"Bees work for man, and yet they never bruise

Their Master's flower, but leave it having done,

As fair as ever and as fit to use;

So both the flower doth stay and honey run."

 

                                        -- George Herbert, The Church-Providence

Down Is Up

 

"Photography, as a powerful medium of expression and communications,

offers an infinite variety of perception, interpretation and execution."

                                                                                  

                                                                                     --Ansel Adams

The Family Dog

Recently I was visiting with some family members, and we discussed how, due to differences in personalities, people behave differently in given situations.  Of course, we all laughed about how we were not perfect in so many of our interactions involving those in our household...and then someone recalled the contents of an email that has circulated so many times but clearly makes a point about our beloved family pets, especially dogs.  Enjoy the shot of this adorable beagle (Jenny) and the lines that follow.

 

"If you can start the day without caffeine,

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without alcohol,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,

Then you are probably the family dog!"

Brilliant Blooms

After a holiday weekend in these parts filled with A LOT of rain and cloudy skies, these beautiful blooms are intended to brighten your day.

 

"The temple bell stops but I still hear the sound coming out of the flowers."

                                                                                           --Basho

Memorial Day

 

Celebrate!

Ring the bells and squeeze that noisy rubber chicken!  It's your birthday!  Many happy returns, godchild.

Spring in the Country

 

"The year's at the spring

And day's at the morn;

Morning's at seven;

The hillside's dew-pearled;

The lark's on the wing;

The snail's on the thorn;

God's in His heaven --

All's right with the world!"

 

                                             --Robert Browning

Magnificent Magnolias

 

 

Soon after winter loosens its grip on the thermometer, magnolia trees bloom with gigantic flowers that capture the attention of many.  Honestly, I am captivated by the enormous blooms and delightful fragrance and seem drawn to these trees with camera in hand.  What announces the arrival of spring better than these huge, pale-pink flowers and the dusting of white they add to the green grass below?  Hope you found a few to admire before the petals disappeared.

Feet on the Street: Take 2

 

Cowboy boots & stilettos & leopard prints!  Oh my!

 

As mentioned in a previous post that featured men's athletic shoes, I have been working on a project that involves photographing shoes and boots.  Since I primarily wear clogs and don't own too many extraordinary shoes, I had to enlist the aid of a few women who are on the leading edge of fashionable footwear.  Actually, I was amazed at how gracefully they move in their high heels.  Do you fall into that category or is comfort your number one priority? 

 

Boji Blaze

"How far that little candle throws its beams!

So shines a good deed in a naughty world."

                          --William Shakespeare

Thorny!

 

What's this?  As you probably guessed, a cactus.  Of course, it was not black and white but rather the typical green flesh with milky-yellow colored spines and thorns.  Since the image fascinated me with its patterns, textures and shapes, I thought it was the perfect shot to alter the color and create something a little peculiar yet eye catching.  Enjoy...but don't touch!

Spring in the Park

 

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.

                                                                                                             --Proverb

 

Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day.

                                                                        --W. Earl Hall

HOME Exhibit Opens

 

Last weekend was the official kickoff for the photo exhibit HOME:  Where We Live.  As seen in the above image, the exhibit is open now through June 23 at the MPLS Photo Center in Minneapolis.  Since my image "Lovely Lines" is in the mix, I was on hand for the opening reception.  If you happen to be in the area while the exhibit is up, stop in and take a look -- you won't be disappointed!

 

Thanks again to family and friends who took the time to attend and share in the celebration.

 

 

A Cat Nap

Who doesn't love a nap?  Most, if given the opportunity, would probably enjoy a little shut eye at some point during the day.  But, whether or not you are fond of naps, I think you will find today's photos simply adorable.  When I noticed this rotund feline napping with her head shoved into the corner of her bed and resting so peacefully, I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures.  And, of course, the clicking and beeping of the camera eventually disturbed the furry pet and she lifted her head, squinted her eyes and rested on the corner of the box...reminded me of how I feel after I hear the alarm and push snooze for the next twenty minutes.

