Last night’s sunset – straight from the camera
Let’s all try to do more to care for this precious earth we call home.
Wishing the happiest Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate it and a peaceful, happy day to everyone else.
Scenes from The Shop
It was hard for me to believe, but it had been FOUR weeks since I’d been on the bike! While travel, weekend conflicts, and sub-freezing temps kept getting in the way, Saturday promised a break in the schedule and from the 20 degree temps. It was time to ride!
Friends who own an independent bike shop called The Shop, were hosting a party to celebrate the end of another great riding season. Many of us will continue to ride through the winter as weather permits, but that didn’t keep the owners from throwing a “thanks for supporting our business” party anyway.
Despite temps in the 40s, it felt so great to be riding! The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and I was smiling the whole time. When we got to The Shop, we heard the music, and saw adults and children alike enjoying the food, drink, and sunshine.
The party was a time for enthusiastic conversation,
festive bike decoration,
smiling face masks,
colorful clothing,
and the shedding of leather coats.
And me? After shooting a few pics, I put up my feet and set to relaxin’ before heading back down the road for home.
Happiness!
Go Hokies!
A few weeks back, some dear friends and I gathered along the river for a weekend of Gifts. The cabin we rented was situated beside the New River, and was surrounded by trees. The Japanese Maples were vibrant with color, and the two growing next to each other just outside the cabin door captured in nature the colors of Virginia Tech.
Chicago Maroon
Burnt Orange
I could not stop taking pictures of the beautiful contrast between the two colors.
People have questioned the Hokie colors, wondering why a school would choose orange and maroon.
Fans of Virginia Tech respond by saying “If God wasn’t a Hokie then why do the leaves turn orange and maroon in the fall”?
Go Hokies!!!
Timing
You sit in the truck, watching the rain, and ponder. There’s no way to avoid getting the purse (with camera), lunch bag, laptop, and self at least a little wet. Then you remember that it’s just water. You take the shot, open the door … and go!
(yes … the camera was protected)
Crystal
It’s cold out there in the morning
but if you make yourself take those first steps off the porch
and you look down
and look around
you’ll see the gift that Jack Frost has left for you.
Misty Mountain Hop
What does a Led Zeppelin song have to do with this post? Not much. Just a clever title for a post with alot of misty photos 🙂
I was up and out of the cabin early both days this past weekend, enamored with the mist rising off of the river.
The Canada Geese were so vocal to one another as they swam by me.
The otters, too, were chatty and so fun to watch. I just wish I’d had the right lens and light in order to capture a decent photo. Yet even without photos, I can still see those 6 playful otters in my mind.
What a marvelous way to start the day.
Gifts
Weekends away offer many gifts.
Time with friends and the chance to fill up with the good things in life.
Loud laughter. Quiet Conversations. New card games. Old music. Much wine. Not enough dancing.
Nourished by meals prepared together and shared around a large family table.
Long walks and talks, and peaceful moments at the river’s edge.
Early morning photography sessions and late evening songs around the campfire.
And arriving home rejuventated, with major life decisions made.
Gifts indeed.
Monochrome
This image was my most recent contribution to Monochromia, taken at Shelton Vineyards in North Carolina. A new image will come out early tomorrow morning.
Have you visited Monochromia yet? If you love B&W Photography, you really should visit this collaborative blog, chock full of wonderfully different images from a talented group of photographers.
Rojo!
Don’t you just love the vibrance of RED?
And how about the luminence of yellow and orange?
Happy Fall, Ya’ll!
(and Joe – I swear I’d taken these before you started your incredible Wonder of Autumn series. Blogger friends – if you haven’t seen that series, please visit The Visual Chronicle)
VOTE!
It’s Election Day in the United States
Do Your Part! Have a Voice! Cast a Vote!
No Excuses!!
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 