31. Time for another Painting

Not knowing where I would find an interesting photo subject today, decided to meander down the hill as it looked like there was a nice fog bank that would echo the feel of this gray day. It’s chillier than yesterday and I was glad to have my warm scarf wrapped around my neck. A pair of gloves would have been helpful too, but think I can do without them.  The coolness reminds me that it is still January and spring is a ways off yet.

As I walk closer to the water, I find that it isn't that interesting, the fog bank was just an illusion and is a bank of clouds instead. Therefore, I turn myself around and start to trek back up the hill, slowly passing the shops along the way. A flower shop had set out some posies in a planter and I took my first photo of the day. Then snapped several more photos, thinking how I might transform this into a pastel painting.

My mind is on art today and because of that had planned a trip to the library to check out some art magazines. I think the flowers would work quite nicely as the subject of a pastel painting.  The composition may be changed somewhat or maybe I’ll just go with the arrangement in the photo.  After uploading the photos, I did a little cropping to see what one flower would look like on it’s own and either way, cropping or not, it will be my next art project.

30. Laying Tracks

“Hmm,  what’s a truck doing on the tracks?”.  In the distance, I could see a light from what looked like a semi truck on the train tracks, pulling a long train of open cars behind it. The beach promenade was busy with throngs of people taking their daily walk. It made it difficult to see what was ahead on the tracks.  As I drew closer I could see the train with it’s cars carrying four long replacement tracks. But no replacement was going on. The track was just being readied for placement.

Stopping to watch this work being done, I assumed that eventually they would move the train away from where I could gain access to the beach. While waiting for the train to move along, I snapped this seagull hovering in front of a fellow throwing bread crumbs. As there were numerous grey cars parked in the background, Mr. Seagull, didn't show up that well.  Paint.net came to the rescue and the background has been tweaked and his buddies were removed from the photo.

The train was moving again, and I was on my way to the beach.

29. Beach Clock

White Rock Clock

“Get Lost in the Beauty that Surrounds You”,  is the inscription on the clock that overlooks the White Rock Beach Pier.  So easy to do, so many times, I’ve walked by this clock and never stopped to read the face of the clock.  When I was making my way towards it, thinking that I would snap a photo of only the clock and maybe the flag in the background, it seemed natural to include the pier, the railroad crossing sign and the lamp. Around the clock there is an informative lookout platform that describes the various birds and sea life found in the area.  

The saying on the clock must have been added later, as an early picture of the clock didn't have any inscription. I felt lucky to get this shot without someone in the way, as there were lots of cars and foot traffic today.

28. 351 to Vancouver

Reading my book on the way in to Vancouver today, I realized there were a few photo ops, although I wasn't sure how the photos of the freeway would turn out.  It shows the traffic just around 8:20 am, not long before an unfortunate fiery crash on Highway 99 that closed the freeway in both directions. The bus I was on, was not full, and I had both seats to myself. A pleasure not often found on the 351 during rush hour.

As the bus left the freeway for the one stop at Steveston, I spotted this heron

running along the verge towards the freeway. He looked very much like a Roadrunner.  




The last photo was standing at the bus stop and the planes are making their descent into YVR. Unfortunately, didn’t get a picture of the largest plane that flew overhead and was very close to the top of the building.

27. Not a Concession

A compromise, a deal, a grant, permission to purchase a ticket at a lower price because I’m older, that’s what I understood Concession Fare on Transit meant.  Not to the person who I tried to buy my FareSaver tickets from at Save-on Foods.

Deciding it would be quicker to jot into Save-on Foods and pick up my book of Faresavers for my trip to Vancouver than go the extra few meters to Shoppers Drug, turned out to be a mistake.  The lineup for  Customer Service wasn’t long, but a fellow who thought he got gypped out of a price savings on his dog food, was making a big deal out of it.  If I had been paying attention, I would have sided with the fellow, instead, went to a cashier, as they can provide the Faresavers as well.

