Looking out

It's back to wine country! This view comes to you from Angel's Gate winery in the Niagara region. This one was my favourite of the few we visited. I've been looking for their wines in our local wine shop as well! Hope everyone has an exciting weekend planned. You'll find me on the golf course!

Other works

The Art Gallery of Ontario is a work of art in its own right. It was given a major facelift a few years ago by Toronto's famous son, Frank Gehry. This is a look at a Moore sculpture which graces the Galleria Italia, one of the Gehry additions. It's a beautiful space for art!

Artistic genius

Not everyone may agree that Picasso was a genius, but whether you like his work or not, you can't deny his creativity. This is my last look at his exhibit at the AGO. It's still on until August 26th... so there's still time! For a look at more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Strange symbols

You'll find this skull and crossbones on the gravestone of Jason Armstrong in the Hamilton Cemetery. Although we all know that the skull is a symbol of death, I find it odd that whoever chose this stone decided to advertise death so openly. 

Here's a closer look. It's rather creepy, especially with all the moss. If you like graves and cemeteries, take a look at Tapophile Tragics.

Illicit shot: part II

This is one of the shots I had scheduled for you this past weekend. It's one of Picasso's early sculptures. Enjoy!

Island footbridge

Sorry for the unannounced absence, but I was called away to Chicago for a wedding this weekend. I thought I had set up some posts for while I was gone, but it seems they didn't work. I hope you'll enjoy this charming footbridge from the Toronto Islands. It's just a short ferry ride to the islands, but when you're there you feel like you're worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city! It's a nice place to beat the heat as well. 

Hope everyone has had a great weekend. For more reflections take a look at Weekend Reflections and you can also find more bridges on Sunday Bridges.

Illicit shot

I didn't realize that photography was not allowed at the AGO's Picasso exhibit. In my defense, the usual no photos signs (a camera with a red slash through it) were not posted anywhere. Before I was stopped, I managed to get this shot of two of the artist's self-portraits. I love the contrast between his older and younger selves. In case I haven't made it clear, this show is not-to-be-missed!

Doorway to other places

There is a wonderful Picasso exhibit at the AGO right now. If you haven't been yet, it's still on until August 26th. The space at the AGO is perfect for this show and it's so artfully arranged and curated. Picasso is already one of my favourite artists, but I really feel I learned a lot about him and his work from this show. So if you're in the area, GO to the AGO! You won't regret it.

Take a look at more signs from around the world at Signs, Signs.

Loyalist tomb

I was intrigued by the Land Family tomb. Apparently Col. Robert Land Senior was an important folk figure. He was one of the first white men to settle the area which is now Hamilton, Ontario. 

The details on his tomb also reveal something about his political beliefs. He was a loyalist to the "United Empire" and reportedly spied on behalf of the British during the American Revolution. I've definitely learned something from this little cemetery visit with my MiL! 

If you enjoy looking around cemeteries from around the world, take a look at Tapophile Tragics.

Play me, part two!

I hope you enjoyed last week's jaunt to Ottawa, but now we're back to Toronto. If you're interested in seeing more of Canada's capitol, I'll have a few more shots coming up on my travel blog. 

So far, I've only gotten two of the 41 pianos that are around town, but I hope to capture a few more before the project is over at the end of the summer. These two girls still need a few more lessons before becoming virtuosos, but they were certainly having fun plinking and plunking on the keys. 

Happy Simcoe Day (aka Civil Holiday) to my fellow Ontarians! Happy Monday to everyone else. 

War memorial part II

There is another memorial to Canadian forces just as you come up form the canals to the square where the benches are. One side is in English and the other in French, I choose to photograph the French side. It's a quote from Virgil's Aeneid, No day will ever erase you from the memory of time. A beautiful sentiment and perfect for a black and white shot.

The great one

Here's a look at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. If you sat at the flagged benches I showed a few days ago, you'd have a very nice view of this memorial. It honours fallen soldiers from both WWI and WWII.

I think the soldiers deserve a closer look. The expressions on their faces are something to see. I could have spent even more time discovering this work. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is also located here. Altogether, it's a very moving monument.

Green grass at last

Ottawa was a nice change from the hot, dry conditions in Toronto. Even the lawn in front of Parliament Hill was green! What a lovely contrast those bright colors make against the old, stone building. 

Hope you've got some good plans for the weekend ahead. It's a long one for us Ontarians. To see more skies, take a look at Skywatch!

Flagged benches

You can sit under the flag of your favourite province or territory at this square in Ottawa! From here you also have a nice view of the Rideau canals and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

August theme day: Numbers

Ottawa has more than historical buildings to offer, they also have a lovely open air market right in the heart of downtown. I saw lots of appetizing and interesting things, like these purple and yellow cauliflowers. I also think the price tag of $1.50 per head is not too outrageous. 

Unfortunately, it appears the CDP portal is down again. Until it is fixed, you can visit the temporary theme day site here. And you can always see more signs at Signs, Signs.