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ppoquita · 3 years

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Guide Me to Where You Are

Tags: bae seungmin x reader, wandering spirit!seungmin, tw: death, mentioned way of death, character death

Length: 3.3k words

Edited by my beloved @preciousdeerchild !!

This was loosely based on a little indie game called Cozy Grove and my obsessed with seungmin + forests

Seungmin couldn’t remember a lot, which was a shame. For as long as he’s been a wandering spirit, he’s only ever known the overgrown and lonesome forest where he died. (Or so he assumed he died there, he wasn’t quite sure anymore.) His only friends were forest creatures. However, deer and squirrels don’t make great company. He would much rather be in the company of humans. Even better if they could actually see and hear him. Occasionally, when some campers had brave hearts, they’d settle in Seungmin’s favorite area to loiter. Then for a few nights, Seungmin felt close to being alive again. He’d sit with the campers and listen in on their spooky stories and sing along with their cheesy campfire songs. It was fun. Until they left and Seungmin was alone again.

He was truly in a pitiful state of being until he met you. He’d never met a spirit scout as pretty as you. Granted, he’d never met a spirit scout to begin with. At first, he was hesitant to get attached, he figured at some point you’d leave just like the other campers did. However, the fact you could see him and talk to him made him the happiest spirit to ever wander that wretched forest.

Your presence alone slowly made Seungmin’s memory start to jog again. He understood that as a spirit scout, it was your job to help find things that will help him remember his past and then pass over into the afterlife. Seungmin didn’t know such an organization existed. However, you explained it's a private organization for other humans with your gift. It’s tucked away from society and spirit scouts spend more time in deep woodlands and abandoned places. Seungmin liked to think that he must have finally moved up the waiting list for them to finally send you.

Talking to you was probably his favorite pastime other than watching you catch fish and dig up root vegetables. From what he could remember, he was never as good at camping as you were. He could ask you all sorts of questions as he watched you go about your day-to-day tasks to maintain survival. You were a true outdoor adventurer. “It’s all in the training and the endless handbooks.” you’d reply nonchalantly. Regardless of your humility, Seungmin was beyond impressed with your skills.

“A camera!” he remembered one night as he sat by watching you roast some walnuts.

“A camera?” you raised your eyebrows.

He stroked his chin excitedly and got up to pace around. “Yeah, yeah.” He paced back and forth. “I remember… I had a camera, a film camera! I was taking photos of flowers, and I had a friend with me. I don’t remember his name, though.” Seungmin used all his willpower to remember his friend’s name. “Jango? Jongin? What was his name? Ugh, what was his name?!” He squeezed his eyes closed as if his friend’s face was magically going to appear. He couldn’t remember. Too much time had passed.

Instead, when he opened his eyes, they met your shining ones. He blinked a few times before he felt the tip of ears burn red. Your face was so close to his that he could hardly breathe. Even though you couldn’t touch him, he could still feel your energy close to him. It felt nice like a good warm hug from his loved ones, which he missed even if he had forgotten all their faces. He always admired how good-natured you seemed to be. “Can you tell me about this camera? Where could it possibly be?” you asked. He looked deep inside his memories. The only thing that came to mind was a stream of water.

He eagerly told you what he knew and watched as you pressed your lips together while thinking deeply. You adjusted your ascot under your uniform, and looked at him determinedly. Seungmin's heart raced a little as he looked at your serious business face. To him, you were cuter than any little woodland creature. For the first time in a long time, he felt excitement, and it was all thanks to you.

“Alright then, tomorrow I’ll do everything I can to find it,” you promised. “Maybe it’ll help you remember your friend.”

That next day was agonizing. He watched you shoveling up piles of dirt for hours by the nearby stream. His palms were sweaty as the two of you stood closer to the edge of the stream. The distance between where you stood and where the water was made him extremely anxious. To him, it felt as though the stream was babbling forbidden and dead languages. He watched as you took out a metal detector and paced around aimlessly. Despite his worries, he noticed how calm you were. It gave him courage to continue on.

The sun started to set and you were still hard at work. “Forget it, there’s always tomorrow.” Seungmin pouted as he attempted to kick a rock even though he couldn’t touch it. He looked over to see you bent down looking at washed up garbage.

“No, no,” you shook your head. “It’s here… I have a feeling it’s close.” You were so sure of it that Seungmin had no choice but to follow. Although, he worried you were working too hard. He’d much rather watch you happily snuggled up in your sleeping bag after a nice dinner. “Is there anything else you can remember?” you asked.

Seungmin looked around. He bit his lip as he looked at the trees. He tapped his foot rapidly trying to force his own memory to work. “Tree... A sad tree. It was so sad, I had to take a photo.” Just like that you started looking around for any sad looking trees. The tree could have rotted away by now but Seungmin knew you were determined.

Soon enough, the two of you found a very pitiful tree. It had little to no foliage and its branches were thin. It leaned far to the right and overall looked ready to fall over and die. Seungmin remembered his friend again. He saw the distant memory of himself taking a photo while his friend was trying to grab fish with a sharpened staff. “This is the tree, I’m sure of it,” he said. He watched you take your metal detector and pace around the premises. Suddenly, there was a beeping. He watched you quickly dig up a metal box. Seungmin tilted his head with intrigue. He felt a nostalgic energy coming from the box. He felt an undeniable connection to it. He scratched the back of his neck while staring at it.

“Hey, come over here,” you said, motioning for Seungmin to come closer. “The only way to know if it’s really yours is if you touch it.” Seungmin gulped at the sound of your words. He wasn’t ready. Or, at least, he didn’t feel ready. Hesitantly, he walked over to you. You earnestly had the box held out, ready for him to hold. He took it from your hands. Magically, the box began to shine and so did Seungmin. His spirit color changed from monochrome to vibrant hues and he seemed to be more human-like. He no longer looked ice-like and dreary. You stood staring for a moment and Seungmin gave you a nervous smile. “Wow” was the only word that escaped from your lips.

“What’s wrong?” Seungmin asked.

You shook your head. “Nothing, it’s just that… I didn’t know you were so handsome.” Your comment flattered Seungmin. He couldn’t remember if anyone had ever called him handsome when he was alive, but the fact that you did while he was a spirit was something special. You were truly the best thing to have happened to him. If it were up to him, he’d stay with you forever. Help you wherever you went, cozy up next to you by the crackling campfire, stargaze with you on quiet nights - he’d do all that and more. He was starting to think he didn’t really want to pass over into the afterlife.

The two of you sat by the campfire. Seungmin sat close to you as he held the metal box to his chest. He liked campfires because he could actually feel the energy of the heat against his cold spirit. He also liked you because he could feel your warmth as well. “You wouldn’t happen to remember where you left those keys would you?” you asked, referring to the lock on the metal box. Seungmin pressed his lips together as he stared deep in the campfire. He couldn’t remember.

“No,” he sighed. He watched as your shoulders slumped down. In part, he felt bad. It had been almost a year since the two of you met; he started to think you felt homesick.

