feet, evoking the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a critical system of global ocean currents. Accompanying lighting, sound, and poetry from the night time festival is absent in the late afternoon. (HTO Park, Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontaro) 20241009

Dai Kuang Wah Herb: Prescription of herbs for decoction, following 4 days of holiday weekend with the runs. Chinese doctor diagnosed as food poisoning, not notovirus where my tongue would be red. Now have been home from Italy for 7 days, malady has resulted in 9 lb. loss that might have been welcomed if interruption in life wan’t so severe. (Dai Kuang Wah Herb , Gerrard Street East, Toronto, Ontario) 20241015

Toronto Biennial of Art: Hanging strips of fabric mimic bamboo forest in multimedia installation #KarenTam (2024) #ScentOfThunderbolts of stage with Cantonese opera for #TorontoBiennialOfArt. Visitors are invited to walk around backstage, and view vintage photos of last century shows. A diasporic visual and sonic memory more for my father’s generation than me. (Toronto Biennial of Art, Lisgar Street, Toronto, Ontario) 20241019

Leslie Lookout Park: Exceptionally warm day draws out bicyclists and sunbathers, towards beach facing west into ship channel running to the inner harbour. Lookout tower can be approached by stairs or slow ramp, with bike repair station its base. Architected shape of lookout respects the cylindrical tower of the St. Mary’s Cement factory to the north. (Leslie Lookout Park, Leslie Street, Toronto, Ontario) 20241020

Full House Chinese Cuisine: Large print on wall seems incongruous with dim sum served, appears to be a 20th century copy of Cornelis Springer (1853) “The Quasihuis of Rembrandt on the St. Anthoniebreestraat” in Amsterdam. Enjoyed menu with more vegan options than is usual with other restaurants in the neighbourhood, some topped with fish paste. Day was full of medical appointments, this venue was in the same plaza as optometrist office. (Full House Chinese Cuisine, Finch Avenue East, Scarborough, Ontario) 20241022

Aga Khan Museum: Immersive looped video in dark corner, Tannis Nielsen (2020) mazinibii’igan/ a creation as a reimagining of residual radiation from the Big Bang. Dressing in monochrome challenges discerning figures moving in the space. Short line up for visitors to become part of the art installation. (Aga Khan Museum, Wynford Drive, Don Mills, Ontario) 20241023

Gerrard-Ashdale: Diwala Mela lights up the darkness with sparklers and dancing. Throbbing music attracts the crowd, and a dancer on stilts encourages joining in. Major street not closed off, neighborhood event in Little India. (Gerrard Street East at Ashdale Avenue, Toronto, Ontario) 20241026

Art Gallery of Ontario: Across four walls, Jinny Yu (2023) Cuboids + Colour, watercolors extended with gouache. Visual connection in series of three-dimensional shapes with six rectangular faces. Korean-born artists trained in Canada, now a professor in Ottawa. (Art Gallery of Ontario, Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario) 20241030

Zhang Liang Spicy Hotpot: Acknowledging malatang is not Cantonese cuisine, decided my father might try a style of pick-your-own ingredients for soup if we opted for the mild broths not available in mainland China. He chose lobster balls, crab balls, cut fish, mussels on the shell, tofu, beef tripe and hand-pulled noodles. I was expecting mushroom broth as vegan and non-spicy, but only tomato soup base was available at this branch. (Zhang Liang Spicy Hotpot, Midland Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario) 20241031

2024/09 Moments September 2024

September 30, 2024 daviding

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September neighbourhood music performances, day out with father, son’s birthday party, travel via Milan to Genoa, systems conversation in Lugano

Toronto, Ontario, Gravenhurst, Ontario, Montreal, Quebec; Milan, Italy; Genoa, Italy; Lugano, Switzerland, Cinque Terre

Market Street:: On west side of St. Lawrence Market, @OldTownToronto lunchtime jazz duo @AndrewMarzotto guitar + @AndrewMcAnsh trumpet in loose gig. Shoppers walking by, trucks with backup alerts, and car noises on The Esplanade behind. The musicians weren’t responsive to my request for songs from this century, the old standards are more familiar. (Market Street, Toronto, Ontario) 20240903

