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17th Ave SW, 4th Street SW, Alberta, Calgary, Canada, Diana Schwenk, Elbow River, happy, Hump Day Chronicles, joy, living in the moment, moody, photos, Spring, walk
“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.”
― Pablo Neruda
I had so much fun sharing A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words with you that I would like to invite you along on another walk, so to speak.
Forecasters had called for a sunny day on Friday, with temperatures possibly rising to 20c/68f. Although it was warm enough for me to go out wearing only a jean jacket over my jeans and t-shirt, the sun was losing its battle with the clouds.
I don’t remember why, but my mood was dark. It seemed to be reflected in the sky as I headed out. Walking usually lifts my spirits, so with my BlackBerry in hand, I set out to capture photos of places I hadn’t shared here yet.
If I had a nickel for every time I saw a tourist pose with, and in the same stance as, this piece of art – well, I’d have a lot of nickels!
I crossed over 4th Street and turned south toward St. Mary’s Cathedral. Up the road, just a little past the FCJ Centre is a bridge that crosses the Elbow River and leads to pathways that follow the river. Back before Michaela was born, I used to ride my bike all through there. Calgary has an amazing pathway system, you can get most anywhere by bike.
I love the reflection of the house and trees in the water. If you click on the image, you can see that damage from the 2013 flood still remains along the riverbank.
Last week I showed you my thinking spot. That photo prompted Don over at Candid Impressions to write Thinking Spots.
Don I thought of you when I shot this bench – I wouldn’t recommend sitting on it though – see how the bank is completely eroded under it?
It’s like they don’t even notice people. These geese didn’t even flinch or glance at me when I passed. I continued on toward the bridge (top right)
This was my view from the bridge. When I stopped to shoot this picture, a woman walked past me. I soon caught up to her (I’m a fast walker) and said a cheerful ‘hello’ as I passed her.
I’ve lived in this city 25 years and have never noticed this Bed and Breakfast before. I took a few shots and settled on this one to share with you. My Smartphone doesn’t do it justice, the B&B and its property are so pretty. While I stood there, the woman I’d passed earlier walked by and said, “See you in a bit!” We both laughed.
On my way back home, I saw these bins and immediately thought of Mark’s post, Binished Fusiness. Mark, this is what our bins look like. Blue for recyclables, green for compost and black for trash.
On Sunday, notebook and pen in tow, I headed to my outdoor office (above) to write my Tuesday post for my other blog. Often, writing in long hand helps the words flow better or maybe it’s just my age and it’s somehow more familiar to me, comforting, reminding me of an earlier time.
I also saw my first rickshaw of the year that day – like budding trees, rickshaws are evidence that spring is here!
Well I hope you’ve enjoyed your second tour of my city. It’s been fun having you along!
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
Walking does me a heap of good. How do you snap yourself out of a dark mood? Which of the above pictures do you like best?
Thank you for this uplifting, delightful post. You and Don are funny with your ‘thinking/sinking spot’! I also enjoy your example of how kind-hearted humour returns to us tenfold (loved her comment of ‘See you in a bit’ to you, Miss fast walker!) Big Happy Hugs, Gina
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Thanks Gina and Big Happy Hugs back at ya. ❤
Diana xo
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love the walk …wish i could do it in real
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Thanks Jensine! Would be happy to be your tour guide should you ever visit my city. ❤
Diana xo
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maybe one day …
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Diana … I love “St. Mary’s Cathedral” and “View from the Bridge.” Thank you for such a lovely, energizing walk.
How do I lift myself out of a dark mood? Music, a walk thru a wooded area with a view of the water, reading and/or viewing positive stories. 😉
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Great strategies Judy and thank you for your lovely comment! ❤
Diana xo
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Oh what a great walk! So interesting. Rickshaws!!! I’ve never seen one “in real life “. A walk is good for the soul. Even a virtual walk. ♡
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Really? I think we had them in Montreal too… Glad you enjoyed the walk my dear. ❤
Diana xo
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I like the Roots photo. Thanks for taking us on your walk.
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Thanks April – my pleasure! ❤
Diana xo
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Well, every bit of this post is cool, Diana! I love the shot of Roots! (I also love their maple ice mints!) And the scary bench is awesome! And the rickshaw! And I love the B&B! ❤
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Aww, thank you so much Rachel. ❤
Diana xo
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Diana, thank you for taking us on the walk with you. I always enjoy your wonderful sense of humor too. My favorite picture was the B&B–so lovely. The dangerous bench was my second favorite.
Easter Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
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Thank you Wendy and Happy Easter to you too. ❤
Diana xo
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I enjoyed the walk, there was no smell from anything, and I didn’t get out of breath so just the kind of walk I like…….great photos
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haha thanks Jo-Anne. ❤
Diana xo
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Green for compost? Never heard of such a thing. That would probably reek and make those trashmen deserve a raise.
