A belated goodbye to April and hello to May since I just returned home from a two-week holiday in France. I had wonderful visits with family in Paris. I enjoyed good company, good food and drink. I also revisited Parisian iconic landmarks and did sightseeing in Strasbourg and Colmar. I will write more about this trip after I sort my photos.
Cherry Blossoms
Before I left for France, I was happy to see cherry blossoms at peak bloom in Toronto. It was a beautiful, sunny day with clear, blue sky, and light breezes which were just right to gently sway the flowers. Once open, the flowers last from 4 to 10 days, depending on the weather conditions. I am so lucky to see spectacular cherry blossoms every year close to home.
Cherry blossoms
Garden Walks
Aside from viewing cherry blossoms, I took walks to local parks and gardens to exercise and to discover what else is in bloom. I was delighted to see daffodils, forsythia, magnolias, rhododendrons, trillium, tulips and more at their best. They smiled right at me when I captured their beauty. Trillium is the official flower of the province of Ontario (my home province). To view captions, please click on the photos.
Mural
One final image to finish is a beautiful mural that I discovered in an alley by Colbourne Street. I think it is a good fit for my flower-themed post. What do you think?
Mural by Colbourne Street
Link-Up
I’d love for you to share your week’s highlights and/ or public art from around the world in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #162 below. If you are celebrating Mother’s Day on Sunday May 12, happy Mother’s Day!
Goodbye winter and hello spring! To mark the transition from winter to spring in my corner of the world, I am sharing two of my “bike and walk” outings. The first outing was to Woodbine Beach to explore the Winter Stations on display. The second outing was to the Toronto Music Garden to look for early spring flowers.
Winter Stations at Woodbine Beach
“Launched in 2014, Winter Stations invites the international design and art community to reimagine the lifeguard stations along Toronto’s east end beaches for the winter. The competition has seen entries from over 90 countries, bringing the world of design to the water’s edge“.
The theme this year is Resonance. Contesting designers for the competition were encouraged to reinvent previous installations and infuse them with fresh ideas and their unique artistic vision.
Here’s five of the six winning Winter Stations located from east to west at Woodbine Beach. Have a look and let me know if you have a favourite. Click on the title of the installation for its description.
Bobbin‘ by University of Waterloo School of Architecture (Canada)
The 6th installation Winteraction is interactive but simplistic in its physical form so I did not take a picture. It requires a phone to get the full experience.
It was a beautiful day with mild temperatures and sunshine. I enjoyed cycling, walking, experiencing nature and culture, all in one outing. I came home feeling happy and grateful.
Early Spring Flowers
I spotted several early spring flowers on my walk at the Toronto Music Garden this month: Crocus flowers, snowdrops, puschkinia and purple irises. Their simple beauty gave me joy. I look forward to seeing a wide range of spring flowers to bloom in the coming weeks.
Link-Up
I’d love for you to share your week’s highlights and/ or public art from around the world in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #157 below. Have a wonderful weekend!
Hello March and goodbye February! Before I get into my February favourites, please note that there is no Weekend Coffee Share link-up on March 8 as I will be on a blogging break. I will resume hosting on March 15.
After having an adventurous January in Boston, Philadelphia and Spain, I enjoyed a relaxing February at home. I intentionally kept my February calendar as light as possible and set two fun challenges for my mind and body. I love how the month turned out and feel grateful for two consecutive wonderful months.
1. Family
My family and I celebrated Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, on February 10 and Family Day holiday on February 19. We enjoyed delicious food and good company. It was two wonderful family gatherings to ring in the new year and to have fun on a long weekend.
Dragon display at Nathan Phillips Square and delicious Thai food
2. Friendship
I met up with a good friend for a brisk 8 km walk together. She was away on a beach holiday while I was away in Spain so we had fun catching up. We saw the Jimmy Mount Rushmore mural at Jimmy’s Coffee. It features four musicians, from left to right: Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Jimmy Buffet and Jim Morrison.
Jimmy Mount Rushmore mural by artist Christiano De Araujo, 2014.
On our second brisk 8 km walk date, we visited the new and inspiring art installation “We Are Shaped by the Obstacles We Face“. It features a life-sized bronze statue of Terry Fox before he was diagnosed with bone cancer and three tall granite pieces in a small park.
The installation is designed to flow east-west, akin to Terry Fox’s journey, with visitors entering from Queens Quay and ending at vantage point at the southwest corner of the park. From this unique perspective, the granite pieces visually transform into a familiar silhouette of Terry Fox during his Marathon of Hope. (Look at the gap that the granite pieces create).
We Are Shaped by the Obstacles We Face by Jon Sasaki and landscape architects DTAH.
