tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26319837555931078552024-03-16T14:51:34.113-04:00My Only Photoanna lozyk romeo | photo journeyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger261125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-81244620876073540562024-01-06T15:44:00.002-05:002024-01-06T15:44:27.462-05:00graffiti DEFINED - a form of visual communication<p>Graffiti DEFINED - a form of visual communication, usually illegal.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9k6d5SyGuBxUUZsskpVaA-qN-z0EZ5bEwcV74FN6XZkV4VmxP0TdGRix5clioqh9nPP6b_0Zzl4y4n48rRqiN9iGOhHmyOBB8eVBQv64a6jUTEEh_hi0LubOXK3qj5UG-bLr0k40Gqw5qbJD45KmbtC2qJt-kXg6ov-aCxJ-O5uRDglQm8QU79uRUg4/s750/20240105_Newmarket%20G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9k6d5SyGuBxUUZsskpVaA-qN-z0EZ5bEwcV74FN6XZkV4VmxP0TdGRix5clioqh9nPP6b_0Zzl4y4n48rRqiN9iGOhHmyOBB8eVBQv64a6jUTEEh_hi0LubOXK3qj5UG-bLr0k40Gqw5qbJD45KmbtC2qJt-kXg6ov-aCxJ-O5uRDglQm8QU79uRUg4/s16000/20240105_Newmarket%20G.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Newmarket, ON, Canada44.059187000000009 -79.46125599999999215.748953163821163 -114.61750599999999 72.369420836178847 -44.305005999999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-76868033882869817712023-09-11T11:52:00.003-04:002023-09-11T11:52:52.200-04:00Ants in my Pants NOTAnts in my pants? Sometimes, but not these.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsyR7QCoJDZEv7qCHQrU9ahgPkl8o274i1-YNkUC0IjyTsLqcrBFS5-14ng_TaXWQP9QNwMrrxydvptd1ikunwEcw4GY3LbItndJxEV9ejM5ms53A4jTkzXT8Qj8HKIpeSmcitcGh0CtuFF6qK7LXxFdqIGu5kj-324mNKs2M80TFmhaPjnIrKJ1awf0/s1600/IMG_2657%20Black%20Ant.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsyR7QCoJDZEv7qCHQrU9ahgPkl8o274i1-YNkUC0IjyTsLqcrBFS5-14ng_TaXWQP9QNwMrrxydvptd1ikunwEcw4GY3LbItndJxEV9ejM5ms53A4jTkzXT8Qj8HKIpeSmcitcGh0CtuFF6qK7LXxFdqIGu5kj-324mNKs2M80TFmhaPjnIrKJ1awf0/s1600/IMG_2657%20Black%20Ant.jpg"/></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-30398596377613127802023-09-02T23:47:00.008-04:002023-09-03T08:56:26.437-04:00Woodlice, a Last Photo Before Bed<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdu88mW1iFOcUXTiyGnWgzJILkCAsSCLIwxTlfJmp-7yJjjY8YMWvUnNR2VBSQ1_Fkq_0CB7L2dX7uk0EflUW77Crl20kMNLe5YPhdT-9mTL9bnOyTXuJLUCoDcNwj79jQmv71FLtP0X4xKVHHomp_wpZoY4h5TZfZxrxWuPBLeVBlDE4UhHxp0IBsBrk/s3539/20230902_225116-01.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1991" data-original-width="3539" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdu88mW1iFOcUXTiyGnWgzJILkCAsSCLIwxTlfJmp-7yJjjY8YMWvUnNR2VBSQ1_Fkq_0CB7L2dX7uk0EflUW77Crl20kMNLe5YPhdT-9mTL9bnOyTXuJLUCoDcNwj79jQmv71FLtP0X4xKVHHomp_wpZoY4h5TZfZxrxWuPBLeVBlDE4UhHxp0IBsBrk/w640-h360/20230902_225116-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-26977035115531357512023-08-13T22:46:00.001-04:002023-08-13T22:51:01.880-04:00The Rothschild Giraffe, A BeautyA visit to a zoo we have never been before - <a href="https://www.elmvalejunglezoo.com/" target="_blank">Elmvale Jungle Zoo</a>.<br /><br />
Today meet the Rothschild Giraffe.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACs3egfYY_4ui-q6VP2y5lYnPaxG7SX45Mn9tFV61xPt0EEoNQEgM0MLUIVXjWhlhImuqqMtXZW-Vx6KgrAM6Mb0vE61wwLw1mETAcEsWb0WdWLmUIXp3V9jDhhBtH_HVimNnw35eeplcLJqSzJnmnAjSfajw-_DS_pfFH1sYmUNUiDQbOkp9pWJEVtg/s1600/IMG_0140%20Elmvale%20Giraffe.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACs3egfYY_4ui-q6VP2y5lYnPaxG7SX45Mn9tFV61xPt0EEoNQEgM0MLUIVXjWhlhImuqqMtXZW-Vx6KgrAM6Mb0vE61wwLw1mETAcEsWb0WdWLmUIXp3V9jDhhBtH_HVimNnw35eeplcLJqSzJnmnAjSfajw-_DS_pfFH1sYmUNUiDQbOkp9pWJEVtg/s1600/IMG_0140%20Elmvale%20Giraffe.jpg"/></a></div>
Enjoy!<br /><br />
~ Anna<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-55675434263533278152023-08-05T18:03:00.002-04:002023-08-06T10:22:37.128-04:00Bumblebee, the ClimbLately, I am working hard, but not as hard and effectively as a bumblebee.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAQqvDzmNEg9BTXgqYm4pm9Vh4V9JY-63c5dSPgqL3M99nomNuZGJgq7YpQNUGC7-iAar05eQyRX8WI8BaUHNTDkf6vOfAexqYmE7BHAsSGsvhg5vOnO3xG_ghQfmt_4h6yu7BairOSIAvZiN91_31ipoycmmvV_qN6VQs9SCHfe9vME7HBLbGibugZ8/s1600/IMG_5633_BumbleBee.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAQqvDzmNEg9BTXgqYm4pm9Vh4V9JY-63c5dSPgqL3M99nomNuZGJgq7YpQNUGC7-iAar05eQyRX8WI8BaUHNTDkf6vOfAexqYmE7BHAsSGsvhg5vOnO3xG_ghQfmt_4h6yu7BairOSIAvZiN91_31ipoycmmvV_qN6VQs9SCHfe9vME7HBLbGibugZ8/s1600/IMG_5633_BumbleBee.jpg"/></a></div>
Enjoy!<br /><br />
~ Anna<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-42800368687737512482023-07-21T23:55:00.005-04:002023-07-21T23:57:26.871-04:00Unfortunate Event“<i>Accidents are not accidents but precise arrivals at the wrong right time.</i>” ― Dejan Stojanovic.<br /><br />
What do you think?
