Loved ones from the past

There are days that seem to bring an abundance of  memories from loved ones in our past. You have had days like this I know. Our memory can be jarred by so much. A photo, an old movie, a song, words, seasons of the year, a conversation. It can be just about anything. Most days it makes us appreciate what is good in our lives. It makes it hard to understand why things are the way they are with much in the world. How easy it is to be hateful and opinionated against other people and their ways. How sometimes it seems that people need to have a target for that anger. And how little it takes to try to be understanding, appreciative, keep a sense

Orca whales doing lunch.

It was a privilege to have my camera capture these Orca whales while kayaking in Alaska. It was late morning, and they were herding for salmon  (there were thousands and thousands of salmon). They weren't the slightest bit interested or curious about us. The thrill of being so close and being able to observe them made my heart pound and my stomach flutter. Afterwards I felt exhilerated and had a smile all across my face. I had never been in a kayak before, nor did I know that the water was 600 feet deep and 47 degrees F. I felt secure with the tour guides and tried to nurture the sense of adventure instead of the fear.

Ocean life and it's treasures

This is ocean life in it's element.  Always moving and changing. I was happy to get such a great photo. I didn't even see the starfish in the background until later. Since water covers so much of the earth's surface, the pleasure of exploration can be vast. Nature gives us beauty on earth, in the water, in the sky and underground. It's good to be adventurous and see and experience more of what life has to offer than our own backyard.

Human sexuality and nature

Ever notice that lots of things in the universe have sexual or erotic characteristics? I was waking along the beach, appreciating the ocean, the sand, the international port, the people and ships and all that comes with it. This object that I photographed struck me as interesting and beautiful. Not functioning in it's original intent, but laying on it's side, half out of the water,once used for large ships along the docks. When I looked over my photos later on, I noticed that it had an erotic interest to it. And as I shared it with others, amongst other "touristy type pictures", there was always a

Adirondack Chairs

I've always thought that these are such great looking chairs. They are in my backyard scattered in pairs along the little lake. They remind me of tall glasses of lemonade, sugar cookies, white linen clothes, lazy summer days, gentle breezes on moonlit nights with the sound of crickets in the background, peacefulness and romance. I seldom sit in them, even though they evoke

Awakening A MEMORY

Memory. That word alone gives life. How can a memory that has sat idle and forgotten be brought back so vividly and powerful? That memory in the corner of your mind's attic, dusty and  stored long ago. I have recently reconnected with an old friend from high school and nursing school. We were bridesmaids in each other's weddings and shared hours of studying, laughter and positive energy. Constraints of time, family, jobs, children and life in general drew us apart, small pieces at a time. We had lost touch as happens so often. But when we reconnected, a flood of memories and happenings came back, visual images, conversations, trips, and emotions all mingled together. It made me wonder

A moment of attentiveness

Sometimes it's something very simple that catches our attention. A detail that often gets overlooked because we don't have time, and to get our attention things have to sometimes be grandeous and loud. We can see Beauty in the moment but only if we choose to live in that very moment. Here, I like the veins on the delicate pink flowers and the darkness of the background of the photo. It's kind of like knowing someone for a long time, and then you have that moment when everything changes. Has that happened to you?  It's almost as if you are truly seeing

Spiders - terrifyingly fascinating

This was a spider colony that I almost walked by and overlooked. Once I saw them, I was overwhelmed with the vast area they covered. Out in the open and yet hidden at the same time.I have forgotten the name of the species. It was in the Florida Keys and there were actually thousands of them all along the waters edge, intermingled with bushes, trees and wild grasses. YES, I did say thousands! Although I am terrified by spiders, I find the strength and intricate details of their webs intriquing. They are relentless at rebuilding and I have never seen so many together with webs overlapping in all my life. Other walkerbys stopped to ask what we were photographing and soon became as fascinated as we were.Nature is amazing.

SWANS at Home

There aren't very many animals that portray peace, elegance and love quite like the swan can. Ask someone to name a pair of animals that signify love, and I'm sure swans will be high on the list. Gliding effortlessly across the water, a swan's beautiful image is often reflected in the glasslike surface of the lake. They come back every year and nest and sometimes have fuzzy babies. They are attentive parents. I was so excited to first see them. I enjoy watching their activity in my backyard and learning about them. To my amazement this type of swan is actually very territorial and aggressive. With a very large wing span, about 8 feet across, and the sound of the flapping wings when they fly, so strong and powerful, they can be quite intimidating. Who knew? LOL

Casual and relaxed

I liked my friends shoes, thought they were fun. His stance was casual and relaxed. I love it when people can be themselves and have a good time.

Peaceful moment in the morning, summertime at Seward,Alaska. The mountains, waters, animals and scenery are unlike anywhere I have gone before. Nature takes hold of you and draws you in.

Domestic enjoyments for a Day

Sometimes I feel like being domestic. Like today. Most days I am glad to have all the modern conveniences especially about things like cooking. To open and heat up can be a fast and rewarding process when you are hungry. After years of preparing meals for a family with children, it's nice not to have to do that on a daily routine basis. Although to be honest, most days I didn't mind, and hoped that I made nutritious meals that were tasty too. I think I had a decent success rate, but you'd have to ask my kids their opinion to be sure. When you have to do something all the time it can feel like a chore, when you do it occassionaly it can seem like a pleasure. I do like to go to the store for fresh produce and ingredients and then decide on something to make based on the season's choices. I enjoy taking my time at the store and appreciating the process. Then coming home and putting some music on to play while I cut and chop and simmer and add ingredients to tast. I am not much of a

Vibrant Flower

The colors and detail of this flower caught my eye and the morning dew gave that feeling of real life, right now time to it's already amazing and vivid beauty.