3. Being Outdoors
Just for fun, I set a challenge to cycle and/ or do brisk 8 to 10 km walk every day in February. This year February brought only one light snowfall so I scored 29/ 29. Even on cold days, I came home feeling warm, happy and grateful from my bike ride and brisk walk. I enjoyed the fresh air and nature’s sights and sounds. We are getting longer daylight hours and closer to Spring!
Winter beauty
4. Being Indoors
After being active outside, I enjoyed being cozy inside, doing strength training, practicing yoga, blogging, reading and writing. Also for fun, I set another challenge to take daily Italian lessons on Duolingo for 30 days (from January 31 to February 29) and did 30/30.
I’m currently reading Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin after finishing:
The Measure by Nikki Erlick (a thought-provoking book)
I researched and made the essential bookings for my upcoming trip. I look forward to embarking on new adventures. I’ll share more by end of March.
Link-Up
This post is my contribution to the #WBOYC link-up co-hosted by Donna, Sue, Jo and Deb.
I’d love for you to share your February highlights and/ or public art from around the world in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #155 below. The next Weekend Coffee Share link-up will be on March 15.
As we head into the last few days of the year, I have been reflecting on all the good things that came my way during 2023. At the beginning of the year, I hoped to maintain good health, spend time with family and friends, enjoy my hobbies and travel. The last twelve months brought many joys and one personal loss. Here’s what 2023 had in store for me.
January & February
I embraced winter and enjoyed exploring Toronto by bike and on foot. I discovered a lot of delightful public art such as the sculptures at the Garden of the Greek Gods and the IceFest Dreams & Fantasies event.
Centaur, Garden of the Greek GodsElegant Carriage, IceFest
March & April
I traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, in the United States for a lovely reunion with my sisters. We explored historic Charleston and had beautiful weather for a few days.
I headed home in time for Winter Stations and Lumière, two fantastic outdoor art events. Spring arrived with sunny days and gorgeous cherry blossoms (Sakura).
My sister came for a visit in early May. We explored and loved the Fleurs de Villes Voyage trail of more than thirty beautiful floral installations. I also had fun seeing many expensive cars at the Exotic Car Show in June.
Both trips to Montreal in May and to Philadelphia in June were wonderful. They would be followed by a series of trips to the United States for family for the rest of the year.
Fleurs de Villes VoyageMontrealExotic Car ShowPhiladelphia
A trip to Los Angeles in September meant I was able to touch the Pacific Ocean water at Manhattan Beach. On October 3, my Dad passed away. My family and I felt deep sorrow for our loss and gratitude for the love and support that we received.
Los AngelesToronto
November
To process my sorrow, I dedicated time for self-care and time with family and friends in Toronto, Dulles, Virginia and Charlotte, North Carolina. I did 25 nature walks, 8 km each, or a total of 200 km (125 miles). These walks brought both physical and mental health benefits.
About seven weeks after my Dad died, I met him in a dream. He appeared happy with his usual beaming smile as we headed out for a walk. This dream gave me comfort and peace.
TorontoToronto
December
I enjoyed walks with friends to see the incredible Gingerbread Way, the festive Fleurs de Villes Noël floral trail, the fun Winter Village and dazzling light decorations in the downtown core.
My family and I had a lovely Christmas. I think of my Dad and his smile. I look forward to ringing in the new year.
City HallEaton CentreRoyal York hotelGingerbread WayFleurs de Villes NoëlFreedom Arches
Blogging
I’ve been active on the blog in 2023. Here are some numbers:
7th year blog anniversary in October
3 years of hosting the weekly Weekend Coffee Share (WCS) link-up
Wrote and published 48 blog posts
Hosted 47 WCS link-ups and took 3 blogging breaks
Shared about 400 images of public art at home and abroad
Thank you to all who read, like, follow, link up and/ or comment on my blog.
This post is my entry to Terri’s Sunday Stills 2023 Year-in-Review photo challenge.
Gratitude
Reflecting on 2023, I’m grateful for a year of good health, time with family and friends and wonderful experiences at home and abroad. I’m also grateful for the good memories that I had with my Dad.
Last week I met a friend on a weekday morning for a stroll through the Distillery Winter Village. It is an outdoor holiday market with one-of-a-kind shops, vendor cabins, restaurants and cafés. The vendor cabin setup is similar to Christmas markets in Europe. We chose to go on a weekday since this place gets crowded on weeknights and weekends in December.
The Distillery Winter Village
We met by the 56-foot-tall Christmas tree in Trinity Square (the tallest tree ever at The Distillery Winter Village).
Christmas tree at the Distillery Winter Village
We walked on cobblestone streets and stopped by delightful outdoor shopping cabins, a wall of Christmas vintage cards, décor features and photo ops. Click on any of my photos in the gallery below to see its bigger version and caption.
In lieu of twinkling lights at night, my friend and I enjoyed a stroll through the Distillery Winter Village on a sunny day. We took a coffee break before heading home. Thanks to the event organizers for a delightful holiday experience.
