sharleenstuartTell me a Story: June 2015: At the end of the day….
Posted on June 30, 2015
Tell me a story comes around quite quickly when you are having fun. This month I hope to have got it done early. We spent 3 days down in the Keys at a place called Curry Hammock on Crawls Key. It is a State Park and yes we are outdoor campers. We have camped most of our life, either in tents, or a caravan, or what we have now, which is a pop up. And I will add that I have slept in a cave overnight as well. Not that comfortable but I can check it off my bucket list. The other item I can check off my bucket list was camping through Europe. We did all, but Portugal and Belguim, sleeping in a tent.
The outdoor life is good for us. I struggle in the mornings to wake up for the sunrise, but having done that, I am glad that I did. I love to see the sky change color and the new day begin. However, the best time of day for me, is when the sun sets. So Friday night Richard asked if I wanted to go and see the sunset. Oh yes I did. So we hopped in the car and drove to Marathon only to find that the sun was already well on it’s way down.
Saturday consisted of a lot of exercise for Richard and a lot of suntanning and reading and hanging out with the large Green Iguana’s. We barbecued early and headed off to Marathon again. Just as you enter Marathon there is a bay, and adjacent to the bay is a small pull off parking area. We took our deck chairs, our drinks and some snacks and we settled in to watch the beauty of the setting sun.
“Every sunset is an opportunity to reset.”
~ Richie Norton
There is nothing more beautiful for me than to enjoy the beauty of creation. Thank you for joining me for this month’s Tell me a Story. This is a circle blog. Please take time to visit my friend, Lisa of Balancing Bedlam and see what she has for you this month. Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month.
If you are interested in seeing more of my photography take a look at my Facebook page or my Flickr Page.
30 Minutes in the life: June 2015: Americano 2015
Posted on June 29, 2015
30 minutes in the Life is live and this month I am going to do something different. For the most part 30 minutes is about the photographs we take. Every so often, I will take photographs that I know just have to have a story. This month the photographs captured my imagination. While the photographs are based on a true event, the story is purely mine.
On a public beach in South Florida, the sun has drawn out many folk to catch some rays of sunshine. Beach umbrellas and cabana’s litter the beach. The day is gorgeous, while a little breezy. I stand at the foot of the sand looking for my story.
Peering down the beach, I do not see what I am looking for. I am about to give and go home. One last look. I head a little further onto the sand and suddenly I see, nestled among the umbrella’s, cabana’s and sun tanning folk, is exactly what I am looking for.
On the waters edge lies a rusted, crudely welded panel boat with a story to tell. A story of hopes and dreams. When I saw this boat, and heard what had happened, I knew there had to be more to this rusty boat.
Back in 1959, Fidel Castro took control of Cuba, and over the next couple of years relations with the United States rapidly deteriorated. History will tell that under Castro rule electricity was brought to the coutryside, literacy levels were raised and the healthcare system was improved. However, on the opposite spectrum history tells us that there was a move to close down opposition newspapers, stifle future elections and jail opposing political members. On January 3, 1961 the US Embassy closed its doors in Cuba and diplomatic relations were severed. All private businesses were confiscated by the Castro Government. Life remained at a standstill in this tiny island. Nothing changed, and by all accounts and conversations I have had with family of Cubans life did not improve. Even today, I am told, people still stand in long lines to buy bread and to get their milk rations.
Some of you will know that I am a South African living in the USA. We did the immigration story legally, going through all the right channels and waiting for approval etc etc. However, as a foreigner, I know what it was like the day we left. I remember the sadness, the fears, the knowledge that there was a huge possibility that we may not see family again. That everything that was familiar would now be gone. That we did not know what would happen when we reached the other side. Our story has been a good one so far, but in so many ways I can relate to the story I am trying to piece together.
I have never traveled to Cuba, I have no idea what the living is like on this island, but I know poverty. I know what it is like to be without. I have traveled through African countries that have been destroyed by war. I have seen and heard the stories from people living there. So I have to wonder what life is like in Cuba, that makes people want to build a boat, climb aboard, and put their lives at risk, all for a better future. Perhaps the words on the side of this boat describe the feeling of the 9 on board – “Miserables”.
Somewhere in the recent past, a plan fell into place. Travel with me for a while, use your imagination, feel the fear, feel the heartbeats pounding, feel the ebb and flow of the tides as the boat slowly inches forward.