Ready in the Greenhouse

Wow!  A couple weeks ago I was looking for a reprieve from the rain and dreary skies and found it at a local greenhouse.  And, after spending an hour photographing all these bright blooms, I left feeling cheery and ready to plant my flower arrangements.  With the recent warm temperatures, I have noticed folks flocking to garden centers looking for all sorts of annuals and perennials to add to their outdoor décor.  As for me, I will wait about another week as the threat of frost at that point should be greatly diminished.  Enjoy these colors!

 

A Nod To Moms

With Mother's Day quickly approaching, I decided to incorporate a photo that provides a unique glimpse of motherhood as it includes a cat and her kittens.  Honestly, this furry mom is nothing more than a farm cat who has to survive on her own amid harsh Iowa weather conditions and various predators that roam the countryside.  (Notice that she decided to have these kittens in a rusty barrel that sits outside and has no cover on the top... and we received several inches of rain during their stay in this barrel!)   However, she and most moms I know deserve recognition for their resiliency and innate abilities to provide care, nourishment and a safe place to call home for their children.  To all mothers, thanks!

Tiki Huts

 

This photo, taken in Cancun, recently received some recognition in an online competition.  To see it and other wonderful images contained in this "SeaScapes" exhibit, go to the following site:  www.lightspacetime.com/seascapes-art-exhibition-photography-digital/

 

Feet on the Street

In recent months I have photographed numerous shoes and boots, including those in this post.  Why?  Well, initially I found some of the patterns, forms, embellishments and so on quite interesting and just took the pictures.  However, after sharing a few of the images with a trusted colleague, I am now working on a project that will include mostly women's high-heeled shoes.  Stay tuned!

Is That a Mink?

Yes!  Can you imagine my surprise when on a recent early morning I looked over the edge of a trout stream and saw this beautiful creature?  Basically, when our eyes met the mink froze in place on a piece of concrete jutting out of the water.  It seemed as surprised to see me as I was to see it.  Without thinking, I raised the lens to my eye and snapped four shots.  Then, as quickly as it appeared, it nimbly dove back into the stream...leaving me amazed at my chance meeting with this "semiaquatic" carnivore belonging to the weasel family.

Spring Football

With warmer weather on the horizon ( I think...) and the school year winding down, most of us have put thoughts of college basketball and football on hold until later in the year.  However, in recent weeks numerous 'spring games' or practices open to the public occurred on gridirons around the country, including right here in Iowa.  Since my husband and I are avid Hawkeye fans, we attended the scrimmage and were eager for a preview of what is to come on Saturdays starting in September.  As you can see in one of the photos, numerous U of Iowa fans showed up early and participated in various activities prior to watching the competition inside Kinnick Stadium.  GO HAWKS!

Look What I Found!

 

TULIPS!

 

Recently we were in a community that has been about ten degrees warmer than our daily high temperatures and look what has popped up!  And, of course, with much excitement I photographed these beauties and could not wait to post them.  Enjoy and remember there are more to come.

 

 

 

Garage Sale Finds: Mannequins & More

 

After this fourth post featuring items found at just one yard sale, you may be shaking your head wondering how someone accumulates all of this STUFF!  Well, I asked the owner (of all this stuff) just that question and he said he actively seeks out all these items while attending estate sales, auctions and more.  According to his response, this man then holds sales in various locales throughout the year hoping to resell the goods.  He said he loves it...whew!  To me, this looks like a lot of work but I was grateful for the opportunity to photograph some interesting things.

 

 

Garage Sale Finds: Maple Syrup & More

From the items in these photos, one might start to think about breakfast made in a cast-iron skillet and complete with bacon, eggs, pancakes and maple syrup.  At least I had that thought after preparing these pictures for this post...a bit strange when considering I don't like bacon and eggs!  Anyway, be sure to notice the large metal fork and spoon just to the right of the piggy bank.  Can you recall someone who used to have something similar to those utensils as wall decorations?  For me the answer is yes as for many years my childhood home had a large wooden fork and spoon combo that adorned our orange kitchen wall.

 

And, speaking of bacon, the guy pictured below loves the stuff -- notice him posing with the bacon flavored toothpicks he received as a special gift.  He was delighted!  All bacon talk aside, today is his birthday.  Happy birthday to him and all others celebrating in May.