A WISH IN A FOUNTAIN- CAN YOU RESIST?

How many times have you thrown a coin and made a wish in a fountain? There is something about a fountain- like the Trevi Fountain in Rome- that entices us to make a wish! Do wishes work? Well it does not hurt to make a wish. "Make a wish before you blow out your birthday candles" is taught at a young age.  Do we even remember what we wished?  Every town or city has a fountain of some kind.  I think the local governments make some revenue off the coins tossed.  How many fountains have you used to make a wish? For me, Trevi Fountain in Rome, City Hall in Toronto, the CNE fountain and of course, the fountain in Confederation Place in Kingston Ontario during our recent visit there received a coin or two. Sitting by a fountain can be relaxing too! Do you know who was the first person to think about making a wish in a fountain?

EARLY MORNING- A TIME TO REFLECT!

I love to arise before 6 a.m. every day. On weekends and vacation days, I go for my power walk early. The quiet on the street and few people and cars make it very enjoyable. There are even no people walking their dogs. On a recent trip to Kingston Ontario, our hotel was right on the water by the 1000 Island Cruise boats. On the second day, arising early, I took my camera and coffee in hand and was able to  photograph the clear, calm water capturing  some reflections.

Early morning is a good time to think. The reflections in the water reminded me of the many reflections I can make about aspects of my life.

Some of the reflections are clouded, some calm and some a little wavy like the ones in the photographs. When you reflect about your life how would you describe the reflections? Is morning the best time for you or are you a night owl liking the late night and dark to think?

STREET SCULPTURE-IS IT ART OR JUST A PILE OF METAL?

Wherever I go, I look for images and well- art. During a recent trip to Toronto, I photographed this street sculpture.

Was it pieces of metal left over from a construction job and cheaper than going to the dump for the contractor? Does it conjure up any thoughts or ideas about life, relationships or the environment?
How does it compare to other street sculpture you have seen?

Like the big spider in front of the National Gallery in Ottawa Ontario- our captial! I love the size. In other countries there are huge pieces of art displayed in public places. Sometimes a major theme like a statue of a famous person is the centre of an area!

Here's Sir John Alexander Macdonald- the first Prime Minister of Canada,1867- in a park in Kingston Ontario! He actually had a huge long cobweb hanging from his nose to his hand. Does it tell us something about how people are old history? Can not say ancient about Sir John! Or are there just a lot of spiders making webs? What art and images do you see and like in your community?

A POSTCARD FROM THE 1000 ISLANDS

A recent jaunt took us to Kingston, Ontario and the 1000 Island cruise. Three hours from home, we arrived mid-morning so Adolph and I could could take the cruise since we could not check into our hotel until 3 p.m.

Our boat was the Island Belle which had two decks. We sat on the top deck so there was a panoramic view and of course, better for taking pictures! There was an audio tour guide with an impersonation of Sir John A. Macdonald our very first Canadian Prime Minister narrating. Why? Kingston was his home! I listened to most of it but sometimes tuned out just to enjoy the view. There is something about being on the water in a boat of any kind. There was a point on the cruise where Lake Ontario ended and the St. Lawrence Seaway began. Some of the land- several islands are deemed protected by the Canadian Government! I wonder who counted the islands! Are there really a 1000? From the boat we saw Fort Henry, Royal Military College, the Kingston Pen and part of Queen's University. If you take the longer cruise, you can visit the Boldt Castle on Heart Island!
There are lunch and dinner cruises- maybe next time! We saw other sites in Kingston and I even wrote a postcard or two to family members!
If you want a postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard!

A POSTCARD FROM JAMAICA

Adolph and I had a cheap charter trip to Jamaica in 1975. We stayed at a resort in Oracabessa near Ocho Rios.It was about 3 hours from Montego Bay where our plane landed. We took several day trips to the Dunn's River Falls, Spanish Town and the capital -Kingston. Beautiful country!

A friend, Denise has taken it on as her favourite place. I have a number of postcards from her over the years.

2/19/77 "Dear Barb, Adolph and Natasha, Well, I'm back in paradise! It's raining today but there's always tomorrow-The fruit is delicious as you know and the people are great-Thinking of you! 1 more week here. Love Denise"
3/13/78 " Dear Barbara & Adolph- Being here again speaks for itself! Thinking of you. Denise"

3/12 "Dear Barbara and Adolph, Back to Paradise for the 4th time-it's lovely! Mainly relaxing and getting a tan. Hope to do some diving next week-Thinking of you and the children-Denise"
3/11 " Hi Barbara and Adolph! Well, trip #5 is lovely as #1.Here in Montego Bay for 2 weeks( with Mom). Climbed the falls in Octo Rios-fantastic! The weather has been consistantly sunny-85 degrees- this is the life! thinking of you-Denise"

No date but before 1987- " A warm hello from Jamaica! Denise"

Now Denise visits Jamaica with her son Cameron and many Christmas cards are from their time there.

The history is very rich with the mix of people, plantation and crafts. Sure is an interesting place to visit and tour or if you want stay in a resort on the beach!

If you want a postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.