Happy No Ears

Sundae Scavenger

2012-01-29T11:28:00.001-05:00

Linking with Ashley for Scavenger Hunt Sunday. A ritual 'round these parts. Try it; you'll like it.

This week's list was a little tough I thought, but that's what makes it fun:

Smile, Stand Alone, Rusty/Something Old, Artificial, and Repeating Pattern.

Brownie Sundae

Smile: Taking a little liberty here with the interpretation....but I met some friends for lunch the other day. They ALWAYS order dessert (with extra spoons). This choice definitely made me smile and so did their wonderful company. What would we do without friends?

Dawn
Stand Alone: Another early wake up due to the C-A-T. But I did get the bene of this first hint of sun. For future reference my dear feline, 5:10 a.m. is not a convenient time for ME. I'll also remind you that I control the food pail.

Rust and Chips
Rusty/Something Old: Door handle on old mill building. Think that might be lead paint?

Beef Broth
Artificial: This one totally stumped me. I imagine I'll see brilliant interpretations. All I could think of was fake sugar. So....this is NOT artificial. I know-bad. Not even a pretty Kim Klassen texture could rescue this.
Please don't throw tomatoes at me and Emeril.

Blue on Blue {3/52}
Repeating Patterns: I had about 5 different shots I could have used for this one. I guess repeating patterns are something I like to shoot. Go figure.

Thanks for visiting me today, checkin' out my scavenger pics. I hope you're having a fantastic Sunday (Sundae) :)

Selfie City

2012-01-27T15:58:00.002-05:00

Earlier this month I decided to join up with a couple of new linkys.....and today they both have the same topic which makes this uber-easy for ME! And that's what it's really all about....isn't it? Me? No? Well when the topic is "self-portrait" it is all about me, which can be wonderful and a smidge uncomfortable at the same time.

So today I'm linking with Project 52, a prompt each week for the year.

I'm also connecting with Urban Muser's once monthly link where to break the ice on this year long project it was suggested that we think about "piece of me"-in other words, someone super stressed could just photograph their thumb and be a-okay. And you thought I was kidding! Easy peasy.

Thanks Ken

Actually, a friend from Flickr carved my name for me and I wanted to show him it had indeed arrived at my home and I was happy. So, this is kind of a joke.

I am confessing to a hate-hate relationship with my tripod. When this selfie thing came about in January, I dug it out of the car and plopped it in the middle of my living room. After 3 days the dog stopped being scared of it. I'm still working thru my issues. I have used it a bit-but am still at the hate level. It can be helpful though....more so than elongating ones arms, or stacking books.

Poetry

I saw some really cool selfies in the {in the picture} Flickr linky and that helped me think a little more creatively about ways to take self-portraits. This was an attempt to reproduce something fab that someone else did. I will admit I wasn't as successful, and will also admit, (this is like a post of confessions) that I haven't read that book in over a year-it was on top of the stack I grabbed in that 10 second window between pushing the shutter and running to plop yourself into a relaxed (ha) pose.

My pets have been eyeing me with curiosity. More oft than usual.

Thinker

After posing for poetry I posed in this "leave me alone I'm doing the silent treatment" posture. Of course I live with beings that don't speak.
Acting!

Bad Day

Another pose....I was trying to do an angry face. Not bad.
Acting!!
I'd like this photo a lot more if it wasn't me.....

The other night I put my camera in my gym bag. I was one of the last out so aside from myself and the awesome cleaner, there was no one around. (OK, confessing I shouldn't have a camera in a locker room), BUT they have lots and lots of big mirrors there (confessing that it's really too many when you're between shower and dressed). Do you feel me on that mirror thing? Egad.

Shower Fresh

However, I landed my fave selfie of the month, so it was all worth it, AND I didn't have to use a tripod. Sweet!

Thanks for swinging by and listening to all my confessions. Perhaps I can skip either church or the therapist next week.

Weekend Reflections

2012-01-27T14:18:00.001-05:00

Linking with James for this week's Weekend Reflections.

One of my favorite type of images to search for and capture is reflections. I don't really know why, but the addiction grows rather than ebbs. I have dear friends (bless them) who tell me I should print and display photos "somewhere, anywhere"; that I should do something with my images. They're probably right, but that's easy for them to say and harder for me to do. BUT, I suppose I could get together pretty easily some reflection shots and have a logical series. Do you suppose the general public would "get it"? But, then again, does it matter? I guess what I'm trying to say is....I like reflections; thanks James.

As in many regions, winter is WEIRD this year. I'm relishing it. We did get nailed with snow the past 2 weeks back, and still have a cover of it, but then to my complete delight it warmed up and started melting. Very un-Maine like. Yay. Melting snow=watery puddles in the sun=good reflection ops.

Joy

I like to walk the beach in winter, because although it's cold, it doesn't look like winter on the exposed sand. This little dog (not mine) seemed to share my joy on one of the warm days we had earlier this week.

Red Doors

My neighbors likely think I'm nuts; wondering why I'm inspecting the melting snow puddles around the neighborhood. This is why.

Abstract Mill

More melting snow....left in a parking lot. An old mill building in reflection.

Repeat

Sort of like this one. I like the reflection of the tall smoke stack and how it distorts in the top window. Below is a pic I snapped of the stack a year or so ago.

Well that's it for this week's reflections.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look-see. Have a great weekend.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T11:03:00.003-05:00

Sun Worship

Color Purple

2012-01-25T08:28:00.002-05:00

Purple Flowers

More and more I'm messing around with collage pieces. My subjects thus far have been kind of emotionally dark and intense. A friend was interested in how they go together so she and I created this one yesterday. Kept the mood lighter....perhaps that's a good thing. At least for sharing.

I don't generally use textures, but once in awhile I give them a try...."One Word" by Kim Klassen is my favorite. I thought it might look good on this piece.
Do you have a preference?

Purple Flowers (textured)

This and That

2012-01-23T20:22:00.002-05:00

Done Skating

Sometimes I just like photos.

I take them, they may not be anything great....they may get passed over in the Flickr line up,
but I like them anyway.

Maybe they were just a split second decision,

Or perhaps they were more analytical than that.
They sit unused, unshared....nearly forgotten.

Sometimes I just like them.

For no reason really,
or for reasons deep down in my subconscious.....
Unexplainable.
Full of metaphor or frivolity.
A moment when my eye and heart said "yes, please do".

Curls

Blue Skies

Rusty Hook

Wake Up

Owning the Road

White Fence

Today I'm sharing those kind of photos over at "Lisa's. She's the wonderful hostess of Creative Exchange. Thanks to her there's a place for these kind of images.
Have a great day.....appreciate your visit (even tho' I snuck in the "f" bomb....whoops).

Murals on Monday

2012-01-23T09:48:00.002-05:00

Is it really Monday? Rats.
Linking with Oakland Daily Photo for this week's MM.

Don't know if others are having this issue, but a few blogs I'm trying to visit-I arrive at the page, and then the blog turns white if I try to comment. In fact often I cannot view the blog page unless I keep the toggle at reduced size. It's a blogger issue I'm sure. One of my other blogger friends is having the same issue. Rare, but annoying none the less. Anywho.....it's happening with ODP, so hopefully I'll be able to connect today, and hopefully you'll be able to visit, and hopefully this issue has disappeared in fairy dust overnight. Hmmmmm.

Street Sweeper

How could one drive by and not see.......

Face Time

.........this?

I mean, that little street sweeper isn't even taking a glance. He's missing a great show.
Thanks for checking out the great murals from all around.

Scavange Baby

2012-01-21T11:20:00.001-05:00

Linking with Ashley for this week's installment of Scavenger Hunt Sunday....boo-yah. Thank you Ashley. Where as all are more than welcome at this linky, if you've been sitting on the sidelines wondering if you should, well then-you should. Simple as that.

Yah. Snow, snow, and more snow. Hanging on to my sanity by fingers and toes.
Was supposed to go on a photowalk this morning, so I got my Scavenger all ready on Saturday, but despite the sun, too cold. Sad I'm missing it, glad I'm toasty and able to do the lazy Sunday morning routine.

This week's topics were: Sunset, Black and White. A Day in my Life, Four, and Colorful. Onward.....

Back Door Sunset

Sunset: I can't believe I didn't have even 1 sunset photo from this past week. Here's a pretty one from earlier this month that I hadn't had a chance to share. While I love a pretty sunset, there's something about them that makes me melancholy.

Sun Worship {3/52}

Black and White: I love this photo of "Princess P". She is just drinking in the warm sunshine. My pets continually bring me, more than anything else, the greatest joy.

Hands and Feet to Yourself
A Day in my Life: I don't hang out on the couch ALL the time, but when it's finally time to relax, it is the place of choice. I feel no shame in confessing to "couch potato" status when possible.

I am participating with Urban Muser in a year long selfie project-this image was a little experiment I kind of liked. I don't think it's too late to jump on board with as big or little commitment as you'd like to make. I'm finding it fun.

Snowfall

Four: It was suggested we put four related photos together for this. Mid-week I awoke to the sound of the plow guy clearing my driveway. It had snowed over night-and stopped by sunrise. I took a walk around the block with the dog, and snapped some images. All right, I'll fess up-it's pretty.

In the Summer
Colorful: You know what I did? I was so grrrrrrr on winter, I went back to my August files and found a cheerful warm looking photo that I hadn't processed and worked on it. Only 7 months 'til these beauties will be lining my back deck again.

It's been a pleasure scavenging along today. Thanks for your visit. Hope you have a great day.

Weekend Reflections

2012-01-20T11:49:00.001-05:00

Linking with the master of all reflections, James over at Weekend Reflections.

A little short on reflections this week (oh no, say it isn't so) and I was thinking it was me being unobservant BUT what dawned on me is we've had several snowy days.....and reflections and snow don't go together...or at least I haven't figured out how to get a reflection of something off snow. As my 5 yr old nephew would say about that, and almost anything else, "not fair". With a little pouty lip for emphasis. I'm glad I'm not 5 anymore.

Delta

Yah, a stretch....but I am there with my big ol one eye strapped on my face.

Window Squared

I went back and found this one from late December. This is a window through a window...I like the abstraction of wondering what is where.

Art Supplies

I got this one all ready to share last week, and forgot. D'oh! Outside an art supply store They have funky windows with interesting shapes.

Street Lamp

I shared the BW version of this a few days ago....and received a bunch of super nice compliments (thank you all). Mostly I took the image for the light reflections on the wet streets and subtle window smears. I was thinking reflections....but the BW gave a really nice appeal too.

Thanks for peeking at my shots today. Wishing you a happy day.

Dreaming a Dream

2012-01-20T10:43:00.002-05:00

Linking up for this week's Project 52 where the topic is "I Dreamed a Dream".

I'm sure this was a reference to MLK, but the minute I heard that phrase all I could think of was a beautiful melody from the musical "Les Miserables"-my most favorite musical of all time. I sat entranced through the entire performance. I wish I could hear well enough to go see and hear it again.

The piece is soaring, sad, emotional. Susan Boyle used it as her signature piece on Britain's Got Talent.

With that memory, I'm going a different direction for this prompt. The other evening it was rainy, damp, dreary, and dark and I had not one pic in the camera for the day. On my way home I snapped a few from the car. The beautiful entry way of this small city theater surround in lights caught my eye. Glad I stopped. Maybe they'll do a performance of Les Mis sometime.

City Theater

I warmed this up with a bit of Kim Klassen's "confidence" texture.

Thanks for taking a look.

Shoot, Edit, Submit

2012-01-19T10:40:00.001-05:00

Linking with Misty and Kim for this week's Shoot, Edit, Submit.

Been cold, even cold for the critters. Found this sweetie outdoors in a "jacket" and she waltzed right over for a photo op. I think maybe she was hoping for a little snack, but I don't know what horses like for snacks so I just sweet talked her and took a few snaps. She's got some beautiful braids she likes to show off.

Blue Jacket

Night

2012-01-18T12:07:00.002-05:00

Linking with Photo Roma, because I keep forgetting and at present I'm remembering and, well....I bet you know how that goes. My mind is not like a sieve, but more like a colander. I do have many other endearing qualities however.

I haven't done much with night photography, yet this time of year when the light steals from the sky by 5 p.m. (grrrrrrr) it's a good time to experiment. Actually December is even better when by 4:30 any remaining blue hour (more like 20 min) is "D for done". I think I'm just bitching.

Anyway....I did snap a few night shots last night. Drive by shooting from my car since is was not only dark, but also raining. I am bitching. I'll move along.

Street Lamp

I processed this in color last night, and this morning thought it might have a Film Noir look in black and white. I kind of like it. Wish ol' Gene Kelley was walking by with his umbrella.

Rainy Side
You know...any bokeh is good bokeh....couldn't resist a snap in the sideview mirror.

If you have an interest in night photography, you might push through to Photo Roma. He gets some amazing shots. So much to learn. Thanks for swinging by to check my "beginner shots."

Creative Exchange

2012-01-16T09:06:00.001-05:00

Linking with Lisa (geez that could be the name of a novel or something) for this week's Creative Exchange. Push on through....lots of incredible art and artists supply awe to this link up every week. As always, thank you Lisa.

I want to write something other than "I hate winter"..... .......... um........ .........er......well......ah....... ............................okay, Zero degrees is just too damn cold for sanity to take place or for any photog to tiptoe out for more than 3 minutes here and there. Would that at all be considered a more positive thing to say than "I hate winter"? No? You could hear me raising my voice through the blogosphere? Sorry. How about this?...........On the bright side, when said photog did tiptoe out for 3 minutes here and then 3 minutes there Mother Nature did not disappoint.

Etching

Amazing what beauty can be found lingering on the dirty windows inside the garage-yes, it's this cold INside the garage.....whoops, supposed to be thinking positive thoughts......a visit from that sneaky little Jack Frost. Damn he's good.

Zero Degrees

From the bridge in town.....sea smoke on the river-its mist laced the tree branches in ice-and the light was perfect to enhance it all.

OK, yes this was worth the 3 minute thing. Left the car running with the heat blasting. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

Hope you're warm. Should you need a travel partner to St. Kitts or something-you know; call me.
Thanks for stopping by.

Mural Monday

2012-01-15T23:26:00.003-05:00

Well, there's no linky for Mural Monday, but my friend Francisca over at View Thru my Global Lens has been pretending there's one and making Mural Monday a habit, so I thought I'd pretend too. My love for all things street art, graffiti, and mural-esque makes this something I could get used to. Something about a building, brick, or concrete as canvas and the colorful spontaneity of it all keeps appealing to me.

update: ***turns out oakland daily photo has just started hosting a linky today for the first time, but a glitch is keeping me from linking. I'll try later, but maybe by next week I'll have a place to hang my stuff for real. very cool.**** If you also like murals and street art, you might want to jot it down for fun.

