When you don't want to be on a boat

Being out on the lake all day is a nice, relaxing place to be
until someone says,
"Look at that!"
and you look over your shoulder to see
the most unusual cloud you have ever seen.
That was the end of our three hour tour.

Options in an Instant

Black and white
or
color?

Black and white?

or color?

Recently I pulled out my film camera after finding a roll of black & white film
in the deep recesses of my fridge.
I haven't used my old film camera for a few years
but it felt good in my hands.
I put on my favorite lens and went outside.
The little neighbor boys were playing in the backyard.
I went over to them and asked them if I could take a few pictures.
They are such cute little guys, with these heartwarming smiles.
Their baby sister and mom came out and posed with them.
Without giving much direction to them I started shooting.
Those 24 exposures went by fast!
I had to laugh when the youngest brother asked to see them
(on the back of my camera).
I explained that this was a different camera and they would
have to wait to see the photos.
That statement even struck me funny.
We are so used to the instant gratification of viewing what we shot
just seconds after the capture, that it seemed foreign to have to wait.
When I finally got them back, I pulled them out of the envelope right away.
The look, the feel, the texture, the NEGATIVES......
I wondered why I ever deserted film for digital.
There is just a quality (in black & white) film that I
cannot seem to achieve in digital.

Until tonight.

The orange lillies are in full bloom under my cherry tree.
I grabbed my camera, switched to the macro lens and started shooting.
I had the sprinkler on earlier and all the little droplets of water
falling from the tree landed all over the lillies.
I don't think I would have got the shot I wanted without
the luxury of checking the led screen and the histogram, telling me
that I had to change the aperature down a couple of stops.
Finally, after way more than 24 exposures I got about 5 shots I loved.

Then my little girlfriend walks over with her paci and pink blankie.
BAM! One single shot and I got this one that makes me smile.
With a macro lens!

Knowing that I can easily change the color to b&w sitting here at
my computer made me happy that I have options.

I still plan on shooting the rolls of film I purchased the other day.
I think it's good to keep a hand in it to keep me on my toes.
But it's always nice to have options.

Baseball Fever

I have been photographing this little guy since he was a baby.
The parents are religious in contacting me on his birthdays
for an updated portrait.
He just turned four years old so it was time for a session.
I think this set has been my favorite of him so far.
Such personality and energy he has!
He loves baseball and has a very good, level swing.
The above is one of several that I just love
so had to share.
Happy Birthday Dominic!

A Little Piece of Peace

Isn't this a beautiful view?
It is what my bff and her man look at
every day, right out their back door.
Calm, peaceful, beautiful.

But - it doesn't come easy.
They work hard to keep it looking so nice.
In fact, my bff's life seemed to be endangered
just last week when her trusty tractor began smoking.
Thankfully, she escaped unharmed.
It meant she was in shape to prepare
a delicious meal and entertain a group
of close friends last evening.
We came armed with chocolate cake and
fishing gear (after a stop at the expensive plastic
worm store, where I was WAY overdressed).

We arrived to warm greetings.
Sure, it rained a little.
Yes, there was a threat of severe thunderstorms
and a possible tornado.
Actually, when I asked D. where we were on
that storm map they show on tv, he
pointed to the highlighted red triangle,
the eye of the storm.

It's funny how relaxed you can be in that
situation with a group of friends
and a few margaritas under the belt.

I thought it was beautiful out after the storm passed.

Just look............

We even saw a huge rainbow, with the moon
just over the top right corner.
You don't see that here in this photo
because I had left my camera in the car.
(That's why I needed it, dh)
J. was kind enough to retrieve it for me,
but by the time he returned the
rainbow was gone.
But I saw it.

Then we saw this...........

I really love stormy days.
Days that you can curl up and sit on a swing,
chat with friends sitting next to you,
eat, drink and be merry.

It was a very nice day.
A little piece of peace.

Stress Relief

There is nothing as calming as strolling down the
paths of Paris while the orchids are in bloom
(even if it is a "mock Paris" at the Botanical Garden).

Come and take a look at what Deb & I saw on
our mission to de-stress last week.

Did you think there were so many types, colors,
shades, and shapes of this lovely flower?

One was more beautiful and unique
than the other.

We even got to see one of our favorites
in the stages of bloom.

The RX for stress-relief worked.
We both walked out happy from our little journey,
each of us bringing home our own potted orchid
to remind us of the beauty we saw today.

Camillia in Bloom

My sweet little Chloe's middle name is Camille.
We took her to see all the pretty
Camillia's in bloom at the botanical gardens
last week. She was so excited to see
her namesake flower.
I still think she is the prettiest one in bloom.

If I were Rich & Skinny

This is what you would see me wearing on the first day of Spring.
I love those boots.
But, since I can't seem to kick my m&m addiction,
or have a spare $790 laying around for a single outfit
I guess I'll just stick with
my cut off sweats and flip flops.

Must be the cold weather and all this snow getting to me.

The Postman Rang Twice

Chloe loves to get packages in the mail.
Today she hit the jackpot.
Not one, but TWO packages
came addressed to her.

The content had been anticipated.
Flat Petunia was returning from her
visit to JoLynn way across the
other side of the state.
JoLynn and Flat Petunia had some
wonderful adventures,
including a trip through two other states.

She traveled all over, learning about
things that were made in Kansas City,
gathering chocolates from their factories,
visiting a Presidential library,
working in the Pembrook Hill School bookstore,
taking a trip to Crown Center,
seeing the beautiful fountains,
going to a minor league stadium,
checking out the best barbecue spots in town,
and visiting some very fancy shops and lunch spots.
She even got stranded in a snow storm in
Iowa with JoLynn and her other friend, Loydene!
She was exhausted when she returned home.

