AmplifiedLIFE

In hues of crimson and grace, she perches there, A young female Cardinal, a vision rare. Against my window, she softly peeps, Intriguing, her presence, secrets she keeps. Her feathers, a tapestry of vibrant red, A symphony of colours, by nature spread. Her eyes, bright beads of inquisitive gleam, In them, a world, a whispered dream. As I ponder, what tale does she bring? What melody does she wish to sing? Does she carry a message from skies afar? Or simply seeks solace, under twilight's star? Perhaps she's a harbinger of love's sweet embrace, Or a symbol of hope in this transient space. Her presence, a reminder of nature's profound, In every chirp, a whisper, a sound. Oh, lovely young Cardinal, perched by my side, In your silent gaze, mysteries abide. What secrets do you carry, what stories untold? In your fluttering wings, a message unfolds. So I'll cherish this moment, with you by my pane, A fleeting encounter, not to be in vain. For in your presence, I find solace and grace, A delicate reminder, of life's gentle pace.

"The Sphere," a mesmerizing stainless steel masterpiece crafted by renowned artist Art Price, stands as a captivating emblem of innovation and creativity within the tranquil grounds of the National Research Council of Canada complex on Montreal Road in Ottawa. Rising gracefully from its surroundings, this iconic sculpture embodies the spirit of scientific exploration and artistic ingenuity, captivating the imagination of all who encounter it. Crafted with precision and finesse, "The Sphere" exudes a timeless elegance, its polished surfaces reflecting the ever-changing play of light and shadow. As sunlight dances upon its metallic form, intricate patterns emerge, casting a kaleidoscope of colours and textures that mesmerize and inspire. Each angle offers a new perspective, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of discovery and contemplation. Standing as a beacon of inspiration, "The Sphere" serves as a poignant reminder of the symbiotic relationship between art and science. Its sleek contours and seamless design pay homage to the quest for knowledge and the pursuit of excellence that define the National Research Council of Canada's mission. As a focal point for reflection and dialogue, it sparks conversations and fosters connections, bridging the gap between disciplines and inviting collaboration. Surrounded by lush greenery and pristine landscaping, "The Sphere" commands attention while harmonizing with its natural surroundings. Its presence evokes a sense of wonder and curiosity, beckoning passersby to pause and immerse themselves in its radiant aura. Whether admired from afar or experienced up close, it leaves an indelible impression on all who encounter it, igniting a sense of wonder and awe that transcends boundaries and inspires greatness. In the heart of Ottawa's vibrant landscape, "The Sphere" stands as a testament to the power of art to ignite the imagination and stir the soul. With its timeless beauty and enduring significance, it remains a cherished landmark, enriching the cultural fabric of the city and serving as a symbol of progress and possibility for generations to come.

The water feature inside the National Art Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, is a captivating blend of artistic expression and natural elegance, seamlessly integrated into the architectural landscape of the gallery. Situated at the heart of the gallery's interior, this water feature serves as a serene focal point, inviting visitors to pause and contemplate amidst the bustling environment of artistic exploration. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the design of the water feature harmonizes with the gallery's aesthetic ethos, marrying modern sophistication with timeless beauty. Smooth, polished surfaces of marble or granite may encase the water, reflecting the gallery's refined ambiance and enhancing the play of light within the space. The water's gentle movement creates a tranquil ambiance, its soft murmurs offering a soothing soundtrack to the artistic journey unfolding around it. The water feature's design may incorporate elements inspired by the natural world, such as cascading streams, tranquil ponds, or gracefully arcing fountains. These elements evoke a sense of fluidity and motion, mirroring the dynamic energy of creativity and expression found within the gallery's walls. Intricate sculptures or architectural elements may rise from the water, further enriching the visual tapestry and inviting contemplation. Surrounding the water feature, lush greenery or carefully curated landscaping enhances the sense of tranquility, creating a verdant oasis within the gallery's interior. The interplay between water, light, and foliage fosters a harmonious atmosphere, encouraging visitors to engage with the art on display with a heightened sense of mindfulness and appreciation. Whether serving as a reflective pool for contemplation, a dynamic focal point for artistic dialogue, or simply a respite from the bustling gallery experience, the water feature inside the National Art Gallery of Canada is a testament to the power of design to elevate and enrich the human spirit. It stands as a testament to the intersection of art and nature, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a sensory journey that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

The glass ceiling within the National Art Gallery of Canada is a shimmering canopy that embraces the space with ethereal grace. Like a delicate veil, it allows the soft glow of natural light to filter through, casting a mesmerizing dance of shadows upon the artworks below. This transparent barrier, adorned with intricate patterns and delicate hues, serves as a symbol of artistic aspirations reaching for the heavens.

