About Last Week...

I was one of two Hurricanes to hit Ireland the weekend before last.. just kidding , I don't say things like that. It seemed like a good one-liner to open things up with. Considering my week since, has been well...

Last I typed of the end to my nights shifting . Thursday evening I went in a wow to the Land of Ire to visit Ms. Josephine. The day I returned from Dublin was to be Tuesday, which was the day hurricane Ophelia happened and my flights were delayed. Two more days at home with Josephine in her full house.

A familiar friend in blogetry's past, she celebrated her 21st Birthday and a homecoming. THE WHOLE FAMILY was there. Precious. On route via Luas to the city centre, Josephine's mum wanted to review with her the names and ages of all her younger cousins . She is like their cool aunty travelling her way through adult hood and engineering a path for their greater good.

Prior to Opheila, Josie held my hand whilst I did my first open mic acapella. During Ophelia we binge watched the first season of Riverdale. Isn't it beautiful how you can go from global room mate hobo's to best friends.
WHILST LIVE STREAMING A HURRICANE.

"When life gives you lemons"
they say

Ummm if I have to make lemonade I like to see a formation of sugar , some of that really needs to be stirred into the mix. Alright alright. My sweet tooth thrives on ; love, pure human kindness, adventure, spontaneous Kurt Cobain portrait tattoo's .. kidding.

A wise human once said
"Treat yo' self"

Thursday was my Monday, 8am the day after landing. And overtime Saturday.
*gasps*

I SLEPT FOR 12 HOURS SATURDAY NIGHT.  Today I'm sharing a big secret. Actually 2.

1. Double espresso
2. Don't keep secrets

The not so new job is muy bien. 

Maybe this time next year I'll be writing a whole post en Español. ..If I can socialize like a people in the cafe.. I have the opportunity to be with co-workers whose first language is Spanish . ...yesterday I publicly embarrassed myself in the lunch room... I'll have to learn the word for laugh.

One word a day and with 365 I can at least be ,what I word dreamt up to be "Intentionable" .

; able to communicate ones intentions. Soley in context to/ in a situation involving one having to form a new understanding of communication with intent.

3. the secret question to elude to the answer of all life problems...
...Who are Merriam and Webster?

Intentional . Questioned yet again Sunday morning. My car was a scene of theft. That's what I shall call this strange occurrence. Not broken into because I leave my door unlocked (it's broken). And nothing I couldn't part with was taken. My mixtape, spare interior lights and glove compartment junk.

Tutela park area we have a curious cat in the neighbourhood. Possibly with ears on fire.
HA maybe I'll get exactly that tatted beside Kurt...

Wednesday . Today. (No hablar days of the week yet) Has been one full of wellness.

Next week I shall introduceeee

THE ONE THE ONLY SAFFRON .AND HER INTROSPECTION SINGLE RELEASE.

Happening at my place NOVEMBER 10th .

Until next time. Check deeeez out

https://www.boredpanda.com/hurricane-ophelia-ireland-reactions/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=AwkwardFamily

https://www.facebook.com/SaffronMusic97/

most missed track to car jam too <3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv3RtBe6FGg

It's Wednesday?

This week is my last night shift. I woke up about an hour ago, after going to bed at 8:30am. Yesterday was less slumber-vesent as the first night shift always is. The worst part about this shift is that your body never gets quite used to it. I guess that is true for most irregular things we face.

The 11-7 week commences Sunday night and ends Friday morning. The whole Sunday day feels burdened by the 11pm hour. The fact that my bed has to wait all day expecting me to come back.. 

"The hardest goodbye and the best hello" 

7am when the rest of the city is pressing snooze on their alarms, making coffee or turning the key in the top lock and leaving home. I am just barely leaving work. When I say that I mean I know I'm physically leaving but I'm not sure if I'm sleep walking ... and by the time of day that I am fully rested it's almost time to go back.

