Creative Non-Fiction

*Unwind, get creative, and connect with cool people.* Looking for a calm space to do some art, have meaningful (or silly) convos, and meet new friends in the city? This is your spot. I’ll be bringing **colouring pages and markers** for anyone who just wants to show up and relax. You're also totally welcome to bring whatever creative activity helps *you* unwind — think **sketchpads, mini canvases and paint, journals, clay sculpting, wire bending, model building kits, and collage supplies**. We’ll hang out, make art, and enjoy chill conversations in a cozy, no-pressure environment. No experience or talent required — just bring yourself and whatever helps you feel creative and calm. **✦ What to Bring (optional):** * Any relaxing art or activity you enjoy **✦ I’ll provide:** * Colouring pages, markers, and good vibes **Where to Meet (MADO Cafe at the Food Hall inside The Well):** * The easiest way to get to the venue is to make your way to La Plume restaurant or The Dorset restaurant and turn towards the statue then take the stairs to the lower level. * Shoppers will be on the right and across from Shoppers will be an entrance to The Well's food court. * Make a left and you should see the long tables and MADO cafe. * **We'll meet at the long tables in front of MADO Cafe** Come solo or bring a friend — this is all about slowing down, making connections, and enjoying a creative evening together ✨

On **Friday February 13th,** **join us for The Barber of Seville at The Canadian Opera Company.** What better tonic to the winter blues than a playful, irreverent comedy featuring Gioachino Rossini’s famously bright and exuberant melodies? Count Almaviva is hopelessly in love with Rosina, whose guardian Doctor Bartolo is keeping her locked inside their home. The Count hires Figaro, Seville’s famous barber and schemer, to help true love win the day—for a price. A wonderful introductory opera for audiences of all ages - a colourful production that evokes all the whimsy and wit of the circus, brimming with madcap costumes and outsized sets. My seat is Orchestra Ring, Row 4, Seat DD150. **Purchase The Barber of Seville on Friday February 13th at 7:30pm.** **LANGUAGE**: Sung in Italian with English and French SURTITLES™ **COST** Regular: $35 - $375 + fees Rush: A limited number of low-price tickets (limited to two per person) will be available for purchase online at coc.ca from 4 p.m. for evening performances using this [promo code](https://www.coc.ca/tickets/ticket-services/rush-tickets/index) before selecting your seats. They will also be available from 11 a.m. in person at the Four Seasons Centre Box Office at 145 Queen St. W. All rush ticket sales are final and cannot be refunded, exchanged or replaced. Standing Room: Approximately 60 are available in-person at 11 a.m. on the day of a performance for just $15! They are located in the back rows of Ring 3 (some may be SURTITLES™ obstructed) and Ring 4, each with a hook and a leaning rail; Meetup fee: $5 Ticket Policy: Sales are final and non-refundable. **SIGNING-UP** * **Simply RSVP Yes, [purchase](https://my.coc.ca/2371/2405?_gl=1*1ezzsis*_gcl_au*Nzk3Mjk1MTUyLjE3NjQ2OTE0OTU.) your ticket and post your seat number and I will move you to attending.** * If you plan to buy RUSH, please state that in your RSVP, so I can include you in the reminder so you have the opportunity to meet us. * RSVPs close 1 day prior, and cancellations after will result in a No Show and impact future attendance. * A reminder will go out the day before with my cell and details when to meet, etc. ‐‐----‐----‐‐-------------‐----------- **MEETUP TIME** **Meet me for dinner at: 5:30pm at The Keg at 165 York St.** **Meet me at: 7:15pm** **along the right glass wall, after scanning your tickets and entering The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts at 145 Queen St. W.** **Start time: 7:30pm** Length: 3 hours (incl. an intermission) Enjoy and please post your Comments after!

Based on feedback from last event, we are bringing back a Part 2 of this event! How do we really know that our vaccines don't have microchips? How do we know that GMOs won't change our DNA? Just because big brother said "trust me bro"? Excessive scientific distrust is harmful, but we are also often powerless in front of it. One can only call flat-earthers "stupid" so many times. Is it possible that we had the wrong science communication approach this whole time? In this session, we will be reading and discussing Prof Gabrile Contessa's paper on Philosophy of Science, "It Takes a Village to Trust Science: Towards a (Thoroughly) Social Approach to Public Trust in Science". Read the paper or the summary provided in advance if you have time, or we can read the summary together in the first 20 minutes. The rest of the session will be reserved for structured and guided discussion. All we ask is that you bring an open and curious mind. Full paper (estimated reading time = 50-90 min): [https://classes.matthewjbrown.net/teaching-files/hps/contessa-trust.pdf](https://classes.matthewjbrown.net/teaching-files/hps/contessa-trust.pdf) Summary (estimated reading time: 5 min): [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fnznzzUvDw9ZZUGdjI74wknKT7B74IeUfVJrwyftUbU/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fnznzzUvDw9ZZUGdjI74wknKT7B74IeUfVJrwyftUbU/edit?usp=sharing)

Welcome ! OM Chanting is a group practice that uses the transformational power of OM to activate the self-healing potential of participants, promote inner peace and purify the environment. OM Chanting is a free practice, however, donations are welcome to help cover the rent of the studio. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- EVENT DETAILS: address: 283 Spadina Avenue; 3rd floor. ( SE corner of Spadina and Dundas). We will start at 6:30 pm. Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes earlier. We will be sitting on chairs; you can also sit on the floor if you prefer. You are encouraged to bring a bottle of water. Looking forward to seeing you ! For more information about Om Chanting, please visit: [https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/](https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/) Much Love, Veda Cell: 416-845-9375

Pottery Night at Orkid Gallery! All tools included. No experience needed—just come create, connect & sip tea with us! 3-hour workshop.

