When we bought our house in late 1999, the garden was a blank slate – it was all grass. I’ll confess that I may have gotten a little carried away during the planning stages. I grew up in downtown Toronto and we had a postage stamp front yard and a concrete backyard. Our house is in midtown Toronto and it has a nice sized front and backyard. I spent a lot of time pouring over gardening magazines and websites, looking for the perfect plants.
What follows are pictures of thirteen trees and shrubs that we planted after buying our house.
1. Japanese Maple
My neighbors have a Japanese Maple in their front yard. I love them and just had to have one as well, so we planted ours in the backyard.
2. Skyline Honeylocust
I love the dappled shade of our Honeylocust. It was no more than a twig when we planted it eight years ago and is now a nice-sized tree.
3. Serviceberry
Serviceberries are the perfect four season tree. In the spring they’re covered with delicate white flowers. In summer the tree has blueberry-colored berries. In the fall it has the beautiful orange leaves you see below. In the winter the many twisted stems provide nice structure for the garden.
4. High Bush Cranberry
Pretty white flowers in the spring, lovely groups of berries in the summer. I’m also amazed at how tall this shrub has grown.
5. Golden Mockorange
I love the light green color of the leaves of this Mockorange.
6. Dogwood Shrub
Pretty variegated leaves during the spring and summer, and bright red stems in the winter.
7. Dwarf Burning Bush
I love the bright red color of the Burning Bush during the fall. It complements the yellow leaves of our Honeylocust very nicely.
8. Purple Leaf Sandcherry
Pretty light pink flowers in the spring, lovely dark purple leaves in the summer.
9. Butterfly Bush
Butterflies really are attracted to this thing! Our butterfly bush is covered with monarch butterflies during the summer.
10. Rose of Sharon
This shrub is very popular in my neighborhood. I fell in love with it and it took me a while to find out what it was, but as soon as I did I bought the one pictured below.
11. Pussy Willow
After a long winter, seeing the catkins on our Pussy Willow is always a very welcome sight.
12. Forsythia
Following the Pussy Willow catkins, out come the flowers on our two Forsythias.
13. Tinkerbelle Lilac
Unfortunately, our Tinkerbelle Lilac didn’t survive the winter a couple of years ago. I loved the delicate light pink flowers that bloomed after traditional lilacs faded.
I don’t actually have a lot of pictures of my garden. I should remedy that. For now, though, I’m going to share a picture I took of my front yard when a dump truck took down some power lines. This picture was taken a couple of years ago and the tree is already quite a bit taller.
Music is an amazing thing. It lives on, often in the background, as a soundtrack to our lives. I’ve always loved listening to music and still have a massive CD collection from pre-mp3 days. When I started writing, however, something interesting happened. Some songs started to spark story ideas for me. And when music isn’t inspiring new ideas, often it will put me in the frame of mind to write. I can’t actually write while music is playing – I get too wrapped up in the lyrics of a song, which distracts me from my own writing. I do, though, often listen to various playlists I’ve created to help set the mood for me before I write.
What follows are thirteen songs that either put me in the mood to write, have inspired stories I’ve written, or demand that I write a story for them.
I’m Still Searching – Glass Tiger
I actually did write a story inspired from this song. It was posted on the internet back when I was treating writing as a hobby (i.e., when my twin daughters were young and I could barely think straight, let alone attempt to pursue writing for publication.) *
If We Ever Meet Again – Timbaland
I had a very strong reaction to this song when I first heard it. The basic plot for a new book came to me pretty much fully formed right away. I have other writing projects I need to finish first, though, before I can even think about writing it.
Paralyzer – Finger Eleven
This song is the theme song for my favorite couple from another story I wrote and posted online. I’m seriously considering revamping it and rewriting it as a traditional book.*
The Enemy – Godsmack
Anyone who’s known me in the past would be very surprised to find Godsmack (or Hinder) on my list. I was an 80′s new wave kinda girl. When I started writing, however, something strange happened. Songs I never would have listened to in the past started to grab me by the throat. It’s all about the lyrics and the story a song paints. This one … well, I can’t share too much right now, but I really hope I have the chance to write the book that goes along with this song.
Serenity – Godsmack
I was already writing my current novel (it’s finished and I’m editing it now) when I heard my husband play this song. I remember sitting there, stunned. It is absolutely perfect as a theme song for my current book.
Mr. Brightside – The Killers
This song is also a theme song of sorts for my current novel.
