not a cell-out

I'm not massively into the cell phone thing and I do not own one. Yes, they certainly have their merits - and I appreciate that - however, I relish the freedom I have knowing that when I am gallivanting about, I am essentially unreachable. It is marvelous knowing that when I'm out of the house or the office, an annoying little box wont emit a grating digital tune from my pocket, demanding I pay attention to it and serve its needs.
I can never imagine being one of those people whose cell phones become an extension of their body, getting to the point where they may be legally obligated to have passport photos taken with their phone.
And the texting! It's too much for me to handle! Fact: It is abysmally rude to be texting while mid conversation with an actual human.
No, I am very pleased in my current situation. I am not tied down with a cell, buuuuut if I'm ever in a situation where it would be convenient to use one, good ole Stuart has one. Lovely stuff.
However, I have a strange fondness toward pay phones. I don't really use them that often, nor do I know of anyone who does, but I definitely appreciate them. I guess I like them because they are a link to a time which is increasingly going the way of tapes and floppy discs. They are nearing obsolescence but they're still toughing it out. I remember when I was a kid, I couldn't go anywhere unless I had a quarter to call home, just in case! Now, kids can just text their parents. I'm not really bemoaning this; I suppose if anything it's better. I just hold a sentimental soft spot in my heart for the old days I guess. Like in the episode of The Littlest Hobo where this kid named Bobby ran away and everyone was reliant on the pay phone to communicate with one another on their quest to find him. I get such a kick out of it all.
Here are some pictures that Stuart and I have taken of pay phones while we were out and about:

magnificent!

"Space is big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the chemist's, but that's just peanuts to space."
--Douglas Adams




















Stunning photos of the universe like these always fill me with such awe. I once read that there are more galaxies in the universe than grains of sand in a typical sized sandbox. Each galaxy contains billions of stars and each star is light years apart.

We are tiny.

Furthermore, this will quite literally put you in your place:

I'm nuts about you.

I love squirrels. They are my favourite animal. One of the things I dig about them is that not only are they fluffy little woodland creatures but they are also tenacious things which happen to be quite city savvy. I’ve often said that they are the acrobats of the animal kingdom. Watching them jump across tree limbs meters apart, balance telephone wires and run upside down all with the greatest of ease amuses me to no end.

When I was living in England, I must say, I was very impressed with their squirrel population. Southampton’s parks are full of fluffy, jovial Gray Squirrels. Now, rumour had it that these adorable little animals were in fact a touch on the vicious side as they had run the Red Squirrels out of town. I have never seen a Red Squirrel in real life, but Google images prove to me that they are the cutest variety of the squirrel family. Not sure what the Grays’ beef is with the charming Reds, but I’m sure they have their reasons. Nevertheless, Gray Squirrels are delightful to watch and are so cute it makes my teeth hurt.


See? Reds are the cutest of the squirrel family.


After a year of living amongst these fuzzy Grays with their big bushy tails, I came back to Ontario where the squirrels, admittedly, aren’t quite as adorable. That doesn’t mean, however, that they aren’t still awesome. What they lack in cuteness, they make up for in cunningness. Ontario squirrels tend to be longer, thinner, and faster than England’s round, chubby bundles. We have the sleeker version. Most of the Ontario squirrels I see, particularly in Toronto, are Black Squirrels. Gray Squirrels aren’t uncommon, but they are certainly far out numbered by their darker counterparts.

One of the things that make me exceedingly proud of Toronto, is that this city is home to a small population of White Squirrels. Trinity Bellwoods Park, way down Queen West area, is White Squirrel central. There is a street called White Squirrel Way and a café called White Squirrel Coffee Shop (which does a top notch hot chocolate).

The sad thing is I have not seen these mythical beings in real life. Every time I go to that area, I keep a vigilant eye out for them, but they sure are elusive. I am committing a Saturday this spring/summer to staking out Trinity Bellwoods Park until I see an albino squirrel. Pack a little picnic, bring some peanuts… Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Michael Werner is my photographic hero. He has a series of beautiful White Squirrel photos that truly capture the plucky nature of the little guys and although I’m lacking the 80 bucks for a print, when I win the lottery, I’m totally hitting that up. Marvelous stuff.
Here are some of my favourite from his collection.


I have seen a lot of stunning animal photography in my day, but this airborne critter is by far, undoubtedly, thee best picture of any animal ever.






Phenomenal... how serendipitous is this photo?!