Thursday, February 14, 2008
My dad's rescued mutt, Kemo. We think she's about 12 or so now... she was found as a stray a good 8 years ago, digging food out of garbage cans during a brittle Calgary winter. She had had pups, was bone-thin, almost naked and full of battle scars.
The shelter didn't think anyone would want her, she looked and acted like a wild drowned rat - but when my dad and his girlfriend went in looking for a dog, they fell in love and adopted her on the spot (their first dog, too). She looked like she was undergoing chemotherapy, hence her name.
There is no dog more spoiled than her now... she sleeps on their bed, eats like a queen, spends her days with my dad (who is retired) so she is never alone and they spend hours walking in the fresh country air. He will lose a big part of himself when she crosses the bridge... I dread the day.
Location: Arnprior, ON
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Six-month old Dakotah zenning out in a slice of heaven. I sometimes think he is a buddhist.
Location: St-Fabien-sur-Mer, QC
My lazy little girl, wondering why I am trying to keep her awake at 1am. *grin*
Location: My bedroom
My favorite coffee cup... every morning filled with frothy hot latte - a day just cannot start well without it (specially snowstormy winter ones like today). My man gave me this for Christmas, so that I would have my very own special cup while I was over there visiting. Of course it's home here with me now, cradled in my hands. It's like holding a little piece of heaven...
Location: Montreal, QC
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I think this is a honey-bee... in any case, he sure picked the perfect flower on the perfect day to make this shot a lovely golden eyeful.
Location: Venice, CA
For the dog lovers... my two goofy "bodyguards" are in the background while their best friend puts on his best "blue steel" impression to melt the ladies' hearts. Is it working? Hmmm!
Location: Montreal, QC
...and for the cat lovers, a blue-eyed beauty sneaking a peek at the tourist (me!) ambling along the path by the sea.
Location: Riviere-Ouelle, QC
Monday, February 11, 2008
Craving the summer more and more... a pic like this is good medecine, though. It brings me back to a season I want to be in, bare-legged in flipflops, snapping happy rambly neighborhood sidewalks before stopping for an ice-cream cone. Bliss.
Location: Montreal, QC
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Missing the warm weather pretty badly right now. Sigh. I can almost feel this little beauty's soft petals on my cheek, her heady aroma making me happy to be alive on a warm summer day... is it spring yet?
Location: Montreal, QC
Ah, nothing like a good shake after a refreshing dip in the cold summer sea... oops, was that somebody's t-shirt I just flooded?
Location: Port Cartier, QC
Saturday, February 9, 2008
This is the other side of the giant (growing) mound of snow that is a bit freaking me out. It's covered in ice now, very pointy on top so impossible to climb but yet, the crazy dogs still try...
Location: Montreal, QC
If a picture is worth a thousand words... what about a picture of readables that each hold thousands of words? All wrapped in the cool summer haze of poolside bliss...
Location: Arnprior, ON
Friday, February 8, 2008
Peaceful taiji at dusk on a mild winter day, set in the middle of a gorgeous park among old world buildings. Breathe in, breathe out, be at one with the universe.
Location: Brighton, UK
My 4-legged poet in the making... breathing in the sea and just content to "be".
Location: St-Fabien-Sur-Mer, QC
Thursday, February 7, 2008
On a completely different topic... I do find beauty in simple and random geometery, lines blending into shapes blending into a elegance of colors.
Location: Venice, CA
Recurring theme of the day... light, sea and surf. Wish I were back there right now, on the pier, the warmth of my man protecting me from the bitterly cold wind. Anywhere but here in the harsh winter doom and gloom!
Location: Brighton, UK
I prefer the sea light shots, though.
Location: Riviere-Ouelle, QC
I deleted this photo because frankly, it sucked.
Move along! LOL
I love capturing rumbling, temperamental skies on film - you never know what you're going to get. This is a simple land shot taken on an ordinary day at dusk, it reminds me of the last warm autumn days of the year... sigh!
Location: Montreal, QC
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
In honor of Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain". I grew up with that song which played until the record was all scratched and the song popped - love it still today... Stevie Nick rules!
Location: Montreal, QC
Still on the theme of trains, rails and the little thing called life... what does this image evoke in you?
Location: Montreal, QC
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
I grew up next to a train yard and for me, the huge loud dirty machines, smells of diesel and oil, clanging sounds of coupling wagons and chugging engines, the smooth feel of polished rails and splitery black oily sleepers all just bring me back to a happy time in my life, no matter where I am or what mood I'm in.
Location: Montreal, QC
Knights in shining armour come in all shapes, sizes and... sexes.
Location: Brighton Pier, UK
Another one of the Brighton Laines... what can I say, I just fell in love with the place at first sight. Sigh. Am just regretting that I took some of my time there for granted and didn't explore the city as much as I could have - mind you, the weather wasn't very cooperative so let's see what happens next time I visit!
And yes, I do like to transform my photos into weird-looking bits of art, in case you wondered ;-)
Location: Brighton, UK
Monday, February 4, 2008
I am officially hooked. These pasties, made fresh daily by the famous West Cornwall Pasty Co., are a staple of the culture and history of the UK. The flaky, moist and thick crust enables you to hold the hot pasty in your hands so that the hot and tasty filling doesn't burn your fingers as you inhale the yummy goodness. There are enough flavors to satisfy any palate!
These pasties were originally "miner's lunches": portable, easy to eat and very filling; in the old days the filling was half salty on one side, and half sweet on the other: a full meal in one handful.
