I live between two places. In one the washer and dryer are in the basement of our home, in the other they are within the apartment. It certainly makes doing laundry easy - no running up and down the stairs to catch things just as the dryer is ready. As a result I iron clothes in Montreal, but my spouse hangs shirts at just the right moment so they don't need much ironing.
The Daily Shoot: The color of the day is orange. Make a photograph that is full of orange today.
Showing posts with label daily shoot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label daily shoot. Show all posts
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Shiny Surface
Daily Shoot: Make a photograph of something shiny today.
I had my car in for repairs and they always wash the outside when they are finished. Its shiny surface reflected the surroundings. I like the way it distorts the image, wrapping around the contours of the car.
I had my car in for repairs and they always wash the outside when they are finished. Its shiny surface reflected the surroundings. I like the way it distorts the image, wrapping around the contours of the car.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Pottery Planters
Daily Shoot: What kind of other art do you appreciate? Make a photograph that celebrates it today.
What kind of art don't I appreciate?! I think I am a bit of a culture junkie. Music is my passion - playing, going to concerts - especially baroque and renaissance music. I love to go to the theatre (not possible to photograph today). I am lucky to have a collection of art, mainly inherited from my parents. But pottery has a special place in my life, because it is both art and utilitarian. I love to use handmade pieces to serve food. My plants look even nicer when they sit in handmade pots.
Ballet, modern dance, theatre, music, art, museums - can't think of better ways to touch the soul.
What kind of art don't I appreciate?! I think I am a bit of a culture junkie. Music is my passion - playing, going to concerts - especially baroque and renaissance music. I love to go to the theatre (not possible to photograph today). I am lucky to have a collection of art, mainly inherited from my parents. But pottery has a special place in my life, because it is both art and utilitarian. I love to use handmade pieces to serve food. My plants look even nicer when they sit in handmade pots.
Ballet, modern dance, theatre, music, art, museums - can't think of better ways to touch the soul.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Peace and Harmony
Daily Shoot: Illustrate your idea of peace and harmony--or maybe just peace and quiet--today with a photograph.
What can be more relaxing than a cup of something hot and some beautiful music? Winter drags on, with its weather whims. Snow expected tomorrow with winds to whip it around. Then rain on Monday. No chance to really enjoy the snowfall before it turns to slush and then freezes into treacherous ice. I create a calm oasis at home with music, my hot drink and a good book - oh and a cat or two on my lap.
What can be more relaxing than a cup of something hot and some beautiful music? Winter drags on, with its weather whims. Snow expected tomorrow with winds to whip it around. Then rain on Monday. No chance to really enjoy the snowfall before it turns to slush and then freezes into treacherous ice. I create a calm oasis at home with music, my hot drink and a good book - oh and a cat or two on my lap.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Music music
Daily Shoot: Make a photograph of something that captures a small bit the flavor of where you live or your culture.
There is no doubt - a big part of my culture is baroque music - playing it (alone or with friends), listening at home or going to concerts. Here are just a few of the CDs my spouse and I own. Many are by Montreal artists.
There is no doubt - a big part of my culture is baroque music - playing it (alone or with friends), listening at home or going to concerts. Here are just a few of the CDs my spouse and I own. Many are by Montreal artists.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Painted Windows
When I moved into my home over 20 years ago, the windows between the kitchen and a small room which at one time had been a sun porch, were painted over. I bought the house from someone whose son had been in my class in high school. According to him, these two windows were painted by his father, the bottom two (not shown here) by his mother, one evening as they enjoyed some wine. The picture on the left is my house - though there are trees and houses nearby not shown here.
Somehow, they add to the history of the house.
Daily Shoot: Use a window or a door as a frame for your subject today in a photograph.
Somehow, they add to the history of the house.
Daily Shoot: Use a window or a door as a frame for your subject today in a photograph.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
After the Storm
The best part of a storm is the next day. The blue sky is intense; the snow sparkles. Trees wear their pristine white petticoats. And the air just has a fresher smell.
Snowing and Blowing
Daily Shoot: Pretend you're a stringer for your local newspaper today. Make a photo that captures something newsworthy to you.
It's nice to live in a place where a snowstorm (and not even a major one) is the news. As I watch the evening news with stories of violence from Egypt, of protests in other countries in the Middle East, of a major cyclone in Australia, I feel safe and warm here.
Montreal is prepared for winter storms. Public transportation still ran (I walked down to the metro and went to my volunteer "job" at the Atwater Children's Library). In the evening, with a bit of shovelling, I was able to get my car out and go to my photography course. Our homes are insulated, our layers of clothing keep us warm.
And the bonus - sunny weather follows and there will be plenty of snow for snowshoeing!
It's nice to live in a place where a snowstorm (and not even a major one) is the news. As I watch the evening news with stories of violence from Egypt, of protests in other countries in the Middle East, of a major cyclone in Australia, I feel safe and warm here.