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-og3is7BIYtkuJ1x2vpzR1p6_xwP8joo1Z8tt904yF1ALYC2n-IS-hyvepvPPIfa0Kqem3DuigWuJ3997py0QwruiTbRLO0mkeBXIHmjMZTz2FY6G_MGBsF2prRcFX_FKNjGCNCJXH1enu8yS-0FA1u1hdOPuzgYDbp-aB3357BwA09HTRuQx2QB7gw/s1600/IMG_5873edWM1200.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-og3is7BIYtkuJ1x2vpzR1p6_xwP8joo1Z8tt904yF1ALYC2n-IS-hyvepvPPIfa0Kqem3DuigWuJ3997py0QwruiTbRLO0mkeBXIHmjMZTz2FY6G_MGBsF2prRcFX_FKNjGCNCJXH1enu8yS-0FA1u1hdOPuzgYDbp-aB3357BwA09HTRuQx2QB7gw/s1600/IMG_5873edWM1200.jpg"/></a></div>
~ Anna<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-69079548674782371402023-07-19T12:03:00.001-04:002023-07-19T12:42:52.593-04:00Just visiting, Red-winged blackbirdThere is no red on the black wings. There are no black wings. Yet, it's a Red-winged blackbird. Yes, in the bird world, the males are usually the flashy ones.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIKk_Br-5QIzY2_RgGq3rdUJ417GmLLe3dSjlWKnBFeFEa6Hxd8bXmSWIQ_PJYyGxaDlql6-wCFPXE72uyrvtbcfZEX145pHJGGTkEV83Jqf2VBbWrnVp7wIUhwYshRIbEWHSmAfb6fMGypcvzcEWNs-CZZ4Ob00L56aLhWPr-aR9XSenheWSd3ec7WY/s1600/IMG_4355_RedWing_FemaleBW.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIKk_Br-5QIzY2_RgGq3rdUJ417GmLLe3dSjlWKnBFeFEa6Hxd8bXmSWIQ_PJYyGxaDlql6-wCFPXE72uyrvtbcfZEX145pHJGGTkEV83Jqf2VBbWrnVp7wIUhwYshRIbEWHSmAfb6fMGypcvzcEWNs-CZZ4Ob00L56aLhWPr-aR9XSenheWSd3ec7WY/s1600/IMG_4355_RedWing_FemaleBW.jpg" /></a></div>
~ Anna<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-71256106202099436822023-07-18T14:33:00.004-04:002023-07-19T11:13:00.297-04:00An Ant ChaceGetting a decent photo of an ant can be a really exhausting task.
<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwfKgbjJRVlZwjY4tPiGmiau9dOCcJgtxfrE4kHeyaAveEQD6h0NwLZ17olm2juzEsDXDXcMazwnuAVqVyiWSlbQChRuzc42sK_RyoGyZhAdeT_i0hBk7nRMhlOd2uA6N3D1kQ7SeZkqpIpOmRNjqiMOiCXRvIHocqkjlBasH185mse1qbyjEGv9Tbt8/s2172/20230718_140754-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2172" data-original-width="1740" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwfKgbjJRVlZwjY4tPiGmiau9dOCcJgtxfrE4kHeyaAveEQD6h0NwLZ17olm2juzEsDXDXcMazwnuAVqVyiWSlbQChRuzc42sK_RyoGyZhAdeT_i0hBk7nRMhlOd2uA6N3D1kQ7SeZkqpIpOmRNjqiMOiCXRvIHocqkjlBasH185mse1qbyjEGv9Tbt8/w512-h640/20230718_140754-01.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><blockquote>
"Curiosity is one of the great secrets of happiness." ~ Bryant H. McGill</blockquote><br /><br />
~ Anna<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-40672732597511110252023-06-30T16:34:00.003-04:002023-07-18T15:38:30.727-04:00EleganceOne day someone's guitar.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw0AIa1RLORzds4OpszY5I8Tt1IwXljem0liHIY6toHXL7EmTXREJt8KxeMHQR62Qz-RDtf8g06_qsr2wdR0BOPgC0kVUnIDhBvZJB5a-N7AN5WMZ8aswHuDRdYTlW4sF_hjMGhMuUs5W3Si8SSgUtN6fsD41QkgLextrTewLLzF_KLYmUqnxV_BOoTY/s750/IMG_1118_TheArtsGuitar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw0AIa1RLORzds4OpszY5I8Tt1IwXljem0liHIY6toHXL7EmTXREJt8KxeMHQR62Qz-RDtf8g06_qsr2wdR0BOPgC0kVUnIDhBvZJB5a-N7AN5WMZ8aswHuDRdYTlW4sF_hjMGhMuUs5W3Si8SSgUtN6fsD41QkgLextrTewLLzF_KLYmUqnxV_BOoTY/s16000/IMG_1118_TheArtsGuitar.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arts, Newmarket ON</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3wxVR-XbN4qRCUPVfjKxhsG_Nuv9FP940fUm2DxovpwMpxEEgcprYxhzdwT4NzvqAp2MxniptsLUh-t--xt0AI_fWIMBykFNclmRt6xK7Xrk5HyJkzV9X-amld1RjN4qFtb4BwJe3fnTaW_Heke9JbRaLovwLYy7V1Dc8wt2ic2BvpI58XqEmXABlfI/s1600/IMG_1124_TheArtsGuitar.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3wxVR-XbN4qRCUPVfjKxhsG_Nuv9FP940fUm2DxovpwMpxEEgcprYxhzdwT4NzvqAp2MxniptsLUh-t--xt0AI_fWIMBykFNclmRt6xK7Xrk5HyJkzV9X-amld1RjN4qFtb4BwJe3fnTaW_Heke9JbRaLovwLYy7V1Dc8wt2ic2BvpI58XqEmXABlfI/s1600/IMG_1124_TheArtsGuitar.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arts, Newmarket ON</td></tr></tbody></table>
~ Anna<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-72728248696621534002023-06-29T12:09:00.013-04:002023-07-18T15:39:27.090-04:00Reduced Visibility<a href="https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/forest-fire-centre-declares-2023-already-worst-year-ever-for-canadian-wildfires-1.6456879" target="_blank">Quebec wildfires</a> caused widespread smog warnings and reduced visibility in Ontario.<br /><br />
Once the smog clears there is much more to this photo. More trees on the horizon.<br /><br />
~ Anna<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGNqdyn-8I4wwQDnsE_yBw3Knen_VuplyfiVlB3GGY4yJLrPk6EkAjxmwDWrD8lZ6QyI0Sd-TWRlHDf_P_-nrlcK4y3IXoRg1tfy9LJeLSHitLVW5M96r8vDBx-yyFOH9FShcog4QyshO6f9TRM4Cuzz4d7hHsLf8k7iCz8BKowxhQ0l_5cX0Z6ahR2k/s750/IMG_0730_StJohnsSideroadSmog.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGNqdyn-8I4wwQDnsE_yBw3Knen_VuplyfiVlB3GGY4yJLrPk6EkAjxmwDWrD8lZ6QyI0Sd-TWRlHDf_P_-nrlcK4y3IXoRg1tfy9LJeLSHitLVW5M96r8vDBx-yyFOH9FShcog4QyshO6f9TRM4Cuzz4d7hHsLf8k7iCz8BKowxhQ0l_5cX0Z6ahR2k/s16000/IMG_0730_StJohnsSideroadSmog.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. John's Sideroad, Aurora, Ontario</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="YahooSans VF, Yahoo Sans, YahooSans, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228;"></span></div><span face="YahooSans VF, Yahoo Sans, YahooSans, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1d2228;"><br /><span style="font-size: 18.005px;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span face=""YahooSans VF", "Yahoo Sans", YahooSans, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 18.005px;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Aurora, ON, Canada44.00648 -79.45039615.696246163821158 -114.606646 72.316713836178849 -44.294146tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-67811246399263167422023-06-25T15:12:00.028-04:002023-06-29T19:33:21.575-04:00I've Come Full Circle“<i>Social media not only snatches your time, but it also teaches you attention deficiency.</i>”<br />
