Tell me a Story: April 2016

Tell me a Story is live and this month’s quote really spoke to me.
This world is but a canvas to our imagination.
~ Henry David Thoreau

I looked at the word canvas.  For me the sky is a canvas just waiting to be painted each day.  It just so happens that on Saturday I had a work event and had to rise and shine at 5am and be on the road by 5:30am.  It is seriously still dark outside and there is nothing inside of me that wants to be awake and on the road.  The upside of this is that I get to watch the sunrise over a beautiful setting.  The sky changes through a series of colors and they seem to just get better and better as the sun rises.

Here is my canvas from this beautiful world we live in.

Run and Walk images

Run and Walk images

Run and Walk images

Run and Walk images

Run and Walk images

Run and Walk images

Run and Walk images

Run and Walk images

I guess waking up at 5am does have some rewards

I guess waking up at 5am does have some rewards

Run and Walk images

Thank you for joining me for this month’s 30 minutes.    This is a circle blog.  Please take time to visit my fellow blogger Beth Williams and see what she has for you this month. Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month. Don’t forget to leave a little love on their pages.

If you are interested in seeing more of my photography take a look at my Facebook page, my Flickr Page or my Instagram Page.  

30 Minutes in the Life: April 2016

So apparently I must live under a rock.  I have lived in this area for 15 years and have never heard of this event, or better yet, been to it.  So when a friend asked me whether I would like to go to the Delray Affair, I was a litte confused as to what it was.

Much to my surprise it was far bigger than I anticipated and we walked, and walked.  From the top end of Atlantic Avenue down to the Intracoastal, cars were prevented from traveling, and this became one major big flea market.  I have to give them credit.  It was planned very well.  We walked down one side of the road and back up the other.

So did I go crazy shopping? – no, I guess I could have but I really do not want to spend unnecessary money right now.  Although I did purchase one thing.  I love almond soap, and was delighted when I found some.

There were jewelry stands, art stand, incredible art stands, stands where folk did not seem to mind if you took photos, and there were stands with big signs saying do not take photo’s.  I got to chat with people about what they were selling and find out a little bit more about them. I got to enjoy time with my friend, and I got to walk out in the beautiful fresh air that Florida is having just lately.

I definitely went over my 30 minutes but I will split it up, I just cannot help sharing some of this incredible talent. Here are some of my favorites seen that day.

My disclaimer:   The images are mine, which is why they have my logo on. The artwork itself is done by incredibly talented artists, whose names I do not know.

Street Market

Street Market

Incredible artwork made with pencils.

Stunning artwork made with pencils.

The hair is made with pencils. Amazing artwork

The hair is made with pencils. I fell in love with these two pencil pieces immediately.

It appears that if you want pink crochet stetsons this is the place to get them.

It appears that if you want pink crochet stetsons this is the place to get them.

So true :)

So true – I keep telling Richard the same thing, I am just not sure he believes me.

Wine bottle stoppers

Wine bottle stoppers in a variety of styles.  These came with the most interesting sales pitch and demonstration using a full champagne bottle.  The champagne bottle was heavy and he held it by the cork.  Apparently they held a lifetime warranty and if for any reason the stopper was not working one could send it back in and it would be recorked.

Any one of these could fit in out bar.

Any one of these could fit in out bar.  I was kind of leaning towards it is 5 o’clock somewhere.  Some days that could be an answer to prayer lol.

Since taking trainlines is not advised due to danger, this was a good day to get my trainline fix.

Since taking train tracks is not advised due to danger, this was a good day to get my train track fix.

I fell in love with this piece of artwork. I could easily see it up on my wall.

I fell in love with this piece of artwork. I could easily see it up on my wall. The vibrant colors and and details just really appealed to me.

Another incredibly talented artist.

Another incredibly talented artist.  I loved this image and the one below.  It makes me think of a previous blog that I did for 30 minutes.  The one on the boat I found on the beach and the story I put together of the Cuban refugees that never managed to get close enough to place their feet on US soil.

