Wednesday, March 31, 2010

One Magic Moment

Project 15 - Day 17

Today I'm revisiting Maine.  What a memorable month we spent in this beautiful state last summer.  I would not be unhappy if it were on our itinerary again this summer.  

On this particular morning I was at the harbor long before daybreak.  I had already shot these skiffs and had turned my attention elsewhere.  I don't know what prompted me to turn around, but when I did what I saw was amazing.  These boats were aglow in the golden light of dawn.

Sorrento Skiffs

It looks good here but you ought to see it in print.  

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Spring Time in the Glades

Project 15 - Day 16

Feeding Time


Monday, March 29, 2010

Houston, We Have a Problem

Project 15 - Day 15

It seems there has been a gross miscalculation. Day 15 has dawned and April 1st is still days away. It appears that Project 15 is more along the lines of Project 17. How on earth did that happen? It also appears that someone who resides at my address is not smarter than a 5th grader. (You know that I can hear you laughing don't you? It seeps through the computer keys and I find it annoying.)

I guess I need to put the champagne back in the frig to chill for a couple of more days while I sharpen my pencil and try and figure out just what went wrong. I could rest on my laurels and call it done. Project 15, Day 15 - it works for me. But I know that -k- would never let me hear the end of it if I bailed now. So I will suck it up and see this thing through.

In the mean time here is a taste of the Caribbean for you to enjoy.

Closed for the Season

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Two Months

Project 15 - Day 14

I am missing these two sweet faces. You have no idea how much. It has been close to two months since I last saw them. Two months since I was called a "crazy old woman" by this one.


Two months since I received wet, sticky kisses and wiped a runny nose. Two months since I tucked this little guy in for the night and two months since I kissed that dimple.

Two months is an eternity in Grandma years. Why they might not even remember me. I better start packing. Two months is tooooooo long.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Holding On

Project 15 - Day 13

During the summer these beautiful dragon flies are prolific in south Florida. I would love to glue their legs to the branches and keep them still. They seem to be either flying off to greener pastures or blowing in the gulf breeze.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Day 12

Project 15 - Day 12


Dry Tortugas National Park

This is not easy folks. My respect for those who manage to maintain a Project 365 or a PAD site for an entire year is now off the charts. The key to success, at least for me, would be to write when the mood strikes and line up the posts in advance. I did that on week one. I had a visitor for a few days (BFF K) and knew I would not have the time nor the inclination to write blog posts so I scheduled them in advance. But now, now I'm struggling. This is work. And Henna, my last willing model, is starting to hide under the bed when the camera comes out of the bag.

However, there are only 3 days remaining and I WILL persevere.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

God Bless Niecy Nash

Project 15 - Day 11

I am not a huge Dancing with the Stars fan. I enjoy the show, but I am not compelled to watch. And if I were being honest I would admit that the only reason I tuned in to Monday's season premier is curiosity. I was curious to see how that infamous reality star mom, Kate Gosselin would fare. She didn't fare well. I think Kate got a large dose of reality herself this week. She can't dance. Or perhaps she could if she would just relax and not worry about controlling everything. That, however, is her issue not mine. I control nothing, except for this blog. Although sometimes it controls me.

Sorry, I got a bit distracted. The person who did grab my attention on Monday night was the one and only Niecy Nash. If you have no idea who Niecy Nash is it is a good indication that you have more of a life than I do. Niecy is the host (or one of them) of Clean House. One of those reality shows that attempt to clean up the home of morbidly addicted hoarders. She is funny, she is upbeat and my oh my is she sassy.

But it wasn't what she did on the dance floor that was so impressive, although that wasn't bad either. In fact I thought her dancing was good, better than most. I will be rooting for her. It was what she said in her personal spot prior to the dance that impressed me. She proclaimed, on national television, that she did not want DWTS to cause her to lose her "jiggly parts." She went so far as to say that she loves her "jiggly parts" and would be crushed if they vanished. Can this possibly be? A television personality actually stating that they are comfortable with their body, jiggly parts and all?

I too like Niecy's jiggly parts, as long as they remain on her. I do not like them on me. In fact I loathe them on me. (And in my current state I have a lot to loathe.) I would love nothing better than for them to vanish. But I have to admit I admire that girl. She not only owns her jiggly parts, she embraces them. She cares not what others think and she is a happier person as a result. I should strive to be more like her.

