This week's theme is "get in close" and I am more than happy to oblige. The hard part was staggering outside and experiencing extreme summer weather up close as well.
It turned out that the weather worked in my favor. The high humidity gave the tiny white flowers I found in our lawn a luminescent quality when viewed through the camera. There is no Photoshop trickery involved, all I did was boost the contrast a smidgen to green up the grass.
At the time I was hunting for bugs, I knew there would be plenty of flower/plant shots. However, these petite little blooms won out. We'll see if anyone else over the the photo group likes these as much as me.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Sofia Sleeps
Just one more of my little niece fast asleep on the couch.
I love how toddlers will just nod off anywhere once you get them to stop moving. She looks so peaceful laying there, yet I know she had been very busy just a few minutes earlier.
I loved the colors surrounding her and the quality of light. The moment was just begging to be photographed and I was happy to oblige.
I love how toddlers will just nod off anywhere once you get them to stop moving. She looks so peaceful laying there, yet I know she had been very busy just a few minutes earlier.
I loved the colors surrounding her and the quality of light. The moment was just begging to be photographed and I was happy to oblige.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Artist of the Week: Small Town Parade
The artist of the week is my mom's town for its teeny, tiny small town parade.
Our trip up north to my mother's house just happened to coincide with the town fair. We didn't even know about the fair until we got up to her house. As we drove down Main street we could see the signs announcing the upcoming festivities. I got very excited because I had a chance to share a part of my childhood with our children. They have been to county fairs, but never a true blue small town fair.
To show you what a low key/ budget affair it is you have to see the signage associated with the parade. Yes, it's a simple hand written sign, liberally festooned with duct tape, and propped on a piece of wood jammed in a traffic cone. That's Vermont practicality for you.
I gathered up those interested in attending (Jacob, Max, and Rebecca) at about 10:30 so we could walk on down, check out the staging area, and find our spot along the parade route. As we walked along one of the parade organizers gave Max and Rebecca balloons. This immediately put us all in good spirits.
So of course 10 minutes later Max lost his balloon.
He was crestfallen, but there was nothing I could do. I had offered to tie the balloon to his wrist, but he had refused. As he stood there dejected a very kind older lady offered him her balloon. Max's face lit up and he profusely thanked her. This time when I offered to tie the balloon he shot his arm out and agreed. At this point my sister in law turned up with little Sofia and the parade was about to start.
First up was the local Scottish club, led by a bagpiper whom we had been hearing warm up as we waited for the parade. He was quite good and both Jacob and I enjoyed his performance. Rebecca liked the costumes for the wee bairns that brought up the rear of their group.
And for those that can't make out the small print on the banner, S.C.O.T.T.S. stands for Scottish Club Of the Twin States. Vermont and New Hampshire are locally referred to as the Twin States.
Anyhoodle that was the marching band portion of the parade (told you it was a small parade).
Next up were a couple of go carts carrying the number 250. It turns out it is the 250th anniversary of the founding of Norwich. The boys driving were having a good time driving their carts down Main street, something they won't legally be able to do (outside of a parade) for a few more years.
Max thought this part looked like a whole lot of fun.
Sadly there were no horses this year. I remember when I used to live around there, 20 plus years ago (eek!) the local riding club would send a few riders. I don't know when they stopped coming, hopefully they'll come back.
However other traditions did continue.
After the go carts was the entirely random float commemorating the recent royal wedding over in England. Larry thought it was strange that a town celebrating its 250 anniversary would have a float in honor of our former oppressors. I thought it was cute and was basically an excuse for some girls to dress up and toss candy.
And the candy tossing was the tradition that had continued.
I had told the kids that there *might* be some candy tossed from the floats and I was happy that the parade did not disappoint. Having Sofia with us was a huge bonus.
Cute little kids get lots of candy tossed in their direction.
As we scrambled about picking up candy I almost missed the next participant in the parade. It was a lovely antique car, a real beauty that purred down the street. I have no idea what kind of car it is, but it was a nice addition to the parade. I know if I had an antique car this would be a must do on my list, much better than a car show. Here you get to drive, not just park on a hot parking lot.
Too bad they weren't tossing candy, the kid in the rumble seat could have had a field day with a bucket of candy.
The next float more than made up for the car's lack of candy. The gentlemen on the birthday cake float had a huge bucket of candy. It was all the good stuff, tootsie rolls, jaw breakers, taffy, and caramels. We got handfuls of the stuff tossed our way.
The float itself was charming with the simple "birthday cake" and a bunch of folding chairs. I particularly enjoyed the over sized dump truck pulling the trailer along. The bright yellow paint and ridiculousness of the huge truck dwarfing its payload made me smile.
Then bringing up the rear were the town's firetrucks.
No parade is complete without a firetruck and small as the parade was it had two firetrucks.
We got the town's pumper and the ladder trucks. Years ago kids would get to ride on top, but those days are over. Instead a lucky few got to ride in the trucks and wave to the crowds.
Either way it is the quintessential element to a small town parade. Everybody loves to see a firetruck an I know the fire department loves to show them off.
Even little Sofia got a good look at the trucks as they crawled on by.
And that was it, the parade in its entirety.
I don't think a parade could be much smaller. It took all of 20 minutes from start to finish. Then the road opened back up and it was business as usual. But the spirit was there and we all had a good time.
Our trip up north to my mother's house just happened to coincide with the town fair. We didn't even know about the fair until we got up to her house. As we drove down Main street we could see the signs announcing the upcoming festivities. I got very excited because I had a chance to share a part of my childhood with our children. They have been to county fairs, but never a true blue small town fair.
To show you what a low key/ budget affair it is you have to see the signage associated with the parade. Yes, it's a simple hand written sign, liberally festooned with duct tape, and propped on a piece of wood jammed in a traffic cone. That's Vermont practicality for you.
I gathered up those interested in attending (Jacob, Max, and Rebecca) at about 10:30 so we could walk on down, check out the staging area, and find our spot along the parade route. As we walked along one of the parade organizers gave Max and Rebecca balloons. This immediately put us all in good spirits.
So of course 10 minutes later Max lost his balloon.
He was crestfallen, but there was nothing I could do. I had offered to tie the balloon to his wrist, but he had refused. As he stood there dejected a very kind older lady offered him her balloon. Max's face lit up and he profusely thanked her. This time when I offered to tie the balloon he shot his arm out and agreed. At this point my sister in law turned up with little Sofia and the parade was about to start.
First up was the local Scottish club, led by a bagpiper whom we had been hearing warm up as we waited for the parade. He was quite good and both Jacob and I enjoyed his performance. Rebecca liked the costumes for the wee bairns that brought up the rear of their group.
And for those that can't make out the small print on the banner, S.C.O.T.T.S. stands for Scottish Club Of the Twin States. Vermont and New Hampshire are locally referred to as the Twin States.
Anyhoodle that was the marching band portion of the parade (told you it was a small parade).
Next up were a couple of go carts carrying the number 250. It turns out it is the 250th anniversary of the founding of Norwich. The boys driving were having a good time driving their carts down Main street, something they won't legally be able to do (outside of a parade) for a few more years.
Max thought this part looked like a whole lot of fun.
Sadly there were no horses this year. I remember when I used to live around there, 20 plus years ago (eek!) the local riding club would send a few riders. I don't know when they stopped coming, hopefully they'll come back.