Location: Brighton, UK
Seek for the prey, and ye shall find. Seek for the sunshine, and ye shall be shone upon. Seek to be kind, gentle and faithful to all who cross your path, and ye shall be called man's best friend.
Location: Montreal, QC
A quaint and charming neighborhood street on a crisp winter day. I just love the architecture and how it blends in with the surrounding busy streets, green spaces and modern cars.
Location: Brighton, UK
Pursuant to the nature theme: this chubby mallard watches over his flock, ever so ready to sound the alarm if humans get too close... unless they come bearing gifts of food, that is. Tsk!
Location: Magog, QC
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Colorful and whimsical boutique window display in the Brighton Laines. I just couldn't resist!Location: Brighton, UK
Can you imagine a pile of snow blown so high, it becomes its own mountain that towers over neighboring buildings? You need to see it to believe it! It is currently 4 stories high and growing... and yes, this space is normally completely flat in the summer - this is all pure snow and ice.
Location: Montreal, QC
Delicate beauties on a mild winter day.
Location: Montreal, QC
Saturday, February 2, 2008
The Brighton Pier starlings are a world famous sight - I was very lucky to experience their exuberant flocking on a cold windy January day. They truly added a special touch to that most amazing day and this particular photo always warms my heart.
Location: Brighton, UK
Such places hold more magic for me than any fairy tale spun from books - it is real, complete with mysterious snaps and rustles, the scent of regenerating wood and leaves, and the aura of gentle calmness that surrounds you like a gentle hug.
Location: Eastern Townships, QC
A hint of summer sweetness to brighten this dreary winter day.
Location: Ste-Foy, QC
~ self portrait ~Call it fate, destiny, coincidence or just plain life... when you find a love that makes your soul vibrate and every fiber of your being resonate with a renewed passion for life: you are bound together for a long and wonderful journey, just be sure to tie your seatbelt and nevermind the maps!
Location: Montreal, QC
Friday, February 1, 2008
View from bedroom window towards the St-Lawrence seaway... rain, so cleansing - specially by the sea. This place is dear to my heart for many reasons but most specially, it was the place where a part of me died and another was reborn.
Location: Manoir de la Pointe Aux Orignaux, Riviere-Ouelle, QC
I don't normally focus on interior design and architecture, but I really loved these couches... warm rich soft suede and oh so inviting to the sense of smell, touch and sight.
Location: Manoir de la Pointe Aux Orignaux, Riviere Ouelle, QC
There's just something so facinating about junk found in wild green fields... in this case the geometry and matter seemed to fit with the surroundings so snap! Here it is now.
Location: Montreal, QC
Aftermath of a December snowstorm that paralyzed the city for days. 'Tis an eerie feeling to step out of the house and instead of the usual hustle and bustle, all that surrounds you is hushed silence, a reverence to the power of Mother Nature and her caprices.
Location: Montreal, QC
Thursday, January 31, 2008
I call her the Ying of the pair - they could not have more different personalities than if you had designed them that way for a laugh. My gentle, demure and quiet girl with the wicked sense of humor, who is as rambunctuous and rebellious outside as she is softspoken and smart inside. My snugglebunny, the old lady in a fur coat. Thank you for sharing our lives and making it whole - we love you!
My big sweet boy... there could not be a more loving or gentler soul in this bear of a dog. He greets every morning like a precious gift from above to be celebrated, every human with happy kisses and a furiously wagging bum. A romeo in love with life. My protector and my best friend. Mommy loves you soooo much!
I'm not the only one who adores wild beaches...
Location: Riviere-Ouelle, QC
I couldn't resist snapping these buggers, they seemed so happy yet so ludicrous at the same time: try me! I talk! Hmm wonder what they would say...Location: Brighton Pier, Brighton UK
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Sometimes it's not the flower that attracts your eye, but an inconspicuous burp of nature, a flaw, a bizarre coupling that, when taken in its entirety, makes absolute sense.Location: Eastern Townships, QC
Ah yes... long lazy warm afternoons by the pool, cold drink in hand and the hum of the city long forgotten when surrounded by nature and gentle lapping water. Bliss.Location: Arnprior, ON
Antique, hand crafted wooden horse head in a California back yard... the rest of the body is shaped like a barrel with a real saddle attached - a most perfect and original child's toy.Location: Venice, CA
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Is there a greater joy than exploring a bay at low tide on a warm summer night? I didn't think so!Location: St-Fabien-Sur-Mer, QC
Misty morning along the St-Lawrence Seaway - can you smell the fresh salty sea air as it moves across the wet green marshes?Location: Riviere-Ouelle, QC
Surf's up! The waning light shadows up the rising tide as kitesurfers take in some last waves before sundown.
Location: Malibu, CA
Some Brighton Laines are interconnected by old narrow passages that are great fun to walk through, unless you suffer from claustraphobia! In this particular shot the clouds were piling up, creating an eerie "calm before the storm" effect - what an awesome day though!
Location: Brighton, UK
A neighborhood building, original circa 1920's but the stairs were patched up a decade or so ago.
Location: Montreal, QC
Monday, October 13, 2003
Why another Bubblegum Blog?
I needed a big, blank canvas to go crazy on... this seems to do the trick! All the photos you see here are my own, it's how I see the world around me in all its aesthetic beauty and originality.
Enjoy your stay and do visit often, you never know what you might find! Oh and if you need to give me a shout, I'm at sparkleberrygirl@gmail.com.
