Do you remember when you first heard the music of Our Lady Peace?
What song was it? Was it “Clumsy”? “Somewhere Out There”? Whichever song it was, the band’s music will forever hold a special place in our hearts — not just because we were much younger, but because we recognized that music like theirs was a true art form, created not with the intent to be played on the radio, but as a genuine form of expression and storytelling.
Raine Maida and Chantal Kreviazuk, a couple that is considered Canadian music royalty, are going to break our hearts … or are they? I’m Going to Break Your Heart: A Rock N Roll Love Story, the title of their memoir, gives us an inside look into their almost-30-year relationship and musical careers. We are thrilled to share our interview with Raine Maida with you. He told us that he’d recently visited Calabria to spend time with Italian relatives there that he had never met before. Interestingly, this experience left him with the desire to simplify his life rather than add to its complications … Raine’s wise perspective on what is truly important to him makes our hearts swell with tenderness — the moments any of us come to cherish might be the simplest ones.
Maida approaches every time he steps on a stage, whether it’s in an arena or a small-town venue, in a spirit of gratitude (we love that!) and each day with the creativity and curiosity of a child.This attitude comes from a man who has received a Juno, an award from War Child Canada for his humanitarian work and has been appointed to the Order of Canada. Maybe that gratitude is just it, the trick to happiness?
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” – Scott Adams
When we interviewed Anita K. Mitchell, the author of You Don’t Look Like an Astronaut’s Wife, she told us that she was convinced that happiness is a choice, and that forgiveness helps you much more than the person you forgive. She reframes the hard times, reminding us that “during your challenges, God is not done with you.”
Another great believer in the power of humility, of collaborative efforts, and of the value of continuing to learn and evolve is United Way CEO Heather McDonald. She believes that you are accomplishing two things when you involve yourself in social change — you are giving to your community and you are getting something back in the form of connection to that community.
It gives us great satisfaction to know that over the past 30 years we have featured so many individuals whose stories are true testaments to the goodness to be found in humanity. We hope you enjoy this edition of City Life Magazine and keep alive and cherish your own desire to learn, explore and do good in your community and in the world.
Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
@amorebagstoronto
Fernando Zerillo Co-Founder/Creative Director
@fernandozerillo
