Chandelier Archipelago

Chandelier Archipelago, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Thanks to my flickr buddy, Missy for including me in a Photo Walk at Scarborough's Bluffers Park last weekend. It was definitely winter along the shore of Lake Ontario but manageable all the same thanks to numerous layers and strategically placed hand warmers. Tis a beautiful park with the stark bluffs plus lots of interesting beaches and trails. I will definitely be back.

We ended the morning at the Stone Cottage Pub on Kingston Road which is worth a visit as well. All and all a great day with some great photographers including the Mississauga flickr Club. Thanks all.

Winter's Eve

Winter's Eve, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

My dog loves winter. In fact, as a former rescue, we suspect he was a hunting dog that got lost along the way. When it's -20 outside and the only thing you want to do is crawl into bed and hide, Dudley is raring to go and he let's you know it. Despite his scrawny fur, he has no use for dog coats and anytime we've thought he could use a blanket on a cool night at home, the blanket ends up thrown aside.

This shot was taken on the last walk of the night when I would have rather been home reading a book. All complaining aside, I have to admit that Dudley keeps me exercised during the winter months and we do see some interesting winter city scenes.

In this shot of a streetcar passing by Jonathan Ashbridges Park, you get a feel of what winter in the city is all about. It has a unique atmosphere to it as people bustle about in the snow and cold.

The Guild

Cat People, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

I discovered The Guild today thanks to my friend, Jude Marion. The Guild sits on bluffs overlooking Lake Ontario and include a number of historic buildings within a public park. Surrounding the buildings are more than 70 architectural fragments and sculptures within gardens.

As per the City of Toronto's website:

Originally a private residence, the main building was renovated extensively to become a public hotel, and the buildings which surround it were pressed into service to become The Guild of All Arts, a Depression-era arts and crafts colony. The extensive private gardens surrounding the buildings became the site of a personal building conservation program by Rosa and Spencer Clark, whereby fragments from demolished buildings in and around Toronto were rescued by their efforts and re-erected to create a sculpture garden. Passing into the public domain in 1978, the grounds became a public park and the art and sculpture on display in the gardens became a unique attraction to this lovely setting atop the Scarborough Bluffs.

If you haven't been before, I'd highly recommend it anytime of year. Thanks for the tour Jude.

At the End of the World

At the End of the World, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

The skateboard park in the 'hood was deserted today. I thought there might be the odd hearty kid trying out the new Christmas skateboard but we had the place to ourselves. I love wandering the oddly shaped concrete forms and trying a picture or two. I understand the TTC has agreed to pay for Phase II of the park as part of the new streetcar yard deal. I can't wait to see "the pool" and some of the more extreme features of the park.

Automolove

Automolove, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

This photo recently placed first/best overall in the City of Toronto's Photo Contest in the citybiz or business category. Prizes include a City of Toronto pin, a copy of the photo book, Toronto’s Visual Legacy Official City Photography from 1856 to the Present, and an invitation to a reception with the mayor at City Hall in January.

I was drawn to take a picture of this neighbourhood storefront since I once had a black MGB and I've always liked the concept of a car in a shop window. My MGB was a fine and fun automobile and I enjoyed every kilometre in it.

The name of the photo was inspired by Queen's song, I'm in Love With My Car.

I'm in love with my car
Gotta feel for my automobile
I'm in love with my car
String back gloves in my automolove...

Congratulations to all of the other winners in the City's photo contest. See you at Dave's party.

Fred's Not Here

Fred's Not Here, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Years ago, when my Dad lived in Toronto, we occasionally went to a restaurant on King Street West called, Fred's Not Here. It was, and I believe it still is, a happening joint and we had a lot of fun and great food. When I shot this picture in the 'hood, the name of the restaurant came to mind along with the many memories.

The Daily Photoist: December 15, 2009

Every weekday morning, bright and early, we feature a photo or (two) from a photographer in Torontoist's Flickr Pool, our way of showing off their great work and starting the day off as prettily as possible.

Winter Storm Warning

Winter Storm Warning, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Well, the first storm of the season arrived yesterday. It wasn't as big as the media would have led us to believe but it did mess up the morning commute. I hope that's it for the year and spring is just around the corner. Yeah right.