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.

Day Tripper

Over the last few weeks, Frank and I have taken a few different day trips through part of southern Ontario. Below are a few photos taken from one of them, a couple of weeks back. I hope you enjoy them and please remember to click on each of them to enlarge.


One of my favourite things to do while Frank is behind the wheel is to try my hand at drive-by shootings. I liked this red barn in sunlight and shadows. The snow is long-gone now that we've had a few days of 18C (64F).




Another drive-by revealed this lone bench in the middle of a snowy field.




This tree caught my eye from a long way off. I liked how its branches reached out for sunlight.





In Alderville, Ontario, there's a native art outlet called Smoke's. Somewhere down the road, I'll probably be featuring a few of what I believe are their best pieces of art. Today, I'm just including some colourful items seen around their gallery - like these bald eagles which welcome visitors from their nest up on the roof.




Native drums. Can you hear them?




A colourful quilt hangs from one of the display walls. I love how one colour blends into the next.




A brightly painted totem pole stands proudly in one corner of the gallery.





A different place, this store sold hundreds of different beads. Their display made me think of my talented friend, Dawno who designs beautiful, beaded jewelery.





Back at Frank's place, a late afternoon walk reveals some of the damage done by the icy floods over the past couple of months. The underside of this apple tree is quite scarred. And it doesn't look like it will be too long before erosion sends it into the creek.





This handsome crow is keeper of the light standard.





For the second time in two days, I spotted a Sundog (not to be confused with my bloggy pal Suldog, although every bit as bright and colourful). This one reflected nicely in the large, muddy puddle on the path. It was a rubber boots kind of day.






At the end of an early spring day, there isn't much better than lighting a fire and sipping on a belly-warmer.

Thanks for joining me on this day.