I keep saying.. 
"see you tomorrow"
"oh wait well today"
"like later tonight..wow"

The migration of bodies from the parking lot to security looks like a scene from the walking dead. Especially lately with the cold persuading the steps of every wearied or caffeined being. The fog thickly dancing around the light posts like a milky way . It was nice the other day when we had a full moon. 

By this time in the week usually I'm JJUUSSSST getting used to it , finishing Thursday morning , realizing there is already only one night of it left . It's bitter sweet because I'm like yeah pfft night shifts got nothing on me , than Friday I basically sleep until Monday and wake up to work .. 

Next week I start as a cleaner in the factory! I think Ferrero is actually my dream job. And I'm saying that without the influence of chocolate in my system. I made a vow to myself this week to not eat anymore chocolates. 

But seriously this plant is very homey. My peoples who are in the same schedule rotation as me are like my second family. The amount of different cultures there feels like I travel around the world between lunch breaks. 

Ideally I'll "work my way up " here. With this cleaning position I am full-time, benefitted , and on one straight shift. They also said the will be flexible with me when I have plans for study. 

Every shift start's with a smile and usually end with one too. 

The secret...Through the first set of doors, once one is officially in the plant, is the Nutella department.  I come through the sliding doors and inhale until my better judgment tells me to stop...The roasted hazelnut smell should honestly be bottled and sold. 

Rocher no. 5. 
 Eau De Ferrero

And of course I'm smiling on my way out, that's no secret. (I mean that in all the best ways)

I have been reading more about the Ferrero history too,  in closing I'll  leave you with these fun facts:

Ferrero-world wide produces about 365,000 tonnes of Nutella each year. 
Ferrero also uses 25% of the global supply of hazelnuts. 

(thanks wikipedia!)


Happy Wednesday :)

Poetic Interlude

When they speak so highly of you what do you hear?

"She's...
    and finished..
       then starting..
          sure is.."

"He's got...
     His new..
       He's going places.."

I got this far
It could have been..

Money gets you ahead.

A head , full of what?
A heart must be present.

If I didn't have too I would never leave this place.

We're all doing it for the first time.

"Long story short"

Is This Your Dwelling?

I noticed the usually littered space , about 30 trees huddled to form a dwelling. Just a comfortable fit for people(s) . 

With ;
walnuts
watermelon slices
water
icepack
LOVE, in hand I met the residents of the now swept and white blanket flagged landing.

"Hello, is this your dwelling?"

This weeks heat thus far has been 'hot hot hot' and it is being felt. The air is too. I believe humidity is not to be muddled with humans.

"I didn't know what to expect"

Landing here on a pass through. She spoke on behalf of them both.

"You look well" - I meant it .

"It's been years since anyone has told me that" - she did too.

Hugs
I'm near.

My alarm clock this morning felt like a dream. 
"RAAIIISHA"
"RASISSHA"
839am the stove was being delivered and my landlord was calling me from the door. I woke up and it was hot already. The blinds let through just the right amount of sun the rest of the day and just the right amount of too much in the morning..

I've been thinking about the two humans and todays humidity. 

At work I told my co-workers I am a box whisperer. I say to the boxes, thank you for distracting me from the temptatious (that needs to be a word!!) whispers of the kinder variety,whilst singing Cat Stevens 'Wild World' .

Life is always bringing about a .. je ne sais quoi.. I'll be working 7 days a week, as of this week, until ...je ne sais quoi. ..

There will be a plentiful opportunity for saving for future travels and for some good old at home mind focus time. Also made known upon asking the question;

"what do you do in your 'free' time"

Make mixtapes
Invent deserts
watch coffee drip
live slow.

I am hoping to see my new acquaintances today if time permits. 

ta ta for now.  xx

Mi Casa es Su Casa

"Does anyone even come to Brantford?"
"Not really and everyone who actually lives here is always trying to leave."

