Wind Blown

I read an article recently about how to enhance portrait photography....away from the same old, day in and day out, familiar poses. It talked about the 'wind effect' created with a fan...if in a studio.

So...it was a pretty windy day so I thought I would try my hand on catching the windy view. Utilizing the self timer. Of course, the wind didn't cooperate too much ....not wanting to alter it's blowing perspective when I WANTED IT.

I tried and this is all I came up with. I'll try again...on a day when the wind seems to be a bit stronger and a bit more consistent...if that is possible.

Wonderfully Supportive

For those of you that know me in the least....you know when I get involved in something...I tend to go head over heals. I throw my every minute, every effort, and unfortunately sometimes....my every penny in to it. I grasp a hold of my passions and I run with them....as if they were the last thing in the world...the last thing in my life that I would do.

I want to exel at it.

I long for...something to be remembered by....maybe.

I need something to satisfy my creative cravings....a purpose...a challenge for today, tomorrow, the next...to keep my mind challenged...to keep it active and hopefully strong.

Sometimes, those around me....don't understand but....worst yet...sometimes....they don't support me...no matter how simple my goal might be.

So that is where my photography is right now...I believe....although in reality, I could be spending a whole lot more time, energy and money in to it. I have my camera every where I go...practically.....bag and all....lenses, flash, tripods....and all. And yet...I don't know where I'm going with it. I know where I'd like to go with it....but fear daily that there just isn't enough time to get THERE....away....from....behind...the....desk.

More than anything...I want to do it. I need to do it. It gives me that 'purpose', that 'creative purpose'. Although I make a big conscious effort to 'compromise'...I still fear I am 'in the way' with it all. But...my two BFF's just follow along...patiently...encouraging....supportive in more ways than I've ever experienced. And yet...I fear...someday.....he too will run.

I hope not...because...I do enjoy the support, the encouragement but more than anything....his company....his ability to be so free.

Rain Drops

I took a photography class not too long ago where the instructor joked throughout the session and field trip about "creating your own raindrops"...with a spray bottle...for photographs. Something I've never done before. Hadn't even thought about it. When we did the field trip, some of the other photographers were using that technique and I lucked out in having come in behind some of them where some of their "raindrops" remained.

This weekend....as we prepared for a second day of fishing...I noticed there were still rain drops from the mid afternoon rain on the flowers flourishing in the wild gardens on the property. What fun...capturing what I could...quickly. Again, I didn't use a tripod....I should have...but I still was able to capture some 'naturalities', some Mother Nature wonders.

I like the raindrops. The fuzzy edges. The dreamy looks.

Self Portrait...of Sorts

So...today...we are off for a 3 day weekend.....north....just the two (rather 3) of us. Normally there are others up there with us and although I do enjoy the company and the socializing and laughing and adventures that go along with it all....it's nice just to have a real relax weekend with just the two of us also (sorry, Lex....I mean 3).

Weekly Assignment - f16

One of the sites I follow with photo challenges that I have actually participated much in has the challenge of f16 photography this week. It gives me a chance to focus on something. I've done so much with the wider apertures lately that this will give me a bit of a change of pace. I captured this one tonight with f16....close to dusk...utlizing a back filter flash. The aster...showing some color.

Picking Time

I would much rather have been out assisting sweethearts and family members in picking the new harvest of Strawberries than sitting in front of the office computer for yet again, another 10 hours.

And again...the week is really just dragging out. One. More. Day. To. Go.

"Stay Cool"

These were the words to be found everywhere today.

STAY COOL

At the end of phone conversations.

In text messages.

In emails.

On the radio.

Weather.com....heat warnings.

From family, friends, suppliers, customers....even the UPS man.

When I left work tonight at 4pm CST...the car thermometer registered 98.

Yes....I live in the far northern region of the Mid West.

Yes...I moved out of Houston to get away from ...this....high 90s temperature....and HUMIDITY.

