#1 Visit a park, choose a bench, explain your choice, and describe your bench.

            On the corner of 23^rd and St Georges street you will find Norseman Park. For years Norseman Park has served as a great public facility to the community. The park consists of a rich green coloured grass, a soccer field, and running track. Towards the east side of the park you will find an old wooden bench faced at a 45 degree angle which allows an almost perfect view of the park. The bench consists of wood with a metal base and seems to be quite old and beaten up. I discovered this bench on a late morning while I was watching my younger brother’s soccer game. The bleachers were filled with spectators that day and the bench was the only unaccompanied place to sit to view the game. When I sat on the bench I felt so relaxed and isolated from the world and my problems just seemed to fade away. The rest of the game seemed so peaceful and beautiful. The fact I had my iPod at the time made the experience much more fulfilling.

The bench being only two blocks from my house serves as a perfect, relaxing sanctuary. I chose this bench because quite frankly it has been the only bench that I have been able to express my feelings toward in this lifetime. On the bench you will find inscribed, “IN MEMORY OF BHOLA SINGH.” One of the great things about this bench is that it’s positioned right outside the park track which allows you to see someone close up run by every once in a while. On days when league soccer games are not in progress the park is often rarely accompanied which makes the experience all the more satisfying. One of the big reasons I chose the bench at Norseman Park (as stated in my Pave or Paradise blog) is due to the impact it has on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to nearby residents just like myself. These days a lot of people including my self find it hard to make time in our day to engage in physical activity. With close by public facilities like Norseman Park it is only a matter of a few blocks for nearby residents like myself to engage in our recommended daily physical activity. Whether it be running around the track or playing on the soccer field, Norseman Park has something to offer the majority of us. I also chose this bench because the park sits by an unaccompanied road which allows for a more peaceful environment as you aren’t surrounded by the noise of passing by automobiles. The bench is positioned right in front of the sunset which can be very soothing at times for the body and soul as it allows you to notice the more beautiful things in life which we seem to forget about.

#2 From the bench, describe what you see, what you feel, what you think, what you want.

            So many things set the bench at Norseman Park apart from other benches such as the view which is vital to the value of the bench. The wonderful view allows me to see how beautiful things in life can be. The view helps me realize how grateful I should be for the things I have in life such as a caring family, a house, proper education, food and water, and certain privileges like access to this park. The bench allows me to feel relaxed and makes my problems temporarily fade away; it is a place I am certain I can always rely on when life seems to overcome me.

Most of the time when I do visit the bench I think very little, I focus on leaving behind the problems I have and just relaxing, though sometimes this is not the case. The bench also as I stated earlier allows me to see things more clearly. When I do have problems that need to be dealt with the bench helps me deal with them in a relaxing and proper manner causing less stress on my body and mind. The smell of the grass is not overpowering and is essential to the atmosphere of the park. Sometimes I will take my shoes and socks off and swing my legs back and forth across the cold and silky grass that can be found under the bench which allows for a sensational tickle along the bottom of my feet. The bench at Norseman Park has recently become an essential part of my life. I have started to notice how much I benefit from this bench and how much it has helped me out in the past. The bench allows me to think big and urges me to try my best in the things I do. The bench makes me want to do my best in life, it pushes me to new heights and it allows me to see the endless possibilities for someone like myself, by just staying focused and being committed I will succeed. Sadly there is an idea out there involving developers, apartment buildings and all kinds of offices which could lead to the extinction of Norseman Park. If Norseman Park does end up being terminated, it truly would be a great loss, not only for myself but the community as well.

I would deeply appreciate it if you could put aside 2 minutes of your day and help save Norseman Park and McDougall Field. The following is a link to a petition form; the goal of the petition is to reach 1000 signatures to help save Norseman Park and McDougall, get involved and help be a part of the solution. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-norsemen-park-save-mcdougall-field/

#3 If a bench were dedicated to you, where would you like the bench, and what would you like the inscription plate to say?

