Hello blog friends! After a few cloudy weekdays with occasional showers, the sun returns 100% this weekend. The daytime high temperature reaches 9C (48F) which is good for this time of the year where I live. The clear blue sky and beautiful tree branches make me smile.
Today I share my monthly review for November and three outdoor sculptures in downtown Toronto. I did an art walk to visit about a dozen outdoor art installations. I include three of them in this post and hope you find them interesting.
Health
The Mountains aluminum sculpture by Anish Kapoor is located at Front and Simcoe streets. It reminds me of strength, base, mountain ranges, height, the Canadian Rockies…In yoga the Mountain pose (Tadasana) is one of the foundational poses. To me, good health is the foundation or prerequisite to enjoy life.
Throughout November, I meditate daily, cycle and walk outdoors most mornings, and alternate body weight workouts and yoga at home. I use Lunden Sousa’s videos for my targeted workouts on different muscle groups. New instructor and new exercises require focus to learn the correct forms and create new mind-muscle connections. I get to make incremental changes and do a range of motions. It’s all good.
The regular fitness activities help me feel stable and strong like the mountains. Here’s my numbers for November:
- 30 meditation sessions
- 21 targeted workouts
- 19 cycling trips
- 19 walks
- 13 full body workouts
- 12 yoga sessions
Home
The Our Game sculpture by Edie Parker shows five excited young hockey players climbing over the boards ready for action. It’s located outside the Hockey Hall of Fame building at the northwest corner of Yonge and Front streets.
The exuberant looks and smiles of the young hockey players make me think of happy times with my family and friends, and hockey reminds me of Canada where my home is. With COVID-19 still around, it will be a while before I meet my family and friends face-to-face or attend a hockey game in person.
Starting on November 23, the Ontario government prohibits indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household, for 28 days. I’m grateful for technology to stay connected and share laughs with my family and friends while being apart.
Leisure
The Dream Ballet sculpture by Harvey Valentine consists of three stainless steel statues polished to a mirrored finish. They’re installed next to Meridian Hall, a major performing art venue, at the southeast corner of Yonge and Front streets.
In November, I got to enjoy interesting public art installations, blogs, books, films, and language lessons:
- 30 French and Spanish sessions
- 12 outdoor public art sculptures
- 11 books (see list below)
- 5 blog posts
- 1 film: Still Alice (Academy Award and Golden Globe winner)
November Reading
The e-books that I read in November range from 305 to 460 pages each. They are all very good with detailed plots and many twists and turns. The first three books are Baldacci’s detective Amos Decker series. Once I started reading book #1, I wanted to read the next two books in the series. Mission accomplished! The remaining books are well written by authors that I’ve read before and two new-to-me authors (Giffin and Miller).
- Memory Man by David Baldacci.
- The Fix by David Baldacci.
- The Last Mile by David Baldacci.
- Plunge: One Woman’s Pursuit of A Life Less Ordinary by Liesbet Collaert.
- You Say It First by Katie Cotugno.
- Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin.
- Paper Towns by John Green.
- The Sight of You by Holly Miller.
- Everything I Never Told You by Celest Ng.
- One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
- Attachments by Rainbow Rowell.
Book Review
A shout out to my blogger friend, Liesbet Collaert at Roaming About blog who just launched her debut travel memoir Plunge: One Woman’s Pursuit of A Life Less Ordinary. I’ve connected with Liesbet for a few years via blogging. I’ve enjoyed reading her blog and the Advance Reader Copy of her travel memoir.
Plunge – One Woman’s Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary is a captivating and candid book where Liesbet shares her life events and travel adventures when she was in her 30s. Her overland and sailing adventures with her husband, Mark, and their two dogs, take her readers to many exotic locations such as Central America, the Galapagos Islands, French Polynesia, and more.
Life at sea is not always easy. Liesbet shares the challenges they faced, not only the logistics of nomadic living but also their relationship and well-being over the years while sharing a small space and being far away from their families. Liesbet’s choice to live a life less ordinary requires her to be flexible, resilient, and resourceful. I highly recommend this memoir.