Heaven Sent – Hinder
“Heaven Sent” is the perfect soundtrack for a romance novel. It’s a “hey, I’ve known you all my life but I’ve only just realized you’re amazing and I think I love you” song. Hinder has become one of my favorite bands because of the emotion in their lyrics. They may be bad-boy rockers, which isn’t really my thing, but I can overlook that and appreciate the brilliance of their song writing.
Thing for You – Hinder
The raw emotion in this song really gets to me.
Can’t Breathe – Dido
I know there was already an excellent television show that used this song as its theme song (Roswell). I loved that show, but when I hear this song all I can think about is the story I really want to write that draws on the song’s emotions.
Summer Lovin’ – John Travolta and Olivia Newton John
Good girl meets bad boy. Need I say more?
Love Song (Acoustic) – The Cure
The acoustic version of The Cure’s “Love Song” haunts me. Listen to it and tell me if it doesn’t evoke the image of a tortured romance hero.
Whataya Want From Me – Adam Lambert
Another tortured hero song that makes me itch to write every time I hear it.
Bring Me To Life – Evanescence
The story I have in mind for this song is a paranormal one.
And there you have it, thirteen songs that either make me itch to open up a new document and start working on a new project, or that put me in the proper head space to help me work on my current WIPs. I’d love to hear what song/s do the same for you.
*I mention that I’ve posted a few stories online. Those stories are no longer available (although I have no idea if anyone who read them bothered to save a copy.) I thought long and hard about whether I wanted them to stand as is, but in the end decided that I wasn’t comfortable with those stories floating around out there. They were stories that I wrote and posted, serial style, and were, in essence, first drafts. Since my goal is to become a professional author, I want the stories that I make available to be as polished as I can make them. I will probably offer free stories again at some point, and when I do I promise they won’t be first drafts.
1. Draco Malfoy (from Harry Potter) and I have something in common – we both have mothers named Narcisa.
2. I’m a Trekker! Being in Toronto I’ve attended more than a few Toronto Trek (now called Polaris) conventions over the years with my brother. I’ve also dragged my husband to a couple of them. (He accuses me of geekifying him. It’s true.)
3. I’ve been known to fall in love with one of my characters. I’m sure this is something I have in common with many other writers.
4. Despite the fact that I have a specialist degree in English Literature, the highest marks on my university transcripts are for Calculus, Computer Science, and Astronomy (the last was a half course to which I treated myself in final year.)
5. I used to post original fiction in a gaming forum and even had a Livejournal account dedicated to one of those stories. In fact, I’m still a moderator for that forum (though in a lesser capacity now.)
6. I’m certified to teach in the province of Ontario.
7. I’m in an interfaith marriage. I’m a practicing Catholic while my husband is Jewish.
8. I hate summer. There, I said it. I take no joy in sweating, and laying out in the sun somewhere while my skin roasts bores me to tears. The last time I tried to sunbathe I was in high school. I lasted about five minutes before I thought, “This is so stupid!” and went inside to do something more interesting. Besides, I quite like my natural skin tone.
9. I hate conflict and like the fact that my life is a drama-free zone. Some might think that’s boring, but the lack of stress in my life is more than worth it.
10. I’m shy. Not debilitating shy. I will talk to strangers and can get up in front of a room full of people and wing a presentation. Ask me to attend a party, though, and I run screaming into the night.
11. I never learned how to ride a bicycle.
12. Nor do I know how to drive. Good thing I live in a major city with an amazing transportation system!
Thirteen is my lucky number. I was born on March 13 and the 13th has always been a good day for me. So much so that my husband and I chose to get married on April 13. We’ve been married for 14 years, together for 19, and we’re still going strong.
I’ve acquired quite an impressive collection of writing books since deciding I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. What follows is a list of thirteen writing books I’ve read that have earned keeper status on my research shelf. Trust me when I say this is only a sampling!
1. The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron
This one’s a classic and I think everyone should try to work though the program at least once. I learned so much about myself as a writer when I followed the weekly lessons.
2. Goal, Motivation and Conflict, Debra Dixon
Another must read. I was fortunate enough to attend a workshop taught by Debra Dixon at Toronto Romance Writers years ago and I just learned that she’s coming back and will be doing another workshop here in September. (Details here.)
3. Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg
4. Scene and Structure, Jack M. Bickham
Part of Writer’s Digest “Elements of Fiction Writing” series.
5. Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Renni Browne and Dave King
6. The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, Christopher Vogler
This one builds upon Joseph Campbell’s groundbreaking work on myth and the hero’s journey. If you don’t read this particular book, you should definitely familiarize yourself with Campbell’s work.
