The journey is the treasure–Lloyd Alexander
We love exploring places near and far and discovering “treasures” on our walks. In Vancouver, B.C., we always see some unexpected sights which invariably make us smile or stare in awe. Here are some of my most recent favorite finds for this week’s LAPC challenge hosted by Ann-Christine.
The Tree People
I walk down this tree-lined street several times a day, but one afternoon, I spotted several “tree people” along the route. They made me laugh out loud.


Lost Lagoon Lake

One evening we took a walk around the Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park and spotted several herons preening and catching fish right before sunset. I love the color of the heron’s feathers and the pinkish sky reflecting in the lake.
Sidewalk Mosaic
By chance earlier this week, I looked down and spotted this mosaic embedded in the sidewalk in English Bay. What a beautiful portrait of the Pacific Northwest.

Raven Discovers The First Men

This sculpture The Raven and the First Men by Haida artist Bill Reid caught my attention in the anthropology museum in Vancouver.
It tells the creation myth of Raven who found the first human creatures inside a clamshell on Haida Gwaii’s Rose Spit Beach. Raven grew bored of watching these beings who were only men. Things became a lot more interesting when he discovered little women living inside a chiton. When he brought the women to the men, Raven was never bored again.
My son and I spent some time by this striking statue, photographing it from every angle. I love how in the Haida creation story women add a richness and complexity to life.
Children Playing in the Park
Earlier this week, we spotted kids having great fun in these inflatable plastic balls. A perfect way to enjoy a late summer afternoon.

Siwash Rock

Last Saturday on a long walk along the seawall, I paused to take a photo of Siwash Rock, jutting into the bay. On the left, you can see several people stopping to admire it.
One Very Cool Dog
I’ll end my post with this charming dog, spotted in Sunset Beach earlier this week. He was enjoying the view, along with his owner who was wearing identical sunglasses.

