Yes, I know this post is late. As the kids say, I’m “Sorry/Not sorry…”
How was it?
People were everywhere. And if you don’t believe me, well…
Note the two guys on the right in the third photo. My camera just…Did that. I didn’t use any filters or FX in these shots.
My adventure began when I exited Queen Station. The farthest I got along Queen was John Street. In fact, that’s where I found this woman:
Shortly after seeing her, I decided to go home. My night ended much sooner than I’d anticipated. (Earlier I’d had visions of pulling an all-nighter.) But it wasn’t disappointing. Not by a long shot.
I remember tweeting after I saw those guys that I’d captured them at Queen and Bay. But it was probably Queen and University.
No matter, though. The music meant more to me than the location. In fact, it’s what made the night worthwhile.
Earlier this week I “liked” what I thought was merely a Facebook page for Nuit Blanche. The next thing I know,one of my classmates invited me to hang out with her.
I didn’t realize that I’d given the thumbs up to something called Forever Friday. When we arrived I had no idea about the lineup. But it was a wonderful event.
“The rose is without why, it blooms because it blooms, it cares not for itself, asks not if it is seen.” – Boris Achour
When art and activism come together, it’s the best of both worlds. Friday night’s focus was on Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. Light was also shone on the plight of Tarek and John–two Canadians who are finally coming home after being detained in Egypt.
The music was mesmerizing. Here’s a snippet from a performance by LAL. If you can’t feel it, TURN IT UP!!:
Whitehorse also took the stage. I shot some video of their performance, but it was only a few seconds long. This photo doesn’t do them justice.
In the midst of everything, there was also a trio from a band called The Samba Punks. And Gene Pendon created a painting of Ai Weiwei right before our eyes.
Once again, I owe Friday night to one of my new friends. She gave me some great insight into Ai Weiwei and his work. In hindsight, I wish you could’ve been there to see and hear what I did. There’s so much that I know I’m not saying…But by the end of the night, my heart was so full, it was ridiculous. In the presence of live music, something truly wonderful comes over me. Friday night was no exception. And knowing that the event took place to shine a light on others was even better!
As an aside, I found myself overcome with thoughts about what I want to do with my media-minded self. I want to take my talent and DO GOOD. I need to. It’s the only way I’m going to have any peace in this world.
Sometimes I feel as though God is the King of Last Minute Gifts. But it’s all good. Mainly because He is.
In spite of all of my grumbling about how some believers behave, I’ve realized that I am still very much in love with the core of my faith. I can’t let it go. None of the things that people may do can nullify God’s infinite grace and love.
I have one week before school starts. You’d think I’d be more prepared.
One final but vital detail needs to be sorted out. If you’re spiritual at all, pray or send out positive vibes.
In spite of that concern, the other 99.9% of me is overcome with excitement. I’m really looking forward to experiencing the city, especially its FREE offerings. (No matter how expensive Toronto is, you can always find something decent there–to see, to do, or to eat–that won’t cost you a penny.)
In the months to come I look forward to featuring more local content.
It’s weird. When I blog from where I am now, I’m preoccupied with my privacy. I haven’t publicized certain posts because I’ve worried about readers stalking me figuring out where I live. Yet once I’m in the city…I don’t know what it is. There’s more to do, and more to share. Something about that space really inspires me in spite of myself.
As for this blog, a few nights ago I caught myself stalling. I know I’m supposed to be participating in 31WriteNow, but I was torn between two blog posts. Although both were important to me, I couldn’t bring myself to post them. I kept wondering if I’d regret sharing my thoughts later on.
Even as I type that, I hate realizing that my old friend fear is trying to maintain his hold on me. Deep down, I know I need to shed a lot of my old post ideas before I get to the good stuff. I feel like my writing has a deeper purpose, and I can’t wait to find out what it is!
claire.she.goes 