Chester Hill Lookout: View southwest beyond Prince Edward Viaduct over the Don valley, towards downtown core apartment buildings, bank towers, and the CN Tower. Summer heat is over, but foliage has not yet turned into autumn colours. Sun is setting earlier, I got caught out without my bike light. (Chester Hill Lookout, Playter Estates, Toronto, Ontario) 20240904

Bakery Lane: Disrupted morning with flat tire, that deflated overnight. Used @CAA app to request help, estimate was 40 minutes, they arrived in 25 with a flatbed truck that does fit into the laneway with new buildings both north and south. Opted to inflate the tire and drive the 2km to @CanadianTire nearby, we called ahead for an appointment and hope for an earlier slot. (Bakery Lane, Riverside neighbouthood, Toronto, Ontario) 20240906

McCowan Log House: One of three buildings of the Scarborough Museum, constructed the 1830s in Malvern, moved in 1948 to Morningside Heights, then finally to 1974 to current location in Thomson Memorial Park. City-owned buildings are accessible with ramps into structures from before Canada was a country. Donned an extra layer of clothing for a cooler autumn Sunday. (McCowan Log House, Scarborough Museum, Brimley Road, Scarborough, Ontario) 20240907

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre: Part of Vibrate / Still exhibition #NobuoKubota (2024) Lee88, part of the Intermedia series. Developer has filed for building designed and built by Moriyama Teshima Architects in 1963 to be demolished or altered for condominiums, facing resistance from city council and neighbours. Late Sunday afternoon quiet, with judo students enjoying after-lesson social plans. (Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, Sakuray Way, Don Mills, Ontario) 20240907

Kew-Balmy Beach: Bench conveniently located alongside the Boardwalk, with prime view of family playing baseball on the sand. Cool Sunday afternoon, the sun disappeared and a few drops of rain sprinkled later. Still lots of people strolling while talking, some with pets. (Kew Balmy Beach, Hubbard Bouldevard at Glen Manor Drive, Toronto, Ontario) 20240907

Pho Com Tam 168: Convening for early Saturday family dinner while grandfather is downtown. Schedules have been busy, it’s been a challenge to find a slot when everyone is available. Sons said this venue was a hangout under a different name when they were going to high school. (Pho Com Tam 168, Gerrard Street East, Toronto, Ontario) 20240907

Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf: Quick hometown day trip, five years since the Ing family officially fully decamped. Needed map navigation to find the steamships with Bay Street torn up for underground pipe replacement. I don’t recall James Street running behind the high school when I was growing up. (Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf, Bay Street, Gravenhurst, Ontario) 20240908

Market Street:: Languid noontime pace with @gisun_music “Never Met” as summer weather returned after a cold spell. Still tourist buses at top of street for St. Lawrence Market @OldTownToronto , with shoppers enjoying lunch in the sun. Musical intermission as a short break on a busy day, biking cross town. (Market Street, Toronto, Ontario) 20240911

The Gooderham:: Birthday celebration dancing with family and friends. We didn’t know what to expect, the group retreated to privacy when the choreographer arrived. Performance ended with vegan cake. (The Gooderham, Cherry Street, Distillery District, Toronto, Ontario) 20240914

The Gooderham:: Winding down the evening with the lights down, just dancing for selves, not for performance. Birthday celebration did offer dinner and cake, yet setup for deejay with hiphop and breaking is unusual for most families. Met again some friends that we say at the big party before the move to NYC, a few years back. (The Gooderham, Cheery Street, Distillery District, Toronto, Ontario) 20240914

Dundas Street East, west of Logan Avenue: Looking southwest, construction widening Bala Subdivision rail line that currently services the Go Train Richmond Hill line, will have additional tracks for the Ontario Line. Sidewalks are temporarily unpassable, road is narrowed to single lane each direction. Homes on Paisley Avenue that back onto this zone minimally get a reprieve from machines and trucks on a Sunday afternoon. (Dundas Street East, west of Logan Avenue, Riverside neighbourhood, Toronto, Ontario) 20240915

Notre Place Monument: Unveiled in 2018 on the Western Gateway Lawn at the south edge of Queens Park, monument represents the contribution of Franco Ontarians to building the province. Notre place (our home) has three parts: le sentier (the path), la forêt (the forest), and la clairière (the clearing). History counts back over 400 years to French explorer Samuel de Champlain mapping the land from 1613. (Notre Place Monument, College Street at University Avenue, Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario) 20240915

