Showing posts with label Bokeh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bokeh. Show all posts

Reminder {8}


Shine Bright
Shine Bright.

Someday perhaps the inner light will shine forth from us,
and then we'll need no other light.
~
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe~


~Shine On~


Shine On

A promise of spring
stirs clouded passion
RENEWAL AWAITS



An impromptu jaunt on Wednesday led me to some fanciful discoveries.
After a stressful day at work all I wanted to do was decompress.
I concluded that a photowalk would do the trick.

I was pleasantly surprised to find some early blossoms!
This unexpected fortune instantly washed away what I had brought home with me.

I hope to find more of these moments this weekend, and I hope you do, too :o)


Breathing Easy


Breathe Easy

How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward.
~Spanish Proverb~


We enjoyed it while it lasted.
Hope you had a great weekend.

Hope is like *Magic*


Hope is like *Magic*

The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass it becomes
a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.
~Henry Miller~



At the moment I am focusing on being more conscious of happenings.
So far, I have discovered some fascinating things!
{see above photo}

What are you noticing?
please share

In Light


Weed Bokeh


Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.
~Louisa May Alcott~


I can't for the life of me determine why I have, at the moment, turned in to a woman of so little words. I am relying heavily upon inspiration from others who quite often enrich my life. This week, it's in pictures and textures, as well as thoughts and dreams. Bringing me to reality is a nearing anniversary that is so very hard for me to come to terms with at times. I can't help but miss the gal I used to be despite the fact that I am happy with who I am. Times are hard, indeed. I really think that this is the time of year where I revert to quite spaces that only I can reach. I'm taking steps and making plans, but the progress shows otherwise. I know these things take time and a willingness to keep on going no matter what, but patience is just not my strongest virtue. I feel like there are some great things marinating at the moment and will reveal themselves in good time, but what about now!?!? I have so much to share, but no energy to properly introduce my news/ideas. But, I will. Cross my heart.


p.s. thank you for the wonderful response on my previous post, I know I can be very cryptic at times, but believe me, you should be so happy not to hear about all my grumbles and gripes.
Besides, this is my happy place!

Moments : Scary Thought


the impulse is strong
impossible to ignore
Glorious Journey


Moments : Scary Thought

“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality,
and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.”
~Samuel Johnson~


As far as travel goes, I'm pretty new on the scene. Even so, there is no mistaking that its magical grip has taken a hold of me, and I don't foresee that it will be letting loose any time soon. This innate and undeniable desire to move consumes me in ways that were completely foreign just a few years ago. In fact, traveling isn't the only thing that's new to me.....Photography.....that's new, too. I didn't get serious about photography until I had my neck injury/surgery and since then it has, what I've said on many occasion, filled a hole that rock climbing left behind. This hobby is anything but a passing phase, if anything, the passion I have for my chosen craft grows stronger by the day. My photography also lead me to traveling more, before 10/2007 I had never stepped foot on an airplane. Even though I've only done it twice since then, I now crave to pack up and go!

When thinking about vacations I always find myself dreaming about the west coast. This year, I plan to take my birthday trip on that side of the country, again. I can't help it, staying away is just not an option. After getting a taste of Big Sur the Pacific Coast will always remain near and dear to my soul. I think about that April 08 vacation all the time. It was truly an amazing experience for me. I was lucky enough to witness some of the most breathtaking sights along the coast of Big Sur, however, I do want to venture to new territory. Let's face it, I'm a new traveler and I've got a lot of ground to cover, especially since I haven't even been abroad yet! Seriously.

I want to formally announce for the sake of myself and the universe where I plan to go for my birthday trip in October, but I sort of want it to be a bit of a surprise. I also want to do a giveaway when I do it, so be on the look out.

This is a photo of a collection I just found a home for. I'm sure you've collected random bits while on vacation or an afternoon stroll. In my collection you will find shells, cool rocks, sea glass, frilly feathers, mini cones, dead butterflies, and whatever else catches my eye! I put that little reminder in with the items since most of them were picked up while we were on a trip. I read those words, "Imagine Life Without Vacations", and I cringe!! All the more reason to keep my eye on the prize.

Beneath the Surface

 Beneath the surface in the depths of this season my soul still blossoms

Beneath the surface
in the depths of this season
my soul still blossoms


I am in love with the stark elegance of those dried leaves.

I've had a significant amount of time off work. And during this stretch I have finally come to appreciate what was nearly impossible for me a week ago. Throughout my days I have reminisced about the places I've been while dreaming of those in which I wish to go. This sentimental journey has found me thirsty for more. My sense of time in this lingering season has diminished, but somehow haste is still in the forefront. Trying to categorize and prioritize my ideas and hopes is a bit overwhelming, but I am making a valiant effort.

My inspiration was conceived within the heart of another.
Seeing my world through someone else's eyes was the reminder I needed.
I've always been grateful, but I never really thought that we lived an enchanted life.
You all know as well as anyone how much I appreciate my surroundings, and now I feel as though my "home" is part of that equation. I am very content in the haven we have created, which is partly why I have taken this time to savor belonging to myself.
Blogging, and reading blogs hasn't been on my agenda since I've been off work; I needed time away. But please know that I have missed it very much and I look forward to catching up with you all.

Weekend Snippet


In Technicolor

Today we were a little less ambitious, however, we did manage to have a fun-filled weekend.
Friday, our taste buds led us to the local Thai restaurant for a yummy dinner.
Saturday, we found ourselves on a pursuit to find fall. And that whim led us
approximately 2 hours away to the Chimney Rock State Park.
I will share photos of that excursion soon.

