Whimsy of the pen

07 Monday Sep 2015

Posted by in Art, philosophy, writing

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Regular readers of this blog likely notice that my posts range from deep thinking and reflection to those attempting wit through lifestyle commentary.

Previously, I introduced you to the Wisdom of the Lens, an interesting book about philosophy through black and white photography.

In a relaxed Labour Day atmosphere and in-between communal laundry room trips, this intermittent writer lets whimsy take over and introduces you to one of my past loves – or once-loved pastimes: drawing.

While reorganizing le petit apartment this long weekend, I got distracted with that large white box containing my children’s sentimental craft work and my own creations from many years ago.

I chuckled at the cartoon-like pen and ink drawings.

Cartoon drawing of magician's rabbit

Revenge of the Bunny Pen and Ink Circa 1983

At one time in my creative, idealistic youth, I thought about writing and illustrating children’s books. I even had an idea for a farmyard environment.

What happened? 

drawing of cartoon milk cow

Bessy the uncooperative milk cow Pen and Ink circa 1982

Reality set in, I doubted my abilities after being rejected from a commercial arts college program, and soon put away my brushes and pens.

As a karmic compensation, I landed an office job that offered work and constant learning in the ever-evolving world of Information Technology. This option probably pays better than that for a starving artist. It sure helped with supporting my family, surviving as a single parent and raising three beautiful young people.

At least I got to satisfy my creative desires during craft time with my children. Those were the wonder years.

As I scan the distant horizon and plan for my retirement, I am letting myself dabble in water colours and embrace creative outlets for visual art.  In the meantime I can use my talent and resources to support young artists in their endeavours.

Regardless of the work you choose, or work that chose you, here’s wishing you a relaxing, reflective Labour Day.  Enjoy these work-related songs, thanks to CBCMusic.

Thanks for dropping by.

T

About me:  I work full time in an office environment. In my spare time I write, photograph my cats and dabble in water colour paints. In 2011 and under a pen name, I published a bittersweet novel through Smashwords titled The Year of the Rabbit; it’s a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.  It contains many themes like family, teenage pregnancy and belief systems.

Wisdom through the lens

23 Sunday Aug 2015

Posted by in Art, philosophy, photography, reading

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During another bookcase sorting, filter and purge this weekend, a few dozen items eluded the donations box.

I am not doing very well with this purging concept.

It’s a difficult process, almost like saying goodbye to old friends – or acquaintances with whom you have yet to sit down and get to know better. 

It has been almost three months since I started on this endeavour. The objective was to tidy up the bookcases, to take a break from writing attempts and all the sitting at the computer it involves.

books on bookcase and in boxes

One section of the personal library, sorted, categorized and tagged for potential purging.

In-between five sweaty laundry room trips on a Saturday night, I tackled the non-fiction bookcase again, rearranging sections according to quantity of remaining books.  It became a curious exercise in space and logic.

During a bout of romantic whimsy, I was kinda hoping that Matthew McConaughey would show up.

Okay… Back to earth.  

Some of the remaining books “fit” into more than one category.  One seemed to fit into Art & hobbies, Philosophy and perhaps self help.

Book cover Wisdom through the lens - A practical guide for photography as a means for self transformation

Wisdom through the lens – A practical guide for photography as a means for self transformation by Pierre Poulain

I obtained this autographed copy after attending a Cultural Diversity event in Ottawa a couple of years ago. I think it deserves another look after my recent dabbling into smart phone photography and deep, urban reflections.

tree branches in january

Winter 2015 – Two trees with naked branches outstretched into fractals of themselves as they greet and mesh into each other.

I think I should get into photography more since it would get me outside often for fresh air and moderate exercise. I’d like to capture sharper images with devices other than my Windows Phone and the Canon Powershot.

What would you recommend as a simple camera?

Requirements:

  • Must be digital
  • Affordable
  • Idiot-proof (simple to use)
  • Display screen for previews
  • Good for outdoors

Thanks for dropping by, for your comments or recommendations.

T

1 park bench, 2 trees, 4 seasons

11 Tuesday Aug 2015

Posted by in Art, community, Health, photography

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There is this bench in a downtown Ottawa park.

This spring someone painted it as well as its companions. This artistic act seemed to brighten up the park, making it more attractive. I think it was to encourage people to visit often, to absorb the urban nature and engage in conversation.

park bench painted spring

Dundonald Park bench Spring 2015

I enjoy visiting urban parks around Ottawa and learning about their history.  During vacation time in the Summer of 2013, I tried to visit as many as I could in one week:

It was an enjoyable, obsessive activity that got me out and about while exploring my city.

Wander back to Dundonald Park in the late summer of 2014.

I looked forward to sitting on this particular green bench during work day lunch breaks, during my attempts at exercise, fresh air and time for quiet reflection. It was also more pleasant since the Beer Store across Somerset Street was being demolished and there were less bottle and can collectors hanging about.

This bench was a familiar place to rest and observe my surroundings. It helped me review my life choices, smile at my accomplishments and ponder my future plans.

I would observe the passersby and occasionally watch the families with young children playing on the nearby swings and slides.

I would look down while deep in thought.

I would look up with gratitude for what relief and small fortunes came my way.

I admired the two tall trees that touched at their crowns and upper limbs.

Park trees September 2014

Park trees September 2014

In the late summer of 2014, I noticed the colours changing in the nearby trees. One lost its leaves quicker than the other did. I felt a connection with them and their transition through the seasons. Some whimsically obsessive part of me wanted to capture them each time I visited the park.

So, with my smart phone I would attempt to take photographs at least on a bi-weekly basis.

Autumn 2014 trees

Autumn 2014

Park trees Winter 2015

Park trees Winter 2015

park bench winter

Dundonald Park bench Winter 2015

I did not get any pictures during February. Fuck February. If I could, I would hibernate from January to the end of March. How about you? 

Park Trees Spring 2015

Park Trees Spring 2015

I missed one of my spring shots in early May because people were sitting on my favourite bench during one of my visits. I ran out of time waiting for them to move.

Would it have seemed strange for me to approach them and ask if they could move for one minute, so I could take a couple of pictures? 

Within two weeks, the trees were already bursting with bright green foliage. This was refreshing.

Park trees May 2015

Park Trees May 2015

During a rainy vacation day this week in late summer, I decided to create slideshows of different transitioning tree pictures while tinkering in iPhoto on my Mac. I created a very nice one of the two companion trees and exported to QuickTime Movie format.

Unfortunately, WordPress.com doesn’t allow .mov file uploads! That’s okay. I tinkered a bit longer with photographs I uploaded to a Media Gallery and created this slideshow instead.  I hope you enjoy it.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Thanks for dropping by.  I hope you’re having an enjoyable summer.

T