Jardinet

Photoblog Revival

2006-03-24T11:41:00.000-05:00

I was pleasently surprised when I found out that my Photoblog has been revived, thanks to a dear friend.

Please visit my new and improved photoblog: www.jardinet.net

I've posted a lot of my past favourites for now. Stay tuned for Spain and Portugal pictures in 3 weeks' time.

Adios and see you in my new location.

Moon over Marrakesh

2005-10-16T21:38:00.000-04:00

A moonlit view of Marrakesh, Morocco

One of the window details in Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco

A view of the High Atlas Mountains on the way to Marrakesh

Heri es-Souani garneries and vaults, Meknes, Morocco

Ceiling light fixture, Erfoud, Morocco

What a wonderful country Morocco is, rich in history and culture.

Well as you can tell I have indeed returned and inspite of a 19 hour flight I couldn't wait to upload my digital pictures. I have over 800 pictures which are in dire need of processing and I just wanted to share a few with you for now so that you can encapsulate the sights of this amazingly diverse nation as well.

Like Water

2005-10-06T07:42:00.000-04:00

Used graduated tint in Orange on the leaves and rocks for a different impact.

I'll be away for the next 10 days on a big adventure to Morocco. I'll have plenty of pictures when I return, so please come by soon to check out the Moroccan chapter.

So long...

The Weeping Willow

2005-09-18T20:58:00.000-04:00

A Willow Tree in Oakville, Toronto

Culture

2005-09-05T16:31:00.000-04:00

Clay figurines and other Ukranian Arts and Crafts at the CNE, Toronto

Toronto is considered as one of the leading multi-cultural cities in North America where you can meet people from practically anywhere around the world.

Every summer, the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) hosts a multitude of events in different pavilions which embrace and promote cultural diversity in the Canadian society. As I was walking through the Arts and Crafts pavilion and visiting different booths, I couldn't help but notice the similarities between many of the "Silk Road" cultures.

I started to wonder about the history of this osmosis and how much literature I would be able to find on this subject. Much of what I have read delves into Mythology for the most part but it doesn't connect the dots.

If you as my visitor can recommend any books in regards to this subject, I would appreciate it.

The Summer Chapter

2005-08-29T21:49:00.000-04:00

Face painting

Ukranian style Shish Kabab

Mini Dragon Roller Coaster

Dancing in the Streets of Toronto

One of the funkiest games around, Frog pick

Top the day off with Cotton Candy

A scene from the play "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Shakespeare under the Stars Festival.

Summer time seems to be a great opportunity for kids and adults alike to enjoy themselves with all sorts of activities. Try to think back to the first day of school when you were always asked to write a paper on what you did during the summer. I'm still baffled at what the purpose of the dreaded paper was since as a matter of principal all kids gloated about events which never took place.
It was a matter of honour and glory.

I have tried to capture many sights and sounds of summer which ring a chord within all of us. Yes there's the nature, the beach, the birds and the bathing suits but I wanted to encapsulate the true spirit of this glorious season: Fun

Enjoy the rest of it wherever you are.

Dim the Lights

2005-08-20T08:31:00.000-04:00

Grenadier Pond in the evening, Toronto

Acquainted With the Night

I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain--and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.

I have looked down the saddest city lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.

I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,
But not to call me back or say good-by;

And further still at an unearthly height
One luminary clock against the sky
Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the night

(Poem by: Robert Frost)

The Garden Of Life

2005-08-07T21:19:00.000-04:00

A Tree somewhere in the nature, Toronto

The Garden of Life

The Garden of Life is full of fruit
To nourish my soul today
Each tree is full of plump ripe fruit
All within my reach

Each beckons me to pick and eat
To fill my soul to the brim
Which do I choose as I walk
Into the world today?

Is it the fruit of the Living God
I feast upon today
Or is it the fruit of deception and lies
That first catches my eye

How do I know what to pick?
It all looks good to me.

(Poem by: Gail Schmidt)

Achievement

2005-07-27T23:59:00.000-04:00

Roncevalles Lagoon

Uncertainty

2005-07-20T22:01:00.000-04:00

After the Rain and through the Fog in a local Toronto Ravine

I must admit myself that this is one of the best photos I've had in the blog so far. Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I just absolutely fell in love with this moment and had to capture it.

The Miracle of Life

2005-07-17T17:54:00.000-04:00

Catch of the day by the Boardwalk, Toronto

It has been a while my friends and now I'm back. Thank you for your loyalty.
I would like to dedicate this picture and the following poem to my talented friend Shafagh who is celebrating her birthday today.
I have many more pictures to share with you, so please visit as often as you can.

