colours

The red and green of the pointsettia.  The white lights from below on the street.  Colours of the season.

Christmas nativity scene

There is something so peaceful about this knitted nativity scene.  Oh come let us adore him.

we light candles

Advent is here.  During the weeks before Christmas we light candles signifying hope, peace, joy, and love.  But the true meaning of Christmas means that these gifts are not just part of these four weeks, but last the whole year round.  So come, let us remember the wonders of these gifts today and everyday.

berries and pine cones

Berries and pine cones remind us of the season.  Both come from living things.  Both though in a way have to die to bring new life.  In the berry we find the seeds of new life- but the berry must be eaten first to get to the seed.  Pine cones come from the tree.  Yet when fire comes the cones explode spreading the seeds of new life.  Reminds me of Christmas- Christ lived so that he might die, but in death comes new life.

Christmas baubles

We put these red and gold Christmas baubles into a crystal bowl.  Its amazing how the angles of the crystal reflect the colours of the bauble.  Almost like an elaborate kaleidoscope.  Its amazing how the colours come to life.

Santa

The bright red coat and fur make him unmistakable, but what really sets off Santa is his bright warm smile and the twinkle in his eyes.  How many wishes will be made to him this Christmas.  And how many of us will play Santa this season.

Gaudy

This decoration was bought as a gag gift.  Gaudy, gaudy, gaudy.  Does anyone find it beautiful?  And just how bad is this decoration.  I actually spelled gaudy- GAWDY- as in GAWD darn. 

M&S week

We decorated for our version of the debaters.

the clock

This grandmother clock no longer works.  Yet one can sense the history of time in its face and in the wood.

spinning colours

This rainbow pin wheel sits in my office and comes out during Mission and Service Fund events.  Here is a close up of the hub as the pin wheel spins.  The different colours meld together as one.  May we look beyond differences and see ways we are alike.

flashes of colour

You see that salmon coloured blossom and you notice its bright orangey pink blossom.  But look closer- you can see orange, pink, white, green, yellow, and brown.  A mini rainbow contained in one flower.  Look beyond the superficial and see the beauty within.

close in

The same flower looks different closer in.  Its the same with people.  We need to get close to see their true nature.

meditation

Bella sits in the sun.  Her old eyes closed in the bright light.  What is on her mind as she does it?

in the pink

Dried flowers around.  Yet there is that one salmon coloured blossom still fresh and alive.  Maybe when things seem rough, I need to think of the determination of that one flower, who is still alive amidst difficulties which cause others to wilt.

blossoms and buds

Its pouring rain tonight.  The wind is blowing.  A cool nip in the air.  Definitely a harbinger of the winter to come.  I hate winter.  The long nights.  The snow.  The cold.  The wind.  Its now I need to look at the flowers and buds of spring.  These yellow flowers make me smile and promise that spring is to come.

M&S awareness week

Its the week when we act a little silly at the office and dress up and remember how the Mission and
Service Fund benefits people in Canada and across the globe.  Here are two of today's prize winners Elena and Omega.

Duke Ellington

His music broke so many barriers in the last century.  Through his piano, the world began to slowly put aside their hatred and fear.  We have learned much, but have much further to go.

Tiles

These are tiles donated by children across the US, as a tribute to the 2800 plus people killed in the 9/11 attacks.  Each tile represents one person who was killed.  Looking at them, I see how that all  these different lives have now been melded together as one by the events of that day.  Maybe if all of us could see how all the lives of people were interconnected somehow, how we are all family on this planet, then there would not be the need for weapons or war.

devotion

This photo is taken from the pulpit at St. John's cathedral in New York City.  Look at the eyes of the statue.  In it you can see utter devotion to the faith.  And as I stood there, I imagined all of the faithful who have looked at the pulpit with a sense of awe. Or just imagine the sculptor who carved this so painstakingly as a sign of their faith. Truly we are in the presence of great faith.

Everywhere we go.

Stats show that young children are exposed to 5000 ads everyday.  Web sites, bill boards, tv shows, labels on clothes, toys, and food, no matter where we go, ads are there.  Ask any 3 year old and they can identify McDonalds or Fisher Price.  More than a little scary.  What ads or brands are influencing you right now?

around again we go

The horse constantly takes people around Central Park.  The same circuit again over and over.  At times I feel like I am going around in circles.  Maybe I can be as gentle as this horse and accept the meandering with such a docile nature.

