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19th Century Lobster Darktable Processed Calotype Print

19th Century Lobster Darktable Processed Calotype Print

Fiery Lady A Captivating Artwork Of Naturalistic Landscape With Terragen And Darktable Processing

Fiery Lady A Captivating Artwork Of Naturalistic Landscape With Terragen And Darktable Processing

Knit Pelican: A Transfixing Tabletop Masterpiece In The Style Of Zbrush

Knit Pelican: A Transfixing Tabletop Masterpiece In The Style Of Zbrush

Blue african violet isolated on white background

Blue african violet isolated on white background

Anthurium isolated on black background

Anthurium isolated on black background

Blue african violet on white background

Blue african violet on white background

Portrait of sheep. Ovis Aries

Portrait of sheep. Ovis Aries

Shallow lagoon Bahia del Salado on La Graciosa, Canary Islands

Shallow lagoon Bahia del Salado on La Graciosa, Canary Islands

Hills of Eryri National Park, Cymru

Hills of Eryri National Park, Cymru

Kaleidoscope repeating pattern with rotational symmetry

Kaleidoscope repeating pattern with rotational symmetry

Strutts North Mill

Strutts North Mill

Photorealistic Portraiture: A White Rooster Dressed As A Man

Photorealistic Portraiture: A White Rooster Dressed As A Man

Elegant Worsted Plain Sheet In Ivory, Beige, And Cream Colors

Elegant Worsted Plain Sheet In Ivory, Beige, And Cream Colors

Rustic Charm: Silk Shelf With Peeling Paint And Bronze Patina

Rustic Charm: Silk Shelf With Peeling Paint And Bronze Patina

Dark composition of a basket filled with cherries and blueberries

Dark composition of a basket filled with cherries and blueberries

Pears in Autumn

look more like cherries. So long autumn. Bring on winter!. ...look more like cherries. So long autumn. Bring on winter!

All the Whites of the Rainbow

How many shades of white are there? The rainbow like arch truss that holds up the new Burgoyne Bridge in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario displays a full range of whites, from direct sunlight, to full shade, against a brilliant late autumn blue sky. How many shades of white are there? The rainbow like arch truss that holds up the new Burgoyne Bridge in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario displays a full range of whites, from direct sunlight, to full shade, against a brilliant late autumn blue sky.

It seems that film photography, much like vinyl records is making a (cyclical) comeback, all over again, and again, and again... Film rewind knob of a Pentax KM camera. It seems that film photography, much like vinyl records is making a (cyclical) comeback, all over again, and again, and again... Film rewind knob of a Pentax KM camera.

Perhaps in envy of the fruit of autumn, winter displays its own version of cherry like fruit. Holiday ornament with a fresh coat of powdery snow. Perhaps in envy of the fruit of autumn, winter displays its own version of cherry like fruit. Holiday ornament with a fresh coat of powdery snow.

Winter Beach Fence

Some fences keep people in, some fences keep people out. At some beaches, fences keep people out who have not paid to enter. Some beach fences keep people out owing to the beach being closed. Some beach fences keep animals (at least pets) out. In winter, the fences at the Lakeside Park beach in Port Dalhousie (St. Catharines, Ontario) keep the snow from drifting out of control. Reducing the amount of snow removal required in the nearby parking lots. On a sunny day, the fences (in winter) make a nice pattern on the beach sand or snow. Some fences keep people in, some fences keep people out. At some beaches, fences keep people out who have not paid to enter. Some beach fences keep people out owing to the beach being closed. Some beach fences keep animals (at least pets) out. In winter, the fences at the Lakeside Park beach in Port Dalhousie (St. Catharines, Ontario) keep the snow from drifting out of control. Reducing the amount of snow removal required in the nearby parking lots. On a sunny day, the fences (in winter) make a nice pattern on the beach sand or snow.

The Eye of Dawn

Sun this morning. Sun this morning

Christmas Morning

Despite having being taken in November, this view of the Christmas Tree in the Fort Henry Discovery Centre seemed fitting for a rainy Christmas morning.

Colours of Summer

Suddenly, the June rain stopped. The sky opened and the sun shone brightly through the parted clouds revealing all the colours of summer (and a few other seasons mixed in for good measure) on the japanese maple. It is now time for July flowers!

