A Memorable Bike Ride

It seemed like just another evening bike ride in the neighbourhood, I could never have imagined what it would turn into.

Grateful for the beautiful spring weather (of course!) I hopped on my bike for a quick spin over to the gym. A quick, invigorating workout, and then a thought that I could quickly drop in and visit some friends in their neighbourhood. In a few minutes I was there.

We chatted briefly, and then Edgar asked "What are you doing tomorrow?" ('Tomorrow' was Saturday). Edgar and his wife are perpetually finding interesting things to do and they are a joy to spend time with, so, having no solid plans I responded "Nothing, what do you have in mind?"

They knew of an artist exhibiting his art in a gallery in a nearby city so I quickly volunteered a "Yes!"

The gallery was packed when we arrived. The art on display was interesting, but not my particular taste, so my wife and I mingled and discussed the art as best we could. The gallery owner appeared and some presentations were made.

This is where things REALLY started to make my gratitude mechanism go into overdrive. The gallery owner, John Cutruzzola, was pleased to announce that 35% of proceeds from art sales goes towards a scholarship fund at Algoma University to assist indigenous artists.

My jaw dropped.

35%!

It's an incredible gesture.

I spoke at length with John and his generosity. I would have probably NEVER met him had I not visited my friend Edgar's house on a whim while out cycling the previous day.

Serendipity was at play.

But it gets even better. I then saw that the artist whom we had come to see was actually standing off to the side and I approached him to congratulate him on his accomplishment and his talent. The artist is a full time professor at the University of Guelph, a scientist (botanist) who paints only part time and is inspired by his impressions of plants at a molecular level.

We ended up chatting for some time, and I received an invitation to visit his lab!

In one single day I had met more interesting people and stories than in the previous several weeks. I'm so #grateful for the opportunity for having met John and Dr. Mathur, two individuals who also met serendipitously and whose lives are now intertwined. People meeting people and blessing others with their talents and generosity are an essential element in fostering understanding between diverse socio-economic, cultural, linguistic and educational backgrounds.

For more information:

www.jaideepmathur.ca

www.gallery35.ca