California Poppy

This afternoon as I was returning home I noticed the poppies in bloom in our front yard and decided I just HAD to take a photograph.  No particular reason, just because.  Hey I’m a photographer, it’s my prerogative!

Round Robin Challenge: Graffiti

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon this garage filled with graffiti during a senior portrait shoot.  It was a perfect escape from the famous Northwest rain. 

Then I saw the challenge and knew I had to return to the garage for a few more photos without the senior.  During this last visit to the garage, I learned that the garage is open for artist to come and leave their mark on the walls on any given Sunday.   Anything with profanity, meanness or vulgar would be removed/painted over immediately.

A lady came and parked her car into her assigned stall as I was taking photos and she said she enjoys coming each Monday to see what new items have been added and sometimes she was sad to see some of the beautiful art get painted over.  I guess if I came the week before I would have seen Marylyn Monroe gracing the walls of the garage.

Below are some of the art work (aka graffiti) on the garage walls, I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

None of the above graffiti remained from a few weeks ago when I was doing the senior portrait session.

Be sure to stop and check out more art work/graffiti here –> Round Robin: Graffiti

Goodbye

“Goodbyes are not forever.  Goodbyes are not the end.  They simply mean I’ll miss you until we meet again!”  ~ Author Unknown

The current Round Robin theme is “Goodbye”.   I actually took a photo that I especially wanted to use for this particular theme and I’m pretty positive that  I formatted that card before uploading it to my computer!   Unfortunately, the photo was just for fun and I was in an urgent need for more memory at a wedding last weekend.

So, I guess once again I’m resorting to ‘cheating’ and using some photos from a few weddings that represent ‘good-bye’ … good-bye to single life.   Or in these cases, goodbye party … hello honeymoon!

                                             They often leave in black town car limos ….

                                                        Others leave in a classic Rolls Royce limo ….

                        The adventurous bride leave in a Jeep with beer cans clanging behind ….

      And then the truly brave bride will exit and say goodbye while having bird seed thrown at them!

Don’t say goodbye without stopping at the other Round Robin participants!  You can find them right over there –> ROUND ROBIN

Thank you for stopping by to visit!

Symbols

 The current Round Robin topic is from Ruth, the Scrabblequeen  and the topic is ‘Symbols’.  My original hopes and intentions were to go into Seattle and take a photo of the Space Needle and Pike Place Market – very iconic of Seattle.  However, the first opportunity I’ll have is … well, today!  I’m going up there to do a family portrait session.

  I feel like I’m ‘cheating’ by using my work related photos for this particular challenge.  However, there are many symbols involved with weddings that I decided to go ahead and use some photographs from weddings we have had the honor to photograph.

The wedding ring is the most instantly recognizable symbol for married couples.  There are many theories about the origins of the wedding ring.  I’ll go with a ring is a circle which symbolizes eternal.  In this case, hopefully eternal love for each other. =)

The unity candle (variations – the rose ceremony, unity sand, etc.)  Generally a family member from the couples families will lit the two candles which represent their individual lives.  During the ceremony they will take their individual candles to lite the one in marriage.  Many couples blow out their individual candles.  However, lately I see more keeping them lit to symbolize that they aren’t losing their individuality in the unity.

 

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue …  This is from our most recent wedding.  The bride’s something old is the handkerchief that her grandmother received from her grandfather while he was serving in WWI.  The something new is the pearl bracelet,  Something blue – the ring and something borrowed is the frog that belongs to her sister.

Now what are they supposed to symbolize?  Each in a sense are to symbolize good luck.

Something old – continuity to the bride’s family and the past  

Something new - optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead 

Something borrowed – an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride.

Something blue - Before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns, as evidenced in proverbs like, "Marry in blue, lover be true."

Now are you the least bit curious as to what other symbols were found by those who participated in the Round Robin Photo Challenge?  Let’s go check them out by clicking –> HERE! =)

Before & After

This current Round Robin Challenge was suggested by Vicki of Maraca. The topic is 'Before and After'   Being exactly as it says:  anything "before" and, well, "after."

I briefly considered a photo of our Thanksgiving dinner before everyone ate and then again afterwards.  However, I got busy and caught up in the day.  Meaning I forgot. =)  I thought okay, Christmas decorations.  Except we will be doing that THIS weekend.  IF things had gone as scheduled I could have shown you the before and after photos of our kitchen remodel.   Instead all I have is before and 'in progress', which isn't the challenge. (sigh)

The kitchen before the start of remodeling.  It had THREE doorways for such a small kitchen.  And do you see the cord running along the door frame on the right?  That's the plug for the refrigerator!  REALLY!  The kitchen had a drop down ceiling, pink 60's PLASTIC tiles and blue flooring.  BTW, the kitchen photos were taken with my point and shoot that I carry in my purse.

