Healthy Arts for Seniors Anthology

HEALTHY ARTS FOR SENIORS 老年健康艺术

Healthy Arts for Seniors © 2018 by Scarborough Arts All pieces herein are copyright © 2018 by their respective creators and authors.

No part of this book may be reproduced, downloaded, or used in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Books may be purchased by contacting the publisher, Scarborough Arts, at 416-698-7322 or by emailing info@scarborougharts.com.

ISBN 978-0-9698858-9-4 Front cover images: Dumplings by Fu Guixiang The Third Cup by Mario Dimain Cover and interior layout by Marianne Rellin Translations by May Chook, Nancy Li, and Roy Li Published by Scarborough Arts 1859 Kingston Road, Scarborough, ON M1N 1T3 www.scarborougharts.com Charitable # 1236 89704 RR0001 We acknowledge the financial support of the City of Toronto, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat.

Special thanks to our program partners: East Scarborough Storefront and the Agincourt Community Services Association.

OTHER PUBLICATIONS BY SCARBOROUGH ARTS Scarborough Seniors Write Anthology BIG ART BOOK Reflections Moments

ABOUT From October 2017 to March 2018, seniors in the Scarborough community came together to participate in the Healthy Arts for Seniors (HAFS) program.

HAFS was developed by Scarborough Arts as a way to build inclusive communities, break patterns of isolation amongst seniors, and offer Scarborough seniors— regardless of language, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, newcomer status, citizenship, and ability—an opportunity to discover what it means to build a healthy life through the arts.

This year, we are excited to welcome a group of Mandarin-speaking participants who added a critical cultural perspective to the program. Seniors met weekly at two Scarborough locations: East Scarborough Storefront and Agincourt Community Services Association, and were guided through explorations in photography, creative writing, and podcasting.

The Healthy Arts for Seniors Anthology is a collection of over 30 new works of photography, poetry, and fiction and non-fiction prose, translated in English and Mandarin, is the culmination of their artistic work in the program.

TABLE OF CONTENTS IX

TABLE OF CON TEN TS

X III

FOR E WOR D

1

SHEIL A BELLO CLOSER TO THE SUMMIT WALK WITH ME NOW

7

CAI FENGRONG POETRY SHORT STORY

10

MAR IO DI M AIN THE LOST PALETTE THE THIRD CUP

13

FU GUIX I ANG DUMPLINGS FLOWER S KNITTING

16

FU GUIZHEN NEVER TO O OLD TO LE ARN

17

G AO YANHUA ANNA THE SPRING FESTIVAL

19

HELEN KOSKI TO FILM A HUMMINGBIRD STILL M ARY (SHORT STORY) STILL M ARY (PHOTO GR APH)

24

LI AO YUE X I AN CHINESE NE W YE AR

26

JOAN LITTLE OUR SONG THREE SISTER S (PHOTOGR APH Y) THREE SISTER S’ ANNUAL REUNION (SHORT STORY)

36

BAOHUA LIU THUMBS UP FOR MY GR ANDSON

38

HONG MENG THE SPRING OF SENIOR S

41

DARC Y MILLER THE GO OD SAM ARITAN

46

ANNE NG CANADA DAY YE AR OF THE PARK

48

T.P. SHEEH AN WINDOWS FALL COLOURS/ COULEURS D’AUTOMNE UNLO CKING A SECRET

54

SHILU ZH ANG CHINESE NE W YE AR

58

YANG XIU ZHEN BLOSSOMS (POETRY) BLOSSOMS (PHOTO GR APH Y)

61

LILY YUAN MOBILE PHONE

62

AU THOR BIO GR APHIES

xiii

FOREWORD Everyone has a story to tell. As time passes our stories become indelibly shaped by our many experiences, struggles, accomplishments and celebrations. The stories you will read here may seem disparate and random, but they are woven together by the authors’ desire to connect with you, to share with you the stories they have crafted from memory, inspiration, curiosity, love, joy, sorrow, and wisdom.

The authors presented in this anthology participated in a program called Healthy Arts For Seniors (HAFS), presented by Scarborough Arts.

The participants met for ten consecutive weeks to explore the connections between health, storytelling and the arts. Over the course of the program, they worked with a photographer educator, a creative writing instructor and recording engineers with the explicit goal of creating visual, literary and audio pieces to be preserved in the anthology you now hold in your hands.

xiv

My experience as a HAFS photography instructor has been rewarding in more ways than one. In the fall of 2017, I was contracted to facilitate four photography sessions for the participants. What began as an exploration of photography as a catalyst for storytelling eventually evolved into an equally strong interest by the seniors for more hands-on knowledge of both the technical and creative potential of the digital camera. Getting out of our seats and exploring our surroundings with our cameras was a highlight of our sessions together. Our photo activities included learning about composition, perspective, elements of design, as well as visual thinking strategies that prompted participants to share their unique observations when viewing selected photographs. Throughout these sessions, what was most revealing to me was how the practice of photography can allow for seniors to actively participate in an increasingly visuallyled communication landscape. Seniors have a breadth of knowledge and experience that make their observations a vital contribution to

xv

any modern discourse regarding the narrative potential of photography.

During our winter term 2018, the group was comprised of mainly Mandarin-speaking seniors with little or no proficiency in English.

As Program Coordinator for this term, I was delighted by the participants’ commitment to the program as they patiently listened to our instructors and interpreters. In return, they shared their stories of arrival to Canada, as well as the adjustments they have had to make in order to fully embrace their newcomer status.

The photography and writing sessions provided the perfect mediums through which their stories could be expressed, shared and reflected upon.

What may have been lost in translation was remedied by a communal spirit that informed and enriched all of us.

The HAFS participants are excited to share their work with you. I have found that there is an honour and encouragement that you extend to them as you flip through and read each page in this collection. Perhaps their stories mirror similar moments in your own life or their

xvi

photos remind you of how small and connected the world really is. Or perhaps the moments of their lives that they have chosen to share make you realize that a life well-lived is rooted in the value we extend to ourselves, our friends, and our families. Either way, we hope you find pleasure in reading more about the lives of our talented Scarborough seniors and that this inspires you to reflect and discover something about yourself in the process.

DIANA NAZARETH Healthy Arts for Seniors Coordinator and Facilitator

1

CLOSER TO THE SUMMIT Sheila Bello

Time has brought me here, closer to the summit of my life, to this seemingly precarious height.

Details of the peak ahead are hidden in the cloudy distance.

I can only take care of priorities that are located in the present.

The path uphill is paved with a mixture of freedom and pain.

It meanders through scenic terrain along which I can walk quietly at a relaxed pace. Yet, this body

2

SHEIL A BELLO

that houses my energy gets weary quickly, and cramps my movements frequently.

To reach this point, I have climbed at times in the company of others. But, there were stretches when I walked in twilight, dodging shadows all alone.

I have yielded to distractions, detoured from the main path and backtracked to look again at sights already crossed.

Despite bouts of melancholy, instincts and intuition will continue to propel me up this rocky slope.

Not sure how much longer I will be a traveller on this road or what awaits me at the end.

Until then, with cautious footsteps I will continue to forge ahead.

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

WALK WITH ME NOW Sheila Bello

Walk with me now in our sunny garden; do not wait till later.

More years are behind us than ahead. Strive to be healthy in the time that is left.

Relish these moments with me and frame them in your consciousness so they may persist indefinitely.

Walk with me now in this garden that I cultivated, fertilized with love, and tended 3

3

4

SHEIL A BELLO

over the years. There are attractions here, to divert your mind away from the pain in your body, and to erase your anxiety.

Patches of colourful flowers will greet you at every turn.

Your eyes will shine like the glints from rocks of various shapes and hues.

You will see butterflies, listen to bees buzzing and birds singing.

Your pulse will be in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Walking in the garden will exercise your limbs and strengthen them.

Inhaling the scents of flowers and healing herbs will add zest to your spirit.

Walking in the garden will intoxicate your senses with pleasantness and serenity.

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

Walk with me now and energize your capacity to be more healthy.

