Words and Images by Paul Godin

"Magnus and Melvin"

2012-02-12T05:29:00.002-05:00

Here comes Magnus at full speed with his favorite play toy we named "Melvin." This green tennis ball sized toy is made of thick soft rubber that has withstood his jaw power. Many other toys, that claimed to be durable, lasted anywhere from 20 minutes to a few days. Even Caesar the dog whisperer's line of toys, suffered a quick demise. We recently had to retire his favorite toy chicken that lasted over a year and was made by a company called "Ruffians." If I find another I will buy it as the chicken was his "go to" toy to get our attention.

Magnus is very good at chasing and retrieving but not so good at the giving back part. He will drop Melvin only in exchange for a cookie. He has learned that making us laugh is it's own reward.

And cookies are cheap so it works all round.

And yes those are Melvin's feet sticking out.

"The Final Battle" part two of two

2012-02-05T03:06:00.045-05:00

In the last final moments of the great war both sides held nothing back.

Each knew the the loser would be shown no mercy and would be forever banished, never to have dominion over matters within the universe.

The Dark had been consuming the Light's forces until victory seemed all but assured.

But then the Light unleashed it's last great weapon.

The doomsday instrument had been kept hidden until it seemed all would be lost.

The column of powerful light exploded into the skies obliterating the forces of the Dark.

In the end all that was left was the Light and the collapsing remnants of the once Dark empire.

"The Final Battle" part one of two

2012-01-29T02:38:00.064-05:00

The skies erupted into a great conflagration resulting from the two opposing forces, pitting all their resources, into one last deciding battle. Throughout the millenia the Dark and the Light had been mortal enemies, advancing and retreating, each day. They now descended on this fragile planet to settle all old scores and to declare but one winner. One who would rule supremely until the end of time.

Above, the Dark seems to consume the Light as the old rivals collide with unimaginable force. This was power not seen since the beginning of the universe itself.

Below, the first hint of the Light's doomsday weapon begins to appear in the lower left hand quadrant of the raging battlefield. And just as the Dark appears to be moving towards total victory the Light concentrates all power into one last and desperate onslaught.

(to be continued)

"Sunrise Barn"

2012-01-22T02:26:00.022-05:00

My 2011 year end post was of a beautiful sunrise with the CN tower far off in the distance. I thought it would be interesting to turn and shoot whatever image I would find behind me. Well, I was happily surprised to find this great barn bathed in the light of the coming day.

And the setting moon added a nice touch to the composition.

Sometimes it's fun to stand in one place and just rotate 360 degrees to see what's about.

"The Badlands"

2012-01-15T02:36:00.030-05:00

The Badlands are a unique geological formation in Cheltenham, Ontario. This year I plan to explore and photograph the area at different times of day and in all the seasons. I am starting with images from a clear and cold winter day. The late morning sun provides a perfect shadow for a self portrait. The images below give some idea as to the uniqueness of the landscape. Much more to follow in the coming months.

"Caravans"

2012-01-08T01:37:00.081-05:00

I love travelling by road. I intend to do more of it in future. I have spent many, many years in the air flying around the world. The view from 30,000 plus feet is limited unless you are crossing some significant land formation. There is not much to see on the overnight flights to Europe or Asia. In fact there is usually nothing to see in the inky darkness below. And I don't like to think about what is at the bottom of the inky darkness.

I also like rail travel. It seems more civilized then air travel with less frustrations and process. Passengers travelling by rail seem less stressed then their air counterparts.

But it is still the call of the road that I hear. My spirit likes the freedom and the Type A part of my character, enjoys the planning. This is the year I will rent an RV for the first time. They remind me of my old boat. Everything there had a place and a function. I remember driving with my family on summer vacations and seeing the silver Airstreams on the highway. They were so beautifully designed and aerodynamic and gleamed when the sun hit their shiny surfaces. I was envious.

The truck above is not an RV or a mobile home. It is in fact just a truck. But I see conversion potential here. I am attracted to the green and gold. I think with a little work this could be a fine Caravan. But that is probably just the romantic in me. The non handy man side of me will be happy to rent a small RV and dream of caravans travelling the ancient spice and trade routes, under moon filled skies.

"New Year, New Beginnings"

2011-12-31T09:18:00.000-05:00

Any resolutions yet?

I have only two.

Which shall remain undisclosed.

Best wishes to all for 2012.

"Wishing You a Very, Merry, Magnus Christmas"

2011-12-25T01:20:00.015-05:00

Here is one Elf, so excited, he is gnawing on his beard. Let's get to the presents!!!!

"Serene and Snowy Buddha" no less... no more...

2011-12-18T05:52:00.020-05:00

"Hold Your Horses"

2011-12-11T05:24:00.056-05:00

I used to spend my childhood summers at my Grandparents farm on Prince Edward Island. I don't have a lot of pictures from that time but one in particular is a favorite. It is a picture of my dad and I seated on Elmer's old plow horse just before we were sent flying thought the air by a clearly unimpressed equine. Over the years I have done my best to make friends with horses and even went as far as buying a hobby farm that had a five stall horse barn on the land. I never did get around to buying a horse or two to live there and in the end sold the farm to some nice folks.

I hope they were horse lovers.

I went riding in Costa Rica a few years back, through the jungle, expecting to have that perfect moment when man and steed emerge from the jungle trail onto the white beach. Then we two would ride on the sand with the water lapping at the shores edge. We were to be carefree and experience that truly Kodak moment. Unfortunately it was a very hot day. While still on the trail, the horses got a scent of fresh water running in a stream that crossed our path. As they were very thirsty, they made a bee line for the creek and upon arrival stopped dead in their tracks to enjoy great gulps of the cool water. The sudden stopping caused me the rider to go over the horses lowered head, with reins still firmly in hand.

Horses 2, Man 0

Oh well,. I still love these beautiful animals and here are a few of the local characters. I am pretty sure the fellow above would toss my sorry ass in the air at first chance.

"El Loco"

2011-12-04T03:31:00.000-05:00

We are told to expect unsettled weather this winter season. It seems we will get periods of quick thaws followed by flash freezing. "Snowmaggden" is another word being used to describe what we might see along with unusually high winds. Whether the cause is El Nino or El Nina is academic. To me it is all

El Loco. I praise the persons who invented snow tires, anti freeze, wind shield washer fluid, gas line antifreeze, heated seats and remote starts. Blessings be upon you.

"Corn is Yellow, so is Gold"

2011-12-01T08:09:00.048-05:00

I was reading recently that 2010 saw the price of corn used to feed turkeys jump by over 60% compared to 2009. In comparison, the price for turkeys only rose by around 6%. This would seem to bode well for corn growers as prices rise and demand steadily increases. Not so much for turkey producers. I wonder if the demand for bio fuels is putting pressure on corn prices?