However other traditions did continue.
After the go carts was the entirely random float commemorating the recent royal wedding over in England. Larry thought it was strange that a town celebrating its 250 anniversary would have a float in honor of our former oppressors. I thought it was cute and was basically an excuse for some girls to dress up and toss candy.
And the candy tossing was the tradition that had continued.
I had told the kids that there *might* be some candy tossed from the floats and I was happy that the parade did not disappoint. Having Sofia with us was a huge bonus.
Cute little kids get lots of candy tossed in their direction.
As we scrambled about picking up candy I almost missed the next participant in the parade. It was a lovely antique car, a real beauty that purred down the street. I have no idea what kind of car it is, but it was a nice addition to the parade. I know if I had an antique car this would be a must do on my list, much better than a car show. Here you get to drive, not just park on a hot parking lot.
Too bad they weren't tossing candy, the kid in the rumble seat could have had a field day with a bucket of candy.
The next float more than made up for the car's lack of candy. The gentlemen on the birthday cake float had a huge bucket of candy. It was all the good stuff, tootsie rolls, jaw breakers, taffy, and caramels. We got handfuls of the stuff tossed our way.
The float itself was charming with the simple "birthday cake" and a bunch of folding chairs. I particularly enjoyed the over sized dump truck pulling the trailer along. The bright yellow paint and ridiculousness of the huge truck dwarfing its payload made me smile.
Then bringing up the rear were the town's firetrucks.
No parade is complete without a firetruck and small as the parade was it had two firetrucks.
We got the town's pumper and the ladder trucks. Years ago kids would get to ride on top, but those days are over. Instead a lucky few got to ride in the trucks and wave to the crowds.
Either way it is the quintessential element to a small town parade. Everybody loves to see a firetruck an I know the fire department loves to show them off.
Even little Sofia got a good look at the trucks as they crawled on by.
And that was it, the parade in its entirety.
I don't think a parade could be much smaller. It took all of 20 minutes from start to finish. Then the road opened back up and it was business as usual. But the spirit was there and we all had a good time.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Grandmother and Granddaughter
Of all the photos I took on vacation I think this one, by a large margin, was the most important.
I didn't even think of taking a picture of my mother with her latest grandchild until I saw the two of them together. I had my camera on hand and quickly took a couple before Sofia wiggled out of her grandmother's lap and was off doing important toddler things.
It's a wonderful portrait of the two of them together. They both look relaxed and happy to be with each other. Sofia has the cutest little smile that her hand can't obscure and my mother has Sofia nestled in the crook of her arm.
I'm so glad we were able to visit at the same time as my brother's family (I wonder when I'll get used to saying my brother's family!) at our mother's home. It was a delightful visit and I wished we could have all stayed longer.
I didn't even think of taking a picture of my mother with her latest grandchild until I saw the two of them together. I had my camera on hand and quickly took a couple before Sofia wiggled out of her grandmother's lap and was off doing important toddler things.
It's a wonderful portrait of the two of them together. They both look relaxed and happy to be with each other. Sofia has the cutest little smile that her hand can't obscure and my mother has Sofia nestled in the crook of her arm.
I'm so glad we were able to visit at the same time as my brother's family (I wonder when I'll get used to saying my brother's family!) at our mother's home. It was a delightful visit and I wished we could have all stayed longer.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Caravan Palace - Suzy
This is not the first time I've featured Caravan Palace, and probably not the last.
I love the song and the video. It is just plain fun.
I love the song and the video. It is just plain fun.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
MCP Project 52: Nature's Finest
I didn't let a silly little thing like vacation stop me from participating in the MCP Project 52. Taking the picture was no problem, the tricky bit was uploading. It was easier to use my cell phone and link up via Bluetooth than mucking around with the camera and various computers. However, I was slack with here so I'm posting the previous week's picture now.
I'm pretty pleased with how the picture came out with my simple cell phone. It doesn't take the greatest pictures, but I can do a decent job when I keep its limitations in mind.
As for the subject, I love day lilies. They are among my favorite flowers and are to me the flower of summer. They naturalize in a heartbeat and as a result they are all over the place. I spot this one while walking along the sidewalk from my mother's house to the town library. When I saw them I knew I had my picture for the week.
I'm pretty pleased with how the picture came out with my simple cell phone. It doesn't take the greatest pictures, but I can do a decent job when I keep its limitations in mind.
As for the subject, I love day lilies. They are among my favorite flowers and are to me the flower of summer. They naturalize in a heartbeat and as a result they are all over the place. I spot this one while walking along the sidewalk from my mother's house to the town library. When I saw them I knew I had my picture for the week.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Well This Was Unexpected
So I have this lovely watermelon that I cut up today. It's juicy, sweet, and oh so delicious. The perfect treat for a summer's day, hence the whole "Sweet Relief" in the previous post.
About a quarter of it got sliced up to be eaten on the spot, the rest I cut up into small bite sized chunks to be eaten later. AS I was cleaning up afterwards Max noticed the remaining bit of rind on the counter, left over from when I cut up the chunks. He declared the rind to be a perfect hat and wanted to try it on. He then added that if it was too small we could mail it to a friend in Germany who is a bit younger than Max.
What?!
Aside from the impossibility of shipping watermelon rinds to Germany ( a very generous idea that would never fly with the post office), the hat thing knocked me for a loop.
This is Max, my little Adrian Monk in training who takes forever to wash his hands, and he wants to wear a melon rind on his head.
So I did what any mother would do. Rinsed it off, put some plastic wrap on the inside (because eww, melon juice on the hair), and plopped it on his head.
And darn it, he made it look good.
The stripes on the rind worked well with his tied dyed t-shirt. He happily modeled his new hat and was amiable to the ensuing picture taking.
And what does one do when wearing a watermelon rind hat?
Why play video games of course!
He spent about a half an hour with it perched on his head. After a while it got a bit heavy and the novelty wore off. His only complaint was that he wished it was half a rind instead of a quarter. According to Max that would make a better hat.
About a quarter of it got sliced up to be eaten on the spot, the rest I cut up into small bite sized chunks to be eaten later. AS I was cleaning up afterwards Max noticed the remaining bit of rind on the counter, left over from when I cut up the chunks. He declared the rind to be a perfect hat and wanted to try it on. He then added that if it was too small we could mail it to a friend in Germany who is a bit younger than Max.
What?!
Aside from the impossibility of shipping watermelon rinds to Germany ( a very generous idea that would never fly with the post office), the hat thing knocked me for a loop.
This is Max, my little Adrian Monk in training who takes forever to wash his hands, and he wants to wear a melon rind on his head.
So I did what any mother would do. Rinsed it off, put some plastic wrap on the inside (because eww, melon juice on the hair), and plopped it on his head.
And darn it, he made it look good.
The stripes on the rind worked well with his tied dyed t-shirt. He happily modeled his new hat and was amiable to the ensuing picture taking.
And what does one do when wearing a watermelon rind hat?
Why play video games of course!
He spent about a half an hour with it perched on his head. After a while it got a bit heavy and the novelty wore off. His only complaint was that he wished it was half a rind instead of a quarter. According to Max that would make a better hat.
MCP Project 52: Sweet Relief
This week's theme was "Sweet Relief" and I think nothing better demonstrates this than a nice juicy slice of watermelon on a hot summer's day.