True colours. Can we capture them? Do some cameras do this better than others? How about colour correction/enhancement in post processing software? Do these allow us to fix the colour in-corrections that our cameras collected? Does direct sunlight, ambient light, LED, fluorescent, incandescent or halogen lightening produce more correct colours? Of course, the answer is yes. On the other hand, I am often accused of being an optimist. A stem cluster in silhouette, back lit by a handheld red LED light. True colours. Can we capture them? Do some cameras do this better than others? How about colour correction/enhancement in post processing software? Do these allow us to fix the colour in-corrections that our cameras collected? Does direct sunlight, ambient light, LED, fluorescent, incandescent or halogen lightening produce more correct colours? Of course, the answer is yes. On the other hand, I am often accused of being an optimist. A stem cluster in silhouette, back lit by a handheld red LED light.

A red brick wall on a rainy day. As this wall is on the north side of the building, it is almost always in shadow. Whether it is sunny or rainy, this wall almost always looks the same. To me it looks a lot like Lego. The back of the Bell Canada building in downtown St. Catharines on a rainy day. A red brick wall on a rainy day. As this wall is on the north side of the building, it is almost always in shadow. Whether it is sunny or rainy, this wall almost always looks the same. To me it looks a lot like Lego. The back of the Bell Canada building in downtown St. Catharines on a rainy day.

"Come in, we're OPEN" What better way to welcome customers than with cheerful bright colours! Seen on Gerrard St. E in Toronto's "Little India"

Although much of spring and early summer were dominated by rain, the last half of July was typically dry. Green lawns have turned brown and yellow. Plants are becoming thirsty. Some plants are more resourceful than others in addressing their thirst needs.

Let the Sun Shine In #2

Bricks and mortar are far more opaque than glass. And yet, so often with old buildings, wall space where once, panes of glass let wonderful, uplifting natural light inside of otherwise dark spaces, now bricks and concrete blocks greet passer-bys. I say, let the sun shine in! For me there is no more pleasant light than daylight. It is a beautiful crisp and cheerful white. Artificial light, especially incandescent has a depressing yellow tinge that makes everything look dingy. Oddly, for me, flourescent, halogen and LED lighting is coloured to make it mimic that depressing (for me) incandescent yellow colour. And although most blocked up former windows have a lifeless and sad appearance. This building on Bond Street in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario seems to have bucked that trend. The bricked in windows blend in nicely with the rest of the wall. The window keystones and arches, showing where the windows once were add a nice architectural decoration to an otherwise drab brick wall. Even the two tone red of the wall (a result of painting over graffiti) prevents this wall from having an abandoned appearance. Still, give me windows! Give me sunlight! "Let the sun shine in. Open up your heart and let it shine on in...". Bricks and mortar are far more opaque than glass. And yet, so often with old buildings, wall space where once, panes of glass let wonderful, uplifting natural light inside of otherwise dark spaces, now bricks and concrete blocks greet passer-bys. I say, let the sun shine in! For me there is no more pleasant light than daylight. It is a beautiful crisp and cheerful white. Artificial light, especially incandescent has a depressing yellow tinge that makes everything look dingy. Oddly, for me, flourescent, halogen and LED lighting is coloured to make it mimic that depressing (for me) incandescent yellow colour. And although most blocked up former windows have a lifeless and sad appearance. This building on Bond Street in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario seems to have bucked that trend. The bricked in windows blend in nicely with the rest of the wall. The window keystones and arches, showing where the windows once were add a nice architectural decoration to an otherwise drab brick wall. Even the two tone red of the wall (a result of painting over graffiti) prevents this wall from having an abandoned appearance. Still, give me windows! Give me sunlight! "Let the sun shine in. Open up your heart and let it shine on in..."

Dividing nothing, leaves nothing more to say. Dividing nothing, leaves nothing more to say.