That night as Seungmin watched over you while you slept, he decided to try and jog his memory. He scratched the back of his head and paced back and forth. He decided to take a walk in the area which he woke up in after he passed. He softly touched the trees and walked around in a circle. He wanted to remember something, anything. Seungmin sat in the middle of the circle he had walked and slumped his shoulders. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw something peeking out from a tree. It looked to be a jacket hung from a branch. He got up to investigate it and felt like the jacket had a familiar feeling. He softly touched it and he saw his hands glow brightly. Suddenly, he remembered that it was his jacket that got wet when he and his friend visited the stream. He hung it up to let it dry and forgot it until now. He checked the pockets carefully and found the keys. Bae Seungmin was written on the keychain tag. That was his name.

***

“Your spirit colors changed. You practically look alive,” you said as you looked at Seungmin. Seungmin curiously watched as you put some mushrooms to cook over the fire. He didn’t want to tell you what he found just yet. “You’re a lot more handsome than you sound.” Seungmin only smiled as he rubbed the back of his head.

Seungmin felt guilty. He was being utterly selfish as he kept the found keys a secret from you. He didn’t want to leave you just yet; he wanted to be with you just a little longer. In the long time that he’s done nothing but wander, you made him feel happiness. Afterlife meant nothing to him if you weren’t there. Seungmin bit his lip and disappeared into the forest. He went to an open field where forgotten flowers grew. In a way, he could relate to the field flowers since he was hidden away and untouched by the outside world. Seungmin picked the prettiest flowers just for you. Unlike himself, these flowers were able to die and regrow as many times as they wanted. It was silly that he felt envious over some flowers but when you’re drifting aimlessly for so long, time has a way of kicking you down.

Seungmin returned with the flowers to your campsite. He took a moment to watch you hang up some wet laundry. You were humming a tune that seemed familiar to him but what did he know. He’d been dead too long. “Hey,” he called out. You turned to look at him with a smile. Seungmin held out his flowers. “I got these for you. They’re not much but I really appreciate all the stuff you’ve been doing for me,” Seungmin explained. He watched as you took the flowers from his hands and looked around. He carefully followed behind you. You took a discarded water bottle and put the plants inside. He pressed his lips together with a smile.

“I love them,” you assured him. You looked up at the sky and saw the clouds had turned a dreary grey and sighed. “So much for laundry.” You sat on the log by the extinguished campfire and Seungmin sat next to you. He didn’t know what to say or how to tell you his recent discovery. The two of you only sat in silence.

“I think, after you pass over, I’m gonna give up being a spirit scout,” you suddenly opened up.

Seungmin looked at you with wide eyes. “Why?” he asked.

“Dunno. We’ve been out here for months and I had a lot of time to think and well, I’m just not as passionate as I used to be.” You slumped your shoulders. As if you timed it perfectly, tiny droplets of rain started falling from the sky. Seungmin’s heart was shattered as you spoke. He felt as though he was responsible for you starting to lose your spark. He had no sense of time but you did. The rain started to come down harder and you held your head low. Seungmin shook his head. It was all his fault. You were suffering because he wanted to keep you longer.

“Wait, I-I have something to confess,” Seungmin burst out. You looked at him curiously as the rain was pouring down on you, dampening your hair. “I found a jacket that was mine. Inside the pockets are a pair of keys. I think they’re for the camera.” He watched as your eyebrows furrowed. As if you didn’t believe him. “Wait here.” He quickly went to the location where he hid the jacket and quickly went back to you. He put the jacket over your soaked head and showed you the keys.

“Seungmin, when did you find this?”

“Two nights ago! I promise, I was going to tell you but then I realized if I passed over… I wouldn’t see you anymore and well, you’re the best thing that happened to me. I’m sorry, I was gonna keep you here longer.” Seungmin looked down at the ground. He bit his lip and dropped the keys in your hand. Your energy was still warm, even if you were upset.

“Were you really gonna keep me here hostage?” you asked. Seungmin squeezed his eyes and nodded. “Wow, I didn’t think you were like that. I’m sorry, but my job is to help you pass over, Seungmin. I can’t be with you forever nor can I make any promises.”

“I know, I’m so sorry. Can you forgive me? Even if I do pass, I don’t want to pass on bad terms.” Seungmin looked you dead in the eyes. His eyes might have seemed soulless compared to yours but he was genuine. He didn’t want you to be angry at him forever or quit the spirit scouts because he wronged you.

“Seungmin… I forgive you.” You got up to look at him face to face. “Let’s open that box.” Seungmin picked up the box for you and followed you into your tent. The two of you sat on opposite sides of the box. You slowly inserted the key and turned it. The box popped open and the two of you saw an old digital camera. You turned it on and Seungmin looked over your shoulder. It still had battery life even after all this time. You went to look at the gallery and the camera was full of pictures of flowers, Seungmin, and his friend.

“Jangjun…” Seungmin said. You looked over at him to see a tear running down his cheek. His dear friend who he missed. It had been so long since Seungmin last thought about him. “My friend’s name was Jangjun,” he said as he wiped his tears. He saw you shed a tear as well.

“Do you want to hold it?” You asked. Seungmin hesitantly took it from your hands and his spirit color turned full rich colors. He had turned into what he fully looked like alive before his passing. “Seungmin?” you asked, reaching out your hand to touch him. Seungmin jumped when your hand touched his head. He looked at you, spooked as you held your hand and you looked at him with wide eyes. “I… I touched you… and you felt me.”

Seungmin held out his hand and you hesitantly took it. The two of you were holding hands. Seungmin interlocked his fingers with yours. Just then, it was all coming back to him as he looked at your teary eyed face. “I fell… I fell to my death and died. Jangjun and I… we were hiking… he slipped. I grabbed onto his sleeve to stop him from falling but before I knew it we both fell.” Seungmin started to cry, remembering it all. He tried to hide his face from you but it was no use. It was a flash in his memory. He remembered vividly plummeting to the ground and waking up where he last slept. At first he thought it was a nightmare but Jangjun was nowhere to be found.

“Seungmin… I’m so sorry,” you interrupted his thoughts. He turned to see you, looking just as heart broken as himself.

Seungmin only shook his head as he smiled despite crying harder. “I’m gonna pass over now, thanks to you.” He turned to look at you. He noticed you were still holding his hand. “Thank you for everything. Thank you for teaching me how to feel alive again, for teaching me what it was like to fall in love again.” He smiled.

“Fall in love?” your eyebrows raised with surpise at his comment.

“Yeah, I think I’m in love with you. That’s why I didn’t want to go, but it’s too late.” Seungmin sighed. He felt a tug on his arm and looked over at you. You pulled him into a hug. He hesitantly wrapped his arms around you as well. He didn’t want to go, but he knew he couldn’t stay. Slowly he felt himself slipping from you. He couldn’t feel you anymore, he only felt your warm energy. No skin to skin contact. His eyes started to fog with white shining lights. “Goodbye, my dear friend.”

***

Seungmin woke up again. He blinked a few times as he looked at sunlight shining through trees. Confused, he sat up. His head felt like it was punched over and over. He rubbed his face. It looked exactly like where your campsite was. You were gone though. There were only remnants of a campfire. Seungmin got up and he began wandering around. His wandering turned into panicking. He ran aimlessly. He didn’t understand why but his heart was telling him which way to go. He kept running and running.

Eventually, he saw a way out. There were actual people who were going into the forest. As he ran he saw them turn their heads to look at him. He was never acknowledged by normal people. They could never see him until now. The path led to a parking area. He looked around and saw your worn out olive green spirit scout uniform. Seungmin was full of adrenaline as he called out your name loudly. You turned to look at him with wide eyes. He caught up to you. “Seungmin?” You asked.