Farming is a very hard job. I imagine that corn growers have seen lean years where plowing under the crops was the only option. A new report has just been published that focuses on the Earth's ability to feed the plus seven billion (and growing) population. There is cause to be worried. If we can't grow sufficient food to meet the global demand then prices will continue to climb. Is the 2010 jump in corn feed prices the canary in the mine?

This is my neighbour harvesting corn on the other side of my backyard fence. Am I looking at a corn crop or the rise of the new gold standard?

"Thanks To Everyone"

2011-11-27T02:13:00.001-05:00

I want to sincerely thank all of you who have visited my blog. I am happy to report that I have reached a personal milestone for visitors. Actually many, many thousands of visitors.

And so to mark the occasion I present this formal portrait of Magnificent Magnus the Golden Retriever.

He has filled the large part of my heart that was emptied when dear Shadow and Shamus passed on. They will always be remembered and live on controlling my life though Magnus their earthly proxy.

Thanks again to all who visit.

" Lunar Lux"

2011-11-24T02:44:00.024-05:00

I bask in the falling moonlight

casting shadows

illuminating

strangely warm

for something so cold

(Paul Godin 2011)

"Northern Musings" The Sequel

2011-11-20T14:25:00.001-05:00

Above: "Stump"

Center: "Shoreline"

Below: "Rocks"

"Magical Sunset"

2011-11-17T07:59:00.002-05:00

Melting into the night....

"A Community of Mushrooms"

2011-11-13T07:36:00.000-05:00

I am not sure if these are mushrooms or toad stools. They occasionally spring up after I have mowed the lawn. I noticed that as the cool nights come upon us, they tend to grow closer together. It is probably my imagination but I hope they are gathering as a community to weather the winter in the company of others.

"Still Life With Sunlight"

2011-11-11T08:42:00.000-05:00

This image came out better than I expected. The sunlight came through thin Venetian blinds. The sunset was intense enough to blow out the shadows cast by the blinds panels. I like how the stand and planter provide a base for the overall image and that the plant seems to live in two dimensions.

The here and the ethereal.

"Fly Me To The Moon"

2011-11-07T11:24:00.000-05:00

When Frank Sinatra first recorded "Fly Me To The Moon," do you think he knew that man would actually get there? While it has been many years since humans walked on the face of the moon, the burgeoning private sector space based businesses may one day make it a possibility. Being able to fly to the moon, for a weeks vacation, would make all the hassle of checking into the airport (spaceport) worthwhile. I wouldn't even mind the security "pat down" if I was wearing my highly fashionable moon flight suit. Of course it would be available in a choice of trendy colors. I would order mine with epaulets and a jaunty while silk scarf to finish off my intrepid astro-fusion look.

In the meantime I will settle for this picture I snapped recently. Like the little engine that could, I kept saying, "You can make it!, You're almost there!!"

"Magnus in Motion"

2011-11-03T05:57:00.015-04:00

I took this picture one night using only the light from the backyard spot. No flash. Magnus was just sitting enjoying the night solitude and coolness and watching me get ready to take his picture. Just as I pressed the button down there was a sound off to one side. In the instant it took for the camera to open the shutter and capture the image, Magnus had already spun around to investigate the source of the noise. The result is this wonderful image (I think) of Magnus in Motion. If he can move this fast, I really need to be careful where I put my pizza down. (and yes I do share the crust)

"The Night Is Upon Us"

2011-10-30T07:43:00.025-04:00

I love fiction and in particular Science Fiction. This year in previous posts, I wrote about pulp magazines, Ace "Double" books and Tom Swift. I wonder at times what was the writer's inspiration for a particular story or piece. The image above conjures up for me a sense of impending darkness and power as the night settles in and replaces the day. What manner of forces ride on these coming shadows?

The lower image reminds me of Werewolves, Vampires and other creatures of the night who are affected by Mother Moon. What images do they bring up for you? Any chills? A little Stephen King Perhaps? Maybe "The Mist"?

"Caledon Sunset"

2011-10-24T17:43:00.000-04:00

The view across the back "40" at sunset. The BBQ is set up on the kitchen deck all ready for cooking and viewing pleasures.

Canadian Northern Musings" #5 - series end

2011-10-16T07:39:00.000-04:00

I really enjoyed my time with Rob Stimpson and the other photographers for what turned out to be a great getaway. Here are a few parting images. The last one is of Rob although the camera kind of hides his face. That happens a lot when you try to take a photographers picture. They are usually busy shooting other things. Rob can be reached at canoenorth@sympatico.ca. He will add you to his email list for upcoming events.

"Canadian Northern Musings" #4

2011-10-13T09:50:00.001-04:00

One beautiful afternoon we took a boat trip out to the Fox Islands. We enjoyed wonderful scenery, crystal clear water and some very good photo ops. The upper image shows the versatile Pine tree growing from an outcrop of rock. Very Group of Seven... And the lower image appeals to me as it is a good visual of our Great North Land, pristine in it's cleanliness. This was very good for my soul.

"Canadian Northern Musings" #3

2011-10-09T07:44:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you just have to get up early and get off the beaten path. These images were shot just as the sun was coming up after a hike down a pitch dark rocky trail. We were lucky as we had no turned ankles or other mishaps. We enjoyed a beautiful sunrise, in an idyllic spot, well worth the early hour. Here I provide two perspectives with more to follow. And then it was back up the trail and a short drive for morning coffee. Much needed coffee!!!!

"Canadian Northern Musings" #2

2011-10-06T06:32:00.028-04:00

I really like the above image of rain drops on the back panels of a Muskoka chair. I dropped out the background so the focus was very much to capture the water elements. The black vertical lines in the center panels add some additional perspective. The image below appealed to me in the sense it reflected the end of summer. Soon this outdoor over sized chess set will be back in storage waiting for another season in the sun... poolside.

"Canadian Northern Musings" #1

2011-10-03T20:15:00.028-04:00

I recently attended a photo workshop weekend given by Rob Stimpson a fantastic artist and teacher. Our base was the wonderful Killarney Mountain Lodge, in Killarney, Ontario. We experienced every manner of weather, except snow, that made for super conditions for the photographers. Our group was a nice mix of people at various skill levels and Rob was very generous with his time and patient. (More on Rob and his contact info in a coming post) Over the next two weeks I will showcase some of my favorite images and share some thoughts.

Here are the first two offerings. The above is the quintessential Muskoka chair on red rock wet from the rain with pine trees all around. Below is another iconic Canadian image of stacked row boats at the end of the season. More to follow...

