Friday, January 28, 2011

Cool diversion

I used to be quite a reader. I love books. But when I was going through cancer treatment, I just could not focus on a book. The thought of reading was exhausting. So I turned instead to my other guilty pleasure - the Internet.

In the interest of sharing the love, and on the off chance I might help someone going through a difficult time, I'm going to start featuring my cool diversion of the week. The focus will not be cancer, though health and wellness will probably pop up a lot. I will also be mining the web for sources of humour, good news and, well, things that are just plain cool.

First up: urban explorer Steve Duncan. Cinematographer Andrew Wonder followed Steve Duncan as he showed off his guilty pleasure, exploring the underground of famous cities. In this film, he takes Wonder on a tour of the hidden underground world of New York City. Now, I am claustrophobic so some of the footage makes me queasy, but you will be amazed at what they show you. Even better is watching the enthusiasm Duncan has for this world - that kind of passion is a beautiful thing to see. Here's another link to the video at YouTube.

Final bit of advice: I first heard about this team on an NPR Story of the Day podcast. In this podcast, Duncan and Wonder lead an NPR reporter on a mini-tour, and this is another fascinating trip. My advice: if you like to listen to the radio but find yourself missing your favourite shows, most of them are available as podcasts. To find out more go to iTunes or directly to the podcast area of NPR's website.

4 comments:

  1. Hi Cynthia,
    I saw your comment on Wendy Harpham's blog tonight and came over to send you greetings and good wishes.

    Are you on Twitter as well? There's a wonderful community of breast cancer bloggers there.

    Love the idea of "cool diversions."

    So glad to meet you:)
    Jody
    @jodyms on Twitter

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  2. Lovely to meet you, too, Jody! Thanks for stopping by. :-)

    I was on twitter for a brief while and haven't returned in a long time. It wasn't a great fit for me, but that was before cancer. I may check it out again. Thanks for the invitation! And thanks for the positive feedback.

    I just checked out your blog. You are a wonderful writer and I will be a frequent visitor. You are doing great things; I share your passion for empowerment and education.

    I send you and Steve wishes for luck, good weather, happy doctors and successful treatments.

    See you around!
    Cynthia

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  3. Hi Cynthia, Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. The community of bloggers out there is amazing and after my first cancer treatment I found my way onto Facebook and twitter and the women and men I met there became my support group.

    I also love your idea of cool diversions. I used to read a lot also but my problem after cancer became that all I wanted to read was Harry Potter, which I love but have already read several times. So I struggle finding things I like to read enough that I will spend my precious time on:)

    I also use my iPod in the wee hours of the night, usually listening to Gregorian chants or positive affirmations, then I drift back off to sleep.

    I also have become very health oriented, I run 3-4 days a week and have recently lost 25 pounds. I am going to be checking out your recipes as I am constantly looking for new healthy options.

    Thanks again for introducing yourself on my blog! If you end up on twitter give me a shout too:)
    Debbie

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  4. Hi Debbie!

    Thanks for visiting. I think I am the last person on earth who has not read Harry Potter but I am looking forward to starting with my boys this spring. Thanks for the reminder about Gregorian chants - I find them so soothing.

    I hate running but fear I may have to segue to that soon as the walking takes so much time out of my day! Congratulations on your weight loss and your new lifestyle. I am working on my weight loss - funny how inspiring cancer is. :-)

    I would love for you to come visit my recipe site. I have been a foodie since I was 8 and when I got cancer I feared I would have to give up that side of my life in favour of "healthy" cooking. What I have found instead is a wonderful community of fellow foodies who are creating healthy, fantastic food.

    I really appreciate your stopping by. I love these little visits - makes me want to put on a pot of tea! I'll keep in touch.

    Cynthia

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