Joanie's Excellent Adventures: 2007

Sunday, August 12, 2007

GPS... Nope, it's not what you think.

Garlic, Puppets, Scoops - Yes, I know. It's a bit of a weird combination, but it was great to get out with friends to visit some local area festivals. Armed with wallets, coolers, cameras and a sense of humour, we headed out to see what the day would bring. First stop was the Carp Farmers Market and annual Garlic Festival.

For two days each year in August, this normally quiet village of 6500 people becomes a mecca for garlic lovers. Traffic jams become the norm as garlic worshippers stream in to claim their treasure. There was big garlic, little garlic, red, green, and white garlic.

There were long garlands, short garlands, round garlands and gigantic garlands - kids, cookies, jams, juices, darlings and doggies, and most important of all there were photo opportunities to be had.

We looked, shopped and clicked away the morning, then grabbed a quick bite to eat in the food court that had been set up outside. There were many good options to choose from, some more wholesome than others, but all very tasty.

The Almonte Puppet Festival was next on the list. We arrived about a half hour before the parade was due to start and the streets were lined with people who had staked out their spot. Being late comers were were relegated to the sunny side. It may have been warmer there but the view was just as good. I was surprised at the size and quality of the puppets. They were much larger than I had expected, and the likenesses of many local villagers and celebrities was remarkable.

Not only did they look good, but in some cases they were talented too. The balcony performance by these two drew big crowds. The cast of characters was impressive as were their comedy and singing routines. It was a job well done.

We watched for a while from the shady side then headed off for some refreshment at the local Pub. Who can resist a cold one on an outdoor patio by the river. Ahhh... summer in Ontario.

Scoops. If you haven't been to Scoops it's not too late. The tiny village of Packenham is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Situated on the Mississippi River, its a favourite place for summer bathers, and boutique aficionados in search of fine clothing and art at the foot of the historic old stone bridge. Many people drive from Ottawa and the surrounding area to swim and shop, while others come here simply for Scoops - a local business known for its wide selection of ice cream and frozen yogurt. I will personally recommend the Turtles ice cream! Now if you are looking for a photo of their offerings, you will have to wait until I make another trip. I was far too busy enjoying my treat to grab my camera and capture that definitive ice cream photo.

So there you have it. There's nothing quite like a lazy Saturday afternoon and GPS... Garlic, Puppets and Scoops. It's cheaper than a traditional GPS too.

Bridging the Gap

Last night I was witness to a major Ottawa project that literally bridged the gap between commuter safety and construction technology. A 12 member Dutch engineering team used German equipment to replace the first of several bridges in the highway that traverses the city. Over a 15 hour time span the Island Park Bridge, which had surpassed its use-by date, disappeared in the dark of night and a few short hours later the sun rose to shine on a new day and a new bridge. In light of the recent disastrous collapse of a bridge in Minnesota, the Island Park Bridge Replacement Project which used Rapid Replacement Technology brought comfort to many commuters. Under the watchful eye of engineers from around the world and hundreds of citizen observers:

the bridge was severed from the it's foundation;
a heavy duty jack topped with a huge platform (a transporter) was manoeuvred under the cut away bridge;
the bridge was gently lifted and rolled out of the way;
another transporter jacked up the new prefabricated bridge and roll it into place.

This modern day engineering feat brought back memories of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the late 1950's where similar methods were used to move houses. Homes were cut free from their foundations, houses were jacked up, rolled away, then set down again on a foundation in a new location.

The bridge replacement was exciting to watch but after having spent a full day in the country with friends checking out the garlic festival, the puppet festival and Scoops ice cream place in Packenham, we called it quits around 12:30 and headed home. Tired as I was I couldn't quite break away from it all. It wasn't until 4:00am that I dropped off to sleep, content in having downloaded 575 images from the days outing and watched the new bridge being lowered into place on TV.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Froggie Went a Courting...

Claus takes me to all the best places! This past week it was to the swamp. Yup, the swamp or Mud Lake as it is known by locals in the Britannia area. It had been quite a while since I spent time photographing nature's critters and I had a super time.

Mud Lake is home to turtles, tadpoles, would-be Princes, and a host of squirrels, chipmunks, birds and other unseen fauna. The day was hot and humid but inside the woods and along the shore it was cool and inviting as we set up our tripods, put on our longest lenses and captured image after image. Here are just a few of the critters we encountered.