Montreal is prepared for winter storms. Public transportation still ran (I walked down to the metro and went to my volunteer "job" at the Atwater Children's Library). In the evening, with a bit of shovelling, I was able to get my car out and go to my photography course. Our homes are insulated, our layers of clothing keep us warm.
And the bonus - sunny weather follows and there will be plenty of snow for snowshoeing!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Curve
Daily Shoot: Make a photograph that features a very distinct curved line or surface today.
I've started a photography course - and it has thrown me a curve - no more shooting on automatic. I'm really trying to get my head around F-stops and shutter speed and which to set when to get what and what do I want out of a photograph? There may be some very wonky photographs over the next while (though I may cheat and use my point and shoot as I always have it with me).
I like to set myself challenges - keeps the brain cells flexible. Living lifelong learning...
I've started a photography course - and it has thrown me a curve - no more shooting on automatic. I'm really trying to get my head around F-stops and shutter speed and which to set when to get what and what do I want out of a photograph? There may be some very wonky photographs over the next while (though I may cheat and use my point and shoot as I always have it with me).
I like to set myself challenges - keeps the brain cells flexible. Living lifelong learning...
Monday, January 24, 2011
Music is a Beautiful Thing
Sunday
Notes on a page don't mean a lot until you let them come alive through voice or instruments. Today I played this sonata by Handel with a friend playing the continuo line on her cello (with one of her cats playing the audience).
What a treat to find the music in the notes, the sense of elegance and joy. The instruments carry on a conversation, sometimes supporting each other, sometimes answering each other. It is a challenge to find what the composer wanted to say and at the same time to add something of yourself in the playing.
Daily Shoot: Celebrate the pretty things in life. Make a photograph of the most beautiful thing you see today.
Notes on a page don't mean a lot until you let them come alive through voice or instruments. Today I played this sonata by Handel with a friend playing the continuo line on her cello (with one of her cats playing the audience).
What a treat to find the music in the notes, the sense of elegance and joy. The instruments carry on a conversation, sometimes supporting each other, sometimes answering each other. It is a challenge to find what the composer wanted to say and at the same time to add something of yourself in the playing.
Daily Shoot: Celebrate the pretty things in life. Make a photograph of the most beautiful thing you see today.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Bicycle Rack
Some brave souls cycle all winter. While we have many bicycle lanes, the snow blocks some and the slippery conditions make cycling hazardous. In addition, we have hit a cold snap, with temperatures hovering around -20C (-4F). Give me an enclosed vehicle - I don't need the wind in my face!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Where does it lead...
Montreal has many underground passageways to let people move from one building to the next without going outside. Some are lined with shops. This one twists and goes up and down.
A busker takes advantage of the warm spot to ply his trade. The sound reverberates along the passageway just as his image reverberates through the mirrors. He seemed to have charmed many passers-by as his case had amassed a tidy sum. Fortunately no snakes were dancing out of it.
Down the stairs you can see beyond as the mirrors let us glimpse around the corner.
This path leads one way with no branches, no decisions, so unlike the path our life takes with choices, back-tracking, breaking trails, and finding new paths to take.
Daily Shoot: Make a photograph featuring a path, road, or trail that leads the eye through the photograph.
A busker takes advantage of the warm spot to ply his trade. The sound reverberates along the passageway just as his image reverberates through the mirrors. He seemed to have charmed many passers-by as his case had amassed a tidy sum. Fortunately no snakes were dancing out of it.
Down the stairs you can see beyond as the mirrors let us glimpse around the corner.
This path leads one way with no branches, no decisions, so unlike the path our life takes with choices, back-tracking, breaking trails, and finding new paths to take.
Daily Shoot: Make a photograph featuring a path, road, or trail that leads the eye through the photograph.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Up to the Door
I was at the Westmount Library for a lecture. I love the idea of libraries, but I am an inveterate book buyer. I love to own books, and like a librarian, every so often I painfully have to weed books from my collection. I have stacks still unread. I know I should join a library. I'm actually a member of the provincial library (BANQ), but mainly use some online databases. It's just that I'm not good with reading to a deadline and if a book is good, I like to see it on my book shelf reminding me of the treasures lying within.
Daily Shoot: Make a photograph with a triangular composition.
I got out too late - so the triangle is somewhat obscured by the darkness.
Daily Shoot: Make a photograph with a triangular composition.
I got out too late - so the triangle is somewhat obscured by the darkness.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Book and Book Mark
Daily Shoot: Make a photograph of two complementary objects arranged to show their relationship to each other.
I'm reading "The Anthologist" - so far not a favourite. My bookmark keeps my place as I come back. The bookmark was given to me; it is from a Montreal organization: 60 Million Girls which supports education projects for girls in the developing world. They are hosting an event in May which will feature Greg Mortenson of the Central Asia Institute (read about him in his books: Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools)
"When you educate a girl you educate a whole family"
Good reminder as I read, how important literacy and education is to people around the world.
