Ups & Downs Of A Snowbird

-
How do they do it? What nerves of steel it must take to fly so swiftly, in such close proximity, without nicking a wing at the very least. The airplanes from afar looked like tiny jumping jacks I once played with as a child. The Snowbirds performed many dazzling tricks that I failed to capture. However, I did manage to get a few shots of them executing with perfect precision their last maneuvers, before retiring the planes, over the White Rock Pier which, itself, is due for major reconstruction. The Poets and Storytellers United prompt "changes" is not only coming to the planes and pier but was evident in the outlook of the people who set aside traffic stress to fully enjoy the show. The crowd was huge, scattered along walkways, beaches and sparkling sea where the sun pierced through smog from various regional B.C. fires. Group-awe, ocean glitter, and the shifting mood of both sky and humans inspired my poem below.
      
Explore more at Poets and Storytellers United, SKYWATCH and Saturday's Critters. 


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 and watch environmental activist, 90-year-old David Suzuki, in an interview.

HOLD ONTO THE LIGHT

Comments

  1. Spare Parts and PicsAugust 20, 2026 at 10:55 AM

    Spectacular! And a wonderful turnout (people & dogs!).

    ReplyDelete
  2. Carol On The LakeAugust 20, 2026 at 11:13 AM

    Air shows are always fun. Great photos - thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. JimAugust 20, 2026 at 11:30 AM

    Great.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yogi♪♪♪August 20, 2026 at 11:39 AM

    That's pretty cool. I googled the snowbirds to find out more and they are very impressive with their precision flying.

    ReplyDelete
  5. TomAugust 20, 2026 at 5:15 PM

    ...flying like this would be too much excitement for me!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nanda kumarAugust 20, 2026 at 11:42 PM

    Sparkling seas are beautiful to watch. Well captured!

    ReplyDelete
  7. DeniseinVAAugust 21, 2026 at 5:10 AM

    You certainly have captured the excitement of these amazing pilots, and the crowd of people who watched them, four-legged too. I loved your poem also. Your mood shifting thoughts are powerful and a perfect way to start my day. Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Rosemary Nissen-WadeAugust 21, 2026 at 6:38 AM

    Lovely to be able to share delight with others! And I love the lift of spirits in the poem, particularly in the last few symbolic lines, which seem to evoke the rising of the planes too.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Rose PAugust 21, 2026 at 9:24 AM

    Wonderful photos! Your poem is a beautiful expression about the ups and downs, ebbs and flows of Life.

    ReplyDelete
  10. SumandebrayAugust 21, 2026 at 11:58 AM

    A lovely and very positive poem. The photographs beautifully complement it and help create its warm atmosphere.

    ReplyDelete
  11. eileeninmdAugust 22, 2026 at 7:46 AM

    Hello,
    Looks like a pretty spot to watch the air show. I love the views of the water.
    Cute doggies. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  12. an artist reflectsAugust 22, 2026 at 7:49 AM

    Penelope ~ awesome photos and wonderful poem ~ What an event to see ~ The Snowbirds are fantastic ~ I have seen the Blue Angels in the USA and it is a wonder to watch ~
    Hugs ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  13. ~Lavender Dreamer~August 22, 2026 at 11:41 AM

    What an experience ! WOW! I love the photos you too and so wonderful that you got to be there!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Shiju SugunanAugust 28, 2026 at 4:41 AM

    Stunning shots, Maria! I love going to airshows, but those final acts are always heart-in-mouth moments. And that sparkling light on the water is absolutely magical.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hena TayebSeptember 1, 2026 at 6:13 PM

    Wow so many people came out to watch. Your poem is especially beautiful.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Your thoughts add colour to the content and are always much appreciated. Please note comments that are embedded with activated links might not go through.

Popular posts from this blog

Paper Bag Princess Gowns & Mom's Homemade Dresses

-
Image
Remember the beloved children's tale The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch? She had only a paper bag to wear after a dragon destroyed her castle and belongings. The shallow prince whom she rescued showed his true nature by complaining she didn't look like a princess dressed in that bag. Good riddance to the prince but here are some paper dresses any royal or awesome regular girl would be proud to wear. I came upon these works of art at the Oakridge Mall in Vancouver. Hopefully, they will end up in a local museum or someplace where more people will enjoy them. The lovely regal garments made of paper capture the elements and majesty of the natural world. The Langara College Paper Couture Exhibition by Vancouver design students explains what materials are used to create the clothing: "All of the dresses are made from a variety of recyclable white or brown paper, tissue, tapes, glue, spray paint, adhesives, paper twine, coffee filters, cardboard, string, thum...
Read more

Angels & Demons

-
Image
Looking for blue to peek through the hazy skies lately. Along my way I've been thinking about the Ukrainian girl who traveled to America for safety and ended up dead due to a stranger's violent psychotic act. Angels sent her from her homeland believing in safer outcomes but something demonic found her regardless. And tragically no angels helped the mother calling/pleading for help for her mentally ill son before he became a killer. I have no explanation why bad things happen to innocent people, just a poem that ponders the coexistence of good and evil, each causing random ripple effects from which we cannot detach.     Explore more at  Poets and Storytellers United ,  SKYWATCH  and Saturday's Critters .  Check out my sites: Postcards from Penelope Puddle  and  Musings of A Puddlist In B.C. Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the   Intergovernment...
Read more

The Couch Art Where Bernie Came To Visit

-
Image
 "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 .
Read more