Monday, February 28, 2011

Permission Granted

I have spent the past twelve years trying to "get it right" in the camera.  Technically speaking I have succeeded...at least most of the time.  I have mastered f stops and shutter speed, ISO and the rule of thirds.  I know what makes a good photograph.  I know how to follow the rules.  But the time has come to let go.   To throw caution to the wind and find my creative voice.

wpalm_bubbles

It is difficult for me.  I have always had a need for affirmation.  To know that what I was producing in the camera was acceptable to others.  Finding my creativity means shutting out those voices.  Learning to listen to the inner muse.  Some days it is like holding a door shut with both hands and all of my strength while the traditionalists tug and pull on the other side trying to get into my head.

wDarkDreams

Taking on Project 365 has saved me from myself.  It has become about so much more than the discipline of taking a picture every single day and following a theme.  It is a license to dream.  To look at the water drops that have collected on the screen enclosure in the early morning light and wonder.  Wonder would happen if those back lit drops were sent spinning out of focus?  Or how it might look with the water in the background partially in focus or the green shrubbery?  What if?

wSensual_wakeup_call

Sometimes it works.  Often times it does not.  But I am learning to measure success in the trying.  In granting myself permission to let go.  In wondering what if.  It is getting wet and dirty in the process.  It is learning to not care what anyone else thinks.

wgreenlight

And it makes me smile.

Link to Project 365

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Birthday Boy

Someone I know has a birthday today.  It is a big one too.  I'm not allowed to say but it involves a zero and a six. How can that be?  Wasn't he just a kid last year?  Oh, that's right he is THE Kid.

He is also my best friend, my biggest supporter and the love of my life.  He is the kindest and most thoughtful person I know.  He is slow to anger and generous to a fault.

He is also psychic. He answers my questions before I have even finished asking them (although not always correctly.)  He doesn't like to keep things around too long. You can translate that to mean he is always throwing things away or giving them away even if we're still using them.  He's the best softball player on the island, or he was until he hurt his knee. And he is a superb travel agent.  He can find the most amazing deals, just ask the family.

He tells really stupid jokes and laughs at all of them, even if no one else thinks they are funny.   He's a wonderful father and a super Pappy.  Children of all ages love him as do women of the senior set.  He spends a lot of time carefully "researching" items before purchasing them.  Around here it's known as "Dougin It."  He has been known to take years to make a decision on what to purchase.

He's a good neighbor and a better friend.  He has been in my life for over 40 years.  (That's a long time, especially in dog years.)  I can't imagine what life would have been like without him.  He's genuine, true and faithful.  He's the real deal.  He's all mine.

wDoug_beach

Happy Birthday Babe.  I love you.

Link to Project 365

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Give Me an Hour

Give me one hour (or two), a hibiscus blossom snipped from my neighbor's bush, a cream pitcher, an open doorway and a sheet of white foam core and I will be in hog heaven.  Oh, and don't forget the camera and the 105mm macro lens.  That's the important part.

wRed_in_Blue_Vase


wBack_lit_blossom

There are a hundred more on my hard drive just waiting for me to take a closer look.

wpollen_feet

wdbl_xpose

There is oh so much to see in one simple blossom.

Happy Saturday.

Link to Project 365

Friday, February 25, 2011

You Deserve a Break Today

When I awakened this morning I thought that you, the faithful 11, deserved a break today.  A break from artsy florals and dew drops, from macros and close-ups.  Of course the problem then arose what would I do?

I haven't been anywhere new and exciting.  I don't have any beautiful people photos and the grandchildren don't arrive for another month.  It was a dilemma.  And then I remembered the sunset image taken on the pier of the resaurant we visited on Monday evening.  (The food was excellent.  We had sauteed grouper and it was melt in your mouth good.  Just thought you might like to know in case you were wondering.  I wouldn't want anyone to lose sleep because I didn't tell you what I ate at the restaurant on Monday night.)  Now where was, oh right, the picture.