BROKEN GLASS

this is a little poem I wrote years ago feeling trapped and looking for change but not knowing how to make changes in the positive

Words from your lips
cut deep within, rushing
through my veins like broken glass
feeling pain again and again and again
I cannot stop
the bleeding
Looking into your familiar face
you have become a stranger
sadness overcomes me
like a tangling fishnet
holding me underwater
the change was in me
casting off a former shell of myself
growing away from you
steppiing over splintered glass
I walk down the aisle
the bride of experience and courage
leaving maiden dreams behind
the honeymoon is over.

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PROCRASTINATION is a not a four letter word

Procrastination. Some days I love doing it. It's a luxury that I can afford now more than earlier in life. It's not that I am not doing anything at all.  Rather, it's that I'm doing nothing  that is imminent or scheduled. I call it putzing. I might

Looking out my window in the early morning light. A beautiful way to wake up and start the day!

These grapevines seemed to go on and on and on as if they were neverending at the Winery in northern Michigan. It felt like a fast trip for a day to Italy without the passport and traveling. The grapes were succulent and sweet, the air crisp, the view extraordinary. Nature pleasing the palate, the eyes and the soul.

October pleasures

What does fall make you think of?  Pumpkins, squash, autumn smells, bales of hay, falling leaves, apple orchards, cider both hot and cold, crisp temperatures and sunny afternoons. Thoughts of  halloween, comfort foods,back to school, children,football, sweaters, jackets and a frosty breath in the cold morning air. The unmistaken smell of turning on the furnace called upon after a long summer's rest, deer more abundant,  colors that reflect so many of nature's  jewels, yellows, golds, oranges, vibrant reds, deep greens  and more. Celebrate each season, it's beauty and it's unique characteristics as each of us is to be celebrated.

Birthdays, Celebrations and Grownups

Birthdays. I'm talking about adult birthdays. Children's birthdays are for another blog day. There's a lot of reminiscing that goes along with a birthday. All those you had in childhood. yes, I know. But right now I'm talking about Grown Up and having a birthday. Say it's a birthday day TODAY . . .  what does a birthday mean to you? Is it an important day of celebration?  A quiet day for yourself? Maybe a day just like any other. I have a friend that has celebrations of a birthday "week". I love

Butterfly -black and pale yellow

This butterfly seems to get more beautiful every time I look at it. I photographed it in Florida and felt so serene and peaceful in that enviornment with flowers and butterflys.

Morning Dew

I was so excited to be able to capture the morning dew on these flowers. The color seemed so peaceful, the flowers so delicate.

Exercise:self vs trainer

How many of you work out on a regular basis? Do you push yourself to limits that are safe and effective, and concentrate on your fitness routine, correctly moving the muscles involved and using good form? Do you even have a routine, or is it one that you have had for years and you go through it mindlessly, with little effort except to say you accomplished your workout already today? I have noticed

Watercolor rose

This is a watercolor painting of a rose where I used only the 3 primary colors to create the entire palate.(red, blue and yellow)

A Memorial . . . what it means

I went to a memorial service today. It was for a neighbor that I knew, but not really well. But I was glad to have a chance to go and show respect, show caring and support to those that mattered to her, even if I didn't know them well either. Long ago, I used to wonder about

Appreciating Nature

Today is a beautiful cool fall day. Looking out the window, you can forget exactly what the temperature is outside. A sunny day is just that, sun and warmth and happiness. The only obvious

Caller ID

I often find that technology exposes interesting and funny characteristics about ourselves. Like caller ID. I haven't thought too much about it until recently, and now I feel like it demands more analysis and thought. Remember, if you can, when the phone rang and you answered it with a friendly hello, not having a single clue who was on the other end? It seemed so simple then. Now before

Calmness in the Comfort Zone

There are certain traits that I really admire in people. I am intriqued by calmness and sincerity in a person.I have always admired those attributes in a person. I believe that some of it is a natural part of your makeup, and that much of it is learned and an ongoing part of life's experiences and aging. Commonsense  and

Growing up and Dreaming

When you were growing up, playing at being an adult, or a bit older and in school, preparing for your future,  having daydreams, goals and aspriations of your adult life, what did you think your life would be like? Did your life turn out anything at all like you thought it would? DID you ever think this is how it would turn out? What did you

Mornings and Waking Up Preferences

My photo of a beautiful and proud rooster that loves mornings! He seemed like he enjoyed posing.

Mornings, hmmmm . . . This morning I had to get up early, and since I am NOT an early riser, I tend to be a bit abusive with the snooze button, that is if I even hear the alarm go off. What is it that allows some people to jump out of bed ready to take on the day, refreshed and energized? I, on the other hand love to

Opening Thoughts

Sometimes, most everyday, I have thoughts in my mind, and I wonder, does anyone else think about this? I believe we are more alike than different, but that the difference in each of us is what sets us apart, makes us special, or unique. This is a place where I'll share whatever happens to be in my head, and often times what is in my heart as well. I welcome comments, and shared thoughts, after all, it's what I was wondering about in the first place.