Tag Archives: Photography

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What Edna Said

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My contribution to Monochromia this week.

Thank you to the lovely Julia at Defeat Despair for introducing me to the poem First Fig by Edna St. Vincent Millay.

My last post was a reflection about the fullness of life, and this one is also about life’s challenges.   Have no fear, though.  All is well and I plan to be riding the bike for a little bit tomorrow.

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My candle burns at both ends;
   It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends—
   It gives a lovely light!
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Thanks to the lovely Julia at Defeat Despair for introducing me to the poem First Fig
by Edna St. Vincent Millay

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The Road Ahead

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The road of life offers many opportunities and challenges,

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and sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between the two.

Sometimes the direction seems foggy or unclear,

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with obstacles blocking the way.

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Soon enough though, the way will be made clear, and we’ll see the future as it should be.

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The world around us will be peaceful once again,

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while the spirit, made stronger because of the struggle, soars.

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This small collection of photos was taken at various points this past week, a week that was filled with far too many twists in the road, and not near enough opportunities to use my camera.

I’m quite sure that many of you experienced the same.  Let’s all just breath … it’s going to be okay.

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Comfort

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As I sat outside on the kitchen door stoop this evening, I glanced over and saw that the daisies were starting to bloom.

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I grabbed the camera, thinking all the while that I have very much missed the creativity of photography, and how far behind I am getting in my learning of this craft.

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Deciding that the daisies were deserving of a blog post, I thought of Meg Ryan and her character’s description of daisies.  It was then that I remembered that I had already used “aren’t daisies the friendliest flowers?” for a post two years ago.

Ah well, they brought a smile to my face none the less.

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As did Louie.  His face will make anyone smile.

Louie and Daisies.

Comfort at the end of the week … and before the long weekend ahead.

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Nestled in the Blue Ridge

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While on the way to meet my parents and son in Charlottesville for a Mothers Day lunch, I took a brief detour to King Family Vineyard.

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Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the vineyard offers near 360 views.

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The visit was brief (just one little sip of wine),

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but the detour was worth it (even if I did get fussed at for pulling over onto the grass to catch this reflection).

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The best part of the day, though?  Time with my parents and son!

Hope the day was lovely for you as well!

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The Wonder of Florida

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When you saw the title of this post, did you think about sun, tourists, and Disney World?  While those things certainly are identified with Florida, that’s not the Florida that I experienced almost 2 months ago.

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Those of you who know me will not be surprised to learn that just going over the Sunshine Skyway was exciting!  I wish Donna could have stopped the car but for some reason she didn’t think the Florida troopers would appreciate that too much 🙂  I do love a bridge and I’d have loved to have been on the bike!

My welcoming committee!

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My three day visit was jam packed! In fact, we rarely stopped exploring.  A brief, early morning visit to the beach …

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… was followed by a stop at the Sarasota Farmer’s Market.

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  Is this not the perfect view for lunch and a cold beer?

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We spent time at the Myakka River State Park and it was during our time there that I KNEW I needed a zoom lens!  Visitors to Myakka can enjoy “the land in its natural state, a piece of the REAL FLORIDA”.

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The Birds! The Gators!  The Trees!

“Myakka protects one of the state’s most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway”

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And then there’s the Canopy Walk!

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76 feet high, the walkway offers an incredible view over the park.  It was a bit hazy that day, but you’ll still be able to appreciate the vista.

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The Airboat tour brought us up close and personal to the gators and other wildlife.

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On our last evening, we took a long leisurely walk around the neighborhood, admiring the trees, flowers, and the sunset.

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It was a wonderful 3 day getaway, one that ended far too quickly.  I’m already looking forward to next year and time with my dear friends!

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Welcome to the Weekend

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Friday afternoon.  What a lovely site to see at the end of the work week.

Saturday’s Arbor Day Tree Planting was a success and the rain didn’t stop me from going to door to door.

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And now, it’s Blog to Blog via WP!

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Good Friends and Votes for Women!

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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.

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Thank you, LMA, for this wonderful gift, which brought a huge smile to my face and warmth to my heart.

I feel truly blessed.

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Until Tomorrow

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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!

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Myakka River

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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!

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I look forward to checking out your latest posts!