More cowbell, please

I got a fever. And the only prescription.. is more cowbell.
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

I've never been one to follow the crowd, so please accept my apologies for not posting some momentous, reflective end-of-year missive.

That's because every day is special, and every day is worthy of reflection. So perhaps tomorrow.

In the meantime, the world needs more cowbell, so here's my contribution. Whatever milestone you're celebrating, I hope you do so surrounded by the people who matter most, and that you're all healthy and happy.

Nothing else matters, today and every day.

#ldnont #new #year #newyear #newyearseve #cowbell #london #ontario #canada

On the passage of time

"Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to."
Bill Vaughan

More than a mere train

Waiting for departure
London, ON
December 2018
Photo originally posted to Instagram

It may look like an simple Via Rail train sitting in the station in the middle of downtown London. But it's really a connector that brings people together at the times - and for the things - that matter most. Something to be thankful for, I'm guessing.

Three kids, all grown up

Everything
London, ON
November 2018
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Whenever I think about gifts, I think of these three, because gifts don't get any better.

#ldnont #kids #parenthood #love #family #is #everything #london #ontario #canada

Here's looking at you, kid

The eyes have it
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

The scene: A snowy and cold parking lot behind a high-end dress store on London's Richmond Row. It's a pretty tony stretch of retail, with high-end shops interspersed with restos and bars, Ground Zero for students from Western University and well-heeled folks from the Old North 'hood.

But back here in the parking lot, it's all cinder-block construction and graffiti. And as I head out from a client meeting, this creatively painted Chevy Astro van almost begs for a picture. So I happily oblige.

 #ldnont #parking #lot #find #Chevy #Chevrolet #astro #van #urban #street #photography #london #ontario #canada

8 crazy nights

Burn, baby, burn
London, ON
December 2017
Photo originally posted to Instagram

There's always one candle with an apparent rush to end it all.

Seriously, though, every year, this moment, when the last candles are lit, and slowly fade to darkness, I feel more than a little vaklempt. Somehow, we need to do more, not just as Jews, but as citizens of this crazy, damaged, gorgeous, unpredictable and miraculous planet, to find the light and keep it lit.

It doesn't matter which imaginary being you worship: This should touch all of us. Who's in?

Scene from a parking lot

Better off dirty
Scarborough, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

So I'm in the CTV parking lot in the Toronto suburb of Scarborough and I randomly happen to come upon my friend's car (I remember people's cars...another thing that makes me weird, but I digress.) So I do what any photographically-obsessed doofus would do: I take my smartphone out and snag a few artsy pics of it before a) the late-afternoon light fades, b) my fingers get too cold to shoot, and c) the security team detains the weird guy shooting random pics of employees' vehicles.

In the end, I got to (quickly) shoot a lovely set of wheels, and to the best of my knowledge he's still my friend. I also learned that a bit of dirt can tell a really compelling story - seriously, this is one glorious machine, made even more so because it wears the signature of day-to-day use so elegantly.

If you do one thing tomorrow, please look at dirt - and the things it adorns - through a different lens. There's beauty there. Just take the time.

Thanks, @philthyfoodguy!

#ctv #ctvnews #Toronto #Scarborough #studio #mothership #home #car #auto #automotive #photography #ontario #canada

A year without Frasier

He loved his naps
Laval, QC
August 2009
This photo originally shared on Instagram

We lost this little guy a year ago today, and not a day goes by that I don't think about him, and the indelible imprints he left on us.

Despite all he had been through before coming to us, he had the biggest heart and the sweetest soul.

Miss you, Frasier. Always know you're loved.

#ldnont #actofdog

Unidirectional branches

Life on hold
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Pointing in the same direction - yet more proof that our planet is an incredible place.

All we need to do is take the time to notice.

#ldnont #naturephoto #mother #nature #siftonbog #bog #forest #trees #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #instagood #monochrome #black #white #grey #london #ontario #canada

Puppy at rest, temporarily

Love me
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Spontaneous dog picture. No reason necessary.

#ldnont #calli #callitheschnauzer #littlemisscalli #mini #miniature #schnauzer #miniatureschnauzer #schnauzersofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #instagramdogs #petstagram #dogs_of_instagram #puppylove #dog #actofdog #dogshow #pup #puppy #puppies #london #ontario #canada

A quick look out the window

Winter scene
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Life tip #697: Look out the window whenever you have an extra moment. You might be inspired by what you see.

