from Facebook
A tale from the #landofcute Yesterday we were rushing to get to the subway and head downtown to the financial district to have lunch with Gary Marriott.
“Mommy, I am going to pick these flowers” as we were walking quickly…”And give them out to people that I meet today” With a handful of Dandelions Marcus brought pure joy to random strangers on the subway.

from Facebook
A short tale from the #landofcute a few weeks ago I hired from the library a bunch of cds to listen to in the car with Marcus. The one I was most curious about was Sweet Honey and the Rock. In between the songs are stories of slavery empowerment and segregation. We have listened a few times and Marcus tuned in today in a new way.
“Mommy, what are white people?”
“Well, you and I are white people”
Silence, then…
“We aren’t really white. We are kind pink. What are black people?”
“People who have black or dark colored skin”
“Oh. Mommy do we have a lawn mower? Can you show me how to cut grass this summer?”
“Sure”
“Ok, can you please turn the music up louder. I like this music”
“Ok. Marcus, you are being really cute right now. Can I take a picture of you?
” Sure”
Love this kid.

from Facebook
An existential tale from the #landofcute

Marcus was having trouble going to sleep last night.

Marcus:Mommy, my wish never comes true!
Mommy: Well, what do you wish for?
Marcus:I pray to god that I can be a super hero and have invisible stars shoot out of my hands. They are really gold coloured but only I can see them. They are invisible.
Mommy:Well you know what Marcus. My wishes and prayers always come true.
His eyes widen…..”Really? what do you wish for?
Mommy: Every night I wish that you will always be healthy, and look here you are!”
He rolls his eyes…..LIKE A TEENAGER (It is a special feeling that washes over me when my 5 year old does that)
“Marcus, stop and think about this for a moment. There are moms and dads all over the world who have to spend everyday in the hospital with their sick children. We are blessed Marcus!”
“Mommy. I really want stars to come shooting out of my hands”
“Good night sweet boy. I love you”
“Goodnight Mommy”

from Facebook
A tale from the #landofcute. So today was a pretty epic day. We woke up early and wished Gary good luck on his citizenship test and interview, which of course he aced. In two months he and I will proudly attend his citizenship ceremony! So, we went out for breakfast to celebrate. Banana pancakes for everyone! While Gary settled into his carb crash, Marcus and I headed down town for a much needed hair cut. Afterwards was probably the best part of the day. We parked the car and took the subway to the Bata Shoe Museum over the Bloor St. Viaduct. When we arried at St. George station we walked out onto the street and Marcus knew exactly where we were. He stopped dead in his tracks turned and looked at me and said
“Mommy, the subway is so magical!”
The BSM was almost empty and after we had a good look around we were able to take a break on the third floor….floor. We went for a cappacino and a cream puff at Mercurio l’express and then headed back on the subway. While walking back to the car we ran into Sam, and David Aubrey Berger and Robyn Hermolin. Which was so nice to run into old friends. It turns out there is not much a 5 year old likes in the take out section of the Big Carrot. May I recommend the Burger Stomper several doors east? After a great day out we were pooped. Time to go home and play with lego and tales of The Unwanted Adventure of Harold Greenhouse, which I highly recommend. We were sorry not to go skating tonight. Next year. Peter Diane Marriott. We missed you today. B

from Facebook
A story from the #landofcute.

So, Marcus and I are sitting at a table having dinner tonight at a family run Korean restaurant on Yonge St. Behind me on the wall is a painting of Jesus standing in a crowd of people. Marcus looks up at the painting and says “What is that man’s name?” I look behind me and say
“That man’s name is Jesus”
In a loud incredulous voice that moves across the table tops
“Cheeses! That name is so funny Mommy!” And then he said it out loud a few more times before I could get his attention.
“Marcus, it is important that we speak respectfully about Jesus, he is the leader of the Christian people. Hey Marcus! You know how people all over the world celebrate Christmas? When they do that they are celebrating the birth of that man Jesus”
Confused look.
“So, who is Santa Claus?” Omg. I am so confused…..So I start describing who Jesus was, when it occurred to me to tell him that Jesus was Jewish”
More confusion. “But Mommy, how can Jesus be Jewish, we don’t celebrate Christmas”
So I ask him if we should “look Jesus up” I can’t tell you how funny that sounds when you say it out loud.
Well, as many of these stories end, our food arrived. I have to brush up on these skills, Christmas is coming and he is going to have a lot of questions.

In other news tonight Marcus discovered and LOVES Jap Chae, and black bamboo fungus!