Ah, no line up, perfect, should be quick and easy. I asked the cashier for One Zone Concession Faresaver booklet.  He brought it back from the Customer Service area and charged me $21.00 instead of $17.50.  It took me a moment to realize they were Adult Faresavers.  To which I said,

“Excuse me, but you have the wrong ones, these are Adult Faresavers”.  

“No, these are the right ones”.  

“You mean they've gone up in price that much?”

He nodded and just said emphatically “These are the right ones”.

“Would you mind checking with Customer Service?”

“No”

Puzzled, I repeat back to him “No?”

Rather than carry on with the argument, I asked for a refund.  He advised that he didn’t know how to refund!  By this time, my mouth has dropped open and it feels like an incredible no-win situation.  

Over to the Customer Service and when the cashier explained that I wanted a refund she just said “Oh, you want Concession, ok”.  No, I’m sorry, we've made a mistake.  My face must be verging on a bright red by now, as I’m completely teed off.  No apology is sent my way.

Before leaving the store, I march over to the cashier and show the Concession tickets to him. He brightly says "oh, okay, now I know". I said "Don't you want to say something to me?". He looked blankly and I said "Sorry?". He gives me a shrug and "sorry". People that are lined up at his till are probably wondering why I'm haranguing this employee. Unfortunately, I live near here, so will have to go back to the store.....eventually. I leave, feeling as if I've done something wrong and not the other way around.

26. Horses and Ponds

Not far into our Campbell Valley Park walk, we came to upon a bridge that has a beautiful view of the sun glinting off the water and a small arched bridge off in the distance. Immediately took a few photos and hoped they would turn out, as I was shooting directly into the sun. We continued on our way along the Shaggy Mane Trail, aptly named, as there was piles of horse manure every few feet.  

Not that long into our walk, along came a couple of horses, with only one rider.  The one horse looked a little skittish, so decided not to scare it with a photo. The good karma, for not scaring the horse, paid off and along came two horses with two riders this time.  The riders were very friendly and even offered to post for a photo, however, my friend was on the other side of the horses and I was left with the back end of the horses.  This shot was taken while they were approaching and I particularly like the gate in the foreground, as it has a country feel to it.

All in all, a good photo op on a warm winter day.

25. It's Snowing!!

My task is clear, I know where I’m going, then all of a sudden, I’m drawn into another world.  It’s late January and temperatures are higher than normal, so says the meteorologist. Over 14 degrees Celsius and still rising!  But I manage to find snow on this spring like day.

Meandering along the sidewalk, I stop to take the odd photo, knowing that my destination isn't far. I've just taken a photo of some extremely “cutsie” dogs painted on the side of a hydro box and think, this is great.  If I fail on my intended mission, I will have this in my back pocket.  Not far from there, I see a path leading into a park.  The sign indicates it’s the Dr. R. J. Allan Hogg Park and from the entrance it looks small and kind of plain, a small field of grass in the distance.  Curiosity pushes me on, and I’m very glad for that, as I see under a tree… snow!  Snow Drops to be exact.  They’re just blooming, so I switch my camera to Flower mode, how handy, and snap away.

Continuing on my way, I stop to talk to a woman walking her dog, who is also taking photos of the area.  She tells me that she lived in the area for 23 years and moved away last year.  Her dog loves this park and so she brings the dog back on a regular basis. The Dog, apparently, gets quite excited about coming back to his old neighbourhood.  He stops to sniff my leg, to see if I’m familiar and loses interest in me quite quickly.  

Before I leave, I snap a few more photos of the park, it’s very peaceful and there are benches and picnic tables placed under the trees and near the garden area. The park has a very Zen feeling and I’m extremely happy I stumbled upon it.

My secret destination I started out to visit will wait for another day.

24. Stair Angles

After spending some enjoyable time sketching this morning, went out for a walk to find the photo of the day. Really liking angles drew me to this photo and I could see its potential for being part of an abstract painting. The S curve in the wrought iron work gives relief to the angles. Cropping the excess space seemed to give more definition to the spaces and a splash of colour around the border was used to enhance the tones.