So, because it's Friday, and because I worry that you'll get bored and find another blog to follow I'm changing it up today.

wsunset_pier

Aren't I good to you?

Link to Project 365

Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Magical World of Macro

I can only imagine what my neighbors were thinking.  There I was crawling around my back yard, in my pajamas, on my stomach, at the crack of dawn.  It must have been quite a sight to behold.  What was I doing you ask?  I was exploring the magical world of macro photography.

Macro photography goes hand in hand with impressionistic photography and we all know that I am a fan.  How can I not be when I can get up close and personal with a tiny branch budding on the shrubbery in my front yard.

wBuds

Or check out the dew laden clover that looks like this to the naked eye.

wclover

or this with the right tools and a little practice.

wcloverdrops

I haven't perfected the science yet.  It takes time, and patience, and practice to focus in tight, with just the right selection of depth of field and not shake the heck out of the camera. Blurry, soft pictures are a casualty of the the process.

But if you get it right you can make magic..like the blade of grass below.

wdew_on_grass

or even this back lit scene.

wbacklit_blade

Don't tell The Kid, but I think I'm in love.

Link to Project 365

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Pelican Briefs

How can you not love these guys?


wPelican_incoming


The clown princes of the sea.


wPelicans_singing


"A wonderful bird is the pelican. 
His bill will hold more than his belican. 
He can take in his beak,
Food enough for a week, 

But I'm damned if I can see how the helican."

                                                     ~ Dixon Lanier Merritt in 1910. 


wPelican_inflight


Link to Project 365

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Marsh Trail

Late last week I received an invitation from a photography friend of mine to walk the recently opened Marsh Trail located in the Everglades.  It took me no more than two seconds to accept and soon a plan was in place.

Our hope was to arrive just prior to sunrise.  In spite of a delayed start we were heading south on SR 41 just as the sun was peeking over the horizon.  We both noticed the mist rising off of the warm wet surface of the glades and couldn't help ourselves.  We pulled off to the side of the road and snapped our first photos of the morning.

wMarshMorning

The Marsh Trail is a wonderful spot to walk and observe south Florida's wading birds.  Egrits, great blue herons, great white herons, and an assortment of wood ducks were plentiful.  Unfortunately I don't have a lens with a long enough reach to capture the birds at their best.  I turned my camera elsewear, to the marsh grass, the reeds and other blooming matter.

wwaterweeds

The colorful marsh grace came alive in the early morning light while the birds soared gracefully overhead.

wMarshTrailWater

And so it went.  We strolled along the gravel pathway looking for that special something.  Each with her own vision of the world around us; each with her own way of documenting it.

wgreen_leaf

We met a few others along the way, mostly bird watchers and a couple of other photographers.  (Who else would rise from the comfort of their bed well before daylight to go for a walk?)  But for the most part the trail belonged to us.

wWoodDuck

There is beauty all around us, found in the simplest gifts of nature.  It's there for the taking.  All we need to do is slow down long enough to see it.

Link to Project 365

Monday, February 21, 2011

Under Advisement

Since the gauntlet was dropped on Friday things have gotten verrrry intelesting around here.  The Kid would like me to thank you for your support and encouragement.  He has taken the challenge to heart and has it under advisement.  (I think that means he's thinking about it.)  At least he hasn't said NO yet.   We shall see if he puts up or shuts up.

In the mean time I shall continue to do what I do best.  And when I figure out what that is I'll let you know and start doing it.

If you're looking for a picture check back in a few...I've got to find one!

wduckV

Link to Project 365

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Because I Can

Yes, it is a flower.  Why?

wyellowboug

Because I can.

Friday, February 18, 2011

We Got Trouble

Oh, we got trouble.  Right here in River City.  With a capital C and that rhymes with P and that stands for pool.

A complaint was officially lodged with management regarding the content of this blog.  That's right.  A complaint.  The Kid has come forward and voiced his dissatisfaction with the number of botanical and "artsy" photographs that have appeared both here and on the Project 365 site in recent weeks.  And  I mustn't forget the dog posts.  He's tired of dog posts too.  What he would like to see in their stead are more "historical" topics.  Things like forts, and monuments and tiny post offices.  Those are the things that crank his motor.   Those are the topics he would like to see on the increase around here.  (Feel free to picture the great eye roll at any point.)

