Pictures and Words

Been doing other good things!

2012-01-07T15:01:00.000-08:00

You missed me!! Yes you did, or I hope you did, but I am back. I have been setting up another website http://www.iconicphotographs.com to access Vintage and Iconic photographs and make them available for visitors to purchase, have framed if they wish and keep them on their wall for their own enjoyment - and the envy of their friends. This, as you may know, all takes a lot of time. Anyway go and have a look and tell me what you think (good or bad, just do it).

A Frosty Day

2011-11-20T14:21:00.000-08:00

Although it was quite a cold and frosty day, with the suspicion that snow was imminent, we just felt the need to get out in the fresh air and go for a walk on the beach. So, with scarves, hats and gloves we ventured forth bravely. It was actually very pleasant with nobody else much on the trail except for a few dog owners who had been dragged out by their pet's imploring looks. Most of the upper areas of the beach are covered with old logs washed up over the years making for an interesting photo.

Seascape

2011-11-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

These flowers appear every Summer, sometimes in great profusion. They are called California Poppies, I believe, but I have no idea why that is. Like some other flower names, it is not clear why the name was chosen and applied. But leaving all that aside, they make an attractive sight particularly as here where the background is a little dull and the day was overcast. A bit of colour in a drab scene!

It's that time again

2011-10-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

Where did Summer go? Doesn't seem long since we were saying that it was coming, even though the weather at that time did not feel like it would ever happen. But, like life itself, time goes by and Summer came and went; and looking back, we did try hard to make the most of it! Now the leaves are falling, the days are cooler and there is a sense of Winter in the air. Let's enjoy that, too.

Sunflowers

2011-09-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

My daughter in Calgary sent this magnificent arrangement of sunflowers to my wife (one of many such beautiful arrangements from family and friends) who was very much under the weather recently. What a great daughter! And what a lovely thought! I must say I have never seen sunflowers used like this in a display, the photograph does not demonstrate the actual size of it - almost 36" tall. Just beautiful. Thankyou, Samantha. And thankyou to all my family and friends.

Those Summer Days

2011-07-21T16:50:00.001-07:00

We can remember those days! School is out, the weather is warm and even the water is not so cold once you get used to it. And do we bother to put our clothes and towels in neat piles or do we just dump them and rush for the water? And later, we wrap ourselves in our towel and sit and watch the others while we warm up again..

Surprise

2011-07-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

This plant, which has not done anything except grow long tendrils over the last ten years or so, has recently decided to produce small flowers. We brought it back with us from Texas many years ago as a sentimental reminder of our vist (it was mainly food for donkeys there) and surprisingly it flourished in our living room by the window so well that we had to keep cutting back the growth before it became unmanageable. Now it has developed these small flowers that only last a day or so. We are pollinating them with a small brush - let's see what happens! Does anyone know what it is called?

Canada Day

2011-07-02T19:04:00.001-07:00

July 1 is Canada Day, a time when people in Canada get together to celebrate their country, peoples, traditions and beliefs. There are celebrations and events of all types, from parades, races, dances, lunches, sports and unusual things typically in small places. The town where I live has its own special event: build-your-own-boat and race it round a watercourse. This attracts a large and vocal crowd and the boats are built by teams from plywood, lumber and other materials supplied by the local lumber yard. Then comes the launch (where some boats soon sink) and the race - the exercise being to actually stay afloat and finish! Good fun for all.

Just noticed - in the photo of the two boats the woman in the front is paddling and the two men behind her are not!!

RIP

2011-06-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

Well, it had to happen sometime I suppose, but it is rather like losing an old friend. Time finally caught up with my desktop computer which started showing signs of impending doom and spurred me on to thinking about a replacement. But its timing was excellent - my birthday arrived and my family all contributed to a new laptop as a gift! There was just enough life left in the old desktop to transfer data over, but I must say it took me a week or so before I finally got up the courage to cut the umbilical cord and go completely laptop. We shall see, but the initial reaction is very positive and I am looking forward to a long and happy association!

Beans to go

2011-05-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

Although the Seasons this year are later coming than they were before, it seems likely that planting time in the garden is upon us. Starting seeds indoors gives the plants a bit of a secure start before being exposed to the weather, slugs, rabbits and maybe the occasional wandering deer. These runner beans are looking good and will soon be ready for the battle. Hopefully they will survive and then produce a nice crop for the table.

2011-05-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Now that "The Wedding" (William and Kate) is over, the Canadian Election is past and the results are known, perhaps we can all relax a little and get on with life. To that end, a little walk on the weekend revealed this tranquil scene of Spring flowers surrounding a reminder of Canada's Centennial of Confederation. And speaking of the wedding, I saw this quote recently too - "Every man should get married. After all, there is more to life than Happiness."

Beautiful Day

2011-04-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a lovely day it was today! Seemed as if Summer was here, but a bit of a cold breeze reminded us that this was not so. However, families and their dogs were enjoying their time on the beaches and parks, and coffee shops were doing a good trade in lattes and ice creams. And the new header on this blog shows the nicely colored ground cover with the sun on it. May we be blessed with more of the same!

"I'll just double-check it"

2011-02-24T20:10:00.000-08:00

I heard it again,three or four times today and even saw it in the local newspaper. It always makes me want to make a comment like "when did you check it before?" or "are you going to check it twice now?". It has become just something said without thinking, similar to "have a good day". No doubt there are lots of other such things we say, meaningless bits of speech but a sort of glue that binds as conversationally together. Long live free speech!