Here are a few things I've found lately.

Blueprint

Is this not the most clever thing ever? I believe it's on the side of an architect company's building. Way cool I say.

So Much to Say

On the other end of the spectrum.....a doorway covered ground to top with micro graffiti and slaps. I find it fascinating.....not perhaps pretty, but fascinating all the same.

Head Inspiration

Here's block style throw up I found under an overpass late this summer.....colorful, but watch your step in the puddles.

And that's my contribution to the non-existent, but could exist Mural Monday. Thanks for taking a peek.

Sunday Scavenger

2012-01-15T07:30:00.000-05:00

Linking with Ashley for this week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday-yee-haw. Always a fave linky of mine. You should try it too!!

This week's topics were Stacked Up, Winter Wonderland, Sweet, Hole, and Frozen

Somebody was thinking winter this week when they came up with this list. I have been lucky enough to be enjoying a nearly snowless winter thus far, well that is until Thursday when the predicted 1-3 inches turned into 8". The weather terrorists over at the Weather Channel must be kicking themselves for missing the opportunity to beat their warrior drums for days on this one. I gave up my cable-so perhaps there was some other large weather event for them to salivate over. I'm sounding bitter....better move along to the "hunt".

Colors

Stacked Up: Taking a little liberty and a trip to the archives for this colorful scarf image. It was on display outside a local shop and I found the colors and textures appealing.

Winter Collage
Winter Wonderland: Ah, yah. Before the worst.

Breakfast Berries

Sweet: Trying to lay off the candy, cookie hangover from December and go "nat'rul".

Moon

Hole: Frozen fingers still made this image worth it. The cloud wrapped moon looks like a hole in the sky, yes? Or am I just trying to fill a prompt with the only thing that will stretch to meet it? (or maybe to show off a pretty photo?)

One Drip

Frozen: Deck Railing out back.

Thank you for stopping by the "Ears" to see my images today. Wishing you a happy and restful Sunday.

Made with Love

2012-01-14T10:55:00.001-05:00

Linking with Project 52 for this week's topic "Made with Love"

Thanks Ken

I belong to a friendly Flickr group that poses topics daily; members fulfill the prompt and share comments. Awhile ago one member from the UK posted his image for the day that included a photo of his name "Ken" carved in wood. I admired it and said something like "gee I'd like to have my name in wood".....next thing I know he contacts me and says he's happy to make me one if I'd like. Isn't that sweet?

Well, there was some going back and forth about time frame, and shipping costs, etc. but the other evening it finally arrived. I wanted to get some snaps of it right away so he could see it had made it "to the states". Although it's not a fantastic photo, I felt his kind gesture and efforts were the perfect match for "made with love".

Me

Then I decided to play with the auto timer on my camera for a selfie a la Christy at Urban Muser. I look rather forlorn in this photo, but it's mostly about me hanging over the kitchen counter trying to get somewhat in focus before the 10 sec window passed. Can you say "get your butt to the camera store for one of those remote thingys?"

Have a great day.....made with love.

'Flections

2012-01-13T11:56:00.000-05:00

Linking with my friend James for this week's Weekend Reflections.

Double Chrome
The bumper cloned me. That could be scary, or useful.

Ghost Chairs
From inside an almost empty bakery looking out. I think maybe only I would take this shot which means I'm taking this reflection thing a little too far.

Near Pam's
I'm dedicating this shot to Sylvia from over the Hill.

Sylvia shares glorious sunset photos and often gets rippling water reflections.....and right near the end of that sun flare in my image there's a little duck silhouette framed in the circle of branches. Sylvia often finds turtles and ducks to share with us. Stop by her blog and say hi-she's the sweetest.

Rear View
Yah. Might be a case of too much time on my hands.

Thank you to James and to my wonderful co-linkers who share my delight for chasing reflections. Happy weekend.

Shoot Edit Submit

2012-01-13T10:11:00.002-05:00

Linking for this week's Shoot Edit Submit with Misty and Kim. Some amazing images posted here-encouraging me to keep practicing and trying to expand my editing skills.

Five p.m.

Stepped out of the doctor's office the other evening at dusk to see the train station aglow across the river with the sky too inviting not to take a few "hand-held" snaps. Got lucky with this one.

Thanks to Misty and Kim and to you for taking a peek at my image.

Shadow Exchange

2012-01-09T12:10:00.001-05:00

Linking with the lovely Lisa for this week's Creative Exchange....love this linky. Thank you Lisa.

I love this linky because it makes me reflect about the images I've taken. I use this as a place where I post images that I captured when I was moved in an "oh wow" way. I wasn't filling a prompt-easing it, pinching it, moving it-I was minding my own little business and my head swiveled and my heart moved. I love that there's no theme-it just is. Not that I mind themes, but sometimes it's nice not to have any-it's like a balmy breeze in the summer. Did I just lose you, or are you with me?

Front Porch

I love this long porch. It is not mine. It sits a front an old farmhouse in a nature preserve. It takes wonderful late day sun that only enhances its warm yellow paint color. I was futzing around this front porch (again) on a cold late afternoon, when I wandered around the left end and......

Side Porch

.......found this little side porch all aglow. That's when my head swiveled and my heart jumped;

Lattice Shadows {1/52}

Over lattice. Who would of thought lattice could be so wonderful?
(Well maybe my friend Brenda.)

Crossing Pattern BW

Green Door

Thanks for taking a quick heart jump, head swivel with me. Have a great day.

Resolving

2012-01-08T08:50:00.001-05:00

Today I'm joining Urban Muser for the first of a year long selfie project and My 3 Boybarians for a Project 52 where the first week's prompt is/was "resolution".

Window Shopping

Resolution.
I've been watching, reading, noticing, noting, listening to the resolutions, the one words, the fresh starts, the 366s, the promises, the resolve, yes there's the word "resolve"
(re-solve does that = resolving something that was already solved?)
and I'm not buying in. Not jumping in. Not thinking about it in terms of myself. I'm not making any new beginnings or resolutions. I'm a stinker. Really though, if you met me in person, you'd like me. I'm not so bad.

I used to teach. I had more than 600 students annually. Because I taught music, I taught the entire school population. At the beginning of the year I'd go over the class rules, the expectations, what I would and would not tolerate, my line in the sand. It worked. But the itching would start about this time of year-February-ish-and they'd push up against the line, cross it, piss me off.

So.....we'd have "a little talk". I'm incredibly good at having talks with 7 years olds. And I'd say I didn't like what was happening, I didn't like going home grouchy, I didn't like having less fun, stopping the games, etc. And we'd re-evaluate and re-solve and start fresh. And it worked.

Any day, any time, any reason can be a fresh start, an opportunity for change.
I did a 365 and began it on August 26th. I completed it too. Jus' sayin'.
I quit smoking on the smoke out day many many Novembers ago. I just decided it was time, and I did it.
Late June this past year I decided it was time to start going to the gym regularly; I'm still going.

I put a lot of pressure on myself. Too much. I beat myself up when I don't measure up to my high standards. I don't need a resolution to add more pressure. I'm working to lessen the pressure, embrace the abstract, let the vacuuming go another day, color outside the lines, sit and be with me and be OK with that. It's ongoing. I'm not resolving; I'm continually trying to solve it for the first time. Yikes.

I'm even a little uncomfortable that these linkies begin at the start of the year-but these are someone else's challenges to themselves and they've invited others along. If I stay on the bandwagon-yay, and if I fall off, it's OK. I didn't "start" it or promise to do it. It just seems like something fun, and I'm always grateful for fun and to anyone who will start it.

Hair in Distress

So if I resolve to be resolute it will be if/when I'm ready. I am a stinker.

Both of these selfies were from late 2011. Maybe that's cheating, but I don't care. It's a starting place.

In the spirit of FULL disclosure-and I am disclosing to myself, (because isn't that what we do on blogs....talk to ourselves and hope someone else hears?) I am challenging myself to a new kind of "Susan" styled 365. I've been trying to come up with what I wanted to do since this fall and it's finally gelled. I am doing a 7/52. That's pumping out 7 good shots/or new edits a week for a year. Just so happens that my desire to challenge or change falls at the start of the year. I think it's just a brain thing....easier to keep track of that way. See I am a stinker.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

2012-01-07T18:57:00.001-05:00

Ready to roll off the first Scavenger of 2012. I don't know how Ashley manages to keep me so entertained with her wonderful prompts. Check out the fun.

This week the hunt involved finding: One Color, Laundry, Empty, One Dozen, and Soft.....and here we go!

Winter Sedum
One Color: I am NOT a gardener. I have sedum because no matter what I do or don't do to it, it will return next fall like magic. It is currently rusted and frosty out in my back yard.

What Puddle?
Laundry: My nephew. Went to the beach last week and surprise....my brother and the kids were there. Brother was stacking up points so he could watch football in the afternoon. I bet some parent had laundry to do after this outing. Wonder if it's easy to throw in loads during the commercials.

Come In
Empty: Not a good picture, but a sweet moment. Do you think the Princess would go IN to the bag when I had the camera out? Hell no. Believe me, she was in there seventy million times, just not when I reached for my camera. Here she is pondering visit seventy million and one.

Grab a Pen
One Dozen: NO WAY!! One dozen writing utensils on the closing room table at my office. I totally did NOT add or subtract any....I took the pic for the way the light was hitting them, then I counted. Lucky me.

Happiness Times 2
Soft: Had to reach back to Christmas morning to fulfill this one. Love this shot of my brother and my niece. They are totally smitten with one another. He is so screwed. Soft moment, soft hair, soft cheek against a new soft sweatshirt.

There it is. The fist of 2012 Scavenger up and running. Thanks to Ashley the most fabulous hostess ever. Happy day to you too.

Weekend Reflections

2012-01-06T11:30:00.000-05:00

Love me those reflections. Linking with the guru of reflections, Sir James. If you start, you won't be able to stop. Pop by Weekend Reflections and see if it peaks your interest.

Also linking with Shoot, Edit, Submit over at "Through a Photographer's Eyes".

Frozen Pond

I've been basking in an abnormally warm and snow-less winter here in Maine thus far. We did have a cold snap this past week and today it's snowing. Bummer.

Took my sweet dog for a nice long walk in the woods. At the end of the trail is Alewive Pond....with ice. The reflections are subtle, but these are my first ice reflections. I like the water ones better.

New Years Walk {1/52}
Speaking of the hound....Miss Tula getting her New Years walk. I know I've done reflection shots of her several times, but you can't get your own reflection in the sand, so it has to be your walking buddy.

I am also using this "New Years Walk" as this week's submission for Shoot, Edit, Submit.

Windows Thru a Window
From an old farmhouse, now preserved, the view from back to the front with hanging branches from behind.

Salon
Yay. Got a haircut yesterday. Love that. Before I got into that white Subaru parked there....I snagged a reflection shot in the window. See that red building across the street. They have really good wine, so I've heard. Perhaps I wouldn't know that, you know, personally or anything like that. ; )

Hope you have a great weekend planned. And thanks to James for hosting. I'm going to remember to push on one of those ads on his blog to help off-set the cost of the link. It's worth it.

Aim Without Aim

2012-01-04T14:13:00.001-05:00

Old Pump

Penny Pot

Dusk

Butts

Doughnut

On the Dash

I wander; often aimlessly. My mind wanders too; often aimlessly as well. My eye doesn't wander in the sense that I'd call it a "wandering eye", but my eye latches on to things that may or may not make sense. Certainly this collection of captures from wanderings makes no sense at all.

What if my mind, eye, and being didn't wander and wonder? What would I do instead?

Creative Exchange

2012-01-02T09:42:00.000-05:00

Linking with the fabulous and sweet Lisa for this week's Creative Exchange. Love this linky with it's wide open parameters and chance to look inside to see what evolved outside.

This week, as an option, we were invited to share our "best" image of 2011. Are you kidding me? That's a nightmare just waiting to happen. It's like choosing your favorite song.....I could never do that either. It totally depended on my mood at the moment, forget day. Could be Mozart, Earth Wind and Fire, Maroon 5, a West African drum piece such as Freekoba, Sting, C Jam Blues, or the Hallelujah Chorus for criminey sakes.

However....I could choose a few favs, so that's what I did.

Tiger

I love this shot. An accidental find that turned out fabulous.

Steam

From a cold January morning, in a flash I grabbed the camera when I saw the steam coming from my breakfast interacting with the sunlight.

Opening the Salon

An eerie early morning shot thru a window of an employee arriving at her salon, her arrival was unexpected so I snapped quickly. Reflections, shadows, silhouette make this a thought provoking image.

Myles

A pet portrait of my friend's new dog. When I put myself on the ground and shot upwards at this little guy (he stands less than a foot high), I came up with a winning shot.

Honestly, I could choose several more, but it was supposed to be "a" favorite, so I'll stop. Something I've noticed....all of these were spur of the moment grabs. Shots that in an instant I was moved to take and my camera was right there. Images that came from a jolt of the heart, rather than a posed and carefully planned out image. I need to remember that.

Have a fabulous day. Thanks for stopping by....always appreciate a visit.

My Memories, Dreams and Reflections-2011

2012-01-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Linking with the fabulous Ashley Sisk over at Ramblings and Photos (if you don't know Ashley, you don't know nuttin') for a trip through the beauty of 2011, through my eye and images. Such a fun project; thanks Ashley.

It's a big list...25 images. Hold on to your hat.

Camera Side View

1. Me: Not ashamed to show my face, just kind of like this shot from the summer. It feels warm. I wonder why I didn't get out of my car.

Affection

2. I Love You: I share my home with these two sweeties. Nice to know they not only love me, but one another too. I love them more than they know.

May May Family

3. Still Laughing: These are my friends. We laugh A LOT when we're together. Just looking at this picture makes me laugh again. We have silly names too. That's me, L'il Pearl, then Loweeen, Verna always sits up front on account she's the purtiest one with the best smile, then that's IErma in the back and on the far right is Eudora May. Ain't such a flatterin' shot of Eudora, but maybe next time.

Backyard Storm
4. Winter Wonderland. Don't even get me started. Last winter about killed me. Today is January....I expect nastiness will arrive soon.

Big Brother
5. Birthday: My niece's 3rd birthday with big brother looking over her shoulder to "help" unwrap the gifts.