Market Street:: Lunchtime performance @oldtowntoronto @EmilyNSchultz singing The Sun, a tune inspired by the relationship with her sister. Singer-songwriter with inventive technique on hollow body electric guitar, plus added complexity with loop pedal. Monday seems to have more traffic on the street behind, with tourists still visiting the neighbourhood on a warm fall day. (Market Street, Toronto, Ontario) 20240917

Ikea North York: Friday night cheap date, shopping for ideas and buying nothing. Situation with a room with a second single bed that can’t be removed, looking at alternatives to repurpose the furniture for sitting by adding firmer deeper cushions. Store associate said that soft cushions can’t be bought separate from sofas, so we toured the fabrics sction. (Ikea, Provost Drive, North York Ontario) 20240920

Rosetta McClain Gardens: After flying in on red eye from Los Angeles, drove from Markham south to edge of Lake Ontario to look at flowers. Found a wedding party also doing portraits on a cloudy day. Rain started just as we departed from the park. (Rosetta McClain Gardens, Glen Everest Drive, Scarborough, Ontario) 20240921

Tim Hortons, Midland and Steeles: California resident taking in the Canadian experience in lineup for takeout breakfast. Observed fluid service roles with a senior role switching between cashier and expediting tasks, in a trying to speed up the customer queue. Located in the heart of the local Chinese community, tables were full of family and friends gathering on me a Sunday morning. (Tim Hortons, Midland Avenue at at Steeles Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario) 20240922

Varley Art Gallery: Hanging in a circle, Meera Sethi (2018-2023) Outerwhere is 12 used coats with mixed media. The winter coat is essential for Northern climates, for both physical and metaphorical protection. Articles sewn in by hand include toys, flowers, plastics, fibre crafts. (Varley Art Gallery, Main Street, Unionville, Ontario) 20240922

Maple Leaf Lounge, Domestic, Toronto Pearson Airport: Starting the trip to Italy in the domestic lounge, with a domestic Canadian VQA Sauvignon Blanc. Asked Omari to serve DY the smallest taste possible, we’re not really drinkers. Booked on a direct but not nonstop flight, so we may see the international lounge in Montreal. (Maple Leaf Lounge, Domestic, Toronto Pearson Airport) 20240925

Montreal Trudeau Airport: Transferring from domestic to international terminal, there’s an immediate sensory overload of duty free shops. Flying on the direct one-stop route, we enjoyed the privilege of marching across the airport with an entire passenger group travelling on the single flight number. First leg was on equipment coming from Frankfurt second leg is on plane from Nice. (Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport, Quebec) 20240925

Milano Centrale: Transferred from 50 minute Malpensa Express airport train to Milano Centrale, onto 2 hour regional train for Genova Brignole. Trenitalia app won’t install from Google Play store from Canada, so resorted to booking on kiosk near tracks. Wanted to take an earlier intercity train that is 30 minutes faster, but that was listed as unavailable. (Milano Centrale station, Italy) 20240926

Castello di Riomaggiore: Cloudy morning view east of vineyards cultivated since the 13th century. Castle was built in 1260, served as a cemetery in three 19th century. Slow ascent via steep roads and narrow pedestrian steps. Construction noise hammering somewhere in the village resounds everywhere. (Castello di Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italy) 20240927

Riomaggiore Marina: In the valley of Rivus Maior, the river flowing into the sea was buried under the street. The original founders of the village built 3 to 4 storey houses against the cliffs. As the clouds gave ways to the sun, the wind brought waves to crash against the breakwater. (Riomaggiore Marina, Cinque Terre, Italy) 20240927

Via dell’Amore: Booked ahead for the walk reopened just last month from Riomaggiore north to Manarola, bypassing the lineup of 100 people at the bottom of steps looking for tickets. Rockslide from 2012 injuring tourists are now precluded by metal mesh covering the east wall alongside the path. Names of Roman and Greek poets who wrote of love appear on plaques periodically, remembering couples from villages who would meet halfway between. (Via dell’Amore, Cinque Terre, Italy) 20240927