That S*** Word!

2011-02-23T16:53:00.000-08:00

Well, it had to happen. We realise we have had it pretty good for a while and now it's payback time - I only wish it could have happened on a more convenient day. We have had a medical appointment for two months and, guess what, it had to snow last night and all day when we had to travel. The usual fiasco for where we live (snow is very uncommon) with few snowploughs and even fewer snow shovels and a general lack of salt or gravel trucks. So, it's slowly past the cars in the ditches, keep a long way back from the car in front, stop grinding your teeth and suffer. However, all went well and a brief stop at Starbucks helped. Let's hope it's all gone in a day or so!

2011-01-06T20:33:00.001-08:00

Down on the waterfront near where I live there is an area where the tide just washes in and out, never seeming to scour the site even in stormy weather. As a result, there is a lot of seaweed and other marine plant life just floating around. Most of it is not very photogenic (to my mind - although Freeman Patterson would take objection to that statement and say there is a good photograph in any situation!) but this potential image caught my eye and provided an interesting result. I guess Freeman is right after all.

Finally finished

2010-12-04T19:26:00.001-08:00

It took a while, but the jigsaw puzzle is finished and looks really good. It only had 500 pieces but they are all in a circle and, of course, there are lots of leafy green areas. These are North American butterflies - unfortunately most of them are not seen where I live - in fact, there do not seem to be as many butterflies around at all these days although I believe the Monarchs were still in plentiful numbers during their migration this year.

It's coming.

2010-12-03T18:55:00.001-08:00

Getting close to that time of year when the temperature drops and snow arrives, letting us know that Summer is over for a while and Winter cannot be far behind. The annual rush to buy new snow-tires for the car and new waterproof, warm, boots for us has passed. But it cannot be long before Spring arrives again - I am so glad that the seasons are still appearing as they should!

Blooming lovely

2010-10-23T16:24:00.001-07:00

It seems a bit late to see blooming flowers outside at this time of year in the Northern hemisphere - almost the end of October. But here was this pot of flowers at our extensive local gardens (Butchart Gardens, a very popular place to visit all year round and much frequented by the tourist industry), next to a flight of steps with a metal handrail. I don't usually take photos of flowers these days, I have so many on my hard drive already, but this could not be ignored!

Got a Birthday coming?

2010-09-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

If you have, think about these -

There is still no cure for the Common Birthday. John Glenn

A Birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip. Unknown

The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age. Lucille Ball

Summertime

2010-08-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

A nice day again, so we took a walk along by the water. The geese were congregating and showing some excitement, then taking off in groups and heading South - a sign that Summer is drawing to a close? There were not many flowers visible and the grasses had their seed pods already, but this flower caught my eye and was welcomed as our table decoration in the slim, tall vase. A lovely sight!

That garden!

2010-07-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

A short while ago, I was all enthused because the vegetable gardening season was fast approaching and the exciting process of planning and ordering seeds was in full swing. Now it is depression time! The seeds and seedlings were purchased and duly planted in the garden at the right phase of the moon, carefully watered and told to go forth and multiply. What happened? Between the uncertain and unusual weather, hungry deer and rabbits and the usual voracious weeds, words cannot be used on-line to describe the awful results. If I get anything at all out of it I will be very surprised! I give up. Forget the whole thing. No! Next year I will be back again for more of the punishment. Watch this space.

Beneath the Waves

2010-05-03T19:53:00.001-07:00

A recent addition to our town is the Ocean Discovery Centre which has been open for about a year already, but it was only a little while ago that I made a visit. Most impressive! From the entry lobby, where visitors enter an imitation submersible and then most realistically descend beneath the waves, to the display area with its vast array of glass fronted tanks and on to the open tanked teaching location (great for young oceanographers) the whole thing was very well done. Lots of photo opportunities, but lighting was a challenge, reflections demanded some thought and other visitors had to be avoided, but an interesting location and a good visit.

2010-03-27T18:58:00.001-07:00

Well, in my area of the world Winter is over, Spring has been officially declared to be available for enjoyment and Summer can not be far behind - such an optimistic time of year. Those of us who garden had the pleasure over the Winter of reading the latest gardening book telling us what we did wrong last year and urging us on to renewed efforts this year. Then, of course, we spent lots of time looking at seed catalogues and choosing and ordering our selections. And a new tool guaranteed to make the work easier, faster and more productive was an easy sell - along with a new hat. This time we are going to do our gardening the right way and we are not going to get upset with the bugs, rabbits, caterpillars, insects, weeds and all the other things that are only there to destroy our flowers and vegetables before they mature. Ask me later how it all went!

Did you miss me?

2010-02-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

I have been away relaxing and neglecting the blog - and feeling really bad about it sometimes. But there are times when not only is "a change as good as a rest", but a rest is necessary and if it can come with a change as well, then you have the best of both worlds. I am so thankful that I am able to take a break from the process of "living normally" because there are millions of other people who, for one reason or another, simply cannot get away from the drudgery of daily life. I am indeed fortunate. Now I am back with renewed body and mind! Hello again.

Teddy Bear event

2009-12-22T21:42:00.001-08:00

The Grand Pacific Hotel near where I live has an annual fundraising event for a worthy cause and I visit it each year. This consists of lots of teddy bears, dressed (in this case, undressed!) and displayed in various settings - mostly humourous - and available for auction and votes for the best display. Last weekend it was free admission for all to see and there were so many bears! I thought this one was cute as well as very unusual.