Wisdom
6. Friends: I love this moment I caught between inter-generational friends. Isn't Grammy Stone the cutest? She bakes the most awesome cookies too.

Umbrella
7. I Was Inspired: This should say "I am inspired". I participate in a daily challenge group on Flickr. There are some amazing photographers/entries. One of the participants is a master of silhouetted sun flare shots (amongst other things) and while capturing this shot-I thought of her.

Gift of Spring
8. Spring Fever: Spring often comes late to us here in Maine. Makes me crazy. When it finally does arrive it is a glorious thing. This shot was taken in early May. Glad I caught these pinks when I did. A week later they were gone.

Covered Porch
9. Travel or Vacation: I am enormously overdue for vacation (last one was August 2009). My family does have a cottage up the coast a bit and I did get a couple weekends there this summer. A nearby Inn serves a fabulous breakfast and lets me see people who actually ARE on vacation. Maine is "Vacationland"....I'm doing something wrong.

Sailboat
10. Summer Days: I love summer. June 21st is my favorite day of the year. On that longest day, I had my most favorite photowalk of 2011. A gift to me. I can still feel the air if I close my eyes; the late day and evening was amazing. This sailboat was one of the treasures I found.

Office
11. A Day in My Life: I wish it was something different I was showing as a typical day. Sadly, this is where I spend most of my time. At least my name is on the sign...that helps, a little.

Donna
12. All Smiles: Isn't this a wonderful smile? I've yet to figure out if it's me getting more confident in taking people's photos, or if people, having seen some of my photos are more comfortable letting me take their photo. Maybe it's both. Donna didn't hesitate at all....this is now her FB profile shot. Guess she likes it.

Between Seasons
13. Autumn Harvest: Shhhhh! We haven't had snow yet. Shhhhh. Except for this one morning in October-which was early, even for Maine. Shhhhh. It would be OK with me if that were it for the season. Shhhhh. Don't want to jinx things.

Finished Shoveling
14. Family or Home: I really am tempting the fates. This is my little home, last January. Shhhhh.

Sparkler
15. Celebrate!: This was the extent of my fireworks in 2011. I need to step it up in 2012.

Outside Macy's
16. Let's Do it Again: This year on my birthday, I took myself to Boston for the day to shoot photos. I had a great time. I definitely want to do it again, and I don't intend to wait until my birthday to do so.

Memorial Bridge
17. I Miss You: I know a bridge is a crazy thing to miss....but, this one has been closed and will be eventually replaced. Honestly, it inspires me each time I see it. I caught this late day light on it from a close angle this summer.

O'er the Plains
18. Beautiful: This sunset was one of my favorites that I caught this year. I find the scene truly beautiful...the vapor trail makes it.

Jeans
19. Dress Up: I hate dressing up, so much so, I don't think I have any "dress up" clothes anymore. What can I say? I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl.

Little White Pills
20. Macro: I like macro shots-so many people take beautiful flower shots that sort of blow my mind. Awhile ago I realized that as much as I appreciate them, for now, I am content without a macro lens. Perhaps it's something I can get in to later. Here's a close up of some meds I had.

Christmas Eve
21. Holidays: I think I prefer Christmas Eve to Christmas day. I think it's just like enjoying Friday more so than Saturday. Anticipation of something good. I think that's it. I think too much.

Diagonal Daisies
22. My Favorite: This past year I fell in love with daisies. Last year it was peonies and rosa rugosa. I don't know why the change or what will be the inspirational flower in 2012, but the daisy was tops in my heart this past summer. From a day when I became super inspired upon finding a huge patch of wild daisies near the ocean.

Pick Me Up

Romp
23. Don't Ever Change: Sadly they do...our precious pets...and too quickly. They wander into our hearts quickly, fill our lives with happiness, and then exit leaving our hearts broken. And then we do it all over again. For right now-I'm going to wish these two never change.

Dryer Vent
24. Just Because....So There! It was 7 a.m., I was standing on a sidewalk in Portland when all of sudden someone turned on their dryer. The steam caught in the sun sort of blew my mind, but I'm afraid no one else might appreciate it-it was amazing. So, just because....so there!

Early Wake Up
25. Hopes and Dreams: My hopes and dreams are still unclear. What is clear is that I need a fresh start, a new beginning. My hope and dream is that I figure out how to make that happen in 2012. It is not a resolution, but simply a hope and a dream.

Thanks for taking a look at my long list of images from 2011.....now bring on the New Year!!

Shoot, Edit, Submit

2011-12-31T09:27:00.001-05:00

Linking with Shoot Edit Submit for the first time. I'm trying to make a commitment to upping my editing skills. This may be a good impetus to do so. So might continuing to the 2nd level of the digital imaging course at the local community college. I sweated all the way through the first one, spending 8-10 hours on assignments the fresh out of HS kiddos whipped through in an hour, but perhaps I'm ready for that challenge again. I hear the instructor is wonderful and inspiring-and that's definitely worth the quite reasonable $375 tuition. Hmmmm.

Onward. I hope I'm not miss understanding any of the rules for this linky. Take a pic during the week, edit it and post. I didn't see any other special rules. Let me know if I screwed up.

Mansard Roof

The last of Christmas Eve's daytime light was gleaming on this turret atop a beautifully restored building. I pulled over and grabbed a few snaps before heading to my early evening get-together.

I noticed pretty slim pickings for images from the past week. I gotta get out there and shoot to have some better variety. Have a great week and certainly a Happy New Year.

Weekend Reflections

2011-12-30T20:12:00.001-05:00

Holy crap I almost forgot it was Friday. How does it happen between Christmas and New Years that time oozes and alters, stands still and rushes and soon you don't know what damn day it is? Thursday seems like Monday and Monday feels like Saturday and you're just all screwed up. Today IS Friday. I'm glad I realized that in time to link up with James for this week's Weekend Reflections. I hate to miss it. Thank you my sweet James.

Red and Green

All the holiday festive stuff looks really cool in December, but if you let it linger much into January it looks sort of silly. Odd isn't it? Personal rule for wreathe hanging.....must be down by February 1st. Other decor needs to be done sooner. Hmmmm.

Ornament

I found this pink polka-dotted ornament hanging in a shop window. I'm never shy about selfies...especially round ones. Such fun.

Open

Outside this shop....there was a mirror resting on the ground and propped up against the side of the entry way. I think I've given up wondering what people think when I'm out taking photos. I'm oblivious to them anyway. When I look at my images at home....that's when I wonder if I was spotted looking sort of ridiculous. Head and feet. Whatever.

Looking In

The longer I take reflections, the more I think that on this linky is one of the few places they'll be understood and appreciated. I love the multiple layers of abstraction going on here. I stopped to shoot the church steeple on the right....but there's the TVs, the man at the bar, the etched waves on the exterior of the window, the seating, other patrons and all the lighting....and the roof tops of the buildings going on across the street. I don't think anyone but you all "gets" this image, but I have to keep shooting things like this. Thanks for looking. Please tell me I am not a voyeur....or at least I'm not the only reflection hunting voyeur.

Happy New Year to one and all. I'm going to try to remember on Tuesday that it's not Monday. You know what I mean?

Crossroads

2011-12-30T08:40:00.002-05:00

Path

As I mention, perhaps too frequently, I took Kat's Find Your Eye series last summer-fall and really enjoyed it. While "finding your eye" is rather an elusive endeavor or concept, I came away feeling I had a much better sense of myself as a photographer. Kat provided excellent lessons, and some I vowed to "do again" at another time.

Today is another time. The lesson was to choose a random photo-one that sort of jumps off the page at you-and start writing about it. It was one of my most favorite lessons we did. I bet I'll enjoy this lesson for the rest of my life. Thanks Kat.

Paths

I've often referred to my life as being on a path, a curvy winding path where I never know what unexpected pitfalls or pleasures may be around the next corner just out of sight. Paths have crossroads and forks; choices. Sometimes they have signs and arrows and sometimes they seem to have nothing; no distinguishing marks or clues to help at all.

At times I've met wonderful people along my path-people who inspire, take interest, make me laugh or dream....but there are dangerous individuals I've encountered too. Steering, manipulating wolves in sheep's clothing who've lead me off my path until I've turned around, gotten out of the bramble, and resumed my journey.

A path may be open and beautiful, rocky and hilly, mired in muck and mud, or flat and lush. My current path is uncertain. I think maybe I've been sitting here at a crossroads for a long time. Some days I dare to peek and lean towards one direction, but I can't commit or it turns out to be a dead end if I do. I slink back to the middle, to inertia, to "stuck" and frustration. Perhaps I am just resting.

I suppose I could just pick one, go along my merry way, jump in with both feet. But too often I wonder should I come upon that rocky hill where the going is hard, who will pay my mortgage? Maybe I just need to bring a tent and sleeping bag.

People have pointed and suggested; they've talked and they've listened, they've sympathized and tried to solve, or nudge. They are very kind. But no one can choose my path for me. Only me. Rats. It would be so easy to let someone else lead the way, but I know, as I sit here at the crossroads peering at just the tiniest bit of each direction, that it is me that has to do the choosing. I sure wish there were a big-ass sign here letting me know what the choices were.

See how great this is? You never know what an image might do inside your brain.

Today, (thanks to my friend Gilly at The Camera Points Both Ways) I am a guest muse over at mortal muses. If you want to hear my take on "fresh", pop by and give me a visit there. Thanks for listening. I'll let you know when I get my butt off the ground and back on life's path again.

Contrast

2011-12-29T14:20:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I went on a photo walk with my friend Lee. We met through Kat's classes, Find Your Eye. (which were super fab....I think she's running them again soon if you're interested) After a few posts I started recognizing locations that Lee was posting and discovered we live just 20 min apart. With participants from all over the country and abroad....that's quite a coincidence.

I've wanted to write this post for about 3 weeks and been too busy to sit down and think it through. Hopefully today I can carve out enough time to get my thoughts together.

Laudholm Farm

We met early on Sunday at a nature preserve. The property is quite vast. Formerly a farm-the house, barns, and out buildings stand at the center of the property and serve as an education base and the remaining acreage is filled with miles of trails-wooded, marsh, fields, all the way to the ocean.

The early light was beautiful and Lee and I worked around the farm and buildings.

Barn Window

Two Benches

I enjoyed the change from shooting alone. Every once in awhile I'd look over at Lee and wonder what she'd found that I'd missed. The great thing though....there were so many things to see and shoot, it didn't matter.

Peek Through the Fence

Old Doorknob

Patterns

I have grown to understand that what I shoot is light....early or late day light. I love the way it plays on "things" and I don't care what's in the light, it matters not. Whatever has been lit is fair game and peaks my interest. I was incredibly inspired around the farmhouse as the light was just right for my taste.

Shadows

Frosty Railing

After giving the famhouse and surrounds a good workout we decided to walk a trail through the woods to the ocean. Suddenly my inspiration sort of died. Meanwhile Lee was stopping and finding things all over the place. I was kicking rocks with my shoe. I wondered what was wrong....why was she seeing and not me? The only time I even felt like shooting at something was when a signpost, boardwalk, or something "man-made" appeared.

Boardwalk

As we came through the woods to the marshes near the beach, my inspiration upped a bit when I saw the light playing on the tall grasses. I'm a sucker for grasses and dunes in light over and over. I don't NEED another shot of these, but I take 'em anyway.

Feathered

Notice the height of the sun....getting past "Susan" time.
We went on to the beach. While Lee was seeing the waves, stones, sand, shells......I was seeing rusty pegs coming out of the seawall all in a row.......

Rusty Wall

.....or making goofy hand gestures in the sun.....

Thumbs Up

.....or becoming entranced by beach steps with sand....

Beach Steps

God's beautiful ocean, blue sky, and mile long sandy beach was right there-and I wasn't even looking at it. And that's when I had my moment of brilliance, my "a-ha" moment. (Maybe they'll sign me up for one of those commercials).

In the absence of early or late day light, I need contrast. I need something colorful in a sea of drab, something mademade in junxtuposition with nature, something textured amidst a smooth terrain, a silhouette against a pastel sky. Bam! Why didn't I see/feel/recognize this before?

Here's what Lee stopped to look at:

Tree Line

And here's what I was looking at:

Nail Pop

Definitely not my favorite shot of the day, but it helped me define something about who I am as a photographer. I think the more I understand that, the more it helps me be a better photographer. Contrast. Really important for me. If it's not happening with light, it needs to be happening in a different way.

The beauty of all this, Lee and I are different photographers. We see differently standing in exactly the same place. We contrast with one another. I would never have picked up on this without having taken a photowalk with her. Thanks my friend.

Le'on

Making Tracks

2011-12-27T10:24:00.000-05:00

The sun is shining and I have another blessed day off. Shhhhh, that's 4 in a row. Hope I don't jinx it. This has been wonderful. Each night I've slept 9-10 hours. I guess I needed a break. A little later I thought I'd go for a nice long walk with Tula. That's a great day.

In the meantime a few photos to share:

Green Sedan

This beauty was parked downtown a few days before Christmas. As any good photog would do, I pulled over and took some pics. I kept looking over my shoulder, wondering if the owner would appear. S/he didn't. Perhaps they were watching with delight from afar. Who wouldn't want someone admiring their prized possession?

Sweet Lines

Buick

String of Lights

Infinity

I've been finding myself drawn to black and white images lately. This is new for me. I sense it another turn on this winding path of photography interest. It must mean something....just don't know what. I'm good with that. Like this long line of tracks, it will lead somewhere.

Now off for that nice long walk with my dog. Wishing you a happy day as well, and appreciate you stopping by for a quick peek at my pics.

Breathing Space

2011-12-26T11:20:00.000-05:00

On the Tree

Today I'm not linking up with anyone. Wow. I'm linking up with me. Hmmmm.

Lately I'm having a tough time "keeping up" with blogging. I'm thankful to my regular linkys and the visits from all of you that keep me going, but have been a poor visitor in return which saddens me. There's always room for improvement. Overwhelmed? Perhaps.

I'm not a fan of Christmas but I do like that after the fact there's a little slow down in pace-space for breathing. Today I am doing just that. Breathing. I wrote on my Facebook page "Zero have-tos today. Yah frickin'-hoo." I might even do some extra posting and extra visiting later today. That would be fun.

I hope that you too are finding a little breathing space in these moments after the big rush of the holidays.

Bows

Weekend Reflections

2011-12-23T13:42:00.000-05:00

Linking with James on this Friday right before Christmas for Weekend Reflections.