I informed Mr. Historical that when he started writing the text and taking the photographs THEN and only then could he have creative control over MY blog.  Gheesh, just because you marry the guy he thinks he can control everything.

wpelican_headshot

Can you imagine?  A history lesson every day?  I don't think so.  My great readership of 11 would dwindle to nothing in no time. And besides I blogged about his jeep.  There were pictures too.  Six of them.  Didn't I just feature The Kid and the Beast?  That was historical.  Wasn't it?

Given the fact that a complaint was raised, I have given things a great deal of thought.  (I want to be sensitive to my readership.)  I believe I have come up with a compromise of sorts for the old boy.  I have invited him to be a "guest blogger."  (You can now picture the great eye roll coming right back at me.  I however, do it much better than him.)  That way he can write whatever is on his mind, historical or otherwise.

So my faithful readers what say you?  If you would like to see The Kid appear from time to time as a guest blogger give him a big thumbs up in the comment section.

It just might save my marriage ;-)

Link to Project 365

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Tomorrow is Another Day

Another day, another dilemma.  What on earth do I write about?

wBout_upclose

I could tell you that I ate out twice today, both lunch and dinner, but then you would think I was a glutton.

I could tell you that The Kid spent all day yesterday buffing and shining the old Miata while I watched.  But then you would think I was lazy.

I might write that on Monday I cashed in $200 worth of coins we have been hoarding.  But you might think me a miser.

I considered telling you that I can hardly wait until the end of March when Miss A and the G-man arrive.  But you might think me....  I don't know what you'd think but it probably wouldn't be good.

I thought about stating that I have now successfully completed 43 days of Project 365 and if you haven't clicked over there to take a look you might ought to do that...today.  But I figured you would think me a braggart.

I might even tell you that since my mother arrived a week ago I have watched Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy every single night it has been on.  But you might think I'm addicted.

In the end I decided that I couldn't think of anything to write about that might be of the slightest interest to you so I have decided not to blog today.

Tomorrow is another day.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The Last Petal Drops

After two glorious weeks of blossoms and photo ops I had to bid farewell to the bouquet of daisies I purchased at the farmers' market.

You may be pleased to know that this is the final shot of sunshine from the cheery flowers.

wfinaldaisy

Enjoy your Wednesday.

Link to Project 365

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

H. P. Williams

Just a short drive south on FL S.R. 41 (a.k.a. The Tamiami Trial) from the Ocopee post office, you will find H.P. Williams road side park.  This little pull off on the banks of the Turner River is a magnet for tourists on the hunt for alligators.

wHBWilliams_3

When we first moved to south Florida, some 15 years ago,  the area was teeming with with wildlife.  Alligators by the dozens glided through the clear water or were spotted sunning on the far bank of the river.  At that time a low stone wall was all that separated the gators from the viewing crowd.  The little park was a disaster waiting to happen as adults with small brains attempted to lure the gators ever closer with food.

The park rangers must have agreed with me on this subject because 3 or 4 years ago the National Park Service erected a boardwalk that allows for exceptional viewing of the river all the while keeping tourists and gators a safe distance from each other.  However, it seems that when the boardwalk arrived, the alligators departed.  On our Sunday visit we didn't see even one small gator.

wLittleBlue

We did spot this Little Blue Heron moving carefully through the tall grass in search of a mid-day snack.  There were cormorants drying their wings on low branches along the river and a few Great White Egrits basking in the warmth of the afternoon sun.

wHBWilliams_2

There were also tourists meandering the length of the boardwalk, watchful eyes trained on the water searching for the elusive alligator.

wHBWilliams_4

And while we were disappointed that there wasn't more to see on this day, we were delighted to get out of the house and "get the stink blowed off of us" after several days spent indoors hiding from the colder temperatures.  (Don't blame me for that phrase, it's a family thing.)

wHBWilliams_1

If you find yourself traveling FL S.R. 41 between Miami and Everglades City plan a few minutes for a stop at H.B. Williams roadside park.  You'll be glad you did.