And so I lift my glass high, I toast her self-confidence...to Niecy. God Bless Niecy Nash.

Now pass the Girl Scout Cookies.


Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

We are the Champions

Project 15 - Day 9

Here they are, the undisputed champions of Marco Island's Senior Softball Marco Division...the one and only Joey's Pizza!!

I know that ever since you read this Softball and Photography Projects, you have been anxiously awaiting the final outcome of the season. The boys went 20-1. Their only loss came with two games remaining in the regular season. It was a heart breaker to be sure, but the boys took it in stride and rebounded to win their final game in a big way.

These gentlemen not only shattered the previous winning streak but they broke down another barrier as well. Yes my friends they had women on the team! Bonnie and Sharon, both boasting many years of softball experience, served as base coaches. Sharon (on the right) eventually assumed the role of Assistant Manager making certain the books were in order and paying close attention to a myriad of other details.

In this league mature men turn into ten year-olds. William becomes Billy, Robert - Bobby, and Doug - Dougie. If your name doesn't fit the mold it will be changed, Roger became Reggie. Why? Who knows. There are shouts of encouragement, fist pumping and high fives a plenty and not once did the dugout empty onto the field in an angry show of support. It was close a couple of times but cooler heads prevailed. Maybe it was the thought of the humiliation that would follow should someone get knocked down and not be able get up on their own.

The league even hosts "The Prom." This annual dinner dance is a flashback to the days of American Band Stand and always includes an oldies band for entertainment. Picture if you will 150 aging teens bee bopping and jitter bugging the night away. It is a sight to behold.

Now take a good look at the team photo. Can you tell which one broke his neck on the field two years ago, which one was carried off on a stretcher with a heart attack, or which one is hyper and talks nonstop both on and off the field? Can you pick out the pitcher who has had a total of 7 surgeries on shoulders, arms, hips and knees? The attorney who schedules appointments around ball games or the retired high school football coach with more than one state championship to his name? Can you find the college hockey star or the former miner league baseball player? How about the retired OB/Gyn physician with the tender heart or the 85 year old who insisted on playing with a torn ligament in his ankle?

These men come from diverse backgrounds. Each and every one of them has raised a family and placed a stressful career in their past. And now the time has come for them to reap the fruits of those labors, enjoy the camaraderie of sports and relive their youth.

It was a dream season. They are a Dream Team. They ARE the CHAMPIONS.



Monday, March 22, 2010

The Jolly Llama

Project 15 - Day 8

On Saturday I received a request from Karsten, the grandson of my good friend -k-, for a photo of a horse showing its teeth. And while no such file exists in my large library of images the request jogged my memory. So Karsten, this one's for you buddy.


Ain't she sweet? If there is an orthodontist out there this could be a carreer maker for you. Correct this underbite and clients will be beating down your door and lining up for miles.

A large bottle of conditioner would also be helpful.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Williamsburg Revisited

Project 15 - Day 6

One of the benefits of this self imposed exercise in productivity, aka Project 15, is taking a look back. I find myself perusing old files in search of photos that I failed to process the first time around. Perhaps they missed the first cut, or quite possibly I became distracted and moved on to the next batch and simply forgot about them. Whatever the reason, they are being rediscovered and it's a bit like Christmas or receiving a belated birthday present.


A year ago last December we visited Colonial Williamsburg, VA. It was a round about way to get to Florida from western PA but it worked. It was also an experiment of sorts with regard to traveling with Henna. That worked too.

Overall I was disappointed with the shots I brought home. The weather was a bit dreary, but a real photographer would consider this a challenge not an excuse. And sometimes I get too caught up in the whole that I forget to look at the parts. It is usually the parts that make the best photographs.


This particular shot of the Apothecary Shop was processed with a touch of Spicify from Topaz Adjust and a hint of Nik's Efex Pro's Bleach By Pass filter. Using the two is a bit counter intuitive but I like the end result. What I don't like is the fact that this photo is soft. My focal point seems to be on the back left hand wall instead of on the display in the front. I know that I was shooting indoors without a flash and with a wide open aperture. This adds to the problem...limited depth of field. Simply put not everything is in focus.


I like to think of this fellow as Mr. Ed. Remember Mr. Ed? A horse is a horse, of course of course and...well you get the gist. His white blaze has a bit of a blue tint, I should go back and fix that.



