Inspired by Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Vibrant Colors
Remembering October colors…and how they brightened the view during my walk.
Author: oneletterup
Nostalgic Cookie Sing-Along
Inspired by:
Lens-Artists Challenge #75: Nostalgic
…I look forward to seeing the nostalgic moments that are most special to you. Past holidays, times with family and friends, travel moments, or just something that reminds you fondly of days gone by – it’s your call. Give us a small peek into the things you’re nostalgic about.
V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #76: Music
~~~
Get out the red and green sprinkles!
And the tiny chocolate chips!
Cookie sheets!
Cookie cutters!
Start the music!
It’s Time!
When I was raising my children – and by the time each was around 2 years old – we made Christmas cookies together as a family. Simple cream cheese sugar cookies.
We used the same aluminum cookie cutters I used when I was a child.
Our tradition? I made the dough the day before so it was easier to roll out.
My daughter – and then my son – learned how to use a rolling pin and press a tree or bell shape into the flattened dough.
Let the decorating begin!
Creativity was serious business.
The teenage years sparked unique decorating ideas such as the occasional anatomically correct gingerbread man. Ahem. All in good fun though…
Every year we were accompanied by the Sesame Street Christmas Sing-Along album pumping through the speakers (yes, we had speakers in the kitchen!)…and the clicking of the Canon camera.
My husband, I and the “kids” continued this annual family tradition for over 25 years…always accompanied by Big Bird, Cookie Monster (of course!) and the rest of the gang.
Cookies in the making. Oven warming. Four voices singing – the muppets’ lines memorized to perfection…
It’s that time of the year
When we all want to hear
A Christmas sing-along…
Or
Count, count, count — counting the days,
Count, count, count — counting the day…
I’m counting the days, ’til Christmas day is due…
(just a sample taste of this fabulous album – released in 1984 – just in time for our family).
A bit of nostalgia I never tire of revisiting.
Decorated or about to frosted!
Both in pictures and in song.
Wordless Wednesday
Photo a Week: Babies
Inspired by Nancy Merrill’s A Photo a Week Challenge: Babies
Super cute, super funny, super whatever, human, animal, or whatever, we want to see your babies!
IN A NEW POST CREATED FOR THIS CHALLENGE, SHARE A PHOTO (OR TWO OR THREE) THAT FEATURES BABIES.
~~~
I don’t need much inspiring when it comes to baby pictures. And there’s no way I can limit this post to three photos. Be warned.
I have always believed that babies are the most fascinating subjects for photography. They are just…who they are. Their faces…their expressions…. Transparent. Open.
Happy. Sad. Tired. Bored. Sleepy. Curious….the list is endless.
Choosing just a few family photos for this challenge was…challenging! They were all taken with a Canon 35mm (film) camera – except for the last one which was with an iPhone.
When my kids were babies, I took a weekly photo during their first year. I think they got used to it…all I know is I got some interesting glimpses into their personalities.
For instance, my 10 month old son first thought it was hilarious…then not so sure……then I’m outta here.
My daughter loved getting her picture taken anytime, anywhere.
Although easily distracted by rug or blanket fibers.
Which soon became an afternoon snack…fine motor skills already well developed.
When my grandson was 10 months old, he enjoyed his first tour in a shopping cart up and down the toy aisle with Grampa and me.
He was clearly amazed at the experience.
Sunshine’s Macro Monday – Shine
Inspired by Sunshine’s Macro Monday #21
While attending a Festival of Trees recently, I noticed this ornament hidden in one of the intricately decorated Christmas trees on display.
After experimenting with different settings on my camera, I landed on one that did it justice.
Giving it a chance to shine.
Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Two of Anything
Inspired by Cee’s B&W Photo Challenge: Two of Anything
Windows side by side.
With two of anything, there will often be…overlap.
In this case…curtains over windows…just in time for One Word Sunday: Overlap
Happy Sunday everyone!
Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Pastel/Soft Colors
Inspired by Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Pastel/Soft Colors
~~~
Soft pastel colors are few and far between this time of year…
However, springtime gave us sights such as this.
And I’m already looking forward to their return.
Holiday glow
Inspired by Frank at Dutch goes the Photo: Glow
…There are many choices, so feel free to push the boundaries and shoot for that glowing review!
~~~
I wasn’t sure what to expect last night when I went to a local Festival of Trees fundraiser. I had not attended one of these events before, but I grabbed my camera – knowing there would be something glowing. Christmas trees, right?
What I found was the town hall filled with 52 fully decorated lit up Christmas trees – all being bid on in a silent auction format. Add your name to the list with a bid higher than the person before you. Highest bidder buys the tree. All proceeds went to a local nonprofit benefitting children in need.
The trees were decorated and donated by local community groups and businesses. Townspeople of all ages were in attendance checking out the trees. And, yes, taking pictures as well.
Needless to say, overhead lighting was minimal – to showcase the beautiful trees of course – and as a result many of my shots were not sharply focused. Or…I will more kindly describe them as soft focus.
However!
I did spot a glowing tree topper.
But my favorite glowing example was this…well…bride tree? I wish I had made a note of who came up with this rather creative way to trim a tree.
I don’t imagine it was one of the churches.
However, anything is possible…and it does give “The glowing bride” new meaning.
Simple pleasures
Inspired by V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #75: Satisfying
Take a moment for enjoyment, particularly the satisfying kind, and drop us a line to share.
~~~
The morning sun.
A steaming mug of coffee.
The day’s newspaper.
Time.
There’s nothing like it – particularly when you are retired, nest emptied…with no place you have to go.
I remember visualizing this possibility years ago…back in the days of hectic mornings. Getting kids ready for school. Homework! Lunch money! Permission slips! Hat! Coat! Ready Set Go!
Getting myself ready for work. Both paid and unpaid. And out the door before 8 am. Breakfast eaten in gulps. That ever important coffee…waiting until I arrived at my office. To be sipped throughout the morning…lukewarm to cold.
Mornings are different now…
The most satisfying part of my day is the uninterrupted time I have to eat breakfast. While I…slowly and quietly…wake up. And honor the part of me that is NOT a morning person.
And then…the highlight: I can enjoy drinking my coffee while it’s hot. As I read the local newspaper. A real paper. Without feeling guilty when it takes an hour…or more.
I quickly scan…and choose what to read first.
Until I find something positive.
For a satisfying start to the day.
one letter UP ~ diary 2.0 