Dragonboat Season Begins

This weekend marks the beginning of season for dragonboat competitions. Each boat is comprised of twenty two people who race a straight 400 meter course . The objective is to paddle in unison with short, deep, precise strokes. A typical race takes about two minutes but by the end of those two minutes you're winded and sore. I like this sport because it brings out the best in people- generosity, fun, cooperation and friendly competitiveness.

How would you react?

>I discovered this youtube clip of Jason Mraz walking down a street in Paris just singing (yes, I'm on a Jason Mraz kick right now) His singing isn't 'in your face pay attention' kind of singing. It's almost 'talkin to yourself' kind of singing. What is curious is the reaction of the people he walks by. No one seems to pay attention, except for a child and someone near the end of the song. If Jason walked down the street here singing like that even if no one knew of his notoriety people would likely show some connection- a nod, a swagger. Is this lack of attention just a Parisian thing?

Comforting Camas

My favourite time of Spring is when the camas bloom. When I walk amid a blanket of these violet blooms I feel surrounded by my Dad. He loved these flowers and cherished his trips to Victoria just to see camas flourishing on the hillside of Beacon Hill Park.

Victoria Day Parade Slideshow

The Victoria Day Parade marks the beginning of the summer tourist season in Victoria. Victoria Day commemorates the birthday of Queen Victoria of England and Canada has celebrated this occasion since 1834. Today the rain patiently waited until the afternoon to ensure that the morning march was a success. I love watching the parade. It's fun connecting with the nostalgic quirky energy of the community. Did anyone else attend the parade?

Tulip Wonder

I took this photo in my Mom's front yard. This is the first year she has tulips in her front yard and they produced quite the show. Tulips actually originated in Turkey and Persia. The word, 'tulip' means turban. Their popularity spread throughout Europe in the 17th century. Everywhere I travel I think of tulips as an expression of gratitude since the Netherlands send tulips to various Allies as a gesture of appreciation. Come to think of it, I think I have seen more tulips outside of the Netherlands than within that country.

See The Beauty In Ugly

Ahh...the pressure of the 50th post. I didn't want to post just anything I was looking for something special, exotic, unique, an 'aha' moment. And like a lot of things in life I trip over the extraordinary and consider it a nuisance. So here's my homage to the "hideous" ~ the humble dandelion. What a phenomenal declaration of beauty. May those who happen to read this post discover beauty in the humble places. If you need perspective today listen to Jason Mraz's song, Beauty In Ugly and remember you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139).

Beauty In Ugly

she's so big hearted,
but not so remarkable
just an ordinary humble girl
expecting nothing as we're made to think
its a pretty person's world

but you are beautiful and you better go show it
go look again, you gotta be true to your own
if you really wanna go to the top
do you really wanna win?
don't believe in living normal, just to satisfy demand

well if you wanna get free
and if you wanna do the passionate thing
and if you wanna get smart for the sake of your heart
you should own your name and stand up tall
and get real and see the beauty in ugly

well you are fresh, you're face is fabulous
don't forget you're one of a kind
when nobody is checking the deeds you've done
and nobody is hearing your cries
you make all of the fashion statements
just by dressing up your mind

well if you wanna get free
and if you wanna do the passionate thing
and if you wanna get smart for the sake of your heart
you should own your name and stand up tall
and get real and see the beauty in ugly
and see the beauty in ugly

well if you wanna get free
and if you wanna do the passionate thing
and if you wanna get smart for the sake of your heart and oh
you should own your name and stand up tall
and get real and see the beauty in ugly
see the beauty in a ugly

Frantic, Chillin' New York

I agree V,
New York is a 'go go go' place.
Yet it is also a difficult place to 'nail down' definitively. It is frantic in some areas but step into a square or a park and the mood changes to a laid back 'chillin' atmosphere like the photo above taken in Greenwich Village. The people are challenging to understand too. I was reprimanded at least two or three times a day by someone who felt it necessary to tell me what I was doing wrong but I met just as many friendly, courteous, patient locals as well. Maybe the best description for me is intense. People live and communicate with a lot more intensity than I experience. That's intriguing, entertaining and exhausting.

Back From The Other Island

Wow.
New York City was beyond all my expectations.
I'm completed saturated with extravagant memories of beauty in people, nature, music, colours, smoke, and the constant vibe of creativity, communication, and consumerism. My best experience was cycling from Midtown to the tip of Manhattan-over the Manhattan Bridge to Brooklyn then back over the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan. A bicycle/pedestrian trail encircles Manhattan and there are bike lanes throughout the downtown core. A spectacular way to see the neighborhoods. I took this shot on my way back to Manhattan.

Spring Thaw

Thaw with her gentle persuasion is more powerful than Thor with his hammer. The one melts, the other breaks into pieces.