Last week I stopped along Main Street to do some photographic "window shopping". All those large windows are such fun to play with, especially in the later light-which seems to be around 2:45. As my little niece and nephew count down the days until Santa....I count the days until the light starts to turn toward longer days. It's a slow climb out of the dark, but as my father likes to say "we're on the right side of summer!" He's incredibly optimistic and positive. Bless him.

Here are some of my store front captures.

Perfectos

Love their coffee, and their giant windows.

Main Street
So much going on here, but I like the way the window lights seem to frame the traffic. And yes, that is Santa on the far left holding a candle....he really isn't taller than the buildings across the street.

Lookin' Good

I never thought myself narcissistic.....might have to think about that again. Notice that glove tucked under the right arm ready and waiting. For longer photo walks, those hand warmer things are NOT over-rated.

Across the Street

This is an "oldie" from November. Caught this across from a graffiti park. This time I hid myself on that pillar between the windows. Maybe I'm not a narcissist after all.

Wishing all my reflection loving friends the happiest of holidays.
And many thanks to James for this wonderful meme.

Creative Exchange

2011-12-19T10:41:00.000-05:00

Linking with Lisa for this week's Creative Exchange.

Nutcracker Sweet

It truly is nearly Christmas. I'm still trying to block it out, to keep it from becoming the extra-huge commercially inspired and fired holiday that it's become. I find the longer I pretend it's not there, the less the ads and hype, the "have tos", spoil the essence of it all for me. I've been called a Scrooge, but I am not. I just want to be able to see through all the smoke and mirrors, ribbons and bows, to something simple and more meaningful.

Yesterday I went to my parents house to watch a little football with my Pop. I couldn't escape noticing the gigantic tree my folks have put up right inside the door. Unexpectedly my 3 yr old niece and 5 yr old nephew were there checking out Grammy and Grampy's tree. THAT is a simple thing. Legitimate joy and wonder.

As this week rushes towards the weekend, I'm going to keep my pace slow, stay out of the fray, and watch from a distance-like a photographer-for the "un-hyped" parts of Christmas.

Porch Lights

Sunday Scavenger

2011-12-18T11:22:00.000-05:00

Linking with the fabulous and generous Ashley for this week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday. If you're not scavenging, you're missing the fun. If you are, you know what I'm talking about.

Yay. Sunday. Yay, posting my Scavenger shots, she says with a little smile. I totally don't get why I like this so much, but I do. Go figure.

This week's list: What is It?, Children/Fur Babies Sleeping, Joy, Window, Half....onward.

Shutter Latch
What is It? I don't know if I'm supposed to tell or not, but my title gives it away. I think perhaps without it, I might not even know what it is, forget anyone else. This image portrays what I like to say....I'll shoot just about anything if it's in beautiful light. Cool shadow-that's a bonus.

Tough Job
Fur Baby Sleeping: Yes, coming back as a cat in my next life.

Laughter
Joy: Not only is this a joyful photo, but my friends and the laughter we share, bring me much joy.

Shop Door
Window: Is it wrong that I keep taking selfies in windows?

Cookies
Half: In celebration of the final class of Art Appreciation, our fab teacher brought in cookies and coffee. We called the class "Cookies, Coffee and Culture" and the order of those words was definitely intentional.

Happy weekend to you. Thank you for stopping by. The remainder of my day will be spent doing a load of laundry or two and watching football. That's a good day.

2011-12-17T11:48:00.000-05:00

Home Before Dark
Something about that pastel sky and the old car create a mood I like in this photo.

Woodman Building
Beautiful architecture, reflections, and morning light.

Egg
I am blessed and oft inspired by the light that comes in my kitchen window in the morning.

Orange Leaves
Between fall and winter.

Resting
I'm constantly a sucker for all things RR....tracks, lines, cars, graffiti, grit. Don't know why; it just is.

I am feeling a gentle relief. While many are undoubtedly hustling around in a Christmas flurry, for the first time since September really I've found my pace slowing down. I've been too busy to think, be a regular blog writer or visitor, spend much time being creative in a rambling/go where it leads you kind of way, too busy to keep up with balancing the checkbook and keeping the cupboards well stocked. I'm hopeful that this sense of respite I feel will endure for more than the weekend. I'm ready.

Thought I'd share a few images that got lost in the speedy shuffle of the last few weeks.

I hope you too are having a restful, less stressful weekend.

Weekend Reflections

2011-12-16T12:32:00.000-05:00

Linking with James for Weekend Reflections....check in if you're interested in seeing reflections from all over the world.

This weekend I'm reflecting that I finally have a 2 day weekend coming up. I shouldn't jinx myself....I'm hoping not to have any last minute real estate calls today. I'm also reflecting that I've completed my wonderful but very work heavy art appreciation class today. Loved it, but happy to give up the research.

Between work and my final project I did snap a few reflections this week. Get 'em while you can. That's my motto.

River Bank
Although we've had no snow (yippee) as of yet, we're looking pretty barren and brown and the light disappears from the sky by about 4 p.m. My least favorite time of year. I try to catch photos in passing while I can, like this late day grab of trees and sky reflected on the river near my office.

Arch
A cart path bridge at the local golf course. Great place for a morning run with your dog when it's not golf season.

Mill by the Falls at Dusk
Across the river from the trees stands this mill building that houses restaurants, bank, barbershop, and office spaces. Made for a wonderful reflection opportunity.

Round Upside Down
Round reflections are so much fun. This ornament was in an outdoor display of lights, white fake boughs and the silver mirror like balls. I never mind doing a silly selfie.

That's my quick version of this week's reflections. Now to finish work and take it easy for a couple days. Hope you have a great weekend planned too.

Creative Exchange

2011-12-12T08:35:00.000-05:00

Linking with wonderful Lisa for this week's Creative Exchange. Thanks Lisa!!

I've been playing around with layered images creating photo collage/montage/amalgamation for a few months now. I use all of my own images and stack them up until they seem pleasing. Perfect for Creative Exchange, where I try to make my posts resonate through my heart and then onto the blogger page.

I'm a little reluctant to share these. Somehow they are more personal than sharing a photograph. I guess I feel they'll be misunderstood or not appeal, or perhaps seem like art of someone who doesn't know what they're doing. I don't worry about that with photos, which I suppose means these are stepping out of the comfort zone or perhaps due to the time I've spent working them over more personal than an independent image.

Today for some reason, seemed like an okay time to let go of a couple. Some people may even like them. It matters not, as I like them and had fun creating them....and that's what it's all about.

Thanks for the wonderful linky Lisa and giving a warm and safe place to share these pieces we create. Always enjoy participating here. Hope you all have a great week.

Empty Night

Train Damage

Sunday Scavengeur

2011-12-11T09:44:00.000-05:00

Yay. Sunday. Time to link up with the fabulous Ashley for Scavenger Hunt Sunday.

Got me a big ol' cup of Joe (or Jane as my friend Becky would say), in my favorite mug and ready to put together a little scavenger post. Please note that I've titled this post with a made up French spelling. Why? Sheeesh. Who the hell knows? Maybe because I made French toast this morning. Aside from the numbers and an occasional "n'est-ce pas?" I'm totally doomed, so I'll put my brain back on English. Oh wait, I can drop croissant from time to time too. If you say something like "Je suis du le croissant, n'est-ce pas? No?" It sounds like you know French.
I totally need a string of days off.

This week the topics were: Less is More, Holiday Lights, Ornament, Cup of Cheer, and Nativity.

Milkweed Pod
Less is More: This is just a simple dried up milkweed pod. It is nothing much, but with the light behind it, it became so much more.

Candles
Holiday Lights: Attended a concert last evening where they sang "Lich'vod Hachanukkah". While the chorus sang this woman gradually lit the menorah candles. The fire and light on her face I found very moving as accompanied by the haunting song.

Santa
Ornament: Well, decoration anyway. I love how Santa has things all balanced out- as usual.

Hot Chocolate
Cup of Cheer: There is not any extra "cheer" in this cup. I don't usually think to have hot chocolate, but if someone suggests it, I say yes. On a chilly morning, this was a yummy treat-glad my eye caught that sign.

Old Soul
Nativity: I went to the local monastery to take images of their life size nativity, but others were there to pray and meditate. It didn't seem quite right. Last evening at the concert they sang "March of the Kings" with brass quartet. From the back of the hall 3 over-sized puppets came marching down the aisles. I found them absolutely mesmerizing.

Well that's it! A fun list for sure. Looking forward to seeing what other people captured while out scavenging around. If you've yet to try this hunt, me thinks you ought to give it a try. Its a fun and friendly linky and I always receive such kind and thoughtful comments from other participants. Jump in. Many thanks to our hostess Ashley who provides this for all of us to enjoy.

Weekend Reflections

2011-12-09T15:31:00.000-05:00

Yay for Friday and time to link up with James at "Weekend Reflections". Thank you James!!

Been busy, busy, busy....but better breeze by (too many b's already) for a quick reflection or two or three or four or more.

In the Barn Window

Love this old water tower...especially nice in good light. Found it reflected in the nearby barn too.

Light Reflections
'Tis the season. Scurried out at 4:00 yesterday to catch the last 15 min of light before dusk. As I headed back, I found these holiday lights reflected in the window of a sun porch....also caught the peaks of the houses across the street.

Old Car
Selfie, house, and tree reflections in the spare tire cover of an old 1950's 88.

Old Boathouse
This used to be a ship building area, then restaurant was created, now deluxe condos. Makes a nice water reflection though.

Thanks for checking out this week's images. Have a great weekend....with lots of reflection opportunities.

Scavenger Du Jour

2011-12-03T20:36:00.001-05:00

Linking with Ashley Sisk for the week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday. Yee-haw. Always a fave link of mine.

Okay....I never do this, not that's it's illegal or anything, but I'm writing my Sunday Scavenger on Saturday night. I know. Scandalous. Shhhhh.

I imagine most people don't give it a thought, but my normal routine is to wake up Sunday morning, have a lovely breakfast, get a big pot of coffee going....and write up my Scavenger post. It's like going to church only more fun. BUT tomorrow I'm meeting a blogger friend for a photo walk so I'm "gettin' 'er done" tonight instead. Best of both worlds and a trip out with Lee followed by breakfast will definitely be worth rolling out of bed a smidge early for tomorrow.

This week's list included: Portrait, Nostalgic, Time, Full of Light, and Motion

Myles
Portrait: This is Myles. He was rescued by my dear friend Annie last week. Today she stopped by so I could meet him. He's adorable, sweet, happy, fun and a little curled up couch potato in the house. I can't wait to share the pics I snapped with Annie.....she'll love them. And let me just say, Myles is one lucky boy. Annie is like the best dog owner ever. Sounds like these two were made for each other.

Symmetry
Nostalgic: Not loving my interpretation on this topic, but I like the photo. Great to see old buildings being renewed and well-used by owners who respect the "nostalgic" beauty.

Worth Getting Up Early
Time: Tula Dot. Some mornings Tula and the cat double team me to make sure I get up early. Wednesday was one of those mornings. 5:15 a.m. is NOT a good time to wake up the person in charge of food distribution. BUT I did get some fabulous morning images and this is Tula's way of saying "told you so!"

Tree Line
Full of Light: Tula says "told you so" again on this one. Thanks to my rowdy pets I was up and out to capture this early morning golden view.

Night Blur
Motion: I like this photo. I have no idea if it's good or not, but I like it. Panning is something I could work on to increase skills, but I like this image filled with motion and color against empty motionless streets.

And that's it for this week's pics. Thanks for stopping by. Hopefully I'll find some great shots tomorrow morning. Have a great day.

Weekend Reflections

2011-12-02T18:45:00.000-05:00

Linking with James for this week's Weekend Reflections. Yay.

This evening I am enormously thankful it is Friday. This was one long week and the last two days put the icing on the cake of longevity. BUT, I still have a few reflections to share, wine to drink, and gourmet pizza to dine upon. It's all good.

Fall Fishing

Blue and Gold

Water Lines

Exes

No windows this week, just water. We've been enjoying unseasonably good weather here....warm and sunny. I am good with this right through 'til May, but I'm sure it won't hold. Please remind me how nice November was when I start bitchin' in January. Have a great weekend.

(Frustrated) Exploring with a Camera (Cropper)

2011-11-29T08:48:00.000-05:00

Linking with my friend Kat for this session of "Exploring with a Camera". If you haven't checked out this wonderful and helpful series, you're really missing out. Punch on through....you can thank me later.

Best thing about Kat, she makes you think. I love learning things, so it's a perfect match for my brain.
The latest installment of Exploring With a Camera is about picture ratios, complete with easy to understand chart. Very helpful. Trust me, the word ratio sounds boring, but it's really not and Kat makes it seem easy....even if you're not a math head.

I'd already learned this lesson the hard way. Grrrrrr. Last Christmas I tried hard to stay away from gift giving. I'm not a big fan of the season and keeping it low key helps-I think the ads, music, catalogs, decor that begins on Nov 1 and lasts through Jan 1 (that's 1/6th of the year)-it's just too damn much for me. NO ONE's life is that perfect please and thank you. The chance that there will be a new Lexus in my driveway with a big ass red ribbon wrapped around it and seasonally appropriate snow on the ground and falling from the sky is never going to happen.

What was I talking about? Oh yes, ratios.

So, last holiday season I chose a favorite photo to give to a couple people. Printed it out, framed it up....and blah. The 8 x 10, 4:5 crop totally killed my 8 x 12 image. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. The little 5 x 7 held up better because it was closer to that 2:3 I seem to favor. It killed the image so much it no longer held the emotional response. It became blah. This happened a few other other times too. I was finally brave enough to give my images as gifts and when I framed the 8 x 10 size just didn't work. I finally figured out the problem. I'll have to give those individuals some more better cropped images.

Fast forward to holiday season 2011 (which I'd prefer to begin thinking about on approximately 12/22/11), I thought I'd make a calendar of my images to give to family and friends. I can get a really sweet deal at overnightprints.com. BUT, the size of the calendar image template is 8 x 11. Last night I tried to choose a few-it took a long time so many just didn't work. I'm afraid I may have to consider another way to create a calendar worthy of gift giving at reasonable cost....suggestions?

Here are 3 that I tried to make work (Tim Gunn...."designers, I'm sending in your models"...) Oh help my brain is really quirky today. I'll just show you what I mean.

Here's my original image:

Frosty

And here it is cropped for 8 x 11....this one isn't too bad. My anal retentive self could likely live with this one.

October

The other consideration that's come into play is changing my images from RGB to CMYK which this online service suggests. Some of them held up, but most were quite altered. So much to learn.

