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.



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



or this with the right tools and a little practice.



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.



or even this back lit scene.



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

Link to Project 365

Pelican Briefs

How can you not love these guys?





The clown princes of the sea.





"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. 





Link to Project 365

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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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

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!



Link to Project 365

Because I Can

Yes, it is a flower.  Why?



Because I can.

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.



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

Tomorrow is Another Day

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

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.

Link to Project 365

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.



Enjoy your Wednesday.

Link to Project 365

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.



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.



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.



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



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.)



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

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.



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.)




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.



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.

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

Busy Hands

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



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

The Sea

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


Link to Project 365

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.



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.



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.



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.



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

Link to Project 365

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.



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?

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.



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

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

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 junk, stuff, 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.  



I wonder where we're going next week?

Link to Project 365

Dog Days

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

It's a Jungle Out There

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

Link to Project 365

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.



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.



It seems every week a new tent is added.



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?)



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.



Now that is paradise.

Link to Project 365

Victoria's Secret Model

That got your attention didn't it?

I'm afraid you are going to be sorely disappointed when you get a good look at the model for the day. But hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do...right?  There is no one within 100 miles of me who will agree to be my model, except for k-k-k katy and she's in school.  Even Henna refused my offer of dog treats to sit pretty so I took matters into my own hands and posed for myself.



I know a couple of people who have begun 365 projects of only self-portraits.  God bless them, every one.



It took me over an hour to get these.  I can't imagine doing this every single day and not repeating oneself.



In case you are curious, the camera was mounted on a tripod about six feet in front of me.  I had beautiful natural light directly in front and to the right of me leaving only a slight shadow on the left.  



One of the hardest things to do was to focus.  I had to set an object in the chair that was about my height, focus manually on it and pray I jumped in at the same spot.  It didn't always work.



And then there were the chopped off appendages and disappearing body parts that were completely out of the frame.



In the process I learned a bit about posing and what looks good on me.  I photograph much younger if I smile, even slightly.  My mouth has a natural down turn and when I attempted to look serious or thoughtful I only succeeded at looking old and crabby.  (No comments from the peanut gallery please.)

As the year goes on and Project 365 progresses I think you may see more of me.  Not more OF me, but more pictures of me.  I think there is much to be learned by photographing oneself.  Maybe you ought to try it.



In the off chance you have a few vermin skulking around the basement that you would like to get rid of, I know where you can get a few pictures that will surely send them fleeing to the neighbors.

Until tomorrow peeps.

Link to Project 365

No Joy in Mudville

There is no joy in Mudville.  None at all.  I am a woman without car.  My beautiful blue baby that I loved more than.... maybe we better not go down that road. Let's just say I loved her.  A lot.  And leave it at that.  And now she is gone.



She was sold.  Right out from under me.  It all happened so fast.  One day it was an advertisement in the classified section of the local newspaper and the next day my heart was broken.  I tried to be brave.  I know she had to go for the common good.  But it was just too much for me to bear when the new owner crawled in and and reved up her sweet little engine. The Kid nearly had a stroke prying me off of her bumper as she pulled out of the driveway for the last time...without me.  "Get a grip Susan,"  he said.  "It's just a car."

Just a car!  We'll see how he holds up; the Beast is next on the copping block.



Oh somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere there's a song;
But there is no joy in Mudville - my little care is gone.

Link to Project 365