I took a few pictures of sliced watermelon, all red and lovely- glistening in the sunlight. Then I took a few more pictures, this time of Max and Rebecca clomping away on slices of watermelon with the red juice streaming down their chins. But the one that did it for me was when I tossed Dell a rind and snapped a few pictures as he gobbled it up.
Even dogs appreciate the sweet relief of watermelon on a hot day.
I took a few pictures of sliced watermelon, all red and lovely- glistening in the sunlight. Then I took a few more pictures, this time of Max and Rebecca clomping away on slices of watermelon with the red juice streaming down their chins. But the one that did it for me was when I tossed Dell a rind and snapped a few pictures as he gobbled it up.
Even dogs appreciate the sweet relief of watermelon on a hot day.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Nana's Wading Pool
A few years ago we bought this rather silly Spongebob themed wading pool. It's at my mother's house and every summer we drag it out. It has held up fairly, though it seems to have a bit of a leak now and doesn't hold water for very long. However, it still provides hours of entertainment.
Even Sofia thought the pool was fun and loved standing next to it, occasionally reaching down to splash her hand in the water. None of the kids spent much time in the pool (it was only low 80s), instead the pool was viewed as a great place to refill water guns. You can see Nate in the picture with a big smile plastered across his face as he cradles his water blaster.
That rather silly pool turned out to be a good investment.
Even Sofia thought the pool was fun and loved standing next to it, occasionally reaching down to splash her hand in the water. None of the kids spent much time in the pool (it was only low 80s), instead the pool was viewed as a great place to refill water guns. You can see Nate in the picture with a big smile plastered across his face as he cradles his water blaster.
That rather silly pool turned out to be a good investment.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Artist of the Week: Spring 2011 Recital
This week's artist is rather belatedly awarded to Rebecca.
Way back in the beginning of June Rebecca had her spring piano recital. She played Painted Rocking Horse as a duet with her piano teacher, it's a pretty little tune that Rebecca enjoys playing. For weeks she had been practicing diligently and it showed, Rebecca did a lovely job and was pretty darn cute to boot.
At the end of the recital the students were awarded certificates for performing in the recital and trophies for the individual judging conducted earlier were handed out as well. This year Rebecca decided to go for the large trophy. There are three types: small, medium, and large and they are awarded according to how many pieces are memorized and played for the judge. As I said, Rebecca decided to go for the large trophy which translated into 10 pieces of music. As you can she in the picture she was successful and very proud of her achievement (And yes, the judge can fail you all or in part. You can get down graded in trophy size or wash out entirely. It doesn't happen very often, just enough to to remind the students to practice.)
And here it is, Rebecca's performance during the recital.
Way back in the beginning of June Rebecca had her spring piano recital. She played Painted Rocking Horse as a duet with her piano teacher, it's a pretty little tune that Rebecca enjoys playing. For weeks she had been practicing diligently and it showed, Rebecca did a lovely job and was pretty darn cute to boot.
At the end of the recital the students were awarded certificates for performing in the recital and trophies for the individual judging conducted earlier were handed out as well. This year Rebecca decided to go for the large trophy. There are three types: small, medium, and large and they are awarded according to how many pieces are memorized and played for the judge. As I said, Rebecca decided to go for the large trophy which translated into 10 pieces of music. As you can she in the picture she was successful and very proud of her achievement (And yes, the judge can fail you all or in part. You can get down graded in trophy size or wash out entirely. It doesn't happen very often, just enough to to remind the students to practice.)
And here it is, Rebecca's performance during the recital.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Sofia!
Why hello there!
I'm back after a week and a half long jaunt up North to met this little person, Miss Sofia.
Well we did a bit more than just met my little niece, but her visit out East with her parents did determine when we went up North. My brother and his wife had been invited to a wedding in VT and planned on staying with my, or rather our mother at her home that was just an hour's drive from the wedding venue. Which was very exciting for us since my brother and his little family live waaaay far away in Alaska.
Visiting them is no easy car ride.
So we much planning and phone calling back and forth between Vermont, Virginia, and Alaska we coordinated our vacation schedules to overlap.
And what a vacation it was.
Sofia is a delightful little girl, all of fifteen months. It would have been nice to have met her when she was still a babe in arms, but she is far more fun as a full fledged toddler. She is all peaches and cream with big smiles. Sofia delighted in her big cousins and they too were smitten with her. She loved running around the backyard with them, kicking a ball, and splashing in the wading pool.
We even got to babysit her when her parents went out for the rehearsal dinner. Sofia didn't mind one bit to be left with us. All I had to do was take her out to the porch while my brother and sister-in-law left out the side door. The only time Sofia cried was for a brief moment when I put her to bed. Then she quickly dropped off to sleep. The next day it was off to the wedding and the the house seemed too quiet, they were spending the night and wouldn't be back until midday. Then it was out turn to leave and go back home.
Our visit was all too short.
I can't wait to see the newest addition to the the family again.
I'm back after a week and a half long jaunt up North to met this little person, Miss Sofia.
Well we did a bit more than just met my little niece, but her visit out East with her parents did determine when we went up North. My brother and his wife had been invited to a wedding in VT and planned on staying with my, or rather our mother at her home that was just an hour's drive from the wedding venue. Which was very exciting for us since my brother and his little family live waaaay far away in Alaska.
Visiting them is no easy car ride.
So we much planning and phone calling back and forth between Vermont, Virginia, and Alaska we coordinated our vacation schedules to overlap.
And what a vacation it was.
Sofia is a delightful little girl, all of fifteen months. It would have been nice to have met her when she was still a babe in arms, but she is far more fun as a full fledged toddler. She is all peaches and cream with big smiles. Sofia delighted in her big cousins and they too were smitten with her. She loved running around the backyard with them, kicking a ball, and splashing in the wading pool.
We even got to babysit her when her parents went out for the rehearsal dinner. Sofia didn't mind one bit to be left with us. All I had to do was take her out to the porch while my brother and sister-in-law left out the side door. The only time Sofia cried was for a brief moment when I put her to bed. Then she quickly dropped off to sleep. The next day it was off to the wedding and the the house seemed too quiet, they were spending the night and wouldn't be back until midday. Then it was out turn to leave and go back home.
Our visit was all too short.
I can't wait to see the newest addition to the the family again.
Friday, July 01, 2011
MCP Project 52: Hidden Object
This week's theme was hidden object and guess what I found a hidden object last weekend. Which I guess means it really wasn't a hidden object. However two dachshunds cruised by it at least twice and didn't even twitch a whisker.
I on the other hand did see the toad and fortuitously had my camera in hand.
He was a very cooperative subject and didn't move a muscle while I swooped around him taking pictures. It was probably a defensive move, along the lines of if I don't move nobody will see me.
I like the pebbly texture of the toad's skin works with the rough surface of the brick steps and mortar. The leaves spilling over from the bushes along side add a nice splash of color. The bottom of the handrail adds a nice bit of framing for the shot.
I am very pleased with this picture. Thank you Mr. Toad for being such a good subject.
I on the other hand did see the toad and fortuitously had my camera in hand.
He was a very cooperative subject and didn't move a muscle while I swooped around him taking pictures. It was probably a defensive move, along the lines of if I don't move nobody will see me.
