Autumn, how I have missed you...

My favorite time of year is upon us!  The light is a little softer, the colors more vibrant and a magic in the air that brings goosebumps to my arms.  I was lucky enough to catch this rain-soaked window looking up from the inside at the beautiful maple leaves that had fallen from the tree outside.  These were taken in Vancouver, Canada in October.

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Happy October!!

Photo of the Day - July 1, 2012

Vancouver's amusement park Playland serves as the spot for the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) every August.  The event lasts two weeks and is filled with shows, exhibits, rides and games.

Photo of the Day - Jun 29, 2012

This photo was taken along highway 9 in Alberta, Canada in the early summer at sunset.  The hay bales, grain silos and the CP Rail train in the background are typical sights that stretch across the Canadian prairies: Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.  This particular spot is found between the city of Calgary and the badlands of the Drumheller area.  For more information on this highway, including sights, campgrounds, bed & breakfasts, etc, please check out the website, Mile by Mile.

Photo of the Day - June 28, 2012

It would seem that I have missed a few months!  But I am back to begin posting again...

Though still very much a work in progress, I have been working on my website.  Stay tuned for more updates!

Today's photo was taken a month or so ago in Vancouver, British Columbia.  The light on this tree that stood in front of the dark sky was so beautiful!

Photo of the Day - January 5, 2012

Pigeon Lantern

The building in this photo is the Palazzo Pitti (or Pitti Palace) in Florence, Italy.  Though originally commissioned by a florentine banker, Luca Pitti, it is best known as the former residence of the Medici Family.  Today it serves as an art gallery.  The stones that you see in this photo come from the Boboli Hill, over which the Boboli Gardens majestically stretch themselves, directly behind the large palace.

Photo of the Day - January 4, 2012

The Stone House

This beautiful property is in Sieci, a gorgeous small town in Tuscany, Italy.  If you find yourself in Tuscany, I highly recommend a stop in Sieci to go for a walk amongst the beautiful vineyards and olive groves.  Possibly one of the most beautiful places I have been, it is just a short train ride from Florence.

Photo of the Day - January 3, 2012

Blue Heron

This photo was taken in the autumn on Vancouver's English Bay.  I love how the herons seem to pose for cameras.  Less than a five minute walk from this spot, by the tennis courts in Stanley Park, you can find a large nesting area for these beautiful birds.  Herons have been nesting here for over a decade, with more than 100 nests being reported each year.  Though seen all year round in the area, they are most populous from March through to the end of August.

Photo of the Day - January 2, 2012

Vancouver Harbour

This photo was taken in the early spring in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  The harbour sits in Burrard Inlet, beside Stanley Park.  The light of the setting sun illuminated boats, set against the dramatic clouds created a very breathtaking scene.

Photo of the Day - January 1, 2012

Tuscan Countryside

I took this photo in late October while on a walk in the country just outside of Bucine, Italy.  Bucine, a small town not too far from Arezzo, is full of tuscan charm.  I would love to return during the late spring to see the differences in the colors.  I can't imagine that it could be more beautiful than October, but I can't wait to find out one day!

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore

The exterior of the duomo in the light of a winter sunrise.

The duomo, or main cathedral, in Florence, Italy was originally designed in a Gothic style in 1294 by Arnolfo di Cambio.  Over the next 170 years work began and stopped several times.  The first time the works slowed was after Arnolfo's death in 1302.  Giotto di Bondone began overseeing the construction in 1334.  When Giotto died in 1337, his assistant took over until 1348, when work was stopped due to the Black Death.  When work resumed, the cathedral saw many architects taking over until 1418, when the cathedral was finally finished, with the exception of the dome.

A view from Piazzale Michelangelo.

This beautiful building is a wonderful mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Gothic Revival styles.  The first time I saw this building, I was stopped dead in my tracks by its magnificence.  Words could not begin to encapsulate its beauty and magic; it truly does need to be viewed in person.  The exterior of the duomo is decorated in pink, grey and white marble.

A view of the bell tower from the top of the dome.

I would definitely recommend climbing the stairs to the top of Brunellschi's dome.  There are 463 steps to the top.  I learned the hard way, that you really should take a bottle of water with you.  Not only will this provide you with the best vantage point of viewing the dome's interior frescoes of the Last Judgement, you will find the most stunning 360 degree views of Florence from the top of the dome.

The main building of the cathedral in 2011.