This week's theme, chosen by Jarielyn in Nevada, is PARK LANDSCAPES.
For a comprehensive list and how to join instructions, just click on the camera at bottom of our side panel.
Next weeks theme, suggested by Kate, is Skylines.
Linda and Barry live in Toronto, Ontario Canada.
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It is Saturday October 24th and Barry is facing a second series of chemotherapy after the discovery that his cancer has metastasized. This time around his immune system will be seriously impacted just as the H1N1 flu begins to hit Toronto.
Linda is worried that it will be necessary to isolate him, even from his family until his three cycles of chemo are complete in three months time and his immune system has had time to recover.
So she has gathered their daughters and their families together on the park lands surrounding the McMichael Gallery. Here they tour the remarkable Canadian Immpressionist works of the Group of Seven and the vast galleries of First Nations art.
And they visit and talk and walk the grounds through the majesty of the colours of Autumn at their height. Here and there around the grounds are magnificent works of Native art, that they admired.
And then they went for an Italian dinner at Vinnie Zucchini's, where they laughed and talked much more. Baby Hailey ate the most food. Where did she put it all? The family were reluctant to part, but finally did, each going to their own homes, giving the parklands of the the McMichael Galleries back to the ancients and the artists to keep.
What a wonderful idea to gather together like that. I hope Barry won't need isolation.
ReplyDeleteThat first shot is my favorite.
Oh that first shot is wonderful! You really should share that on James' of Newtown Area Photo Weekend Reflections too.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful post too and Barry - stay well. We're pulling for you!
This is a perfect way of sharing your photos. May you find the next month's to be peaceful, filled with laughter and love and all that makes your heart happy, Barry.
ReplyDeleteThanks to the both of your for taking us with you to the park :)
A shout out for your shoot out.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to visiting the McMichael when we make our trip to Ontario next year. Best wishes to both of you and your family. I think avoiding people (except cyber-people!) during the flu season is a brilliant idea.
ReplyDeleteWell, this is fun! Love the new Friday blog!
ReplyDeleteI love that first shot!
ReplyDeleteSending best wishes to all. You are a loving and strong family.
ReplyDeleteThey are all very lovely, but that first photo is actual art. What a beautiful shot. I don't have the gift of having a good photographic eye, and I'm always so impressed by those who do. It is an actual talent.
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely photos, and such a sobering reason to gather together. I hope that you get through this, regaining your health, although clearly the battle will be a very difficult one. It's best to put everything you can in your corner to help, and isolation will doubtless help. Thankfully we live in the digital and wireless age. Web cams, cell phones, instantly transmitted pictures! At least isolation from germs doesn't have to mean isolation from life any longer.
I was in Vancouver the day the Canadian government issued the formal apology to the First Nation for the long defunct policy of government schools, that led to all manner of abuse. However, I was struck by the fact that whereas the governmental apology was a great thing, it was clear that the cultural apology had been in full swing for quite some time.
Everywhere we went in Vancouver there were things honoring the First Nation. Drumming in front of the library, displays of Inuit art and carvings. Totems and explanations of what they represented. I was so impressed and fascinated.
So it's really even neater to see that the same spirit of honoring the culture that came before exists in Toronto. It's beautiful to see. In the U.S. we have our own shocking history with our native people. All countries look back and realize that they could have done better in many regards.
I was just profoundly impressed that while a formal apology was being issued -- and that is fantastic -- the evidence of doing better, being different, and rectifying a mistake were all around me.
Thank you for the pictures, and sorry for the ramble. Truly, I was so deeply touched and inspired by what I saw in Canada. All countries do have difficult things, sometimes shameful things in their histories. Canada was the first place that I saw such substantial evidence that, "We can do better, and we will do better. We made a mistake. We admit that. But we're fixing it, we can progress, and we will."
It's a very rare thing to see. It was honestly awe-inspiring. You're in the right land to heal, Barry.
Oh folks..I'm so sorry...I am sending my wishes for healing and will keep you all in my prayers. Hoping he does not have to be isolated!!
ReplyDeleteThe park is stunning..so glad you all got together there! I would love to visit myself...beautiful!!
Hugs, Sarah
What wonderful photos of your special gathering. It's so wonderful to include those you love in with your passions. :)
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope Barry manages to stay away from H1N1. It has been striking here and it's really bad stuff. So many people are so very sick and there are no vaccinations to be had. Thankfully, I have managed to stay healthy even after taking care of my sister-in-law who had it.
Linda and Barry, you are an awesome team. What a great idea. It is so true the isolation has to be done. It is not fair to not take advantage of that. Loved the photos for today. I love pictures of rocks. That is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThe H1N1 is getting rampant in my neck of the woods too. I am too old to get the vaccine. Well and not in a risk group.