I like the pebbly texture of the toad's skin works with the rough surface of the brick steps and mortar. The leaves spilling over from the bushes along side add a nice splash of color. The bottom of the handrail adds a nice bit of framing for the shot.
I am very pleased with this picture. Thank you Mr. Toad for being such a good subject.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Disappearing Car Prank
This is easily my most favorite prank. I love the reactions from all the victims.
Courtesy of the lovely Laura from Fetch My Flying Monkeys.
Courtesy of the lovely Laura from Fetch My Flying Monkeys.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Mister Toad Wishes a Happy Birthday to Jake
Today I didn't take any pictures or drive anywhere with my children.
Instead I let my newly minted 15 year old laze about the house and watch too much TV. Meanwhile, I made his favorite dinner, beef ribs with the added bonus of hand cut french fries. As for his birthday cake, it was a decadent cheesecake I had whipped up Monday night.
It wasn't terribly exciting, but it was a nice way to spend the day.
As for the toad, Jake and I agreed he needed a hat and cane. Thus for my very silly boy, who has grown and matured so much this year, I made it so.
Happy birthday Jake!
(I did try posting this Wednesday night, but Blogger went a little crazy and I decided to try again in the morning)
Instead I let my newly minted 15 year old laze about the house and watch too much TV. Meanwhile, I made his favorite dinner, beef ribs with the added bonus of hand cut french fries. As for his birthday cake, it was a decadent cheesecake I had whipped up Monday night.
It wasn't terribly exciting, but it was a nice way to spend the day.
As for the toad, Jake and I agreed he needed a hat and cane. Thus for my very silly boy, who has grown and matured so much this year, I made it so.
Happy birthday Jake!
(I did try posting this Wednesday night, but Blogger went a little crazy and I decided to try again in the morning)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Butternut Racer
When Jake was making his edible race car he started out with a butternut squash. It was heavy and carvable, a good candidate for the project.
I suggested that we cut into the bottom end of the squash and create two wheel wells. The narrower top would serve as the other end of the vehicle and have only one wheel. Hard candy sticks would act as the axles and rutabaga slices would be the wheels.
The final design was pretty cool. The vehicle had a very organic look to it. Sadly it did not roll very well. Forwards or backwards the wheels would rub and the vehicle would careen about.
Also we discovered that the candy sticks would melt after prolonged contact with the squash. There was just too much moisture in the squash and the sugar would start to dissolve, creating a sticky mes and a broken axle. So in the end Jake decided it was a dead end and moved onto his far more successful parsnip racer with cinnamon stick axles.
I suggested that we cut into the bottom end of the squash and create two wheel wells. The narrower top would serve as the other end of the vehicle and have only one wheel. Hard candy sticks would act as the axles and rutabaga slices would be the wheels.
The final design was pretty cool. The vehicle had a very organic look to it. Sadly it did not roll very well. Forwards or backwards the wheels would rub and the vehicle would careen about.
Also we discovered that the candy sticks would melt after prolonged contact with the squash. There was just too much moisture in the squash and the sugar would start to dissolve, creating a sticky mes and a broken axle. So in the end Jake decided it was a dead end and moved onto his far more successful parsnip racer with cinnamon stick axles.
Monday, June 27, 2011
THE UNSPOKEN - Tropfest 2011 Finalist
A quietly powerful movie about what is unspoken between parents and children. A very well deserved finalist in this year's Tropfest.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
My Little Cupcake
We had services! dog shows! fly fishing clinic! movies! and music lessons!
A lot was going on and somehow we pulled it off. We are at that sweet spot in parenting when some of the kids are old enough to be left in charge and the younger ones are not too young to be left with their siblings. So I was able to to make my 8:00 am ring times without having to schlep my entourage. Rebecca was initially interesting in tagging along, but my 7:00 am departure squashed that idea right quick.
Mind you I grumbled mightily over the injustice of having to be at the dog show at 8 for both days, but then again I would be back home before 10:00 am. Thus enabling a little movie going Saturday afternoon. I missed services (everybody else in the family went), but then again I did go Friday night and help make the minyan.
Sunday morning was another early start with Larry going off with Jake to learn a bit more about fly fishing. This left the rest of the crew at home. Nate, Max and Rebecca were still essentially asleep, but I did rouse them enough to remind them I would be back before 10 am. Sunday afternoon was a bit easier with music lessons at home for Nate (guitar), Max (drums, and Larry (bass).
As for my little cupcake pictured, she's just little bit of cuteness at the end of a busy weekend.
A lot was going on and somehow we pulled it off. We are at that sweet spot in parenting when some of the kids are old enough to be left in charge and the younger ones are not too young to be left with their siblings. So I was able to to make my 8:00 am ring times without having to schlep my entourage. Rebecca was initially interesting in tagging along, but my 7:00 am departure squashed that idea right quick.
Mind you I grumbled mightily over the injustice of having to be at the dog show at 8 for both days, but then again I would be back home before 10:00 am. Thus enabling a little movie going Saturday afternoon. I missed services (everybody else in the family went), but then again I did go Friday night and help make the minyan.
Sunday morning was another early start with Larry going off with Jake to learn a bit more about fly fishing. This left the rest of the crew at home. Nate, Max and Rebecca were still essentially asleep, but I did rouse them enough to remind them I would be back before 10 am. Sunday afternoon was a bit easier with music lessons at home for Nate (guitar), Max (drums, and Larry (bass).
As for my little cupcake pictured, she's just little bit of cuteness at the end of a busy weekend.
Friday, June 24, 2011
MCP Project 52: Crave
This week's theme was Crave, which was easy since both Rebecca and I crave sun gold tomatoes and fortuitously our first plants produced their first ripe tomatoes this week.
This week our plants have been producing ripe tomatoes like mad. Every day we have been able pluck a few from the vine, sun warmed and oh so sweet.
The sun gold is hands down our favorite variety. The three plants we have will steadily produce all summer. The bounty only coming to an end late fall with the first serious frost.
This week our plants have been producing ripe tomatoes like mad. Every day we have been able pluck a few from the vine, sun warmed and oh so sweet.
The sun gold is hands down our favorite variety. The three plants we have will steadily produce all summer. The bounty only coming to an end late fall with the first serious frost.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Grounded
Today was spent at home. Which really, I don't mind except it wasn't totally by choice. My van is in the shop for some much needed repairs, so it was planned. But...
It does chaff a bit when you can just run out and pick up something.
Fortunately the kids are happy to be at home. They spend hours playing elaborate Lego based games and sometimes even read. To celebrate the mild weather I even ran the sprinklers in the backyard. I have no pictures, Rebecca politely requested none to be taken. So instead I watched them run and play. Chasing each other through the arcing sprays of water and down into the woods.
It was a good day.
It does chaff a bit when you can just run out and pick up something.
Fortunately the kids are happy to be at home. They spend hours playing elaborate Lego based games and sometimes even read. To celebrate the mild weather I even ran the sprinklers in the backyard. I have no pictures, Rebecca politely requested none to be taken. So instead I watched them run and play. Chasing each other through the arcing sprays of water and down into the woods.
It was a good day.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Artist of the Week: Parsnip Racer
Or alternatively: Pimp My Parsnip.
This week's artist is Jacob and what a busy final three weeks of school it has been.
