Ways of Expression

Everyone has their own ways of expression. I believe we all have a lot to say, but finding ways to say it is more than half the battle.

~ Criss Jami

I'm tying in a bit of miscellany here. Some of this post is about creativity and some about nature. The photos are from September through November.

Back in September, Peterborough Artsweek was in full swing. That meant that we could take day tours of artists' studios all around the city and surrounding area. We could enjoy a guided nighttime tour to various downtown storefronts where local artists displayed their work. And we could wander around designated areas in town and hear live music. All for free.

On this day, I had been heading toward home from touring some of the studios with my friend, Susan when I got a text from my dear friend, Carol Anne suggesting that we wander around her part of town where Porchapalooza was taking place. This meant that everyone gathered on and around the front lawn of a designated home where they'd be entertained by various performers. As each set was done, the audience would move on to another porch, where chairs were set up for a different performance. Susan had things to do, so I was on my own.

I was a bit late to the event but caught this one local artist - Evangeline Gentle. Her music was folksy, vulnerable and very impressive. She is the recipient of Peterborough's Folk Festival's 2015 Emerging Artist Award. She defines her songs as expressing "my queer bleeding heart," and I very much enjoyed her music.






The day was cooling down and it was going to be some time between her porch performance and the next, so I decided to wander back up to where I was parked to grab some warmer clothes. I saw a small cluster of sunflowers along the way.

From somewhere nearby, I could hear music and laughter. I followed the sound over to the Ashburnham Ale House where The Three Martinis were performing their jovial musical improv.


The lead singer was this guy, Dan Fewings and I'm not sure I can express how hilarious and entertaining he was. He made songs up on the spot based on audience suggestions for "never before written songs." I snapped a few photos and discovered that in some of them, Carol Anne and Michael were visible in the background enjoying his humour while trying to get my attention. I joined them for the next hour or two of pure fun.



 


Fewings had a way of engaging the audience and passersby alike - making their very presence and activities part of the song lyrics. This tiny dancer was as entertaining as he was amused. I would most definitely see The Three Martinis again if I had the chance. Each show would be entirely different because the lyrics are made up on the spot and incredibly funny, to boot!






The Pathway of Fame is a series of markers for recognized contributors (artistic, scientific, political.. etc.) to Peterborough, such as this one for Ronnie Hawkins, which can be found through the walkways of Del Crary Park. I snapped this one while strolling with my sister, Andrea and brother-in-law, Bill when they visited in October.






This is part of the property at Whetung Ojibway Centre in Curve Lake, Ontario - about twenty kilometres from home. I accompanied Carol Anne and Michael there on their quest to find moccasins. They were both successful, and I scored a simple dream catcher necklace. The colourful totem pole is one way to continue breathing life into our trees.






Like this one which filtered the mid-morning sunshine so beautifully on an exceptionally mild November day.






On that same mild day, these fall decorations probably knew their days were numbered and that they would soon have to make way for winter and Christmas finery. I did like the sign over to the right which was welcoming felines.






Windblown leaves and discarded poppies on a front step, just outside of the Curve Lake shop. Yes, I'm all over the place with this post!






This late blooming rose was soaking up the afternoon sunshine outside of a home near my place, on the last day of October. I was out walking with my friend, Lloyd when it beckoned to my camera.






And this is how a mid-November dusk appears outside of my window. The clouds were colourful in the eastern sky.

There will be more photos coming up before too much longer.

Just Two Minutes

On Friday, at the eleventh hour






of the eleventh day






of this eleventh month,






with red poppies pinned close to our hearts,






Canadians across our nation will share two silent minutes of reflection and respect to remember those who served our country.






Two minutes for those whose hearts ceased beating far too soon.






Two minutes for countless, selfless acts of courage given in exchange for our freedom.






Two minutes for indescribable sacrifice.






It's an honour and a privilege for Canadians to pause to remember and respect those who serve.






At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, please honour those who have given their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom we assume as our right.





May we never forget.

In Flanders Fields

~ John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders Fields.

Two Minutes

At the eleventh hour






of the eleventh day






of this eleventh month,






with red poppies pinned close to our hearts,






Canadians across our nation will share two silent minutes of reflection and respect to remember those who served our country.






Two minutes for those whose hearts ceased beating far too soon.






Two minutes for countless, selfless acts of courage given in exchange for our freedom.






Two minutes for indescribable sacrifice.






It's an honour and a privilege for Canadians to pause to remember and respect those who serve.






At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, please honour those who have given their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom we assume as our right.





May we never forget.

In Flanders Fields

~ John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders Fields.

A-flutter with Poppies

Your ghost will walk, you lover of trees,

(If our love remain)

In an English lane,

By a cornfield-side a-flutter with poppies

~Robert Browning

I find poppy buds to be almost as beautiful as the blossom. Maybe more so.

Here's an up close and personal look at one.

This one is just about to pop.

They bloom so quickly that I can't say I've seen them in this stage of emergence - with the splitting bud still visible.

It isn't long before they're all a-flutter just like the post title and quote suggest.

Beautiful flowers, these poppies are. (Yoda, I am talking like)

Any way you look at them.

Petals glisten after a summer shower.

And on the underside of a bud, a tiny creature navigates the hairs.

Thanks for walking amid the poppies with me. All were growing in Frank's back yard.

Of Red and White

Thanks, once again for the thoughtful comments from you folks. Those on the last post were no exception. Just this one time, I wasn't going to respond to comments individually and I've been finding it hard to adhere to that plan. The always-entertaining MLH of The Surly Writer asked a good question which requires a reply, so I thought I'd make another mini-post about poppies, and seize the opportunity to post this photo of Jeffrey and his RMC squadron, which was taken at yesterday's ceremonies. That's my boy as Guard Commander. Please click on the photo to enlarge it.





MLH's question: "Hilary, is it true that in Canada it is a tradition to wear red poppies for those people who are in the service and white poppies in remembrance for those who lost their lives? I heard this somewhere but I cannot remember if it is an actual fact?"

It's not true. From the last Friday in October, through to Remembrance Day on November 11, Canadians traditionally wear (fake) red poppies on the left lapel, pinned as close to the heart as possible. We wear them to remember those who gave their lives in past and present conflicts.

This practice was inspired by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's poem In Flanders Field. The poppies, which are offered by the Royal Canadian Legion each year, are available on street corners, in storefronts and at federal buildings such as banks and post offices for a voluntary donation. The funds earned provide assistance to past servicemen and women in financial distress, and for medical-related services.

From what I understand about the white poppies, they are being sold by anti-war activists since 2006 - not handed out in exchange for beneficial donations, and are meant to promote peace. Understandably, it's upsetting to our veterans, as it undermines the symbolism and good work behind the red poppy. I've never seen anybody wearing a white poppy, and just about everyone does wear a red one.

Another touching, fairly new (since 2000) tradition takes place in Ottawa after the ceremonies and wreath-laying has occurred. Veterans and civilians alike remove their poppies after the service, and lay them on top of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It's a very moving gesture and sight.

I'll be back with my own traditional blog posts soon - tradition being less frequent postings, my own photos and individual comment responses. Please check out MLH's blog, and leave her a kind comment. Today is her one-year blogaversary.