Let's Pokemon Go!

Truly tickled pink that Pokémon Go, the free to play mobile app has a name that totally fits my blog theme Go!

This giant rock is a PokéStop! 

So of course I have to share my exploit playing this craze that has taken over the world with a blink of an eye. It's got me walking to work more and using words and terms like "evolve," "XP," and "Gotcha!" more often.

"The Three Graces Fountain" by Gerald Gladstone

My history with Pokémon ? Flashback to when my kids were little girls watching the Pokémon cartoons on tv ---  it had me wishing I had my own Mr. Mime to help me do housework just like the mom of Ash Ketchum! And of course the Pokémon card collection as well as Pikachu merchandise from t-shirts, caps, movies to plushies that said "Pika Pika, Pikachu!" 10 million different ways!




Now Pokémon Go has given us an opportunity to experience this reality game as a family. The kids are grown up now and it's their turn to teach us tricks on how to play and catch those Pokémon! I have heard some of my friends find it easier to get their kids to come along for a car ride or a walk because it will bring them to PokéStops. 

Metal sculpture at the Toronto Botanical Gardens

 The PokéStops are a joy to find, just like a scavenger hunt. One tries to find them to collect more Pokéballs and items. If you take the time to appreciate where it is, you discover they are actual spots where you discover art work or landmarks in malls, parks, churches and many more places. You can walk, bike or even drive to these spots and get the chance to catch a new creature.

Gothic stone archway on Yonge & College

Currently I am a Level 14 with about 50 types of Pokémon registered in my Pokédex. My advise to those playing the game  --- get your butts off the couch, walk your way to health and discover people and places all around you.Give it a try, those adorable Pokémon creatures will get you hooked. See you in the next PokéStop ---- Gotcha!

Let's Go Appreciate --- Eyes to the Sky

Another great morning for a walk! Temperature was 13-16 C and not so windy as I stepped into the street in my 6 year old brown Chucks. (Did you know that Converse is a subsidiary of Nike since 2003?) I still love mine, so comfy to walk in and light on the feet.

With Canada Day long weekend coming up soon, let me take some time to appreciate Toronto. People like me who walk in the morning come from a melting pot of migrants from all over the world. Toronto loves to celebrate its many diverse festivals and events.

Great street district markers

Flags

                                               
Keeping my eyesight towards the sky, I enjoy the splashes of color from the hanging pots of flowers and some urban art makes the walk uplifting as well, if you know where to look.

Cascade of flowers

I spy with my naked eye .....

There is a lot more to see but I took time to enjoy it than take photos. Come take the walk with me, you will be pleasantly surprised by this city called Toronto!

Let's Go --- Walking on the Bright Side

Can you believe it's been nearly three years since I began blogging about my attempts of walking to work from my TTC subway stop? I wish I could share a success story, complete with the before and after photos of a new slim and trim me. Sorry to disappoint, but that's not how it rolled.

Instead life happened and with that the opportunity to walk was replaced by the need to get to work sooner. But the good news is I have started walking again, trying a new route so here are some new insights and observations.

The new route brings me out on Bloor Street and the first things I see are the condos being built everywhere. Looking up there is The One. Look down and I get to experience the pedestrian scramble when prompted by the words "walk sign is on for all crossings."

Pedestrian scramble!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This might be The One!

As I cross over to my chosen sidewalk, I turn up the music in my ears. Music selection is determined by my mood, but mostly jazz, 80's, disco, rock and pop. My trek brings me close to higher end stores that try to entice me with their latest fashion. The early birds distract me from my day dreaming. On some days, I cross over to St. Basil's Catholic Parish for a quick prayer or two!                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

My sacred space of meditation.

  

Rock doves doing their own walk.

More pictures and observations next time. And this is my third week walking, life is good!