This plug for Florida tourism is sponsored by no one.  Nobody pays me for this stuff.  I give it away all for free.  Aren't I the best?

Link to Project 365

Monday, February 14, 2011

P.O. Box

What do you get when the post office is the size of a postage stamp?

The Ochopee, Florida post office, officially the smallest working post office in the country.

The historical marker located on the property states that the 7x8 foot building was "formerly an irrigation pump shed belonging to the J.T. Gaunt Company tomato farm."  It was pressed into service in 1933 by the postmaster when a fire destroyed the Ochopee General Store and Post Office.

wOchopee_postoffice

The little building has been in continuous service ever since serving as both a post office and a ticket station for the Trailways Bus lines.  It is located near the town of Ochopee which sits on the edge of the Everglades and reportedly has a population of 11.  (Sounds a lot like my blog readership.)


wOchoppe_hours

However don't let that small population fool you, the carrier who delivers mail from this tiny post office has a route that is 132 miles long and stretches across three counties.

wOchopee_marker

The current clerk keeps a stack of Ochopee Post Office post cards  on her counter, pre-stamped and ready for when the tour buses pull up.  And pull up they do, in fact there was one there on Sunday afternoon.


wOchoppe_2

And there you have it.  You now know everything you ever wanted to know about the smallest post office in the United States.  You can thank me later.

P.S.  Happy Valentines Day.

P.P. S.  Link to Project 365

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Busy Hands

I had a vision for the this photo.  Somewhere along the way I failed to make my vision reality.

wKnitting_hands

I love black and white photography.  When you strip the color from an image what remains is texture and tone and contrast.  When done well it is stunning.  A good black and white evokes emotion.

I think I need to stick with color.

Link to Project 365

Saturday, February 12, 2011

The Sea

wsandnsurf


The sea pronounces something, over and over, in a hoarse whisper; I cannot quite make it out.
                                                                                                                                        ~ Annie Dillard


Link to Project 365

Friday, February 11, 2011

Busted at Lowes

When The Kid announced at breakfast that he needed to go to Lowes to purchase some drywall I was on board in a heartbeat.  (It wasn't quite a heart beat, first I had to shower, and then dry my hair, and then put on a little make-up and finally brush my teeth and try and locate my shoes.  But I was eager to ride along.)  He needed the drywall to patch the holes left by Dan the plumber.  The cardboard he had taped over the gaping wounds on the walls was a little too do it yourself for my taste.

wlowes

On the way out the door I grabbed my camera as I am always in need of a fresh location to snap a few photos.  I had just about worn out the bouquet of daisies I bought on last week's visit to the farmers' market.  I needed something new and exciting.

Upon arrival The Kid headed to the drywall department and I meandered among the outside displays of seasonal flowers.  There were bright red geraniums, miniature panseys and some purple somethings.  I walked and clicked and walked and clicked to my hearts content.

wferns

There was a pleasant young woman hosing down the sidewalk and I stopped to ask if it was okay for me to take a few photographs of her pretty flowers.  She smiled and nodded her approval.  I continuted to walk and click.

And then I headed indoors to the garden center.  I don't think one full minute passes before I heard, "I'm sorry but you can't do that."  "Do what" I innocently replied.  "Take pictures in our store or on our property.  I'm afraid you will have to put your camera away." I argued that I had asked permission from the nice lady outside.  Turns out she didn't speak English.  It didn't matter to me, she had said yes.

whangingbasket

Now will someone puhleaaaase tell me what trade secrets I might be stealing walking around Lowes taking pictures of petunias?  If I had an Iphone nobody would have said a word.  But for some reason a camera with a removable lens is a threat.  I just don't get it.

I complied, after all I wouldn't want to wrestle with their security force or end up in the back seat of one of Naples' finest black and white cruisers.  But gheesh, what is this world coming to?

