weather

Just Some Thoughts🤔:🚶🏽‍♀️❄️ My Daily Walk…

~ dawnlovely ~ 2 Comments

February came quick, and we’re almost near the end as the months roll by. Now we received a much anticipated extremely HEAVY snowfall, which has put a dent in our pre-spring dreams, as daylight savings time is around the corner. Now the streets look almost unreal, like a winter wonderland, but with extra, EXTRA snow!! It’s been years since we’ve experienced this level of snow fall, I don’t remember it being this extreme, AND for days in a row. So the streets and roads don’t have time to recover. The snow continues to pile up, layering on top of large mini hills, that almost resemble mini avalanches on people’s front lawns. This winter, our below zero weather has hit down to approx -17 with the windshield, which we accepted graciously, because the lack of snow made it a lot easier to tolerate. It was only before so long that we would receive a true dose of snow that would interrupt our days, and becoming an obstacle course to navigate. I love to walking for exercise, and my daily walk is important, and imperative for my health, both mental and physical. So although the snow is a nuisance, I treat it as an add-on to a workout. I enthusiastically layer up, and leave for an hour plus walk, keeping up a brisk speed, as I listen to my favourite playlist from the 90’s, as I whisk through, and step over the mushy, unleveled, higher than ankle, snow. My destination will take me approx 2 hours, at least to go and return, hopefully safely, and I factor in the time it may take to get around the unpredictable snow accumulation in other areas. I brace myself for the bottom of my pants to get wet with snow, and my hands, gloved up, for premature frost bite, dangerous ICY patches, AND extra pressure on my legs, and knees which are not as “youthful” as they used to be! lol So, I am careful and cautious not to twist them in the unforgiving snow.

This photo was taken on the way to run errands, AFTER a few days of snow removal, and it was -7 which was tolerable enough to stop, take off my gloves, fumble with my phone, and take a decent pic.

So, I successfully made it to my destination, completed my errands really quickly, and started trekking back, on the opposite side of the street, thinking it may be a better choice. Moving strategically, to avoid slipping in the mounds of under-knee level snow. Boy, was I wrong! It was just as bad! Possibly worse, and there was no way to tell until you start walking, and turning back is NOT an option, borderline dangerous, however, you just gotta keep it moving! So, it may take me an hour to get home, but it’ll give my legs some more workout, how I can I complain?!

I restarted my playlist on one of my favourite, beautiful, inspirational and calming tunes by BabyFace, “Exceptional”, as a wisky, light, snow began to fall and winds picked up, making it difficult to see. As winds picked up, I couldn’t help but notice the elevated level of politeness and comradery between people who walking by. I made sure to stop, and give others space to get by, and they did the same, and said Thanks as they walked past me. They even made eye contact, or gave a nod, or even a smile. It was endearing, as I love good manners, and basic human regard in weather disaster times. The gracious level of patience, that we do not usually exercise on a regular day, seems to be available from the majority it matters the most! Imagine if we did this on the road while driving, regardless of the weather?!

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.

~ Dawn Lovely

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Just Some Thoughts 🤔: Just Seems A Little Off /☀/🏇🏿/❓….

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The temperatures have shot up out of the blue, a pleasant surprise, but feels very unnatural. It seems a little off to me.

I had to take a double look and refresh my browser when I saw the weekly forecast. I was ready for the temperature to drop below zero within the next few weeks. Then again, I’ve learn to expect the unexpected in these strange times. The weather has BEEN tampered with, and this ain’t no conspiracy. If you grew up in Canada, and are over twenty, you would’ve definitely noticed the drastic change in the seasons. Mother earth is not well, and we all know why.

I tried to catch some of that warmth and sunlight, but by the time I reached outside 4:30ish, it was already dark. Did the sun go down a little earlier than usual? The streets were very active, many people dining out, trying to enjoy the warm fall evening. The sound of latin jazz bumping out of the local open-front, very well-lit restaurant. It looked and felt like a regular warm summer night! Folks sitting outside, many without masks. Talking, laughing, looking very happy, very “pre-covid19”. The vibe was nice, I almost forgot about the government restrictions. I almost daydreamed my way into a new reality…The old norm.

On my brisk walk home after completing my errands, I was very relaxed, and content. As I calmly walked home enyoying the warmth and chill vibes, I was completely caught off guard. I winced in the dark, thinking maybe my eyes were deceiving me. I saw a tall dark figure in the road, beside the curb, moving in my direction. As I moved closer, I realized it was a horse! An RCMP officer on a horse, Ooooh Okay! I’ve seen these officers many a time, just not in this side of the city, especially after dark. It was very out-of-place, and I thought something must be wrong. They usually only come out to help monitor crowds, large gatherings, like the “Caribana Festival”. My discernment told me perhaps they are preparing for something, for it was the day of USA elections….I dunno, it was just weird. So of course I quickly and awkwardly positioned my phone, and snapped a pic.

Lately I’ve been doing well, but some things in the outside world just seem a little off…

For now, that’s all I have to say. Have a productive day!

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.

Love and Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

Under The Weather…..

~ dawnlovely ~ 2 Comments

I was under the weather for a week or so, and I lost my voice due to the very harsh wind and cold. I’ve never had laryngitis in my life, and it came at the worst time ever. I had to postpone a few things, including singing, which was sad. I’m preparing to record but my vocals chords couldn’t do it. This was a sign that my body needed rest, and I need to preserve what was left, I barely had a whisper.