― Neeraj Agnihotri, Procrasdemon - The Artist's Guide to Liberation from Procrastination<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW09M993-C4r7vF3c7RcAJDerWl2NMexiVwiM2ql6vzacEl8kRqsAjQ8ATnrpEmgr9pQ9e0PNACOjkO1YJBeA8VPTU7r1iP7okVB9oFlYBhiAp70fUiUb9Ghl4JHpfSM2ldJDugf3Cb6N8nP7qZP_JB3dY1_aMQMaGZ_6sPDSdWCoKaBGQBpg8Hhnu6Yo/s960/MyOnlyPhoto_Aug%2004%202019.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW09M993-C4r7vF3c7RcAJDerWl2NMexiVwiM2ql6vzacEl8kRqsAjQ8ATnrpEmgr9pQ9e0PNACOjkO1YJBeA8VPTU7r1iP7okVB9oFlYBhiAp70fUiUb9Ghl4JHpfSM2ldJDugf3Cb6N8nP7qZP_JB3dY1_aMQMaGZ_6sPDSdWCoKaBGQBpg8Hhnu6Yo/s16000/MyOnlyPhoto_Aug%2004%202019.jpg" /></a><br />
“<i>Social media is just a tool. If you use it as a billboard to share, to announce, even to advertise what you do or offer, it is fine. But if you start expecting validation, acceptance, and felicitation, you lose the plot. Also, as with any form (medium) of advertising, when you decide to open up and share, you are bound to be critiqued and criticized (what we know as trolling today). So, the key is to follow the same principle that applied to using traditional media vehicles. Use social media. Don't get used and consumed by it!</i>”<br /><br />
― <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AVIS_Viswanathan" target="_blank">AVIS Viswanathan</a><br /><br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="610" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmyonlyphoto1971%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0H1Tgv96utnSpGQ1yNRvZFYTJEYgZLMTPgXjYQmbyfa3ym9tvRNq1N6Ro8Wcjn3Ujl&show_text=true&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe><br /><br />
~ Anna<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-87130764868880236232023-06-22T16:04:00.009-04:002023-08-17T20:00:00.670-04:00InsertBringing back my blogger blog back to life!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLP-YeGC4KME8g28aI3q9pLyjAYo17qknCr0mZX4PUgJmooUpYwOBMl514kDpt7yeb6vFjSPSSLhPAFio_fTBrtRTgJNEYORPV6wOvbf7YDaDYTIlmDrZUdSx_5TtizNx7X8Prta3haO5zc9XMdN_txvExvNeTtcKCb5s_b7eT8Wj4Qk-ZeEY1btfAuQ/s1600/MyOnlyPhoto_Apr%2029%202016.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLP-YeGC4KME8g28aI3q9pLyjAYo17qknCr0mZX4PUgJmooUpYwOBMl514kDpt7yeb6vFjSPSSLhPAFio_fTBrtRTgJNEYORPV6wOvbf7YDaDYTIlmDrZUdSx_5TtizNx7X8Prta3haO5zc9XMdN_txvExvNeTtcKCb5s_b7eT8Wj4Qk-ZeEY1btfAuQ/s1600/MyOnlyPhoto_Apr%2029%202016.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />
~ Anna<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-90642350042143900432021-02-01T17:08:00.010-05:002023-07-18T18:21:59.546-04:00The Old Toronto Series: Military drills at the University of TorontoFascinating! The Old Toronto Series: "<i>Students, faculty and new recruits doing military drills at the University of Toronto during WWI</i>."<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="665" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Foldtoronto%2Fposts%2Fpfbid016dxq1RvD84mnjuqUWgPxmpymrtiVCMu8ydxkpm2W5q812KLx2sQHgaqVXNLKZsql&show_text=true&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe></div>
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~ Anna <div><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILbE5wDR1ns-cAzMdC3V7lQ3f3dCytdfdsQfFjHGYt92WbiUxJm6VFghup26-IUExqMsyxHKujERQFB68R2t0q_tOI0s_Ay-i8c_PDneUGlK42ci2VeOPKZZmJKWoRDG8VM2oah86EauDEyFMSxyRO6OSVJn5EMqdOTctjIQXdzrGuL7Cu4hfjqf6Swo/s2291/20230712_145641-01.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2291" data-original-width="1834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILbE5wDR1ns-cAzMdC3V7lQ3f3dCytdfdsQfFjHGYt92WbiUxJm6VFghup26-IUExqMsyxHKujERQFB68R2t0q_tOI0s_Ay-i8c_PDneUGlK42ci2VeOPKZZmJKWoRDG8VM2oah86EauDEyFMSxyRO6OSVJn5EMqdOTctjIQXdzrGuL7Cu4hfjqf6Swo/s400/20230712_145641-01.jpeg"/></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-67301227395254894472020-02-02T16:55:00.054-05:002023-07-18T15:39:08.205-04:00WTF Reading SuggestionsSuggested reading. Why not?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH3c9F7k0CsSigTAPzZ3ga3mN5MgPh16qUrnzkqr-X5IHttHVkEaFr88AngFxM-rV7_IjAIWSdk7Yj6N_cHUoZxKoU4DEK5laqUy_NkYdE-5jW4y1z2x1tSt-8o1bBHhOEcjt6ggM1Daxwh58NEmEggVXnZU2A8y01mwvLqMdddm4P_Wg7VbKY-5VGYY/s1600/Feb%2002%202020%20Books%20001.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH3c9F7k0CsSigTAPzZ3ga3mN5MgPh16qUrnzkqr-X5IHttHVkEaFr88AngFxM-rV7_IjAIWSdk7Yj6N_cHUoZxKoU4DEK5laqUy_NkYdE-5jW4y1z2x1tSt-8o1bBHhOEcjt6ggM1Daxwh58NEmEggVXnZU2A8y01mwvLqMdddm4P_Wg7VbKY-5VGYY/w640-h427/Feb%2002%202020%20Books%20001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You are a badass"</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnNmxmBDZeR9QQjKsMymoPbmCG5v5aROnWBwsAOI_wz8ltKMD-F8ZA_uznTLI7_tl01UBK2pW_IDU7DdmehrPykyBf4MxUaWENMDOLvFd_S5_Q6PS0Ii-DgAdYvR6Wm4lxV5UIo9crnSaM3g-JiJITyXpmFOGsOlGzlkC740u14gvn4AyiPsRjdyFBQc/s1600/Feb%2002%202020%20Books%20002.