For Anthony Bello

5

5

7

Poetry Cai Fengrong Digital photography, 2018

8

CAI FENGRONG

Short Story Cai Fengrong Digital photography, 2018

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

Cai Fengrong Digital photography, 2018

9

9

10

11

12

The Third Cup Mario Dimain Photography (Multimedia), 2017

13

Steamed Buns Fu Guixiang Digital photography, 2018

14

Flowers Fu Guixiang Digital photography, 2018

15

Knitting Fu Guixiang Digital photography, 2018

16

Never Too Old to Learn Fu Guizhen Digital photography, 2018

17

The Spring Festival Gao Yanhua Anna Digital photography, 2018

19

TO FILM A HUMMINGBIRD Helen Koski

Camera ready, Steady hand, Await the Ruby Throated land.

How quick he flits, How quick I click.

And then to check With great suspense, I’ve photographed the fence!

20

HELEN KOSKI

STILL MARY Helen Koski

It began on a cold wintery evening in 2012. I was getting ready for bed as usual when, losing my balance, I ended up dangling between the bed and the floor. I pushed my “need help� button.

In came the Superintendent and the Medics.

Soon, lying on a stretcher, I left with my wallet and keys, never to return. Strangely, I felt excited having lived in isolation for so long. I talked non-stop to the ambulance attendants. I felt no pain. I simply could not stand and, after an hour in a hallway, I was whisked to Emergency.

As a former nurse, my curiosity was peaked by the noises, shapes and voices swirling about me. I awaited the unknown. Time became a blur.

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

21

A young Doctor ignored my awkward position, ordered a myriad of tests, and on leaving flippantly stated, “Don’t go anywhere.” I lacked the strength to be appalled at the lack of sterile technique. Reality hit me. I was unwell, but here, help was at hand.

I was having to toss my independence aside and this revelation startled me so. I cried.

The reality of entering a long-term care facility emerged and I brushed tears aside. A brotherin-law arrived from Montréal and, between a Friday and a Tuesday, all my beloved possessions were sold and removed. I laid back, relaxed and pretended to sleep. My new life and a tiresome wait of nine months had begun. Watching birds out the window became an escape from hospital nattering. After what seemed an endless assessment of affordable Toronto care places, an envelope arrived. The chosen facility had a Parkinson’s program. I was on my way.

Here I am now at the other end of the tunnel.

I am not thriving, yet I still feel defiant. The art of slipping through, and the routines and crises make it bearable. My wheels provide mobility.

21

22

HELEN KOSKI

And, I know how to console the lonely, and there are many here that need consoling. I feel needed.

My body is deteriorating. In the solace of my private room, I try to process and manage the sensation of spasms and pain, difficult to define, but always lurking nearby. I look out the window. Do you see the girl lying between those two trees, reading a book? It is onerous to me that I see these things, but you do not. No, I’m not afraid of them. They’re comforting in a way, like thinking about my late husband, Herb. We so enjoyed travelling the world together. His ashes are with me up there in the closet. So, you see, we’re still together in sickness and in health.

I’m now seventy-eight years old. I’ve had Parkinson’s disease for only five years. It does not define me. I am still Mary.

23

Still Mary Helen Koski Collage, 2018

24

CHINESE NEW YEAR Liao Yuexian

The most impressive thing to me is to celebrate the Chinese New Year with my family. In China, streets are bustling during the Spring Festival.

There are so many activities and they may even block the streets. There are lots of fun things to do during the Chinese New Year. We make many delicious foods to eat together. I have four children and five grand children. They are all grown-up. I am very happy to celebrate Chinese New Year with my family.

I come from a village in China. Since I came to Canada, I have seen so many great things which I never saw in my country and it broadens my horizons. Canada is a multicultural country.

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

25

It is a haven of seniors and children. People living in Canada have no pressures and worries.

Canada is the most civilized country in the world.

25

26

OUR SONG Joan Little

Peter beamed and bowed low, in the old fashioned way, and put his right hand on his chest when we all applauded after he finished playing his new song. He started his piano lessons when he turned six years old. He learned scales and practiced everyday as his piano tutor instructed him. We were very pleased by his eagerness to practice and to show us what he learned. He was eight years old when he bowed in concert style in answer to our applause. He must have learned that on TV. He enjoyed playing the piano and playing outside with his friends. Whenever his friends called him he was in conflict as to whether he

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

27

should go out to play or practice the piano. But he said to his friends, “I will play with you guys in an hour after I have finished practicing piano lessons.”

As he progressed to a higher level of piano lessons he was more conscientious of keeping to his practice. He was proud of his ability to play new songs. He would request us to listen to his new songs which he played in an earnest manner. Sometimes, he closed his eyes and played as if he was in a trance and we felt that he appreciated his music.

Two years later, Paul also joined Peter in taking piano lessons when he turned six years old. They went to the lessons together after school. They enjoyed playing piano together at home and at school. During the recital nights, they enjoyed the attention.

Meanwhile, I started my piano lessons at the same time as Peter. We learned Brahms’, Cradle Song, and practiced together. We both enjoyed that song very much and practiced it on piano together. The, Cradle Song, became “our song”.

Although Peter enjoyed the music and the 27

28

JOAN LITTLE

attention he got when he played piano well, he became more interested in playing hockey. He was on the ‘Pee Wee’ hockey team and most of his time demanded that he attend hockey practices and the games throughout the week.

Meanwhile, the piano teacher became ill and she was no longer able to teach. We had to find a new piano teacher, but Peter’s time and his interest in playing piano became a lower priority. So, he had to drop his piano lessons after reaching level six in the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Paul was also not interested in continuing to play the piano and he ended his piano lessons at the same time as Peter. But, they both still played piano for fun sometimes. Peter picked up music again by playing violin when he stared Junior High School. But, soon he was not interested in music and the teenage phase set in.

I was beginning a tug of war with his rebellious teenage behaviours and his involvement with the wrong crowd of friends.

Peter began challenging my authority by not complying with curfew and failing to do his homework. His school work was hurting and his

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

29

marks showed the results of his neglect. He was a top student and represented the competition of the regional school debate team as a team leader. It hurt me to see his marks go down and his disinterest in school. I prayed everyday for his safety and God’s guidance to help him get onto his right path.

One day, he came home more than two hours after his curfew time. I had to ground him for his disobedience by denying his outing with his friend on the following weekend.

Consequently, he was very angry and he stayed in his room all day long without speaking to me and slamming the doors. I left him alone until he came to his senses.

A couple days later, I came home and heard “our song” at the front door. As soon as I stepped in I saw Peter playing the piano and his expression was serene. I was touched by his playing “our song,” Brahms’ Cradle Song, as if he was saying, “I am sorry, Mom.” He no longer showed angry expressions on his face, only a gentle smile when he looked at me. Tears were flowing freely in my eyes.

29

30

JOAN LITTLE

I hugged him and he hugged me back. I sat beside him and we played “our song,” Brahms’ Cradle Song, together. I thanked God for His intervention that allowed Peter to return to his senses.

32

Three Sisters’ Annual Reunion Joan Little Digital photography, 2017

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

33

THREE SISTERS’ ANNUAL REUNION Joan Little

Three sisters floated down to their favourite spot on their mother’s tree stump remains. They wanted to be in their mother’s loving embrace.

They traveled a long way before the rain started.

Today was the perfect day. The sun was high and wind blew from the west which helped them to travel easy.

This was their annual pilgrimage to come together and remember their lives. Soon snow would fall and they would be buried throughout winter. Then they would have to wait another year to be born again and to be able to travel to see each other.

The eldest sister, Edith, started to talk about 33

34

JOAN LITTLE

her journey, which took her a whole day through hills and meadows. Along the way she met squirrels, rabbits and deer. She had a pleasant visit before finally reaching their mother’s spot. The second sister, Mary, told them about the meeting with a big pig and that she had a pleasant lunch with him. The youngest sister, Liz, whispered to them about how she had longed for their mother’s love, embracing them until their last breath.

The sun was still high in the blue sky, with clouds of white, shining onto the three sisters for their last meeting of the year.

36

THUMBS UP FOR MY GRANDSON Liu Baohua

I was born in China. I started reciting Ancient Chinese, Ancient Chinese poems and Chinese Tang and Song Dynasty poems from a very young age. I learned Chinese literature and rhythm of poems by rote. It is said that a person who learns 300 Chinese poems of the Tang Dynasty by heart is sure to be able to write Chinese poetry.

My grandson was born in Canada. He was educated in Canada from kindergarten through elementary school to high school. The teachers here train children’s abilities through practice and thought by the method of heuristic education. They develop children’s creativities,

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

37

imagination and intelligence through playing games, helping children to develop new ways of thinking, and to create their own worlds.

