A cardinal moment . . .

In response to the Weekly Photo Challenge – Rule of Thirds 

My dad was famous for giving me items that I could seldom use.  I could never quite figure out his gift at my baby shower – an old tool he found that I probably needed while creating the nursery.  A reamer.  Really, dad?

But there are many things he did give me that I will always be thankful for.  He was pretty good at photography, long before DSLR cameras.  He taught me about ISO – when it dealt with film (actual film) speed.  A tripod.  And a table tripod.

I remembered the table tripod recently when I realized the new macro lens I bought was ultra-sensitive to movement.  How was I ever going to capture the birds in the feeder with my shaky hands?

I figured out how to attach the table tripod to my camera’s body.  I realized I could take closeup shots of the birds in the Stained Glass Birdfeeder from INSIDE (the dirty windows aren’t in the field of focus – yea!!)

And just look at this!

at the feeder

The visitors to the feeder are very efficient – leaving me very little time to focus and shoot!  In fact, this cardinal was a one-time visitor, and I was lucky enough to capture him.

It’s not the best of shots, and I do realize that I need lots more practice with this lens.  But I’m so happy with this shot.

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Contrast

As I enjoy these gloriously sunny, warm and (mildly, please) humid days of summer, I change the perpetual calendar and realize that only six months from now, we will be in the throes of bitter cold January.  I should get rid of that perpetual calendar!

a winter surprise

I’m reminded of a recent October snow shower that surprised me, and provided a true test in contrast.  I love to sit out on the deck in the evenings, far into October, so I usually wait to ‘clear the deck’ until at least mid October.

Winter was certainly impatient that year!

 

Weekly Photo Challenge: Spring

What I thought would be an easy post turned into waaayyy more reminiscing than I bargained for!  So, thanks for that, WP!!

Of course, any garden blogger’s first thoughts of Spring are colorful flowers.  I knew I had some pictures of the kids helping me plant some color down at my Grandma’s house.  I had forgotten that the pictures I was looking for were now part of a scrapping project that has been an on-again-off-again event, like so many of the projects I have started.  But what I hadn’t expected was the trip down memory lane.

This scrapbook page was one of my first, and I’m very proud of it.

to grandmother’s house we go . . . . May 2003

I really like using actual developed pictures, although I understand there’s a whole other world of digital scrapping out there.  I haven’t tried it yet, but considering the fact that most of my pictures never see the outside of my computer screen, I should probably take it up.

Every spring, for the last 5 years of her life, Grandma had a visit from me and the kids on her birthday – May 29.  It was the perfect time to pick up a flat of flowers and decorate the two planters on her porch, then line the walkway with (low maintenance) marigolds.  She wasn’t much of a gardener, but she loved flowers.  All the neighbors would tell her how lovely it all looked.

That would prompt a proper thank you card and letter from Grandma.  Isn’t it really a shame how, not unlike the printed photograph, the days of actually writing a note and placing it in an envelope with postage has pretty much fallen by the wayside.

 

Be sure to check out all the other entries in this week’s Weekly Photo Challenge: Spring!

 

Weekly Photo Challenge: Unexpected

I like to wait until after Halloween to put the deck furniture away for the winter.  Most years, that’s plenty of time before the first snow flies . . . but there are a few unexpected storms that really catch me off guard!

For more Unexpected moments, check out Weekly Photo Challenge: Unexpected.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Horizons

Struggling with how to incorporate this, my favorite shot of all time, with my garden theme.

Sea grass, yes, we can talk about sea grass!!

This secret spot on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is in the 4×4-only northern region of Corolla.  My family loves this place, and I’m sure you can see why.

Weekly Photo Challenge: The Hue of You

I owe Autumn an apology.

I’ve never been much of a fan, basically because of his habit of heralding in Winter.  This displeasure has blinded me to the truly spectacular display of color these few weeks bring.

Every afternoon as I travel home along the Laurel Mountain foothills, I witness a display of some of the most incredible colors.  In spite of myself, I’m enjoying the reds, golds, oranges, and even brown shades of the season.

If only the end weren’t so near.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Good Morning!

A morning when the sun is streaming through my office window is a good one!

Weekly Photo Challenge: Color

Painting my daughter’s room this weekend, and I’m trying to figure out why I have been avoiding this project.  I’m one of those rare birds who love to paint.

I realize that the sadness I felt was the letting go of her “creamsicle” room to make way for her teenager, dramatic “muted purple” room.  We were listening to “her music” and talking of decorating in “her color scheme”.  It’s going to look fantastic, but I’m already missing the cheerful Spongebob colors.

She’s growing up, and I have truly enjoyed each and every stage.  I’m facing these purple walls with apprehension, hoping I can still be part of the conversations and dreams within.

The paint has to dry for 24 hours before we put on the second coat.  She has to sleep in my room tonight.  And I will cherish what may be our final “sleepover”.

Purple tears.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Future Tense

Where is this thing you refer to as Spring?  It’s coming, it really is.  Just over this next hill, I promise.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Blue

Here is the blue in my current world . . .