tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36915756244804699342012-01-29T15:37:21.373-08:00Peek into places I hold close to my heartlouciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.comBlogger3991100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-17089841881201684062012-01-28T21:07:00.004-08:002012-01-28T22:01:02.719-08:00

Every time I visit Vancouver I do the gallery hop along South Granville Street. It looks something like this.  Sort of a combination of a hop and a Mick Jagger strut. This is a favourite view of mine, looking down Granville towards downtown and the mountains. In fact, I like it so much I did two different versions.  (Really, I did three, but I wouldn't want you to think that I obsess.

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-77421609284788304732012-01-24T15:46:00.001-08:002012-01-24T15:50:43.617-08:00

Vancouver is home to a large Asian population and one of the benefits is a good selection and variety of sushi joints, such as this modest little hole in the wall place known only to true sushi aficionados.    If I was a fish, I don't think I'd feel all that comfortable floating in a fish tank in a sushi restaurant.  I think this fellow has a distinctly worried look on his face. Here we

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-10023131773323350292012-01-19T00:45:00.006-08:002012-01-19T12:28:37.856-08:00

Let's take a break from the cold and the snow and take a look back to a sunny day about a week ago.  On a walk through Cates Park, I came across this dancing tree stump. Is it just me, or does this look like a female figure?  I may be barking up the wrong tree or even barking mad, but I really think there is something quite magical, perhaps even mystical about this Formerly Known as

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-32540605133355599832012-01-16T01:18:00.004-08:002012-01-16T01:37:01.807-08:00

I hope you're not getting too tired of the view from my bedroom window but it keeps changing and forcing me to photograph it.  This is the scene that greeted my eyes the morning after the furnace was fixed (as described in the previous post)  The weather pundits had been predicting an unusually cold and snowy winter for the Vancouver area since the autumn but it hadn't materialized until now. 

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-37828077617113328402012-01-14T00:46:00.003-08:002012-01-14T00:58:50.161-08:00

(Friday) Last night I went to bed quite chilled as a result of the furnace being on the blink.  I awoke early this morning, reluctant to leave the deep warmth of my multitude of blankets that had cocooned me during the cold night.  Knowing that the furnace man cometh at 8:30 a.m. is what eventually coaxed me forth. My effort was rewarded with this startling view of sun bursting forth over the

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-20606760880759199582012-01-12T23:22:00.001-08:002012-01-12T23:26:22.890-08:00

...but they could be better. The furnace is not working.  Or the thermostats.  Little matter, both scenarios mean no heat.  Other than the blazing fire that my mother got going in the fireplace (hooked rug made by me) Alas, the fireplace is where most of the heat stays.  Still, it gives a nice illusion of warmth. How am I coping, you wonder? By dressing appropriately for the situation:

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-56754054477561905232012-01-07T19:52:00.004-08:002012-01-07T20:02:27.356-08:00

It's been raining all day here in North Vancouver.  That's what winter's about in these parts.  I'm okay with that (check back with me in a couple of weeks).  It was so wet today that instead of venturing out for a walk, I took a trip through my photos from a  recent rainy day,  just after Christmas when I was  being chauffeured around town by my sister. Raindrops on windshields, umbrellas in

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-16573199905178491512012-01-03T23:26:00.004-08:002012-01-03T23:48:43.475-08:00

Continuing on around the seawall in Vancouver's Stanley Park from yesterday's post, one of my favourite moments is when Siwash Rock comes into view. There is a legend to this rock:  Image from VentureVancouver.com  Somehow, I'm not convinced that being turned into a rock is a just reward for unselfishness, but who am I to judge?  The greyness of the day only served to

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-40081178539212926772012-01-02T13:41:00.001-08:002012-01-02T13:42:50.105-08:00

The new year has begun... who knows what lies around the bend. I may be gullible... but I like to think that the tides will bring us all sorts of positive changes and inspiration, allowing us to take flight in new and more imaginative ways. Good things come to those who wait...but better ones come to those who go out and find them!  Maybe...we'll see...

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-24490967241530608192011-12-31T00:14:00.000-08:002011-12-31T00:14:54.220-08:00

A lone figure watches the setting year... Wishing you all, all the best for the coming year. 

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-65360664342696663172011-12-20T12:47:00.010-08:002011-12-20T14:18:05.139-08:00

Christmas Shopping List: ü     1 Partridge in a Pear Treeü     2 Turtle Dovesü     3 French Hensü     4 Calling Birds ü     5 Gold Ringsü     6 Geese-a-Layingü     7 Swans-a-Swimmingü     8 Maids-a-Milkingü     9 Ladies Dancingü   10 Lords-a-Leapingü   11 Pipers Pipingx    12 Drummers Drumming I did a little window shopping at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver and brought back some of the goods to

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-28578810611523007912011-12-10T21:26:00.007-08:002011-12-10T21:34:03.290-08:00

One of my favourite neighbourhood jaunts when visiting home is to walk down to Deep Cove, which takes me about 25 minutes, going at a good clip. It's pretty much required that you stop at the bottom of the street once you arrive to take a picture of the Deep Cove marina. I was quite touched that they'd hung out a "Welcome Home" flag for me. In spite of the sunshine, it was a frosty day,

