And the winner is...

After a weekend of photo-shoots in Minneapolis (see a small selection at the end of this weeks blog) I couldn't help but marvel at the inherent beauty which surrounds us.  Its time to take out your camera and go explore.  If you want so inspiration check out my photos on Indelible Adventures  

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This week has been a banner week in the Wallis household!   Late last week I got an email from Sami’s school (Bishop Strachan School – BSS) that said she was going to get an award at the Senior School closing ceremony held this past Tuesday morning.  They didn't elaborate and when I spoke to Sami later that day she hadn't heard anything about it.  I thought she would be ecstatic but actually she said that it was probably “just a sports award”, and that she wished it was an academic award instead... 

My rather pointed response to her was that it was irrelevant as to the type of award, but a recognition of her accomplishments, contribution and achievements over the course of the year and that I would be proud no matter what and that I hoped she also would be proud of her accomplishments.   I must admit I was a little perplexed by her attitude to the award, but didn't press the matter any further - definitely have to pick my battles!

Tuesday morning rolled around and my ex and I were at the school chapel for the ceremony, along with all of the students and a large contingent of parents. The ceremony was primarily focused on the graduating class (Year 12's) and the various scholastic achievements, including academic, leadership, citizenship and aptitude awards for the senior school. The Athletics awards were broken into the three age divisions – Junior (Gr 7 & 8), Intermediate (Gr 9 & 10) and Senior (Gr 11 & 12). 

We were so incredibly proud when Sami was named Junior Athlete of the Year; the chapel erupted with cheers and applause when her name was called, it was such an amazing reaction from everyone and a wonderful testament to her athletic abilities and her overall popularity at the school.  She beamed with pride as she walked up to the front of the chapel to accept her award, and I had to literally pinch myself to ensure I wasn't dreaming.

Deep down she wants to prove to everyone that she’s also academically gifted, so stay tuned because I have the feeling she’s out to prove a point, if not this year then definitely next to be recognized for her academic achievement as well.  Once she puts her mind to it, watch out!

Last night it was Zach's turn for his school's sports award ceremony night, and although he transferred into the school part way through the first semester he played on a number of sports teams over the course of the year including Under 20 Soccer and Rugby, as well as Track & Field.  

As with BSS we got an email earlier in the week to let us know that Zach was up for an award, but unlike at BSS where the winner was named, the Toronto Prep School approach was to have a number of nominees listed on the big screen before announcing the winner, a bit like the Academy Awards.

Zach was in the running for the MVP award for the Under 20 Soccer team after some amazing performances during the season, and although not taking out the award it was awesome to see him in the running.

He also competed in the Toronto District Secondary Schools conference Track & Field meet recently, he had three events, the 60m and 200m sprints and was also part of the 4 x 200m relay team. His day started well by winning his heat of the 60 meter sprint and making the final.  Next was the 200m in which he came third in his heat, all he could do was to hope that his time was fast enough to be pulled into the semi final based on time, but alas he missed out by fractions of a second. 

Although a little nervous he felt relatively confident that he could win the 60m sprint and after a strong start was unlucky to be pipped at the post by the winner.  All things considered a silver medal was a wonderful accomplishment and reward for all of his early morning training sessions and hard work that he had put in over the season.  

The unfortunate part was that soon after the race he was ruled ineligible for the Provincial Track & Field Championships because he had transferred into Toronto Prep school after the school year began and so he cannot compete, its the "no-ringer" rule which is fair enough. He was circumspect about the ruling and demonstrated his maturity by accepting the situation with grace and humor - nice work Zach!

The final awards were the male and female athletes of the year announcements.  In addition to these major awards they also recognized a male and female athlete who had shown exceptional dedication and heart throughout the year but that hadn't yet been recognized for their overall contribution to the athletics program at the school.   

They were each introduced with a list of the teams that they played on over the course of the year (Zach was on three teams), his accomplishments (Silver medal for Track & Field and nominee for MVP in U20 Soccer). 

The track coach started off by telling everyone the story of how he met Zach and was hilarious!   "Yeah, there was this new kid who showed up at the first training session in a pair of Converse "Chuck Taylor's" and walking shorts.  I thought oh my god what have we here?  There's no way he's going to be any good...  Well, that all changed after I saw him run, even in his Chucks he was like lightening and one of the fastest athletes on our team. Seriously, we can't wait to have him back next year with full eligibility!"

It was a nice tribute to his work ethic and determination in trying to make as many sports teams as possible in his new school, he certainly made an impression on all of his coaches and teammates.

The wonderful thing about Zach is that not only is he gifted athletically but also academically, as an honor roll student with an average of 94% he applied and was accepted into Georgetown University (Washington DC) to study Foreign Policy over the summer.  So cool to have both brains and athleticism!

Not surprisingly both Zach and Sami have already outshone my athletic and academic accomplishments by a "country mile", but I suppose that's the way its supposed to be.

I couldn't be prouder of either of them and feel so very blessed!  J

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This week's photo are from last weekends photo shoot in Minneapolis - lots of galleries, restaurants, street art and cool architecture and definitely worth considering for a visit...but only in the summer.  Enjoy!

The Hare and the Bell at the Walker Sculpture garden - Minneapolis

Water bead wires in the cactus garden at the Walker gallery in Minneapolis

External sculpture outside the Walker gallery 

Even the bridge over the freeway is a piece of art - adjacent to the Walker gallery 

The Walker gallery's most famous sculpture - the Cherry and Spoon fountain
in the gardens

Long stemmed tulips in bloom - Minneapolis

New downtown living in Minneapolis - a cool trend for a US city

I love the way they lined up through my lens, the colors and shapes were
so awesome!

Interesting architecture as it reminded me of the Jetson's,
so very 1960's!

So many reminders of the Jetson's!

Such a lovely composition of lines...

Reflections

Such interesting light reflections in the pool - downtown Minneapolis

Fabulous heritage buildings abound in Minneapolis' downtown core

Nothing like a little monochrome to get that retro look

Lots of cool restaurants and bars in the downtown core

Not to mention lots of murals and urban street art 

The colors and shape drew me in

Old style awnings show there era and age

Amazing wedding dress store, firstly the designs were classic, and I liked
the way the light reflected on the dresses in the window

It felt like being on the set of an old Audrey Hepburn movie

Such classic lines...

At the vintage store

Stunning old doorway in a back alley - Minneapolis

The rusted fire escape

The famous Foshay building in downtown Minneapolis - loved the art deco lines

The Foshay reflected in the new tower across the road

Ultra modern designs in the office tower

The incredible art deco relief in the sandstone facade of the Farmers & Mechanics Bank
in downtown Minneapolis

More beauty on the other side of the main entrance to the Farmers & Mechanics Bank

Captivating colors and shape

New office blocks with curvy lines

Proud of the local beer - huge sign by the Mississippi

The series of bridges in downtown Minneapolis

Street art on the rail bridge over the Mississippi

Loved the colors and waves in the reflecting pool

Funky street mural

Street mural captured in the car's side mirror

Back alley art - such a find!

Looks like liquid glass - downtown fountain

The violin store in the back alley

Hello....Ansel Adams!   Great monochrome city scape