There is a lot more to this metropolitan median , Brantford. Last week I had a couch surfer ,Wanda , spend 5 days; learning some of the history ,charmed by walking trail winds and meeting some radical Brantfordians.

Wanda is originally  from the Queen's home land.. she has the accent to prove it . For the last few years she has lived in Spain and the 5 days in Brantford with me , were her 3rd homely stay in Trudeau country.

The first night was full on conversation about colonization , history, anti capitalism, rainbow societies, over consumption, travel and of course a "Welcome to my crib". Wanda has a passion for understanding Indigenous cultures and the full history of Indigenous Canadians. Her conviction and pure love of knowledge made listening to her a learning opportunity and a crash course in economic enlightenment.

I live about 15 minutes from the Woodland Cultural Centre aka Brantford's infamous residential school. I've never been there before but from Wanda's review and the pamphlet she gave me, it is worth checking out . Brantford has more than Tim Hortons and Wayne Gretzky to be thankful for!

She made me vegan bolognese for lunch. VEGAN. BOLOGNESE. whaaaattttt... I came home from work and there was a stove top prepared for the love of animals and me alike. So so tasty, thanks again chica!

Wanda met a local activist /equality enthusiast , joined him in walking about the city and finished the night with an open mic. His posters are maintained in about 30 different locations in Brantford. The signage is black and white, bold and professing the importance of First Nation justice and the natural freedoms, respects for all that we need to untangle to truly exist in harmony . There are a variety of posters, I have about 20 prints for anyone who is interested!

Our second last day together I drove to Port Dover, we had ice cream, chocolates, wind blown hairs, life chats and basically a best friends perfect day dream.

She mentioned a friend of hers who spent 15 years traveling and now hosts couch surfers to stay in tune with the world's music.  As my first couch surfer, she not only made me excited for her next adventures around the vast globe, but I explored Brantford with an equal excitement!

Wanda has set off on this wonderfilled journey across Canada , the USA and who knows where else the vagabond spirit will guide her. Hopefully one day back here!

How sweet it is to be connected with heritage, community , knowledge and spirituality. 5 days listening to the rhythm of voyager footsteps . I couldn't help but dance. Thanks for everything Wanda, bon voyage :)

...

Without further adieu , from the Wanda herself:

"Why did a wandering traveller come to Brantford? Between the delights of Algonquin, Toronto, Niagara, why take a detour here?

It was to discover an untold story, one missing from every Canadian history museum. What happened to the indigenous people?

Brantford brought me the truth - the story of the genocide that my race committed, and the indigenous history of peacemaking, extended to my ancestors, who stole all they could and whose descendents refuse to return it.

Brantford brought me tears, heartache, anger - none of which matter. What matters is truth, reconciliation, reparation and recovery. But the first ingredient is missing from White Canada - the truth is hidden. 

Whitewashed. 

Instead, we are allowed to believe that modern indigenous problems are unrelated to their treatment by us, then and now, still hiding the truth, still allowing the injustices of the past to prevail today, still failing to address the consequences. 

Why Brantford? Because the truth must be told."

...

ps. I left the internet alone whilst and after meeting Wanda, to be fully present...Friday I lost my phone at work and it was THANK FULLY. returned to me Monday. ..I'm doing a night shift this week.. which means my mind and body are more confused than usual. yikes.

Never a dull moment in Raisha's world.

Stay in orbit <3

Teenage Fever

I'm not sure how late I am to hop on the band wagon but  I have been listening to Drakes -Teenage Fever like it's my anthem. The past week has been quite feverish in a most babe /adult manner. 

I spent the weekend on another planet.

An emotional one.

The solar system I was orbiting in , was around the burning star of love.

Family love, friendship love, love love. 

Day and night, literally the darkness that came as I spun around those planets, those peoples, and a new light came timely after. 

Some days brought pizza and tea others showed why I usually close my eyes in darkness. Why I am meant to rest when the night comes and not be about in the hours when darkness defines my footsteps. Why I give people infinite chances. 