23. Pineapple Express

“It doesn't rain in White Rock” I said to my dental hygenist yesterday. Karma may be teaching me a lesson today! The Pineapple Express arrived with a vengeance. I tried capturing the rain against the background of a tree, which did not work. Trying to figure out how to capture rain in a photo, I resorted to reading online about how to photograph rain, then went outside once more.  

Rain was pelting down and the wind was howling, therefore, decided I might capture the downpour in this photo of rain streaming off a nearby roof. As I wasn't sure that this photo would turn out, I went a little further and snapped a photo of the oncoming traffic and the car's headlights reflecting the rain, but the photos are rather plain.  Interesting subject though and I will try again for some rain shots, as I’m sure I’ll get a chance.

22. Nefarious Schemer

"Most likely has criminal intent on her mind", this is I believe my label while I wait for my appointment in the X-ray department. Being over 65 probably was the give away although I believe that the majority of women are over 65 who wait with me.

A strikingly stylish, regal looking woman, with a very expensive wardrobe and handbag, takes a seat kitty corner to me in the waiting room.  She places her handbag in the middle of the adjacent seat and picks up a magazine.  The reason to place the handbag next to her, is likely because she wouldn’t want the handbag to crease her lovely garments, I would think. My assessment was done with a couple of glances, no long stare or gawking.  

As she helped herself to a magazine, I decided to do the same, although, they were just out of my reach.  In order to get closer to the magazines, I decided to slide over to the next seat.  While sliding, I noticed the stylish woman reach down to her handbag, zip it up, pull it closer to her and put her arm through the handle of the bag all in one fast, fluid movement! The handbag was safe from me! She never looked up from her magazine, this was all done with her peripheral vision.  Apparently, I was the threat, there was no one else nearby us! 

I chuckle to myself, and wonder what makes me a threat?  I have my best leather boots on, Calvin Klein jeans, a nice khaki carcoat, ah, my handbag.  Of course, it’s red and it’s faux leather, obviously the handbag of a criminal! I quickly grab my notepad and take my photo of the day.  I’m too worried that there is a flash and she might scream that I’m taking photos, so limit it to the one quick shot.

21. Danger High Voltage

This brightly painted water fountain is in a park like area that houses one of White Rock’s water reservoirs.  The water fountain may have been the old pump variety, and now looks very old fashioned and colourful although on closer inspection, it’s been turned into a garden container.  The dirt is in the bowl, no flowers yet, but I envision, flowers flowing from it during the summer and look forward to another photo.
I noticed that not far away, a bench awaits passersby to relax and while they sit they could gaze upon the water fountain.  

Disconcerting though to see very, very close to the bench a grey locker with DANGER High Voltage signs. Would anyone really want to sit there?

20. Duck, a Seagull

On my jaunt down to the ocean today in search of a "photo a day" , I took a different path. There were beautiful panoramic views of Mt. Baker, the ocean, the bay, all quite breathtaking. White Rock unfortunately has a lot of overhead wiring... everywhere... tons of it. Each photo I took was riddled with wires. 
Giving up on that idea, I continued on down towards the water and out onto the wharf. Living near the water affords lots of opportunities to view seagulls, ducks and crows.In this photo, there are all three, although the crow out on the rocks is barely visible.  As I snapped this photo of Mt Baker in the distance, these two seagulls swooped down, trying to see what tasty fish the ducks are finding. Their wings are skimming the water with not a care in the world. Although, that's probably not true, they would be foraging for food all day long.

