Reliving the walk through Madison 274/366

I went through all 200+ photos, deleted ones that were blurry, and 5-starred my favorites to process. There were so many when I started but once I put a critical eye to each photo, the best rose to the surface. (At least the ones I felt were the best.)

Enjoy!

Madison Clickinwalk 273/366

My day was spent meeting new friends, photographing a quaint southern town that was spared the burning wrath of General Sherman, and almost getting my car stuck in a ditch after excitedly pulling off the road to photograph a blooming sunflower field.

There were thousands of them all in various stages of blooming. Most were taller than me. The plants on the outside edges of the field had caterpillar eaten leaves. But they were beautiful. If you squatted down to look up at them, the light shining through the petals was mesmerizing.


There are so many photos to look through which means a longer post later in the week. Until then, I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

A scene from the past 272/366

As I snapped away at the flowers all around me, it took awhile for my eyes to fall on the scene within the plants. Two women are sitting casually on the porch gazing off into the distance. Clothes are drying on the line while they are knitting. The details are amazingly accurate. 

As I wandered around to the other side of the raised flower bed, I noticed several other buildings with figurines. I made a mental note to come back when the light is not so harsh.

Busy as a bee 271/366

Methodically moving from one flower to another, this bee kept on about its job even as I moved the camera closer and closer. It was very systematic in its approach, not leaving an area until all the stamens were inspected.

How similar am I? When I have a task to complete, I will methodically and systematically go about my task until it is completed. When a distraction comes my way, I will watch out of the corner of my eye but I will persevere.

Much to my family's dismay, I do not like to leave a task undone. I will, at times, make us late leaving the house because I am tidying up or putting things away so it's not in my view when I walk in the door. No one else may notice but I will and it makes me feel better knowing everything's in it's place.

Call me crazy but it's in my DNA. Thanks mom.

Don't be afraid to get dirty 270/366

If there's one thing I've learned through this photographic journey, it's this: perspective is everything. When something catches your eye, take a moment to look at it from different angles. Walk around it, look at it from above, squat down and look up at it, get really close, pull back and put it in context. Taking the easy shot is not usually the one that'll take your breath away. Don't hesitate to get your pants dirty by crawling on the ground. Lie on your back and shoot from underneath. You'll be surprised by the way things look from down there.

Carefree fluttering among the greenery 269/366

Fluttering into my photo, this little one has no idea summer is over. While I wandered around a new garden area in town, I was surprised to see at least twenty butterflies all merrily going about their business.

Meandering up and down the rows, I listened to the conversation going back and forth between the workers. A combination of lively banter and friendly mocking, the women happily went about the business of removing dead plants and weeds.

Rocking in one of the many rocking chairs, I enjoyed the cool weather and soft breeze blowing across the garden. This is definitely a place I will return.

She's NOT a pretty pink princess 268/366

Not being a pink wearing girl, I had to plead for her to put the skirt on and spin for me. Obliging, she twirled fast and slow. Round and round she went.

 She even jumped a few times for me.

While I twirled the dials and checked exposure, she played with the flowing fabric. She was so patient with me.


And for that, I'm grateful.

Happy anniversary 267/366

My dear husband, I can't imagine life without you. Here's to many more. Cheers!

Posted with Blogsy

There's nothing like great friends 266/366

 

Posted with Blogsy

Women of Faith with my peeps 265/366

We've been waiting for this weekend for a long time. Five of us met together to pray, worship, and fellowship with an arena full of other like minded women.

Each year we go in early and help them set up. Moving boxes, stuffing bags with flyers, and hanging them on all the seat gives you time to meet other women. Sharing stories and working together for a greater purpose feels good.

We move orderly and quickly all the way around the building until all the seats have a bag.

Getting to the last row and last seat comes right at lunch time. After retrieving our tickets, we head out for lunch.

Last year we ate at California Dreamin' and loved it. The food was awesome and the service was outstanding. When trying to decide where we'd eat this year, the choice was simple.

I had a Chipotle chicken wrap that was delish. After lunch and a few moments of rest at the hotel, we headed over to the arena for the first evening of worship.

What a great time we had.

Posted with Blogsy

Swimmer's need their stuff 264/366

For a sport that only requires a bathing suit, cap, and goggles, they sure haul a lot of bags to practice.

Posted with Blogsy

Wide open spaces 263/366

Sometimes a girl just needs space to think. This is a perfect spot for pondering all that ails you.

Posted with Blogsy

Sharp and to the point 262/366

 

Posted with Blogsy

Locksmith 261/366

Don't let anyone hold the key to your happiness.

Posted with Blogsy

Weekend fun 260/366

Looking for something different to do, I went across town to an arts and crafts festival. Before perusing the wares, I stopped by the dog park to meet my second favorite dog. He is a boxer dog whose spastic puppy tendencies warrant an hour or so at the dog park before being taken in public. He's sweet to the ends of his flapping jowls but if you want him to act like calm dog, you must let him get his wiggles out.

Sitting at the park with my friends, I commented on how much being at the dog park reminded me of when we'd take the kids to the park so they'd nap once we got home. There were several dogs of varying size there and they had an enormous space to run. Guess where they chose to hang out?

Yep, right at the feet of their parents. Jumping, and play growling, and slinging spit kept us popping off comments like, "Go over there. Don't doooo that. Stop biting him. Really, Bru?!?!?!"

Eventually we left and headed to the festival. He was the perfect four-legged specimen.

Booths with people selling their crafts were filling the park. You could buy dog treats, knitted items, various wood crafts, blown and cut glass, beautiful stained glass, cute clothing for your precious little ones, homemade soap, and much, much more.