QMM
Hi Barry and Linda! This is a great team-effort response to the Friday Shoot-out. Your trip to the McMichael Gallery was a brilliant idea, well-captured here and on Linda's blog earlier. Thank you for sharing this special place and time.
ReplyDeleteHello L & B,
ReplyDeleteI like your new home! Good idea to pool resources. That way you won't be vying with each other for top marks! And everyone is right; the shots of the trees reflected in the glass are great. Happy weekend.
I think it's great that you have joined forces - although two viewpoints were also very interesting. Praying this next step will have lots of positive effects!
ReplyDeleteas always, so very lovely (and poignant)....
ReplyDeleteSo very beautiful. Because of you and Barry, I am seriously trying to plan a trip to your enchanting part of the world sometime. (How's that for nailing it down!)
ReplyDeleteI hope Barry doesn't have to miss any time with his family.. Certainly if someone knows they are ill, but otherwise would surgical masks offer protection enough?
Thanks again for the beautiful look at your world!
hugs-
Patience
What a team - for Friday Shoot Outs and for facing chemo - Barry and Linda against the world! You chose a beautiful location for your family get together, it truly is a serene place.
ReplyDeleteGreat joint post of a lovely place. I think you'd be wise to keep Barry away from any possibility of H1N1, Linda. It hit three people I work with extremely hard, and it is nasty, very nasty. It preys on the frail and weak. My daughter in law is extremely fit and active, a picture of good health but it laid her low for weeks. Please take care.
ReplyDeleteVery cool pics! Love your talent! Did you and Barry get the vegetarian cook book and Rista I sent?
ReplyDeletelove the reflections in the windows. beautiful!!
ReplyDeletewishing Barry all the best also and always!!
have a relaxing weekend!!
hi linda and the barryboy!!! such a great place to land for us - i loved the mcmichael when i was a kid. that's right - i loved it. my class went there a few times. my buds were less than interested but i was blown away. by the way, i see the front door pic on your header says "no smoking . . . " it seems pretty smoky just to the right of that doorway!!!! where there's smoke there's . . . . keep on lovin!!!!! steven
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, and sound thinking, "The family that blogs together" (don't have a good rhyme for that, another poetry challenge perhaps?)and what a perfect place to start. I love going to the McMichael for all the visually satisfying reasons you show here.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to more Barry/Linda shootouts, Blessings,
Frances
Hi guys, an infinitely sensible idea to merge. I very much enjoyed your postand photos.
ReplyDeleteLinda, you are such a love.xx
G'day Barry and Linda, loving your shots especially the ones reflected in windows.
ReplyDeleteSending you so much love, light, prayers, hope and faith ...from Australia. xxxx
I was thinking about you these past days, I was in Canada, yes, I got a wild hair and my sister and I drove up! I saw a moose! My favorite reality play ground is the open road, seeing things, and exploring our world... One day I will email you like I did Denise in Kennebunk and meet you two for lunch! My mission is to meet all of you FSO bloggers!
ReplyDeleteNice post!
PS You two make such a cute couple with your smiles and undying love for each other and life!
ReplyDeleteIs that a lizard drawing on the rock. My principal just went to Canada , and she wore a broach with a Lizard design, She said it is from Canada.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think lizards would live in Canada. It is too cold . It was minus 28 degree F that winter of 1975, BRRRRR!!
Thanks for enjoying my park. I went to another and posted more photos on my other site. There was an American Indian who entertained us with his flute and it was beautiful. I thought of you again. Did I tell you I went with my friends and accidentally drove to an Indian reserve.
Great post about your family especially your husband Barry got together in a park. I like the big stone.
ReplyDeleteWhy yes Ann, Southern Ontario has one of the only 5 species of lizards that exist in all of Canada.
ReplyDeleteThe Five-lined Skink (Eumeces fasciatus) occurs exclusively in the Great Lakes region.
Great shots! That first one is really beautiful! I hope that everything goes well for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good idea that you are combining your shootouts at this time. I really like the first photo and the photo of the native art. That art is amazing and I would love to walk around this place.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you and Barry, wishing for strength and recovery and remission.
I like the idea of pooling these together!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the updates. The photos are just what the doctor ordered. You inspire me, Barry and Linda.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got to combine the shoot-out with a family outing! Love the name of the Italian restaurant. Wishing you health and that the flu will stay away. I just read that using a neti pot, gargling with salt water and drinking hot liquids help to keep that nasty thing from settling in. Wish you well!
ReplyDeleteJust remember on your bad days with the chemo, that you will get through this, Barry -and Linda, am glad you're thinking ahead - If Barry has to go into isolation, get him a computer/laptop!!
ReplyDelete