19. Crows Among Us

Wholly Crow! These crows are getting quite comfortable and tolerant with us humans.  My objective is to get as close as possible to one of the two crows and take advantage of the sun glinting off their shiny black feathers. As I slowly edge my way up to this first crow, he kept picking away at the grass for juicy European chafer grubs. Oblivious or dismissive, not sure which is the case here, the other crow is even more amenable to a photo shoot.  My Nexus 7 is very quiet, so it doesn't seem to startle the crows, allowing me to walk up quite close. Not being used to the settings on the N7, wasn't able to get the clearest close up. After checking out the photo, turned to try and take another one and the crows had had enough, and off they flew.

18. Johnston Hill

After a windy, rainy night and threatening skies in the morning, the sun broke out in the early afternoon. Although this looks like the streets are abandoned, the streets are never very busy on a Sunday here in White Rock, making it easy to get this shot.  I would have liked more detail in the buildings on the shadow side of the road, but the sun was shining in my eyes, making it difficult to see the scene. The blue flags give an added splash of colour and think it would enhance the photo if these were more prominent. My preference would have been to include a couple of people with a dog walking along the sidewalk, or a small car driving down the hill toward the beach with a sailboard on top but there was no one in the vicinity and not sure how long I would wait for that photo!

17. Rock Garden

It was raining lightly when I saw the bright green moss on this large rock. It may have been the reason the green looks so fresh.  Passing this tiny park, I noticed that stuck in the ground behind and off to the side of this rock is the head of a shovel.  No doubt someone’s hard work broke off the handle and they decided to plant the shovel head instead of carting it off for recycling.  

There’s also a pile of rocks, which at first I thought was an Inukshuk, but upon closer inspection, it’s rocks are made to look like someone is kneeling with their arms out.  A Canadian flag was in it’s arms, so not sure the significance of this plea. 

Further along a wooden bench is snuggled up to a bush.  I noted a small white lattice stuck in the ground, which makes me wonder if someone has adopted this garden and is caring for it anonymously.  It doesn't look professionally cared for, as it doesn't have the strict planting lines and orderly demeanour that is usually seen.  Rather,  its randomness conveys some love has gone into caring for this small garden.

16.Black Mt. Pastel

Black Mt. by Jan Davidson

While hiking last August, snapped a photo of this small island in one of the many lakes on top of Black Mountain.  The small island and dark forest backdrop drew me to this scene. Only a week prior to our outing, my sister and I discussed painting from a backlit photo.  We both feel it can result in a dramatic painting.

It is difficult taking a good photo of this painting and I believe the reason is that I expected the painting to be much better. In fact, the areas where it could be improved seem to stand out more from a photo perspective.  There may be some way of providing better lighting to take a photo of a picture and will do some research before my next pastel is finished.

15. Crisps Anyone?

My love of Rainforest Crisps and my innate cheapness drove me to search out a recipe for these tasty crackers. For our New Year’s Eve gala, I thought, why not, bake up a batch. The ones I made are flavourful, crispy and very similar to the store bought version. Changing the recipes slightly that I found online to:

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 cups milk with 2 tsp lemon juice

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans

1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup flax seed, (ground in my coffee grinder)

1 Tbsp. rosemary also ground in coffee grinder (this is probably too much, it was over rosemarried)

Back to the photo. Today, I unthawed this loaf, thinly sliced and baked it again in a 300 degree oven. To give a rustic feeling, I arranged the crips on our beautiful homemade pottery plate with cobalt blue glaze.  The photo was taken with the flower icon mode on!  

Please help yourself:).

14. Out of the Mist

Walking by Bryant Park this morning, through the mist I could see the first buds on this magnolia tree.  

Not far past this one, I saw a beautiful sparkly bird feeder, with only one little chickadee checking it out, although the chickadee was gone by the time I snapped the photo. I'll leave that photo for another day when I can capture the "sparkle".

As I walked back home, I saw this building emerging out of the mist and reflecting the sun.  It appeared as if it was on fire and in the viewfinder it looked like it was going to be much more spectacular than how this photo turned out. I thought the rays of sunlight would be more defined and I don't know what settings might be necessary to get that effect. Good learning experience going forward; what you see is not necessarily what you get.