Contact Alex for location and information.

Join us for our in-person Saturday critique session! We'll be meeting in the basement of **The Blake House**, which is located near Wellesley and Jarvis, about a 10-minute walk from Wellesley Station or Sherbourne Station. **In respect to the Blake House for hosting us, we humbly request that attendees purchase a meal, dessert, or drink if you are able to do so.** Feel free to bring in a piece of writing up to **2000 words** for reading and critique. Please bring paper copies so that listeners can easily follow and make notes. Dedicated listeners are equally welcome. In larger groups, please be mindful of giving everyone a fair chance to speak. Our group values and meeting structure can be found here: [https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines](https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines) We ask that writers provide content warnings when necessary. To limit the spread of diseases, we kindly ask that you stay home if you're feeling sick. We will be here every week! **\*\*We support the hard work and effort that goes into writing fiction, and do not condone the use of AI to replace the creative process.\*\*** And, that's everything! See you there!

Struggling with motivation and focus as you hammer away on your manuscript at home? Want to join a community of writers as we embrace the joys and pains (mostly pains) of writing together? Bring your laptop, pen & paper, old-school typewriter, or futuristic writing gadget, and join an enthusiastic community of science fiction and fantasy writers as we work on our current projects in the same space. The format will be similar to our online writing sprints: 30-minute blocks of focused, quiet writing time (the sprints), interspersed with breaks where we can chat, ask questions, and share our writing experiences.

*“A searing tale of a Mother’s devotion, defiance, and survival.”* Two decades after **Anusree Roy** wrote her hit play *Pyaasa*, she returns to **Theatre Passe Muraille** with a powerful sequel — *Through the Eyes of God*. Tickets are **$40 each**. *Reserve your own* at the link below. Venue only has 40 seats!! Chaya, the protagonist at the centre of the original play, is now a spirited young woman and mother, who is arrested for the desperate act of stealing rice to feed her young daughter. But soon she faces a far greater horror: her child, Krishna, has been trafficked to Delhi. Driven by primal love, she embarks on a gut-wrenching journey through the underbelly of a broken system, where every lead is a gamble and every choice is impossible. ***Through the Eyes of God*** is a piercingly emotional and sharply critical journey that asks: How far will a mother go to protect her child? A reminder on who **Anusree Roy** is: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anusree_Roy **Ticket link here: (for Sunday February 15th @ 2pm)** https://www.passemuraille.ca/through-the-eyes-of-god/ NOTE: this performance is taking place in the new smaller/intimate 'Back Space" at Theatre Passe Muraille. *Theatre Passe Muraille* is Canada's alternative theatre company for Independent and experimental theatrical work since 1968. Also--this Play has just been recommended as 'Not to be missed' by a local theatre reviewer! **Seating for 40 people only!** Plan ahead. Don't delay. I found this review from 2008--**PYAASA** (her original play about the outlawed caste system) https://www.stage-door.com/Theatre/2008/Entries/2008/10/27_Pyaasa.html

Awaken your energy, release old patterns & expand consciousness through guided Kundalini activation, breath, movement & sound. ## **Flow Into Kundalini Activation Session** ### An immersive ceremonial experience to realign with your true self Join us for a transformative journey where energy, breath, and movement merge into one sacred flow. Through guided energetic transmission, conscious breath, and subtle movement, this **Kundalini Activation Session** invites you to surrender and reconnect with the infinite source within. Let go of resistance, release stagnant energy, and open yourself to the divine intelligence that moves through all life. This is more than a session — it’s an **energetic homecoming**. ### **What to Expect** * A 45-minute Kundalini energy transmission * Grounding breathwork & body awareness exercises * Chakra activation through sound and visualization * Deep relaxation and emotional release * Closing circle to integrate and anchor the experience ### **Preparation Tips** * Come with an open heart and empty stomach (no food 3 hours before the session) * Avoid coffee or alcohol on the day of the event * Wear comfortable clothing to allow free movement * Bring a yoga mat, water bottle, and journal (optional) ### 📍 **Event Details** **Date:** Sunday, Feb 15th, 2026 **Time:** 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM **Location:** Kula Yoga Studio — 304 Brunswick Ave, Toronto ### **Book your spot:** [www.qalb.ca](https://www.qalb.ca/ "https://www.qalb.ca") Spaces are limited — reserve early to experience this powerful activation.