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-31785906456679346782011-12-07T23:13:00.002-08:002011-12-08T00:07:38.017-08:00

I have a tendency to look at the ground when I'm walking, but once in awhile I remember to look up. Sometimes when I'm looking at the ground, I find a surprise, such as a lucky penny or a feather or an appealing piece of rusted metal to give to a friend as a gift (yes, I am that generous!); but sometimes when I look up I find pleasant surprises as well.  Such as a flying fish and a message

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-2131901883787953412011-12-05T21:16:00.131-08:002011-12-05T22:36:20.381-08:00

One of my favourite places to walk, to be, to breathe, is in Cates Park near my mother's house.  I feel so lucky that in these early days of December the sun is still shining and I can enjoy good brisk walks. I used to come to this park when I was a teenager; it was my first real awareness of "being in nature." Often I come to the park to ponder questions that have been stumping me.

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-81613846603441260092011-12-04T01:11:00.003-08:002011-12-04T01:27:37.111-08:00

When I looked out my bedroom window yesterday morning, it was more of a silver dawn than the previous golden one. The colours and temperature were more typical of this time of year in this little corner of the world. What can I say...the world was grey... but not without a certain cold beauty, I thought. Maybe I'll just post the view  from my bedroom window every day.

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-89438160177492073662011-12-02T00:21:00.025-08:002011-12-02T01:56:32.570-08:00

I'm here! And on my first day "home" yesterday this quirky little car tickled my funny bone, with its bulbous headlight eyes and humpbacked shape, slightly reminiscent of a Citroen 2CV, but hailing from the Orient.  It was parked in front of a yoga studio because this is, after all, Lotus Land where everyone dresses like they're on their way to a yoga class or a mountain hike or a double latté.

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-21407160699182183402011-11-24T22:27:00.010-08:002011-11-24T22:31:20.623-08:00

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-74670926632108340022011-11-19T21:01:00.000-08:002011-11-19T21:01:13.738-08:00

Be Here Nowthe Buddhists and Ram Das admonish;Be in the Moment,for there is nowhere else to be.The Power of Nowis the only strength needed,Eckhart Tolle tells us.And yet, and yet,the mind is such a creative toolit can conjure up landscapes and spacescapesand whisk us to our wildest imaginings,deepest desires, and darkest fearsin the sighing of a single breath.Never mind.Bring it all back to this

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-72595279753486480862011-11-16T21:33:00.002-08:002011-11-16T21:36:40.582-08:00

While I was in Montreal recently, I enjoyed some very tasty meals.  This was not one of them. The chicken was a bit rubbery.

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-73363303495129155462011-11-11T06:23:00.003-08:002011-11-11T14:16:22.882-08:00

Today in Canada is Remembrance Day, honouring those who died in wars, as well as those who fought in wars and came home forever changed.    "So on the day when you fly that flagfor the ones who never made it backsay an extra prayer for thosewho'll always bewounded." (from the song "Wounded" by Lennie Gallant) To hear and see the rest of the lyrics to this moving song, please click on the

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-48685142331727695522011-11-03T20:54:00.003-07:002011-11-03T22:47:30.619-07:00

This miniature cottage sits on a diminutive island near the far edge of a small pond that I pass on my walks. It must have started out as a dog house but I've seen it used by ducks and, more recently, by a pair of honeymooning Canada geese.  I wonder if they took the time to admire the birds' eye view (or maybe in their eyes it was a fowl sight). I imagine when you're a bird, flying in an

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-37908666714038148252011-10-30T16:53:00.003-07:002011-11-02T16:43:19.975-07:00

Look what Mother Nature is handing out in our neighbourhood for Hallowe'en treats this year Close-up of a frosted lollipop?  Not quite.  Sherbet?  Not so tasty.  Nope, snow crystals, gloopy icy, big fat snow blobs snorted onto my bedroom window this afternoon.Now is that any way for a grande old dame like Mother Nature to behave? At least it provided me with the opportunity to play with some

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-4891446041302365542011-10-22T22:43:00.000-07:002011-10-22T22:43:49.205-07:00

It was a gloriously autumnal day today, complete with moody clouds hanging about the sky, so I grabbed my camera and went out for a long walk. I was taking a picture of the way the road climbed to the horizon and then disappeared ... but when I checked the image in the camera, I discovered there was a horse in the field.  Seeing the possibility of blog fodder, I went closer to investigate.

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-31977379191599357592011-10-13T17:46:00.000-07:002011-10-13T17:46:34.681-07:00

A guy with a guitar, a girl with a golden voice, a captive audience of dinner guests, relaxing in the living room while the chef prepares his second act in the kitchen. A little bit of magic begins to happen. The musicians radiate their love of making music together and the audience basks in the glow. Lost in the colours of the hauntingly lovely sounds. Toes tap in time.

