I was going to go looking for autumn but, silly me, I soon realized that I didn’t need to look for it. It’s all around us. All you have to do is look out the window, or better yet, step out the door and you’re in the middle of it. It’s falling in front of you, swirling in the breezes and crunching under your feet.
It’s been a beautiful October to be walking around the city! With lots of sunny days and above normal temperatures, it’s been a great autumn to be outside…. outside exploring or just sitting contentedly enjoying the sunshine.
below: Life size statue of Dr. Norman Bethune sitting outside the Medical Sciences Building at the University of Toronto (close to Queens Park Circle). It is the work of Canadian artist David Pelletier. Bethune is depicted writing in his journal. Across the bottom of his apron these words are written:
I am content
I am doing what I want to do
Why shouldn’t I be happy – see what my riches
consist of. First, I have important work that fully
occupies every minute of my time. I am needed.
Norman Bethune was born in Gravenhurst in 1890. He graduated from medical school at U of T in 1919, after taking some time off to serve in WW1. He also served as a doctor during the Spanish Civil War in 1936 and 1937. The following year, 1938, he went to China help the Communist Eighth Route Army during the Second Sino-Japanese war. It was here that he died of septicemia in November of 1939. He is credited with helping to bring modern medicine to rural China during his brief stay in that country.
The first three days of November have been wonderful – three beautiful warm sunny days, perfect fall weather.
below: Taking advantage of the warm afternoon in front of Osgoode Hall.
below: On St. George Street in front of Sir Daniel Wilson residence, University College
below: Looking across Kings College Circle towards University College
below: Maple leaves still on the tree.
below: Mary Pickford looks over University Avenue.
There is an historical plaque beside this statue and it reads: “Born in 1893 in a house which stood near this site, Gladys Marie Smith appeared on stage in Toronto at the age of five. Her theatrical career took her to Broadway in 1907 where she adopted the name Mary Pickford. The actress’s earliest film, “Her First Biscuits”, was released by the Biograph Company in 1909 and she soon established herself as the international cinema’s first great star. Her golden curls and children’s roles endeared her to millions as “America’s Sweetheart”. She was instrumental in founding and directing a major film production company and starred in over fifty feature length films including “Hearts Adrift”, “Pollyanna” and “Coquette”. For the last named film, she received the 1929 Academy Award as the year’s best actress. “
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below: Two women outside Emmanuel College, Queens Park Circle
below: Northrop Frye sits on a bench on the campus of Victoria College (U of T).
This life sized statue was created by Darren Byers and Fred Harrison and was unveiled in October 2012.
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On the southwest corner of Danforth and Greenwood is a mural that extends over the lower storey of a number of brick buildings. Back in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s Greenwood Ave. was home to quite a few brick works such as the John Price Brickyard, the Taylor Brickyard, and the Joseph Russell Brickyard. You’ll notice that these are the same as the names on the signs above the mural. Just south of this building is Greenwood Park, also once a brickyard.
Close up pictures of some of the details in the mural:
Fall colours in a lane near Queen West and Bathurst.
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sunny sunflowers
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autumn vine in front of a garage door
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A quiet corner of Mount Hope Cemetery in the late afternoon.
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parked in the alley
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shadows and grain
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straw men in the garden
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Bobs Garden Centre with pots of colourful autumn mums for sale
Their blog.
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Raining little yellow leaves in Scarborough
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leaves under the streetlights
umbrella, parapluie, paraguas
red, rouge, rojo,
Grey, damp days always need a touch of colour.
Yesterday, as I walked from Dupont subway station to Kensington I made use of my red umbrella. It kept me dry. It brightened up a few photos!
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Every rainy day needs a splash of colour.
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caught in the alley
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When this mural was first painted, there was a downspout for the eavestrough running down the side of the wall. Her hand was painted to look like it was reaching for, or holding onto, the downspout. Because that downspout is no longer there, I decided that she needed something else to hold on to.
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left in a puddle
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‘Whatsoever you do’, a sculpture by Timothy Schmalz. It is also referred to as ‘Homeless Jesus’. This installation is outside of St. Stephen-in-the Fields church on College Street. It was installed on 14 September and was originally scheduled to remain there until 6 October. According to the description of the sculpture, it is a fiberglass cast of a silent, huddled panhandler. A person that people walk by and ignore. But if you look at the outstretched hand, you will see the stigmata (the wounds of Christ).
When we first placed the umbrella over her, we worried about the appropriateness of such an action but as I took the photo, a passerby commented on how people have been known to place cheeseburgers and other food in her hand.
The statue was stolen at the end of November. More information
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car roof reflections
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red and yellow
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top hat, umbrella…. where are my dancing shoes?
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Toronto siesta
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something old, something new
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The End
Special thanks to Sasha and David who played along and made the day even better!
Also to Michael for crouching against a purple wall!
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as I walk Toronto 