Autumn Revisited

Autumn Revisited

National Gallery Tower

Towers on buildings have long been meant as a symbol to all who view them. Some towers offer a promise of passage to the heavens. Some towers represent the power of those within and are intended to either strike fear of respect (or both) from viewers. Other towers are meant as a simple symbol of wealth, influence and perhaps sophistication. What then to make of a tower at an art gallery? Does it represent the collection? Is this tower a simple homage to the tower at the library of the parliament buildings in Ottawa, across the Rideau Canal? Or is this a symbol of the skill and talent of the architect and engineer that designed and built it? Regardless of the true intended symbolism of this tower, it sure looks nice against the evening sky while lit from inside. I feel not fear, but a sudden desire to enter the museum to view the collection. Towers on buildings have long been meant as a symbol to all who view them. Some towers offer a promise of passage to the heavens. Some towers represent the power of those within and are intended to either strike fear of respect (or both) from viewers. Other towers are meant as a simple symbol of wealth, influence and perhaps sophistication. What then to make of a tower at an art gallery? Does it represent the collection? Is this tower a simple homage to the tower at the library of the parliament buildings in Ottawa, across the Rideau Canal? Or is this a symbol of the skill and talent of the architect and engineer that designed and built it? Regardless of the true intended symbolism of this tower, it sure looks nice against the evening sky while lit from inside. I feel not fear, but a sudden desire to enter the museum to view the collection.

Sparkling Spring

Spring removed from a broken clothes pin, reflected on a tablet's screen. A sparkling spring. Makes me thirsty.

Let the Sun Shine in

Although my doctor tells me to get less sun exposure, I feel as if I can never get enough sun light. In most of the buildings I have work in, it seems that most people keep their windows covered. Blinds are closed entirely. Often, no sun light makes it inside. The interior lights are turned on all day. I say, let the sun shine in! For me there is no more pleasant light than daylight. It is a beautiful crisp and cheerful white. Artificial light, especially incandescent has a depressing yellow tinge that makes everything look dingy. Oddly, for me, flourescent, halogen and LED lighting is coloured to make it mimic that depressing (for me) incandescent yellow colour. My preference is like the window on the right. Bring in the sun! Brighten everything up. Banish that yellow artificial light to the basement! 12 Yates St. in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario. Oak Hill is the former residence of William Hamilton Merritt. It is now know as the "White House of Rock" as it is home to three radio stations.

Buildings as art. Architecture is often sited as an art form that adds an artistic element to something that is otherwise simply functional. The West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa Ontario is currently undergoing extensive renovations and restoration. The work on the exterior masonry is being performed under full wrap. The bulding now resembles a more modern art project in the spirit of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Buildings as art. Architecture is often sited as an art form that adds an artistic element to something that is otherwise simply functional. The West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa Ontario is currently undergoing extensive renovations and restoration. The work on the exterior masonry is being performed under full wrap. The bulding now resembles a more modern art project in the spirit of Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

Some have said: "You can never have too much sugar" "Baking is just a excuse for the delivery of butter and sugar" Even a sugary drink once had the slogan "Made from the best stuff on earth" I admit that just about every time that I walk through the kitchen, I am tempted to scoop out a few spoonfuls of sugar. And eat them! Yes!. Some have said: "You can never have too much sugar" "Baking is just a excuse for the delivery of butter and sugar" Even a sugary drink once had the slogan "Made from the best stuff on earth" I admit that just about every time that I walk through the kitchen, I am tempted to scoop out a few spoonfuls of sugar. And eat them! Yes!

Rain! More rain! I am okay with all the rain, but I still like to see the colourful flowers. It is fortunate that flowers also can be grown indoors. There is so much choice. The indoor flowers can be any colour or size one wants. The other good thing about indoor flowers is that they can be moved around at any time. Some indoor flowers even need no water, food or soil. And they can always be surrounded by green no mater how much or little rain there has been. Rain! More rain! I am okay with all the rain, but I still like to see the colourful flowers. It is fortunate that flowers also can be grown indoors. There is so much choice. The indoor flowers can be any colour or size one wants. The other good thing about indoor flowers is that they can be moved around at any time. Some indoor flowers even need no water, food or soil. And they can always be surrounded by green no mater how much or little rain there has been.

In Praise of Cracks

A closer look at the cracks reveals bubbles!. A closer look at the cracks reveals bubbles!

