Cold mists

In the spring and summer, the mists from Niagara Falls keep the nearby vegetation humid and happy. In the winter, those mists turn to ice making it a beautiful scene - especially for photographers! 

I'm not so sure this guy is enjoying the cold much though! Mr Tesla's looking a bit frosty.

Frozen sign

I finally made it to Niagara Falls in the winter and it's a totally different experience! Here's a look at one of those informative signs covered with layers of the frozen mist from the falls - guess guests won't be learning much today. For more signs, both visible and otherwise, take a look at Signs, Signs.

Wall of posters

A wall of different posters in one of the many design shops in The Junction. I found the meat cut and knife depictions especially interesting. 

Clean bench

We're back to the Junction! Finding a bench with a broom leaning against it in front of a Cleaners shop made me smile. I hope it gives you a smile too on this Monday morning!

Artscape

Here's a look at the actual Wychwood Barns. These barns are actually old train storage/repair areas that have been turned into artist ateliers, a children's theater and a space for a Farmer's Market. I think it's great that the city has turned this space into something useful for the community. We should have more projects like this! For more reflections, head to Weekend Reflections.

Barren benches

After reading about the Wychwood Barns on Red Pat's blog, I finally made it over there this past weekend. There wasn't much going on, but it was a neat place to walk around. I bet these benches and trees look a lot different in the spring and summer. Maybe I'll have to come back and see!

Street sign

Another look at The Junction area of Toronto. I couldn't resist this building on the corner and that wonderful street sign. The weekend is getting closer! For more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs.

At home

This set-up just seems to say to me, make yourself at home! I found it in one of the many cool design shops in The Junction.

Old time travel

I found this mural over the weekend in the part of town known as the Junction. It seems it was formerly the hub for train travel in the city, there's lots of locomotive themed signage and such. Unfortunately, this bench made it difficult to get a full view of this mural, but you get the idea. Hope your week is off to a good start, it's going to be a busy one for me. For more murals, take a look at Monday Murals.

The Mirvish saga continues...

Since we're on a Mirvish roll of sorts, let's just keep going with it! This is Honest Ed a Toronto police horse named after the late and great Ed Mirvish who will be marching in Obama's inauguration parade tomorrow in Washington DC. It seems lately that good old Ed is lurking around every corner, maybe he doesn't really need that fancy headstone after all!

PS: photo courtesy of the Toronto Star.

More Mirvish

Since we're on a sort of Mirvish roll, I thought I'd take this opportunity to show you where the famed Honest Ed is buried. Many people are really scandalized by the state of this grave. Ed Mirvish died back in 2007, but to this day his heirs have yet to erect a headstone to memorialize him. I think it's pretty sad as he certainly didn't die a pauper and the lack of a stone really stands out in this particular cemetery where there are many elaborate memorials. I guess we can remember him at his other old haunts around town!

An honest walkway

I actually showed you the Mirvish Theater a few days ago. Now here's a look at the walkway that runs in front of it! Ed Mirvish is remembered mainly for his love of theater but also for his love of great deals which you'll find at the iconic Honest Ed's. For more signs, head over to Signs, Signs.

Beau bank

This gem of a building was built in the beaux-art style. I'm pretty sure the Canadian Bank of Commerce is now defunct, but it must be fun to work here whatever the building houses now!

All aboard!

Are you ready to ride the graffiti express? I'm not sure where it's going, but the trip looks to be an interesting one! For more murals head over to Monday Murals.

Lacy shadows

We're back to Niagara-on-the-Lake. I love the way these late fall shadows make a lacy pattern on the sidewalk. Hope your weekend has been a good one. I got a lot of relaxing done at least and I'm ready for the new week to begin! For more shadows, visit Shadow Shot Sunday.

Street scene

Another look at the streets of Toronto. Enjoy!

Russell's bench

It's back to the archives again. I really need to get out and do some more shooting, but my new job is keeping me super busy. In any case, hope you enjoy this shady spot in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Russell's bench looks like a pretty inviting place to sit and people watch for awhile. I might have to try it the next time I'm there!

Hope you've got big plans on the horizon for this weekend. It looks like it's going to be a relaxing one for me with my husband and some friends. Happy Friday!!!

Soft scene

A black and white scene from the G Ross Lord Park in Toronto. This was taken back in the fall when the leaves were still on the ground. I've softened the scene a bit and I rather like the result. What do you think?

Decorative doorway

A beautiful old building in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I love the details at the entrance, those columns and especially that art deco style lamp!

Going up!

This brightly colored escalator will take you up and down at the TIFF Gallery Lightbox. The Lightbox hosts different exhibits and also runs a sort of art house movie theater. Right now they're having a retrospective of Canadian movies. There are a few I wouldn't mind seeing, I just need to find the time! For more red, take a look at Ruby Tuesday.

Mature audiences only

The first word that came to my mind when I saw this mural is bizarre. I've heard of a third eye but never seeing nipples. Although the subject matter is a bit strange, the colors are bright and this is the kind of mural you certainly won't forget! Hope you had a great weekend. For more murals, take a look at Monday Murals.

Getting misty

I was hoping to get out and get some new shots over the weekend, but so far it hasn't happened. We still have quite a bit of snow on the ground and I'd like to catch it before it's gone. I suppose there's still time today! Until then, enjoy this one from the archives. I've got a feeling the falls are looking a bit different these days.

Street scene reflected

The streets are bustling in the financial distinct downtown! Hope you've got big plans for the weekend, I'm going to make the most of mine. For more reflections, head to Weekend Reflections.

Light at night

Pretty lights strung above our heads at the Toronto Christmas Market. I just love shiny things at night.

Oh nuts!

I found this stand at the Christmas Market rather humorous. For more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs.

Home again

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! Seeing friends and family in Berlin was great, but it's also nice to be back home. Here's another look at the Christmas Market in the Distillery District. I hope your New Year is filled with love, luck and joy!