The Miracle

There is a majestic quality-
In everyone for all to see.
Some keep it hidden, some never realize-
The magnificence they hold in others' eyes.

Ah, yes, life itself is the gift.
Though the memory, itself, Time doth sift.
And some might think the reverence gone-
As those we love one by one pass on.

I look to heavens' resounding grace-
Renewed appreciation of life and my place.
Knowing as each newborn child opens their eyes-
The miracle continues, no one really dies.

(By: Michael Anderson)

Happy birthday my friend.

Favourite Red Tree

2005-06-11T09:07:00.000-04:00

Niagara on the Lake Park, Niagara Falls

Anatomy of a Dance

2005-06-01T21:57:00.000-04:00

Classical Indian Dance

Flamenco

A few weeks ago I was walking around in one of the local Malls here in Toronto when I noticed an interesting sign. It stated that there will be an amateur photogrpahy exhibition and competition being held in the Mall whereby interested parties can submit their photographs to enter in the competition. The only rules stipulated were that they had to be portraits and black and white or Sepia and a panel of professional photographers will judge the photos based on certain criteria.

I have entered the above photographs into the competition just so that I can get a professional opinion on what is good and what needs to be improved. These ladies are friends of mine, one being a Ballerina who posed as a Classical Indian Dancer albeit not knowing the dance itself. The second has been performing Flamenco professionally for many years. Neither one would like their name mentioned but cheers to both for being such good sports and I hope they're happy with a snapshot of their incredible art.

Beach Comber

2005-05-26T22:43:00.000-04:00

WhyteCliffe Beach, HorseShoe Bay, Vancouver

Mother of Life
I am so happy to spend my days
roaming at the ocean's edge
of your infinite being
listening to the rolling surf
as it calls the sparkling star filled sands
to join the timeless push and pull
of your ecstatic play

I am a beachcomber, a vagabond
looking for a few good sea shells

Soon we will take these to the market place
hoping that someone else
might hold a shell to their ear
and hear your song
of endless love

From: Poems for the Mother of the Universe - The Goddess, by Ethan Walker III

Away We Go

2005-05-21T07:15:00.000-04:00

Center Island Ferry, Toronto

A view of Downtown Toronto and the CN Tower from the Center Island Ferry ride.

Breeeeeeeeeeze

2005-05-12T22:55:00.000-04:00

High Park and LakeShore in the evening, Toronto

On Myths and More...

2005-05-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

Totem Pole, West Vancouver Harbour, Canada

One of the significant structures widely seen in many North Western cities of the Americas are the Totem Poles due to the strong Native Indian influence in the region.

The meanings of the designs on totem poles are as varied as the cultures which produce them. Totem poles may recount familiar legends, clan lineages, or notable events. Some poles are erected to celebrate cultural beliefs, but others are intended mostly as artistic presentations. Certain types of totem pole are part of mortuary structures incorporating grave boxes with carved supporting poles, or recessed backs in which grave boxes were placed. Poles are also carved to illustrate stories, to commemorate historic persons, to represent shamanic powers, and to provide objects of public ridicule.

This particular Totem pole in the picture situated by the Harbour front is welcoming the ships and the visitors to the land with open arms.

Breathless

2005-05-04T22:19:00.000-04:00

Cleveland Dam Resevoir, Vancouver

This is absolutely one of my favourite scenaries: The Cleveland Dam. Surronded by lush mountains and accessible only through hiking trails, I've spent a lot of time discovering every corner of it. Further down the stream, there is a Fish Hatchery and you can actually walk up to the banks of the river and watch the Salmon as they make their run. Artists who are inspired by the depth of this beauty spend hours by the river bank painting, sketching, or writing poetry.

I should be working for the Vancouver Tourism Agency!

Memories

2005-04-30T10:19:00.000-04:00

Ambleside Park, Vancouver, Canada

I finally got a chance to scan some of my pictures that I had taken in Vancouver during my last visit. There is lots to be said about this city's incredible natural beauty complements of 7 months of constant rain. I will post more pictures in the next few days so you can get a feel of its Magnificance as well.

Until then, enjoy this one. You can also click on the picture itself to enlarge it.

Late Bloomer

2005-04-26T23:11:00.000-04:00

Oakville National Park, outside of Toronto

Oakville National Park, outside of Toronto

Well Spring seems to be almost in full bloom in the Toronto area and I had the opportunity to capture that in the past couple of days.