Holiday Red
To add more holiday red to my post, I’m sharing photos of two floral mannequins that I took at the Fleurs de Villes Noël event two weeks ago and a Vintage Christmas card with Santa on it. The Holiday Glam Mannequin was created by Urban Jungle Cambridge and the Winter Wonderland Mannequin was created by Phul Florals.
Holiday Glam MannequinWinter Wonderland Mannequin
Vintage Christmas card
Link-Up
This post is my entry to Marsha’s Christmas/ Red colour challenge.
I’d love for you to share what you’re looking forward to this weekend and/ or photos of public art around the world in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #146 below. Join me next Friday to wrap up 2023.
Last week my friend and I enjoyed exploring the Fleurs de Villes Noël floral trail in Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood together. We saw over thirty gorgeous floral installations, created by Toronto’s talented florists.
I exercised self-control on the blog and shared just eighteen (18) pictures in this post. I left out a number of beautifully-dressed floral mannequins, headpieces, wreaths and floral arches. Have a look at the following festive installations and let me know if you have a favourite.
Fleurs de Villes Noël
Holiday Floral Doorway created by Pistil Flowers
Winter Wings created by Happy Fairy Art
Holiday Swing created by Zuhoor Designs
Floral Telephone Booth created by Sayuri Blossoms
Floral Snowflake created by Olivia’s Garden
Festive Frame created by Vinlex Floral
Holiday Heart created by Secrets Floral
Floral Holiday Sleigh created by Vogue Weddings & Décor
Mrs. Claus Mannequin and Sled created by Botany Floral Studio
Lollipops created by Sweet Magnolia Florals
Fountain (& Bench not shown) created by Flower Crown
Holiday Reindeer created by Lux by MB
Yorkville Village Floral Entrance Arch created by Flower Crown
Ice Rink Skating Village created by Dereves Floral Inc
2024 Porsche Cayenne Coupe created by Lena’s Floral Designs
We spent about an hour walking the trail, admiring the floral designs and taking pictures. It was a partly sunny morning and a delightful outing. Thanks to the event organizers and florists who made our walk so much fun!
A gentle reminder that there will be a Weekend Coffee Share link-up on December 22 and December 29. I hope to see you then. If you’re taking time off for the holidays, have a joyful holiday season!
Share Joy created by Fresh Floral Creations
I’d love for you to share your holiday fun activities and/ or photos of public art around the world in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #145 below.
Greetings! I have three announcements to make before sharing a fun walk.
There will be a Weekend Coffee Share link-up on December 22 and December 29. I know it is usually quiet in the blog world in the last two weeks of the year. I am available to host. I hope to see you then.
In the new year, the Weekend Coffee Share link-up starts on January 5 and continues weekly as usual, except January 26. The Weekend Coffee Share badge stays the same. See my blog sidebar for the badge. I will repeat this announcement in January.
Most Weekend Coffee Share participants take time to read and comment on my post and other linked up posts. Unfortunately, there are a few bloggers who link and run. When they link and run again the second time, their links will be removed without notice.
Let’s use our time wisely. Link up when you have a few minutes to read and type a sincere comment. Details on how to join the Weekend Coffee Share link-up is on my blog menu bar and in the weekly Inlinkz dashboard.
The Gingerbread Way
Last week my friend and I visited the Gingerbread Way at Toronto’s historic and luxury Fairmont Royal York hotel. Upon arrival, we admired the gorgeous Christmas tree. It stands tall in the lobby, circled by a decorative crown. Many smaller trees, family of deer and festive decorative items are placed along the hallways.
Similar to last year, Chef Andrew Wilson and his team constructed a laneway lined with over 8500 freshly baked gingerbread bricks, real icing and twelve kinds of candy. The floor-to-ceiling bricks are glued together using royal icing. This year’s displays include:
Storefront with festive scenes in double windows
A smiling elf, North Pole sign and gift boxes ready to go
Door to the Thirsty Elf bar
Illuminated deer and trees
Storefront with twinkly lights, stockings and gifts
Storefront with two adorable sitting bears and lots of candies
Storefront with festive scene of gifts and a smiling snowman
The hand-made gingerbread displays are incredible and beautiful. We oohed and aahed while looking at the details of each display from top to bottom, including the crown and RY (Royal York initials) made of royal icing. Here are a few close-up photos. Click on any image to see its bigger version.
Gallery: Gingerbread Way close-up photos
It was a fun outing. I love everything about the Gingerbread Way. I hope to see it again next year.
This post is my entry to Dan’s Thursday Doors photo challenge, Terri’s Sunday Stills December Red and Green colour challenge and Min’s WWWhimsy link-up.
I’d love for you to share your holiday fun and/ or photos of public art around the world in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #144 below.
