Tag Archives: Photography

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Will It Ever Stop???

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The RAIN, I mean!

Honestly, I rarely complain about the weather!  I walk out the door in the morning without having looked at or listened to a weather report.  Hurricanes, thunder storms, floods, heatwaves … I am often unaware that they are in the forecast until I leave the house and someone fills me in.  It’s easy for me to be this way; my work isn’t affected by the weather.  And besides, I love the energy of a storm.

Recently we’ve been heartbroken about the loss of 19 firefighters in Arizona.  I keep thinking that if somehow the western states could have gotten some of our rain, things might have ended differently on Yarnell Hill.  And I’m quite sure that all the folks in my neck of the woods would be grateful to see a bit of  that southwestern sun.

Our most recent storm caused some pretty significant flooding in Southwest Virginia.  In fact, a pond developed in a friend’s back yard.  And since I’m a long time fan of puddle jumping, and playing in the water in general, I headed out for some fun!

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Yes! I did play in the pond!

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I loved the ripples that were created when I moved around the pond …

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and the raindrops caused lovely patterns as well.

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These sort of looked like abstract water colors.

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So, despite the fact that we are all pretty fed up, there’s no doubt that rain helps to create beautiful images.

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One More From Deb’s Backyard: Hollyhocks!

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If you’ve seen my last two posts, you know that one afternoon in Deb’s backyard led to a wonderful time and some fun photos.  Hopefully, you’ve seen the Calla Lilys and the Sunflowers.  Please enjoy these Hollyhocks, too.

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With all the rain and  flooding we’ve had (photos next post!), it’s hard for me to believe we actually saw the sun a week ago!

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Of Horses and Spiders

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I delivered some dinner to a couple friends the other night and couldn’t help but go visit the horses on the adjacent property.  When they weren’t staring me down, wondering what I was up to, or eating, they were literally kicking up their heels in play.  Wish those photos had turned out … I’m still learning animal photography 🙂

I kinda liked these though.

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And then there was this spider …

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Piano on Solstice

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While most of the photos from the Solstice Party on Friday were taken outside, this one was shot while I was inside getting a glass of sangria.  Something about the light on the keys and the lovely wood …

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More photos coming later!

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Planning the 4th Solo Trip

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My last post glorified the joy of being home, and I truly am excited to have the next four weeks at home without travel (other than day trips on the bike of course).   It’s time however to get serious about planning the 4th Solo Bike Trip.

So many places to ride; so few vacation days!

You may remember that I rode the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Tail of the Dragon (in Tennessee) in 2010 as a way to celebrate my 5oth Birthday (photos taken with my old Canon Powershot SD1000)

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2011 found me riding to the Outer Banks of North Carolina (again, with the old Canon)

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Tennessee was the destination in 2012

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So it seems that I have, not with purpose, alternated between the  mountains and the beach.

This year then, I’m going back to the beach!  I’ll ride to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Annapolis, and possibly Delaware.

The near constant rain has had me less than motivated to pull out the maps, but this weekend I WILL get to it!  After all, the day of departure is just 7 weeks away!

Let the planning begin!

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Prepping for the Bike Trip

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My annual solo trip is just 2 months away and the new bike has been in the shop getting ready for the road!  It was due for it’s first check up at 1400 miles, but I also had the guys add highway pegs and a heat deflector.

 Since I couldn’t be on the bike, I pulled out the camera (ha! when don’t I pull out the camera?)

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I loved the shadows of the leaves on the bark of  this weeping cherry tree (is that the playboy bunny I see?)

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This one is with flash …

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and this one without.  Which do you prefer?

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Not a bad way to spend the evening!

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The Middle of the Road

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I was supposed to hit the lake with friends this evening, but threatening rain early in the day led to a reschedule.  The sun was shining brightly as I headed toward home after work, and it was still shining during a brief but beautiful rain shower.

I only had moments to get the camera out and push the shutter .  The rain was slowing down and I was – after all – stopped in the middle of the road.

Pretty cool moment, for sure!

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What’s in a Year?

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Or at least … what’s in a blogging year?

I’m contemplating that very question as I sit out on my finally clean screened in porch.  The rain and too many weekends of travel have kept me from enjoying it and I have missed spring and summer mornings out here.   Breakfast is done and I sit here now in comfortably cool temps, hot coffee at hand and a multitude of birds singing in the background.

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 How lucky I am to live where I do!  The house is far too big for one, what with the child moved on years ago, and 2 dogs and 1 cat also passed on.  It’s now just me and Abby, and every so often I consider moving to a smaller place.  Then I sit here on my porch, surrounded by nature (in the middle of my little city), basil growing in posts,  rabbits (and deer) eating all my hostas (damnit), and I drop all thoughts of moving … for now.

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But I digress.

One year ago, almost to the day, I started this blog as a way to communicate with family and friends while riding.  Each year, I take a solo bike trip and I’m loved enough to have people worry about my safety.  The first two years I typed a travel update via email from my Blackberry.  I’d find a fun little pub or restaurant, order the house special and a good imported beer and write the days news.  In searching for a better venue, I came to WordPress.

One thing led to another and I’ve now been posting for a year.  I started Life on the Bike and Other Fab Things as a travel journal and method of communication and it has morphed into something much, much more.

Story Telling.  Travel Journal.  Photography Portfolio.

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But after 12 months and 158 posts (now 159), it has become a passion, almost an addiction and has taken valuable time away from reading!

The two things that I did not anticipate?

1.  Growth as a photographer – because of many of you!  I have learned so much about the technique and artistry of photography and I have grown better (and more critical) of my efforts.  I can not wait to find a weekend photography retreat to attend so I can continue to improve.  Thanks to all of you out there for inspiring and teaching me.

2.  Connections – I had no idea that I would find such an amazing community of bloggers.  When I first signed on with WordPress and started trying to find my way around, I would read about the blogging community and was mystified.  How would I ever connect with people? How would they ever find me?  Then suddenly that first Like came … and then the first Follow (I still remember the thrill) and all of a sudden I was hooked!  I love telling my local friends about the connections I have made in Australia, London, Norway, Canada, and in many other countries and various parts of the US.  You all inspire me, uplift me, make me cry, and laugh out loud.

I have sighed, exclaimed and been envious over your photos.

I have been moved by your words and laughed at your jokes.

I’ve followed along on your adventures, been proud of your accomplishments, and wondered about you when you haven’t posted lately.

I’ve also lost hours of sleep and time spent with a books … ah well, it’s not all perfection.

To my family and friends: thanks for your patience with my requests to look at just a few more photos.   My annual solo bike trip is planned for August (details pending) and I look forward to having you all along for the ride as always.

To my fellow bloggers:  Thanks for coming sharing this amazing thing called blogging with me.  You have made my life richer for embracing me into your community.

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