Urban Oasis

I've walked by this park numerous times... and every time, it catches me a little bit by surprise. It's just not something you expect in the middle of downtown. But, this is Vancouver... where you would find a jewel of a place to enjoy "slowing down" in the middle of the hustle & bustle. This urban oasis is just another reason why I love this city!

Sakura

The Japanese Cherry Blossom, an enduring metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life - extreme beauty and quick death... an aspect of Japanese cultural tradition that is often associated with Buddhist influence.

I know, I know... the above caption is a bit gloom, especially in consideration of the recent situation in Japan. I must admit that I expected something more cheery when I searched to find out the symbolism for the Sakura. However, there is beauty in contemplating life and death... the conversations in our heads and within our souls... the decisions to be better people and to live better lives... yes, there is good and beauty in all of that!

Mother of Pearl

I can appreciate the beauty in jewelry... although I've never really loved them like some women do. However, this necklace is special and has been my favourite since my mother gave it to me as a present on my wedding day.

Some weeks ago, I unconsciously started wearing it. I think I miss my mommy, and wearing it was a way for me to keep her close to me...

Blue

Hubby told me when I got home tonight that there are horses hanging out just outside of the Cavalia tents across the water from us. So we went for a walk, on a hunt for my photo of the day. However, when we got there... the horses must have gone inside, resting for the night. =(

On the way home though, we caught this view from the Cambie St. bridge. Since we see this view within steps from our front door, it is definitely easy to take for granted. Catching it from a different perspective was a good reminder to always appreciate what we have.

A New Playground

I've heard about this place; but today, during a walk with hubby, was the first time I walked in. Such a neat concept... definitely a new playground to explore!

Uglies

Strolling through the Kids Market on Granville Island with some girlfriends this afternoon when I saw this line of dolls that have been my favourite since I first came across them a few years ago. So adorable... I just love 'em!

Gimme 10!

This is Ace, the puppy that we got to play with at work today; and this is one of the tricks he knows - to give 10!

My friends Amy and Ryan are dog-sitting him while his mommy & daddy went on vacation. He is sweet, affectionate, gives lots of kisses but wow, his farts are violent and deadly! He cleared our office a couple of times today... we've nicknamed him Stinky!

Plain and Simply, Beautiful!

 

Sitting in my doctor's office and this was the view I had to enjoy... sure made the waiting a lot more tolerable =)

On The Edge

What a nice day! I had to take my photo of the day outside, I had to get evidence that the sun was out! And guess who else were out? Skaters at the skate park, gliding by on the edge! So cool!

Watercolour

Our view across the water as hubby and I went on our walk tonight on the seawall...

Attraversiamo

After work, I phoned my friend Nuala for an impromptu hang out because I wanted to go hunt for my photo of the day. I was so glad she could come. She took me to this park just across the street from her place, tucked away carefully like most precious spaces are. There was a creek, higglety pigglety steps everywhere, benches, lots of trees, then I came across...

A bridge. Sometimes, it is a welcomed opportunity to be able to explore a new world. Other times, it has felt like I am dragged across it kicking and screaming... stressing over the unknown. I think the bridges are all the same, it's me that is different whenever I come across one... which makes the difference on whether I welcome it or feel an aversion to it.

What if we welcomed every bridge with child-like, bright-eyed curiosity and love for adventure?

Whimsically Dreamy

Today, I had another date with my artist friends... and this month's theme was watercolour! Experimenting with watercolour is a great way to practice playing, being curious, and just letting your imagination take you away.

This was my work of art - it makes me think of the words dreamy and whimsy =)

Best.Hubby.Ever!

It was a nice day out and I wanted to go to Stanley Park for a walk and to take my daily photo. Hubby had a full day of March Madness to watch, but he decided to peel himself away from the games to go on the walk with me for a couple of hours.

He cooks, he cleans, he brings flowers home, he takes the garbage out, gives me hugs and kisses (even on text msgs), makes me laugh, takes me to the ballet, goes to the art gallery with me and peels himself away from his sports to go for a walk with me... yes, I'm pretty lucky!

Take Me To The Ballet!

I dropped a major hint last week... okay, it wasn't a hint... I flat out told my hubby I wanted to go to the ballet and asked if he would take me to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's production of Wonderland that's on tour in Vancouver next weekend. With a few reminders since the first time I asked... he finally put two tickets to the show on the dinner table the other day! I'm going to see Alice in Wonderland at the ballet! Woot!!!

I've always loved the story, but it's my first time to the ballet... looking forward to whatever inspiration that may come from the experience!

What can I say... ask and you shall receive,  and gentle persistence helps!

Thanks babe!!! Can't wait! =)

On The Rocks

On my way home today, I decided to take a detour into Stanley Park so I can take my photo for the day outside. It was a bit chilly, and I wasn't dressed warm enough. Otherwise, I would've gotten a cup of hot cocoa, sat on the rocks and enjoyed this view for a little longer.

For years now, Sean's grandma has given me this advice - take some time to stop and smell the roses once in a while... it's good advice, I really should listen to her wise words.

Soon

Today was the first in several days that I had a chance or the energy to go outside for my daily photo. It was still a little chilly, although the sun was trying to burn through the clouds... can't wait for the weather to get warmer. Soon...

And hopefully, my energy will also return to me.

London Fog

It's been over 2 years since we've been abroad... (other than to the Philippines last year for my sister's wedding). I'm itching to go somewhere... dreaming of adventures in new places...

Where would you go?

Hit The Spot

I've been craving for veggies lately... and the beef stirfry I made for dinner tonight hit the spot! Mmmm... tastes like more!