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-2683778184165247682011-10-10T14:32:00.003-07:002011-10-10T14:35:54.391-07:00

Today is the Canadian Thanksgiving.  The cooking turkey has been producing a heavenly aroma for several hours now.  I have made my special cranberry chutney and prepared the Brussels sprouts, although I am the only one who actually likes those miniature green cabbages.  I think it's from having been forced to eat them as a child  with each Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, as tradition would

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-57690790661442045892011-10-08T09:05:00.001-07:002011-10-08T09:28:37.007-07:00

On my near-daily walks, I often follow what is known locally as the lake road.  This is my favourite view over the fields that line the road. Soft golden grasses recall the rays of the summer sun (not that we saw much of it this year).    The bullrushes, or cattails, have gone to seed now, all exploded fluff drifting on the wind like furry fairies.  I was surprised to learn from my

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-14449376963283948832011-10-06T15:59:00.003-07:002011-10-06T16:17:46.795-07:00

I imagine that, in spite of the perks, it must be hard growing up in the shadow of a world-renowned parent. Leonard's little boy grows up at age 38. I was listening to the radio this afternoon and heard a new song by Adam Cohen, and then I happened to come across this video tonight. Yes, it's a promotion of his new album, but I think it's an interesting video in itself. Makes me want to hear

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-65415054032174175202011-10-02T13:53:00.010-07:002011-10-02T14:20:19.653-07:00

There is a certain big city bright lights ennui that cool youth are wont to cultivate. A little bit faded, definitely jaded, world weary, care-worn, but stylishly so.But you know, when I go to the big city and see the bright lights and latest fashions and get swept up in the buzz and the movement and the excitement of the sights and sounds and general atmosphere of life being an adventure to be

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-86719679976791460702011-09-29T19:45:00.003-07:002011-09-29T20:11:18.758-07:00

The idea of getting a bus and organizing a blogger's tour of non-stop photo-ops has been bandied about in my comments boxes  lately.  I thought I'd go one better and get us all a BARGE! For years now, every time I've been out to North Vancouver to visit the old homestead, I've noticed this derelict barge on the opposite shore.  My mother told me that it had been used at Expo 86 as a McDonald's

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-10812324122714923352011-09-24T11:11:00.001-07:002011-09-24T11:36:55.632-07:00

Now that we're all rested and have digested, it's time that we be divested of the Slough.  One of the other advantages of Finn Slough living is the great boating opportunites right at your back door.  Literally. Just putt-putt in, pull up and park. As the name of this boat indicates, you might find yourself Killin' Time waiting for the next tide to take you out to work or off on your next

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-48452180558981432922011-09-17T09:55:00.000-07:002011-09-17T09:55:51.033-07:00

Between napping in friends' beds (see previous post) and participating in a 7 course chef-catered dinner party at another friends' place (more to come on that later), I haven't had much time for blogging. I suggest you catch up on your sleep as well and be sure to have a good serving of veggies and...er...flowers (why not!).  You'll be needing your energy to keep up on the last leg of our

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-35406145586064329762011-09-10T19:53:00.000-07:002011-09-10T20:10:31.122-07:00

We've been sleuthing around the slough for a few days now and I think it's time we stop for a little peek inside one of the cottages.  One of my oldest and dearest friends has fixed this one up and won't mind us having a look around. Have a seat in this cozy corner and rest a bit.  You must be tired after all this snooping sightseeing we've been doing. If you're feeling chilly

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-54460329546594122022011-09-06T08:56:00.000-07:002011-09-06T09:13:45.680-07:00

I would like to introduce all you prospective bidders and potential buyers of the cottage on the previous post to the greenly lush neighbourhood in which it is nestled.  Indeed, in our perambulations here, you may even stumble upon another appealing abode that just cries out to you to rescue and love it as you would a lost puppy. Here we have a view of the landscaping, carved out by no finer

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-42436767497918194772011-08-31T21:22:00.002-07:002011-09-21T20:08:35.739-07:00

Pleased as punch to announce that this post was awarded the "Just Plain Good" award over at Hilary's Smitten Image blog. Go here for links to other "award winning" blogs of the week. House prices in the Vancouver area are pretty insane so you have to start out with something in need of a little  TLC to try to break into the market. This uniquely styled bungalow in Finn Slough has great

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-32778773928044017762011-08-29T15:37:00.003-07:002011-08-31T08:03:53.964-07:00

As promised in my last post from the gates of Finn Slough (or the Gates of Eden as certain visitors prefer to call them), the tour is about to commence.  Here comes our greeter now... Obviously a Dylan fan from way back, "Come in", she purred, "I'll give ya shelter from the storm." Or maybe she was muttering, "Something is happening here, and you don't know what it is..." Well,

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-90140363359021152872011-08-26T22:34:00.001-07:002011-08-26T22:35:20.959-07:00

I am going to take you to visit a unique sort of gated community.  I have begun revisiting the images I took at Finn Slough in the Vancouver Lower Mainland last spring... and playing with some of them in Photoshop. This could take awhile. But good things come to those who wait (at the gate)

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-40399243004615376192011-08-20T12:02:00.000-07:002011-08-20T12:15:37.298-07:00

You know what they say about old dogs... It's true you'd probably have some difficulty in teaching this one new tricks... but this old dog probably still has a few tricks left up his sleeve. (both subjects recently seen on the street in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Is.) Old Dog Musician said I could take his picture as long as I didn't hang it on my bedroom wall.  He

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-70011316874884693412011-08-15T21:00:00.001-07:002011-08-15T21:03:42.792-07:00

Whoa Nellie!  I've been too long absent from the blog saddle.  Guess some of you thought I'd been put out to pasture.  But I'm feeling my blog oats (that would be "bloats") tonight so I thought I'd mosey on in here and horse around a bit. Let's dog this woman's footsteps back to a lovely day last spring in Vancouver... where things were starting to get a little bit in tents!

