the end

Final de ano, sabe como é... Festas, votos, resoluções, sentimentos - tudo junto misturado! 

E, nesse clima, a gente acaba arriscando, querendo saber do futuro, o que nos aguarda, o que vem pela frente. Normal.

Confesso que nunca quis saber desta data, mas o motivo sempre me interessou. Quando e do que eu vou morrer?

Numa dessa brincadeiras virtuais, veio o resultado (ali, na imagem que ilustra este post).

O ano nao poderia ser outro: 69! Fiquei satisfeita... Vou morrer velhinha: 87 anos de praia(!), feliz da vida, curtindo até o final, com certeza - com meus netinhos! (no trem fantasma, como diz meu epitáfio).

Confira a sua lápide aqui.

every Jack to his trade

While some learn how to  ride a bike or swim, others try not to slid on ice or snow. Me, who was born in a tropical country, I admit I’d never thought about that: the winter life, and its particularities (even being from the south of Brazil - where, in July or/and in August, the temperature is around 5°C - could for our Equatorial pattern).

Once living in a place where 0°C is normal in the Autumn (imagine the low winter marks…), I start to get know many things which before were completely left put in the cold - and seems inclusively a little bizarre to me… However, I’m now very interested in this kind of curiosities, everything that concerns my new (freezing) reality.

Joseph-Armand Bombardier, for example, had been a unknown name until this week, when a classmate presented a research about his life. Well, he was an important (Canadian - further: a Quebecer) man: he invented the ski-doo, which should be called ‘ski-dog’ (yes, with a G!), blame of a brochure typo…   

Locomotion as well as transportation are severely difficult on icy grounds. The snowmobiles he designed have been so utile next to the poles. With his creations, he turned life easier for millions of people - Santa Claus included. Time and distances changed after that.

Experiences… for one, jet skies; for others ski-doos. Necessity.

nouveauté

À Montréal:

   de la neige 

+ de la bonne humeur 

_________________________

= des gens qui viennent d'arriver

*Je suis contente (comme un enfant), je confesse. 

cater to me

No shave November!
(maybe all year long... why not?!)

I love it! ♥

there

Not alone: the best one in the world.

___________________________________________________________

Bed-in 

In Montreal.

As John Lennon and Yoko Ono, 42 years ago...

Just wanting love and peace.

The ideal.

enfin

La première neige on n'oublie jamais!

Je suis contente!

Je me sens comme un enfant... je confesse.

partout

Non, il n'est pas le Jésus de Montréal (en fait, il joue Martin dans ce film là...). Cependant, c'est comme s'il l'était, étant donné qu'il est une figure si omniprésent! - au moins, pour le cinéma québecois.

Dehors d'ici, il est connu pour ces rôles (homonymes: Rémy!) en "Le Déclin de l'Empire Américain" (1986) et, principalment, en "Les Invasions Barbares" (2003), tous réalisés par Denys Arcand.

Rémy Girard est une entité. Genre. Il est partout, en s'agitssant de le septième art «made in Quebec», ou même à la télé.

Sont 88 titres, selon IMDb. Grosse liste. Puis plusieurs pric Gémeaux et Génies. Une belle carrière.

___________________________________________________________

Il me fait penser un peu à notre Sônia Braga au sommet des années 70. Ou même comme il sera (probablement) l'avenir de Wagner Moura, Selton Mello, João Miguel ou Dira Paes pour le cinéma au Brésil. 

Tant mieux, car on sera très bien representés.

together, being only one

Somehow (or other), many things change when you, finally, find your better half. Being a couple requests from both a different behaviour. Inevitably. However, you are going to do that with pleasure, from your all heart, freely ('cause, when involved, it happens naturally, without any requirement - and with NO doubts!). Everything joins, fits, matchs… thoughts, wishs, needs, feelings.

Nobody's alone anymore: now it's "two-in-one"! A great union of part(ie)s and sides. At the same time, (and on the other hand), there is a consolidation of individual qualitys of both of you which fortifies the relationship once even the differences prove you get along perfectly. Thus, stronger, you can go far, wherever you want, besides being able to face anything.  

Together, during a (french) kiss you can experience it more intensely, or… why not while making love?! - the best thing to do by pairs, the intimatest one! Simple as that: there isn’t better place to be in the whole world than with your love, inside him (or vice versa), embraced, inseparable. This completes me.  