Good recovery program

2009-12-17T20:03:00.000-08:00

Here is an excellent free program from the creators of CCleaner for recovering data that you have deleted unintentionally. It is called recuva. With this program, you can undelete files, recover from damaged or formatted disks, recover emails and iPod music and so on. Check it out.
It is a good idea to download it to a USB stick where it can be held ready for use when it is needed, rather than putting it onto your hard drive. And while you are in the program site, take a look at defraggler, another very useful thing to have and use. You never know when you might need these tools, so have them available.

What to give?

2009-12-01T19:25:00.000-08:00

So, December has arrived and the Festive Season cannot be far behind. Although it is too early to panic, the usual question about "Whatever can I buy for So-and-So this year that I know will be appreciated?" is getting close. And I have the solution! And it is simple! Just go to my photography site where you will find two suggestions to make your life easier - a very nice 2010 Calendar with a different photograph by David Moss each month that is guaranteed to give pleasure all year, and a Unique Mousepad that is not only useful but decorative with a lovely one of his photographs on it. There. Problem solved.

What bird is this?

2009-11-06T13:31:00.000-08:00

During the Summer, I went to Calgary and while there I took the opportunity to visit Lake Louise, which is just past Banff and not a long trip from Calgary. I left in the morning and checked into a local hotel. Asking at the reception desk for directions to the lake, I was told to make sure to go early in the morning because it gets very crowded. They were right! Had trouble finding a parking place, seemed everybody had the same idea. So, walked around the lake with its classic view of the Chateau Lake Louise at the end of it, got back to the car, lay back in the seat and there was a "thump" noise on the external mirror. There was this bird sitting looking at me - camera in its case of course, but I did manage to get it out, focus and take one shot before it flew away. What was it? Woodpecker? It was large, but I have no idea. If any of you bird watchers know, I would be interested to see what it was (make a comment).

That time of year again

2009-10-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

Well, it came quickly - where did the summer go? In North America, October 31st is Halloween and for the last month or so the local farmers have been cultivating pumpkins. Of course, it is still only the middle of October but parents and children have been out in the fields selecting the best looking pumpkin they can find. Then they carry it home in triumph ready to be emptied of its contents and then carved with two eyes and a mouth. With a candle placed inside, it is ready to take its place on the front step, the window or the garden, looking for all the world like the disembodied head of a not-very-nice-looking ghoul.

Just rocks!

2009-10-04T14:21:00.001-07:00

We have a Rock Shop at the waterfront where we live - a very interesting place, not only for adults who want a gift or a decoration, but also for children. All children seem to like rocks, especially if they are shiny and brightly coloured and I can well remember scouring the beach in search of some unique (so I thought) rock, which was then carefully washed in sea water to enhance the colours and then carried home in the bucket along with bits of seaweed, dead crabs, bits of driftwood and other treasures. I wonder what happened to them all, they just seemed to disappear!

A little difference

2009-09-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

Readers may be concerned that there has been no blog entry recently and have maybe wondered whether I have got lost, fallen sick, got run over by a bus, or even died! I am happy to report that none of these is the case. We, that is myself and "she who must be obeyed" as Horace Rumpole would refer to my wife, are in fact house-sitting for our friends while they are away. This has been so relaxing and has contributed to such a "mini-vacation" feeling, that everything else has receded into the background and attained a feeling of remoteness. As in all vacations, things will alas be back to normal too soon. Makes me appreciate that enjoyment of the present is a worthwhile atitude to have!

Music for violin

2009-08-08T15:50:00.000-07:00

Decided to try out Photoshop Elements Layers and since we have a violin available that my son used to play, it seemed like a good opportunity to create something. I went online and got the sheet music for the background from Google Images (probably not actually violin music) and then photographed the violin against a white sheet background so that it would be a simple process to select only the violin and copy it to the second layer. It was easier than I had expected and the result is not too bad.

2009-07-06T18:42:00.001-07:00

Having decided to look for interesting doors, gates and entrances to photograph, I came across this delightful little sample - a small gate leading to an enclosed garden. The roses climbing around it and the other foliage, too, just framed it perfectly and a peek of blue sky as a contrasting colour made the whole scene attractive.

Love

2009-05-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

O, my luve's like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June.
O, my luve's like the melodie,
That's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I,
And I will luve thee still, my Dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry.

Robbie Burns (original version)

2009-04-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

A lovely spring-like, sunny Sunday and the local chapter of the English Vintage Car Club held their car show at a nearby Heritage Site with lots of fascinating cars and equally fascinating technically expert owners and friends. There was this sky-blue MG, beautifully finished, and the trees and sky were reflected in the hood with the whole thing just begging to be photographed - and here it is!

Evidence of Spring

2009-04-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

William Wordsworth

2009-03-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

It was a cold day, with fine rain and a cool breeze. Not a good day to visit the Butchart Gardens, although the spring crocuses in yellow and blue were in fine array outside and there were a few small daffodils around. Venturing into the weather (cannot go there without walking around) lasted all of fifteen minutes before taking refuge in the indoor garden, where it was nice and warm and flowers of all species were in full bloom and the fragrance was just perfect. Although it was tempting to take lots of photographs, I limited myself to just a few like this one. So, despite the weather, an enjoyable visit.