Skating down the Rideau Canal feels like gliding through a frozen dreamland, where the world slows down to the rhythm of your skates. As the morning sun casts a soft golden glow upon the icy surface, the canal transforms into a sparkling ribbon of possibility, stretching as far as the eye can see. With each stride, the crisp winter air kisses your cheeks, carrying the faint scent of hot chocolate and laughter from nearby vendors. The cityscape of Ottawa stands tall on either side, its historic buildings and modern skyscrapers framed by the frosted branches of trees lining the canal's edge. The sound of blades carving through the ice harmonizes with the gentle hum of chatter and the occasional delighted squeal. Skaters of all ages and abilities share in the joy of this quintessential Canadian experience, weaving effortlessly between clusters of fellow adventurers and pausing occasionally to admire the picturesque views. Whether gliding solo in quiet contemplation or hand in hand with loved ones, skating down the Rideau Canal is a timeless ritual that celebrates the beauty of winter and the camaraderie of community. Music: Neu! by Hallogallo 1972

Loud and bright, you can’t miss this bird. Here it is on a cold sunny February day in Quebec Canada. This is a Pileated woodpecker, often confused with the Red-headed woodpecker. They are two of the most recognizable bird species. One is easily identified by its solid red head, while the other is recognized by its red crest. Both species have overlapping ranges, but that is about as far as similarities go. Pileated Woodpeckers have red crests and long bills, whereas Red-headed Woodpeckers have red heads with a much shorter bill. Their plumages are entirely different, making it easy to tell apart by appearance alone. Also, Pileated Woodpeckers are considerably larger than Red-headed Woodpeckers. The eating habits of these two woodpeckers also differ significantly. One exhibits classic pecking and gleaning behavior, while the other is primarily a flycatcher. We will discuss the differences between the pileated and red-headed woodpecker in more detail throughout the article. Read on to discover more about two fascinating species!

Music: Shuttlecock, by Manuel Göttsching (1977) Shot & edited by Peter Beamish (2023) Shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max

3 laps = 1 mile Music: Echo Waves, Manuel Göttsching (1974) Shot & edited by Peter Beamish (2023) Shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max

Music: Dream, Manuel Göttsching (1977) Shot & edited by Peter Beamish (2023) Shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max

Music: Die Mulde, Manuel Göttsching (2005) Shot & edited by Peter Beamish (2023) Shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max

Music: Pluralis, by Manuel Gottsching (1975) Shot & edited by Peter Beamish (2023) I took the November Noon Train To T.O. on a pastel-palleted day. “Enjoy the way”, suggests VIARail. And I did. Shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max.

A chilly November Ottawa afternoon. The pond is near-frozen. The golden Ginko leaves have all floated to the ground, creating a yellow-leafed carpet. And suddenly, a splash of red appears.

Tell me what you want (and I’ll give you what you need). I think everyone got both what they wanted and what they needed from the 53-year-old-strong rock & roll band from San Jose, California. Some deep cuts, some hits, some interpretations and some jamming. All resulting in a night of sweet, sweet music. Here’s a few highlights for the fans among you who love to keep rockin’ down the highway.

Ideal for relaxing, meditating and vibing out. This video will relieve your stress and mellow your mind. Also ideal for those who are shut-in or otherwise unable to enjoy the great outdoors at the moment. A crisp, autumn, October Canadian morning, as I ride my Radrunner 3+ from Shirley’s Bay through forest and city trails, along the Ottawa River, Rideau Canal, beaches and bridges to my home in Old Ottawa East, Oct 2nd 2023. Enjoy the Fall kaleidoscope of colours along with a wonderful music track that will take you on a calming psychedelic journey. Original music by Silas Durocher, https://youtu.be/ICmWwxaTmB8?si=PzDVANfXUMgMqRAZ