Look for more updates as the days go by.

Faith or Fable

2005-04-23T00:29:00.000-04:00

St. Christopher Catholic Church in Toronto

The above picture was taken in the Italian-Portuguese community Church on Bloor and Ossington area of Toronto. Due to the strong convictions of these communities to Catholicism, Churches tend to be more elaborate as far as design and Architecture are concerned and definitely worth seeing. I wasn't able to take pictures of the interiors of the Church but will try my secret method one of these days.

Dress Me Up

2005-04-13T23:00:00.000-04:00

Christie Pit Park, Toronto, Canada

I have yet to spot a blossom or two and have been searching frantically to get a glimpse of the Spring I had been waiting for.

Enjoy yours wherever you are.

Giselle-2

2005-04-08T22:58:00.000-04:00

The Dance of Peasant girls

This is the 2nd photo from the performance of Giselle where the peasant girls welcome the Prince and lure Giselle to show her infatuation for him with a solo performance. The costumes were all in different colours which glorified the stage performance ten folds.

If you like Ballet and performing arts then Giselle and The Swan Lake are a must see and are considered the Ballet connoisseur's dream come true.

Giselle

2005-04-03T23:28:00.000-04:00

Performance of Giselle at the Center for Arts in Toronto

For those of you who know me, know that I love dancing and I love going to Ballets. I recieved a gift to go to the premier of Giselle performed by the Canadian National Ballet last week. I had always wanted to see this Ballet because of the degree of its difficulty in choreography and also the vibrant costumes and stage design.

Giselle is a story of a love between a peasant and a nobleman and all its trials and tribulations and at the end their love ends with her being broken hearted which is depicted as a wound inflicted upon her by the nobleman's sword.

Inspiration for the first act came from Victor Hugo's poem, Les Fantômes. About a girl who dies after dancing all night in a ballroom. It includes the line "She loved dancing too much, and that is what killed her."
.

Play It Again Sam

2005-03-30T21:50:00.000-05:00

No Man's land

Take a Bite Out of Life

2005-03-24T23:21:00.001-05:00

There is colour all around us

Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate this occasion.

Spring has Sprung

2005-03-17T22:06:00.000-05:00

Haft Cin, a symbol of the ancient Persian Norooz Festival

To my dear Iranian visitors: Noroozetaan Pirooz

Singing liquid notes
In the green bud tree
A willow warbler
Welcomes the sun on the old wall
Its song melts away
The long grey winter
Sing of sweet hope
Let no late frost
Stop its trilling throat
Louise Rill

A little madness in the Spring
Is wholesome even for the King.
Emily Dickinson

Winter Fun

2005-03-13T09:42:00.000-05:00

I've been wanting to post these pictures in one post depicting all the Winter Fun since last week, but there seems to be an ongoing issue with the Blogger and its editing tool. So, I decided to post them separately for your viewing pleasure knowing that Winter is at its last breath.

Being the eternal optimist, I think its always best to bring out the fun out of a "cold" situation and here we are. For those if you in warmer climates, I'm totally jealous!

Spring arrives next week so enjoy the last week of winter and all the fun it has to offer.

2005-03-13T09:40:00.000-05:00

Snowman Punktified

2005-03-13T09:35:00.000-05:00

Bicycle Run

2005-03-13T09:33:00.000-05:00

Playful Squirrel

2005-03-13T09:32:00.000-05:00

Canada Goose en Vogue

2005-03-13T09:31:00.000-05:00

Sledding

2005-03-13T09:29:00.000-05:00

Father and Son

Yearning

2005-03-03T22:06:00.000-05:00

Grendiar Pond, High Park, Toronto

For those of us who have to endure the winter months comprised of cold, snow, and plain terrains here is a a dose of sunshine and greenery.
Happy March and let's look forward to our beautiful spring and summer months which are only a blink of an eye away.

Underground Movement

2005-02-26T01:46:00.000-05:00

The PATH, downtown Toronto, Canada

When The Night Falls

2005-02-20T15:58:00.000-05:00

Toronto Skyline

This photo was taken from the balcony of Panorama Restaurant on the 50th floor of ManuLife Center on Bloor Street. This is part of the core of the Business and Shopping district located in the south of the city and by Lake Ontario.

Sensuality

2005-02-16T22:41:00.000-05:00

White Lillies

This photograph was taken with a Canon PowerShot A75 Digital Camera using the Macro mode.