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnNmxmBDZeR9QQjKsMymoPbmCG5v5aROnWBwsAOI_wz8ltKMD-F8ZA_uznTLI7_tl01UBK2pW_IDU7DdmehrPykyBf4MxUaWENMDOLvFd_S5_Q6PS0Ii-DgAdYvR6Wm4lxV5UIo9crnSaM3g-JiJITyXpmFOGsOlGzlkC740u14gvn4AyiPsRjdyFBQc/w640-h426/Feb%2002%202020%20Books%20002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"This Could Be Our Future"</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYzrU4GPavxf5FabCVwK9-Dxz3V7gKsXeLH5V_KkttubrSUE8ipZIoi3vvIOps7jtILhKRX9UkQ7oZ4WGy-7qXL6CUIAYxBuFK9RSmFVltpl3NymbrmcUBAB6d448M-i-OhxKdMUMtoFZ6wGKwmfFubKUGs03jJUf-KKReAd3fJrUTcIc4OBcVE8x8gk/s1600/Feb%2002%202020%20Books%20003.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="960" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYzrU4GPavxf5FabCVwK9-Dxz3V7gKsXeLH5V_KkttubrSUE8ipZIoi3vvIOps7jtILhKRX9UkQ7oZ4WGy-7qXL6CUIAYxBuFK9RSmFVltpl3NymbrmcUBAB6d448M-i-OhxKdMUMtoFZ6wGKwmfFubKUGs03jJUf-KKReAd3fJrUTcIc4OBcVE8x8gk/w640-h427/Feb%2002%202020%20Books%20003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Healthy as F*ck"</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ8hrM2Dauw43WW02ukFld1InJ6gzgjLiytVYp3vesZi5j-E3bZ9C3sOgOt9yMrSaQF6T7tnAxPQecU9O-5faYItMPixKVjGz0bTzVPPi0jvwENsqiZvmUr5yb3TYbCoWTXKUUSO9S-rb9rG4FhVbV17DrYlqu1by5jG6xM2gxdPhZQ--hfT2bnuE7lw/s1600/Feb%2002%202020%20Books%20004.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ8hrM2Dauw43WW02ukFld1InJ6gzgjLiytVYp3vesZi5j-E3bZ9C3sOgOt9yMrSaQF6T7tnAxPQecU9O-5faYItMPixKVjGz0bTzVPPi0jvwENsqiZvmUr5yb3TYbCoWTXKUUSO9S-rb9rG4FhVbV17DrYlqu1by5jG6xM2gxdPhZQ--hfT2bnuE7lw/w640-h427/Feb%2002%202020%20Books%20004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Everything is #@%!ed"</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY5aD_YcZAlkheeabJel6_40PE5H7XKTenQyj135Li_9dwxCWQx4L7HwEIt533S_leSblHIKE5dHxezcf3bSOT8PwfIH_IYe8kse9bXbXvQznttIczBxh6ZH7ojsmpYby3dc1PH5gLbwfg3Zs8ykCvf7ThjmjZD6t_dchuzKmLyrdwEfkezfKVG4cN5U/s1600/Feb%2002%202020%20Books%20005.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY5aD_YcZAlkheeabJel6_40PE5H7XKTenQyj135Li_9dwxCWQx4L7HwEIt533S_leSblHIKE5dHxezcf3bSOT8PwfIH_IYe8kse9bXbXvQznttIczBxh6ZH7ojsmpYby3dc1PH5gLbwfg3Zs8ykCvf7ThjmjZD6t_dchuzKmLyrdwEfkezfKVG4cN5U/w640-h427/Feb%2002%202020%20Books%20005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"f*ck no!'</td></tr></tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="645" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmyonlyphoto1971%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02zgPeua5dFH8tp4wRCXTVZYqcaKKJ4t1ii8rLBRnt6h88dSdA43pK7khXT9rjNmMQl&show_text=true&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe></div><br />
~Anna <br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-61780807572836429682012-05-07T23:37:00.004-04:002023-06-30T23:33:06.005-04:00Letter to Matthew - Today Is Your 4th BirthdayDear Matthew:<br /><br />
Today is your 4th birthday. I don't even know where to start; it has been such a busy year for you. You have grown a lot. You are much taller. You are much smarter. You ask questions, you tell us stories, you sing and hum songs, you try to read, write, and colour, and most of all, you always have a lot of fun. You have friends. You are a little boy who will be going to school in September.<br /><br />
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I have to warn you that I may keep this letter short, as one day I am sure you will discover somewhere in the house all the notes I wrote about you in 2012.<br /><br />
This year was the year of superheroes. Iron Man continued to be your favourite, but then came Superman.<br /><br />
Whenever you wear your Iron Man shoes to the library, you ask the librarians, "<i>Do you know who I am?</i>". Of course they don't, and you tell them you are Iron Man. Whenever you wear your Superman shirt to the library, you ask the librarians, "<i>Do you know who I am?</i>" Of course they do. "<i>Oh, hello, Superman,</i>", they would reply, and you would stand there proud with both hands on your hips, not to mention the precious smile. My heart melts every time I see so much happiness in you.<br /><br />
Speaking of the library, this year we introduced you to the library, and you got your own library card. You loved the ride in the elevator until one day we ended up in the basement of the library. We both got scared and laughed at each other when it was just someone down there waiting to go up. When we ended up in the basement again, I thought you pressed the wrong button. "<i>No, I didn't; I only pressed 2,</i>" you replied, surprised. Now we take the stairs.<br /><br />
We read a lot of books, obviously the superhero ones, but then there was <i>The Cat In The Hat</i> and <i>Green Eggs and Ham</i>. Because of you, I discovered some great children's books I never had a chance to read. I lost count of how many times I read the <i>Green Eggs and Ham</i> book for you.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hVF0YyKVvP6781YOk48q7QAC6_F4duE-RvUVUoPGJvTXnHVIsDsDyU1Vyn_BjP7jPNY1uTlqnE6EkpLJILjq7QyGnMAcFy3MLdPDsRW5KbkKY0KhQkYqhC9npJvhsyPQGfAjdQ1lZc9I9Whyt5Pcxqt0hABP80zuZjWKYQGMMPNeNVzwbU6-w11zawY/s1600/IMG_7506_MatthewBday.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hVF0YyKVvP6781YOk48q7QAC6_F4duE-RvUVUoPGJvTXnHVIsDsDyU1Vyn_BjP7jPNY1uTlqnE6EkpLJILjq7QyGnMAcFy3MLdPDsRW5KbkKY0KhQkYqhC9npJvhsyPQGfAjdQ1lZc9I9Whyt5Pcxqt0hABP80zuZjWKYQGMMPNeNVzwbU6-w11zawY/s1600/IMG_7506_MatthewBday.jpg" /></a></div>
We took you to the cinema three times for <i>Cars 2</i>, <i>Smurfs</i>, and <i>The Lorax</i>. To keep you preoccupied longer, we would wait and get popcorn later. It worked with the first movie, a bit with the second movie, and then for the third movie, you said, "<i>Everyone else has popcorn here but me</i>".
