Dream Vacation

July 25, 2019September 25, 2020 ~ oneletterup ~ 15 Comments

Inspired by Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #55: Dreamy

Living in the northeastern United States, I have endured many snowstorms, blizzards and variations on the theme of freezing rain and sleet. Along with gloomy cloudy skies for days on end – with matching sub freezing temperatures.

I know there are people who enjoy the sitting-by-a-roaring-fire aspect of that time of year…known as late fall, winter and early spring where I live. They enjoy wearing multiple layers of cozy flannel shirts, wool socks and thick sweaters. Before venturing outdoors. To navigate the front steps. Which are icy.

Not me.

I dream of warm…and sunny…and relaxing.

Destination?

San Diego – more specifically Coronado, California.

I was lucky enough to vacation there 6 or 7 times. Just my husband and me. Our two children came along twice. They loved it too.

In 2006 – my last visit there – it was me, myself and I. Back when I could travel easily. Hustling through an airport with several suitcases…not a problem. Eating whatever and wherever I wanted to. Enjoying local cuisine…with no worries or restrictions.

And most importantly: the energy to walk and explore for hours.

I’m so glad I didn’t wait.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Coronado Beach 2006

california031 copy 2 — Sunset Cliffs, San Diego 1999

Wordless Wednesday

July 24, 2019 ~ oneletterup ~ 7 Comments

lip bench

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Close up of Flowers

July 22, 2019 ~ oneletterup ~ 8 Comments

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 🙂

Tree of Blue

July 21, 2019October 1, 2019 ~ oneletterup ~ 21 Comments

Inspired by Becky’s Blue July Squares

blue tree

This blue tree is part of an art installation at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH (USA).

“The Blue Trees is an environmental community art installation by Konstantin Dimopoulos in which trees have been temporarily transformed with environmentally safe blue pigment to stimulate awareness and discussion of global deforestation, while engaging the community in art activity and dialogue.”

A fascinating sight to see at the entrance to this popular museum. Definitely an important (!) conversation starter.

Hill

July 20, 2019May 26, 2020 ~ oneletterup ~ 5 Comments

Inspired by Frank at Dutch goes the Photo. The prompt: Hill

The hills in San Francisco are daunting…which we discovered during a vacation in 1979. Cable cars became our preferred method of getting around the city.

Why? They were efficient, fun and fast…

As one hill led to one after the other…

1979 hill030 copy — San Francisco (35mm film)

1979 hill029 copy — San Francisco (35mm film)

It sure beat walking!

Detail

July 18, 2019September 25, 2020 ~ oneletterup ~ 17 Comments

Inspired by Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #54: Detail

It’s all about the details
which are so often missed
when diving into a salad
as delicious as this.

Crunchy green goodness
poked fast with a fork
delivering a sample of
mother nature’s best work.

Shades of Pink

July 17, 2019 ~ oneletterup ~ 4 Comments

Nancy Merrill is hosting a photo challenge. The prompt this week: Shades Of Pink

IN A NEW POST CREATED FOR THIS CHALLENGE, SHARE A PHOTO OR TWO FEATURING SHADES OF THE COLOR PINK.

When I was a kid, pink was never my first choice. For anything. At least that’s how I remember it. Old photographs rarely showed me in pink pants or shirts. Maybe a pink dress when I was too young to voice an opinion…although my opinion was often ignored.

I probably lucked out because my younger sister was the “girly” one (a term I now dislike, but those who remember the “old days” will know what I mean). She could have all the pink, as far as I was concerned.

The one exception may have been my first bicycle…which was pink. I am not sure if that was my choice…or the only color available at the time for a “girl’s bike.”

Anyway, pink pops up on Valentine’s Day and that’s when I photographed these shades of pink.

Wrapped up and ready for local Valentine shoppers.

pink flowers