A — Z PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE

An Obelisk, Oratory, Old Port and Orchid

A salute to the letter O

I have to thank L Burton for her gentle prod; she posted her ‘M’ story and kindly tagged my ’N’ one. I have been so distracted with bots, I’d forgotten my photographic challenge responsibilities!

I had a few photos in the pipeline for the letter ‘O’ but decided to stick with four main themes: An Obelisk — although I have a large selection of many of the phallic-like structures — Montréal’s Old Port and Oratory and one of my favourite flowers, the orchid.

O is for Oratory

My previous abode was a stone’s throw from this magnificent structure. Officially opened in 1956, the St Joseph’s Basilica feels like a piece of Europe in the heart of a French-Canadian metropolis.

It is equally impressive inside, but I’ve only gone in twice as the crowds are usually unbearable.

I was super-fit when I lived nearby, as the building was located on a steep hill. I used to walk it three times a week and took many photos over time. Here it is in Fall and Winter.

The view from the top is rather lovely too; again, it has a European feel. The hospital I used to work at is the brown building to the left; skyward is the final approach for planes arriving at Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport from the East.

O is for the Old Port

Montréal is a very pretty city primarily because of that European feel in places. The Old Port is often used by filmmakers because the architecture is a perfect replica without the expense of an exorbitant exchange rate.

I try to head down there at least once a year because I know I’ll always score a great pic or two.

The ‘wheel’ was a recent addition and provides a wonderful view of the territory. In the middle photo, the Jacques Cartier Bridge is in the distance and a raggedy old shed is in the foreground.

But, look what awaits beneath the rust…

“Les Visages de Montréal / Faces of Montréal” is a collective art initiative led by French artist JR as part of the Inside Out Project. You’ll see it in different neighbourhoods across the city. Thanks to this work of public art, the Old Port now celebrates the smiling faces of all those who bring it to life, from visitors and merchants to residents and employees. Let’s celebrate Montréalers and their resilience! Source

There’s a lot to love about this city, but it also frustrates me in many ways too.

O is for Obelisk

There is one place in the US that I would return to in a heartbeat and that is the capital, Washington D.C.

I have visited twice and both times was enamoured with its history. It was impossible not to stop and think about the sacrifices thousands of people have made over the years for democracy and independence. The memorials of lives lost and past presidents are something to behold.

Of most prominence is the Washington Monument, a towering tribute built in the 1850s to the first president, George Washington. You can’t miss it because wherever you are, it’s there.

My photos are taken from three different angles; I couldn’t decide which one I love the most!

Which is your favourite?

O is for Orchids

I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with these fickle plants, mainly because I was more apt at killing them than nurturing their pickiness. In truth, it was never just orchids that I could kill; I could easily be accused of being a mass plant murderer in the recent past.

Here’s one of the first stories I wrote on Medium three years ago. Ironically, it was the turning point for me and plants — and possibly now my writing!

After visiting a girlfriend who had a dozen gorgeous orchid blooms scattered throughout her (equally gorgoeus!) house, I asked what her magic trick was.

Ever since I’ve watered my orchids once a week by putting a couple of inches of water in the pot that they sit in and allowing them ten minutes to soak up what they can.

Success!

These two plants were rejects from a girlfriend. A little ‘Barb TLC’ and voila! (mind the nosy BooBoo!)

Oh… K…that’s enough of the O’s from me.

Be sure to check out other Alphabet writers. We’re all over the place in terms of letters, but the interpretation is always intriguing.

Tagging some of my fellow A-Z’ers…

Carol Labuzzetta, MS Natural Resources, MS Nursing; Rhonda Carrier; Anne Bonfert and of course, JoAnn Ryan