2009-03-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

As I said before, it is very unusual for us who live here in our climate to have as much snow as we have had this winter. Not only the quantity of snow, but the long time it stayed around due to the exceptionally cold temperatures we have had, too. But some people enjoy it and kids, particularly, have a lot of fun building snowmen. Here is one I saw today - not your traditional snowman by any means but a really clever creation and worthy of a photograph don't you think?

2009-02-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

It is always nice at this time of year to take the opportunity of a fine weather day and make a small trip. And what better trip to make than a short ferry ride to an island with a small town and a number of marinas. Such a place is very close to my location.
So we can take it easy on the ferry and when we arrive at our destination we can head for the best coffee shop to relax, listen to the conversations and enjoy the coffee. Then wander around the town, look at the stores, visit the Art Gallery, have a nice casual lunch - maybe sit and relax in the sun. Then home again feeling rested, happy and contented.
We can count ourselves privileged to live in such a pleasant place!

A bit of colour

2009-01-16T21:11:00.000-08:00

Where I live in Western Canada, winter is still here but not by any means as bad as in most areas of Canada which are locked in freezing temperatures, ice and snow. Of course, we do have snow on the nearby mountains (which is where it always should be) which makes the skiers and snowboarders very happy, but down at sea level all the snow has gone and warmer days are feeling promising.
I thought a photograph taken last year in the Fall would help to make winter a little bearable. This is a standard "tree with blue sky" type of thing but the colours are nice and the sky really was that blue!

It did not go away

2008-12-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

After having that first snowfall, we fondly believed that that was it - but no, there was more and then more to come. Because a heavy snowfall in my location is unusual, there is not much equipment available for clearing it away so it just piles up until clearing is possible. This, of course, is most inconvenient - parking lots are plugged up and driving in any case is hazardous, but there is one consolation: it makes for a challenging photo opportunity.

A cuppa'

2008-12-20T15:26:00.000-08:00

A cuppa', that's what the English used to call a cup of tea, which was the solution to any and all problems such as ill-health, wars, family quarrels, hot weather, cold weather and any other setback - "let's have a cup of tea and we'll feel better." When my aunts used to come and visit my mother for tea when I was a small boy, if they kept their hats on we knew they would not stay long but if they removed their hat it was going to be a long session! My mother would say "are you going to take your hat off?" meaning "how long are you going to stay?" Of course, tea was always made in a teapot such as these, with real tea leaves - one spoonful for each person and one for the pot, use boiling water and let it stand for five minutes. Yummy!

Yes, it did.

2008-12-15T17:51:00.000-08:00

Quite unexpected, but it snowed a day or so ago - it does not usually do that here but I suppose climate change can be blamed for that. So, out with the Canon and see what can be done and as you can see not only is there snow but the roses are still in bloom! Not in their full glory, but the last remnants. Another day or so and it will be all gone, so we put on whatever winter clothes we have and make the most of it. Sun and snow are good companions!

Sunrise panoramic

2008-12-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would try a panoramic image of the sunrise recently - it gives a good idea of the expanse of sky and the colors in the clouds.

Fabric patterns

2008-12-06T14:36:00.001-08:00

It was a cloudy day and the urge to create something had attacked my wife, so it was the perfect opportunity to visit the fabric store. This store specializes in quilting and as a result the range of fabrics in all sorts of colors and patterns is very impressive and guaranteed to get any enthusiast's creative juices flowing. So, I thought the best thing for me to do (since I do not seem to have creative juices) was to leave her to it and find another store to browse in. But I very soon discovered that there were no "manly" stores in the vicinity, such as model railroads and cars, books, sporting goods and other interesting things like that and I very soon drifted back to the fabric store where apparently no decisions had been made as yet. But the colors and patterns attracted even me and having my camera with me (of course) I whiled away the time by getting some images on the memory card. I'm afraid I got so involved that I had to be nearly dragged away kicking and screaming! Not my usual actions in a store like that, but it just shows that what Freeman Patterson says is quite correct and that there is a potential photograph everywhere if only the photographer is prepared to look for it.

Once bitten......

2008-11-30T16:08:00.000-08:00

On one of our small trips out of town this week, we stopped at the Tourist Information place and asked them what there was to see during the couple of hours we had available. They suggested we visit a Parrot House - a local attraction where there were 700 parrots of a considerable number of species on display. So off we went and eventually arrived at the facility, which looked like a fairly large manufacturing building. It was soon obvious that there were indeed a lot of parrots in the place, because the girl at the reception desk offered us the use of hearing protectors (which we bravely refused despite the raucous cries of the 700 parrots). The main sections were large wire cages with all the parrots inside, a lot of whom rushed to the wire with cries of "hello" as we passed by. At the extreme end of the place was an area where parrots were loose and sitting around on the cages, shelves and even wandering around on the floor. Very soon, we were each selected by one of the inhabitants who sat on our shoulders, peered around to our faces saying "hallooo" and grabbing on to coat buttons, necklaces, camera straps, loose hair and whatever else was available. But, getting them off us was a BIG PROBLEM, resulting in wrestling matches between parrot and human, bad language, bad feelings for all concerned, a painful bite on my finger, a severe bite to my wife's ear, blood all over the place, two angry parrots and two very unhappy visitors! If you have someone you don't like very much, why not give them tickets to a Parrot House?