Ça c'est fort!

*Illustration: "Love is possible", by Brunobig Carneiro.

tous les jours

L'utilisation du ordinateur portable est une orgie! 

On fait des positions bizarres... entre autres plus intéressants, après... en couple, sans lui.

(dont la publication est malheureusement interdite)

another river

... another (point of) view.

Another city.

Another story...

Another life!

too late

Past ghosts appear always at the wrong moment.

While single, they used to leave us in peace. On the other hand, when you are with someone else, they haunt.

Why they come? I have the impression that it's purposeful, maybe not even by them, but by circumstances... My theory: it's just to put us to the test, assessing our feelings, and focus.

Anyway, if they passed a long haul away, absent of our lives, things have changed since then. So, I wonder: Is it worth allow for them, making it real (again)?

I don't think so. After all, they had they time to make it happen before. Now, it's other's turn.

I'm not pushing my luck, putting it all on the line - not at all!

pour un monde meilleur

La paix et l'amour... 

C'est beau.
Ce qui ne va pas très bien c'est la mauvaise odeur.

(degueulasse!)

running

Landscape is changing. Autumn arrived.

Fields have closed due to the end of the season, while I keep running (trying to make up for lost time!).

Time flies... Impressive!

bonded!

Going too far? Too fast?

On the other hand, when it's (so) good, why not profit, get the most out of?!

Being distants, it's hard... Two nights, maximun! Phew, it's enough.

Easy. Excellent. Ripe. Infatuated.

 

close

Actually, much more... ♥

marching

Although I' haven't totally understood yet their cause, I'm convinced that Zombie Walk is an interesting movement. 

(Maybe also influenced by Occupy Montreal) Many people went downtown yesterday. They attended the parade with weird costumes and so much make-up. Big style!

Cool! (or « bizarre! »)

getting shocks

Not because I am an eletric girl... It's static!

Because of the cold temperature, depending on the fabric of clothes, any charge that is built up (when rubbing something), becomes a static shock! 

It happens all the time, with everybody. 

On metro, Ouch! It really hurts sometimes... (even when joing hands - sh*t!)

the folly of love

Which was the biggest one that you have committed?

Probably most part of people will answer something as a huge and extreme change, or even a real madness - indeed. Me, on the other hand, I prefer the little simple things to prove that I've a crush on him.

I sincerely believe that it is possible demonstrate all love I feel through routine acts. As time goes by, inclusively, those are exactly the details which couples used to forget... putting them aside as long as they get along.

Making your partner a sandwich, for example, with all ingredients he likes (and had gone so far so as to buy them!), doing that with all your heart... I'm pretty sure as much as he is going to be pleased, he'll fall in love! - day by day, more and more.

However, if he doesn't, you can try to please him with other "easy" kindness. He is supposed to be charmed by every single thing you do... (at least in the first three months of relationship) and return you both this care and affection.

On the contrary, for sure you can make different things, in order to amaze him... take a extreme resolution maybe, but I don't think it's necessary a so heavy work when love is reciprocal, when both are involved. When we give someone more than other deserve, it's not fair with ourselves.     

Simple as that. It's the law of attraction: it's giving that we receive - and it MUST works. After all, life should be a two-way street. If not, it doesn't worth...

des citrouilles

Partout:

simples assim ♥

O que será (À flor da pele)

Será!

São Nicolau, Dalai Lama, Chico Buarque... todos juntos, em mim.

recordar é viver

Dia das Crianças, e em prol da causa, eu escolho Emília para me representar! (coloquei esta imagem como minha foto de perfil do Facebook, inclusive).

Brasileiríssima, alegre, levada, mas inevitavelmente em retalhos - essa sou eu! (embora seja inevitável não lembrar de minha prima Gisela ao ver a carinha sapeca desta boneca...)

going together

"Plim!"

When it happens, it's fast, easy... It works. Simple.

With no doubt, just the desire to be together, in peace - making love, no war.

Only being anywhere is enough to be fine. At bed, a parc, a bar, at home.

Chez moi ou toi.... doing nothing, making everything. 

This is us, a loving couple.

un délit?

Parc Lafontaine

Un petit gamin fait pipi près d'un arbre.

