Its one of those dark dreary days in early fall when all you want to do is stay in bed or curl up with a good book. Well....if you are like me it probably will also include a long afternoon nap. Despite the gloominess, I still managed to find a moment to capture with the camera. Rain drops on the window and off in the distance fog wrapped around the office towers.

Recently, as part of the previously mentioned self discovery work, I started putting my thoughts and feelings down onto paper as a way to get them out of my head. The more I wrote out my thoughts, the more certain images popped into my head that helped me create an image to the thought I was having or express the feeling I was having at that moment.

With this particular photo it was a little different. I saw the rain on the window, and wanted to capture the moment because words were coming into my head as a result of the image, and not vice versa.

Now.. I'm no poet. I also don't write, other than the journal work. And in a group of people I am the one that remains silent, and listens and learns. But for whatever reason, these words came out, and I thought they very much suited this wet September day.

Inspired..

Last night I had the joy of attending the first ever Inspire Awards, a night of giving thanks and honoring the lifetime contribution of individuals to the LGBTQ community. (Lesbian, Gay, Trans-gendered, Queer). This year the honor went to Michelle Dubarry (Russell Alldread), Boyd Kodak, and a Special Honourary award was given to The Honorable late Jack Layton. His Son and Daughter received the award on his behalf.

Earlier in the year I was asked by my good friend Antoine Elhashem if I would be willing to donate a piece of my photography towards the silent auction part of the evening. Without hesitation I accepted. Along with nine other artists, our donations helped fund the awards celebration, and to ensure other deserving people will be awarded in the future.

I chose this image to frame because I find it majestic, and inspiring. A single tree stands in the midst of a field, and as Autumn makes it entrance the leaves change colour, and start to fall. But the tree does not feel alone, or isolated in my opinion. To me, it stands tall, proud and keeping watch over the land. Not afraid to embrace the changing seasons. The colour orange, was not by accident. That was my own special tribute to the Honorable late Jack Layton. He, along with the others were, and remain an inspiration to the community, and true champions for change and acceptance.

I entitled the image "A season of change". Here it is:

Hanging on..

I managed to get one last walk in at High Park before the remainder of the leaves fell for the season. I was focusing mostly on reflection shots for my new series, but I couldn't help taking a few scenery shots. This is one of them. I believe it is a Japanese Maple. I was drawn to the deep crimson red leaves against the overcast sky. I crawled inside the tree and took this shot looking up towards the top.

I'm always amazed at how these walks invigorate me, and totally relax me after a day or week working in Retail. I've said it before, but I think this park is magnificent, and a true gem for this city. I'm sure as I head into the holiday season I will wish I could escape to the park more and more. At least I have the photos to remind me of days less hectic...

Leaving Tracks..

This shot was taken on my walk of the Lower Don Valley Trail. I had to climb a huge incline to get up over a hill, and once I got up there I discovered these old tracks that clearly do not get used, or if they do it is a rare occasion. These tracks bypassed the Brickworks, and headed south to the lake. The fall colours, I felt, only added to the sense of history, and nostalgia, and for some reason a feeling of comfort, and stories to be to told....

susie

Made a much needed walk to the Brickworks to get my nature fix last weekend. I'm always amazed at how much work is being done at this former industrial site. It has become another great spot for the community, and this day was no exception. It was full of people out to celebrate the opening day celebrations of this new 'park'. One of the things I noticed was the great pieces of floral art that have been attached to the buildings. This shot is a portion of a black eyed susie mounted way up by the roof line. A great piece of art, and appropriate to the area. Well done!!

grey days..

Today is one of those grey days. It's almost winter and the amount of daylight is at it's lowest. Bring in the clouds, and it can be downright dark. Some of us let the mood of the day envelope us, and we take on a dark, heavy, even depressed state. I chose this shot to remind us that even on the dullest of days, a little colour, and fun no matter where it comes from can take that day in a totally new direction. So light a bright candle, throw on a red scarf, or grab your multi-colour umbrella and chase those greys away....