This image intrigues me and the fish in the paino makes me think of the Pink Floyd song "Wish you were here" We are two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl year after year"

This image intrigues me and the fish in the piano makes me think of the Pink Floyd song “Wish you were here” We are two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl year after year”.  Added to that I am always drawn to clowns.

As kids one tends to not appreciate the gift of a teacher. I had a few that I was happy to escape, but there are a few that engage in your lives and encourage you to do what you need to do to be that better person. There are a few that I have had over the years, but facebook has brought back into my life two of my teachers, this time as peers. I have loved connecting with both of them. I have loved the shift from Student to Friend. From the English Class, to the darkroom photography, to the speech and drama, both these teachers have been there. This week I just agreed to collaborate with one of them to work towards a book of encouragement. Teachers are a gift, treasure them.

As kids one tends to not appreciate the gift of a teacher. I had a few that I was happy to escape, but there are a few that engage in your lives and encourage you to do what you need to do to be that better person. There are a few that I have had over the years, but Facebook has brought back into my life two of my teachers, this time as peers. I have loved connecting with both of them. I have loved the shift from Student to Friend. From the English Class, to the darkroom photography, to the speech and drama, both these teachers have been there. This week I just agreed to collaborate with one of them to work towards creating a book of encouragement. Teachers are a gift, treasure them.

Hanging basket bling.

Hanging basket bling.  While I am not a pink fan, I definitely could see the turquoise hanging outside in my deck area.  I think it is a very attractive and clever idea.  Now to actually keep the plants alive.

This painting screams serenity at me. I love what this talented artist has created.

This painting screams serenity at me. I love what this talented artist has created.

Beyond this image I head past my 30 minutes, but I did want to share what else I got to see that really appealed to me.

I am crazy in love with this piece of artwork.

I am crazy in love with this piece of artwork.  Jazz , music, old vinyl records, what a fun piece of work.

Pieces of drift wood carved into amazing sea life.

Pieces of drift wood carved into beautiful sea life.  It always amazes me how people can look at a piece of wood and find a life inside it, or as depicted below, stone and create something as incredible as an African Elephant.

Beautiful African Elephant Carvings that tug at the heartstrings and remind me of another home.

Beautiful African Elephant Carvings that tug at the heartstrings and remind me of another home.

I came across this interesting fella out on the streets

I came across this interesting fella out on the streets.  He was doing his rounds and entertaining the kids.

I took advantage of the freedom to take the train tracks again on our return journey.

I took advantage of the freedom to take the train tracks again on our return journey.

Another interesting character that I am quite convinced depicts the actual size of mosquitos in South Florida. (Or close to :) )

Another interesting character that I am quite convinced depicts the actual size of mosquitos in South Florida. (Or close to) Although they are not as colorful as what we see here.  No we have the sneaky black kind that slip in when it is dark.  Before you know it you are covered in bumps and soooo itchy.

Rickloweart.com These pieces of work were painted on canvas and covered with a number of layers of resin. The effect was stunning.

Rickloweart.com Rick Lowe uses colors, textures and resin to create the piece above and the two below.  I got chatting to Rick when I first looked at the top image.  It reminded me of my scuba diving days and the beautiful colors of the ocean.

Rickloweart.com These pieces of work were painted on canvas and covered with a number of layers of resin. The effect was stunning.

Rickloweart.com These pieces of work were painted on canvas and covered with a number of layers of resin. The effect was stunning.

This was one of the sweetest sights I saw.

This was one of the sweetest sights I saw.  I spotted her walking ahead with her father.  I love all the beads and braids in her hair.

Cities in Color: Pink: I love soaps, in particular almond soap, and when I stopped by this pink soap really stood out.

I love soaps, in particular almond soap, and I was pretty excited when they said they actually had almonds soap.  I tend to have difficulty finding it.   The soap bars are all the size of the pink one and I purchased 4 bars.  I am hoping that it will last a fair while.

Thank you for joining me for this month’s 30 minutes.    This is a circle blog.  Please take time to visit my fellow blogger Liz Godfrey Photography | CT  and see what she has for you this month. Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month. Don’t forget to leave a little love on their pages.

