In Westmount Park

In Westmount Park, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: May 28, 2013

I'm living near a park now. I walk through it often on my way to various places. I love the way it is divided up into more intimate areas, with many benches so you can just sit and enjoy the many large trees. You see people of all ages there - the youngest ones enjoying the playground and the oldest ones taking advantage of the benches.

On my walk through I saw older teens tossing footballs around while others strummed on guitars. Mothers pushed strollers. There were people with books enjoying a quiet place to read and still others stretched out in a sunny spot, soaking up the warmth of the sun. Everyone finds a space for themselves in nature. These oases are so important in cities.

First Growth

First Growth, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

 Photos: April 29, 2013

Nothing quite soothes the soul like a walk in nature. A friend and I went to Centre écologique Fernand-Seguin. Spring is taking hold with the early flowers pushing past the drying leaves.



Trout lilies are one of the first to grow their sunny faces shyly looking down. All around we could hear the calls of birds.



Chickadees flitted nearby. They do not seem to be afraid of people.



There were many trillium leaves poking up, but only a few red flowers have opened up. Their scarcity made each one a treasure.



My camera helps me focus, to see things I might otherwise overlook.

May 6/10: Nature Wins

May 6/10: Nature Wins, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Daily Shoot: Find a grid pattern somewhere-maybe a brick sidewalk or ceiling tiles-and make a photo of an interesting slice of it.

We people think we can conquer nature. We pave it, poison it, drill, dam and do all sorts of things to prove we are masters, but the forces of nature win (and sometimes lose as a result). It has been proven lately with the results of the volcano in Iceland which now controls air flights at its whim. In the Gulf of Mexico, the pressure of the underground oil has had devastating effects.

In a small way, nature is taking over my walkway. Little plants take hold wherever they can. I secretly delight in their tenacity hoping that man's naive notions that we can dominate the planet will change and we will start to try to live in harmony.

April 18/10: Nature's Paintbrush

April 18/10: Nature's Paintbrush, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Mother Nature paints
with her light spring palette
delicate greens
soft yellows
Colours dabbed on
like an impressionist painting
Dots of paint added each day
Until they start to take shape
Hiding the branches.
Colour darkening
As riotous spring matures.

I marvel at her handiwork
as the lacy leaves
slowly cover up
what was revealed in the autumn
The canopy returns
To provide the welcome summer shade.