Van Gogh's Paintings On The Wall & Chalk-Art On The Road

Busy as a swarm of bees in a vast and starry cosmic sea it is not uncommon to create buzz or want to leave our mark in some unique way. Sometimes it's a compulsion that drives us as it was for artist Vincent Van Gogh who began painting in his late twenties until his early death by apparent suicide in 1890 at the age of 37. Underappreciated in his time, it was beyond his scope to imagine his work would garner world-wide fame and millions upon millions of dollars. He was wonder-filled but perhaps lacked insight into how to achieve a contented life. A melancholy man whose work now evokes so much joy is a sad irony. Stepping into his paintings felt a bit like stepping onto his soul. Floating large and carefree at Imagine Van Gogh In Vancouver, his creations projected onto walls were thrilling to see. These are my photos of the event with exception of the last one of locally drawn chalk-art. The seahorse on the road by an unknown artist will wash away in the next rain slow to arrive. I'm guessing it might have gotten approval even from Van Gogh who through miracles of talent and chance left a lasting legacy.

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Still the kid I used to be

Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle and Musings of A Puddlist In B.C. 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.

Rainy Daydreams

No, it's not raining yet but I have a glimmer of hope that showers will soon fall wherever needed. Daydreaming about rain I pulled out a scene (above) my daughter captured months ago. It is best not to have too much or too little of the soothing drops streaming down windows. Indeed, the number one topic of casual conversation is the weather that we hope will be "just right". Like Goldilocks picking at her porridge, we wish to enjoy days that are not too hot or too cold, especially after a recent taste of a brief but destructive heat wave. Forests elsewhere in B.C. are on fire and some wonder if sparks from a passing train caused the town of Lytton to burn down. In my area, however, temperatures cooled considerably and it was comfortable walking down familiar pathways seeing life anew.

A cat lazing by the side of the road looked uncomfortably hot in its furry coat. 

A monkey tree was sprouting cones or balls that will likely one day expel seeds.

It is rare to see such a tree. They do provide a nice contrast in some gardens.  

More common is the random piling of rocks known as Inukshuk, a sign of friendship.

Sun umbrellas come out when it isn't raining. This one lit up the beach like a lamp. 

Perhaps the bird, red orb and tree symbolize love, peace, harmony and/or longevity?

We can never have too much of stabilizing factors with weather extremes popping up.

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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.

Fanning The Flames Of Extreme Weather

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 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.