Friday 1 March 2019

February Wrap-Up

Greetings! This is my second monthly wrap-up in 2019. My January wrap-up was posted here. I plan to write a wrap-up for each month so I can look back and see how well the year has turned out.

FEBRUARY 2019

ARTS

In February I viewed two visually interesting outdoor art events titled Icefest 2019 and Ice Breakers 2019, and two wonderful indoor art exhibits titled Same Dream by Omar Ba, and Mapping Worlds by Shuvinai Ashoona.

I wrote about my visit to the Icefest 2019 event here. The Ice Breakers blog draft is in progress. Each of the two indoor art exhibits had about thirty or more beautiful paintings. Taking photos without flash was allowed so I took several photos and might share some of them in another blog post. In the interim, I included two photos below.

Omar Ba is an artist born in Dakar, Senegal. He lives and works between Dakar and Geneva. His works have been shown in Belgium, Switzerland, the UK, and Senegal.

Art by Omar Ba

Shuvinai Ashoona lives in Kinngait (formerly known as Cape Dorset) on the southern tip of Baffin Island in Nunavut, Canada. Her work has been shown in various galleries and museums in Canadian cities.

Art by Shuvinai Ashoona

BLOGS

In February I blogged about my travels to explore some of the main attractions in Guatemala, my fit and fun walk to see Icefest Hollywood North ice sculptures and ice carving demonstrations, one monthly wrap-up for January, and one final update for my Winter Fun List.

BOOKS

I read seven books written by authors from Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. I was kind of surprised that I could finish this many books in a short month like February.


  • Scrublands by Chris Hammer, 368 pages.
  • Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini, 48 pages - This book was inspired by the Syrian refugee crisis and the death of Alan Kurdi. The Afghan-American author, Khaled Hosseini, will donate author proceeds from this book to the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees and The Khaled Hosseini Foundation to help fund lifesaving relief efforts to help refugees around the globe.
  • Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, 432 pages - This book was made into a movie starring Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck in 2014. The movie and the actress were nominated for several awards. It must be quite a thriller to watch.
  • Washington Black by Esi Edugyan, 419 pages - I was so pleased to pick up and read this book which won the 2018 Giller Prize in Canada. Last time I checked, there were 1685 holds for 399 copies in the Toronto Public Library system. If you're looking for an award-winning Canadian author, add this book to your reading list.
  • Defending Jacob by William Landay, 421 pages.
  • The Widow by Fiona Barton, 336 pages. 
  • Family & Other Catastrophes by Alexandra Borowitz, 302 pages.

CONCERTS

I attended two piano concerts performed by Rudin Lengo and Jean-Luc Therrien, one guitar concert by Louis Lawlor, and one choir and organ concert by Bach Children's Chorus at Roy Thomson Hall. The live singing and music were simply incredible.

Organ at Roy Thomson Hall

FAMILY and FRIENDS

Sharing delicious food with my family and friends was the theme in February. Each week we had a food event: A potluck dinner with my family clan, followed by a potluck lunch with my yoga class, and a Mexican fiesta dinner on Family Day. There were desserts at each event, too. I also met up with my friends for three coffee and one lunch catch-ups. One of my friends is taking early retirement in March so it's an exciting time for her.

Potluck lunch

HEALTH

Being at home the entire February means I can be consistent with my fitness routine. I got in all my daily meditation time, and walked outdoors for forty-five minutes or more every day, except three Sundays which were my rest days. I also completed thirteen strength workouts in the gym, eight yoga classes, and four swimming sessions.

LEARNING

I continued my French an Spanish lessons on Duolingo, fifteen minutes for each language daily. I also learned about the new artists when I went to see their art exhibits or attend their concerts, and new authors when I read books that are new-to-me. I usually end up researching more about the artist or the author and their works.

MOVIES

I watched four movies in February. As we know by now Bohemian Rhapsody won four Oscars for Best Actor, Film Editing, Sound Mixing, and Sound Editing, and Shallow from A Star Is Born won an Oscar in the Original Song category.
  • Johnny English Strikes Again starring Rowan Atkinson
  • Bohemian Rhapsody starring Rami Malek
  • The Front Runner starring Hugh Jackman
  • A Star Is Born starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper

TRAVEL PLANNING

My sister and I booked a guided tour to Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia in March.  We're both looking forward to the trip. The weather forecast at our destinations definitely looks more spring-like than what we have at home at the moment.