In silent whispers in the night 9 committed souls make a decision that they pray will change their lives. Each is sworn to silence. Don’t tell a soul. Don’t share with your family. Don’t even tell your best friend. Secrets that cannot be shared, fears that cannot be voiced. Trust no one, except the 9. 9 committed souls, all in………come what may!
I wonder what it was like. Did anyone tell their family their plans? Or did they decide not to share anything? If they told their families, were their families encouraging, were they fearful. What were the fears? Did their story get out?
In secret they began gathering materials. In secret they began to weld the materials together. In secret they forged an opportunity. Can you imagine what that must be like…building a boat in secret? A boat that is not too small yet not too big either, about one and a half times the size of an average dining room table. Add a truck engine inside the boat with a shift stick. How do you hide a boat that size? How do you launch a boat that size? Can 9 do this?
Messages passed in fear, meetings that were sporadic. A boat they continued to build. A hope and a dream for a better future. A name painted on the side of a boat “Americano 2015”. A dream in writing. On the top of the boat the words “OK” are painted in red. Last but not least they tie a blue rubber wrist band that says “I love Coral Springs” Their destination is set. Finally the boat is ready.
The day dawns. This is it! How do you say goodbye to those you love… My breath catches at the thought. Did they visit their family that day? Did they get to say their goodbyes? Did they hug their loved ones, knowing that they may never see them again? Were there tears in their eyes? Did they tell the family their plans?
Moments of staring at your loved ones and wondering whether you would look upon their faces again. Would you kiss your mother? Would you hug your father? Would you cradle your sisters baby in your arms? You are leaving behind the bonds that have tied you together. I am sure a deep sorrow existed in each of the 9 for the loss that would take place. Yet I am sure, there is a spark of hope for the potential future that they may find.
Imagine that they are now ready to begin their journey. How did they move the boat to the water’s edge? Gut feeling says that they moved the boat in the dead of night . What were they thinking? I can hear their rapid heartbeats in my mind. I can feel the breath that is held. What if they got caught? What if….what if….
They are out at sea. Did they know what the tides would bring? Had they studied the storm patterns? How did they plot their course? In a speed boat it is estimated to take approximately 12 hours. I have read enough articles to understand that the “boats” that are built could quickly become deathtraps. From Cuba to Key West is around the area of 90 miles. From Cuba to Miami it is closer to 300 miles. When you get into your boat with no propeller system, just a driving mechanism, you are subject to the whims of the ocean, it currents and the wind. The currents, by all accounts, are very strong. If you are unable to steer your “boat” then you are unable to define how far you are going or where exactly you may be.
What preparation did they make for turbulent seas. Did they have ropes available to tie themselves in if the storms got to difficult to handle?
Looking at the boat there was very little cover. So the 9 would be open to all the elements, sea water and sun, a deadly combination for burning and dehydration. Rain, lightening, and cold would also impact them. I have to wonder if they packed tarpaulin to cover and protect themselves?
I try to estimate how many days they were at sea. Had they packed enough food and water for 9 people? Did they take into account that they may drift at the whim of the rolling seas? I have read articles of severe dehydration, men stepping off their raft into the water never to be seen again and men hallucinating of seeing sea horses and at times land. Recently in May after being caught in very rough sea, 6 Cuban refugees made it ashore in Hollywood. After 5 days out in the ocean they were severely dehydrated. I think about how long my 9 were out at sea.
It appears the boat might have had a leak. Can you imagine being in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight and you suddenly see water seeping through your boat. They appear to have done the best they could and plug the area with a strip of t-shirt. It probably slowed the seepage down but did not stop it.
How rough was the ocean? Did the waves crash into the inside of the boat. Did the seaweed fill the boat with the crashing waves, or did this happen as the boat limped to shore, empty and abandoned.
Around just one short mile off land, with visibility of the beach, the US Coast Guard picked up the refugees from their boat after a Good Samaritan reported them floating at sea. I looked again at the brief video footage I had seen shortly after I took photos of the boat. It looks like there were 8 men and 1 woman in the Americano 2015 boat. They all looked reasonably good. All were reported healthy. Some of the men tried to slip away from the rescue boat, knowing the wet feet, dry land rule. If they are picked up at sea, they will be returned to their port of origin. If their feet touch soil, they will be allowed to remain. How heartbreaking it must have been for them, to have got so far, and no further.