"Starry Night?"

2011-09-25T08:42:00.007-04:00

I will leave this image to your imagination.

"Oh Boya... What a Hoya!!"

2011-09-22T08:26:00.001-04:00

I have maintained a small plant garden in the current kitchen's bay window. I have a few cacti and some Bonsai that have surprisingly lasted ten plus years. This lovely Hoya was a hanging basket that I placed on a nice floor style plant stand. The plants get sunlight all day and TLC from me. I was watering the plants recently and noticed an odd formation on the Hoya. Over the course of a few weeks the reddish sprouts burst into these bright pink star shaped flowers that almost seem wax like. I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to watch this wonderful flowering event. Thanks "Hoya" you should have been painted by "Goya." (I couldn't resist)

"The Big Move... Ugh!"

2011-09-18T08:13:00.018-04:00

A few weeks ago I posted about the planned moved farther into the country. Monday starts the load out with the move of the offices and studios. The rest of the house follows a few weeks later as sorting out the new work, gallery and studio spaces will take some effort. There has been much packing activity as evidenced by the above photo. And below is Magnus, doing his part, by keeping a keen eye on the neighbourhood goings on.

Costa Rica "Chapter Four" and no more (for now)

2011-09-15T07:40:00.011-04:00

Some final images from the grounds of Earth University and the last of this Costa Rica series.

"Say hello to my little friend!"

Costa Rica "Chapter Three" ....Weaving

2011-09-10T06:49:00.001-04:00

This amazing plant is on the EARTH University grounds near the classrooms. It is quite tall and truly remarkable. This is nature providing inspiration for basket weaving. An architect I was travelling with said he may use the design for future public transit shelters and terminals. Great idea!

Costa Rica "Chapter Two" EARTH University

2011-09-07T15:38:00.001-04:00

I had a great opportunity to visit EARTH University located in the heart of the tropical rain forest in the Atlantic lowlands of Costa Rica. The 8,000 plus acre campus is home to over 400 students, classrooms, laboratories, academic farms, residences and a commercial banana plantation and forest reserve. It's mission is to" Prepare leaders with ethical values to contribute to the sustainable development of the tropics and to construct a prosperous and just society". I was very impressed and will visit the university again in the next few months.

Many thanks to Doctor Guillermo Navarro for his hospitality and for the invitation to return.

For more information please visit www.earth.ac.cr

The next few posts will feature images taken on the wonderful campus grounds.

"Costa Rica" Chapter One

2011-09-04T09:56:00.002-04:00

I am just back from a week in Costa Rica on business. I had been there some years ago on a sales incentive trip where I did the whole Eco tourist adventure. This time was pure business with a very full agenda. Over the course of the next few posts I will feature some of my favorite images with a bit of commentary.

The church above is a real beauty and reflects the Spanish design influence. The two tower spires are identical as was mandated by the papacy in Rome. There is a similar church in Havana, Cuba that has two mismatched spires. One rounded and one squared. This was done intentionally by the builders to reflect their unhappiness with some Papal decree.

Below is the bronze plaque at the Canadian Embassy in San Jose. Thanks to Ambassador Cameron MacKay and trade Commissioner, Adolfo Quesada for their hospitality and support. The embassy serves all Canadian interests in Central America and also performs some services on behalf of the Australian Government.

"Beautiful Butterfly"

2011-09-02T11:01:00.021-04:00

The other day I had my camera in the car and when I got out I noticed this large butterfly flitting about.

It found a nice flower and landed just as I got the lens cap off. So here is the result.

The blur at the wing tips is caused by fluttering.

Enjoy!

"Go Ahead I Dare Ya!... I Double Dare Ya!!"

2011-08-28T11:02:00.015-04:00

Magnus could not be happier than when he has a toy and a friend to play with. This little boomerang is one of his favorites and has stayed intact for some time. Which is a feat in itself as the puppy has wicked jaw power. If anyone wants to test doggy toys before going to market, Magnus is your man. Er... dog.

A few nice cookies will buy his endorsement.

"Summer Lightning"

2011-08-25T11:12:00.001-04:00

There was a major weather event last night that really hit with terrific force. Rain, hail, wind and lightning. And of course the thunder. I took this picture from the front door and just as I did this great clap of thunder came at exactly the same moment. It scared the (insert your own thoughts here) out of me and I jumped causing the blurred image.

Oh well, I still got the shot and it was good enough to make the live TV news coverage. Thanks to Carmi and her technical and tweeting skills. I hope all our friends made it through this monster storm OK.

"Mooooooo...."

2011-08-14T07:11:00.000-04:00

Getting checked out by some of the locals in the new neighbourhood.

"Hay Bales"

2011-08-11T07:29:00.015-04:00

Seems simple enough.

You grow the hay.

You cut the hay.

You roll the hay.

You transport the hay.

You feed the hay to animals.

And some guy comes and takes a picture of the hay.

Well the simpleness was in taking the picture.

"Fields of Dreams"

2011-08-07T06:47:00.034-04:00

Many of my last posts have featured flowers and fruit from around our house and in our gardens.

I have been featuring these images as a way to conserve their memory as this is our last summer here. We are moving on to another property that is more in keeping with our love of rural settings. Our current location is undergoing major development. We lost the nearby Kleinburg golf course to six hundred plus new homes. One kilometre from our property is land that is slated for a development of over three thousand homes. This was not the tranquil setting we bought into twelve years ago.

We can't stop development. What we can do is move.

We found a wonderful one acre property with a brick bungalow on it that meets our needs for living and work space. It is currently undergoing renovations and one of the highlights will be a small art gallery on the lower level. This mini gallery has been a dream of mine all of my adult life.

The new house is smaller than the one we enjoy today but the new abode has a much better layout

and is very functional.

The above image is taken from the kitchen deck and looks out onto fields of corn.

The next image is the view from the front door looking out at (you guessed it) corn. And finally the last image is of the new mail box.

I loved the movie "Field of Dreams" starring Kevin Costner. And now we will have our own corn fields to watch over and enjoy.

"Faces in the Wood" reprise

2011-07-27T07:46:00.013-04:00

I have posted wood oddities in the past and present another for your consideration. I see something a little different each time I look. I hope you also enjoy the challenge of bringing images out from the soul of the old wood.

"Hello Mulberries"

2011-07-24T07:36:00.015-04:00

There is a large tree on the property that is the last to bloom in the Spring and the last to drop it's leaves in the Fall. During the summer it sports a wonderful green canopy that provides welcome shelter from the heat and sun. You could easily have a lunch for six people under the tree. It has never bloomed or been in fruit in over ten years.

