The Hills are Alive

"Behold, my friends, the spring is come;

the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun,

and we shall soon see the results of their love."

                                      --Sitting Bull

Easter Inflatables

As seen in a yard near you...

This is a ...?

A fancy serving tray?  An artifact from ancient Eygpt?  A remake of Cinderella's slipper? 

Simply stated, it is a shoe.  Made by shoemaker Amara Hark Weber, this hand-made footwear is certainly not something you'll find in a nearby department store but rather in an exhibit featuring unique shoes created by artists around the globe.  And, actually, this exhibit took place a couple years ago in Dubuque, Iowa; however, I think some of the shoes are incredibly creative and certainly worth taking a look at in order to consider form and function.

Street Art

"One original thought is worth a thousand mindless quotings."

                                    --Diogenes

Birthday Girl

A special happy birthday to this little woman.  Just as the picture reveals, she has quite a personality and constantly entertains...and makes her parents pull out their hair!  As her aunt, I love spending time with her and laughing at all the crazy things she says.

Lenten Reflection

"Fasting makes sense if it really chips away at our security, and, as a 

consequence, benefits someone else, if it helps us cultivate the style of the

good Samaritan, who bent down to his brother in need and took care of him."

                                                                  --Pope Francis

Dreamy Bean

If spring break takes you to the Windy City, be sure to see THE BEAN!  From the river, head south on Michigan Avenue and you can't miss this and all the other wonderful art and architecture in Millennium Park.  Plus, for those selfie kings and queens, this is a great place to take a unique shot of you and a thousand other folks in this gigantic reflecting dome.

Furry Face

"One of the most enduring friendships in history -- 

dogs and their people, people and their dogs."

                                     --Terry Kay

They're Back

...and probably building a nest on top of a porch light or inside a gas grill or just about any place that homeowners don't want.  Nevertheless, the return of songbirds is a delight for all eagerly awaiting warmer weather.

"I heard a robin this mornin'

I'm feelin' happy today.

Gonna pack my cares in a whistle

And blow them all away."

                                                  --Al Johnson

Brilliant Blooms

"Never yet was a springtime when the buds forgot to bloom."

                                                                          --Margaret Elizabeth Sangster

St. Patrick's Day

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light.

May good luck pursue you each morning and night.

                           --An Irish Blessing

Freaky Face

"It is the common wonder of all men, how among so many

millions of faces, there should be none alike."

                                       --Thomas Browne, Religio Medici

Love in the Air

"Love's gentle spring doth always fresh remain."

                                                                              --William Shakespeare

Think Spring with...

LILACS!  Can you smell them?  Since this isn't a scratch and sniff screen, use your imagination and maybe that wonderful fragrance will come to you.  

"Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?"

                                                                   --Neltje Blanchan

Think Spring with...

outdoor landscaping projects.  Do you have some in mind?  Each year I have several ideas for improving the look of our flower beds, vegetable garden and lawn but don't usually turn many into reality as, once spring finally arrives, I prefer to be outside taking photos and playing tennis.  Guess there is always next year, right?

Think Spring with...

...tulips!  And, yes, I purposefully made this pair black and white as I wanted the viewer to imagine seeing these blooms in his/her favorite colors.  The original image contains petals in pale pink and bold orange with a dreamy green background.  But, just think about all the color combinations that would also make these two a stunning couple....red and white, purple and yellow...

Anyway, with the temperatures warming slightly in these parts, I decided to dedicate a few days to posting images that will make us think of spring.  Obviously, most of us were ready for it a month ago but will now be happy to settle for overnight lows in the teens rather than below zero.  Enjoy.

Exhibit Open

Maquoketa Mist by Stephanie Funke

Currently this image, Maquoketa Mist, is on view at the Maryland Federation of Art Circle Gallery in Annapolis, MD.  Focal Point, the current exhibition, is open now through March 28.  To view the entire list of accepted artists and their work, go to mdfedart.com.

What's this?

Although I am unsure of its exact identity, this is a plant rather than a creature that will sting you with its many appendages.  Actually, I think it's some type of exotic orchid; however, I must admit that is pure speculation on my part.  Nevertheless, I was intrigued by its form and stripes and enjoyed editing the photo to create this mysterious black and white image.

That Time of Year

Annually in Iowa the first week of March means the high school girls' state basketball tournament is underway in Des Moines.  As one of the most acclaimed sports in Iowa history, the women's game has evolved in form and fashion.  Gone are the days of 6-on-6 and skirts (as part of the uniform) but this longstanding Iowa tradition remains a popular event here in the Hawkeye State.

Not Far Off

Like many folks in these parts, I welcome warmer weather and beautiful things springing up out of the soil.  Compared to last year, this winter hasn't been as harsh; however, when March arrives, I think most people are ready for more moderate temperatures and eager to bid farewell to the white stuff.  In the meantime, enjoy the picture and stay warm.

Adventuresome

"Adventure is worthwhile."

                                              --Aristotle

Lenten Reflection

"The Lord measures perfection neither by the multitude nor 

the magnitude of our deeds, but by the manner in which we perform them."

                                       --St. John of the Cross