Seat with a View

The positioning of benches of often curious. Typically they are placed to provide a suitable view of the surroundings or to provide social gathering space with others on other benches. Sometimes the positon of a bench may seem inappropriate. Here on the shores of Lake Ontario in Kingston, Ontario, the bench seems to be missplaced. It would seem that the view to be promotted should be the lake and Wolf Island beyond. During most of the day, this is a pleasant view of the windmills on the island as well as the frequent sailcraft on the lake. In order to take in this view, one must either sit sideways on the bench or turn one's head awkwardly to the left, risking future neck strain induced soreness. What one does not realize during the day is that this bench deliberately facing west so as to be ideally located to take in the spectacular sunsets in the evening over Lake Ontario. I must return to this spot another day when I have no evening obligations. The positioning of benches of often curious. Typically they are placed to provide a suitable view of the surroundings or to provide social gathering space with others on other benches. Sometimes the positon of a bench may seem inappropriate. Here on the shores of Lake Ontario in Kingston, Ontario, the bench seems to be missplaced. It would seem that the view to be promotted should be the lake and Wolf Island beyond. During most of the day, this is a pleasant view of the windmills on the island as well as the frequent sailcraft on the lake. In order to take in this view, one must either sit sideways on the bench or turn one's head awkwardly to the left, risking future neck strain induced soreness. What one does not realize during the day is that this bench deliberately facing west so as to be ideally located to take in the spectacular sunsets in the evening over Lake Ontario. I must return to this spot another day when I have no evening obligations.

The Love for Three Tennis Balls

Once mud season has ended, tennis season begins. Lets face it. The most compelling part of tennis is the scoring. The counting of points is simply brilliant. Early achievements are worth 15 points. But after achieving twice, an achievement in tennis becomes less notable. A third achievement is only worth 40 points. Of course this makes complete sense. The first time something happens is it very notable. The second time is important as well as it proves that this something is repeatable and not just a fluke. By the time the third something happens it is becoming old hat, derivative and less original. The fourth time the something happens it is time to move on entirely and it is not worth points at all. Tennis is more than a sport, it is social commentary! If tennis scoring has been simplified to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and having to win by at least two points, tennis would be boring. It simply would not be played. On the other hand any sport that begins with love and ends with match has a lot going for it. I am starting to understand why my wife wanted to teach me to play tennis when we met. Once mud season has ended, tennis season begins. Lets face it. The most compelling part of tennis is the scoring. The counting of points is simply brilliant. Early achievements are worth 15 points. But after achieving twice, an achievement in tennis becomes less notable. A third achievement is only worth 40 points. Of course this makes complete sense. The first time something happens is it very notable. The second time is important as well as it proves that this something is repeatable and not just a fluke. By the time the third something happens it is becoming old hat, derivative and less original. The fourth time the something happens it is time to move on entirely and it is not worth points at all. Tennis is more than a sport, it is social commentary! If tennis scoring has been simplified to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and having to win by at least two points, tennis would be boring. It simply would not be played. On the other hand any sport that begins with love and ends with match has a lot going for it. I am starting to understand why my wife wanted to teach me to play tennis when we met.

Are we there yet? How much longer? I have to go to the bathroom! Can we go to McDonalds? Too much of a good thing can be, well, not so much of a good thing. I think... Is 15 seconds too much?. Are we there yet? How much longer? I have to go to the bathroom! Can we go to McDonalds? Too much of a good thing can be, well, not so much of a good thing. I think... Is 15 seconds too much?

All the Way Home

The commute home after all long week in the office is a time to wind down and transition into the calmness of home life. However, this transition can be challenging depending on the nature of the commute. In large urban areas, the commute can be more stressful than the work day. I have commuted in major urban areas with clogged multilane freeways and have commuted in rural areas with quiet roads. I much prefer the latter. I fantasize about a commute that involves no traffic (of the motorized kind) at all. I imagine a tree lined path with no cars, trucks or even buildings. The only other commuters I would see would be four legged or winged. This trail on the east side of Short Hills Provincial Park in Thorold, Ontario connects the dead ends of Wiley Road and Eller Road. It appear as if this was once part of one or the other of these two roads. Today, it is a hiking, cycling and equestrian trail. An idea route for a bucolic commute without traffic. The commute home after all long week in the office is a time to wind down and transition into the calmness of home life. However, this transition can be challenging depending on the nature of the commute. In large urban areas, the commute can be more stressful than the work day. I have commuted in major urban areas with clogged multilane freeways and have commuted in rural areas with quiet roads. I much prefer the latter. I fantasize about a commute that involves no traffic (of the motorized kind) at all. I imagine a tree lined path with no cars, trucks or even buildings. The only other commuters I would see would be four legged or winged. This trail on the east side of Short Hills Provincial Park in Thorold, Ontario connects the dead ends of Wiley Road and Eller Road. It appear as if this was once part of one or the other of these two roads. Today, it is a hiking, cycling and equestrian trail. An idea route for a bucolic commute without traffic.