But this year is different. The leaves are much smaller and the tree has exploded with fruit. It is in fact a Mulberry Tree that has attracted all manner of birds and small critters. Magnus our Golden Retriever is very drawn to all the activity in the canopy and it is providing enjoyment all round. Even the flies.

"....in a Pear Tree"

2011-07-21T05:43:00.000-04:00

There are fruit trees on our property but none as nice as the Pear. Each year it blooms into wonderful flowers and produces lovely medium sized fruit. Here is one of the coming crop.

"Flower # 6 in a Message"

2011-07-20T07:32:00.003-04:00

"I Hope You Are Enjoying Summer!!!!"

end

"Flower # 5 in a Message"

2011-07-19T07:31:00.000-04:00

"I Hope You Are Enjoying....."

"Flower # 4 in a Message"

2011-07-18T07:27:00.003-04:00

"I Hope You Are...."

Flower # 3 in a Message"

2011-07-17T07:26:00.005-04:00

"I Hope You......"

"Flower # 2 in a Message"

2011-07-16T07:22:00.008-04:00

"I Hope...."

"Flower # 1 in a Message"

2011-07-15T06:38:00.002-04:00

"I....."

"Happy Canada Day Weekend"

2011-07-02T15:07:00.000-04:00

I send best wishes to everyone for a fun, safe and relaxing long weekend.

"I Looked Down"

2011-06-30T09:02:00.016-04:00

Magnus and I were out for an early walk one morning this week and this leaf caught my eye on a bed of green grass. On closer inspection I liked the way the dew drops had formed into large globules.

(really globules?)

So back to the house I went to get my camera and hopefully find that Magnus had not romped on my subject. All was well and here is the result.

"Wolf in the Woods"

2011-06-26T06:18:00.023-04:00

I mentioned in my last post that we have an annual summer golf weekend with the same good fellas every year. We stay up at David's cottage on a beautiful lake in Ontario. This wonderful iron wolf sculpture sits on the grounds near the water. I like the way the sun filters through the trees casting interesting light and shadows all about. The sound of the loons at night, the rolling thunder across the lake, the deer and black flies make for the quintessential Canadian summer experience. Nothing like the smell of sun screen, bug repellent and a capon in the smoker to let you know you are living large.

"Caution: Deer Crossing!"

2011-06-23T07:42:00.001-04:00

Sometimes doing the speed limit produces unexpected results. I took this photo last week enroute to my annual summer golf weekend. I had my Canon 60D on the passenger seat all ready to go. So when I came upon momma and her offspring in the middle of the road it took a few seconds for me to:
1: Stare
2. React and grab camera
3: Turn camera on
4. Hold up to windshield
5. Realize lens cap is on
6. Remove lens cap
7. Repeat step four
8. Take a few snaps
9. Sigh as the moment is passing
10. Be happy to find I had at least captured a small piece of this meeting.

"Will This Rain Ever Stop?"

2011-06-19T07:51:00.000-04:00

We have had many big storms and heavy rain lately to the point that the water just started to pool on the property with no place to go. Literally inches of rain came down in a short period overwhelming the drainage ditches and downspouts. This image was taken from our relatively dry front porch and you can see just how heavy it was coming down. Our Lady did enjoy the shower without complaint.

But enough with the rain!

"Big Bell Blooms"

2011-06-16T06:52:00.001-04:00

I love the Spring and all the flowering plants that bloom so wonderfully after the long harsh winter. These especially caught my attention as they so resemble church bells. If you listen carefully you can hear the small notes from these bell blooms chiming. No? You can't hear the music?

Oh, well, must be tintinitis from my loud rock and roll era. Ding... Ding.... Ding...

"Have You Ever Been Given The Eye?"

2011-06-12T06:41:00.039-04:00

In past posts I have featured Magnus, our beloved Golden Retriever, doing happy dog type things. This is the other side of his personality. This is what we refer to as the "hairy" eyeball. This look usually surfaces, for among other things:

He is suspicious that you are leaving the house for an undetermined period.

He has a towel in his mouth and he wants to know why you are not tugging on your end.

You have caught him with the towel label in his mouth that he has just gnawed off.

He has a (insert item here) pine cone, stick, rock, lump of dirt, grass, piece of wood, wood chips or other yard material, in his mouth.

You are eating pizza and he is waiting for his crust.

You are eating anything and he is waiting for his share.

You have only given him a minimal amount of treats during the day. (in his estimation)

This is not an evil eye. At least I am hoping this is not an evil eye. But sometimes if he is caught in just the right light, at just the right moment???

Who knows what lurks behind the "hairy" eyeball......

"A Day in Provence, Recipe Perhaps?"

2011-06-09T15:21:00.001-04:00

Start with some red brick,

add in a little bronze,

add a tea light candle stand

throw in some flowering perennials

and bake in full sunlight

et voila

a bit of Provence in the back yard!

"Here Comes Magnus"

2011-06-05T11:17:00.001-04:00

My last post made mention of a missed opportunity to capture Magnus under an apple tree with the blossoms raining down on him. As soon as he saw me setting up for the shot, he rose up and charged at me full speed to say hello. You can see the white blossoms on the tree and ground that looked like snow as they fell. Oh well, a missed shot but a lovely moment just the same. He makes me smile many times every day.

"Spring Blooms on the Fruit Trees"

2011-06-02T09:37:00.003-04:00

Here are a few images from the spring blossoms on our apple trees. I had a great time watching Magnus standing under one of the trees as the flowers fell on him like snow. I tried to get that picture but as soon as he saw the camera he made right for me a full speed. That will be my next post.

Enjoy your day and be thankful for the small miracles all around us. This week I have seen a deer in our backyard, snails and turtles on the trails nearby and rabbits foraging in the tall grass.

``At a Snail`s Pace``

2011-05-29T07:46:00.034-04:00

I found this little snail crawling through the grass one recent morning. It was actually making good progress which made me wonder about relative time. To me it was going very slowly. But to the snail it may have been going at breakneck speed, late for a meeting of the snail heirarchy. So it all comes down to our point of views. Fast or slow we both went about our daily business.

I just tried to go a little slower.

"This Space For Rent?"

2011-05-26T07:47:00.043-04:00

I am not sure what is going on here. Is this a small advertising space or a community bulletin board...

Or is it a frame with the express purpose of providing photographers with an image focal point...

It is located in a fairly secluded spot on the McMichael Art Gallery grounds in Kleinburg, Ontario. You have to get off the main trail, take some stairs and find this frame behind a utility building. There is also an Inukshuk nearby but it does not lend itself well to photos as it is surrounded by a fence to discourage climbers. It might be very colorful in the fall when the leaves change. Perhaps that is it`s purpose.

