June 7/10: Looking South

June 7/10: Looking South, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I never get tired of this view. I went to have a look as the sun was getting low and enjoyed the intense blue of the river. On this cooler day, the air is clear. The distant mountains beckon.

I can't imagine living in a city that is flat with no vistas. We are fortunate here with a few hills and views in every direction. I am reminded of the song, "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever". However on smoggy days you are aware of the putrid air we sometimes breathe.

June 6/10: After the Rain

After the Rain, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The sun streamed under the dark cloud after a rainy day turning an ordinary row of condos into a warmly glowing place. Funny how light can make such a difference.

I love the evening light after a storm. It is so intense. Colour just shouts out.

June 5/10: Casselman Church

June 5/10: Casselman Church, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A strip of yellow emergency tape flutters over the stairs to Casselman's church. The church is closed. During a funeral service, with about 100 people there, the balcony sank several centimeters. It was discovered that a crack in the foundation opened causing one of the columns that supported the "jubé" to settle. Ironically, the woman whose funeral was being held had been lobbying to have the church look into the state of the building. It seems the church is too heavy for its foundation.

Daily Shoot: Using contrast in your photography can give you very artistic shots. Make a color photo with high contrast today.

June 4/10: Maman

June 4/10: Maman, originally uploaded by susanvg.

This enormous spider stands outside the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. In reading an article about the death of its sculptor, Louise Bourgeois, I discovered that Maman has twin in a number of cities around the world. The original work stands at the Tate Modern in London and is made of steel and marble. The siblings are bronze casts.

At 9 metres, she towers over anyone walking near her. According to the artist:

The Spider is an ode to my mother. She was my best friend. Like a spider, my mother was a weaver. My family was in the business of tapestry restoration, and my mother was in charge of the workshop. Like spiders, my mother was very clever. Spiders are friendly presences that eat mosquitoes. We know that mosquitoes spread diseases and are therefore unwanted. So, spiders are helpful and protective, just like my mother.

(See the press release from the Tate Modern)

I initially did not like this mammoth piece, but she has grown on me. And now, I smile when I pass by her.

June 3/10: From the Past

June 3/10: From the Past, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Daily Shoot: Think of a favorite childhood sport, game, or activity. Make a nostalgic photo today.
I was never really into sports. My active mind lured me into games of the imagination. This rabbit, given to me when I was two by my proxy Scottish Grannie, has stayed with me while the other stuffed animals of my childhood have long gone away. All my animals had names and I would often play with them, imagining adventures they had. In play, animals that would be enemies in real life can be friends. I created a world of peace, harmony and friendship.
Stuffed animals have changed. This one is stuffed with what feels like wood fibre - not as cuddly as today's products. It lives in one of my drawers, a treasure from my past.

June 2/10: Not Quite Wildlife

June 2/10: Not Quite Wildlife, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Daily Shoot: Sunday challenge time! Find any sort of wildlife today, and make a photo. Get in close if you can and focus on the eyes.
Some weeks (never mind days) are just not meant for stalking wildlife. And it's not even Sunday...
This turtle is one of my collection from the days I taught in elementary school and MicroWorlds was a major part of my program. The logo turtle (which was later a logo of a turtle as "turtles" could transform into so many things) was important and so the turtle collection started. I wrote about it in more detail here.

I am delighted in the upsurge of interest in Scratch - a free version which resembles MicroWorlds in some ways. The possibilities are endless - it is really a sandbox with limitless opportunities for creativity.

June 1/10: Rain

June 1/10: Rain, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Much needed rain
Big soil-soaking drops
hit the parched ground
nourishing
falling steadily
quenching the thirsty plants