I was trying not to write about weather, but the state of the weather is very relevant, especially lately. It has been up and down on a daily basis, extreme highs and lows. What used to be 10 degrees, the start of spring, a relief from the long winter season, now feels equivalent to -10 degrees. No weather report can prepare you for the unpredictable and powerful winds. This weather truly blows my mind, and if you reside in Toronto Canada, you know exactly what I’m talking about…

It started to rain on my way home from the grocery store today, and on my way there it was a lot warmer than expected. I wanted to take off my jacket, but I was worried the wind would get me. I feared that l would catch a cold again, or something even worse. So much thought put out into a simple walk to the store. There was absolutely no sign of rain to come, and I’m usually in tune with the weather.

Whether or not the weather (no pun intended) is natural or influenced by man, we still are at it’s mercy. There is only so much that we can do to bear with it. I’m less interested in all the theories/conspiracy theories that I used to ponder regarding the weather and “Who” controls it. If pollution and our abuse of this planet has contributed to damaging our weather pattern, we really can’t complain.

In my opinion the weather represents the fact that we truly are under it, the weather RULES. If it happens to snow “out of the blue” again I will not be surprised, nor will I be angry at the weather.

Rest well and have a good night

Love&Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

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Helplessness(Continued)…..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment

I didn’t intend on talking about the weather again, but yesterday evening I found myself caught up in the #Toronto terrible winter storm. I left work 10 minutes early and rushed to the subway to avoid missing the one GoBus that goes to my part of the city. Although I knew I’d be okay, I had NO idea when I’d get home or even close to the area my family resides. Ironically, the one GoBus that didn’t come was mine, and I didn’t know why. It only runs twice a day, so if you miss it, you’re screwed. When the weather is this serious, no more phone calls can be made to ask where or why. You simply have to wait it out until further notice. I thought damn, this is not the place to be and this is definitely NOT the weather! I couldn’t take a taxi, I couldn’t call family or friends, I couldn’t go back to work. I was left with no options. Stranded on the other side of the city in an area that I am not familiar with, Uh Oh….

I met three ladies while waiting for the same “ghost” bus, and struck up a conversation regarding the commute confusion. As we stood in the waiting area patiently, I became a part of their group. They made sure to give me updates because they knew somebody who had an inside link to the bus company. We waited 3 hours, but nothing. Many cars and buses were stopped up due to the heavy snowfall, the whole road was stopped up. It was rush hour at a very busy intersection, TOTAL chaos! Tow-trucks, people pushing cars, etc….Nobody could move. The snow continued to blow and come down, I was beginning to feel pins and needles in my hands.

Finally, a kind driver decided to allow all of the people left behind to load his bus and take us to nearest mall. He was also ensuring we would at least be warm while we waited. Unfortunately after an approx 1 hour wait, we weren’t able to move, so we had to reverse and go right back into the station. I thought, welp, I guess I’ll have to go back downstairs to the delayed train??? I don’t know what to do…Then I was approached by one of the group, she told me that they were taking the train, aaaall the way to the mall that is supposed to have a bus waiting for us that will bring us home. It was almost midnight and I had nothing to lose at this point. I appreciated the fact they actually cared that I arrived home that night.

I was worried that this supposed bus wasn’t going to arrive, so I told the ladies that I was planning on taking my usual route home, the way I know. Regardless of how long it takes, or the delays, at least I know where I’m going. They reassured me that their way would bring us home, and I didn’t need to worry.

So, I decided to trust these kind strangers and let them lead the way, which was hard for me to do, it felt like a test. It made me feel more helpless than ever! I guess putting my safety and well-being fully in another’s hands, a stranger’s hands, may help me to accept it’s okay be helpless and accept help?

I graciously Thanked those kind ladies before exiting the bus. I arrived home in one piece, after trudging through knee-high snow, and unplowed sidewalks. My family said they were relieved that I made it home safe and sound, but I was even more Thankful for what I learned in those 6 hours.

Love&Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

Follow me @:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely, https://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W

Helplessness(Part One)…..

~ dawnlovely ~ Leave a comment

I meant to post this thought last week on one of the coldest days I’ve ever experienced in my life!!!

Today was -16 degrees but weather reports say that it “feels” like -28. The temperature actually dropped lower than that, it went close to -30 plus. I only went outside because I had to, that weather is lethal. I felt as though I was going to pass out soon as I walked outside. The wind was intense and powerful, and I was afraid that I was going to fall or faint because I was already sick. I haven’t felt worried about my safety and out of control because of the weather in a very long time. I felt weak and helpless, but turning around and trying to walk back inside would’ve been a struggle, it literally felt like walking through ice. I stuck it out and stayed outside, I couldn’t let the weather change my day and my goals. I hate to feel helpless, I realized that was a stupid to stay outside. Something triggered me, I realized that being helpless is one of my biggest fears, and I actually consider it a “character flaw” which I know is wrong. I feel completely out of control and even more ashamed for that, and I know that is wrong too.

I’ve blamed myself for life occurences that I had absolutely no control over. Where did this feeling start? At what point in my life? The Truth is, it started from a very young age, at an age when I couldn’t do or say anything to stop the wrong I was feeling. There’s more to the story, but I’ll continue in another blog.

Love&Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

Follow me @:https://twitter.com/iamdawnlovely, https://t.co/wfctLWHJ1W