Light sources... For thousands, perhaps millions of years, humans have wanted to light up the dark. Weather it has been darkness of night or enclosed spaces, additional light has been desired to accomodate mobility, to enhance comfort and to increase security and safety. On the other hand, darkness serves many purposes including providing suitable conditions for sleep. Overall, some prefer darkness and some prefer light. I am one of them. Light sources... For thousands, perhaps millions of years, humans have wanted to light up the dark. Weather it has been darkness of night or enclosed spaces, additional light has been desired to accomodate mobility, to enhance comfort and to increase security and safety. On the other hand, darkness serves many purposes including providing suitable conditions for sleep. Overall, some prefer darkness and some prefer light. I am one of them.

The tracks are empty as the morning train is still many minutes from arriving. Waiting is a common mood of photos, particularly those without people. The solitude and emptiness and the element of something missing from the scene creates a feeling of something yet to happen. Empty rails, an empty park bench or an empty playground covered in snow. These scenes of waiting create images of what the location will be like once it is bustling with activity. The other common feel is that a memory of a familiar place that was once visited when it was busy. For me, the waiting feel is an inspiring one. It is a feeling of opportunity. It is a feeling of possibilities. Waiting is a wonderful thing, as long as it is a trigger for action.

Blind Shade Leaves

Blind Shade Leaves

Odd that we line up so well at the grocery store, at the cinema and even at the DMV, yet we do so poorly on the road. Oh to be a cone.

Pumpkin vine grabbing hold of lattice string on it's way upward. Pumpkin vine grabbing hold of lattice string on it's way upward.

Although there are four main seasons in the year, there are also sub-seasons. It is now pepper season! This year's pepper crop has been unusually bountiful. Fresh jalapenos have been adding a crunchy and delicious zing to just about every meal. This week, the bhut jolokia peppers have begun to ripen! Pepper season is one of my favourite seasons of the year. This somewhat deform bhut jolokia made wonderful addition to tonight's pasta! I am now strongly looking forward to tomorrow's breakfast... ...and lunch... ... and mid afternoon snack... . Although there are four main seasons in the year, there are also sub-seasons. It is now pepper season! This year's pepper crop has been unusually bountiful. Fresh jalapenos have been adding a crunchy and delicious zing to just about every meal. This week, the bhut jolokia peppers have begun to ripen! Pepper season is one of my favourite seasons of the year. This somewhat deform bhut jolokia made wonderful addition to tonight's pasta! I am now strongly looking forward to tomorrow's breakfast... ...and lunch... ... and mid afternoon snack... ...

or perhaps, sound of silence. Old fog horns at Cape Elizabeth, Maine long since replaced by more modern equipment. ...or perhaps, sound of silence. Old fog horns at Cape Elizabeth, Maine long since replaced by more modern equipment.

I have heard Eric Thomas. I have listened to Les Brown, Tony Robbins, Ray Lewis and so many others. The message is consistent about obstacles, fear and challenges. They all say some variations of go through and not around. I came across this obstacle on the trail in Short Hiils Provincial Park. I was fearless! I was determined! I was unstoppable! I went through... ...I went not under, not around but over, and then down. And then the pain arrived. And they were right. All of them said it would happen. I learned from my pain. I learned from my obstacle. There is a difference between figurative obstacles and physical ones. Some physical obstacles are better to go around than through. They told me that from my pain will come growth. They were correct, particularly the bump on my head.

Un-Crossed Details

When it comes to sculptures, I am intrigues by details. Was the detail deliberate and part of a message or just a detail that was needed to make the piece complete? Here on the lawn just north of the East Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, the sculpture of William Lyon Mackenzie King stands looking towards one of the parliament buildings. The sculpture is in a more modern style compared to the many other bronze statues of former prime ministers and other political figures that dot the ground of the parliament. The left hand of Mackenzie King is the detail that interests me the most. Was this a typical posture for the former prime minister? Or is this some commentary on either him or politicians in general? When I was in grade school, it was common for the students to make false promises with one hand behind one's back and fingers crossed. While perhaps an appropriate gesture for a politician, is it perhaps is a commentary on King's honesty? I prefer to not research the intentions of the artist and let the uncertainly remain. Discovering the true meaning (or lack of meaning) in the hand position would result in a reduced interest in the sculpture. Here's to Mackenzie King and all others who gazed off into the distance with one hand behind their backs. When it comes to sculptures, I am intrigues by details. Was the detail deliberate and part of a message or just a detail that was needed to make the piece complete? Here on the lawn just north of the East Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, the sculpture of William Lyon Mackenzie King stands looking towards one of the parliament buildings. The sculpture is in a more modern style compared to the many other bronze statues of former prime ministers and other political figures that dot the ground of the parliament. The left hand of Mackenzie King is the detail that interests me the most. Was this a typical posture for the former prime minister? Or is this some commentary on either him or politicians in general? When I was in grade school, it was common for the students to make false promises with one hand behind one's back and fingers crossed. While perhaps an appropriate gesture for a politician, is it perhaps is a commentary on King's honesty? I prefer to not research the intentions of the artist and let the uncertainly remain. Discovering the true meaning (or lack of meaning) in the hand position would result in a reduced interest in the sculpture. Here's to Mackenzie King and all others who gazed off into the distance with one hand behind their backs.