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-19664290804462660602011-08-05T08:43:00.008-07:002011-08-05T13:41:39.659-07:00

In popular parlance these days, the expression "Shut up!" has come to signify disbelief, awe, wonder, and other such amazements, replacing the more familiar exclamations, "Oh my god" "Holy cow!" "No way!" when confronted with someone who has just uttered an unbelievably bad, good, lucky, or inane statement or, similarly, performed some impressive or dubious feat. For the more verbally exuberant,

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-52351503195028280982011-07-30T14:57:00.009-07:002011-07-30T15:14:20.404-07:00

After much ado, and adiuex, here's a little tour of my recent escape to Halifax. These odd looking tour buses seem to be popping up all over the Maritimes. It would be cool if they were actually amphibious in nature, but then I guess passengers would have to be outfitted with scuba, just in case.  Well, it's not as if they don't look crazy enough already, riding around on these things!

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-78558436284901042742011-07-27T20:04:00.007-07:002011-07-27T21:09:36.878-07:00

I heard it through the grapevine covering the chicken coup that it is  was World Bird Wednesday so I thought I would add these Toulouse Geese that I saw recently at the Public Gardens in Halifax. A sign on the fence informed me that these geese are the sort that are preferred for producing paté de foie gras, which perhaps explains why they're looking rather disgruntled, and not a little

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-87605751810269690692011-07-23T12:18:00.002-07:002011-07-27T21:10:11.854-07:00

I extend my apologies from the bottom of my glass heart to those dear blog friends who so kindly left me farewell messages and welcome back notes and where-the-hell-are-you SOS's in these past few days.  I have, indeed, burrowed back into the bosom of the hills in which I live and am enjoying lazing about on the decrepit wicker, making an occasional foray to the beach, or town, or even an island

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-44772093753827386542011-07-09T20:27:00.003-07:002011-08-20T12:02:57.731-07:00

I'm going away for a few days, to visit friends in the Atlantic port city of Halifax, Nova Scotia.  I expect some good blogging fodder, though I won't be posting anything until I'm back.  Meanwhile, I thought I'd offer up a few pictures from the Pacific side of this country, taken when I was out in Vancouver last March. I don't know when the city began planting palm trees as if they're native

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-58371055591886894232011-07-05T17:27:00.001-07:002011-07-30T11:42:10.024-07:00

you drag an upholstered chair out on to the front porch for summertime sittin'. ...at least it's not a car seat, though that would be more authentic. This one has a certain style, I like to think. Or how about when half of your wicker furniture was found in someone else's roadside garbage and your own is in worse shape than that found???  Maybe not quite redneck; perhaps

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-57511680379418463212011-07-01T21:26:00.004-07:002011-07-01T21:51:14.253-07:00

After spending a quiet morning upstairs in my studio, I came downstairs to feed the cat.  As I was walking past the living room door, something caught my eye in there.  Something small, sitting in the middle of the floor.  I did a double take.  I then shrieked for the cat, "Tasha, where the hell are you?!!!" Cats are never anywhere to be found when one wants them, and this was an instance when

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-25342346902646173102011-06-27T20:54:00.001-07:002011-06-27T21:01:34.428-07:00

When I was heading out the other evening to walk over to my friends' house for supper, I was watching the sidewalk so as not to step on any slugs and look what I found It wasn't a leaf, it was a very large, very pretty moth, the likes of which I had never before seen. Of course I didn't have my camera with me, so I had to hurry home to fetch it (good thing I was wearing my speedy gold sneakers)

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-73701574793132684382011-06-22T21:43:00.000-07:002011-06-22T21:43:21.129-07:00

I'm very shy about taking people's pictures but I do like catching them in passing.  It wasn't yet summer when I was strolling the streets of Montreal, but there were some sunny days hinting at the heat to come.  Don't you hate it when you emerge from winter into the suddeness of summer, all pasty-faced and doughy looking? Some people, though, are more than ready to splash out in

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-13424456235126278962011-06-16T21:42:00.003-07:002011-06-22T07:09:21.473-07:00

Hey, while I wasn't looking, this post got an award!   Thanks Hilary. While strolling the streets of Montreal a couple of weeks ago, I came upon a few unusual sights. It's always good to have a designated parking space for one's piano while one is out sightseeing. Big Bird does heavy metal--on roller skates! A different take on mirror balls?Or is it R2D2?Or maybe one of those "

