Who Said Winter Has No Color?
Author Archives: LB
Reflections
Yesterday was very cold, with an almost bone chilling rain.
Today, the sun returned! And it cast lovely reflections on the puddles and creeks that I passed on the way to work. As I was running alongside the road to get these pictures, I had 2 people stop to offer help. It must look strange to see a woman running down the side of the road in skirt and heels. I hold my camera high so folks can see what I’m up to, but it must not be obvious enough!
As I turned around to get back in the truck, I was taken by the pretty green color of the tree lichen.
Not a bad way to start the work day!
Number Three!!
I did it! I bought my third bike (and my first new one)!
Meet the 2013 Softail Slim!
I took these last 2 pictures with my cell phone, and since I’m one of the few people left on the earth who doesn’t use an iPhone, the photography isn’t the greatest … but the bike totally is!!
Can you tell I’m happy?
The dealer is having to add a riser to bring the handlebars closer to me (short arms), is moving the brake closer to me (short legs), and is changing out the grips (small hands). Because I like to travel, I am also adding a windshield, saddle bags, and engine guard. I hope to bring the bike home in a week.
I CAN’T WAIT!!
I sure am going to miss my sweet little Sportster though …
Evidence!
I was heading home last evening after a long (but good) day when the shadows that appeared like stripes on the grass caught my eye. The scene revealed evidence of the past winter, the recent flood and the coming of spring.
What a lovely way to end the work day!
History Preserved: Williamsburg
The majority of my time in Williamsburg was spent in meetings and seminars related to Nurse Practitioners and healthcare. Thankfully I found one hour of time, early one morning, to walk the restored area and take some pictures.
I’m back home after an 8 day, 900 mile trip for business and pleasure around Virginia! Thanks for following me along the way!
A Gift!
When I first began to blog 9 months ago, I would see and read about a variety of awards that bloggers would give to one another. I was curious but didn’t know much about them. At that point (and truly, still to this day), I was just thrilled if someone other than a family member or friend liked or made a comment about something I posted!
Then I was nominated for my first award and I felt so validated! Even if it was just one person, at least that one person liked what I was doing. How cool!
I know that there are those who do NOT want to be nominated for awards, but I was pretty tickled.
And then came Meg (http://athomeworkplaydotcom.wordpress.com/ ). Like me, Meg was cherishing the new friendships she had found since joining the blogging world and she decided to let those friends know how much she appreciated them. This wasn’t an “official” award … just an incredibly lovely message that made my day. And the funny thing? I had just been telling someone about Meg the day before.
Then came another nomination, this time the Beautiful Blogger award and it was just as exciting as the first nomination. I mean really … it is so rewarding to have someone tell you that they like what you are doing.
THE RULES:
Copy the Beautiful Blogger Award logo and place it in in your post – CHECK!
Thank the person who nominated you and create a link back to their blog – CHECK!
Thanks so much to Susan at Gasm Travels for nominating me for the Beautiful Blogger award http://maedetera.wordpress.com/.
A traveler, photographer, writer and water color painter, Susan describes her love for traveling this way: “I was searching for the right word that would best describe my travel experience and my feelings whenever i am planning a trip or visiting a new place….that ‘ahhhh’ feeling when something excites me every time i see new things….that ‘oohh’ feeling whenever i have satisfied my curiosity….that ‘wooow’ feeling whenever i am awestruck with a beautiful scenery in front of me….that kind of exhilarating feeling that i always get every time i am on the road or upon arrival to my destination”. Be sure to visit her blog and by doing so, vicariously visit many fun and interesting places!
List 7 Things About Yourself – CHECK!
1. I love the Gonzaga Bulldogs Basketball team (Ranked #1 in the NCAA – first time in the history of the University!)
2. I have an amazing family!
3. I’ve been a nurse in one setting or another for over 27 years and for the last 17, I’ve worked as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
4. I’m passionate about reading. I NEED to have books all around me in my home (I am not an e-reader – yet)
5. I’m a community activist, especially when it comes to green initiatives.
6. I served on Radford City Council, an elected position for 8 years; this helped me to learn that I am an ACTIVIST, not a POLITICIAN
7. I did not find out until the age of 40 (yep, 13 years ago) that I am absolutely restored by water – river, lake, ocean, pool, bathtub …
Nominate 7 other bloggers for their own Beautiful Blogger Award – CHECK!
NOW comes the hard part? How do I choose only 7 out of the many, many wonderful blogs out there?
And what qualities make a beautiful blogger anyway?
In my opinion, a Beautiful Blogger is someone who not only has a talent for writing or photography but who also has the ability to interact and connect across the blogging world … they have made me feel welcome in that world, and I look forward to hearing their comments and reading their posts. All these bloggers go beyond the likes … they engage, they comment, they share … and I love that!
http://ionicphotography.co.uk/ – Beautiful photography and conversations about our efforts to improve at the craft
http://beachbums1.com/ – a wonderful blog about one family’s travels and currently, their lives in London
http://badsphotoblog.wordpress.com/ – I love viewing Bryan’s photography and chatting about techniques / what works / what doesn’t
http://athomeworkplaydotcom.wordpress.com/ – – be sure to check out Meg’s blog … you’ll see why I like it!
http://unistudentsoutlook.wordpress.com/- I love the honest writing of this young woman and her efforts to move beyond the end of a relationship
http://boomdeeadda.wordpress.com/- While I’m not the crafter / artist that she is, I enjoy reading her blog and sending comments back and forth. Enthusiasm personified!
http://retiredruth.wordpress.com/ – a diverse blog, full of information, recipes, stories and opinions!
and just one more!
http://greenhornphotos.com/– Scott is endeavoring to post a picture a day, yet he still finds time to make and respond to comments.
Day 5-7- Williamsburg: The Warmth of Brick
It’s been an excellent conference, filled with opportunities for increasing knowledge and catching up with friends and colleagues, with time for good food and wine and even a little fun!
This morning I also found some time to get out early and shoot some of the sights around the restored area of Williamsburg. I took many photos, but what struck me the most was how warm the bricks looked with the 6:30 am sun shining on them.
I’ll post more pictures from the restored area later … for now, I hope you enjoy the early morning warmth and sunlight.
Light The Way
Opening or Closing?
Day 4 – Good Morning From Williamsburg!
Almost 500 Nurse Practitioners have gathered in Williamsburg for the 2013 Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners conference. The conference is an opportunity for learning new concepts, gaining knowledge, and advocating for improved health care for all citizens.
It is TIME for transition and change in healthcare and to move away from the territoriality that is promoted by certain healthcare providers!
For now, a few quick pictures from the Williamsburg Lodge.
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 