Amateur's Eye View

First Photowalk for 2012

2012-01-08T19:54:00.004-05:00

Last Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012 the weather was +3º Celsius. It was a nice sunny day. There was no chill factor as there was no gusty wind. I went for my first Photowalk of the year. My immediate first option was to go to the lake and take pictures of the sunset. My forefinger has been very stiff during the month December. And so, I decided to take HDR photos because of the vivid colour of the clouds and the reflection of the sun on the lake.

The colour of the sky was really cool! It was vivid blue which gave life to the leafless trees and brown barren ground.

The Muppet Show

2011-11-20T00:38:00.018-05:00

Taken during the Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 20, 2011. Shown in the pic are
Miss Piggy,Kermit the frog and Animal the drummer.

The Muppet Show was one of my favorite TV shows in the late 70's. And boy could you imagine! I was watching the show on a black and white television.

Giants in the Sky

2011-11-14T23:48:00.003-05:00

Stillness and Motion

2011-11-13T18:06:00.003-05:00

There is stillness even in turmoil. (D'Vinsky Code)

Everything in nature contains all the power of nature. Everything is made of one hidden stuff. (quote from the Internet)

Lest We Forget

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

The poem "In Flanders Fields" was written by John McCrae.

Waiting for a Girl Like You

2011-11-02T22:52:00.000-04:00

Unionville - October 30, 2011

Blue Hour or Twilight Photography

2011-10-25T21:56:00.006-04:00

Twilight hour is that time after dusk when building and street lights are visible
and the color of the sky has turned cobalt-blue.
(Taken on Oct. 24, 2011 from our 7th floor building.)

Nowadays, night photography has become popular and very interesting as the design of DSLR sensors has become sophisticated. Most of these newer models can take take impressive night shots even without the aid of a tripod. Sensitivity to light has been enhanced with higher ISO settings.

Normally, you use a small aperture and a longer exposure to obtain the best result. I've limited my ISO to 200 and used manual focus only.

For the above photo, I used the following settings - ISO 200, f/20, 6-sec., lens 18~200mm @ 32mm and I used tripod.


This one was taken facing East. The one above was facing South.

These are the settings for this photo - ISO 200, f/5, 1/5 sec., lens 18~200mm @ 65mm, hand-held, manual focus.

The Fisherman And The Photographer

2011-10-24T22:00:00.000-04:00

Grand Bend - Oct. 07, 2011

A fisherman can be likened to a photographer. Both of them need their respective gears to be able to enjoy its benefits. They require patience and perseverance to get a good catch. Self-discipline is always a must have. And both activities can relieve a day's stress. A "prize-catch", either a big fish or a spectacular capture of a scenery, would definitely satisfy their simple heart's desire.

The Colours of Fall

2011-10-09T00:16:00.006-04:00

Pinery Provincial Park - Oct. 08, 2011
(1/640s; f/6; ISO400)

“It's a great way to spend some time outdoors during our beautiful fall color season.” - John Griffith

Morning Glory

2011-10-08T00:08:00.001-04:00

Pinery Provincial Park - Oct. 08, 2011
(1/50s; f/5; ISO400)

“I can tell you that God is alive because I talked to him this morning.” -Billy Graham

2011 World Wide Photo Walk

2011-10-02T19:54:00.024-04:00

The little girl above is the youngest to participate. Her name is Amelia and she is just 8-years old. She was accompanied by her father to the WWPW. She had her own camera and proudly showed me her stuff.

This is my first time to attend the Scott Kelby's World Wide Photo Walk. It was raining hard when we started. But then maybe the gods above saw our enthusiasm and determination. The rain stopped after a few minutes and the group was able to proceed and take nice pictures of Port Credit. We met the PhotoWalk leader - Hope Hanson-Baker.

This was how she described it...

So, we will be taking on the fabulous “city” of Port Credit, from walking the pier to walking in some other “interesting and less explored” areas of the “downtown” of Port Credit. There are a number of interesting art installations and buildings tucked away that we will photograph and capture.