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-19580165339897157932011-06-08T18:53:00.000-07:002011-06-08T18:53:44.545-07:00

Montreal is well-known for its curving outdoor staircases and colourfully painted apartment buildings. This is a particularly fancy row that has been turned into very sleek and stylish condos, no doubt with appropriate price tags. Even viewed upside-down in a mud puddle, their charm shines through. Here's one of those curving staircases. But every so often, sandwiched between 3-story

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-5972528465158940142011-06-04T19:03:00.001-07:002011-06-04T19:16:13.838-07:00

Who's there? Orange!   Orange who? Orange you glad to see that I'm back?! Just to let you know that I was sleeping elsewhereduring the past week, and have consequently been out of touch. Will be back soon with more colours.

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-84583616627949645202011-05-25T18:41:00.003-07:002011-05-25T18:59:22.773-07:00

I promised you in the post below that we would take a look in a couple of the shops we passed by in Gastown so let us sample the wares: First we might like to choose an appropriate outfit from Deluxe Junk, or one of the other similar shops in the area that sell retro fashions.  I've heard that if you wore it the first time it was in style, you shouldn't sport it when it comes back around. 

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-32634484224175258152011-05-19T20:07:00.001-07:002011-05-23T05:59:23.360-07:00

I promised you a little tour of Gastown once we were off the seabus and out the doors of Waterfront Station.  Gastown is where Vancouver originally started and was famed for its tavern named Gassy Jack's. Apparently his nickname was earned from his penchant for spinning tall tales, rather than for any digestive troubles he might have had. One of the first things you'll notice upon exiting is this

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-92208389038347792872011-05-16T20:58:00.000-07:002011-05-16T20:58:29.113-07:00

A pleasant way to travel from North Vancouver to downtown Vancouver is to take the sea bus.  It's neither quiet nor smooth but it is fun to be out on the water cruising past freighters, watching seaplanes take off, hoping we're going to miss an errant log or duck that may drift across our path. We're leaving behind the north shore mountains as glimpsed through the door windows. But what do

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-39698026834961179632011-05-07T19:06:00.012-07:002011-05-07T19:35:46.196-07:00

As they used to say on the opening of the Monty Python Show, "And now for something completely different" Don't they all? Women are quite capable of holding two opposing, equally brilliant, ideas at the same time. Speaking of pythons, how about a rattlesnake suitcase?  I wonder if that's made of snakeskin or if it's for carrying rattlesnakes?  Best not to find out. A skull and crossbones

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-2293136148202759682011-05-05T19:00:00.003-07:002011-05-05T19:10:08.607-07:00

A very pleasant day in Vancouver this past March was spent wandering through the West End with an old friend, each armed with our little cameras and fuelled by a shared enchantment with the pink confetti falling all around us from the cherry blossom trees. We were accompanied by the vociferous and squirrel-obsessed Arabella Hound. No squirrels yet but the sniffing is good! It

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-91675142619241725652011-04-25T12:17:00.009-07:002011-04-25T15:06:59.477-07:00

I know I promised more cherry blossoms in my last post, but I have some photos with a slight Easter flavour to them so I wanted to blog about them before they hit their past due date. One popular, colourful street in Vancouver is Commercial Drive.  It includes the city's "Little Italy."  I met up with friends and we stopped for lunch at the Calabria Cafe, drawn by its name because Calabria is

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-88845624985704287572011-04-22T18:59:00.002-07:002011-04-22T19:02:02.314-07:00

When I was in Vancouver a couple of weeks ago, the cherry blossom trees were blooming. To see a "haiku'd" version of this photo, please drop over (to) my Ragzedge blog. (more coming soon...I just needed to crawl out of that fish tankI've been floating around in for the past two posts)

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-27055740666293136752011-04-20T16:14:00.004-07:002011-04-20T18:09:48.785-07:00

Now that I've been back on the east coast for a week, my perceptions are coming more into focus. I'm starting to feel like I'm getting back into the swim of things. Someone advised me that I should try harder to bloom where I've been planted. I know that my creativity has burst out here in the past and tickled others. Even though I sort of feel like I'm pinned to the wall and stuck in

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-53551596183762615262011-04-14T19:07:00.005-07:002011-04-14T20:35:28.329-07:00

When returning home after a trip, do you ever have the feeling that you're all at sea? That you're not exactly sure which way is up? Like maybe you're looking through a window into a world that's not really your own? A vague sensation of not being able to focus on where you are or where you've been:  Neither here nor there. Maybe you've been dazzled by the bright lights of a

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-76560780633962520462011-04-12T00:12:00.000-07:002011-04-12T00:12:54.519-07:00

Here's a parting shot from the west coast Seems the neighbourhood is protected from invading pirates at least, as evidenced by this small canon on the back deck of someone's seaside home at the bottom of the street.   But here's my real parting shot for this particular trip:The view this evening from the back porch of my mother's house.In a few hours I'll be heading out to the Vancouver

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-4178094043582561042011-04-08T23:29:00.004-07:002011-04-09T08:49:42.740-07:00

