Breakdancing at the old Forum

Breakdancing at the old Forum, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Some years back the old Montreal Forum, home of the Canadiens hockey team, was converted into, among other things, a multiplex movie theatre. Some reminders of the building's past use remain, including the recreation of centre ice. This area has now been taken over by break dancers who take turns dancing, demonstrating their moves and helping others learn. (I wrote about them once before.) As I watched from this high vantage point, I saw a few of them spinning on their heads. It's nice to see young people create their own learning and sharing space and to know they are welcome in this public place.

Butterflies

Butterflies 5, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Butterflies have been dancing in the garden, curtseying as they land on each flower. I have never seen as many as this year.

They flit from flower to flower, enjoying the sweet nectar, always looking for the next partner. They watch carefully for signs of danger. my moves provoked a flutter as they moved a little farther away.




Each flower enticed. What a visual treat!

Unwinding

Unwinding, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

We're into renovations - so many decisions from paint colours, to lighting to tiny details. Heads spinning we decided to unwind at a local bistro. After we arrived the rain poured down, but we were in a mellow haze - good food, wine and a delightful atmosphere. My view - a reflection of things in the restaurant as well as the outdoors - perhaps a metaphor for my inner thoughts as a I deal with the outward realities.

Where are you From

Where are you From, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I love to shop at Atwater Market. It is so much more personal than going to a supermarket. At each stall, each store, you start to develop a relationship with the merchants and you have an opportunity to talk about your purchases. With more awareness about freshness, genetically modified food, our carbon footprint, there is a quest for more local food. Now you even see these handmade signs pointing to produce from Quebec or other parts of Canada. Summer, the season of abundance, provides us with many local delights, but later in the year we will be back to relying on food shipped in from warmer climates.

Montreal Monsoon

Montreal Monsoon, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: August 5, 2012

We have had a number of heavy storms this summer in between our many days of hot humid weather. Last Sunday was one of them. I was caught driving when visibility suddenly went to virtually nothing. (Don't worry - this photo was taken in a parking lot as we were stuck in the car waiting for the rain to subside). The heavy showers which came in a series did nothing to reduce the humidity. Once the sun came out, the evaporating water created a hot blanket. But cooler weather ahead...

Is it Art

Is it Art, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

This installation is in place for the summer as part of the museums outdoor sculpture exhibit. As a result the street is closed to traffic. Is it art? What makes something art? I can't say it does anything for me. What about you?




This piece can be found further up the street. I like its form and the spaces. I find it whimsical, playful... We appreciate art with our emotions, our eyes and our experiences.

I am Stumped

I am Stumped, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: July 29/12


A neighbour asked if he could trim a tree that was on my property and had branches over his. This is what he did! His reaction when I was upset was as astounding as what he did. So now I have to get someone to remove the stumps (yes - he cut another smaller tree, too) and have to get something planted to hide the mess.

They will be paying!