“I’m here!”

“Seungmin? I thought… I thought you passed?” you said in disbelief. Seungmin smiled as he looked at you. You leaned over to pinch him and Seungmin jumped. “Oh my gosh. I touched you. Seungmin… you lived? Wait no… you’re alive again? How is this possible?” your eyes started to tear up. Seungmin still stood with a wide smile. He hesitantly got closer to wipe your tears away. He touched you. He felt your skin again. He could finally feel more than just your energy. “Wait! Come here!” You said taking his arm. Seungmin felt you press two fingers under his jaw. “Seungmin, you have a pulse! You’re alive… You’re alive!”

“Yeah, I’m alive. Just like you.”

#golden child #golden child imagines #golden child scenarios #bae seungmin x reader #bae seungmin #luv docs

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tsghuntsvillealabama · 5 years

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Sit! Stay! Pose!

Leslie Lockhart is a well known local artist. She uses her interior design background and southern roots to create contemporary works with a nod to an easy going place and time. Her still life work is vibrant and her style loose and free-flowing. Cotton, cows, all types of flowers, veggies and even a river-side catch all garner her interest and become beautiful subjects for Leslie’s canvases. But some of her most interesting commissions have been portraits of pets - and she has been painting them for over 13 years. Beside the everyday cat and dog, Leslie has painted a pet bird and even a squirrel that was the mascot for a sorority house!

When we asked how she captures the personality of the pet in her portraits, Leslie shared the feature she pays the closest attention to - the eyes. She feels that if an artist cannot get the eyes right, it will not be a successful painting. Capturing the shape and reflection points in the eyes are the key the capturing the real sprit of the animal.

Very few of our pets would be patient enough to sit for a portrait, so Leslie usually works from photographs. She asks clients to provide the clearest photos possible so she can ensure that every detail is included. Occasionally Leslie is able to meet the pet before creating the portrait - which she says has to be one of the best perks of painting pet portraits!

Every commissioned portrait through history has lasting value. And for many of us, our pets are our family. A pet portrait like this is something that will be cherished for a lifetime. From photograph to portrait – Leslie’s attention to detail in capturing the personality of this cat really does show. Our favorite details from this portrait are how she captured the tiny markings around the cat’s nose as well as the softness of the cat’s paws. Sit! Stay! Pose! and LIVE. LOVE. LOCAL. with Leslie Lockhart.

#love #want #tsg #tsghuntsville #petportraits #leslielockhart #wellscouted #pets

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noxsden · 5 years

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A simple story

It’s been awhile but I finally got something that could be considered complete. Hope you enjoy

I have always found it best to build a routine, you get settled, you can begin to expect things and understand how it all works, it might become boring at times but at least it can be calculated. Surprise can still come even if it starts out small, innocuous just something simple like finding a story. Something innocent and clean, stepping along the same old path day in and day out. To find a strange crunch of paper beneath my foot. There in my life changed for more than I could imagine at the time.

‘Once upon a time, in a simple village surrounded by forests innumerable. There was a visitor who wandered in, a hermit that claimed to live just out of town. Now this place was quiet, everyone knew each other, and there was no place to live anywhere close. Paths ran through for hiking, frolics through nature, but never had any seen the house that was described. All had heard stories about straying too far away, that darkness and ancient magics were present where the trees grew so tight their leaves choked out the light at all times. The stranger must be from there, and thus can not be trusted.’

The words seemed to flow so poetically as I read them, as if they were written just for me. Such a simple story, perhaps to much so. No matter how easy it was to read it was still the stranger story we have all heard time and time again. A bit of witchcraft, simple, not something that holds any sway in today’s age of science.

‘What other choice did they have but to scoff at the assertions it made. The town was open to all and they were welcome so long as they kept the peace. It was a simple agreement and for a few days it was just that. There is always a tipping point, some things are just bad luck, coincidence, hard to tell if it’s malicious or sinister in the moment. Tall and dark, his robe like swayed effortlessly out, a dark brown as if carved from the very woods he came out of. Waving like he was surrounded by wind. A smiling face that bore a softness in spite of his eyes looking like they had seen the world.’

It was at this point that I realized the charming little story had me forgetting what I had planned for my day. It was enchanting to say the least. Such a quaint and idyllic town a shame for the hardships they endured. It reminds me of where I grew up, now things are so complicated, but we do what we must to survive. That’s what it’s all about, bigger and better, growth of what we know for sake of what we don’t or something like that. When did the skies grow so dark.

‘It had been days since they came to town, when things started going sour. Hardships though always there seemed to be solely at the blame of the guest. Still they came to do business, to see more of the world. To see people. Over the days they seemed to know everyone, and yet no one really understood who they were seeing from day to day. Perhaps that is what started the unsettling air that seemed to coalesce around us. A fair few believed as I do now that it was a high population we were seeing, not the same person but many. Each time one left a new one was there, oblivious to the plight of its predecessor. How many stories are there like this, telling us the folly of trusting those from outside. You must always fear that which you don’t know. For that very nature, you can’t comprehend what they.’

I had never heard of a story growing so twisted, the words spat onto the page with such venom that they affected by constitution just by reading them. What a strange sort of feeling to wash over me, wiping the sweat from my brow I decide that I have no choice but to continue. If anything the plight of these people should be understood and heard. Yes, so with that I turn the page over.

‘We are undone. From the time after the first one left to now we have become a shell of our vibrant community. The colors have turned red in all faces and eyes. I do not recognize any and I fear it will not stop. I do not know who comes and goes, the buildings by me grow strange and alien. As if twisting into cruel renditions of their former selves. I’m left to wonder, left to stew, as sounds and chants grow louder. As home becomes a prison and I’m here, clawing at myself for relief from the madness. The storms have not let up, there is no end to them.’

This is getting upsetting, and now I’m here standing in the rain reading this story from page to page. It’s not even a good story, I just want to see it through. It’s basically just become the ramblings of paranoia. I feel that every day, we are all at risk and should be prepared. It’s a good thing we don’t make such mistakes like in this story. I hope this rain doesn’t damage the text. I’d rather like to see how it ends.

‘Fire with fire it is the only way. They cannot be handled reasonably. All attempts have failed and darkness has taken hold where light once reigned. Evil has defeated good unless I am able to do something about it.’

It’s hardly a good story it’s just melted into some deluded rambling. Scratches and symbols are all over this page there is hardly any sensible writing at all. This must be a prank, someone else walking dropped this for me to find. A cursory glance holds that there is no one else nearby, no tittering laughter from behind a tree, nothing, not even the scurrying of a squirrel or the idle sounds of travel. Why did I choose to walk today, I knew that just down the street was too far. I can see the weatherman was wrong again, summer like my ass, why would I be shaking then.

‘Undone, we are undone, I don’t know who I can trust anymore. I had wanted this to be a simple story, one with a lesson and everything. The good kind of story, now it has devolved into my ramblings.’

Ramblings, your illustrations are tasteless. So awful that, I can smell them, taste them, I guess they are well done. Maybe photos, but that would be too much work. An elaborate story. They taste disgusting by the way, and the smell is permeating the air around me like a, miasma.

‘There is always a lesson to be learned, you just have to keep your ears open to the whispers. The universe is all around us and it wants to teach, to show us how we can be better.’