It was easy to get caught up in the photography and spend all our time looking downward through the lens, but when we took the time to pull away from the camera and look out across the shimmering lake, it was a delight to see water lilies, blue sky and natures lines and forms reflected in the glassy waters surface.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Mystery Solved

Tonight the 11:00 pm news revealed the answer to my question of the day... "What the H** Was That?" At noon today, Canada's Air Force said good bye to its Commander, L Gen Lucas, as he handed over the reins to L Gen Watt. In honour of the occasion a Hercules transport plane was pressed into action and flanked by two fighter jets to fly formation over the city. What the occasion lacked in news coverage it made up for by the impressive show of might.

What the H** was that!!!

I was working at my computer shortly after noon today when I heard the rumble of jet engines. They sounded very low and very close as they approached from the south east. When I stepped out onto the balcony of my 16th floor apartment, the source of the rumble was evident. There, flying at what appeared to be only a few meters away, was one large passenger sized jet being escorted wing-tip-to-wing-tip by two intiminatingly close fighter jets. It looked very much like a Snowbirds flying configuration, but these were not Snowbirds. The planes were in sight for perhaps 20 seconds as they raced by in formation - a manoeuver in which the two fighter jets appeared to steer the big fellow towards the north, away from the Parliament buildings. Parliament is easily within sight from my balcony, a mere 5 minute drive or a half hour walk from my home.

In light of past events and constant media hype it certainly got the heart pounding. Attempts to find any word of the happening on the news or web have so far failed. Perhaps there will be word later today.

What a great photo opportunity missed. My camera was not at the ready - besides, by the time I saw what was happening, the moment had passed.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Market, Memories, and Moments in Time

If you haven't been to Ottawa's Byward Market in a while, summer is a great time for a visit. The area is alive with colourful market stalls, entertaining buskers, and an abundance of restaurants, bars and coffee houses. One spot worthy of a visit is Memories Restaurant, 7 Clarence Street. The food is good and the dessert is divine, so when you get an urge for something decadent, Memories is the place to go. As well as featuring luscious desserts, the restaurant features art works by local artists. I am delighted to have my photography on display in their indoor gallery until around the end of July.

Memories Restaurant, 7 Clarence Street, Byward Market, Ottawa

Photographs by Joan Anderson

The images capture moments in time... time spent in Ottawa, Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, and Canada's spectacular Baffin Island. Why not drop in for lunch or coffee and a dessert while you enjoy the view. All images are for sale, along with photo cards you will find at the counter. Enjoy.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Fun in the sun with Friends from Downunder

For almost nine years I called Brisbane Australia home, and only returned to Canada two short years ago. It's never far from my mind, as are the great friends I left behind. Tonight I had a pleasant reminder of my 'other' home when an e-mail from my friend Richard, a fellow photographer, made a noisy entrance into my Inbox. Richard introduced me to a local photography club where I met and made more new friends.

We had a grand time and I thoroughly enjoyed our photographic forays that gave me an opportunity to learn not only about the area but also about photography. We'd drive a bit and stop to check out the local sites, searching for photo opps as we went.

We found windows with bullet holes...

And characters with caps...

before sliding on home at the end of the day

with smiles on our faces and photos this big!

It was great to hear from you Richard. The pubs just aren't the same over here. Remember, when you or any of the gang are over this way, you are always welcome at my new home.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

A Time for Reflection

This past week has been a quiet one, a time for reflection. July 7th marked one year since my Dad died. We love you Dad and miss you terribly.

The week was not all tears though. The scale was balanced by two very positive events.

GALLERY EBA

I was delighted to have six of my images included in a photographic show at the EBA, a well known gallery in the Ottawa art scene.

PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE FARM

The second event was a photo shoot for some friends of mine at the Experimental Farm. They have two wonderful grandchildren who were a delight to photograph. It had been a long time since I was around little ones and these two, aged two and a half and one, were like little butterflies... only alighting for a second as they flitted around from one spot to another. Constantly in motion, they darted about checking out everything within running distance.

For the first time in many years, I too had the opportunity to check out cows, sheep, horses and rabbits; to walk in the park, smell the roses, and eat a few french fries that escaped becoming food for the gulls the little ones took great delight in chasing.
© Joan Anderson

Monday, July 2, 2007

Rainbow In My Backyard!

It has been raining off and on all day long, just like the weather man forecast. Not what I wanted to hear I thought as I sat watching the evening news. Then out of the corner of my eye, a sudden change in the quality of light caught my attention. I turned for a better look and stopped dead in my tracks.

