Happiness = Books + Sushi
Happiness is all about the little things in life. The more you stop and notice the little things that make you feel good, the happier you get.
For me, going to the library is always a treat. First of all, I get to take a nice long walk. I love to walk. To choose which route to take, I often toss a coin; each one offers interesting sites and possible discoveries.
Once I reach the Centre culturel, there’s always some sort of exhibit going on in the main hall. Two weeks ago, it was all about puppets, dozens of them, each created by a different school kid. Averaging three feet in height, with papier-mâché heads, they rested on shelves or hung from the ceiling; 
colourful and comical, they seemed ready to come alive and form a crazy conga line. Good thing I wasn’t on acid.
When I went by on Monday, there was a series of drawings by Cathy Cahill entitled Life, Death and Rabbits. The notice said it was an “autobiographical story peopled with rabbits who symbolize reproduction, vulnerability, and steadfast vegetarianism.”
I started to glance at the bunny covered canvasses, but couldn’t concentrate enough to make out what the artist wanted to convey; I was too eager to walk through the glass doors and into the library. I could hear the books calling, “Pick me, pick me.”
Book Pickings
First one to catch my eye: Random Illuminations – Conversations with Carol Shields, by Eleanor Wachtel. According to Alice Munro, for whom I have the greatest respect and admiration, this book offers “An illuminating revelation of a writer’s life and thought.”
Eleanor Wachtel is described as being one of the very finest interviewers of authors in the world. Having met and interviewed Carol Shields for the first time in 1987, the two quickly became friends and over the next sixteen years, Wachtel conducted numerous interviews with the Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
This promises to be a very interesting read. I enjoy peeking in on a writer’s mind and their everyday life; it often inspires me and moves me to kick myself in the butt and be more productive, to let go of the judging little perfectionist devil, to have fun.
Next is Deepak Chopra’s The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire. I’ve read a few books by Chopra, mostly the ones about health and quantum medicine, so I know I won’t be disappointed.
I’m a firm believer in the messages “coincidences” have to offer. Chopra says that everyday coincidences are not only meaningful, they actually provide us with glimpses of the field of infinite possibilities that lies at the heart of all things. Thus, by gaining access to this wellspring of creation, we can literally rewrite our destinies in any way we wish. Well now, I say let the magic begin!
Last but not least, La théorie du grain de sable, a bd (comic book) by François Schuiten, illustrator, and
Benoît Peeters, writer. I’ve already thumbed through it; the drawings – in black ink with white and beige backgrounds – have a dramatic intensity that reminds me of a 1940′s film noir. Looking forward to reading it. Only bad note: I discovered – at the very end, of course – that this is Tome 1 of a two-part story. Very crooked of them not to have specified this on the cover. Wondering how long it will take for Tome 2 to come out. Tsk tsk tsk.
As usual, I had to restrain myself from picking more than three; I need to stop reading if I want to keep writing…right? So off I went on my merry way.
What’s For Supper?
By then, my stomach was growling, and sushi came to mind. Within the last year and a half, four sushi restaurants have opened in Verdun. The most recent one, Sushi Time (how appropriate), is less than ten minutes from my home…very convenient indeed. Not only is it close, it’s also across the street from IGA where I buy most of my groceries. This often makes it tempting for me to skip the hassle of cooking a meal, because “Helloooo? Easy yummy sushiiiii.” 
In I went.
This was my third visit, and I decided to introduce myself – Hi, my name is Mudd – and ask if I could take photos for my blog.
Alex, the owner, and Zara, his assistant, were sitting at a table, getting menus ready for what I suppose will be a massive distribution throughout the neighbourhood. Alex was more than happy to let me take pictures, and afterwards, as I waited for my take-out order, he told me a bit about his young life, how he was born in Verdun, went to Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes school when he was a kid, and how he now recognizes the occasional old school buddy who comes in for sushi, surprised to see that Alex has become quite the businessman. Cool!
Alex was also eager to mention that the outdoor sign is only temporary; he has to wait for the city officials to approve his sign proposal before having it installed. It seems this may take a long time. I told him I’ll take a photo of it once it’s up and post an update for all of you to see. How can I not do it? He’s the sweetest!
While we were chatting away, Vu was busy preparing my usual: one Kappa Maki (cucumber) and one Avocado Maki. I sometimes order the vegetarian Miso soup, but I figured I was too hot from my long walk, and skipped it.
(Would regret it once I got home…*sigh*…it’s never too hot for Miso soup.)
Here’s the chef, Vu, with Alex at his side.
And here’s my marvelous feast, all ready for me to savour – slowly – in my lovely little corner of paradise.
Happiness…
Make it happen!
*** Sushi Time is located at 4537 Wellington Street, between Willibrord and 1st avenue, close to both Verdun and de l’Église metro stations.
Tracey says:
I love to read what you’ve been up to Mudd. I think it’s fantastic that the joy of your everday life can be felt on the other side of the world. Much love to you!
June 23, 2008 at 12:58 am
Tracey says:
P.S. I can’t wait to hear about Deepak’s book – let me know if I need to read this.
Are you on LibraryThing Mudd? It’s a great site, check it out!
June 23, 2008 at 1:00 am
MuddLavoie says:
Hola Tracey!
Well thank you, lovely gal. I’m so happy to know that my love of life transpires…without any bad odour.
Haven’t started Deepak yet…swamped with work. But I’ll be sure to tell you about it…if not here, then in a p.m.
Off to check LibraryThing…never heard of it. Thanks for the heads up.
Big hugs and lots of LOVE,
MuddOza
xoxo
June 23, 2008 at 10:08 pm
MuddLavoie says:
P.S.: That place looks totally cool. I registered…here’s my profile URL http://www.librarything.com/profile/OzaMeilleur
Are you on it?
June 23, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Cathy Cahill says:
Thank you for mentioning my exhibition at the Verdun Cultural Centre. It’s too bad you couldn’t spend more time in the gallery. The drawings are part of a story and the text of the story is in the titles. The show is over now, but you can find the story (and drawings) at http://www.cathycahill.com. Just click on Life, Death and Rabbits.
Happy reading,
Cathy
July 24, 2008 at 2:23 pm
MuddLavoie says:
Bonjour Cathy!
What a surprise — and a total treat — to find you here. I feel so honoured!
And now I’m sorry for not taking the time to properly present your exhibition…because after having read the story, I find it so compelling and beautiful.
Hope you and Todd and your little bunny are happy.
Big hugs and lots of LOVE,
Mudd / Oza
xoxo
July 25, 2008 at 11:24 am