This image is my contribution to Monochromia this week. As always, I encourage you to check out the work of the fabulous photographers who share their work on that fine blog devoted to B&W Photography.
Late yesterday, I finally edited the photos from a trip that I took almost 2 months ago. After planting some trees this morning and spending the day knocking doors and introducing myself to the people in the 12th District, I’ll be back to post the images.
Enjoy this day, my friends!
The past 13 weeks have found me taking 13 different trips, some for work, some for the campaign, and thankfully, several for fun.
With so much to process, both in my mind and in Lightroom, I was glad to find a few minutes to work on the photos from my first ever 5K event.
Many of you are runners, or have participated in a 5K before. I’m a pretty physically active gal, but you know me … if I have a few extra minutes, I can usually be found on the bike and / or with my camera. Together with my friends Amy, Lisa, Connie, and Sherry, I participated in a 5K in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I walked, ran, skipped and danced my way through the course, although to be honest, most of the running occurred when I was trying to catch the following images.
We started off early, in fact we walked to the race course in the dark.
The music kept us moving and the sights of the people kept my camera busy.
As you can tell, the Diva theme extended to a lot of pink, and many tutus! Even the gentleman holding this sign was wearing a tutu.
Boas and tiaras were given out as we neared the finish line.
We were offered water by the Diva Entourage,
but once across the finish line we were toasted with champagne.
Beer was also available.
As the 5K runners / walkers finished, the 1/2 marathoners were still on the course.
As each 1/2 marathoner crossed the finish line, she was met by the cheers of the crowd and the announcement of her name. I felt such pride for these women. For their preparation, their endurance, and their success. I was inspired.
Because indeed … you don’t have to go fast, you just have to go.
My contribution to Monochromia this week. My comments there about this image were:
The morning found me back on the road again, and I was rushing to keep on time. This scene made me stop the truck, run across the road, and wander around shooting in the dew soaked median for just a bit.
Yet another reason to love photography … the chance to stop, to breathe, and to capture the beauty that surrounds us.
If you have visited yet, Monochromia is a blog devoted to Black & White images, with contributions made from photographers the world over.
We’ve all said it, and many of you have as well.
WordPress Blogging has become so much more than we ever thought it would be. What started out as travel diary, forum for writing, sharing of photography, enlightenment about art, gardening, or crafting, or keeping up with family has become a community of international friends.
Over the last several days, 8 WP bloggers from 3 countries and 2 states, have met in various locations to continue in person, the relationships that have been forged through the world of blogging.
Laurie, Boomdee, Pauline, Alys, and Julia in Old Town Alexandria.
We marveled that while most of us had never met each other, we talked and laughed as if we’d known each other for years.
Which, of course, we had.
Laurie, Stacy, Boomdee, Alys, Lisa, Pauline, and Patty in Georgetown
What might have seemed unusual to friends and family (“you’re letting someone you’ve never met stay in your home?”), to us seemed natural. No doubts.
Our days have been full of laughter, many hugs, lots of delicious food and the sharing of stories.
Pauline, Shelley, Boomdee, Alys
We’re still in the middle of this amazing gathering of friends, but I wanted to share the joy, because of course, there are so many of you out there that I would love to meet!
Let’s get to planning. I promise it is worth the effort!
We’ve got another couple days here in Radford before I put Boomdee, Kelly, and Pauline on the train back to DC. Until the, we’ll fill every single moment with the joy of being together.
And now, while the others get a bit more rest, I’m off to work on the campaign for a couple hours.
The WordPress world, and the bloggers who live in that world, have been so good to me! In just a few short days, 5 in fact, according to the countdown widget, I’ll be meeting with women that I’ve come to know through blogging. Energized excitement is flowing from Canada to New Zealand to California all the way to Virginia and DC.
There are many others who blog on WP that I’ve come to know and love, and today I want to tell you about one of them – cat lovers, pay attention! Suffragette Kitty is written by Louisa May Alcatt “a reincatation of one of the world’s most notable women”. LMA is “a tortie with cattatude, who despite a 125-year cat nap, remains passionate about women’s rights”.