An avid photographer, wine drinking and explorer, this walk to re-introduce everyone to the joys of capturing images for the fun of it!

I took this one when I was about to drive out from the parking lot.
I knelt to get a very low angle shot.

The above photo has been post edited as an HDR.

White Night

2011-10-01T19:53:00.001-04:00

Nuit Blanche (All-Nighter, literally White Night, in French) is an annual all-night or night-time arts festival in Toronto.

Mr. Brainwash - Street Artist

2011-09-14T20:57:00.007-04:00

Giant aerosol paint cans displayed as part of the Toronto
International Film Festival (TIFF)
Sept. 11, 2011

Toronto is a city of arts...murals fill the walls of old buildings...shows and exhibits are everywhere.
Click to watch a video...

One Freakin' Sunday Afternoon

2011-08-24T09:51:00.001-04:00

Unionville - Aug, 21, 2011

One freakin' Sunday afternoon...it rained but then the sun came out. I decided to take an HDR photo of this scenery - full of lines, shades, colors, a vanishing point and a reflection.

A Fish Is Like a Man

2011-08-21T15:58:00.002-04:00

Milliken Park - Aug. 19, 2011

"A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle." -Gloria Steinem

Morning Glory

2011-08-20T09:56:00.001-04:00

HDR Photo - Sunrise at Guild Inn - Aug. 13, 2011

This is the prize catch for waking up very early one Saturday morning. The beauty of God's creation is wondrous in many ways...

A Rare Golden Moment

2011-08-19T06:00:00.003-04:00

Camera settings: Nikon D90; 1/800s; f/13; ISO200; Manual exposure; No flash; used tripod

"Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such." - Henry Miller

Lost...

2011-08-18T18:35:00.001-04:00

Camera settings: Nikon D90; 1/50s; f/6,3; ISO200; E.V. 0.0; Manual exposure; No flash; used tripod

All At Bay

2011-08-17T09:37:00.000-04:00

HDR Photography

Honor Guards

2011-08-16T09:16:00.001-04:00

Frenchman's Bay - 1/25s; f13; ISO200; F.L. 180; 0EV

Sunset at the Bay

2011-08-11T22:19:00.000-04:00

Photo was taken at Guild Inn showing sunset at Lake Ontario - Aug. 11, 2011

Sunset by the Cornfield

2011-08-10T06:59:00.004-04:00

HDR photo - Taken along Kennedy Road going North near Elgin Mills Road East
(Aug. 9, 2011)

There's Beauty After the Sun Sets

2011-07-25T23:23:00.002-04:00


Frenchman's Bay in Pickering (July 16, 2011)

Camera-Nikon D90; Exposure-15s; Aperture-f/4.5; ISO-200; Lens-17-200mm; Focal Length-18mm; Spot Metering

Playful Pisces

2011-07-24T21:26:00.000-04:00

PISCES - According to one Greek myth, Pisces represents the fish into which Aphrodite and her son Eros transformed in order to escape the monster Typhon; they are tied together with a cord on their tails, to make sure they do not lose one another. (Wikipedia)

Carefree Damselfly

2011-07-16T00:18:00.000-04:00

A carefree quality is a whole aspect of life that I will never understand. I don't think I have ever been carefree and can't see the pleasure of it. -Carter Burwell

Buzzing Admirer

2011-07-11T22:01:00.001-04:00

Flower Pot Island - July 2, 2011

Flower Pot Island is known for its adventurous trail, a natural cave formation, limestone stacks, cliffs, beautiful wildflowers and other wildlife. A totally different experience from the daily city life.