As you can see, this isn't a true after photo as work is still in progress.  The stove still needs to be replaced (after Christmas), walls and ceiling need to be finished, upper cabinets ... so much work still ahead!  Oh and if it had been day time when I took this current photo of the kitchen you would be able to see more of the big window in the dining/living room.  Everything is new in this kitchen ... or will be once the stove is replaced and the new overhead microwave is installed.

Okay so back to the entry,  it now means I need to do some actual thinking to come up with a "REAL" entry for this challenge ... oh my, this is going to hurt!   Then today, PAY Day came along and inspired this before and after entry! =)

My poor wallet before payday ....

And my wallet after I cash the check ... (sweet)   BUT, it was before I paid bills, bought groceries, etc ...

And my wallet again after I paid the bills, got the groceries, Uncle Sam took his cut, etc .... (sigh) 

That didn't last long!  At least I have A dollar to my name!   Shhh, I better not let it be known that a dollar is still in my wallet or someone will nab it,  like my husband or daughter.   Now be sure to check out the other Round Robin participants.  I promise it won't hurt your wallet! =)

Link to ->  Round Robin Photo Challenge

Giving Thanks

This is actually a post I wrote for my business blog.  Then I was thinking I'd share it here too as I have the same wishes for my friends here on the net. =) 

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays.  Not so much for the feast that many families have, though I can't deny I enjoy a good meal!  It's meant getting the family all together, shared conversations, catching up with those you love.  I suppose some say Christmas is good for that and to a degree that is true.  Except at Christmas I feel a bit of pressure to buy gifts for everyone and sometimes finding that right gift can be difficult.  Especially when you get someone like myself - I have what I want when it comes to physical/material items.

                             

Those who know my lack of desire to cook, might be surprised that Thanksgiving is a favorite time and I actually enjoy cooking a nice family dinner for this special occasion.   However if I must be honest, I can't really say that I enjoy all the dishes afterwards!  Wait, I can give thanks for the dishwasher and for family members who help clean up! 

While this year has provided it's own challenges it's also provided me with many reasons to be thankful and grateful.  Here is a brief personal list of things that I'm thankful/grateful for this year.

~     My husband and business partner, he has allowed me to pursue what I love.  And not once did he discourage me from starting the business then dragging him around with me!  I think he actually enjoyed this himself, even if it wasn't something he would have visualized for himself before I came into his life.

~     My three children who have led healthy productive lives and fill my life with love. laughter and even a bit of frustration that just reminds me life is a learning process that we must sometimes learn on our own.

~    My precious granddaughters who will test their daddy just the way he has tested me in the past!  For their hugs, smiles and laughter.

~     I'm thankful for my parents who owned their own businesses.   It was because of this I went forward with creating my own business with NO FEAR.  Maybe I should have  had some fear and worries but, I just knew deep in my heart this was right!  I miss them terribly and I feel they would be very proud of what I have accomplished and of the wonderful man (my husband) who supports me through this journey.

~     Lastly, I am thankful for all the wonderful customers we've been blessed to photograph,  to be a part of such an important day in their lives, to welcome a new baby into their families, to document their lives as they unfold.  We have met some truly wonderful and inspirational people with this business.

We wish you, your family and friends a very 'Happy Thanksgiving'.  Enjoy the holiday with those you love, laugh with them, embrace the moment and remember to give thanks for having love in your life!

Color-blinded by Love

This week the Round Robin Photo Challenge is titled "Colorblind".  Which was suggested by Nancy of Nancy Luvs Pix, a woman who's photography and blogging I had followed and admired from way back in the day of AOL had journals.  I MISS those connections! (that's getting off subject).   The instructions were simple enough:  "Basically, take a photo of something, change the color...make it interesting!"

At first I wasn't going to participate as I normally don't like a lot of over editing on a photo.  However, sometimes it's good to get out and "color outside the lines"!  So, with that in mind I'm here.  I'm titling my submission, "Color-blinded by Love".   Be sure to check out the other creative minds and photos, just click here -> ROUND ROBIN

                         

                         Here is what the photo would look like without the colorblind treatment.