Henry David Thoreau

I'm back. I was in Alberta last week and after attending a conference, I had the chance to travel from Edmonton to Sundre to visit friends. As soon as I arrived in Edmonton I realized that I had never traveled to another province in Canada during the winter. Since I have lived all my life on the West Coast this is the first time I witnessed the promise of the 'Spring thaw' and Canadian's eager anticipation of warmer temperatures. Sundre is an unassuming small town with a majestic vista of the foothills and mountain range of the Rockies. At the local school, kids still go out at recess and practise their roping skills for the annual rodeo. Sundre, a town that urban sprawl forgot. This trip has shown me that I have a lot to learn about my own country.

Morning Reflection at Goldstream

When you put your hand in a flowing stream,
you touch the last that has gone before
and the first of what still is to come.

Leonardi da Vinci

Scent of Thailand

Forgive the touristy pic but this is what I thought of when I first awoke this morning. Well actually I smelled it. Yes, I smelled the intoxicating aromas of Thailand when I awoke just before 7:00am. Then I recalled that it was this time two years ago I was sauntering through the markets of Bangkok absorbing the unfamiliar sounds and scents. I guess it was that part of my brain that remembered this experience as I was emerging from sleep. This was taken on my first morning in Bangkok. Thailand was a less complicated place to visit (after spending time in China and Tibet) and I was immediately at ease as I took my first steps through this swarming city.

Three Personalities of The Arbutus

Took these shots with my new wide angle lens while visiting Thetis Lake. I'm still learning to increase the aperture more and adjust the angle to avoid unwanted shadows. This is the same tree species at different stages of life. Most people I talk to are enamoured with these reptilian Madronas but no one wants one on their property (except those who are full time gardeners:) because they are constantly shedding their leaves and bark.

Solemn Shadows

This was taken at Playfair Park late in the day when shadows and twilight dance on the leaves.

Beautiful Eyesore #4

Just arrived back from Portland Oregon. One of the many charms of Portland includes the building ads that adorn many of the old warehouses in the Pearl District. These unique canvases may not last as the area is slowly being gentrified. There is an interesting blog that illustrates more photos and historical info about these ads.

Silence of the bulrush

I took this photo while visiting Swan Lake for three hours yesterday morning. I am inspired by a quirky photo blog that creatively publishes pics with text. I find the combo intriguing.

Blurb Free Bookmaking Software

These photos are from a book my colleague just published using Blurb I was very impressed with the look and feel of this product and the publication price is very reasonable. Many of the photos illustrated in the book are also online but the clarity and details of these photos (or any photos) are vividly revealed when they are professionally printed. I've used photo book software before but after seeing these results I will try out blurb.

My Sedated Camera

I took the day off today and woke up early to catch a glimpse of the sunrise with my new wide angle lens. I arrived at Clover Point and quickly realized as my car rocked in the wind that it was going to be a blistery cold walk along the beach. My faithful companion ran along the path barking at the wind, seagulls, and planes. I nudged along clinging to my hot coffee cup in no hurry to compose a shot. My face and gloved fingers were numb within minutes. For the next hour I ventured along the beach watching eagles, gulls, crows surf the wind but I couldn't muster the strength to take out my camera. Well it was beautiful revitalizing way to start the day despite my reluctance to hone my photography skills. The shot above was taken on a day similar to today in January 2008 at Clover Point. I've been home an hour and I'm still hovering over the heating vent!

Through An African Lens

There is an inspiring exhibit at Dales Gallery on Fisgard St. in Victoria. The gallery is showcasing photography that illustrates life in Swaziland seen through the eyes of young people who were given 'point and shoot' cameras and directed to take photos of where they live. The photos are soul stirring portrayals of struggle and triumph. Proceeds from the sales of these photos go directly to fund the education of these youth. I was captivated by each photo and read about the hopes and dreams of each one of these young women. It reminded me of the experience of Zana Briski who worked with children in Calcutta to photograph their world. I highly recommend viewing this exhibit.

Beautiful Eyesore #3~ Corroding Mailbox

I took this shot on a hot afternoon at Vigneti Zanatta Winery. The mailbox precariously perches on the side of road. If you ever wish to visit Italy without leaving the island, drive to this beautiful valley and sit outside on the century old marble veranda, gaze over the vineyard and sip a glass of Damasco. Ahhhh....

Robbie Burns Day ~ January 25

This memorial to Robert Burns was erected in Beacon Hill Park in 1900. A putting green was created beside the memorial in 1974. Apparently, those of Scottish heritage were not amused and thought such a frivolous development was offensive. The putting green remains and it is frequently used by lots of people in the summer. Somehow I don't think Robbie would mind.