Across the Sky

February

Perhaps I was a little heavy handed on the processing, but back in February I wasn't doing any. I also think the CMYK came into play here.

Fish House

January

The brightness in this image doesn't scream in the larger version, but cropped it is way too yellow. I've got to revamp that, AGAIN.

These images were 3 that sort of worked as 8 x 11 but overall this is frustrating. I didn't realize how much I'm framing my image in the camera and in processing-straightening and cropping to a particular size. Obviously I'm drawn to an aspect ratio that isn't favored by calendar makers. I wonder how those professional calendars make it look so easy.

Thanks Kat for reminding me about this ratio "thing" and thanks for the handy chart. I think I'm going to give framed photos instead. Next problem...finding 8 x 12 frames at a low, low price.

Creative Breakfasting

2011-11-28T10:35:00.000-05:00

Linking with Lisa for this week's Creative Exchange. And I'm doing it on Monday which is always a miraculous thing. I even amaze myself sometimes.

I was lucky enough to get a nice photo walk in on Friday morning. Love that. Spur of the minute decision when the cat, her royal princess-ness, woke me just before 6 a.m. Shot a bunch of images until my fingers on the trigger hand got too cold and my stomach reminded me that breakfast might be a good idea.

I don't mind eating alone, especially at breakfast time....however, I think other "diners" might think I'm a total weirdo, because, well....I can't stop playing with my camera. If I'm confined to sitting still in one place, with camera nearby, I keep picking it up shooting something, then putting it down again. Repeat, ad nauseam. I think they rush my order to minimize the ADHD/OCD that I appear (in their eyes) to have. Thought I'd share some of said results. BYW, I'm totally OK with people thinking I'm a nut, because I know I'm not. : ) I have many endearing qualities.

Sidewalk

See that open sign?

Coffee

Coffee and colorful menu

Two Top

Beat the crowds by about 20 minutes

Neon Blinds

I know people were giving me "that look" when I took this one

Touch of Pink

Sweet little flower and cool way to have sugar on the table

Eggs

Best way to get me to stop....bring the food

Balance
Of course I start again as soon as the food is gone.

Check please!

Thanks for having breakfast with me today.

Sunday Scavenger

2011-11-27T09:41:00.000-05:00

Linking with Ashley for the post-Thanksgiving issue of Scavenger Hunt Sunday.

I've had a delightful 4 day weekend with NO work!! Well, there was work; work around the house, etc., etc., but no office. How great does that feel? Fantastic. Best part of my Thanksgiving day was playing "getting hotter, getting colder" (complete with references to bathing suit weather or get out your mittens) with my 3 year old niece and 5 year old nephew. It was like a scavenger hunt of a different kind. Fun.

On to the real scavenger hunt where I was looking for: Waiting, Foliage, Candid, Knife Fork or Spoon, and Rule of Thirds.

Rush Hour on the Bridge

Waiting: Cars aligned waiting for the traffic signal to change.

Leaves at the Curb

Foliage: I think foliage means still on the trees-oh well, our trees are D for done, but there are plenty of nasty old leaves on the ground.

Walk to Work
Candid: Early Black Friday morning. This poor guy likely had a long day ahead. I love corner windows where you can see through to the other side. Even without Santa's helper, this is a fun shot to take....and it was a momentary quick grab when I saw the hat coming.

Start to Finish
Knife, Fork, or Spoon: Couldn't decide, so all three. Breakfast before and after. Great scramble.

Still Sleeping
Rule of Thirds: This doesn't seem like a rule of thirds pic, but the yellow house falls in the right place as does the rooftop level and distance skyline. I guess that's part of the reason it appeals. "Ain't that America, little pink houses....." you know? It's running through my head. Hope I didn't "ear worm" you, the way I did myself.

That's it for my scavenger hunt. Thanks for taking a peek at my images today. Hope you had a chance for some fun this weekend too.

Weekend Reflections

2011-11-25T21:27:00.000-05:00

Linking with the fabulous James for this week's Weekend Reflections. Great meme....check it out.

Taking a few days off around the Thanksgiving holiday here in the states. The thing I like BEST about having a day off is letting it have no agenda and letting the day unfold as it will. This morning I woke up at 6 a.m. and made an instant decision to take a run up to Portland for a little morning city shoot-followed by breakfast. One of my fave things to do. There was no shortage of reflections this morning. Big score!!

Delivery

Fruit Seller

Hill Reflections

Double Vision

Cobblestones

Earlier this week I played around with some night reflections. Still working on these, but that's the way to learn. Keep trying.

Mill Lights

And this is one of those drive by shootings. Sitting in traffic one day, I spied this black SUV parked outside one of those rental furniture places. I like the way the open sign is seen 3 times.

Black Ford

That's it!! Guess what I've got planned for tomorrow? Nothing. We'll see what happens.
Have a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by.

Leftover Exchange

2011-11-22T08:20:00.002-05:00

Linking with the wonderful Lisa for this week's Creative Exchange. Love this linky-much appreciative for the opportunity to share.

I don't know about anyone else, but I am enormously ready for Thanksgiving. This year I am thankful for 4 days off in a row. Since Labor Day I've worked 6 days a week with maybe one or two exceptions and I'm just ready for some down time. I wonder if I'll use it wisely or waste it? I suppose if it's my time it doesn't matter. I'm just ready to stop the speed induced juggling. This year I don't even care if there's turkey-as long as there's potato-and that would be me-a couch potato. Moving along.....in the spirit of overwhelmedness, thought I'd put up a few random pics that are sitting in the recent archives. No theme-hodgepodge. Is hodgepodge really a word? Afternoon Dunes Shutter Shadows Salad and Fries Life Jacket Caught Salon Stillness Bear Swim Club Lucky Dog Windy Thanks to Lisa for being such a gracious and kind hostess and to you for taking a peek.Wishing you a happy holiday-with turkey AND couch potatoes.

Scavenging with Red Wine

2011-11-20T17:31:00.001-05:00

Linking with the wonderful Ashley for this week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday. Wouldn't miss it.

One of my fave activities on Sunday morning is pouring a nice big coffee and sitting down to put together my Sunday Scavenger post. Today however, the morning got away from me, so this evening I've poured myself a nice big red wine instead. This is a nice change, but if I stop making sense, you'll know why.

This week's topics were: Mainly One Color, Around the Home, Reflection, Writing, and Water.

Ajar

Mainly One Color: When I look at this again, it's sort of two colors. Whoops. I was seeing it as pink-ish tones. A little "Harry Potter" closet, under the stairs.

Princess P

Around the Home: Some of the most precious things around my home are my pets.

Checking the Screen

Reflection: At the beach today, this couple was taking late day shots and comparing their results. A sweet moment.

Car Wax

Writing: Sometimes I don't know why I take photos. Car wax? It was sitting in the garage in nice sunlight....and it has writing on it.

Bittersweet

Water: Little droplets hanging from bittersweet by the side of the road.

Those are my takes for this week. I don't think the red wine came into play anymore than the coffee does. Time for a 2nd glass I guess. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by to see my pics.

Weekend Reflections

2011-11-18T08:33:00.001-05:00

Linking with Sir James for this week's weekend reflections. Thank you my reflection loving friend. Hope your hiatus is allowing you to capture new reflections for all to enjoy.

I was better about getting me some reflections this week, I think because the community college was on break so no research papers due. Yay. Love the class, hate the papers. The light is fading quickly from the sky, finding myself in the dark between 4:30-4:45 which is waaaaayyyyyy to damn early for a light lover. How long is it until June?

Buy Local

No light? Try shooting in the dark. I haven't explored night shooting much, so I guess it's time to give that a try. Note to self.....tripod lower on an angle. Oh well. Learn as you go.

Still Open

One of the specialty shops in Kennebunkport. Jus' sayin'....no people around to even give the illusion of shopping let alone getting the wallets out.

Along Main Street

New community art gallery opened in town this summer. Cool window ops.

Tabla Reflections

Only reflection loving friends can appreciate this one.....tabla drums, one metal, one wood. I'm reflected along with some hand-held rhythm instruments on the table.

In the Wind

Always enjoy catching my sweet dog Tula in a beach reflection. Nice light before sunset.

Library Door

I HAD to take this one. No way to enter in without snapping first.

Have a great weekend....wishing you lots of reflection opportunities.

Exploring Creatively

2011-11-15T10:03:00.010-05:00

Linking with two of my favorite bloggers out there....Lisa at the Creative Exchange and Kat at Kat Eye Studio for Exploring With a Camera. Two great memes to check out if they're not familiar to you.

Kat's exploring topic this time is opposing lines. I've been struggling a bit with this one. Glancing through my past stacks the opposing lines weren't popping out at me. I'm hoping the things I found in my travels might be on the right track. One of the nice things about Lisa's Creative Exchange, whatever images move your heart are fodder for the week. You can't lose with that. Although I enjoy "city" images, I live in a rural area, so many of my normal everyday photos show that. It's not that cities are that far away, but for my normal routine it's lobster boats, beaches, little side streets, and plants. Last week however, I had to make a trip to Portland, so I snagged me a little quick 1 hour photo walk. I like that. Primary Escape...opposing lines? Yes? Window FishMaybe these?....it certainly struck me as a cool design for a store front window-plus some reflections. Purple DressI like finding different "things" that catch my eye as opposed to what I find around home. FeetOh, I don't know...just kind of struck me. PorteousI've had a black and white nudge lately. Hmmmm. Wonder what that's about. I remember my grandmother shopping here at Porteous....which my brother and I like to pronounce Port-ee-us. Opposing lines? Maybe. Well if not, kind of cool shadows and such. Being a KidThis little girl cracked me up....do you remember waiting on adults incessantly? UnruffledThis guy didn't seem to even notice all these pigeons. Double ParkedA couple of bikes out front of the local art store. I guess that's about it for my trip to the city. Thanks for taking a peek.... and have a great week.

Sunday Scavenger

2011-11-13T08:53:00.000-05:00

Good Morning.....time to link with Ashley for Scavenger Hunt Sunday!!

Love me that scavenger hunt, despite this week's list being a tricky one.

Tricky list = creative interpretations.

I'm all about off-beat interpretations to "make it work".

Out hunting for: "Before and After, Opposing Lines, Custom Bokeh, Which Shoes Should I Wear?, and Little Features. On to the pics.

Last weekend one of my friends asked me to take some shots of her daughter. I normally don't do "portraits" and even with that knowledge they said-OK. It was nice to have a willing model. Great learning opportunity for me. I did a little before and after with a few of the images that seemed to work. I think this will make her mom happy.

At the Beach

Before and After: I still have plenty to learn, but she made it really easy on me. Look at that fabulous smile and those steely blues. Don't you love it when they have no idea how pretty they are? Serves them well down the line.

Across the Street
Opposing Lines: This concept of opposing lines I've not quite been able to wrap my brain around. This cool reflection shot with lines going both horizontally and vertically must be in the ball park. It's a start.

Oak Leaf Bokeh
Custom Bokeh: Jus' sayin'....I'm lucky to have any bokeh image, let alone "custom" bokeh. I'll leave that fun to the crafty pros and for retirement days. This bokeh is a bit hexagonal-I'm going with it.

Indeed
Which Shoes Should I Wear?: This is pretty much the response to any question you ask out loud at my house. Living alone has its pros and cons. Not sure if this is pro or con. Thank you for your input Princess P.

Little Feet
Little Features: No kids, no little features. Ugly pigeons though. His little foot kind of grosses me out, but it fits the prompt. A girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.

Looking forward to seeing lots of different interpretations from this week's tricky list. Thank you Ashley. I've been among the missing in the blog-world of late, but never want to miss SHS.

Clearly Unclear

2011-11-12T12:32:00.000-05:00

This is my final installment of Find Your Eye. It makes me a bit sad that my "journey" is over, even though I know that it truly has just begun. When I started, I was looking for my eye but now, thanks to Kat, I have a much better sense on the whats, whens, whos wheres, and the hows of my eye. I've also learned that my eye is constantly changing. Now I am better equipped to sense those changes myself. But I'm still going to miss the excitement of this journey. I've enjoyed every step. Big thanks to Kat. If you'd like to find your eye, I highly recommend taking your own journey next time Kat offers her classes.

For this last challenge-and wow there have been so many-we were to think about a series. I only once did this before for a class I took last year. Our final project was to choose a theme and present. I chose "red" figuring it offered many possibilities. It was fun, but I don't think I necessarily have a passion for red, and I don't think it was limited enough.

Library Reflections

When I saw "series" it was instantaneous. Windows!-and not the kind on the computer. My friend Gilly over at The Camera Points Both Ways had suggested a series to me a couple months back. Having this challenge is just the push I need to heed Gilly's advice. (Gilly is awesome, take a peek at her blog.) I have so many wonderful blogger friends.

I love windows. I didn't really know this until I created my inspiration file. Then I began to wonder about my attraction to them. "What's with all these windows?" I'm still wondering....wondering is a great fault of mine, (or a sign of genius); I'm not sure which.

Often my window images feel sad, empty, or lonely. Melancholy, like a song of longing. I think these images help me express those feelings that come and then pass by.

Sad and Gray

On a more cheerful note, I find a lot of windows with text. I like the combination of image and text and windows are a great place to find that.

Artistry in Bloom

And curtains.....windows with curtains draw me in too.

Bathroom Window

For something clear, made of glass, windows are not clear. In fact, windows are perfectly UNclear. I think I'm taking a picture of a window, yet when I get home.....well, there are other things I didn't see at all while I was standing there. Bonuses maybe? Art? Illusion? A Haunting?

Coffee Shop

I KNOW I shot this image for the row of wreathes between the white columns. Look at all the wonderful chair shapes, buildings, ~~disgusting~~ snow piles, cars, not to mention the hanging lights, paintings and unknown objects inside the coffee shop. All from one image. Wow.

Since I shot this photo, I've met James at Weekend Reflections. My eye for reflections has improved a lot. Today, I wouldn't have missed many of the reflected elements in the wreathe picture.

Customs House Reflections

I received some odd looks from passing cars wondering why I was taking photos of a vacant store front. They didn't see what I saw.

One of the wonderful things about windows-sometimes they show you something crisp and clear, and other times, they're not so clear. It's a left brain-right brain, enigma, riddle, abstract, mind poke. It's as if the windows have stories in them you're supposed to unfold as you explore the image.

Echoes

This photo holds many riddles....even to me, and I took it. Yikes.

Yesterday I had a bit of time to do some "window shopping". I found a couple things to add to my growing window collection.