Sunken Ship

2011-07-07T22:19:00.001-04:00

Little Tub Harbor - Tobermory (July 1, 2011)

There are 26 shipwrecks near Tobermory—and those are just the ones that have been discovered. All of which makes this spot, home to Fathom Five, Canada's first National Marine Park, a haunting place indeed. (Source: Internet)

Inglis Falls

2011-07-05T23:45:00.002-04:00

Photo taken on June 30, 2011. [HDR Photo]

Inglis Falls is one of three waterfalls that surround the city of Owen Sound, Ontario and is situated south of Owen Sound on Highway 6/10, in the Inglis Falls Conservation Area. It is approximately 55 ft. high and the water comes from the Sydenham River. Access to this place is very easy and there is a paid parking lot nearby.

The Last Sunset

2011-07-04T20:50:00.002-04:00

Taken on June 30, 2011 at around 8:25 P.M.
[Setting - 1/30s; f6; ISO200; 0.33EV]

Tobermory is a small, quiet town located at the northern tip of Bruce Peninsula. It is one place where the sunset is an awesome sight to wait and watch. The community is known as the "fresh water scuba diving capital of the world", because of the numerous shipwrecks that lie in the surrounding waters. Nearby sites to visit are the Flower Pot island and the Grotto.

Bambi

2011-06-28T06:35:00.001-04:00

We went to Darlington Waterfront Trail on a sunny Sunday to take photos of butterflies. Instead, we were blessed with a surprise "catch" - a baby deer. This is my first picture of a wild deer. Nature photography is really full of surprises. (Taken on June 26, 2011)

Toronto Skyline

2011-06-26T14:07:00.000-04:00

Toronto Skyline - June 25, 2011 (taken from Tommy Thomson Park)

This is Toronto's skyline in HDR or High Dynamic Range format. It makes the picture look surreal by emphasizing the highlights and shadows all at the same time.

Rare Colored Plumage

2011-06-09T18:12:00.003-04:00


Bronte Creek Provincial Park (June 5, 2011)

The male (peacock) Indian Peafowl has iridescent blue-green or green colored plumage. The peacock tail ("train") is not the tail quill feathers but the highly elongated upper tail coverts. The "eyes" are best seen when the peacock fans its tail. (Source: Wikipedia)

Falling Sunset

2011-06-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

Edward's Garden (June 7, 2011)

Groundhog (Marmota monax)

2011-06-07T23:21:00.003-04:00

Edward's Garden (June 7, 2011)

The groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as a woodchuck, or in some areas as a land-beaver, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. (Source: Wikipedia)

All At Bay

2011-06-05T23:55:00.007-04:00

Sunset at Etobicoke Yacht Club near Col. Samuel Smith Park
in Etobicoke, Ontario (June 5, 2011)

"A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm." ~Henrik Ibsen

Golden Moment

2011-06-03T18:21:00.007-04:00

McGregor Point Provincial Park
(May 6, 2011)

“Sunsets are so beautiful that they almost seem as if we were looking through the gates of Heaven.” -John Lubbock

Sparkling Moment

2011-06-02T17:40:00.005-04:00


The subject that is in front of the lens is so tiny. It is noticeable by the sparkling dew drops.

There's beauty in little things...things we take for granted. (click to enlarge)

Click to enlarge. Nature's wonder...

Amazing! Isn't it?

Take a look at the white fibers...

Can't be seen with the naked eye...but indeed a wondrous creation.

The morning dew seems to have a mind of its own and knows where to position itself.

Really this is God's awesome wonder.

Beauty After a Rainfall

2011-05-16T22:37:00.001-04:00

"Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man's growth without destroying his roots." -Frank Howard Clark

Boys' Day Out

2011-05-11T07:53:00.000-04:00

The Mallard, or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is a dabbling duck which breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to New Zealand and Australia.

The male birds have a bright green or blue head, while the female's is light brown. The Mallard lives in wetlands, eats water plants, and is gregarious. It is also migratory. The Mallard is the ancestor of all domestic ducks, and can interbreed with other species of genus Anas. (Source: Wikipedia)

Photos were taken at Kariya Park in Mississauga, Ontario.

