margaretamymyers says:
September 9, 2021
MY LATEST THOUGHTS
MICHAEL K. WILLIAMS
“You come at the king, you best not miss.”
Even though it’s been over a decade that I first heard these words spoken on the small screen, I can still hear them as clear as a bell. The confidence. The swagger. The threat.
Ever since I heard the news of the death of the incomparable actor Michael K. Williams, I can’t stop thinking about him. And his acting.
He of course played what was (in my opinion) the best character to ever appear on the screen – Omar Little—in the popular HBO series The Wire. The Wire is such an fascinating show – way ahead of it’s time in terms of the storylines and the characters that were portrayed. Unlike shows that have clear “heroes and villains”, The Wire showed incredible complexity within all of the characters. Especially with Omar Little.
Omar was a gangster who stole from drug dealers. He was the most feared man on the streets. He also happened to be gay. Williams portrayed Omar in a way that tugged at my heart strings. One minute he would be terrifying and appear unhinged. The next scene I would see him with his boyfriend and the tenderness that he showed was captivating. No matter what he was doing on the screen I was drawn in. Fascinated. Curious. Wanting to know more. He breathed so much life into that character. (And in the subsequent roles I saw him in).
A huge highlight was getting to see Michael. K. Williams at TIFF one year. He took part in a Q&A after a screening of a movie he was in. His answers to the questions seemed so humble.
I feel such a deep sadness at his loss. This reminds me of the importance of art , how it can be so moving and have such an impact on society. How it can connect so many different people. How art can provide such insight into our own lives and the lives of those around us. Good art makes us feel. I am mourning someone I have never met because his performances onscreen made me feel like I did know him.
There was something special about him onscreen. It felt like he wasn’t afraid to show the diverse sides of a character with incredible depth. There was something so honest and relatable in watching him on television. Even if (on paper) a character seemed different from myself, I could feel such empathy towards him. I understood him. When he showed pain, I felt pain. When he was victorious, I celebrated with him. He let us see the humanity within each of his characters. He reminded us that maybe we’re not so different. We all experience love, loss, happiness, sadness, anger, joy. We saw all of these emotions within his characters. It takes immense bravery to show that much.
My heart goes out to his family and friends.
There has been speculation around his cause of death. He spoke openly in interviews about struggling with addiction. “One day at a time,” he said in an interview I watched. If you know someone who may be struggling with addiction, please reach out to them.
I mourn the idea that we will never get to witness another moving performance from him, but I more so mourn the idea that someone who was so brave and generous through his art, perhaps was in so much pain. That he could provide so much understanding and insight and compassion towards all of his characters (I think he had to have this in order to show us all of the different sides) but perhaps he couldn’t find that same compassion for himself? (Of course this is all just speculation from a massive fan. Not based on any secret insights but rather my own pondering. Trying to find a way to make sense of the tragic loss.)
I wonder if Michael K. Williams ever fully realized the impact he made on so many viewers through his work? I wonder if he ever fully sat in the joy of knowing how much he was admired and respected? I see the numerous tributes being posted on- line. How many of these folks got to tell him in person about the impact he had made on them?
Williams’ untimely death is a reminder of how short and precious life is.
If you knew someone would be gone tomorrow, what would you say to them?
Thank you Michael K. Williams for the impact your art made on my life. For your courageous work. And mostly, for reminding us how complex the human spirit is.
We always hear about the benefits of travelling to a new city or country. We get the opportunity to see and do new things. We get to meet new people, experience new cultures and widen our horizons.
I’ve heard a lot these days about people looking forward to travelling again once it is safe to do so.
Until then …
What are the benefits of exploring our own little space in the world?
I feel like it’s important to acknowledge the privilege I have to have a little apartment that I am in love with in downtown Toronto. Yes, it’s a one bedroom (some would argue more like a studio apartment as the bedroom doors are “slide-y vs. standard doors”.) I am newly back to my home after spending the first 503 (!) days of the COVID-19 pandemic with my folks.
As I rediscover my home, I think a lot about what I care about and what matters to me. I am so lucky to feel safe and secure in my home. I am surrounded by bright colours and a lot of pink. This makes my heart happy. I have the most gorgeous colourful artwork on my walls (my latest addition is a beautiful print by Canadian artist Adam Young that my parents got me as a gift). Check out his amazing work if you get a chance. (www.ayoungstudios.com)
Every time I look at the painting I see new things. I feel inspired by it. The cheerful colours sing out from my wall. It is nothing short of astounding. It also makes me feel happy to know that this amazing artist is Canadian. One of the lessons the pandemic has taught me is the idea of quality items vs quantity. The importance of supporting local businesses and artists seems more crucial than ever.
