City Hall

It is hard to get a good photo of Toronto's City Hall. This is actually a small portion of the old City Hall building, and doesn't really do it justice. You may be more familiar with our new city hall, which has a very modern look. In fact it has been featured in some sci-fi films and even some Star Trek episodes.

Here is a view of Toronto's new city hall as seen through a portal to a new and futuristic world in an episode of the classic Star Trek series

A panel from Gold Key's issue #5 (and #37) "The Ghost Planet", drawn by Alberto Giolitti. The building pictured is Toronto City Hall. Source: Wiki

Magical

Not far away from Toronto's city hall is the historic Elgin and Winter Garden theatres. And what can be more magical than the magic of the theatre! My photos again do not do these justice.

Another view of the magical Winter Garden theatre, which was sealed away for 60 years, until it was opened in the 1980's and lovingly restored! Can you imagine. It would be like unsealing a long lost tomb!

These seats you see above once belonged to the famed Biograph Theater, and yes one of them (no one knows exactly which) was the last seat the American gangster John Dillinger sat in just before being gunned downed by the FBI.

A view of the stage

Of course a big part of the magic of the theatre is because of what goes on behind the scenes or backstage.

Here is a view of the Elgin Theatre from the projection booth

This projector that once played silent films was found in the Winter Garden, which had been sealed up for 60 years until the 1980s when it was opened a fully restored to its former glory. It still had film inside!

Here is a display of a 1920s make-up table, backstage at the Winter Garden.

A quick word of thanks to our dear friend Richard Fiennes Clinton who recently took us on a private tour of the theatres! If you are visiting Toronto, and interested in history, and like walking tours check out Richard's Muddy York Tours they are a lot of fun and educational too.

Happy Photo Hunting! Thank you for stopping by!

Upcoming Themes For Gattina's Saturday Photo Hunting

May

26 * famous places

June

2 ~ bridges
9 ~ graveyards
16 ~ cooking
23 ~ fashion
30 ~ graffiti, street art

Upcoming Themes For Saturday Photo Hunting

May

26th * Creative

June

2nd ~ Taste
9th ~ Clean
16th ~ Ripple
23rd ~ Hot
30th ~ Flash

Wordless Wednesday

It has been 37 days since I started using the Wii Fit and I thought I'd post an update for those thinking of trying it out.

So far I have lost 15lbs in 37 days using Wii Fit for a minimum 1/2 hour each day and modifying my diet by giving up white sugar completely, and ramping up my fruit and veg intake. I have also cut out a lot of meat in favour of beans, and other protein sources.

I really thought I'd enjoy the Dance Dance Revolution that we purchased at the same time, but to be honest I've only used it twice. It's more of a fun party thing than an exercise tool.

The Wii Fit has been great though, and I hope to stick with it. My goal is to shed another 15lbs, build some more muscle, and then maintain a healthy weight for my 5'7 height.

This is the 3rd Mother's Day without you, and I miss you. I will always miss you. It is true what they say that the pain of our loss eases over time, but the missing never goes away. And forever there will be a piece of my heart that is broken since you passed away. I think of you today as I do every day, and wish that you could still be here....

Love,
Susan
XOXOXO

Children

It is a good thing that on a beach that is enjoyed by children....

.....of all ages..........

Scoop

....that stoop and scoop is part of the many rules that govern the area ....

Happy Photo Hunting! Thank you for stopping by!

Upcoming Themes For Gattina's Saturday Photo Hunting

May

19 * city hall
26 * famous places

June

2 ~ bridges
9 ~ graveyards
16 ~ cooking
23 ~ fashion
30 ~ graffiti, street art

Upcoming Themes For Saturday Photo Hunting

May

19th * Magical
26th * Creative

June

2nd ~ Taste
9th ~ Clean
16th ~ Ripple
23rd ~ Hot
30th ~ Flash

This past week I had a sad reminder that it is not how you look, or what you have, or even what you have accomplished in life that people will remember about you. Those things are mutable, and can be regarded in many ways by different people depending on their own personal values. What people will always recall is how you made them feel when they were with you. This is true of all types of relationships whether it is between family, friends, co-workers or acquaintances.

Although I was not directly involved in the events that transpired in this reminder, and now blog post, I do know someone who I care about that was hurt, most likely unintentionally by a person they had been looking forward to spending time with. The hurt resulted from a thoughtless remark, and clouded (at least for the injured party) what should have been a happy if not bittersweet time. The person who made the remark is not known for their diplomacy or tact, and unfortunately that is how they are universally regarded including by those they profess to love. And whether they had meant to be mean or not, their hurtful statement was a direct reflection upon their own character, at least that is how they will remembered......thoughtless.

We all do and say things that are thoughtless me included, but this particular incident made me think about perceptions, and how I want to be remembered, and regarded by all of those who know me, and how a single careless remark can hurt.

Wordless Wednesday