Summer Festivals

There are so many great summer festivals coming up in the GTA,

and probably in your area too!

Here are a few that I think are worth checking out...

NXNE

Indie Festival at venues, bars, clubs and cafes across Toronto.  

A nice way to enjoy a few patios in mid June.

Sound of Music Festival

Totally FREE Festival full of food, drinks, crafts, rides, bands and street parties.

Toronto Jazz Festival

June 24- July 3, Chill Toronto Festival, Aretha Franklin for FREE plus so many others!

Canada Day Celebrations at Downsview Park, Toronto

I'll be celebrating Canada Day at this Festival to start off my cottage vacation,

it's gonna be sweeeet!

Rock the Bells

I was so lucky to go to the concert last summer in San Francisco.  

It was an amazing experience 

and I'd be lucky to road-trip it up to NYC or Boston this summer!

Tosh.O

Funny man is on tour this summer, maybe in your area!

Things I love right now

* picking which sport I feel like playing today,

basketball… softball… yoga… running… biking,

the sunshine energizes everyone.

***

* trying to even out my tan lines, 

I am ½ ghostly white, ¼ rosy red and ¼ bronze goddess.

***

* getting my vegetable garden started, 

saving egg shells for fertilizer, watching for the bumble bees to visit and pollenate, 

and very patiently waiting for flowers and fruits.

***

* checking out leagues in my area,

picking new sports like softball or starting up a favourite like beach volleyball,

or both!

***

 * designing the grocery list around my bbq desires,

homemade hamburgers, cheddar smokies and roasted red peppers.

***

I often wonder why I live in a part of the world with only 3 months of summer,

but contemplation of that issue will have to wait until the sun disappears again!


We’re not stuck inside anymore!

"Breathing in, I know that I am Breathing in...

... Breathing out, I know that I am Breathing out..."

Thich Nhat Hanh ~ Internationally known Vietnamese Zen Buddhist Monk

Over the past few days, 

I have realized when and where I easily enjoy a sense of mindfulness-

While doing the dishes,

basking in the sun, 

near the trickle of my fish tank filter,

but especially while doing my vinyasa practice.

The determination required for my advanced practice is a perfect catalyst to focus my mind to the present and remain present for nearly 75 minutes.

And some days, I simply sit and breathe and think, 

Breathing in, I am aware of my eyes...

...Breathing out, I am thankful I can see...

What works for you?