Oh, now it’s supporting horoscopes. Did someone just tear this out of a magazine, paper feels to thick for that. Turning it over, looks like it’s just more illustrations. They are stranger, more strange, off putting I guess that’s just the way it is nowadays.

‘Without any further interruptions I can begin in earnest.’

I’m shaking, it’s hard to concentrate. The words keep flowing from the page even if I try and avert my eyes. It’s grown quiet around me there isn’t even ambiance.

‘Once upon a time, there was a little town that was good and quiet. We were strong and grounded and that is how it should be. A town and people that should be written about, that should have kind stories where there might not even be a lesson needed. Something ideal, that is why we are here. I’m sorry reader but there was no other possible option. My hands were tied. In writing this I have transferred their ire. The harvests will come back, the people too back to that first drawing. Where they are back to being outside the town, where they belong. With that the town lived happily ever after.’

#horror #my writing #original

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bird-notes · 2 years

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Ducks, Ducks and More Ducks

It was a beautiful day today so my daughter and I went to Beacon Hill Park, a place renown for its huge trees, manicured gardens and extensive ponds. Actually, we went mainly because the kids petting zoo had announced the birth of new goats and well, everyone loves baby goats.

We saw the goats and the baby lambs and then walked around the park. After a long and very wet winter quite a few other people also had the same idea; everyone looked relaxed and happy.

After the long pandemic, during which the park had been mostly taken over by a large homeless encampment, it was nice to wander through the lush greenery and vibrant colours in the spring sunshine. The encampments were tolerated by the municipal council as a necessary step to "house people" while keeping them socially distant, a policy which had mixed results, one of which was keeping the public out of most of the park.

But now the tents are gone and life almost seems set for a return to normal. Which also means the park has welcomed back excited kids feeding the ducks.

The park has numerous ponds and streams surrounded by lawns and bushes so it's very much favoured by the local duck population. Most of the ducks are Mallards and American Wigeons with a smattering of Bufflehead and Lesser Scaup.

The big surprise among the ducks was a single male Eurasion Wigeon! They are quite uncommon around Vancouver Island and I would have expected a pair of them but did not see any sign of the female.

By the way, the light-brown blur at the bottom of the photo is a Grey Squirrel doing his best to blend in with the ducks and grab his share of tossed oats.

#birds #ducks #park #bird feeding

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thebestintoronto · 4 years

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HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT 24 HOURS IN TORONTO THIS SPRING

There's no better time to visit Toronto than when the city's rekindled (though it never ever really rests these days) with the melting of the snow and also the storing of our Sorel boots for the season.

Thanks to our ever-growing culinary and mixed drink scene, arts neighborhood, and also City tasks, there are more things to do in #WeTheNorth than ever before. Yet, if you can only invest 24-hour in Toronto this spring, below's exactly how you need to do it:

1. Fuel Up

You're going to require all the energy you can get for a jam-packed day. Provided Toronto's number of fantastic bars and dining establishments, odds are that you'll be nursing a hangover from the evening prior to. But you don't wish to waste any of your precious time in those resort (or Airbnb) sheets. That's why you require to fuel up on coffee. Make your means to Queen Street West as well as pay a visit to the artist-filled White Squirrel. Not just does the indie coffee spot provide some top quality high levels of caffeine (which is fair-trade and natural), its coffee sleeves are denim as well as handmade, and also your coffee generally includes a side of oldies songs.

2. Park It

After White Squirrel, see whether you can detect the real-life "white squirrel" straight across the street (yes, it really exists) in the well-known as well as vast Trinity Bellwoods Park. You can take in the early morning sun as you appreciate the park's eclectic vibe as well as make close friends with a few of the area's many pet dogs as well as their happy hipster owners.

3. Walk it Off

From Trinity Bellwoods, stroll eastern along Queen Road. It won't be long prior to you recognize why the neighbourhood's known for its colours and also characters alike as you have a look at the choice of distinct boutiques, bars, dining establishments, as well as furniture stores the street needs to provide (keep in mind that many shops do not open up till 10am). From there you can either walk, tram, taxicab, or Uber to your following destination, just down the street to Dundas Street West as well as McCaul Street.

4. Get Your Society Repair

Pick up a dosage of culture at the famed Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), among the most outstanding art galleries in the area. On right now until May 29 is Outsiders: American Photography and Movie, 1950s-1980s, a photo-filled exhibition showing the life of decades of post-war "outsiders," from cyclist gangs to cross-dressers. In the event of perfect springtime weather condition, do not stress, the display will only occupy concerning 1.5 hrs of your precious day.

5. Take Lunch

A short repel from the AGO is Gusto 101, one of the city's most loved Italian dining establishments. Here, you can indulge in among their well-known pizzas, or seriously passionate and also rewarding salads (plus extra, clearly), while you do lunch appropriately on the roof patio area-- even if it's not quite springtime climate-- thanks to its retracting roof covering.

6. Hit the Market

Next, a short drive east with the city's Financial District, you'll find the legendary St. Lawrence Market. Though you're probably not in the state of mind to grocery store store, you need to at least walk from one end of the historic and also longtime Toronto spots market to the following. Keep in mind, nevertheless, that the market is closed on Sundays as well as Mondays (though the exterior still makes for a great photo op no matter). Below is every reason you ought to be going.

7. Take a Scenic Break

Throughout from the St. Lawrence Market on Market Road, you'll locate another coffeehouse called Balzac's Coffee Roasters. Grab a quick coffee to-go (while admiring the excellent floor layouts) as well as head south on foot down Jarvis Road to Sugar Coastline. Drink your coffee while unwinding on a renowned Muskoka chair, under among the metropolitan beach's signature umbrellas as you look at the sailing boats on Lake Ontario.

8. Revisit the Past

Next, you can either stroll or drive a few blocks east to the city's historical Distillery District, which was the globe's largest distillery worldwide way back in the day. Along with the history-rich buildings, here, you can scope out the unique array of celeb-loved devices at Guilding the Lily, improve your springtime wardrobe at GotStyle, or take pleasure in a late afternoon glass of white wine with oysters at Cluny Diner.

9. Do Dinner Above the City

For some seriously delicious eats (made by Toronto's famous dining establishment team, Oliver & Bonacini), complete with unparalleled views, check out the monetary area's Canoe, located 54 floors over the city streets on the top of the TD Financial Institution Tower. Though it's most definitely not light on the pocketbook, count on us when we say that it's a means much less 'typical vacationer' method to take in the city's sights (yes, we're talking about you, CN Tower).

10. Do Drinks

For after-dinner drinks, and also a mixed bag of every little thing you can potentially desire in one-- from a roof outdoor patio, to below ground real-time music, and a picture booth-- head back to Queen West as well as begged The Drake Resort. As an included perk, if you want a late-night treat to take in the liquor, just down the street, Poutini's House of Poutine has hands down a few of the very best poutine in the city.

While it may seem a little enthusiastic, every one of this can be done within a day in the ever-vibrant city-- also when Toronto traffic is considered (yes, it will be the worst part of your day).

However hey, even the ideal springtime day needs to have a couple of clouds. The good news is, sparkling wine lunches help them all float away.

The post “ HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT 24 HOURS IN TORONTO THIS SPRING “ was seen first on Notable Life

The IV Lounge - IV Therapy Toronto Service Provider

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nancypullen · 5 years

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Where Do I Start?