You love shopping for toys. I think I may have to stop taking you grocery shopping because we always end up buying toys. You are so stubborn, and it is so hard to walk out empty-handed.<br /><br />
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When it comes to electronics, you seem to be an expert: you can take pictures and delete pictures from my camera (<i>good thing I got all these recovery tools</i>), you can operate the TV and DVD players, you insisted on the BluRay player (<i>now we have one</i>), you can play Nintendo 3DS, and now you are a big fan of Mario. Daddy finally got himself a PS3, and you claim it is yours. You operate the electric piano, but I was really happy to hear that you started to play some little tunes.<br /><br />
So finally, you don't mix all the paint colours together. You can draw nice things like the sun and people, and you can write <b>M</b> very well. Then, with our help, you can write your name. You can write Mom and Dad by yourself. You can colour so well, and most of all, your attention span is much longer when you attend Mommy's School.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKil_rEdMwUxVWm2zfza8ta75PunK-xymADKQTVIe1pf2GploS6Cc5by39HwD9yoqBKC5Vu2fYj2GUDaxEO-XmyFiQ9eyueYSmoww6OO4FTDSSv8udoVDT0WdOBzVNnIV4WSqDWpiU_wwCt5yZgksIaxxYchVpfEwaT-gg_kBFh3jF60VB1j34-7uyeI/s1600/IMG_1880_MatthewBday.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKil_rEdMwUxVWm2zfza8ta75PunK-xymADKQTVIe1pf2GploS6Cc5by39HwD9yoqBKC5Vu2fYj2GUDaxEO-XmyFiQ9eyueYSmoww6OO4FTDSSv8udoVDT0WdOBzVNnIV4WSqDWpiU_wwCt5yZgksIaxxYchVpfEwaT-gg_kBFh3jF60VB1j34-7uyeI/s1600/IMG_1880_MatthewBday.jpg" /></a></div>
One day we went for an orientation at your potential school. When we arrived at the parking lot of the school, you asked, "<i>But where is my big box of food?</i>"'. You didn't understand the orientation concept, so you really thought that you were going to school that day, and we forgot your lunch box. You never wanted to come back to this school again.<br /><br />
We are sending you to the Northern Lights PS, and I will give you a big box of food, with chicken soup included as per your request. I asked you one day what I would do without you when you went to school, and your reply was, "<i>You will cook and wait for me</i>".<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyNRLptcu5Sl8hzJG_6WYyEODC8HqPlY2KQv1I7fwHMvzwlkoxRQ1ZOy-8Rmn-YkvCJ7qOY3KeG4K14y1LwYdFecvT5IUxzyB0EulOurlxOutroVarHn_q0VVsibTES4i9riMXb_YmmddECs79361uJOLCoM4ZKBHajug_ouk0xz_ykPrAlFZFoXHBik/s1600/IMG_1193_MatthewBday.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyNRLptcu5Sl8hzJG_6WYyEODC8HqPlY2KQv1I7fwHMvzwlkoxRQ1ZOy-8Rmn-YkvCJ7qOY3KeG4K14y1LwYdFecvT5IUxzyB0EulOurlxOutroVarHn_q0VVsibTES4i9riMXb_YmmddECs79361uJOLCoM4ZKBHajug_ouk0xz_ykPrAlFZFoXHBik/s1600/IMG_1193_MatthewBday.jpg" /></a></div>
Dear Matthew I can sit here all night and write about you, but maybe from now on I will leave you with more photo memories, and I think you will remember those moments as well. Just remember, no matter what, I love you more and more every day.<br /><br />
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You are starting to develop your own character, and I am always amazed at how determined you are to accomplish something that you want to accomplish, even if it is to get a new toy. If that does not work after asking hundreds of times and sometimes telling me why you need this toy, then you would try by looking into my eyes and saying, "<i>But I love you</i>".<br /><br />
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And you really do love us both, because sometimes when we are sitting together and having a good time and lots of fun, you grab our necks, hug us, and say, "<i>Oh, we are family</i>", and we are even better family now because of you, our dear Matthew.<br /><br />
Matthew, our little boy, we love you so much and we wish you all the best. Hopefully you will have another '<b>amazing</b>' and '<b>fantastic</b>' year filled with learning and new adventures.<br /><br />
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~ Anna<br /><br />
[Previously published on My Only Photo Journey Blog]<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-79743785972947781662012-02-26T00:03:00.004-05:002023-07-18T15:39:59.632-04:00Winter Fun Fun And More Fun, Canon Lens Lots Of FunThe creation of the snow was such a blessing for children. I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoy watching Matthew play in the snow. This little busy bee enjoys himself to the fullest: making snowmen, throwing snowballs, making giant snowballs, making snow angles, removing snow, cleaning cars with the broom, mowing snow (<i>yes, just like cutting grass</i>), and tobogganing.<br /><br />
It's been snowing here on and off. The last couple of days have snowed, but it is guaranteed that this snow will be gone by next week; warmer temperatures are in the forecast.<br /><br />
Matthew is not the only one having fun. I finally decided on one new lens but came out of the store with two, and I am a very happy camper with empty pockets. I am glad that I fixed my <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos20d/" target="_blank">Canon 20D</a> because I don't have to do a lot of lens switching. It gets heavy to carry both, but I don't mind at all. The Canon 20D has been around for a few generations, but it is still a good camera.<br /><br />
Since I am a Canon shooter, I decided to stick with Canon lenses. I bet you are curious and already know that one of them must be a macro lens, and it is: the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/products/canon/lenses/canon_100_2p8_usm" target="_blank">Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro</a> lens. I also treated myself to a <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/products/canon/lenses/canon_24-105_4" target="_blank">Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM</a> lens. Both are excellent lenses. I have not been able to use the macro lens as I cannot find anything tiny <i>(may be microscopic</i>) to photograph, meaning small creatures (<i>probably hibernating at this moment</i>); however, this lens is great for portraits.<br /><br />
The photos below of Matthew were taken using a macro lens.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Mx9biNo1xbfbveuK3P-8FpwD5831FmYH9qFFKZhiztqItNng0HitVSVTK5wzftFa8vwvCAE1a34O6pFQ0rwqZOhvvQZQYW3n-ki77996g7lw_avHDopplhtRBMed7inzatP0o4pFk_FDu63jTo5MAh1VL9QQxv-xfNx3r_sWuvrMVLz1Qf_BHAlUQnU/s1600/IMG_8756_WinterFunMatthew.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Mx9biNo1xbfbveuK3P-8FpwD5831FmYH9qFFKZhiztqItNng0HitVSVTK5wzftFa8vwvCAE1a34O6pFQ0rwqZOhvvQZQYW3n-ki77996g7lw_avHDopplhtRBMed7inzatP0o4pFk_FDu63jTo5MAh1VL9QQxv-xfNx3r_sWuvrMVLz1Qf_BHAlUQnU/s1600/IMG_8756_WinterFunMatthew.jpg" /></a></div>
~ Anna<br /><br />
[Previously published on My Only Photo Journey Blog]<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-72894302339000682852011-12-29T22:40:00.004-05:002023-07-18T15:40:24.918-04:00Winter Wonderland, Happy New Year 2012Another year is over. I think it was a good year after all for us here. I was not very busy on MyOnlyPhoto blog; however, I continue to photograph everything and anything. I am now carrying two cameras on my shoulder: the Canon 7D and the Canon 20D, which I fixed not too long ago. I am still hovering around my town with Matthew by my side, as I cannot go far from home. I think it would be a little too much for a three-year-old.<br /><br />
My focus this year was where I live. We have a very rich history here in town, and we are surrounded by beautiful nature trails. It will take ages to explore them all, so I am going to continue to focus my photographic energy in that area.<br /><br />
The above photo shows our local picnic pavilion in the Sheppard's Bush Conservation Area, which is about 65 acres in size and has over 3 kilometres of hiking trails. Sheppard's Bush also has a maple syrup evaporator hut. As I said, our town has so much, and I have not seen it all yet. One of them is that I've never attended the maple syrup-making festivities.<br /><br />
The beauty of winter is that you get this beautiful black and white effect that surrounds warm objects. The first photo is only cropped; no editing was done. The natural wood colour makes this photo very magical. However, I discovered a new editing tool in Google Photos and tried some of the effects. I thought I would show off my experiment in the second photo. Whoever comes up with the editing algorithms is doing a wonderful job and making my life easier.<br />
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~ Anna<br /><br />
[Previously published on My Only Photo Journey Blog]<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-17227582743665533852011-10-20T23:36:00.004-04:002023-07-18T15:40:47.309-04:00Suspended, A LeafIt is not just the dancing, colourful leaves that make autumn so interesting. It is a season full of spiders, mushrooms, butterflies, and fungi. There are thousands of subjects to photograph.<br /><br />