That's better. I wouldn't want Mr. Ed to be feeling blue.


Now this one, this one is a diamond in the rough. A little gem of a shot that brightens my day and makes me smile.

Didn't I tell you that parts make the best photos?

Friday, March 19, 2010

Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Girls

Project 15 - Day 4

We had a rather uneventful visit with the girls this year. I had high hopes that they would provide several days worth of blog fodder during their stay, but it was not the case. I also have to say that the weather was extremely uncooperative. These photos were taken on one of the rare days that the sun shone and provided enough warmth to offset the cold north wind.

What the girls love most about their annual visit to Florida is to sit on the lanai reading and/or working on their cross word puzzles. They are a fairly low maintenance duo. However, the unusually cold, wet winter weather squelched those plans and most days kept everyone on the inside looking out.

One afternoon, to break up the monotony, The Kid produced his softball glove for the girls to inspect. Although the glove is nearly as big as she is, Bubba acted like a seasoned pro and encouraged D to toss the ball her direction.


That's right Bubba, concentrate.


Don't take your eyes off of the ball. It's one of the first rules of the game.


Success! And nice catch. Score one for the nonagenarian. (Go ahead, look it up, it's a real word!)

And then there was Flos. In the name of fair play it must be noted that Flos had no sons. No boys to track in mud, collect bugs, or play baseball. When handed the rather large fielder's mitt, she seemed to be at a loss.


It required further inspection.


But in the end we had to straighten her out. No Mom, it's not a hat.


It's a glove.

In spite of the cold weather, and brisk north wind we had a great time with our visiting Mothers.


Come back again next year ladies.


We'll stock up on puzzle books and reserve your seats on the lanai. And if you're good, The Kid will break out one of those new bats and play a little Pepper with you.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Henna in the Morning

Project 15 - Day 3

Photography is all about the light. When the light is extraordinary it really doesn't matter how ordinary the subject. Not that I think Miss Henna is ordinary, but the beautiful early morning light casts a warm glow on our little golden girl that brings this photo to life.


Kind of makes you want to run out and adopt a dog doesn't it?

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The Car Show

Project 15 - Day 2

In early February we attended an antique car show with my big sis and her hubby. The fact that I have just now located these files after six weeks is an embarrassment. But this is not going to be a glass half empty post. The files were not carelessly deleted as I once thought and that is reason enough to celebrate.

Who would have thought I would enjoy spending a couple of hours looking at vintage automobiles? Certainly not me. With the exception of the snazzy, red, "58" corvette that I would look quite youthful driving, old cars do not excite me. However, put a camera in my hand and it's a whole new ball game.


I think this creamy white car might have been a Rolls Royce but please don't ask about the red one. I have no idea what it is, other than shiny and colorful.


The blue Bel Air I remember. Mainly because we had a 1957 or 58 black and yellow one when I was growing up. It looked like a giant bumble bee rolling down the highway.


The Kid had a VW Bug much like the one pictured below. It was before my time but I've heard the stories. My big sis had a white one. She taught me how to drive it since I didn't know a thing about shifting gears. I was a good student. I listened carefully and did everything she instructed me to do, including never shifting into 4th gear. She said that I would not need it. I didn't, until one day while driving along the highway at 55 mph (conservatively speaking) one of my passengers tired of the grinding noise and enlightened me. I have not failed to use 4th gear since.


The blue Beatle is actually a reflection in the side of a shiny black Mustang. Shiny, black cars are good like that.


This one just screams hot rod doesn't it. Surely there were yellow flames painted on its sides. All self-respecting hot rods had yellow flames didn't they?

And then there is this car show staple. Enough said.


The End.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Project 15


I know several people who are participating in either a Project 365 or a Photo a Day project. Simply put this means that something is posted every day on either a blog site or a PAD site for an entire year. This bothers me. How do these people do it? I have more time on my hands than most yet my productivity level is well below average. Why is that? Don't answer, at least not out loud, I might hear you.

My good friend -k- not only has a PAD site, but also a blog that she updates on a regular basis. And even though she denies it, her productivity level is soaring and her work is beautiful. (You can check it out here threedogstudio and here Lightdance.) This also bothers me. Not that she is productive, but the fact that I am not.

