Garage Sale Finds: Clocks & More

Among the hundreds of items at this particular sale, I happened to notice a box of discarded clocks...hmmmm.  I laughed to myself thinking that I stumbled upon what I imagined as "time in a box."  And, after reviewing this image, I also started to wonder about the timepieces and what they looked like in their former lives on a wall or positioned on a mantle or wherever.  Anyway, the photo below provides another glimpse of this grandiose garage sale that probably had something for everyone.

Garage Sale Season

'Tis the season!  This past weekend the town in which we live held its annual community-wide garage sales, and, while passing through various neighborhoods, I noticed a lot of activity as folks searched for bargains and new found treasures.  Although I usually don't frequent these sales, I came upon an interesting place and spent about an hour photographing the various (and somewhat bizarre) items for sale, including discarded lawn and farm tools, hunting and fishing articles, clothing, parts for just about any machine and much, much more.  And, so, each day this week I plan to feature some of the unique "treasures" found at this location.  Enjoy the images but, since I didn't recognize all the items that I photographed, some will just remain unidentified -- like the thing in the next photo!

 

Better Late Than Never

 

Are your Christmas lights still adorning the roof of your home?  Or do you prefer to leave the decorations in place throughout the year and illuminate them only during the holiday season?  Either way, you probably have discussed the topic with friends and family and may even have made light of this and how it pertains to you and/or others in the community.  Enjoy these shots of this helpful young man as he removed the lights from his parents' home.

 

 

BIG Wheels

 

Cruising on this set of BIG wheels looks like fun, especially when the adult appears to be the only person doing the pedaling!  A short time ago I posted a couple shots of paddle boarders, and this photo was taken at the same time during a trip to Atlantis.  And, despite lingering gray skies, let's remember that fun in the sun is just around the corner.

Yarn...What?

 

This is as it appears -- a tree covered in sections of homemade knitting and/or crocheting projects.  Perhaps you have heard of this worldwide phenomena referred to as yarn bombing or yarn storming or urban knitting.  Regardless of the term, it is simply a form of street art or graffiti in which folks use yarn or some fiber to reclaim or personalize areas (often public spaces) that may be thought of as cold and/or unwelcoming. 

 

I took this original photo in our small, rural Iowa community and then enhanced it in order to create the lovely lady below.  Be sure to notice her bust at the top and follow her curves downward toward the skirt and pencil-thin legs. 

 

Have you seen any examples of yarn bombing?

 

 

Daffodils

Due to the persistent cold weather and lack of spring blooms, last week I featured pictures of tulips from last year.  Today, however, I am excited to include some images of daffodils that, despite the rain, snow and wind, have emerged and are currently blooming in our community.  May these cheery, yellow, trumpet-like flowers brighten your day.

Hold Hands & Carry On

Yes, in the title I borrowed the "Keep Calm..." phrase that is currently popular; however, I thought it appropriate.  Sometimes simple photos, such as these in today's post, offer perspective and insight into the human spirit.  And, perhaps, they may also remind you of a particular person or place. 

And, so, while I find myself impatiently waiting for sunshine, blue skies and warmer temperatures, I will grab the hand of my beloved, enjoy the moment and carry on.

 

 

Never Too Many Tulips!

The above photo is a beautiful red and white variety that some of you have seen before -- it is a personal favorite.  I refer to this image as Tulip Taffy because it looks like some tasty, chewy saltwater taffy that I would love to sink my teeth into!  The following vertical image of the pink and orange pair reminds me of inseparable lovers while the shiny purple beauty below definitely resembles royalty as it stands out in a crowd.  Eventually I will have new tulip images from this year but for now let's enjoy these shots as we wait for some sunshine.

Tulips On The Way: Part II

 

As promised, here they are!  Enjoy these white and red varieties along with the dreamy green background.  And, although it is not Christmas, I have to mention that last year I considered using these tulips on our holiday card...maybe this year!

 

 

Tulips On The Way

 

Despite the cold, wet weather and not much for colorful spring blooms, I decided to return to last year's collection of photos and post some cheery images of tulips.  So, for the remainder of the week, that is what you can expect.  And, I am hopeful that soon I will have more opportunities to photograph the outdoors as it comes to life in various shades of green and multi-colored blooms.

On The Move!

 

Now that the weather is (SLOWLY) warming, I see several individuals exercising outdoors, including folks running with their pooches, moms pushing strollers and even some young women rollerblading!  And, even though I don't have a photo to prove it, I am excited to say that last weekend my husband and I played tennis!  After a long winter indoors, many Iowans are thrilled to get outside and break a sweat.

