It's been a while....

... but just because it was quite busy around here.

After the motorcycle show, it seems like winter is no more (when it comes to business).

However, it's still very wintery outside and I've been mostly out, taking photos, trying out stuff and just having fun. Who could blame me? :)

With all that is going on (my car broke down, visa issues, tripod issues, business issues) it's been impossible to take care of everything at once.

Nothing really interesting happened, but I did enjoyed my walks. This year I do have a proper winter jacket (I couldn't ignore the fact that I live in Canada any more) so I finally understand how nice taking a walk can be on -10 :)

We had some snow that melted quickly, but for a few days  everything looked amazing. The lake froze partially, so did the Etobicoke creek I sometimes visit.

In the Humber park there are always birds to see. And even though I have plenty of bird photos, somehow you can never get enough of them. Especially when they're crowded like this, fighting for the food.

Larger geese are constantly attacking little ducks and making their life harder in finding the crumbles. Cruel nature.

There was a lady feeding them. It's incredible how close the brave birds can come when they know there's a bag full of crumbles in the old lady's hands.

The swan immediately came close and was begging (well, demanding) for food, reaching all the way in her plastic bag. Geese are not as tall so they couldn't do the same thing. That just reminded me on the story of a fox and stork.

There was other kind of attacks too. This little guy on the right has no clue what's about to happen.

The beach was empty, of course. No people, no dogs and a big warning there are no lifeguards on duty.

Funny.

But then, I remember last winter guy surfing on the ice, so I guess the sign is here for a reason, after all...

There were little loons swimming in the lake, but I couldn't catch them with my lens.

They were babies, and looked like little penguins, being all black and white. Quite a sight.

I need to get a tele lens.

In the meantime, I'll make lemonade with the lemons I got.

Have a nice week everybody! Enjoy the winter while it's still here! (Did I just say that?)
I'm becoming Canadian.

Xoxo!

North American International Motorcycle Supershow 2016

Another beginning of the year, another Toronto Motorcycle Supershow.

It's a tradition to be there, and this year they've been celebrating 40 years of the legendary show.

Of course, we've been there as well.

Plenty of things to see! If you're into bikes at all, you should visit the show (at least once). Numerous artists, especially in hall 5, presented their babies: whether it's the aesthetics, power and performance or something else.


And even tho this kind of event seems to be an inexhaustible source of good photographs, I must admit - I was feeling kind of bored (with a few exceptions!).

The problem is, I've been there last year and a year before - and I have exactly the same photos stored on my hard drive. Nothing changed, except for a few newly finished show bikes that were exposed this year. Other than that, it was pretty much all the same.

The same settings, the same vendors, the same booths, the same stage program.

Regardless, there is always something interesting to see, that you might have missed the year before.

Like I missed the snake.

And I mentioned exceptions.

There is a beautiful piece of work that surprised me - a breast cancer awareness chopper.
Full of symbolic terms, it represents everything good within bad.

Pink flake paint and very original "ribbon style" pipes are making the bike just awesome. Made by @cycleworx_custom_motorcycles.


And in regards of performance, Wildside Motorcycles presented the fastest bagger in the area. Yes, bold statement, but definitely justified. With 124 ci and 7-speed tranny, among other, this bike is the beast.

There was also a completely restored old 1971 Electra Glide - "Elvis" - that they were especially proud of. Shiny like new.





Also, some really nice paint artwork, the kind you have to see to believe. Amazing Fitto did his magic again.

All in all, interesting stuff. Personally, aside beautiful bikes, I enjoyed just catching the moments and details - like shapes on the wall of the International Centre, or a little girl playing with creepy zombie doll (that freaked me out a bit).

So, it's done for this year, but if you're in the area sometimes beginning January 2017, swing by the International Centre in Mississauga and have a look. You just might discover a new passion :)

Xoxo

@sharoncocaine

First day of 2016

The first day of 2016 started just like any other day. I only feel more tired and hung over than usual. Since I'm not exactly a party animal, those few glasses of wine can get me down in no time.

I wasn't a total lamb after all and I did wait till midnight. 

I even stayed up later and enjoyed another drink or two before hitting the hay.

The first things that I noticed, when I woke up in this new 2016, were:

1. I feel the same as yesterday in 2015 despite the big celebration of New 2016 (as if the celebration is really needed)

2. It's snowing (yay)

3. I'm hungry (and I'm never hungry in the morning). It must have been that over-eating habit these last few days with that 12 lb turkey and stuff).

The second thought actually pushed me out of the house for a walk. It felt good to clear the head on 0.5 degrees C. 

