Tag: Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Close up of Flowers

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Inspired by Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Close up of Flowers

I couldn’t let this week go by without responding to Cee’s challenge – since practicing with my new camera/macro lens is on my (fun!) to-do list.

And, oh by the way, I love taking pictures.

Since I prefer to photograph flowers in even light, today’s overcast skies were the perfect setting. All good…except for the impending rain and thunderstorms forecast on my trusty (or not so trusty) weather app.

We have a “landscape committee” in our condo association – and despite their committee drama – they do a nice job with flower choices and placement. At least I think so. Not everybody does…hence the drama.

Today’s walk was a quick one – as raindrops interrupted my planned much-longer photo excursion around the neighborhood – but this is what I came up with…

 

First stop: A hanging planter bursting with pink flowers. Not sure of the name.

pink flowers 1

 

Second stop: Day lilies planted down a small hill next to the road.

day lillies

 

Third stop: Yellow flowers caught my eye as the rain started…

yellow flowers

And that was that!

For today 🙂

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Two

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Cee’s challenge topic this week: 2 Items or the Number Two

 

two chairs

On a recent trip to visit with two dear friends, I spent the better part of a bright sunny day at the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont.

I highly recommend it.

The museum is actually a collection of close to 40 buildings. Filled with unique exhibits of America’s past. Plus the permanent home on land for the Ticonderoga – a 220-foot sidewheel steamboat.

Many photos were taken! I could have easily returned for another full day and still have more left to see.

Twenty-two gardens are planted on the 45 acre site. These antique chairs were shaded from the sun under one of the many trees…an open invitation to sit for a moment. And rest.

 

 

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: One

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Cee’s challenge topic this week: 1 item or the Number One

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

During a cruise to Bermuda in 2008, I enjoyed the beautiful scenery both on and off the ship.

One day, I noticed this bird perched on the ship’s rail. All by itself. Taking in the sun’s rays.

Perhaps sensing that I was not an experienced bird photographer, it held still long enough for me to take this picture. Obviously used to tourists and enjoying the attention.

I have no idea what kind of bird it was. I welcome any ideas!

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge – Smiles

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Cee’s challenge topic this week: Smiles

Back in the 1970’s my boyfriend went on a cross country road trip with his best friend. They intended to make it all the way from the East Coast of the US to the West Coast. In an orange Ford Pinto.

road trip car

They drove as far as Wyoming and realized they were running out of time. Before starting for home, my boyfriend insisted on stopping at a local arts and crafts store to buy a souvenir gift.

A small handmade metal sculpture of two grinning figures, crafted by a local artisan.

Which he gave to me – his girlfriend of 2 years – a few days later…

Saying with a huge smile…

This is US seeing each other again!

 

smiles 1

 

 

 

One year later we were married.

 

Also inspired by Nancy Merrill at Photo a Week Challenge.

 

Path

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If you stop to be kind you must swerve often from your path.

Mary Webb

 

I have stopped watching the nightly news. Which is totally unlike me. Usually wanting to know…What Is Going On. The importance of being informed and up-to-date was always at the top of my list. Part of being a responsible citizen.

It seems to me there used to be more balance. The good and the evil. The positive and the negative. Now all I do is wince. Our leaders fighting. Shouting. Accusing. Deaf to the voices of reason…or fairness…or empathy. Especially empathy. Unwilling to even pause and consider a different path.

Nightly Breaking News punches story after story. Announcements line up in 10 second sound bites. Assault…Abuse…Cheating…Lying…. Young child missing…young child found in a shallow grave. Inconsolable parent. Another shooting. Blurry security camera video. One more senseless loss of a sister, a brother.

The news anchor drones on, his face barely changing expression. Night after night.

Rarely would I see kindness…until the final 2 minutes of the broadcast. Showcasing an act of generosity. Compassion. Selflessness.

Good to know there are people still out there…
On a different path.

They deserve more than two minutes of air time.

 

 

walking trail

 

CFFC – Walks, Trails, Sidewalks

 

 

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge – Roads

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Cee’s Challenge topic this week: Roads: country, freeway, streets, dirt, etc.

 

Running a marathon.
It’s a long road…
26.2 grueling miles to be exact.

Preparation?
Single minded determination, resilience…and hours of training.

My personal experience?
Limited to one as an enthusiastic observer…
Whooping and hollering…Yay!! Woo Hoo!!…from the sidelines.

Along with crowds of cheering fans, I watched as runners pounded the pavement. All ages, shapes and sizes. Clutching water bottles. Sucking on energy gels. Sweaty. Eyes focused.

Squeezed into a space along the marathon route, I waited…for my daughter (Boston Marathon 2008)…or my son (Rock & Roll DC Marathon 2014)…at different spots along the way.
Yayyyyy! Woo Hoo!!
Before hurrying to the finish line….

All those runners seeking a personal best.
For themselves. For charity.
A long road.
An amazing achievement.

 

DC marathon
Washington, DC

 

DC Marathon 2014
Washington, DC
Finish Line

 

Boston marathon 2008
Boston, MA
Finish Line