Remembrance

It is not a poppy, but I wonder what other wildflowers grew in Flanders Fields.  We do remember

flowers

November is here. Its not winter yet but the leaves are mostly gone and frost has killed almost all of the flowers. I miss their bright faces pointing toward the sky.

the view from here

From the Rockefeller Centre. It seems as if you can see the world from here.

United?

The United Nations. At times a place of heated debates. But at its best a place of peace. May it become a place of hope.

Flat iron

They call you a flat iron. How big is the sheet that needs to be ironed?

on edge

This statue amazed me. Balanced on a point. How many people I meet are balancing on a thin point like that?

ready to pop

The seeds from this wildflower seem ready to explode beginning the cycle of life again.

stand tall

Winds may blow. Hail batters us down. Sun blazes down. Rain beats down. Yet this weed stand tall. May I stand tall in the midst of adversity.

stand out

A flash of red amongst the green. Almost in the shape of a cross. Truly all the earth is God's home

a symbol

She stands proud. A welcoming symbol for thousands. But does her arm ever get tired?

Christopher Street Statue

The Village- bohemian and vibrant.

Humble beginnings

41 years ago a riot, and gay liberation began. Now it seems so small and insignificant. Makes me think of the acorn from which comes the mighty oak- be proud.

Nature in the city

Central Park- proof that God's creation is still the most beautiful thing in the world amidst the glitz and glamour

Friend or foe?

These berries look delicious but are they ok to eat. I'll pass on them.

Last flower of summer

The flower's beauty fades as the leaves turn red and gold- or does it- brilliant yellow against the brown grass. It's like people, we think beauty fades but it doesn't- it matures and changes and intensifies.

the pulpit

Pulpit at St. John's Cathedral

A symbol of strength

A charging bull- symbol of the stockmarket- a bit of strength- not always a good thing. When am I like a bull in the china shop?

Stately

An almost 70 year old icon. Up up up look up. But where is King Kong?

Alone or with all

Times Square. So busy. Thousands of people going countless directions. I was alone there. Or was I?

i am back

Took a bit of a break to clear my mind and begin a new. These flowers amazed me, so beautiful, so stately. Maybe I am refreshed to begin thoughts anew to find the beauty in the world.

All the Queen's Horses

I have never been part of the horsey set. Oh I admire the sleek strength of a horse. But I have never had a desire to own one. Maybe I have a bit of fear of them. But seeing these noble creatures today I can definitely see the attraction.

Her smile

Today, I got to stand 3 feet away from her majesty the Queen. I was amazed. After the millions of people who have come out to see her during her over 50 years on the throne, she still seems so genuinely gracious as she meets the crowds. Maybe it something that I as an introvert can learn. May I be as gracious as I meet strangers.

Zest

The blistering heat. The sun glowing in the sky like a big fire ball. I love the summer heat. It adds a certain zest to life. I think these daisies do the same thing. They add a certain vibrancy to this field of green. May I add some zest to the lives of others.

dog tired

Here is my friend's dog Sheba, who definitely knows how to relax. I have had an exceptionally busy time at work. I started holidays Wednesday, but then got busy with pride. Now I am looking forward to having a day like Sheba just to relax. My version of a sabbath rest.

Pride

The cat sits there so proudly. He knew that I am a little bit allergic to him. He knew that I prefer the company of dogs. Yet he jumps on my lap, of all the laps at the party and just sat there. He is proud of his accomplishment.

Today is pride day. And as I refect, the pride celebrations have evolved over the years. At first it was a small group of protestors, demanding their rights. Then it became a celebration for gays and lesbians. Now it is a celebration for a diverse city- where gay, straight, the curious might join in. Is it a bad thing- no. It is a testimony to those first protestors of how far we have come. We still have far to go, but may we all sit like this proud cat and smile.

Daisies make me smile. They are so cheerful. They are simple. They are bright. May i enjoy the simple things of life.

Happy Birthday

Canada. can't believe you are a 143. Happy birthday. May your beauty ever shine.

the post

This guard post blocks traffic from entering a city square. Very utilitarian but beautiful. May i see beyond the first glimpses of people and see their beauty within.