                                           

In The Window

I signed up for the current Round Robin Challenge "In The Window" with the idea that I'd find something fantastic to photograph while in Maryland or DC.  Of course once I was with family, I was completely distracted by grandchildren and forgot about the challenge!  And yes, there were plenty of opportunities.  Yesterday I checked the Round Robin Blog to see when the next challenge was due.  Uh oh ... TOMORROW!  What to do?  Dig in the archives of course and if all else fails, go outside and tease the kitty so you can get a photo that way. =)

                       

This is my daughters cat, Sapphire or also known as Sassy.  She was named Sapphire because of her incredible two toned blue eyes.   BTW, pardon the boxes behind her, we are remodeling and everything is a mess. (sigh)

Okay I admit, this is pushing it.  I took this photo during the last challenge of bridges.  This is part of the Chihuly Bridge of Glass in Tacoma.  Along the bridge are these "WINDOWS" (work with me - they are display windows after all) of Chihuly glass.  I love glass so this bridge is always a delight to me even if it never changes. 

                        

I'm going to go ahead and share one additional photo from the Chihuly Bridge of Glass.  This is an overhead 'window' display of Chihuly glass.

Looking at the car of his dreams through the window.  This was taken at the Smithsonian Museum of American History it was on our last day when this sparked the memory of the challenge.  So, despite my thinking I wasn't prepared, I guess I was! =)

If you would like to peek into some other windows just click here to view more from other participants:  Round Robin Photo Challenge.

Bridges

       A foot bridge to a fishing pier with a view of Mt Rainier.

Looking toward the Cable Stay Bridge from the Museum of Glass in Tacoma.

                      

This was taken on the Chihuly Bridge of Glass (pedestrian bridge) that allows people to get from downtown to the waterfront where the Museum of Glass is located, which would otherwise be blocked by the interstate.

I had hoped to share 2 additional bridges; our 'Narrows Bridge' but, I got distracted at the Museum of Glass and never got past the bridges shown above. =)  The other was the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge from my former hometown of SF.  I couldn't find my disc with a photo that I took while on a ferry of bridge at sunset. (sigh, it was a favorite photo of mine too!)

** Last minute addition.  This is 'London Bridge', which I have crossed in England and now in Arizona.  My daughter was amazed that the entire bridge was saved and transported to another country and a completely different environment.   The first is the bridge and the second is of us on the bridge.

 

Be sure to take a moment or two to check out the others who participated in the Round Robin Photo Challenge of Bridges.

Thank you for stopping by and please feel free to share your thoughts!

By The Water ...

The current Round Robin challenge is "By The Water".  Any interpretation is fine. =)  A glass of water, a watering hole, the ocean, etc.

Recently we were on Orcas Island for business and spent an extra day on the island exploring.  This  first photo was taken on the ferry to the island.

We were delighted to find the following waterfall at Moran State Park on the island.  The first photo shows the beauty, the second photo shows the size, while not huge that's my 6'3" tall son standing by the waterfall. =)  Second was taken at a slightly different angle.

 

Be sure to check out others who have taken the time to participate: Round Robin.  Thank you for visiting!

pimiento verde y rojo

                   

Summer is such a busy time of the year for me with my business. However, I've really wanted to take a moment or two to participate in Martha's Color Carnival.  Luckily, I found the perfect opportunity while my son was home for a visit we went to Pike Place Market in Seattle where I photographed these lovely colorful peppers. 

To view other colorful (and cheerful) photographs just click here-> Color Carnival!

Garden Portraits

For this current photo theme, I knew I HAD to use a couple of older photographs from last summer.

One of my favorite flowers are the Dahlia's.   Before we moved, we had a large variety in our sunny backyard.   Unfortunately our new yard is small and mostly all shade.  I guess that means finding new flowers that prefer shade! =) 

This next Dahlia I found last summer at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma .  I loved the delicate look of this beauty.  I wish I could find this one for my yard.

                    

This last photo was also taken at Point Defiance Park this past weekend.  I thought I would share a rose.  I was thinking it might be a 'Peace Rose' however the edges seem darker than the Peace Roses I've seen before.  Maybe a variation?

                

I'm glad I had the opportunity to participate, thank you Carly and Karen for all you do to keeping the Round Robin active and fun! =)

.Comments are appreciated, I will be by Sunday to visit all who participated!  Be sure to  a moment or two to check out the others who took the time and effort to participated:                              Round Robin Garden Portraits.

** In my eagerness, I realized I didn't read the full instructions so here is an overview or 'full' (actually only a quarter at most) photo of the Rose Garden at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.