He would sit in his rocking chair or by the window for hours, observing the comings and goings of life on the streets of Trinidad.  I captured him there on this day.  This was his spot, his view. I always wondered what his thoughts were for a man that experienced so much, in one lifetime in Cuba. You were the first to welcome me into your casa for rest with your warm and affectionate demeanor.

“Mi casa su casa”, is a Spanish expression that translates in English to mean “ my house is your house”. I never fully understood this expression until I traveled to Cuba. It is here that being welcomed into someone’s home takes on a more authentic and deeper meaning.

“ Flaneur” is a French word meaning a person who strolls and wanders without a destination in urban spaces—taking the time to observe the everyday.

The act of “flaneurie” has also been described as an idler, often with the connotation of wasting time.  

In an age that favors the hustle over the pause, and the doing over the being, cultivating a balance between these two things could bring us a better sense of well-being. It is easy to get absorbed by our busy lives and the never-ending to-do’s—losing sight of savoring the simple things and the act of just being here.

In an era where the digital realm often overshadows the tactile world and in an age that favors the hustle over the pause, The Flaneur Way emerges as a physical bridge to the NOW. Through the curation of experiences, essentials, and souvenirs, The Flaneur Way becomes a reminder of the profound beauty found in the simple details of our everyday moments.

By embracing The Flâneur Way, you engage in a lifestyle that values noticing, connection, and living in the NOW. It is an invitation to linger in a moment

Fall is here… and what better way to celebrate its arrival than to be a part of the seasonal grape harvest.

I had the pleasure of documenting the winemaking process and the grape harvesting / vendanges. As well as go on an exploration of the senses.

The first part of the day took place in the vineyards of Cépages résistants Nordiques, owned by Alain Breault. It is here, that I was able to follow Veronique Lemieux and her crew as they harvest this season’s grapes.

A fall flaneur wander through the urban landscape of Calgary, Alberta. Taking the time to slow down and tune in to the moments in a creative and mindful way.

On July 3rd, I was pleased to guide a slow Sunday stroll in the Mile-end of Montreal. The concept for the Flaneur walk & talk was called shoshin. A word to mean seeing life with a beginner’s mind.  Fresh eyes.  A flaneur means a stroller or one who wanders without a plan but with intention.  Combing these two concepts I strolled the streets, alleyways, and parks of the urban landscapes of Montreal.

On May 29 th, I had the opportunity to teach/ guide my first Flaneur creative mindful walks of the season in Montreal. I had an amazing group to guide them through the streets, parks, and alleyways of the plateau. Taking time to slow down and tune in to our senses and observe and explore the landscapes both inward and outward

For you and me, and us

to come together

and be

to go within and out

to seek, to find, to listen,

deeply

but isn’t that the point, of this journey? To experience it all. The good, bad, and the ugly. The highs and lows. Heartaches, mixed with evenings of passion

As I tried to find the words and images to express myself these days within these tense current worldly affairs, I found this poem which I wrote last year while I couldn’t sleep, during a lockdown in Montreal. Words, that seemed to resonate with the moment NOW. I revised it slightly to reflect the times, my present mood, and the message I wanted to convey. Enjoy this through both the written word and audio narration of it by me.

Simple acts of kindness can travel far when the intention is true. On February 14th, 2022 I decided to hit the streets and metro of Montreal, to offer small sentiments and messages to strangers. To remind them that we are all connected, loved, and enough.

On July 16th, I had the great opportunity to present and launch my self-published book MIRA Cuba. It was held on the streets, in front of the bookstore DESTILL, in Montreal. I was happy to have it during a moment they had closed the streets and opened it to pedestrian-only, due to Covid measures

“Hang in there “ you know the saying that is said just before parting with someone, as a another way to say “don’t give up”. This saying seemed to be going around, among a few others words, that ended up on repeat in my mind over the past several months under a solo quarantine during this pandemic. I had enough time on my hands to really think and reflect on language, the choice of words we used, how we used them and the general weight of them when you HEAR or READ them.

I woke up this morning

to a new day

new moon

and a new trip around the sun

I woke up this morning

TO SEE

that I was surrounded

not only by all that I need

but as well by the things I love

I woke up this morning

I woke this morning, and I was cold, but I had shelter

I was tired and hungry and didn’t want to go work, but knew how blessed it is to have a job that pays for food.

So I started to get dressed and couldn’t decide what to wear, and was blessed to have a CHOICE and something to wear.

Hola Amigo’s, Hola December, Que Tal??? New month, new season. In with the new and time to let go and process the old. Fresh back from Cuba, with stories, documentation and experiences. Catching some monumental events and missing others. Times are a changin. whoa…can I just say, November was one to remember. American elections, the passing of thee beloved Leonard Cohen and the death of Fidel Castro. Putting all of this in one sentence still doesn’t make it believable. Three male figures in history that have effected people’s lives in such polarity of emotions at different times. However, In stating that, I’m not here to bring up any politics or state my views on each event. Lets keep it light. It’s simply a time to reflect, process and move forward

I only had a few moments to react when I turned around and seen this man caught in the headlights of the car behind. I didn't think, I just shot. I am posting this today for reasons that I hope to keep photography fun and the act of capturing life as authentic as possible. For reasons to remind me why I love photography. That life isn't always stationary but moving and you are either ready or your not. If you blink and think...you may miss a moment. It's not about creating the perfect shot, it's about creating in general, everyday. You shoot, to capture the moments, the people you meet or pass you by, the places that you experience. You photograph to express what you see, and feel. You photograph because you can and feel compelled to. I hope you enjoy My "SHOT IN THE DARK" . Keep shooting, learning, and creating. Stay passionate.

Have you ever heard the expression “autopilot”. It’s literal meaning is of a device that steers a ship, plane, or spacecraft by itself, without a person. However you hear it often being used to describe when someones has done something without focusing or thinking. This expression came to mind while I was walking up the mountain today.

This was my last day in Cuba back in April. I had set out the tripod and phone to document a bit of my process. I was quickly joined by a curious Cuban boy. Little did I know that what I was about to record was to be exactly how I would describe and express what Cuba means to me. You can set all your intentions and have your plans and ideas but in the end, you can't expect anything, and just need be open to whatever arises in that moment. That's the good stuff. When your not seeking, it finds you.

It is 7 a.m. when I begin to stroll the streets. I have my camera over my shoulder and sketchbook tucked under my arm. I’m wide awake and a bit wired from a fuerte cuban coffee.

The morning light is delightfully intense — streaming down the middle of the road, filtering everything it touches with a golden hue. As I make my way into the central plaza, I’m joined by school children and their parents as they hustle them off to school.