There was not much wind, so it wasn't that cold. And somewhere in the middle of my walk, the snow started falling again, harder and harder, until it suddenly just stopped.

I discovered another pathway I've never seen before, that led me to a new spot next to the creek.
I take walks there every once in a while, but somehow missed that area.

A whole different point of view, because of the rocky wall on the other side. It levels up later along the creek, but I never knew this part existed.

I thought I was going to be alone, but that was a mistake. Lots of kids, couples and people with dogs. It was a nice morning and I guess everyone wanted to get some fresh air.

Now I should probably say that I used the walk to think about New Years resolutions, but I really haven't.

I don't have any resolutions and decisions that can be related to the beginning of a year.

In attempt to stay in good terms with the well known tradition, I did decide not to make those kinds of decisions.

I do, however, have some wishes that I will try to make true in 2016, but who knows how will that turn out?

Before anything else, I wish to myself good health, optimal happiness and some courage to change the paths that don't work for me anymore. I wish everyone else exactly the same, because every other thing you wish for yourselves will come your way anyways.

Have a happy New Year! 

Xoxo

Happy Holidays! (and a huge turkey)

This is usually my favorite time of year. It can be stressful, I admit that, with all the shopping and food preparing and making everything clean and nice and entertaining people.

But somehow this time of year, that has a special spirit and despite all the work, it's worth it.

This whole week was actually exiting - in both good and bad ways. It started bad with my visa complications, resulting in not sleeping for two days and a great depression.

Luckily, I've managed to solve the issue on Wednesday, so I had good day and a half to actually relax and do those last things before Christmas. Like last minute shopping and figuring what the hell are we going to eat.

With a little help aside, we decided it's going to be a turkey on Christmas eve - and don't judge - nobody eats fish around here, and even if we do, I wouldn't know how to make it.

Also, a friend of mine was working on Christmas day, so we decided to go with Christmas rituals day before, on Christmas eve.

So, while I was working for half a day and running around to get wine and other necessities, Ana came with a 10 lb turkey. She said she took the smallest one available.

It barely fit into the oven. I don't even have a proper size dish for that kind of animal.
It took it 5.5 hours to get it done.
We were starving.

In the meantime, we made mulled wine and enjoyed that for the whole afternoon. It was delicious.

So, six hours later, we had the dinner!

By that time, one of the guys ended up being on another party and another one went to bed. So Ana and I ate alone.

After we were so hungry and had a huge meal, the turkey still looked as if we just took it out of the oven.
You can't even tell someone already ate it. We're gonna be eating it til New Year's eve probably.


We opened the presents that evening too, and spend huge amount of time to get her fitness tracker working.

I got a kitchen scale, which I've been really missing, considering that I've been using my sixth sense and a feeling to measure stuff till now :)

Christmas day was quiet and relaxing, and we ended it in the theater watching the new Star Wars movie. BP8 was cute.

So all in all we had nice and relaxing Christmas. With plenty of food. And cookies I've made :)

I hope you did too! So have nice rest of the holidays and a killer New Year!

Xoxo!

Christmas Spirit and Hot, Spicy Wine

Nothing is like December! I'm not a winter person, but December brings out that holiday joy and Christmas spirit all over the place.

And I'm not viewing this from religious point of view - whatever religion you're in, or if you're not religious at all, I'm talking about the unique feeling of holiday atmosphere.

Holiday lights on the streets, ornaments on Christmas trees, the general look of the city at this time of year, everything sparkling and smelling of cider and wine - the whole Christmassy feel.

You can hear Christmas songs everywhere, see ideas for presents in every store you walk into and feel that special warmth of red, gold and silver colors, so significant for these holiday moments.



Even though the commercialization of Christmas holidays has taken it too far, with companies decorating and pushing gifts sales already in November, and people feeling pressured about the whole thing, it still doesn't diminish that very holiday sensation that's spreading like a virus as soon as you see the first holiday lights on the streets.

The best place to enjoy the atmosphere in Toronto, at this moment, is definitely the Distillery District.

With the Toronto Christmas Market that is held there every December for the whole month, up until Christmas day, Distillery District becomes a magical place (magical more than it usually is).

Various artisans and vendors are participating and there's nothing you can't buy in their little booths.

You can find hand-made ornaments, gifts, candles and other Christmas merchandise. If you're hungry, you'll be able to enjoy German sausages, roasted nuts, baked goods and plenty of other seasonal stuff.



