Posted on August 6, 2010 in Miscellaneous
I know I write this every time I post images from Lancaster County, Pa., but I just love the horse and buggies clip clopping along the narrow winding roads. It’s not unusual to see the buggies ‘parked’ outside of the homes of Amish families, but it is feels awkward stopping to photograph them – I feel so “touristy”. As luck would have it I saw this buggy inside of a barn as I was driving through the country and I was able to just stop and grab a quick shot. It feels like a black and white image except for the grass and red ‘triangle’ that is always found on the back of the buggies. I love the shapes found in this composition – the lines in the roof and on the doors, the rectangles in the cement blocks, and the circles of the wagon wheels. This image was very minimally processed in Photoshop – just some contrast and sharpening.
Posted on August 5, 2010 in Animals, Flowers, Nature, Pet Photography
I really and truly believe that our pets go to heaven just like people do. So, I am confident that my cat Socrates, who passed away in January, is in heaven and no longer suffering. I also believe in small ‘miracles’ that remind us that our loved ones in heaven are watching over us. When I first moved to my house over 12 years ago, I planted a hydrangea in the back yard. To this day, it has never bloomed, though it does grow and get new leaves each year. When I found that the first plant wasn’t thriving, I purchased another about 2 years later, and planted it in the front yard. The second hydrangea also never bloomed. Apparently my soil is lacking some nutrients that this plant needs. I’ve never added anything to the soil to help them along and actually forgot about the 2nd plant…until this week. This tiny little hydrangea, that has one little stem of leaves, burst forth with a pretty white flower, right next to the ‘cat nap’ figurine that I had placed in the garden to help remember my cats. My cat Socrates loved flowers and always wanted to go after any that I brought into the house. So when I saw the flower blooming for the first time in 10 years, I immediately thought that somehow Socrates was sending me a flower to let me know that he is doing okay in heaven. Silly as that sounds…it’s what I really believe!
Posted on August 4, 2010 in Flowers, Lensbaby, Macro, Nature, Painting Effect
I planted 100 summer blooming flower bulbs in my garden back in May. I created 2 new flower beds around a fence and wheel barrow that are in my back yard. Lo and behold, the bulbs are up and starting to bloom. I’ve had some oriental lily, liatris, and now gladiola. It’s fun to look out of my window and see color where there never was color before. I think the gladiola needs to be supported as the flowers are large and drooping at the moment. I’ve never grown these before, so it’s all new to me! I’m just so happy to have more flowers blooming in my garden! Living in a wooded area where the soil is very rocky presents many gardening challenges, so it’s always fun when I have success at growing new plants. Check back tomorrow for a story about a garden surprise!
Posted on August 3, 2010 in Animals, Pet Photography
I love this English Springer Spaniel – what a beautiful dog! Such a focused loving gaze, don’t you think? The Sporting Group dogs are among my favorites … all of the varieties of Spaniels, Setters, Retrievers and Pointers. Maybe it’s because the dog I had when I was a child was a Cocker Spaniel. She was the sweetest dog in the world and had a real love for furry bedroom slippers and long walks. We spent many a day playing “dress-up” and having doggie picnics in the back yard when I was a kid! 🙂
Posted on August 2, 2010 in Animals, Pet Photography
The Maltese is a member of the toy group and is known for their silky long white coat. They are small – weighing in at only 4 to 6 pounds – but fearless for their size. They are very affectionate, energetic and playful. They have such a sweet expression, don’t they? I could just run over and give this little one a smooch on the nose! But then the handlers would probably have to groom him/her allll over again! 🙂
“If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them.” ~ Phil Pastoret