Broken

This could be one of those melancholy shots. It's not hitting me that way right now. Perhaps this is more about the decay near the window, but of the several I took at this old shed, this was my favorite.

Later in a Kennebunkport lah-di-dah designer shop.....

Lunch Time

I found this fun window. Text, reflections, a slight abstraction, pictures inside and out....and way over in the right corner a young woman grabbing a quick bite to eat-in the back window of my white Subaru. Sadly, I can't see my dog Tula who really IS in the back of my car waiting for a walk.

When I think about windows I realize I could do several series by breaking down the things I've been able to pinpoint here. I could do a series on curtains, windows with text, windows and their frames, windows on city buildings, old windows, clear window reflections, abstract window reflections, and even selfie window reflections.....Geez, I better get going! There's so much to do!

Glasses in the Glass

Thanks again to all my classmates who journeyed with me and all the wonderful, insightful, comments and compliments you've left for me to cheer me on. And of course many thanks to the fabulous Kat.....who just dropped a "bonus" lesson in my email box. How great is that?

Weekend Reflections

2011-11-11T18:07:00.000-05:00

Quickly breezing in to join James for this week's weekend reflections. One of my favorites. Thanks James.

Have a bit of mix and match today.

First a couple from "the big city" (ha) of Portland. Love to capture images in those large store front windows.

Architecture
Sort of an ironic photo.

Window Shopping

I wish I'd gotten a better catch of the pedestrian, but I had eyed the Subway shop across the street when he entered into the frame.

On the other end of the spectrum....

Daylight savings time and that means dog walking savings time. Sometimes squeezing in a beach walk at the end of the day pays dividends. As long as you can find your car when you're finished.

An Empty Beach
I mean, a reflections addict cannot pass up this shot; right?

Twilight
Is this a gift from nature or what? Glad Tula wanted to walk the entire span. The show at the far end was worth it.

Those are my rural and urban reflections for this week. Thanks for taking a look and have a great weekend.

Seeing Stars

2011-11-09T13:36:00.000-05:00

I love all these installments of Find Your Eye.....and the opportunity to write about one again today. Hard to find a space to let the mind just ramble around. When it hits at the same time as inspiration....it's all good.

I don't know when it hit me, perhaps 6 months ago, I was watching TV one night and started noticing beautiful light in the moving pictures. Pathetically, it may have been Survivor or maybe even my guilty pleasure Project Runway. ("Designers, I'm sending in your models.") Most scenes in either show are normally not anything special, but as lead ins-Survivor has amazing shots of landscapes and local wildlife, and Project Runway uses "golden hour" light glazing off tall buildings. All of a sudden I thought "wow".

Sun and Grasses

This week's challenge we were asked to think about cinematography in films and how it might influence or help our photography. There were some suggested films known for excellence in cinematography. What a wonderful excuse to watch "The King's Speech". Confessing, I hadn't read the assignment until the night after I watched the film-great timing-but I had noticed the cinematography in several scenes. I think this may be my eye starting to clue in to those things.

There was one scene in particular....an outdoor scene where the 2 main characters are walking on a promenade beautifully back lit, intense light with some sun flare. One character stops and the other keeps moving forward toward the camera and the depth of field and long vanishing line became more and more prominent. Amazingly done.

Late Summer
Not a promenade, but a sense of back lighting and sun flare here. Love this look.

I also noted scenes that took place inside the speech therapist's office. The walls were colored a turquoise blend. At first when the King was reluctant and unsure, the lighting was flat against the walls. As the two become better acquainted and more comfortable, they shift position in the room, to a warmer space, more intimate, less standoff-ish and barren.

I have noticed too in film, the change of focus. Something I never considered until recently. I know photography is bringing this out. I watched a lot of Boston Legal episodes. They did a lot with conversations between characters while showing both, yet changing the focus from one to another, even to capture a facial expression.

Laura and Carol

While I know this isn't a great photo, it is an example of the focus on one person with the other more distant...something I thought about when I was taking and later viewed the photos. Direct influence of watching moving film.

I love the thought of looking for these things in moving pictures. I love too that I have instinctively started doing this, unconsciously to consciously. Now I will be even more aware. I hope I can continue to follow the story lines.

Thanks Kat for this thought provoking subject. I think it will pay dividends.

Tired Sunday Scavenger

2011-11-06T10:34:00.000-05:00

Linking with Ashley for this week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday. Love this....as always, thanks to the fab hostess.

This whole fall back thing and that joy of an extra hour of sleep...totally over-rated. I was awake at 5. That's not good. I usually wake up at 7, so that means I lost an hour of sleep. I'm doing something wrong apparently. I will refrain from the bitch moan of light gone by 5 p.m. Grrrrrrr.

This week scavenger list: Food, Purple, In Disguise, Shapes, and Photog's Choice.

For some crazy reason I decided to put all the topics into one image. I know. Weird, but kind of cool at the same time. I can't decide if I like it or not, but I'm going with it.

Red Hot Roses

Red Hot
Food: At a downtown coffee and sandwich place

Asters
Purple: Likely the last of any fall flowers.

Pink Mohawk
In Disguise: Outside a downtown clothing shop.

Picket Fence
Shapes: A pretty boring fence shot that seemed to work for my lead image but seems pretty bland here.

Dozen Roses
Photog's Choice: Needed this pop of color. Closed for the night flower shop.

That's it. Now on to enjoy this beautiful day before that early sunset. Hope you have a great day too.
Thanks for stopping by.

Where Art Thou Art-eo?

2011-11-05T21:11:00.000-04:00

Another fabulous installment of Find Your Eye....thank you Kat. If you think you'd like to find your eye (and I do highly recommend it), zip over to Kat's brand new site-bigger and better than ever-and find out when the next journey begins.

I Love Art

This challenge required considering the notion of art and artist and where you fall down or line up in the scheme of things. I am in the midst of taking an Art Appreciation course. I've had several blogger friends ask me if I'm enjoying it and I definitely am. I have been writing a lot of papers-pretty much one due every week-although I know this is great practice, and especially helpful for students transitioning from high school to college, yikes....it's cutting into my time. But, I'm learning a lot. Just ask me about the color wheel or the principles of design. Go ahead; I've got tools in the toolbox where 2 months ago the cupboard was bare.

One of the first essays I had to do was on "What Is Art?" I even wrote it on my blog rather than as a traditional paper. What I blabbered on about (hey, we had to turn in at least 2 pages) ended up in concluding.....

What is art? I don't know. It may be an image you like, the process of creating, the way light flows over form, a yearning from within, a famous work in a gallery or coffee table book, or the emotion felt when you see or create an image or artistic piece. I guess art is whatever you want it to be whenever you want it to be that.

......and an artist is someone who creates; someone who believes they are a creative being.

I wonder about the role of those who are purely artists. How they come to sustain themselves as such without being "starving artists" with back-up plans. How they stand up boldly and say "this was inspired by birds in the trees on Easter morning" and I'm looking at a pile of left over sardine cans. Do they really feel, see, sense it? Who am I to say they do or don't? Some art appeals to me; some doesn't. Is there anything such as "good" art or "bad" art? I suppose there is, but who am I to judge or critic? I am no one, or I am everyone, or I am just one. Live and let live. I'd like to think that my art touches someone, and I suppose an artist who compiled a group of sardine cans representing birds in the trees dares to offer their creation in hopes that it may reach others. Does it matter if it does? Not sure.

Banner Selfie
(note to self: bulky lens, cell phone, and car keys in jacket pocket do NOT help svelte profile)

Whether someone looks and likes or doesn't look or doesn't like my photos.....do I care? Does it give merit to the artist I am? If someone likes-well it certainly doesn't hurt, BUT I am moved to take photos. I am an artist. My creative being scratches and yearns to do, to be useful, to feel. I would take photos if no one was looking. I have to. It has stopped being optional. But will I always have this "need"? Don't know. I say "don't know" a lot. I think it's okay to say "don't know"....or as a good Mainer might say "hard sayin', not knowin'"...hope you can add in the accent.

I don't know when I decided that I was an artist. I don't know what was "the tipping point". I don't know that it matters. I do know that I own the artist moniker. I bestowed it upon myself. In owning it, some positive energy has come to me. Someone recently bought one of my photos, I was recently asked to shoot some senior portraits for a friend's daughter, and this fall I submitted a photo collage and my image was selected to be the cover for the choral group "Voices From the Heart" brand new CD. My collage has been duplicated 2,000 times. How cool is that? This is the first time I've been able to share the image and that news publicly.

Voices From the Heart

"Don't Wanna Wait for Heaven"

Wanna buy one? voicesfromtheheart.org....$15 well spent. I hear the cover art is spectacular. :)

Actually, the recording will be sold for the first time next week, so I don't know that it is even available on line YET. Check back.

Not only are the images mine, but I play African drums to accompany some of the recorded songs, and in earlier years-my hearing was good enough to sing some of these. I'm an artist all over the place in this regard. Am I bragging? I hope not. Just passing on my smiles.

Thanks for reading my thoughts on art and artists. Thanks Kat for helping me dig around inside and figure these things out....or at least put a dent in them.

Weekend Reflections

2011-11-04T20:29:00.000-04:00

Linking with my friend James for this week's Weekend Reflections. Zip on through and check out the lovely assortment of amazing photos for yourself.

I'm low on reflections again this week. Don't know what's up with that. Hmmmm. But I do have a few to share.

Reflection

This is a tiny little selfie on the side of the motorcycle headlight.....I know, that's a real stretch, but it's kind of fun.

Near the Docks
Now this is a nice catch from last weekend. Did an early morning shoot. Abandoned pilings near the lobster wharf. The following morning, I'm sure they were covered with snow.

Making it a quick dip into reflections this week. Hope to be back with a stronger showing next week. Have a great weekend.

I Love POV

2011-11-01T22:11:00.000-04:00

Another wonderful lesson from Kat over at Kat Eye Studio (check out her HOT new site) for Find Your Eye. There was a time that I never thought I would find my eye. I think I might have to eat those words. I'm finding my eye all over the place and loving that. As always....thank you Kat!

When I first read about this lesson I couldn't wait to try it. A familiar object, 20-30 pics, from a variety of POVs (points of view). Yupper, I was all ready to run out there and "get 'er done". Yee-hah. Well yesterday by chance, I finally did "get 'er done". Geez Louise, could there be a little less work and a little more play in my life, please and thank you.

On my lunch break after the gym, a morning of work, and before an afternoon of work, passing out Halloween candy, and a 4 1/2 hour drum/choral rehearsal....(I think I'm just justifying my claim to busyness) I thought I'd get a quick little walk on the beach with Tula. I was NOT thinking about FYE, or POV, or XYZ, or PDQ, I was thinking about multi-tasking lunch, dog walk, and exercise...but I did bring my camera JIC....that's just in case and I just made that up.

That's about the time that, up near the cement wall sheltering a shoreline house from nature,

I spotted this:

Lobster Trap

A kindly person had likely rescued it, carefully wound the lines and placed the buoy atop in hopes that the lobsterman might come by and retrieve it. They lose a lot of equipment to the rage of the sea, and it is expensive to replace.

Anyway.......
I took this photo of it:

Floater
This floater was dangling off to the side and I guess this is what my normal POV would be. I'm often a vertical shooter and I normally shoot not the whole thing, but a part of it. No clue what that's about, but it just is. I took a couple other snaps when I suddenly realized I could add another "task" to my routine and make it a lunch/dog walk/exercise/FYE moment.

Not everyone was super pleased about an additional "task" being added to "their" moment in the sun.

Super Pup

I took about 35 photos from a lot of different angles. I was working with midday sun which is my least favorite, and there was a yellow dog standing on the wall above my head, but for FYE I soldiered on.

Black and Orange
It was Halloween yesterday....hence the title. I think this is my favorite of the group. The green and pink tags are required markings. I'm always amazed for something so utilitarian how many colors there are involved in a trap. I'm sure I would have missed this shot without being inspired by Kat to really explore lots of angles.

Lines
I don't know if the color of the lines (lines, not ropes....big "faux pas" to call them ropes) has any significance, but I see a lot of different colors out there. This is from the top looking down.

\
Trapped in Shadows
I was thinking about my classmate Brenda when I took this shot. Honestly, without her influence in the last couple FYE classes, I wouldn't have taken this shot.....thanks Brenda. I would love to see what she might do with this shadow, I'm sure I didn't do it justice.

Caught
And without this lesson idea running through my head, I wouldn't have snapped this shot of the sand wedged into the side of the trap. It reminded me a bit of one of those drip castles kids make on the beach in the summer.

The only angle I didn't go after was one from the ground. I would have had to lay in the sand and on a multi-tasking walk, between morning and afternoon office shift, sand everywhere was not really an option (it's bad enough just on shoes). I'm sorry about that; I love images from a low POV, yet it is something I often forget to do. I'm trying to be better about that.

Buoy

Tula was quite happy to move along down the beach and I did make it back to the office in time. All in all that's very successful multi-tasking if you ask me.

Looking through all the photos I took, my favorites were the close ups and partial shots. I didn't like the photos featuring the entire trap. My first shot that I took before I was even thinking about POV was one of my favorites, but there were several I would have missed without slowing down to give this discarded trap some thought. I really enjoyed this lesson and hope to use it again and again.

Texture Creative Tuesday Exchange

2011-11-01T12:51:00.015-04:00

Linking with the Queen of Textures, Kim Klassen over at Texture Tuesday.

Also linking with the wonderful Lisa at the Creative Exchange if I can locate her at her new spot for linking creativity....I'm sure I will, eventually.

There's something about using textures that glides my mind and creativity to someplace that doesn't feel quite like my "niche". Somehow I think I have to use a photo with a romantic feel, simplicity of a good life, pretty, flowers, charming.....I don't know....can't quite put my thumb or finger on it. It seems I choose images and then the end result, although lovely, doesn't quite say me.

For the last couple months I've been trying to be consistent in linking with Texture Tuesdays to up my texture ability. It is fun to play around with them in PS and see the results of others. I believe if I just keep playing, I'll eventually find something that feels more comfortable for me. Today I think maybe I got somewhere, and that means....yay, I figured something out. That's always a good thing.

This week over at Kim's blog we were to use the texture "And then Some"....those are pretty easy rules. I especially the pattern along the top edge. Over at Lisa's blog, as long as you share something that comes from the heart, you're in the right place.

Fall Grasses
I do love this photo. I'm kind of a sucker for grasses blowing in the breeze. I have a bunch of grassy shots in my archives. Here's one I took this week on a cloud covered day. See? Romantic, charming, a feeling of simplicity in life. Nice. I think it turned out really well, but it doesn't feel quite like me.....so I decided to try something else.

