Ready for December

The scene is changing at Atwater Market. Where once there were flats of flowers, followed by pumpkins, now there are trees springing up and these odd creatures. It is the invasion of the wooden reindeer - a large herd of them.



This year a large moose looks over the area. I'm not sure what its relation is to Christmas. Trees of every size wait for the right customer to bring them home.



The wrapping machine waits. The air is tinged with the scent of spruce. December is around the corner.

The Spoon Man

The Spoon Man, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

This man has been sitting outside Ogilvy's department store in Montreal for many years. He plays the spoons - a traditional percussion "instrument" in Quebec. People originally used kitchen spoons; now you can find wooden spoons that are attached at the top. At one time the store tried to get rid of Mr Spoonman as you can see in this article from 2004, but people rallied to his support and he is now quite a fixture.

At this time of year, he faces the Ogilvy's Christmas window - a long-standing tradition. It is full of animated Steiff animals - a whimsical scene. You can learn more about the history of the window here.




and more here.

This doesn't do it justice - as you cannot see the movement here. But here is a link to YouTube video that shows them in action along with Spoonman.

Chocolate Store Window

Chocolate Store Window, originally uploaded by susanvg.

December 30
I passed this store window and thought it was delightful. Several things in the window are made of chocolate. If I had not been in a hurry, I certainly would have been enticed inside by the display. It's an art to create a good display. So many store windows fall short. But then not all stores are selling chocolate!

Day 359: Christmas Lights

Day 359: Christmas Lights, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Lights, lights everywhere. Chasing away the winter's darkness. They flicker, they shine. Web-like they wrap around trees. They herald the Christmas season - a time that speaks of peace.

If only... we could each be a little more aware of those around us who have less, we could think beyond our own borders, whether those borders surround our neighbourhood, our city, or our country. Peace comes when all have what they need - food, water, shelter, health care, education and possibilities. I've given two microloans to Kiva to help people trying to be self-reliant. It is but a small gesture. But many small gestures together become big. Just ask Greg Mortenson who collects pennies for the schools he is building and staffing in remote parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. May we all find ways to make this a more peaceful world. Merry Christmas.

Day 358: The Market

Day 358: The Market, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Atwater Market the day before Christmas was a bustling place. I, too, was getting my last minute delicacies for the holiday table. I had already been to Les Délices du Marché earlier in the week. There you can find any kind of oil, vinegar, spice, rice, you name it. It is owned by a couple of men who always have a smile and a suggestion of what to buy. My first stop this time was to the Fromagerie du Marché Atwater. My spouse eats a lot of goat cheese and I stocked up on some new varieties from creamy, flavourful to a hard, cheddar. Here too, service is friendly and informative. I don't know how they can know so much about so many cheeses.

I next went to the organic butcher for a turkey. The upstairs of the market is lined with butcher shops, some with meat, others with many varieties of sausages. I had already filled my refrigerator with vegetables, but made a stop at one of the flower stalls - two bright red cyclamen to liven up the table.

Finally a stop at the liquor store for just the right wine to go with the turkey.

I don't know why shopping at the market doesn't feel like work, but shopping at a supermarket does. Perhaps it is the fact that you actually deal with people who help with decisions, who remember you from previous visits and who greet you with a smile. Perhaps it is the variety of colours and possibilities - no rows of similar boxes with prepackaged foods. Or maybe it is the constant seasonal changes. Whatever, I smile as I go through the market, enjoying the atmosphere.

Day 357: Dancing Lights

Day 357: Dancing Lights, originally uploaded by susanvg.

On my way home from a many stop shopping trip I noticed this home with its Christmas lights. It seemed like the epitome of peace. When I uploaded the photo I saw all the reflected splotches dancing off my car windshield. They seemed to match my bleary eyes. I've come down with a cold. Aside from an evening of dozing cuddled up with my cats (always an excellent remedy for whatever ails you) and regular doses of ColdFX, I refuse to give in. So with wads of tissues filling my purse, I'll go out and finish the holiday preparations.