My World for Our World

The weather may be gloomy at the moment in Vancouver, but I smiled often as I went over some photos for Our World Tuesday.  

Since the "bikes" portion of my title is sometimes neglected, I will start with these, captured about a month ago.  Black Jack and I had walked a little trail in Stanley Park, and although I wasn't exactly lost, I couldn't have told you my exact location. Then I saw this little trail through a tunnel and knew we had arrived at a favourite spot on the seawall.  

This young lady finally went slowly enough for me to capture a complete bicycle.

Although I've been in Vancouver for many years, it is still exciting to see flowers year round.  There were lots of good times living in Quebec, but outdoor roses in November?  Not likely!

These were past their prime but lovely.

I like to record the cultural events that Bill and I attend, partly, I think, because I don't want them to become lost in a mix of delightful memories.  I can tell you that we left The Cultch theatre with my facial muscles aching from laughter.  Black humour about an end-of-the-world disaster may not immediately grab your attention, but if you ever hear of a performance in your neighbourhood of Cozy Catastrophe or of anything by Theatre Melee, I think the experience will leave you with food for thought that includes gratitude for drama that not only survives but flourishes.  

Along with flowers, fallen leaves always catch my attention and..

Black Jack appears to like them too.

Here are a few more..

November blooms..

that I was surprised and happy to spot.

Sometimes, rare sunshine caught decaying leaves and turned them into a fiery blaze.

Even on a dark day, this shot taken through the truck window as we drove over the Iron Workers' Memorial Bridge to North Vancouver, brought pleasure.  For one thing, in the pre-digital age, I would never have dared to try that capture.  

As we stepped onto the trail to Moodyville Park, the view was industrial on our right, 

but it was there that we saw three bald eagles (shown in last post).  We are so used to eagles in Vancouver now, that we often forget they were once an endangered species throughout North America.

And yes, there was the noise of an industrialized world, but someone had made sure to protect this lovely road,

and the tankers and trains that keep the grain industry thriving..

are a part of the story that makes Canada a good place to live.  No question, the David Suzuki's (he is one of my heroes) of this world have had to fight hard to preserve the land and ocean, and their battles are not over, but the fact that salmon have returned where none had been seen for ten years is cause for encouragement. (Thanks, Peter, for posting this link in a comment about those salmon spotted during our recent walk around Burnaby Lake.)  I'm not sure what it is about the picture of the grain elevator that I liked.  Perhaps, just the mix of colours and lines.

We walked through Moodyville, crossed the road, and entered this small park.  Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to preserve this..

bit of tranquility for walkers, dogs and wildlife.  It doesn't take long to circle its trails, but I have a memory once, of seeing a Pileated Woodpecker in here.  It didn't give us a repeat sighting and we were soon on our way back.. 

to Moodyville.  Along the way, we spotted these boots in a lane.  I'd love to know their story.  So many possibilities.  Someone littering (I hope not), or perhaps, able to buy a new pair and hoping a less fortunate person might pass by and be able to use them.

Whatever their story, Bill thought it right to place them neatly together.

Back in Moodyville again, I thought (as I always do) of the residents in the area who work to maintain the trail.  One person often stops to talk with us, and it is evident to me that he considers the land and ocean around him to be precious.

Retracing our steps along the small road, industry took on a soft light to our left, and the forest on our right seemed to contain secrets.  Small rustles and scurries in the dark tantalized Black Jack and made us aware that there was far more life escaping our notice than one might first have believed possible. 

We couldn't see the name on this boat, but the zoom on my small lens caught it for us.

Driving downtown and back to my apartment, this red tree was visible for miles (well, kilometres for the younger set :) and at first, we couldn't place its location.

It turned out to be on top of Harbour Centre.  Although I, like many, often complain about the commercialism of Christmas, the tree was a welcome and cheerful sight, as were these twinkling lights in Yaletown.  

It really felt like a wonderland, ruled by a princely magician named William (well, Bill :)

..playing hide-and-seek behind a street lamp.

A few more smiles?  Well, a shivery grin, perhaps, for this brave actor from Vancouver Film School, and his patient photographer.

I was impressed that these students were focused and non-complaining as they worked on their project at Sunset Beach.

A few more fallen leaves..

in random and symmetrical formations, are perhaps close to the end of this Autumn's stash.

Just one more.  I thought these, gathered at the edge of a downtown street on Saturday looked especially rich.

Bill spotted this banner and we both found it interesting.  Then, we realized it brought a little bit of good news for art lovers.

The gallery was closed, but we thought we might stop by to visit during the week.  Bravo to Boeing for sponsoring this project to encourage young artists.

Bill commented when we passed Kingston Hotel, surrounded on both sides by construction, that the owners were probably holding out against an aggressive developer.  It looks like a quaint and well-run hotel, and I hope the business will be able to continue to thrive.

I admit that the neighbouring cranes, so tall and so powerful, brought a certain kind of pleasure too.

Finally, these symmetrical decorations just down the street from my building,

brought thoughts of the fun someone had putting the scene together,  

as did this display by the students in the school across the street from my building.  I know many are upset that the term "Christmas" has become less and less politically correct in schools, but in fact, I have watched the students going to and from this school and they represent a wealth of differing cultures.  I'm thinking they really thought out this display quite carefully, and with its variety of shifting colours, it really warms the atmosphere on my street. 

I hope, as you read this, that some part of it may have brought a smile to your face as well.  For more stories in the lives of people around the world, you can check out the meme, Our World Tuesday.  Have a happy week, everyone, and thank you for stopping by.