Prisoner Of Love

2005-02-11T13:01:00.000-05:00

Sculpture by Marcus Pierson, Bloor West Gallery, Toronto

There are some people who go through life looking for that eternal love, jumping from one branch to another and not knowing what it is that they want. I say to them, learn to love yourself first and then true love will appear in your life.

On the occasion of Valentines Day I wish you that discovery of eternal love. May you feel the warmth of it, as I do right now, and remember that if it doesn't happen it was probably not right to begin with.

Many Roses and Chocolates your way.

And the Winner is....

2005-02-05T21:27:00.000-05:00

NoRooz in on its way

I would like to thank each one of you for participating in this contest with your wonderful, creative guesses. I know that some of you have been anxious to find out the message behind this picture and had gone to great many lengths just to avoid receiving the neck strap. I'm pleased to tell you that my friend Azita figured it out and sent me her reply in a form of a poem in Persian which she has written herself and has posted along with the picture in her weblog.

I took this picture in Black and White to symbolize Winter and its lack of colour. These Chandeliers are referred to as Laaleh Abbasi and are used in two specific ceremonies, one of them for vows of marriage and the other on Haft Cin. In traditional folklore Iranian custom, the Haft Cin is adorned by these and a mirror as a starting point. Therefore I was hinting that spring is on its way.

NoRooz marks the first day of spring and the start of the Persian new year and is celebarted by Iranians and many other cultures of the same root all over the world. The best thing about NoRooz is that its a celebartion that has no religious affilitation and an event which we can call our own as Iranians.

So dust off that Shahnaameh and get ready to invite spring back into your life.

Alas, Saving the Best For Last

2005-01-31T11:31:00.000-05:00

The Garden at Hemingway's Residence, Cuba

Sunset in Cayo Coco, Cuba

Guama Island, Cuba

Sunset at Cayo Coco, Cuba

My Reading spot on Cayo Coco Beach, Cuba

Bird Sanctuary in Havana, Cuba

Well Girls and Boys, these are the last of my pictures from Cuba which I can share with you. Thank you David for tips on how to post several pictures in one post. I was going to write a bit about Cuba and my observations, but I changed my mind since I'd like to keep your Cuban experience to a sample of photos. All the other stuff, I'm sure there are plenty of resources on the net which would offer diverse points of view. As always, I 'll be more than happy to answer any questions about any of the pictures and will leave these on until the end of this week.

Now, On Sunday Feb. 05 I will post a picture with no title or explanation. This would serve as a prop for a contest where you would guess the subject of the photo and what it indicates. Yes, there is a prize which will be shipped to you anywhere in the world and for those of you who know me, know that I'm a woman of my word. The prize is a "Portable USB Flash Drive, 32MB" and I'll give you more details once I post the contest.

So enjoy these pictures and get your creative juices flowing in anticipation.

The Simple Life

2005-01-29T09:19:00.000-05:00

Holguin Fishing Village, Cuba

After half a day of exploring the underwater life and beauty, one retreats by the beachside of this beautiful fishing village where you feast on the catch of the day and local produce. The rest of the day is spent walking through the alleys of Holguin and exploring the sights and sounds.

Simplicity at its finest.

My friend Ramoun has a photoblog which I'm sure all of you would enjoy immensely. He captures the architecture and life in Texas and shows us the side of Texas which many of us didn't know much about.

I would also encouarge you to visit another friend of mine, Azita, who is a true artist in every possible way. She has a sample of her paintings , depicting the Persian traditions, as well as her own poems in Persian.

Water, Water everywhere

2005-01-27T06:46:00.000-05:00

Scuba Diver at Holguin, Cuba

One of the guided tours in Cuba consists of a half day of swimming with the Dolphins, Scuba diving, and snorkeling. The tour takes you to the Hoguin beach resort by bus and from there you board a boat which takes you in the middle of the ocean and you're given a quick lesson how to operate the Scuba or the Snorkeling gear.

I was a bit apprehensive about the prospects of Snorkeling at first but I think everyone has that apprehension for the first time. It's an unsettling feeling to be immersed in an unknown territory and not having too much control over what happens around you.

I think being an Urban Dweller one normally has control over the surrondings they intend to be present in and it takes a bit of adjustment to accepting the unexpected.

Just looking at life under water and being able to explore a new territory was an amazing feeling and I highly recommend it to those of us with inhibitions.