I am listening to more music now that I’m back – exploring old favourites as well as new discoveries (my most recent favourite Canadian artist is JP Saxe, definitely worth a listen).
I find myself paying attention to small things – the new buds on the Geranium plant that my mum (grew from seed!) and sent home with me. The bright pink of the flowers are beautiful to witness. I appreciate the sunlight that streams through my big bright windows.
These are all little reminders to be grateful. To enjoy the slower pace. To breathe in colour. Things are going to pick up again very soon.
What are you most grateful for from your small part of the world?
As I lay in bed feeling chills in my body and my face feels on fire I am still overwhelmed with gratitude. Should I cool down my face or warm up my body (answer: yes to both). These are symptoms my body is experiencing from the second dose of the covid-19 vaccine. It means my body is fighting. Getting stronger.
I am reminded of all the reasons why I am so grateful to have had my second shot today:
It helps me protect our most vulnerable. Anytime I can do that, I must.
I believe in science
I would do anything to protect my parents. Anything. Try me.
I am scared of the variants mutating and causing even worse strains of this awfulness. Vaccines help prevent that.
The healthcare workers have been working overtime to try and save and nurse people back to health. The least I can do is get a couple of little needles. The front line workers (grocery stores, pharmacies etc) have been working so that we can live. We owe it to them to protect them as best we can.
The thought of people dying alone in hospitals (friends and family not allowed in) makes my heart break. I want to try to help prevent that.
I want to do my best to protect those unable to get the vaccine (young kids). Don’t we want to demonstrate that we would do anything to keep them as safe as possible?
I do not want to get sick or die from covid.
I want to do all the things again(but not until I know everyone has had their opportunity for double doses)
If everyone does a little then the weight of responsibility gets divided further down and becomes more manageable for all. I am in a position of privilege where I can get two doses of vaccine (for free no less!). I don’t want to take this privilege for granted.
I’m sure there are so many other reasons but these were my fever dream thoughts tonight.
What Happens Now?
Posted by margaretamymyers
July 14, 2021
Hello! We are living in such strange times, aren’t we? Who would have thought that here in Canada we’d still be in a deadly pandemic? There has been so much pain and loss this year. Loss of lives, jobs and ability to do some of our favourite things. It has also given us time to slow down and reflect on our lives and what we value the most.
This forced halt from my usually very busy day-to-day life has given me many benefits. The first being the ability to quarantine safely with my parents. It has given us a lot of quality time to spend together.
The other major benefit I’ve received from this homeboundness (Yes I’m deciding that this is a word I’m going to try to make exist) has been the ability to reflect on what matters the most to me. First and foremost for me it will always be my family. That was a no-brainer. I knew that was my top priority already. But beyond that, I have also had a chance to explore what else is of high value to me. I started doing more yoga and meditation. I realized how much I value (and take for granted!) my breath and body.
I also realized how important it is for creativity to be celebrated and explored. I have always resented the idea of living in a cookie cutter society where everyone looks and acts a certain way. I am much more interested in the human experience. I want to see a person’s uniqueness.
This in turn, made me want to explore my own creativity. As I was thinking about how to do this, I got an email from Akimbo (the brain child of ruckus-maker and personal hero of mine Seth Godin) advertising a Writing in Community Class. This was it! A sign from the universe! I had always wanted to explore writing but always easily gave into the excuse “ohhh I don’t have time”. No more.
This lead to me writing and self-publishing my first book The Fall Awakening. It also lead me into the next Akimbo Workshop The Creativity Workshop (3). Here I completed my second novel, Break Through Winter. This workshop is what finally inspired me to start my own website. So here it is! (Thanks Dad!)
I hope you enjoy poking around here and I hope you become inspired to explore your own creative projects. When you do, I’d love to hear all about it!
margaretamymyers says:
September 9, 2021
MY LATEST THOUGHTS
MICHAEL K. WILLIAMS
“You come at the king, you best not miss.”
Even though it’s been over a decade that I first heard these words spoken on the small screen, I can still hear them as clear as a bell. The confidence. The swagger. The threat.
Ever since I heard the news of the death of the incomparable actor Michael K. Williams, I can’t stop thinking about him. And his acting.
