Fleming Beach/Macaulay Point are ocean-front, dog friendly spots not far from my home. What started as a regular walk on Fridays with a friend and her dog became a weekly ritual. I didn't bring my camera at first, but late in 2022 I started to document what I saw. I questioned whether it was getting 'samey', but I felt compelled to keep looking, seeing, doing.
fridays at fleming is a series exploring the finding of new things at a place that one visits regularly.
what stories can be found, what's new to be seen, does the sameness get boring or is there comfort found in it?
and does it really stay the same if it's affected by the weather, change of season, high or low tide?
using a variety of cameras and lenses, here's what I saw...
Prints are available.
fridays at fleming is a series exploring the finding of new things at a place that one visits regularly.
what stories can be found, what's new to be seen, does the sameness get boring or is there comfort found in it?
and does it really stay the same if it's affected by the weather, change of season, high or low tide?
using a variety of cameras and lenses, here's what I saw...
Prints are available.
november 11, 2022
literal breath of fresh air
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I was feeling a bit antsy today. Also down and tired. But I also felt like I needed a breath of fresh air. So I decided to go literal by braving the cold and gray, bundling up and heading to a favourite beach.
Besides I was in need of some rocks for a new project. 
When I'm in working mode, there's an agenda, so going out without one is like staring at one of those paintings where once you rest your gaze, you see what's hidden, and maybe obvious to others.
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At the last minute, I decided to bring my camera.
Paired with an old zoom lens I never use because it's not very sharp, although I appreciate the feel of the images it helps to create, I knew it may or may not make it out of my bag. But I brought it. 
|
The wasp nest.
The faces.
There were times I felt I had been transported somewhere very far north (or south)...
...or felt moody and dark.
There were moments of remembrance,
and watching the water come in and cover the green rock,
and being captivated by the birds.
And I didn't forget my rocks.
january 6, 2023
the crow
*a seagull
*high tide
*a dog
*a fence
*the crow the crow the crow
*the salty sea
*a mixed up sky
*wind and waves
*other birds
*mountains and buildings
*a kayak, a boat, a ship
*not necessarily in order
*high tide
*a dog
*a fence
*the crow the crow the crow
*the salty sea
*a mixed up sky
*wind and waves
*other birds
*mountains and buildings
*a kayak, a boat, a ship
*not necessarily in order
january 13, 2023
the same but different
The places you go to all the time.
The places where it seems like it's always the same, because it's familiar.
You see the same people. The same dogs.
The sky, the birds, the boats.
The scene.
But maybe your eyes are searching for something different.
And that's one of the beauties in this life for me.
There's always a way to see the same scenes differently.
The places where it seems like it's always the same, because it's familiar.
You see the same people. The same dogs.
The sky, the birds, the boats.
The scene.
But maybe your eyes are searching for something different.
And that's one of the beauties in this life for me.
There's always a way to see the same scenes differently.
january 28, 2023
the magical peace beads
Tica wore her peace beads on our walk today.
Some may just think they're wooden beads strung together by her human, but they're actually magical.
Not only did Tica make friends with a giant bear of a Bouvier named Bizou, she also decided today was the day to walk all the way down to the end of dock.
We've been walking at Macaulay Pt for about a year now and though Tica always wants to walk onto the dock on the way to the parking lot, though she only ever makes it a little ways. Sometimes 10 ft, sometimes 5, once she made it about 20ish.
We do offer treats to see how far she'll go, but her fear always ends up overriding her love of treats and she lets us know she's had enough and will turn herself around to walk nervously back to shore. Not today though. There was no turning back. With some soft milk bones on offer, she put her bravest feet forward and made it all the way to the end where she got some "Yay Tica!" treats and I got a couple photos in and then she realized where she was and decided to head back.
So we did.
It was a big day.
Along with Bizou, Tica also met little Leeroy the Boston and Bodhi with the balls (the built in kind), who she flirted with. She also spotted Sidney, the seal who hangs out there too.
Throughout all this dog-ness, the sky and clouds made for an intense backdrop for this Friday adventure at the point.
Some may just think they're wooden beads strung together by her human, but they're actually magical.
Not only did Tica make friends with a giant bear of a Bouvier named Bizou, she also decided today was the day to walk all the way down to the end of dock.
We've been walking at Macaulay Pt for about a year now and though Tica always wants to walk onto the dock on the way to the parking lot, though she only ever makes it a little ways. Sometimes 10 ft, sometimes 5, once she made it about 20ish.
We do offer treats to see how far she'll go, but her fear always ends up overriding her love of treats and she lets us know she's had enough and will turn herself around to walk nervously back to shore. Not today though. There was no turning back. With some soft milk bones on offer, she put her bravest feet forward and made it all the way to the end where she got some "Yay Tica!" treats and I got a couple photos in and then she realized where she was and decided to head back.
So we did.
It was a big day.
Along with Bizou, Tica also met little Leeroy the Boston and Bodhi with the balls (the built in kind), who she flirted with. She also spotted Sidney, the seal who hangs out there too.
Throughout all this dog-ness, the sky and clouds made for an intense backdrop for this Friday adventure at the point.
february 3, 2023
volume i
Being the first Friday in February, I've decided it's the official, unofficial start of Fridays at Fleming, a weekly photo essay of my visit to Fleming Beach/Macaulay Point here in Victoria.
I've been going for about a year now with my friend Shannon, her dog Tica and sometimes my dog Mr Coco joins us. Sometimes my husband comes too. Recently I've started bringing my camera again because even though I know this place well now, each time I visit it's a bit different and I want to try to capture that same, yet differentness. Translating what I see and feel.
