Walk

As of late, I find that my appetite has increased. This in itself is a good thing; my mother constantly complains about how skinny I am. Actually, even my grandmother complains. The problem is, eating more doesn't help me gain weight. At least, not enough weight to make a difference.

Because UofT's campus is so large, and because I rarely have any two classes close to each other, I do a lot of walking. Mind you, I'm not complaining - being able to keep in shape is great, but even more than that, I love walking.

Recently, I've come to realise how sensuous an experience it is. Yes, "sensuous". (Think "tactile" if that helps get your mind out of the gutter.) With a pair of good rubber-soled shoes and a little concentration, it is possible to feel the ground under your feet as you walk. In fact, it doesn't really require much concentration at all. It's more akin to taking the time to notice something you normally wouldn't.

Pavement is, by far, the easiest to walk on - it's uniform and generally unbroken. Asphalt is similar. Cobblestone is a trial. I wonder how people ever managed to walk around when cobblestone was the pavement. The most comfortable stone I've ever walked on is often used as an accent along sidewalks. It's usually a dark grey, smooth and actually looks "soft". Unfortunately, I'm willing to hazard a guess that it's expensive; that being the reason for its sparing usage.

A few years ago, I read an article in eye Magazine about people who walk barefoot around the city. Yes, I'm serious. I thought it ludicrous at the time, but now I think I can empathise with them. Of course, I would never do it myself.

It's amazing, but considering how much of our lives we actually spend walking, we rarely ever give it much thought. It couldn't hurt, I suppose, to pause and appreciate the little things more often.

To all those who will be hitting the slopes tomorrow, have fun. I will not be coming. And here's a song that I just heard. I don't particularly like it, but it's stuck in my head.

Honey & The Moon
Joseph Arthur

Don't know why I'm still afraid
If you weren't real I would make you up now
I wish that I could follow through
I know that your love is true and deep as the sea

But right now
Everything you want is wrong
And right now
All your dreams are waking up
And right now
I wish I could follow you
To the shores
Of freedom
Where no one lives

Remember when we first met
And everything was still a bet in love's game
You would call; I'd call you back
And then I'd leave a message on your answering machine

But right now
Everything is turning blue
And right now
The sun is trying to kill the moon
And right now
I wish I could follow you
To the shores
Of freedom
Where no one lives

Freedom
Run away tonight
Freedom, freedom
Run away
Run away tonight

We're made out of blood and rust
Looking for someone to trust without a fight
I think that you came too soon
You're the honey and the moon that lights up my night

But right now
Everything you want is wrong
And right now
All your dreams are waking up
And right now
I wish that I could follow you
To the shores
Of freedom
Where no one lives

Freedom
Run away tonight
Freedom freedom
Run away
Run away tonight

We got too much time to kill
Like pigeons on my window sill
We hang around

Ever since I've been with you
You hold me up
All the time I've falling down

But right now
Everything is turning blue
And right now
The sun is trying to kill the moon
And right now
I wish i could follow you
To the shores
Of freedom
Where no one lives