Once my grandson made a small ship with paper and he put a little paper child in the ship.

His ship floated on water. The model was used to demonstrate the principle of buoyancy.

However, many ships made by his classmates sunk in the water, and my grandson’s ship was the only one floating on water for a long period of time. My grandson received praises and an award from his teachers at school. He also got a certificate from Broad Reach.

37

38

THE SPRING OF SENIORS Hong Meng

Time flies.

I was very busy during the first half of my life.

Then, I travelled thousands of miles to come to reunite with my children.

I enjoy the evening of my life on a piece of foreign land.

I try to forget all my worries and to write a new chapter of my life.

Stealing a little leisure from tedious housework, I accompany my grandson by playing and drawing.

I understand my children’s concerns, and I will keep supporting them in my remaining years.

To adapt to the new environment to talk to the foreigners, it is not too late to learn English.

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

From “morning” to “I like spring in Canada”, I have improved my English.

The key point to me is to be optimistic and positive.

My principle for foods is eating more organic, less sugar and salt.

My daily priorities are physical exercises: walking, swimming, Tai Chi, and aerobics.

It seems that we met before, regretting we didn’t meet sooner.

We talk of everything under the sun happily.

Here is the seniors’ paradise.

The spring of winter is here.

The land is beautiful and spring is in the air.

Let’s go and travel.

Nothing is difficult to a man who wants to try.

We would make contributions to inherit our cultural traditions.

The sunset is very beautiful and the scenery is boundless.

It is a Senior Year abroad.

39

39

41

THE GOOD SAMARITAN Darcy Miller

On a cold, drab day in 1944, a woman carrying a child boarded a streetcar at Queen Street and University Avenue. These were the first and only passengers to board that morning. They sat directly behind the driver. The woman perched the child on her lap, so that she could see out the window.

After travelling two stops, the driver noticed a muffled sobbing sound. It took him a minute to realize it was emanating from the woman sitting behind him. “Damn!� he muttered. The light had turned green and he pressed his foot down on the accelerator. He had little choice other than to move on to the

42

DARC Y MILLER

third stop. The sobbing got louder and louder and louder. He stopped the streetcar abruptly and rose from his seat, turning to the woman and child.

“Can I help you?” he asked, “Are you alright?

Is your child sick? Please tell me what’s wrong.”

He scanned the woman’s face for any telling signs. All he could see was a sort of quiet desperation. He knelt down beside the child, who then snuggled closer to the woman.

“Are you hurt?” he asked the child.

She didn’t answer. She seemed much more intent on protecting the woman. It was clear now to the driver that they were mother and child and in some sort of trouble.

Again, the driver persisted in an encouraging tone, “Please, let me help you.”

With this last urging, the woman seemed to have found her words - a torrent of them to be precise. She was returning from the Sick Children’s Hospital. Her handicapped child had outgrown her leg braces, and she needed a new set. But, the woman and child were turned away from the hospital’s orthopedic centre because

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

43

they had no money.

Through tear-stained cheeks, she cried, “I can’t tell my husband this news. He’s in the army.

As it is, he sends his whole paycheck home to us, but it doesn’t cover hospital visits or devices or operations. My husband is a truly wonderful man and he’s doing the best that he can. Before the war, he was working three jobs just to make ends meet.”

The driver was stunned and still digesting the fact that the hospital could turn a child away.

After listening to the woman’s story, the driver stated emphatically, “I can help you. Just sit tight right where you are.”

The Good Samaritan was true to his word.

He rerouted his streetcar and drove the woman and child to the veteran’s offices. He stopped his streetcar, ushered the woman and child into the building and explained their dilemma to some official looking people. He patiently waited with them until their needs were taken care of.

The clock tower was striking one o’clock when the Good Samaritan, the woman and the child walked out onto the sidewalk.

43

44

DARC Y MILLER

“C’mon,” said the driver, “I’ll take you home. You must be exhausted.”

The woman looked up at him shyly as did the child.

“Thank you for everything,” she said. “I don’t even know your name.”

“John.” he said, “My name is John.”

46

Anne Ng Canada Day Digital photography, 2018

47

Anne Ng Year of the Park Digital photography, 2018

48

Window T.P. Sheehan Digital photography, 2018

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

FALL COLOURS T.P. Sheehan

If, Eyes are the windows To the soul Then, Windows are the eyes To the outer playground.

Fall colours Amber, green, gold, Crimson red and Deep Purple Invite me Out to play.

49

49

50

T.P. SHEEH AN

COULEURS D’AUTOMNE T.P. Sheehan

Si les yeux sont les fenêtres De l’âme Alors les fenêtres sont les yeux Du terrain de jeux Couleurs d’automne Ambre, or, vert Rouge cramoisi et Violet foncé M’invite a Sortir pour jouer

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

UNLOCKING A SECRET T.P. Sheehan

You may not know it yet, but There is an answer to every question There is a key to every lock.

A lock to be unlocked A secret to be told.

A secret locked away for many years The key Intentionally destroyed With the passing time of time Breaking stories, news reports The long held secret is finally exposed.

A secret so big, so vile Strong enough to hurt, 51

51

52

T.P. SHEEH AN

To crush To destroy To perhaps……….

You know a secret can kill.

In the midst of this Turmoil and despair A stairway to heaven appears.

In 12 simple steps, a key is found.

A key that opens a broken heart A key that unlocks and teaches kindness Compassion and love.

A key that cannot lock shut, but only Opens, openness and empathy.

A key which locks out secrets Because secrets are no longer needed.

54

Chinese New Year Shilu Zang Digital photography, 2017

55

CHINESE NEW YEAR Shilu Zhang

There are different traditions in China. In the South of China, family members like to gather together to have a fine dinner. Usually there are ten grand dishes symbolising that, “everything is perfect”. (Ten is good number in China). Of the ten dishes, two of them should be soup and one of them should be fish. The pronunciation of fish in Chinese is the same as “leftover”.

People expect to have something, especially good fortune, to keep for next year and onwards.

After dinner, it is the best time for kids to play fireworks. All the people play, eat and chat until 12 AM. Then small kids will send best wishes to elders in return of red pockets. Some

56

SHILU ZH ANG

old people like to go to the temple on New Year’s Eve to get the best blessing.

In North China, the food is a little different. The favorite and most popular dish is dumplings.

Overall, the New Year’s celebration is more about praying and best wishes.

58

BLOSSOMS Yang Xiu Zhen

My house is full of the fragrance of blossoms.

Beautiful flowers: a spoonful of water contains rivers.

Heaven and Earth save the autumn.

The spirit of heaven and Earth gathers the essence of mountains and rivers.

59

Yang Xiu Zhen Blossoms Digital photography, 2018

61

Lily Yuan Mobile Phone Digital photography, 2018

62

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHIES SHEILA BELLO Sheila Bello writes poetry, creative nonfiction, and short fiction. She has published a volume of poetry. Additionally, her writings have been published in anthologies and journals locally, nationally and internationally. She inspired the creation, and helped to establish Scarborough Arts’ Seniors Write program, of which she is a participant. She is a member of The Ontario Poetry Society, Haiku Canada, Tanka Canada, Scarborough Arts, and the Scarborough Poetry Club. Sheila was born in Trinidad and immigrated to Canada in 1972.

MARIO DIMAIN Mario Dimain is a man of many hats. He is a husband, father, grandpa, writer, visual artist and a lover of anything beautiful under the sun.

Mario’s positive outlook in life is what makes him love what he does. He shares his thoughts through crafted words, illustrations, creative photography

63

and short video productions. Mario is one of the two local artists featured by CCRA Centennial News last December 2017. His other passion is watching his little grandchildren grow.

CAI FENGRONG Please see p. 9 for bio.

FU GUIXIANG Fu Guixiang was born in 1948 and currently lives in Toronto, Canada. She has three sons, three grandsons, and a granddaughter. They are all healthy, lively and smart. Every day, she does housework at home, washes dishes, cleans and cooks. If she has the time, she enjoys walking to the mall to buy fruits and vegetables and participating in elder activities in the community. On Fridays, she goes to Chester Le Community Corner to participate in wire mesh flower training. She likes to weave small goods, such as coasters, and small bags, as well as learning about health, exercise, dancing and singing. She also loves to have fun with her friends and sisters. She works hard and has been

64

successful as a manager, an officer, a secretary and a political engineer. In 2003, she retired. She is very happy to have grandchildren and would like to continue participating in community activities to exercise and to be happy every day during her retirement.