These 9 souls, will in time be returned to Cuba. A shattered dream. A lost hope. My heart goes out to them. To be so desperate to put their lives in the hands of the elements to search for new beginnings, only to have them thwarted just one mile from their final destination.
But what does the future look like for them when they arrive back in Cuba? What will happen with the authorities? For many of us we will continue to speculate. For those on the beach, life goes on. There is a story to tell by those who saw the rescue go down. For others, the sun will come out, the umbrella’s will go up, and the day will begin. There may just be a rusty boat in the middle of your beach.
“The sea is endless when you are in a rowboat.”
~ Adolfo Bioy Casares, The Invention of Morel
Thank you for joining me for this month’s 30 minutes. This is a circle blog. Please take time to visit my friend, Cindy of image421 | photography by Cindy Cavanagh – Sydney Lifestyle photographer, and see what she has for you this month. Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month.
If you want to know more about 30 Minutes in the Life head over to their facebook page, or to the blog page. There is new and exciting happenings going on at 30 minutes 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 or my Flickr Page.
Sharetographers: June 2015: Rustic
Posted on June 20, 2015
Rustic is what we do. Camping has been part of our lives since Richard and I were teenagers. Not together back then but from the time we were married we spent weekends and weeks away camping or roughing it. I have slept in the back of a car, in a cave, in a tent, in a camper, on the edge of the ocean, back to a tent, and now days, we have a pop up.
For me this is a way of life, for many others it is rustic….
Early in the morning – I got up to watch the sunrise, walked a fair way down the beach, settled in to start taking photo’s when the heavens opened and the rain came down.
The Green Iguana is a common site down in the Florida Keys and where we were staying they wandered through the campsite. This guy got really up close and personal. The Green Iguana is a vegetarian, and fairly harmless, although they do look a little intimidating when you see the really big ones.
This Land Crab’s nest sat at the very edge of our campsite. It was huge and it pincers were enourmous. I think I was more wary of the crab than the iguana.
Relaxing during the heat of the day
A Dunlin Sandpiper with a hermit crab.
For me there is nothing more special than sitting and watching a sunset and reminding myself that this is the glory of creation.
Tell me a Story: May 2015 …interacting with nature
Posted on May 31, 2015
The images are not perfect but I could not resist telling this story. You have probably seen me posting this little red Cardinal on my photography page in Facebook. It is a beautiful bird and as a nature lover I love seeing new and interesting birds in my back garden. However, this bird is driving us nuts. Our windows have a reflective shield since the summers in Florida can get really hot. It appears that this little Cardinal probably can see trees and reflections in the window. Since it is spring and mating season, it is probably looking for a mate. Unfortunately the one in the reflection is not responding.
It keeps flying at the window, sitting on the edge and pooping on the deck. So yesterday Richard cleared the deck, pressure cleaned it and then painted it. Prior to doing that he hung old curtains over the window to stop the bird from checking out it’s reflected mate.
I was working in my study and suddenly Moonshine, my inherited cat, and such a sweet one at that, took off from my desk, growling as only cats can growl. Apparently the Cardinal found another window and another mate. Only this time there is a furry monster in the picture.
So the Cardinal flies up to the window and peaks and sings, and Moonshine spends half her time falling off the window sill trying to catch the cardinal. The glass looks terribly dirty close up, but the reflector is scratched and worn from over 15 years of being attached to the window. Added to that I am not climbing out on a double story roof to clean them.
Moonshine was all action, trying desperately to catch the bird, and ended up very frustrated when she could not.
For the entire afternoon she either stared at the windowsill or climbed up to find the bird. Where is that Cardinal?
It is out there somewhere. She just kept waiting.
And then she would stretch up to the ledge and peer out through the window. Waiting….for the right opportunity to spring up and catch it.
Finally they were face to face and she was growling her funny noises again. The bird on the other hand was happily pecking away at the window.
and chewing on a berry of some sort.
We also have mosquito netting for the months when summer is done and the cool air is flowing through. Mosquito’s are a hazard of life in our neck of the woods, but the netting is a great landing spot for the Cardinal. I’m hanging out – catch me if you can!
And my poor little girl, keeps attempting. This has gone on all weekend. Richard seems to think that the bird will disappear but all it is doing is going to the second story.
