Monday 10 June 2013

Famous Leaf Unfurls In Canadian Skies

NOW YOU SEE IT ... now you don't. The buoyant Canadian flag frequently flies in Canadian skies. Its red maple leaf pops in and out of view when breezes blow.

Adopted in 1965 to replace the Union Jack, the new flag signaled further independence from the Commonwealth territories of the United Kingdom. There was serious debate about the non-traditional leaf design opposed by many Canadians at the time.

Since then the bold leaf became a much-loved symbol showing up everywhere. In 2010 I spotted it on the head of a visitor to the Winter Olympic games in BC that I wrote about HERE.


The maple leaf on the flag is an ode to the natural world. It also has unifying aspects because the tree from which it sprouts is rooted in provinces throughout the country.


When I walk around my neighborhood I see its burst of color unfurl often. So naturally when I went to Surrey's 10th Annual World Ocean Day Celebration in Blackie Spit Park this Sunday I expected the flag to make an appearance.


There was no sign of a flag on this celebratory cake. But there was one sewn into a decal on the clothing draped over a cardboard cutout of Canadian pop star Justin Bieber. (You need a very big enlargement of the photo to see it on the left shoulder.)


There were flowery patterns but no leaves on the shirts worn by these musicians at the event.


The leaf did show up on a teepee set up on the park grounds to remind us of the pre-flag days. It would take an eagle's eye to spot it though.


It was much easier to discover the leaf on a beach chair that day.


The more I searched the more I saw of the famous leaf.


To explore sights from around the globe, link to Our World at the sidebar.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

Thursday 6 June 2013

No Strings Attached Where My Mind Wanders

THE BUSY CRESCENT BEACH skies reminded me recently that despite my lack of wings I can soar into the blue with my mind and go farther than the birds, planes, whales and kites do.

Unfettered by poles, strings, wings or gravity, it seems I can touch the stars sometimes when I watch clouds brush past unending horizons and hear the wind whistling past roofs.

When inspired by local sights and sounds my imagination takes me anywhere I care to wander. In my mind, I can travel beyond the whale spinning to escape its captor ...


the geese flapping frantically to get into formation ...


and the planes roaring over the street where my feet are fastened.


To view skies from around the world visit Skywatch Friday.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

Beautifying New Seaside Water Pump


See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

Beyond The Bench At Crescent Beach


See more BC scenes at Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride.

Monday 3 June 2013