FU GUIZHEN Fu Guizhen was born in the 1940s, in the Jilin City of Jilin Province in northeastern China. It is a fertile land with dense forests and, also has an industrial city. The city of Jilin is significant for her because it is where she was born, grew up, got married, had children, and worked until retirement. After retiring, she immigrated to Canada with her son, and now enjoys retirement. Every day, she reads newspapers, surfs the internet, exercises and does housework.

She often goes to the community centre to participate in activities and has a great time with others there.

ANNA YANHUA GAO Anna Yanhua Gao was born into an ordinary

65

family in Jilin Province, China. Her mother was a housewife and her father was an engineer. Her lover was a senior economist and her daughter worked in Canada. She grew up under the Chinese red flag during the difficult periods of China’s history. She worked in the mountains, far from the city and lived in the countryside.

She then worked in schools after finishing work. In 2010, she retired and participated in community welfare activities which also included visiting troops, nursing homes and putting on theatrical performances.

In 2017, she and her lover immigrated to Canada to live with her daughter’s family.

She is now participating in English learning, attending various lectures and community activities. When she came to Canada, she felt no strangeness as the Canadian government gave her many new incentives and benefits. On the other hand, the China Consulting Office has also solved many problems and questions for newcomers in Canada. She would like to thank the Canadian government for this equal, multicultural country. Canada, I love you!

66

HELEN KOSKI Helen Koski, a retired nurse, is a member of the Scarborough Seniors Writing Group. Her poems and short stories have been published in such Finnish Literature as, Connecting Souls,

by V. Lindstrom. She enjoys writing about family, friends and everyday Finns.

LIAO YUEXIAN Yue Xian Liao was born in 1947, in Fu Zhou City in the Fu Jian Province of China. She arrived in Toronto in March 2009 and has been living in Canada for nine years. She likes Canada. She is involved in many community activities and volunteers for various projects.

She also likes growing vegetables, singing, dancing and planting flowers.

JOAN LITTLE Joan Little, a retired registered nurse, is a member of Scarborough Arts. She appreciates spending time with her families, especially the grandchildren. She enjoys listening to classical music, attending the opera, and seeing plays as

67

much as walking in nature. Joan volunteers at her church and in the community. She is also a book club member at the local library.

BAO HUA LIU Bao Hua Liu was born in An Shan City in the Liao Ning Province of China. She graduated from An Gang Medical School and became a medical doctor and Associate Chief Physician.

She worked in the surgical, burn and plastic surgery department for about 40 years. In 2011, she came to Canada to reunite with her children, and has found comfort spending time and living in Canada. She attends many community events and activities organized by Yee Hong, The Maple Leaf Club, and others, which include workshops in singing, Tai Chi, making Nylon Flowers and growing vegetables.

HONG MENG Hong Meng was born in 1943, in AnShan City in the LiaoNing province of China. He graduated from the University of LiaoNing having studied Engineering and Technology and became an

68

engineer and newspaper editor. He worked in automotive design and manufacturing for almost 40 years. He loves Chinese literature and poetry and enjoys writing and painting.

DARCY MILLER Darcy J. Miller is a practicing poet and writer of short stories. She writes mostly about family and feelings. THE GOOD SAMARITAN is a true account of a situation that occurred before the time that any National Health Care Program was in existence. Her sister was born with Spina bifida. Thanks to a TTC streetcar driver, the GOOD SAMARITAN, her mother was able to get the help she needed at least until the war ended. Her sister lived to be 67 years old - the longest living person with Spina bifida that they knew of. The braces and crutches she learned to use kept her balanced and upright and, most of all, mobile. That day, in 1944, was just the beginning of a remarkable story. And, did I forget to mention? My sister was the girl with intention.

69

ANNE NG Anne Ng was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to Canada in 1972. After graduating in 1976, she began teaching with the Toronto District School Board and made the decision to adopt Canada as her second home. Retiring in 2010, Ng now lives in Scarborough and, since then, has been volunteering with City of Toronto’s Recycling Program and with a local seniors’ drop-in centre. She is also an active member of a refugee program. Her hobbies include billiard, the arts, crafts, photography and lifelong learning opportunities.

T.P. SHEEHAN T. P. (Thomas Patrick) Sheehan is from Ireland and is the father of 4 adult children. He is currently on a one-year career break from his job in Ireland and has been living with his partner in Scarborough since September 2017. Sheehan has been interested in poetrywriting for a long time and, also does personal journaling. So far, he remains unpublished.

Other interests include walking, hiking and

70

volunteering. In 2013, he walked the 800km Camino pilgrimage in northern Spain.

SHILU ZHANG Shilu Zhang has a happy family. His children respect he and his wife, and they carry out their family duties. He also helps his children with housework and loves to take care of his grandchild. He is involved in many community activities and likes to speak to people to learn more about the world. He enjoys taking morning and evening walks, as well as other physical exercises, surfing the internet and watching television.

XIU ZHEN YANG Xiu Zhen Yang was born in 1941, in Fu Zhou City in the Fu Jian province of China. She has many hobbies which include singing, dancing, playing instruments, gardening, raising goldfish and making Chinese paper cuttings.

She currently lives in Toronto and volunteers with the Loving Heart Garden project.

71

LILY YUAN Lily Yuan was born in Tianjin, China. She grew up in a big family with many relatives. She has 15 male cousins. Her younger sister and her were the only females in her generation in her family, and her grandparents paid special attention to them because of it. She had a very happy childhood. Her family immigrated to Canada in 2005. She likes Toronto because of the beautiful natural environment, multiculturalism, friendly neighbours and many community activities. She feels happy and lucky to be able to call Canada home. She really appreciates everything that God has given to her: two homes in China and Canada.

ABOUT SCARBOROUGH ARTS Scarborough Arts, a non-profit charitable organization, is the only arts organization of its kind specifically serving the Scarborough community through innovative arts and culture programs for citizens of all ages. We bring arts to the community and community to the arts.

1859 Kingston Road Scarborough, Ontario M1N 1T3 416-698-7322 info@scarborougharts.com www.scarborougharts.com Charitable # 1236 89704 RR0001 Scarborough Arts @scararts @scarborougharts

HEALTHY ARTS FOR SENIORS 老年健康艺术

老年健康艺术由 © 2018由 Scarborough Arts 所有作品版权 © 2018 由各自创造者和作者 未经出版者事先书面许可 本图书不得转载 何形式 任何电子机械方式使用

下载或以任

图书可以通过与出版商 Scarborough Arts 联系 电 话 416-698-7322或电邮info@scarborougharts.com购 买 ISBN 978-0-9698858-9-4 封面图片: 饺子 由Fu GuiXiang 第三杯,由Mario Dimain 封面和布局设计 由Marianne Rellin 翻译由

May Chook, Nancy Li, Roy Li

由Scarborough Arts出版 1859 Kingston Road Scarborough, ON M1N 1T3 www.scarborougharts.com Charitable # 1236 89704 RR0001 我们感谢多伦多城市 秘书处的财政支持

安大略艺术委员会和安大略老年人

特别感谢我们的项目合作伙伴: East Scarborough店面和 Agincourt社区服务协会

SCARBOROUGH ARTS 其他出版物包括 Scarborough Seniors Write Anthology BIG ART BOOK Reflections Moments

从2017年10月到2018年3月 Scarborough 社区的长者聚集在一起 参加“老年健 康艺术”(HAFS)项目 HAFS项目是由 Scarborough文化艺术(Scarborough Arts) 所开发 为建立并提倡一个包容性的多元文 化社区 打破老年人之间的隔离模式 不管 语言 性别 性别身份 种族 宗教 新 身份/公民身份和个人能力等 通过这次项 目 Scarborough 地区的参与者以一个艺术 交流的平台发觉老年健康生活方式 今年,我们非常荣幸和欢迎一群讲中 文普通话的老年参与者 让整个文化项目 增加了一个重要的视角 老年参与者们每 周在 Scarborough 的两个地点会面: East Scarborough Storefront 和 Agincourt 社区 服务协会 并以从摄影 诗歌 散文和播客的 媒体方式指导了参与者 从这个活动中 参与 者发觉了崭新和创意的艺术思维来记录和讲述 自己的人生故事 并探索了相关的主题 如保 持健康 衰老 重新审视和创造新记忆的能 力 以及在晚年与家庭的健康陪伴 老年健康艺术文集是由摄影 诗歌 小 说 散文作品等30余项新作品组成 以英语和 中文普通话双语形式展现 是此项目艺术创作 的顶点

