By Lisa Chandler, 10 June, 2023

From Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop: A Memoir by Alba Donati:  

“Ideas don’t just spring out of nothing—they smolder, ferment, crowd our mind while we sleep. Ideas walk on their own two legs, follow their own parallel path in a part of us we have absolutely no idea existed, until one day they come knocking: Here we are, they say, now listen carefully!

The idea for the bookshop must have been lying in wait, ensconced in the folds of that dark and joyous country we call childhood…”

I feel this in me now.  A smoldering and fermenting.  I can feel the tendrils of what IT is but not the details.  Though I feel strongly that it will be done jointly with Peter. That it will be far more creative than I’ve allowed myself to be so far. And that it will be done by my hands, my heart and my mind.  I also sense that it will take me places I haven’t gone before, expansively. Perhaps geographically.

Ten days into her memoire, Alba Donati opens a box of tarot cards called The Literary Witches Oracle.  She draws Anaïs Nin, “the subconscious”, Emily Brontë, “fantasy”, and Jamaica Kincaid, “history”.  From these, she gives herself a prophecy: we have to revisit our broken dreams, let our creativity run free, and realize our desires here and now, at this point in history. 

I’d love to see what I’d draw. For now, I’ll borrow hers. And while I don’t hear a clear knock at the door,  I hear two legs approaching. I am listening very carefully. 

By Lisa Chandler, 8 June, 2023

There was a beautifully wrapped gift for me on our bed the other night—the book Everything Beautiful with a beautiful short note. I just started it and this page stood out: 

A sample page from the book.

I keep talking about how to fit it all in. 

And paint colours (my version of fitted cabinets because I already spent a season on cabinets). 

And fabric. 

And garden plants.  

All the while, I know that I am not focusing on the things that truly matter. Somehow though, this talk of schedules and colours helps me follow beauty and connection. My beauty. The beauty in others. And how I’m connected. It helps me root myself like a strong grass. 

This feels like a worthwhile exploration for me. 

By Lisa Chandler, 16 May, 2023

My friend and gym coach Matt Cormier introduced me to this “fun scale” the other day. I believe it can apply to everything in life. 

Workouts with him are a 2 much of the time, but can certainly tip into 2.5! I am very grateful for this type of “fun,” as I am much stronger for it. 

And I can claim to have swung 6200 lbs of kettle bell yesterday. 

By Lisa Chandler, 9 May, 2023

Modern engineering and beautiful design in front of what was once modern engineering and still is beautiful design. 

Peter’s Brampton bicycle in front of old radiator.
By Lisa Chandler, 8 May, 2023

Yesterday was the second anniversary of Olivia’s coming out as a trans woman. I did not know her as Oliver. I met her about six months after she came out.

I feel grateful to her for all I have learned since meeting her. And I felt happy making her a cake somewhat resembling the transgender flag. 


 

She has a family that fully embraces her. They showed up on Zoom to mark her anniversary and remind her of their support. 

And there is no one more unconditionally loving than Olivia herself (and her father). I want to remember this in times less celebratory.