Overall, February was a fun-filled month for me. I enjoyed time with my family and friends, and the continuity of my health and leisure activities. March is off to a great start with plenty of new things for me to explore and learn.

How was your February? What good things happened? I'd love to hear your comments.


48 comments:

  1. Hi, Natalie - Thank you once again for another awe-inspiring monthly wrap up. I am in complete admiration of how you fit everything in -- especially things of high energy and importance.
    BTW - I just finished "Washington Black" and was delighted to see it on your list. (The author is a Vancouver Island). :)

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    1. Hi Donna - I so enjoyed reading Washington Black. I didn't want to return the book to the library, lol. Did you enjoy it? Vancouver Island certainly has many talented artists and writers, like you and Jude.

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    2. I like your writing style. It's a fact :)

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  2. Washington Black is also on my “want-to-read list.” My gosh, Natalie, you have had a busy month! And here I thought I was a busy bee.

    Jude

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    1. Hi Jude - I'm curious what you think of Washington Black once you read it. My days are full and I'm so happy that I now have the flexibility to design each day to my liking. I hope February was good to you, too.

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  3. Hi Natalie, a great, comprehensive review of February, despite it's shortness you managed to fit a lot in! Did you enjoy Scrublands, as it has been recommended to me to read, I'd be interested in your thoughts? Enjoy your trip in March! #lifethisweek

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    1. Hi Debbie - I enjoyed Scrublands. It's a crime thriller novel. The plot kept me reading and the descriptions are vivid. I'd be interested in your thoughts after you read it. Have a great week!

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    2. Thanks for that Natalie, I'll definitely read it now! #mlstl

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  4. Your February sounds lovely Natalie - I saw Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star Is Born too - liked both of them too. Looking forward to your updates in March from your latest adventure - going with your sister would be fun too.

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    1. Hi Leanne - I thought the music and singing in both Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star Is Born were amazing, and the stories were engaging. Have a beautiful week!

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    2. Hi Natalie - just popping back to say thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I've shared on my SM :)

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    3. Thanks, Leanne, for hosting and sharing.

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  5. Your book list is impressive. I have copied it to my computer so that I can get the ones I haven't read yet. I am really excited to read them!

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    1. Thank you, Gael, for your visit and comment. The books I read in February are mostly thriller novels but so different from one another. I'd be interested in your thought after you read them.

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  6. What a great idea: a wrap up of the month’s highlights. And, as with all good ideas, I must steal it. (In only the kindest, most attributable kind of way). Thanks so much.

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    1. You're welcome, Janet. I'm flattered that you think my monthly wrap-up is a good idea. Thank you for stopping by.

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  7. I read an earlier Esi Edugyan book and although I thougth it kind of lost its momentum toward the end, it really stayed with me. I'm glad to know you like this one so much. I'll have to keep my eye out for it.

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    1. Thank you, Ellen, for your visit and comment. I'd be interested in your thoughts after you read Washington Black.

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  8. I'd love to hear your book and movie reviews.

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    1. Thank you, Terri, for your visit and comment. I might add my opinion to the books I read and the movies I saw in my next write-up.

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  9. Take me home with you?!? LOl! You will love Bosnia, Croatia and I am sure Slovania as I've heard its lovely. I am originally from Bosnia and it's been so long now since our family has made our way back home. It's beautiful and just reading the words makes my heart ache for it. My own children are using Duolingo for Spanish, they love it! I am thinking I'll add Sea Prayer to my list on goodreads though my goal of one book a month means I am much slower at getting through books. Glad I stopped by.

    bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca

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    1. Thank you, Bojana, for your visit and comment. I'm glad you stopped by. The Sea Prayer book is only 48 pages long so very quick read. I'm reading a travel guide book about Croatia. I've read about Slovenia. All beautiful countries. Our itinerary has one stop in Mostar, Bosnia. I'll visit your blog shortly.

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  10. That's a lot of books to read in one short month! Gone Girl really has some twists and turns doesn't it? We saw Bohemian Rhapsody too, we enjoyed it so much, it really deserved all the nominations that it received. Enjoy your trip - we went to Croatia for a week a couple of years ago and loved it. We went to Porec in the North and because it is so close to Italy, there's a lot of Italian influence there, we loved it - have fun!

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    1. Thank you, Deb, for your comment. Those books are all good reads and they make the cold winter nights forgettable :) Glad to hear you loved your time in Croatia. From what I read and heard so far, it seems like a very good destination choice.