Abstract Antlers

This photo is from Jackson, Wyoming where each of the four corners of the town square has an arch made of antlers... big, bold reminders of the locale!  The arches are quite large and visitors immediately notice these unusual fixtures.  Anyway, you may have seen the original image but I am fond of this black and white version and decided to share.

Acrobatic Maneuvers

 

This is not the first time (nor the last) I have featured squirrels as they are always on the go in Iowa.  And, honestly, I am easily entertained by their antics.  This particular day this squirrel spent much of her time eating corn that was placed on this apparatus (by a man who loves and yet sometimes loathes squirrels... just like the rest of us.)  The entertaining part was watching how she captured the kernels, and the photo below shows some of the skillful stunts that she performed in order to grab the food.

 

 

Paddle Boarding

Are you a water sports enthusiast?  Recently paddle boarding seems to have become popular, and I captured a few images of women trying it out at Atlantis, the mega-resort on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahama.  Paddle boarding appears to require good balance and looks like something I would like to try; however, for any serious paddling adventures, I will stick with my kayak.

Signs of Spring Emerge

After what seemed like forever, early bloomers have started to emerge from the soil and brighten our outlooks as we head for warmer weather.  However, after a mild spring day yesterday, today the temperature has cooled significantly and the skies opened up and delivered much needed rain to our area.  So, despite the volatile spring weather, I continue to look for any pretty petals to photograph and anxiously await the tulips...now only the green stalks are visible.  Stay tuned!

Celebrating In April

Recently our inter-family ping pong competition concluded and we celebrated with an evening of homemade awards and token prizes.  Above is the group that gathers weekly during winter months for time to socialize and play table tennis.  Below is a close-up of one of the certificates especially made by one of the competitors for another player.  And, last but not least, the third picture features two special women, my mom and cousin, who celebrate April birthdays.  Happy birthday!

Happy Birthday!

Dueling Shadows

As a photographer, I enjoy creating scenes and images to capture through the camera lens, including those containing shadows.  And, that is exactly what I did on this bright and sunny yet still bitterly cold winter day.  Initially my husband was a willing participant but as the stiff north breeze reminded us that we should be indoors and my one exposed hand was so cold that I couldn't feel the camera, this shadow session ended soon after it started.

"To contemplate is to look at shadows."

                                                                                                  -- Victor Hugo

First Impression

Abstract art such as this often elicits numerous responses, and, as a photographer, I find it interesting to hear those first impressions. With this image I usually hear, "What IS it?" And, to answer that question, it is simply the exterior of a grain bin that had great lines and curves to photograph and then enhance to create this design. What was your first impression?

Recently this photo received some recognition in an on-line competition. The following link will take you to the exhibit that contains my creation as well as several other outstanding abstract images. Hope you take a look.
http://www.lightspacetime.com/abstracts-art-exhibition-photography-category/

Not What It Seemed

 

What's this?  A picture of  what I initially thought were discarded items stored for years in an old farm shed.  At least that is what I thought after first seeing the image.  And, since I was fond of it and thought my husband may like it as well, I had him take a look at what I thought was just some "old stuff."  Well, he immediately asked where I took the picture because he noticed the planter plates that are used annually while putting in the crops...guess I better not do any "spring cleaning" in this shed!

Cat Eyes

 

Just wanted to share a couple shots of some felines with eyes that make you look twice!  And, so, after careful examination, did you notice one blue eye and one green eye on the furry face above and the crossed eyes below?  Cute creatures nonetheless who don't worry about their physical imperfections but rather spend their days playing, napping, exploring and eating.  Maybe a lesson for us all.

 

 

A White-breasted Nuthatch

Perhaps you have seen these short-tailed, tree-climbers hopping around a tree trunk or creeping down it with their bills leading the way.  That is just what nuthatches do as they search for insects and larvae.  In the photo above it is easy to see the piece of cracked corn positioned in the bird's bill.  When gathering seeds and peanuts from feeders, they often spend only enough time to retrieve the food and then fly off to a more secluded place to enjoy the morsel.  Have you seen any nuthatches near your home?

White Trumpet Lilies

For centuries these lilies have been associated with various religious and mystical events, including Easter.  And, since that was just yesterday, I wanted to feature these beauties while they were in full bloom.

"Awake, thou wintry earth --

Fling off thy sadness!

Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth

Your ancient gladness!

                                                              --Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"