Maybe one of my readers who was fomerly or is currently employed by the giant box store could get the low down for me.

wpurpledaisy

And then the next time I get busted I'll just tell them Jodi said I could.

Link to Project 365

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Wake Up Call

On Tuesday, my Mom arrived.  It is her annual pilgrammage out of the land of ice and snow.  At the ripe old age of 90 I think she has earned the right to bask in the warm Florida sunshine while others freeze their posteriors in western Pennsylvania.

wTaste_of_sunshine

She called me at 5:30 a.m. Monday morning giddy with excitement to inquire about the weather.  I told her that once I woke up and it was actually daylight I would call her back and tell her if the sun was shining.  She was also excited to share that she was flying first class.  A grand new experience for the nonagenarian.  At 5:30 in the morning I was less than enthused about her coup but gave it my best effort.

It is now 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning.  I am wide awake.   She is sawing logs.  I think I am going to go wake her and inform her that the sun is indeed expected to shine today.  I wonder if she'll ground me?

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Missing

We have owned the Beast for five years.  During those five years we have had two sets of keys for the behemoth.  At no time during those five years were said car keys lost, stolen or misplaced.  Until.  The.  Day. We.  Sold.  It.

wTheBeast

We had just picked up the Beast from its extended stay at the 5 star hotel a.k.a. the Cadillac dealership. We hi-tailed it over to the Chevy lot (retirement is tough) as fast as we could. We were interested in a trade. Like any upstanding citizen we wanted to dump the Beast before that pesky little electrical problem could rear its ugly head again.  The Kid is convinced he had both sets of keys with him that afternoon.  When we returned on Monday to complete the transaction only one set could be found.  (For some reason those stodgey old salesmen at the Chevy garage think it is necessary to have two sets of keys on a trade-in.)

We have looked everywhere.  And then some.  I have emptied drawers, searched under chair cushions, crawled around on the floor, checked pants pockets, and even considered x-raying the dog.  They have vanished.  Into thin air.  I did find two sticks of Juicy Fruit gum,  one dime,  two pennies,  a lottery ticket, a button, and some popcorn kernels.  But no car keys.  I'm flummoxed.  I can't imagine where those little rascals have gone.

The way I see it we have two remaining options; 1) call in a search and rescue dog or 2) contact the Psychic Hotline.  That is unless you know where they are.  Well, do you?

Link to Project 365

Monday, February 7, 2011

Nearly Perfect

Football is over.  The 2010 season is officially in the books.  And it was almost perfect.

It didn't start out looking as if it would be anything but a mediocre season for this fan.  Auburn was projected to finish somewhere in the top 5 of the SEC and the Pittsburgh Steelers were starting their run without their starting quarterback.  (He had a little problem in the off-season in case you hadn't heard.)  But week after week my two teams managed to put a check in the win column.  By October the season was showing promise.

Growing up a few miles to the north of the Steel City my veins were injected with black and gold at a very early age.  We loved our Steelers.



That kind of team loyalty can't be bought, it is in the blood.  It stays with you wherever you may be want to roam.  It is one of the reasons the Steelers' fan base travels so well to away games.  Once a Steeler fan, always a Steeler fan.  There is a deep connection between the blue collar mind set of western Pennsylvanians and their beloved Steelers.  There is no glamour.  There is only down and dirty football played between the lines on Sunday afternoons.

Last night the Steelers fell short of taking another Lombardi trophy back to the Steel City, but  it was a great year anyway.  It is rare for anyone's team to play for a National Championship or a Super Bowl ring but to have both of my teams in contention in the same year...a slice of football heaven.  It was a year that will never be equaled in my life time.   My Auburn Tigers won the college football national championship; the Steelers played in the Super Bowl.  If you are a football fan, it just doesn't get any better than that.

2010 was a perfect season.  Almost.

Link to Project 365

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Yard Sale Aficionado

I have a good friend who is a yard sale aficionado.  My online dictionary defines aficionado as a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity.   I have discovered that there are hundreds, perhaps thousands,  of yard sale aficionados in the world and they all reside in south Florida.

