Flower Clock

Flower Clock, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

As long as I can remember this clock has been planted every year in front of Victoria Hall. It is a little hard to read from close up, but I also wonder how many of the younger generation can still read clocks with digital time pieces being so prevalent.

It's when I reflect back on changes that I realize I have lived quite a while. I had my hair trimmed today and reminisced about my mother going to the "beauty parlour" every week. There were no home hair dryers and hair-dos required a more professional touch. I thought about those first hair dryers which fit over the head like a puffy shower cap. The woman who cut my hair could not imagine how we managed without hair dryers. It did not seem like a hardship to me as a youngster, but I don't think my mother enjoyed sleeping in metal rollers so she could meet the expectations of women in the 1950s.

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!

Day 62: On a Clear Day...

Day 62: On a Clear Day..., originally uploaded by susanvg.

I love to walk on clear wintry days. As Montreal is situated on hills, there are often incredible views that change with the seasons. Now all is open, the bare trees hide nothing. Some days smog hangs over the city, but today the sky was a pristine blue. If you look carefully, you can see a ribbon of lighter colour in the distance - that is the St. Laurence River (Montreal is an island), and further back the outline of two more hills.

Time of day, time of year, weather all play to change what is there for us to see. But first we have to look. So often our moods, thoughts and life concerns focus us inward. So stop a moment and admire the view.