30 Minutes recently changed their name to Journey to an Artist.  If you want to know more about Journey to an Artist head over to their Facebook page, or to the blog page.  There is new and exciting happenings going on with the group Journey to an Artist that you are sure to want to check it out.

If you are interested in seeing more of my photography take a look at my Facebook page, my Flickr Page or my Instagram Page.  

 

Seattle: Columbia Building

I am going to be honest here.  I have a major problem with heights.  I am never really keen to get to the edge and look down.  I was extremely grateful when we got to The Grand Canyon glass lookout 2 years ago and they said no camera’s.  There was no way I was leaving my camera on the ground to walk on the look out. Phew!!  When I see a television add and the car is on the roof of a tall building and it comes to a screaming halt at the edge of the building my stomach drops.  So when it came to Seattle I already had doubts about me going up the Space Needle.  When I saw the external elevator, and the large number of people planning to go up, I decided it was not for me.

Space Needle, Science Museum, Children's Museum, Staduim

Space Needle

However, I still wanted to get above the roof line and after some research I discovered that the Columbia building in Seattle had an observatory on the top floor.  The cost was also half the price of the Space Needle. The tough part was that the top floor was 72 stories up. The same friend that suggested that I visit the library, made another suggestion.  Go get coffee at Starbucks.  It is on the 52nd floor.  Still high, but all you pay for is your coffee.

So off to Starbucks we went, via the elevator in the Columbia building up to the 52nd floor.  Gulp!  I thought I was a little nervous, but my two companions were not happy that I was dragging them all the way up. Walking into Starbucks was a little weird.  The floor felt a little bouncy.  I cannot say I felt the building sway or anything, but the floor was a little strange.  Looking out the window did not phase me but clearly looking out the window was tough for my friends.

We are going up.

We are going up.

The view from the Starbucks window on the 52nd floor of the Columbia Building

The view from the Starbucks windows, on the 52nd floor of the Columbia Building

The view from the 52nd floor.

Scanning the roof tops

Looking down from the 52nd floor

Its a long way down from the 52nd floor

52 Stories down - done in HDR

My point of view done in HDR

52nd floor Lobby

The mural in the 52nd floor Lobby

52nd floor Lobby

And a little closer up

The Coloumbia Towers which goes up 72 stories.

The Coloumbia Towers which goes up 72 stories. Ground up view

The Coloumbia Towers which goes up 72 stories.

High up in the sky.

From the outside looking up.

Up in the clouds.

The Columbia building was an interesting experience and well worth the time taken out of the day to go and grab some coffee on the 52nd floor.  Added to that I really enjoyed editing the shots of the building.

You can find the blogs to the Chihuly Gardens inside and out,  to Pike Street Market,  the Seattle Waterfront and Ferris Wheel, Bainbridge Island and the Seattle Library by clicking on the highlighted names.

Keep a look out for more of the upcoming blogs, Seattle the city, Chinatown and Capital Hill.  From there we head off to the Orca Islands and to Leavensworth.

You can also find me on FacebookFlickr, and Instagram

Seattle City Library

The Seattle City Library was one on my favorite places to visit.  It was an architectural delight. From the outside it had the most interesting design. Inside was just a dream of patterns.  I was told by a friend to head up to the 10th floor and go out onto the narrow balcony and look down.  Mmm – not as far as the Space Needle look down, but my stomach still turns.  However, I wanted to do it and I did.

From there we started to spiral down the flights from the 10 floor until we were forced to go back to the elevator.  Join us as we walk through the Seattle City Library.

The Seattle City Library

The Seattle City Library – the outside view

Blossoms near the library

Blossoms near the library

The Seattle City Library

Along the walkway entrance

Seattle City Library

Reflections

The Seattle City Library

Heading to the entrance

Inside the Seattle Library - at the gift shop

Visiting the gift shop.

Inside the Seattle Library - looking out

Up on the 10th floor looking out.

The lift shaft at the Seattle Library

Looking down the elevator shaft.