It’s out there somewhere
I can sense the frustration of my poor cat. Moonshine is going to go nuts if that bird is pecking on the office window all day. In the interim hopefully it finds it’s mate and goes and makes more little Cardinals. Not sure why it is so instinctive for a cat to want to catch birds.
While not the artistically perfect photo’s, this was great to watch over the course of this weekend. Please remember that this is a circle blog, so take time to read what the other photographers have for you. Up next is Sharon Meyer Photography. Take some time to check out her blog and then follow the circle link and leave some encouragement on the other photographers pages.
If you are interested in seeing more of my photography take a look at my Facebook page or my Flickr Page.
30 Minutes in the Life: May 2015
Posted on May 25, 2015
I love it when Mark decides to open up his studio to his meet up group. Mark sets up all the fancy lighting equipment, and explains to us what he has done and what he aims to get out of the shoot.
We get to hang out and take photographs of the model he has found. Today it was Rachel’s turn. Rachel was a beautiful young lady, who was a lot of fun to work with. She was incredibly patient and willing to try what the 5 photographers asked of her. As we eased into the shoot so she became more comfortable doing her own moves.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Rachel and would happily do so again.
I do have to confess though that this is not a straight 30 minutes as I would have only had a 4 images. What happens in the studio is that we do a set up, then all 6 photographers shoot one after the other, then we do another set up and the same happens again. So what I have done here is accumulated my shooting time to 30 minutes.
Rachel
Rachel
Rachel
Rachel
Rachel
Rachel
Rachel
Rachel
Rachel
Rachel
Rachel
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Rachel
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Rachel
Rachel
Thank you for joining me for this month’s 30 minutes. This is a circle blog. Please take time to visit my friend, Julia Cooke – Istanbul Photographer and see what she has for you this month. Julia has the most incredible images of Istanbul. Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month.
If you want to know more about 30 Minutes in the Life head over to their facebook page, or to the blog page. There is so much new and exciting happenings going on at 30 minutes that you are sure to want to check it out.
If you want to know more about Limelight Studios head on over to their facebook page.
If you are interested in seeing more of my photography take a look at my Facebook page or my Flickr Page.
Sharetographers Share Six: May 2015: Floral
Posted on May 6, 2015
As I previously mentioned, Project 10 Challenge is now Sharetographer’s Share Six. This is the first month that they have invited a guest photographer to join their circle link and I am thrilled to be the person they invited. I love being part of this group, and with the new changes to the site, there is so many more options to be involved and to learn. Take time to click on the links at the bottom of the page and learn more about how you can be involved in Sharetographers.
This month’s topic choice was floral. For me that was a sweet, sweet topic. I love flowers. My plan was to visit a Botanical Gardens. However, the prediction of wet weather changed that option and I found myself looking at what flowers I had at home. I went back on forth on the flowers. I tried sunflowers, then tulips and finally I settled on the Stargazer Lily. The Stargazer lily is a hybrid of the Oriental group well known for it’s fragrance. We started out with one bud opening and it smelled really strong. By the end I had 12 buds open and the flowers were placed out on the patio where there was a plenty of fresh air. That was the only way I could breathe. I hope you enjoy my take on the theme “Floral”
“In joy or sadness flowers are our constant friends.”
~ Okakura Kauzo, The Book of Tea
Don’t forget that this is a circle link, and that there are four other photographers in the link this month. Please take some time to view their amazing work. Following me is Casey from Casey and her Camera.
If you are interested in seeing more of my photography take a look at my Facebook page or my Flickr Page.
If you would like to know more about Sharetographers, head on over to their facebook page
P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for the Sharetographers newsletter when you visit their page. You will find lots of interesting topics in there.
365-2015: One Day at a time…..March 2015
Posted on May 3, 2015
March has been a crazy month and I am so behind but here goes:
Day 60: March 1, 2015
Today was the Renaissance Fair and Ray and I wandered for about 5 hours. I love the atmosphere, the clothes, the characters. Ray tried on this little hat and I had just snapped the photo when the owner came up and told me that I was not allowed to take photo’s – oh well I got this one.
Day 61: March 2, 2015
The local shopping center has restaurants in it and clearly they throw away food in the bins that appeals to the local bird life. The Black Vulture is something I never thought I would ever see close up.