目录 ix

目录

xiii

前言

1

SHEIL A BELLO 接近峰会 现在和我一起走

7

CAI FENGRONG 诗 短文

10

M AR IO DI M AIN 失去的调色板 第三杯

13

FU GUIX I ANG 蒸面食 花 针织

16

FU GUIZHEN 活到老 学到老

17

G AO YANHUA ANNA 春节

19

HELEN KOSKI 拍摄一只蜂鸟 我任然是玛丽 (短文) 我任然是玛丽 (摄影)

25

LI AO YUE X I AN 中国新年

27

JOAN LITTLE 我们的琴声 三个姐妹 (摄影) 三姐妹的年度聚会 (短文)

36

BAOHUA LIU 为我外孙的鼓励

38

HONG MENG 老年人的春天

40

DARC Y MILLER 善良的撒马利亚人

44

ANNE NG 加拿大国庆节 公园年

46

T.P. SHEEH AN 窗外 秋天的色彩 揭晓一个秘密

50

SHILU ZH ANG 中国新年

54

YANG X IU ZHEN 鲜花盛开 (诗歌) 鲜花盛开 (摄影)

57

LILY YUAN 移动电话

59

作者简介

xiii

前言 每个人都至少有一个故事可以讲述 随着 时间的推移 我们曾体会到的许多经历 挣扎 成就和庆祝或许会改变我们的人生 故事 而带来新的章节 接来下您将阅读 的这篇文章看起来有些不同且随意 但毫 无疑问 它们是由作者们与您关联在一起 的愿望和心愿 通过记忆 灵感 好奇 心 爱 快乐 制作的故事 悲伤和智慧 与您一起分享他们的世界 他们的人生 作者们在这个文集中参与了 Scarborough老年健康艺术 HAFS 项 目 参与者连续参加10周会面 探讨健 康 分享他们自己的人生故事和任何对 于文化 艺术探讨的题目 在项目的过程 中 他们曾与摄影师 教育家 创意写作 教师和录音工程师合作 为创建高质量视 觉 文学和音频作品 这些全部作品并保 存在您手中的选集中 从我个人的经验 作为一名HAFS摄 影指导者 我觉得很多方面我所做的都 非常值得 2017年秋季 我签约举办了

xiv

四场摄影教育讲习会 协助老年参与者 群体 最开始只是为了探索了如何通过摄 影作品作为并代替故事的催化剂 帮助和 培养他们的兴趣 但结果激发了听众们的 兴趣 对数码相机的技术和创造潜力的实 践知识大有兴趣 走出我们的房间并利用 我们的相机探索周围的环境是我们聚会的 一大亮点 我们的摄影活动还包括学习构 图 视角 设计元素以及视觉思维策略 这些策略促使参与者在查看所选照片时分 享他们对这个世界独特的观察和不同的角 度 在这些课程中 最让我印象深刻的 是 摄影实践如何让老年人积极参与日益 以视觉为导向的交流格局 因为老年人的 拥有广泛的知识和经验 使他们的观察成 为任何关于摄影叙事潜能的现代话语的重 要贡献 在2018年春季期间 这次的参与者 主要由母语中文普通话的老年人群体组 成 大部分参与者几乎不会用英语和西方 人交流并阻碍了表达自己对艺术文化的看 法 我作为这个学期的项目协调员 我很 高兴能够帮到这些参与者 并对该项目的 承诺帮助他们化解语言障碍 因为他们耐

xv

心地听取了我们的教官和口译员的意见 并作为回报 他们分享了到达加拿大的故 事以及他们所做的调整为了融入在异国他 乡的生活 摄影和写作课程提供了完美的 媒介 通过它们可以随意表达 分享和反 映属于华侨老年群体自己的故事 亲生体 会 通过中英翻译 弥补了语言的交流障 碍 因此向我们传达并丰富我们的社区精 神和活动 Scarborough老年健康艺术 HAFS 的参与者们很高兴与您分享这 一切 当您翻阅这作品集的每一页时 您 将对此感到荣幸 其中他们的一些故事也 许反映了您自己生活中所经历的瞬间 或 者您也许会意识到一些参与者的照片作品 会让人觉得这个世界究竟是那么的小 以 及如何健康和良好的享受这一生 如何植 根于我们对自己 朋友和家庭的价值 无论以哪种方式 我们的团体希望 您会喜欢这本文集 由 Diana Nazareth Healthy Arts for Seniors Program Coordinator and Facilitator

1

接近峰会 Sheila Bello

时间把我带到这里 更接近我人生的顶点 到这个看似危险的高度 前方高峰顶点的细节 隐藏在远方的云海里 我只能照顾优先事项 位于现在 上坡路铺好了 混合着自由和痛苦 它通过景观地形蜿蜒而行 而我可以平稳地走路 放松的步伐 然而 这个身体

2

SHEIL A BELLO

曾容纳我的能量 将快速疲倦 抽筋 我平凡的活动 为了达到这个目的 我有时会 在别人的陪伴下爬上爬 但 当我行走时有伸展 在暮色中 独自躲避阴影 我已经屈服于分心 从主道绕道而过 然后往回看走过的路 在景点已经越过 尽管忧郁突发, 本能和直觉将继续存在 把我推到这个岩石坡上 不知道还需要多长时间 我将成为这条路上的旅行者 或在最终等待我的是什么 在此之前 谨慎的脚步伴随着 我将继续前进

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

现在和我一起走 Sheila Bello

现在和我一起走 在我们晴朗的花园里; 不要等到之后 我们未来的岁月比过去多 在剩下的时间里 为健康而努力 与我一起珍惜这些时刻 并将它们塑造在你的意识中 所以它们可能会无限期地坚持下去 现在和我一起走 在我耕种的这个花园里 3

3

4

SHEIL A BELLO

用爱施肥 这些年来都是如此 在这里有景点 将转移你身体上疼痛的意 识 并消除你的焦虑 五颜六色的鲜花补丁 会随时问候你 你的眼睛会像闪光一样闪耀 来自各种形状和色调的岩石 你会看到蝴蝶 听到 蜜蜂嗡嗡作响 鸟儿在唱歌 跟着大自然的节奏 你的脉搏会和谐一致 走在花园里 会锻炼你的四肢 并加强它们 吸入大自然的气味 鲜花和草药治疗 会为你的精神增添热情 走在花园里 会使你的感官陶醉 愉快和宁静

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

现在和我一起走 并激发你的潜力 为了更健康的生活

For Anthony Bello

5

5

7

诗

Cai Fengrong 摄影

多媒体

, 2018

8

短文

Cai Fengrong 摄影

多媒体

, 2018

9

Cai Fengrong 摄影

多媒体

, 2018

10

11

12

第三杯

Mario Dimain 摄影

多媒体

, 2017

13

蒸面食

Fu Guixiang 摄影作品, 2018

14

花

Fu Guixiang 摄影作品, 2018

15

针织

Fu Guixiang 摄影作品, 2018

16

活到老 学到老 Fu Guizhen 摄影作品, 2018

17

春节 Gao Yanhua Anna 摄影作品, 2018

19

拍摄一只蜂鸟 Helen Koski

相机已准备好 稳定我的手 等待着红喉刺莺喉地 它飞快的速度 无论如何我快速地按下相机的快门 然后检查 有了很大的悬念 我却只拍到了傍边的围栏

20

HELEN KOSKI

我任然是玛丽 Helen Koski

故事开始于2012年一个寒冷的冬季夜 晚 我像往常一样准备睡觉 但今天我失 去了平衡 导致在床和地板之间摇晃 最 终使我跌倒 我拨打了 “救援”电话 过了一会儿 医务人员赶来将我躺放在担 架上 我留下了钱包和钥匙 这次使我几 乎永远不会再回来 奇怪的是 我觉得自 己孤独的生活使我兴奋了很久 我不停地 向救护车的乘务员对话 我没有感到痛 苦 我只是无法忍受在走廊里一小时的等 待 不久我被送到了紧急部门 作为一名前护士 我的好奇心由于 我周围的声音 形状和声音达到顶峰 我 不知道将会发生什么 我面临着未知 时