He of course played what was (in my opinion) the best character to ever appear on the screen – Omar Little—in the popular HBO series The Wire. The Wire is such an fascinating show – way ahead of it’s time in terms of the storylines and the characters that were portrayed. Unlike shows that have clear “heroes and villains”, The Wire showed incredible complexity within all of the characters. Especially with Omar Little.
Omar was a gangster who stole from drug dealers. He was the most feared man on the streets. He also happened to be gay. Williams portrayed Omar in a way that tugged at my heart strings. One minute he would be terrifying and appear unhinged. The next scene I would see him with his boyfriend and the tenderness that he showed was captivating. No matter what he was doing on the screen I was drawn in. Fascinated. Curious. Wanting to know more. He breathed so much life into that character. (And in the subsequent roles I saw him in).
A huge highlight was getting to see Michael. K. Williams at TIFF one year. He took part in a Q&A after a screening of a movie he was in. His answers to the questions seemed so humble.
I feel such a deep sadness at his loss. This reminds me of the importance of art , how it can be so moving and have such an impact on society. How it can connect so many different people. How art can provide such insight into our own lives and the lives of those around us. Good art makes us feel. I am mourning someone I have never met because his performances onscreen made me feel like I did know him.
There was something special about him onscreen. It felt like he wasn’t afraid to show the diverse sides of a character with incredible depth. There was something so honest and relatable in watching him on television. Even if (on paper) a character seemed different from myself, I could feel such empathy towards him. I understood him. When he showed pain, I felt pain. When he was victorious, I celebrated with him. He let us see the humanity within each of his characters. He reminded us that maybe we’re not so different. We all experience love, loss, happiness, sadness, anger, joy. We saw all of these emotions within his characters. It takes immense bravery to show that much.
My heart goes out to his family and friends.
There has been speculation around his cause of death. He spoke openly in interviews about struggling with addiction. “One day at a time,” he said in an interview I watched. If you know someone who may be struggling with addiction, please reach out to them.
I mourn the idea that we will never get to witness another moving performance from him, but I more so mourn the idea that someone who was so brave and generous through his art, perhaps was in so much pain. That he could provide so much understanding and insight and compassion towards all of his characters (I think he had to have this in order to show us all of the different sides) but perhaps he couldn’t find that same compassion for himself? (Of course this is all just speculation from a massive fan. Not based on any secret insights but rather my own pondering. Trying to find a way to make sense of the tragic loss.)
I wonder if Michael K. Williams ever fully realized the impact he made on so many viewers through his work? I wonder if he ever fully sat in the joy of knowing how much he was admired and respected? I see the numerous tributes being posted on- line. How many of these folks got to tell him in person about the impact he had made on them?
Williams’ untimely death is a reminder of how short and precious life is.
If you knew someone would be gone tomorrow, what would you say to them?
Thank you Michael K. Williams for the impact your art made on my life. For your courageous work. And mostly, for reminding us how complex the human spirit is.
Michael K. Williams
by margaretamymyers
September 9, 2021
margaretamymyers says:
August 10, 2021
Gratitude from My Small Corner to Yours
We always hear about the benefits of travelling to a new city or country. We get the opportunity to see and do new things. We get to meet new people, experience new cultures and widen our horizons.
I’ve heard a lot these days about people looking forward to travelling again once it is safe to do so.
Until then …
What are the benefits of exploring our own little space in the world?
I feel like it’s important to acknowledge the privilege I have to have a little apartment that I am in love with in downtown Toronto. Yes, it’s a one bedroom (some would argue more like a studio apartment as the bedroom doors are “slide-y vs. standard doors”.) I am newly back to my home after spending the first 503 (!) days of the COVID-19 pandemic with my folks.
As I rediscover my home, I think a lot about what I care about and what matters to me. I am so lucky to feel safe and secure in my home. I am surrounded by bright colours and a lot of pink. This makes my heart happy. I have the most gorgeous colourful artwork on my walls (my latest addition is a beautiful print by Canadian artist Adam Young that my parents got me as a gift). Check out his amazing work if you get a chance. (www.ayoungstudios.com)
Every time I look at the painting I see new things. I feel inspired by it. The cheerful colours sing out from my wall. It is nothing short of astounding. It also makes me feel happy to know that this amazing artist is Canadian. One of the lessons the pandemic has taught me is the idea of quality items vs quantity. The importance of supporting local businesses and artists seems more crucial than ever.
