May 30/10: Organ

May 30/10: Organ, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Music keeps coming back as a theme in my blog. This organ is at the back of Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours. I have written about this church before. It was founded by Marguerite Bourgeoys. The current church, built in 1771 over the original chapel which was destroyed by fire, it sits near the port of Montreal. By the 1800s it was dubbed the Sailor's Church as it was often visited by sailors about to go to sea.

Now, still a church, it is also the site of many concerts, especially by groups specializing in early music. The recorder orchestra in which I play was priviledged to play there as part of Museum Day, a day when Montreal museums are free and special programmes are arranged to entertain the public. Here is our group in concert - not a great photo, but a great memory.

May 29/10: Flower

May 29/10: Flower, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I never seem to get tired of photographing flowers. Their infinite variety, incredible colours and details keep me captivated. This little blossom finally got planted. I hauled water and did get half my flowers into permanent positions. The others are waiting patiently but they do get watered regularly.

Fortunately most of my garden is full of perennials so I just have to fill in some of the holes. We expect rain on Tuesday. It will take a lot to really soak the garden. While it is delightful to have sunny days, we are experiencing low water conditions with forest fires in the northern part of the province and thirsty flowers here.

May 28/10: Columbine

May 28/10: Columbine, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Little steps in learning. I tried out my macro setting and got a few nice shots. I love columbines and have written about them before. It's easy to get lost in their complexity. They flower in profusion and seem to dance over the long stalks.

But this time - it is really about learning to use my camera and learning patience. I think I liked a point and shoot camera for years because of its simplicity. I could do what the name implied - point, shoot and voila! there was my photograph. I was interested in snapshots, in memories. Now I have challenged myself to try photography. I am just figuring out how the camera focuses. It's a new Zen exploration - learning photography, learning mindfulness, learning complexity...

Pond - Parc des Rapides

Pond - Parc des Rapides, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Experimenting with my camera was frustrating but a learning experience. I think we need to put ourselves in the position of "newbie" from time to time to experience the frustrations, the walls (most of which we create ourselves) and the joy of progress, however small. So on my continuing journey as lifelong learner, I've thrown myself into this morass - a murky pond where I need to stop and reflect on my learning, confront the wildlife (apertures, shutter speeds, lenses...) and enjoy the scenery along the way.

May 27: Reflections on Coffee

Reflections on Coffee, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Daily Shoot: Shiny things attract attention. Make a photograph of a shiny object and post it today. Focus in on the reflections.

I would gladly reflect on coffee - in fact, sitting, sipping a cup of coffee is a great time for reflection. It's odd how a drink that can rev you up can also be a source of relaxation and quiet time. There is something to be said for a quiet weekend morning and the time to slowly sip that strong espresso and just savour the taste.
I like coffee that tastes like coffee - that intense flavour and aroma is part of the pleasure. Dark roast coffee (fair trade, of course) is a must. It's the quality not quantity of coffee that enhances the whole experience.

May 26/10: Bowl

May 26/10: Bowl, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I love pottery and each time I go into my favourite pottery store to buy a gift for someone, inevitably I buy something to add to my collection. This bowl reminds me of one of my cats. He is not the cleverest soul, but he knows what he wants and is determined to get it.

I keep the cats out of certain rooms because of people who have allergies. We attempt to keep sleeping spaces cat free. Basil waits for the moment a door is open and he barrels through. We have tried barriers so we can sometimes leave the doors open (such as on unbearably hot days when the air-conditioning in the hall does not reach the bedroom with the door shut). He reconnoiters the situation and then charges through, toppling whatever was used to create a gate. Then he is plucked out of the room and unceremoniously dumped back into the hall. Then his efforts begin anew. And I attempt to devise new methods to foil him!

May 24/10 Through the Woods

May 24/10 Through the Woods, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A walk through Summit Park always feels like a walk through an oasis in the middle of a city. The dirt paths lead through the woods. City sounds are muffled, replaced by bird songs and the raucous sounds of crows.

I feel a bit as if I am lost in the woods as I try to understand my new camera. It's a steep learning curve. I hope I come out the winner. I'm not yet convinced!