As the clock strikes 12 and we greet another calendar year – this time 2013, and bid farewell to 2012 we tend to take stock of ourselves and of the media’s review of the passing year.
In 2012 we again witnessed global changes – many we welcomed such as President Barack Obama winning the election for another term as President of the United States of America. Many were challenging to accept, such as Hurricane Sandy, a natural disaster that destroyed whole communities and in which over 100 people died. Many were impossible to accept, such as the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut where a gunman killed 26 women and children, or the brutal gang rape of a young woman in India that is now bringing a country to reevaluate how woman are viewed and treated.
In 2012 Ontarians …

Publisher’s Message – PRINTED IN – HK Magazine – Sept 2012
September is the start, in this region of the world,with the hustle and bustle of back to school. September pushes our summer clothing and laid back attitudes way back in the closet as we clear our minds and living spaces in preparation for the long winter months to come. Some of our anxieties in September may seem like New Year’s all over again, but without the hoopla and champagne.
September brings on more consciousness of what is next – The 37th Annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) runs from September 6 to 16 when Torontonians roll out the red carpet for the movie industry. And the Toronto Public Library partners with Culture Days and the Neighbourhood Arts Network to offer more than 40 free programs at 43 branches across the city, on Sept 28 and 29.
This issue is lovely! Our …

The Beauty of Fall and breathtaking moments! We witness the leaves take their last transition with burst of colours before they detach and drift to the ground. The cycle of nature is a reminder of our existence. We too are not here for ever.
Recently, I came across a little poem that express what living requires – There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to accept; things we don’t want to know but have to
learn; and people we can’t live without but have to let go!
As one of my crazy friends explains the following words are empty: Always – Never – Forever. Another, one of my mentors, often reminds me when she says, Life is Good – if you do not weaken. Guess this can be the secret to Good Health.
“Be thankful for what you have” so …

KEEPING EACH MOMENT SPECIAL!
It’s really difficult to get bothered by trivial things these days when nature’s
exquisite blast of flowering plants and trees are decorating our outdoors.
The branches, which stood naked less than two months ago, braced against the winter winds, and the grounds that were laid bare disguised only by blanket of snow, now display spring in full bloom.
This spring I’m inviting birds to my backyard garden by putting out a bird bath with fresh water. It has been a delight to peek at the sparrows as they carefully approach and rest themselves on the edge of the bath – first testing the waters by drinking a sip or two, before submerging – like a child at bath time. Splashes of enjoyment can be seen as they flap their wings and sashay their bodies in the water …