A frame for viewing fall foliage. Oh and there is a bench directly in front of the frame. Maybe for meditative moments... And to quote a recent post... Ommmmmmm....

"Mother Magnolia"

2011-05-22T06:35:00.000-04:00

There is a beautiful Magnolia tree on our property that explodes in pinks and whites every spring. It is a little late this year as the winter lasted so long but now has come into full bloom. It is only like this for a few short weeks and then gone for another year. The first season the flowers dropped I cursed having to clean them up with bag and rack. The next year I learned that the petals dry up and turn brown quickly and in doing so are self disposable. How unique and wonderful.

"Bonsai"

2011-05-19T07:44:00.001-04:00

I purchased two Bonsai trees over ten years ago and they have done surprisingly well in my care.

I wanted to shoot an image that I thought was reflective of a meditative or Zen moment. I positioned the Bonsai in front of Venetian blinds back lit by natural sunlight. The shelf it sat on was glass so as not to weigh down the image at the frame bottom. Ommmmmm......

"A Few Hours on the Local Trail"

2011-05-15T09:01:00.001-04:00

A couple of posts ago I ranted about litter on a trail that is close to home. On a recent visit I only wanted images that were more in keeping with the spirit of the trail builders. Enjoy.

Waiting for a strong gust of wind

Pretty in white

Taking a bow

Old farm pump house

Lady Simcoe Bridge starting to sag

"What The Water Drop Saw"

2011-05-12T06:42:00.009-04:00

Every day we are individually and collectively captured many times on CCTV cameras as we go about our private (really??) lives. The airport, the mall, the medical center, gas station, intersection, bank machine, grocery store, your neighbours security system and so much more. Our lives are

reflected back to us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, emails and blogs to name but a few. And there is always the local "spy shop" which will provide you with many hidden ways to capture the lives of those around you. Nanny cams, babysitter/ housekeeper cams, label cams, pen cams and home rectal cams. (ok, I made that last one up.)

I am reminded of the phrase "If these walls could talk!" and many now do. But sometimes our lives and surroundings are captured in truly unexpected ways that have no play back feature and cannot be used for good or mischief. They are just there for a moment or two and go quietly unnoticed while reflecting back a moment in the passing of our day.

These three images are one such moment. Look closely at the water drop and part of our kitchen captured like a scene in a snow globe. Then look at where the drop was and then finally what the drop saw.

"In the Babel of Time" - Part Two

2011-05-08T07:41:00.010-04:00

As the day progressed no person or country could credibly confirm the current time without some other group disputing their position and offering up their own theory. Even the atomic clocks were no longer dependable.

No one knew the true Greenwich Meridian time or any other for that matter.

International date line disputes soon resulted in a difference of two days or more between geographic positions, with the gap widening every hour. The solar flares had affected tides and other natural time measurements thus rendering the farmer's and mariner's almanacs unreliable as well. The Earth's natural rotation could no longer be fixed as a measurement of time passing due to the heavy electro magnetic interference.

Planes, trains, subways and buses were all at a standstill. All global commuter traffic was in chaos. Commerce ground to a halt, hospitals stopped doing surgeries, stores didn't open and even moms couldn't use a microwave with any confidence. Social and business lunches, dinners, fundraisers, movies, live concerts were all greatly affected and in most cases cancelled. Disruptions to every aspect of life on the planet were occurring in an ever cascading fashion. Scientists were at a loss to explain this phenomena but the popular view was things would settle down once the residual effects of the solar flares had past. Then scientists and world leaders would agree on a new standard and re-set time accordingly.

This event was compared to the biblical "Tower of Babel", where no one could understand what anyone else was saying. All languages spoken in Babel were incomprehensible and in today's world, now so was time. Mass confusion now ruled and all types of psychotic behaviour and psychological problems were manifested. People were no longer grounded. If nothing else in a person's life could be depended on, there was always time as a constant. And now it too was gone.

The solar flare activity didn't subside, just the opposite in fact. Eruptions greater than the first began with effects being felt within hours. No one could have foreseen this event. The sun was exploding with a ferocity unparalleled in the history of humankind.

He had tried to get home. Once it became clear that the meetings were over and the acquisition put on hold, it had become every person for themselves. He had decided not to attempt to get back to his room. He had his briefcase, wallet with credit cards, cash and his airline ticket. He would focus on finding a way to get back home to his family. The meeting rooms emptied out and he decided to use those phones to see what he could arrange. Over the course of the next few hours it became obvious that there was no one able to help him confirm or book anything, not even a bus ticket.

He went down to the lobby and ran into a number of his colleagues all with the same problem. How to get home. He and his core group tried to make the best of it by camping out in the meeting rooms and scavenging the local stores for supplies. Communication services were intermittent at best and he hadn't spoken to home in over a day. At least he thought it was a day based on the rising and setting sun.

He knew circumstances were no better at home and that his wife was coping as best she could with their two young children. Her parents had moved in for support but he could tell from her voice that they were afraid and confused. He should be there. His feelings of guilt and hopelessness stopped competing for his attention and were replaced by fear and dread.

News reached his hotel group that the solar flares were increasing rather then subsiding. They had all felt some measure of relief at the scientist's earlier predictions that time could be reset once the solar storms and residual effects had past. In the end they thought they would all get home and later joke about" where were you when time went out?"

But these storms were planet changers and hope soon turned to despair as supplies ran out, utilities failed and the streets were unsafe to travel. There had been no news in days and he climbed the stairs to the top of the hotel to get a better sense of what was happening.

He stood in the night looking out from the fortieth floor at the city that had fallen into darkness, broken only by burning fires that crisscrossed the urban space below.

Humankind had entered into a long dark night and he wondered what the future would hold. He had suffered a number of anxiety attacks when he thought of his young family and their present circumstances. He was now overcome with real panic as he looked upon the fiery night vista. Even at this height he could hear screams that chilled his body and tore at his soul.

As he stood through the night, the screams and shouts diminished to a point where they no longer had any effect on him. He stood at the building's edge knowing that he would not get home. Around the world, the final scenes of this cataclysmic event, were now playing out.

All time keeping mechanisms had stopped days earlier.

His heart, the last natural pacer of time, now stopped.

Then all heart beats stopped and there was nothing but the silence created in the vacuum where time was no more.

end

"In the Babel of Time" - Part One

2011-05-05T07:36:00.004-04:00

"Damn" he thought. "Damn, damn", he muttered out loud. He was going to be late. He had taken care to make sure the hotel clock was set to wake him with lots of time in reserve before the opening meetings. The alarm had not gone off and he woke with a start to see sunlight creeping under the closed drapes. This was not a day he could afford to be late. He was on a team that would spend the next three days negotiating a strategic buyout of a major competitor. This was going to be a game changer for his career and fast track him to a more senior position on the mergers and acquisitions legal team.