Mercato Orientale: First opened in 1899, the outdoor market on the east side of Genoa became covered. Sellers of fresh produce and local meats have stalls in the inner ring, with a semi-hidden outer ring of specialty products. Tastes of imported foods would seem to be against Italian tradition. (Mercato Orientale, Via XX Settembre, Genoa, Italy) 20240927

MOG Mercado Orientale Genoa: Modernization of the central core space in the larger product and meat market aims to attract trendy locals and foodie visitors. Acronym implying modernity reflects brightly-lit central area raised up a few steps from the traditional stalls of uncooked ingredients. At early dinnertime on a Thursday night, the restaurateurs were just opening up, and customers had not year arrived. (MOG Mercado Orientale Genoa, Via XX Settembre, Genoa, Italy). 20240927

Chiostro di Sant’Andrea: In the ruins of a monastery from the 12th century, the @BilbosaBand was doing a sound check 90 minutes before their live @teatrodelchiostro performance. Approaching the Porta Soprano walk, we heard drums and individual instruments in the 30-minutes setup. We were intrigued by the musicianship, but hanging out for an 8:30pm start wasn’t a good idea for Canadians trying to beat jet lag with early nights. (Chiostro di Sant’Andrea, St. Andrews Cloisters, Vico Dritto di Ponticello, Genoa Italy) 20240927

Dogali Funicular (Montegalletto Lift) from vertical to horizontal: Rode bus to upper station of the Dogali Funicular, the only lift in the world that switches from vertical to horizontal motion. Looking out the front door, counted about 20 florescent tubes on the way down, stopping with a pause to see motorized wheels on the track spinning. When the sister car arrived and started ascent, our car rolled south to the exit. (Dogali Funicular (Montegalletto Lift), Genoa, Italy) 20240928

Piazzale Porta del Molo, Porto Antico: Walked the Old Port from west to the Piazzale Porta del Molo, bypassing the Maritime Museum and Aquarium. Redeveloped in 1992, the area saw lots of families out for the Saturday afternoon. We didn’t notice any fishermen, they supposedly land on the western docks. (Piazzale Porta del Molo, Porto Antico, Genoa, Italy) 20240928

Via Banchi, Sottoripa: Walked the porticos (covered narrow lanes) originally initiated circa 1125 as an planned urban district by the consults of the Municipality of Genova for hosted shops, artisan workshops and warehouses. Originally close to docks by the harbour’s edge, piers extended the land further into the sea. Now has a variety of retail shops, with fresh fruit markets with open storefronts every few blocks. (Via Banchi, Sottoripa, Genoa, italy) 20240928

Comune di Genova: Amidst the grandeur of palaces on this street, we encountered a large group of well-dressed people. Late on this Saturday afternoon, we then saw a bride in a wedding dress. It seems as though civil ceremonies in Genoa city hall can be the size normally expected in churches, with a large number of guests. (Comune di Genova, Via Garibaldi, Genoa, Italy) 20240928

Genova Brignole station: One of seven Metaphor of Travel sculptures in Genoa spring to fall 2024, Bruno Catalano statue Simone is outside the Brignole train station, as we are departing. With a history of the Moroccan artist exiled to France as a teenager with his family, the suitcase symbolizes the baggage that we carry with us. Yesterday walking around the Piazza Ferrari, we saw the brother bronze, Khadine. (Genova Brignole station, Italy) 20240829

Lugano Stazione: Arrived at the primary destination for this trip, the train was packed to standing room with a lot of passengers getting off at Como, the last stop in Italy. Paused at the border for inspectors to check passports, Switzerland isn’t part of the EU. Coming from busy urban Genoa, this city seems more orderly and quiet. (Lugano Stazione, Switzerland) 20240929

Parco Ciani: Pedal boat on Lago di Lugano, looking south from the city at sunset. In the distance, the shore of comune Campione d’Italia to the east in Italy, and the peak of San Salvatore in Switzerland, where country borders are not straight lines. Leisure touring time is short with sunset around 7:00pm with meetings concluding at 5:30pm. (Parco Ciani, Lugano, Switzerland) 20240930

2024/08 Moments August 2024

August 31, 2024 daviding

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Summer finishing with family events, and lots of outdoor music performances, captured with a new mirrorless camera for video from mid-month