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

21

间变得模糊了 一位年轻的医生忽视了我 尴尬的局面 下令进行无数测试 并在离 开时轻描淡写地跟我说 “不要去任何地 方 ”我缺乏无力技术的力量感到震惊 现实打击了我 我身体不适 但在这里 帮助就在眼前 我不得不把我的独立抛在一边 而 这个启示让我吃了一惊 我哭了 我将进 入长期护理机构的现实出现了 我擦干了 眼泪 一对姐夫从蒙特利尔赶来 在周五 和周二之间 将我所有心爱物品出售并搬 走 我躺在病床上 放松再身 相似假装 在睡觉 我的新生活即将进入九个月的漫 长的等待 在窗外看鸟使我忘掉在医院的 抱怨 我调查了无数在多伦多的护理部 门 最终我选择了最经济实惠的那一家 不久一封信到了 选定的医疗机构这一家 有提供帕金森病计划 毫不犹豫我选择来 到了这里 在这家护理部门 我仿佛在隧道的 另一端 我不是欣欣向荣 但我仍然感到 反抗 滑过惯例和危机的艺术使它变得可 以忍受 轮椅帮助了我的移动 我知道如 何安慰孤独 而且这里有很多需要安慰的 21

22

人们

HELEN KOSKI

我觉得现在我也是其中之一 我的身体正在恶化 在我私人的病 房 我试图忘掉和忍受痉挛的痛 难以解 释 但这种痛苦总是潜伏在我身上 我 望向窗外 你看到那个女孩躺在这两棵树 之间 她在看书吗 我看到这些东西对我 来说太麻烦了 但你却不这么觉得 我不 是在害怕他们 他们以某种自己的方式安 慰着 并享受这他们的人生 比如想起我 已故的丈夫赫布 我们很享受一起周游世 界 但现在他的骨灰摆放在衣柜里 陪伴 着我 你看 我们任还在一起 不管是生 病还是健康 我现在已经七十八岁了 我只有五 年帕金森病 它没有定义我的人生 我仍 然是玛丽

23

我任然是玛丽

Helen Koski 摄影拼贴画, 2018

25

中国春节 Liao Yuexian

我印象最深的事是跟我的家人一起过中国 新年 在中国 春节期间街上非常热闹 街上有很多活动 甚至会堵住街道 中国 新年很好玩 我们做很多好吃的东西一起 吃 我有4个孩子和5个孙子 他们现在 都长大成人了 跟我的家人一起过中国新 年 我特别高兴 我从中国农村来 来到加拿大后 我看到很多从没见过的东西 这开阔了我 的眼界 加拿大是一个多元化的国家 它 是老人和孩子的天堂 生活在这里的人们 没有压力没有烦恼 加拿大是全世界最文明的国家

27

我们的琴声 Joan Little

彼得 (Peter) 用传统的方式低头鞠 躬 他的右手放在胸前 在完成他的新曲 目后我们鼓起了掌声为他喝彩 在6岁他 开始跟老师学习钢琴 经过每天的练习 他学习了音阶 我们对他急于练习并向 我们展示他所学到的知识而感到高兴 他 在八岁时以演唱风格鞠躬回答我们的掌 声 我觉得他一定是从电视上学到了这一 点 他喜欢弹钢琴 每当他的朋友打电话 叫他一起在外面玩耍时 他开始纠结是否 应该出去玩或者应该练习钢琴 但他对他 的朋友说 “一个小时后我会和你一起玩 但我现在要完成我的钢琴练习 “

28

JOAN LITTLE

随着他进入更高水平的钢琴课 他更 加认真坚持他的日常练习 他为自己演奏 新曲目的能力感到自豪 他要求我们认真 地去听他新演奏的曲目 有时候 他闭上 眼睛 非常投入 好像他正在恍惚中玩 我们觉得他欣赏他的音乐 两年后 6岁的保罗 Paul 也加入 了彼得 Peter 开始学习钢琴培训 他 们放学后一起去上课 他们享受并喜欢在 家里和学校一起弹钢琴 在晚上的独奏 会 他们很享受观众们在他们身上的注意 力 同时 我和彼得 Peter 一起开始 了我的钢琴课 并且我们练习了一首勃 拉姆斯的摇篮曲 我们都非常喜欢那首 歌 并在我们练习钢琴之前开始学习同一 首曲目 因此 摇篮曲成了我们的钢琴 曲 尽管彼得 Peter 喜欢音乐和他在 弹钢琴时观众对他的关注 但他变得更喜 欢打冰球 当他在’Pee Wee’ 冰球队 的时候他每周消耗很多时间大多数都是因 为冰球运动和整周比赛所需求的时间 与 此同时 钢琴老师病了 她不能再教书

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

29

了 我们不得不找一个新的钢琴老师 但 彼得 Peter 的时间和他对弹钢琴的爱 好成为较低的优先级 导致不得不放弃他 的钢琴课程 从皇家音乐学院考试他获得 钢琴六级证书 暂时告别对音乐的喜好 不久 保罗 Paul 对继续弹钢琴 也不感兴趣了 他也结束了他的钢琴课 程 但若有时间他们任然会弹钢琴 彼得 Peter 在初中时拉小提琴再次捡起音 乐 但很快 处在于青少年阶段的他对音 乐又不感兴趣了 我开始了一场与少年叛 逆的行为和他错误的朋友群体发生了拉锯 战 彼得 Peter 开始挑战我的权威 不遵守宵禁和不按时完成自己的学校作 业 由于他不完成学校作业使他分数大大 下滑 他的分数显示了他对作业忽视的结 果 他曾是一名优秀的学生 曾当过学校 辩论团队 代表学校参加竞赛 看到他的 分数下降和他开始对学校失去感兴趣使我 担忧 我每一天祷告为了他的人生安全和 向上帝祈祷 希望帮助他走上正确的道 路 有一天 他在宵禁时间超过两个小时 29

30

JOAN LITTLE

后才回到家 我必须打磨他的不服从并拒 接这周末他和他的朋友出游 因此 他 非常生气 他整天呆在房间跟我们没有 任何交谈和时不时猛烈砰地关上门 我 让他一个人待着 直到他想明白了 几 天后 当我回到家时 我听到前门的“ 我们的琴声” 一旦我走进去 我看见 彼得 Peter 在弹钢琴 他的表情很平 静 我曾是被他演奏“我们的琴声” 而 感动 勃拉姆斯的摇篮曲好像他在说 “我很抱歉妈妈 ” 他脸上不再表现出任何愤怒 他看起 来对我只有温柔的微笑 此时的我泪水在 眼中自由流动 我拥抱他 他拥抱我 我 坐在他旁边 我们一起演奏了“我们的琴 声” 勃拉姆斯的摇篮曲 我感谢上帝对 彼得 Peter 找回自己和正确的道路

32

三个姐妹

Joan Little 摄影, 2017

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

33

三姐妹的年度聚会 Joan Little

三位姐妹飘落到她们最喜欢的地方 在她 们母亲的树桩遗迹上 她们喜欢和想念母 亲热爱 温暖的拥抱 在雨降临之前 她 们行进了很长一段路途 但今天是完美的 一天 太阳很高 西风吹来 帮助了她们 这次久远的旅行 这是她们一年一度的朝 圣 聚会并记住她们的生活和生命 很 快 冬季就会到来 雪也会降临 将在冬 季被埋葬 然而 她们不得不再等一年才能重 新出生 以便能够相互见面 姐姐伊迪丝 (Edith) 开始谈论她的旅 程 她利用了整整一天穿过山丘和草地 一路上 她遇到了松鼠 兔子和鹿 她愉 33

34

JOAN LITTLE

快的参观了在探望母亲之前的地方 第 二个姐姐玛丽 (Mary) 跟她们讲了她与一 头大猪见面的故事 并和大猪愉快地吃了 一顿午饭 最小的妹妹莉兹 (Liz) 对她们 低声说 她渴望自己的母亲的爱 拥抱姐 妹们直到最后一口气 蓝天上的太阳依然高耸和飘着白色 的云朵 阳光照在三姐妹们的身上 在这 她们今年最后的见面会