So, I have decided to do something about it, at least for the next 15 days. (I have a little commitment problem. Remember the diet?) From now until the end of the month I am going to post something every day. Many days it might be nothing more than a photograph but something new will appear on this page every day from now until April 1st.

I think I shall call it Project 15.

Let the fun begin.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

What Danger Lurks in Paradise

As if alligators cruising the peaceful waters of my back yard aren't bad enough, now we have THIS!


THIS 9-foot python was found under the pool deck of the house across the canal from us this week.  A 9-foot python in my back yard does not make me a happy camper.  In fact it makes my skin crawl, my stomach queasy and all the hairs on the back of my neck stand up in protest.

It all happened on Wednesday afternoon as we (the bubbas & I) sat leisurely on the lanai soaking up the warm Florida sunshine.  One of the two days we have been able to do this since Christmas.  Suddenly 3 of Marco's finest along with two civilians appeared in the back yard of the house across the canal, my back yard neighbor if you will.  It was obvious they were searching for something as they were down on all fours looking under the pool deck, pointing here and there in an excited fashion.  Unfortunately their words would not carry on this calm day and we nosey observers were unable to discern just what they were searching for..but we had our suspicions.

Just the week before a much larger python was captured sunning itself on the tarmac of the Marco Island airport.  The airport, although not actually located on the island, is only a few short miles away and it left me with an uncomfortable feeling.  The problem is a growing concern in south Florida and this now makes it my concern.  

The following is a quote from the Naples News Press:

"Just how it got there is unclear.

Richie said the snake could have been someone’s pet, which she said she doubted.

“It could have come on the island in a landscaping truck, in a lawn-care vehicle,” said Richie.

But then again, it could have slithered its way over the S.S. Jollley Bridge that connects Marco from the mainland, she said.

“We’re not sure how it got here,” said Richie.

It was a first for Marco, said Richie.

Recently, more and more pythons are being discovered in the nearby Everglades, likely discarded pets left to fend for themselves in the harsh Florida environment, Dube said.

“They’re all over the Everglades now,” said Dube, “and even as far down in the Keys as Islamorada.” "



That is my house you can see in the background of this photo and this is all too close for comfort.  I have snake phobia as it is.  It's the reason we removed several hundred dollars worth of beautiful firecracker plants and replaced them with thorny bougainvilleas.  The black snakes loved to crawl up in the soft grassy masses and sun themselves on a warm winter day.  

It is also the reason I now refuse to take Henna for her last walk before bed.  She'll just have to hold it til morning when I can actually see what's lurking in the grass.  I can assure you that if I come face to face with one of these things you will find me racing up I75 as fast as my legs can carry me and I will not stop until I reach the safety of western PA where such things do not exist!!!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Softball and Photography Projects


This is the final week of an 8-week Portfolio Development class I enrolled in. My initial purpose for the class was to narrow my photographic focus and hone my editing skills. I was hoping to develop one or two themes that could be expanded over time. However, it didn't take long for my best intentions to fall apart. Weather conditions in south Florida have been uninspiring this winter, company has filled my house for weeks, and gallery hours were expanded in an effort to capture those illusive snowbirds. Two weeks into the class, with little time to explore new shooting venues, I had an epiphany... at 4 a.m. one morning. I find myself at the ball field several times a week taking pictures of The Kid and his team. Why not make them the subject of my portfolio? And so it began...


my quest to capture Marco Island Senior Softball, specifically the (currently) 18 - 0 Joey's Pizza team.


Their fun loving spirit is contagious. I wanted to capture that and their intensity, determination and passion for the game.


For me it became more than fulfilling a class assignment. It became a labor of love.


These men are no longer in their prime. It is hard to run, for some even painful.


It is harder still to bend, to stretch and snag an incoming ball. All things taken for granted in their younger days. Plays are executed in the mind but the body is all too frequently non-compliant.


Many of these men have had joints replaced, shoulder and back surgeries, torn muscles and ripped tendons. They are battered and worn, but not beaten.


They show up faithfully twice a week, don their gear and head out onto the field. They range in age from 58 -84.

They all have one thing in common, an intense love of the game.

Congratulations to Joey Pizza. They have done something no other team in the twelve years of Marco Senior Softball has been able to do. They are 18 - 0, undefeated with 5 games remaining in the regular season. No matter how the season plays out they are true champions.