Pink Panther

 

Location: North east corner of Dundas and Dovercourt

Date photo taken: 9 July 2022

It was suggested that this week I post something relating to New Year's Eve. I don't know why, but scrolling through my images, this one just seemed appropriate somehow. This Pink Panther is the work of Matt Gondek, an L.A. based artist known for putting dark, destructive spins on pop culture icons. It's looking a little faded now - it was painted in 2018.

Barksy

 

Location: Berczy Park

Date photo taken: 4 December 2022

Berczy Park is always full of dogs, and for the holiday season, the Old Town Toronto BIA has added one more. This is Barksy, and he's taken up residence in the park. If you snap a photo with him and post it to social media you could win a $100 gift card to your favourite Old Town Toronto business. Ho ho ho! 

Black-capped chickadee

 

Location: Leslie Street

Date photo taken: 8 May 2021

The relatively new postal sorting station at the corner of Leslie and Commissioners is decorated down the length of Leslie Street with oversized versions of various stamps, all of which feature birds. This particular stamp is from the third and final release in the Birds of Canada series which was issued in 2018. At that time, a domestic stamp in Canada cost $0.85 if you bought it as part of a booklet. Thanks to the introduction of the "permanent" stamp concept in 2006, that same stamp, if you still had it in your drawer, would get your Christmas card mailed today, despite current rates sitting at $0.92. 

These stamps were designed by Mike Savage and the chickadee is the work of illustrator Keith Martin.

Enjoying a good read

 

Location: Osler Street north of Dupont

Date photo taken: 7 December 2022

I have a fascination with little box libraries. I think they're a brilliant idea and I love that they exist. They encompass so many things I value. Books of course, but also re-use, neighbourliness and creativity. I love that the owner of this rustic-looking library thought to include windows, which frame images of people enjoying a good book. If you get up close enough, you can even read over their shoulder.

To find your closest library, you can check out the map on the Little Free Library website. Keep in mind that it only lists boxes which have officially registered with them, which costs money, so if you don't see one close by, don't despair. Get out and take a look - there may be an awesome unlisted box in a neighbour's yard near you.