Cindy B.
@eclecta
Nerd. Arsenal supporter. COVID-avoider. Writing about issues and books is a way I try to reinforce/challenge my learning. Too enthusiastic and curious to be cool. She/her. Toronto
The tulle (gauzy white fabric) is to keep the plants from being a cat’s salad bar. (It works! And Maggie would otherwise be a very enthusiastic grazer.) There is a cozy woolen cat bed at the far end and it’s always so cute to see Molly enjoying it. 7/8
It feels a little bit miraculous that I have this balcony haven again this year. It’s not perfect, and this year I needed help for a month or so to water it and train the pole beans. 1/8
Books I've read in the last few months (with a couple left out that I wouldn't recommend).
New book review - The Culting of America: What Makes a Cult and Why We Love Them by Daniella Mestanyek Young (@knittingcultlady.bsky.social) 1/4
Saturday night for a nerd 🤓 Important topic any day of the week! @keirgiles.bsky.social
It's about time for another book review. Prophet Song, a novel by Paul Lynch is the 2023 Booker Prize winner. Its tension slowly grinds and increases, even as we are spared (most of) the grisly details of the fictional fascist takeover and civil war in modern-day Ireland. 1/3
Just finished "The Island of Sea Women" by Lisa See, historical fiction about Jeju Island and its tradition of women sea divers. This novel taught me about a tragic period of South Korean history I hadn't known about. It's a story about friendship, surviving some terrible times, and being human.
I saw 1 of Canada's national treasures, @charlieangus104.bsky.social (+ panel), speak last night. Charlie continues to be a catalyst for conversation & conviction about Canadian sovereignty, oligarchy, and our urgent need to work together to hold the line and fight for a fair and equitable future. 💗
(Another lesson is to reserve enough sauce to better weigh down the top layer of gluten-free noodles that I used for the larger dish ... sheesh!) Now ... what to do with all the leftovers ... lol 11/11
Canadian Thanksgiving is next weekend, and if you have vegans in your life you want to please while making something everyone will enjoy, this might be the post for you! Or if you enjoy a good culinary project and expanding your range of dishes, read on ... 1/x
I don't pick the beans on my balcony garden on a daily basis, but I'm still pleased with this morning's haul.
Centenary Hospital (Scarborough) - 8:30am Wednesday - 486 ppm!!! Hardly a new hospital. Also: Princess Margaret - CO2 never went above 540ppm. Granted, these weren't in wards ... but still. Impressive.
Book rec: The Natural Treasures of Carolinian Canada (2007). Despite being born and raised in southwestern Ontario, I truly had no idea what a special region it is in terms of its wildlife, ecological niches, and natural history. This book is a quick overview with beautiful photos.
I'm not sure why my cats decided this year to be murderous jerks, but parts of my garden are in protective custody now ... 😆
Fiction reading that is perfect, maybe even necessary, for these times: the science fiction novella “Unauthorized Bread” by Cory Doctorow. It is a blend between technological thought experiment and feel-good underdog story. 1/6
A suggestion, a thread, and a meditation: In the midst of daunting and unprecedented challenges, a truly worthy read is the 2010 book, "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer" by Siddhartha Mukherjee. 1/21
"Only the wisest and the stupidest of men never change." - Confucius (From some light Sunday evening reading...)
My current read. Investigative work by @garethgore.bsky.social on Opus Dei. Reads like a thriller. Powerful evidence how (for good or, frankly, evil) coordinated efforts of small groups of people to effect change. Highly recommended.
Another book rec: "Lives of the Stoics" by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman. toronto.overdrive.com/media/5215474 Pointedly relevant series of short biographies of the ancient stoics - how their beliefs were forged and tested, and what we can learn from their lives about how to do the right thing.
Finished this book today, would recommend: toronto.overdrive.com/media/3034014 It's good to question the dominant narratives about poverty, what constitutes a meaningful and satisfying life, etc. It's essential to have positive alternative models and visions for our future. Check this book out.
Screenshot from the Bad Place ... Look at how infections in healthcare settings were dramatically decreased back when we had universal masking requirements! And - per Barry's point - they could be virtually eliminated with other tools we have but are choosing not to implement. Penny-foolish.
It's been a while since I made a curry; I forgot how much sauce one can of coconut milk + one can of coconut cream makes. I'd already pressed and fried the tofu, and rescued packages of shrimp and scallops from the depths of my freezer. Then: a full-court press to get enough veggies for balance. 👍👍
I really should take my SLR out with me more. But since I didn't today, here's the crappy phone camera version of a glorious sunset taken tonight from my hometown.
One thing this many leeks will tell you IN A HURRY is whether your knife needs to be sharpened.
For me, 2017 was a "year of grief", and in 2018, I was still mired in loss, hurt, and anger. But 6 years ago today, these two sweet babies joined my household and instantaneously changed the vibe. So grateful.