Double Vision

2011-04-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

“People who soar are those who refuse to sit back, sigh and wish things would change. They neither complain of their lot nor passively dream of some distant ship coming in. Rather, they visualize in their minds that they are not quitters; they will not allow life's circumstances to push them down and hold them under.” (quote)

When Time Stood Still

2011-04-25T23:49:00.002-04:00

"I have never been able to grasp the meaning of time. I don't believe it exists. I've felt this again and again, when alone and out in nature. On such occasions, time does not exist. Nor does the future exist." -Thor Heyerdahl

Soar High

2011-04-22T21:02:00.000-04:00

“The higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly.” -Friedrich Nietzsche

And There Was Light

2011-04-20T09:24:00.006-04:00

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

Two People In Every Picture

2011-04-18T22:06:00.009-04:00

Rondeau Provincial Park - Morpeth, Ontario

There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer. ~Ansel Adams

Mirror Image

2011-04-12T21:35:00.003-04:00

Point Pelee National Park of Canada

A lush Carolinian forest oasis at the southern tip of Canada, Point Pelee National Park resounds with migrating song birds in the spring, hums with cicadas in the summer, flutters with Monarch butterflies in the fall and is a peaceful place of reflection in the winter.

Located 50 km (30 miles) south-east of Windsor, Ontario, Point Pelee National Park of Canada is one of Canada's smallest national parks, and yet this tiny green oasis attracts approximately 300,000 visitors each year. For more info about Point Pelee, click here...

New Technology Meets Rustic Barn House

2011-04-11T20:59:00.002-04:00

Taken somewhere near Rondeau Provincial Park in
Morpeth, Ontario.

Northern Cardinal

2011-04-08T05:00:00.001-04:00

The Northern Cardinal or Redbird or Common Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a North American bird in the genus Cardinalis. It can be found in southern Canada, through the eastern United States from Maine to Texas and south through Mexico. It can also be found on the Big Island of Hawaii and on Oahu. It is found in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and swamps.

The Northern Cardinal is a mid-sized songbird with a body length of 21 centimeters. It has a distinctive crest on the head and a mask on the face which is black in the male and gray in the female. The male is a vibrant red, while the female is a dull red-brown shade. The Northern Cardinal is mainly granivorous, but also feeds on insects and fruit. The male behaves territorially, marking out his territory with song. During courtship, the male feeds seed to the female beak-to-beak. A clutch of three to four eggs is laid, and two to four clutches are produced each year. It was once prized as a pet, but its sale as cage birds is now banned in the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. (source: Wikipedia)

'Til The Next Season

2011-04-07T21:20:00.001-04:00

The Start of Spring

2011-04-05T07:05:00.002-04:00

The Canada Goose

2011-04-03T21:51:00.001-04:00

The Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) is a wild goose belonging to the genus Branta, which is native to arctic and temperate regions of North America, having a black head and neck, white patches on the face, and a brownish-gray body. (source: Wikipedia)

Mallard - Anas platyrynchos

2011-04-01T23:17:00.001-04:00

Mallard ducks are the most abundant and widely distributed waterfowl species in North America.

Mallards are large dabbling ducks weighing up to 1.3 kg. In breeding plumage, drake (also known as a "greenhead") is easily identified by bright green head, olive yellow bill, brown chest and blue wing patches. Hen is a mottled brown colour overall, with blue wing patches, orange and black bill and orange feet. Both have distinctive white underwings with blue speculum markings in their rear edges.

The Signpost

2011-03-30T19:52:00.001-04:00

“I believe that dreams transport us through the underside of our days, and that if we wish to become acquainted with the dark side of what we are, the signposts are there, waiting for us to translate them.” ~Gail Godwin

Cute Chickadee

2011-03-29T22:58:00.002-04:00

Chickadee (Paridae) is a family of birds comprising 53 species of true tits (titmice). Bushtits, formerly included in the Paridae, are now classified as family Aegithalidae. The common bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus), a very small, brownish grey bird with a stubby bill and long tail, occurs in southwestern BC.