Rock and Sand

2008-11-15T20:55:00.001-08:00

There is something so peaceful about simple things. Here is a simple image - a rock and a number of surrounding concentric circles, like a fixed point in life and stillness and order around it. This is not a photograph of one of those small trays that are available, with a small rock in it and an equally small rake to form the circles, but this is a fairly large area in a Japanese Garden close to my home in Western Canada. We had gone there to photograph trees that were in their Fall colours (they were very impressive in their reds, golds and browns and a beauty to be seen) and there was this area just waiting to be photographed. The image has been cropped from the original in order to present a better composition.

Wildlife

2008-11-06T19:02:00.001-08:00

A friend and I went out very early in the morning to a Forest Provincial Park, taking our cameras, tripods, lenses and warm clothing (although we soon realised our clothing was not warm enough for that early time). There is a little stream where the salmon battle their way against the current to their spawning grounds. Those that die are easy prey for the bald eagles. So we had high hopes of some good eagle photographs.
The first thing we noticed was that there was very little water in the stream and no salmon - dead or alive. This was a surprise because the Park website said "The eagles have landed", but eagles do not "land" there without salmon to feast on and salmon need water to travel upstream. So, after waiting in the cold for an hour or so and only spotting an eagle or two a long, long way off (as just a small white dot in the distant trees, even with a telephoto lens) we had just decided to go and find a hot drink when these two deer, the only wildlife we had seen all morning, came wandering along not far away from us. So, having waited all that time, those deer were subjected to a barrage from two photographic enthusiasts, like paparazzi after celebrities! Got to make the most of what opportunities arise!!

Getting away

2008-10-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

Just recently, we (my wife and I) were feeling the effects of too many external influences - like the economy, bad news, election campaigns, email, spam and what seemed like a lot of little irritating things. So we decided to forget it all and take a short trip locally for a couple of days. This was so relaxing with no television, no phone calls, no web surfing, no emails and time available for us to do whatever we liked for a day or so - and I would fully recommend it!
However, not all of us are able to actually leave our usual lifestyle, because so many of us have commitments to work, family, parents, children and so on that cannot be neglected. But if we can take a very short time perhaps, to forget all of our worries, to meditate or just to let our minds even wander a little, to enjoy a change of scenery if possible, maybe get some fresh air and exercise, it does us a world of good. It is so easy to get all bound up with the little things let alone those bigger ones, but as the saying goes "A Change is as good as a Rest". So, maybe try to make a small change, even if only for a few minutes, and give yourself a well deserved rest.

Our many parts

2008-10-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

I have quoted Shakespeare before "All the world's a stage.....one man in his time plays many parts" and this morning I got to thinking about those parts we play, from birth onwards - we are Ann's baby, Philip's son, Roger's grandchild, Jo's brother, Billy's friend, Robyn's boyfriend, Julia's partner, Butch's master, Garry's father, Judith's father-in-law, Nicola's grandfather - and, some time along the way, we managed to establish our own personality and project our individuality onto the "world's stage". In one way or another, big or small, we all contributed to "the play" and having made our many entrances, we eventually make our final exit and leave the stage to other players. We hope we have made a difference and that the "audience" will give us a round of applause!

A good year?

2008-09-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

It is grape harvest time and a visit to one of the wineries close to where I live confirmed that most of their vineyard has already been picked, but there were a few areas yet to be attended to. The weather patterns have been very unusual and unpredictable this year, so I wonder whether this will be a good wine year or something not so good. Whichever, I will be happy to test the result!

That time of year again?

2008-09-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

My desk calendar has an entry for today which, when I read it this morning, gave me pause to think about those things I meant to do over Summer but never got around to doing. The entry said "Autumn begins" - a brief statement of fact with a lot of meaning! So, Summer is officially over and we can look forward to some of those beautiful Autumn (or Fall as it is termed where I live) days where we can wear a sweater, jacket and warm boots and go tramping through the fallen leaves. A brief interlude before Winter sets in and a time of year that I really enjoy, with the colours of the trees, the harvest of fruit and vegetables, the corn high in the fields and acres of pumpkins ready for Halloween. A harvest festival time of year. Enjoy it!

Mis-takes

2008-09-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

Mistakes, obviously, show us what needs improving. Without mistakes, how would we know what we had to work on?

In Hollywood, mis-takes are common. ("That was wonderful, darlings. Now let's get ready for take two.") Give yourself as many re-takes as you need. Stars do it. Why not you?
John-Roger and Peter McWilliams.

Mistakes are the portals of discovery.
James Joyce.

Spokes

2008-09-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I visited a Forestry Historical Centre (forestry is a major industry where I live). It was a large area of dense huge trees interspersed with meadows and a large lake, with an old crew train that was used to transport workmen into the forest and now carries tourists, lots of old logging equipment and a well-stocked museum. In the museum, was an old steam-driven tractor with these very nice yellow painted wheels and driving gears. This was a most interesting day and a view of the past.

Playing our part.

2008-09-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts...

William Shakespeare (As You Like It).

You are your own scriptwriter, and the play is never finished, no matter what your age, position, or place in life.

Denis Waitley.

2008-08-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

Not quite Fall yet, this one was taken last year - a cold day (at least cold for where I live) and a little misty. The sort of day where it is good to get home to a warm fire and a good hot drink.