Goodbye November and hello December! A quick review of my calendar showed many simple joys in November. I’m grateful for a good month with local exploring and travel to the United States. Here’s an acrostic version of what November had in store for me.
NOVEMBER
Nature walks were so enjoyable that I completed 25 walks, 8 km each, or a total of 200 km (125 miles). This is in addition to my ongoing fitness routine and normal walking to get from A to B. I’m grateful for the green space, blue space and my ability to walk.
Outdoor public art hunt yielded many fun finds to add to my Outside the Box digital image collection. I’m grateful for the abundance of public art in my surroundings. Have a look at these six utility boxes painted in pattern-mixing fashion by Toronto artist Hello Kirsten.
Visiting family is something I never take for granted. While in Virginia I enjoyed vibrant Fall colours and viewed chocolate displays at See’s Candies store (not available in Toronto).
Exiting Virginia, entering North Carolina in time for American Thanksgiving holiday last week and returning home this week, I’m grateful for safe travels, sunny weekends, quality time with family and good food.
Meeting friends in Toronto for coffee catch-up and making calls to out-of-town friends brightened up my day. I’m grateful for longtime friends.
Blogging and hosting four Weekend Coffee Share link-ups meant I wrote four and read 100+ blog posts. Thank you to all who join in on the fun every weekend in my virtual nook.
Entering photography challenges was an enjoyable exercise for my brain. I’m grateful that I can play with digital images without accumulating physical prints. Which images to use, how many, and how do I want to display them on the blog? I did it my way here, here and here.
Reading mystery fiction novels was strangely relaxing. I’m grateful for the availability of e-books. My recent reads were The 6:20 Man by David Baldacci, The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths and Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Have you read any of these books or authors?
Holiday Season
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. After sunset, downtown Toronto shines with dazzling lights, beautiful Christmas trees and stunning window displays. I enjoy checking them out and hope to share some photos on my blog later this month.
Toronto’s Christmas tree from my photo archive
Weekend Coffee Share
I’d love for you to share your November highlights in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #143 below. I’m linking up with Donna, Sue, Deb and Jo who co-host #WBOYC, Ju-Lyn who co-hosts #TheChangingSeasons, and Min who hosts #WWWhimsy.
My Dad passed away on Tuesday night after a short illness. I will be taking a blogging break to be with my family for a while. I hope to return to blogging on October 27th. If there is any change to this return date, I will provide an update on my blog.
Since I have already created a link for this week’s Weekend Coffee Share linkup #137, I posted it below for your participation. Unfortunately, I will not be available to read and comment on your blogs. Thank you for your understanding.
The last weekend of the month is when I do my monthly review. A quick scan of my September calendar shows blocks of time for exploring outdoors, walk dates with friends, a trip to Los Angeles for family and my blogging and photography hobbies. Here’s what I enjoyed in September.
Exploring Outdoors
I continued my health routine of cycling, walking, strength exercises and yoga. We had a heat wave in the first week of September then the weather has been pleasant for the rest of the month. I enjoyed many bike rides on my own and nature walks with friends.
We chose trails that take us to a variety of habitats (wetland, meadow and forest). Wildflowers are in bloom and the leaves have started changing colours.
On one nature trail, it was so peaceful that all I heard was the trickling sound of water in a creek, birdsong and the sound of leaves rustling in a light breeze.
On another nature walk, we paused to watch a great egret catch a fish while swans, ducks, cormorants and turtles calmly swam around. We were delighted to see chipmunks, red cardinals and other birds.
Travel: Los Angeles
I took a trip to Los Angeles to see family. We got together to chat, eat, hang out, and just enjoy company. One of the family members is doing well after cancer surgery and treatment so we celebrated together. I am grateful for the quality time we shared.
On one gorgeous morning, we went to Manhattan Beach for an 8K walk and visited the small aquarium at the end of the pier. I love that Manhattan Beach is less crowded than Venice Beach and Santa Monica. We enjoyed watching surfers and volleyball players, as well as admiring the beautiful oceanfront homes and gardens full of pretty flowers and succulents.
Gallery: Manhattan Beach, California
Blogging
In addition to my August 2023 Highlights post, I wrote three posts and shared many pictures of my adventures in Iceland. I enjoyed reliving the wonderful experiences that I had while sorting through my photos. Here are the links for September’s posts in case you missed any and want to catch up:
As usual, I see and photograph public art when I am out and about. Here are two “Sankofa Building Project” murals by illustrator Troydell Wallace on display at the Brick Works in Toronto. For more information, visit astrosankofa.org.
Art by Troydell Wallace
Art by Troydell Wallace
Weekend Coffee Share
I’d love for you to share your September highlights and/ or photos of public art around the world in the Comments or InLinkz #136 below. I’m participating in the What’s Been on My Calendar and The Changing Seasons link-ups to see what others have been up to this month.
Natalie the Explorer 