After going around the loop, we decided it was time to eat and chose a beef gyro and a fresh squeezed lemonade. While we ate, we talked and listened to a DJ spinning (do they say that anymore?) records. Maybe it was more like pushing a few buttons to load a playlist into the queue. Anyway, it was a relaxing day.

When the thermometer hit 85 degrees, I headed home. Upon arrival, an Arnold Palmer over ice hit the spot.

Dancing feet 259/366

I popped over to the local festival to check out our local artisans. Meeting my bestie and her daughter, we walked around to see what we could see. As we meandered down the hill, we noticed a clogging show just beginning. Quickly taking a seat near the front, we were entertained. While the shoes were clicking and clacking, I drifted off wondering how many calories you could burn in an hour of jumping around with metal plated shoes. I mentioned this to my friend, who just laughed, knowing I'd never buy a pair of tap shoes.

Did you notice the smallest child in the center with the white shoes? Maybe her shoes popped out to you because hers were white in a sea of black. Did you also notice all the other girls wore a black, layered cotton skirt while Little Miss White Shoes wore a black sparkly dress?

I noticed right away and couldn't take my eyes off her.

If I were to buy tap shoes, and if I were to wear them to actually tap in, and if I were to tap in a show, I would wear white shoes with a sparkly black dress too.

Just sayin'.

Community garden 258/366

Nestled in a corner of our neighborhood is the cutest garden run by the community. There are plots that grow tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, melons, peppers, and much more. It's all surrounded by fencing to keep out the critters.

Just as cute is the sign that welcomes you as you drive in. On my way out, after looking around, I stopped to take a picture. Wow, we have some creative people here.

Bugs Gone Wild 257/366

Sitting outside pondering my woes, I noticed this furry guy under the chair. From my position in the other chair, he looked dead. I thought this would make for a perfect macro shot so I went in to get my camera. When I returned, he had moved. 

Down on my stomach I started setting up for the shot. He stayed curled up tight for a long time. Patiently I waited. He finally opened up and took a few tentative steps. {snap, snap, snap} Back into a ball he retreated, his safe space, waiting until he felt it was alright to come out again. 

While I waited, I changed settings and half pressed the shutter. I wanted to be ready. 

It took awhile but he finally opened up. What I saw shocked me. He was shivering, like a small dog does when they're nervous.

And, he had lips. LIPS. 

Who would have thought? Not me, that's for sure.

 While in the belly position, I saw this guy. He was definitely dead so I moved him onto the table to get a better position.

How many people can say that.

"Yes Mable, I scooped it up and moved it to make better use of the light.", said no one.



I know I've said it before, but when you look at life through a macro lens, you'll be amazed at what you see.

Turnipseed love void of technology 256/366

Driving home from school, I noticed an old Ford pickup truck on the side of the road. Next to it was a man painting a canvas of the the farmhouse and barn across the field. Quickly, I decided to turn around, go back, and ask to photograph him while he painted. 

After parking along the fence line and walking through weeds that reached my calves, I announced myself. My he looked familiar! I laughed and poked him in the arm as I reminded him that he was the man who owned the Turnipseed Nursery. (Yes, I can be dorky like that.) 

He smiled and laughed and totally put me at ease. We talked for the longest time about how he runs the nursery in the summer and paints the rest of the year.

"Like a real artist?", I asked. (Again, things just jump out of my mouth sometimes.) 

"Yes", he smiled,"like a real artist." 

Because he grew up in the area, as did his parents and his parents' parents, he was able to regal me with stories of my town back when there was only one paved road and a population in the three digits. There also used to be a bridge at the end of my road that washed out in the 60's and the town didn't have enough money to replace it. Turnipseed was the last name of his great great grandmother and the nursery has always been run by a family member. 

He also invited me to his art studio; it's on the nursery property.  Whenever I was out and about and wanted to stop by, I would be welcomed. But, since this was his painting season, he may not be there. In that case, I could just come back.

Just for grins and giggles because I pretty much knew the answer, I asked if he had an e-mail address where I could send some of the pictures I took.

"Nope. Don't have a computer.", he says nodding his head.

Of course he doesn't. That would ruin everything.

Good Morning 255/366

Posted with Blogsy

Shedding their skin 254/366

Measuring over five feet long, the skin of the black rat snake left behind was incredible. My husband found this beauty while mowing and it's definitely been a hit. All the kids at school wanted to touch it, the adults sucked in their breathe when they saw it, one girl jumped because she thought it was real, and one adult scooted hurriedly away saying, "NO WAY!"

I enjoyed (immensely) the varied reactions. Sometimes, I have the humor of an eleven year old boy.

Posted with Blogsy

Wrapping up the weekend 253/366

Image my surprise when I went out to get parsley for a meal and saw it all eaten away by a herd of leaf eaters. One day my parsley was growing and thriving...and the next, devoured. Bummer.

Today was a day of yard work. I pruned, trimmed, and removed the dying summer plants. Three wheelbarrows full were pushed to the pile on the back of our property. Dear husband mowed and removed a few bushes we decided were not fulfilling their purpose. I'm hoping to pull up the stumps soon (and I do use I liberally because I won't be the one throwing the pick ax around) and begin prepping the area for an extension of our garden. We want the plants to serve a purpose and not just look nice. We've planted several fruit trees, experimented with different vegetables, and decided what isn't working for us. Next spring will be a new adventure in planting.

Someone has a sore throat (not me), another has a stomach ache (not me), and dear husband is making plans to use his compound bow.

The air was a wonderful 50 degrees this morning.

I signed up for Clickinwalk 2012 and am counting down the days. I even ordered a battery power grip
so I can be sure I have enough juice to get me through the day.

Dementia sucks!

Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite.

Cooler weather is coming 252/366

 

Posted with Blogsy