For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you.

Ann Lamott

Open Doors, Mexico City by Tina Modotti from the Getty Collection that has now been made open for use.

Still…

I love this word and the way it contains paradoxical meanings. It inspired the name of my blog, Still and All.

This wonderful still was made by Tina Modotti, a photographer working in the 1920s. It is part of the Getty Collection that is now open to public use. (In this program, the Getty makes available, without charge, all available digital images to which the Getty holds the rights or that are in the public domain to be used for any purpose. No permission is required. Go have a look at the photography collection!)

Tina Modotti is considered to follow the tradition of contemplative photographers, which has captured my attention and curiosity. Being interested in photography has led me to an interest in photographers, particularly female ones.

Tina Modotti was a fascinating character who had a varied and full life, having been an actress, model, activist, photographer’s assistant and then photographer. She apprenticed with Edward Weston and was a contemporary of Frida Khalo. She documented many of Diego Rivera’s works, and in addition to still lifes, she focused her lens on the country people of Mexico.

Kim Manley Ort has written a piece on Tina Modotti for her blog that you may want to have a look at.

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What does it look like when a whole town comes out to play, and invites people from all over to join us?

It looks something like what you see above — the annual two-day international puppet festival held in Almonte, Ontario, which has a population of 5,000 and is a half-hour drive from Canada’s capital, Ottawa.

We dropped by earlier today to join in the festivities of this remarkable event — now in its ninth year — and revel in the art of play and fun.

Over the festival weekend, some 10 puppet troupes offer 60 separate puppet performances in five venues — some in tented theatres and others in the historic buildings of downtown Almonte. Most of the shows are geared to the younger set but there is even an adult-oriented puppet show in the evening! And the festival welcomes performers from across Canada, the United States and this year Hungary.

Shopkeepers and vendors also set up little tents along Mill street where you can buy refreshments and all manner of puppet-related and fun items. You can have your face painted and play dress up in a special area.

The amount of volunteer work donated by local townsfolk to make this weekend possible is incalculable. But the festival is a real source of pride for Almonte residents.  And I think it’s particularly great that the two things that Almonte is mainly known for — basketball and puppets — are both all about fun and play!

Click on the image for more information on nautilus shell shapes and golden spirals…

Art Gallery of Ontario staircase as nautilus as golden spiral…

There’s a new store in town! And it’s called Hello Yellow.  I just happened to be checking it out the other day — and buying some neat Buddha earrings — when I realized it would be perfect for the August Break yellow prompt.

Hello Yellow is one-of-a-kind little shop in Almonte, Ontario stocked to the gills with cheerfully made goods. The store carries items from artisans all over North America and owner Emily Arbour is always on the hunt for the next great handmade product.

I love how the historic main street of our town is being transformed with the colourful storefronts of new businesses owned by energetic young entrepreneurs.

Want to have a look inside?