My post for Monochromia this week.
It was a bright, sunshiney day, but tell me, do you think it was cold or warm? This image could go either way, right?
February Ride
Sixty Degrees on Feb 28th. Guess where I was?
For at least a few hours, I was able to ride, to breathe, to smile, and to soothe my spirit,
Then I parked the bike and wandered along the train tracks,
visited an old historic school building,
and had a little fun shooting some interesting architecture.
After a quick stop at the local Pizza House, which I’ve written about before, it was time to head home for the day.
Hope you were able to spend some time this weekend doing something that brings you joy.
Walking By History
During that same morning walk last Sunday, where I saw a few signs of spring, I also saw signs of history.
Signs that cause a distinct sense of sadness and pain,
others that show the effect of time and weather,
and some that showcase pride.
I’ve passed by these markers hundreds, if not thousands of times, mostly on the bike or in the truck.
Walking though, offers time for reflection and commemoration.
Walkin’ Around
In an effort to deepen my understanding of the intricacies of my camera, I was up and out early on Sunday to walk and shoot.
Despite the remnants of snow, the signs of spring were everywhere.
The warming temperatures created a subtle mist that softened this next image.
Don’t get me wrong. If it snows again this week, as the forecast predicts, I’ll enjoy that, too. I’m all about trying to embrace, and capture the beauty of, whatever Mother Nature throws my way.
Even still, it was lovely to hear the birds singing all along the way.
Time on the bike will be here soon!
Monochromia: Pondering My Good Fortune
Previously in color, now in monochrome.
Have you visited Monochromia lately? If not, please do and check out some really wonderful black & white photography!
Even after all this time, I find myself thinking about how lucky I am to be hanging out, virtually anyway, with the rest of the Monochromia photographers. I mean, seriously, I still need to learn how to adjust shutter speed.
I’m just going to sit here in the soft morning light, enjoy my cup of coffee, and ponder my good fortune.
Opportunities
Having the opportunity to take a walk in this,
is worth having the “opportunity” to do this once the storm has passed and the snow has begun to melt.
The ERA and the Art of Snow
I’m a day late for the Valentines Day love, but I’m right on time for the snow love.
Southwest Virginia is in the midst of another winter storm. So far, we’ve got 6 inches of unexpected snow, which is soon to be followed by an inch of ice, and I am missing the Equal Rights Amendment Rally at the State Capital. Did you realize that the ERA has STILL NOT, 100 years later, been ratified? I’m bummed about that and about missing the rally.
In an effort to keep a positive attitude, I decided to show the snow in a different way.
How ’bout a little Through the Screen photography?
Or even some Screen Art?
or the abstract Snow on Leaves?
Hang in there, my friends.
Cold Outside, Warmth Inside
As it is where many of you live, it’s a wee bit chilly here in Southwest Virginia. The subfreezing temps with furiously whipping wind, provide the perfect excuse to stay inside, work on photography, catch up on my own blog, and with yours, too.
Sadly, the bike sits outside in the cold, waiting for the temperatures to rise.
Yesterday morning, instead of being in my office at 8:15, I had a meeting at Radford’s new locally owned coffee shop. Radford Coffee Company is located in an historic building, recently renovated by a favorite local developer, Joe Fortier.
The Company gives its profits to help in the education of over 1200 students in 14 communities along the Rio Coco, the river that is the boundary line between Nicaragua and Honduras.
The details of the renovation and the warmth inside the shop allow patrons to forget the chill for a little while.
The furniture and decorations include a curved church pew and a Whizzer Motorbike.
And on this particular day, a Radford mentoring program called CAMP was holding a fundraiser. CAMP “offers a chance for Radford’s kids to explore their community and to discover how many opportunities are out there just waiting for them”.
Soon enough, though, it was time to head to the office. With the warmth to sustain me, I stopped to take a shot of the cold, beautiful sky.
And at the end of the day? An opportunity to warm up with a little single malt scotch and time with a friend.
Stay warm, my friends.
Hiking Surprised Me
My friend Karen has joined WordPress! Karen was present at the blogger gathering last April, so a few of you will remember meeting her. Karen will be sharing her hiking adventures in a new blog called The Unassuming Hiker. Pay her a visit if you have a moment to spare.
I used to avoid the outdoors at all costs. I don’t like bugs and crawly things and was not too crazy about walking in the woods. Also, having knee issues, I doubted that I could actually climb mountains. When I had my 59th birthday, I decided to try something new. First I had to lose some weight to take pressure off my knee and then I was motivated to try hiking after looking at pictures of my husband and daughter on top of McAfee’s Knob – probably the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail.
That first hike hurt. My entire body was exhausted after the almost 8 mile adventure. But the feeling I got when I finally dragged myself to the top of that mountain was worth the pain. I did it!
McAfee’s Knob
It was amazing! Since then, I have become a regular hiker and I love every new adventure.
Barbed Wire 3 Ways
Well, why not make a quick stop on the way to an early morning grocery run?
I purposefully removed clarity to emphasize the frost on the wire.
Admit it, you love frost on barbed wire, too.
I mean really, what’s not to love?
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 