I've been going for about a year now with my friend Shannon, her dog Tica and sometimes my dog Mr Coco joins us. Sometimes my husband comes too. Recently I've started bringing my camera again because even though I know this place well now, each time I visit it's a bit different and I want to try to capture that same, yet differentness. Translating what I see and feel.
"To take a photograph is to align the head, the eye, and the heart. It's a way of life"
~ Henri Cartier-Bresson
Here is installment one:
It all started with two seagulls just sitting on the boat ramp,
but then dogs were headed in their direction so that moment of peace was short.
The water was so calm -- literally the calm before the storm as the wind gusted up to blow-the-lid-off-a-garbage-can level in the afternoon.
Tica had her first treat on the picnic table.
Mr Coco wanted to be carried for a while.
We trundled along and happened to meet up with our friend from a couple weeks back, Rowan, who stopped in for treats. There were more dogs, crow friends, a face in the rocks.
A sky that tells a different story every time I visit.
Little surprises along the way and a seagull who could strike a pose.
A very happy dog and her stick, little Uncle the Schnoodle puppy and then Sophie, who was one of the friendliest dogs I've ever met, stopped by to say hello.
Then we were back at the docks where a little one checked out the scenery and then the geese flew overhead.
It all started with two seagulls just sitting on the boat ramp,
but then dogs were headed in their direction so that moment of peace was short.
The water was so calm -- literally the calm before the storm as the wind gusted up to blow-the-lid-off-a-garbage-can level in the afternoon.
Tica had her first treat on the picnic table.
Mr Coco wanted to be carried for a while.
We trundled along and happened to meet up with our friend from a couple weeks back, Rowan, who stopped in for treats. There were more dogs, crow friends, a face in the rocks.
A sky that tells a different story every time I visit.
Little surprises along the way and a seagull who could strike a pose.
A very happy dog and her stick, little Uncle the Schnoodle puppy and then Sophie, who was one of the friendliest dogs I've ever met, stopped by to say hello.
Then we were back at the docks where a little one checked out the scenery and then the geese flew overhead.
volume ii
february 11, 2023
meeting the rain + rainey
The rain had been starting and stopping.
And then drizzling.
And then stopping.
We met a wee pup. An Icelandic Sheepdog.
And then a dog in the distance. Shannon wondered if she knew it.
Lacy maybe?
Almost. Her name is Rainey.
She was out for a walk with her cousin Flaka, a transplant from South America who seemed to only care about one thing. Her stick.
The light drizzle was getting my camera a bit wet. Trying to keep the lens mostly dry, we ventured to the marker where a gull was hanging out.
It flew away when Tica arrived, but clearly wanted back because as soon Tica wandered away, the gull swooped back through my frames as I was trying to photograph some Common Mergansers out on the water.
We hit the beach to explore for a few minutes then it was on to the dock because Tica was feeling brave today.
I watched the haze of drizzle with my eyes
and then through my camera.
Thanks for stopping by!
~w
And then drizzling.
And then stopping.
We met a wee pup. An Icelandic Sheepdog.
And then a dog in the distance. Shannon wondered if she knew it.
Lacy maybe?
Almost. Her name is Rainey.
She was out for a walk with her cousin Flaka, a transplant from South America who seemed to only care about one thing. Her stick.
The light drizzle was getting my camera a bit wet. Trying to keep the lens mostly dry, we ventured to the marker where a gull was hanging out.
It flew away when Tica arrived, but clearly wanted back because as soon Tica wandered away, the gull swooped back through my frames as I was trying to photograph some Common Mergansers out on the water.
We hit the beach to explore for a few minutes then it was on to the dock because Tica was feeling brave today.
I watched the haze of drizzle with my eyes
and then through my camera.
Thanks for stopping by!
~w
february 14, 2023
volume iii
For this week's Fridays at Fleming, I actually went on a Tuesday as my Friday buddies weren't going to be available on Friday.
No matter.
When you go on different days, you see different people.
It was very cold and icy this day.
Frost covered the docks, and while I watched a crow work away at something I almost wiped out on a nice patch of ice.
The ice made some beautiful patterns in the puddles, though it confused Tica to the point she had to bite at the ice as it cracked under her feet.
The wee robin that watched us.
Someone's been building a collection of bottle pieces in one of the bunkers.
A rock that looked like a duck, and then an eye was put on it and it turned into a dog.
And then we met a new dog. I got his name but didn't write it down. He was very friendly and very drooly and had incredible head tilts.
Though the sun had melted the frost from the docks, something in the water off the beach caught Tica's eye so we didn't do our usual walk on it.
A blue recycle bag was bobbing in the water.
She just couldn't understand what it was... and she wanted to know... but there was no way she was going to go get it.
So I did.
Because throwing rocks at it didn't work and trying to reach out to grab it with a bit stick only gave me a soaker.
So off came the shoes and I walked on my winter feet -- not the tougher feet of summer when I walk around barefoot -- over the cold rocks and into the water a few inches up my leg.
And the answer to the question "why do seagulls stand on one foot" became clear.
The water wasn't so bad really.
I'd do it again.
No matter.
When you go on different days, you see different people.
It was very cold and icy this day.
Frost covered the docks, and while I watched a crow work away at something I almost wiped out on a nice patch of ice.
The ice made some beautiful patterns in the puddles, though it confused Tica to the point she had to bite at the ice as it cracked under her feet.
The wee robin that watched us.
Someone's been building a collection of bottle pieces in one of the bunkers.
A rock that looked like a duck, and then an eye was put on it and it turned into a dog.