Ola From Cuba

2005-01-25T22:30:00.000-05:00

Guetamalan Festival, Havana, Cuba

It's been a while my friends and I didn't expect to post until tomorrow when I return to 20 cm of snow. A friend of mine changed the template a day earlier, thanks Chris, so I decided to post one of my many pictures from my week in Cuba.

There was a Guetamalan Festival in Havana a couple of days ago to which our guided tour took us. These two Guetamalan girls come from the Mayan highlands of Guatemala, with their families ofcourse, where subsistence farming of Maize and Beans rests at the heart of the rural economy.

In fact, this festival is an ancient Mayan celebration of thanking the Gods for the abundance at this time of the year. Needless to say that the food which was being sold at the festival consisted primarily of Maize and different Beans, which I had to politely decline.

Unfortunately, all your wonderful comments were erased as a result of the template change but your kindness and encouragement is still in my heart.

Hasta Luego amigos y amigas.

Passage

2005-01-16T21:21:00.000-05:00

Old Mill Road, Toronto

Greener Pastures?

2005-01-13T23:24:00.000-05:00

Lawrence Creek, Toronto

Survival

2005-01-11T20:53:00.000-05:00

Flowers covered with snow, Toronto

Games People Play

2005-01-08T22:25:00.000-05:00

A pub somewhere in Toronto

Change

2005-01-06T21:24:00.000-05:00

High Park, Toronto

Lovers

2005-01-03T01:10:00.000-05:00

Grenadier Pond, Toronto

Ring out the Old and Bring in the New

2004-12-31T15:02:00.000-05:00

Rosedale Avenue, Toronto

I suppose this is not considered as the standard New Year celebrations picture.

There is no scene of heavy partying, Champagne glasses, or fire works.

However, I believe that the picture exudes a certain warmth which could be
as a result of many factors in one's life.

That is my wish for all of you for the New Year whereever you are in the world.

Thank you for visiting and come back for much more.

Jamak

Hanging On

2004-12-28T11:10:00.000-05:00

High Park, Toronto

In Memory Of

2004-12-27T01:03:00.000-05:00

Candle in memory of victims of Asia Quake

Tis' the Season

2004-12-25T09:10:00.000-05:00

Royal York Hotel, Toronto

Merry Christmas

2004-12-23T22:22:00.000-05:00

Cavalcade of Lights, Nathan Philips Square, Toronto

I would like to wish all the Christians around the world
a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all the
non-Christians.

I think it's safe to say that regardless of our religious
and cultural backgrounds we should all wish for peace.

Enjoy the time with your families and loved ones.
Drink responsibly if you have to.

Spirit of Christmas

2004-12-22T06:07:00.000-05:00

A home less person by the Bier Market on the Esplanade, Toronto

You know, I don't like to preach about charity or even examine our behaviour
when it comes to being charitable. I'm also one of those people who politely
declines to spare a quarter to someone who looks like he/she is
going to hit the liquor store.

Maybe I take this whole notion too seriously and think that well I live in a
semi- socialist state and 45 to 50% of my income is deducted to provide a
consistent societal structure, hence no need for pan handling or Home lessness.

The truth of the matter is that regardless of all the societal and economical
factors, it is our responsibility as human beings to provide for
the needy at the time of need.

That was what Jesus, the one whose birth is being celebrated in a few days,
had in mind and preached.

So raid that Toys R Us if you have to, but stop by a food bank or a food
distribution center.

Look around and absorb the real spirit.

Excess = Success?

2004-12-21T06:05:00.000-05:00

Holt Renfrew on Bloor St., Toronto

Saturday Mornings

2004-12-17T22:36:00.000-05:00

High Park, Toronto, Canada

How do you spend your Saturday mornings?

Nature is not only a source of relaxation, but quite
inspirational as well.

Take time to discover the one around you.
Cherish it and protect it.

Salut

2004-12-16T07:18:00.000-05:00

Patinage

2004-12-13T23:30:00.000-05:00

Nathan Phillips Square, Downtown Toronto

First Snow

2004-12-12T09:33:00.000-05:00

High Park, Toronto, Canada

Child's Play

2004-12-11T13:17:00.000-05:00

Lakeshore, Toronto, Canada

I often wonder what it would be like to be a child again.
What has changed inside as well as outside my own world during these years?
Would I be any different growing up now as oppossed to some other decade?
Then I watched this child trying to fly a kite and I found a sudden urge to do the same.
I came to the conclusion that not much has changed.
Ahhh, that inner child is something else.