Six species of chickadee breed in Canada. Black-capped and boreal chickadees (Parus atricapillus and P. hudsonicus) are widely distributed in Canada. The black-capped favours deciduous woods and gardens; the boreal is found in coniferous forests. Species with restricted ranges are the mountain, Siberian and chestnut-backed chickadees (P. gambeli, P. cinctus and P. rufescens respectively) and the tufted titmouse (P. bicolor). Chickadees are non-migratory.

Chickadees are tiny, vocal birds of scrub and forest, with stout, conical bills. Most species have striking black and white head markings; some have a conspicuous crest. (source: Internet)

Follow Your Heart

2011-03-28T16:37:00.001-04:00

“Follow your heart, but be quiet for a while first. Ask questions, then feel the answer. Learn to trust your heart.” (-Unknown)

The White Swan

2011-03-27T01:47:00.004-04:00

Nothing can stop me from my appetite to go out and take pictures - not even the cold weather of March. In spite of the fact that the month of March is about to end and that it's already spring time, the winter season seems to be stubborn enough of not going away. I was again blessed by nature with this 'nice' shot of a swan, quietly gliding through the icy waters of Grenadier Pond at High Park.

Same Goal, Same Destination

2011-03-26T14:39:00.001-04:00

Mother Nature's Art

2011-03-25T22:28:00.004-04:00

“Honesty is like an icicle; if once it melts that is the end of it” -American Proverb

Hungry Squirrel

2011-03-24T23:03:00.002-04:00

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams

Spring Sparrow

2011-03-23T18:54:00.001-04:00

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

Big Brother

2011-03-22T18:13:00.001-04:00

There's no other love like the love for a brother. There's no other love like the love from a brother. ~Astrid Alauda

Love Thy Neighbor

2011-03-21T07:06:00.001-04:00

To love our neighbor as ourselves is such a truth for regulating human society, that by that alone one might determine all the cases in social morality. -John Locke

Signs of Spring

2011-03-20T22:08:00.006-04:00

Today is officially the first day of Spring. Although it was still chilly cold, but I went out to have a taste of Spring's freshness. High Park located in the heart of Toronto is a haven to migratory birds. I was lucky to get a shot of this pretty red cardinal.

Good To The Last Drop

2011-03-16T21:24:00.000-04:00

Here It Comes...

2011-03-14T23:43:00.004-04:00

Where's the Asshole?

2011-03-13T21:18:00.003-04:00

Taken during the Annual Maple Syrup Festival in Oshawa on March 13, 2011.

Frenchman's Bay - Winter Time

2011-03-08T22:01:00.004-05:00

Nothing else to do on a cold winter Sunday afternoon, so I decided to drive to the Frenchman's Bay in Ajax, which was just a 30-minute ride from where I live. This was my first time to see the place during winter time...a picturesque scene.

One Dog Day Afternoon

2011-03-07T22:11:00.002-05:00

Even dogs went to see the Toronto Ice Festival. Some came in colours...

The one below came wearing his red shoes...

Sunday's Rare Homemade Breakfast

2011-03-06T11:13:00.007-05:00

You don't have to go out from the confines of your home to get a rare homemade breakfast...compliments of Vinoy's Carinderia.

Mellow Yellow

2011-03-05T22:00:00.002-05:00

Taken during the Ice Festival held in Toronto on Feb. 26, 2011. The table they used to display these objects were carved from a bug chunk of ice.

Ice Carver In Action

2011-03-04T21:48:00.002-05:00

Taken during the Ice Festival in Toronto held last Feb. 26, 2010. Settings: f6, 1/800, ISO800, no flash.

2011 Toronto Ice Festival

2011-02-28T00:06:00.005-05:00

Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Buffalo, New York

2011-02-24T17:25:00.006-05:00

Give Me the Night

2011-02-16T10:36:00.003-05:00

Royal Alexandria Theater - located along King St. West in downtown Toronto. A stretch of the street is considered to be part Toronto's entertainment and restaurant district.

