The Gift of Wonderment

One of the things that I most love about photography is how it develops your eye. Since I have begun taking pictures, I have noticed that I pay more attention to the world around me. I notice that strange bird perched high on the roof top, or that piece of concrete that is a different colour than the others, or the strange light that is coming from an unknown source. It has given me the gift of taking the time to be an active part of my surroundings, so much so, that I do it even when I don't have a camera in my hand (and usually in those moments I wish that I did).
I have been immersed for the last two weeks in inspirational discussions about teaching and learning. One of the main points that so many of us seemed to echo, was that children often lose (or get trained out of) that sense of wonderment and discovery as they get older. What a sad thought as a teacher. But, I have been pleasantly surprised in myself, that I still hold a small piece of this in my curiosity and observations of the world, especially when I am taking pictures.
So here are a few of my favourite shots that show ordinary objects through a slightly less ordinary perspective.

Tutus

Tree bark

Seeds

Twisted Fallen Tree

P.S. As a side note, all the inspirational discussion I have been privileged to be a part of over the last two weeks has actually inspired me to start another blog (well, the thought is there anyway, cause we all know how good I am at keeping up on postings). I will keep you posted if it ever comes to life.

Sunspiration

The bright sunny weekend (not to mention a big flashy pop-up from blogspot) has inspired me to do a blog makeover. This background and layout just seemed to suit me and my photos so much more, also it finally feels like summer here this weekend and so it also suits my mood. I am sure (as any of you who know me can attest to), I will change it as soon as something new and exciting pops up (much like my hair, shoes and clothes)... I get bored of looking at the same thing rather quickly.

So in honour of the new look and finally feeling like summer is actually here... a giant statue of a boy in an ice cream cone!

This photo was actually taken with my wonderful Pentax K1000 (with which I have now fallen madly in love). The biggest benefit of it? The zoom lens (which is not a luxury that I have on my Olympus Pen F). Focusing is a bit harder, it is significantly heavier than my Olympus and I am still getting used to all the settings, but the ability to zoom has come in handy on several occasions. Also, since it is a full frame, it offers a whole new world (and challenge) of framing.

Mmmmm.... ice cream.

Daisy May

Ever since I was little, daisies have always been my favourite flower. I remember looking at the photos from my parents' wedding; my mom in a long peasant style gown, with her flowing hair, holding a bouquet of daisies. It always struck me as so simple, so romantic. And although, as I grew older, I never sought out that "hippy-love" look in my own life, daisies always made me feel contented and at peace when I saw them. I love bouquets of colourful wild flowers and I appreciate the beauty of a delicate orchid and the scent of a vibrant rose bush, but the beauty in the simplicity of a daisy, for me, is unrivaled. My eye is always drawn to them no matter where we are.
It is one of the reasons why, I have decided that they must absolutely be a part of my own upcoming wedding. Who knows, maybe one day my own daughter will look at my photos and decide that daisies are her favourite flower...

Statue stability

Since the weather in this town has seemingly developed multiple personality disorder (I swear, half of the day it is February, and the other half it May)... I have decided to post on something that is unchanging - public art. Vancouver has a plethora of public art scattered around the city... some good, some not so good, but at least it makes you stop and think. It is a constant that you can admire in any weather. These are a few statues around town that I found amusing.

P.S. Jeffrey clearly likes the statues as well.

To snow or not to snow...

Well clearly I spoke too soon and my hopes for a nearly summer weekend have been washed away (literally) by the rain. And although I know that I am very lucky to live where I do and to have such generally mild weather patterns, the cold, pouring rain does make me slightly nostalgic for the crisp, clear, sunny days of the winters of my childhood (and also my Alberta Christmas vacation which is where these photos were taken).

Well, I guess the grass is always greener on the other side isn't it? (And since the grass is actually very green here right now, I should just be happy and enjoy what I've got!)

And it was all yellow...

The sun has been shining for the last two days and it makes me hopeful that summer is just around the corner. And I believe that no colour screams summer more than bright yellow. Maybe if I just believe it hard enough, it will come true.

Canine Companion...

On a rainy and blustery day like today, I find myself wishing that I could have a pet even more than usual. A dog or a cat that loves you unconditionally and will curl up on the couch with you is just good for the soul. Just the act of petting an animal can lower your blood pressure and put you in a better mood.

Since I don't have a pet of my own, I take any opportunity to love other people's pets... whether it be a random cat on the street, a friend's dog or one of the adorable family puppies above (Jeremy & Bubba), I can't resist a good canine snuggle.