Thunderous

2004-12-09T20:49:00.000-05:00

Lake Ontario and Lakeshore West, Toronto

Lightning, Thunder, and Rain, Fall upon me today.

Innovation

2004-12-07T21:17:00.000-05:00

Pantages Hotel, Toronto, Canada

Lights, Camera, Action

2004-12-05T14:03:00.000-05:00

City Hall, Nathan Phillip Square, Toronto, Canada

Bridge over troubled waters

2004-12-04T09:59:00.000-05:00

Lake Shore Blvd. Toronto, Canada

Some of you may recall this ballad from Simon and Garfunkel:

When you're weary, feelin' small
When tears are in your eyes,
I will dry them all.
I'm on your side, Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
When you're down and out,
when you're on the street
When evening falls so hard,
I will comfort you.
I'll take your part,
Oh when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Sail on children, sail on by
Your time has come to shine,
all their dreams are on their way
See how they shine,
Oh when you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled waters,
I will ease your mind.
I'll ease your mind.

Friendship

2004-12-03T09:57:00.000-05:00

Maple Leaf

What unites and divides us as human beings?

This is a loaded question which came to my mind after a friend of mine sent me this picture from Texas. He noticed this beautiful leaf, a Maple leaf which adornes the Canadian flag, and it reminded him of his friend in Canada, so he decided to send it to me.

Although we're in the opposite ends of the spectrum as far as political persuasion is concerned, but we have found other areas of interest which we're both passionate about, mainly our homeland.

I wonder how many of us are willing to ponder about issues that divide us as human beings in order to build friendships?

More scenes of Patriotism

2004-11-30T23:20:00.000-05:00

Bloor West Village- Toronto, Canada

Conviction, Devotion, and Pride

2004-11-29T21:39:00.000-05:00

Bloor West Village, Toronto, Canada

I don’t want to make this into a political blog, as there are many of them around. However, I have been moved by the character of the Ukrainian community in Toronto in the past week, who despite the extreme weather conditions have gathered relentlessly from dawn to dusk to protest the election results back in their homeland. How truly admirable they all are, from the young to the old to have their voices heard loud and clear all over the world.

May this resonate the same feelings of Conviction, Devotion, and Pride in us, the Iranians, who have witnessed the stretch of our homeland shrink considerably over the past few decades as a result of tyranny and anarchy.

Stand up and make a statement.

Illumination

2004-11-27T11:57:00.000-05:00

Yorkville, Toronto, Canada

Years ago a guy handed me a note as I was leaving his proud town of Vancouver, Canada, a lovely place far in the West . "I'm glad to know there is another optimist in the world," the note said. " I know we will find one another someday and our lights would cross."

Our lights would cross. That fellow had not stood out to me, I realized, among the other upturned, interested faces in my hometown. How many other lights had I missed? I carried his smudged note for thousands of miles.

I guess the point I'm trying to make here is the declaration of one's feelings towards others regardless of consequences. You will not only illuminate that person's life, even though temporarily, but you will also leave a footprint in their lives for years to come.

Life in a big city

2004-11-26T23:32:00.000-05:00

CN Tower from Lakeshore in Toronto, Canada

Between tall buildings
that make the street below
look like a shadowy canyon
the sky is milky blue
and the sun,
only shines on the upper floors.
(My own scribble)

EnGorged

2004-11-22T21:15:00.000-05:00

Lion's head Gorge, British Coloumbia, Canada

And the Spirit,
by my window,
speaketh to my restless soul,
Telling of the clime she came from,
where the silent moments roll;

Telling of the bourne mysterious,
where the sunny summers flee
Cliffs and coasts,
by man untrodden,
ridging round a shipless sea.

Bird and leaf will keep the secret
wind and wood will never tell
Men the thing that I have whispered.
Mary Rivers,
fare you well!

(Poem By: Henry Kendall- Songs from the Mountains)

Interlude

2004-11-21T17:15:00.000-05:00

High Park, Toronto, Canada

My garden is the place to be
Peace to dream
Plant or read
Potter leisurely.

Seeds I scattered everywhere
Offer leaves,
Then flowers bedeck
The earth once bare.

Assorted shrubs and trees
In keeping
Draw the eye
Movement in the breeze.

Darting birds sweep the skies
Find solace,
Nesting places
Hidden,
now offer up their cries.

Lawns of meadow grass
Containers
Of delicate blooms
Differ as the seasons pass.

My garden is the place for me
To dream
And pray
For God's Peace eternally.