A visit to Suffragette Kitty offers a great education about many of history’s notable women. I’m always inspired and in fact, after reading one post, was moved to donate to Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House. What a fascinating family the Alcotts were!
Just the other day, the mail carrier delivered inspiration for my campaign from LMA and her publicist (Maureen, the writer of the blog). The Votes for Women items seen in these photos are a reminder that not only was there a time when women were not able to vote; they were also of course, not able to run for office.
LMA tells me that Marmee – Abigail May Alcott – lobbied for a woman’s right to vote from age 16 until her dying day at 77. While she never lived to see her dream come true, she paved the way for women today. LMA says “in my opinion, Marmee was an unsung Women’s Rights Activist”. I love this sachet and hope, that as LMA intended, that it brings me luck.
Thank you, LMA, for this wonderful gift, which brought a huge smile to my face and warmth to my heart.
I feel truly blessed.
It was lovely to visit many of your blogs this evening, which kept me from doing much work on the photos from my recent trip to Florida.
There’s always tomorrow, right? G’Night Ya’ll!
A wonderful weekend in Florida with friends was well worth the craziness of life upon my return. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands in the Myakka River State Park.
And while I cannot wait to share stories and photos, I’m firmly convinced it is time for a zoom lens!
I look forward to checking out your latest posts!
Yep. It’s pretty much about the campaign. I’m still caring for women every day, and like many of you, I’m still managing the tasks of an already full life. The campaign, however, dominates my life.
Never fear, though!
I’m traveling this weekend and look forward to sharing the adventure!
Even better, the temps are coming up and I’ll be on the bike as soon as my boots are back from the shop!
I simply cannot wait!!
Isn’t it incredible how sometimes all we need is 24 hours away from life’s routines and life’s chaos?
We drove through a snow storm to get to Keswick Hall and while there, soaked up the many comforts that we found. Next time, we’ll make sure to enjoy the heated infinity pool.
The steam rising off the water added a misty quality to the images,
whether in color or in monochrome.
Beautiful scenery in a historic building, incredible food and drink, and a wonderful friendship = 24 hours of fabulous!
How incredibly lucky am I?
When you left us last, Jan and I were enjoying a bottle of champagne and yummy chocolate covered strawberries delivered to our room by the incredibly attentive and caring staff of Keswick Hall. Restored and refreshed after our snowy ride to the resort, we set out to explore.
When I made the reservations, I did not realize that the Hall was originally a private residence. “The seventeen-room Villa Crawford, the north wing of Keswick Hall, with it’s original fireplaces, ornate ceiling molding, and grand staircase, was built in 1912”.
“Designed to resemble an Italian villa, the 8000 sq ft, two-story, stucco clad, slate roofed home originally cost $100,000”.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner in Fossett’s Restaurant,
and then wandered down to Treble, the wine cellar named after Thomas Jefferson’s use of the word:
“I have lived temperately….I double the doctor’s recommendation of a glass and a half of wine each day and even treble it with a friend.” – Thomas Jefferson
“The cellar features a glass entrance door framed with handmade wrought-iron gates and lanterns reminiscent of old-world European wine cellars that were kept– like prison cells or bank vaults– under lock and key. Two adjoining rooms offer both informal and more formal dining. You’re also surrounded by 600-700 labels, at least 5,000 bottles in all” (http://www.readthehook.com/89940/stellar-cellar-treble-it-over-keswick)
Treble is a wine lovers paradise,
and a photographers challenge.
Our nightcap in the Villa Crawford Bar, the original family dining room, was happily interrupted by the engagement announcement of one of the employees. We felt a part of the family and joined in on the celebration.
The staff of Keswick completely pampered us and their kindness and care added so much to the experience.
How’s this for a view while eating breakfast? Those of you who checked out Monochromia yesterday may recognize the two chairs off in the distance.
Here they are again from another angle.
The weekend was coming to an end and it was almost time to begin the journey home. In a couple days, I hope you’ll join me for one final post about Keswick.
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 