Tres

While I don't think this photo is as strong as the grasses image, I like the end result. This is my friend Randy playing his new tres guitar. It is a Cuban guitar with paired arrangement of 6 strings giving it a unique sound. I like the effect of the same texture on this photo. I used 5 or 6 layers, but by using "difference" or "exclusion" (I forget which) on one it gave me an effect that I like. It has the feel of jazz or blues. Glad I took the time to do some experimenting.

Thanks for checking out my textured images and creative wanderings. One of these days I'll figure these things out.

SHS

2011-10-30T11:55:00.000-04:00

That's right! Scavenger Hunt Sunday hostessed by the one, the only, the wonderful Ashley. Head on over.

Crabby-city this morning looking at 3 wet and yucky inches of snow. I'm NOT going to shovel. I am going to wait for the seasonally acceptable weather that will melt it off my driveway. There. Take that ol' Mother Nature!!

This week's Scavenger, as always, was lots of fun. If you haven't tried this weekly event, I encourage you to. It is always fun-and one of the high lights of my blogging week. Could be one of your highlights too.

The topics this go-around were: Macro/Close-Up, Found Texture, Home, Cover, and The Tree.
Onward.

Jeans

Macro/Close Up: My favorite attire, and pretty much it. Everything goes with a pair of jeans.

Coconut Frosting
Found Texture: Not a fan of coconut, but the rest of the cake was pretty good. How can you tell the birthday girl "no" just due to the coconut? You can't.

At Home

Home: Princess P living the good life at the other end of the sofa. My pets make me feel "at home".

Frosty

Cover: Do you know the saying, "Frost on the pumpkin"? I was trying to explain to my friend from England that it doesn't necessarily mean it's ON the pumpkin, it's sort of code for it's a cold morning. She said "but we don't have pumpkins in England"....lost in the translation a bit.
The other day I found the literal frosty cover on the pumpkin after a sane and reasonable dusting of snow. Today's snow is not sane or reasonable. Trick or Treat is right-definitely a trick.

Autumn Silhouette
The Tree: I suppose "the tree" had some special meaning that I forgot to write down. This is two "the trees" that looked especially "the lovely" against dusk.

Ready, Aim, Fire

2011-10-26T12:20:00.000-04:00

Thinking through my shooting style as the next "challenge" in my journey of inspiration. Thanks Kat.

If someone had asked me a year, maybe even 6 months ago, what my shooting style was my reply would likely have been "I don't know", or "I don't think I have a shooting style." I'm so much smarter now, "tanks be to Gott" as they say with a heavy accent.

Beach Shadow

I normally shoot photos alone; my dog my only companion. The rare times when I go to a destination with friends (who are not taking images) I rush shots and can't settle down to concentrate or make adjustments. I like shooting photos alone-though I talk to myself, so it's likely if I had a similarly skilled photog with me, I would really enjoy that. I'm trying to connect with one of my FYE classmates who by chance lives two towns away. How cool is that?

I think it's safe to say I didn't have a photography teacher. I've been my own teacher for the last year and a half. Therefore I didn't pick up any habits-good or bad-from anyone. I set out with my little point and shoot and started taking photos, and more photos, and more photos. I should credit the digital photography class I took last fall for a little guidance-helping me with ISO, aperture, and shutter speed...but the info came all in a clump, without a sense of "concentrate on this" or "start here"....so I'm going to stay with it's mostly about me. That comes with compliments and blame too. 99% of the time I shoot strictly manual.....if I would READ my MANUAL I could expand to aperture priority or one of the other cool functions. (Hello me, get off your butt and do this please).

Spoon Rest

Over time I've realized I don't really like shooting at home. I will on a rainy, snowy, or miserable day-or when light pours in through the windows and I can't help myself. I can't see me dedicating a room to "studio" with lights, black backdrops, and those big white umbrella things-I think they reflect light somewhere. Maybe later...never say never.

I travel light. I don't tote along any equipment, mostly because I can't afford it and I won't spend money on fad things....I did borrow a long zoom for a couple months last spring, and one of those might be on the wish list, but for now I'm living and managing. I have my kit lens (which I'm starting to find limiting) and my nifty-fifty 50mm/f 1.8. I don't even have a camera bag so when I carry both lenses, I put one lens inside one of those "footie" socks. If I want to switch out, I can do that by just rolling down the sock a smidge, changing covers, and I'm off and running. What can I say? New England practicality, and a touch of poverty. I do have a borrowed tripod. It's always in the car and rarely used. I'm so accustomed to physically moving around, I find it entirely too cumbersome. Using a tripod would be a good place to make some improvements and stretch, especially as the days grow shorter and darker.

Tiger

I love this photo. It has vibrant color, was taken in great light and then there's the lucky find of an old sloppy snow fence making those cool shadows. The fact that the side mirror looks like an ear and the headlight an eye-well that was just bonus stuff I saw much later at home.

This image typifies the rest of my style. I wasn't looking for this shot, in fact I didn't even SEE this shot. I parked in a lot near this car, walked right past it, across the street for some open views of the marsh (yawn). As I was returning to my parked vehicle-I came upon this-like magic. That's how I like to shoot. Magically. Something unexpected, in natural late or early day light, maybe with some lines or texture or color, and something that makes me say out loud to no one but me "oooh, look at that". Sometimes someone replies-a nearby stranger perhaps laughing at me. Or smiling. Or considering me a candidate for insanity.

I would really, really, really, really (that's 4 reallys) like to travel for the sole purpose of taking photos. I'm pretty tired of my home area, despite its beauty and charm. I try to stay inspired, but I've done a lot of "work" around here. I can't really travel (reference above about no dinero) but there is a chance I may get to go to Cuba next summer. That would be awesome-and hot. All depends on the pocketbook. Got extra money and want to bankroll my trip? Kidding....sort of...call me.

Thanks for reading about my shooting style and letting me ramble on. It helps me "get it". Apparently, my therapist has trained me well or is an amazingly patient woman.

On the Doorstep

Creative by the Seat of the Pants

2011-10-25T08:06:00.000-04:00

Linking with Lisa today for the "creative exchange" one of my most favorite link ups for I must think and feel in order to be satisfied with what I choose to share. While it is about images, it's really not, in the same breath. Thanks to my friend Lisa for hostessing such a lovely spot to sit and ponder while looking at all the amazing talent out there in the blog-o-sphere.

Sand

You know that line or phrase..."you had me at hello"? Well, that's kind of how this scene was for me. All those wavy lines with the earliest peeks of sun warming them in the quietness of an early morn. It was one of those "I have to have this; it is not optional shots." I'm glad it worked out. If I look at this one I can get right back to that spot.

I should do that more often. I need to wear glasses that have this image taped to the inside of them between my eyes and the world. Perhaps I'll become famous like Jonas Salk and his polio discoveries....for my way to lower blood pressure (or for looking totally ridiculous with images taped to the inside of glasses).

This is the "seat of the pants" part of today's post. I have no clue where my mind might jump around to next. Perhaps my chair here at the computer should come with a safety seat belt just in case the ride gets bumpy. Crap, am I channeling my inner Mae West when I say that? I didn't even know I had an inner Mae West. I actually am still doubtful on that. Are you still there? I think I'm all over the place today and as a reader you might need to stop and take a breath and click "next blog" if I'm not more careful. I do have many endearing qualities. I'll move along and try to make them more apparent.

Mama's Best Girl

OK....how about someone who is "dear" to me, and maybe sees my endearing qualities, especially around 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. when the ol' chow dish gets filled? I don't get great close ups of Tula too often; she's not a fan of cameras-she tolerates, and often looks in the other direction. If she were a human she would likely be standing with arms crossed and tapping one foot thinking silently "hurry up, hurry up, hurry up, hurry up!!"

You know, like a teenager.

Early Wake Up

All right, now this is more serious. Same morning. All three of these shots were from the same morning last week. It was an inspiring beautiful start to the day. I do participate in a couple Flickr groups for fun, sort of hit or miss. People in one of my groups were taken by this image-and it made it to "Explore" and got something like 600+ views. That was pretty exciting as well. Sometimes I think what I'm doing is just sort of goofing around, and then I come upon a day like this when God is smiling on me and I think "wow". Life is funny like that.

Thanks for bearing with my crazy mood swings du jour and for peeking at my morning images. I'm off to sit in a 3 hour real estate course.....that may have something to do with getting my silliness out early. Have a wonderful day!

Speed Walking

2011-10-23T22:22:00.000-04:00

I totally blew this "challenge" from Kat on my Journey of Inspiration. But, it's my journey and well, if I'm going to blow it, I might as well own it. This lesson was on being observant sans camera. The idea was to take a nice gentle walk and observe things that you might miss with a big 'ol camera stuck on your face. Yah.

My piano teacher used to tell me I was the master of excuses. I'm sure she was right. I am not making excuses now though. I didn't take a walk, but I did the exercise from my car instead. On Thursday morning I had to tour a bunch of houses in the community for my real estate job. It was just a quick peek and then on to the next. Sometime between house 2 and house 3 I remembered I had this "challenge" and it became forefront in my mind. It was much nicer to think about observing the world than thinking about the houses, work, and being polite to the other brokers on tour.

Anywho....geez I get off track awfully quickly.....I decided to look around my world as I drove from location to location. No camera, just noticing things I drive by often and don't give much thought to. The hay bales by the red farm, the stone wall close to the golf course, the door of the local "mom and pop", the large bay doors at the fire station, the view from the bridge. I noticed a lot. It was much more fun than what I was supposed to be doing. (I did pay attention inside the houses though.)

I have a blogger friend, Anita. I've mentioned her before. Her blog is did you bring your camera? I remember when I first found her blog, I fell in love with that title-and her amazing photos-and the advice behind it. It was saying, bring your camera everywhere. I listened to Anita. Once in a great while when I don't have my camera.....or when I'm driving and can NOT use my camera, I catch myself saying "click". I see an instance, setting, person, happening....and my brain is pushing the shutter-so much so I say click out loud. I'm seeing "a moment" to capture. And a moment is a moment, and then it has passed.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I believe Kat's premise was about slowing down and looking. It is something I'm trying to do more and more when I'm out shooting photos. Sometimes I get all excited and totally miss things. I've been trying to be consciously aware of allowing myself that little "thrill" and then stopping and sometimes sitting down for maybe 10 minutes to see what it is I missed. It does help.

Stones

Today was rather dreary and gray. I took my sweet dog Tula for a walk and then stopped at a quiet rocky beach. There's really nothing there except stones. Perfect for detailed noticing....and not an easy place to find something to "shoot".

Big and Small

I do like these shots, but you could seriously take a million photos just like these and still only be a 1/3 of the way down the shore. I am not a "rock star". So, I walked slowly and cast my eyes around for something....that wasn't a rock or stone.

Blue Glove

BAM!! Ugly ass blue lobsterman's glove. Likely lost overboard and washed ashore. There was other lobster stuff too. Little pieces of colorful lines, small bits of metal lobster traps, a couple of buoys that someone had propped upright in a pile of stones. I guess any of those other things would have been a lovelier shot than the glove. Oh well. I sort of liked the way the twigs and vines had surrounded it. But, it is ugly.

Heart in Hand

Where there is doubt; faith. Where there is sadness; joy.

Get past the ugly blue glove and there is a nearly perfect heart stone. I'm always amazed when I find one of these, especially amongst such a large collection of rocks.

Mussel Shells

And these purple mussel shells caught my eye too. Something else to notice on a gray day amongst all the gray stones.

Even though I didn't really do this exercise correctly, I think I did it well enough to "get it". I truly did find my head on a swivel while driving all around town. I couldn't stop-all I could do was notice and wish I had my camera. I do think the exercise would be helpful for a time when inspiration is fleeting. I'll have to remember to give it a try then.

Fork

Maybe the lobsterman dropped his glove AND his plastic fork. Who knows?

Thanks for stopping by and taking a trip around my brain full of foolishness. Thanks Kat for great thought provoking lessons, on foot or on wheels.

Sunday, and you know what that means....

2011-10-23T10:43:00.000-04:00

Time for Scavenger Hunt Sunday! Yay! Thanks to our wonderful hostess Ashley!

Been, as they say in Maine, "wicked" busy. I hate it when I'm too busy to blog. Just ain't "nat'rul". I am in the midst of two classes, one with the fabulous and famous Kat-Find Your Eye, and one at the local community college on Art Appreciation. Both are requiring time and effort-of the good kind. Last week for my college class I was asked to do a critic of a painting. That damn paper took me most the week. How can one criticize Winslow Homer? Who am I to judge?

Breezing Up 1873-1876

Winslow Homer

I mean, it took the guy 3 years to paint it! I had to come up with minimum 3 pages to critic it. Yikes.

I said nice things. So, if I've not been by to say hello, I will. I've just been busy getting to know Mr. Homer.

I have had time for the Scavenger Hunt however. I do have priorities. This week's topics were:

Words, Under, Orange, Fly, and Always Look on the Bright Side.

Fresh Eggs

Words: Love the local hand painted signs I see around. There is a charm, that I sometimes overlook, about living in a rural area.

Arches

Under: On Friday, after having spend the WHOLE week writing that damn Winslow Homer paper, my art class went the the Portland Museum of Art where I found these arches. You know what? There were also about 10 Winslow Homer pieces too! Very cool after, you know, a long week.

Touch of Fall

Orange: Soon these puppies will be all over the ground and I'll be bitchin' about raking. For now, they're kind of pretty.

One Gull

Fly: Is it okay to love your own photos? This was a beautiful morning. Just snap in any direction...no bad photos. But the lone bird was a nice bonus.

Rich Smile

Looking on the Bright Side: Pure stranger. Waiting outside the art museum. Sweet, energetic, fun. Just her smile made me happier.

Thanks for taking a peek at my images today. No paper for art class this week. Midterm instead. I am getting much smarter though. Have a great day.

Weekend Reflections

2011-10-21T16:12:00.000-04:00

Linking with James for this week's Weekend Reflections. If you don't know this linky, please check it out. Always great fun and great photos from around the globe.

Well after my faux pas of not having any reflections last week, I was on the extra hyper reflection alert this week as if I'm not obnoxious enough already. On the rare occasion when my mother might be with me while I'm taking a photo....if I stop and say "look at that"-she has a little sing songy thing that goes "ree-flec-tions". It's debatable who may be more obnoxious.