Looking forward
I’m looking forward to December when the city centre is beautifully decorated. It’s a wonderful sensory experience to walk around and take it all in. My holiday plan is simple, especially this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope to share it with you in the next couple of blog posts before the year ends.
How did November go for you? Which of the three sculptures do you like? I’d love to hear your comments.
Linking here.
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Natalie the Explorer 
I think my favorite sculpture of the three is the hockey one; I just love the expressions on their faces. That book plunge sounds so extraordinary.
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Joanne, Good choice! Many people stop by that Our Game sculpture to take photos with the sculpted hockey players.
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Natalie, a fabulous post and I feel I know a little about your city. Toronto looks wonderful, stylish, elegant and Dream Ballet sculpture is stunning. I imagine myself walking round and round it, gazing in awe. A great selection of books you’ve read and I might take a peak at the ones that are new to me. John Green is a wonderful writer. I ‘ve seen Liesbet out and about on WP with her travel memoir and your warm review draws me and a book I will check out. Wishing you joy and light this First of Advent. xx
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Welcome back, Annika! I’ve missed you on the blog. Toronto is rich in culture and the arts. I was walking around and around the Dream Ballet sculpture to view the three statues and the reflections from different angles. I hope you check out Liesbet’s travel memoir. Wishing you joy throughout December!
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🤗❤️
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I’m in Joanne’s camp, the hockey sculpture is definitely my favorite. The smile faces are wonderful! Thank you for the tour of your beautiful city, Natalie. November sure passed quickly, didn’t it? How wonderful to see our friend Liesbet’s book here. I’m really looking forward to reading it. Wishing you a peaceful week ahead. xo
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Jill, I’m glad you liked the Our Game (hockey) sculpture. Many people stop to take photos of and with it. I think you’ll enjoy reading Liesbet’s memoir. Have a wonderful coming week!
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The hockey sculpture brings joy, even if it not in person. It must be jubilant live.
Thank you for the tour and book suggestions.
Have a great week.
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Antoinette, The live hockey games bring so much energy and emotions. The sculptor did an excellent job with the Our Game sculpture. Have a wonderful coming week!
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I love the hockey sculpture — the expression captured on those faces is sublime! I can imagine lots of people wanting to take a photo of that one. Natalie, you’ve had a busy and productive month. I probably should keep better track of how I’m progressing, too. Maybe one day, ha!
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Debbie, It’s amazing how the sculptor captures the young hockey players’ emotions on hard material like bronze. I keep track of my activities to motivate myself, especially during this social isolation time.
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I love your data collection! This is awesome!
I found you through the coffee share post.
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Thank you, Tammy. I keep track of some numbers to motivate myself.
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These sculptures are beautiful Natalie. I’ve enjoyed all the David Baldacci books that I’ve read. I haven’t read these three that you read this month so will be putting them on my TBR list #lifethisweek
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Jennifer, I’m glad you liked the sculptures. Baldacci’s Amos Decker series came out in 2015-2017. I’d read them in the order Memory Man, The Last Mile, and The Fix.
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Good for you for being so consistent with your meditation practice, Natalie. I started meditating (again) this month and I have not been so consistent. Something to work on!
You were on a David Baldacci kick this month. I have never read any of his books, but I need to check them out. “Plunge” looks like a wonderful book. It inspires me to travel and I can’t wait until we are able to again. Soon, I hope!
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Laurie, Good for you to resume meditation. It helps me set a positive tone to my day so I keep at it. Baldacci is a prolific writer. I read four of his books so far and have enjoyed them all. I hope you enjoy Plunge if you choose to read it.
