Here is the owner's solution to extending the life of a substandard concrete installation at Bullfrog Mall. Yes, that's driveway sealer. It's just ugly and it get's damned hot on a sunny summery day. Apparently the sealer also covers up the old black gum stains left by congregating teenagers from J.F. Ross.

I meant to post this one last week with the quotation as it surely must pertain to Guelph this summer.

The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
Dr. Noelie Altito

And a Quiet Prayer for Our Brothers and Sisters
Who May Be Alone on the Streets Tonight (any night)

Self-Portrait in Triptych
The Artist as An Old Fool

iknewhersome
iwasalldonealldone&broken
butilovedherstillwhocouldnot?

she sing like the angel she may be . . .
"I can feel it in my bones
schizophrenia is taking me home"






http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGia0U_XIr8

People's lives, deep caves paved with linoleum. Alice Munro

The Auctioneer
Something melancholy about seeing the contents of
a house going under the gavel. People's lives all boxed up
and put out to the highest bidder at dirt cheap prices.

So it begins . . .
Surveyors at work yesterday afternoon around the block
scheduled for demolition at Wyndham and Eramosa.

1967 Buick Skylark Restoration

He had a thumper under the hood but we never got
that far discussing features before the owner was on his way.
Mikey probably knows what it is anyhow.

Factory option Rally wheels
& air-conditioning
Custom paint (Volvo based with flake)
Replacement roof
Everything else is original

Just a beauty. I love it when the
owners and/or restorers have taste.

Dessert - Seasonal fruit flan with Devonshire Cream

Faded sixties slide look

After the Rain

There is nothing like the light right after a summer storm. When that light is combined with the shining water on everything, and the diamond drips that hang from leaves and branches, it really is a magic time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmolsKdG2dk

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder in which the affected person is excessively concerned about and preoccupied by an imagined or minor defect in his or her physical features. The sufferer may complain of several specific features or a single feature, or a vague feature or general appearance, causing psychological distress that impairs important functioning (e.g. occupational or self-care) or social aspects of life.^[1]

Individuals with very obvious and immediately-noticable defects should not be diagnosed with BDD, however culture and clinician bias may play a significant part in the subjectivity behind determining what physical appearance is considered 'normal' and in whom the disorder is diagnosed.^[2] Onset of symptoms generally occurs in adolescence. The disorder is thought to affect both men and women equally and is linked to an unusually high suicide rate among all mental disorders.

Full credit to M.A.M08 for the spark.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33488374@N03/4792783460/

Ken Hood

A very special man with whom I share a little time and a few words when we see each other downtown. I came to know Ken years ago when I sat meditation. Ken works at the Bookshelf--has done for a long time. It is not, however, 'work' Ken, or 'book' Ken to whom I am attracted. It is Ken's energy and personal grace of spirit which draw me to him. We talk in the street for only a few minutes now and then but I rarely come away from our conversation without feeling that calm, quiet place inside for just a moment or two. I consider myself fortunate to know him.

Redux

As many of you know. I humourously refer to the Tim Horton's in Bullfrog Mall as my office. I try to make it up there to sit and have a coffee as often as I can. This is most especially true on days when I would rather not move, just stay under the covers doing William S. Burroughs (sans addiction of course) and zone out in front of the tv.
I meet some remarkable people in my office, none more memorable than Big Bob and his wife Rene. Bob is a millwright by trade though he's retired now. Rene worked on the line at the same local factory for 31 tears.


Bob is dying of cancer; it's terminal so there is nothing to be done for it. Bob was released from St. Jo's a couple of months back. He stays as comfortable as he can. Bob looks good; he has lost a great deal of weight and he has a little trouble getting around but it does not stop him from getting out. Bob and Rene are in for a cup of tea almosty everyday. They drink their tea and bullshit just like the rest of the hardcore regulars including me. Rene plays those damned scratch away crossword puzzle games. Still waiting to break the big one like anyone else.

I am glad everytime I meet Bob and Rene. When I was younger I wondered how and why strangers like these were put in my life. Now I understand, I think. I look forward to chance encounters when they are accorded me and I am truly grateful for them every time. Life is short, death is long, whether death is an end or not.

So to the tune of 'Salt of the Earth' by the Stones, "lets' drink to the hard working people" who make the world turn; they always have and they always will.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLsQ2CJQU8U&feature=related

Secret Life - Part II

Sofa No.2