8 interviews have been completed so far. It's been a challenge for sure. I'm naturally quite introverted and I find it a bit of a challenge initiating conversation. However, I've found getting used to the process definitely helps. It's definitely been an iterative process where each conversation gets evaluated to see what I can do to word things better for next time, or what follow up questions might be useful.

As I continue to recruit, I'm trying to connect with people more at the parks through further conversation than a simple 'give me your contacts so I can harvest your data' encounter so that: a) I get better response rates, but also b) because people live interesting lives. It's definitely pushing out my comfort zone, and I also have to 'read the room' when approaching recruitment, and adjust the way I explain the study so different people understand its purpose. But, I am finding the adapting a varied process.

I'm also beginning to code the data, which is more 'subjective' than i had participated. Especially, organising different codes into the wider theme. Community cohesion seems to be quite tangled and messy so it will require a lot of re-reading and willingness to move things around.

I think the best part of this LiA is the ability to venture out of Toronto. I've attended so many local community arts since I've gotten here, and it's been a great excuse to explore outside the downtown and into where most people actually live. Locality rules, and I've enjoyed hearing local stories.

Outside of work, I've been going to the gym frequently, singing and practising organ a lot, trying to study in as many University of Toronto libraries as I can, and trying (with varying degrees of success) new recipes. Monday was a civic holiday (a bank holiday equivalent), and was spent in the Gardiner Museum (a museum of ceramic art), and 401 Richmond Street (contemporary community arts hub)! It's great to work with a lot of creatives and artists because they give some really cool recommendations on how to make the most of Toronto.