36

为我外孙的鼓励 Liu Baohua

我出生在中国 我从小就开始背诵古代汉 语 中国古代诗歌和中国唐宋诗歌 通过 死记硬背的方法 我充分的掌握了中国文 学和诗歌的节奏 据说掌握和理解唐诗三 百首的人 他一定也能写中国诗 我的孙子出生在加拿大 他从小在 加拿大受的教育 包括幼儿园 小学和高 中 这里的老师用启发式教育的方法培养 孩子的实践和思想能力 他们通过玩游戏 来培养孩子的创造力 想象力和智力 帮 助孩子们发展他们的新思维方式 同时也 创造他们自己新的世界 有一次 我的孙子用纸做了一个小 船 他在船上放了一个纸小孩 他的船

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

37

漂浮在水面上 该模型被用来证明浮力原 理 然而 他许多同学们制造出的船只沉 没在水中 我孙子的船是唯一一个能够长 时间在水面上漂浮的船 经过这次理论实 验 我的孙子得到了他的老师和学校的赞 扬和奖励 他还获得了Broad Reach的 证书

37

38

老年人的春天 Hong Meng

时光飞逝 在我生命中的前半段 我非常忙碌 然后现在我走了数千英里去和我的孩子们 团聚 我在一片异乡土地上享受着我生命中的傍 晚 我的晚年 我尽力忘记一切烦恼 并写下我人生新的 篇章 从繁忙的家务劳动中夺取一点休闲时光 我陪着我的孙子玩耍和画画 我了解我孩子的担忧 我将在余下的岁月里持续支持他们 为了适应新的环境与外国人交谈 学习英语还并不算晚 学习语句从 “早上好”到会说“我喜欢 加拿大的春天”

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

39

我认为这说明了我英语的水平有所提高 对于我来说最关键是要乐观和积极 我对食物的原理是天然有机 并少放糖和 盐 体育锻炼是我的日常工作重点 散步 游泳 太极和有氧运动 看来我们以前见过面 后悔我们没有早点认识 在阳光下我们愉快地谈论着一切 这里是属于前辈们的天堂 冬天的春天在这里 这片土地很美丽 春天味道在空气中漂浮 着 让我们去旅行 对于想尝试的人来说 这没有什么困难 的 我们会为继承我们的文化传统所付出贡 献 这里的日落非常美丽 风景无限 这就是国外的晚年生活 39

40

善良的撒马利亚人 Darcy Miller

在1944年一个寒冷的日子里 一个带着 孩子的女士在皇后街和大学大街登上了一 辆有轨电车 她们是这个上午第一和唯一 的乘客 他们直接坐在司机后面 这位女 士把孩子抱在她的膝盖上 以便孩子能看 到窗外 经过两站之后 司机听到闷闷不 乐的声音 他花了一分钟才意识到声音的 由来是从坐在他身后的女士发出的 “该 死的” 路口的红灯已经变绿了 司机立 马把脚压在加速器上 司机没有什么选择 可以帮助她们 继续前往第三站 抽泣声 越来越响 突然在某个时候 有轨电车停 了下来 司机从座位上站起来 转向这位 女士和小孩

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

41

“我能帮你吗 ”他问道 “你还 好吗 你的孩子生病了吗 请告诉我怎么 能帮到你 “ 司机观察了女士的面部表情寻找任 何明显的迹象 他所能看到的只是一种安 静的绝望 靠近那位女士不远 他蹲在了 孩子的身边 “你受伤了吗 ”他问孩子 孩子并没有回答 她似乎更想保护 那位女士 司机现在很清楚 她们是母亲 和孩子 并且有些麻烦 司机再一次以一种鼓励的口吻坚持 说 “请让我帮你 ” 在这最后一次敦促下 这位女士似 乎找到了她想说的话 她们的言论确切无 误 她从病童医院返回 她的残疾孩子长 大了 需要一个新的腿部支架设备 但 是 这个女人和孩子因为没有钱而离开了 医院骨科中心 她哭着说 “我不能告诉我的丈夫 这个消息 他在军队里 事实上 他将他 的全部薪水寄给了我们 但这些钱不包括 医院访问 设备和治疗 我的丈夫是一个 非常出色的男人 他尽其所能支撑我们的 41

42

生活 工作

DARC Y MILLER

战前 他为了维持生活而作了三份 “ 司机惊呆了 他仍在消化医院可能 让孩子离开的事实 司机听了女人的故事后 强调 说 “我可以帮你 只要坐在你所在的位 置 “ 这位司机俗称为好撒玛利亚人忠于 他所说的话 并更改了电车的路线 把这 个女士和孩子赶送到了退伍军人的办公 室 他停下电车 引导女士和孩子进入大 楼 向这里的有关工作人员解释她们的困 境 司机耐心等待着 直到她们的需求得 到照顾 当这位好的撒玛利亚人和那位女 士和孩子走出人行道时 塔钟刚刚敲响 “来吧 ”司机说 “我带你回 家 你现在肯定已经筋疲力尽 “ 那位女士和孩子害羞地抬头看望着 他 “谢谢你的一切 ”她说 “我甚 至不知道你的名字 ” “约翰 ”司机说 “我的名字是 约翰 ”

44

Anne Ng 加拿大国庆节 摄影作品, 2018

45

Anne Ng 公园年 摄影作品, 2018

46

窗外 T.P. Sheehan 摄影, 2017

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

秋天的色彩 T.P. Sheehan

如果 眼睛对灵魂是一扇窗户 那么 窗户则是眼睛 可看到外面的运动场 秋天的颜色 琥珀色 绿色 深红色和 深紫色

金色

请邀请我 出去融入这个季节 47

47

48

T.P. SHEEH AN

揭晓一个秘密 T.P. Sheehan

你可能还不知道 但是 对这个特有的问题总有个答案 每把锁都有一把钥匙 要解锁的锁 一个秘密将等待被告知 一个秘密被锁定了很多年 而这把钥匙 有意揭破 揭晓 随着时间的流失 新闻故事 新闻报道 长久以来的秘密终于暴露无遗 一个秘密如此之大 强到足以伤害

如此邪恶

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

49

粉碎 摧毁 也许......... 你知道一个可以致死的秘密 在这中间 动荡和绝望 天堂的阶梯出现了 在12个简单的步骤中 钥匙

找到一个关键的

一颗打开心碎的钥匙 解锁和教导善意的关键的钥匙 怜悯和爱 无法锁定的钥匙 但仅限于此 开放 开放和同理心 一把锁定秘密的钥匙 因为秘密已再也不是秘密

49

50

中国新年 Shilu Zang 摄影, 2017

HE ALTH Y ARTS FOR SENIOR S

51

中国新年 Shilu Zhang

在中国有不同的传统庆祝新年 在中国 南方 家庭成员喜欢聚在一起享用美味的 晚餐 通常有十道菜象征着“一切都完 美”的大盛宴 “十” 在中国是个好数 字 同时也是一个整数 在这十道菜 中 其中两道应该是汤; 其中之一应该是 鱼 中文鱼的发音与“剩余”相同 人 们期望着拥有剩余的东西 代表着省下留 给明年和人生之后的财富 晚餐后 这 时是孩子们玩烟花的最佳时刻 所有人 都开心着玩耍 吃美食和聊天直到午夜 12点 孩子们会给年长的人送最好的祝 愿 然而年长的人会给他们准备红包和压 岁钱 还有一些老年人喜欢在新年前夕 51

52

SHILU ZH ANG

去寺庙 以获得最好的祝福 在中国北方 食物有点不同 过年 最受欢迎的是饺子 总的来说 新年的庆祝是中国人祈 祷和互相祝福的日子

54

鲜花盛开 Yang Xiu Zhen

我家花开满屋飘香 姹紫嫣红 一勺水含江河胜 咫尺山存天地秋 存天地之灵气 采山川之精华

55

鲜花盛开 Yang Xiu Zhen 摄影作品, 2017

57

移动电话 Lily Yuan 摄影作品, 2018

59

作者简介 SHEILA BELLO 写诗 创作非小说和短篇小说 她 出版了一册诗歌 此外 她的著作已 在当地 国内和国际的选集和期刊上 发表 她激发了创作 并帮助建立了 Scarborough Arts的老年人写作计划 她是其中之一的参与者 她是安大略诗 歌协会的会员 Haiku Canada, Tanka Canada, Scarborough Arts, and the Scarborough Poetry Club的成员 Sheila出生于特立尼达拉岛 并于1972 年移民到加拿大 MARIO DIMAIN Mario Dimain是一个多身份的男人 他是一位丈夫 同时也是父亲 爷爷 作家 视觉艺术家 以及任何在阳光照 耀下所有美丽事物的爱人 Mario积极 的人生观让他爱上了他所做的一切 他 通过精心制作文字 插图 创意摄影 和短片制作艺术来分享他对这个世界

60

的想法 Mario是2017年12月CCRA Centennial News的两位本地艺术家之 一 在他的另一面 他的爱好更是希望 看着孙子的成长 CAI FENGRONG. Please see p. 9 for bio.

