Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Rediscovering my Neighbor

Toronto, Canada |

My wife and I became friends with Uton—our neighbor, ever since we moved into our house some thirteen years ago.

Uton is a serious and knowledgeable gardening enthusiast. He would spend hours working in his yard to make it perfect. So for first time homeowners and gardening novices like us, Uton’s expertise came in handy. Over time, he naturally became our private lawn care and landscaping consultant.

Over the years, we never thought of taking photographs of each other ... until recently. The result is this casual portrait of Uton. Yet for the few seconds when I was looking through my camera, it was as if I was meeting my neighbor of thirteen years for the first time.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Rediscovering a Crosswalk

Finch Ave/Warden Ave., Toronto, Canada |

Driving by this crosswalk often, as this is the route I normally take to get to my house. It is a typical/ordinary crosswalk near a busy intersection which can easily be found anywhere in Toronto. But when stopped to look closer through the camera viewfinder, this crosswalk at its location appeared more visually engaging and perhaps not so ordinary, as I have discovered.

This photo is part of a new photography project I am working on; it's a visual exploration as well as a rediscovering exercise for both the familiar and unfamiliar, common places of my city.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Unofficial

Markham, Ontario Canada |

I cannot help, but my eyes are easily being drawn to this building (under construction) every time when driving by this location. Though it is only a concrete structure, yet its size and somewhat traditional design are making it an unofficial landmark of this area … that is what I think anyway.

Today, no longer just driving by, I parked my car, walked over to the site and took a few photos as visual document of this work in progress.


Note: the site is the future home of St. Mark's Coptic Cathedral in the city of Markham.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

A Music Stand

Toronto, Canada |

This is Ethan’s first and only music stand — so far anyway. With this, it marked the beginning of our musical journey with a violin. Yes, "OURS"!

From the beginning of his first lesson where he only managed to hold the instrument, through the many weekly classes and practices, to finally being able to participate in a mini-concert…we’re all in this together!

From frustrated moments (both on his end and ours) during lessons/practices and enduring the not-so-melodic sounds in the house, we stuck with and started to see progress. We finally had music in our ears. We’re all in this together!

Like many parents, we have wishes and dreams for our children. With Ethan and his violin, our only wish is that the music he plays will bring him joy, and the process of learning to play it will help him to become a person of good character.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

November 2

The Beaches, Toronto |

Getting the rippling effects of Hurricane Sandy, we had this windy, cold November Friday. Though it’s not a perfect day for a walk in the park, but to see everything around us remained intact was truly a thankful moment.

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed". — Psalm 107:29, NIV

Scoreboard

Scarborough, Ontario |  Scoreboard waiting for the new season to be opened again.