5 Days Running...

The beauty of morning light made running feel like fun.

Since the 1-week drawing challenge, I've thought about setting more short-term goals. It feels motivating to wake up and remember that I get to work on something non-work related that's really fun to do. So I will intermittently surprise you with a new one, starting with this second challenge: to take a photo every morning on a different running route.

The 7-day plan ended up turning into 5. Unlike the extra energy I gained from drawing, I found myself a little physically depleted by the end of the week!

While the fresh air awoke me from my sleepy trance, the warm sun cast orange rays across my face. My mind felt more alert, as I kept myself occupied by looking out for something unique to photograph. I noticed how the low sun (at this time of day and year), cast some intriguing, elongated shadows.

Allowing myself this time to pay attention, made me realize (yet again) the multitude of photo opportunities that are offered every moment of every day. Something amazing is happening all the time, even only a few minutes away from home. Some of these moments will never happen again, exactly the way you found them, so how satisfying it is to capture it before it disappears!

Monday's run: A passing shadow on the ground caused me to look up. With the wind blowing West and the sun at it's early stages, a shadow casts upon the smoke stack's own smoke:

West Toronto Railpath

Tuesday's run: early morning rays warmly highlight this chain link fence against the cool shadows behind it:

Bank Street

Wednesday' run: the grass along the East side of this sidewalk casts long shadows:

Along the Soccer Field by Brockton Stadium

Thursday's run: with the sun still at a low point in the sky, I'm able to point the camera straight up towards this tree top without getting harsh back-lighting.

Dufferin Groves

Friday's run: the first corner I turned, was down an alley where this kitty kept watch from his safe spot; up upon a tall fence, behind big foliage:

Dundas Alley

I challenge you to keep your eye open for something unique today... what did you find?!

A Fad or Forever?

What is it about birds?

Wispy, curling, feathers

I myself have definitely fallen prey to loving them so much that I would actually just about stick them on anything! (Check out this funny spoof, Put a Bird on It). Yes, the last few years have generated an abundant number of bird images on everything from clothing and housewares to story books and wall graphics. But I really think there's more to it than just a pretty image; birds are not a fad.

They represent an idea and a feeling... Freedom.

Pigeons flying past my window

It's even proven in our dreams:

"If you are flying with ease and are enjoying the scene and landscape below, then it suggests that you are on top of a situation. You have risen above something. It may also mean that you have gained a new and different perspective on things. Flying dreams and the ability to control your flight is representative of your own personal sense of power." (Dream Moods)

How liberating is that?! We love birds because we want to be a bird. Imagine... traveling anywhere you please, with a clear view and a cool breeze in your feathers, without traffic jams or speed limits.

Here are a few birdies I've found both near and far. They captured my eye when I saw them playing in the sky, fully enjoying every precious, little moment.

Toronto: A community, settling in for the evening

New Zealand: An albatross gracefully gliding with the wind currents

Florida: Pelicans diving like spears to catch their lunch 

Buena Vistas 2014

Happy September everyone!

It's the start of a new month and a new season. I'm already missing summer's relaxations but that cooler chill in the air does feel refreshing. It's a positive kick-in-the-butt for me to get those creative juices flowing a little faster.

Even though Fall is a busier season, it too will pass by quickly... all of a sudden it will be 2014! Ok, not so fast--we still have a third of the year left :) In the meantime, there is no reason not to give ourselves a moment or two to enjoy what we love. Listen to music, smell a rose, eat chocolate, look out the window...

Sea Green

Or admire a poster! Introducing the new Mountain Calendars for 2014, now for sale on Etsy.

Enjoy the view!

Red Sunset

Silver Dew

Blue Mist