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Great point Kerby. I don’t have any of these bins because I live in an apartment but all these bins are collected weekly so I’m not sure there is time for them to stink, maybe? I don’t know. ❤
Diana xo
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Where do your put your stuff from the apt? In the big dumpster?
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at the moment yes, but there are plans to make the landlords responsible for recycling, etc., through contracts with private companies. (this will of course be reflected in our rents). I do separate beverage containers and put them in a bag beside the dumpster where they are picked up by mostly homeless people who take them to the recycling plant.
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Well, that’s thoughtful of you.
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A lot of people do it. 😀
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Walking or just getting out, does the job for me too.
All the more with some headphones and favourite music. The music affects perception of the view and the view affects perception of the music.
All the more with camera that persuades us to look outside of ourselves.
Post like this are a portal into other worlds which expand our own horizons. Good job. Enjoy your walks. 🙂
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Thanks Graham! ❤
Diana xo
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Love your walk and glad that it helped you pick up from a dark mood.
Are you OK?
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Yes I’m ok. I don’t even remember what was irritating me that day. Walking always helps though. Thanks Elizabeth. ❤
Diana xo
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Glad to hear that 🙂
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Great views of Canada. I like the one of the Backyards. Is this the eastern or western part?
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Thanks Maria, I’m in western Canada in the foothills of the rocky mountains about an 1 1/2 hour drive from Banff National Park. Calgary is about 3 hours north of the Glacier National Park in Montana. Thanks for checking in! ❤
Diana xo
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What a nice way to connect to other bloggers via your world Diana 🙂 And you have some lovely spots along your walk. I am picturing in my head a very lovely village to live in…..I often picture things like that instead of the town I do live in. Though when I am out and about I do manage to find little loveliness in just about every place I go.
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I know what you’re saying Colleen. Often we can’t see the beauty right in front of us, unless we take time to actually see. ❤
Diana xo
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Well, there you went and done it. Mentioned my name. Seems I am becoming famouser and famouser. Gee, should I take a bow or something. I just want to say, “My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you, and I, of course, thank you.”
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LOL! So many Dons and so little time. 😉
Diana xo
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I do agree. I do agree.
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It got cold and snowy right after the “first day of Spring” but now that April is here, the temp shot up to 83 (F)! And that’s no foolin’!
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83 is nice Smitty! Getting cold here all of the sudden and snowing woo hoo! ❤
Diana xo
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After 8 o-clock and still 72 (F), so… fingers crossed!
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I’m happy for you. 🙂
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A sinking spot indeed! … LOL
Thank you for inviting me along to see aspects of Calgary. I love the combination of modern and old with lots of green space 🙂
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I like the green space too Val. If you’re ever out this way and you need a tour guide, I’m your gal! ❤
Diana xo
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I’ll take you up on it Diana!!
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OK! We’ll bring Louise with us!
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Absolutely 😃
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Your city is brilliant with bright spots, Diana. I hope we get see parts III through XX this summer! And, I must say, the reflecting shot by the eroded bench is quite lovely, as is the bridge with the towers looming behind. It seems as if somebody in Alberta learned from a Photo 101 class as much as those who received the lessons emailed direct! ❤ My vote for favorite shot, though, of course goes to the recyle bins, blue, green and black lined up in such perfect order. Thank you for the link and shout out, my dear friend. I hope your mood is better, because mine is now. 😉
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haha glad you like our neat little bins Mark. I immediately thought of you when I saw them. I think the eroded bench is my favourite even though it’s a bit pixelly from zooming in on it and the lighting was poor. ❤
Diana xo
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Enjoyed the walk, please go back and do the same walk when the flowers spring to life. I think that would be cool Diana.
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Ahh yes…the flowers! I will try to remember to do so Kath. I bet that B&B, in particular, will look amazing! ❤
Diana xo
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Yes, I agree with Kath. So looking forward to spring flowers!
I love the Roots pic, and the last pic because the sun is visible. Happy your dark mood didn’t last long, Diana. ❤
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Thanks Jennifer, I really don’t even remember what was bugging me that day. Bring on the flowers! ❤
Diana xo
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I bet too!
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Love the outdoor writing spot…and I take to pen and paper often for a different kind of inspiration. I am hooked on David’s Teas…for about a year now ! My daughter brings them from NYC..no local outlet. Van
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I’m more of a coffee drinker myself, Van, but David’s Tea doesn’t have a shortage of customers, I can tell you that! ❤
Diana xo
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What a lovely walk, Diana! And I couldn’t help but notice how the sky, and your mood, seemed to brighten as you went along … coincidence? 🙂
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I know Jim – I was thinking the same thing! (insert music from the Twilight Zone) ❤
Diana xo
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Once again Diana, thanks for the ramble and the images. Pleasure to walk with you. So many little interesting things. You’re right, I wouldn’t sit on that bench. Could easily become a thinking spot all gone wrong. 🙂
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A sinking spot haha! Thanks for coming with me Don. ❤
Diana xo
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