(Il n'est pas carnaval, c'est l'été des indiens, mais... quand même) Est-il un hors-la-loi?  

Au Brésil, oui, il le serait - n'importe quand. 

Bon, je ne suis pas d'accord avec le mamans que laissent ses enfants pisser partout (surtout les garçons!), mais, quand il faut, il faut...  C'est comme ça, ici ou là-bas!

meetings

That was hunger and the desire to eat put together.

Well, if I nibble all the time... perfect!

It works, at least. It ran... "Plim!"

I'm loving it.

bargain

Many things in life come as a freebie. Maybe even as a gift... We'll see.

I was not expecting win anything. So, everything going extra mile, is a gravy!

I can say I'm lucky. In fact, both of us - 27h is not for anyone.

le français

C'est ça que j'm:

Je parle
Tu ne me comprends pas
Il répond
Nous changeons des experiences
Vous êtes gentils  
Ils rient

(toujours, presque comme ça…)

I'm in love with French, I admit.

J'essaye... parler, comprendre, écouter, répondre correctement, me faire comprendre! Since I arrived in Montreal, and now, mainly because I'm studying it, it's impossible not to say I'm completely involved with the idiom. 

Actually, I used to be when I attended some classes in the past, but it was not so intensive. While interested, it was not the same experience as living in a place where everybody speaks that, where the language is partout!

I fell in love, as a tree leaf fall... naturally. By now, I can say I'm changing (not my color, but the way of my thoughts, et ma vie). By the way, it's already Autumn! 

Well, for sure, it’s another season for me… Why not? Since I’m discovering different things far from home, and blooming as long as I’m not so green anymore. C'est ça... tout a fait!

It’s natural… as being in love, looking for someone before the winter come, wanting and also accepting all changes.

Ça arrive... C’est la vie!

little things which make all the difference

Feeling myself  welcome - Now, more than ever, I’m prizing it (once I’m satisfied with the way which people deal with immigrants in Canada)! Differently I was used to pass in Europe, here, there are not only opportunities, but (and mainly) respect.

Furthermore, other aspect that makes me appreciate this country is its people's kindness. Without a doubt, they are completely different from, for example, most part of Dutchs who I've met in The Netherlands - rude and indelicate when giving short answers, always with no smiles in their faces. 

Although their idiom seems a little brute for us, while, for instance, the Latin ones make us closer (of course), it's not only a matter of language. Even descending from French, Quebec's people are so cute and solicitous - much more beloved than their European ancestors, who, unfortunately, don't have one of the best appealing reputation - at all! Sometimes, inclusively, the anglophonic Canadians seem be even more captivating, but is not a plain fact! Maybe this unfavourably impression is made à cause des mes difficultés et de les particularités du français... Oui, peut-être!

Finally, there are many other reasons which make me believe I’m in the right place right now… Almost feeling myself as in home (or 'chez moi'). My only challenge, the worst one, which impedes me to affirm I’m 100% sure of that, is the winter(!) - that haven’t started yet. Probably, it’s going to be as cruel as colder than any other people in the whole planet! Wow… I wonder myself if Canadians are going to keep joy and so gentle even under less 30 degrees! Well, let's see.

*By now, I would like to excuse myself with Holland and French people, since I love them and their places. However, it's important to be sincere AND, in such case, EVEN WITH NO CRISIS, Europeans generally tend to have so much (related to behavior and mood) to learn with other peoples in order to improve their manners.

everything comes to him who waits

How ineffable (and wonderful) is feel the mix of nervousness and anxiety with excitement while waiting for a call - a special one, of course. This happens due to the butterflies in the stomach, those which make you feel as a 'silly romantic girl' sometimes.

I confess I would like to experiment that sensation more often. Actually, not ‘only’ this, but pass through ALL process related to be involved with someone else who turns you on, and vice versa. By the way, reciprocity is essential to go ahead.

It just works when really ‘plim’! That means, first of all, it's necessary a minimum of chemical attraction, and this phenomenon is totally involuntary. So, thousands of people can call you without (at least) make your heart beat stronger… In other words: we cannot command our own feelings; the fervour of our heart does not depend on our decision.

Thus, I hope he makes by himself the right choice not to waste my precious time, energy and vocabulary with who doesn’t worth!