FU GUIXIANG 我出生于1948年 目前居住在加拿大的 多伦多 我有三个儿子 三个孙子 一 个孙女 他们都很健康 活泼 聪明 我每天在家做家务,洗碗,打扫和做饭 如果我有时间 我步行去购物中心买一 些水果和蔬菜 也有老年人社区活动参 与 星期五 我去Chester Le 社区参加 金属网花训练 我喜欢编织小商品 比 如杯垫和小袋子 我也学习健康保健 锻炼 跳舞和唱歌 喜欢和我的朋友和 姐妹玩 由于我的各个方面都很努力 工作和学习都取得了优异成绩 18岁 加入了中国共产党 做过工人 管理人 员 妇女干事 秘书等职务 职称是政 工师 于2003年退休

61

FU GUIZHEN 我叫付桂珍 我出生在四十年代 中国 东北吉林省吉林市 那里有肥沃的土地 和茂密的深林 是一座工业城市 在那 里出生 长大 结婚 生子 工作 直至退休 退休后 随儿子移民到加 拿大 目前居住在北约克 享受着好山 好水的晚年生活 每天读书 看报 上 网 锻炼 做家务 经常到社区中心参 加活动 和大家一起开心度过每一天 GAO ANNA YANHUA 我出生在中国吉林省一个普通的家庭 母亲是家庭主妇 父亲是工程师 爱人 是高级经济师 女儿在加拿大工作 我 生在红旗下成长在困难时期 中小学赶 上文化大革命 上过山 下过乡 工作 后在学校任教 做过统计 劳资 工会 等工作 2010年退休 参加社区公益活 动 慰问部队 敬老院及文艺演出 2017年我和爱人移民加拿大 和 女儿一家共同生活 现参加新移民英语 学习 各类讲座和社区活动 学习了知 识 丰富了业余文化生活 来加拿大我

62

的感受是没有陌生感 加拿大给新移民 许多优惠政策 华咨处为新移民排忧解 难 感谢加拿大这个平等多族裔的国 家 加拿大我爱你 HELEN KOSKI Helen Koski 曾是一名护士 是 Scarborough老年人写作组的成员 她 的诗歌和短篇小说被V. Lindstrom发表在 芬兰文学 Finnish Literature 中 作 品可看为灵魂的连结 她喜欢写关于身 边的家人 朋友和芬兰人的日常生活 LIAO YUEXIAN 我叫 Liao Yuexian 我是1947 10月18 号出生在福建省福州市 09年三月登陆 多伦多在加拿大生活了九个年头 我喜 欢加拿大 我喜欢参加夕阳红等社区活 动 也喜欢义工活动 种菜 唱歌 跳 舞 种花等 JOAN LITTLE Joan Little是一位退休的注册护士 也 是Scarborough Arts的成员 她喜欢与

63

家人分享在一起的时间 特别是和她的 孙辈们 她喜欢听古典音乐 参加歌剧 和戏剧 对她来说 这欣赏这些艺术就 像走在大自然中一样 充满着幻想 目 前 Joan在她的教堂和社区中做志愿者 义务 她也是当地图书馆的社团会员之 一 BAOHUA LIU 1943年11月26日出生于中国辽宁省 鞍山市 1963年毕业于中国鞍钢医学 院 从事外科 烧伤科和整形科近40 年 2011年团聚移民 在加拿大安度晚 年 参加由颐康 枫叶俱乐部等举办的各 种社区活动 讲座 唱歌 跳舞 打太极 拳 编丝网花 种菜等活动 1943 年 出生于中国辽宁省鞍山市 1968年毕业于中国辽宁工程技术大学 工程师 报纸编辑. 从事设计 制造 生 产汽车 拖拉机近40年 热爱中国文学 诗词 擅长写作 绘画 团聚移民 在 加拿大安居晚年 参加社区活动 耆晖 会 颐康 枫叶俱乐部举办的各种活动 讲座 绘画 素描 中国画 油画 书

64

法 裱画 唱歌 跳舞 打太极拳 脑写作 写回忆录 种蔬菜等活动

用电

DARCY MILLER 我 Darcy J. Miller 是一位练习短篇小 说的诗人和作家 我写的主要是家庭和 情感 The Good Samaritan是对任何国 家医疗保健计划存在之前发生的情况的 真实记录 我姐姐或 妹妹 先天性脊 柱裂 感谢T.T.C司机 一位好萨米里坦 人 直到战争结束 我母亲才能够得到她 需要的帮助 我的姐姐或 妹妹 活到 67岁 是我们目前所知道存活最长所带 有脊柱裂病的人 为了能像其他人一样能 够直立 她学会使用的背带和拐杖使她保 持平衡 并且最重要的是帮助她移动 行 走 1944年的那一天只是一个引人注目 故事的开始 ”顺便说一句 我想我忘记 说了 我的姐姐或 妹妹 就是那个有 意图的女孩…”

ANNE NG Anne Ng出生于香港 1972年移居加拿 大 1976年毕业后 她开始在多伦多地

65

区教育局任教 并决定将加拿大作为她的 第二故乡 Ng现于2010年退休 现居 Scarborough 此后一直在多伦多市回 收计划 老年人入住中心和难民计划的成 员志愿服务 她的爱好包括台球 艺术 手工艺 摄影以及任何终身学习机会 T.P. SHEEHAN T. P. (Thomas Patrick) Sheehan来自爱 尔兰 是4个成年子女的父亲 他目前 正在享受着从爱尔兰工作年假一年的假 期 并且自从2017年9月以来一直与他在 Scarborough的伴侣共同生活 Sheehan长期以来一直对诗歌写作 感兴趣 同时也写私人日记 到目前为 止 他仍然未发表任何作品 其他的兴趣 包括散步 远足和志愿服务 2013年 他走在西班牙北部800公里的卡米诺朝圣 Camino Pilgrimage SHILU ZHANG 我喜欢早晚散步 锻炼身体 上网 看电 视 对社区活动非常积极 交流沟通 了

66

解外面的信息 有一个好家庭 我帮助孩 子照顾家务和孙子 孩子们也很孝顺 YANG XIU ZHEN 杨秀贞 我的名字叫杨秀贞 出生于1941 年 福建省福州市 现在住加拿大多伦 多. 平时爱好广 唱歌 跳舞 乐 器 种花养鱼 剪纸等等 我特别喜欢种 花和剪纸 参加社区义工 参加爱心 花园 LILY YUAN 我姓袁名莉莉 我出生在中国天津 生长 在大家庭中 有爷爷奶奶 大伯 二伯 大叔 二叔 大姑 二姑 有15个表兄 弟 我和妹妹两个女孩子 爷爷奶奶对女 孩特别照顾 格外关心 童年时幸福成 长 2005年全家移民加拿大 现在住在 多伦多 我非常喜欢这个城市 美好的自 然环境 多元文化 邻里友善 社区经常 组织各种活动 学到很多新知识 认识 很多新朋友 我感到幸福 幸运来到加拿 大 感谢上帝给我两个家中国 加拿大

关于 SCARBOROUGH ARTS Scarborough Arts是一个非营利 的慈善组织 它是唯一一个专门为 Scarborough社区服务的艺术组织 为 各个年龄段的公民提供创新的艺术和文化 项目 我们把文化艺术带给社区 将社区 融入在文化艺术之中 1859 Kingston Road Scarborough, Ontario M1N 1T3 416-698-7322 info@scarborougharts.com www.scarborougharts.com Charitable # 1236 89704 RR0001 Scarborough Arts @scararts @scarborougharts