In Search of "Funky"

"Unconventionally stylish; fashionable in an unusual and noticeable way; odd or quaint in appearance and feeling." These are all definitions of the terms funky. It's a double-edged adjective.

As I walk around James Bay, I've been intrigued by what I see as funky elements in people's yards. They make for interesting walks, and definitely add to the richness and variety of the pedestrian's experience.

Of course, "funky" is a matter of taste! What is funky to one might be ugly to another, kitschy to a second, and attractive to the third. Here are a variety of things I've noticed on recent walks. See what you think...

Display on the top of a stone wall beside a sidewalk. 

There's a lot of crafstpersonship in this elegant house number.

The James Bay Teacup Tree. This is located on the boulevard between sidewalk and road. It's become so well known that there is now a laminated explanation of the tree's genesis, pinned on the trunk..

Fairy gardens seem to be popular; this is one of a number I've discovered.

The skeleton often has a seasonal touch, as can be seen by the shamrock. 

Another seasonal theme. I have not gone back to check out this Forsythia, but I imagine more eggs might have appeared since I took the photo.

A unique front lawn piece.

And, a different kind of front lawn sculpture.

I appreciated the creativity and artwork in this set of steps.

I'm not sure who this represents; it's a one of a kind, however, in James Bay! Perhaps a reader will know who it is?

A front yard dedicated to a passion!

A colourful Little Library for children's books. I like several things about the design -- the three primary colours, the unique door, and the curved entryway into a world of imagination.

A feast of garden ornaments, bookended by two birds, one real, one not.

I will close with one image from the February event hosted in James Bay, "Window Wanderland".  There were dozens of illuminated windows in the neighborhood, over two nights. Here's one that caught the flavour of unique.

A window lit up from the interior of an apartment building in James Bay during "Window Wanderland".

So there you have it... a quick tour of James Bay funk! Diversity and variety... the spice of life.