Inside the Seattle Library - looking across the 10th floor level.

Inside the Seattle Library – looking across the 10th floor level.

Inside the Seattle Library - starting at the 10th floor.

Looking to find some peace and quiet and a time for contemplation, it’s right there on the 10th floor.

Inside the Seattle Library - starting at the 10th floor and working out way down in a spiral formation.

Starting at the 10th floor and working out way down in a spiral formation.

The Seattle City Library - looking out from the 10th floor

The Seattle City Library - walking past rows of books

Walking past rows of books

The Seattle City Library - heading down the stairs.

Heading down the stairs to a lower floor level.

The Seattle City Library - looking out.

The city life through the library window

The Seattle City Library

A place to research

The Seattle City Library - on one of the Shelves

Random shelf of magazines.

Walking through the winding corridors

Multi-level viewing.

The Seattle City Library - heading up the escalator to the main level.

Working our way back to the main entrance level.

The library is not your typical vacation spot to visit, but I was so glad that I did.  Thank you to my friend for the recommendation.  It was a treat.

You can find the blogs to the Chihuly Gardens inside and out,  to Pike Street Market,  the Seattle Waterfront and Ferris Wheel  and Bainbridge Island by clicking on the highlighted names.

Keep a look out for more of the upcoming blogs, Seattle the city, the Columbia Building; Chinatown and Capital Hill.  From there we head off to the Orca Islands and to Leavensworth.

You can also find me on FacebookFlickr, and Instagram

 

 

Bainbridge Island, Washington State: March 2016

Sunday was overcast and had the occasional drizzles.  We opted to go down to the ferry and make a decision once we got there whether we would actually go to Bainbridge Island.  When we arrived at the ferry it was raining.  There is nothing less I want to do than go out in the rain with my camera.  However, after hanging out for about 15 minutes waiting for the ferry to arrive, the rain stopped and we decided to take a chance.  My brother would be in conference from Sunday evening and would not have the opportunity to do this trip when the conference ended.

This was the first time I have done this kind of ferry ride in the US, where cars are boarded onto the ferry.  Once the passengers were on and the cars were loaded the boat began to pull away from the dock.  My first thought was to get a Seattle Skyline as we moved away from land.

Bainbrigde Ferry

Bainbrigde Ferry, the one that we would soon be boarding.

The docking ferry

The docking ferry, the Ferris Wheel and the Seattle harbor area.

Off to Bainsbridge Island - the Seatte City skyline

Off to Bainsbridge Island – the Seatte City skyline

Off to Bainsbridge Island with Barry & Enid.

Off to Bainsbridge Island with Barry & Enid.

Off to Bainsbridge Island with Barry & Enid.

Off to Bainsbridge Island with Richard and me.

Off to Bainsbridge Island

Bainbridge Island in front and the Seattle Skyline behind.

Seattle City Skyline from the ferry

The storm had passed over the island and a rainbow spanned the sky.

This is so Richard - everyone is dressed for the middle of winter and he has shorts and flip flops.

This is so Richard – everyone is dressed for the middle of winter and he has shorts and flip flops.

Arriving in Bainbridge Harbor

Arriving in Bainbridge Harbor

 

Bainbridge Island - colorful wind wheels

We spent time walking around Bainbridge Island and taking in the sights.  I loved watching this young lady spin the yarn.

Still seeing signs of winter colors

Still seeing signs of winter colors, yet at the same time evidence of spring.   We stopped that a little restaurant for breakfast.  The rooster stood outside the entrance.

Walking down the main street on Bainbridge Island

I am not sure what tree this pink blossom belongs to but it was beautiful to look at along the streets of Bainbridge Island.

Richard at Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island - local church

This was one of the local churches on the island.

The Yatch harbor at Bainbridge Island

After breakfast we decided to take a walk around the island heading along a muddy pathway until we came across the yacht harbor.

The Yatch harbor at Bainbridge Island

This image was as gray as the day but I loved the colorful tug in the middle of it.

Bainbridge Island

Apparently frogs such as this one are popular on Bainbridge Island – we came across this one and one in the ferry terminal as we were leaving.