During the first week of June the high school had its various awards functions. Freshmen and Sophomore awards were combined while the Juniors and Senior each had their own ceremony. We had gotten notification from the school that Jacob would be receiving some sort of award, but for what was not mentioned. We all went to the ceremony and found out that Jacob is now a member of the Junior Honor Society. He also got recognized for his participation in the robotics club.
The following week was the big band dinner and awards and Jacob was recognized for being among the most improved freshmen. His playing has really progressed this year from the combined efforts of his band teacher and trumpet teacher.
Which then brings us to the last week of school.
The last week is dedicated to finals for the underclassmen. Jacob, by getting perfect scores on his two SOLs (one of the more unfortunate acronyms) was exempted out of two of this finials, World History and Geometry, and band was a combination of performing for graduation and returning his tuxedo dry cleaned.
The rest were mainly written exams with one notable exception. In one class, Honors Engineering Foundamentals, he had to design and build a car that was completely edible. The car also had to travel down a ramp with a slight incline and have a Lego person passenger/driver (the lego was the only inedible part).
After a couple of false starts with a butternut squash (looked great, but didn't roll) and cucumbers, he settled on a parsnip. I helped him with the electric drill, but the rest was his doing. The large wheels were cut from rutabagas, the small wheels from turnips, and the axils were cinnamon sticks (technically edible, but I certainly wouldn't want to munch on a whole stick). Interestingly enough we discovered that we have a drill bit that is the exact diameter of spaghetti.
In the above picture we have caramels holding things in place, but in the final entry Jacob switched to some rather large gumdrops. A bit of fruit roll-up stripes were added and a flag composed of spaghetti with a goldfish cracker. The resulting creation was quite jaunty and performed quite well. I wish I had snagged a photo before he took it to school, but at six in the morning I'm not thinking about my camera. At least I took a few photos of his first parsnip.
This week's artist is Jacob and what a busy final three weeks of school it has been.
During the first week of June the high school had its various awards functions. Freshmen and Sophomore awards were combined while the Juniors and Senior each had their own ceremony. We had gotten notification from the school that Jacob would be receiving some sort of award, but for what was not mentioned. We all went to the ceremony and found out that Jacob is now a member of the Junior Honor Society. He also got recognized for his participation in the robotics club.
The following week was the big band dinner and awards and Jacob was recognized for being among the most improved freshmen. His playing has really progressed this year from the combined efforts of his band teacher and trumpet teacher.
Which then brings us to the last week of school.
The last week is dedicated to finals for the underclassmen. Jacob, by getting perfect scores on his two SOLs (one of the more unfortunate acronyms) was exempted out of two of this finials, World History and Geometry, and band was a combination of performing for graduation and returning his tuxedo dry cleaned.
The rest were mainly written exams with one notable exception. In one class, Honors Engineering Foundamentals, he had to design and build a car that was completely edible. The car also had to travel down a ramp with a slight incline and have a Lego person passenger/driver (the lego was the only inedible part).
After a couple of false starts with a butternut squash (looked great, but didn't roll) and cucumbers, he settled on a parsnip. I helped him with the electric drill, but the rest was his doing. The large wheels were cut from rutabagas, the small wheels from turnips, and the axils were cinnamon sticks (technically edible, but I certainly wouldn't want to munch on a whole stick). Interestingly enough we discovered that we have a drill bit that is the exact diameter of spaghetti.
In the above picture we have caramels holding things in place, but in the final entry Jacob switched to some rather large gumdrops. A bit of fruit roll-up stripes were added and a flag composed of spaghetti with a goldfish cracker. The resulting creation was quite jaunty and performed quite well. I wish I had snagged a photo before he took it to school, but at six in the morning I'm not thinking about my camera. At least I took a few photos of his first parsnip.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Moss and Fungus Took a Lichen
We have a couple of downed trees on our property from a big blow a few years back, hurricane Isabel to be precise. Most of the trees (and there were many) were cut up, but a few were left.
One in particular I requested to stay intact because our kids had fun clambering over it as it was near their play sets. Since it was off the lawn, along the edge of the woods we let it lie.
The bark is wearing off and rot is setting in. It is beautiful in its decay. I like in particular the cluster of fungus and moss on an old boll that has a smattering of lichen in between.
One in particular I requested to stay intact because our kids had fun clambering over it as it was near their play sets. Since it was off the lawn, along the edge of the woods we let it lie.
The bark is wearing off and rot is setting in. It is beautiful in its decay. I like in particular the cluster of fungus and moss on an old boll that has a smattering of lichen in between.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Thru Jerusalem
A wonderful video of the sound of Jerusalem. This isn't made from clips culled from YouTube. Instead, Kutiman wandered through Jerusalem and mhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifet and recorded the musical artists found along the way.
A very different way to tour the city.
Found by my lovely friend Alissa.
A very different way to tour the city.
Found by my lovely friend Alissa.
Friday, June 17, 2011
MCP Project 52: Make It Tasty
This week's theme was "Make It Tasty" and normally this would be an easy theme.
But that would be supposing I could actually read. For some strange reason I read it as "Make It Trashy."
Oops
Fortunately I take food pictures as a matter of course and Jake saved the day.
Jake (or rather Jacob as he prefers to be called) was noshing on some left overs from his edible car project. He was about to eat a caramel cream when he noticed the heart shape of the cream center. He showed it to me and we agreed it was worthy of a photo.
So this week's picture is a tasty heart.
But that would be supposing I could actually read. For some strange reason I read it as "Make It Trashy."
Oops
Fortunately I take food pictures as a matter of course and Jake saved the day.
Jake (or rather Jacob as he prefers to be called) was noshing on some left overs from his edible car project. He was about to eat a caramel cream when he noticed the heart shape of the cream center. He showed it to me and we agreed it was worthy of a photo.
So this week's picture is a tasty heart.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Won't Know What Hit Him
Just one more day of school left, after which the dogs' peaceful days spent snoozing will be over.
No more sacking out on whatever got left on the floor after the morning rush. The house will be much livelier and far louder for the next few months.
I know Dell will be happy with the increased activity, but I think John will miss the quiet.
I know I will.
No more sacking out on whatever got left on the floor after the morning rush. The house will be much livelier and far louder for the next few months.
I know Dell will be happy with the increased activity, but I think John will miss the quiet.
I know I will.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Artist of the Week: Name
This week the honor goes to Nate.
I took this picture of him a few weeks ago at his request. He needed pictures of himself for a project he was doing in school. I was happy to oblige and dutifully followed him about as he did an assortment of poses with his lacrosse stick and his skateboard. I certainly was not going to complain, for once we wants me to take is picture. Lately I have had to use my photo-ninja stealth skills to get any sort of pictures of him that did not involve him deliberately shaking his head. An era to be known as the blurry mop top years.
Anyhoodle I like this picture and it pretty much shows what Nate would rather be doing now. According to him this last week of school has been sheer torture. The days drag on and on with the end of the week stretching away. The end is near, but not near enough for Nate.
And of course the end of school brings with it all manner of objects that hadn't quite made it home until now or have been unearthered from the depths of his backpacks (And yes, he does have multiple backpacks. The middle school operates on an even odd day schedule. Therefore, Nate has an odd day pack and the even day pack.
This particular piece had come home a while ago, but got lost amongst Nate's papers. It had just recently resurfaced and I thought I better photograph it before it disappears again or gets accidentally destroyed.