And then we met a new dog. I got his name but didn't write it down. He was very friendly and very drooly and had incredible head tilts.
Though the sun had melted the frost from the docks, something in the water off the beach caught Tica's eye so we didn't do our usual walk on it.
A blue recycle bag was bobbing in the water.
She just couldn't understand what it was... and she wanted to know... but there was no way she was going to go get it.
So I did.
Because throwing rocks at it didn't work and trying to reach out to grab it with a bit stick only gave me a soaker.
So off came the shoes and I walked on my winter feet -- not the tougher feet of summer when I walk around barefoot -- over the cold rocks and into the water a few inches up my leg.
And the answer to the question "why do seagulls stand on one foot" became clear.
The water wasn't so bad really.
I'd do it again.
february 24, 2023
volume iv
This week's instalment is a video, all shot on my phone.
I generally welcome constraints on my photography and embrace experimentation of what can come out of having to 'work with what you've got'.
And today was one of those days.
It was so cold. The wind felt like ice hitting my cheeks. If I had my hands out for too long they'd start to freeze and stop working.
And I'm getting over a case of shingles so lugging around my camera wasn't going to happen.
The experimentation can help me see and think about my subjects in a different way and it also presents a new opportunity with how I want to translate what I see.
Photographs, photo collage, movie.
So welcome to a beautiful, but very cold Volume 4 of Fridays at Fleming and thanks to Tica for being so camera ready and for coming back when we call her.
I generally welcome constraints on my photography and embrace experimentation of what can come out of having to 'work with what you've got'.
And today was one of those days.
It was so cold. The wind felt like ice hitting my cheeks. If I had my hands out for too long they'd start to freeze and stop working.
And I'm getting over a case of shingles so lugging around my camera wasn't going to happen.
The experimentation can help me see and think about my subjects in a different way and it also presents a new opportunity with how I want to translate what I see.
Photographs, photo collage, movie.
So welcome to a beautiful, but very cold Volume 4 of Fridays at Fleming and thanks to Tica for being so camera ready and for coming back when we call her.
march 3, 2023
volume v
the buddy walk
Fridays at Fleming, vol 5.... aka "The Buddy Walk"
A bit of a buddy theme today:
I went for a walk with my buddies,
Birds flew with their buddies,
Dogs played with their buddies,
And I got to meet an actual Buddy!
Buddy is a 13(ish)-year-old poodley mix of cuteness who's currently in care of the Victoria Humane Society (VHS) and is being fostered at Tica's house.
If you look closely at Buddy though you'll wondering what's up with his eyes.
Well... after a visit to the veterinary eye doc the other day it turns out he's blind in both eyes. They suspect he may have been blind in one eye before, but the other one is definitely messed up because l'il Buddy was found OUTSIDE... in Manitoba... in -46 degree weather... in the snow... with a super fluffy matted coat... and his eyes were FROZEN.
Through VHS's network, Buddy made the trip to the west coast where he's now in a foster home and enjoying the warmth -- good thing as he got a hair cut too.
He's a confident little guy and his lack of vision did not slow him down. He loves treats and chin and neck scritches and he has great stamina.
He also has a very active sniffer so he sniffed and sniffed and sniffed... and left his mark on all the places he felt necessary.
Because of the freezing of his eyeballs he's got a ruptured corneal ulcer so he's getting all whole host of eye drops, and he may still have to get one or both of his eyes removed. But I get the feeling that won't stop him. He's a confident little guy and seems to be up for adventure. Just don't leave him alone. He doesn't like being left alone. At all.
Understandable considering he's had a whole lot of change in his world.
Buddy also has a cute little snaggle tooth but he's in desperate need of a dental, so not sure if he'll get to keep it.
Once he's had his medical taken care of he'll be ready for adoption so if you're interested watch the Victoria Humane Society facebook page!
Other highlights of the walk:
- our crow friend stopped to say hi
- yellow and purple crocuses emerging
- a swimmer
A bit of a buddy theme today:
I went for a walk with my buddies,
Birds flew with their buddies,
Dogs played with their buddies,
And I got to meet an actual Buddy!
Buddy is a 13(ish)-year-old poodley mix of cuteness who's currently in care of the Victoria Humane Society (VHS) and is being fostered at Tica's house.
If you look closely at Buddy though you'll wondering what's up with his eyes.
Well... after a visit to the veterinary eye doc the other day it turns out he's blind in both eyes. They suspect he may have been blind in one eye before, but the other one is definitely messed up because l'il Buddy was found OUTSIDE... in Manitoba... in -46 degree weather... in the snow... with a super fluffy matted coat... and his eyes were FROZEN.
Through VHS's network, Buddy made the trip to the west coast where he's now in a foster home and enjoying the warmth -- good thing as he got a hair cut too.
He's a confident little guy and his lack of vision did not slow him down. He loves treats and chin and neck scritches and he has great stamina.
He also has a very active sniffer so he sniffed and sniffed and sniffed... and left his mark on all the places he felt necessary.
Because of the freezing of his eyeballs he's got a ruptured corneal ulcer so he's getting all whole host of eye drops, and he may still have to get one or both of his eyes removed. But I get the feeling that won't stop him. He's a confident little guy and seems to be up for adventure. Just don't leave him alone. He doesn't like being left alone. At all.
Understandable considering he's had a whole lot of change in his world.
Buddy also has a cute little snaggle tooth but he's in desperate need of a dental, so not sure if he'll get to keep it.
Once he's had his medical taken care of he'll be ready for adoption so if you're interested watch the Victoria Humane Society facebook page!
Other highlights of the walk:
- our crow friend stopped to say hi
- yellow and purple crocuses emerging
- a swimmer
march 10, 2023
volume vi
one photo
Buddy.
