Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I'm clearing out a lot of files. It's real spring cleaning. I came across this piece of art done by my son in elementary school. It seemed like just the thing to post on Earth Day (which should be every day).

I'm trying to archive - photographing a lot of things which used to take up space and recycling. It's time to lighten my life. It is time-consuming to do, but a great feeling when our big recycling bin is full each week. I don't need to be so anchored down in stuff.



So here are some virtual flowers (they are real in my garden) to celebrate the Earth and to celebrate, at least in this part of the world, the rebirth that happens each spring.

Old Water Pipe

Old Water Pipe, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: April 17, 2012

Montreal's infrastructure is aging resulting in sudden emergency repairs. Last week the water was turned off in my neighbourhood for a day while they repaired a leaky pipe. It certainly reminds one how much we depend on water. Work continues there with large holes in the street still exposed.

We went to a restaurant before a play and encountered yet another such emergency. It is hard to imagine this pipe bringing clean water. The restaurant was functioning without water for a few hours, but the meal was still delicious.

Spring is Unfurling

Spring is Unfurling, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Spring - each year new growth surprises with its speed and elan. Gardens wake up and get to work. No need for intervention, they know just what to do.




First comes the carpet of blue scylla which spread haphazardly where they please. No matter how many get dug up inadvertently as I plant a few annuals later in the season, they still seem to multiply.

Forsythia open their sunny blossoms, a yellow splash that brightens the garden.

Ah, spring! That season of ephemera. All the more to be appreciated for the temporary nature of each phase. 

Rialto Theatre Montreal

Rialto Theatre Montreal, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

What a treat on Saturday evening! I went to the Rialto Theatre to see a production of Pygmalion by Rameau, performed by the Mont-Royal Baroque Collective. Just seeing the theatre was worth the price of admission. It was built in 1923 and is a mixture of faux baroque and art deco.



My photos just don't do it justice. It served as a movie theatre until 1990. It was recently bought and restored. Now it is being used for concerts of every variety to dance shows and who knows what else is on the horizon?

It has been set up in cabaret style on the main floor, with a bar and tables. Hors d'oeuvres were served before the concert and drinks were available for purchase. Unlike with concerts in traditional theatres, people lingered after the concert to order and drink and chat.

Some of the musicians and cast of Pygmalian

As to the concert, it was delightful. This group is new on the Montreal scene. It is made up of young musicians, many of whom are recent graduates from McGill's Early Music programme. Music and baroque dance in a minimally staged performance - in this amazing theatre all made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Empty Bowls

Empty Bowls, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: Saturday, April 14, 2012

I went to a fundraiser: Empty Bowls. For a modest price you could get homemade soup in a ceramic bowl and then take the bowl home. Local potters donated bowls. It was so popular this year that they ran out of soup and bowls before the event was scheduled to close.

Money raised will go to local food banks. A simple concept that was very effective. See this item on the CBC site.

Silhouettes in the Window

Silhouettes in the Window, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

These two felines are learning to live together. One has been with my daughter for a number of years, the other just joined her. They are negotiating territory and slowly getting closer.

Both are females and that makes a big difference. They seem to know that fighting doesn't solve anything, that sharing is part of life and that comfort and sunshine are some of the things that matter in life.

Spring Rolls

Spring Rolls, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

These spring rolls were served at a Vietnamese restaurant. I love the way the translucent wrapping lets you see what is inside.

Sometimes I wish people were equally transparent - open to saying what they mean and not using language to confuse. I think we could connect more easily and find the delights inside each person's soul instead of playing games that interfere with true relationships.