kingston ontario

Thankful

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I’ve never seen anything like it.
Coming from the Maritimes, I’m used to snow.  Last year at this time, it was piled higher than my kitchen window.  I’ve seen blizzards that have dropped over a Metre at once.
But yesterday was absolute insanity.
We got about 40 cm of snow in Southern Ontario, and I drove home from work in the middle of it.
The first time I got stuck was pulling out of the parking garage downtown.  Luckily, there were two men shoveling across the street who quickly pushed me out.
The second time was at the grocery store.   I’d barely gotten in my car and someone showed up to give me a push.
The third time was the challenge.  Our subdivision never got plowed because the plow itself either broke or got stuck (I heard both versions) and hadn’t budged for hours.  But two women and a man helped me for over 30 minutes, until I managed to get into the driveway of yet another helpful neighbor.
Not once did I have to ask for help.
I am amazed by the kindness of Kingston.
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A (Chilly) Walk in the Woods

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black squirrel

It turned out to be a chilly walk in the woods, but one we enjoyed nonetheless.

With my children, parents, sister, and nephews, we braved the crisp fall air (and snow!) for a walk at Lemoine Point in Kingston, ON.

When my camera wasn’t tucked inside my jacket to protect it from the unexpected snowflakes, I managed a few shots – including this one of a fluffy black squirrel pausing for a snack.

 

This is Culture

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arts and writingI was lucky enough to attend not one, but two cultural events this weekend:  The Etsy Made in Canada craft fair and Kingston WritersFest.

My children and I admired the work of Etsy sellers on Saturday.  From artwork to jewellery to stitched items, each table held impressive talent and creativity.

This morning, my sister and I listened as Camilla Gibb read from her new memoir, “This is Happy” and spoke eloquently about her life to Merilyn Simonds.  I was moved by her reading, and awed by her willingness to share what so many seldom talk about.

It was a truly inspiring weekend.

Ontario Inspiration

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guard rail

I will always miss the coastlines of New Brunswick, but there is plenty of inspiration in Ontario.

In fact, being in a new place is providing for many photo opportunities.  Especially when you keep your eyes open.

There are several spots to pull off Bath Road outside Kingston to enjoy the view of the lake.  Not only the lake drew my eye, though.  Even the curved guardrail along the road can make for a great photo.

Silken Moments

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bw web 2www.dawnblanchardphotography.com

It was foggy when I woke up this morning.

My immediate reaction was to grab my camera and head out into the backyard.  But there were limited subjects as the effects of the fog are difficult to see close up.  At least, that’s what I thought until I discovered this web on my back porch.

Suddenly, the possibilities multiplied.

I captured this delicate web several times (you can see more web photos here), then quickly realized there were others, each one slightly different from the one before.  The light was perfect and the fog had left tiny droplets along the threads of the web.

I was grateful for these tiny creations in my backyard.

Later, after returning home from a morning appointment, the webs were gone.  No doubt more will be strung across the railings tomorrow; however, these exact lines, these patterns of silk and water and light were but a single moment.

A reminder to appreciate the little things.