To keep yourself warm, I strongly recommend the popular mulled wine - which was delicious! So very tasty, just like the wine from back home, which my family used to make every Christmas and which we regularly enjoyed during the whole Christmas season.  I really missed that so I made sure I got enough. Don't overstep your boundaries though - it's stronger than it tastes :)

All in all, a very nice evening out - I loved it! If you're around, make this place a number one on your visit list. Soon.  Even the holiday hater will enjoy :)

The only thing that's missing is snow, to make the whole experience more fulfilled. But, until then, this is the perfect place to hang out one of these evenings, before Christmas, while there's still mulled wine available...



Oh and yes. A huge Christmas tree :) Who doesn't love that?

Cheers! Xoxo

It's getting cold!

Yes, the winter is coming. It's not really so tough, considering we're in Canada and still haven't had a proper snow.

One would say it's unusually warm for this time of year.  I'm actually glad because for once, Croatia is full of snow, and we're not :)

Still, getting colder and colder every day.

That means my cat doesn't want to spend nights outside anymore, and wants to curl up on my bed to sleep there.

That means making tea occasionally and dishes that you eat with the spoon.

That means less walking and less nature photographing. Hence, more hamster and indoor stuff.

I was just cleaning Shelly's cage the other day, so while she was out, I decided to take a few photos again.

The only apple I had in house was huge, and she was obviously overwhelmed with the size.

I had to bite it off so she could continue nibbling it.
Surprisingly, she showed more interest towards my camera than the apple.









We also had another photo shoot in the garage, with a beautiful model and a great make-up artist. Again a great experience. Lovely girls. Had issues with the lights again though. How I wish it was summer and we can shoot outside...

The other day, it was nice and sunny, so I wanted to get some fresh air.



I took a walk, and the path that I'm usually taking surprised me with great reflections in the lake, that I haven't noticed earlier.

I have also been dealing with the domain and the website, so beachofhope exists no more. I have a new website that you can see here.

Still working on it though, don't be judgy.

Considering I have no idea what I'm doing, it getting along pretty good. :) I had some help from my hosting service agent who was kind enough to make my day. Thank you, Colton!

So, with all that was happening, between the work, photo shooting, little business I started on the side which will stay top secret (literally, it's better if you don't know), new website and all - it was a pretty busy week. 

It's time to think about Christmas holidays and presents now.

Stay warm!

XoXo

Santa and some raw art

This was a busy week. With all that's normally going on, there was a Santa Claus Parade in downtown Toronto, last Sunday, which I wanted to see. Also, I went to see the Raw Artists exhibition on Thursday.

Santa Claus Parade was, well... fun. For all those under 10.
Nevertheless, it was nice to see it once, get some shots and leave it at that. I was surprised by how many people were there. It was a nice, warm day so I guess that contributed a lot.

The streets were closed, security guys everywhere, children jumping around, parents holding thermos bottles with coffee sitting on sidewalks, cushions, blankets, strollers, sandwiches and lots of reindeer horns on people's heads.

Apparently, people arrive early in the morning to save the spot for their family, so that they can sit in front row and see the parade.

The parade alone lasts for couple of hours, but to have a nice watching spot, you should be there hours earlier.





To be honest, it was actually more interesting before the parade showed up, because of all the people and kids mingling on the streets. Put some children on the middle of the empty street and give them some crayons and there you go. Art as you've never seen it.

I didn't wait to see the Santa though - it was enough for me to witness Frozen characters, clowns, girl with the goose, people in dog's costumes, Lego figures and other, I must say, lame and totally unrelated characters to something that's called Santa Claus Parade. 

The only thing they all had in common were Christmas songs. I didn't see a single reindeer :O or one of Santa's elves, for that matter. Or anything related to actual Christmas holidays. Too many commercial banners and sponsor signs for my taste though. It was like watching commercials on TV.

However, it was obvious the children were enjoying it. They don't care about rules or names or commercials or appropriate costumes. They spent the day dancing and drawing in the streets of Toronto. What can be better than that?

For something more to my liking, I visited a more adult event going on in MOD Club on College Street this week.


There was a Raw Artists Uprising event with numerous artists showing their work. Some of Toronto's photographers, painters, jewelry makers, make up artists, film makers and musicians were presenting their best pieces and had fun in connecting and browsing thru other spheres of art. It was quite interesting to be mingling around some extraordinary individuals. Here's more on that, where you can see the artists involved and some of their work.

All in all, a fun week. I was surprised by some snowflakes yesterday, and that doesn't seem like fun at all. Soon enough it'll be snowy and (more) cold and I'll have to stay in and shoot the hamster again...

Stay warm!