Day 62: March 3, 2015
I go out to feed the duck each day and today Ms Squirrel was hanging out and keeping me company. I love this little squirrel and her antics.
Day 63: March 4, 2015
Peanut treats are her favorite time of the day. Today it was as the sun was setting and I loved how the rays were filtering through her tail.
Day 64: March 5, 2015
Today starts the first day of a 5 day road-trip to Columbus, Georgia. I am heading up there on a staff retreat with 5 of my co-workers. I learned taking photo’s from a moving vehicle is not easy but I liked what I got of this red barn.
Day 65: March 6, 2015
We are in Columbus, Georgia and it is cold. The scenery is so different. Dry, stark, in some places bleak, but there is a unique beauty that is so different to Florida. I managed to lock myself out of the warmth, in order to take this image. I was just lucky that my colleagues were sympathetic to my plight.
Day 66: March 7, 2015
It is Saturday and we have a break in retreat time, before the evening session. I had two requests I would like to see the Riverfront and I wanted to find a horse made out of tree bark. I had them driving around for me. I think we crossed state line at one stage.
Day 67: March 8, 2015
The church where the retreat was held had the most beautiful stain glass windows and during a break, I was feeling chilly and sought out the sun. Outside I once again noticed the starkness of the plants.
Day 68: March 9, 2015
It’s time to get back on the road again, and face an 8 hour journey back home. Rest and retreat was had by all and it was such fun to be together with good friends. Countryside driving home is farmland and I was happy to get a relatively clear image of the watering system from a moving vehicle.
Day 69: March 10, 2015
It’s back to work, back to the day to day routine, back to the 1 hour drive each way. I spotted these Cormorants hanging out on the power lines.
Day 70: March 11, 2015
Hard to believe but it is day 2 at work and then I will be off on the road again. This time to Nashville, Tennessee. However, today while I was out and about I spotted this little stream to the side of the road.
Day 71: March 12, 2015
On the road again, as Willie Nelson would say. And yes, we off to the city of country music. Not a very auspicious start to the trip. Fortunately we were only driving 5 hours today. I am looking forward to spending time with my brother again.
Day 72: March 13, 2015
After spending the night in Valdosta, we got back on the road, another 8 hour journey on the horizon. We navigated Atlanta and the HOV lane in wet weather with high levels of stress. As we approached Chattanooga, I decided that I wanted to stop and walk around the waterfront. Brr…I am back in cold country, however, I was determined to walk this area. Richard on the other hand, headed back to the car.
Day 73: March 14, 2015
We are in Nashville, the city of country music. Heading downtown the the Museum of Country, I came across this bronze statue of Chet Atikins. The sculptor who did this work was Russell Faxon. This was also a very interesting day because not only did I find myself walking through a country museum, but also getting excited about a basketball game that I was not even watching. Apparently Kentucky was playing Urburn in Nashville and Kentucky had just made it through to the quarter finals. Nashville was full of partying folk from Kentucky, and the spirit was definitely catching. What friendly folk we met.
Day 74: March 15, 2015
Most of my images are of inside the hotel. We did a whole lot, including the replica of the Greek Parthenon, but in transferring the images I somehow deleted them all. Big disappointment when I discovered I had done that. Not only that but I had written over the history as well. Lesson well learned. Here I played around with freezing water.
Day 75: March 16, 2015
While my brother was in conference, Rich and I headed back to the city. A bus trip saw I arrive at the water front and we began walking. Down the hill to the waterfront and the Korean Bridge. I loved this pic of an unknown woman sitting on the edge of a building. From the waterfront we headed back onto the main streets, and did some country music listening in a couple of different places. I will give you this, I am still not a country music convert, but I did enjoy most of what I heard.
Day 76: March 17, 2015
Tuesday was a lazy day. After breakfast we took a walk on the outskirts of the hotel, down to the Grand Ol’ Oprey, and on towards the Mall. I also spent some time wandering around the inside of the hotel.
Day 77: March 18, 2015
The conference my brother was attending was done, and we were back on the road again. I had decided that it would be nice to show him a different part of the South and so we headed off to Savannah, Georgia. I love this city and could spend hours walking the historical district. The weather, however, had a different idea. The 8 hour journey saw us arrive in Savannah around 5pm and we had enough light to walk the waterfront area. I love the old world look of this image.