My friend B has a yard sale buddy who has been MIA for several months.   In a stroke of genius I offered to ride along one Saturday as a sub.  You know, just to keep her company.  I had a good time, snagged a book for 50 cents and a phenomenal $6 rubber boat for the pool.  At the end of the day I made myself available to ride shot gun on future forays into the the underbelly of used and previously owned junkstuff, treasure.

When the call came on Thursday evening that Saturday looked to be promising, it took less than a second to jump on board the train.  Not only were there a half dozen or so yard sales on the island, but the Catholic church was having their annual rummage sale. Who in their right mind could pass that up?  I've always heard that the Catholics have great junk.  What I wasn't prepared for was the heaving mass of of senior citizens lined up around the block to gain admittance to the church.  (Apparently I wasn't the only one who knew that the Catholics have good junk.)  B looked at me sheepishly and offered to move on and return later when the crowd had thinned.  And miss the good stuff?  No way.  We stayed.

It didn't take long to make our way into the inner sanctum where we were witness to the heaving mass of seniors now jockeying for position.  Those octogenarians can get nasty when there is a chipped candle holder at stake.

I headed for the book table.  If only I could get close.  People were lined up 8 deep.  I couldn't get near it.  Heck, I couldn't even see it.  I needed a plan.  I was younger and more fit; I could muscle my way through the crowd.  Or so I thought.  There must be a yard sale university somewhere that teaches the elderly how to knock out the competition.  I watched and I learned.   I formulated a plan.  I stooped to their level.   (I hope the little man with the cane doesn't bruise too badly.)  Once belly to books at the table I had to move quickly.  Hands were flying and books were disappearing faster than discount coupons at Publix.  This was not the public library.  There was no time for leisurely browsing.  I saw a John Grissom novel I hadn't read, grabbed it, paid my dollar and emerged from the throng victorious.  It was time for a donut.

All in all it was a good morning.  In addition to my book (fist pump), I scored a Tommy Bahama shirt for The Kid, two wine glasses, and a top for me.  

wscurve

I wonder where we're going next week?

Link to Project 365

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Dog Days

wbougsbackyard

It looks and feels a lot like summer here on the island.  We have been enjoying chamber of commerce days a plenty what with temperatures tipping the 80 degree mark.  The down side to this is that things were on the sultry side today. The stifling humidity has it feeling more like the dog days of summer than February.  If this keeps up I'll be ready to head north for a cool down in the deep freeze.

On second thought I think I'll just go take a shower.

Link to Project 365

Friday, February 4, 2011

It's a Jungle Out There

wstems

I thought car shopping was supposed to be fun.  It's a jungle out there.

Link to Project 365

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Market Day

The word is out, Wednesday is market day on the island.  And everybody knows it.

Our little farmers' market has grown leaps and bounds since its inception 6 or 8 years ago.  It started in the parking lot of the Episcopal church as an outreach ministry for local truck farmers.  It didn't take long for the budding enterprise to outgrow it's home and cause gridlock on the busy streets near the church.

wAt_the_market

It temporarily relocated to a local park where it was able to enjoy some expansion but parking remained an issue.  The market made one final move last year to what will most likely be its final home.  There is plenty of room for growth and parking isn't an issue, at least not yet.

The market affords local growers an opportunity to sell fresh produce to islanders eager to grab up everything they have to offer.  In addition to fresh produce, there are flower stands, bakery stalls, and arts and crafts from nearby artisans.

wfruit_market

It seems every week a new tent is added.

wfairbaskets

I love to stroll through the market, examine the produce and almost always come away with a sweet bouquet of flowers.  (He fellas, you can snag a dozen roses for Valentines Day for a mere $10.  Not bad eh?)

wflowers_market

This week I was on the hunt for corn on the cob.  That's one of the benefits of living in south Florida in the winter, home grown tomatoes and corn on the cob in February.

wtomatoes_market

Now that is paradise.

Link to Project 365