Tag Archives: flowers

A JUNE WALK

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So far, June has been a month of blue-skies and sunshine. It wasn’t difficult to decide on a walking route–choose the one with the cool breeze, a water view at the end and a place for coffee plus an almond croissant. I knew the route I would take–it would take me past a few of the recently installed Avenue Art 2025.

One of the first pieces installed is titled “Modern Man Thinking.” It is a very provocative and controversial piece constructed of stainless steel and cleverly assembled. I noticed the Tin Man’s boots first—very detailed–then the cigarette he held to his mouth and the cellphone in his other hand. It was my Singalong buddy who pointed out what the Tin Man was sitting on. I couldn’t stop laughing. . . .I hadn’t noticed . AND here I thought my neighborhood was too conservative!

It appears there is no common theme for the art pieces this year. Each piece is quite individual and completely on its own. The first is an acryllic face I named “Ice Maiden”; the centre piece is two fish locking lips and heck if I know what that means! And the last piece is named by its artist, “Butterflies in Flight.” There are a few blank places left so it will be fascinating to see what will be installed there over the next few weeks.

Moving through the Village, I remembered the three strange flowering plants that had been planted by the Village clock’s container. And yes, my new iPhone identified it as “Tower of Jewels.” This is a biennial, native to the Canary Islands off the coast of Morocco and now surviving in my neighborhood.  This photo was taken in late April–now, the blooms have fallen and it is all green. I think the bees are giving a huge sigh of relief as the zillions of flowers were quite challenging . . .

As I continued onwards, I marvelled at the many creative ways home-owners made gardens from very little. Not all the homes along my route had big front yards , but I liked what was done with the space available.

A tiny corner off the sidewalk. . .what a wonderfully, peaceful bench to sit and think. . . among the colorful flowers.

Small plants in colorful ceramic pots–resting on a bed of pebbles–very eye-catching.

These hardy purple flowers are thriving very well at the edge of a gas station–hot as blazes with hardly any soil.

I think even my brown thumb can manage this!

Outside the gates of this home that has security, I saw this rooster playing his horn very confidently in a tiny patch of purple flowers..

There’s something about gates that I’m attracted to–this one has a crane–I would love to see the garden behind. . .

I was walking past and had to return for another look. Yes–it definitely was a tiny blue ceramic frog enjoying his stump time in the hot sun. . .

The Dogwood Flowers, BC’s provincial flower, are all in bloom now. They are so magnificent when it fully covers the tree.

I do enjoy the whimsical humor of home-owners. They have definitely recycled a bit of tree stump!

Almost home and the many flowers, along my route, are all blooming well. I enjoy the colors, the warmth of the sun, that bit of breeze. These are just a few of the blooms–they are at their peak and will be enjoyed by all the walkers who pass by.

Passing my fave store called “Good Things,” I had this urge to enter and explore. I was glad I did as this cluster of unique houses made a fantastic photo op.

Perfect ending to my walk. I was almost home and I had walked off that delicious almond croissant. Tomorrow would be another day to explore another direction and hopefully more photos.

JULY BRINGS SUNSHINE, ROSES AND . . . .

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Morning walks seems destine to be early ones, if only to beat the hot temperatures that goes from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to a hotter 85 degrees Fahrenheit in a mere few hours.

Choosing my favorite walking routes of random back lanes and connectors, I noticed this amusing scene in someone’s backyard. I called it “The March of the Pink Flamingoes. . . .I wonder where they’re going? . . . . . .

Other people’s gardens are fun to see as often there are whimsical touches that are quite unexpected.

Like this unusual and whimsical wind-spinner. I think I’m on a path of flamingoes. . . . .

I love roses and this appears to be the month for them. The scents are quite amazing, especially when carried on a gentle breeze.

There’s something beautiful seeing these pink roses poking through the worn fence. I wished I could paint them but will have to be content with a photo.

Continuing my walk through the back lanes and connectors, I should be quite use to seeing a nonchalant deer, intent on his meal mission in someone’s backyard. Where do they learn their attitude?

I think he’s thinking, “Ignore the Human, food is around this corner. . .”

Next to roses, my next favorite flower seems to be poppies. I never realized how many colors poppies came in. Did you know there’s even a lavender color poppy?

I’m always happy when I can walk early. Not only is it a quieter time but also much cooler. Summer months teach us to slow down. It’s time enough to face Autumn’s harvests and Winter’s frost. For now, we savor and endure Summer’s heat, colors, flowers, wildlife and whatever whimsy that falls in our path. I spotted this in the window of a thrift shop.

I call this one the “Perfect Shoes” except these won’t be on my feet, but on someone else’s. I envy the person who can move gracefully on these–most of all, I envy the 4-inches in height this person will gain.

Almost at the end of my last back-lane and close to home when I had to stop in my tracks to take a photo of this striking blue flower. If there’s anyone who know its name, please let me know. Initially I thought of it as an exotic cornflower but it’s not.

Happy July to all of you. Remember this heatwave we are all enduring now. AND don’t forget this when we are all in the throes of icy Winter. Delight in all the Summer moments and don’t forget to hydrate and use your sunscreen when you’re out in that sun.