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Hi Natalie, another full November for you! I love the Mountains sculpture the best and reading about the way it made your feel and think. My husband is a David Baldacci fan and I remember Liesbet from earlier blogging days so would be interested in reading her book. Although it is cold now for you the sky looks so clear and beautiful. Take care and have a great December. #lifethisweek
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Hi Sue, I’m glad you like the Mountains sculpture and what it makes me think about. If we lived closer, it would be so fun to chat with Mike about the Baldacci books that we read. Baldacci seems to be a prolific writer based on the number of books he has published. On sunny days like today, the sky is a beautiful blue. Have a wonderful week!
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I envy you your commitment to exercise and I know I say that all of the time and yet I just don’t do anything about my own lack of exercise.
I love the mountain sculptures and the dream ballet one. Not so sure about the hockey one as they all look a bit aggressive.
Oh and yay for David Baldacci. I have sooooo many of his books on my shelf. Love the Memory Man series. And Atlee Pine!
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Deb, I think of exercising as a natural, drug-free way to stay healthy. No amount of moving our body is too small. I just looked up Atllee Pine and will add the series to my list. I also found out that Baldacci wrote three more books for the Amos Decker series. I have some catching up to do 🙂
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So much accomplished and I love all the sculptures but my favorite is Dream Ballet! So beautiful and abstract! Sounds like your weather is still really nice. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! 💖
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Diana, I’m glad you like the Dream Ballet sculpture. I like how the artist used stainless steel which is a hard material to create the statues and name them the Dream Ballet which is fluid and soft to me. Have a wonderful week!
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Sounds like you are getting the most out of life, as usual! My favourite of those sculptures is the hockey players, it’s full of so much joy!
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Bella, I’m glad you like the Our Game sculpture. Many people stop to take photos of and with it. I like how the artist captured the energy and exuberance of the five young hockey players using hard bronze material. Have a wonderful week!
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I love how you tie those three art sculptures into your monthly wrap-up for November, Natalie! My favorite installation is Mountains. From the way it looks to what it means to me (strength, endurance, rigidity) and to you. And, of course, I adore the blue skies!
But, my main gratitude goes to your shout-out to me and my travel memoir, of course. Thank you so much for the lovely review and I’m thrilled you like – and recommend – Plunge!
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Liesbet, You’re welcome! I’m glad to be of help reading and reviewing your debut travel memoir. I like reading, you like writing, it’s all good 🙂
I’m also glad you like the Mountains sculpture. I like how the artist used aluminum for the mountains. They look good up close. There is no real mountain near where I am so this sculpture is a nice reminder of the various mountains that I’ve explored during my travels.
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Natalie, I’m so impressed with all you got done in November! All those books and physical activity, wow! I also love that hockey sculpture, a moment seemingly captured in time by the artist. My physical activity consists of walking the dogs, packing and moving furniture. For a few months it was all about painting the house and cleaning. Lots of exploring to do in a few weeks at our new neighborhood. And I can’t wait to read Liesbet’s book! Have a great week.
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Terri, You’re doing a lot of physical activities with your move. Do warmups, cool down, take breaks, and take good care of your back as you lift boxes. You know our leg muscles are the biggest to be used for squatting and getting up 🙂 I look forward to reading about your new home and explorations in your new neighbourhood. Have a wonderful week!
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I like the aluminium mountains sculpture and the Our Game makes me smile and want to jam a good old game of hockey or maybe pop back in time and watch The Might Ducks hahaha
~B
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B, I’m glad you like the Mountains sculpture and Our Game makes you smile. It will be a while before people can attend a hockey game in person here but when it happens, I’m sure the fans will be elated.
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Love the hockey sculpture. Glad March, April, May, June, July, August, and September are gone. That was way too long for a quartine!
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John and Susan, 2020 has been a tough year. I’m glad you’re able to get out and about after the quarantine. Stay safe and well!
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Sounds like a great month. I love the sculpture. Glad you were able to make it out on your bike as much as you did – very cool. I have been trying to mix my exercise up more, so things like those videos might be good. I do go on line to watch several videos to learn technique before starting anything new. I hope you have a wonderful week!
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Trent, I had to scan several videos before I found the ones I like. I find them very helpful to keep me motivated and my fitness routine fresh. The gyms are closed here and we’re prohibited from social gathering indoor so following a certified fitness instructor online is more fun than doing exercises by myself. Have a wonderful week!