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Explorer Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **This tour is hosted by the most evil creature that ever walked the earth, Jack the Ripper. This is his event so tread lightly if you know what is good for you. Friday the 13th! One day only, one event! Need I say more!** Haunted Toronto. Indeed. Scary stories of old York. Bloody York. Murder and mayhem. And at this time of year, Friday the 13th, when the chill cools the blood, stories of the truly brutal come out. And this walk is like no other. Tales of hauntings from the U of T, Hospital Row, and the Financial District make this a spooky event for all. Come and enjoy the walk, if you survive that is! This walking tour is for all fitness levels and skills. Please dress for the weather. This walking tour begins at the Queen's Park SUBWAY Station at the southwest corner of University Avenue and College Street in front of the **Tim Horton's Cafe.** This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Note: You may be removed from the attendance list if you've participated in the previous week's event. This allows for more people to experience this Meetup. Before the event the organizer will post a list in the comment section of the attendees and what they are responsible to bring (food/drink, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies). We normally ask each attending member to bring approximately $15-20 worth of ingredients/supplies to our event. We will use the items to prepare and serve food/drink at The Meeting Place.
Timeline: We will meet on location at 11:00 am, with lunch served between 12:30-1:00 pm.

No Shows/Late Un-RSVP: We’re relying on members who RSVP to bring key ingredients for recipes! Please try your best to show-up or alternatively change your RSVP early so another member may fill the empty spot.
\*\*\* If you are on the waitlist, keep checking as you may be moved into attendance to replace someone. We will try to message you to confirm your attendance in advance.
Donations will be assigned before the event.

## 👠✨ STEP INTO STYLE: BATA SHOE MUSEUM + BRUNCH HANG ✨👞 **History • Fashion • Culture • Great Company** Ever thought a shoe museum could be *this* cool? 👀 Join us for a fascinating (and surprisingly fun!) visit to the **Bata Shoe Museum** — one of Toronto’s most unique cultural gems and a total conversation-starter of a place. Designed by renowned architect **Raymond Moriyama**, this stunning four-storey museum takes you on a journey through **4,500+ years of footwear history**. From ancient Egyptian sandals and Chinese bound-foot shoes to chestnut-crushing clogs, sky-high platforms, and iconic celebrity footwear — it’s history, fashion, and storytelling all rolled into one stylish walk. 💫 With four impressive galleries and rotating exhibitions, there’s *always* something new to discover. Even if you’ve been before, this visit will feel fresh. 👟🌍 And because no great outing should end abruptly… we’ll head over to **The Duke of York** afterward for **brunch, drinks, and relaxed conversation**. 🍳🥂 The perfect way to keep the connections going. *** ### ⏰ Meetup Details 🕦 **Meetup Time:** 11:45 AM 📍 **Meetup Location:** Outside the Bata Shoe Museum 🦌 I’ll be wearing my **Moose Hat** — you can’t miss me! 🎟️ **Museum Admission:** **FREE** 🙌 *** ### 💰 Costs 💵 **Meetup Fee:** $5 cash in person **or** e-transfer 📲 Send to: **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** *** ### 🥂 After the Museum 🚶‍♂️ We’ll walk a few blocks north to **The Duke of York** 🍽️ Food & drinks optional — still brunch time! 📖 **Menu:** [Click Here!](https://dukepubs.ca/duke-of-york/) ⏳ **Leaving Time:** Anytime you like — stay as long (or as little) as you want. *** ### 📱 Stay Connected 👉 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t)⭐ Good to Know ✔️ You can **just show up** or sign up the day of if you’re unsure ⚠️ Sometimes things happen and events may be cancelled — please keep an eye out for updates *** 👤 **Organizer:** Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com** *** 👠✨ Come for the shoes, stay for the stories, and leave having met some great people.

Let's check out a Popular Astronomy and Science Based Film at COSI Science Center on their HUGE 360 Degree 4K Spherical Dome Screen Theater, in which is touring the nation and has already sold over 10,000 tickets! COSI is one of the leading Science Centers in America. Alan Watts was one of the Most Influential Amateur Astronomers of the 20th Century and held fascinating views of the Galaxy. Tickets are only $33 plus a small fee and taxes and can be purchased here: [Trust the Universe: Immersive Dome Show](https://www.sphericalpictures.com/tickets) PLEASE purchase tickets for the 8:15 PM Feature on Friday, February 13. There seem to be at least 10 tickets left, possibly more. We should be able to sit together in the same row or at least in the general section. This is an exciting chance to view actual footage of the Solar System on a Large 4k Resolution Screen plus added in Cosmological and Astronomical Related Philosophy! We will plan on meeting at about 7:50 PM by the Atomic Cafe on the first Floor of COSI, where the Movie Theater is located, in order to give us time before the show starts to purchase refreshments. Parking is available at the COSI Garage and in the area on side streets and adjacent garages. We can also walk somewhere in the area and get food afterwards, if anyone wants to do so. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

The topic for February is "Transitions" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Attend a free seminar on how to have successful and lasting relationships. At this seminar you will learn: How to spot and handle negative and toxic relationships. How to get through the "rough patches" in a relationship. How to choose the right people to work with. The three things that make or break any relationship. How to make a good relationship great. All are welcome. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. Hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong