Monday, October 31, 2016

Transition

Photo and haiku by Barry Wallace
fall is a hued time
skies may be sweet or selfish
each blown leaf unique
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Interesting booklet I never knew I had

Photo by Barry Wallace
 GIANT SWALLOWTAIL
Papilio cresphontes

Photo by Barry Wallace
MONARCH
Danaus plexippus

I recently came across a small booklet in my bookshelves that I never knew I had.   It is called ANIMAL ENERGIES and is written by Gary Buffalo Horn Man and Sherry Firedancer.   It was originally published in 1992, by Dancing Otter Publishing in Lexington, Kentucky.   Garry and Sherry have a holistic view of the world that regards all animals, fish and insects in this world as our brothers and sisters.   Below, (in part), is a passage that describes and reflects upon one of 58 creatures with which we share our world.

BUTTERFLY
"There are many species of Butterfly.   All begin as caterpillars which feed on plants...until they gain enough mass to form a cocoon and transform.   The emergent Butterfly feeds on flower nectar.   Some butterflies such as the Swallowtail, live for only one month, enough time to find a mate.   Others can live much longer.   Some, such as the Monarch, migrate up to 3,000 miles.   Butterfly represents balance.   These air-dancers are themselves beautifully coloured and patterned.   They feed on flowers, which they help pollinate, thereby further spreading their beauty.   They represent the element of Air, quickly changing and ever moving, so gracefully.   If Butterfly has come to you, it might be bringing a message that whatever you were thinking or doing when it appeared is balanced and harmonious for you. They are messengers of the moment.   Once when I was contemplating a decision, a Butterfly relative landed on my hand for a brief second.   The message came through clearly that the decision I was making was the right choice for me.   Whenever an ecosystem is damaged, Butterfly is usually the first to leave.   They are especially sensitive to the harmony of Earth Mother's ways.   If Butterfly has come to you in a hurt, trapped or ill way, you are being told to stop disturbing the natural design of life and to flow with events in a more gentle, natural way".

ANIMAL ENERGIES is an easy, inspired and meaningful read, and is still in print and available today.   Info can be sourced on-line.
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Signs at Hwy. 27 and Dr. Kay Dr. in Schomberg


 Photos by Barry Wallace

Presumptuous claim on roadside sign?
The two signs, pictured above, have recently appeared on the north-west corner of Hwy. 9 and Dr. Kay Drive.   The message on the sign in the lower photo suggests (make that declares) that the centre of Schomberg will occupy this retail development site.   Says who?   What about the even larger Brownsville Junction site on the south-west corner of the same intersection.   What about those who feel that the Trisan community recreation centre, with its hockey rink, curling club, and fitness centre, is the centre of the communitiy universe?   And, of course, what about Main Street, famous locally, plus far and wide.   In fact, this presumption, may be the wake-up call for a commercially declining Main Street Schomberg to restore itself once more before the chance disappears forever.   I'm not suggesting as ambitious an effort or imitation of the uber-chic or trendy main streets in Kleinburg or Unionville, but rather a tempered yet viable commercial and social marketplace with multi bonfide historic references and landmarks.   Is it still possible?   Maybe...here's hoping.
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace

Friday, October 28, 2016

The decline of a great barn






The east silo of the massive Marylake barn
has had its conical roof partially collapse in on itself.   The west silo is probably not far behind in this sad and unfortunate demise of a King Township landmark.   We all are left to wonder about its ultimate fate.

Meanwhile, Marylake is still blessed by its lush setting of forests and fields surrounding the lake itself.   

Pictured above (right) is a table full of glassware, left over after a garage sale two weeks ago at the barn.

At left, the unmistakable Marylake Shrine bell tower, steeple and cross.

Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace 






Thursday, October 27, 2016

Ed Millar side trail at Seneca College

                                                                                                Photos by Barry Wallace

The Ed Millar Side Trail (part of the Oak Ridges Trail at Seneca College) has switched from a green trail to an orange path as autumn commands the scene.

Above, the beaver marsh dam has been breached and water levels are down considerably.



A Garter Snake takes advantage of a warm and sunny mid-October afternoon before its hibernation begins.


A 10"-wide maple leaf grows from a 6' sapling (above, at left) which has a diameter of only 3/8", about half the width of my thumb.   Remarkable, yes?


Red oak leaves on the Oak Ridges Moraine


An old abandoned wash tub, in the woods near the trail, is a reminder of the farming origins of the Seneca College property.



Please comment if you wish. 
Barry Wallace

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Passage unto the season


                                                                                                            Photo and haiku by Barry Wallace

and once more autumn
slips from light into shadow
shortening the days

Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Dufferin St. & 19th Sideroad ~ southeast corner

                                                                                                                             Photos by Barry Wallace
Sunday afternoon at Dog Tales Sanctuary

Colourful tranquility

Free coffee and treats

"Mirror, mirror on the wall..."

A variety of seating
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace