A Winter Walk

Recently, during a mild-winter day, I ventured out with camera in hand looking for some photo opportunities.  At that time we had no snow on the ground because the minor accumulation we initially received had melted soon thereafter during several days with above-freezing temperatures.  And, like so many times before, one of my destinations included a local park and photographing the resident squirrel population.  However, an unexpected sighting was the remains of a snowman as it stood on a grassy trail near the river.  Be sure to see if you can spot the white figure just below and to the right of a big tree.

Lovely Lines

Recently this photo received some recognition in an on-line photo exhibit, and I wanted to share.  The picture was taken in Chicago while I was standing on Michigan Avenue but photographing all sorts of surrounding high rises.  This particular building captivated me with its wonderful lines and angles that move the eye throughout the image.  Anyway, the following link will take you to the Light Space & Time on-line gallery where you can view all sorts of fascinating images.  Remember to look for "Lovely Lines!"  www.lightspacetime.com/all-photography-special-recognition-category/

Contrails

This picture is simple yet serene.   As I was driving through town one cool and crisp evening, I was mesmerized by the deep blue sky along with the setting sun and hints of coral through the trees.  And, of course, I immediately stopped and took this photo.   In addition to the sunset and colorful horizon, the contrails were striking as they painted bold white stripes in the early December sky.  Enjoy the quiet the image conveys.

Kids' Gifts: Some Favorites

This post contains photos of some of the rather simple, yet engaging gifts that family members gave to the youngsters, including jingle bells, a dry-erase board and a stroller for a baby doll.  Another very popular gift was the set of balloons and mini air pump especially made to create figures out of balloons.  Finally, although there are no pictures of the item featured here, a rubber chicken equipped with a squeaker was another big hit with my nephew; however, his mother and grandparents were not thrilled as he galloped throughout the room holding it high and repeatedly squeaking that plastic bird!  Yes, the jingle bells were also noisy but not quite as rough on the ears as the chicken.  And, I doubt his mother has yet forgotten from whom he got that gift!

 

Enjoy the Mess

Undoubtedly, during the recent holidays many of you enjoyed the company of youngsters, including toddlers who love to roam amid the discarded paper and boxes stopping only to pick up something they were not supposed to have or to momentarily sit in a box in which their gifts were once wrapped.  Upon opening each toy, pre-schoolers promptly want to play with the item and will immediately find that one person in the room who has a scissors (or something comparable) to detach toys from the packaging.  And, watching little ones delight in all the excitement and surprises under the tree is truly one of the best parts of Christmas. 

Recently, I found the following quote that describes that sentiment and speaks to living in the moment while enjoying the mess created by little hands opening gifts, playing with each new toy and moving about the 'trash' strewn throughout the room:

"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day.  Don't clean it up too quickly."

                                                                                                                        --Andy Rooney

"Cutest" Christmas Sweater

In recent years "Ugly Christmas Sweaters" have become extremely popular as they are often the theme for holiday parties, and some individuals have even established lucrative on-line businesses as they sell these crazy Christmas concoctions.  Today's post is similar yet different as I feature my adorable niece in her festive holiday apparel with an embellished reindeer top and elf leggings.  At such a young age she had numerous admirers who loved her darling Christmas outfit; however, be advised that any adult found wearing such an ensemble will undoubtedly win the "ugliest sweater" contest and be the focus of family jokes for years to come.

Happy New Year!

 

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."

                                                                                              --Oprah Winfrey