apples revisited

From the ledge of the hotel window - Bratislava, Slovakia - January 2007

How many others are enjoying the apple season?! The mornings here have a bit of coolness to them and there is a subtle change in the air. A few of you might remember An apple a day series of photographs posted in February, if interested click on the apples link in the list of labels below to see more. Also there are more photographs uploaded to flickr. Good day to each of you!

By the way, you might enjoy the following:

• SoulePapa Blogs
• This I believe: Tony Hawk
• Interview with Diana Krall

rediscovered photo

a hole in the wall - Bratislava, Slovakia - 31 January 2007

This shot was taken during our stay in Bratislava, near the hotel that acted as a home away from home for January and February of this year. In the mornings, dew drops would often cling to the spider's web, tiny spheres full of colour and reflection. In the late afternoon if the sun hit this spot just so, the stone work would sparkle and the tiny plant and moss would appear a richer shade of green.

Dedication Ceremony

A few months ago, we made a donation to the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest Program in Dad's name and a tree was planted in honour of his memory. The annual dedication service on the grounds of The Arboretum, part of the University of Guelph, is taking place as I type this post. Find more information here & here.

The University of Guelph is a place that holds many wonderful memories. Dad was with me the first day I moved into residence and both he & Mom were able to attend my graduation ceremony. It is where I met my wonderful husband (a person I love and admire, who has helped me to become the person I am today), as well as meeting two of the greatest friends I could ever ask for. I spent a great deal of time on the grounds of The Arboretum, often looking for and finding the peace and tranquility my soul and mind were desperately craving. I know Dad would appreciate us remembering him in this way.

…In dreams I hear you
Laughing and know
That you are near.
~Eden Robinson, Monkey Beach

P.S. Some of the family were able to attend the service today. My sister called to let me know that it was a very moving ceremony and the weather made for a beautiful day.

Something to watch

The War - A Ken Burns Film, should be an interesting, albeit emotional documentary airing on PBS beginning this Sunday. Listen to a review here.

hello there

A few interesting links:

The Autumn Equinox is Sept 23rd.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables guide.
An adorable hat on a little cutie.
A wall of Pez.
Lovely photographs here and here.

May the weekend treat each of you very well indeed!!

Back in Austin

I had a terrific visit with Lisa in Arlington, Virginia this past weekend. I forgot to bring a camera with me so there aren't any photos to share. There was a guided tour of the Capitol complex, very beautiful indeed. Dinner at a Moroccan restaurant, along with a performance by a belly dancer. Saturday we ventured over to the Eastern Market and enjoyed perusing the various wares of vendors, including fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as work by a number of artists, handmade crafts, and antiques. Sunday involved a visit to the Bodies...The Exhibition, what an experience! Thursday and Monday were my travelling days. It was a wonderful little holiday, Lisa always makes me feel so at home.

the pull of the waves
back thru the sound
of the stones
—Brett Brady

I like this one

The lane way up to the Romantikhotel - Salzburg, Austria - December 2006

Now that we are able to upload more photos to our flickr account, I have been slowly going through some of the photos from our stay in Europe. I just love this shot, it was taken near the inn that we stayed at over Christmas in Salzburg, Austria. It was such a splendid holiday and a gorgeous location. Don't you just love the hoar frost, it was a new experience for us. There was something so magical about it, something I had only ever read about. See more information about it here. With this photograph, it is as though I am able to venture back, if only for a brief moment.

the steady fall of the rain

Taken this Summer - Austin, Texas

A day that encourages one to slow down, to take stock and enjoy all that has been so generously given. Inspired by the following posts, Simple Me and Posh Yarn. This photo is a beauty and thought provoking as well! Children and parents, what a mix, check out this photo-blog post.

I am in the midst of preparing for a trip to visit a friend in Virginia. Looking forward to spending some time with Lisa, hard to believe it has been two years since we last saw each other. So many things swirling about in my mind, I keep adding to lists, but I can not seem to focus the energy the way I would like. A nice walk will help.

Good day to each of you!!!

between stars
and lightning bugs,
a quiet conversation

~Anthony Slauson

good things

Taken this Summer - Austin, Texas

Things that bring a smile to my face:

• picking up new books from the library
• buying my first Pomegranate of the season
• making travel arrangements to visit a dear friend
• catching up with loved ones
• my husband's laughter

Breathe deeply and slowly. And smile.
~Anonymous

A bit of colour & texture

Bedrock and lichen - August 2005 - Northern Ontario, Canada

The first few days of September

Thought a change was in order, so we decided on a more streamlined and minimalist template for our blog. We shall see how it works (feedback is always welcomed, thanks Em for the positive vote). Three day weekends are always wonderful, we enjoyed having some time to relax together. I managed to finish knitting up a pair of socks and a pair of mittens this weekend. One of each of the pairs have been complete for a month or more, needless to say finishing the pairs was very satisfying.
Em has a new kitten, his name is Milo, read all about him here. He is such a cutie!!!
Something that might appeal to anyone with children in their lives, Small magazine has released their Autumn issue, find it online here.
This photo, found on the photo blog Wink, brought back such terrific memories of my childhood. I couldn't spend enough time in trees, or on a swing.
Here is another inspiring tidbit, the latest Photo & Print Project by this talented artist.
Wishing everyone a terrific start to a new month!!!