7. On Writing, Stephen King 8. The War of Art, Steven Pressfield
9. Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott
This book has made it onto many “best writing books” lists and it deserves those spots. I read this book many years ago, but one technique that she describes still resonates with me today for dealing with those times when you are feeling overwhelmed by the task before you – the concept of the one-inch picture frame. I remember reading it and thinking, “That is brilliant!” (pp. 17-18)
… and I finally notice the one-inch picture frame that I put on my desk to remind me of short assignments.
It reminds me that all I have to do is to write down as much as I can see through a one-inch picture frame. This is all I have to bite off for the time being. All I am going to do right now, for example, is write that one paragraph that sets the story in my hometown, in the late fifties, when the trains were still running. I am going to paint a picture of it, in words, on my word processor. Or all I am going to do is to describe the main character the very first time we meet her, when she first walks out the front door and onto the porch. I am not even going to describe the expression on her face when she first notices the blind dog sitting behind the wheel of her car–just what I can see through the one-inch picture frame, just one paragraph describing this woman, in the town where I grew up, the first time we encounter her.
10. Fearless Creating, Eric Maisel
11. On Writer’s Block, Victoria Nelson
12. Writing from the Heart, Lesléa Newman
This one is great for providing you with ideas when you want to freewrite or just work on an exercise to practice your craft.
13. Guide to Fiction Writing, Phyllis A. Whitney
This was my first writing book. The one that started the obsession. Whitney talks about her writing binders, and I’ll admit that I have a few of my own lying around.
I do, of course, have more writing books that I somehow never got around to reading. Are there any writing books you would recommend? Leafing through these books while coming up with this list has made me nostalgic for a good writing how-to book.
Last week I stated that one of the benefits of living in Toronto is the varied theater scene. I’ve seen a number of theatrical productions over the years. Dramas, comedies, and of course, musicals. Today I thought I’d share some of the musical productions I’ve seen.
1. Beauty and the Beast Beauty and the Beast was the first movie my husband and I saw together when we started dating, so when the musical came to Toronto we jumped at the chance to see it for our tenth wedding anniversary.
2. Sunset Boulevard
“And now, Mr. DeMille, I am ready for my close-up.”
3. Phantom of the Opera
I’ll admit, I was a little disappointed with Phantom. It played here for a number of years before we got around to seeing it and in my opinion it didn’t live up to its hype.
4. Aida
5. Mamma Mia
6. Tommy
My husband is a huge The Who fan, so we saw this one for his birthday.
7. Me and My Girl
I saw this many, many years ago with my two sisters. Before Tim Curry’s IT days, when he could still play the romantic male lead. I have the soundtrack for this one on vinyl!
8. Fiddler on the Roof
I’ve also seen this twice. The first time many years ago with Topol, and more recently my mother, my sisters and I saw it again. Topol was supposed to perform, but had to bow out due to illness. I’ll admit I was thrilled to pieces to learn that Harvey Fierstein was scheduled to play the lead and I thought he was great. I’ve loved him since seeing his amazing movie, Torch Song Trilogy.
9. The Sound of Music
This is another one I saw with my mother and two sisters.
10. Showboat
When we saw this one, I remember panicking when the show was over and the lights started to come on because I was still crying.
11. Forever Plaid
12. Crazy for You
13. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
We saw the production with Donny Osmond and loved it so much we saw it again when it returned to Toronto. I might also have the CD and a tape of the production. (That reminds me, I should check to see if I can get it on DVD or Blu-Ray.)
You just have to love an Elvis-styled Pharoah.
There you have it – thirteen musicals I’ve seen live. There are, of course, many more I’d love to see. How about you?
It’s no secret that I’m a proud Torontonian. I was born here and have lived here my whole life. Toronto is a world class city with a population of 2.48 million people and 5.5 million in the Greater Toronto Area. Today I wanted to share some of the reasons why Toronto is such a great place to live.
1. Shopping
If you like shopping, Toronto has it! From the high end stores of Yorkville (check out the list of stores here) to Queen Street West to the many smaller boutiques and Kensington Market, there’s something for everyone.
2. Theatre
We have a very active and varied theatre scene in Toronto. Right now you can catch Billy Elliott, 9 to 5, Glee Live, Cirque du Soleil, The Addams Family, Lion King, Ghost Stories, Madagascar Live, Chess, Mary Poppins, American Idiot, Memphis, Noel Coward’s Private Lives (with Kim Cattrall). We have a world class symphony, an opera house, and a ballet company. If you enjoy theatre, Toronto is the place to be! We’re also within driving distance of The Stratford Festival and The Shaw Festival.
