Signs of the Season: Ornaments Galore

 

As seen in the above photo, ALL types of ornaments are available at just about every retail outlet.  Animated, religious, glitzy, traditional as well as numerous other possibilities exist and are probably featured on a Christmas tree at your favorite shop just down the street.  In addition, two of today's images show popular holiday bulbs that contain a message regarding the holidays:  Believe & Joy.  Finally, the last picture features some delectable treats (that are calorie free as long as they remain on the tree and not in your mouth!), including a frosted donut, triple-decker ice cream cone, gingerbread cookie and garland made of pastel-colored marshmallows!  Have fun decorating!

 

 

Signs of the Season: Around Town

 

As one might imagine, all sorts of items are used in outdoor holiday displays, and, as earlier noted, throughout the next few weeks I will feature several.   For example, discarded sleds and ice skates are commonly used to create a cheery, welcoming scene.  In addition, many towns decorate select areas and/or certain structures, including these light posts adorned with seasonal flags, traditional garland and wreaths. 

Signs of the Season: He's Watching!

If you are a parent of young children, today's photos serve as proof that Santa truly IS watching at all times!  This inflatable character is seated on a black chair also filled with air; however, he looks life-like with white hair, glasses and a thick, long beard.  And, I am sure you have seen the human equivalent in shopping malls posing with youngsters and perhaps you had your kids photographed with him.  So, for now, enjoy a little extra leverage with the kiddies while they eagerly await packages from Papa Noel!

Signs of the Season: Trees & Wreaths

Even though most retail outlets displayed Christmas items before Halloween, I think now is about the right time for featuring all things related to the upcoming holiday.  So, yes, throughout the next few weeks expect to see a variety of images with that theme.  However, since I enjoy photographing the predictable as well as the unexpected, expect to see some unique and unusual shots, too.  And, regarding today's pictures, they feature traditional trees and wreaths for sale at local shops along with some man searching for the perfect tree during the area's first snow!

The First Snow

 

The first fall of snow is not only an event,

it is a magical event.

You go to bed in one kind of world and

wake up in another quite different,

and if this is not enchantment then

where is it to be found?

                                                        --J.B. Priestly

 

 

 

At the Beach: A Great Escape

 

"Why do we love the sea?

It is because it has some potent power

to make us think things

we like to think."

                             -- Robert Henri

 

 

 

At the Beach: One Boat, Two Thoughts

 

These photos include one boat used by locals for daily fishing ventures; however, I found the contrast between the two quite striking.   In the first the fishermen buzz by the shore during the early afternoon when the sun was bright and the water colors were strikingly gorgeous with various shades of blue and green.  Unlike the first, the second photo portrays an overwhelming calm that accompanies dusk as it settles over the coast and draws folks indoors while the boat remains idle until the new day dawns.