Mr. Pawnbroker

Mr. Pawnbroker, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

There are many pawnbrokers near the intersection of Church and Queen Streets. When I lived nearby, and walked to work, I would always glance in the windows of these stores to see the latest treasures and wonder about the history of the items.

It's been a few years since I lived in this neighbourhood but somethings never change and there are just as many pawnbrokers and just as much stuff.

Patience is a Flower

Patience is a Flower, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

This iconic building has been under construction for several months now. The City is in the process of adding another "floor" to the roof but all work now seems to be at a stand-still. While I was initially concerned that the addition may harm the aesthetics of the structure, now I'm just "hurry up and finish". I guess patience is a flower.

In My Solitude

In My Solitude, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

In my solitude
I have seen things very clearly
that were not true.

Antonio Machado (Proverbs and Songs)

Spotted in Woodbine Park near Coxwell and Lakeshore. The fact that this bench is wedged into a garden of ornamental grass has always caught my eye. Possibly it's a mistake and somebody put the bench too close to the garden or maybe it was done on purpose so you can sit on the bench surrounded by tall grass and ponder the meaning of life. I like to think it's the latter.

Time-out

Time-out, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

A sign of winter in the midst of our recent heatwave. This was taken at the rink at Jimmie Simpson park. In the winter, this rink is constantly in use. In the summer, not so much but it lends itself to the odd picture or two.

David

David, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

My neighbour asked me to take a few pictures of him for his work so we headed down to the park at the end of the street this afternoon. We took a number of shots, had some laughs and hopefully caught a shot or two he can use.

David 2, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

David Outtakes, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Cat Street

Cat Street, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

There's a funny little street in the east end of Toronto called Craven Road that only has houses on one side. I believe at one point many years ago, this was originally a driveway into the Monarch Park Estate (although I may be wrong) and the city grew up around it. Regardless, for whatever historical quirk, there is now a big long, city maintained fence up one side of this road that is fairly undistinguished other than a collection of art work by Christine Kowal. This is one example of her work which is mostly done on canvas and stapled to the fence. It's a fascinating collection that enhances the street and gives it some additional character. Keep up the great work Christine.

Fly Me to the Moon

Fly Me to the Moon, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Did I mention that I like the Waterworks? With the recent Jazz Festival it was tough getting down there for a visit so we took full advantage of the first Jazz-free evening (which happened to be a full moon). I saw this motorcyclist pausing on the roadway into the Waterworks admiring the calm lake and view. I was trying to get up behind up and was prepared to ask him if I could take of picture of him and his bike against the backdrop of the lake when he took off. Knowing he'd probably circle back to exit, I positioned myself along the driveway and waited for him to drive into view. He did, I hit the shutter and caught him as he zoomed by.