I'm reading "The Anthologist" - so far not a favourite. My bookmark keeps my place as I come back. The bookmark was given to me; it is from a Montreal organization: 60 Million Girls which supports education projects for girls in the developing world. They are hosting an event in May which will feature Greg Mortenson of the Central Asia Institute (read about him in his books: Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools)
"When you educate a girl you educate a whole family"
Good reminder as I read, how important literacy and education is to people around the world.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tag
Daily Shoot: Illustrate one of the various meanings of the word tag today in a photograph.
Just read the tag!
Buying clothing has become more complicated with moral decisions accompanying fashion decisions. There was a time when I shopped that I bought something if I liked it and I could afford it. Now many criteria affect my decision. Where was it made? Do I want to support outsourcing or goods made in my country? Was it made in a sweat shop? What is the fabric? Does it breathe? What are the washing requirements? Does it have to be dry cleaned? What about environmental questions - if it comes from far is this a good choice? Is it made from a renewable resource? ... So many questions with answers often conflicting. Complications...
Just read the tag!
Buying clothing has become more complicated with moral decisions accompanying fashion decisions. There was a time when I shopped that I bought something if I liked it and I could afford it. Now many criteria affect my decision. Where was it made? Do I want to support outsourcing or goods made in my country? Was it made in a sweat shop? What is the fabric? Does it breathe? What are the washing requirements? Does it have to be dry cleaned? What about environmental questions - if it comes from far is this a good choice? Is it made from a renewable resource? ... So many questions with answers often conflicting. Complications...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Water
Daily Shoot: Make a photograph today that features or uses a liquid as a subject
Water - it seems so innocuous. Yet if you read the news today, visit Australia and see the devastating effects of water gone wild. My thoughts are with my virtual friend in Brisbane, who though she is on higher ground, is witnessing the inundation there. Today is the first anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti. Clean water there is still a problem resulting in many suffering from cholera.
It flows clear and clean from my tap. No shortages. This is a resource to be treasured.
Water - it seems so innocuous. Yet if you read the news today, visit Australia and see the devastating effects of water gone wild. My thoughts are with my virtual friend in Brisbane, who though she is on higher ground, is witnessing the inundation there. Today is the first anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti. Clean water there is still a problem resulting in many suffering from cholera.
It flows clear and clean from my tap. No shortages. This is a resource to be treasured.
Stacking
Daily Shoot: Create a photograph today that illustrates or shows rhythm.
Rehearsal.
Chairs stacked.
We don't need them all.
Time to play.
Complicated rhythms.
Complicated metre - 5/8 time.
Counting
Sometimes with the other parts
Sometimes against.
It just adds to the excitement
When the rhythms play off each other.
I guess that's like life.
Rehearsal.
Chairs stacked.
We don't need them all.
Time to play.
Complicated rhythms.
Complicated metre - 5/8 time.
Counting
Sometimes with the other parts
Sometimes against.
It just adds to the excitement
When the rhythms play off each other.
I guess that's like life.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Criss Cross
This blog helps me stay fit. I feel compelled to go out and take a photograph, so off I went for a good walk, but still did not get a shot that made me happy. The day was grey - no bright sun to create strong converging lines (daily shoot), just grey mist making the lines disappear in the distance.
The railroad bisects Casselman and the haunting sound of the train whistles can frequently be heard.
The railroad bisects Casselman and the haunting sound of the train whistles can frequently be heard.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Beginnings
Daily Shoot: Make a photo illustrating a fresh start, a new beginning, or the first step to a goal.
This cyclamen rewards me with new blooms. Like me, the plant has been around a while but it constantly creates new growth. New Year's is always a time to stop and reflect, to ponder whether the path we are on is the one we want to be taking, to set goals to tweak our lives and thus create new growth. Life is in constant change - the changes that happen to us and the changes we make happen. We have to tend our inner gardens well, to nourish, to find the sunshine and to revel in our own blooms.
Wishing all my friends new growth and a year full of blossoming dreams.
This cyclamen rewards me with new blooms. Like me, the plant has been around a while but it constantly creates new growth. New Year's is always a time to stop and reflect, to ponder whether the path we are on is the one we want to be taking, to set goals to tweak our lives and thus create new growth. Life is in constant change - the changes that happen to us and the changes we make happen. We have to tend our inner gardens well, to nourish, to find the sunshine and to revel in our own blooms.
Wishing all my friends new growth and a year full of blossoming dreams.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
My Darling Clementine
The aroma starts as I begin to peel these little orbs of flavour. Clementines combat winter in so many ways. Their bright colour and flavour act like sunshine - a mood enhancer bringing a smile. Packed with vitamin C they arm us with virus fighting tools. They disappear quickly in my house and quickly get added to the shopping list again.
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