I....bought....a pool for...Lexi. :-))

The Chat

I just can't say it enough. I have some really awesome neighbors.

I had so much planned "to dos" tonight but as I wrapped up my evening hopeless "get rid of menopausal middrift" workout....I was invited over for a much needed R&R evening of refreshing, relaxing beverages and friendly girl gossip and chat.

The week....has been so long....and it is...ONLY MONDAY.

(Yet another...serendipity photo...taken in a haste...when it was almost too dark...because I did not want to give up again...on my Project 365. The reflections are awesome...are they not.

Father's Day - 2009

Simply put. It is Father's Day.

My sweetie spent the morning with his son...fishing...shooting bows...chatting...bonding.

I had another photography goal for the afternoon. One of my six final assignment pictures for my on-line class is to be sports, action pictures.

Sweetie initially stated he wanted to go to the motorcycle climb that was in town every year on Father's Day. What a perfect time to practice for just 'the right shot'.

IT WAS PACKED. Very difficult to work around the people. I was able to capture a few

but...overall was disappointed with what I captured. So...I've read a bit more on the subject and

hope...that soon...I can share...something much more exciting than ...this.....

Just a ...Little Bit Off

If you read my other blog....you know...last night was a personally trying evening...yes...even if for silly silly reasons.

I didn't sleep well...for whatever reason.

Today....I helped with another wedding. The church was hot. I melted...continuously. I was grumpy. I wasn't quite there...mentally....as I should have been. I worried too much about my capabilities. I used a newer lense I had.

I learned.....that when someone else is depending on you, you should use something more 'dependable'....something more familiar.....

You should get a good nights rest before hand.

You should not do something the day before that will get you mentally....going the wrong direction....even if it is for such silly silly reasons.

"Dear Friend, that I assisted. I apologize for not being completely there. I hope that...something was usable...if even just one.

Survival

An aster....showing its face...to say.....
I have survived. I am here. I have not......
gone away.

Patience....I will show my true colors.....soon.

Summer Sounds

And...summer is here. Streets filled with little bikers. Golf course filled with golfers from early morn til dark. Festivals...everywhere....every weekend...something new. Bats...ringing to the sound of contact with the baseball. Footballs sounding off to the slapping of hands. Young girls...laughing and gossiping at the park picnic tables. Young and old fishing at the bottom of the hill in the river. Children...running, laughing, playing in the park.

Busy as a......

Bee. This little guy was hard to photograph as he seemed to be extremely hungry....moving ever so quickly from one little blossom to another up and down the salvia spike. His legs...full of pollen....gathering so quickly so as not to share with another.

Busy...as...a....bee.

What the Eyes don't see

I walk around my little flower gardens....dreaming of bigger ones of course. This year, I am truly amazed, day in and day out, as to what came back after what seemed like six months of snow laden grounds. So many things that didn't seem to survive the winters in Houston. Heat tolerant, no care, perennial plants. Salvias, roses, sedums, succulents, bee balm.....and the list keeps going.

The rose plants seemed to have been adorned with buds for months (in actuallity only weeks) before they finally started showing some color...color that just naturally attracted the 'looking glass' to it.....to present...yet another surprise...of a little critter (of course, looking for it's next meal). A little critter that is still out there somewhere and although I see signs of it dining...I don't have the heart to.....stop it. The damage....currently....is tolerable.

It was a long winter. It seemed to drag on and on and .....on...into May....June.

I was determined to do my first midwestern vegetable garden this year and was excited to have some...somewhat cooler weather to do so. Not expecting it to last into June. Slowing the growth down of what was planted....and even....finishing some off before it got going. Okay...lesson learned.

Then....it got warm. Poof!!!! It grew...overnight....and here...here is the first harvest of my midwestern salad.

The only issue....the lettuce is awesome....the tomatoes....are only still just blooms!!!!