On the other hand, in a place where you don't have many friends, you await for simple and kind invitations in order to have some company to do something; anything... indeed! You are more opened than usually, leaving some considerable discretions aside.

In this case, it's important take care and avoid any lack or needfulness. After all, in most part of these movements, hurry and quality standards are inversely proportional. So, it's 'dangerous' while being as vulnerable as alone!

Then, all this mess in my stomach starts to arches (and also worry me) a lot...

voulu mais bizarre

As time passed, more and more, I’m sure I’m interested in eccentric men. Although I can’t see anything sexy in a type as Woody Allen, for example, I’m used to be involved with some guys who remind me of him.

Fortunately, it’s possible to say that it’s not his physique which attracts me in my pretenders, but the odd way how he demonstrates his charming intelligence. At least, not so bad… After all, it’s undeniable his geniality! - and for sure that captivates me.

No one would dispute that creative genius and extravagance both get along. On the question of having intellect and sagacity, I confess I’m easily fascinated by - even tolerating a little madness sometimes… Finally, no one is perfect!

With glasses, short, older, shy and a little neurotic… they are almost everything which girls like me tend to avoid. However, at last, to conclude: I honestly prefer a strange one than someone extremely beautiful, but stupid. Furthermore, I don’t care! From up close, nobody is normal (not even me!).

prejudice chain

-  You know, it's not my fault... I prefer not to invite them because my friends may don't like gays.
-  ... (silence) [surprised with the spoiler]
- It's better, don't you understand?!
- Sorry, but you are B-L-A-C-K!
- What?! [rushed]
- It's YOU who don't understand... 
- What?!

- You should NOT be biased. Not you. You simply can't.

-  ... (silence)

- Furthermore, they invited you and you went at their house a few days ago. I REALLY CAN'T BELIEVE IN IT!

This is my point of view. It was against my principles...  Hypocrisy beyond injustice: I plainly couldn't deal with it.

That's why a new friendship just not begin, besides strengthen my old ones.

by force

A sad reality among so much happiness and perfection...

I’ve never thought about rapes or sexual violence in Canada. However, today I was informed that around one in four women has suffered some kind of sexual abuse here, or even attempts, at least once in  her lifetime. “Too much!” - I said impressed to Julie, who attended me in the 2110, giving me some information about sex issues.

Actually, I don’t know if this number is refered only to Montreal (Quebec) or if it is a mean of all their cities. I used to live at easy, calmly, with no worry about that here… until tonight! Coincidently (or not!), a guy tried to grip my arm under a viaduct while by my side. I was a little afraid, without understand what he wanted... and could do with me there. Fortunately, nothing happened due to a lady who passed by bike exactly at that time, disturbing him (and helping me by chance! - Thanks God). 
   
Although Mtl seems being a peaceful and safe city for women, it‘s better pay attention - always! I‘m going to inform myself about who are the men who commit it, the way it occurs here and why. I‘m sure that the reasons (besides the “basic” uncontrollable desire of pervert men) are different for the Brazilians. Let’s verify… and as soon as possible, I’ll write explaining something which is simply inexplicable - inadmissible and unforgivable.

By the way, congratulation to people who help others with these sexual problems, all demages...

Despite implicit, the heaviest scene I’ve ever seen about that was played by Monica Bellucci in the French movie Irréversible. It’s extremely distressing. I hope nobody, experiences it, or undergoes a traumatic similar situation, wherever.

Better if I could help them... So, (hey, ho) let's go!  

l'heure locale

"Em Brasília, 19h", mais ici il est 18h.

Bientôt, toutefois, il aura encore deux heures de plus! Il seront trois heures de décalage horaire, en raison du début de l'heure d'été au Brésil et la fin du même régime ici.

Dans le samedi 15 octobre, il y faudra avancer les montres d'une heure là-bas. Par contre, ici au Québec, le dimanche le six novembre commence l’heure d’hiver, où on recule d'une heure.

   1h (décalage horaire) 
+ 1h (plus au Brésil) 
+ 1h (moins au Québec) 
= 3h de différence

mon conte de fées en français

(avec d'humour noir - bien sür!)

Il était une fois une princesse nommée Raiponce. Quand elle avait douze ans, une sorcière l'a placée dans la tour d'un château entre la forêt. Elle y a restée longtemps en attende le prince charmant à son secours à travers de ses longs cheveux.