Now in his fifth year with the company, he had done reasonably well but felt he needed a "big win" to insure he did not get left behind as the company made aggressive advances in the marketplace. They were on a buying spree and he needed to make an impact before the board and shareholders put the reins on the CEO and his expansion plans.

He shaved, showered and dressed quickly and made the meeting with a few minutes to spare. He accomplished this feat by foregoing his usual routine of a coffee, muffin and newspaper. He noted that a few others from both sides of the table, where also just getting in the room and his arrival was unremarkable. The meeting progressed well throughout the day and he and a few colleagues went for wine and burgers later. The vintage scotch and big steaks would come with a successful conclusion to the current negotiations.

He returned to the hotel around ten in the evening and reviewed the next day's agenda and his notes. He performed his usual ritual of laying out his clothes and arranging his toiletries for the next mornings ablutions. Tonight he would back up the hotel alarm clock with his PDA which he placed on the night table next to his head. He enjoyed a good night's rest as he usually could quiet his mind from the clutter of the day's events. He had perfected a sleep aid for those times when he began to toss and turn. He pictured himself on a rugged beach with his tent and camping supplies all set up around him. He would then visualize the incoming waves and the onset of dusk. This usually worked. On long haul flights he would take a mild sleeping pill to ensure he was ready to work upon arrival at his destination.

He awoke to the sound of his PDA chiming and looked at the hotel clock to see the digital read out indicating he still had forty five minutes before he had to get up. The clock must be defective he thought. He readied himself quickly and arrived in the hotel lobby to pick up coffee, pastry and paper. He made his way to the meeting room level and was the first to arrive. He now checked the watch that he had by habit slipped on his wrist before picking up his room key. It was a Rolex that had been gifted to him by his parents when he was called to the bar.

He checked the time against his PDA and was surprised to see an almost fifty minute difference between the two. His PDA was supposed to automatically synchronize with the server that controlled it. The hotel clock and now his PDA. "What were the odds?", he thought. People finally began to trickle in and a few were noticeably late .

His company CEO appeared somewhat flushed from rushing to make the opening on time. The business session commenced and good progress was made on the major points of the acquisition. The bio break and coffee refresh occurred on time but one of the legal assistants had to call catering to find out what was delaying the working lunch . It arrived with profuse apologies from the chef and with a mention of some difficulty with the oven timers. At the conclusion of the day's business he again ate with members of the legal team and upon his arrival to his hotel room, performed the same preparation routine as the previous night. He did note that the hotel front desk and the restaurant's hostess station seemed to be more lively and crowded then before.

He was determined to make sure he would be on time for the morning's sessions. When he had completed his preparations for the next day, he set the hotel alarm and his PDA to the local time provided by the nightly news broadcast. He turned on the flat screen TV and caught the end of the lead story. The report concerned new solar flare activity and resulting magnetic interference, or something along those lines. He set his alarms to the time in the bottom corner of the screen and noted the current temperature as well.

The next morning he arose with sunlight streaming in between the curtains that he had left open. His room was on the thirty third floor of the hotel with no adjacent buildings of that height in the area. "Why draw them closed if no one can see in?" he had thought.

Perhaps, subconsciously, he hoped that this would be a back up in case all else failed to get him up on time.

He checked his wrist watch but couldn't verify the correct time as neither of his alarms was anywhere near his watch time. He turned on the TV and waited for the time to appear on screen but it didn't show. There was just a small note saying the time feature was currently unavailable but the morning temperature was showing. He tried calling the front desk but only got a busy signal. He didn't know the room numbers of other company staffers so could not use the phone's room to room direct dial. He used his PDA to text two members of his team and their responses came back almost immediately. They didn't have a clue as to the real time. He texted back that he was heading for the meeting rooms.

He dressed in casual wear and dispensed with shaving and showering. He would apologize to his superiors once he knew what the hell was going on. He waited a long time for an elevator and when one came it was already full of people from the higher level floors, many with luggage in hand. He squeezed in and fumed as the elevator seemed to stop at every floor. He got off at the meeting functions level and hurriedly made his way to the firm's rooms. Those already in the room were all standing and the voices were raised and excited. Everyone was talking about the solar flares and the disruption to time keeping devices around the world.

To be concluded May 8th, 2011

"In the Babel of Time"

2011-05-01T10:35:00.000-04:00

I recently finished a story titled, "In the Babel of Time." The story centers around a possible event that is linked to solar activity. At the time I wrote the piece our sun was "at rest" so to speak but recently Sol has awakened from it's slumber and the scientific community has reported higher than usual solar flare activity. The effects of this tremendous release of energy may possibly interfere with our orbiting satellites and other space based objects, including the International Space Station.

In the last few months the earth has experienced quakes, tsunamis, floods, tornadoes and the 2011 hurricane season is predicted to have many named storms of severe strength.

These are all planet based phenomena. But what if our attention was drawn skyward and the forces being exerted by our own sun? "In the Babel of Time" is one possible outcome.

I will publish the work in two parts with the first on May 5, Cinco De Mayo Day and the conclusion on Mother's Day, May 8th.

The two photos used are by me with help from my Photoshop expert, Carmi Cimicata.

"Spring Colors"

2011-04-28T14:07:00.000-04:00

I am really hoping for warmer weather to come as the spring has been so cold and wet. This week has been nothing but rain, which is good for the grass seed, but I need to start to feel the sun's warmth.

I am tired of wearing a hat at night when I go walkies with Magnus. Bring on the shorts and sandals and goodbye to the heavy coats and boots.

"Happy Anniversary Magnus"

2011-04-24T11:01:00.000-04:00

It was one year ago today that Magnus came home with us from Kyon Kennels. The year has passed very quickly and he has grown into a lovely boy. He is gentle, smart, friendly, healthy, energetic and loves to run and play. Although we will never forget Shadow and Shamus, our two lovely boys, Magnus has helped to heal the hole in our hearts with his big smile. Here he is in full flight, coming right at 'ya.

Thanks to Wally and Karin at Kyon Kennels for our "Hollywood Star."

"Suspended in Mid Air"

2011-04-24T07:10:00.012-04:00

Best wishes to all my friends of many faiths.

Paul

"Just Ducky, Thanks"

2011-04-20T07:36:00.015-04:00

"I'm sure its this way" says he

"I'm going to ask directions" says she

"Where's Waldo? I Mean Timmy"

2011-04-17T07:22:00.025-04:00

Can you spot the Tim Horton's coffee cup in the photo above? Here's a hint. See the stump on the right hand side? Look up at the top? Look into the hole and spy the brown cup that someone placed eight feet above the ground. These photos are from a multi use trail near my home. It is a beautiful area with the Humber River threading it's way south through the property. I detest litter. I really detest litterbugs. This cup was a little hard to spot but the litterbugs usually make it easy as seen below.