The Graduate

My dearest niece. You should be so proud of yourself. YOU DID IT!!! You graduated from high school. The next chapter now begins. The next chapter is for YOU to write. You and only YOU. The beginning. The middle. The CLIMAX. The.....end.

It is in your hands. People can talk to you, give you suggestions, guide you...maybe even provide some temporary financial assistance...but in the end...it is up to you now.

The path you take....the straight lines...the curves....lefts and rights...ups and downs....they will be there. It is part of this wonderful school of life.

You have finished high school but in no way or form is the....learning over with...the tests...the tribulations....the challenges...the losses....the WINS. They are and will be...from here on out...

Yours!!!!

You are a beautiful, wonderful person and you will go far.

Go get 'em, sweetie!!! We are your cheerleaders.

LOVE!!!!

Ready Rhubarb?

This guy just doesn't seem to understand that....the rhubarb just isn't quite ready for picking yet!!!!

Daisy Smiles

I took Lexi on a walk today on the Eisenbahm Trail but we started from what used to be my ending point when I rode my bike on it.

We had a wonderful time and were greeted by so many surprises. It really was one of those days when it was difficult to decide what picture to share.

I love those days. I will need to share more.

Macro Obsession

Yes....maybe I am obsessed with my new lense that has macro capabilities. I am really enjoying the 'up close and personal' thing right now with all the different spring/summer surprises that Mother Nature is blessing us with....after a long, restless winter. This sedum....must be created by Energizer....because it just keeps on going!!!!

Garden Smilies

I believe this little guy was as excited by the signs of spring as I was. His smile....made me smile!!!!!

Itsy Bitsy

This really is a very small little aster that, again, caught my eye because of the daisy like sunshiny face it has. Found when hiking a new trail.

Totally amazed that the picture came out as it did.

I continue to find that the best ones...are just...by chance...simple....serendipity. (Remember that...as it will...be seen again.)

FREE???

It's true. Periodically. You can find. Something free.

A local fishing tournament to encourage the young....and the old....to fish.
For four hours....actually for the entire day...statewide....anyone could fish without a license. To promote the sport.
Regardless of the fact that it was overcast and a cool June day with the threat of storms....and some actual drizzly moments......
The riverside was packed...with young and old.....
Fishing poles, chairs, jackets, umbrellas....worms....minnows.....laughter....support....encouragement.....

Where are the Butterflies

I highly recommend adding some of this bronze fennel to your landscape if you are looking for a variety of texture and color to add to a bed. Be sure you put it behind things that might be shorter as this one can get....well let's just say down south, I've seen it 5 feet tall. A couple in herb bed are 2 feet tall right now and the weather is just now warming up. This one gets a bit more shade and hasn't grown quite as much.

My main purpose for planting it though has been to try to entice in the butterflies that I so miss from down south. This plant is known to be one they will lay eggs on and their larvae will enjoy dining on it.

The 'Ugly Duckling'

It pops its head up amidst the beauty of the other wildflowers....insisting on being part of the ooo's and aahh's....shedding its seedlings....insisting on thriving for continued generations.

Dreams, Faith, Wonder of....What Next

A hope, a dream....to be an artist.

With a painter's pallete at her side, surrounded by a wonderful MidWestern public botanical garden filled with wonderful late spring/early summer blossoms of every size, shape, color and fragrance, her canvas reflects the first 'growth of her artistic garden'.

She wonders....which flower to add next, what next color, what next stroke....

What wonderful surroundings to inspire that artistic creative spirit in all of us.

Not What it Seems.....

It really isn't what it seems.....a tulip with fernlike foliage.

I visited with my mom a bit today and was excited to see that the bulbs I planted for her in the fall were coming up in places that we didn't think they were going to come up. They were just a bit slow due to a location with a little less sun to warm them up and urge them out of the ground.

This one looked so happy and comfy...in the midst of the soft fern bed...peaking its sunshiny face out...singing it's "Warmth is finally here" song to all.