This is it. The only subject of today's walk.
Why?
It was cold and rainy and I opted to only take my phone camera.
But Buddy hopped up on this bench as we walked by. No prompting, no ask on either side.
It was the place he had to be at that moment, clearly.
He's such a funny, sweet little dude who'll be adoptable through the Victoria Humane Society once he gets his medical stuff taken care of.
xo
This is it. The only subject of today's walk.
Why?
It was cold and rainy and I opted to only take my phone camera.
But Buddy hopped up on this bench as we walked by. No prompting, no ask on either side.
It was the place he had to be at that moment, clearly.
He's such a funny, sweet little dude who'll be adoptable through the Victoria Humane Society once he gets his medical stuff taken care of.
xo
march 17, 2023
volume vii
I arrived a bit later than S + T and they were out walking the breakwater so I wandered to the end of the dock to get some photos of them with a cute little bufflehead in the foreground as we've turned into full on bird nerds (or bird enthusiasts) in our aged years. I thought I was being stealthy for this photo op, but Tica, she sensed the disturbance in the force and knew I was around, somewhere.
I walked back to land, along the path and rounded the corner and Tica came a-running. I recently noticed that she often does a little tongue out as she runs and this time I caught it on camera. One of the cutest little things.
The sun was out though it was chilly. It still didn't stop us from taking a moment to just stop and face the sun and feel some warmth on our faces while Tica felt felt the breeze in her ears.
Spring is on its way.
I walked back to land, along the path and rounded the corner and Tica came a-running. I recently noticed that she often does a little tongue out as she runs and this time I caught it on camera. One of the cutest little things.
The sun was out though it was chilly. It still didn't stop us from taking a moment to just stop and face the sun and feel some warmth on our faces while Tica felt felt the breeze in her ears.
Spring is on its way.
march 25, 2023
volume viii
the tide was low so the heron searches for food at the dock
a gull waits in the wings, pretending not to watch the hunt
those two rocks, have they always been there?
the daffodils are showing their faces to the sun, which isn't showing itself today
and a gull glides on the wind over our heads
I follow it's path with my camera, arching my neck back
click, click, click, click
tica poses, thinks a rock is food and runs to her heart's content
the tall ship in contrast to the cargo ships in the distance
the peanut shell
the merganser rests on a log while gulls watch
the merganser leaves and more gulls arrive
there's more going on here than we humans can figure out
the sand pile that's growing with the help of sticks and stones
a gull waits in the wings, pretending not to watch the hunt
those two rocks, have they always been there?
the daffodils are showing their faces to the sun, which isn't showing itself today
and a gull glides on the wind over our heads
I follow it's path with my camera, arching my neck back
click, click, click, click
tica poses, thinks a rock is food and runs to her heart's content
the tall ship in contrast to the cargo ships in the distance
the peanut shell
the merganser rests on a log while gulls watch
the merganser leaves and more gulls arrive
there's more going on here than we humans can figure out
the sand pile that's growing with the help of sticks and stones
march 31, 2023
volume ix
two crows seemed to want friendship today
one big, one little
they followed us around
while we gazed out to the ocean
stopped to say hello to George
one showed off its meal of a poor crab
good job crow
then we continued on
one stood on the fence while the soft rain landed on its feathers
we walked
all the while being watched by big black eyes
then I make a 'click click' sound
and they came closer
hoovering up the crumbs of dog treats
modelling, questioning, scavenging
foot stomping
being crows
and being a bit human too.
one big, one little
they followed us around
while we gazed out to the ocean
stopped to say hello to George
one showed off its meal of a poor crab
good job crow
then we continued on
one stood on the fence while the soft rain landed on its feathers
we walked
all the while being watched by big black eyes
then I make a 'click click' sound
and they came closer
hoovering up the crumbs of dog treats
modelling, questioning, scavenging
foot stomping
being crows
and being a bit human too.