A home is something that everyone (I believe) strives for. We look for a variety of characteristics in a home (space, comfort, luxury, status, investment). It seems that much like income, our homes are always something we want more from. However, there is one thing that (for almost all of us) makes a house a home. We need other people. Family and friend are necessary to making a place a home. An unoccupied or abandoned home is sad and deteriorates quickly. It becomes ugly, creepy and even dangerous. However, this seems to be a uniquely human phenomena. An abandoned bird's nest, though sad in its emptiness, still looks beautiful and even artful. How impressive it is that birds create such cozy looking homes. I cannot imagine being able to create such a comfortable and well structured home with just my feet and mouth.

Success cannot happen without failure. On the other hand, failure cannot happen with eventual success. It is said that Thomas Edison made over ten thousand attempts before succeeding to create a light bulb efficient enough to commercially produce (others invented light bulbs, although inefficient ones, before he did). Edison is quotes as stating "I have not failed 10,000 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 10,000 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work." I believe that I have found several dozen prototypes of the Cat in the Hat's, hat.

Peeling spiky fence posts. Yeeoowch!. Peeling spiky fence posts. Yeeoowch!

The Fifteen - Les Quinze - Los Quince

The finishing touches have been put on Brock University's new Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts building. It turns out to be fifteen in two thousand fifteen. The finishing touches have been put on Brock University's new Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts building. It turns out to be fifteen in two thousand fifteen.

Spring Discovery

It's here! The search is over! With the blooming of magnolias and azaleas, spring has spectacularly announced its arrival. Mud may make its appearance intermittantly over the next months, but it no longer dominates the surroundings. It is May afterall. It's here! The search is over! With the blooming of magnolias and azaleas, spring has spectacularly announced its arrival. Mud may make its appearance intermittantly over the next months, but it no longer dominates the surroundings. It is May afterall.

In Search of Spring #6

The Ides of April are approaching and spring is slowly emerging. The grass is noticeably starting to turn green. Trees are starting to bud. Most notably, the ground in parks is starting to become solid enough (as opposed to muddy) to use for non-winter recreation activities. Even the sunshine is starting to feel spring-like. Should the rain hold of for several days, this might be an early end to mud season!. The Ides of April are approaching and spring is slowly emerging. The grass is noticeably starting to turn green. Trees are starting to bud. Most notably, the ground in parks is starting to become solid enough (as opposed to muddy) to use for non-winter recreation activities. Even the sunshine is starting to feel spring-like. Should the rain hold of for several days, this might be an early end to mud season!

In Search of Spring #4

April showers bring... ...silver linings. Spring appears slowly in the upper half of the northern hemisphere. Once the snow has melted away and the temperatures rise above freezing, the landscape stays brown and grey for several weeks. Colours slowly emerge from the deep freeze. At times, this can be disappointing. One longs for vibrant greens of grasses and leaves. One longs for explosions of reds, yellows and purples of flowers. Occasionally, one might spy a few remnants of autumn colours in leaves that have somehow managed to stay latched to branches throughout the arctic chill of winter. But wait! There is opportunity to be had in this adversity. What a distraction spring can be. The lure of gardens, parks, woods and beaches can take one away from important tasks. This is a time for many to be putting in their last strong efforts to complete their studies, to complete course projects, to spend countless hours in libraries and study rooms preparing for exams. I say, put the brakes on spring. Delay the wonderful colours. There is a time for every season, and this is not one of them! Oak leaves, remnants from autumn, provide a bit of colour against the stark early spring campus at Niagara College in Niagara on the Lake. April showers bring... ...silver linings. Spring appears slowly in the upper half of the northern hemisphere. Once the snow has melted away and the temperatures rise above freezing, the landscape stays brown and grey for several weeks. Colours slowly emerge from the deep freeze. At times, this can be disappointing. One longs for vibrant greens of grasses and leaves. One longs for explosions of reds, yellows and purples of flowers. Occasionally, one might spy a few remnants of autumn colours in leaves that have somehow managed to stay latched to branches throughout the arctic chill of winter. But wait! There is opportunity to be had in this adversity. What a distraction spring can be. The lure of gardens, parks, woods and beaches can take one away from important tasks. This is a time for many to be putting in their last strong efforts to complete their studies, to complete course projects, to spend countless hours in libraries and study rooms preparing for exams. I say, put the brakes on spring. Delay the wonderful colours. There is a time for every season, and this is not one of them! Oak leaves, remnants from autumn, provide a bit of colour against the stark early spring campus at Niagara College in Niagara on the Lake.

