Time for Reflection....

This is a snap of Constitution Square over on Albert Street in the downtown core. The three-tower high rise is home to many offices and embassies and adds to the city's vibrant atmosphere. I had to prove somehow that the city itself isn't THAT archaic and that we do have some 20th century buildings around. :)

On another– reflective – note altogether, I'm going to be taking a bit of a break from posting everyday. Life's pace has become more like a never-ending, out-of-control polka! I'll post when I can, as I dearly miss you all, so please keep an eye on your inbox. See you back here soon...

Bravo to the Masterminds of 'Megamind'

Today we celebrated my oldest son's tenth birthday in low-key style by letting him bring a friend to any movie he wished. Hands down, 'Megamind' was the flick of choice and a perfect choice it was! The folks over at DreamWorks should be tickled blue with the accomplishment of their latest animated feature. Surprisingly enough, though, the theatre wasn't packed at all. I found this odd for a couple of reasons: 1) it was produced for IMAX 3-D for ultimate theatre experience, and 2) that it only came to theatres here in Ottawa this past Thursday. A film for all members of the family, our review results in a definite two thumbs up.

Lest We Forget

Yesterday it was Remembrance Day. I grew up in provinces that recognized it as a statutory holiday – a day to take time and visit a cenotaph, or attend a ceremony honouring the veterans and the war contribution, past and present. Not here in Ontario, home of the country's Capital. Nor in Quebec or Newfoundland and Labrador. Hence, this poster in a local school suggesting this informal uniform be worn on November 11th. The real irony is that these students found it more important to wear a black top and jeans with the poppy being treated as a fashion accessory. They can look here if they've forgotten what the day really symbolizes.

"On Remembrance Day,

we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country

and acknowledge our responsibility to work

for the peace they fought hard to achieve."

Study in Green

Welcome to the Thunder Dome, an inflatable indoor field that is used year-round by soccer fiends who have traveled far and wide. Soccer teams of all ages get to experience learning and playing in such a user-friendly facility. The "turf" is actually made up of recycled tires and gives players that extra bounce in their step. There are three such facilities in the Ottawa area, and were originally developed for a couple of reasons: 1) because of their cost efficiency, and 2) to maximize the soccer season due to Ottawa's long, cold winter.

When One Door Closes...

one can hope that another opens and lets in the sunshine! At risk of being charged "Curious Cate", I couldn't resist temptation to photograph this very rare, beautifully conditioned, original, highly ornate filigree hardware!! Sorry, it's hard to contain my excitement. :) Where can you find such a heart-shaped knob? Only in Sandy Hill, of course... or so I thought until I found this very cool shop in Rochester, New York. Am thinking a road trip might be on the agenda one day soon...

Sunset

This column is the first of fifteen sculptures by artist cj Fleury located along Preston Street in Little Italy. The series, called "Postcards from the Piazzas", is meant to depict the Italian culture in Canada, from religion to soccer to immigration and many subjects in between. You can read about the artist and the historically relevant pieces here. FYI – in case your not literate in Italian – the poem, written by Elio Coppola and entitled "Sunset", reads:

The sun blushed,

Thinking of the

Ugly things he had

Seen on earth

The Aliens are Coming...

Okay, now that I have your attention, you have probably figured out by now that these aren't exactly flying saucers! While again at the airport – this time seeing the husband off – I encountered a previously unexplored corner restaurant with many of these hand blown shades dangling effortlessly. Most likely from a Big Box Store, I love the colour, the texture and tactile quality of these particular shades. If you, too, like original hand blown glass art pieces, you should check out this fellow. He's dazzling!