I suppose I should start where I left off - my birthday! I always enjoy my birthday more than any woman my age should, but gosh, I’m glad I was born! I wouldn’t have missed this ride for anything! Even the bumpy parts of the road (though I wouldn’t want to drive down them again) were good for me. Those bumps teach us, help us grow, and they sure as heck remind us of where we don’t want to be again. So I celebrate every year with joy because I’m just glad to be where I am. The presents and cupcakes don’t hurt. I felt like a celebrity on my big day - sweet emails, lovely cards, delightful phone calls, and many, many moments to reflect on how lucky I am to know so many kind people. Best gift of all. My family showered me with presents; my Amazon wish list has been cleaned out. I received a perfect blend of the useful and the frivolous. As I am equal parts useful and frivolous, it made sense. I felt celebrated and isn’t that how we should all feel when we mark another lap around the sun? I’m a lucky duck.

Today feels like just as much of a celebration because it’s OCTOBER! The month when everything changes, when magic happens! Not just the magic of Halloween, but the enchantment of the trees and hillsides. It’s time for Summer to depart and for Autumn to sweep in wearing a rich, jewel-toned ball gown. Magic! Granted, we’re at the tail end of a heatwave and a drought, but our forecast is supposed to change Friday. I’m crossing all of my fingers and toes that it doesn’t rob us of our beautiful fall colors. I’m doing my part - I’ve been putting out pumpkins and mums and waving my fall flag. I’m a firm believer in CLAIMING it and just willing it into being. My little pumpkin patch is limping along, determined to contribute to autumn’s bounty. It will be a race to the end.

I just need for them to get big enough to provide a coach if a fairy godmother needs one. I’ll be darned if I’m going to ruin anyone’s ball with mediocre pumpkins. Remember Linus’ speech while waiting for the Great Pumpkin? That’s how I feel.

Anywho, nature lets us know what’s up and she’s far more reliable than our local meteorologists. The fauna that hangs around our house are all showing signs of change. The deer have lost their vibrant summer coats and are starting to look more gray. The squirrels are darting around frantically, chattering and digging, putting up food for cold weather. It makes me giggle now because I read an article that said squirrels never recover 80% of the nuts they bury. EIGHTY PERCENT. Sure, it’s how we get a portion of our trees and forests, thank a squirrel, but still. If I went to Kroger and then lost eighty percent of the groceries on the way home my husband would have me evaluated. It just seems very absent-minded. Wouldn’t it make more sense for them to have a big communal stash, just one spot where they could always find food? Around here they’d call that socialism and arrest all the squirrels. Can you see me rolling my eyes? Now when I’m outside and I see a squirrel digging in our yard I yell, “You’ll never find it again!” I’m sure the neighbors think that’s quite normal. A couple of nights ago I was cooking dinner and watching busy squirrels through the window when I spotted this guy. He stayed like this for a good fifteen minutes, just hiding from the other squirrels.

I get it. Maybe he’s sick of their nonsense. Maybe he’s just an introvert. Maybe he’s watching where they hide the goods so he can steal them. Maybe squirrels aren’t so absent-minded after all, maybe there’s a real problem with spy squirrels who rob hardworking neighbors, “ I could have sworn I buried that big walnut right here.” Where’s Marlon Perkins when you need him? I need answers! Maybe I spend too much time watching squirrels. So that’s what’s happening on the Pullen spread, we’re waiting for fall and loving every minute. As the sun set on September the mister sent his drone up to capture the early evening color. Doesn’t look much like fall.

If it won’t come to us, we’ll track it down. We’re leaving on October 15th to stomp around in Maine,with,of course, a side trip to Salem. That was the deal, I will hike, explore, and try to look like an L.L. Bean ad in exchange for one full day in Salem. The mister is already planning his sunrise photos from Cadillac Mountain and I’m already planning to miss that. I will hike, admire lighthouses, and immerse myself in the beauty of Maine at a decent hour. We’ll fly into Portland, grab a rental car, and find our Air BnB in Camden. That’s a beautiful, mid-coast launching pad for adventures north and south. We’ll probably stay one night further south toward the end of our trip to accommodate a full day in Salem, and the mister has been mumbling something about spending a night in Bar Harbor, up by Acadia National Park. You know that’s all about his photos. That’s okay, I can eat lobster in Bar Harbor as easily as I can in Camden. I’m flexible. I’m looking forward to another fun trip and as always I’ll take you along.

I suppose I need to get outside and sprinkle more Halloween and autumn decor around our place. I bought some kale and mini pumpkins for porch containers and I haven’t hung the lights or dragged out the tombstones yet. There’s work to be done!

HAPPY OCTOBER!!! XOXO

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natureartcollector · 5 years

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By Teddy

Giant fig tree

Its a pity how people deal with the environment especially trees , it’s important to know the value of the natural resources we are exploiting. Try picturing a case of a person falling down a fully grown Neem tree for charcoal other than timber which could fetch him more cash. Since the beginning, trees have furnished us with two of life’s essentials, food and oxygen. As we evolved, they provided additional necessities such as shelter, medicine, and tools. Today, their value continues to increase and more benefits of trees are being discovered as their role expands to satisfy the needs created by our modern lifestyles. Community & Social Value Trees are an important part of every community. Our streets, parks, playgrounds and backyards are lined with trees that create a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing environment. Trees increase our quality of life by bringing natural elements and wildlife habitats into urban settings. We gather under the cool shade they provide during outdoor activities with family and friends. Many neighborhoods are also the home of very old trees that serve as historic landmarks and a great source of town pride. Using trees in cities to deflect the sunlight reduces the heat island effect caused by pavement and commercial buildings.

Acacia trees .

Ecological & Environmental Value Trees contribute to their environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife.

During the process of photosynthesis, trees take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we breathe. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.” Trees, shrubs and turf also filter air by removing dust and absorbing other pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. After trees intercept unhealthy particles, rain washes them to the ground.

Trees as habitat for wildlife.

Trees control climate by moderating the effects of the sun, rain and wind. Leaves absorb and filter the sun’s radiant energy, keeping things cool in summer. Trees also preserve warmth by providing a screen from harsh wind. In addition to influencing wind speed and direction, they shield us from the downfall of rain and hail. Trees also lower the air temperature and reduce the heat intensity of the greenhouse effect by mantaining low levels of carbon dioxide.

Both above and below the ground, trees are essential to the eco-systems in which they reside. Far reaching roots hold soil in place and fight erosion. Trees absorb and store rainwater which reduce runoff and sediment deposit after storms. This helps the ground water supply recharge, prevents the transport of chemicals into streams and prevents flooding.

Fallen leaves make excellent compost that enriches soil. Many animals, including elephants, koalas and giraffes eat leaves for nourishment. Flowers are eaten by monkeys, and nectar is a favorite of birds, bats and many insects. Animals also eat much of the same fruit that we enjoy This process helps disperse seeds over great distances. Of course, hundreds of living creatures call trees their home. Leaf-covered branches keep many animals, such as birds and squirrels, out of the reach of predators.

Trees provide shade and home to birds.

