Peace and Harmony

Peace and Harmony, originally uploaded by susanvg.

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.

Rideau Canal

Rideau Canal, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A couple of very mild days have passed and winter has taken hold again. Not much snow for snowshoeing, but the Rideau Canal in Ottawa is full of skaters. Young and old enjoy the rink which stretches almost 8km through Ottawa. You can stop and buy refreshments, warm up by a fire and just enjoy the fresh air.



I'm not a skater, but a walk near the canal was most enjoyable. I was working on action shots - for my photography class homework. Using various shutter speeds to try and capture motion. Not as easy as it sounds to get all the camera settings right. Here's one of my better attempts.

Music music

Music music, originally uploaded by susanvg.

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.

Sitting in the Snow

Sitting in the Snow, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I spend part of each month in small town eastern Ontario. The town itself is not that picturesque. Like many places, there had been a major fire early in the last century, so there are few old buildings. And just when I thought there was nothing left to photograph, I came across this old car. I was surprised to see it sitting outside. It has obviously been there through the winter. It seems to be in perfect condition, complete with crank to start it. I hope when the weather warms up, to see it cruising around the town. That would be quite a spectacle.

Shadow Puppets

Shadow Puppets, originally uploaded by susanvg.

In my volunteer time at the Montreal Children's Library, I was fortunate to be present when Fantôme Design came to tell a story with shadow puppets. A daycare class was the lucky audience. This fire-breathing dragon was one of the featured characters.

It was delightful to see how entranced the children were and how excited they were to have the opportunity to try out the puppets. Being the dragon was quite popular with the boys and the girls gravitated to the princess. I think we still have a ways to go with gender models.



The puppeteers were great with the group, gearing the activities and story perfectly to their level. Brava!

Dreary Day

Dreary Day, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Not a great day for walking, light rain changing to sleet changing to snow. As I started walking the temperature hovered above freezing and a mist was in the air as the snow started to evaporate. The squirrels were out, scavenging food that had fallen from the bird feeders. Cardinals sang in the trees.

        

The cold, wet precipitation was not conducive to photography. So with one last shot, I headed home.

Blue Orchid

Blue Orchid, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I have never seen a blue orchid before - this one has just been added to my collection of orchids - a valentine gift. So many people feel blue on Valentine's Day. I've had my share of partnerless years, though now I am fortunate to have a wonderful man in my life. . It's time to reframe Valentine's Day to make it more about love in a more generic way. Celebrate with a friend - friends are one of the more important relationships we have. Celebrate with a child who still sees everything with open-eyed wonder.

It's the old glass half empty vs glass half full. If we focus on the many positives in our lives - the many relationships that make our life full, then Valentine's Day is just another day in the year when we have the opportunity to share love with others.

Happy Valentine's Day to all my virtual friends who have brought a special richness to my life.