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Deep Blonde Thoughts

~ Emitting thoughts, tongue-in-cheek observations on life and lifestyles

Deep Blonde Thoughts

Tag Archives: photography

To everything there is a season

24 Saturday Dec 2016

Posted by shewrite63 in Health, philosophy, photography, therapy, Warm fuzzy

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

autumn, central experimental farm, earth, family, hope, Ottawa, photography, seasons, spring, summer, time-lapsed photography, winter

and a time to every purpose under the heaven

Ecclesiastes 3 King James Version (KJV)

Central Experimental Farm and tractor

Central Experimental Farm, reaping what was sown 2016

For me, 2016 was a year full of challenges and opportunities, reunions and departures.

I can accept that winter is here and we should acknowledge its presence as part of the cycle of life. Also, I can’t afford to travel to somewhere exotic or warm…

Central Experimental Farm December 2016

Central Experimental Farm December 2016 – Covered up and ready to start all over again

As a parent and grandparent, I have concerns for the future of our planet and humanity now that the pendulum has swung back to allow for unbalanced, machismo leaders to take the reins of power. Many of us are wondering what the heck went wrong…  Yet, I can cherish the moments I had with loved ones this year and will embrace naive hope for sharing happy times with them again.

My gift to readers of this blog is another time-lapsed photography project. You may remember and hopefully enjoyed the four seasons with two trees from the autumn of 2014 and summer of 2015, and that whimsical cat grass grow-up project this past summer.

This latest obsession was started with joy as I celebrated new opportunities and gave thanks while waiting for the weekend bus near the Central Experimental Farm.

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Thank you for dropping by. I hope you enjoyed that. Here’s a soundtrack and some nostalgia for those of you born before 1963…

You can also visit the Tabby Cat’s blog for the recent offering or my pen name’s blog to see what she is up to.

Wishing naively for peace on Earth and good will…

T

 

Wisdom through the lens

23 Sunday Aug 2015

Posted by shewrite63 in Art, philosophy, photography, reading

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Art, books, cameras, culture, hobbies, nature, Ottawa, outdoors, philosophy, photographs, photography, reading

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.

Recently saw Interstellar http://t.co/n8kE4UOZh5 Humanity is rescued by gravity, timeless love and a precocious girl's bookcase. #books

— Florence T Lyon (@FloTLyon) August 14, 2015

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

Comfort zones

08 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by shewrite63 in Health, photography, therapy, Travel, writing

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

airplanes, Canada, cats, childhood memories, comfort, novel, photography, reading, tourists, trains, travel

Last summer, I travelled to meet my four older sisters during a pilgrimage of sorts to our Mother’s place of birth. 

Last month, I travelled with my oldest son to mine. Our journey was a combination of planes, trains and automobiles. We got along well for most of the long weekend. We had budgeted well for comfy travel and a three night stay at a lovely Bed and Breakfast.

It had been many years since I spent more than one or two nights in that small town other than to attend weddings or funerals. This time, the occasion was a family reunion being held in an eatery along the main drag.

Prior to catching up with the twenty or more people who attended, my son and I had plans to play tourist for a couple of days. Well, I had plans. He was along for the ride.

The first day, a neighbourhood cat greeted me during his morning tour while I took in fresh air on the B and B’s front porch and waited for the coffee announcement.  I was happy to meet a black feline who reminded me of one of my own back home.  He was a very friendly fellow with all the purring and rubbing but wouldn’t stay still long enough to look at the camera! He had an outdoor cat coat which was much coarser than that of Mr. Snuggles. He also had well-sharpened claws which made it difficult for lap sitting.

cat on porch

Neighbourhood cat drops by the B and B to say hello

I went in to obtain the first cup of fresh-brewed coffee. While sipping it, ahh-ing and admiring the dining room deco,  I looked out the window to see that my new friend was waiting for me. It was cute yet a little creepy…

Black cat waiting outside

Black cat waiting outside. I think he sensed I was a Cat Lady

After breakfast, my son and I went for a walk with intentions of visiting the used book store and a few other places. He sighed when I indicated a plan to take on that lookout tower on the opposite hill.

woman tourist pointing to tower on a distant hill

We shall venture to that tower on the hill this weekend!