april 2, 2023
volume ix.5
a sunday walk with some epic skies, two dogs and a little wooden toy
april 7, 2023
volume x
low tide
i questioned how many photos of this visit I should share here
there are close to 200 because i was capturing birds feeding, in flight, grooming and diving and wanted to share the sense of wonder i had watching them
but in the end, I've whittled the images down... for now
though I hope that sense of wonder and curiosity remains
low tide is a fascinating time
there are close to 200 because i was capturing birds feeding, in flight, grooming and diving and wanted to share the sense of wonder i had watching them
but in the end, I've whittled the images down... for now
though I hope that sense of wonder and curiosity remains
low tide is a fascinating time
april 14, 2023
volume xi
bob and mabel popped in to say hello today as we wandered along the beach
we also got say hello to our little bird rock, a dog friend, and Sydney, the sea dog
then Tica sniffed out some vertabrae
we also got say hello to our little bird rock, a dog friend, and Sydney, the sea dog
then Tica sniffed out some vertabrae
april 21, 2023
volume xii
it was cold today
and it's nesting season
bob flew in to say hello
but didn't stay long as he had work to do
the camas are in bloom
and it's nesting season
bob flew in to say hello
but didn't stay long as he had work to do
the camas are in bloom
april 29, 2023
volume xiii
this week we met on a saturday
and though spring has arrived
today felt more like summer
we could see the cruise ship docked in james bay
and people walking on the breakwater
bob and mabel stopped by to say hello
we found a frog and a pair of shorts
crystal clear ocean
and a good day for a climb
and though spring has arrived
today felt more like summer
we could see the cruise ship docked in james bay
and people walking on the breakwater
bob and mabel stopped by to say hello
we found a frog and a pair of shorts
crystal clear ocean
and a good day for a climb
may 11, 2023
volume xiv
even in the midst of the camas blooming
and the brightness of the broom
i found myself revisiting this outing in black and white
i hadn't looked at these images since the walk
the day after my dog had dental surgery
and recovery means lots of snuggles on the sofa
but there wasn't much cuddle time
because the day after surgery
my nephew died
unexpectedly
and i had put my camera away
no photos please
so now at five months later
i see this visit through different eyes
and the brightness of the broom
i found myself revisiting this outing in black and white
i hadn't looked at these images since the walk
the day after my dog had dental surgery
and recovery means lots of snuggles on the sofa
but there wasn't much cuddle time
because the day after surgery
my nephew died
unexpectedly
and i had put my camera away
no photos please
so now at five months later
i see this visit through different eyes
june 30, 2023
volume xv
the birds and tica
show me life
as i slowly ease back into life
and picking up my camera
show me life
as i slowly ease back into life
and picking up my camera
september 8, 2023
volume xvi
within minutes of arriving
the fog rolled in
the fishers kept fishing
the dogs kept dogging
the ocean and sky
all but disappeared
the fog rolled in
the fishers kept fishing
the dogs kept dogging
the ocean and sky
all but disappeared
september 22, 2023
volume xvii
the calm, so calm
the light, so warming
but the crispness of fall had arrived
as did the golden grasses
and the discovery of
a memorial site
a painted rock
a bra
and meeting new dog friends, Dexter + Ollie
the light, so warming
but the crispness of fall had arrived
as did the golden grasses
and the discovery of
a memorial site
a painted rock
a bra
and meeting new dog friends, Dexter + Ollie
september 29, 2023
volume xviii
the light is changing and so are the leaves
more found objects
new dog friends Charlie + Harley
and the crows came back to visit us, thanks friends
more found objects
new dog friends Charlie + Harley
and the crows came back to visit us, thanks friends
october 6, 2023
volume xix
click click click click click
I missed hearing that noise 102 times
my camera must've known where we were and took it upon itself
to flex that muscle memory of being here
taking it upon itself to photograph what it saw
which was just blackness, in both landscape and portrait orientation
once I got my camera out of my bag
8 intentional clicks
the boats, tica, a found object
and kelp, five ways
when I loaded my memory card I saw the surprise and laughed
those 102 black image files will not be deleted
because it's part of that place, that time, that day
and my memory
has its own thoughts on what to delete and when
I missed hearing that noise 102 times
my camera must've known where we were and took it upon itself
to flex that muscle memory of being here
taking it upon itself to photograph what it saw
which was just blackness, in both landscape and portrait orientation
once I got my camera out of my bag
8 intentional clicks
the boats, tica, a found object
and kelp, five ways
when I loaded my memory card I saw the surprise and laughed
those 102 black image files will not be deleted
because it's part of that place, that time, that day
and my memory
has its own thoughts on what to delete and when
october 13, 2023
volume xx
we met up in the morning and though the autumn chill was in the air
the sun shone brightly
though the earlier sun made the things we usually see, look different
different shadows and highlights
quincy jones, the dog
another found object
the weird cargo ship
and lots of face
the sun shone brightly
though the earlier sun made the things we usually see, look different
different shadows and highlights
quincy jones, the dog
another found object
the weird cargo ship
and lots of face
october 20, 2023
volume xxi
no photos today
i was running late and forgot my camera
an opportunity perhaps to just 'be' in the outing today
but I did make a special delivery
of a photo I took of Harley a few weeks ago
I've been bringing it along our walks in the hopes of seeing him
and today he was there so I got to deliver his card
and his person said "today was a really good day to get this"
we didn't ask any questions, but we said our hellos to her sweet boy
then headed off in opposite directions
those small connections with strangers -- especially when made through our dogs -- can be very powerful
i was running late and forgot my camera
an opportunity perhaps to just 'be' in the outing today
but I did make a special delivery
of a photo I took of Harley a few weeks ago
I've been bringing it along our walks in the hopes of seeing him
and today he was there so I got to deliver his card
and his person said "today was a really good day to get this"
we didn't ask any questions, but we said our hellos to her sweet boy
then headed off in opposite directions
those small connections with strangers -- especially when made through our dogs -- can be very powerful
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october 27, 2023
volume xxii
the light's been changing from the high summer sun to the more dramatic shadows of autumn
the only thing on the agenda was to look, then see
the only thing on the agenda was to look, then see
november 3, 2023
volume xxiii
calm waters
after the storm that washed up the debris onto the beach
i walked to the end of the wharf
and scared the birds, though i didn't mean to
there are still carpets of green
and dog friends new and old
seeing faces in unexpected places
and finding things that are lost or discarded
at walk's end
the crows gathered to see if we had any dog treats left over
they moved in unison
and then the gull came
but one crow made sure I got to my car ok
after the storm that washed up the debris onto the beach
i walked to the end of the wharf
and scared the birds, though i didn't mean to
there are still carpets of green
and dog friends new and old
seeing faces in unexpected places
and finding things that are lost or discarded
at walk's end
the crows gathered to see if we had any dog treats left over
they moved in unison
and then the gull came
but one crow made sure I got to my car ok
november 17, 2023
volume xxiv
more blue
more green
texture and contrast
more green
texture and contrast
november 24, 2023
volume xxv
it's cold when I arrive -- and i'm late...
"I'll meet you at the rock beach"... and I know Tica will be waiting...
I see her before she sees me.