13. Winter Sun

Tales of sun worship have abounded over the years from the Aztec civilization, Ancient Egypt and Chinese through to present time where we have suntan parlours and home light bars. I too have a strong, undying attraction to the Sun.  

As I walk into our kitchen, ready to put away the vegetables purchased during a grocery shopping trip, the winter sun shone through the venetian blinds. How the light and dark played out before me, arrested me. A photo opportunity unfolding before my eyes. Excitedly, I thought, “Grab the camera! Here’s my photo today”.

The way the bright sun lights up the Dracena makes me realize why I never tire of seeing the sun bounce off objects. It doesn't matter whether one is a painter at heart, a photographer, an accountant or a king of a foreign land, the Sun enthralls all of us at some point.

12. Oil Can Alley

Just steps from the back entrance to our building I came upon this fascinating abstract art at my feet! One persons oil spill is another persons “Oil Can Alley” photo of the day.

11. Spectacular Washroom

After a hearty taco salad in the food court at Oakridge Mall, my friend and I decided to visit the loo.  She suggested we go to the one closest to the Food Court.  I know my way around Oakridge and thought we should walk around to the other one as it would be less busy.  Having never been in the one closest to the Food Court, I was surprised that, unlike the other one that I wanted to go to, this is a spectacular washroom, rich in wood, mirrors, architectural design, totally touchless and very inviting!  I figured it would be entirely “icky” taking photos of the washroom itself, as there were patrons in there.  Beautiful wood encased mirrors, lovely hanging soap dispensers, modern sinks, well, I guess you had to be there.  Once we left the washroom, I looked up and saw these spectacular lights, beckoning patrons into the Women's or Men's, hanging from a boat shaped wood structure.  While we had to stand off towards the men’s washroom, those that were pushing by us, didn't seem to mind that I was taking pictures aimed at the ceiling. ‘Tis a hidden gem, usually reserved for the rich and famous, and hopefully won’t be torn down once mall renovations begin.

10. Amphitheatre installation

Having passed by this installation several times, it never struck me that it is an amphitheatre. The seats are there, the “stage” as well, however, because it blends nicely into the landscape, it's easy to only look at the cedar planks on the stainless steel arch and ignore the seating beyond.  The raised plaque says:

The amphitheater sculpture takes its aesthetic cue from the landscape design and blurs the line between art, sculpture and landscape. Fifty inset LED lights are embedded into the curved stainless pipes, creating a beautiful glow for evening use.

The stonework adds definition to this hidden gem in White Rock. In the summer, I’ll check to see if the lights create a beautiful glow.

9. Beautiful Big Sky

On the prairies, they would call this a Big Sky.Try as I might, this is the first time I have taken photos of this breathtaking view and have them turn out! This was taken facing into the blinding sun. Not being able to see it in the digital view-finder to assess whether I captured a worthy picture worked for me today! 

From where I took this photo, the sky appeared quite a bit brighter and the shaft of light wasn't apparent to me, so I was delighted when I uploaded these photos today.

8. Around the World Mural

The other day, I saw this mural while walking down our main street in White Rock.  I’ve been by this spot many times, but didn’t notice it until the other day.  It’s not a mural that will jump out and grab your attention, as it’s down a short alley.  Both sides of the alley have murals.  You can’t stand back very far to see them because of the walls on both sides. My assumption was that they were painted by different artists.

However, according to her website, Elizabeth Hollick painted both.  As I walked back home today, after taking the photo, I was mentally counting the murals in White Rock that I have seen in my travels.  There's the huge Wyland mural, the 4th in his series of 100 whale murals.  There’s one on the side of Frog Music and the one on the Peace Arch Hospital thrift store. When I checked on Elizabeth Hollick’s website, she has painted them all.  

Yay, for this challenge and opening my eyes!

7. Branta Canadensis

Canada Geese are well known for being the last to leave for their annual migration and first to return in the spring.  So barring any long bouts of cold weather, they will hang around here for the winter.

