Better Late Than Never

Better Late Than Never, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

I took down my exhibit at City Hall today. It was suppose to run for two months but ran a tad longer with scheduling conflicts and vacations (which was all good). I was happy to have a collection of streetcar photographs up on Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon's office walls while City Hall debated the direction of Toronto transit.  It seemed fitting that the exhibit came down on the same day that a vote to proceed with a light rail plan was successfully passed and I can now remove my "damn streetcars". Thankfully, there are some great people at City Hall trying to work together to come up with thoughtful fact-based transit solutions to make the city a better place to live in. My hat is off to MMM and the rest of the rational bunch for their perseverance and dedication.  There must be days where they wonder what the heck they signed up for.

Will model for dog food...

Sniff 'n' the Tears, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

I take my dog on most photo walks or rather, I take my camera along when I walk the dog. Subsequently, Dudley is extremely well documented and provides foreground fodder for many photos. He doesn't like getting his picture taken and is often trying to ignore me or look in another direction like he is in this shot taken at Ashbridges Bay.  Overall though, it works out okay as he gets to go to the beach and I get a cheap model.

Click here for a chronological tour of my Dudley collection.

Leuty Lightshow

Leuty Lightshow, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

What if they had winter and no snow came. So far, that's been our winter but I can't say that I mind. Sure, a bit of snow on the weekend can be nice but I don't miss the miserable commutes and salt-covered sidewalks (ditto for Dudley). I'm sure the white stuff will arrive eventually and it's actually forecast for Friday so I'll have a chance to take the odd snow photograph before summer rolls around.  Stay tuned.

City Hall Exhibit

City Hall Exhibit, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

City Hall Councillor, Mary-Margaret McMahon, was kind enough to pose beside a few of my streetcar photographs now on display in her Ward 32 Constituency Office at City Hall until the end of February. Thanks Mary-Margaret (and Ciara) for the warm welcome.

Roll Play

Roll Play II, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

I spent some quality time at the beach this Christmas break with Dudley along for company. He puts up with me taking pictures and I put up with him carrying on like a hound. The beach isn't as cold and icy as past years but it's still definitely not summer down there.

This rolled up snow fence caught my eye and and tried a shot looking through it using a wide angle lens. I've always been a fan of snow fences with their repeating lines and patterns and this one fit the bill.  All in all, a great day at the beach.

Shelby

The Kids, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

I was sad to hear that Shelby, the beautiful border collie in the foreground of this picture, passed away recently. After a rough start in life, Shelby was fortunate to find a home where she was loved and cared for. While always a shy girl, Shelby provided a balance to her far from shy "brother" Max (also shown in this picture) and the two remained closer than close as the years went by.  Now with Shelby gone, it's going to be tough for Max and Shelby's family and friends to try to adjust to life without her but I hope they take some comfort in the many warm memories they have and the wonderful life they were able to provide her. We'll miss you Shelby.

Original Photo Caption: I attended a wedding on the banks of the Athabasca River in Jasper, Alberta where these two dogs were part of the wedding party. Max, the handsome mutt at the top of the frame, wore a tartan bowtie and Shelby, the beautiful, shy bordie collie in the foreground, wore a jade necklace. This picture was taken during the ceremony while the two dogs watched intently as their Mom and Dad took their vows.

Love & Rockets

Love & Rockets, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

This November, I'm embracing my love of streetcars and holding an exhibit of Red Rocket photographs (and one or two oil paintings) at Voulez-Vous Café.  Drop by throughout the month to view the collection, sample the cafe, and watch the occasional 501 streetcar pass by.

Also of note, there will be an Opening Reception + Neighbourhood Potluck on Thursday, November 10th from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm.  The event will include an informal potluck dinner, reception with drink, along with live music provided by the talented group, Sang Bleu.  There will also be 7-8 additional streetcar pieces added to the show for the opening.  If you want to chow down, feel free to participate in the potluck or just show up for some libations and chat.

It promises to be an evening full of food, drink, music, and of course, images romancing the Toronto streetcar, so mark November 10th on your calendar and I hope to see you at Voulez-Vous.

[Thanks to Joanna Lavoie for the great geek article in The Mirror and insidetoronto.com]

Rain Maker

Rain Maker, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

This image was taken at this year's Nuit Blanche of an installation called I just know that something good is going to happen by Curtis Grahauer. What is Nuit Blanche? From sunset at 6:59 pm on Saturday, October 1, to sunrise on Sunday, October 2, 2011, Toronto's playful overnight celebration of contemporary art once again takes over the streets for ONE NIGHT ONLY. It's a great way to explore art and the city by night and there are some surreal and cool installations. This was one of them.

Ghost of Bay Street

Ghost of Bay Street, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

When I moved to Toronto many years ago, I took the Bay Street trolley bus north to work. In the winter, there was nothing warmer than the Bay Street bus as it hummed northwards through the snow with efficient electrical heaters warming its passengers. The buses have since been replaced with regular internal combustion models that produce more noise and exhaust and just don't cut the chill like this baby did. Winter hasn't been the same since they retired my Bay Street bus.

Killbear

Canadian Shield, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

I had the opportunity to spend some quality-time at Killbear Provincial Campground recently. It's a beautiful part of Georgian Bay just north of Parry Sound. Killbear always reminds me of a Group of Seven painting and I imagine the artists must have spent time in the area years ago. If you haven't been, you should try it. You'll be hooked.

Click here for more images from my trip (more to be posted over time) or visit the Killbear flickr group for a selection of images from a number of photographers/campers.