Author Archives: If It Was Today

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About If It Was Today

Eat, Drink, Travel, Write...

Bringer of the Sun

According to Latvian legend, at the winter solstice a horse brings light and wisdom to the earth for the coming year. I think this ice sculpture eloquently captures this theme. In case you’re wondering about the Latvian connection, the Latvian … Continue reading

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Groundhog Day

If it’s cloudy when the groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2nd, spring will come early. On the other hand, if it’s sunny, and the groundhog sees its shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter. Or so … Continue reading

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When Life Gives You Lemons

Obviously I don’t mean that literally. Life in this climate gives you many things, but a freshly picked lemon is not one of them. Unfortunately it just doesn’t have the same ring to it when you say “if life gives … Continue reading

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Guilty Pleasures

I love fruitcake. There, I’ve said it. Not just any fruitcake, mind you. I mean really good fruitcake. Preferably  homemade fruitcake that has been properly aged. By now you probably think I’m a fruitcake. You may also be wondering why … Continue reading

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Fire and Ice

Fire. The glowing embers of a dying fire are endlessly fascinating, evoking almost primaeval emotions. Time stands still as you watch the flames slowly dance over the hot coals, the soft light and gentle warmth surrounding you. Ice, on the … Continue reading

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Sand and Snow

Two very different things. And yet, they have a surprising amount in common. Both can be severe, even deadly, or incredibly beautiful. Context is everything. Both can be an endless source of amusement for children. Put a child in an … Continue reading

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Through a Traveler’s Eyes

When we travel we see the world through a different lens. It makes everything look new and exciting, because, well… we are seeing things that are new and exciting. But I also enjoy viewing the everyday world through those same … Continue reading

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Irony

This weekend I went skating outdoors on the canal in Ottawa. It was not the first time that I went skating outdoors this season. Ironically, the first time was in November, in San Jose, and it was positively warm. This … Continue reading

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Winter

The Rideau canal runs through the center of Ottawa. It was built in the 19th century for defense. Today it carries pleasure boats in the summer, and skaters in the winter. I sometimes imagine trying to explain this to the … Continue reading

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Passenger

When I cook, I drink wine and listen to music, especially by musicians I’ve recently added to my “modest” music collection. I’m enthusiastic about music at the best of times, but even more so about my latest discoveries. And that’s … Continue reading

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