i went to breakfast at the golden griddle again -

the older i get the more structured and habitual -

i have been there 3 mornings in a row -
and have gotten the same meal - each time -

it is good everytime -and it seems to be good for my insides


i sat in the corner spot by the window read the
health news paper - and watched from the warm diner, the cold wind blow outside up here in Toronto

A young man came in and then chose to sit outside on the patio -

kind of monk like/thug like clothes -

blue pants loose jacket and knit cap - spectacles and earings

he sat there in the cold and I watched him -

the face betrayed his sweetness - he pulled out a bible - a cigarette - and started reading -

the waitress smiled at me and said - i really wish i didn't have to go out there - but she went happily -

served him coffee and water -

and he sat there reading in the cold air -

reading and smiling like a young priest might
as his looked around - at the her -
and the sunshine -

a great face this man had -

thoughtful intelligent hands moved the coffee - his wrappers and satchel -

and it was just neat to see that this part of
life -
in today's culture

is alive and well -

he was definitely a man of contemplative -
faith -

a young man with a red goatee knit cap fair fair skin - a baby face -

blue eyes and glasses -

perhaps studying in preparation to the clergy -

dunno - he looked super -

it was great sunday sight -

i left there -

and felt somehow inspired to follow
my own destiny and as usual

walk down the street i did before,

through the Queens park and U Toronto -

watched the black and grey squirrels -

they would stand and peek over at me
and then eat some more

a good morning -

happy sunday

peace -

mark

I haven't had a chance to get out yet today. I've been layed up with a bum foot. But, within the next couple of hours, I hope to take a walk like yours.
We usually head down through PSU's campus, past the rising condos, and turn downtown, toward the river.
We have several water features in our river front park, and some of your geese who winter here.
With a turn through our esplanade/marina we head back up toward our car and the blazing fall foliage.
A pleasant Sunday to all,

David

Hi All,

I just wanted to add my thoughts about Buddhism. My first introduction to Buddhism (in this lifetime) came from my T, about 7 years ago when I was first recalled my abuse. He recommended a book by Pema Chodron, a Buddhist nun, called "The Places that Scare Us." It was like an awakening. She also wrote "When Things Fall Apart," which I cracked again during this most recent round of recovery.

Although I consider my self a Buddhist practitioner, the path has not been without struggle. It was only when I started meditating and studying regularly, in fact, that I was able to tap into the magnitude of SCA on my life. In that way, Buddhism has been amazingly positive. But painful.

Intellectually, I tend to believe the Buddhist presentation of karma. I have, however, "misused" Buddhist teachings on karma to perpetuate my habit of self-abuse: I've done bad deeds, therefore, I will surely experience a bad result, which leads me to anxiety and fear, which reinforces that I'm a bad person, etc.

I have found Buddhism to be of great value and know that my spiritual path will be of great benefit to my recovery. As I was raised a very cynical atheist, this is quite a step for me (though I know some atheists who definitely have a spiritual path).

Mark,

I had to chuckle when you mentioned the "black squirrels".

Your fair city is the only place I ever saw the things. Evil looking critters chuttering about in the parks. Took me a while to get used to them. Still don't think I'd ever really care to have them around.

That was the only thing I didn't find fascinating about Toronto while I was there.

I know this post doesn't particularly address the subject matter but I had to have a chuckle about those wretched squirrels.

John

wow -

i think they are so cute!

there are 3 types of squirrels here -

the black ones - the grey ones -

and i have noticed a couple of hybrid ones -

that are like red brown - - with like sometimes a golden quality - almost like a peroxided look!

i feeed them a lot - did so yesterday - their personalities or so funny -

I was tell Larry about it -

Oops! Posted my Buddhism thoughts to the wrong thread. Sorry!

Mark,

Please understand, I am an animal lover at heart, but there was just something about those black squirrels that gave me the willies.

The other colored ones I had no problem with. Kind of cute, really. Just the black ones were a problem.

I guess it is my problem and mine alone. I'm sure the squirrels don't care what I think of them!

Here's hoping you have a good week.

Courage,

John

thanks -