Red and Yellow

'Tis the season. I don't think we've had a hard frost yet (usually happens late September) so the leaves are confused on what to do this year. Here's a nice patch that must have high IQs.

Pizza Reflections

This is an example of knowing you're a smidge over the top with the reflection thing. I knew that neon "Pizza By Alex" would be reflecting somewhere. While waiting for my mushroom pizza to bake, I took a look around outside. I wonder if the owner of this truck was watching me through the window. I like that I found the sign and the buildings along the street. The pizza was very good too.

At Dawn

I woke up pretty early one morning....which I wasn't too happy about it. The photos I captured totally made up for my displeasure.

Tranquil

Jus' Sayin'

Sunny Side of the Street

On the other end of a different day, the last of sun reflected in a Kennebunkport shop window.

Thanks for visiting and checking out my reflection shots. Happy weekend to you.

What's Your Problem?

2011-10-18T21:59:00.000-04:00

Happy to be taking Kat's latest class "Journey of Inspiration". I mean, who doesn't want to be inspired? Hopefully I will become or will find or will learn or will something in the inspiration department. This is the 3rd class of Kat's I've taken so I have little doubt that inspiration is right around the corner. If you haven't checked out or joined in one of Kat's classes, I highly recommend them.

Our first challenge was thinking about "solving problems". Hmmmm. Photography is what I do to get away from dealing with problems. My work as a realtor of late seems to be all about problems: angry sellers, stressed out buyers, moldy basements, foreclosures, negotiations, too many sellers not enough buyers, unsettled consumers worried about the economy, etc, etc, etc. I thought I used photography to escape all that. Hmmmmm. Frankly; I'm sick of problems.

None the less, it's Kat. And Kat knows best, so onward.

Sand Castle (SOOC)

This is a really, really early photo of mine. I remember the day I took it. It was the first time I'd built a drip castle in over 35 years. It was taken with my point and shoot camera within the first month of my photo taking career.

After the fun of creating the castle (to fulfill the prompt word "drizzle") I was ready to photograph. The light was getting strong, but it was still mid morning. I could sense that being on one side or the other (ha, ha, ha....it's a ROUND castle....doh) would offer better light, but I couldn't figure out which angle would be best. I went around several times, shooting from one side then the other. When I got home, one of the images "won" and the others went into the scrap pile. Deleted.

Thousands...

Nearly Summer

...and thousands....

Steam

...and thousands of....

Shadow Dance

photos later, I think I may have a pretty good handle on light (not that I don't have plenty more to learn). I think the immediate feed back of a digital camera has been the teacher; the problem solver. If you visit my blog often enough you know of my love affair with light. It is what I think of as my biggest inspiration. I'm trying to accept new paramours into my line up. If they were to stand in beautiful golden hour light, I'd be more likely to let them into my heart. (Maybe there are more problems here than I originally thought.)

Perhaps I am too loyal or faithful. Too drawn in. A slave to light's charms. But I think I have learned to walk around it, find the color, shadow, angle, and result that I'm looking for. To see it, and know that is what I want. Practice, practice, practice. That too is how you get to Carnegie Hall.

Ok, yippee for me. I've worked it out. Now on to more problems. Geez....this is just like real estate. Blech.

When I first read Kat's lesson, immediately what popped into my head was exactly what she'd sited for example; high-contrast light situations. It feels like cheating to say that too is my struggle du jour, but it is. Sometimes I can hear myself saying "I want that shot....but I don't know how to get it."

Yuck (SOOC)

I mean, yuck, yuck, yuck and yuck.

After PS help I did end with something passable, but not as good a shot as I'd hoped for.

River Runs Through It

I lost the impact of the rushing water and the clarity is suspect. Rats. More practice, practice, practice.

Lately, some high contrast shots have been getting better. Yay.

In the Air

And some things are still experimentations gone awry.

Contrast Hell

Rooftops and Trees-aka Photoshop hell

This beautiful rotunda room at Quincy Market in Boston was so inspiring, but I couldn't seem to capture what I wanted. In my defense, my best friend called while I was snapping pics, and talking on your cell and snapping shots at the same time-bad mix. I did get some nice framed shots, which was primarily what was on my mind that day in that space.

Framed

I think when struggling with a problem, it's good to remember the many things you do do correctly while you kick yourself and piss and moan that you can't get the other shots you'd hoped for. Truth is....I took over 400 shots that day in Boston and have lots of winners. And....since I didn't capture the mixed lighting scenario in the rotunda, I guess I'll have to go back another time and try again. Road trip!!

I think two things helped me learn to better capture light....practice, practice, practice and relying on my camera to give me feedback. This can also help in high contrast situations. My camera can be a teacher. I am already getting better at assessing while I'm on site, checking the display, looking for places where the image is blown out. I know that dark areas can be brought up, but blown out spots can't be recovered. I also need to keep working with PS and become better at editing my photos. Certainly these tools-and dedicated practice-will give me the results needed soon enough. Then I can save problems for my yucky old day job.

Thanks for stopping by to share in my learning musings. Hope your problems will stay at bay.

Chair Exchange

2011-10-17T07:49:00.000-04:00

Linking with Lisa for this week's Creative Exchange. Many thanks Lisa.

Love Lisa's link! This is 2...yes, ladies and G's....2-Mondays in a row I'm linking up in a timely fashion. Whew. I'm usually linking late on Thursday or missing out altogether, despite best intentions. Maybe it's the Monday thing. I have creative ideas, but they're not "slap-dash" as my mother would say or "add water and stir" as I would say. I know it's going to take a few minutes to put them together....and who has a few extra minutes on a Monday morning? Nobody. Unless your princess cat wakes you earlier than your alarm clock. I'll move along.

I was thinking this morning, sometime between cat and alarm clock, about music....because I was thinking about this post. I was remembering how often my parents used to listen to music when I was growing up. The records (LP's) were stacked 5 deep on the automatic dropping turntable. My mom used to sing and dance with me when I was a toddler. By age 8 I knew ALL the words to the songs from Cabaret, and sang along with Barbara Streisand...."Funny, do you hear that? Funny. The guy said 'Honey....you're a funny girl". No clue what I was singing, just singing.

See, this is not add water and stir.

I'm getting to my point. My father had a Burt Bacharach album-undoubtedly "greatest hits". My Dad is not so much the musician-OK, he's a horrible musician-but this album was one he enjoyed. I sang along with Burt too. Bacharach's songs usually beautifully composed and arranged, often had a melancholy nature to them. The other day I was out shooting photos-near dusk-and came upon a beautiful chair. Ever since I shot the photos, I can't get "House is not a Home" out of my head. I wonder if you know that hauntingly sad song?

Chair 100

A chair is still a chair......

Chair 78

.....even when there's no one sitting there.

Chair 82

But a chair is not a house, and a house is not a home....

Chair 91

...When there's no one there, to hold you tight,

And no one there, you can kiss goodnight.

I told you it was kind of sad. But I thought this chair was beautiful and the setting sun I could see from the chair's vantage point equally lovely. Made for a lovely and emotional capture for me....and that's what it's all about. Right Lisa?

Hope you have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping by.

Ode d'Scavengeur

2011-10-16T11:29:00.000-04:00

Linking with the fabulous Ashley because, it's Sunday and that means......Scavenger Hunt Sunday...woot!

This week's topics were a little tough, but I'm going to "make it work", like Tim Gunn always tells the designers on Project Runway. God I love that show. A guilty pleasure for certain.

I was on the lookout for: Abstract, Round, Fire, Seeing Faces in Strange Places, and Stars.....
on with the show.

Car Crash

Abstract: I suppose it could be stomach ache too....but after I finished messing around with this, it reminded me of a car crash with smoke coming from the wrecked vehicles. Would you believe me if I told you this started as a photo of soup? 'Tis true.

Friends

Round: I went on a great hike with a group of friends yesterday. We circled up and did a group cheer at the end before parting. Reflecting on the day I'm reminded of the importance of friends. I love that the participants were an inter-generational mix of women-we have so much to offer one another.

(with Kim Klassen's "dream" texture)

Treetop

Fire: I know I'm stretching on fire. It's not a good leaf season this year. I think the "leaf peepers" are entirely disappointed. After seeing Jamie's foliage shot, (if you don't know the wonderful Jamie at Lyrical Journey, you should) all in yellow, it made me think about the variety of shades we get here in New England, including fiery orange/red.

Saab

Seeing Faces in Strange Places: Um, yah. Rainy days bum me out and provide little in the way of photo ops. This was a quick and unexpected catch between rain showers.

Window Pain

Stars: Something about this photo, which I like very much, has a haunting sadness about it, hence the title. It also has star patterns in the pretty laced curtains. I know they could be flowers, but work with me here; come on.

Those are my takes for the week....can't wait to see how others chose to interpret the topics. Have a great Sunday. Now I'm ready for some football!! Thanks to hostess Ashley too.

Weekend Reflections 350/365

2011-10-14T15:31:00.000-04:00

Linking with the fabulous James for this week's "Weekend Reflections".

I took a little look see through this week's images and there were NO reflection shots at all!

WHAT!?

That is totally NOT me. I'm always scouting out reflections somewhere along the way. And to have NONE?! That's like banishment from James' linky....until I dipped into the stash of unshared, unprocessed images (the backlog) and found a couple-o'-"thangs" I could share to tide me over. Next week I better be on double duty lookout for good reflection shots.

From a beautiful pink sky evening in mid-August:

Mousam River

From an especially pretty sun down at the end of July:

Low Tide

On a goofy day when I didn't feel like getting out of my car....side view selfies-real and with fun PS filters:

Camera in the Side View

Side View Mirror {350/365}

That's it for this week....I'll definitely step up may game for the next installment. Hope you have a great weekend and find lots of reflections too.

Texture Tuesday

2011-10-11T10:47:00.000-04:00

Linking up with Kim Klassen for Texture Tuesday.....take a peek through.

Today I used two textures, "just cause" and "ugglove black and white". Quite honestly, I chose just cause because of the subject I chose to texture-the irreverence of it all. As for the other texture-I kind of chose it for the same reason, but it worked out pretty cool I think. I wonder, and that is a problem of mine that I wonder too much, if it's ugg love or is it ug glove. I suppose I could wonder about that for hours and it wouldn't make a difference. I shall wonder about something else.

I went looking for a red subject vowing it would not be a flower, not that there's anything wrong with that. For me, when I use textures I almost always chose a flower, so I was branching out a bit, pardon the pun. Hope you like. It has made me hungry.

Burger and Fries

Have a wonderful day. Thanks Kim.

Sunny Exchange

2011-10-10T07:09:00.000-04:00

Linking with Lisa for this week's Creative Exchange, in a timely manner, please and thank you. That is called miraculous.

I've never considered myself a sunset enthusiast. It's not that I don't care for them, they're lovely, but I don't really seek them out. If I happen to catch one that's especially beautiful, great. If I miss out, I'm okay with that too.

My recent cache of photos would beg to differ, however. I've been privy to several beautiful sunsets lately and been caught in their rapture. What can I say? I think it's the time of year. I'm chasing light at the end of the day and the time is getting short. I've hardly begun taking snaps and the sun starts fading behind the tall trees. Being on the East coast....it's not easy to find an open space looking West to see the sunset, but a few days last week, by chance, I found myself in good locales. Guess that's what the glut of sundown photos is about.

October 3

It wasn't just me awed by this sky....there were a 1/2 dozen or more people spellbound by this show last Monday night right near where I was standing. The sky took on an amazing purple hue and people were taking shots will cameras and cell phones.

God's Glory

Purple Sky

Between Worlds

October 7

I wasn't planning to shoot a sunset this evening.....it was one of those "skip dinner and get an ice cream cone instead" nights. On the way home, a little bonus. I had seen a lot of vapor trails earlier in the day, and this last one of the day I believe made the image.

Brush Stroke

O'er the Plains

(This is my favorite)

October 8

The last couple nights felt like summer. Everyone has been out and about. I shot a bunch of photos near the beach Saturday night. On my way home I stopped at a nature preserve-an old farm property with open fields. I had to take a few shots. I mean, no one needs this many sunset shots! It's crazy. But I took them anyway.

Pink and Blue

Over Yonder

I'll save these for the next spate of rainy days.

Thanks for stopping by and getting "sunny" with me. Have a great day.

Thanks Lisa....did miss you last week. Glad you're up and running again.

Sunday Scavenger

2011-10-09T10:43:00.001-04:00

Linking with the kind and wonderful Ashley Sisk for this week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday.

This week's topics were: Landscape, The Color Wheel, Black & White, Food, and Blank Space

John Deere

Landscape: Tractorscape? There's land behind the tractor....and I think the people that own it live in that house off in the right corner.

Orange Flower

The Color Wheel: Analogous colors with a touch of green.

Three Clam Shells

Black and White: These 3 Quahog shells were left on the bridge post near the tidal waters. It is rare for me to place something in a spot to take a photo. I prefer to come along and find something that catches my eye. I wonder who collected these and forgot to take them home.

Pizza

Food: Pizza is one of my top major food groups. A great area restaurant "Flatbread" uses all organic ingredients and bakes in a brick oven. Only problem....it's so good I eat way more than I should.

Quiet American

Blank Space: A man and his thoughts looking out on the blank space of the Atlantic Ocean. Next port....Spain.

We are lucky enough to be enjoying unseasonably wonderful weather this weekend. It seems like everyone is out and about knowing this is the last chance for glory, probably until next April. I liked the solitude of this shot.

Weekend Reflections

2011-10-07T12:02:00.000-04:00

Linking with the uber-talented James for this week's weekend reflections

As in many other places, fall is making it's name known and frosty nights are upon us. Foolishly I've left my ~~very attractive~~ air conditioner (the ol' window rattl'r) in place in my bedroom. To remove it and store it away is admitting defeat; there will be no nice days left when a break from the heat might be welcomed. Who am I kidding? I live in Maine....we hardly need a/c in the summer. The point being, it's freezing in my house this morning. That a/c is working without even having been turned on. 56 is a bit too cool for sitting and blogging. I'm immensely layered. I guess it's time to pull the damn thing and admit it is fall.

In addition to colder temperatures, the light steels away from the sky earlier and earlier. My delight in chasing the light after dinner is no longer an option. If I want to catch the late day show, I must do so directly after work, and save dinner for a bit later. One night this week that's exactly what I did, with great results. I hope you like my images from along the Kennebunk River that divides Kennebunk from Kennebunkport. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great weekend.

Two Blue Chairs

Allyson

Willow

Criss-Cross

Sailboat