Apr 24 2012
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Photography, Rambling

Bird on a ‘Berg

Oftentimes you will hear me explain that I would rather live in another city; perhaps a city that is bigger and has more to offer in terms of employment, education, and entertainment. I have lived in Newfoundland for the better part of my life–the worse part being the months I spent as a child in Toronto, Ontario. I grew up around “the bay” right next to the ocean where everyone knows your entire life story and the story of your mother and your grandmother. I would roam around the marsh and run around on rocks much too sharp to be considered safe.

I spent my all of my teenage years telling my parents that I would be moving the minute I graduated high school. Funny enough, I had a two year diploma before I actually ventured out on my own. It was terrifying and I spent my first year without friends and without employment. (Who needs either when you have education to fill all your time!) After that year, many things in my life changed and I went out and got myself a job and some friends. Things have been looking up ever since then, but as my life changed I have begun to grow tired of this town.

Culturally, I have experienced the majority of what St. John’s has to offer. I have walked on all the trails, visited all the shops, and attended all the events. It is safe to say that I am getting bored. That being said, Sunday past, I managed to do something out of the ordinary. Passing all the visitors and rows of vehicles, Brian and I climbed up hills and rocks to catch a glimpse of a few icebergs. It is iceberg season in Newfoundland and although I have lived here all my life, I have never really gotten as close as I did on Sunday. It was breathtaking and quite extraordinary. Luckily, I snapped a couple of photos.

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Bird on a 'Berg

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Baby 'Berg

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Family of 'Bergs

A sea gull was posing and, using my telephoto lens, I caught him! That was my favourite. These photos do not do the icebergs justice. I grieved over the fact that I did not have my wide angle lens, but a glimpse is still nice. After all these years and experiences, maybe Newfoundland has more to offer me.

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Mar 20 2012
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Photography

Quite the View

After a stress filled week on both our parts, Brian and I went for a photo adventure on Sunday. In our almost two years of dating, we have hiked on the majority of the trails the city has to offer. I have been getting bored with these so Brian decided to take us up near the radio towers and it offered quite a view. Luckily, Brian gave me a lovely lens for Christmas that I finally got to try out. Here is a comparison of the two extremes on my telephoto lens.

Taken with a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens on a Rebel XS at 55mm.

Taken with a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens on a Rebel XS at 250mm.

I, by no means, think this is a good quality photo, but I absolutely seeing the difference between the two photos. I am glad I have a hobby and an interest that still excites me and that I can share with my boyfriend!

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Feb 14 2012
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Rambling

Setting Goals and Starting Over

Obviously, my initial intention of writing in this blog was a fail. Life is quite hectic and I often get side tracked. I once accomplished the majority of the goals I set and now I find myself falling short every time. Every day is a chance to start over, so why not start now? Here are a few goals I would like to accomplish within a year.

  • Blog regularly
  • Raise my GPA
  • Weigh 120 lbs
  • Learn more about photography
  • Learn web development
  • Learn how to swim
  • Take a road trip to a different province

I plan to revise, edit, and add to these goals. My hope is that I will not fall short this time around!

Mar 24 2011
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Photography, Rambling

The Art of Caring

The first time we talked about hanging out we talked about taking photos. You said you knew nothing about photography and I said I would teach you.

This was our first weekend together. It was the first time we took a road trip, the first time I hung out with your friends, the first time I met your family.

This was the first time you really impressed me. You held my camera like it would break. You pressed the shutter button like there would be some ending. You sized everything up, calculated perfectly. There was such effort.

This was the first time I realized you cared for me.

Mar 15 2011
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Rambling

Open Letter

Dear Snow,

I’m going to be honest with you. I think it’s time for you to leave. Yes, I love the cancellations and warm snuggles you bring, but you create such a hazard and I don’t appreciate the lack of control you create for my car.