Norm

Meet my new friend Norm! We were in a photography meetup together and a few months ago he emailed me to see if I'd like to go on a photo walk with him. I was super busy with school, so I said I'd have more time in March.

Earlier this week, an email from Norm in my inbox =) We decided to have a get-acquainted coffee date before our scheduled photo shoot a couple of weekends from now. At coffee, we discovered another thing we have in common - we are both accountants by trade.

Looking forward to our photo shoot!

Yam-Yam

This is Charlotte; although to us, this playful little monkey is Yam-Yam. She was born on Thanksgiving Day, so our little group of friends decided to give her a festive nickname in the theme of the holiday.

It's been a while since we last saw her so I had to wait till she warmed up a little. However, that warm-up time was cut short with a bribe of food... Yam-Yam loves to eat! In this picture, she is enjoying whole grain chips.

A Day With The Ladies

Took the day off and went cross-border shopping with some of my favourite ladies. There were good deals, there was good food, but more than that... it was a much needed time with the ladies.

Dinner

Was too tired to make anything, and feeling picky about food... so just grabbed different stuff around the house and voila... this was dinner tonight! Turned out pretty tasty, actually! Garlic flatbread crackers, a variety of deli meats and jalapeno Havarti!

Now what's for dessert?...

Très Romantique

I've been super tired lately... a bit of a let down since I've been waiting forever to be done with my course - all this fun just waiting for a chance to happen. However, when the time finally came... I've been too tired to do much.

Tonight, my friend Sonia's Stella & Dot jewelry party was the first social thing I attended since I was  done with my course. I met her stylist Alexandra, who brought all the beautiful jewelry for us to try and play with. This set was my favourite. It's very French - very stylish, yet soft and romantic.

Buds

Spring is just around the corner... nature says so all around us!

Today's photo is also a tribute to all my female buddies who goes shopping, spa-ing, afternoon tea-ing with me, who understands me and meets my needs in ways no man can - Happy International Women's Day!

Stream of Consciousness

This is a little clay monk toy I got from one of my travels to China. You soak him in water, then when he has soaked up enough water, you pour hot water on his head and he pees! Isn't he fun?!

I've been really tired and busy and haven't had the time or energy to journal lately. It's time to pull my journal out and just let my stream of consciousness flow....

p.s. today's photo idea was from the hubby =)

Murder

One of my captures from today's short walk with Henry. A murder of crows... I'm feeling a little Tim Burton-ish =P

Nostalgia

Today, Sean and I had a visit with his grandma. We took her to Steveston Village, had lunch and walked around a little. We were walking along the boardwalk as grandma was telling us stories from when she lived on Vancouver Island for a while in a village of houseboats... and how one of the guys would take the ladies in his boat to go shopping on the mainland every once in a while.

Like any curious artist's mind would, my mind started to wander... imagining what it would've been like to live that life (with the help of the view I had, of course). When it came time to post the picture of the day, I decided to play in Photoshop to make the photo match the mood of my imagination.

By the way, Steveston Village is my new favourite place!

Go Lightly

This paperweight was given to me by a friend during my uni days. I was going through some stuff and was taking things perhaps a little too seriously than I should. I can tend to do that from time to time. Over the years, as I've grown older and hopefully, wiser... I've also learned to loosen up a bit.

I've kept this gift all these years because it is a good reminder... and a very appropriate reminder, now that I'm done with my course. It's PLAY time!

The Last Stretch

I've been studying for my Macroeconomics final exam since yesterday... and now I'm down to the last stretch. Just another hour and a half to go before I need to leave and get to the exam. As frustrated as some moments were throughout the span of the course... I have come to appreciate what I've learned. Yes, there is good and beauty... even in Economics! =P

Final exam from 5.30 - 8.30pm tonight. After that... I can be whimsy, creative, and go all out on fun - exploring art, hanging out with friends, spending more time on my photography and whatever else my heart desires!!

Ripples

Today, as I was getting ready to take a break from studying and head out for a stroll to hunt for my photo of the day... a freak wind/rain storm came through. I decided to wait. It only lasted 10 minutes, then the sun came out - reminds me of tropical rains. So I went out and as I looked for what to photograph, I asked the universe what its message is for me today.

I came to a gazebo by the seawall near the marina and saw rainwater that has collected on the roof of the gazebo trickling down into the water... creating ripples - I knew this was my message.

As mentioned in a previous post, some days it is challenging to keep up with this blog. Recently, however, I have been fortunate enough to receive much appreciated feedback from those that have been following me on this journey.

I post the daily photos in an album on my personal page as well as daily links to this blog on the Alchemy Photographic Arts page on Facebook. With close to 700 friends, plus their friends who can view these photos on FB, I really have no idea who I'm touching. I'm glad to have been able to inspire or encourage in some way, although I embarked on this project mainly for myself. Knowing this puts into perspective the importance of the "work" we do in this world... whatever it may be.

No matter how small you think what you're doing is... it affects others and therefore affects the world. If someone does something to better your world, telling them they've helped you will return the favour and help them.

I dedicate today's photo to those that have come along to keep me company on this journey. To those that have taken the time and heart to encourage me on this project - THANK YOU!

Charming

Forgetting to bring half of my lunch today resulted in an opportunity for me to get out of the office. On my way back from picking up my lunch, I went into a no-through road to turn around when I spotted this charming cottage that looked like it belonged in a fairy tale book. I'm curious as to what it looks like inside...

p.s. the name of the street it's on - Hope =)