I'd like to take this opportunity to wish family, friends, and everyone who reads this, a very Merry Christmas and Holiday Season. Regardless of your beliefs, or lack of them, it's a great time to spread good will to those around us. So, from my house to your house - may 2009 bring you love, health, happiness, prosperity and much laughter.
Last evening I went to a vernissage at "La Petite Mort" in Ottawa's Byward Market. It was a group showing of art by grafiti artists from Buenos Aires. Their favoured medium is stenciling rather than the ubiquitous spray painting we see here in Canada. The vernissage was well attended, though I can't say that particular style of art will ever be at the top of my favourites list.
We had planned to make it a night out and came with our cameras, ready to follow up with a photo shoot around the market. The weather was great and the market scene was buzzing with Harleys, Hummers, and all manner of humanity. It was a great shoot and I wound up with a nice variety of shots. This selection has some images from the art show as well as night shots ... hence the title, "The Art of Darkness".
Spring has arrived and with it, fears of flooding. Last weeks temperatures of 11°C - 14°C have really pushed the snow into rapid melt mode that has caused flooding in the city and surrounding regions. With the rain yesterday and today, many locals are worried.
© Joan AndersonIt was Sunday morning, the sun was shining, the snow was melting, and all was right in my world. The day was just right for a walk to the Byward Market and coffee with a friend at Le Moulin de Province, one of my regular haunts.
I found a table, placed my order, and sat quietly with my blueberry mouse and café au lait, soaking in the atmosphere of the market and indulging in one of my favourite pastimes - people watching. As I sipped my coffee three people entered the café and passed by my table. I did a double take. It couldn't be... could it? I watched as the group walked by, becoming more and more convinced about who I had just seen. Take a chance, Joanie, I said to myself. Go over and say Hello. I quickly grabbed my coat and camera and went in search of the party. Thinking they had passed through into the main shopping area, I walked quickly around the shops. No luck there, so I headed back to Le Province. Yes, sitting at a table next to the window was one of the women that I greatly admire. Now what do I do? Do I dare approach and introduce myself? It took almost a full three minutes for me to build up my courage, but I knew this was an opportunity not to be missed. I walked to the table and nodded acknowledgement to everyone there. "Hello" I said to the woman I understood to be an interpreter, "Pardon me for interrupting, but is this lady Kenojuak?" I nodded to acknowledge the woman sitting next to the window. "Why yes, it is." she replied.
(Image from Wikipedia)Happy St. Patrick's Day! While driving around Ottawa recently I came across this one very Irish family... well at least I hope they are Irish. No matter what you think of the decor, you can't say they aren't enthusiastic. I'll bet they are having one heck of a bit party this weekend.