Many people start at the bottom (pardon the pun) as a dive tender, working their way up the ranks. It can take a good two years to become a diver, making many dives along the way before "Breaking-out", and from there, you can specialize in air and mixed gas diving, focusing primarily on underwater welding, including challenging nuclear projects. Becoming a deep-sea diver isn’t easy. It requires thorough preparation and a diverse skill set. To stand out in this competitive field, you have to be mechanically proficient, possess strong common sense, and maintain confidence without arrogance. As a deep-sea diver, you can tackle a wide range of jobs. From manual labor to intricate instrumentation installations, there is always something important to be done underwater in addition to the mid-water welding work. You serve as the "eyes and ears" for topside welding engineers and "company men", gathering crucial information that couldn't be obtained by anyone else. And as a construction diver, you can take on concrete forming, welding, cutting, rigging, hand-jetting and various other tasks, all while enduring the challenges of working in cool, sometimes freezing, waters with limited to absolutely zero visibility. Securing a job as a deep-sea diver is undoubtedly competitive. You need a relentless work ethic, eagerness to learn, and adaptability in challenging situations. A background in welding and construction, coupled with good physical fitness and problem-solving abilities, will make you a standout candidate. Moreover, effective collaboration and clear communication skills will prove invaluable in demanding scenarios.

It’s Saturday morning here on a warm September on Ottawa’s Rideau canal. Watch the guys zoom along with gusto and exuberance! Did you know that the Ottawa Rowing Club has been around for as long as Canada itself? That's right, it was established way back in 1867! Over the past 154 years, the ORC has had its fair share of ups and downs, but it has remained a constant in Ontario rowing circles. Interestingly, rowing was already being practiced in the Ottawa region before the club was even formed. It's believed that rowing on the Ottawa River started when the Royal Engineers of the British Army began building the Rideau Canal. They would cross the river in oared ferries from the Quebec side to work at the base of the canal. Bytown, which is now part of the Ottawa Capital Region, was established in 1826 on the Ottawa side of the river.

I spent a little time hanging-out with members of the Ottawa Area Model Yacht Club at Andrew Hayden Park in Ottawa, Canada, one warm and sunny July of 2023. Check out these radio-controlled (RC) yachts! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ottawarc Web: https://ottawasailing.webs.com

Carnival’s Mardis Gras leaves the port of Grand Turk, followed by us on Holland-America’s Nieuw Amsterdam.

Just doin’ a 3-point turn out of the parking lot, and then off to ‘work’. In my Catamaran. SunRay Beach, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

It's no secret that Miles, a 1-year-old blonde Norwich Terrier puppy, is obsessed with racing his father, Russell, five years old. And watch out for the camera, guys!

Timelapse of the Mardi Gras leaving Amber Cove right after our Holland-America ship leaves. (no sound)

There are some red-winged blackbirds in my neighbourhood who don’t take kindly to us humans coming too close to their nests in springtime. Of course, we have no idea exactly where their nests are, and we’re just trying to make our way down the street - Ottawa’s Echo Drive - to be specific. Here are a few comments from the Old Ottawa South Facebook Group. Got me!! Yep! Was regularly attacked there years ago while passing on my bike. I'm glad I'd seen this post before getting pinged in the back of the head (for the first time ever) on Friday morning in this very spot. If I hadn't known it was a regular thing, I'd have been afraid I was turning into Tippi Hedren in The Birds! The angry bird buzzed past my head the first time, then hit me on the second time. I was thinking of adding a helmet or umbrella to my morning walk! I was 'dive bombed' there yesterday, as I was contemplating what the meaning of the sign really meant. That explains the whack on the head I felt this week… Yup, and I was “whacked” by this bird yesterday! That’ll teach me not to slow down while reading the signs. My son got attacked there this week. Luckily, he thought it was hilarious. I heard a woman on a CBC call-in show saying she used to walk by there in the 1950s and was regularly attacked by a redwing blackbird. I too remember redwing attacks over the years. It's a family trait I reckon.

Spring in Ottawa, Canada. April 2023

How’s this for an idea? Buy a 1990’s cruise ship. Fix it up. Paint it up. Party it up. Three days. Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas, and back. A floating tropical resort. Courtesy of Jimmy Buffet.

6am docking, Grand Turk. Some of us are early risers. Others are still tucked-away. Sip room service coffee and watch the gleaming ships docking ballet. Cleaning and maintenance 24, 7. A full-time life at sea for some. Magic hour sunrises in glass elevators for others. Recorded March 23rd, 2023. Grand Turk is a small island (7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide) “The pier where cruise ships dock in Grand Turk is next to a stunning beach, inviting passengers to spend the day basking in the sun, swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying water activities.” Grand Turk Island is the largest island of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The territory's capital is here, Cockburn Town, and the JAGS McCartney International Airport. The island is the administrative, historic, cultural and financial center of the territory and has the second-largest population of the islands at approximately 5,000 people. The name Turk comes from a species of cactus on the island, the Turk's Cap Cactus, which has a distinctive cap, reminiscent of an Ottoman fez.