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Such beautiful sculptures. Thanks for sharing them. I love your fitness routine. Very nice.
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Patrick, I’m glad you like the sculptures. Thank you for stopping by. Have a great week!
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Hi Natalie – as always you’ve filled your month with lots of interesting things. I always enjoy the sculptures you share with us. You also covered a lot of books – I notice Donna commented that she’s reading “Plunge” as well – I’m not sure if I’d feel inspired or jealous if I read it???
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Hi Leanne, I’m glad you enjoy the sculptures I share. I’ve been reading a lot of books during this pandemic as I go outside only to exercise or for essentials like groceries. I rarely read memoirs and write book reviews although I did both with Plunge to support my blogger friend, Liesbet. I’ve done many travel adventures and live an atypical lifestyle so some of her experiences resonate with me. If you choose to read her book, I think it will you a glimpse into a different lifestyle, a possibility, and to me, that’s one of many reasons why we read.
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Oh I remember the Hockey Hall of Fame – my one regret of our trip to Canada was not seeing a hockey game (I think it was out of season.) Too bad that you can’t see your family and friends but isn’t technology a wonderful thing – I love how it’s kept us so connected to friends and family overseas. I’m very impressed at your work ethic re working out and reading. I need to take a leaf out of your book!
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Sammie, Using FaceTime is great to talk to my family and friends overseas. You’ll just have to come back to Canada and attend a National Hockey League (NHL) hockey game when it’s safe to do so 🙂
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I love those art installations Natalie, especially the Mountains and Home, they look fabulous! I also want to read Liesbet’s book and I must go and look it up now while I’m thinking about it. Another fulfilling month for you by the sounds of things #lifethisweek
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Debbie, I’m glad you like two of the sculptures. Liesbet’s book is available on Amazon. She’ll be thrilled that you want to read her memoir. Have a wonderful week!
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I’m reading it now Natalie!
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That’s great, Deb. If you like it, feel free to share your review on Amazon and / or Goodreads.
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Lovely sculptures; especially Dream Ballet. This is one I would love to walk around and really explore.
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The Dream Ballet three statues are very nice and their shiny finish reflects the surroundings. Thank you, Su, for stopping by. Enjoy December!
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Love the sculpture of our game!
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Glad you like it. Have a great week!
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Me too! I’ve only been to Quebec (just the once) – got to see a game, it was amazing but flipping freezing! 🤣
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Laura, Thank you for your visit and comment. I’m glad you enjoyed attending a hockey game in Quebec. Were you sitting in an unheated hockey rink? That would be cold.
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Oh what a beautiful blue sky. I like those days. Good for walking or other outside activity. I enjoy taking walks though your pictures & their descriptions. It makes me smile. Thanks for sharing.
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Karen, I’m glad you enjoyed the virtual walk and my photos. Clear blue skies are nice to see especially in cooler seasons. Have a great week!
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I love learning about your city, Natalie.
Thank you for the fascinating tour!
Loving your photos as always…
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Thank you, Veronica, for stopping by. I love sharing things to see and do in my city. Glad you like my photos. Have a great week!
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Snapshots of your outdoors are very interesting and so varied. . If we had a temp of 9c in the daytime in the temperate part of Australia where I live – closer the coast) then that would be very unusual. We had 39-40c on Saturday and Sunday of last weekend and that is NOT comfy at all. I hope the new restrictions help keep COVID at bay.
Thank you so much for linking up this week for #lifethisweek. We are nearly at the end of 2020 and only a few optional prompts left! Next week is 49/51 Lucky 7.12.2020. Hope to see you there. Denyse.
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Denyse, 39-40C is too hot. I think of risk of heat stroke and wild fires under those temperatures. Hope it will cool down to more comfortable temps for you. I look forward to the next link up. Have a great week!