One of the greatest honors in life would be receiving a bench dedicated in my name. The location of a bench is vital to its value. If a bench were dedicated to me I would like its location portray similar traits to that of the bench at Norseman Park. The location of the bench must include a beautiful view. The view of the bench plays a big factor on the set atmosphere. I would like the bench to be located right in front of the ocean. I chose an Ocean because it has so many things to offer and is filled with beauty. The ocean is a place that can satisfy almost all five of the human senses. The smell and taste of misty salt water can be very sensational to the nose. The sounds of waves splashing against rocks or slithering onto the sand can be very soothing. I would also position the bench close to the tide with cement blocks as a base allowing it to hold its structure. This would allow me to take my shoes off and let the cool beach water to slither back and forth across my feet. I would also position the bench on the side of the beach where the sun sets. The reason for this is because there is nothing more beautiful in life to me than staring into the endless ocean as the sun sets and the day ends.If a bench were dedicated to me I would prefer the inscription plate to be located on the top middle slab of wood. I would want the inscription plate to be made of a cheap metal such as copper, brass, or steel giving it a lower chance of being a victim to theft. As for what the inscription plate says I have not too much in particular that I would like to be said. I would want the inscription plate to say something simple like “An honest, positive man who lived life to the fullest - Freddy Kanga” as these are the traits I want to be remembered by.  

#4 If you dedicated a bench, where would you like the bench, and what would the bench inscription say?

             Benches are often dedicated to those who are unique in our lives that we have strong emotions towards or have lost. Dedicating a bench is a hard thing to do; it takes someone of great importance and of unique qualities in order to pursue such an act. If I was dedicating a bench I would probably dedicate it to my father. Growing up my father has faced many challenges and gone through much hardship but he always ended up getting by. He has done so much for my family and myself and continues to do so to this day. He is always thinking of other rather than himself and does not care about the little things in life such as objects that have materialistic value. He is a simple man yet so complex at the same time. I feel the location of the bench should be a reflection of my father. The location should look nice but simple, nothing out of the ordinary. The atmosphere should be comforting and allow you to be open with yourself. The view should be spectacular, preferably one with a clear blue sky and few clouds accompanied with mountains in the back. The inscription of the bench would read, “Father of 3 loved by all, a man of great dignity - Nozer Kanga.”

#5 Write a journal response about your trip to the park.

              I woke up this morning only to find the sun peeking through my bedroom window. Although it was a sunny day I knew it would be cold so I grabbed my sweater and a pair of gloves on my way out the door. Its days like these that I feel happy to be living two blocks away from a public park. The two block walk to the park is peaceful and satisfies almost all five of my senses. The smell of fresh cut grass welcomes me as I walk across the field to a bench I am quite fond of. The first time I visited this bench was on a late October morning when I was watching my little brother’s soccer game. The bleachers were filled with spectators and I was not in the mood to stand, I decided to head east to where a bench stood lonely and unaccompanied just like myself. I took a seat, hung my hands over the rest and watched in ease. I felt so relaxed and a calm energy began fill my body, the rest of the game seemed so subtle and beautiful. I love the energy of this bench and the impact it has on my body and mind.

As I approached the bench cold ooze filled my body. At first the presence of the bench always seems makes me feel somewhat uncomfortable, but as I sit and relax everything just seems to work itself out. I start to become much more comfortable with the bench and I remember how much of a pleasure it is to be in its presence, I guess you could say it’s almost like running into an old friend. On days like these the company of an iPod is a must. The sweet sounds of music and the beautiful view work together to create an almost unforgettable experience. The time I end up spending on the bench is often a reflection of my current emotional state which can range anywhere from thirty minutes to several hours. Today I did not stay long, the reason for coming was not as necessary as my previous visits. I spent only thirty minutes on the bench today before I got up and left for the day.

#6 Choose a poem that suits your bench, and explain your choice. Include a copy of the poem.

If I could catch a rainbow

Author Unknown

I would do it just for you

And share with you its beauty

On the days you’re feeling blue

If I could build a mountain

You cal call your very own

A place to find serenity

A place to be alone

If I could take your troubles

I would toss them into the sea

But all these things I’m finding

Are impossible for me

I cannot build a mountain

Or catch a rainbow fair

But let me be what I know best

A friend that’s always there.