I was surprised how many treasures I discovered just by taking a closer look at the world right around me. A special thanks to Ann-Christine for reminding me to be “in the moment” and for her inspiration this week. We hope you join Ann-Christine and the rest of the Lens-Artists in highlighting your favorite finds. Be sure to visit her beautiful site and include a link to her post.
Last week, Amy invited us to share our world lit by the sun. Your images were beautiful! Thanks for spreading the sunshine. Looking ahead to next week, it’s John’s turn to lead the challenge, so be sure to visit Journeys by Johnbo on Saturday, September 3 at noon EST. Until then, take care. Have a safe, healthy and inspiring week!
Categories: LENS-ARTISTS, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
Oh what fun and cool items you have found. 😀 😀
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Hi, Cee. It was a lot of fun! Glad you enjoyed them, too. I love that dog!
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That is a very cool dog Patti. I love the Haida work too.
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Hi, Anne. Isn’t he great! I was really fascinated by the Haida sculpture, too. Glad you love it, too! I hope you’re feeling better and better.
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I am feeling almost normal today Patti!
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Fabulous.
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Great finds, but just love the tree people
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Aren’t they great, Karina? I’m delighted you enjoyed them! Have a good week.
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🙂
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What a fun and fruitful exploration Patti – you’re so right about being in the moment. Laughed at the story about the raven and also at the tree people – so clever! The heron is really beautiful and the dog with sunglasses is a hoot. Great set of “finds”!!
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Hi, Tina. Many thanks! It was a lot of fun. I love going on these treasure hunts. There are more “tree people” so I’m going to go back there and capture all of them. 😀😀. And the dog….is a hoot! I’m delighted you enjoyed my collection! I’ll stop by your site next.
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The tree creatures are hilarious, Patti, and i love the Raven sculpture and story. So many interesting finds, just for looking.
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Hi, Jo. Glad you enjoyed the tree people. There are a few more, so I’ll be sure to capture them before we leave. 😀😀. I’m delighted you like the Raven story, too. I’m fascinated at the difference between the Haida story and Adam and Eve. I hope all’s well. Are you back in Portugal?
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We are, hon. It’s been a hectic couple of days but we’re settling back into some kind of rhythm.
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A set of wonderful finds, Patti! Being in the moment – that’s the way. Love the Haida and the cool dog, and the heron, and…all of them. I can see you had a good time!
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It was fun, AC. I love hunting for treasure. Glad they made you smile, too. 😀😀😀. Have a good week ahead. Plenty of sunshine and long walks. 😀❤️😀
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Wishing you the same!
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Good fun finds Patti 🙂
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Thanks, Brian! I hope they make you smile, too. 😀😀. Have a good week.
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I especially love the Haida Raven sculpture by Bill Reid. I’ve been a student of Coast Salish indigenous art since my undergraduate days, and this one is a delight!
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Hi, Lindy. I didn’t know that! I thought the sculpture and the story were marvelous. It must be wonderful to know so much about the indigenous culture. I’m just starting to read about it. Thanks for your thoughts, as always. Have a good week, too.
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Great finds Patti. I loved the kids playing in the park and the heron. All your images were beautiful.
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Hi, Anne. I’m delighted! Thank you! I couldn’t believe how many treasures I found once I decided to look for them. Have a good week, too.
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Isn’t it amazing what you see when you take the time to look around? Love the tree people shots…what a cool idea and great shot of the Siwash Rock. Nice finds Patti.
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Hi, Andy. It’s true. Once I decided to look for them, they appeared! Glad you like the tree people and Siwash. Have a great week.
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Lovely clicks and great finds.
Love the tree people
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Hi, Philo. Thanks! I love them, too. There are a few more on our street. I’ve got to capture the rest of them! Have a good week, Philo. 😀
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Thank you Pattimoed.
Post them whenever you can.
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Love that mosaic, the lake, and that dog is bonkers!
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Hi, Sue. He is bonkers, isn’t he?!? I loved capturing him. He makes me smile. Take care and have a good week, too.
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Thanks, Patti, and you have a good week
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There’s so much fun in your post, Patti and I love that. We all need a bit of lightness in our lives. The dog is amazing, obviously, what a cool dude 🙂 but my favourites are the Raven sculpture and the herons. I could look at them for hours.
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Hi, Sofia. I’m delighted you enjoyed this one. It’s true. It’s definitely time to add some lightness into the gloomy world news. I think the dog will make me smile every time I look at him! Take care and hopefully have plenty of opportunities to smile this week.
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Who couldn’t love those Tree People? But all in all, a fun and interesting selection – thanks
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Hi, Margaret. Aren’t they great? I’m happy you enjoyed them. 😀😀. Have a good week.
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Great finds Patti! The mosaic sidewalk and the dog must be my favourites!
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Hi, Aletta. I’m glad you enjoyed them. Yes, the dog was great! Take care and have a good week.
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Thank you very much! You have a great week too.
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What a super varied set of finds! I love the tree people but the heron and the Raven sculpture are my favourites I think 🙂
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Hi, Sarah. Yes, an eclectic mix, for sure! I’m delighted you like them. I’ll go see what you found!
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Great finds. I like that rock; it even has a tree growing on it. Unusual, isn’t it, in that salty environment? I loved the raven sculpture, and the creation myth that it came from.
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Hi, IJ. I’m delighted you enjoyed them. Yes, the tree is unusual. It caught my eye. The raven sculpture is something I want to visit again. I hope all’s well. No flooding nearby, I hope.
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Thanks, no. Here the monsoon is winding down
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Good.
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I cheated a bit this week and repurposed an old post so you won’t find anything new for this theme!
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Agh, this ended up in the wrong place – I was replying to your comment Patti about seeing what I’d come up with!
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No worries. 😀
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😀
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Patti- the Tree People are so whimsical… sure to create smiles! Next time I work with clay, this will be something I’d like to try. Wouldn’t they make my granddaughter giggle??!
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That’s a great idea, Jane. I’m sure she’d love them!
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Love the tree people!
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Aren’t they great? I’m going to find more of them!
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Patti, you have such a great eye . . . and you go on a lot of great adventures!
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Thank you so much, Luanne! That’s a real compliment. I always love hearing from you. I’ll visit your site next.
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Wonderful finds, Patti! Love the tree people especially. This doggy is way too cool. 🙂 🙂
We came back last night, got up in the early morning to get the post done.
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