Blown to the wind

I found this mural somewhere on Church street. I'm not sure what it's all about, but I do love the image of the woman and the boy blowing their wishes to the wind! A link to the artist's website is here. This will be my last mural posting for awhile, but not forever! Berlin also has plenty of wall art to share. Until then, enjoy the many murals at Monday Mural.

Making of the CN Tower

I recently took my second (and probably last) trip up the CN Tower.  I didn't notice this mural depicting the builders of the Tower the first time I went up, so I did get something out of the second trip! The guys who built the tower must have been very brave. It makes me nervous just looking down through that glass floor. 

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I'm gearing up for more visitors next weekend. And that means more photo ops. For more murals, take a look at Mural Monday.

Big news!

A Trabbi on the streets of Toronto is just about the last thing I'd expect to see - but since I did, I took it as a sign to make an announcement here on my blog. My adventures in Toronto are winding down and I will be moving to Berlin in early November. 

In the meantime, my husband and I have been doing a "Farewell Canada Tour". We've completed two legs already and there's a third coming up at the end of this month. I will try to post some shots of those travels on my other blog as time permits. Happy Monday!

Downward facing dog

I found this sign outside Vaughn Mills shopping center on a recent rainy day. I don't know about you, but I find it hilarious! I guess the artist has a different way of representing falling down - it looks more like someone doing yoga to me. Hope this adds a giggle to your hump day, for more signs take a look at Signs, Signs.

Gardens of Casa Loma

The fantastic gardens at Casa Loma could really have a whole week dedicated to them alone! I still haven't visited the inside of Casa Loma, but if it's anything like outside it must be worth a look. Until I get there, enjoy these beauties from their garden.

Aptly named

This is a typical strip mall that you'll find around Toronto. Although I don't find these shopping centres very attractive, I had to get a picture of this one because the name "Pants Shortening" really tickled my funnybone. I think it's great that this store has used a name that so aptly describes their services. Perhaps other businesses should take note! For more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Bullseye!

Target stores are a common sight for those of you in the US, but the stores have just recently expanded into Canadian territory much to the excitement of my compatriots. Although it's nice to have the stores closer to home, they still don't feel the same as US Targets to me. Perhaps it's a bit of homesickness. For more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs. 

Lonely sign of spring

Spring seems to be having trouble starting up here in Toronto. This lone little tree is the only sign of something living I've seen. The trees in my neighborhood are still bare, my tulips haven't sprung and things are just generally pretty bleak. It's supposed to warm up this weekend, let's hope that brings some life to this city!

March theme day: Cafe chairs

The set of George Stromboulopoulos is not exactly a cafe, but his bright red chairs are recognizable to Canadians. George is a well-known interviewer of celebrities and public figures. He really has a great sense of humor and knows how to draw people out. I went for a taping of his show a few months back and really enjoyed it. If I had more time, I'd love to get back for another taping.

Hope your March is off to a good start - we're one step closer to spring! For more cafe chairs from around the world, take a look here.

December theme day: My street

For December's theme, I've chosen to show you a street that feels like mine since I drive on it every day to and from work. Highway 401 is the major road through Toronto and North America's busiest highway. Although I don't actually live on the 401, with the traffic some days (especially when there are problems like this car fire) it sometimes feels like I do! 

For a look at other interpretations of today's theme, take a look at the CDP homepage. Happy December everyone!

Diving in with your whole heart

I found this mural at Central Technical School. I'm thinking it's a message to dive into the things you love with your whole heart. I'm starting a new job today and I hope to make a splash! For more murals, take a look at Monday Murals.

Looking out on a gray day

A view from one of the windows at Central Technical School in Toronto. I am beginning to wonder if we will ever see blue skies again. Although I like monochrome for photos, all this gray is getting me down.

Jack o'lanterns in waiting

I found this display of pumpkins at my local Real Canadian Superstore (Canada's version of Target). The bright orange pumpkins were almost enough to liven up an otherwise gray day. 

Happy Halloween everyone! May you get plenty of treats and not too many tricks.

Meaning unknown

Let's take a quick trip back to Sarnia for a look at an odd mural spotted there. I have no idea what this all means, but it certainly is intriguing. I found this building in an industrial zone and there was no sign around to give a hint at what kind of business occupies it. A mystery for the ages! For more murals, take a look at Mural Monday.

Sumo mural

You'll find this mural at one of my regular hangouts on Yonge Street - Ajisen Ramen. The worn-out pink seating might turn some people off, but I find it kitschy cute. I actually discovered this place a few months back when I saw a picture of ramen soup on someone else's blog. I started to get a craving, so I googled "best ramen in Toronto" and Ajisen came up. I've been going there ever since!

This is the first soup I sampled, vegetarian with a miso-based broth with two squares of fried tofu on top. Now I usually get number 25 which is veggies in a curry broth. Whatever you choose, it's bound to be delicious, I don't think there's anything "bad" on their menu. For more murals, take a look at Mural Monday.

PS: Happy Monday and happy birthday to me!

The Tritons

I pass this sculpture every time I go to Yorkdale Mall and I always mean to get a photo of it. So the last time I was there, I actually did! The dramatic sky makes an interesting background for these figures who appear to be floating. Hope you have big plans for the weekend. Happy Friday! 

For more skies, check out Skywatch.

September theme day: People watching

I love to do a little people watching inside the subway. I actually caught this shot back in July when the Olympics were still on. There were maple leaves almost everywhere in support of Canadian athletes. I'm not sure these people had the Olympics on their minds as they were waiting for the subway, but who knows? Perhaps some of them have Olympic dreams of their own!

It's the first of the month again. If you'd like to see more contributions to the CDP Theme Day, click here. I've also go a bonus people shot on my travel blog.

Old sign

I don't know if this sign is original, but I found it inside the Old City Hall of Toronto. It's now a court building, so photos aren't really allowed inside, but since this was the top floor near the lifts, I didn't think I'd get caught. And I took it with my iPhone, I'm such a rebel!

To see more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Sunny days

I love it when people get creative with things like a transformer box. These wonderful bright sunflowers make this utilitarian piece of urban landscape look so much better. This one was signed by artist Bruni Nielsen. Apparently flowers are her specialty and I think she does a great job with them.

It's Monday again! For more murals, take a look at Mural Mondays.

Canadian spirit

Looking back through some of my photos from this summer, I realize there are quite a few that I have neglected to showcase. Like this display of Canadian pride at the Yorkdale shopping mall. I believe it was in honour of the Olympics, although by the end Canada only came home with one gold. That's certainly something to be proud of though!