Monday Morning Good Blues

I think last week's post to Smiling Sally's Blue Monday meme started out at the same place (Canada Place, Vancouver), so you may have a feeling of déjà vu when you see these first two photos, but bear with me.  It was a familiar route, but as always, full of surprises and twists along the way.  And, as always, I am grateful to Smiling Sally for providing a place to share the fun.  33 out of 39 photos have at least a little blue in them.

globe hanging from the ceiling of a high-rise (taken through the window)

Before I go further, some of you will remember that my sister and I are in the process of brainstorming ways to make a difference with respect to the heartbreaking reality of childhood cancer in our midst.  I mentioned using tea tree oil in my last post as an alternative to cleansers and disinfectants known to cause cancers, and had an important and very much appreciated response from Jean, an avid blogger, photographer and animal advocate.  Here is the comment: "Re the tea tree oil - be very careful of its use around Black Jack. While very low concentrations (less than 1%) is safe in some applications for dogs and cats (and is used in some veterinary medicines in that concentration), the stronger concentrations that humans use in their products or for bacterial control is very toxic to animals."  Though I haven't measured the strength of the solution I use, I think 14-20 drops as they come out of the tiny dropper, in at least 20 oz of water probably is in the realm of a 1% solution, but I will heed her warning very carefully.  I did some research this morning and will continue to work on this as I feel it is crucial to get the word out about harmful substances in our midst.  Bottom line from the sites I explored this morning is that vinegar and baking soda are two effective cleansers with a pretty good safety record, but I'll welcome further input from Jean, and as said, will keep this subject near the top of my thoughts for a while to come.  Even the safest products need to be used with care to keep them out of the hands, ears, noses and mouths of children and pets.  

And back to that globe.  It still fascinates me.  I tried to take the photo from inside but they were just closing.  Bill and I had fun trying to identify that orangey trail through the centre. 

 And, we once again..

were quite mesmerized..

 by building reflections.  Here, I was hoping to show you those cute little bicycle traffic lights.

Above, it is showing green, and below, has changed to red.  It takes a little getting used to not to forge ahead when the regular light turns green, as we used to do.  I noticed some tourists laughing when they saw these lights.  Perhaps, they think special lights for cyclists are a strange phenomena, but truly, I believe they save lives.

 Just one more reflection, 

 before I take you to this nearby building, Vancouver Fairmont.  Bill and I spent a long time trying to figure out the words repeated on each floor level. 

 Even looking at my photos later, I missed a couple of the words.  Perhaps you will do better at that than I did, but in case you are curious, here is more information about those words.

 Bill and Black Jack waited while I took those photos.  Just as I returned to them, I caught this beautiful kiss.  Yeah, you guessed it.  My heart soared :)

This little girl with the angel wings gave us a great smile as she passed us.  And her mother wore blue :)

 We sat for quite a while listening to this fellow.  I learned that he is Matt Lennox, and has now left the group, Sons of Granville, to move his career forward as a solo artist.

He was using an interesting set-up (that I can't name) that allowed him to set up a percussive rhythm (right hand on guitar and foot, I believe, also involved), input that, add a repetitive melodic motif, and then improvise a melody over that.  I recorded one of his improvised solos, an impressive one that I may share with you in a later post.

 As we sat, I loved the sun's rays.. 

 falling over these grasses,

 and yes, you guessed it, more reflections in the buildings.

 Children were attracted to Matt's music.

 In spite of some sagging diaper distractions,

 they were happy to explore the sounds as well as the contents of his case :)

 This passer-by, decked out in one of Vancouver's finest fashion ensembles, certainly caught my eye.

 I do hope the footwear (and coat) had a purpose other than the "cute" factor.  It is my theory that paws are better off unfettered, but we didn't have a chance to ask questions.  The poodle did appear totally comfortable. 

 I took this scenic shot of changing colours before we finally moved on..

 to see one of Vancouver Biennale's new works.  (No link, as I think this info is fairly clear.)

 Bill explored it..

 quite thoroughly (Black Jack, not so much)..

 and remembering these moments..

 still brings a smile this morning.

 I'll admit that I wasn't immediately entranced by the work's beauty, but it did sort of grow..

 on me.  I'd be most interested to know your initial response.  A young girl visiting from France gave me her camera and asked me to take photos of her in various poses between the two pillars.  She helped me to see it in different ways and I loved our short conversation.  Definitely one of the pluses of getting outside each day, exploring our surroundings, and coming to small understandings with others who do the same.

 The pond beside that art is one of our favourites.  Here, you can see the busy route that leads to the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore.  I love that the two worlds manage to share space..

 so harmoniously.

 Black Jack found the pond much more interesting than the art.

 Dying light told us it would soon be time to head home,

 Bill made sure to check out a running path for holes that Black Jack (or I) might fall in, 

 so that she could have a good run..

 before we left.

 This bloom on a tree near the pond was one that I've never seen before.  Any guesses?

My last two shots caught a little blue in a pond reflection..

 and some light hitting buildings across the water.  Another good day, as I often say :)  Thanks for stopping by.  Head on over to Sally's meme for lots more blues.  A very happy "Blue Monday" to you and yours!