Photographing by chance

2008-08-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

Freeman Patterson, in his book "Photography and the Art of Seeing" says "Photographers who want to see in new ways should be sensitive to chance. They should encourage and cultivate it, because it is only through chance that many new opportunities for visual development will ever occur. The camera operates so swiftly that you can capture, as no other artist can, occurrences that happen by chance, or that you have caused to happen by exercises in thinking sideways. Even when you are not completely satisfied with the results, they can be instructive. They may suggest a new idea or technique which you will want to develop." Sound advice for all who aspire to great photography.

Legislative building

2008-08-12T21:13:00.000-07:00

Another new word

2008-08-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a new one - texted!
New words seem to be appearing frequently these days. We all know about Googling, Emailing and any number of other new verbs developed from nouns, but I saw a new one today in our local newspaper. There was a very sad report of a bad accident where an aircraft crashed into a mountain among tall trees. Two passengers survived and managed to get out of the wreck and realized that it would be very difficult for the searchers to locate them in such difficult terrain, so one of them used his cell phone to guide them. The newspaper report said that he "texted" them. I have not come across "texted" before but maybe it is about to join the language!

Graffiti

2008-07-27T17:19:00.001-07:00

Graffiti
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

Graffiti is becoming much more prolific. In the right place this is good, but there are other places where it is not acceptable when used to deface public property. But here is an example of a location where it is not only acceptable, but it enhances the environment for the users. This is the skateboard/bike facility, which is a large paved space with slopes, ramps and other skill-testing obstacles where young people gather to demonstrate their abilities and generally hang out. Decorations were, of course, done by the users.

Non-traditional limerick

2008-07-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

I think we have to thank(?) Edward Lear for the Victorian popularity of the limerick. But here is one he would not be happy with because it breaks the traditional scan - it will amuse you I hope!

There once was a man in Japan
Who wrote limericks that no-one could scan.
When asked why 'twas so,
He replied "Yes I know,
But I like to get as many words into the last line as I possibly can."

Peacock tail

2008-05-28T17:50:00.001-07:00

Peacock tail
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

No, this is not some big-eyed creature from Mars waiting in the bushes and ready to pounce on you. It's the eyes on a peacock's tail feathers - the ones that are so prominent when he is in mating display. There is a small children's zoo in the local park (just goats, chickens, ducks, a llama, rabbits and so on) where peacocks roam freely and are not afraid of being photographed. This one was sitting on a wire fence, so it was easy to get a close-up of the tail.

Flower and butterfly

2008-05-06T21:46:00.001-07:00

Flower and butterfly
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

Life is short for the butterfly and there is work to do. Finding the right flower is important and fortunately the photographer is there to capture the moment.

Budding spring

2008-04-03T19:56:00.001-07:00

Budding spring
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

There is a large horse chestnut tree close to where I live. The last few days have been warm and dry and Spring has officially arrived, so the tree has woken up from the winter and started to produce sticky buds and leaves. I always wonder why the buds are sticky - I don't suppose it is to catch insects, but perhaps it is to stop insects and birds from alighting on the buds and eating them. Anybody know?

Decorated piglets

2008-04-03T19:49:00.001-07:00

Decorated pigs
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

Three little china piglets decorated in multi-colours and sitting in the display window at the local Gardens. I don't know whether anybody buys these. It seems to me that they are the sort of thing that looks good when you buy it and you have all sorts of ideas as to how nice it will look in your living room, but when you get it home you wonder why you did it. However, it made a nice picture.

Wintery day on the mountain

2008-03-01T17:33:00.001-08:00

Wintery day on the mountain
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

A dull day, quite cold after an overnight frost, but worth the effort to get out and climb up an easy path to the top of Mount Douglas where the view over the surrounding landscape was impressive. It is not a high mountain, just a big rocky hill really and I must confess that there is an easily driveable road almost to the peak, then an easy walk up with even a seat at the top! I have no desire to hang by my fingers to an overhanging rock.

Daughters

2008-02-10T17:23:00.000-08:00

The father of a daughter, especially one in her teens,will find that she doesn't like to be seen walking with him on the street. In fact, she will sometimes ask him to walk a few paces behind. The father should not take this outdoor demotion personally; it is simply a matter of clothes. His are rotten. Every American daughter is an authority on fashion, and one of the things she knows is that her father dresses like somebody in the Mummers Parade.
Bill Cosby, b. 1937, from "Fatherhood"

Reflections and ducks

2008-01-31T17:51:00.001-08:00

Reflections and ducks
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

Down at the marina today, walking along after getting a coffee and there were these two nicely coloured ducks - what are they called? The ripples they made as they swam past the moored sailboats made a nice effect and a satisfactory photo.

Those Resolutions

2008-01-19T17:58:00.000-08:00

Remember those New Year's Resolutions you made at the beginning of January? How are you doing with them? Are you still keeping them? If you are like the majority of other people who have made promises to do something, not do something, improve something and so on this year, you have "fallen by the wayside" and maybe even forgotton whatever it was you intended to do! It really is not necessary to wait until a new year to decide to improve yourself, although a new year is a new beginning and therefore a good time to do so, but you can do it any time - and particularly when you feel "the time has come". But don't make huge resolutions which will worry you to death, make small ones which you are capable of achieving (nowadays this is called "baby steps"). So you may wobble a bit, you may fall down, you may even cry a little, but you will make progress. Then reward yourself, pat yourself on the back, go and spoil yourself. Then go on.