Day 78: March 19, 2015
Early morning rise and shine and my brother and I headed out to explore the city before the rain came. I love the side streets, the back streets, the nooks and cranny’s that you find in Savannah. I love it’s history, it’s architecture. I love the feel of Savannah, and I would go back again for the fourth time and still not see it all. Soon the rain came, and we were back in the car and on the road again. This time to Gainesville to see our daughter. My brother had not seen Amy for a year and it was a good opportunity to catch up. The highlight for Richard was to visit the Gator stadium.
Day 79: March 20, 2015
The last leg of the trip started with a really mist morning drive back home.
Day 80 March 21, 2015
Today I took my brother for a walk in one of my favorite places, the wetlands. I took him to the smaller more populated wetland. After walking around we headed home to a lazy day of doing nothing. He is not used to the Florida weather and finds it very hot.
Day 81: March 22, 2015
Richard has bought a paddle board and so he was determined to take Barry and I off to the beach. Richard had fun on the paddle board. Barry got his feet wet and I drank coffee. This way to early for me.
Day 82: March 23, 2015
I have said goodbye to my brother again. I am not sure when I will see him again. He headed back to South Africa and I headed back to work. I hope he comes over next year, but there is never a guarantee. Meanwhile I am back to the norm of the environment and weeds are what I played with today. I pulled out my macro when I got home and got down in the grass.
Day 83: March 24, 2015
After an out of office meeting, I headed to a wetland very close to where the meeting was. I had heard there was new chicks in town and I really, really wanted to see them. The Sandhill Crane colts had to have been the sweetest chicks I have seen. Added to that I was able to get quite close to them. The parents did not seem concerned, so I sat down and stayed for an hour.
Day 84: March 25, 2015
Early morning out on the canal. It is a work day and the ducks are fed and I cannot resist stopping to take this misty feeling out back.
Day 85: March 26, 2015
It is Thursday, which means it is Friday for me, and I am on the road to the office. The sky is stunning and this 2 minute stop was well worth it for me.
Day 86 March 27, 2015
It’s Friday and its my day to wake up slowly, smell the coffee, brew the coffee, drink the coffee and say good morning to the critters out back. I love to take my coffee and my camera out on the deck. Mornings are great and right now there is no mosquito problems. Today Master Squirrel was hanging out for breakfast.
Day 87: March 28, 2015
It was with excitement and pleasure that I was able to photograph the ring my son Cameron gave to his fiance Kathryn as part of their engagement shoot. We are thrilled to have Kathryn join our family and we are looking forward to what the future will bring for them.
Day 88: March 29, 2015
I have discovered that the Mockingbird is Florida’s state bird. I have also discovered that it never stops singing. I am convinced that one day it will loose it’s voice but so far it has not happened.
Day 89: March 30, 2015
I was out in the garden with my macro lens when I spotted this Damselfly hanging out on the plants.
Day 90: March 31, 2015
It is the last day of March and I cannot believe how quickly March flew by. Talking about flying by, I found this Dragonfly sitting on the tip of my orchid shoot. I am convinced it was eating the ants as they were walking up the stem. Not sure but it seemed to be constantly munching.
Thank you for joining me as I challenge myself to pick up my camera and take two photo’s a day. Sometimes it is easy, other times it is a lot harder. Look out for the next installment for the month of April.
If you are interested in seeing more of my photography take a look at my Facebook page or my Flickr Page.
Tell Me a Story: April 2015
Posted on April 30, 2015
This month my plans fell through. I had planned to go down to Fairfield Gardens in Miami. However, the weather predicted rain and I did not want to drive 1.5 hours and then walk around gardens in the rain. Then the actual outing I was going to was cancelled and to be honest I have felt tired lately, and decided to just take a walk locally. So I pulled out the Macro lens and went to the park very close to my home. At the entrance to the nature trail they have a Butterfly garden. This is where a spent a bit of time.
The Mockingbird is the state bird of Florida, and they tend to sing endlessly. Today there were a few flying around. It is spring in Florida and birds are singing and mating and laying eggs. We have a mockingbird in our garden and every so often I wonder if it will ever tire out it’s voice box.
I love Butterflies but they are really hard to photograph. They never stop for too long and it take a lot of patience to wait for one to do so. Below is a Zebra Longwing Butterfly.
