As 2024 comes to a close, I’m reminded of my disappointment with the global political landscape. I stepped away from Facebook, Instagram, and X on January 1st. This end-of-year update is to let the world know I’m alive and well.
Unfortunately, a phone malfunction and my own neglectfulness to back up photos resulted in the loss of many photos from the past year. Thankfully friends have sent me photos so that, you the reader, and I have some photographic memory of 2024. Despite the challenges, 2024 will forever hold a special place in my heart as one of the most memorable.
My decision to leave social media was a conscious choice to focus on what truly matters. I realized that life is too short to be consumed by the lives of people I hardly know. I also understood that constantly exposing myself to the horrors of war and prejudice wouldn’t bring about change. Instead, I chose to focus on spreading kindness, surrounding myself with like-minded individuals, and promoting peace in every way possible.
Winter
As 2024 unfolded, I pursued numerous goals that led me to blissful experiences. I finally completed all 50 items on my bucket list before I turned 50. In January, I joined the Toronto Ornithological Club, deepening my passion for birding. I embarked on a guided winter walk at the Leslie Spit, braving the coldest day of the year to explore the empty nests left from the previous spring. The wealth of knowledge shared during the walk left me wanting more.
Another significant step I took was addressing the emotional toll of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on my life. I attended the inaugural Toronto meeting of Co-Existence, a movement promoting peaceful coexistence between Jews and Palestinians in Israel. It was heartening to see a full room of like-minded individuals sharing this vision.
I finally attended the Toronto Tea Festival, observing traditional Japanese and Chinese tea ceremonies. A visit to the MOCA gallery was made even more special by sharing the experience with an old friend.
I continued to indulge in favourite activities: nordic skiing day trips, walks with friends, music concerts, clothing swaps, and repair cafes. Interestingly, my decision to leave social media led me to cultivate a more fulfilling social life, seeking connections in places that brought me happiness.
Spring
The universe had begun to conspire in my favour in the Spring. It started with an magical weekend in Point Pelee National Park, where I met a fellow birder at the onset of the bird migration. For bird enthusiasts, Point Pelee during migration season is like Disneyland for birders. It’s electric with excitement, as photographers with long lenses share tales of rare sightings.
It was there that I fell even more in love with birding, and unexpectedly, with my birding partner. As the season unfolded, we spent almost every weekend exploring Toronto’s hidden gems, binoculars in hand. Our leisurely strolls revealed fascinating sightings, and as we delved deeper into the world of birds, our connection blossomed.
Summer
S and I continued to cherish our time together, embarking on trips that allowed me to indulge in another passion: lake swimming. Our days together flew by, and before I knew it, summer had slipped away.
In August, I accepted a work transfer and bid farewell to Castleview Wychwood Towers, moving to a new long term care home at Cummer Lodge. While the change was bittersweet, I’ve come to realize it’s been a positive shift, and I’ve settled comfortably into my new surroundings.
I spent my birthday with S in a cozy cabin within a Provincial park. Although the weather was unseasonably wet and cold, our time together remained warm and joyful. Even on a gloomy weekend, our moments together flew by, leaving us both with cherished memories.
Fall
September brought fall migration walks, and I finally crossed off mushroom foraging from my bucket list. On my inaugural foray, I stumbled upon rare edible mushrooms that proved to be the most delicious I’d ever tasted. While mushroom foraging was fascinating, it was more physically demanding than I anticipated. Nevertheless, I’m grateful for the experience.
As fall gave way to the beginning of winter, the bird sounds and sightings dwindled, but we continued to make our outdoor excursions engaging. As our relationship blossomed, we discovered common interests beyond birding. Our shared love of music led us to captivating concerts, impromptu jam sessions on piano and guitar, and fun gatherings with friends.
This holiday season has been a whirlwind, with work keeping me busy as Christmas approached. I am yearning for hope and renewal in 2025. May the coming year bring more goodness than darkness, peace to our world, and serenity to our hearts. Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy 2025. Pictures from 2024, mostly taken by others, here.