I see her before she sees me.
i head over noticing the frost on the grass
she knew it was me from a distance and she runs full speed to greet me...
the three of us wander as we usually do...
... and head on down the breakwater
it's been another great walk in Tica's world.
december 8, 2023
volume xxvi
The Artie Walk
Shannon started fostering a galgo named Artie. Actually his name is Arturo, but we think Artie suits him. He came from Spain, by way of the US, to Vancouver to Victoria.
He made himself right at home with her and Tica and when he came for his first Fleming Friday walk, we watched him take in this new world around him. He looked up to watch planes flying overhead.
Update 1: He came to my studio for adoption photos: https://www.wendynesbitt.com/blog/arturo
Update 2: Artie's been adopted!
Shannon started fostering a galgo named Artie. Actually his name is Arturo, but we think Artie suits him. He came from Spain, by way of the US, to Vancouver to Victoria.
He made himself right at home with her and Tica and when he came for his first Fleming Friday walk, we watched him take in this new world around him. He looked up to watch planes flying overhead.
Update 1: He came to my studio for adoption photos: https://www.wendynesbitt.com/blog/arturo
Update 2: Artie's been adopted!
december 15, 2023
volume xxvii
The darkness of winter is here and the weather is much colder.
Small glimpses of colour amongst the grey.
Artie is still with Shannon.
Tica's still having a good time.
Painted rocks were planted.
Everyone seems to be worrying and planning about Christmas. Even me. It's all different this year.
Taking time out to breathe and walk and immerse myself in what mother nature is working on, helps.
Small glimpses of colour amongst the grey.
Artie is still with Shannon.
Tica's still having a good time.
Painted rocks were planted.
Everyone seems to be worrying and planning about Christmas. Even me. It's all different this year.
Taking time out to breathe and walk and immerse myself in what mother nature is working on, helps.
december 22, 2023
volume xxviii
the wind
oh she was howling today
we checked on the planted rocks
ran with the dogs
watched it blow the landscape, the birds, Tica's ears
and Shannon's hair
and make the water crash as waves on the rocks
it gave us energy
but i also find it exhausting
oh she was howling today
we checked on the planted rocks
ran with the dogs
watched it blow the landscape, the birds, Tica's ears
and Shannon's hair
and make the water crash as waves on the rocks
it gave us energy
but i also find it exhausting
december 29, 2023
volume xxix
i watched the heron when i arrived
wondering what it was up to hanging out on the kelp bed
then the little head popped up from under the water
"hello sea dog" i said
then off to meet up with S+T
the sky was so moody with all kinds of clouds milling about
the sea gull
the sea plane
then i said hello to "eyebrows" as I call her in my mind when i see her
but today i learned her real name is Maddie
farewell 2023.
wondering what it was up to hanging out on the kelp bed
then the little head popped up from under the water
"hello sea dog" i said
then off to meet up with S+T
the sky was so moody with all kinds of clouds milling about
the sea gull
the sea plane
then i said hello to "eyebrows" as I call her in my mind when i see her
but today i learned her real name is Maddie
farewell 2023.
january 19, 2024
volume xxx
Though we're almost 3 weeks into 2024, this was my first Fleming Friday of the year.
I got sick and spent these last weeks on the couch with my dog watching a lot of mediocre stuff on TV in between naps.
And doing a bit of knitting.
Still feeling pretty weak, but I felt I needed to get out. Each passing Friday had felt like I was missing out on something. The muscle memory of my body knew it was supposed to go to Fleming, but my brain knew it wasn't a good idea.
Until today.
And I'm so glad I did.
I bundled up because it had snowed and it was cold and icy out.
The air felt extra crisp.
Even after missing a few weeks it was good to see the landscape was still as it had been. But with new snowy white highlights, lines and trails that maybe I hadn't noticed before, stood out.
The waterbirds still paddled around, the eagle still soared and Bob (or Mable) came to say hello.
I'd knitted a snood for Tica and she wore it - maybe it's a bit big, but it didn't hamper her running and stick chasing abilities.
I got sick and spent these last weeks on the couch with my dog watching a lot of mediocre stuff on TV in between naps.
And doing a bit of knitting.
Still feeling pretty weak, but I felt I needed to get out. Each passing Friday had felt like I was missing out on something. The muscle memory of my body knew it was supposed to go to Fleming, but my brain knew it wasn't a good idea.
Until today.
And I'm so glad I did.
I bundled up because it had snowed and it was cold and icy out.
The air felt extra crisp.
Even after missing a few weeks it was good to see the landscape was still as it had been. But with new snowy white highlights, lines and trails that maybe I hadn't noticed before, stood out.
The waterbirds still paddled around, the eagle still soared and Bob (or Mable) came to say hello.
I'd knitted a snood for Tica and she wore it - maybe it's a bit big, but it didn't hamper her running and stick chasing abilities.
january 26, 2024
volume xxxi
february 9, 2024
volume xxxii
magical peace beads for Tica
prickles and ferns
little dogs piper and scout
rocks, water, floating leaf and log
and a dog in the driver's seat
prickles and ferns
little dogs piper and scout
rocks, water, floating leaf and log
and a dog in the driver's seat
february 23, 2024
volume xxxiii
Bob and Mabel came to say hello.
march 1, 2024
volume xxxiv
the sky as seen through my phone
found art
may 10, 2024
volume xxxv
Fleming Friday is still happening, but I've been taking a bit of a break from this series.
Today though I captured some moments on my phone, but they're just for Shannon.
Because today was the day to return Lola & ChiChi to nature.