Sky High Mirror

2011-02-15T10:21:00.000-05:00

The Smile of Winter

2011-02-10T18:19:00.000-05:00

White Topping

2011-02-09T06:55:00.000-05:00

Icicles on the Roof

2011-02-07T20:01:00.006-05:00

I took this shot when the snow was melting but the temperature dropped at one point. Thus, forming these icicles on the roof.

Canadian Toque

2011-02-05T10:37:00.005-05:00

In Canada, toque, or tuque ('tuːk), is the common name for a knit winter hat. The Canadian English term was assimilated from Canadian French tuque. Toque first appeared in writing around 1870.

The fashion is said to have originated with the coureurs de bois, French and Métis fur traders, who kept their woollen nightcaps on for warmth during cold winter days. Such hats are known in other English-speaking countries by a variety of names, including beanie (American), watch cap or stocking cap; the terms tuque and toque are unique to Canada and northern areas of the United States, close to the Canadian border. (source: Wikipedia)

Star Shaped Candies

2011-02-04T21:47:00.004-05:00

Colorful star shaped candies can be fun to take photos of. This is a macro shot showing the sugar coated surface.

Boy Toy

2011-02-03T19:35:00.002-05:00

This is a miniature model of a Sport Truck. It is part of a toy collection.

The Corner

2011-02-02T20:23:00.001-05:00

This is one corner of the house where it reflects its view on the adjacent mirror.

All The Saints

2011-02-01T21:08:00.006-05:00

One interesting subject to take photos is that of stained color windows. You can find these mostly in old cathedrals. I took this one, during the baptismal of a friend's son. Stare at it closely and you will see that it turns into a 3-D scene.

Food for the Gods

2011-01-31T21:57:00.005-05:00

Chocolate is the ultimate gift from the Gods. The taste is something that is craved, chocolate is linked to romance and is perfect for an indulgent snack, an after dinner treat or something to eat while watching a movie. But be warned, chocolate contains lots of calories and fats that could make you put on weight. (quoted from the Internet)

The Lady in Pink

2011-01-30T20:02:00.002-05:00

A Photographer In Action

2011-01-25T23:26:00.002-05:00

Just like a Boy Scout, a photographer should always be prepared in mind and body for any situation and environment.

Portrait of a Pensive Photographer

2011-01-24T22:53:00.001-05:00

It was drizzling. The autumn wind was blowing. The sky wanted to display its colors. A seagull was watching. The waves were rolling. Nature's way of talking. And one pensive photographer...all in one quiet afternoon.

Winter Nobody

2011-01-20T19:52:00.006-05:00

Nobody pays close attention to this plant. I didn't even notice it when I was taking pictures. More so, I don't know its name. From the looks of it, it's some sort of a wild specie. But then if you scrutinize and look at it, you will see a life's lesson...something to emulate from. Look at the individual parts so fragile and yet trying its best to cling to the mother stem. Tho' the wind blows hard, they try to stay as closer together. So it is with our family...we must at all cost keep it whole!

Winter Trail

2011-01-18T21:59:00.003-05:00

One Saturday morning, I decided to go out for a photo-op...and look what I've found. I was wondering - while it snowed during the night but from the looks of it, must have been a hundred people already walked through this trail. But where are all the people?

The Irony of Winter

2011-01-17T18:14:00.000-05:00

Before the winter comes, it dries up the plants; turns the colour of the surroundings from bright green into barren brown...and during winter, it covers the ground with snow and turns everything to white. The above picture shows the irony of winter - a dead branch supporting the patch of snow that will later nourish the former so that it blooms again when spring time comes.

Caught In The Act

2011-01-08T17:28:00.003-05:00

Sometimes as a photographer, you have to be at the right time and at the right place to take natural shots of things rarely seen...

