Surf's up 213/366

As I watched several young kids participating in a surf school day camp, I tried to imagine what it would be like to be a child living on the beach.

Ardent passion for all things sandy 212/366

The excitement was palpable as we packed our bags and got everything in the car. After what felt like an eternity, we could finally smell the salt in the air.

Summertime, summertime, sum-sum-summertime 211/366

After dropping the dog off at my sister-in-law's house, we took the kids to the local pool. Once there, I spent most of my time watching 6 boys doing flips, twists, and cannon balls off the diving board. There was one young man who clearly dominated. He got great air, flipped and twisted, and talked smack (in an encouraging way). 

I remember being that age, defying gravity without a care in the world. 

What a lifetime ago.

Remembering it's a process 210/366

As much as I understand photography is a process, I still want it to just happen. When it doesn't, I get frustrated.

I've been reading, practicing, and deleting; however, I'm fairly pleased with today's results.



This is SOOC of a flower near my back porch. I was practicing using the Back Button Focus (BBF). I didn't think I'd like it, get used to it, or see a difference in the sharpness of the pictures I take, but I have been pleasantly surprised. I still have a way to go before it becomes natural to use BBF before shooting (and not mistakenly thinking the camera is broke).



Once I ran it through Camera Raw, I pulled it into Photoshop and started playing around with filters in RadLab. Devoid of color, the textures popped out at me. I really liked the results.


Of course, since I can't ever leave well enough alone, I played with cropping. This is the final result and I think I'll print it to remind myself that it's all a process.

Hello Georgie 209/366

After spending time practicing with my marco lens, this was the only shot I liked and that was sharp enough.

Contemplating art 208/366

Deep, rich colors lined the side wall of the tattoo shop.

My girl and I were killing time looking for a small cafe. We found the cafe but I was more intrigued by the art on the wall.

There was also a small market across the tiny parking lot where you could get a cold drink to quench your thirst and sit outside at a small, sidewalk patio. While sipping your beverage of choice, the African warrior would watch over you.

So cool.

Good night, sleep tight 207/366

The eyes have it 206/366

Even though the composition is off in this photo, I LOVE  it.

It was late evening, I had been reading online about sharpness and different ways to achieve it, and my faithful companion sat by the ottoman the whole time waiting. While I'm not sure what exactly he waits for, he is always there.

Trying something I had just read about, he sat and let me click away. One can only guess what was going through his mind, but does it really matter? Look at that face.

Because my walls are a light yellow (decided on before I fell in love with photography), the lamp was casting a glow, and my carpet is a tan that leans towards a yellow cast in the evening, I am happy with how it turned out.

Wishful thinking 205/366

Don't get me wrong. I love summer; however, I would pay someone good money if they would make it rain.

Take it all in 204/366

When your child swims, you are always searching for something to occupy your time between prelims and finals. This afternoon found us tired and wanting to lay flat somewhere. We decided on Piedmont Park. We worked our way through town and a few very cute neighborhoods until we found it. 

Blanket in place, I kicked off my shoes and watched families kick soccer balls and throw Frisbees until I fell asleep. A stiff breeze and a forty five minute nap can make everything better.

Sanctioned moments 203/366

Great swimming, good conversations, and time between prelims and finals with my daughter made this a memorable weekend.

Graffiti 202/366

While in the city, I'm always on the lookout for awesome wall art. This portrait captured my eye as I did a u-turn to go back towards the swim facility parking lot. I quickly pulled into the alley, hopped out, and took a few shots.
I love the bright colors and the expressions. Oh, how I'd love to meet the artist to ask the intent behind each expression.

Coffee & Chlorine 201/366

Early morning alarm, quick shower, fast breakfast and a large cup of coffee was how my morning started. Driving in to town, I was so thankful I don't have to make that drive every day. After settling in with my peeps, I enjoyed some great swimming. My girl swam her best times so it was a happy drive home.

Carefree youth 200/366

After dropped my eldest off at physical therapy, I rode over to the lake to take a few pictures. As I got out of the car, I hear two young voices calling to me. I walk to the edge of the water and they ask me to take their picture.
Before I could open the camera on my iPhone, they were feet up with their toes wiggling. They came laughing, but it all happened too fast. "Do it again!", I shouted. My voice fell on deaf ears because they were now being all boy. Splashing one another in the face and pushing each other. Biding my time, I waited.

I captured the self-proclaimed handstand winner.


And his friend putting him in his place.

I drove away smiling, knowing I just enjoyed a true, if momentary, glimpse into the carefree world of two young boys.

The rhythm of summer 199/366

I'm am deep into the ebb and flow of July. Driving, feeding, waiting, and reading are my main actions most days. While there are times I wish my summers were different, I realize that soon enough they will be very different. Quiet, probably too quiet.

Today, I am grateful for the powerful smell of chlorine as I carpool home, excited talk of driving permits, the sound of the vacuum being run upstairs, and my iPad (which I'm learning more about every day).