Bees are another insect that is hard to photograph. They are always so busy flying from one plant to the next. You have to catch them when they are gorging on the nectar or collecting pollen.
Butterfly gardens are full of plants that attract these insects to them. It is always so nice to sit back and watch them hover around. I would love to plant a butterfly garden in my back yard
The Cassius Blues (Leptotes cassius) is a minute little butterfly that flits from plant to plant.
This Bee really got it’s head well into the plant. I was interested in why Bees need nectar or pollen. Interestingly nectar provides an energy source while pollen provides protein and fats. I did not know that.
Butterflies are such delicate insects. Quite often they look quite raggedy by end of their life cycle. This butterfly has a big chunk out of it’s wing as you will see in the second image.
Another Mockingbird flitted into the trees. They seemed to be out in abundance this day.
Last image is again of the Cassius Blues (Leptotes cassius). I feel like these butterflies are not much bigger than my a 50 cents piece.
“Life is short. If you doubt me, ask a butterfly. Their average life span is a mere five to fourteen days.”
~ Ellen DeGeneres, The Funny Thing is …..
This is a circle blog, so please head on over to J Garcia Photography’s page and see what she has for you. Janelle is the newest member of our group. I know that you will love what she has to share with you. I so enjoy being part of this group and collaborating with other photographers.
If you are interested in seeing more of my photography take a look at my Facebook page or my Flickr Page.
30 Minutes in the Life: April 2015: Walking in creativity..
Posted on April 27, 2015
March was an interesting month of nothing works. I struggled with a pinched nerve in my lower back, making it hard to sit for too long so editing had priorities. I need to finish my son’s photo’s. I went out once to the beach, but did not like the images. The sun was shining too bright and they were boring. I went to the wetlands and it was overcast and while there are a lot of tiny chicks, I wanted to do something different.
When the reminder went out on Wednesday that links were due on Friday, I went into cold sweat. Ugh – where did time go. No images, no prospects, no ideas. To add to that it was raining. What to do out of the rain and in this city. A part of me wanted to go to the Holocaust museum. I have just recently finished a book on the prisoners of Dachau, and it was the Holocaust remembrance this month. However, it appears there is no museum in Boca Raton. After a quick search Thursday evening, I decided to take a leaf out of my friend Colleen’s page, and head off to the local museum.
There is something about a museum that reminds me of a library. There is sort of quiet reverence as you walk in. A feeling of awe at the incredible talent that you are about to look at. The quiet reverence, was not quite there on Friday. The feature display was on Helena Rubenstein. I have to confess, I do not know anything about her. However, I will say that there was a gaggle of women, walking through the display that made it virtually impossible to view the display, and added to that I could not take photos. So I headed upstairs. Come walk with me……
You will learn something new about me today. I love abstract art. I am not the conventional painted picture type of person. My first area that I walked, I found so much to stimulate my visual senses. The first set of images is from the artist Bhakti Baxter. This Miami born artist quickly grasped my attention with two unique pieces of art. The first was this series called “An Intelligible Sphere, 2006” . The artwork was created out of EPS foam, plaster and paint.
Moving through the following rooms, I found wall murals of vibrant colors and incredible detail.
And rooms of more traditional artwork sculptures, paintings, black and white images. The image that shows you the women in detail was actually hollowed in and I am not sure that I saw all the detail when I was looking at it.
The second of Bhatki Baxter artwork was name “Inflorescence, 2013. The intricate detail of the center of this flower was just amazing and I was drawn into it.
Metal work by Anthony Caro and John Chamberlain were unique and very different. Anthony Caro is actually Sir Anthony Caro, a British born abstract sculptor. He uses found industrial materials. His style is classified as modernism. John Chamberlain was an American sculptor, who specialized in using automobile parts, vibrantly painted and twisted into varying shapes. His art would fall into the abstract impressionism category.
I called this the piano room. The sculptures aside, it reminded me of the stories I have read of previous times of earls, lords and ladies gathered around a grand piano. Where rooms are lined with the artworks of the masters.
At the end of the passage way and in front of Bhatki Baxter’s artwork was this intricate design of shiny gemstones titled Angels and Ancestors by Wendy Wischer. American born, Wendy Wischer works in a variety of media.