Humans are so interesting. Forget personalities, facial features, hair colours. I mean like bone, flesh, vital organs, centre of control squishy scull covered , art forms. 

"and if somehow you knew
that your love would be untrue , would you lie to me?

Why we like what we like, don't what we don't. Need what we want or want what we need. On my way back to earth (like yesterday..) I was going to apply for a Tea Sommelier course at Mohawk, just something to start mending some brain cells, make a routine and get a cool certificate that says I know some things about Tea. 

I changed my mind/my mind was changed. In perhaps a well needed re-evaluation/ 2nd person's view at my current situations vs where I want to be...need to be.. Tea will always be there. Do I really need a piece of paper that tells me Tea loves me back?

I might change my mind back, when the next semester is rolling in January . 

Than I started my first day at Ferrero Chocolate Factory. 

On the contrary to usually meta me. Real world me said mhmmm 57 and packing rochers.? 53 and sitting pretty..?

I thought I stopped caring about being pretty a long time ago. And I hate money. And I keep reminding myself greatness is in the eye of the be greater. Than I get a bill for car repairs, or I get home and I think damn . Rent is cool because like having a place to live is cooler.

"This shit feels like teenage fever"

But I'm kind of scared of it. 

For the record I can't take any products home so don't place any orders for Nutella in the comments... unless your offering to feed me and pay my rent...

*outro*

"So please forgive me
more ideas and stuff coming, yeah
yeah fam I'm waffling, tired fam..."

Thanks Mom

I would like to dedicate this post to;  as she is saved in the contacts list in my cellular device, Master of The Womb.  Mom, Mum, Momsie, Mama, however you address your lovely give her a double high five from me and make sure you give her a good bear hug.

So like my Mom took me shopping on the weekend. Nooooooooo that's not the only reason for the appreciation. BUT. She bought me groceries, gave me money for gas just so darn unconditionally, I saw a totally different side of her.

My Mom and me have always had a funny relationship. Funny like she calls me Mom.. don't ask.  She had 2 pet doves and named one Raisha. I taught her how to email right, and for atleast a year she wrote all her emails in the subject line. I told her every time and it wasn't until one day she asked

"How do you make your emails bigger?"

I realized she had no idea what she was doing and that just telling her wouldn't help.

If life isn't full circle man I just don't know what shape it is. I told my Mom I quit my job and she said

"Well. That's okay."

I can usually hear her turn around and tell the rest of my family members the 20/20 on my current affairs. This time she didn't . That's okay was all she said.  Instead of back and forth between who's in the background , her and me, there was just a peaceful sort of understanding air.

I went down to see her on the weekend. We just chilled , shopped, ate and were merry. I cooked Okonomiyaki and she loved it, SHE NEVER EATS ANYTHING I COOK.

Is this adulthood? Are the clouds that used to hover over our relationship opening to clear blue skies?
Or she is so disappointed in me she rather just play it off and has since been filling paperwork for disownment...

MOM IF YOU'RE READING THIS I JUST LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND WANT TO TELL YOU AND THE INTERNET.

She just gets me , and loves me and feeds me soul food. I just felt so blown away and I feel bad it took this long to see how wonderful she is, but such is life I guess. I've learnt the most appreciation worthy moments often come when you take something that was always there and just look from another angle.

Anyways,  I start working at Ferrero next Tuesday. (..I'll be looking like Augustus Gloop by the following Tuesday... ) Meanwhile I am trying to get started to study to be a ESL Teacher! I know absolutely nothing about how the post secondary school systems works and I call Mohawk College like very 2 hrs and 53 seconds to ask a question.

Today I sat in the general inquires office and made 2 origami boxes while I waited... I think they're putting me last on the inquires list..

Hug your Mama again if you didn't already. Don't forget a double high five from me.

Until next time <3 <3