The poem I chose was if I could catch a rainbow. I chose this poem as it strongly reflects my emotions towards this bench. The bench has done so much for me but it is almost impossible for me to return the favour. This poem almost exactly reflects my feelings towards the bench such as what it has done for me and what I would do for it if I could. “And share with you its beauty on the days you’re feeling blue” these two lines reflect how when I am sad I can come to the bench and look out into the sky and the view I am presented with makes me feel all the more better. “A place to find serenity a place to be alone” these two lines reflect what the bench is to me and its roll in my life as I come to it to find serenity and be alone to escape my recent problems in life. “If I could take your troubles I would toss them into the sea but all these things I’m finding are impossible for me” these three lines reflect how the bench can help me but it cannot get rid of my problems, I have to do my part as well. “I cannot build a mountain or catch a rainbow fair but let me be what I know best a friend that’s always there” These three lines describe how the bench isn’t so great it cant give me all the things I want in life, but it is always there to do what it can.   

#7 Explain how your poem connects to your personal philosophy of life.

              Poems can often be seen as relating to your personal philosophy on life. Carpe diem, meaning seize the day is something I feel very strongly about. Seizing the day is making the most of your life and not letting little things get you down. You shouldn’t waste too much time worrying about life as in the end it will change nothing, what’s done is done. Life is all about making the most of your time you have here on earth; you must be strong and embrace the day. The challenges we face are all a part of life, we all as human beings encounter them one way or another, the important thing is not to let them drag you down.

 Friends are a big part of your life, and this poem reflects that quite well. Friends are an essential part to living a happy, peaceful, fulfilling life. The speaker in the poem talks about being a good friend, always being there when your friends need you most and providing a great deal of support. As human beings none of us are perfect, we all face hardship and desire emotional aid sometime in life. Friends are often there to help us deal with our problems and sort out our emotions. In the poem the speaker states various examples of friends always being there when you need them most and always willing to help you to the best of their ability. I believe friends are a big part of life, and without friends the world wouldn’t be what it is today. Everyone is faced with problems, friends often help us deal with them and get over them, if we had no friends how would we deal/get over our problems. We all as human beings need to express ourselves to others and get advice which will comfort us and help us in our time of need. Although it may be hard to see we were all put on the same planet to benefit from one another. This poem does a great job in explaining and helping us realize how important and essential friends truly are.

#8 What is the purpose of a park? What are your thoughts about the park?

              A park provides many forms of service. Depending on a persons point of view a park can be seen as having many different forms of service. Parks can be seen as a place to exercise and induce physical activity. Parks are also seen as playing grounds; a lot of people use parks as a foundation for games such as soccer, football, baseball the list goes on. Parks can also be seen as a place to engage in physical activity such as running around the track or playing games. Parks are also a place where people can come and relax and be one with nature. Parks serve as a social connection where people can meet and engage in activities, help each other, and become good friends. Parks allow us to maintain a good, long lasting, healthy lifestyle. After evening hours though parks can be seen as a dangerous place to be around. Parks are meant to be embraced during the day time when people are around and not so much mischief is occurring. In the company of a wrong person a park can be a dangerous place during late hours, but in the hands of a good person a park can be a safe, benefiting place to be around. Parks are mainly used for league soccer practices and games in which often young children/teenagers engage in physical activity. Parks also help keep our youth out of trouble as they serve as a playing ground for their sports which helps keep them out of trouble and away from the influence of bad individuals. Overall a park is a place where you can escape from life and any troubles that may be bothering you. Parks keep you occupied and benefit not only your physical but spiritual body as well. A park is a place where you can escape to from the tension of life. When the going gets tough, go to a park.

#9 Write a poem reflecting your bench experience.

The poem I have written is a reflection of my emotion and gratitude towards my bench.

A Friend

I come to you when I am down

I come to you to turn my frown upside down

Even though I am not you’re always there

To lend a hand to breathe my air

You sit and listen, you do not complain

You take care of me when I am in pain

You’re there to lend a hand, you’re there to be my hand

If I could pay you back I would do just that

You are a bench

You are my friend

by Freddy Kanga