I wonder, if I lay under a steam roller,
would I flatten out enough to be mailed
in an envelope?

Thanks so much, dear JoLynn,
for making this a wonderful and educational
experience for my little girlfriend.
You're the best!

Contemplation

Isaboo

This little girl worked for her chocolate.
She wasn't really in the mood to pose that day
until I showed her the tube of m&m's I had
hidden (from her mom) in my pocket.
Just scroll on down and you will see that
I am the one who was rewarded.

free-falling

her beloved Belle

champion twirler

this pose got her a bonus extra handful

loving the fancy tutu

Thank you, Isaboo, for sharing
your Saturday afternoon with me.
I sure had fun.
xoxo

The Little Girl

I had the pleasure of my little girl's company today.
She is a busy little thing, but so good.
She asked me if I would like a piano concert
and I got a front row seat.
Such talent at 18 months old!

After the concert she pushed a chair to the window.
She doesn't like to miss any of the action going on around her.
When she takes that "pas" out of her mouth
you get to see those cute little teeth.

Life would be boring without this little midget.

Emerging

As I was shooting this photo I was struck by how this little girl
is growing up.
Gone is that sweet round face and the toothless grin of yesterday.
Today, when I saw this through the lens, I could see the beautiful
young lady that she is becoming.

Is it possible to be happy-sad?

New Project

What is this, you ask?
It is something I found on this very cool blog
One Hundred Photos
I am going to do it.

I don't have a theme yet,
but here is a photo I shot today.Two delightful girls
who served me breakfast in bed
this morning.

Maybe my theme will be
Nice Things
or
Things that make me happy.
I'll have to sleep on it.

It's a Lucky Dog's Life

Meet Jackson.
He's is the very pampered pet of my friend, Sandy.
A full sized standard poodle, he stands taller than me
on his two back legs.
He is gentle enough to let her dress him up at will.
Today, it was this very colorful, eclectic knit scarf.

And here is Kip.
He is the other very pampered dog of Sandy's.
Kip will tolerate a bandana,
but no scarf for him.

And here are all three of the pampered pooches,
watching their mamma leave.
Notice Beanie in the lower right window?
He doesn't like anyone near him.
Jackson is on the far left,
standing on the bench with his head
touching the ceiling.
Bye-bye mamma! We'll be waiting for you right here.

Delicious!

My friend, Colleen, is known far and wide for her famous brisket.
I drool when she tells me she is making a brisket.
Her family risks life and limb to grab a piece before it is served.
She made one last week.
Guess who it was for?
ME ME ME!
I couldn't wait to dig in and savor each bite!
Not only did she send me the brisket,
but a fruit salad with my favorite - blackberries,
the buns, provel cheese,
and a yummy rice casserole!

As I was heating the brisket last night
people started coming over.
What? You're hungry?
That smell? I don't know what you're talking about.

Okay. I had to share, but nobody got to eat anything
until I made this perfect little plate for me
and took a photo of it.

My tribute to Colleen.
Queen of Brisket (and many other things).

Thank you, dear friend.
We enjoyed every single bite.

The Big Chill

Isn't this a beautiful sunset?
I took it while illegally parked down along the river.
Across the road there was an open field with over 20 deer grazing.
It was all just breathtaking.

It's hard to imagine that there is beauty to be found
in the frigid temperatures we are having.
Glen found this for me and I went back late yesterday to shoot it.

It is my statement of January.

Tomorrow I will be sharing on of the most thoughtful,
nicest gifts that I received for my birthday.
It came from my very best friend,
who also shares her birthday with me.
Happy belated birthday Colleen.
Hope you enjoy your books as much
as I will enjoy your gift!

Another birthday shout out to my friend, Kayte.
She also shares the same birthday as me.

Go Capricorn girls!

Too Late

Seeing that I wasn't my old self this fall
I was too late
putting my clay pots away for the winter

getting the bird feeders cleaned and repaired

bringing in my little stone statues and furniture cushions

covering the patio furniture and umbrella
(isn't that the most awesome window hanging?
a gift from my best pal, Colleen)

and lastly, getting in my new garden of Spring bulbs.
I wonder what the conditions are of that "guaranteed to grow" promise?

Maybe next year.

Snow Berries

You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself. ~Alan Alda

My 2010 Word

TRANSITION.
[noun - movement, passage, or change
from one position, state, stage, subject
concept, etc., to another]
That is my 2010 word.
I have decided to write another chapter in my life.
Step onto a new path.
Finally, finally become dead serious about my passion.


And also, I vow to stay out of Barnes & Noble for a month.

Miles of Memories

Ode to Chloe's Pink Shoes

These little pink shoes, so loved and so cherished
Had to be put to rest as the shine did perish.
Sadly, they no longer fit the little girl who loved them so.
They took her many places, with so many more to go.
One day they were shiny and new
but the miles were hard on those pink shoes.
They traveled to school, on field trips, to church,
shopping, and movies, then home on their perch.
They jumped rope, rode a bike,
fast on a scooter, took many hikes.
They were good sturdy shoes for the girl's little feet
but now it is time
for this little shrine
to be put in the scrapbook of mine.

Welcome 2010

My mother was sweet enough to notice that I had brought my camera along
when we had to run out to do some errands.
After the errands were done, she asked me if I had wanted to take some photos.
Of course, if she didn't mind driving in the snow. (she's getting pretty brave)
I had this place in mind to shoot the big old tree.
What a bonus it was when she went down a side road, looking for a good
spot to park, that these four beautiful horses were feeding!
As I was aiming my camera out the window, the black one in the
pretty red coat turned, looked straight at me, as if to pose.
It was as if he was saying "Here you go. Take this photo that will get
you really excited. I'm not going to stand here all day like this."

Thank you, black beauty! What a great way to start my 2010 portfolio!

Happy New Year to All.