À cause que il a tardé pour ramasser elle, la jeune belle a eu beaucoup d'estresse et elle a devenu chauve. Maintenant, avec 18 ans, elle est a l’hopitale pour guérir sa malade. Alors, elle vais avoir que attendre plus de temp pour trouver autre amour, un qui aime des femmes bizarres.

la sieste d'après-midi

Parc Père-Marquette, midi

Ici, c'est comme ça:

Les gens mangent dehors, surtout aux parcs, en profitant de (la fin de) l'été. Et, tout de suite, prennent une sieste.

J'aime ça!

il est passé par ici

Le premier ouragan, on n'oublie jamais!

J'ai eu peur.

Irene a laissé des dégâts sur son passage dans le Canada, et des mauvais souvenirs dans ma mémoire.

[WHOU-OU-OU-OU...]

le temps de dîner au soleil

Square Victoria, midi

C'est l'été! 'Faque', il est le temps de manger dehors, n'importe où.

Ici, différemment qu'en France, on dîne à midi (on déjeune le matin et on soupe en soirée).

Cependant, l'habitude de profiter qu'il fait beau, c'est la même... tout le monde ensemble: collègues de travail, mamans avec leurs enfants, couples etc.

(J'ai l'impression qu'ils le font même plus que nous, au Brésil).

pleuer un bon coup

Elis e Tom Jobim sang “são as águas de março fechando o verão, é promessa de vida no meu coração”. It’s impressing that it occurs even in the north hemisphere, completing a natural cycle.

August is the month which is equivalent to March here… Inclusively, the proper promises are valid - wherever you are. So, let it rain...

And I sincerely hope that they sknow soon! 

another me

Actually the SAME, but improved.

At least, I think so…  once my new version is more versatile, light, opened for new experiences, and ready for any change (or rather… any challenge!). 

And how much I’ve changed…! Getting some advantage to be in Canadá, right now, for example, I just ate bread with chicken and Dijon Mustard, which is finger-licking good. What????? It is exactly what you read: m-u-s-t-a-r-d (I like it, since it is Dijon - only that!). Haven’t I said I am another one? Well, it’s true!

Good reasons to celebrate(!), some beyond my control, besides the personal ones…. The fact is that I decided to stop with soft drinks and other fat stuffs. Furthermore, from now, I’m avoiding mayonnaise (even still loving it) in order to feed myself in a healthier way - by the way… in many respects! 

Let’s wait for the next season to see other natural transformations…

bienvenue!

Usually, in the first-world countries it’s rare see a adults with two children… So, three is practically a miracle! In Brazil, it’s different: anywhere you can meet many infants provided basically by couples with both no instruction and  economical conditions (having much more than two, inclusively).

Here, it’s impossible walk dans les rues and simply ignore the fact that there are many babies in the city. Young couples are procreating… A LOT! A 'baby boom' has happened! 

I like seeing that once I think about my friends who would like to have all this structure and basis to carry their kids whatever they go. In parks, malls, supermarkets, on the streets or metro - they are partout! 

There are as much as pigeons at Copacabana, for example - even more…! It’s not a plague just because they were (and are!) welcome here. Nobody looks at them seeing a problem, even their crying. A 'baby atmosphere' is all over! Everybody helps... It seems perfect.

It’s really nice see my contemporaries forming happy families. Yes: H-A-P-P-Y. Very satisfied. They are not losing anything while having babies. On the contrary… any programming of the parents here includes les enfants. Wonderful for who loves ces petits.

Writing about that right now, I realized some huge difference between quebecoises and bresiliens: I haven’t seem yet kids with babysitters or grandparents. They are always with mama, papa or playing with some family’s friend(s). Everybody enjoys them - wherever!

Definitively, it’s a perfect place to do that. So, let’s practice!

a single problem

Considering a city crowded by children, of course there is a parade of good fathers… REALLY good, indeed! For me, a single lady (mainly today - on The Single’s Day), this is the “worst” part of the city.

By the way, even late (it was yesterday their official day): my compliments for all daddies. Oh, God!    

to whom it may concern

By request: I'm quite fine.

Happiness – it is possible to say that it is the word which resumes what I'm feeling right now, living a dream that came true. A distant place with different possibilities, other opportunities, new people to know... I'm sure it was everything I needed: novelty, a challange.