The design is rather kaleidoscopic and has four axes, all fairly obvious. However how he created the design is a bit of a surprise. If you look closely in the corners you'll see an N and it's mirror image. As the eye travels along the axis that goes from corner to corner you'll see an A, a T and then an E. All of which are reflected below the axis. It turns out the design is made from Nate's name. I rather clever idea that worked out very well for Nate.
I took this picture of him a few weeks ago at his request. He needed pictures of himself for a project he was doing in school. I was happy to oblige and dutifully followed him about as he did an assortment of poses with his lacrosse stick and his skateboard. I certainly was not going to complain, for once we wants me to take is picture. Lately I have had to use my photo-ninja stealth skills to get any sort of pictures of him that did not involve him deliberately shaking his head. An era to be known as the blurry mop top years.
Anyhoodle I like this picture and it pretty much shows what Nate would rather be doing now. According to him this last week of school has been sheer torture. The days drag on and on with the end of the week stretching away. The end is near, but not near enough for Nate.
And of course the end of school brings with it all manner of objects that hadn't quite made it home until now or have been unearthered from the depths of his backpacks (And yes, he does have multiple backpacks. The middle school operates on an even odd day schedule. Therefore, Nate has an odd day pack and the even day pack.
This particular piece had come home a while ago, but got lost amongst Nate's papers. It had just recently resurfaced and I thought I better photograph it before it disappears again or gets accidentally destroyed.
The design is rather kaleidoscopic and has four axes, all fairly obvious. However how he created the design is a bit of a surprise. If you look closely in the corners you'll see an N and it's mirror image. As the eye travels along the axis that goes from corner to corner you'll see an A, a T and then an E. All of which are reflected below the axis. It turns out the design is made from Nate's name. I rather clever idea that worked out very well for Nate.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Pulling on the lead
We are all so very ready for the school year to end. Nate in particular is straining on the lead ready to let slip the bonds of school and run full force into summer vacation.
But we have three days left.
Nate's not sure if he can last much longer, even though two of those days are early dismissal. For this particular 12 year old time has ground to a halt. I, however, am fully confident that Nate will survive the rest of the week
But we have three days left.
Nate's not sure if he can last much longer, even though two of those days are early dismissal. For this particular 12 year old time has ground to a halt. I, however, am fully confident that Nate will survive the rest of the week
Monday, June 13, 2011
The Confession
I have seen this quite some time ago and had since forgotten it until stumbling upon it today. It made me laugh then and it made me laugh now.
It's just a silly little movie with some very believable characters.
It's just a silly little movie with some very believable characters.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
If You Have a Dachshund
Then you're going to have holes.
A few weeks ago John would not come inside. It was pitch dark and way past my bed time. He had been outside for hours and I was getting a bit concerned. I tried my standard method to summon errant dogs, a very small handful of kibble being rattled in a steel food dish, but John never appeared.
So I pulled on my boots, grabbed a flashlight, a leash, and summoned Dell to come along with me into the woods. I wasn't sure if Dell could find John, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to have him along.
Turns out I was right about Dell.
He didn't find John, he was too happy to be bouncing around in the dark with me. However John came to us when he decided that Dell might be encroaching on his little project.
I turned out John had been industriously digging out a stump in pursuit of whatever creature had decided to make its den beneath the stump. The hole was quite impressive and it looked as though John was starting to break through the roots and into the den. I hate stopping a dog doing what it is bred to do, but I decided I had to haul him inside. If I left him outside it could get ugly when the trapped creature starts to defend itself. I was confident that John would win out, but I also knew that a trip to the vet would be likely. Particularly if it turned out to be a venemous snake. I really didn't want a $500 emergency vet bill (the after hours vet service charges roughly $200 when you walk in the door and from there it can only go up).
So my poor dog was leashed and forcibly dragged into the house.
The next day I decided to get a good look at John's handy work in the light of day. The stump was far less interesting to John. He gamely sniffed it out when I sent him in, but clearly last night's occupants had moved on.
A few weeks ago John would not come inside. It was pitch dark and way past my bed time. He had been outside for hours and I was getting a bit concerned. I tried my standard method to summon errant dogs, a very small handful of kibble being rattled in a steel food dish, but John never appeared.
So I pulled on my boots, grabbed a flashlight, a leash, and summoned Dell to come along with me into the woods. I wasn't sure if Dell could find John, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to have him along.
Turns out I was right about Dell.
He didn't find John, he was too happy to be bouncing around in the dark with me. However John came to us when he decided that Dell might be encroaching on his little project.
I turned out John had been industriously digging out a stump in pursuit of whatever creature had decided to make its den beneath the stump. The hole was quite impressive and it looked as though John was starting to break through the roots and into the den. I hate stopping a dog doing what it is bred to do, but I decided I had to haul him inside. If I left him outside it could get ugly when the trapped creature starts to defend itself. I was confident that John would win out, but I also knew that a trip to the vet would be likely. Particularly if it turned out to be a venemous snake. I really didn't want a $500 emergency vet bill (the after hours vet service charges roughly $200 when you walk in the door and from there it can only go up).
So my poor dog was leashed and forcibly dragged into the house.
The next day I decided to get a good look at John's handy work in the light of day. The stump was far less interesting to John. He gamely sniffed it out when I sent him in, but clearly last night's occupants had moved on.
Friday, June 10, 2011
MCP Project 52: Enchantment
This week's theme is Enchantment and I could have gone all girlie and princess like with Rebecca, but I have already been there.
Instead I decided to photograph Max being enchanted with a book. And it doesn't hurt that the book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," has a fair amount of enchantment inside.
He has been chugging through the whole Harry Potter series, every night he reads before dropping off to sleep. Occasionally he'll put the books aside for a day or two when the storyline gets to be too scary. But soon he''l pick them back up again. As he has told me "I want to read the books so I know what parts got left out of the movies."
I'm enchanted with the fact that my boy that wasn't at all interested in books has become a reader.
Instead I decided to photograph Max being enchanted with a book. And it doesn't hurt that the book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," has a fair amount of enchantment inside.
He has been chugging through the whole Harry Potter series, every night he reads before dropping off to sleep. Occasionally he'll put the books aside for a day or two when the storyline gets to be too scary. But soon he''l pick them back up again. As he has told me "I want to read the books so I know what parts got left out of the movies."
I'm enchanted with the fact that my boy that wasn't at all interested in books has become a reader.
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Grrr
Cooking vegetables for certain members of my family can be a rather thankless task. I try to be positive about the whole thing and only require that the picky eaters at the very least try just a small bite of everything on the dinner table.
But some days I feel like even the vegetable itself resents the anti- green things stance.
But some days I feel like even the vegetable itself resents the anti- green things stance.
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Artist of the week: Vase
This week's artist is Max. Which was essentially his idea since he pretty much asked to be artist of the week.
I got so many great pictures of him during his last soccer game, so we have one more of him in action on the pitch. This spring Max had a terrific season. His coach put a great deal of effort into learning the game and developing interesting drills. It was nice having a coach that put as much in as Larry does when he is the coach.
And the extra effort paid off on the field. After a very rough start the kids learned about playing their positions, moving the ball in a controlled fashion, and passing the ball as they move up the field. No more mob ball, instead they were playing soccer.