I wonder if they rolled up the rim to win?

And of course what would nature be without the ubiquitous plastic water bottle? And my personal favorite below. What trail is complete without the bright red Coca Cola can? The irony of it all is in the sign below.

"On the Subject of Water"

2011-04-13T07:54:00.002-04:00

My last post was about "World Water Day." The recent news has been filled with the havoc wrecked by Asian Tsunamis. But you don't have to look far and wide to be reminded of nature and the force water can bring to bear. These two photos are from a nearby trail with the above image showing how a wood bridge was lifted off it's supports and deposited on shore. The lower is damage done to a retaining wall meant to protect the shore line from erosion. This was from the 2011 spring melt.

"World Water Day Review"

2011-04-11T07:52:00.001-04:00

March 22 was "World Water Day" a United Nations initiative now nearing the twenty year mark. I didn't blog near the date as I was interested to see how the media would cover this year's events. As in the past the Canadian coverage was scant and meagre. Water is a very serious global issue and we seem to take it for granted here in Canada because we sit on such large reserves. But it is not an inexhaustible supply and many areas in Canada are water challenged. Our neighbors to the south are eying Canadian water enviously and a number of provinces are considering bulk water exports. Canada does not have a comprehensive water strategy and we really need one before we begin exporting this valuable resource outside our borders.

I salute The Canadian Plumbing Industry who this year marked their first "Plumbers Day." I just don't understand why they would not tie it to "World Water Day" instead of coming out a week before as a stand alone event. You know, plumbers... water...., didn't anyone make a connection?

Please do one thing this year. Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth. It really makes a difference. And yes, it is ok to rinse.

"Early Morning Performance" Part Two

2011-04-10T08:45:00.020-04:00

My last post told the story of a little bird Magnus and I enjoyed on an early morning walk. I mentioned that Magnus likes to smell the air and look around to see who is about. Well this is him sniffing the early morning air and below is the sunrise. Again, what a way to start the day.

"Early Morning Perfomance""

2011-04-06T14:58:00.001-04:00

I was walking Magnus this cold morning just as the sun was rising. Magnus likes to stop, listen and smell the air to see who may be in the area. This beautiful bird was performing a very loud solo perched high at the top of a tall pine tree. This red breasted beauty caught both of our attention and we stood together, side by side, enjoying the performance. The morning sun lit up the pine cones to almost match the vibrant red of our little singer. What a nice way to start the day.

"Perigee Moon"

2011-03-20T09:20:00.004-04:00

This image is of the Perigee moonrise last night in our area. As some of you may have noted in the past, I do like to take pictures of the moon and have already posted a few of them. I wanted something a little different so I shot the moon through the bare branches of a tree. To me it looks like the moon is wrapped in a web or maybe the beginning of a nest. The "Moon Mother" was quite spectacular last night and I have seen some really great images from other folks who posted on the web this morning. If you missed last night's event the next "Perigee Moon" will be in 2029. Hopefully we will all be around to enjoy it.

"Saint Patrick's Day Wishes"

2011-03-17T08:17:00.003-04:00

Today I am sending best wishes to all those celebrating Saint Patrick's day. I hope my friends at the "Heart and Crown" in Ottawa and The "Shelbourne" Hotel bar in Dublin, will be jigging to the Irish beat. I was in Dublin at the end of January this year while the "Trad Fest" was going on and I got to see a number of really great Irish musicians. If you have a chance, check out "Tara Novak" on line for a sample of super Irish talent.

The above photo is the sunrise at home this morning. I send it's warmth to all my friends commemorating this special day and for the Irish in all of us. "Cheers"

"Snowball Catch"

2011-03-10T08:38:00.003-05:00

Magnus loves the snow and buries his head at every opportunity. He eats snow and ice like candy. One of his favorite people games is catching snowballs. He is very agile and keeps his eye on the target until he leaps to capture the prize. I don't pack the snowballs too tightly so they more or less explode on impact. He loves this and smiles a very happy puppy smile. If he misses he will dive head first into the snow to try and retrieve the target. And after all isn't that what Retrievers do.

"Still Waters: redux

2011-03-06T10:36:00.002-05:00

I posted a close up view of the rock on the right hand side of the photo, on October 11, 2009. It continues to be one of my more popular posts which led me to go into the archive file and see what else I shot that day. I was pleasantly surprised to find a number of images that I quite like. The one I selected for today gives an expanded view from the original and has interesting reflections in the water from the shoreline trees. As we received six inches of snow overnight this photo is a nice reminder of warmer days to come. Enjoy.

" More Ice Sculptures"

2011-02-26T09:10:00.004-05:00

It is the time of year for the quick thaw followed by the flash freeze. It makes for some interesting photo opportunities as shown by these two examples. A few days from now the temperature will rise well past freezing and this temporary sculpture will melt into memory.

It was great to see while it lasted.

"Changing The Music"

2011-02-21T10:00:00.003-05:00

Sometimes the universe is talking to us and we have to listen. Recently I decided to give up my corporate day gig and once again become the conductor of my own life's music. I am not sure what direction the new symphony will take but I suspect I will be pleased with the end result. And isn't that what really matters?

"Back In Ireland" part two

2011-02-20T07:22:00.005-05:00

And finally a few more images of Dublin, a city I very much enjoy. There is so much to do and see (given time to actually be out and about) one is never bored. These are views down Grafton Street ending in the famous bronze work of Molly Malone.

"Back To Ireland"

2011-02-13T09:38:00.005-05:00

I have missed a few weeks of posting due to travel to Dublin and then directly to San Diego. Both trips were work related and I didn't have a lot of time for sightseeing. I did manage a few hours here and there in Ireland and these images were taken in Howth about a thirty minute drive from Dublin. These are the famous harbour seals and the pictures don't really give a sense of the size of the seals. They are massive creatures that come to the shore when tourists feed them fish bits bought at the local store. Although they appear gentle I wouldn't want to be swimming in the water and come across this fellow and his friends. The bottom image is of the entrance to Howth Harbour.

"Alaskan Memories" part two

2011-01-23T09:15:00.003-05:00

Enjoy!

"Alaskan Memories" part one

2011-01-16T10:47:00.000-05:00

I opened my Alaska image file from the 2010 cruise and really enjoyed seeing the pictures again. This week and next I will blog previously unpublished images. I am looking forward to doing that trip again, it was one of the best I have been on.