Personal & Spiritual Value The main reason we like trees is because they are both beautiful and majestic. No two are alike. Different species display a seemingly endless variety of shapes, forms, textures and vibrant colors. Even individual trees vary their appearance throughout the course of the year as the seasons change. The strength, long lifespan and regal stature of trees give them a monument-like quality. Most of us react to the presence of trees with a pleasant, relaxed, comfortable feeling. In fact, many people plant trees as living memorials of life-changing events. Trees help record the history of your family as they grow and develop alongside you and your kids. We often make an emotional connection with trees we plant or become personally attached to the ones that we see every day. How many of your childhood memories include the trees in your backyard or old neighborhood? The sentimental value of a special tree is simply immeasurable.

Environmental Benefits Trees help settle out and trap dust, pollen and smoke from the air. The dust level in the air can be as much as 75 percent lower on the sheltered side of the tree compared to the windward side.

They also create an ecosystem to provide habitat and food for birds and other animals. Trees can reduce air temperature by blocking sunlight. Further cooling occurs when water evaporates from the leaf surface. The conversion of water to air vapor removes heat energy from the air.Trees also absorb and block noise and reduce glare. A well placed tree can reduce noise by as much as 40 percent.

Fallen tree leaves can reduce soil temperature and soil moisture loss. Decaying leaves promote soil microorganism and provide nutrients for tree growth.

Bare landscapes are an opportunity for wind and soil erosion.

Economic Benefits Trees can enhance community economic stability by attracting businesses and tourists who linger and shop longer when trees are present Property values of landscaped homes are higher than those of non-landscaped ones and are quicker to resell than homes without trees.

An economic benefit of trees; Boat construction

Photo by RP Photography on Pexels.com

An economic benefit of trees; Boat construction

In general trees are invaluable, they are hard to quote their value due to their numerous beneficial values to man.

WHAT IS THE COST OF A TREE? By Teddy Its a pity how people deal with the environment especially trees , it's important to know the value of the natural resources we are exploiting.

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its-tilapia-jones-blog · 7 years

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Part III

I spent my hour of silence in nature strolling around by the floodway and a near by field just south of Winnipeg on September 1st. The weather that day was quite dreary and chilly, with cloud cover for the entire day with a little bit of rain and a bit of a breeze. It had also rained the day before so it was quite soggy on the dirt and gravel pathways that connected different parking areas. I arrived just before 6:00 pm, and quickly noticed that I was not the first person to come and take advantage of the last of the decent fall weather. There were a few people on the river trying their luck at fishing.

Not wanting to disturb the fishermen, I trekked up a short muddy path to a small patch of grass that surrounded a small pond. Here I watched a flock of geese land and rest after slowly circling and coming to safe landing and resting spot. The sky that day seemed to be busy with traffic of geese moving from field to field to refuel and recharge before they continued their journey south to the southern United States and Mexico. I notice that this year the geese population has seemed a little smaller than and I stop to wonder why that is for a little while. Could it be their flocks have reduced due to human impact like overhunting or their population had simply grown too large and was unable to support itself? Unable to answer this question at the time, I moved on.

Next, I migrated over to a small dirt patch by a large field full of prairie grasses that was bordered on one side by a small forest. The fall colours in the forest were quite striking to me, and I noticed a few species of trees, including some aspen which were a vibrant golden-yellow. While looking at this I couldn't help but notice the unnaturally straight line that divided the wood from the field. Running along this line was a telephone pole -- an example of how we humans modify the environment to suit our needs without taking into consideration that other animals rely on this space too for survival. We are simply using the space for our convenience.

While standing in this open area, I noticed how incredibly littered it was. McDonalds wrappers were all over the place, joined by countless plastic water or pop bottles, snack wrappers, and innumerable straws. There was even a large piece of tarpaulin in the section of greener grass by the forest that clearly had been there for a long time. This is just a small example of our negligence towards the health of the environment and the wildlife that inhabits this area. (The photo above just covers a very small portion of the field I was standing on the outskirts of.)

I turned to look out into the field I was standing on the border of and saw a massive phone tower, towering over me. It had incredibly long supporting wires firmly attached to the ground. To me, it resembled the giant hand of humanity, sticking its sharp talons deep into the earth, unrelentingly clinging for life. I think to myself that the fate of our environment lies in the clutches of humanity, and we've got an iron-grip, crushing what is in our hand.

In the field beyond, grazed some deer. They were wary of the people that were on the other side of the tower and took turns keeping lookout while the other members of the group ate. I didn't go for a closer look because I didn’t want to disturb them and cause unnecessary alarm. The deer however, did not stick around for long and soon moved to the cover of the forest. After watching the last deer disappear into the woods, I made my way to a dirt road that bordered the forest. I took my time along this road, noticing the gradual change of season in the forest and watching squirrels chase each other from tree to tree. I also noticed that the forest was pretty quite aside from the rustling of the leaves as the breeze passed through them. The song birds must have already headed south for the winter, not wanting to weather the crisp fall climate like the geese. After reaching the end of the road, I notice to the right of me at the end of the field some old farm equipment sinking into the earth after years of sitting in the same spot. If I had a better camera, the machinery could have made for a great rustic photo that showed the perseverance of the famers that broke the land to provide for their families. But today I just thought of persistent impact of human activities. That tractor probably hasn't moved in over a decade. There was probably some oil and diesel that leaked out of the engine and fuel tank that seeped into the earth. The paint is probably full of lead and has chipped off onto the ground, leaching into local waterways or has made its way into the diets of small animals like birds or field mice.

In my time in nature, I felt a little disappointed and troubled in how little people seem to care about how they treat the environment. I personally believe that it is important for humans to take care of our earth. It constantly provides for us and asks for very little in return. The least we could do for our mother earth is take care of her and nurture her. We could respect her landscapes and try to restore ecosystems to what they were before it knew the touch of urbanization and civilization.

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dansnaturepictures · 3 years

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7 of my favourite pictures I took in July 2021

1. White Stork at Knepp, Sussex

2. Common Red Soldier beetles on cow parsnip at Lakeside Country Park, Hampshire

3. Monks Brook

4. Sunset at home

5. My first ever Rosy Tabby moth at home

6. Lakeside Country Park

7. One of my favourite butterflies the Silver-washed Fritillary at West Wood, Hampshire

July was another incredible month for me for wildlife and other reasons. Wildlife and photography wise it was another month of hundreds of photos taken with my mind pleasantly overwhelmed with inspiration and so much wildlife and so many views to take in locally and a bit further afield. A characteristic changeable weather month for this summer with a stunning heatwave within where we basked in very high temperatures and strong sunshine. I took a lot of photos I was pleased with this month across wildlife and landscapes. It was a month of pivotal days in my year too such as the Knepp trip a key moment of wildlife watching for me this year. It feels weird to think there’s only three more of these posts left for me this year now as the months go by so quickly now!

For birdwatching it may have been the usual slower month but the birds seen at Knepp were phenomenal White Stork and Turtle Dove starring in particular and year list wise with July usually my hardest month to tick birds I was glad I still did to at one stage have my year list as the highest any of mine had ever been on that date for the first time since New Year’s Day and now its really competing with where I was in my highest ever year lists which I am so thrilled with and so pleased the way I’ve been able to build back for year ticks being so low down going into March compared to previous year lists to have the fight back I’ve mentioned so much as lockdown eased bit by bit and be where I am now. There were lots of great bird moments with species that weren’t year ticks like the Marsh Harrier at Pennington. Locally garden and young birds such as Starlings, the crow species and baby Moorhens and ever growing goslings kept me really captivated, and the summer nights especially of watching Swifts and House Martins, and Swallow too in the day time gliding over effortlessly was a true strong highlight of my month.