As for this week's artist post, Max showed me this vase he made in art class. He wanted me to take a picture of his pitcher.He was very pleased with how it turned out and I think this was his way of asking me to share his creation.
I know they have been studying ancient Greece and the art teacher helps reenforce the lessons in the classroom with projects pertaining to the current study unit. My first thought upon seeing the vase was that it looks Etruscan. Which in turn was very similar in style with the then current Greek style of pottery.
I think it is a lovely little pinch pot that will be just right for some of the flowers Max picks for me.
I got so many great pictures of him during his last soccer game, so we have one more of him in action on the pitch. This spring Max had a terrific season. His coach put a great deal of effort into learning the game and developing interesting drills. It was nice having a coach that put as much in as Larry does when he is the coach.
And the extra effort paid off on the field. After a very rough start the kids learned about playing their positions, moving the ball in a controlled fashion, and passing the ball as they move up the field. No more mob ball, instead they were playing soccer.
As for this week's artist post, Max showed me this vase he made in art class. He wanted me to take a picture of his pitcher.He was very pleased with how it turned out and I think this was his way of asking me to share his creation.
I know they have been studying ancient Greece and the art teacher helps reenforce the lessons in the classroom with projects pertaining to the current study unit. My first thought upon seeing the vase was that it looks Etruscan. Which in turn was very similar in style with the then current Greek style of pottery.
I think it is a lovely little pinch pot that will be just right for some of the flowers Max picks for me.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Another Day, Another Banquet
Tonight was number four in our end of school and end of sports banquet-a-thon. So far we have had two soccer banquets (one each for Max and Rebecca), a robotics potluck (Jake), and the big end of the year band banquet with awards (Jake again). Sunday will be Nate's lacrosse banquet and we should be done.
Theoretically there could be one for show choir, but we haven't heard a peep from the director and I'm not sure if the show choir band would be invited. Anyway, Jake has already had two and really doesn't need a third banquet. The five total we do have are far in a way plenty for us. There are so many potlucks I'm interested in attending. I can usually find something to eat, but it is a bit challenging for some of the pickier members of our family. Mind you they have all been fun, the kids have been with some particularly nice teams/ groups. Band in particular has a very warm, family like feel to it.
So one more to go and then we are done until the next round in the fall.
Theoretically there could be one for show choir, but we haven't heard a peep from the director and I'm not sure if the show choir band would be invited. Anyway, Jake has already had two and really doesn't need a third banquet. The five total we do have are far in a way plenty for us. There are so many potlucks I'm interested in attending. I can usually find something to eat, but it is a bit challenging for some of the pickier members of our family. Mind you they have all been fun, the kids have been with some particularly nice teams/ groups. Band in particular has a very warm, family like feel to it.
So one more to go and then we are done until the next round in the fall.
Monday, June 06, 2011
The Pitch by Nash Edgerton
As regular readers know I have a fondness for Tropfest. I love short movies and this particular contest/celebration of all movies short never fails to deliver interesting and quirky movies. This particular movie is a bit different, it is more of a promotion for Tropfest, but none the less it entertains the viewer.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Mother Son Bonding
Hooray! Flickr and Blogger are now on speaking terms!
Now I get to post pictures, again, with just a few clicks. They would have had a falling out just when I wanted to post a boatload of pictures.
Anywho, this is Max and me modeling our favorite t-shirts. I am a fan of Portal (here's a flash version if you are interested) and when this shirt showed up on Shirt Woot I had to get it for myself, Jake and Nate (who are also fans of the game). I love the little mouse and its companion cheese cube. It's cute without cutesy. Having the portal on the back just put the design over the top. When we got the shirts Max and Rebecca desperately wanted to have it as well. They don't play the game, but they love the mouse on the shirt.
Nate was a bit miffed when his younger siblings got the shirt. He does not like coordinating with his siblings in any way, shape, or form. Jake and I were tolerable, Nate could avoid matching us and still get to wear the shirt fairly often. But with Max and Rebecca on board it has become a little harder for him to be "unique." Fortunately he got over it and doesn't worry too much about the matchy thing.
Max, however, loves wearing the same shirt as me. It makes him so very happy when we are dressed the same. He has never gotten to do this before, I have only done mother-daughter dresses with Rebecca. It just never entered my head that Max would want to wear the same thing as me. So now when we both wear our Portals shirt he is so very happy.
Now I get to post pictures, again, with just a few clicks. They would have had a falling out just when I wanted to post a boatload of pictures.
Anywho, this is Max and me modeling our favorite t-shirts. I am a fan of Portal (here's a flash version if you are interested) and when this shirt showed up on Shirt Woot I had to get it for myself, Jake and Nate (who are also fans of the game). I love the little mouse and its companion cheese cube. It's cute without cutesy. Having the portal on the back just put the design over the top. When we got the shirts Max and Rebecca desperately wanted to have it as well. They don't play the game, but they love the mouse on the shirt.
Nate was a bit miffed when his younger siblings got the shirt. He does not like coordinating with his siblings in any way, shape, or form. Jake and I were tolerable, Nate could avoid matching us and still get to wear the shirt fairly often. But with Max and Rebecca on board it has become a little harder for him to be "unique." Fortunately he got over it and doesn't worry too much about the matchy thing.
Max, however, loves wearing the same shirt as me. It makes him so very happy when we are dressed the same. He has never gotten to do this before, I have only done mother-daughter dresses with Rebecca. It just never entered my head that Max would want to wear the same thing as me. So now when we both wear our Portals shirt he is so very happy.
Friday, June 03, 2011
MCP Project 52: Reflection
Well Flickr still stubbornly refuses to admit I have a blog, but I promised pictures and by gum I'll post my pictures even if I have to go through the tedious task of cutting and pasting all of the stupid HTML code.
So as you probably can guess this week's theme was reflection. I decided to go with the straight forward interpretation and not go all introspective. It was a far sight easier and we had the beautiful weather with clear blue skies to pull it off.
Yesterday was lovely, the horrible heat and humidity had broken leaving behind cooler temperatures and cloudless skies.
I figured my best bet for reflections would be the pond in my subdivision. At the boat dock I took a fairly standard shoreline picture. It was pretty enough, but essentially boring.
I briefly considered not rotating the picture and submitting that version instead. The picture was certainly far more interesting, but there was a good chance no one would get the idea that not rotating the picture was a deliberate choice. So instead I'm sharing it here on my blog.
I like it, I think it is far more interesting to look at with its skewed perspective. Then again Meryl will tell you that I would like because I have a skewed perspective on life in general. The cloudless sky really makes the picture and I'm glad I went out yesterday. Today I would have had a sky streaked with cirrus clouds, pretty but would not have reflected very well.
Another funky picture I took was of leaves reflected on the water. The surface is marred by ripples, distorting the leaves' reflection, giving the picture a lovely dreamy quality. At the time I was trying to photograph one of the dragonflies buzzing over the lake. It would have been a neat image of the dragonfly and its refection, but the insects were far too fast and erratic. The few I were able to capture just were not quite good enough to make me happy. I think the ripple picture has a lot more going for it than any of the insect pictures. Yet I still didn't have the what I was looking for. I didn't know what I wanted, but nothing had really clicked.
Since it was such a lovely day I kept on shooting pictures. Time was not an issue and with 4 gig card I didn't have to worry about how many pictures I was taking.