Almost 10 years ago Shannon and I were here, at this same beach with some friends and their dogs. It was a beautiful summer day - Canada Day in fact. Her dog ChiChi was in the group. In fact, it was ChiChi that reconnected Shannon and I back in 2012. We'd gone to junior high school together and hadn't seen each other in probably 20+ years. I was photographing pets with Santa at the shelter and she walked in with ChiChi. As a volunteer at the shelter, I knew ChiChi and recognized her right away. And then my memory clicked and I recognized Shannon.
Super cool how it worked out.
ChiChi had been a sled dog - a survivor of the cull in Whistler in 2010 - and I was volunteering at the shelter and starting to document the post-working lives of the dogs who arrived here.
ChiChi joined Shannon and her sweet Lola dog and they were an amazing trio for many years. Our group went on many adventures together.
Then a wee Tica joined them.
And time marched on.
And it caught up with Lola and ChiChi.
Lola passed away in 2020 and ChiChi in 2021.
I'm sharing two photos today:
One is from today and the other is of Shannon + ChiChi in this same water July 1, 2014.
Who could've guessed that 10 years after that sunny summer day we'd be here doing this.
Not me.
But we never know what life has in store for us and things can change faster than we want them to.
Faster than we're ready for.
~~~
For more about ChiChi and my project following former sled dogs: https://www.iwasasleddog.com/
Today though I captured some moments on my phone, but they're just for Shannon.
Because today was the day to return Lola & ChiChi to nature.
Almost 10 years ago Shannon and I were here, at this same beach with some friends and their dogs. It was a beautiful summer day - Canada Day in fact. Her dog ChiChi was in the group. In fact, it was ChiChi that reconnected Shannon and I back in 2012. We'd gone to junior high school together and hadn't seen each other in probably 20+ years. I was photographing pets with Santa at the shelter and she walked in with ChiChi. As a volunteer at the shelter, I knew ChiChi and recognized her right away. And then my memory clicked and I recognized Shannon.
Super cool how it worked out.
ChiChi had been a sled dog - a survivor of the cull in Whistler in 2010 - and I was volunteering at the shelter and starting to document the post-working lives of the dogs who arrived here.
ChiChi joined Shannon and her sweet Lola dog and they were an amazing trio for many years. Our group went on many adventures together.
Then a wee Tica joined them.
And time marched on.
And it caught up with Lola and ChiChi.
Lola passed away in 2020 and ChiChi in 2021.
I'm sharing two photos today:
One is from today and the other is of Shannon + ChiChi in this same water July 1, 2014.
Who could've guessed that 10 years after that sunny summer day we'd be here doing this.
Not me.
But we never know what life has in store for us and things can change faster than we want them to.
Faster than we're ready for.
~~~
For more about ChiChi and my project following former sled dogs: https://www.iwasasleddog.com/
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may 24, 2024
volume xxxvi
It's been a while since I made the intentional choice to do another instalment of Fleming Friday. I've been going, but between being behind posting some updates and not taking my camera, it felt like too long to jump back in.
Work, lack of work, grief... it all plays a part.
Add a heaping spoonful of self doubt and what's-it-all-for and it's a recipe for time off.
What's interesting is that all that I'm feeling fits in to this essay on seeing the same place week upon week, a bit differently each time. How I feel affects how I see where I am. The conversations Shannon and I have while walking factor in to what I see and photograph. The dogs Tica meets factors in to what I see and photograph.
The ocean, the birds, the landscape... it all plays a part.
And so does Bob, the crow.
Well, we think it's our friend Bob. His partner Mable may be tending to her nest, so we've only seen him the last few times. His greeting is a swoop into the path ahead of us. Maybe a caw caw. He stays as long as he can and in turn we share dog treats. Sometimes we get an escort to our car, sometimes he leaves before that. He's got a whole other life we know nothing about, but we're thankful for this friend.
Thanks also to dogs Chico, Theo, Binky and of course, Tica.
I always ask permission from their humans before taking photos and they always get a treat in payment!
Work, lack of work, grief... it all plays a part.
Add a heaping spoonful of self doubt and what's-it-all-for and it's a recipe for time off.
What's interesting is that all that I'm feeling fits in to this essay on seeing the same place week upon week, a bit differently each time. How I feel affects how I see where I am. The conversations Shannon and I have while walking factor in to what I see and photograph. The dogs Tica meets factors in to what I see and photograph.
The ocean, the birds, the landscape... it all plays a part.
And so does Bob, the crow.
Well, we think it's our friend Bob. His partner Mable may be tending to her nest, so we've only seen him the last few times. His greeting is a swoop into the path ahead of us. Maybe a caw caw. He stays as long as he can and in turn we share dog treats. Sometimes we get an escort to our car, sometimes he leaves before that. He's got a whole other life we know nothing about, but we're thankful for this friend.
Thanks also to dogs Chico, Theo, Binky and of course, Tica.
I always ask permission from their humans before taking photos and they always get a treat in payment!
MAY 31, 2024
VOLUME XXXVIi
'twas a foggy day today
even around noon when these were taken, the sun hadn't managed to burn off the haze yet
something about fog in the middle of a sunny day doesn't seem quite right
it should be darker and gloomier so it's easier to find that eerie feeling
beyond the breakwater there was nothing
america was gone
so maybe that made it just eerie enough
??
even around noon when these were taken, the sun hadn't managed to burn off the haze yet
something about fog in the middle of a sunny day doesn't seem quite right
it should be darker and gloomier so it's easier to find that eerie feeling
beyond the breakwater there was nothing
america was gone
so maybe that made it just eerie enough
??
july 19, 2024
VOLUME XXXVIIi
June came and went without any photos at Fleming.