Back in the piano room I found a variety of artists that caught my attention. American born, Blacombe Green was active in promoting the acceptance of abstract art. Marcel Gromaire was French born, and mostly painted on social subjects. His style can be defined as Social Realism. This style of art draws attention to the poor and the working class. And then I found one of my favorite artists, Pablo Picasso. Spanish born, Picasso, had a variety of styles. Traditionally trained, he went through various phases of art, the blue period, the rose period, cubanism, surrealism. This image is of Fernande Olivier, Picasso’s first mistress, being part of his life from around 1905 -1912. She was his subject for various portraits during that period.
I wandered off down the hall towards what I thought would be more African artwork, and I was not disappointed. However, I will say that I would not like to run into any of those masks on a dark night. The top one is kind of scary.
Heading back to the stairway I stopped at the glass art. This has always fascinated me. My mother used to love those clowns of multicolors and these reminded me of those. The amount of time and effort that goes into this type of art work never ceases to amaze me.
Back downstairs, the noise level vibrated and I have to be honest heading towards the new display was not something I chose to do. So I meandered past the display and headed to the far end of the hallway to a series of televisions depicting various facets of Shannon Plumb. I did not know who she was and so had to read up on her. She displays life in cinematic studies ranging from a humble person to the legendary figures.
Last but not least was the work of Izhar Patkin. Take your breathe away kind of work. My photo’s do not do it the full justice it deserve. I walked into the room and it was floor to ceiling tulle curtains, painted with various scenes. The theme of the artwork, is defined as “You tell us what to do” based on a poem by Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Patkin was born in Israel and now currently lives in New York. From what I can see the images are painted onto layers of tulle creating this beautiful and stunning effect. I can tell that I stayed in that room for a while.
I have lived in this town for 15 years and this is the first time I have been to this gallery. I have to be honest and say that I really enjoyed my time there on Friday. I hope you enjoy seeing it through my eyes.
“Others have see what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not”
~ Pablo Picasso, Pablo Picasso: Metamorphoses of the Human Form: Graphic Works, 1895-1972
Thank you for joining me for this month’s 30 minutes. This is a circle blog. Please take time to visit my friend, Lynzi Berg Photography / Hamden Connecticut Photographer and see what she has for you this month. Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month.
If you want to know more about 30 Minutes in the Life head over to their facebook page, or to the blog page.
If you are interested in seeing more of my photography take a look at my Facebook page or my Flickr Page.
Sharetographers: Share Six: April 2015: Tasty…
Posted on April 12, 2015
The topic is tasty. Oh boy, this is my challenge. I could do chocolate, but then I would be forced to eat it all. I thought about a salad but that was not capturing my attention. Recently on facebook there was a recipe going around that I had downloaded because it really looked interesting.
Let me start out by saying …I am not Julia Childs…!! I can cook but it is most definitely not a passion. My mother could bake, I did not get those genes. Cooking for me is on an as needed basis. Richard needs and so I cook. I cook every day, but I will be honest, it is basic cooking and nothing fancy. I could not be bothered and do not want to waste my time in the kitchen.
The gene I got, was having my nose in a novel. I would rather time travel, to lands of swords and dynasties, than hang out in a kitchen cooking.
However, I told Richard I was making breakfast on Sunday and I was taking photographs. He went cycling and I meandered downstairs for my cup of coffee.
I pulled out the recipe and gathered the ingredients. Another confession….I am really not good at following recipes. I think I added my favorite foods, which were not in the recipe….mushrooms and peppers. Richard was interfering, and when I discovered that he had used all the onions for his turkey burgers, I sent him off to the shop. Double score. I got rid of the interference and told him to buy me some flowers.
Let me say this, the end result in my opinion is never the same as the photo that which I am working towards. However, it was not bad. Down side, it takes way to long to prepare and if you are having guests over for breakfast, you best work fast and not take photo’s of everything.
So this is the combination of a scrambled egg mix, with mushrooms, red peppers, chives and onion flakes added to it, layered on Pillsbury crescents, topped with cheese and bacon and garnished with additional cheese on top. One additional piece of advice – don’t take the Pillsbury crescents out until the very last minute. Fortunately I had bought two containers of them.
It’s fun to get together and have something good to eat at least once a day.
That’s what human life is all about – enjoying good things!
~ Julia Childs
If you are interested in seeing more of my photography take a look at my Facebook page or my Flickr Page.
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