I am listening to more music now that I’m back – exploring old favourites as well as new discoveries (my most recent favourite Canadian artist is JP Saxe, definitely worth a listen).
I find myself paying attention to small things – the new buds on the Geranium plant that my mum (grew from seed!) and sent home with me. The bright pink of the flowers are beautiful to witness. I appreciate the sunlight that streams through my big bright windows.
These are all little reminders to be grateful. To enjoy the slower pace. To breathe in colour. Things are going to pick up again very soon.
What are you most grateful for from your small part of the world?
margaretamymyers says:
July 20, 2021
2nd Shot Thoughts
As I lay in bed feeling chills in my body and my face feels on fire I am still overwhelmed with gratitude. Should I cool down my face or warm up my body (answer: yes to both). These are symptoms my body is experiencing from the second dose of the covid-19 vaccine. It means my body is fighting. Getting stronger.
I am reminded of all the reasons why I am so grateful to have had my second shot today:
It helps me protect our most vulnerable. Anytime I can do that, I must.
I believe in science
I would do anything to protect my parents. Anything. Try me.
I am scared of the variants mutating and causing even worse strains of this awfulness. Vaccines help prevent that.
The healthcare workers have been working overtime to try and save and nurse people back to health. The least I can do is get a couple of little needles. The front line workers (grocery stores, pharmacies etc) have been working so that we can live. We owe it to them to protect them as best we can.
The thought of people dying alone in hospitals (friends and family not allowed in) makes my heart break. I want to try to help prevent that.
I want to do my best to protect those unable to get the vaccine (young kids). Don’t we want to demonstrate that we would do anything to keep them as safe as possible?
I do not want to get sick or die from covid.
I want to do all the things again(but not until I know everyone has had their opportunity for double doses)
If everyone does a little then the weight of responsibility gets divided further down and becomes more manageable for all. I am in a position of privilege where I can get two doses of vaccine (for free no less!). I don’t want to take this privilege for granted.
I’m sure there are so many other reasons but these were my fever dream thoughts tonight.
What are your reasons to get double dosed?
Stuart Danker’s avatar
Stuart Danker
July 14, 2021 at 8:06 pm
Wow, it sounds like you’ve made the restrictions work for you. Welcome to the blogosphere and here’s to a flourishing journey ahead of you!
margaretamymyers
July 15, 2021 at 4:37 pm
Hi Stuart!
Thank you for your kind comments and warm wishes!
All the best to you!
MAM
What Happens Now?
Posted by margaretamymyers
July 14, 2021
Hello! We are living in such strange times, aren’t we? Who would have thought that here in Canada we’d still be in a deadly pandemic? There has been so much pain and loss this year. Loss of lives, jobs and ability to do some of our favourite things. It has also given us time to slow down and reflect on our lives and what we value the most.
This forced halt from my usually very busy day-to-day life has given me many benefits. The first being the ability to quarantine safely with my parents. It has given us a lot of quality time to spend together.
The other major benefit I’ve received from this homeboundness (Yes I’m deciding that this is a word I’m going to try to make exist) has been the ability to reflect on what matters the most to me. First and foremost for me it will always be my family. That was a no-brainer. I knew that was my top priority already. But beyond that, I have also had a chance to explore what else is of high value to me. I started doing more yoga and meditation. I realized how much I value (and take for granted!) my breath and body.
I also realized how important it is for creativity to be celebrated and explored. I have always resented the idea of living in a cookie cutter society where everyone looks and acts a certain way. I am much more interested in the human experience. I want to see a person’s uniqueness.
This in turn, made me want to explore my own creativity. As I was thinking about how to do this, I got an email from Akimbo (the brain child of ruckus-maker and personal hero of mine Seth Godin) advertising a Writing in Community Class. This was it! A sign from the universe! I had always wanted to explore writing but always easily gave into the excuse “ohhh I don’t have time”. No more.
This lead to me writing and self-publishing my first book The Fall Awakening. It also lead me into the next Akimbo Workshop The Creativity Workshop (3). Here I completed my second novel, Break Through Winter. This workshop is what finally inspired me to start my own website. So here it is! (Thanks Dad!)
I hope you enjoy poking around here and I hope you become inspired to explore your own creative projects. When you do, I’d love to hear all about it!
Let’s continue to share ourselves with the world!
Sending you love,
MAM
Welcome to my BLOG. Feel free to add your comments in the form below.
Wishing you all the best.