I turned my focus to the dock itself. These pictures were far more interesting than the shoreline and far more successful than the dragonflies. The one I have included here I think is the best of the lot. The silvery wood reflected well and I like all the diagonals. This picture was a serious contender for the MCP Project 52.
As I sat on the boat ramp I noticed a fishing line flying out behind a small island. A boat quietly came into view (only paddles and electric motors are allowed on the pond) and pulled up to the dock. Initially I was annoyed with the boat, it's ripples spread far and wide, but then I noticed something else was behind the boat.
A swan was gliding behind the boat. It was following along, hoping for a handout.
Well this changed everything. A hawk had flown by earlier and I was disappointed that I hadn't gotten my camera up in time. It was not at all afraid of people, which is not a good thing, but worked for me.
I like this picture I took of it gliding along with the sunlight almost making the feathers glow. It is a artifact of the distance and lighting. I mess about with this picture and considered sending in this to MCP Project 52, but the focus wasn't up to snuff and I had better ones.
This picture was the one I ended up submitting. When I took it I knew right then and there I had the picture I wanted.
It's crisp, clear, and the colors are just right. The water is murky, as you can see in the previous photo, but here it's reflecting the clear blue sky. I like how the bird's head is slightly turned away as it heads out on the water. The wake of the swan distort its reflection with out destroying the image.
As for yesterday, this was the picture I wanted to post. It is literally straight out of the camera. I was shocked at how well it came out when I downloaded it from the camera. I think I was about 4 feet from the swan and was just merrily snapping away.
It doesn't have enough reflection (in my opinion) to qualify for the photo group, but it is too good not to share.
So as you probably can guess this week's theme was reflection. I decided to go with the straight forward interpretation and not go all introspective. It was a far sight easier and we had the beautiful weather with clear blue skies to pull it off.
Yesterday was lovely, the horrible heat and humidity had broken leaving behind cooler temperatures and cloudless skies.
I figured my best bet for reflections would be the pond in my subdivision. At the boat dock I took a fairly standard shoreline picture. It was pretty enough, but essentially boring.
I briefly considered not rotating the picture and submitting that version instead. The picture was certainly far more interesting, but there was a good chance no one would get the idea that not rotating the picture was a deliberate choice. So instead I'm sharing it here on my blog.
I like it, I think it is far more interesting to look at with its skewed perspective. Then again Meryl will tell you that I would like because I have a skewed perspective on life in general. The cloudless sky really makes the picture and I'm glad I went out yesterday. Today I would have had a sky streaked with cirrus clouds, pretty but would not have reflected very well.
Another funky picture I took was of leaves reflected on the water. The surface is marred by ripples, distorting the leaves' reflection, giving the picture a lovely dreamy quality. At the time I was trying to photograph one of the dragonflies buzzing over the lake. It would have been a neat image of the dragonfly and its refection, but the insects were far too fast and erratic. The few I were able to capture just were not quite good enough to make me happy. I think the ripple picture has a lot more going for it than any of the insect pictures. Yet I still didn't have the what I was looking for. I didn't know what I wanted, but nothing had really clicked.
Since it was such a lovely day I kept on shooting pictures. Time was not an issue and with 4 gig card I didn't have to worry about how many pictures I was taking.
I turned my focus to the dock itself. These pictures were far more interesting than the shoreline and far more successful than the dragonflies. The one I have included here I think is the best of the lot. The silvery wood reflected well and I like all the diagonals. This picture was a serious contender for the MCP Project 52.
As I sat on the boat ramp I noticed a fishing line flying out behind a small island. A boat quietly came into view (only paddles and electric motors are allowed on the pond) and pulled up to the dock. Initially I was annoyed with the boat, it's ripples spread far and wide, but then I noticed something else was behind the boat.
A swan was gliding behind the boat. It was following along, hoping for a handout.
Well this changed everything. A hawk had flown by earlier and I was disappointed that I hadn't gotten my camera up in time. It was not at all afraid of people, which is not a good thing, but worked for me.
I like this picture I took of it gliding along with the sunlight almost making the feathers glow. It is a artifact of the distance and lighting. I mess about with this picture and considered sending in this to MCP Project 52, but the focus wasn't up to snuff and I had better ones.
This picture was the one I ended up submitting. When I took it I knew right then and there I had the picture I wanted.
It's crisp, clear, and the colors are just right. The water is murky, as you can see in the previous photo, but here it's reflecting the clear blue sky. I like how the bird's head is slightly turned away as it heads out on the water. The wake of the swan distort its reflection with out destroying the image.
As for yesterday, this was the picture I wanted to post. It is literally straight out of the camera. I was shocked at how well it came out when I downloaded it from the camera. I think I was about 4 feet from the swan and was just merrily snapping away.
It doesn't have enough reflection (in my opinion) to qualify for the photo group, but it is too good not to share.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Aw Man!
I had a lovely post all planned out with pictures and everything and then Flickr decided to have a hissy fit and not recognize Blogger.
I could force the issue and code by hand, but honestly I don't want to. At least I can take a small bit of solace in knowing I'm not the only one blocked out. Hopefully the problem will be resolved tomorrow. Even if it isn't fixed I'll make sure to get something up one way or another.
Stupid computers making me have to think and figure things out.
I could force the issue and code by hand, but honestly I don't want to. At least I can take a small bit of solace in knowing I'm not the only one blocked out. Hopefully the problem will be resolved tomorrow. Even if it isn't fixed I'll make sure to get something up one way or another.
Stupid computers making me have to think and figure things out.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Artist of the Week: Science
This week's artist is Rebecca.
I really like this picture I took of her last week. For once she isn't mugging for the camera with her strained smile. We had gone into the woods next to the house to photograph the rather massive stump excavation by John the previous night. I snapped a quick photo of Rebecca while she was perched on the stump.
She was actually very mad at me to dare take a picture of her without warning. Afterwards I offered not to take any more pictures of her which resulted in a rush of nos and a few poses with her canned smile. But the first one, with her flashing eyes, is the keeper.
Anyhoodle, the setting of the photo is rather appropriate for this week's project.
In Rebecca's class each student has made a sort of visual study sheet for various subjects. The one pictured here is for science, a subject near and dear to my heart. I love the little illustrations she made foe each concept, from the rotting stump, the little wheelbarrow for erosion, and so on to the mooing cow and howling wolf. I think the little bear for hibernation is utterly adorable. I think this was a very fun assignment and useful too boot.
I really like this picture I took of her last week. For once she isn't mugging for the camera with her strained smile. We had gone into the woods next to the house to photograph the rather massive stump excavation by John the previous night. I snapped a quick photo of Rebecca while she was perched on the stump.
She was actually very mad at me to dare take a picture of her without warning. Afterwards I offered not to take any more pictures of her which resulted in a rush of nos and a few poses with her canned smile. But the first one, with her flashing eyes, is the keeper.
Anyhoodle, the setting of the photo is rather appropriate for this week's project.
In Rebecca's class each student has made a sort of visual study sheet for various subjects. The one pictured here is for science, a subject near and dear to my heart. I love the little illustrations she made foe each concept, from the rotting stump, the little wheelbarrow for erosion, and so on to the mooing cow and howling wolf. I think the little bear for hibernation is utterly adorable. I think this was a very fun assignment and useful too boot.
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