A Streetcar Named Noir

Beach Noir, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

I recently read that streetcars are as iconic of Toronto as the CN Tower. I have to agree, there are very few North American cities with streetcars, it adds to Toronto's uniqueness. I've become accustomed to going about my life within the city with these trains regularly rumbling by in the background. I can't imagine a Toronto without them. I know drivers curse them and I know what it's like to stand in the cold waiting for one but with all good relationships, you need to balance the overwhelming good with the occasional annoyance.

Fire Down Below

Fire Down Below, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Fog is a pretty rare beast in Toronto so when it arrives for an extended length of time as it did recently, many photographers abandon family, dogs and various commitments to hit the streets with camera in hand. I managed to get out for a few hours and this is one example of what I found. I did see quite a few other photographers on the road and look forward to seeing some of my fellow fogonaut's captures.

Tentative Steps

Tentative Steps, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

This is the view from the Leuty Lifeguard Station in the Beach on a cool Halloween morning. While I'm not a big fan of winter, I like watching how the lake changes with the seasons.

The Fall Classic

The Fall Classic, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

On your mark, get set... fall.

I actually don't mind fall that much but like so many others I'm not crazy about the next season. If we could extend fall for another 4-5 months and reduce winter by 6 months, I'd actually be pretty happy.

Meet 'n Greet

Meet 'n Greet, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

A reminder that I'm having an informal Meet 'n Greet tomorrow night (Thursday) at the Leaside Library from 6 to 8 pm if you're able to attend. There will be 8 previously exhibited photographs with 12+ never before exhibited pieces. Drop by if you're available for some viewing and schmoozing. You might even find a good book. Cheers.

Photo generated using PhotoFunia

Red Sky at Night

Red Sky at Night, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

There's a small beach at the base of the Waterworks that we like to visit when we're in the neighbourhood. Dudley occasionally gets brave enough to stick his snout in the water but otherwise patrols the beach.

Make Ice Cream Not War

Make Ice Cream Not War, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Summer is over but don't despair. The Beach-Leslieville Arts & Social Club is hosting a Memories of Summer photo exhibition at Ed's Real Scoop ice cream parlour in Leslieville this month. Drop by anytime in October to check out the show and treat yourself to some of the best home-made ice cream and gelato in Toronto.

I'm honoured to be part of this exhibition along with:

• Frank Lemire
• Jude Marion
• Allan Parke
• louise@toronto
• William Self
• Scott Snider
• Jeff Stewart
• MissyV110

Not only is this a talented group, they're also a lot of fun to hang with. Special thanks to Allan Parke for organizing the show.

Memories of Summer poster created by William Self

Meet the Photographer (Oct 21, 6-8 PM)

Held Over, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

My words+pictures exhibit at the Leaside Branch of the Toronto Public Library has been extended for another month. If you haven't had a chance to take in the show, you now have until October 29th. There are 16 framed pieces, 8 of which have never been exhibited before.

In addition, there will be a Meet the Photographer night on Thursday, October 21st from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Drop by to see the full collection as well as a number of pieces there for one night only. This is your chance to critique, mingle, snack, borrow a book or even purchase a framed print for yourself or a friend. Everyone is welcome, even people who've met me before :) Hope to see you there.

Daisy's Beach at Sunrise

Daisy's Beach at Sunrise, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

I waded across the bay to take this picture at sunrise when I was at Killbear Provincial Campground this summer. The alternative would be to take a path through the woods and I had visions of running across a bear while on my own (bear sightings aren't that unusual at Killbear although they generally keep their distance from humans). As it were, something that sounded "large" was moving through the trees towards the beach as I took this shot and I decided not to hang around to see if bears can swim. It was probably a noisy, fat chipmunk coming down to the beach for a drink although they can be fairly nasty as well.

Loving Leuty

Loving Leuty, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Sure it can be a bit of a cliché, but I never get tired of looking at Leuty Lifeguard Station. It helps to be 15 minutes early for your chiropractor appointment and have some time to kill as well.