A FABULOUS BREAK

Kooza is headed to Circus camp again this summer. Have I mentioned that already? I’ve been making a few arrangements to stay in Montreal this July. All the planning has brought back memories of last year when I spent a week there just relaxing and enjoying a great, low-key vacation destination. (That's Kooza hanging in the photo.)

One afternoon as I was eating pizza at a local outdoor café, I couldn’t help but notice the ‘cigarette break’ a young girl was taking across the street through a second story window. As I saw her and peeked a little further into the room she was coming from, I couldn’t help thinking there was something artsy and wonderful that she was a part of. I couldn’t quite figure out what they were doing. I saw a photographer and lots of photo lights flashing but I just couldn’t put my finger on it.

A Mom doesn’t get too many breaks you know. So….with summer fast approaching, I’m dreaming of Montreal and enjoying the great cool summer weather there.

*duchess*

THE FIRST DAY

I’m still reeling with excitement for Kooza this morning. He was so excited about camp yesterday that his overwhelming enthusiasm is carrying me today. It’s a gloomy day here in Montreal, but I’m sure he hasn’t noticed one bit. The pouring rain is forcing me to stay in and relax. My hotel room overlooks the terrace of the hotel where the outdoor bar/restaurant sits rain drenched and empty today. Yesterday, the hotel was abuzz with 2 wedding parties and their guests. The terrace was packed all day with socializing. Later in the evening the crowd was full with onlookers waiting for the fireworks show that was going to be held over the St. Lawrence River. The “Spectacular” will be held each Saturday evening through August. Apparently, it is a fireworks world competition (who’d of thought). Portugal was displaying their expertise last night. It must be some show because as I returned to the hotel around 7pm the crowd was already staking spots near the river undeniably to get the best view of the show. What to do on a rainy day here in Montreal? Update your Blog? Yep. Read a book? Yep. And of course, LOTS of hotel people watching. The hotel has great lounge areas for guests to enjoy each others company. Montreal is an interesting city in that it is a “francophone” which means French is the primary language. The business language is French, yet everyone here is also fluent in English so it’s easy for us sloppy one language Americans to get around in this city. I’m intrigued by how easily they switch from one language to the other. One table is speaking French, the next is speaking English, etc. The staff responds in either language. Here's news from Kooza: Bonjour!!!!! I have learned to understand a little French (some-what). I also learned how to say «i dont speak French in French,,,,, «hehe Well, we are doing powertrack for sure tommorow and a few other things that are in french so..... LOVE YA! I'm so grateful they are giving campers computer time! The message is short, but definitely makes Mom feel better. Interesting Fact of the Day: On the front page of the “The Gazette” today - John Lennon. Apparently, years ago Lennon held his “Bed-In for Peace” here in Montreal. Hmmm.

THE BIG TOP TRIP

Update for family and friends---
We made it safely to Montreal today. Kooza and I traveled alone, leaving Scout and Pops at home with the puppy dogs. (They played a practice round in Bryan preparing for Scout’s tournament on Monday and Tuesday. I don’t think they miss us yet.)

I dropped Kooza off this afternoon at “L’Ecole Nationale de Cirque” where he will be staying this week. (The photo above shows the front of the building -about 7 stories- with the Cirque du Soleil Headquarters in the background.) This a BIG deal! He was so energized to finally be here. I can only hope it will live up to his expectations. He is one of 15 students who will be staying overnight at the school dormitory during the week. There will be 17 more students commuting each day. The day is going to be ALL about circus arts. They will have nutritious meals (they have a nutritionist on staff), 2 workouts a day, and then wind down to typical summer camp night activities. He will be in circus heaven. The facility is fantastic, the counselors I met were enthusiastic about the boys being there, and I’m positive the training will be outstanding. Plus, I’m thrilled he will be spending time with kids who are like him—in that they like circus arts too. We don’t know anyone else in our hometown that dreams of Cirque the way Kooza does. He will finally have circus buddies!

Thank you to everyone for all your prayers these past few months.

The day of traveling was long for us. We woke up at 5:30am to begin our journey. My brain is out of words at the moment…more tomorrow about Montreal.