Floodlighting

2008-01-02T17:24:00.001-08:00

Floodlighting
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

At this time of year, Craigdarroch Castle is illuminated. This is a substantial heritage building constructed with impressive stonework and with some beautiful wood finishes internally, completely furnished in authentic antiques. This fllodlit view from an entrance gives some idea of the stonemason's art.

Christmas storm

2007-12-26T17:04:00.001-08:00

Christmas storm
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

A walk along the waterfront by the marina (well wrapped up against the strong winds and the cold) gave some dramatic photos of the waves crashing onto shore. Here is one where we can see just why the breakwater was placed where it is, giving good protection to the boats moored on the other side.

It's that time of year!

2007-12-22T14:10:00.000-08:00

It's the day after Christmas and all through the house
Nothing is stirring - not even a mouse.
After the turkey, the eggnog and beer
There's not a lot left of the old Christmas cheer!
We get up at noon and then stagger around
Looking for asprin which cannot be found,
Then back to the table for more of the same -
Just cannot believe we would do it again!
But Oh-Eight is coming and you can be sure
We're not going to do it like this any more.
New Year's resolutions will help make it so.....
But after a week it's forgotten, you know!

My poem, with apologies to whoever wrote the original one.

Perfection?

2007-12-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life. Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make you a far happier and more productive person.

Dr. David M. Burns

Christmas lighted tree

2007-12-05T20:39:00.001-08:00

Christmas lighted tree
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

Went out last night to see the light decorations at the local formal gardens, where the overall effect was spectacular with many coloured lights and floodlit trees. Unfortunately, I forgot to take the tripod which made a lot of views impossible to achieve, so I was limited to those available by resting the camera on posts and garbage boxes! However, moving the camera around while using a long exposure resulted in interesting views like this - a little different.

Meditation

2007-11-18T16:39:00.000-08:00

One insight gleaned during meditation might save hours, perhaps days of unnecessary work. That's what we mean when we say - from a purely practical point of view - meditation can make more time than it takes. John Roger/Peter McWilliams.

Men stumble over the truth from time to time, but most pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened. Sir Winston Churchill.

An invitation to rest awhile

2007-11-11T17:21:00.001-08:00

An invitation to rest awhile
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

Yes, I did rest awhile on this seat and looked around me at the golden trees and the leaves fallen on the ground. It was very peaceful and the sounds of the city in the background were indistinct, contributing to the atmosphere of the place. I think we all need some time to just relax and forget the pressures of living, as well as all those little problems which can grow into big ones if we let them.

Setting personal goals

2007-11-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

I know somebody who, when it's time to reassess their personal progress and then make some more goals for their future, takes a piece of paper and writes on it four to six specific things that they want to achieve. Then they fold the list, place it in an envelope, enter on the outside the date when the goals should be reached, seal the envelope and then put it away where it cannot be seen every day. Somehow (and I cannot really explain how) this exercise plants the goals in their subconscious mind and without dwelling on them, it is remarkable how many are achieved by the due date. Perhaps it has something akin to an experiment done some years ago when the college basketball team was split into two groups. Then one group practiced each day on the court while the other group did not practice, but concentrated on imagining they were playing a basketball game and shooting hoops. After maybe a month, the group who imagined they were playing were found to be considerably better at the game than those who practiced on court. The mind is a powerful tool if it is allowed to work. Denis Waitley said "Setting a goal starts with a dream, a desire for something you really want. Planning is the road map that leads you to your destination". Happy goal setting!

China mugs on the shelves

2007-10-29T21:08:00.001-07:00

China mugs on the shelves
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

Could not resist this colourful display of china mugs on the shelves in the giftstore. A friend of ours is an avid teapot collector and cannot resist buying new ones that appeal to her. Another person I know collects decorated china mugs and was enthralled with this display - all of these have a flower motif (the result of being displayed in the gift shop of a local garden) and made a nice photo.

All the rules you need to know.

2007-10-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

Rule #1: Don't sweat the small stuff.
Rule #2: It's all small stuff.

Dr. Michael Mantell.

Nice group of daisies

2007-10-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

Here's something to remind you what Summer was like in the northern hemisphere, where Fall (or maybe you call it Autumn) is with us already and we are getting our winter coats out of the closet and locating our scarves and gloves ready for colder weather. Now is the time to take advantage of any unexpected sunny day, get a coffee at your favourite coffee shop, take it outside with a friend and enjoy good coffee and good companionship.

Commitment

2007-10-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.

Goethe

Caribbean palm tree

2007-10-04T15:49:00.001-07:00

Caribbean palm tree
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

I remember this palm tree from my visit to Grand Cayman in the Caribbean last year. It was a nice time to visit, in February when it is still hot but not unbearably so, the water clear and warm and the sand pleasantly hot to lie on. During the afternoon, this tree provided welcome shade while sipping a cool drink, catching up on a little reading and planning just which of all the many eating places to have dinner at that evening.

Happiness

2007-10-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

Happiness requires courage, stamina, persistence, bravery, boldness, valor, vigor, concentration, solidity, substance, backbone, grit, guts, moxie, tolerance, will power, chutzpah and a good thesaurus. Portable Life 101.

I hate quotations. Emerson.

Unusual tree

2007-09-28T21:02:00.001-07:00

Unusual tree
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

Where I live, there are a number of these trees to be seen. They seem to have no supporting trunk, but are still quite tall and so they droop one way and develop foliage that also droops from the main tree. Very often, the whole effect is like a menacing animal crouching overhead. I wonder whether there is anyone out there who knows what these trees are called? It would be nice to know.