"Snow Day"

2011-01-08T11:34:00.004-05:00

I am happy to be home for a snow day that replaces the heavy rain of the last few weeks. It is amazing how muted the surrounding sounds become once everything has a layer of snow.
Nature's Muffler.

A stand of trees.

The last apple.

The lady with a white wig and mantle.

"A few more images to close off the year"

2010-12-31T07:15:00.005-05:00

The moon the night after the lunar eclipse

Beads of water on the end of a bough

Below my wonderful Magnus basking in the warm sunlight

And so ends another year.....

"Ice Sculpture"

2010-12-26T10:32:00.005-05:00

The image above was taken early in the afternoon with some sun breaking through the cloud cover. As a result there is some light the comes through the ice from behind. The dropped out trees in the background lend some framing to the shot and I really like the way the ice has formed into an arch supported by a center column. Sometimes the pictures that I take are no farther away then a few feet from my door. I use an old technique that advises to walk ten feet in any direction, stop and turn 360 degrees. As you turn use your arm as a directional guide for your eye. I once shot a series of woodland photos by looking all around and up and down. I took pictures of trees, the sky, mushrooms, ferns, the sun breaking through the tree canopy, leaves on branches, leaves on trees and a passing butterfly. All within a ten foot radius from where I marked my position.

Below you will find an expanded view of the shot to give you perceptive. And yes I did have a helper who found his way into the picture.

"Magnus and the First Snow"

2010-12-12T08:18:00.004-05:00

Magnus was just a little puppy when he came to our home late this past winter. He had so many things to learn and get used to that he probably doesn't remember much about snow. Now another winter is upon us and he is enjoying this first snowfall with it's large and fluffy flakes. He tries to catch some in his mouth and rubs his face on the snow covered ground. Magnus is a very good model and poses quite serenely. I hope he feels the same way when the snow is past his belly.

"Images From the First Snowfall"

2010-12-05T10:27:00.003-05:00

It is snowing hard today and gave rise to an opportunity to shoot some early winter images close to home. The lion above is one of my favorite subjects and even more so as we seem to have missed removing his greenery in the fall clean up. Below is the lovely butterfly that resides in one of the perennial gardens seeming to still be in flight despite the snow on the delicate wings.

I always enjoy the first snowfalls that hopefully lead up to white Christmas. On the other hand I am not too crazy about the snow that comes in February and March, during the real long night of winter. Ah, to be Canadian and enjoy all four distinct seasons.

"With a little Work"

2010-11-21T12:57:00.002-05:00

I wasn't crazy about the above picture that I took of a full moon rising. With a little help from Carmi and her photo shop skills I quite like the result below. Something from a painter's palette and quite appropriate for this time of year. Cold crisp evenings with chilly winds and leaves rustling. Can you smell the smoke from the wood stove fire and hear the coyote calling to the Moon Mother off in the distance?

Enjoy the beauty of the night.

"Irish Vista"

2010-11-14T08:20:00.003-05:00

I very much enjoyed my recent trip to Ireland and although on business, I did get to sneak in a little site seeing as evidenced by the previous posts. This image is among my favorites and speaks to the natural beauty of Ireland and why it is one favorite places on the planet.

"Kilkenny Castle"

2010-11-06T09:50:00.000-04:00

This beautiful castle, located in Kilkenny Ireland, is a wonderful example of Norman influenced architecture, in this case dating back to 1195 AD. Originally built by William Marshal, the 1st Earl of Pembroke, this castle still draws many visitors to view the skillfully staged rooms and grounds. Kilkenny Castle is now managed by the Irish Office of Public Works and great care has been taken in it's restoration and maintenance. The gallery room and library are my favorites with some very interesting original art by artists of the period. The castle guides are very informative and engaging and the self guided tour let's one view the castle at their own pace.

The town of Kilkenny hosts many annual festivals and the design center and shops are well worth a visit. This is a wonderful place to spend a few days should you plan a trip to Ireland. Kilkenny is about an hours drive from Dublin.

Below the main fountain and yours truly.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

"Hill of Tara and Newgrange, Ireland"

2010-10-30T17:22:00.005-04:00

The "Hill of Tara" or "Hill of Kings" is an archaeological complex that contains a number of ancient monuments. According to tradition this was the seat of the High King of Ireland and is considered a sacral site associated with Kingship rituals. The most prominent feature is a standing stone which is believed to be the 'Stone of Destiny." According to legend the stone would let out a scream, heard all over Ireland, if a would-be king met all the challenges. The above photo is taken in the cemetery on the grounds and below is the "Lia Fail" or "Stone of Destiny."

Newgrange is the home of a Megalithic Passage Tomb built around 3200BC. It is estimated that the construction of the Tomb would have taken a work force of 300 over 20 years to complete. The passage and chamber of the tomb are illuminated by the winter solstice sunrise and the dramatic event lasts for only 17 minutes at dawn. Newgrange is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts over 200,000 visitors a year. An annual lottery is held for 50 pairs of tickets to be present for the solstice event. Winning aside, you have to pray for a sunny day in order for the sunlight to penetrate the roof box above the entrance way, thus illuminating the interior tomb.

Following are two images showing the tomb's mound which covers over one acre. And beneath that you will find a photo of the entrance way and the roof box. The "Hill of Tara and Newgrange" are both well worth a visit, should you find yourself in Ireland.

Next post: "Kilkenny Castle".

" A Dublin Sunday in the Fall"

2010-10-24T11:12:00.004-04:00

I am just back from a week in Ireland that started in Dublin. Despite the cold reality of the current Irish economic climate, the Dublin I know from previous visits, is still very much a delight. A Sunday walk in the afternoon, wearing a warm jacket or sweater, will provide any photographer with ample scenes to choose from. There is a lot going on in this picture that I shot outside St. Stephen's Green near Grafton Street. The bus almost seems to melt into the building ahead when in fact it safely turns the corner. More of Ireland to come in the next few posts.

"Pink Sky, With Effect"

2010-10-16T10:16:00.003-04:00

In my last post I mentioned that I would feature an effect shot this week. Well, here is the same pink sky that I had photographed with a tree added to give it some perspective. Below is the digitally reworked image and despite my purist bent, I quite like it. Next week will see the beginning of a four week series featuring images of Ireland with my usual commentary.

" Pink Swirls in the Fall Sky"

2010-10-09T10:06:00.003-04:00

There was only one night this fall, in my area, that the sky was so unique it made me run for my camera. There had been many lovely sunsets previous to this but without this swirling cloud effect. If you were to invert the picture it would look like a incoming dessert sand storm. These photos have not been digitally enhanced. I will show an effect shot in the next post.