The stillness...

When it snows, I look for changes in the landscape, the architecture, the sky.

3 years ago when I was in Toronto in the spring, I visited 

the beautiful, Edwardian cemetery Mount Pleasant.

It began in 1876 and is one of Canada's most historic cemeteries.

When the snow started to fly, I knew I wanted to see this place in the winter.

Some may think it odd but I love these places of stillness.

They are green spaces in the midst of concrete and glass.

A quiet place to wander and reflect...

Because of the large amount of Irish immigrants,

this cemetery in particular is full of beautiful Celtic crosses...

And of course the Angels...

Some of the mausoleums are architectural works of art...

We spent a few hours here wandering around and enjoying the peaceful blanket

covering the past...

 Truly a haven in the middle of bustle and busyness

Lions, ladies and lichen...

When I think of a peaceful place to wander, I think of cemeteries.

Maybe strange to some, but to me they are an oasis of calm, quite often in the heart of a city.

They provide green space for wildlife, escape from traffic and are an endless bounty of history.

Through these gates is Mount Pleasant cemetery.

In the heart of a busy Toronto neighborhood.

Established in 1867. 

200 acres. 168,00 souls rest here.

Lions are a common sight amongst the more elaborate mausoleums...

Two of these very large ones flank the Eaton's family crypt.

 And this quiet, smaller one dozing in the sun.

Hand carved details abound in stone...

Lichen has left it's mark on many as well...

This one was quite unique in its depiction of a tree stump, trying to blend in...

The baby blue eyes were blooming in mass carpets but none so large as this spot where dozens of infants are buried...

Then there are the 'ladies'...

I imagine they are to represent angels amongst the granite masculinity...

I would take my time, reading the many names, dates and places where these people came from and thought of my own mortality...

As Longfellow once wrote...

"Lives of great men all remind us,

we can make our lives sublime,

and departing leave behind us footprints on the sands of time."

I came across many other walkers, the few times I was there, who seemed to find a similar peace.