davidquiring

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My feet are on the ground, but my head is in the clouds. As we enter the deepness of winter and feel its profound stillness, the senses get sharp...a simple scent becomes the only scent, a murder of crows becomes the only movement on the horizon, and the waning sun's warmth is fleeting but always noticed. In this quiet space I become quiet. A lot of people from my hometown fly south to escape this depth of winter. I am the opposite, and always return to dwell in it and lay the foundation for the next cycle of seasons to come. From this place of quietness, dreams arise within me and shape the reality that is the year to come. It feels like -40 our there this morning, and that's just fine with me. (at Winnipeg, Manitoba)

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Goodnight 2015. (at Osborne Village)

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May you experience peace and solace wherever you find yourself this holiday season. Happy holidays to you and yours! (at Winnipeg, Manitoba)

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Winter commuting and it feels so good. #thewalktowork

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For the second spring in a row, I found myself in Vancouver this year. Last year it was a week long layover on my way to Bangkok; this year it was for a bit of yogic study: I did a Yin yoga teacher training with Paul and Suzee Grilley (at Semperviva on Granville Island – tucked away on the pier by the house boats). It was an intensive time of study but downtime was spent wandering the city with old friends, new friends, or just by myself. Most of the time, I could be found by the ocean.

I should mention that on this trip I used airbnb to find some locals living downtown who put me up in their bedroom. It was a very positive experience and I would recommend that any traveler give it a shot. The host gets some income and an interesting visitor, while the guest gets a good value accommodation and a local friend. It really is a win-win arrangement.

Following up this trip I began locally teaching yoga some evenings over at The Edge Village and Gallery and will be continuing to in the foreseeable future. For those inclined, please join us on Wednesday evenings at 7:30. Bring yourself, a mat, a towel if you’d like a little extra padding, and $5 for the jar at the front.

Full photo essay on my website: www.davidquiring.com/2012/09/vancouver-2012/

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Hello friends!

Ever since I was a young lad I’ve been enjoying a monthly fix of National Geographic.  My Dad has been collecting every issue since before I was born, so there was always a little window into remote parts of the world on our coffee table.  He would read me excerpts to help me understand the strange images that were very different than what I’d seen in my backyard, or even the zoo.  When I had a school project that required research he would help me go through his collection finding relevant information (this was back before the Internet so it was quite the godsend).  He even let me cut out photos from his treasured magazines for my science projects.  I faintly remember him telling me that when he was younger it was his dream to be a photographer for National Geographic.  I can’t be sure of the origin, but this is a passion that I now most certainly share and very possibly was imparted from my father.

I have a photo entered in the National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest this year.  It is titled, “A Jungle Stroll” and is from my time in the Togian Islands of Indonesia almost a year ago now. (Map)  It is a long shot that my image will be noticed amid the masses who have already submitted, but I do have hope that it will actually get in front of one of the judges.  It’s a long process but in the meantime if you could go take a look and “like” the photo I think it will have a better chance of getting exposure.  Please and thank you!

My contest entry

(crossposted from my new photography site! :) )

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Blood Bank (Bon Iver Cover) - Vitamin String Quartet

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We all know that Google targets ads to each of us based on how we browse the web, but it's interesting to have them spell out the knowledge they have on you.  They put up this page that will tell you some demographics and trends they have derived about you.  The ones, in fact, that they use to target those ads to you.  Check it out!

I'm (apparently) a 35-44 year old male who's into record labels, yoga & pilates, cameras, people & society, travel, and...beauty and fitness!?  Interesting...

Also, I have a new website that's (I know this is always the case) almost done!  I think I'll be doing some blogging there, but will continue to crosspost because of all my tumblr peoples.  Check out the new place if you have a moment: http://www.davidquiring.com/  

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airbnb

Has anyone tried this new airbnb thing? People rent out there rooms to travellers passing through. Seems to be much cheaper and more authentic than hotels, and a bit more comfortable than some CouchSurfing situations might leave you. I think I'm going to try it. Just signed up for my account - link me up! This link will get you $25 off your first stay: http://www.airbnb.com/tell-a-friend?airef=12avfz53f27zz5

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"The great omission in American life is solitude; not loneliness, for this is an alienation that thrives most in the midst of crowds, but that zone of time and space, free from the outside pressures, which is the incubator of the spirit." -Marya Mannes

Merry Christmas everyone.  May you find some solitude on your holidays.

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Yes please.

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Looking back, a lot sure happened in 2011.

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I entered three very different images in a photography competition that a local photo store put on recently.  I always find it interesting what shot stands out to a judge when there are no genre rules - this time they picked this one of mine! They printed it and it went up on display at Henry's Regent (here in Winnipeg) mid-November and should be up 'til the end of December(ish).  Check it out if you happen to be in there oggling some new gear. :)

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Flying back from Churchill on Sunday night I really hoped to see the northern lights out the plane window.  No such luck. 

This is pretty cool though.

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Love yourself—accept yourself—forgive yourself—and be good to yourself, because without you the rest of us are without a source of many wonderful things.

Leo F. Buscaglia

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