You were great when I was young and didn’t have to shovel you. Remember when I’d haul out the crazy carpet and slide down the hill with you? You have the ability to turn into angels and men and there were all those times I would clump you together and you’d hit friends at the bus stop. We had such fun then, but lately, my aching back and numb fingers are just not worth your beauty.

It’s time to put the gloves, hats, scarves, salt bags, and shovels away. We had a great winter together, but it’s time for you to be replaced with rain and fog.

Hoping you melt,
Marissa

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Mar 08 2011
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Rambling

Zombie Outbreak Reported in St. John’s, Newfoundland

There has been a reported outbreak of the undead in St. John’s Newfoundland as of 11:00 p.m. last night. A woman, who preferred to remain anonymous, placed a 911 call stating that while walking her dog in downtown St. John’s she saw a strange man in an alley who appeared to be under the influence. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the man was of the undead nature and was terminated.

It is unclear how many zombies are currently in the community, but the RNC are advising residents to stay in their homes until further notice. Residents should barricade all windows and doors and ensure there is radio communication available. Should someone encounter a zombie the following action should be taken: remain calm and get away from the infected as quickly and safely as possible. If you are armed, remember to aim for the head. For further inquires, call 311.

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Feb 10 2011
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Rambling

Sign Language

In Monday’s class, we watched videos on poetry in sign language. It was fascinating to see the medium expressed in such a different and stimulating way.

I’ve never really thought about sign language being evident in our every day lives; but it is apparent, after learning some, that we use a great deal of it. The biggest example would be the expression of numbers and asking for the time by pointing to our wrist.

My experience with sign language is very limited, but it is important to note that a neighbour of mine is hearing impaired. From a very young age, I understood that she couldn’t communicate like most and I would always try my hardest to communicate as best as I could with her. I think it is important that we don’t shut anyone slightly different from ourselves out.

While considering whether or not sign language is a part of literature, I began to think of the the effects of communicating without sound. Personally, I am very shy and soft-spoken when first meeting people. I don’t vary my facial expressions much and I don’t openly talk with my hands. Seeing people communicate so theatrically with their faces and hands while signing, I wonder if they express being soft-spoken and shy. I also wonder how you convey tone while signing. Is it evident when someone is angry or sarcastic?

Like the majority of creative outlets, I would have to consider poetry in sign language an art. It expresses the medium so well, it reminds me of how I feel when I watch a play or a dance or how I feel when I view paintings or photographs.

I guess for the most part, this blog has just been an outlet for my thoughts on Monday’s class. I really enjoyed the poetry and I look forward to exploring it further in my spare time.

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Jan 26 2011
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Photography

Observations of Oliver

Early morning pitter patter
Scratch at my door
Let me in?
Nuzzle against my face and hand
Good morning!

Clink of spoon, crack of can, clink of dish
Feed me!
Scrape of gravel, thump in bin
Invasion!
Scratch, scratch, glare
How dare you?!

In the window as I leave
Good bye!
Unlock the door, turn the knob and sniff, sniff
Where were you?
Jump in my lap, knead my knee
Scratch my ears!

Hours pass, walk into the hall
Nip at my feet, hide behind the door
Let’s play!
Growing tired, slink away
Curl up on the couch
Good night!

Anyone who knows me well, would know that I often narrate what my cat does. He’s a very entertaining part of my life, and on times, very much taken for granted. It’s when I’m away, that I realize he’s a pretty big part of my life. During my observation of Oliver, I wonder if he thinks and remembers and if so, of what?

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Jan 12 2011
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Rambling

Haikus and Limericks

1. Haiku

Cool breeze blowing ash
Emitting enormous heat
Snuggling by fire

2. Limerick

There once was Oliver the cat
The kitchen stove is where he sat
He would spend all day
Just eating away
Until he became very fat

3. Form & Content

Haiku usually have a serious connotation. I think it may be because they’re short and to the point. They offer more limitation than any other style of writing.

The majority of limericks have an amusing subject matter and I assume that is due to the fact that limericks are written and read in a playful manner. The rhythm of the rhyme scheme and syllable count create what seems like a dance.

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