I sorrow not to be satisfied before. I swear I've tried, though...

From now, a piece of news each day - the greatest one! Await (reading what mule roars...).

l'amour

- je t'aime.
- moi aussi.

(c'est aussi simple que cela...)

half-life

It's a terrible experience when you are obligated to do things by halves just because you are without all your goods. In some cases, it's necessary some kind of juggling to survive only with a half of your stuff.

Imagine reduce your whole life in a mere luggage - everything divided in two suitcases (realize that many concessions were done in order to suit there!). Now, think about the possibility to lose one of them… something you don't expect besides you are not able to acquire that easily again.

Well, IT WAS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME… !

I'm improvising right now… Furthermore, I'm trying not to panic, although I'm conscious that there is nothing irreplaceable (or rather: excepting water and oxygen, there is nothing which we simply can't live without…).

Unfastening, loosening, altruism, self-denial - I definitively must learn much more about that! (of course while preying to San Expedito to Air Canada find my baggage AS SOON AS POSSIBLE in order to have my complete life again! - at least the part I chose to move on - with me).

mermaid feelings

Like a child! Further: for the first time... I owned.

Having a bathtub at home is SO fun. I feel myself as a mermaid inside.

Vanity, peace and water and body contact - a perfect relaxing moment (alone...)!

*Maybe, later, in couple, it will be even better...

ma vie en rose

I'm sure we can chose the color of our lives - both the saddest and the most happy one. It s up to us!

So, after special changes, for instance, I decided not to have my kitchen utensils orange anymore. By the way, nothing against Holland… on the contrary! However, I have already come a long way.

From now, I'll take it easy and restart seeing this (current) world through (my) child's eyes. Thus, for me everything is all right again - even if it said it is not all a bed of roses.

Actually, living in (a) Rosemont (réal), finally I guess it may be - at least for my new stuff, besides the romantic language I've learned and the opportunity to be happy.

Here, I definitively feel satisfied.

putting all troubles away

Who sings do that!

By the way, without a doubt, what United States have produced the best is soul music. North American black people changed the world with their rhythm in 50’s. They inclusively created the Rock n’ Roll. Furthermore, both Blues and Jazz Music… Anything else?  No, only this is enough.

This weekend happened in Arpoador, here in Rio, part of the 9° Bourbon Street Fest 2011. On Sunday and yesterday some excellent artists from New Orleans (the black south city which was ravaged by hurricane Katrina in 2008) presented their shows outside.

I was marvellously surprised when I arrived there on Sunday, after beach and saw a nice audience seated cleanly and neatly, well-behaved, civilized, waiting for the beggining of the shows (which started in late). Seemed like some festivals in European parks. Of course some other individuals (who came late) complained about that, asking them to stand up (because in this way, more people could be in smaller space in front of the stage).

Some minutes later, unavoidably, in view of the circumstances, they attended them, but in order to dance. After all, the music is contagious! Everybody was dancing... It was crowded - the proof that Brazilian people appreciate this kind of international event. It was an excellent initiative to bring more culture and good music… for free.

Unlosable.

... and it is still happening! More information here.

bad luck?

No, the good one - please!

It’s said that August is the month of misfortune…  I hope that, living a second summer during this period (along with so much novelty…), this prediction isn’t real.

Nothing better than good vibrations to smooth away the difficulties (in colloquial Portuguese we use the slang 'uruca' (derivative from the word 'urucubaca').

let it shine

Unfortunately, even living in a coast city as Rio, sometimes we tend to forget this mere “detail”… Maybe because the access is so easy that it is necessary little effort to have this facility.  The major loss is the sun energy which give us vigour and a (enviable!) tan colour on the skin.

Every time this happens, I regret to waste all this grace offered for free by nature. I don’t ignore the fact that we are blessed. So, I thank God for that while diving into the sea or when taking some sun shower. After all, both are divine!

It’s also healthy - undeniable. For me, only this is already capable to cure some evils, solve things once give  enough vitality to go on. My tip is to enjoy and take it as hope for better days. As Carrie Ten Boom used to say: “Let God’s promises shine on your problems“. 

Thank you, God! À bientôt, beach.

*I will miss that... so much!