Sad day in Toronto

A serious talk
watercolour and ink on watercolour paper
7 x 9 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010

The truth about this city is today that all around the
downtown core where the summit is, people
were living normal lives, doing Saturday
summer things. But the protests downtown
got ugly, and from what the newspeople say
it was just a handful of people who turned
a peaceful protest into a series of stupid
and wasteful acts of violence.

This could have been predicted. Everyone who
didn't want the summit here knew that these
summits attract violent activists. But I feel
sorry for all the legitimate protesters who
had their causes ensnared in the burning of
police cars, and trashing of downtown stores.
That is sad.

Steven and I sat in distress watching this unfold
on TV. Once again we went downtown to feed
the cats, and the mood felt frightening.
Helicopters filled the skies with noise.

I took a photo of this little ink and watercolour
drawing last night. It is a portrait of my son,
Christopher when he was quite a bit younger,
and it was one of the first paintings I'd done that he
wanted. I like the mood of it. He seems quite
thoughtful.

As for the city, I hope this insanity is over soon.

Have an enjoying-the-peace-you-have day.