I am so pleased that many of you still visit me despite my lack of posting. Every day I tell myself I will go for a posting marathon, but then when the night comes, all I can think of is sleep. I did not give up on photography. I carry my camera with me most of the time, sometimes two and sometimes all three of them (<i>one is just a point-and-shoot</i>).<br /><br />
For a low price of just under 200 dollars Canadian, I was able to fix my Canon 20D. They never claimed that it was the number of shutters; all it was was that it needed a major overhaul and probably was shorting somewhere. I am missing probably one more important lens, the macro lens, and I will be set for many years. Suggestions are welcome.<br /><br />
No, I wasn't that lucky to photograph the falling leaf. It is very easy to spot hanging leaves on the spider webs during the fall season. Since the web is nearly invisible, one can be fooled, and I am not suspending my blog. I may take a break, but I will always be back.<br /><br />
My Matthew continues to grow. We wander around the town streets and parks, and we are regular visitors to our local library. My parents borrowed my small point-and-shoot camera for their trip to Poland, which was also used at home by Matthew. So now he is getting his hands on my DSLR. He likes the zooming effect when looking through the viewfinder. He is almost 3 1/2 years old.<br />
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The photo was taken at Thronton Bales Conservation Area in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada.<br /><br />
[Previously published on My Only Photo Journey Blog]<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com35Newmarket, Ontario, Canada44.052701 -79.45931544.041289 -79.479056 44.064113 -79.439574000000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-8869289044160997332011-07-20T21:49:00.006-04:002023-07-18T15:41:18.452-04:00English Garden ConfessionsWe are very lucky to have many nice attractions in our town, especially Merlin's Hollow, the English garden that is free and open to the public four times a year. The English garden has gardens within. Each has its own character or theme. These are some of the photos of the flowers I captured. I probably captured over 80 different species, but believe it or not, the garden has over 1500. That is a lot, and it is only on 1 acre of land.<br />
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What confessions, you may ask? Well, I have not been here for a while. Life is busy and keeps us out of trouble. I am still with Matthew. He is not going to school this year, but next year. I better enjoy this time even more. I know I will miss him.<br />
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Oh, I forgot about the confessions. The confession I have is that I started a local blog in our town, <a href="https://livinginaurora.com" target="_blank">Living In Aurora</a>. I noticed that, over the past 13 years, a lot has changed in our town. So for the record, I started to post pictures from our town and write. I write my opinions. I try to stay away from politics, as it is a very confusing topic to be involved in, but I vote.<br />
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I guess now you know why I have been absent here. Yes, I've been spending more time around our Town. But no worries, this blog, My Only Photo and Story Blob, was born with Matthew, and I am not leaving the premises. I may post less and visit less, but I will be here.<br />
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~ Anna<br /><br />
[Previously published on My Only Photo Journey Blog]<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-44671907922776455732011-06-07T23:55:00.001-04:002023-06-29T19:34:56.519-04:00Protective Males - Red Wing Black Bird & Canada GooseI am always on the lookout for new birds, but I am out of luck this year. Same birds as last year: a bunch of <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird/id" target="_blank">Red-winged Blackbirds</a> and <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canada_Goose/id" target="_blank">Canada Goose</a>. Not to mention that their population has also increased more than usual.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEG5cbZ2xM2nZdLJlJ1VVjbuRVZKRKfCUvqdPhPgwso2vFFfAsU0I6PkVRWS2IGC5D680heIrbZhiFvblH_R6qv5S41mF6OMITw2VEie6-xE6pl02pwKTFKqrO9egZaTROOVNi1CZvs-ZxiRPqjRFAkKJn59Nh-VTUP7jD0WAJkVZt6zcSKZXuRg-eUA/s1600/IMG_3112_RedWingFemale.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEG5cbZ2xM2nZdLJlJ1VVjbuRVZKRKfCUvqdPhPgwso2vFFfAsU0I6PkVRWS2IGC5D680heIrbZhiFvblH_R6qv5S41mF6OMITw2VEie6-xE6pl02pwKTFKqrO9egZaTROOVNi1CZvs-ZxiRPqjRFAkKJn59Nh-VTUP7jD0WAJkVZt6zcSKZXuRg-eUA/s1600/IMG_3112_RedWingFemale.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Red-winged Blackbird [female]</span></td></tr></tbody></table>
We also have American Robins, which are the most common birds hanging out around residential areas. I remember one incident when, in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, many moons ago, we met a man walking back from the four-hour trail. He told us what he saw: a moose, a bear, and one American Robin. We smiled. I don't really mind American Robins because they have a very pleasant song, but I am starting to mind too many photos of them.<br /><br />
So far, I have been able to see hummingbirds only once. I found them on a local trail around my house. I saw them for a few seconds, and they were gone. Every year they come to see my chestnut tree, but not this year because the tree is already losing flowers and the nuts are starting to form.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Q3HKK791JKp47MXVccIDcCHN21RDqyEDLNvwjYVbFbO_hcNux44T8Dq7a279EoECCfQBFbBUj7ZwdZha39IblKsRWwYxoycZViaJJTHZlsCOkdbpmx-6vVkeyXXn45cw2Ry4FNmg3ptFwb3A09L3phmyPFFxHP6AJHyf9TP_CBMETZsnGgyeyDW9TOc/s1600/IMG_3533_RedWingMale.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Q3HKK791JKp47MXVccIDcCHN21RDqyEDLNvwjYVbFbO_hcNux44T8Dq7a279EoECCfQBFbBUj7ZwdZha39IblKsRWwYxoycZViaJJTHZlsCOkdbpmx-6vVkeyXXn45cw2Ry4FNmg3ptFwb3A09L3phmyPFFxHP6AJHyf9TP_CBMETZsnGgyeyDW9TOc/s1600/IMG_3533_RedWingMale.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Red-winged Blackbird [male]</span></td></tr></tbody></table>
But what can I say? Having the usual is better than nothing. On the first photo is a female Red Wing Black bird. Amazing contrast in plumage between the female and the male red wing. Followed by the photo of a screaming or signing Red Wing Black bird male. They usually make a lot of noise when people pass by their nests. Males are very protective.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjyeMmsMFUayT5TdyVDfijKUiuGoSCdFLJE59XdpDthDTel9GCkoCbN-8XjdcsVQSTXMPm2dKNfpfrB1B-9cAJG6rNbm4L7jV37bUCUw9rb_ZpVqfdF5xpjmVUOQGdZZLkTAoJK7eoHWMYD4BogtqWltWC3VqrC_ZCeSTH3L945uUGUENd8F7UrlEk30/s1600/IMG_4780_CanadaGoose.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjyeMmsMFUayT5TdyVDfijKUiuGoSCdFLJE59XdpDthDTel9GCkoCbN-8XjdcsVQSTXMPm2dKNfpfrB1B-9cAJG6rNbm4L7jV37bUCUw9rb_ZpVqfdF5xpjmVUOQGdZZLkTAoJK7eoHWMYD4BogtqWltWC3VqrC_ZCeSTH3L945uUGUENd8F7UrlEk30/s1600/IMG_4780_CanadaGoose.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canada Goose</td></tr></tbody></table>
Another very protective bird is the Canada Goose. This one would jump on the railing close by where the nest was and hiss at everyone passing by. I used to be scared, but I have noticed that if you do nothing and just walk, they will only give you a warning.<br /><br />
Well, my three-year-old bird continues to grow, sing, dance, and run. The latest and greatest is the Superman boy named Matthew.<br /><br />
~ Anna<br /><br />
[Previously published on My Only Photo Journey Blog]<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-30629072748153353832011-05-07T03:46:00.005-04:002023-07-18T18:33:24.636-04:00Letter to Matthew - Today Is Your 3rd BirthdayDear Matthew:<br /><br />
You are now 3 years old. When you turned two last year, it was definitely a turning point in your life. Firstly, almost exactly one month after your birthday, you were totally out of diapers. It took a little longer for the breastfeeding. I had to wait until you fully understood that breastfeeding is for babies only, and you did. It was a little emotional moment for both of us, and for the record, it was exactly 2 years and 10 months. No worries; breastfeeding is very healthy and getting more popular in Canada, and you were not the only one to go that far.<br />
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Matthew, the last 12 months have been a great learning experience for you, for me, and for your dad. You brought smiles and true happiness, and every day we love you more and more. You are a true miracle. I had to take notes on things you learned, played with, experienced, and said to us; there is no way I could remember them all. This letter will only outline a few things because the last year is a book by itself.