Exhibit A: the view out from the Prod 4 studio this week just before I went to air.

Your turn: What's outside YOUR window? I hope you'll share your view here.

#ldnont #window #windows #not #Microsoft #thank #God #winter #trees #Wellington #road #everyday #photography #just #shoot #london #ontario #canada

Icicles writ large

Frozen in mid-air
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

The icicle works right outside our office window.

#ldnont #ice #water #frozen #sun #sunlight #sunset #blue #sky #winter #weather #wx #takethetime #life #is #short #london #ontario #canada

Garmin for the win

Show me the way home
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

The scene: The parking lot outside the CTV London studios. I've just finished my weekly Clicked In segment, and am headed home. I know the way, of course, but I still like to drive with my GPS unit. It's one of those small things that brings me comfort. Funny how that works.

#ldnont #gps #nav #garmin #tv #studio #tvlife #media #medialife #car #automotive #photography #just #drive #london #ontario #canada

By all means, don't fall in

Frozen: Way more fun than the movie
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

I snagged this image as I cycled to work along the Thames Valley Parkway, the multi-use network that largely traces the river's path and gives commuters a much more relaxing route away from traffic.

I'm lucky, as the season has stretched well into December. Usually by now we've had tons of snow and the bike is parked for the winter - call me chicken, as I don't cycle through snow and ice. But a recent freeze-thaw cycle left some of the trees delightfully coated with ice. So a little mid-ride photo shoot was definitely called for.

#ldnont #Thames #river #water #frozen #ice #icicles #sun #sunrise #silhouette #tree #trees #mother #nature #temporary #london #ontario #canada

Where we make waffles

Before the syrup
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Comfort food on a wintry December evening. Another reason to love being Canadian.

#ldnont #waffle #breakfast #for #dinner #food #foodporn #stilllife #london #ontario #canada

Hold onto the light

The holiday begins
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Light always banishes darkness. It was true thousands of years ago, and it's true today. Chag sameach, happy Chanukah, and happy whatever-you're-celebrating.

Because we all deserve inspiration, warmth and family.

#ldnont #Chanukah #Hannukah #candles #light #history #cherish #it #london #ontario #canada

Embracing the Canadian winter

Delightfully monochrome
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Woke up not only to a region covered in snow, but to social media streams crammed with complaints about it. I find it amusing given puny humans' complete powerlessness when it comes to influencing meteorology. We can predict it, model it and maybe explain a bit of the why. But we can never change it.

So as I watch a Norman Rockwell-esque scene play out on the other side of the window, I find myself thinking about the fun our puppy is about to have as she rediscovers what snow is and how much she loves to a) bound through it, b) stick her little Hershey Kiss-like nose deep into it, and c) roll around in it until her brown fur turns white.

Gentle suggestion for the day: Embrace the snow - and life. Because we never get enough of either. And there's no sense devoting our spirit to things we can't change, anyway.

#ldnont #snow #day #storm #onstorm #weather #wx #nature #naturephotography #landscape #photography #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #instagood #monochrome #black #white #london #ontario #canada

Remembering a lost anniversary

Dad
July 2009
Montreal, QC
This photo originally shared on Instagram

This is my dad. I took this shot on a grey, drizzly July afternoon in Montreal. I had taken him to a couple of cemeteries so he could show me where various members of our family were buried. True to form, I toted my camera along and tried to remember the experience through my lens.

Barely two months after this was taken, we lost him, leaving me with a stack of disconnected pixels on a hard drive and more questions than answers. I often look at my pictures from this day and wonder whether or not he knew, or sensed, that his life was drawing to a close. They somewhat haunt me, but I still feel compelled to take the occasional look.

Today would have been his and my mom's 56th wedding anniversary. Days like this make me wonder what might have been if the universe zigged and did not zag, and remind me why we should be thankful for having had whatever time we were given.

#Montreal #Arthur #Levy #zl #family #everything

When a puppy drops by

Am I pretty?
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

She came for a visit on the couch, so a spontaneous photo shoot was in order.

#ldnont #calli #callitheschnauzer #littlemisscalli #mini #miniature #schnauzer #miniatureschnauzer #puppy #dog #actofdog #schnauzersofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #instagramdogs #petstagram #dogs_of_instagram #puppylove #london #ontario #canada

Fightertown, Canada

Planform view
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

An Eagle traces, very quickly, across the sky.

