Category: Place & Space
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Restoration
One of my favourite summer experiences took place in one of Winnipeg’s roughest neighbourhoods. On a drive around town, I spotted the most amazing mosaic mural under construction in a most unlikely location. I made an illegal left turn into an empty parking lot and jumped out with my camera in hand. I happily snapped… Read more
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These Boots Were Made for Walking
I finally connected to Toronto. I think four key factors shaped the positive outcome. First, I trained in so was car-free and walking everywhere; the weather was unbelievably gorgeous; I stayed with a friend well outside the downtown core; and I almost exclusively walked and took public transport to get around. Read more
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Parks (By and) For the People
New Ruralism is as applicable as New Urbanism for creating usable, meaningful public spaces and associated public life which suit a variety of purposes for people at varying stages of their life. It is not an ‘and/or’ proposition, but about enrichment for everyone. Read more
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Your Personal Stash of Grass
Extended dry spells? Annoying water restrictions? Foreclosed house on the market? Living in a desert? It has become more difficult than ever to keep up with the Jones’. But you need never worry about maintaining a lush, green lawn with fussy fertilizers and overseeding when you can spray paint it and be the envy of… Read more
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Making Room(s) for Autism
Although I’m not there yet, I’m told it’s incredibly difficult to watch your kids grow up and move away from home for the first time. But for families of adult children with special needs, independent living is not a standard milestone. I came across this article from The Portland Press Herald that tells the story… Read more
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The Secret Life of Houses and Other Buildings
Don’t know why exactly it has taken so many years for me to finally attend the Doors Open Ottawa event. Whatever the reason I suspect it would also explain my lack of participation to date in the glorious Jane’s Walk events, too. Seems the dates never make it onto my calendar and then poof! they… Read more
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Putting the Urban in Suburban
Okay, I admit it: I grew up in Surrey. Go ahead and take your pot shots and be done with it. Here’s an article by Frances Bula for The Globe and Mail on the work of Canada’s largest municipalities, including Surrey, to add some urban freshness to their typically strip mall-lined main streets. It’s about… Read more
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Dear Vanny R.I.P. (Part 1)
Here is our (my) dilemma. We live in a rural village about forty-five minutes from the city centre. I really, really want to try life as a one-vehicle family. But I’m thinking this may be impossible. Read more
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The Irony of Knowledge & Skill Development
For the past few weeks I’ve been fashioning a built in wall-to-wall headboard/storage frame in our master bedroom. It has been a zero cost project as I’ve used leftover framing and reclaimed finish materials from other projects around the house. It’s good to see these piles shrink and to see my creation near completion. It’s… Read more
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If You Go Down to the Woods Today
Going tramping through the fields and woods in Ontario is no walk in the park. There can be extreme weather, mud, black flies, mosquitoes, hunting seasons and snowmobile routes to consider. While we live rurally and have several forested areas and walking trails to choose from, the reality is there are a few optimal months… Read more