Canada Day

Just sitting here relaxing. Realized it has been a few days since I last posted. On my ride this morning, I worked out some pretty darn impressive blog posts. Now, well now I'm drawing a blank. I'm trying to remember the great epiphanies and ground breaking thoughts I conjured up while pedaling along. I'm starting to wonder if I really did have these great thoughts or if I'm in la-la land... For my own confidence and sanity, I'll stick with the former...

Here goes nothing. This could be good. Or it could be weak. My sincerest apologies if this little post does turn out to be weak. But don't say I didn't warn you. You can turn back now. Ah, heck stick with me, you and I really never know what is going to happen.

Can I simply say this? I am reading an incredible novel right now. Yes, I know, I admit it. I seem to write daily about the incredible novel I'm reading. But this time I really truly deeply madly mean it. This author is kind of new to me. I had dabbled with his earliest work but found it to a bit of a messed up fantasy. But I'd read some great reviews of his current novel and most importantly had listened to a number of interviews with this dude. It was his attitude and perspective that brought me on board. So impressed, I bought his novel in hardcover. (This is huge for me - I'm cheap and pragmatic.) Without further hype here it is:

Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey.

Yes, that James Frey. Don't judge. Simply read the novel. The use of language, texture, imagery and personalities is woven together in a very tight story. This is one of these novels I am carrying around with me. Into the kitchen while I make my tea. Into bed for an hour or so of pre-bed reading. Basically pretty much everywhere. I really am hooked.

Bright Shiny Morning is so very different from my most recent novels (Still Alice and Remembering the Bones). Perhaps this is why I'm so enthralled by it. Whatever it is, I'm digging it. But please note, this is not to discount my previous reads. This Frey novel is just so far from them that it is refreshing and terrifying. It makes me wonder what else I've missed.

So it is Canada Day. July 1. Big day for us Canadians. Funny until I moved to Ottawa, I didn't really think of or really notice Canada Day. For a long time it simply meant I'd get paid time and a half during my shift at my summer job (Kentucky Fried Chicken in Nipawin, SK.) But when living in the nation's capital, this day takes over. It almost takes on mythical status - up there with New Year's Eve. For weeks people discuss Canada Day and their plans. Like New Year's Eve, this hallowed birthday can either be a boom or bust. For the first time though, I was hit with thoughts about Canada. Precisely how darn lucky I am to be living here. I suppose it is thanks to the media that I realize how fortunate I am. Sure, it would be "cool" to live somewhere else (like Belgium) but really I have it pretty darn fine here in Canada. Case in point, I'm free to have this web site and to basically write whatever I choose. I live in a country where my rights are recognized and I'm encouraged to live my life to the fullest. Being different is not a reason for persecution. Freedom and expression are there for the taking. Where am I going with this? I guess I just want you to take a second to look around you. Remember how fortunate you are. Yes, there may be some bad stuff in your life, but all in all, you and I have it pretty darn fine compared to a lot of people in this world. Happy Canada Day!

The other night, Marc and I watched One Week. Wow, what a movie. In fact a perfect movie to watch on Canada Day. This movie does two things really well: it captures Canada on the screen and it makes you think. What would you do if you knew you had one day left? What about one week? How about one month? Really something to think about. The next question is, if you know how you would spend this last day/week/month - then why aren't you doing it right now? Why are you saving these things for that time? You just never know.

This morning on Canada AM, the program basically showed some of the hosts' favorite interviews from the past year. One stuck out for me. Seamus did an intervie with a really young piano prodigy. I think this little pianist was 8 years old. Anyway, during the interview this little kid said simply pretty profound "You have to try to try".

Try to try.

Wow. This is pretty good advice. From an 8 year old.

Speaking of advice and inspiration, you need to check out Ray Zahab's TED talk. Ray is a pretty darn inspirational guy. He is a professional endurance athlete. Ray has run across the Sahara Dessert. Name an endurance event or record and chances are Ray has competed, won and set the record. Crazy. But what is even more crazy is that 5 years ago, Ray was a sedentary smoker. He had a breakthrough one day and realized life was passing him by. Now at the age of 40 he travels the world competing, raising funds for a number of charities, inspiring kids, and doing motivational speaking. This guy is pure passion. So go to the WWW and download his TED talk. Then go check out his web site. Then buy Running the Sahara. This is a fantastic movie. If these things don't provide you with some motivation and drive, then really, I don't know what will.

Here is my last little nugget that I stumbled upon yesterday: there is no wish, there is only do.

Comments

[Dad]

Watched One Week, as you suggested. Do you remember our epic, non-stop drive through all those northern Ontario towns? (1992, I think).