This photographic journal is by Maria Pavlik, co-creator of With My Umbrella, I Can: The Magical Journey of Penelope Puddle, in B.C., CANADA. (Header shot is by NASA.) “Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.” - Yousuf Karsh
Unstoppable Spring & Virtual Travel
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An oddly defaced stop sign looked as though someone was having a tantrum about the pleasant weather calling us to play outdoors but under certain restrictions.
Even a simple walk was no longer completely carefree, although the views from Kwomais Point Park of Tsawwassen and the Gulf Islands were as dreamy as ever.
The nearby 1001 Steps gateway to the beach was closed. I can't remember this ever happening, unless for repairs, until now.
Around the corner, a white carpet of tiny daisy-like flowers appeared right on cue to show some things remained normal and that hope for renewal still sprung eternal.
Walking locally or hanging out in the backyard was nice but I've found a whole new way of traveling without leaving my chair. There's a series of walking YouTube videos mostly unpolished and by non-professionals, making them all the more interesting and realistic. They give insight into all corners of the world from back alleys to city centers. If you long for rain, go to a Rambalac video in Japan the way I did ... with a click. Your dream bucket list is waiting, from the wailing wall in Jerusalem to Istanbul in Turkey when gatherings of crowds, a short while ago, was perfectly normal. What a luxury.
I'm so happy to be able to take this walk with you and see all the pretty wildflowers! Take care and stay healthy! I know things will get better....and we hope and pray that is soon! Hugs, Diane
Hello, I love the view from the park. The daisies are so pretty and cheerful. I enjoyed the walk and your photos. I will check out the link and see where I can travel to from my chair. Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy weekend ahead.
It’s a shame the gate to the 1001 steps was closed. By clicking the link, I couldn’t believe 8 years passed since I accompanied you to the steps and beach from my chair. The sea of white flowers is soothing to look at. They teach us lessons of renewal in the cycle of life and death.
At Rambalac, I hopped to “Sakura in snow.” Snow in April after very warm winter is so strange. I have perceived weather has been violently changeable. The news about the abnormality of weather has gone out of sight in the overwhelming news of COVID-19.
It is amazing what people are finding on You Tube. Every day, without exception, people send me links to videos or articles, but there is only so much time I wish to spend in front of a screen, however meritorious the content. And I am fortunate that I am still able to get out and bird each day, so I spend about three hours outdoors. Other than for the lack of socialization this confinement has not affected us appreciably. Certain parks I used to go to are closed, but there are so many alternatives, including remote areas out in the country it is not a major issue. I wonder how much life will change even when this is all over. We are huggers and kissers, and tend to have friends who are similarly inclined. I would hate to think that those kinds of greetings are going to disappear. One woman told me the other day that when her kids go back to day care, which she considers a bit of a petri dish in any event, she may be reluctant to hug them when she picks them up. Now that is sad.
Some people are entirely unable to accept reality these days and I would assume the sign defacer is among them. .... otherwise, what a pretty walk and even if the gate is closed, I’m glad you’re able to get out... we can also walk in our neighborhood. I’m even getting used to wearing a mask.
I never understood the "kick" some people get from vandalism. Just me, I guess. Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2020/04/aruba-archived.html
"On the Web we all become small-town visitors lost in the big city." - Alison Gopnik President Joe Biden's inauguration was bursting with inspirational speeches and events. Heaven knows many who now breathe a sigh of relief also needed a good laugh. That's when Bernie stepped in with his cool attitude and awesome mittens. I couldn't resist joining so many others who included him in various ways in different spaces. I think he looks super cute and cozy on a sofa designed for the cover art of my Couch & Company story. Hope you enjoy it and explore more of the artistic side of life at Paint Party Friday . Still the kid I used to be Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle and Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride to view more West Coast scenes. Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report .