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You’ve had another wonderful month Natalie – despite Covid and the current restrictions over there. I absolutely LOVE the stainless steel sculpture by Harvey Valentine! How wonderful that your blogger friend has written and published a book! I’m sure your December will be just as fabulous as your November and I look forward to seeing photos of how your city decorates for Christmas which I’m sure will be beautiful given the wintery landscapes that you’d be having over there! It’s always a hot and humid Christmas here! xo
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Min, The Dream Ballet three statues are very nice and their shiny finish reflects the surroundings, including car and people traffic so what we see is never exactly the same. Christmas decorations are on full display here and they’re fabulous. I’ll try to take some photos and share.
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I love sculptures in situ – especially if they are created with the space in mind. But nifty curation also is wonderful. My favourite is the Dream Ballet – it looks like it pulls together the buildings around it!
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The Dream Ballet is a great choice, Ju-Lyn. Its shiny finish reflects and like you said, pulls together the buildings around it.
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Your city never ceases to make me smile! What awesome hockey fans among the other great sculptures and wonderful things to see!
It’s great to see your link at ‘My Corner of the World’ this week!
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Betty, I’m glad my city images make you smile. Thank you for hosting MCoW. Have a great week!
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Again, Natalie, you inspire me with all the good, fun, interesting parts of your month. I have “Plunge” downloaded and next to read. I am presently reading “Watership Down.” 🙂
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Erica/ Erika, Watership Down by Richard Adams? It looks like a very interesting book. I hope you enjoy reading “Plunge”.
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Natalie, I have heard a great deal about “Watership Down” over the years. Not a children’s book. Many levels to it. I bit delayed in reading your (all) posts since I have been making some Christmas presents. Take care. 💕
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Erica/ Erika, Richard Adams’ biography sounds interesting so I presume his Watership Down book is interesting, too. How wonderful that you’ve been making Christmas presents! I’m sure the recipients will love them. No worries about your delay with blog reading. I greatly appreciate whenever you take time to read and comment on my blog. Have a wonderful week!
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I just completed “Watership Down” this afternoon, Natalie. A unique and interesting book. I found I had to stay very alert reading the book to keep track of the characters and the new language. A different vibe around here with increased restrictions. One day at a time and the goal is to keep people healthy. xo
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Well done with your reading, Erica/ Erika. Some books challenge us to focus more and that’s good for our brain. Toronto has been under lockdown since Nov 23 including a ban on social gatherings. Health Canada approved the Pfizer vaccine yesterday so my optimistic lens sees the light at the end of the tunnel. xo
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That “our Game” sculpture is priceless!! Love it,
Merry Christmas xoxo
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Leanne, The Our Game sculpture is very popular for photo-taking here. It’s amazing how the sculptor captures the young hockey players’ emotions on hard material like bronze. Merry Christmas to you and yours xoxo
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Natalie, how wonderful that you read an advance copy of Liesbet’s memoir and wrote a review. Liesbet has lots of supporters in the blogging world! I bought it and read it too.
It’s been very worrisome reading about the increase in new cases in the Toronto area recently. Here on Vancouver Island, we’ve had a small increase in daily new cases, but overall the Island is doing fairly well. However, across the province, we’ve been restricted to socializing with household members only for about a month (I can’t remember exactly how long but it feels like forever). I’m still doing part-time childcare for my grandchildren (which is permitted), and very grateful for the time I spend with them.
Jude
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Jude, Yes, Liesbet has lots of supporters in the blogging world. I rarely write reviews even though I read a lot.
It’s so great that you’re caring for your grandchildren part-time. Aside from the familial bonding and building memories, you’re helping their parents, and both you and your grandchildren are less socially isolated during this pandemic, a win-win-win for everyone.
The case numbers in Toronto are not good currently. I focus on what I can do i.e. Practice the 3Ws (wash my hands, watch my distance and wear my mask), and limit my outings only to exercise or to buy groceries. With the cold weather, it’s easy to keep a safe distance when I go out to exercise because very few people are outside and when they are, they hurry to get inside asap.
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