A shot of the rear entrance of Social, a restaurant I’ve only dined in once, but have passed by, wishing I was inside, many times. I like how the mood in the shot is warm, against the implied cold from the Christmas lights. One could sit here at any time of year and soak up the serenity, where a song by Sigur Rós (at night, when it’s comfortably crowded) is as relevant as a song by Edith Piaff (particularly in the fall, when the skies are grey) is as relevant as a song by Iron And Wine (during the early days of summer, when it’s still cool in the evening).

One of the more interesting local landmarks is a panhandler who has his practice set up on the Mackenzie King Bridge. I started noticing him ever since I came to this city, every time I walked up the bridge to the Rideau Centre. I’ve seen him in stills in the university newspaper, or in passing while taking the bus along the transitway. Ever since winter started though, he’s been wearing a very blue, very “Toronto Maple Leafs” toque. I wonder if someone gave it to him, or whether he procured it himself, using the change given to him by his fellow citizens and Sens fans.

It’s a dangerous thing to be wearing such a high profile hat in this city. Especially when one is so easy to find.