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  11. I enjoyed Gone Girl, expecting not to. I'm curious about Family and other catatstropies. Off to google. Loved Bohemian Rhapsody, thought Star is Born was total downer rubbish. I can't believe people love it so much. Maybe I needed to see it before the hype...#MLSTL

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    1. I haven't seen the Gone Girl movie but based on the awards, and if it was close to the book then it must be quite suspenseful.

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  12. You have such a full, rich life! I can't believe with all of the traveling you still have time for books and movies and attending exhibits and more. You are a great example for others to follow in doing things to keep your life interesting and happy!

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    1. Thank you, Michele, for your kind words. I'm grateful to have some flexibility with my time to pursue what I enjoy. There are many wonderful people, places, and things out there.

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  13. I love how you put this together! Wow that is a lot of great workouts, go you! Love that you got to so many concerts. I went to a symphonic Jazz Orchestra concert, it was amazing, and so unique! They help raise money to bring music to under privileged schools.

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    1. Thank you, Sarah, for stopping by. Raising money to bring music to underprivileged schools is a wonderful act as I'm sure music has a positive influence on the students who are the future.

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  14. You sure have covered a lot in your life in February. Much to do, see, read and enjoy here. Pot luck get togethers are the best! I loved lunches like that when I was teaching.

    Thanks for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week's optional prompt is 10/51 Share Your Snaps #2. 11/3/19. Denyse

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    1. Thank you, Denyse, for hosting with interesting prompts. I'll join again next week.

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  15. You never cease to amaze me Natalie with all the cultural events you attend and the places you visit. Then to still have time to read and watch movies--I love it! #MLSTL

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    1. Thank you, Christie, for your kind comment. I try to be intentional with my time and do what I enjoy. It's totally doable without rush or stress.

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  16. What a wonderful February, Natalie and I love how you fill your life with so much variety. You are very inspirational. Thank you for being part of the #MLSTL community and linking up with us each week. Sharing on SM. Have a fabulous week! xx

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    1. Thank you, Sue, for your kind comment and for hosting another wonderful MLSTL link-up. I truly appreciate the variety of activities and the freedom I have to enjoy them. Have a beautiful week!

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  17. Wow you cram a lot into a month Natalie! I used to be able to read up to 7 books per month or more when I commuted to work each day but I have a problem with giving myself permission to read these days so I need to sort that out I think! I love the culture you bring into your life. I look forward to your post on the art exhibits you went to - particularly as the two pics you posted are so lovely! Of the movies you listed I've seen two - Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star is Born. Enjoy the rest of your week! #TeamLovinLife

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    1. Hi Min - I truly appreciate and enjoy the cultural events in my city. The public library system here is amazing, too. Have a beautiful week!

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  18. Another busy month for you. I love how not only do you go to art exhibitions, but you learn about the artists first. I know I've said it before, but I find your commitment to fitness of both mind and body inspiring. Here's to a great March.

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    1. Hi Jo - Learning about the artists gives me context to their art work and the breadth of their portfolio. I find it all quite interesting.

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  19. Did you like Scrublands? It was one of my favourites last year, but I wasn't sure if it might be too 'Australian' for overseas audiences.

    I've not got any travel planned but my niece's cruise ship is doing short cruises around Cuba which tempts me (but the flights alone are $2000 and it seems like a lot to spend to travel over there for just a week or so!).

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    1. Yes, I liked the plot and the vivid descriptions of Australian landscape and characters in Scrublands.
      With flight cost at $2000 and long flights from Australia to Cuba, I'd consider other less expensive destinations or vacation options or go longer than a week.

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  20. Can I sneak in your suitcase when you and your sister travel to Croatia? I promise to be on my best behavior! I just need an escape to somewhere beautiful and somewhat remote in the worst way.

    Everyone I know who has seen Bohemian Rhapsody enjoyed it. Did you? I am thinking while my PC is out of town, I may do a stepping outside my comfort zone and attend that movie alone. My daughter became very interested in Freddy Mercury's life after seeing the movie.

    I always envy the cultural activities you partake of. Especially enjoy photos of the art and murals you see on your travels. And bravo on completing 7 books over the month. Thinking that Families and Other Catastrophes needs to go on my to-read list.

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    1. Hi Leslie - I enjoyed Bohemian Rhapsody very much. Go see it and let me know what you think. Have a great day!

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