unRest and a Latte

A crisp, sunny Saturday morning in Montreal.  Window shopping and people watching on St.Laurent, we jump into one of our favorite cafes to grab a hot drink and a warm seat.  Enjoying a care free day, sitting back as my best friend grabs our drinks, I notice the gent in front of me flipping through the morning paper.  The cover page was the level set - a cold reminder of our freedoms and blessings.

Montreal, Canada 02.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 24mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/30 | f 2.8

Le Parlement du Québec

As we settled in for the night, the crisp evening gave us a wonderful view of the Quebec City Parliament Hill.  It overlooks the Old City, with lights gently reflecting off it's stone face.  The calmness and contrast of the evening provide for a memorable site, and a moment of reflection that we are a better Nation together than apart.

Quebec City, Canada 03.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 13mm | ISO 160 | shutter 2.0 | f 4.0

Rabbit Hop

This gorgeous storefront caught our eye.  Great color and textures, Le Lapin Saute was a classic Old Quebec stop.  Our only regret was not having the opportunity to try their wonderful menu.  On the list next time we are in town.

http://www.lapinsaute.com/

Quebec City, Canada 03.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 11mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/40 | f 3.5

Day at the Track

As we walked the Old City, we happened upon a crowd, watching these young x-treme athletes bombing down the Red Bull sponsored track that ran miles around the city.  Speed, jumps, turns, and focus, all translated into great afternoon sport.  Go Canada!

http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Red-Bull-Crashed-Ice-2011/001242785030624

Quebec City, Canada 03.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 22mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/2500 | f 4.5

Cafe St. Jean

Looking to take a short repose, we stepped into Cafe St. Jean for a perfect Cafe au Lait.  A relaxed atmosphere, with a collection of a nouveau-retro blend of photo art on its walls, this cafe served as a nice break on the weekend adventure of the Old City.

Quebec City, Canada 03.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 1600 | shutter 1/15 | f 4.5

St.Patty's

A beautiful evening in the Quebec City, as St.Patrick's Day celebrations continue to ramp up.  The crowds outside this landmark pub continue to flow. and there was enough Luck of the Irish to go around. 

Quebec City, Canada 03.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 1250 | shutter 1/20 | f 3.5

Wonderland

On this beautiful Winter's day,  tree branches covered with snow and icicles, beautifully reflect the sunlight creating a wonderful feast for the eyes.  A breathtaking scene in the heart of the city.

Ottawa, Canada 12.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 47mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/100 | f 7.1

Bonne Nuit Montreal

After another beautiful evening in Montreal, we settled in for the night.  The view from the 31st was beautiful - city lights glimmering, the moon shining down, and line of sight to some of the places where we shared the fondest of memories.  Love this town.

Montreal, Canada 02.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 18mm | ISO 2500 | shutter 1/4 | f 4.5

Luis de Metro

On a cold Montreal winter evening we happened upon this performer in the Berri Metro underground.  Amongst the rush of commuters, Luis de Godoy passionately strums his Spanish guitar, lost in his music.  He explained how he was an artist, and visits the Berri station to practice.  He pointed us to his presence on the web - noticeably uncertain as to what was actually there.  Luis did not miss the opportunity to let us know how happy he would be to perform his music for functions of any kind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXu-lZiw5ZU


Montreal, Canada 02.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 30mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/40 | f 2.8

Schwartz's Deli

Schwartz's Hebrew Deli on St. Laurent Street in Montreal, has been a staple of ours for over 25 years.  It's the Ivy League of "old school" -  crowded, line ups, shared tables with unknown "friends" and colourful staff from years gone by serving the best smoked meat you will find.  There is something about this place that feels like coming home, no matter what city you are from.

Montreal, Canada 02.2011

ShotSpecs:  Blackberry 9800  

http://www.schwartzsdeli.com/index2.html

Young Beauty

Working with light on this day, my niece was a willing subject for the exercise.  She suggested the wrap, which once on, struck me as an image from the Italian Renaissance.  Her natural beauty and wonderful eyes made the task at hand as easy as can be.  Boy - time flies.

Ottawa, Canada 01.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 51mm | ISO 800 | shutter 1/100 | f 2.8

New Year's Morning

Early New Year's morning, by the docks, with fog covering the lake.  Recalling the year that has passed and great expectations for the one ahead.  A good time for reflection.  Thoughts of new opportunities and the pursuit for positive impact on those around us.  The desire not to fall into the trap of routine and the squandering of the promise each day offers.  Our best efforts for 2011.

Ottawa, Canada 01.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 12mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/80 | f 5.6

Evening on Beaver Lake

A crisp winter night, the cutting sounds of skate blades, long shadows on the ice, and the hum of the evening crowd.  On this night, it occurred to me how I had forgotten the pleasure in this experience shared by so many of us, and so deeply ingrained in our culture.  It reminded me of evening skates with friends, capped with hot chocolate and conversation of the future.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 15mm | ISO 2500 | shutter 1/15 | f 4.5

Before the Skate

Visiting Beaver Lake atop Mount Royal, brought back memories from years back.  Visitors of all ages from all walks - skating, skiing, sliding.  The trek up the mountain to the evening skate, in the crisp Montreal winter air, was an escape from studies in simpler times.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 2500 | shutter 1/15 | f 4.5

Almost There

As many of you know, our Nemo is a rescue pup.  Like a Russian doll, every week of every month over the past year has opened more of Nemo to the world around him.  The Holidays have been a tough time for him - the tree, the activity, the change in routine.  But when outdoors, we see how far he has come, almost there, and you would struggle to find a happier dog.  All are his friend, and his running free through the woods is a joy to see.  So glad to have him with us.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 73mm | ISO 500 | shutter 1/800 | f 4.5

The Pianist

With the hum of the guests in the background, he sneaks away for a few moments on the piano.  A little Jazz sprinkled with the Blues.  Slowing drawing an audience, they silently take in the moment and admiring the talent and skill developed over the many years.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 60mm | ISO 3200 | shutter 1/125 | f 2.8

Sweets

Traditional family Christmas Eve dinner topped off with homemade desserts - bringing together the standards and some new touches from C's masterful hands.  Young and old sharing conversation and special time.  A favorite time of year.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 24mm | ISO 3200 | shutter 1/125 | f 2.8

Missing Roma

Going back to the archives - This image captures one of my favorite moments in time.  As we walked the alleyways on a warm Roman August night, we came across this courtyard in front of the Pantheon.  I remember the pleasure of hearing the low hum of diners enjoying great food and wine, and doing what people do best in Rome - loving life.  How to get this feeling everyday?
 
Rome, Italy 08.2008

ShotSpecs: Nikon Coolpix S10 | focal 8mm | ISO 800 | shutter 1/5 | f 3.1

Morning Glitter

One of the best things about freezing rain storms, are the days following.  Tree branches converted to hanging crystals, glittering in a morning sunshine.  This scene made the morning windshield scraping almost worthwhile.
 
Ottawa, Canada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 17mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/100 | f 7.1

P2

A common site at the end of a long day - the trek to my chariot's stable on the second level.  The sun low in the sky, casting strong shadows and warming the stairway, a quiet walk, collecting thoughts after what felt like an endless series of back to back meetings.  In an attempt to stay true to a personal goal to shoot images everyday, this sight stopped me long enough to reach for my camera and capture the moment. 
 
Ottawa, Canada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 17mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/100 | f 7.1