I've been away from my post (blog post, that is) of late due to the fact that my plate (glass window) has been unusually full.But I've been gathering lots of images to reflect uponwhen once I'm ensconced back in my east coast home.Still lapping up the scenery in Vancouver, today on Gallery Row,South Granville Street. (By the way, that is NOT my reflection on the left!) This is the street that

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-7306755072958632292011-04-04T23:51:00.000-07:002011-04-04T23:51:12.975-07:00

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-85404025155042626422011-04-02T22:59:00.002-07:002011-04-02T23:49:10.872-07:00

When last you saw me, I was heading off to the hippy bakery, the Common Loaf, in Tofino. Appropriately, there is a happy hippy dude working behind the counter in the hippy bakery.  Actually, I think he should be classified as a neo-hippy. He is wearing a large beret that looks like someone's knitting got away from them. He's speaking to someone on his cell phone.Hippies did not have cell

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-72996500343900440322011-03-31T00:00:00.002-07:002011-03-31T00:06:02.156-07:00

The drying wet suit seen on the post below this one was hanging out at this beach in Tofino, about a half hour's drive from Ucluelet. Can anybody spot the little bird in this picture? Let's zoom in on that rock out there:  seems the wind is whipping up quite a cloud of sea spray.  The clouds, the light, the weather can change quickly, blowing in off the Pacific Ocean.  Earlier in the day it

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-59180730027469596872011-03-29T15:31:00.007-07:002011-03-29T15:53:21.124-07:00

On our walk to admire the seascape views next to the lighthouse in Ucluelet, on the west coast of Vancouver Island... we passed some very gnarly, acrobatically inclined trees.It was a veritable Cirque du Soleil of rainforests; or perhaps that should be Cirque de Pluie? The limbs seem to want to root themselves, or else the roots wish to change their destiny and become limbs... and

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-23923621845019118772011-03-27T09:49:00.004-07:002011-03-27T10:34:54.324-07:00

I am experiencing technical difficulties with Blogger. It's posting my photos at approximately the size of a pin head, and I can't zoom in on the angels dancing on top of it to find out how many there are and solve that age-old mystery. The same problem's happening on my other blog, Ragzedge. If you don't hear from me for awhile, you'll know why. Please stand by. (there is actually a photo

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-91305742886249022392011-03-24T22:51:00.001-07:002011-03-24T22:53:34.848-07:00

The last time you saw me, I was biking off to Vancouver Island to take tea in Victoria.  You know what they say about the best laid plans... My sister decided to kidnap me and take me "up island" from Victoria to the tsunami hazard zone.  From what I've been reading in the Vancouver papers lately, it would seem that pretty much all of the island's west coast is a tsunami-waiting-to-happen zone

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-9081969971269748122011-03-15T23:28:00.007-07:002011-03-16T09:33:17.817-07:00

In much of Canada, people climb into their gas-guzzling cars, pick-up trucks, vans, SUVs, skidoos, etc. and head to the Tim Horton's drive-thru for a cup of nicotine-laced coffee. They order it by the amount of cream and sugar doses added to it, such as a double-double or a triple-triple. (no picture available for fear of legal procedures incurred by caffeine-hyped, sugar-hopped drivers of

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-87391334017583443212011-03-12T23:39:00.003-08:002011-03-12T23:51:55.455-08:00

A view point A different point of view A glimpse of the past A long look Beach glance Making puppy dog eyes Seeing what lies ahead Here's looking at you, kiddos!See you again soon. (All photos taken in the 'hood where my mother lives & where I spent most of my angst teen years.  I get out for walks when the rain lets up enough. My beloveds back east revel in letting me

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-24089121260555103092011-03-10T10:27:00.001-08:002011-03-10T10:28:54.369-08:00

One reason the rest of Canada hates southwest BC, particularly around this time of the year: (Yes, VirJIMia, the crocuses are up!) There's just nothing more annoying than those smug phone calls from west to east or north exclaiming, "The crocuses are up!" while the rest of the country is still digging out from 4 months of accumulated snow. Right now, the only type of snow Lotus-landers have

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-27646204913599599052011-03-06T23:13:00.000-08:002011-03-06T23:13:17.055-08:00

There has been quite a bit of melting going on this weekend, of the snow, that is.  This indicates warmer temperatures.  Heavy rain is forecast for today.  However, it is not enough to entice me to stick around and see if spring actually shows up at its alloted hour a few weeks hence.  I'm taking one last kick at Old Man Winter here: you can see things are getting a bit grungy I'm heading west

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-8935001945804482392011-03-03T17:28:00.012-08:002011-03-03T17:49:51.333-08:00

The winter continues long, cold and hard but spring is not too far off.  In preparation for emerging from our caves and stepping out into the big world again, here are some health tips: Drink plenty of water, and breathe deeply, though not at the same time. Practice good posture, or wear clothes that distract the eye from your bulges. Eat fruit rich in Vitamin C as it may be the

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-39406004084894914982011-02-28T23:00:00.005-08:002011-03-01T18:04:25.242-08:00