#ldnont #f15 #eagle #mcdonnelldouglas #Boeing #Louisiana #fighter #aircraft #airplanes #jet #aviation #flight #planeporn #AirShowLondon #AirShow2017 #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

Spontaneous selfie

She's my favorite
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Love. Her.

#ldnont #selfie #family #everything #london #ontario #canada

Banana U

Don't slip
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

The planet needs more bananas. Please discuss.

#ldnont #banana #bananas #happy #yellow #fruit #fruitography #stilllife #grocery #store #retail #london #ontario #canada

Stained glass logo

Different every time you look at it
London, ON
February 2012
This photo originally shared on Instagram

I shot this in our synagogue years ago largely because I'd spent years staring at the stained glass windows that line the sanctuary and had always told myself that someday I'd get around to shooting them. So I finally did.

The photo eventually made its way into a pile of photos meant for the shul's website update project, and somewhere along the way it got scooped up in other digital folders, too.

So now I get emails with a familiar-looking header, and I'll see it on randomly distributed posters for community events. It probably never occurs to anyone who sees them that I took this. But I know, which is always enough to make me smile.

#ldnont #stained #glass #window #windows #color #colors #transparent #iconic #art #logo #community #throwback #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #instagood #london #ontario #canada

Real to Real Cacophony

Sounds from the distant past
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

This is what almost 40 years of being buried beside the foundation just outside our studios looks like. Amazing.

#ldnont #cjbk #ciqm #bx93 #reel #reeltoreel #tape #magnetic #audio #technology #history #london #ontario #canada

When Snowbirds fly

Precision
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

My aviation addiction continues. Grabbed this one at the London International Airshow in September. My apologies for being so plane-crazy.

#ldnont #snowbirds #rcaf #air #force #aircraft #airplanes #jet #aviation #flight #blue #sky #AirShow2017 #Airshow #airshowlondon #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #photography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

Sour cream in the morning light

Foodporn, Part 762
London, ON
December 2017
Photo originally posted to Instagram

The cream may have been sour, but the breakfast-table light and texture were way sweet - and too good to resist.

CTV London at night

Where the magic happens
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

One last look at the studio before I head for home for the night after doing my weekly Clicked In segment on CTV News Channel. It's been a busy, productive Sunday here, with lots of great TV being produced by some of the smartest people I know. #blessed

#ldnont #ctv #ctvlondon #studio #studios #TV #tvlife #media #medialife #london #ontario #canada

Sunset from the parking lot on the hill

Painted sky
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

I took a pause on my way out the door after an interview (watch tonight's CTV National News) because the sky seemed to be asking for a moment.

It's been doing that a lot lately, and far too many times I've convinced myself I was too busy to grab the camera and remember the moment. Not this time.

I stood alone in the parking lot beside the studio, awestruck by something I'd been missing far too often. Something tells me this needs to change. We're never too busy to have our breath taken away; never too busy to feel humbled by our staggeringly beautiful planet; never too busy to stop time so we can drink it all in.

My only question, then, is what scene or moment will be enough to stop YOU, as well? Please do tell!

#ldnont #sunset #ctv #ctvnews #ctvlondon #sun #weather #wx #cloud #clouds #painted #sky #tree #trees #silhouette #london #ontario #canada

The M&M debate is over: Peanut > Chocolate

Multicolor
London, ON
December 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

What, you don't line your peanut M&Ms up on the table before you eat them, too? I thought this was the law. Or something.

#ldnont #nutrition #nutritious #breakfast #food #foodporn #sugar #peanut #junkfood #stilllife #always #shoot #london #ontario #canada

Canadian pride in flight

Oh so close
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Snowbirds, break.

(I seem to be in a plane-centric mood these days. Thanks for bearing with me.)

#ldnont #snowbirds @rcaf_arc #flight #aircraft #airplanes #aviation #flight #blue #sky #AirShow2017 #Airshow #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #photography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

Heritage flight

Warbirds
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Old meets new in the skies over #ldnont.

#f35 #lightning #Lockheed #Martin #stealth #fighter #p51 #mustang #heritage #flight #aircraft #airplanes #aviation #flight #blue #sky #AirShow2017 #Airshow #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #photography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

Footprints

Black and white
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Every scene has a story, and I suspect I'll be trying to figure this one out for a while.

#ldnont #footsteps #feet #graffiti #art #public #perspective #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #instagood #london #ontario #canada