Toronto, Ontario

Centre for Social Innovation, Spadina:: Innovator drinks @csiTO with special #AbbyLitchfield performance at website launch for #FLARE #FinancialLeadershipForArtistsAndRisingEntrepreneurs professional corporation. Music a new original composition on concerns with climate change. Met some old friends, made some new connections. (Centre for Social Innovation, Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Ontario) 20240801

Mackenzie House: Noontime solo electric violin performance of “Farewell”, by @victoriayeh for @downtownyonge summer series. albeit a winter feel. In small courtyard, focusing on the music masked the construction noise of the building being erected directly north. Instrument has a low C string, plus an octaver setting for play low notes, all run through effects pedals including a looper. (Mackenzie House, Bond Street, Toronto, Ontario) 20240802

Newtwonbrook East: A 40th birthday party turned into a summer backyard partial family reunion. Cousins we knew as babies in the years before we had our own children. Our side appeared as the dinner crew, the other friends and family came for lunchtime in the all-day invitation. (Newtonbrook East neighbourhood, North York, Ontario) 20240803

Chow Eye Clinic: After over 40 years of wearing rigid contact lenses, switching to one soft lens for 3 months, in anticipation of cataract surgery. Hard contact lenses reshape the eye, the technicians can measure after not wearing soft lenses for a few days, rather than months for hard lenses. Now astigmatism isn’t corrected, and I have to wear reading glasses even to read my phone. (Chow Eye Clinic, Ferrier Street, Markham, Ontario) 20240809

Trillium Park: Dusk short set @wavelengthmusic by alt jazz fusion #LavenderTown band, named in reference to Pokemon. Specialists in reworking video game music, “Song of Storms” is from The Legend of Zelda. Casual event with mostly millennials sprawled out on the lawn, bike parking overfull with security guards prowling. (Trillium Park, Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto, Ontario) 20240810

Yonge Street at Farnham Avenue: Followed bike lane southbound through Yonge Street midtown, not a favoured route northbound due to incline. Path wends around CafeTO restaurant carve outs replacing parking spaces in the affulent neighbourhood. Ride home through Rosedale Valley Road considerably faster than the ride up over Millwood Overpass Bridge. (Yonge Street at Farnham Avenue, Midtown, Toronto, Ontario) 20240816

Varley Art Gallery of Markham: Solos @ChrisDonnelly99 piano, #TaraDavidson sax, #LaurenFalls bass, @ErnestoCervini drums, on Nowhere Girl @nickyschrire @markhamjazzfest. A few famous musicians in the audience, alumni of Toronto who now live in the USA. Performance moved inside, with rain cancellation the two open air venues down the street. (Varley Art Gallery of Markham, Main Street Unionville, Ontario) 20240817

Varley Art Gallery of Markham: Composition of “A Little Louder Please” #LaurenFall bass, with #TaraDavidson sax doubled by @NickySchrire on wordless voice, accompanied by @ChrisDonnelly99 piano, @ErnestoCervini drums @markhamjazzfest. Vocalist and bass player knew each other in graduate school in NYC, now both in Toronto. Rain re-asserted with thunder, glad to be inside the only one of three festival venues under cover. (Varley Art Gallery of Markham, Main Street Unionville, Ontario) 20240817

Varley Art Gallery of Markham: Still yet unrecorded Daffodil @RobertLeeMusic bass, #RoaLee @roa_gayageum, @AllisonAu sax, @jay.myoo guitar, #Jen.Lo piano, #AndrewMccarthy drums, @markhamjazzfest. Larger ensemble than first performance I saw at Distillery District in May. Fortunate to have an indoor venue, the rain squashed the possibility of playing on the patio. (Varley Art Gallery of Markham, Main Street, Unionville, Ontario) 20240817

Varley Art Gallery of Markham: Introduction by #Roa’Lee gayageum on composition about Korean mountain and drumming pattern @RobertLeeMusic bass, accompanied by @AllisonAu sax, @jay.m.yoo, #JenLo piano, #AndrewMcCarthy drums, @markhamjazzfest. Bandleader filled in with patter about growing up in Markham not speaking Korean, now getting language help from bandmates. Korean zither took a few minutes between songs for tuning, and then more adjustments while other players took lead. (Varley Art Gallery of Markham, Main Street, Unionville, Ontario) 20240817