I reminisced beside the lazy river that meandered through our old town. In my early days, I used to paddle a canoe up and down that river, exploring the shores and meeting friends.

woman tourist on bridge over river

Reacquainting with the Seguin River

On an impulse decision, I agreed to a 25-minute float plane tour of Georgian Bay rather than a 3-hour boat cruise. My other travel companion was excited about the chance to take to the air.

Stuffed owl beside float plane

Owlie says “We’re going up in THAT?! Kinda small, isn’t it?”

The airways tour was exciting and beautiful, providing a quick aerial view of Georgian Bay. I made sure to snap plenty of pictures with my trusty little camera. This wasn’t the first time I used it to calm my anxieties about flying in a small plane.

Aerial view of Georgian Bay, Parry Sound area

Aerial view of Georgian Bay, Parry Sound area

Rock formations and shallow inlets

Rock formations and shallow inlets

Before we knew it, we were approaching the harbour again.

Salt pile on the shore

Salt pile on the shore

We made a very smooth landing then puttered back to the docks.

approaching docks

Returning to the docks after a smooth landing

The next day was rainy and breezy. We applied appropriate footwear and an extra layer of clothing to walk around the old neighbourhood and climb tower hill. I felt obligated to provide proof to family and old friends that we had visited this landmark.

Lookout tower view from base

Lookout tower view from base

Although I had been up and down this structure many times in my youth, the rain, wind and my weaker knees made it a new experience that day.

Lookout tower view

Lookout tower view of Parry Sound harbour, Georgian Bay

Lookout tower view of Parry Sound

Lookout tower view of Parry Sound harbour, Georgian Bay and the famous CPR rail bridge

You will notice the CPR train trestle appears in many of my touristy photographs.  It was an ever-present landmark looming over our old neighbourhood and spanning the Seguin River valley.  Many others will agree that since we were surrounded by the CPR and CNR routes, trains were a big part of our childhood. During my recent visit, I found the frequent sound of the train whistles comforting and nostalgic. After three days and nights, the charm soon wore off.

Meanwhile, back at the top of the windy lookout tower, we quickly scanned around to confirm there were no forest fires then gingerly made our way back down the see-through metal steps. Conveniently, the Tower Hill museum and gift shop were open that rainy Sunday afternoon.  We only had enough time to purchase souvenirs then go in search of lunch.

I insisted we visit the restaurant that provided inspiration for The Red Hare in The Year of the Rabbit, a novel that took place in a small town very similar to Parry Sound. The bowl of hot wonton soup was very comforting.

wonton soup bowl

Wonton soup bowl

When we returned tired and wet at the Bed and Breakfast, we were greeted by that neighbourhood cat. Once again, I could not convince him to stay still in order to get a good profile pic.

black cat on porch

Phillip the cat welcomes the wet, tired tourists back

Third time’s a charm, he appeared on the morning of our departure, likely to see us off – or request a chin scratch and tummy rub.

Black cat on outdoor carpet

Phillip comes to say farewell, flexing his claws

After a long journey of sitting, waiting and connecting, we arrived home. I was happy to see my other children. Some were happy to see me too.

Black cat on human's bed

Mr. Snuggles making himself comfortable

I have settled back in to my weekly routine. I can reminisce about the visit and the brief family reunion while I sip cool water from my souvenir Macintosh Grande mug graced with the lovely Casson “White Pine” painting.

Coffee mug with Georgian Bay artwork

Coffee mug with Georgian Bay artwork

Thanks for dropping by.  If you’re feeling adventurous to read that novel I mentioned, please visit Smashwords to download a sample of the ebook or eventually purchase a copy. It’s only 99 cents or you can pay what you feel is a fair price. It’s okay, I didn’t write it to make money, only to share a story. If you enjoyed it, mention it to others.

T

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