There it was ... a bright dollop of sunshine in a tangle of forest greens, browns and silvery grays. The yellow door snuggled against a tree said Fairy Hall and, in tiny faint lettering beneath, No Trolls . Oh, how I'd love to know what goes on inside Fairy Hall. I wanted to tap on the door but, a giant by comparison, I didn't want to cause a scare. I often take the Sandy Trail with its gravelly path, woodsy stumps, well-trod stairs, rabbits, birds and squirrels. I know every twist and rustling sound. But I hadn't noticed the small door before. This unexpected bit of whimsy magic tucked into the forest floor made me curious about what else was in the mysterious thicket I'd yet to explore. When I continued on my way, the trees leaned in ... as if they had something to say. Later, I found another fairy door (below), welcoming but only to a select few. See OUR WORLD to explore more sights from around the globe and SIGNS, SIGNS . Still the kid I used to be
Rain puddles vanished and a blast of scorching heat settled over B.C. recently, including in my region which reached 105 ° F at one point. Records were broken. (About 145 miles northeast in Lytton it was over 120 degrees; the entire village caught fire.) The air outside felt like a thick wall of hot steel. All fans were on duty indoors. The weather foretold of the wasteland that will arrive sooner rather than later if carbon emissions are not majorly reduced. Dozens of mostly elderly didn't survive the wake up call. At this writing, the heat is far less intense, thankfully. A sweet sense of normalcy has returned and the slight morning chill sits on my shoulders like a delicate shawl. In my neighbourhood, the birds are singing again and searching for treats. A different kind of wave also hit us all. I was relieved to get my second shot "to knockout Covid" on Canada Day . It was a perfect way to celebrate July 1st. Explore more at OUR WORLD . Still the kid I used
I'm so happy to be able to take this walk with you and see all the pretty wildflowers! Take care and stay healthy! I know things will get better....and we hope and pray that is soon! Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteHello, I love the view from the park. The daisies are so pretty and cheerful. I enjoyed the walk and your photos. I will check out the link and see where I can travel to from my chair. Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy weekend ahead.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a shame the gate to the 1001 steps was closed. By clicking the link, I couldn’t believe 8 years passed since I accompanied you to the steps and beach from my chair. The sea of white flowers is soothing to look at. They teach us lessons of renewal in the cycle of life and death.
ReplyDeleteAt Rambalac, I hopped to “Sakura in snow.” Snow in April after very warm winter is so strange. I have perceived weather has been violently changeable. The news about the abnormality of weather has gone out of sight in the overwhelming news of COVID-19.
It is amazing what people are finding on You Tube. Every day, without exception, people send me links to videos or articles, but there is only so much time I wish to spend in front of a screen, however meritorious the content. And I am fortunate that I am still able to get out and bird each day, so I spend about three hours outdoors. Other than for the lack of socialization this confinement has not affected us appreciably. Certain parks I used to go to are closed, but there are so many alternatives, including remote areas out in the country it is not a major issue. I wonder how much life will change even when this is all over. We are huggers and kissers, and tend to have friends who are similarly inclined. I would hate to think that those kinds of greetings are going to disappear. One woman told me the other day that when her kids go back to day care, which she considers a bit of a petri dish in any event, she may be reluctant to hug them when she picks them up. Now that is sad.
ReplyDeleteThe wildflowers are my saving grass. Birds too. On the stop sign photo, my mind is saying "Stop that."
ReplyDeleteSome people are entirely unable to accept reality these days and I would assume the sign defacer is among them. .... otherwise, what a pretty walk and even if the gate is closed, I’m glad you’re able to get out... we can also walk in our neighborhood. I’m even getting used to wearing a mask.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos--thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSuch a creative post with delightful photos and video ~ love the daisies ^_^
ReplyDeleteBe Well ~
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
I love the field of flowers - amazing - wish I could walk there.
ReplyDeleteI posted the spice market in Istanbul today!
ReplyDeleteI never understood the "kick" some people get from vandalism. Just me, I guess.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2020/04/aruba-archived.html