Summer began and continues
And now it's mid July
The old felt new, looked new
It prompted me to look at the photos differently when I got home
To try out new colour tones to help create that warm summer look
But the images dictate their final look and sometimes black and white just fits
The swooping waves of the swallows were competition for the waves in the water below
Feathers, duck feet prints, feathers
Down to the beach
To find
We won't know until we spy it
Things that look beautiful that have unfriendly undertones
Case in point, speargrass
The gall of the wasps, attaching themselves to the rose bushes
Baby birds
and finishing with an out-of-focus image that just gave me a mood
Summer began and continues
And now it's mid July
The old felt new, looked new
It prompted me to look at the photos differently when I got home
To try out new colour tones to help create that warm summer look
But the images dictate their final look and sometimes black and white just fits
The swooping waves of the swallows were competition for the waves in the water below
Feathers, duck feet prints, feathers
Down to the beach
To find
We won't know until we spy it
Things that look beautiful that have unfriendly undertones
Case in point, speargrass
The gall of the wasps, attaching themselves to the rose bushes
Baby birds
and finishing with an out-of-focus image that just gave me a mood
july 26, 2024
volume xxxix
This Friday was an evening walk on my own.
It was warm with a bit of a wind and the golden hour was upon us.
Since our usual walks are in the morning or early afternoon, an evening walk has other surprises in store.
It didn't take long for me to see it... or rather see them.
Two floating cities just beyond the shore.
They were massive.
Cities would soon be entering a city, escorted by a tugboat that seemed toy size in comparison.
I kept an eye on the cities while I continued along the pathways that are so familiar to me. I wanted to freeze each moment of this golden evening not just with my camera, but inside, so I could pull upon these warm memories when it was cold and rainy outside, or cold and rainy in my mind.
Before I left, I let the ocean water with bits of seaweed lap over my feet for a spell.
It was warm with a bit of a wind and the golden hour was upon us.
Since our usual walks are in the morning or early afternoon, an evening walk has other surprises in store.
It didn't take long for me to see it... or rather see them.
Two floating cities just beyond the shore.
They were massive.
Cities would soon be entering a city, escorted by a tugboat that seemed toy size in comparison.
I kept an eye on the cities while I continued along the pathways that are so familiar to me. I wanted to freeze each moment of this golden evening not just with my camera, but inside, so I could pull upon these warm memories when it was cold and rainy outside, or cold and rainy in my mind.
Before I left, I let the ocean water with bits of seaweed lap over my feet for a spell.
august 9, 2024
volume xl
I was really taken with the contrasts of the textures and colours of the grasses and greenery
It was a busy day on the water
But Tica grew tired of all the boat watching it seemed
My first capture of a heron flying over head
And it's blackberry season
Which Tica loves
Back at the dock, the sea dogs came to check out the catch
On the boat that just arrived from out in the straight
But there was nothing on board
At least not this one...
It was a busy day on the water
But Tica grew tired of all the boat watching it seemed
My first capture of a heron flying over head
And it's blackberry season
Which Tica loves
Back at the dock, the sea dogs came to check out the catch
On the boat that just arrived from out in the straight
But there was nothing on board
At least not this one...
august 16, 2024
volume xLI
I almost didn't bring my camera today
I was feeling pretty tired
But I know that when I don't bring it, I regret it
So I kept it light - no zoom lenses, just the little prime. If there's anything exiting out on the water, I'll just figure it out.
Giant swaths of birds - starlings we think
A dramatic sky
More blackberries for Tica
Found rocks
And the best ending to this walk... a sleeping sea dog.
I was feeling pretty tired
But I know that when I don't bring it, I regret it
So I kept it light - no zoom lenses, just the little prime. If there's anything exiting out on the water, I'll just figure it out.
Giant swaths of birds - starlings we think
A dramatic sky
More blackberries for Tica
Found rocks
And the best ending to this walk... a sleeping sea dog.
august 30, 2024
volume xlii
You know when you're just walking along and you see a dog and think "I know them!"... but you can't recall their name. But then their human says their name and then every meeting you've had with them comes back to you?
If you say 'yes', then you're my kinda people.
It no, then trust me when I say it's one of the coolest feelings. It's mostly because I've photographed so many dogs in the care of a rescue that when I do see them 'out in the world', it's like their whole story comes back to me. I remember where we were the first time we met... and any other meetings along the way.
Today something similar happened when I saw Greta.
The first time I met her was September 2018 when she came to an event to get her microchip. She was so sweet and lovely and I captured the following photos:
If you say 'yes', then you're my kinda people.
It no, then trust me when I say it's one of the coolest feelings. It's mostly because I've photographed so many dogs in the care of a rescue that when I do see them 'out in the world', it's like their whole story comes back to me. I remember where we were the first time we met... and any other meetings along the way.
Today something similar happened when I saw Greta.
The first time I met her was September 2018 when she came to an event to get her microchip. She was so sweet and lovely and I captured the following photos:
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When I heard her human call her name today, that whole event came whoosing back to me.
We chatted for a bit and then I got an updated photo... this time with her eyes open!
We chatted for a bit and then I got an updated photo... this time with her eyes open!
The weather was warmer than expected and the added layers were peeled off as we walked.
A turkey vulture made an appearance close by.
Wasps were tussling (or mating?)
Got a portrait of Tica in the brick wall... amongst the shadows.
And she ran as fast as the boat out on the water!
Poison.
Stomach UVic.
A turkey vulture made an appearance close by.
Wasps were tussling (or mating?)
Got a portrait of Tica in the brick wall... amongst the shadows.
And she ran as fast as the boat out on the water!
Poison.
Stomach UVic.
