Spring is Emerging

Spring is Emerging, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: March 15
We are having unseasonably warm temperatures and the snow seems to be disappearing before our eyes. The park benches will soon fill up with people enjoying outdoor life. The local cafes are putting out their tables and chairs. People are enjoying the first warm rays of sun.

Love and the Homeless

Love and the Homeless, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

This iconic sculpture sites in a park in downtown Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Ironic to see the sign as the pool is surrounded by benches full of homeless men. Notice the sleeping bag near the water. There is an astonishing number of homeless.

Walking from the hotel to the ISTE conference (with a few detours), I passed some beautiful murals. Philadelphia is full of murals and other art work. I am always impressed by cities that value art. Public art is accessible to all. It speaks to the emotions and elicits laughter, a smile and even tears.

As Philadelphia is a very flat city, walking is easy, but benches are available for those who need a rest or just want to stop to admire the architecture.

William Penn stands atop Philadelphia's City Hall overlooking the city. He must once have been able to see far and wide. Now modern buildings tower over the city obstruction his view in some directions. 

June 23/10: Stairway

June 23/10: Stairway, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A respite from city noise, our mountain park provides an oasis. A walk on Mount Royal always brings a sense of peace as I breathe the fresh air under the trees. Paths lead around the summit and through the woods. Staircases wind up the hills.

A stop at the lookout at the chalet brings views of the downtown and beyond to the river, the suburbs and then the hills in the distance.

There's a sculpture garden on the grassy slopes leading to Beaver Lake (a man-made pond). The mountain is one of Montreal's favourite playgrounds.

Feb 4/10: It has landed

Feb 4/10: It has landed, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Daily Shoot: Contrasting ideas engage the mind. Make a photo today that tells a story with contrasting elements

This was a quick drive by - shot at a red light. The rocket, a climbing frame looked so incongruous beside the trees. The trees reach for the sky far better than this rocket ever will. Both are stripped bare, skeletons of themselves.