calm vs. storm

I have officially delved into the beginnings of my research. This has been prompted mostly by looming scholarship applications, more than a newfound sense of responsibility. I'm still not an organized person, but at least my unorthodox methods of work have gotten me to this level of academic study.

I am surrounded in books about HIV/AIDS and I am trying to explain why my study plan deserves a research grant. Whether or not I end up receiving this scholarship is not really the point, however. By being forced to clarify my intentions, I am reminding myself why it is so important to me to study HIV/AIDS in Africa and the media.

Stephen Lewis, UN special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa explains his reason:

“I wanted to do these lectures for all those little girls and their mothers whose lives have been torn from their moorings, and whose future is in the hands, at least in part, of those who have always pretended to care, and have never really cared.”

I don't think I have cared enough, to be honest with you. I think for many people, it can be very difficult to tie your emotions and your passion (and your time and your money) to something that seems half a world away. It wasn't until last year, when I really began to think about everything in my life, everything I had to contibute to this world, and it became slowly clearer to me that it only makes sense for me to lend any of the priviledges and skills I have been afforded to do something about the worst socially, economically and politically-tied health pandemic we have ever seen. Thus, I begin my research.

At the same time, international tensions are at a very scary point. I feel it's important to stay close both to the news, as well as the people you love. I don't mean to sound too scary...the state of things just makes me think, that's all.

Speaking of loved ones, Thanksgiving weekend was a much-needed retreat into all things familiar. I got a chance to hang out with a my cousins, who I adore and wish I could see more often. Long walks, sitting around, and systematically addicting my family to LOST was a pretty big difference from sitting at my desk in Montreal, doing readings and food shopping. It's good to go back, but it's nice to be here too.


Pumpkin market in le plateau


vine-covered house near the market

Thanksgiving in cottage country with the whole family


My cousins