A New Year's Wish

2011-01-05T21:04:00.005-05:00

Everyone hopes for something good to come and wishes the same to friends and relatives during the New Year. My New Year's wish is simple...may I be humble, happy and healthy; and may I continue to be a positive influence on other people's lives.

The Royal Archway

2010-12-28T17:03:00.003-05:00

"Senseless photographers practice random acts of beauty; intelligent photographers practice consistent acts of selflessness." - Anonymous

The Last Column Standing

2010-12-27T16:45:00.000-05:00

"Life is like a good black and white photograph, there's black, there's white, and lots of shades in between." -Karl Heiner

'Tis the Season to be Jolly

2010-12-19T14:25:00.005-05:00

Two families in Pickering, Ontario light up their front yard and house with colorful, glittering lights during the Christmas season. There is some sort of friendly competition between them. Only a house separates the two houses. People who go and view the colorful nightly display are encouraged to bring canned goods, pasta, noodles, etc... as donations to the food bank.

The Last Leaf

2010-12-18T17:46:00.002-05:00

The last leaf clings to the bough
Just one leaf, that's all there is now
And my last hope live with that lonely leaf, lonely leaf
With the last leaf that clings to the bough

Last summer beneath this tree
My love said she'd come to me
Before the leaves of autumn touched the ground, touched the ground
My love promised she's be homeward bound

Then one by one the leaves began to fall
And now that winter's come to call

The last leaf that clings to the bough
Just one leaf, that's all there is now
Will my last hope fall with that lonely leaf, lonely leaf
With the last leaf, the last leaf
With the last leaf that clings to the bough
Bough, bough, bough . . . (lyrics by The Cascades)

Reflection

2010-12-17T23:25:00.000-05:00

“There are two distinct classes of what are called thoughts: those that we produce in ourselves by reflection and the act of thinking, and those that bolt into the mind of their own accord” -Thomas Paine

A Bridge Not Too Far

2010-12-16T21:26:00.006-05:00

In life, many do not realize that we cross bridges a lot of times. Bridges may represent the trials and temptations we sometimes face. It may also be a symbol of "big" decisions we make - to cross or not cross. Getting to the other side is a way out from our troubles and worries. Bridges may connect us to our past and future - which brings to mind the lyrics of the popular song...

There's a bridge to tomorrow
There's a bridge from the past
There's a bridge made of furrow
That I pray will last

There's a bridge made of colors
In the sky high above
And I'm certain that there must be
Bridges made out of love.

Rock of Ages

2010-12-15T20:27:00.003-05:00

One Saturday afternoon in October, and nothing to do... went to a park and saw this rock formation. Must have been playfully arranged by kids who enjoyed balancing them on top of each other. In life, we must accept nature's hierarchy - that there are those who are above and below us. To those who are below, we must try to uplift them...and to those above, we must try to emulate.

Looks Can Be Deceiving

2010-12-14T08:57:00.004-05:00

Early morning shot from the 7th floor, just as the sun was coming out. However, do not be deceived. The temperature is -12° C but feels like -22° C. That's Toronto...looks can be deceiving.

GPS Can Be Unreliable At Times

2010-12-13T00:03:00.001-05:00

One Friday night on our way to New Jersey, we left Toronto at around 10:00 in the evening thinking that the weather would be fine ahead. It was not snowing when we left our place. Right after we crossed the U.S. border it started to snow and visibility was getting shorter. I could not see the white lines that divided the road and more so, could not determine where the edge limit of the pavement was.

I had to drive very slowly like a turtle and always stayed in the middle of the road. Lucky enough, there were not many cars coming from the opposite direction. As we continued to drive, I found out that our GPS was leading us to an unknown and strange place. It was taking us through small roads and away from our intended destination. I soon discovered that my GPS was not working. So much energy was spent and efforts to keep us on track without success. Good for us, we found a hotel to take refuge at 2 in the morning.

Almost zero visibility

The morning after