As always likely it was a month that very much belonged to butterflies too. Locally the discovery of the hairstreaks at Lakeside two strong July species White-letter Hairstreak and especially the Purple Hairstreaks seeing both with Purple Emperor at Knepp too has been one of the best things about my year and one of my greatest ever butterfly experiences for sure I have just been so in aw of it happening and having a rare species like this so close to home. Knepp, West Wood and Martin Down to name a few a bit further afield also gave me some of my standout butterfly experiences with despite duller conditions in places the butterfly season rolling on nicely to the amazing summer ones and me having so many times this month where I felt it was among the best quality or quantity of something I’d ever seen for butterflies. My year list for this competing well with my best ever too. And of course July means the Big Butterfly Count the survey for Butterfly Conservation which you can do as many as you want of which has been a healthily addictive and rewarding experience again as I’ve just loved counting and counting and being able to record and take in what I see and pit species up against each other and compare to what its normally like and between counts I always find it so much fun.

After the June I had for them its been another fantastic mammalian month from lots seen well at Lakeside to Knepp where the deers, squirrels and other grazing animals were a huge part of the day. I’ve learnt a lot more flowers this month and enjoyed so many amazing moments with this fantastic species as great wilowherb, ragwort, scabious and others really thrust us into summer everywhere I’ve been has been like a perfectly painted scene with colourful, vibrant and life rich meadows. I’ve done well for dragonflies, beetles and more this month too. And finally a big story in my month has been the ramping up of moths this year from the masses of Silver Y in the day flying contingent to learning some new ones that come in at home like the Rosy Tabby. Getting an app to help me and reinstating my year list for them and gathering how many I’ve seen on patch shows a stepping up even more in my month interest this month. I wrote this on Sunday and timed this to go out so it may not explore every theme of why this has been such a good month for me, but I hope it goes some way to explain it. Have a safe and great August all and thanks for all your support in July.

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lethaderr-blog · 5 years

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The Glasgow Mural Trail showcases the best street art in Glasgow.

It’s no secret that I’m a massive fan of street art. I’ve written about incredible street art in Toronto that’s right in my own backyard, and murals from other spots around the world like Derry, Miami, and Buffalo. Glasgow graffiti is some of the best that I’ve seen in the world. It’s bright, colorful, and meaningful. Plus, you can embark on a free walking tour in Glasgow to see all of the art. All of the Glasgow murals are within walking distance of one another. I’ve even found a few bonus works of art in Glasgow to see beyond those found on the Glasgow Mural Trail.

Why Street Art in Glasgow?

Back in 2008, the very first piece of street art in Glasgow was splashed across a city wall. This collection grew over the last few years with something for every taste and style, from more conventional styles to ones that are quirky and strange. In 2014, the Glasgow Mural Trail in the city centre was officially launched to promote the growing collection of murals there.

Essentially, street art in Glasgow provides new life to tired buildings and vacant sites. These beautiful Glasgow murals revitalize these structures. Spectacular art all over the city allows both locals and tourists alike to have new appreciation for otherwise neglected and unsightly places. Furthermore, this Glasgow graffiti brings people to the city centre, inviting them to visit local businesses and attractions.

GLASGOW TRAVEL GUIDE

WHERE TO STAY IN GLASGOW: We adored our stay at the centrally located Grasshoppers Hotel. You can check out our review here [and more reviews here]. Hotels are very affordable in the city. Feel free to compare prices between hotels as you plan your holiday. To have your own place in Glasgow, browse the available listings on Airbnb.

GETTING AROUND GLASGOW: To get from the airport to the city, take the Glasgow Airport Express bus. Glasgow is a very walkable city and we rarely had to take any transportation. However, the subway system is very inexpensive and you can make your way around the city quickly and easily. You can also book tickets on the hop-on-hop-off bus to see the sights and be transported all over town.

THINGS TO DO IN GLASGOW: For a list of the best things to do in Glasgow, check out our 1 day Glasgow travel itinerary. If you’re looking for restaurant recommendations, check out my Glasgow vegan guide.

PHOTOS OF GLASGOW: Check out our entire photo album of pictures from Glasgow to inspire your trip. You can also purchase prints, housewares, and all sorts of gifts made from any of our photos – just click the “buy” button on any picture.

Glasgow Mural Trail

Come along with me on a tour of the Glasgow Mural Trail. Nothing beats seeing it in person for yourself. But, I’ll give you the next best thing: viewing it through my lens from your own chair anywhere in the world.

Strathclyde University

The Strathclyde University “Wonderwall” mural tells the stories and achievements of Strathclyde and its students. There are three different murals on the sides of the seven story buildings, painted by Rogue-one and Ejek. This image shows many students that currently attend Strathclyde and celebrates its vibrant and diverse community. The staff and students of Strathclyde University come from over 100 countries around the world. It was our first stop on the Glasgow Mural Trail. You can see the second mural off in the distance, St Enoch and Child.

St Enoch and Child

Australian artist and Glasgow resident, Smug, has created several Glasgow murals that stunning and evocative. Smug painted this photo realistic work of street art in Glasgow using a cherry picker as it spans several stories of a building. St Enoch and Child depicts the patron saint of Glasgow, St Mungo, as a young child being breastfed by his mother, St Enoch. It is widely praised by Glaswegians. Not only does it encourage mothers to breastfeed their children, but it dispels the stigma against breastfeeding older children.

Saint Mungo

The Saint Mungo mural is another fantastic work by Smug. It was never officially named; however, it acquired its name after the image was shared approximately 1.5 million times in its first week. It shows the patron saint of Glasgow, Saint Mungo, wearing modern street clothes. When Mungo was a child, some boys threw stones at some birds and struck a robin. While the boys ran away, Mungo picked up the bird, smoothed its feathers, and prayed. After a short period of time, the bird came back to life and flew away. It was a miracle.

Fellow Glasgow Residents

Smug does it again! This is one of the largest displays of art in Glasgow, spanning the entire wall facing a parking lot. It features “Fellow Glasgow Residents”, the animals that live in Glasgow’s parks and green spaces. You’ll see cows (“hairy coos”!), squirrels, chipmunks, birds, deer, foxes, and so many more. There’s so much to look at in this sprawling piece of street art in Glasgow. I love all of the intricate details and the shadows. It really appears to be so three dimensional, as though I’m transported right to that nearby forest or trail.

Badminton

There were a series of murals in Glasgow to promote the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and Badminton is one of them. There are some other ones depicting people playing rugby, hockey, and netball. You can find these other sports murals near the Partick train station.

Space Man

You might miss Spaceman if you aren’t looking for it. Tucked down a very narrow alleyway (which made it a challenge to capture with my camera), Spaceman features splashes of colors against an otherwise barren wall. Artists Recoat and Ali Wylie demonstrate their influences: Japanese design, pop art, and graphic novels.

Study of a Woman in Black

Study of a Woman in Black is actually two murals featuring anonymous women wearing black clothing. James Klinge, formerly known as Klingatron, creates super detailed portraits from stencils. These women look incredibly lifelike in both murals, found just down the street from one another.