You might have noticed that there's been a lot of snow happening on this blog for the past 3 or 4 months...but who's counting.  Please note: I did not Photoshop the height of the snow nor my own size! In order to counteract my cabin fever that just never lets up sets in from time to time, my friends and neighbours sometimes stage an intervention to lure me out of my hermetic ways and get me out

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-53539411607733017832011-02-26T17:19:00.000-08:002011-02-26T17:19:29.730-08:00

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-53179519524456010122011-02-25T07:41:00.018-08:002011-02-25T08:05:32.854-08:00

It's been wonderful getting so many appreciative comments about the snow photos I've been posting, but as the village locals are remarking to each other in the street, "Have you had enough snow yet?"  This gives a new connotation to the word "snowmobile,"  as well as some idea as to the amount of snow that has fallen.  The local hardware store is taking on the look of a catherdral pipe

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-89588504181859998182011-02-19T22:53:00.008-08:002011-03-02T08:25:33.707-08:00

News Flash:  I received a Reader's Choice Post of the Week award from Hilary, thanks to a recommendation from Merisi!  So  honoured!The Award Winning Post: Last posting, we were out for a lovely Sunday drive through the scenic backroads of Albert County.  How about if we pick up where we left off for another eagle-eye view? My friend, and fellow blogger, DCW commented that "residing in Albert

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-61604774803298260862011-02-14T16:54:00.001-08:002011-02-14T16:57:14.811-08:00

Sunday, we went for a drive along the backroads.  What can I say about that?  There was a lot of snow, and it was pretty, in a snowy sort of way.  And rife with bucolic, albeit snow-drifted, charm. My chauffeur was very patient and obliging, stopping or backing up the car so I could capture pictures to drag home to the blog. His willing (and rare) acquiesence gave me an odd sense of power,

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-9626638486685768442011-02-11T19:42:00.004-08:002011-02-12T12:06:34.673-08:00

On the main street of the village where I live there's a mechanic shop called Snider's Garage.  Mr. Snider seems to have a fondness for large, boat-sized cars of a certain vintage. To this day, he is still driving one, proudly sporting a vanity license plate that reads "B. Snider."  The former vehicular loves of his life are kept fondly next to the garage, gracing Main Street with their louche

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-39449744878828883632011-02-07T21:59:00.003-08:002011-02-07T22:16:48.239-08:00

Flowers arrivedthrough the snowover the miles reminding me

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-17839620026547974402011-02-07T21:08:00.011-08:002011-02-07T22:27:53.446-08:00

"There are so many contradictionsIn all these messages we send(we keep asking)How do I get out of hereWhere do I fit in? "

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-14943662246985081042011-02-03T13:37:00.002-08:002011-02-03T14:15:46.286-08:00

if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Heigh-ho, sleigh-ho, it's off for wood he goes... A little Woodsman Yoga to keep the limbs limber (or should that be lumber?)... Return through the neatly carved snow corridor... Pause to catch one's breath and admire a little snow art Back the load in And see how it all stacks up! Obviously, this is one woodchuck who not only could but would

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-3871686808879881292011-01-30T22:03:00.001-08:002011-01-30T22:43:17.996-08:00

The village I live in is very hilly;  therefore, many houses sit atop many different hills. This particular old farmhouse sits on the hill opposite my friends' house, and it has a barn right beside it to house the cows that make it a working farm.  After having lived in this village for going on 18 years now, I am still amused to walk or drive down Main Street and pass by a herd of cows. 

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-78551562695104873132011-01-29T10:21:00.004-08:002011-01-29T10:30:15.647-08:00

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-2204167979222730662011-01-24T20:36:00.002-08:002011-01-24T21:15:10.465-08:00

you start taking pictures of your kitchen appliances you're feeling about as bedraggled as the last sorry vestiges of the summer basil the idea of making a self-portrait in the coffee pot seems brilliant. I hear my neighbours are planning an intervention for me tomorrow.

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-19472965132072153982011-01-21T15:27:00.012-08:002011-01-24T21:17:36.120-08:00

Another day, another snow storm. If you can't beat it, might as well shoot it. Or blog about it.

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-12207945443192405482011-01-16T15:29:00.003-08:002011-01-16T16:44:20.062-08:00

Winter continues to blow, if you know what I mean. I'm feeling colour deprived.  I'm feeling housebound.  I'm feeling like it's too cold to venture outside.  Not able to afford a winter-getaway vacation (or better yet--a permanent move), I lost myself in Photoshop for a few hours today... starting with this vibrant beauty I rediscovered, tucked away in a file  and somehow segued

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-1123845070185630382011-01-11T22:07:00.004-08:002011-01-24T21:18:13.997-08:00

snow     snow snow with icicles snow with FX 's no matter how you look at it, we have plenty'o'snow It snowed for 4 days in a row, and there is more coming in the next couple of days...not to say months (but I easily could). (for another view go here)

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-64002410111735762732011-01-06T16:29:00.083-08:002011-01-11T22:22:16.262-08:00

