La Cathedrale

Untitled, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

You may notice that the windows on the office building have point. They are meant to echo the church feeling - Christ Church Cathedral. The cathedral sits on prime downtown land and some years ago (in the 1980s)   agreed to a building project to help finance the cathedral. For a long time the cathedral sat on stilts as the ground underneath was excavated for an underground shopping mall and the building you now see was built behind the church.

I do find it odd to have this juxtaposition of the church and the shopping mall. Or maybe mall represents the Underworld. Certainly, I found most shopping hellish!

Irises

Irises, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I've been doing a lot of walking in my new neighbourhood. The gardens bring me delight and this year's irises are stunning. I've always loved irises - their deep purples and hidden details. I have pots of flowers on my balcony - but none of these perennials. But then - no weeding to do, and many gardens to enjoy!

I climb the hilly streets nearby and stop briefly to snap photos along the way. I've been challenging myself to get in better shape and the hills help. So do a couple of apps. I bought a Fitbit - trying to walk 10000 steps or more daily and succeed most days. It also records flights of stairs (hills count) and the hills give me at least 19 flights by the time I finish. I've also been using RunKeeper (in my case I record walks). It records distance in miles as well as elevation. My last morning walk was 4.3k (2.7 miles) and up to 91m (300 ft) climb. I like seeing the stats so I can work to better myself.

As long as it doesn't get too hot, I'll keep this up.

And Now it is Empty

Untitled, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I lived in this house since 1986. My children, 4 and 6 at the time grew up here. It was time to move on, but closing the door for the last time left me a little melancholy. Memories of occasions, both happy and sad came flooding in. It's a feeling that won't last as the memories can travel with me. It was a great home, a great place to bring up my children.

Yesterday we gave over the keys to the new owners. The house will move on too - to be filled with new stories. I have closed the chapter on my contribution to its life.

I am happy with my new place. I'm into condo living with fewer responsibilities, indoor parking which is particularly delightful in winter, and living on one floor. New memories are being written in my new abode.

The process of selling and the many odd twists it took, have taken some of my energy - hence fewer photo jaunts and blog posts. I'm feeling very upbeat about the future as I can devote more of that energy into these pleasures of life - photography and writing.

Stump

Stump, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

This stump and its surrounding mushrooms looks like it should be in the middle of the woods, but it was just beside the sidewalk. A heavy rain brought out this crop. Nature has a way of regenerating which always gives me hope that we can't totally destroy it.

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.

Coffee Window

Coffee Window, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

This tiny coffee shop lives under a staircase. Window service only - I did not try their wares, but I cannot imagine working in such a small space all day!

Dandelions

Dandelions, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

It's hard to look at dandelions and think weeds. They pop up haphazardly, shining their sunny faces. I think their disposition should be admired - bright and happy yet strong enough to withstand the most persistent gardener who attempts to rid their lawn for good of these invaders. Their seeds scatter ready to pop up anew in unexpected places. Persistent even in adversity!