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<b>Learning How to Spell and Read:</b> I have to tell you, you are just one great student. This year you learned the concepts of spelling and reading, and every day we saw and keep seeing great progress while you spell everything you see and slowly also memorise spelling for words like on, no, yes, off, and play, to name just a few on the list. You forced yourself to remember the difficult ones, like Pingu (<i>your favourite cartoon show</i>) and Iron Man (<i>your favourite super hero</i>). This is because you wanted to Google them. When I read the newspaper beside you, you try to read the titles and find words you know.
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<b>Learning How to Draw, Colour, and Trace:</b> I introduced school to you, and you loved it, but then you realized that you were doing all the work and I was just sitting and demanding. You decided to switch with me. You told me once that "<i>Matthew be teacher, Mommy be student</i>," and you yelled at me, "<i>Mommy write!</i>" You are good at tracing, but you stopped at the letter J. You made a few greeting cards for your friends. You coloured nice winter snowflakes and Easter eggs. You can also draw faces. This year, you were introduced to playdough and painting. Sometimes you don’t like too many instructions, and you caught me by surprise with your little demand. When I was telling you to wash the brush before you put on different colours of paint, you told me, "<i>Mommy, go away</i>".
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<b>Storytelling:</b> Throughout the year, you enjoyed our stories about you. You were always a main character in our stories, and you loved them all. On your first treat or trick adventure, our neighbour Ron gave you the little pumpkin man on the bike. This pumpkin became your favourite character and friend in every story, especially this year—he is the famous pumpkin Pupi.
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<b>Reading Books:</b> It all started a few months ago when we switched from storytelling to bedtime reading. The Chicka Chicka Boom Boom book made a great impression on you, along with The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. Matthew, you practically memorized all the lines in both books, not to mention the author and illustrator. You enjoy the Robert Munsch books, and now you are into the Dr. Suess series. It is amazing to hear you talking and giving us the outline of each book we read.
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<b>Computer Skills:</b> You know it all. You turn your computer ON; type an access code, and go to Google Chrome or Firefox (<i>you prefer Firefox</i>). You Google for your favourite things (Pingu, Iron Man, Treehouse, TVOKids, Fotoflexer). You play educational games, and I am always amazed at how sometimes you figure out how to do it by yourself. When you are done playing, you shut down.<br /><br />
<b>Eating:</b> You were and are a good eater. It was just about three months ago when your first molars showed up. At no time did you figure out what they were for, and I did not have to make special meals just for you. For each parent these days, it’s a blessing when a child eats vegetables, and we are definitely blessed. You eat carrots, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, cucumbers, mushrooms, and lettuce. You don’t like very salty or sweet foods, but just like your dad, you love chocolate. One day, when we arrived at the shoe store, out of the blue, you said, "I am chocolate-holic". I guess you remembered when we told you that you were a chocoholic.<br /><br />
You learned from TV about McDonald's. We would take you there for small fries we share among the three of us. You always ask for hamburgers but never eat them. But I always come prepared with my home made meals for you in the thermos. Your other favourite place is Tim Hortons, and because of you, a few times we ended up with a free coffee. Going out with you is always fun; it is not really about eating. You get to press the handicapped door button, order your favourites, and pay. Your honesty always amazes us. Once, when you saw the handicapped sign on the washroom door, you laughed and said, "That man is doing poo-poo’. Now you know what it is. I am sure you will always remember your first lollypop from the A&W man. Matthew I am always thankful to see you eating all the home-cooked food I always prepare for you at home and when we hit the road. Lastly, I don’t have to tell you how much you love eating chicken soup.<br />
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<b>Daily Adventures:</b> Always, weather permitting, we spent a lot of time outside. Our town has boardwalks, trails, and a lot of nice playgrounds. You also got to see your first fireworks last summer. We took you to the zoo the first time, but when we came back, it looked like you enjoyed the backyard pool much more. It is amazing to see you walk long distances, especially in the last couple of months. Last summer, I had a stroller with me, but I used it only half the time. This spring, I don’t even take a stroller, and we walk around the town, sometimes for as much as 2 ½ hours. I don’t know how you do it. The best is to see you collect stones, flowers, and sticks that you throw into the pond or creek. You stop and look at the garbage people throw. "<i>What’s that crazy man doing?</i>" you say. Sometimes I wonder, Do you really need toys? Because you really enjoy exploring nature. You know I like taking pictures of birds; sometimes you lean on me when I click, and sometimes you run on purpose to scare them. It is really fun to watch you talk to the birds: "<i>Hey bird, come here, come here to Matthew</i>". Or "<i>What are you doing, bird? You silly bird, don’t run away</i>". The past winter was a blast, and thank you for all the help with snow shovelling. I am sure you will also remember the first snowman you made with Daddy.
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<b>Toys:</b> The hit toys this year are characters from Cars. You've got a lot of superhero toys, such as Iron Man and Spider-Man; it may be too much. When we play, I have to be Pepper Pots hundreds of times a day to deliver your Iron Man suite in the briefcase, just like in Iron Man 2. You have the pretend kitchen, and I am glad to share some of my kitchen tools with you—and I know where to find them too. You cook for me all the time, and we very much enjoy all the ‘stinky’ doughnuts you make for us. You started to build with megablocks. You've got all the possible handyman tools with which you can build and fix the Iron Man suite. Whatever I forgot to mention, I am sure we will see in the photographs taken by you. You own pretend phones. I love hearing you when you have conversations with firefighters, police, handymen, Iron Man, and the 'electricity man', Ivan Vanko, the bad man from Iron Man 2. You also talk on the real phone with telemarketers, and unfortunately, they are on the timer, so they hang up. But then, when Daddy calls, you tell him everything you did during the day and ask him, "<i>Daddy, can you come home?</i>"
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<b>Singing:</b> Let's just say you love singing. You even hum songs when you walk outside or play with your toys. Lately, you started to play piano and sing, and I have to play this silly guitar. I hate to tell you, but we would never make American Idol with our musical band. I don’t want to make a separate category, but you love to dance too. Your moves kill us every time we watch you.