This coming week is going to be an exciting one here at WW.
I plan to post about the new giveaway tomorrow evening so stay tuned.
I'm also looking forward to taking you all on a "field trip" or two, which should be fun.
I hope you had a terrific weekend!

Posted in Today's Flowers

Weekend & Winter


Queen Anne Skeletons

Autumn is about to come to a screeching halt here in the mountains.
Tomorrow is predicted to be unseasonably cold with a chance of snow flurries!
I'm not ready for a high of 35. Guess it doesn't really matter if I'm prepared or not, it's coming.

Our weekend was a great mix of spending time outdoors, as well as, at home.
Saturday we went to the 35th annual Balloonfest,
which you'll hear/see more about this week.


Today, we stayed within the confines of our home.
The early part of the day was spent re-watching some old movies,
and the rest of the afternoon was spent cleaning up the dining room & kitchen.
Afterwards, we played a game of Scrabble on the table we cleared off while cleaning.
I was even able to cook dinner while we were playing our game - Cody helped too.

This weekend definitely went by way too quickly........
then again, I say that every weekend!


Posted in Today's Flowers

Moments : Affluent


Precious Gold
haiku friday & one single impression

You can't put a price,
on knowledge that comes with age.
More precious than gold.

Mini Fall



Thank you for the very thoughtful comments on my previous post,
I really appreciate each and every one of them.
I hope you all have a terrific weekend!
And hope you like the fall color :)

Imagination Fabrication


Orchid Bokeh

You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.
~Mark Twain~


It's been a long time since I shared a before and after shot.
I liked the SOC shot, but I didn't think it was anything special.
However, when I came across the photo later,
I decided to mess with it in photoshop.
Here is the original shot, below.
Click to enlarge.

SOC Orchid

Re-watching the movie "The Prestige" could have very well put
this thought in my head, but when I looked at these two shots
side-by-side, I thought, "Sometimes, you have to make
your own magic!"

Anyone have anything exciting brewing right now?
Please share :)

Getting back on track.....


Getting back on track.....

No man needs a vacation so much as the person who has just had one.
~Elbert Hubbard~


We really did have a fantastic time on our quick trip.
As a matter of fact, I am still in the process of recovering.
I'm not yet prepared to go over it bit by bit, but believe me, I have lots to share!

The above photo was taken during an excursion on our first day in town.
We spent the first part of my birthday vacation in the bustling city of Atlanta.
My next post will tell you more about our first day, so please check back in tomorrow.

Also......
While I work on getting my groove back, please know that I will be by to visit you very soon.
I feel so disconnected right now, and can't wait to catch up with you all.


*Posted in Today's Flowers

Moments : Seasonable


Moments : Seasonable
Haiku Friday & One Single Impression

Golden Mosaics
Express Restoration

Bittersweet Harvest



We learn and grow and are transformed not so much
by
what we do but why and how we do it.
~Sharon Salzberg~


I was so happy to hear your 'Motivational Moments' commented in the last post,
and even the lack there of offered wonderful insights too.
I might not tell you this enough, but I am so grateful for the
tremendous amount of support you provide.
My life is that much richer as a result.

The weekend weather isn't fairing to well because of an impending storm.
It also happens to be causing panic at the pumps yet again.
I'm wondering if it will have any bearing on the
trip we're planning to take next week for
my birthday?! I sure hope not....
We'll see what happens.

We just had a power outage in the middle of this post!
It went out for a short period of time,
but by the time we hunkered down for the night, it came back on.

This morning it's dark, cloudy and rainy.

I'll just try to keep Autumn (which was the haiku prompt) on
my mind,
along with the above photo. I hope everyone has a great weekend!


Offspring


Seeds
Haiku Friday

Your thoughts are like seeds
be mindful of what you plant
who knows what will sprout


Initially, this photo was dressed up with text like most of the other haiku's.
I decided against using it because I just like the original image.
It's so simple on its own, and I didn't want to complicate it by adding 'stuff'.
I followed the prompt from One Single Impression.....Seeds.
I know I went the literal route, but it is what it is.


Thank you all so very much for the kind comments on my last post.
I was surprised to find that so many others could relate, although I knew I wasn't alone.

I'm so grateful that tomorrow is Friday.
And I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Moments : Ambiance


Moments : Ambiance
haiku friday

lingering in ways
that penetrate deep inside
where is my sunshine


I like to think of thoughts as living blossoms borne by the human tree.
~James Douglas~


The rain has stayed for days, finally, I woke up with sun shining through my bedroom window.
I wasn't sure that I could take another day of this dreadful weather.
I didn't complain, because I knew we needed it......I'm glad it's over!

In other new:
  • Although you showed concern in my last post, I am slightly disappointed that most of the people didn't follow through.
  • I feel as though the important parts of the "I Heart Mountains" post may have been skipped over.
  • I would love for all of you to join me in this very important campaign to end mountaintop removal.
  • All I ask is that you pledge by signing up in the first widget on my sidebar.
  • Also, I am willing to donate one dollar on your behalf to the cause mentioned in the last post if you pledge. At the end of one week, I plan to match the pledges.
  • And so I know who joined in, please leave a comment in the last post stating, I LOVE MOUNTAINS!
ILoveMountains

Moments : Abyssal


Abyssal
Haiku Friday


Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it.
The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.
~Earl Nightingale~





My mind and spirit thank you all for the wonderful support,
I truly am grateful.

Have a lovely weekend, and go do something!