Author: Ara (Page 6 of 41)

#Sunnyside365 June 4, 2016

June 4, 2016 / Ara

“We were up in Fort Mac for a while, just out there in the trees. It was great. We decided to head down to Calgary and just sort of stuck around. There’s something about this city that just draws you in and keeps you here. Maybe it’s the people, but we’re having a good time. Yeah.

We’re heading to B.C. and had a ride all lined up, but it sort of fell through. We got some work here and made a couple of bucks. Now we’re just enjoying some sun and making some change for the trip. We’re supposed to have a ride on Monday to hit B.C., but if it falls through, we’ll probably hitch.

Yeah, head to B.C. and be around some nature. That’s the idea.”

#Sunnyside365 June 3, 2016

June 3, 2016 / Ara

“I’m a bike courier. I’ve been doing it for fifteen years, but it feels like twenty, haha. I come to Kensington to fuel myself with Roasterie Coffee. I actually live on the other side of the river, but I spend most of my time here. Yeah, I guess I live in Eau Claire.

What do I like about the neighbourhood… hmmm. Well, I like the giving nature of people here. Kensington is totally community minded. Also, it’s nice that I don’t have to hang out with my cats when I’m over here. Ha ha!” Markus.

#Sunnyside365 June 2, 2016

June 2, 2016 / Ara

“This little neighbourhood… It gets this reputation for being so eclectic and weird and neighbourly. Honestly though, it’s not some strange coincidence that the people here are so in-tune with the idea of community. Don’t forget that we’re practically downtown, sandwiched by a couple of really busy thoroughfares, and the property is really, really expensive. I think that in spite of that, the residents here all sort of give each other permission to be a bit of a weirdo. It’s what makes Sunnyside and Hillhurst so special.”

#Sunnyside365 June 1, 2016

June 1, 2016 / Ara

It’s hard not to fall in love with this city, even with it’s flaws.

As I turn the final corner into the closing month of #Sunnyside365 I’d like to thank everyone who has supported and participated in this project. You’ve all helped me to elevate my work. I’m not sure what else to say, I’m truly grateful.

A huge thanks to Devin Pickering for helping coordinate this incredible shot. For the full scale image, click the photo and it’ll take you to flickr.

#Sunnyside365 May 31, 2016

May 31, 2016 / Ara

“This neighbourhood is connected everywhere with bikes. I can cruise down to Mission, Inglewood, Bowness, Bridgeland, and be in any of these places in a few minutes. You can go grab some ice cream at Village Ice Cream on 10th ave, and then swing back to the Folk Festival. It’s really amazing! We need more bike racks in the neighbourhood though!”

#Sunnyside365 May 30, 2016

May 30, 2016 / Ara

“Lucy gets stuck under the chairs sometimes. She also likes to eat the bugs in the windows. Yeah, she’s a good dog, she’s got lots of friends here.”

#Sunnyside365 May 29, 2016

May 29, 2016 / Ara

It’s sidewalk poetry season in Sunnyside! The wonderful folks at the Pooh Corner Tiny Library are inviting everyone to come down and add some lines to the sidewalk! Yes In My Back Yard!

#Sunnyside365 May 28, 2016

May 28, 2016 / Ara

“His name is Capone. He’s three years-old. He loves making new friends!”

#Sunnyside365 May 27, 2016

May 27, 2016 / Ara

Rain pours on empty swings in the playground at New Edinborough park. When the first homesteaders arrived in this part of the world, they named their newly established home ‘New Edinborough’. The name stuck, and the city has seen a dramatic change in the past century.

#Sunnyside365 May 26, 2016

May 26, 2016 / Ara

“I remember back when I was a kid, my uncle used to pick up ‘Chicken On The Way’ on his way home from work sometimes. Sometimes my parents worked a bit late, and my uncle would come over to look after my brother and I. He was never much of a cook, but he really knew how to eat. Chicken On The Way kind of ruined french fries for me because I was always comparing other fast food places to them. I was always left disappointed that they didn’t have that flavour. I’m told it’s because they fry everything in the same fryers, it’s what gives all their food that chicken-y taste.

What’s funny is that I’ve eaten their food hundreds of times, but didn’t actually set foot in the restaurant until I was in my mid-twenties. It seemed like somebody was doing a food run and suggest it and I’d just tell them what I want. I can’t think or look at that building without thinking of my uncle showing up at our house with a few boxes of chicken, fries, and those amazing fritters.

I think that if anybody comes to visit Calgary, they should have the food there. They’ve been in business for over 60 years! It just goes to show that Calgarians sure love their incumbents!”

Email me