Taking a closer look results in seeing details often missed. I have walked past this japanese maple tree thousands of times. Seeing the nice contrast of the red leaves against a background of green from the nearby sugar maple tree, I decided to take a photo. Only then did I notice that the japanese maple leaves have beautifully serrated edges. Taking a closer look results in seeing details often missed. I have walked past this japanese maple tree thousands of times. Seeing the nice contrast of the red leaves against a background of green from the nearby sugar maple tree, I decided to take a photo. Only then did I notice that the japanese maple leaves have beautifully serrated edges.

Over analysis brings more April showers. It has been said that the un-examined life is not worth living. This is very serious. It was not stated that the un-examined life is less desirable or mildly uninteresting. No no. "Not worth living"! There is no joking around going on there. This is an all or nothing philosophy. If you do not examine life (presumably your own) you may as well be dead. No wait. "May as well" is noncommittal. You should be dead! As definitive as the statement is, there is some room for wiggle. After all, it is not stated whose life should be examined. Is it okay to examine someone else's life? It is also not stated that the life has to be of a living person (past or present). I submit that the examination of fictional lives suffices. Perhaps this is why we study Shakespeare plays in high school. The analysis of the lives of Hamlet, Lady Macbeth, Cleopatra and others satisfies the requirement to continue living, with worthiness! I knew there has to be a good reason. Now let's hope it stops raining. Over analysis brings more April showers. It has been said that the un-examined life is not worth living. This is very serious. It was not stated that the un-examined life is less desirable or mildly uninteresting. No no. "Not worth living"! There is no joking around going on there. This is an all or nothing philosophy. If you do not examine life (presumably your own) you may as well be dead. No wait. "May as well" is noncommittal. You should be dead! As definitive as the statement is, there is some room for wiggle. After all, it is not stated whose life should be examined. Is it okay to examine someone else's life? It is also not stated that the life has to be of a living person (past or present). I submit that the examination of fictional lives suffices. Perhaps this is why we study Shakespeare plays in high school. The analysis of the lives of Hamlet, Lady Macbeth, Cleopatra and others satisfies the requirement to continue living, with worthiness! I knew there has to be a good reason. Now let's hope it stops raining.

In Search of Spring #5

Spring can be disappointing. The absense of colours. The cold and rain. Dampness chills one to the bones. The trees are bare. The grass seems lifeless. And yet, with the right frame of mind, the right viewpoint and the right surroundings, one's search for beauty in early spring can be successful. Here's to spring and all other seasons!. Spring can be disappointing. The absense of colours. The cold and rain. Dampness chills one to the bones. The trees are bare. The grass seems lifeless. And yet, with the right frame of mind, the right viewpoint and the right surroundings, one's search for beauty in early spring can be successful. Here's to spring and all other seasons!

Mid-summer Sycamore

Children chatting while walking along a tree lined sidewalk on their way to a friend's house, the neighborhood park or the town swimming pool. This is one of the sights of summer. Perhaps all the kids are inside playing video games today. A sycamore tree on a mid summer's afternoon. Children chatting while walking along a tree lined sidewalk on their way to a friend's house, the neighborhood park or the town swimming pool. This is one of the sights of summer. Perhaps all the kids are inside playing video games today. A sycamore tree on a mid summer's afternoon.

Late Summer Rain

One tree turns into many, owing to the rain drops on the windshield. One tree turns into many, owing to the rain drops on the windshield.

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