©L. Ciacco, Hut in Calabria, 2007 Maybe I'll disappear into my little dream hut, live on cheese and wine to invoke some visions, and not emerge until it's spring

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-4309536648329070072011-01-03T14:25:00.002-08:002011-01-24T21:18:51.667-08:00

This morning I got up early, awakened by the silence of the falling snow.  Normally, I would pull the covers over my head and return to my dreams, but I've got a brand new camera and have lately been heard to lament the lack of interesting things to photograph, so off I went into the white wilderness to capture some scenes and drag them back to the blog. Actually, before I went out, I took

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-15314196327250108282011-01-01T17:54:00.003-08:002011-01-01T18:07:35.814-08:00

"I mean, what do you want to do in this world, ya know?  Why did you start it?  How do you want to finish it?  Now that's the blues."-Keith Richards

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-85934890030448743662010-12-28T16:55:00.004-08:002010-12-29T07:58:29.699-08:00

In these last days of the year, though we're not exactly rolling in dough, we always have enough bread (thanks to Pierre)and plenty of amusements with which to occupy our time, such as the traditional double-page Christmas crossword to keep us from being totally clueless,(or the Keith Richards autobiography which I enjoy reading during a hot soak in our deep, old-fashioned bath tub--no

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-46049523862094572622010-12-19T22:26:00.000-08:002010-12-19T22:26:22.603-08:00

I live in a rural area.  A village, with fields, and not much going on.  I don't go into the nearby city very often so I can only guess that the stores and malls there are bursting at the seams with Christmas doodads, decorating paraphenalia, shiny gewgaws, beribboned whatnots, tinselled whimsies, and candy-cane-striped gizmos.  This shop front I saw in Vancouver last month was gearing up for the

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-21412317841335353452010-12-16T23:46:00.000-08:002010-12-16T23:46:58.316-08:00

If you happen to be looking for me... take this bike and ride on over to Ragzedge. 

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-84376172991024063962010-12-09T21:21:00.004-08:002010-12-11T10:52:36.987-08:00

Back in Vancouver in mid-November, while waiting for a bus, I amused myself by peering into the shop windows behind me.  It was good to be informed by the window-dressings of Holt Renfrew of what the well-dressed Canadian woman should plan on wearing for this festive season. Have you ever noticed that when you're looking intently at something or pointing your camera at a subject, other

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-17780113897080324472010-12-03T08:28:00.001-08:002010-12-03T08:31:50.760-08:00

Whenever I go "home" to Vancouver, I try to get to Seattle as well to visit the friends I have there.  It's a cozy time we have together, talking, eating, drinking, laughing, going for neighbourhood walks.  It's almost irrelevant that we're in Seattle.  What's important is being together.  I am grateful to be welcomed in and so comfortably housed.  Autumn colours frame the door with a

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-54863929416178489062010-11-27T18:15:00.007-08:002010-11-27T18:38:47.824-08:00

If you're brave enough to pass this Foo Dog you can come along with me into a charming garden hidden away in the heart of Vancouver's Chinatown.  This leonine creature is also known as the Celestial Dog and the Happiness Dog and serves as a guard against evil spirits, as well as being a symbol of energy and value. They're usually seen in pairs: this fine specimen is a male.  How do I know this? 

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-4705503271153384742010-11-25T19:55:00.002-08:002010-11-25T19:59:49.452-08:00

I last saw you while I was looking out a bus window on my way through Vancouver's Chinatown.  Why don't we take a stroll through the area today? I love visiting Chinatown, in any city that has one. Vancouver has one of the best, I reckon. It's so colourful and bright, like a party waiting to happen, all decked out with Chinese lanterns. Even if it rains, as is often the case in Vancouver, the

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-16752124188544991002010-11-19T23:19:00.001-08:002010-11-19T23:38:39.101-08:00

I've been riding the buses lately, dashing off to town in inclement weather.  In November in Vancouver, things can be grey and misty and cold and wet.  On my way to Chinatown the other day, I rubbed a clearing in the fogged up bus window to get my bearings.  It was like a glimpse into a steamy, magical world. I remember we sometimes ate at the HoHo when I was a kid.  I always got a kick out of

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-74450988568763069032010-11-14T23:34:00.001-08:002010-11-14T23:48:26.776-08:00

Today I went to Granville Island and saw a few intriguing sights while there.The web guide to the place describes it as: Guaranteed to make the folks back home really jealous. Imagine an island in the middle of a city. ... A living, breathing urban oasis filled with fine waterfront restaurants, theatres, galleries, studios, unique shops, cafes and the most spectacular fresh food market you’ve

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691575624480469934.post-5752341004497262172010-11-10T19:44:00.002-08:002010-11-10T19:54:31.123-08:00

I'm here!  I've been on the go since I last checked in but I've now settled into the old homestead in North Vancouver so have some time to send out a postcard or two.  Today was gloriously sunny and I took one of my favourite walks, to Deep Cove, about a half hour's saunter from the house. Hands up how many of you recognize this scene?  I photograph it every time I pay a visit home.  Unless

louciaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00320166770541319601noreply@blogger.com20