Virtual Buffalo visit

Scorcher of a weekend in Toronto. I did do some walking, however; I'm trying very hard to not let bad weather and temperature interfere. I find that much of it is a mental game. When I'm starting to feel uncomfortable (whether it's in a downpour or a heat wave, etc.), I try to put myself in "outdoors camping mode."

By this, I mean getting myself into a headspace where minor (or sometimes major) discomforts fall by the wayside, and I can therefore focus on and enjoy working toward the bigger goal. It's almost a meditative state, I find, but it's also a good mental exercise that helps build stamina as well as being good for life perspective.



Anyway, I got further on my Virtual Con Walk and reached Buffalo! After browsing Rust Belt Books, Rand, Erin and I went for a virtual dinner at Fat Bob's Smokehouse; I had Fat Bob's Tenderloin Tip Sandwich w/Peppers, Onions & Melted Cheese. Afterward we strolled around Allentown and ended up having drinks at Nietzche's.

Many thanks to Erin and Rand for their help with my virtual visit. :-)



I had mentioned recently that I've been listening to audiobooks on my walks. My current read/listen: French Women For All Seasons by Mireille Guiliano. Though I find some of her ideas a tad impractical, I do like one of her basic messages: make the most of every moment, savour every enjoyable sensation. I agree with her idea that most of us tend to rush through meals and also eat too much, for example.

Yes, the idea is an old one -- eat more slowly and you'll likely eat less. But she expresses this so eloquently and so sensually ... she could spend about ten minutes describing how to eat a BANANA, for example, but it's fascinating throughout. Her book is especially good as an audio experience on a walk because I find myself looking around more, being more aware of physical sensations (sweat running down my back, cool rain on my face, etc.) in a good way.



Inevitably, I get home and immediately want to write a poem, or work on my fiction writing. And then eat a banana, of course. :-)



Above: "Baby" for Illustration Friday last week.




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