Bainbridge Island - a view from the bench.

Bainbridge Island – a view from a bench along our muddy trail.

Barry

3 hours were up and we headed back to the ferry terminal to wait for our connecting ferry back to the mainland.  It was raining and I had made my way up to the outside of the upper deck and was hiding under a sheltered area.  Once it stopped my brother made his way up there as well.  The other two, they stayed in the warmth and a well sheltered area.

Heading back to Seattle

Heading back to Seattle.

Practicing with the Lensbaby Sweet 35

As we got close to Seattle so we began to see more seagulls.

The storm over Bainbridge Island as we were heading back to Seattle

The weather had changed once again and as I looked back I could see the storm brewing over Bainbridge Island.  Ironically it was sunny in Seattle.

Practicing with the Lensbaby Sweet 35

I walked up and spotted my party in the warmth of the enclosed cabin area and slowly made my way inside.

The Space Needle through the Ferry windows

The Space Needle through the Ferry windows

If you are visiting Seattle, plan a 3 hour trip to Bainbridge Island.  It is a small and quaint town and is very walkable.  You do not need to take your car across.

You can find the blogs to the Chihuly Gardens inside and out, and to Pike Street Market,  the Seattle Waterfront and Ferris Wheel by clicking on the highlighted names.

Keep a look out for more of the upcoming blogs, Seattle the city, the Seattle Library, the Columbia Building; Chinatown and Capital Hill.  From there we head off to the Orca Islands and to Leavensworth.

If you are interested in seeing more of my photography take a look at my Facebook page or my Flickr Page.

Share Six: April 6, 2016: Water

Water was the theme chosen by Katherine Cobert of Cobert Photography for the month of April.

As I mentioned when we started up this group, I was heading up to Seattle. Seattle is a beautiful city, but for me getting out into the countryside was where I found the true beauty.  The trip was pretty gray and drizzly, but there was still incredible beauty all around.We traveled from Seattle to the Orca Islands.  Let me just mention there was not a whale in sight. From there we headed on to Leavensworth, where we encountered beautiful mountains, gorgeous rivers, snow and, of course, more rain. The trip to Seattle was amazing and I am so glad we had the opportunity to go and visit with family.

Here are my 6 images for the topic Water.

Enroute Leavensworth.

Enroute Leavensworth.

Rapids

Rapids

The river at Leavensworth

The river at Leavensworth.  What you don’t see in this image is the Labrador who was playing in the icy water.

Water on a branch

Water drops on a branch

Snoqualmie Falls in Washington State

Snoqualmie Falls in Washington State

Sunset from the ferry on the trip back from Friday Harbor to Anacortes

Sunset from the ferry on the trip back from Friday Harbor to Anacortes

Thank you for joining me for this month’s Share Six.  This is a circle blog. Please take time to visit my my new friend and fellow blogger Kim of Kim Sidwell Photography and see what she has for you this month.  Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month.  Don’t forget to leave a little love on their page as well.

If you are interested in seeing more of my photography take a look at my Facebook page, my Instagram page or my Flickr page.

You can find the blogs to the Chihuly Gardens inside and out,  Pike Street Market, Space Needle and to the Seattle Ferris Wheel by clicking on the highlighted names.

Now it is your turn. Don’t forget to like us on facebook at Share Six and come and share your images throughout the month of April on our facebook page.  A new theme will come out on May 6.

Remember you can follow us on Instagram at @sharesix and tag your images #sharesix and #sharesix_water

You can also find the Share Six webpage at http://www.sharesix.wordpress.com

 

Seattle Waterfront and Ferris Wheel: March 2016

We are on a 10 day vacation to Seattle.  The city of drizzle and gray clouds. However, today we experienced the Seattle waterfront on a beautiful blue blue day. Today was one of the days where it did not rain.  Surprise, surprise.  The day was cool outside but not to cold.  Today Richard, Enid & I wandered down to the waterfront to get a closer look at the Ferris Wheel and the view out toward Bainbridge Island.  We also wanted to check out the ferry information with the view to going on a boat ride.