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<b>Friends:</b> You've got many of all ages, some not in the neighbourhood anymore, but here are some of their names: Ryan (<i>gone to school</i>), Ashley (<i>you two hug on hi and bey but never play</i>), Brendon (<i>a very nice older kid who likes you a lot</i>), Riley (<i>see her very little lately</i>), Emily (<i>gone from the neighbourhood</i>), Melody (<i>you continue to win her heart by sharing and dancing for her, as she continues to ignore you</i>), Logan (<i>you two are buddies, talk like old men, even though he is older by almost 2 years</i>), Daniel (<i>neighbour and you saw him last fall</i>), Dimitri and Sofia (<i>brother and sister and your neighbours who like you very much, they are almost teenagers</i>). You make friends with everyone in the area; people wave from buses to you in the car; you never miss a person to say hi to. You call your Daddy your friend: "<i>I am going downstairs with my new friend Daddy</i>", or "<i>I am playing with my new friend Daddy</i>".<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
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<b>Should I go on?</b> As I told you, if I don’t stop now, this could be a book of hundreds and hundreds of pages. I will conclude here, but just a few more things about your demands and affection. Well, what can I say? You are a very demanding little boy. The other day I was washing dishes and making too much noise. "<i>Mommy, can you stop washing dishes and not make any noise?</i>" Then, while you were playing on my computer and trying to access some of the software, I kept saying, "<i>Matthew, no, no</i>". "<i>Mommy, can you stop saying no to Matthew, I am running some programmes.</i>" Sometimes I demand some love from you: "<i>Can you say you love Mommy Matthew?</i>". "<i>I love you!</i>" you yelled the other day, but Daddy thought it was for him. "<i>I love you too,</i>" Daddy replied. "<i>Daddy, no, can you not say I love you? Matthew says, I love you to Mommy</i>". Well, Daddy did not hear this since he was washing dishes. Yes, love is very important, and I know we don’t have to demand that from you. You are very spontaneous; out of the blue, you will always give us hugs and kisses; you will say, "<i>I love you</i>", and you enjoy saying "<i>Oh, we are family</i>", and you spread your arms and hug both of us. When you cry at night, and realize that it is just a nightmare, you turn around and grab my cheeks with both hands and say, "<i>Mommy, I love you,</i>" or kiss me, and then you go to sleep. My heart breaks when you call me or Daddy, "<i>Oh, sweetheart, are you okay?</i>"
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Matthew My dear little boy, I and Daddy love you so much—how much, "<i>that much</i>", same "<i>much much</i>" you love us. We love every moment you are with us, and we love seeing you enjoy your "<i>little</i>" life, but as you can see in this letter, it isn’t that little.<br />
<br />
You are the greatest miracle gift a mother could get for Mother’s Day and for my birthday too. Happy Birthday, Matthew! You are now three years and zero months old.<br /><br />
~ Anna<br /><br />
[Previously published on My Only Photo Journey Blog]<br /><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-48727524527701959572011-04-28T16:48:00.002-04:002023-07-18T15:35:40.597-04:00Forty Years In The Making Of My LifeI started to do a lot of experimental photography with stills. I don't have a lot of good objects around the house to experiment with except plants, fruits, vegetables, or baked stuff. The above are orchids I took photo of a few weeks ago. The orchids were against the window with a lot of backlight, but by playing with exposures, I was able to get this beautiful effect. I took the best photo yet of the flower, and I was able to use it on the Easter cards I created for my family this year.
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So what are forty years in the making of my life? Well, today I turned 40 years old. All I can say is that I am happy. There were good things and bad things in my life. So what is the secret? I choose to remember good things, and I choose to learn from bad things. Hopefully, I can have another 40 good years ahead.<br /><br />
"<i>Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.</i>" ~ a quote by Mark Twain.<br /><br />
~ Anna<br /><br />
[Previously published on My Only Photo Journey Blog]<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-5910300375720766762011-04-05T00:17:00.002-04:002023-06-29T19:37:17.708-04:00A Journey Of A Thousand Miles Must Begin With A Single StepThe above title is a quote by <a href="https://www.worldhistory.org/Lao-Tzu/" target="_blank">Lao Tsu</a>. I think it was appropriate to introduce my new Canon EOS 7D that way. The journey began about a month ago, when, with a bit of Internet research and one trip to a local store, I ended up with a <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos7d/" target="_blank">Canon EOS 7D</a> in my hands. It took me a week to actually take the first pictures, as I read the manual first. Okay, I was also a little paranoid about starting to work with this slightly more expensive equipment. The 7D is a bit more advanced, and I've been playing more with manual adjustments this time. I definitely missed a few good photo shoot opportunities as I am a little too slow switching between settings. However, opportunities will always be around; therefore, this time I will be trying to concentrate more on the quality and not the quantity.
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The spring has not fully arrived yet. We have shiny days—great days for photography—but it's still cold and windy. The last couple of days temperatures were much warmer, but not enough for the grass to get green yet. The nights are still cold; let's say we got freezing rain last night. Rain is in the forecast for the rest of the week. However, a lot of birds arrived here, and they are getting a little pinch of the cold weather. Maybe it is good that we don't have green leaves yet, as it is always easier to find birds on the '<i>naked</i>' trees.<br /><br />
And now about the photo. I took this photo a couple of days ago on our trip to the playground with Matthew and my husband. I think you may have figured out by now that I really enjoy the earthy, brownish colours of all seasons. I couldn't get a good close-up of the little chickadee, but I really enjoyed the layout I am now sharing with you.<br /><br />
Lastly, I cannot believe that in a month, Matthew will be three years old. Be prepared to see one lengthy post in a few weeks: my annual Happy Birthday letter to Matthew, a year full of explorations. Of course, it will be filled with photographs of my little star.<br /><br />
~ Anna<br /><br />
[Previously published on My Only Photo Journey Blog]<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-16028800502837186182011-02-26T15:11:00.004-05:002023-07-18T15:36:09.618-04:00Everything Has An EndWinter ends, spring ends, summer ends, fall ends, snow melts, and rain evaporates. I can go on and on. They do end, yet they come back. Cycle of Life, we call it.<br /><br />
Now, my Canon 20D finally took its last breath on February 21st after probably just over 100 thousand shots. It happened to get the continuous shutter clicking syndrome, which happened when I took it outside for photographing (<i>-15 C at least</i>). Reading about it, I found that my shutter is definitely gone. Should I replace the shutter on the 20D, or is this a coincidence because I've been having a big temptation to get the 7D? Maybe it's time for an upgrade. However, I had a plan for two cameras because I just hate changing lenses <i>(and getting dust on my sensor</i>), and I wouldn't mind having at least two lenses always ready to shoot. I might see; maybe if I get a good price on the 7D, I will repair the 20D also.<br /><br />
Here I am leaving you with one of the last photographs I took with my original 20D. We still have winter in effect, but it hasn't been that cold, and as I will be missing out on the photo shoot for a few weeks, I know that winter will be back next year.
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~ Anna<br /><br />
[Previously published on My Only Photo Journey Blog]<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2631983755593107855.post-75098664675244564592011-01-29T00:10:00.003-05:002023-07-18T15:42:34.050-04:00Simple WinterOnce you go away from something for a long time, it is hard to come back. I have not been photographing much, writing much, and definitely not blogging much. A few days ago, I decided to dig out my old 75-300mm lens and got motivated again. In addition, temperatures got a little warmer; therefore, I was able to go for winter walks again. Now, the opposite is true: I started to be in bed earlier and more regularly, getting much deeper sleep.<br /><br />
Matthew is now older and sleeps through the night, but he will definitely not let you sleep in the morning. "<i>Wake up, Mommy! Matthew wants to play toys downstairs</i>"—he usually yells, and he does not have the snooze button on him.
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He is growing really fast, and this year is the year of gaining more independence. It is not like we push him to do things; he wants to do them himself. In May, he will turn three. Deep inside, every year I miss the year before, but every year I love him more and more. What am I going to do when he goes to school? He is now eager to learn how to read. He can very well spell DAD and MOM (<i>it is so much fun to watch him think</i>). He memorises four-line verses and, with his little finger, points at the words and pretends to read.<br /><br />
About the photo: There was a pile of snow in my backyard that looked kind of attractive. This also reminded me of this quote I read once by an anonymous author: '<i>Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.</i>' Enjoy, and I'm glad to be back to share my photography, my life, and my thoughts again.<br /><br />
~ Anna<br /><br />
[Previously published on My Only Photo Journey Blog]<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com39Aurora, ON, Canada44.00648 -79.45039643.9447455 -79.5671255 44.0682145 -79.333666499999993