Well, for Heaven’s sake, here we are in February. Whatever happened to January? I think, as we gain another year of wisdom, that the days pass like Autumn leaves blown by the wind. And it seems, Life can be fascinating if we pause to look.
A few days ago, I wanted to photograph the signs of early Spring. As I checked my condo’s garden, I spotted this among the rocks. . .
A very tiny Mario, the familiar figure of the early hand-held computer games. . .
Do you remember him?
Well, that was a promising start. All I had to do was keep an eyes out for anything small and unusual. This next was from a previous walk but you do have to look up as well as down and all around!
Now, aren’t you glad you looked up to see this cheerful mushroom sheltering a smiling elf? And all nestled in the gnarly trunk of an enormous oak tree. . . .
From past walks, I loved to take photos of bird-houses as some owners were quite creative. I often wondered how many birds actually took advantage of the free housing. . . Of course a few were just decorative. . . .but I did see that the townhouse was definitely occupied with its slightly larger separate entrances on the other side.
Oak Bay had a number of artistic and innovative art pieces scattered about and displayed for a few months. A few were quite good and elicited some strong opinions.
This “Thinking Man” got a lot of attention as his left hand is cradling a cellphone and his right hand is propped on his chin while smoking his cigarette. What made it controversial is his choice of “seating!” His sneakers were the real deal painted over with silver paint. And despite all the laughing criticism, he’s still visible for a few more months on a side street off the main drag. . . .
A few years ago, this copper finch was displayed against the scenic waters of McNeill Bay. It was even more impressive when the sunlight reflected off its surface.
I really liked this lair of foxes. The whole piece was crafted so lovingly and reflected the theme of “Family” very well. My fave Italian Bakery, Ottavio, is across the street on the right.
I do enjoy seeing tiny things tucked here and there–if they were intentional, these surely got some attention.
The last photo of a tiny lizard was a photo I never expected to get. I was told my area had a lot of tiny lizards scurrying in and out of the greenery. This was the first time I actually “captured” one scaling up a telephone pole. . .The Cow Bell does work for the back gate of this house. The Gnome Home was taken in the Summer–the “owners” even had a cozy chair for two on the shady side!
It’s really fun to take photos that unexpectedly fall into your path. But it’s difficult to think how to compile them into a theme or a part of the story my rambling brain tries to tell. On my walks I like the interaction with passerbys who sometimes point me in a direction I hadn’t thought of going. I call this next section– Smiling Faces in Odd Places!
I didn’t expect to see this on the trunk of a palm tree. I think the owner has a sense of humor, don’t you?
This was one of the cat art on a hydro pole. It was also one of the pole arts that was not vandelized. What sort of stupid, inconsiderate, boor would even think of vandelizing fun art that took skill and time to be appreciated. . .
Isn’t it amazing to find watchful eyes in unexpected places?. . . .
I did show this one before but the expression on the cat made it one of my faves! Honestly, art can be found anywhere and this little gem was found on the back of a door in the ladies’ washroom! And with a few squiggles of a pen. . . .
Signs of an early Spring have sprung up in multiple gardens in my city. Originally, I had planned to find evidence of this but got distracted, so here they are.
The snow-drops, purple crocuses and the yellow daffodils are popping up from the earth. Nice to know Nature moves along despite politics and world affairs from afar and nearby. . . .
It’s’s probably a lot of attitude that makes us look at Life with a big grain of salt and that cheeky look that says Heck with you. I like Me . I’m content and enjoying my moment. . .
I wish all of you a warmer February filled with blue skies. Thank you to my friend Pedometergeek who writes her own blog, nbsmithblog.wordpress.com and pointed me to Charlie Mackesy’s “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse,” as well as its sequel, “Always Remember the Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm.” I highly recommend it to all my Readers, especially if you’re suffering from the Winter blues.
But most of all, thank you for following my blog. In the words of the Mole and the Horse to the Boy, quoted from Charlie Mackesy’s sequel “Always Remember the Boy, the Mole. . . .”
“Be in the moment, it’s all we have. This Life, seize it.”
chocofigbee 
You always do a remarkable job of compiling interesting photos with commentary. And I love that you quoted Charlie Macksey’s sequel, which I didn’t know was out; I loved the first book and often reflect on it. Kudos to you and your perspective as you walk about!
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Thank you, Emsch the Mensch. I’m delighted you’re a fan of Charlie Mackesy too. It was Pedometergeek (Nan) who got me “hooked” and the sequel is just as charming and wonderful!
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My idea is that everyone needs a copy of them, sammee. I think if more people read him, the world would be a more peaceful place. ~Nan
PS. Thanks for the mention.
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The “Glitch Genie” of replying to comments is doing his best to mess things up, Pedometergeek–we finally found each other!. . AND I totally agree with you that if more people read Charlie Mackesy, the world will definitely be a much more tolerant, understanding and peaceful place!
You’re very welcome for the mention. Thank you for Charlie. . .
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The “Glitch Genie”…now I understand why I have trouble with posting some comments.
Have you met “Otto Correct?” He’s the guy that gives me the most trouble. I will type something correctly, and Otto will change it. Most times I catch Otto playing his games and correct him, but every so often, I miss it and am mortified. He really lurks at the Haiku Foundation, and he often tries to trip me up. Unfortunately, he succeeds all too often, but I growing wise to him.
Have a marvelous weekend, Sammee.
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Love all the pictures. Our lizards are in hiding right now. Florida is quite cold right now. The beautiful flower buds make me smile. Soon, I hope my own garden will begin to bloom. Happy February!
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I hope Florida warms up soon! Victoria is having a very early Spring as the Japanese Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom in some areas. But the weather lady also reminded us that we are only half way through Winter and Victoria can still get snow in April!
Lovely to have you drop in and comment, Annette 🙂
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I thought I was signed up to get notices but obviously not. Tried again. I always loved taking pictures on my walks. It’s no longer something I do since I moved up the hill. You have such an eclectic collection of captures that I thoroughly enjoyed your walk. The fairy garden under the tree and the silver thinker were favorites. I’m looking forward to daffodil season. A neighbor planted lots of bulbs on the hill but we’ve had little snow to make them burst forth as yet. I love winter though.
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I’m so delighted you found my blog, Marlene. And yes, you are definitely a subscriber and will get a post each time I finally write one! Our Spring appeared early but Victoria has been known (in the past) to have Mother Nature dump a surprise load of snow in April–so I’m enjoying our mild Winter with that thought in mind! Enjoy your cloud of daffodils when they burst forth 🙂 And thank you for being one of my subscribers!
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You are in Victoria, Canada? I loved it there. I’m finally finding time to make blogging and the reading of blogs a priority again. See you soon.
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Absolutely! Love seeing all your current projects that spurs me on to mine! 🙂
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