WOW! And it's soooo close!

Ribbons of colour were literally sitting outside my window. A rainbow had come to rest in the backyard of the house across the road, and a second waited further to the south. What a treat - and I'll bet the owners of the home weren't even aware of the gift Mother Nature had given them on loan. For them a missed moment in time, and for me one of life's more colourful moments. Perhaps it was meant just for me.

Happy Canada Day!

Yesterday was party time in Ottawa. This little one had a super view of the celebrations taking place at Parliament Hill from atop Dad's shoulders.

I headed out about 10:00 am with my camera to checked out the sites at Majors Hill Park, Rideau Street and Parliament Hill. The crowds where huge, the talent was impressive, and the the masses were happy, well mannered, and full of pride in our great country.

From the time I hopped off the bus in the city centre, I experienced the generosity and power of advertising of some of the largest corporations in the area. First off the mark were some energy and high-tech companies who joined together and gave away thousands of T-shirts emblazoned with the Canadian flag and Canada Power... in both official languages of course. Next was the dairy industry and St. Alberts handing out free packs of cheese curds. Via Rail trumped them all by going green and giving away free maple trees. Mine is destined to become a Bonsai.

After wandering the streets in search of the definitive Canada Day photo opp, I found myself at Majors Hill park listening to free concerts and noting the pride with which new Canadians from all nations were wearing red to celebrate the day.

The band shell had great entertainers from across the country, notably one talented group that called themselves Red Maple Song Circle.

Taima from Nunavik, sang about her mother's recent passing, and Jay Knutson from BC sang of his Scottish ancestors putting down roots in Canada. Knutson's sense of humour was evident when he spoke of his ancestry. In addition to being part Norwegian, he is also of Scottish and Micmac descent... he calls himself a Mac Micmac.

It was a great day and all sorts came out to party. There were face painters, Snowbirds, smiling ladies, and the RCMP. And just in case you were wondering, Elvis was there too, wearing nothing but the Canadian Flag. Oh yes... what would a party be without a couple of British acrobats wearing nothing but their national flag! Hope you had a good one.

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Everything Old Is New Again

Having rented a car for the weekend, I stopped by to visit some long time friends in the neighbourhood where I previously lived for 21 years. Audrey and Bob were packing the car to for a visit to Ingleside, but stopped to have a chat before heading out. As they spoke about their fact finding quest to uncover their roots, they mentioned a series of novels written by a local writer, Maggie Wheeler. Maggie is a fiction writer who sets her stories in the The Lost Villages of Farrans Point, Altsville, Mille Roche, Moulinette and Dickinson's Landing. All six villages were flooded when the St. Lawrence Seaway Project was undertaken in the 1950's.

I grew up in Iroquois, one of two villages that survived, but only because those homes deemed sturdy enough to be moved, were painstakingly picked up and deposited a mile or so northward where they were relocated in the new village of Iroquois.

Morrisburg, the second community, suffered to a lesser degree as more homes could be left in place. The villages were able to keep their names but lost was the character, feeling of continuity and perhaps the spirit of some of the older life-long residents of the village.

The next day I drove the 90km to Iroquois to visit Mum. As I sat in her living room catching up on the latest news, my eyes scanned the coffee table and there, to my great surprise, was a copy of All Mortal Things, by Maggie Wheeler... and it was a signed copy too. The preceeding week, Mum had attended a dinner where Maggie was the keynote speaker. She won the door prize. To make things even better, Mom had also been given a Christmas present of A violet End, another book in the series. Serendipity. One day I learned of the books, and the next I came face-to-face with two, without having had to look for them. With the promise of retuning both in good order, I headed home with what would be the start of a nostaligic trip to my past.

This morning I sat on my balcony overlooking the Rideau River, lush green parkland, and the noisy Vanier Parkway. I sat entranced by the rich storytelling of Maggie Wheeler. The storyline is purely fictional but the geographic setting and placement in time are historically factual. As I read I frequently lost attention when passages and descriptions triped my mind to my youth growing up along the river, and to the part that Iroquois and my family played in the great St. Lawrence Seaway project. Reading this book I was reminded of an old song. It is true - everything old is new again in this new novel of crime and mystery set in the lost villages.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

It's Happening Right Next Door...

They've started and things will never be the same again.