The view from Toronto's islands
3. Center Island
Did you know Toronto has islands? An oasis is just a short ferry ride away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto. As well as beaches and parkland (and a small residential area) there’s a topless beach on Hanlan’s Point and an amusement part (Centreville) for the little ones on the main island.
4. High Park
New York has Central Park, we have High Park – 399 acres in the middle of Toronto. And every summer you can catch a production of Shakespeare in the Park.
5. Art Galleries and Museums
There’s the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Bata Shoe Museum to name just a few. There are also many smaller galleries.
Royal Ontario Museum
6. The Science Centre
There’s something for young and old alike at the Science Center.
The CN Tower's Edge Walk
7. CN Tower
You can catch a breathtaking view of Toronto from the CN Tower before dining in the 360 restaurant. For the thrill seekers among us (a group to which I definitely don’t belong!) they just introduced a new attraction – the Edge Walk. Excuse me while I go shudder.
8. The Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world. 710 acres, six miles of walking trails, over 5000 animals representing 500 species … and hey, soon we’ll have pandas, too!
9. Skydome
They may call it the Rogers Centre now, but it will always be Skydome to me. Home to the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Argonauts. It was the first stadium to have a fully-retractable motorized roof. There’s also an attached hotel that has 70 rooms which overlook the field.
10. Canada’s Wonderland
Toronto has it’s own amusement park!
The stately Royal York hotel
11. Afternoon Tea at the Royal York Hotel
The Royal York opened in 1929 and was the tallest building in the British Commonwealth at the time. It hearkens back to a more stately time and is one of the most elegant buildings in Toronto. Today you can still visit the Royal York for afternoon high tea.
12. Multiculturalism
Canada celebrates multiculturalism and Canadians are encouraged to embrace their cultural background. Nowhere is this more evident than in Toronto, which is made up of a vast number of cultures. Over 140 languages and dialects are spoken here, and just over 30 per cent of Toronto residents speak a language other than English or French at home. Sections of the city have become known for the people who live there and their shops. We have Little Italy, Little Portugal, Little India, Danforth (Greek Town), China Town, etc.
13. Toronto International Film Festival
Every September Hollywood travels north for the Toronto Film Festival. It lasts for eleven days and between 300-400 films are screened during that time. If you’re a cinephile or a celebrity watcher, Toronto is the place to be in September.
And there you have it. Thirteen reasons why it’s great to live in, or visit Toronto. There’s so much more I could have added, but I’ll stop there for today.
For my first Thursday 13 post I thought I’d share a few of my favorite things.
1. 80s music
I know this will date me, but the 80s is my musical decade – the time when I first discovered music in a big way. A lot of 80s new wave bands will always have a piece of my heart.
2. Reading
I love books so much I obtained a specialist degree in English Literature.
3. My Kobo ereader
I have the white one with the pearlized lilac backing. Pretty and just all around awesome.
Shelf of Wonder
4. The internet
5. Twitter
6. Star Trek
I’ve been known to attend a Star Trek convention or two. (*cough* 25th anniversary convention in LA *cough*)
7. My Shelf of Wonder picture
A pictorial tribute to the wonder of children’s books. By the way, I bought it years ago at the Toronto Polaris convention. Back when it was still known as Toronto Trek (they usually have an art show.)
8. Office supplies
Pens, paper, journals. You name it, I’m addicted to it. My husband quakes when I slow down in the pen isle at Staples.
9. Coffee
10. My Tassimo
My wonderful husband bought me a Tassimo last Christmas. I’m addicted to the Chai Tea Latte and I’ve heard a rumor that there’s a Green Tea Latte for the Tassimo floating around out there. I adore Green Tea Lattes and simply must find a store that carries it.
11. Sleep
There’s nothing better than snuggling up in your own bed. I especially like lazy weekend mornings in bed.
12. Toronto
What can I say? I was born and raised in Toronto and am a city girl through and through. The country scares me.
13. Romance novels
Who doesn’t love a good love story?
There you have it – a few of my favorite things. As a bonus, I’ll throw in a nod to The Sound of Music. What are some of your favorites?
Thirteen is my lucky number. I was born on March 13 and the 13th has always been a good day for me. So much so that my husband and I chose to get married on April 13. We’ve been married for 14 years, together for 19, and we’re still going strong. 
10. My Tassimo