Village of Yorkville Park: Relaxed afternoon “Paradise” @kublamusic_boi guitar, with #CameronTinklenberg keyboards and #AustinGembora drums on Sunday @BloorYorkville . Trio configuration in daytime, will have 6-piece band at upcoming nightclub date. Sunny break, but bank was watching clouds overhead, for heavy rainfall warning. (Village of Yorkville Park, Cumberland Street, Toronto, Ontario) 20240818

Village of Yorkville Park: Audience requested “Changes” @kublamusic_boi guiar, with #CameronTinklenberg keyboards and #AustinGembora on Sunday @BloorYorkville . Song was one of the earliest official releases by the band. Trio configuration in daytime, will have 6-piece band at upcoming nightclub date. Also call outs for some other covers, but maybe too obscure for a casual gig. (Village of Yorkville Park, Cumberland Street, Toronto, Ontario) 20240818

Spadina Chinatown: West half of street closed to southbound traffic @TOChinatownBIA Festival. South of Dundas Street the fragrance of food stalls with frying and stinky tofu is hard to escape. North of Dundas Street were merchandise vendors. Stages at both ends, wall-to-wall people. (Spadina Avenue at Grange Avenue, Chinatown, Toronto, Ontario) 20240818

Edwards Gardens: Annual ritual repeated for the 39th time on a busy Saturday afternoon. Gardens busier than on weekdays, we waited for a wedding party to leave, and saw another coming after us. Camera was set up on tripod, we asked a groomsman to trip the shutter, I hadn’t noticed that we’ve blocked off the view of the lady in limestone. (Edwards Gardens, Lawrence Avenue East, Don Mills, Ontairo) 20240824

Commissioners Street Bridge: Looking upstream, the north plug wall has not yet been removed, tracing the westbound turn where water was unnaturally routed into the Keating Channel since the 1890s. Renaturalizing the river restores marshlands, filled in a new district called the Villiers Island precinct. On the east side, Don Roadway is closed until sometime in 2025. (Commissioners Street Bridge, Port Lands, Toronto, Ontario) 20240825

Toronto Music Garden: Outdoor performance of Kyoto by @UofTMusic Percussion Ensemble quintet, mostly uninterrupted by boat engines roaring in the Inner Harbour. Premiered in 2011 by New Zealander #JohnPsathas , the music was inspired by a 1976 improvisation by Keith Jarrett in that city in Japan. Full audience, appreciative on a Sunday afternoon. (Toronto Music Garden, Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario) 20240825

Toronto Botanical Garden: Flowers in full bloom with ‪@alexisbaro at Edwards Summer Music Series as dusk. Single woman up front, dancing as if no one is watching. Full audience, parking lot full. (Toronto Botanical Garden, Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario) 20240829

Village of Yorkville Park: Noontime gig @BloorYorkville dropping into #BennettYoung bass solo, with #ChrisPlatt guitar and #RobinClaxton drums, a challenge to name that tune extends to minutes. Trio discussed the standards to be played a few minutes before each, to check if each might remember playing it recently. Other tunes were interrupted by roars of jets overhead, rehearsing for the Canadian International Air Show officially starting tomorrow. (Village of Yorkville Park, Cumberland Street, Toronto, Ontario) 20240830

Mel Lastman Square: First act on Saturday @tujazzfest stage, #leocodiga and the #SouthwestCorridor playing “True”. Band of university studies left Montreal at 5:30am to attend this festival. Audience in bright August sun, from the bleacher concrete steps. (Mel Lastman Square, Yonge Street, North York, Ontario) 20240831

Mel Lastman Square: Saturday afternoon ‪@tujazzfest‬ ‪#EmmettHodgins Coast Group playing tunes with strange titles like Dingle bop? Concluding an album release and touring as a band, composed new music on the road. Folding chairs put under tents for shade, clearer view of raised stage still from the concrete bleachers. (Mel Lastman Square, Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario) 20240831

Distractions, reflections

David Ing, at large … Sometimes, my mind wanders

2025/01 Moments January 2025

2024/12 Moments December 2024

2024/11 Moments November 2024

2024/10 Moments October 2024

2024/09 Moments September 2024

2024/08 Moments August 2024

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