Here is my view of the Seattle Waterfront and Ferris Wheel.  If you have not been following my travel trip, check out the links below.

Seattle Waterfront Area - watching the ferry come in.

Seattle Waterfront Area – watching the ferry come in.

Seattle Ferris Wheel

Seattle Ferris Wheel

The peaceful harbor with the mountains covered in snow in the background.

The peaceful harbor with the mountains covered in snow in the background.

Seattle Ferris Wheel

Seattle Ferris Wheel

Seattle - across the bay.

Seattle – across the bay.

Seattle Ferris Wheel

Seattle Ferris Wheel

Practicing with the Lensbaby Sweet 35

Seattle Ferris Wheel area

Seattle Ferris Wheel area

Seattle Ferris Wheel

Seattle Ferris Wheel

Seattle Ferris Wheel area

Seattle Ferris Wheel area

Beautiful snow colored mountains

Beautiful snow colored mountains

Seattle City Skyline from the waterfront

Seattle City Skyline from the waterfront

Seattle Ferris Wheel

Seattle Ferris Wheel

You can find the blogs to the Chihuly Gardens inside and out,  Pike Street Market, and to the Space Needle by clicking on the highlighted names.

Keep a look out for more of our visit to Seattle.  There were so many different areas to visit.

If you are interested in seeing more of my photography take a look at my Facebook page or my Flickr Page.

Seattle Space Needle and surrounding attractions: March 2016

If you have been following the Seattle posts you will know that we have done the Chihuly Gardens, and Pikes Place Market.  In the same vicinity as Chihuly Gardens you will find the Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center, Emp Museum, a childrens museum, and a very interesting water feature.

We caught a monorail from the city center, not knowing how far it would be to walk.  It did not cost much, however, a heads up, it is within walking distance if you are not wanting to spend money on a monorail.   The trip took all of 3 minutes to get there.  It did give us a brief overview of the city as we rode through it.  Before we knew it we had arrived.

As I mentioned in the Chihuly Gardens blog, things cost money to get into and so I weighed up what I wanted to spend money on and what I did not. The Space Needle was not one of those things I really wanted to spend money on.  Besides there was a long line of people waiting to go up. However. that does not stop one from taking photo’s and that is what I did. Walk with me around the grounds of the Space Needle and surrounding areas.

Off to the Space Needle

Off to the Space Needle

Practicing with the Lensbaby Sweet 35

Traveling the monorail

Off to the Space Needle

Space Needle, Science Museum, Children's Museum, Staduim

Science Museum, Children’s Museum

Space Needle, Science Museum, Children's Museum, Staduim

Interesting characters – some robot, some alive and waiting for tips.

Using the lensbaby sweet 35 on the Seattle Space Needle

Using the lensbaby sweet 35 on the Seattle Space Needle

Space Needle, Science Museum, Children's Museum, Staduim

Space Needle

Space Needle, Science Museum, Children's Museum, Staduim

Space Needle

Space Needle, Science Museum, Children's Museum, Staduim

Space Needle, Science Museum, Children's Museum, Staduim

Pacific Science Center - Seattle

Pacific Science Center – Seattle

Space Needle, Science Museum, Children's Museum, Staduim

Pacific Science Center – Seattle

Space Needle, Science Museum, Children's Museum, Staduim

Space Needle, Science Museum, Children's Museum, Staduim

The water fountain at the Space Needle area.

The water fountain at the Space Needle area.

Playing in the fountains

Playing in the fountains

I always thought things were bigger in Texas but after visiting Seattle I am not so sure. Giant seagulls.

I always thought things were bigger in Texas but after visiting Seattle I am not so sure. Giant seagulls.

You can find the blogs to the Chihuly Gardens inside and out, and to Pike Street Market,  by clicking on the highlighted names.

Keep a look out for our visit to Seattle Waterfront & Ferris Wheel area as well as all the different areas we visited.

If you are interested in seeing more of my photography take a look at my Facebook page or my Flickr Page.