Fresh and green...

Anyone who lives in the Toronto area knows we have had our fair share of rain this spring. It seems we get 24 hours of rain, for every hour of sun. Everything is behind almost 3 weeks in terms of nature. My friends forsythia tree is just now dropping its bright yellow flowers that usually herald the start of spring. This also happens to be the first long weekend that 'unofficially' starts the beginning of summer. Here in Ontario it marks the beginning of planting season.....

This year however, the ground is wet, and it hasn't stopped raining long enough for most people to cut their grass, or turn the soil over never mind planting.

Can you tell, I also happen to love gardening? Granted I now live in an apartment building and my gardening is limited to what I can put on my 15 foot balcony. It is a good thing that one of my friends owns his own house and lets me putter away in his yard when I can. I just helped him put in an herb garden which I can't wait to reap the rewards. Now we just need some sunshine, to dry the ground out a little, and we will plant some veggies, and more flowers. Come on Mother Nature, put away those tears for a bit anyways...

In the meantime, here are two pictures I took in the greenhouses on Easter Sunday...Hope you enjoy them.

Mellow Yellow

I seem to recall that the groundhog predicted an early Spring......I think I'm going to make groundhog stew tonight for dinner.

I managed to squeeze in a quick photo shoot at Allan Gardens the other day. Yes, it does tend to be my 'go-to' place, especially this time of year. But who can resist the warmth, the smell of moist soil, and fragrant flowers when outside it is still damp, cold, and downright ugly. (I dislike March, can you tell?)

The purpose of this shoot was to add a few more shots to my "Kaleidoscape" series, especially the ones using colour from flowers. These are some of the ones that turned out, and I am happy with. You definitely get a feeling of spring and warmth from them. Don't you?

I am also working away at putting a few portfolios together for a contest that a rather large and well known photography magazine is hosting, so stay tuned for info on that. It may be a long shot, but you just never know.

Kind of like not knowing when Spring will start...

Come on Spring...

I am sure I am not the only one who has reached that point of winter where it can not end soon enough. I knew we would pay for the last couple of balmy winters that saw no snow and temps hovered around zero. What a long winter this has felt like....And I am sure I am not alone.

So this post is simple. And I think the picture says it all...

Come on Spring!!

(Picture was taken in the balmy indoors of Allan Gardens)

Flowering Cherry

It has been a busy, but productive spring. Mother Nature seems to be in a rush as most flowering trees are about 2 weeks ahead of their normal blooming times. Forsythia, Cherry, and Lilac trees all seemed to bloom at once. I wasn't able to get out and get as many shots of the cherry blossoms as I would have liked, but this shot of some great pink blooms is from a recent walk to Riverdale Farm.

On another note, I am happy to report that I just have just had an opening night reception for my first public showing of my textural work. 17 images are currently on display at Freedom Clothing Collective, at 939 Bloor Street West. Hours are from 1 to 7 from Tues to Sat. I also have a second exhibition coming up shortly that will feature 7 images on a different theme, so stay tuned for details.....

Hope to post more often, but I thank you for being so patient!!

Tulips

I figured since the temperatures plunged back to winter like levels, it was the perfect time to remind us all that it is actually spring, the days are growing longer, and it won't be too long before tulips are actually blooming outdoors.

These purple beauties were blooming indoors at Allan Gardens in early March. It was a cloudy day which created the soft haze behind these blooms.

Enjoy, and stay warm!

Spring colours

So today was a bit of a blue day. We were supposed to move this week into our new apartment, but due to legalities, insurance issues, and unorganized inspectors, it didn't happen. None of it from my end mind you. And my very stunning indigo blue, and scarlet red Betta fish, is dying. He is almost a year old, so he did last a long time. Yes, he is just a silly fish, but still it did not help the mood.

So to fight off the frustration, I suggested a walk to the Junction. This up and coming area is on Dundas Street West. It's a nice area, quiet, seems safe, and the architecture is mostly 1910-20's. Full of little cafes, antique shops, and hair stylists. (????) Not a Starbucks in sight. Yet.

Found this great little texture shot, and was immediately drawn to the cheery colours. Very spring like. Thought I would post it, and chase those blues away.

Green

I have rather enjoyed the January thaw we have been experiencing. Temperatures above zero is always a nice treat this time of year. That said, the days have been a little grey, even for me who happens to love that colour. So this shot is just simply about adding a nice shot of a fresh, lush, green Hosta leaf complete with rain drops. It's almost February, so we are heading in the right direction. This shot was actually taken on the grounds of Ryerson University.

Honourable Mention 2

This is the second of the two Honourable mentions I received for The City of Toronto photo contest. It was Titled "Spring in St. James Park", and the category was city parks.

I love to take shots of water in various forms. Still, moving, rippled, splashes, reflections, and in this case raindrops. Much like weathered wood, peeling paint, and rust, I like how water can become abstract. Finding beauty or interest in unconventional things.

Printed, framed and hung, they often look spectacular. In my opinion anyways...