Watching Santa

Watching Santa, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

At the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade yesterday.

Reflection After The Rain

Reflection After The Rain, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

Last night Marina and I were planning on heading down to this, Mississauga's city hall, for the official "Christmas tree lighting" ceremony. Unfortunately I am once again under the weather, so we just had a couple of people come over.

A Farm House In Snow

A Farm House In Snow, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

Another image from December, 2005. As a side note, I feel it's worth mentioning that the past 5 images were all made with my old 4 MP sony point and shoot (with no zoom). Expensive gear does not make a photographer.

Apple Trees, No. 6

Apple Trees, No. 6, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

This is an image I've had sitting around since December, 2005. Marina and I went down to Niagara Falls (probably for New Years, I can't really remember), and I snapped this image on the way. I was always fond of it, but today when I found it sitting in the "To Post" folder, it just spoke to me.

Signs In Snow

Signs In Snow, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

This is an image I made back in December of 2005 in the Grange Equestrian Village. If you know the area, it's the corner of The Grange Sideroad and Creditview. It's also an image that was featured in my book, "The Escarpment".

House & Barn In Snow

House & Barn In Snow, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

This was made way back in December of 2005. It's the house right on the corner of Mississauga Road and Wanless Drive (if you know the area). Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Escarpment In Snow

Escarpment In Snow, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

I found this image from 2005 of the Niagara Escarpment in a snow storm. What a great day that was. Still waiting for the snow to return.

Winter Monkey

Winter Monkey, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

This was made near the end of October at Terra Greenhouses in Oakville, Ontario. Behind the giant monkey (and he was a GIANT monkey) is a Christmas tree filled with mini-monkeys. I don't see the relation between monkeys and Christmas.

Waiting For Food

Waiting For Food, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

This image is the last Lucky photo I have in my "To Post" folder. It was back made back in January 2006. She was doing her usual staring at someone eating food.

Baby Pine Cone

Baby Pine Cone, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

Despite the recent negative vibes that have plagued ourselves, friends, and family, I am determined to have a good Christmas. I made this "Christmassy" image a few weeks ago with my students while visiting the marsh beside our school.

Lucky In The Sun

Lucky In The Sun, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

I just heard that my Mom put Lucky down today. She had seizures off and on her entire life, but they increased in frequency this past week. I was with her last night when she had one. She lived to be an old lady of 13, but it's still a sad day.

I feel this looming sense of doom approaching. We've had a few deaths hit our family and friends the past few months, and I feel this is only the beginning. I hope I'm wrong.

A Wet Flower

A Wet Flower, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

I really like how this one turned out. Really vibrant.

By the way, my Polar Bear photo from September was just published in the 2009
Schmap travel guide, in the Toronto section. If you click here, you can see how it looks on an iphone.

Gourd, No. 3

Gourd, No. 3, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

The last of the 3.

Gourd, No. 2

Gourd, No. 2, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

By the way, these "Fade To Black" photos were not "Photoshopped" (e.g., cut and pasted onto a black background). I actually photographed these guys on a black shirt of mine beside our balcony window. Just a little trivia for you.

Gourd, No. 1

Gourd, No. 1, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

The second entry into my "Fade To Black" still life series.

Nero: A Triptych

Nero: A Triptych, originally uploaded by Christian Stepien.com.

Yesterday was a really sad day. Our old pal Nero passed away. Despite how much it hurts to lose someone, I can't help but think how lucky he was to have a family that really cared about him. There are so many puppies out there that are never as fortunate. He had a great life, and he lived to be an old man of 12.

In honor of Nero, I went back through my old photos of him to find these 3 that I've never posted. These were all taken August 10th, 2007 in his backyard.