Fresh Start

It has been a long time since my last Blog Post.

The pictures below are from my sons' and my second annual

trout fishing weekend up at our cabin in Potter County.

The first annual in 2022, found us with temperatures in the 20's.

This year, it was in the 50's and rainy.  No problem!

We always have a great time catching up in front of a 

warm fire with current stories and reminiscing about fun times

at the cabin when they were young.  The walking and 

breathing mountain air was fabulous!

Colors of Spring

Matt Fishing in the Shallows

Creek Along Logging Road

 

Simple is Best!

 Water Colored Sky

   

Valentine, 2021

Blue City Scape

Quite a few years ago, while assisting with homework assignments and such, I borrowed (?) the phrase Simple is Best! from somewhere and have used it ever since.  As a personal philosophy, it has been especially helpful during this time of my watercolor exploration.

The photograph at the beginning of this post is how I wish I could paint and draw.  I can neither paint nor draw.  Stampers and tracing tools have been my "go to" starting points for the above watercolors and several more which I have made into cards.  I do love hand drawing, but they are very simple, as you can see below.

Sunset with Poles

Our dining room table is my work spot right now.  Four o'clock pm is my favorite time to sit/stand and experiment.  Usually there is a liquid and musical inspiration to push me onward!

New Year's Greeting

New Year's Day, 2021

Although 2020 is now behind us with its political scene and pandemic, I have a bit of a review of the 2020 Holiday Season. During the days leading up to Christmas, I finished the last phase of my breast cancer treatment which began in mid July. Having spent the majority of the year in quarantine due to the pandemic, it was not a big change to be really careful during my treatments. 

I could not be more grateful for the wonderful care I received from each caregiver I encountered!

Christmas decorating was minimal at our house this year.  I worked to make festive areas in all the rooms that we spend time in.  Since physical visiting was out for all of us, what mattered was communicating by phone, Email and USPS to our boys and other loved ones over the season.  On the home front, Jim did his wonderful cooking and I kept the home fires burning.

A Happy and Healthy New Year to all.

Quarantine Photography April, 2020

Tree Reflection

Trout Lily

Beech Leaves

Storm Clouds

Morning Fog

       One of our DIL's spent several weeks during April at the cabin  in Potter County while "working from home" for her employer. I was fortunate to travel to visit her for two weekends.  During all my years of visits, I had never spent that much time at the cabin in April before.  The weather was mixed and quite cold.   Being outside by myself or with her was fabulous!!  

Photographs of the Week

Squaw Valley Park photos from November 1, 2018

Seasonal Moments

A Few Leaves in My Branches

Maple Leaves

Tiny Mushrooms Like Tutus

I love fall!  The textures, colors, temperatures, owls and scents.

Shall I go on???

     

Loss of Insects Reported Worldwide

     In a recent article in the Post Gazette's Health & Science section, it was reported that insects have been disappearing at a dramatic pace.  This news is devastating to all world citizens. 

     I love photographing all bugs.  I am sharing some of the different ones I have found out and about.

Photographs of the Week

White Bed 

White Bed, Redux

     During our Labor Day visit at the cabin in Potter County, PA, we exchanged an ancient, metal white bed with a modern day bed with trundle.  I had a lot of help having the bed placed in the field as an art piece.

      

Photographs of the Week - New Macro Filter

Seeds

Wine Glass

Last Two Options

Goldenrod

     This week in the mail, I received a macro filter that I ordered online for my D90 50 mm lens.  It only cost $5.00 :)  I knew I would not reach the quality of the macro photographs posted by Nanci Goldberg, Tim Fabian and many other of my photography friends, too numerous to list.  I thought it would be fun to just scoot around shooting and seeing what would come of it.  Here are four of them.  I look forward to trying some more macro stuff with and without it.  Have a good week!

Photographs of the Week: Alley Sightings and Reflections

Alley

Yellows

Raindrops

Fleurs

Carriage House

Reflection

     Recent walk in the alley after one of our many rainstorms.

Photograph of the Week

Sunlight and Maple Leaves

     I love to photograph sunlight through maple leaves.  The leaves have wonderful shapes and overlaps for uneven light exposure.  

     Wow!  Summer is flying by.  Hope you all are having a fun and restful time.

Photographs Not Expected, But NICE!

Selfie

Tree Flurry

          It is interesting to review one's phone photos and find some that would usually be deleted, but become favorites.  The above are two of those.  They are not touched. I do not own Photoshop. I LOVE finding these among the others .....

Photographs for the Week

Bug Light

Reflections and Rings

Stars in the Creek

Sunset

     Happy 4th of July, 2018!!

     Photos featured are from a trip to the cabin in August.  Every August is spectacular for its light, natural evidence and options.     

Photographs of the Week

Harpswell

Dinghy

     Last month I visited my cousins in Maine.  I got to explore some new areas with a photographer friend, but some of the best scenes are right before your eyes!  I never tire of photographing this incredible view.  

Salon des Refuses - Physique

Red Pepper

Posterior

     Here in the occasional Salon, I show images of photographs that didn't get in.  I submitted Red Pepper and Posterior to Physique, a figurative exhibition sponsored by the Pittsburgh Society of Artists.  

     The exhibition opens Saturday night at the Panza Gallery and it is sure to be grand!  The openings put on by the Society are always some of the funnest parties I attend all year.  It is a great group of artists/friends celebrating each other no matter if you are in or out.

Photograph of the Week

Lilac at Calvary

When the lilacs bloom, it really is spring!  I think the snow that continued late into April is finally done.  What fun it is to be with my Calvary gardening friends this time of year.  We get to care for the historic grounds and the lovingly donated plants.

Photograph of the Week

Up River in Early Spring

(Watercolor Filter)

Things in Line

     I enjoy photographing the Allegheny River every season at the James Sharp Landing at 13th and Main Streets in Sharpsburg, PA.  Even though it has been a late spring here, I always find a trip there uplifting.  People were there over the last few weekends fishing, feeding the ducks and geese and walking the paths.  Soon kayakers, boaters and day camp attendees will be flocking there!