Experts think that they have more than 13 calls and may be one of the most talkative animals after humans, yet, I would think most people would guess that crows are the most talkative. They remain in flocks except when nesting and are very much social butterflies.

When migrating they can cover up to 2,400 km in 24 hours, but that’s probably with a tail wind.  Funnily, they have specific pit stops and I guess honk when it’s time to pop down for a poop. 50 Canada geese can produce 2 ½ tons of excrement!  Unfortunately you don’t see them carrying pick up baggies.

While I like to see them paddling around in the ocean, they can be quite possessive over their territory when on land and because of their size, a little intimidating. I hope they can read, as posted along the path where this photo was taken is a warning not to cross railway tracks.  The grass, a natural feeding station for them, is located on the other side of the tracks. It would be interesting to know if they use one of their 13 goose calls to warn when a train is approaching. 

Some 2.6 million Canada Geese are harvested each year, but doesn’t seem to affect their numbers. These Canada Geese are quite enjoying themselves, no rush to leave for a warmer climate. Our climate here in southern BC seems to suit them just fine.

6. Flying object seen in sky while taking photos

Me and the Mr. were out for a ride in the Mazda today, both after our photo quest of the day. As we reach our destination and grab our gear from the vehicle, I yell “Dibs on all mountain scenes and beach scenes!”, this pretty much includes all that we could see. Good naturedly, the dib is rescinded because our photo styles and interest in photography is so completely opposite. One of us comes from a background of point and shoot, whereas the other comes from a lifelong interest in photography and can throw words out like aperture and shutter speed, well, that’s all I remember of the fancy camera parts!  I’ll let you decide who is totally not the camera buff!

A couple of days ago, I was after a photo of a heron, who was sitting in the marshes in a small park that has several ponds.  On my first photo attempt, I trekked down, to the marshes, and didn't even get a chance to point let alone shoot, when the heron took off.  Ah, I guess I was too noisy.  It left, but didn't go far, only across the pond.  It is raining and miserable and fairly cold, so I walk around to where it is and this time, sneak up, hiding behind a tree as I go. Removing my gloves, eesh, it’s cold outside- I snap the photo, off the heron goes once again to a pond further away.  I repeat this once more, including the sneaking up and finally gave up as this heron was not in the mood for a photo shoot.

Today, as we are heading back to our car, a heron is perched at the end of a wave breaker, and this time, he’s not going anywhere.  He peered back a couple of times, ruffled his feathers, but didn't move for this photo.  Trying out, what I have been told by the photographer in the family, is the digital zoom on my Coolpix, yielded this photo. Oh, and the title is true as monsieur heron did fly away after his photo shoot!

5. Raindrops

When passing by this tree, I almost missed the 1992 dedication made by Ray Hnatyshyn Governor General of Canada. That same year, he established the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement, which comes with a cool $25,000 award and a medallion from the Royal Canadian Mint, the Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Arts, and the Governor General's Flight For Freedom Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literacy. This beautiful raindrop filled tree sits in view of the War Memorial in White Rock. None of the other trees nearby hold the raindrops as this tree does. I’m not sure if there’s something special about the bark on the tree, but it is a spectacular phenomenon.

4. Oranges on a snowy day

Trying to find a colour that is both uplifting and warm on the first snowy day of the year proved to be fairly easy. Orange is associated with warmth, happiness, joy, enthusiasm, creativity and success.
These oranges were sitting outside a shop I was passing by, while the store owner who is warm inside, left them on his stand to entice passersby to enter his store. From a psychology perspective the colour orange is optimistic and uplifting and it sounds like it is so powerful we should try to find ways to use it in our everyday life, even if it is just an orange colored mug.
While I just took a photo and didn’t purchase anything, he may have wondered why I was taking a picture of his produce. One reason is because I’m excited to be participating in a daily photo challenge and the other reason is that it would make a nice subject for a pastel painting  and depending on the outcome of the painting, could become a photo of the day sometime this year.