The Clutha

The Clutha bar made headlines back in 2013 when a police helicopter crashed into it, killing 10 people. The bar partially reopened a year and a half later, and this mural wraps around the building. It pays homage to the history of the area and the people who visited this iconic bar, known for its live music and vibrant atmosphere. Artists Ejek and Rogue-One painted this beautiful street art in Glasgow, featuring icons like Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Billy Connolly

To celebrate his 75th birthday, BBC Scotland commissioned three Glasgow murals of actor Billy Connolly. This mural was created from an original work by John Byrne, and painted by Rogue-One. These were showcased as a surprise tribute in a special BBC programme, Billy Connolly: Portrait of a Lifetime. In the show, Connolly states, “I thought I’d be all light-hearted on seeing them and jokey – but they’re so big, the effect on me is so profound. People going to that length for me, it’s just taken my breath away.”

Argyle Street Cafe

Unfortunately, I couldn’t see the Argyle Street Cafe mural when I visited. There were large construction walls covering it up. Maybe it will be there when you visit Glasgow? It’s another beautiful piece of street art in Glasgow by Smug, featuring various animals enjoying some beverages together. It’s a reinterpretation and revamp of an older piece by Smug on the same wall.

Are Ye Dancin’

This stop on the Glasgow Mural Trail features two colorful walls on opposite sides of a tunnel. Painted by Conzo Throb, it’s right in the middle of a busy shopping area, tucked down a narrow passageway. It’s playful, quirky, and imaginative. You might recognize the figure on the “Are ye dancin'” side as the Duke of Wellington statue with the traffic cone on his head. On the “Are ye askin?” side, the girl has a bottle of Scotland’s popular Irn-Bru drink over her shoulder.

The World’s Most Economical Taxi

There’s a gritty, industrial feel as I stroll down Mitchell Street on an early morning. I couldn’t really see a reason to walk down this street, other than to view another work of Glasgow graffiti by Rogue-One. It might be one of the best ways to combat gridlock…have your taxi float up in the air above the roads! An interesting quote from the artist, “Can’t believe I painted a wall to look like a brick wall just because I wanted a brick wall!”

Honey…I Shrunk The Kids

It’s another super realistic and brilliant work by Glasgow resident, Smug. Just when you thought that your trip down Mitchell Street was over, this gorgeous work of art in Glasgow comes into view. It’s an over-sized woman with a magnifying glass, appearing to pick up something very small. I love the little details like the “Smug” necklace around her neck.

Wind Power

Rogue-One brings another spectacular work to the streets of Glasgow in the Wind Power mural. As a third mural on Mitchell Street, you’ll realize that it really was worth the trek down this fairly deserted road. You’ll see a woman blowing on a dandelion, and all of its seeds are actually windmills. As part of the Doors Open Day 2014 event, it represents and celebrates sustainable energy in Glasgow and Scotland.

Glasgow Panda

Directly opposite one of my favorite attractions in Glasgow, The Lighthouse, you’ll find Glasgow’s Panda. Created by Klingatron, he used hand-cut stencils to paint this memorable piece of street art. It’s always unfortunate to see unsightly tags and graffiti painted nearly on top of other beautiful works, but it happens.

Dr Connolly I Presume?

It’s another commemorative Billy Connolly work by Rogue-One, and it represents a Jack Vettriano painting. It demonstrates Connolly on a stormy coastline near John O’Groats. This work on the Glasgow Mural Trail takes up an entire wall on Dixon Street.

Glasgow’s Tiger

The Glasgow Tiger is definitely my favorite artwork on the Glasgow Mural Trail. I might be a little bit biased as I love cats and big cats. Sorry, not sorry! Klingatron has illustrated another image of a tiger on top of the old one that used to live at this site. This tiger is highly intricate and detailed. I love how this wall looks with the buildings behind it, and it faces the River Clyde and the suspension bridge. Definitely go for a walk along the River Clyde and enjoy a few works of street art on this free walking tour in Glasgow on your way.

The Gallery

The Gallery is Smug’s interpretation of many famous works of art, including Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Munch’s The Scream, and the Mona Lisa. If you take a closer look at the Mona Lisa, you’ll notice that she’s holding a can of Irn-Bru in front of the Clyde Auditorium. She’s been dubbed, “The Mona Lassie” by Glaswegians. It’s another one that I noticed was sadly defaced.

The Swimmer

It’s one of Smug’s first works of street art in Glasgow. He painted The Swimmer for Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games. Beneath a highway overpass, it’s in surprisingly good condition as it’s protected from the elements. This piece on the Glasgow Trail Mural is fitting as it’s right beside the River Clyde. The piece is incredibly lifelike, except it’s absolutely massive. The water and waves look so realistic around the swimming man.

Glasgow Crocodile

There are a few pieces of street art that I missed along the Glasgow Mural Trail, but I’ll have to check them out the next time I’m in town. One of them is the Glasgow Crocodile, created by Klingatron. He uses the old brickwork to his advantage, using a gap in the bricks for its eye and other bricks around its scales. Similar to a crocodile lurking beneath the surface, you won’t grasp the scale of this creation until you view it from a certain angle.

Charing Cross Birds

At the Charing Cross Pedestrian Bridge, you’ll find the Charing Cross Birds by Little Book Transfers, an all female art and design collective from Glasgow. They’re part of the “STALK” series. You’ll find birds, foliage, and fruit painted on the pillars of this bridge.

Hand Shadow Puppets

Justin and I stumbled across Hand Shadow Puppets in a tunnel as we walked towards the University of Glasgow and Ashton Lane from Glasgow’s City Centre. Rogue-One brings life back to an otherwise dingy underpass. Hands cast shadows of animals on the wall, while other animals look on.

The Musician

The Musician, by Rogue-One, is a tribute to Glasgow’s live music scene. It’s between two popular music venues, Howlin’ Wolf and Malone’s. The nearby Sauchiehall Street has loads of entertainment in the evenings, which means this colorful work of art is precisely in the proper place.

The Lost Giant

Right near The Musician, you’ll also find The Lost Giant (which is why I didn’t manage to see either of them!). Australian artist, Stormie Mills, has installed many works in his Lost Giant series across cities around the world. This special Lost Giant of Glasgow is wearing a scarf made from the Glaswegian tartan.

Bonus Glasgow Murals and Art

Beyond the Glasgow Mural Trail, there is even more street art to see in this vibrant and colorful city.

Street Art by Fuse

Although the style is reminiscent of Banksy, small pieces of street art by Fuse are popping up all over Glasgow. I stumbled upon one as I searched for other art on the Glasgow Mural Trail. It’s always wonderful to accidentally come across even more outdoor art. When researching some information about Fuse after the fact, I saw that he painted a Pikachu and a Poke-Ball in other places around Glasgow. I wish I had stumbled upon those!

Ashton Lane

There are even more murals outside the City Centre. We found this wall around the corner from Ashton Lane, looking like a flight of stairs going up to the second level. There are painted flowerpots up the staircase to a window with real flowerpots and plants.

Inside Restaurants and Cafes

You might even find murals inside the restaurants and cafes themselves! The Glasvegan has a playful tribute to the Duke of Wellington equestrian statue, with a carrot on his head instead of a pylon (because: vegan). Papercup Coffee Company showcases art that inspires us all to “dream big”. And even though Picnic doesn’t necessarily have a mural inside its cafe, I loved this pastel watercolor wall.

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