I've lived here for 2 years and truly enjoyed the great unobstructed view and morning sun shine pouring into my bedroom window. I've watched the sun rise, the morning mist roll in, and the birds soar in the thermals, but this will all soon be gone. The field has been used for years like parkland and was a great place to walk the dog and let the kids expend some of their excess energy. No longer. A big housing complex is underway. When complete, there will be lowrise buildings at the far end of the field and a huge 23 story building sitting nose to nose with me.

Now I wake in the morning to the relentless noise of heavy equipment as it strips away a generous layer of soil. The site was once home to a garbage dump so the earth must be carefully removed to keep toxic dust at bay. I wonder what would keep the machines at bay?

It's gonna be a long and noisy summer... well a long and noisy couple of years, but who's counting. Bummer!

Ottawa and the Byward Market

With cooler temperatures today, it was a great day to walk to the market.

Summer berries, cherries and bedding plants fill the stands, and kids now out on summer holidays wander the streets in small tight groups. If it's a 'gaggle of geese', it must be a 'giggle of girls'. It's good to be there on a relatively quite day for that will soon change. We are only 3 days away from Canada Day. I'm looking forward to getting out with my camera to wander the streets, check out the activities, and try for that definitive Canada Day image.

Overheard

In the washroom of McDonald's eatery... female rapper who could rival many of the well known recording artists. I'd love to quote her but I'd be banned from this forum. Rap is not my favourite form of vocals, but content aside, I couldn't help being impressed by her talent.

Walking home... Comment made by man trying to direct his unleashed dog back home. "He's not mine. I'm his."

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Bali Celebrates Galungan

Bali, one of the very special places on this planet, celebrates Galungan today, June 27th. It is one of the most important religious celebrations of the Balinese calendar and honours the ancestors as they return to their former homes. It is a time for celebration, prayers, offerings and entertainment.

To honour their return, the men create special gigantic offerings called Penjors. Tall bamboos are cut and stripped of their leaves, then the top is bent to the ground and tied in place for several days so that a permanent downward curve is formed. They are then cut loose and leaves, sheaves of rice, and coconuts are tied to the pole for decoration before the penjors are raised into place on the street in front of each Balinese home.

On rising the morning of Galungan, the streets are alive with rich colour steeped in tradition, honour and artististry that is unrivaled in Canada. I have had the honour of being in Bali for this wonderful celebration and was able to photograph the event.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Pangnirtung here I come ...

Yeaaah! I'm heading north again in September. Aeroplan just confirmed that I snaged one of two frequent flyer seats available daily on a First Air flight to the Arctic. Three hours flying time will get me from Ottawa to Iqaluit (1,302 miles) where a 50 seater twin prop makes the 1 hr flight to Pangnirtung - weather permitting.

Pang is an isolated Inuit community about 50km south of the Arctic Circle on Baffin Island in Canada's spectacular north. My first trip there was in October/November last year, 2006, and what a super experience it was! Nestled on the shore of Pangnirtung Fjord, and backed by rugged mountains of the Arctic Cordillera, the entire village enjoys spectacular views, occasional visits from Polar Bears, an abundance of wildlife, and is home to some of the best carvers, printmakers and weavers in the Arctic.

If you would like to see more of the north, check out the "Gallery" section of my website at: www.JoanAnderson-Artist.ca

September is still a few months off though and now is the time for me to enjoy my summer and soak up the southern sun. In contrast to Pangnirtung where todays temperature is a balmy 5C or 41F, Ottawa is hot and steamy at 35C or 95F. Many will be moving at a slower pace today, while others will either stay inside or seek out those cool airconditioned oases.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Dragons and Drums

It was my first time there and it more than met all my expectations. Armed with camera, lenses, tripod (which I didn't use) and a healthy dose of curiosity, I made my way to the shore to check out the boats. Having a rather large camera and long lens slung round my neck turned out to be a big advantage. As I stood at the barrier erected to separate tourists from the boats and equipment, a volunteer from one of the major sponsors of the event approached. He had spotted my Nikon and kindly asked if I would like to go beyond the barriers and take a closer look. How good is that, I thought to myself. Walking out on the docks I had the opportunity to take a close-up look at the magnificent dragon boats, snap a few photos, and hear more about the boats and history behind them. It also provided me with an introduction to the Press Tent and opened the door to an even better photo opportunity. Being a freelance photographer has it's advantages. Soon I found myself in the company of five other local photographers sitting on the bay at the finish line, ready to photograph the boats as they swooshed across to victory!

Joanie's Excellent Adventures