What do you think about this?

2007-09-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

"My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it" Mark Twain.
And as John-Roger and Peter McWilliams say in their Portable Life 101 "Your childhood is over. Your parents did the best they could with what they knew. They gave you the greatest gift of all: Life. You don't have to like your parents, but it can help if you learn to love them."
Sometimes some children may have to learn to love their parents who they maybe do not actually like. Perhaps there is, after all, a fine line between liking and loving.

Here's a great site - Bookcrossing

2007-09-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

This site, bookcrossing, is very interesting and anybody who is a book reader will appreciate what it is there for. When you read a book, enjoy it and think other people will also enjoy it, you can register it on the site and then leave the book anywhere where it can be found - on a park seat, the bus or train, coffee shop or wherever you like. Someone will pick it up, read it and do the same as you did. In theory, books can travel around the world being enjoyed! An interesting concept giving pleasure to lots of readers and satisfaction to yourself. Try it out at http://www.bookcrossing.com/.

What is this? Please send a comment

2007-09-22T15:11:00.001-07:00

What is this? Please send a comment
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

Went out for a walk this morning since it was a lovely sunny day (and the last day of Summer). I have been past this building lots of times and never looked up at the roof, but for some reason I did so today and perched on the edge was this - what is it? Seems to be a winged man, or half man and half animal. Is it mythological? Some Greek imagination? Perhaps just somebody's creation? It would be nice if someone knows what it is and will let me know to satisfy my curiosity.

Horse chestnuts

2007-09-21T17:08:00.001-07:00

Horse chestnuts
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

Yes, another sign in my part of the world of approaching Fall and Winter, when the wind is gusty and it shakes the tree branches. You have to be careful when walking under the horse chestnut trees in these conditions because the chestnuts are falling and one of those spiky nuts could do a little damage to an unsuspecting walker!

Old truck

2007-09-19T21:54:00.001-07:00

Old truck
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

There is a farm close by where we have our vegetable garden. At the back of one of the barns is this old truck which has seen a lot of use over a good many years, finally gave up and was left to spend its last days in the sunshine becoming overgrown by grass and weeds. The rust is beginning to appear on the hood and elsewhere giving us some nice colours and textures.

Flower macro

2007-09-16T20:21:00.001-07:00

Flower macro
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

Looking deep into this flower gives us a nice pattern of the orange petals with some darker shades of red. It is impossible not to marvel at the construction of a flower and a closeup view like this makes it even more impressive.

Harvest time

2007-09-15T17:47:00.001-07:00

Harvest time
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

Harvest time is an opportunity for all the local folks to get together and celebrate a productive year. In my area of Canada, the event takes place at Heritage Acres which has lots of old buildings, farming equipment, farm related antiques and artifacts, a small scale railway for taking rides on and, of course, corn on the cob, hot dogs and other delights eaten in the open air. It is a time for remembering childhood and getting together thankful for another harvest brought home.

Back to school

2007-09-13T16:26:00.001-07:00

Back to school
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

September has arrived and the schools are open again, so the children who spent some of their sunny Summer days in this play area are now enjoying another aspect of their lives. No matter what age we are or what stage of life we are at, we all know that play is just as important as learning and, of course, we can look back on those sunny days of ours when play was enjoyed and school was a long way off.

Blue hills

2007-09-08T19:41:00.001-07:00

Blue hills
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

This looks a little bit as if Fall is coming. It is a view from the summit of the Malahat Highway on Vancouver Island, B.C. taken in the morning a while ago. In the near distance are local hills and in the far distance is a glimpse of the coast mountains. This drive north from Victoria, B.C. over the Malahat has some very good views, but needs to be taken carefully since the road is a bit treacherous.

Today's "Words of Wisdom".

2007-09-06T21:54:00.000-07:00

Seek not, my soul, the life of the immortals; but enjoy to the full the resources that are within thy reach.

Pindar (438 B.C.)

Pinecone

2007-09-05T20:49:00.001-07:00

Pinecone
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

Around this time of year in my location in the world, this is a familiar sign of Fall and Winter to come. Seems like as soon as school starts again after the Summer break, the weather changes, evenings get shorter and the pinecones and horsechestnuts litter the ground. With the trees showing their golden leaves, one season passes and another waits on the threshold of time.

Dandelion

2007-09-04T21:42:00.001-07:00

Dandelion
Originally uploaded by DaveMoss2007

We have all seen dandelion seed puffs waiting for the wind (or a little person) to blow the seeds away. This one just begged to be photographed in macro and the result is quite satisfying.

Not a word of wisdom, but sounds familiar!

2007-09-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

"One word of command from me is obeyed by millions...but I cannot get my three daughters, Pamela, Felicity and Joan, to come down to breakfast on time."

Viscount Archibald Wavell (1883 - 1950)

Here's some "Words of Wisdom" for the weekend.

2007-08-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.

Somerset Maugham

Beautiful blue.

2007-08-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

Went to a local vintage car show the other day, a small affair. Among all the lovely cars, each one carefully cleaned and polished with their proud owners talking technically about things that I did not understand, was this beautiful blue car with the sky reflected in the lustre of the hood. Marvellous!

Ahh! Summer.

2007-08-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

It's almost September and those holidays will soon be another memory - and a good one I hope. Time to pick up the sandals, shake off the sand and maybe make some plans for the next vacation.