Practice makes perfect 198/366

I have such a love for learning all things photo related. Lately, I've been researching focusing tips. As my day dwindled into dusk, I meandered out to practice back button focus.

While it's going to take a bit of practice on my part, I did catch this little guy out for an evening walk.

Recognized idleness 197/366

"Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." ~Sam Keen


I saw this quote on a blog I follow and thought it very appropriate for today's thought.

My happy boy 196/366

Today's viewpoint 195/366

The cycle 194/366

It was a very overcast day yet the rain was not coming. Sticky, humid air wrapped its arms around you the very moment you stepped out the door. Walking around observing the demise of my garden reminded me of the cycle of life.

Barely peeking from the soil in May, my plants had such promise. With love and tenderness we watered and applied pest control, but it was not enough to postpone the ravages of Mother Nature. Blistering sun and the lack of rain stunted growth and began the countdown to brown, withered leaves.

Random thoughts 193/366

Meditation started my morning. While I'm not sure what I think about it yet, I plan on giving it 28 days to stick. It is a great, quiet way to start my morning.


Most of my day was spent doing teacher planning with my fellow teachers. There are few things like getting together to do work with great women (and Adam).

About 10:30 a.m., I realized my summer is just about over. That's a downer.

No one noticed the scabbed over patch the size of a grapefruit on my left shoulder from where the tree branch fell on me and slid down my scapula. But then I did wear a zip up hoodie over my tank to prevent that exact thing.

I love my dog (even when he brings dead animals up close to the house to eat). P.S. I immediately took him out to the driveway and brushed his teeth twice.

Happily, my garden is producing enough tomatoes and cucumbers to keep me satisfied for a long while to come.

A world of blueness 192/366

I spent the day soaking in the clouds and the blue sky. I just couldn't get enough.

A face only a mom could love 191/366

I've been walking and doing yoga.

Making more conscious food choices is not always fun.

I feel better.

My pants are getting looser.

Walking the block is more fun with my faithful companion.

I've seen this bug three days in a row.

I hope his momma thinks he's cute 'cause I don't.

Getting close to nature 190/366

Please make note...I was on the other side of the glass.

The visual decline of July 189/366

Spring brought rain, rain, and more rain. Our garden, flowers, and lawn thrived. Of course, this meant regular mowing, pruning and harvesting but the benefit was a beautiful lawn and a plethora of fresh produce.
Summer has brought with her high temperatures and minimal rain. The by-product of all this love is wilting plants and a brown yard. No longer can we walk to the raspberry bush and pluck a handful to drop in our oatmeal bowl. The tomatoes and cucumbers are coming in gang busters but only because my dear husband is faithful to water them.
The hydrangea above is the last one hanging on through the heat. Notice the lack of blue? Yep, it's struggling with a creamy, gray color.

Streaming 188/366

Cascading through the trees, the morning sunlight immediately caught my attention. In the time I could snap a few pictures, the direction had shifted slightly and the visible rays were gone.

I'm grateful I was there to see it.

Hoo, hoo, hoot 187/366

For weeks, I've heard a hooting coming from the woods behind our house. Low and behold, we found him sitting on our the bars of our trampoline. I know it's not the best shot; however, when I tried to get closer, he took off into the woods.

Happy July 4th 186/366

We nixed our camping trip because sitting in 100 degree temperatures followed by thunderstorms trapped for four days in a camper with two kids and a dog = NOT FUN!

We decided to have family over to cook out. Spending the day with family was a good idea.

We ate, laughed, and played games. They left to head home just as the storms were rolling in. Boy how the sky opened up.

Truth in the tunnel 185/366

The beginning of my instawalk meetup had me walking under the bridge that carries Amtrak through the city. The graffiti is incredible. While it's obvious some of it was painted randomly by one who had no talent or direction, portions were very colorful and had poignant meanings.

This one captured my eye, both for the message and the colors.

Lofty aspirations 184/366

During my walk through Cabbagetown yesterday, I received an intriguing history lesson. In the early 1880's, the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill built shotgun type houses for its workers, who were poor Appalachians. They grew cabbage in their yards and, in the evening, the whole neighborhood would smell of cooking cabbage. That's how it got its name.

The mill eventually closed and the area fell into disrepair with the 1980's bringing an influx of artists back to the community.

The mill was renovated into residential loft housing inhabited by artists, musicians, and business professionals.

Cabbagetown adventure 183/366

I met up with some Instagrammers in Cabbagetown. I was needing a little me time and the heat was not going to scare me off.



Off I drove to the designated meeting place. Arriving early, I partook in an afternoon refreshment and hung out watching the local folk.


While I acknowledge I am a people watcher, I was ready for everyone to get there so we could start prowling around the neighborhood.


Educationally speaking, I had a wonderful time. I learned a few things and met new IG'ers. It's always more fun when you've met the photographers in person. Equally as important, I was reminded that my brain only thinks clearly in the extreme heat for so long before I have to call it a day.

Nature up close 182/366

Things look different through a macro lens.