When I travel, I carry my camera in my lap or in the seat next to me. It seems there are always amazing things waiting to be captured.
The youngest one usually laughs at me and says, "Grandma, you forgot to take the lens thingy off again." Ahh, wisdom of children.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Spirit - Theme for the week of Feb 21

spir·it noun
somebody’s will, sense of self, or enthusiasm for living
somebody’s attitude or state of mind
a sense of enthusiasm and loyalty that somebody feels through belonging to a group somebody or something that is a divine, inspiring, or animating influence
a prevailing mood or outlook characteristic of a place or time
somebody who shows a specific quality

Indian belief has some differing thoughts about somebody’s soul and how they return to earth.
Spirit - patriotic spirit for our country. . . that is one type of spirit.
So many different  types of spirit and ways to show spirit.

Hope you enjoy my interpertations of spirit.

 Our National bird -The Bald Eagle - Symblo (or) Spirit of US Citizens



Our Nations Flag and Our State Flag - Patriotic Spirit


What about "The Wave" at a ball game - doesn't that show spirit.


And then the spirits of Indian Belief



There is always room for improvement, so get your camera and create your own pics.
Strive to break out of your comfort zone, try new things because the end result is yet to be discovered.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Romance - Week of Feb. 14th

Ahhh the theme this week,  for the 52 week challenge of photography,  is Romance ...  here are a few pics for this theme. Is love the product of Romance?   How do you measure love? What shows Romance?   What about the act of Holding hands?

Which kind of love is stronger or bigger or better? I don't think there is ONE answer to any of those questions. I might be shallow or unrealistic in my thoughts, but I always hope where there is romance there is also love.

Love probably means different things to different people:
*A Mother's/Father's Love
*A Couple in Love
*Love of a Grandchild
*Love of a Pet
*Love of a Food
*Love of an Event or Location


 I don't think there is a perfect measure of love, but it does make a person have wonderful warm feelings inside when love is present.  Holding hands is a wonderful thing, and great expression of unspoken feelings.



If romance = loves, then this might truly be romance.


Romance, is it the warm kind loving look in their eyes as they are looking back at you?

Romance, is it the great anticipation of that special kiss?


What about Canadian Geese? What do these birds have to do with romance? Do they have anything to do with romance? Did you know that Canadian Geese mate for life?  Maybe it could be because they just say what they think.
There is always room for improvement, so get your camera and create your own pics.
Strive to break out of your comfort zone, try new things because the end result is yet to be discovered.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Body Parts - Week of Feb. 7th

This assignment seemed to intrigue my husband, but sorry, probably not going to be anything exciting along lines of that nature, but then again, who knows what he was thinking.


At first I thought I would have my grandson sit and let me take close up pictures of his eyes. They are so blue and expressive.

I thought with all the pics I have taken, surely there should be some I could use.
The body part I choose was HANDS.
Lots of effort is often used to keep hands from showing in photos. Hands are often awkward. So I started going through and starting cropping some of my pics -it was hard to choose, I found so many with hands in the picture. Hmmm, guess that means I need to work more on my composition. This is supposed to be a learning experience.



To me there is so much feeling to be expressed through or with the hands.
This picture has had several versions - this particular version consists of
"Mother's hand and Father's Hand together forming a heart - and together in that heart is Baby's Feet, "



This pic is of an almost 2 year old's little hands.
To the best of his ability, but awkwardly, he is holding his favorite ball.


This next pic I hope shows the start of a future career.
 Lots of baseballs and basketballs are often held with these hands.
But on one special day, this 6 year old held a camera and took great pictures at the zoo.

To a 7 year old, Christmas and presents can be very exciting.
Here are a pair of hands carefully opening a present with much anticipation.
  


                               
We are all aware that hands express and feel lots of wonderful things.
Hands caress. Hands can heal. Hands can help people and pets feel safe.
If you are a cat lover, you may disagree with the next question/statement.
What could be more fun than trying to hold a bundle of fuzzy curls of a bouncing little puppy?















Hands not only touch and feel, but we know they create as well.
This pic shows the source of gentle music by a 17 year old's strong hands.


With this picture, music also comes from the delicate touch of a woman's hands.
Creating with hands, it has been said, is very therapeutic.  It sure looks like fun to me.


As always, I hope these photos inspire  others to shoot or find pics for this week's theme
Body Parts.
There is always room for improvement, so start and create your own pics.
Strive to break out of your comfort zone, try new things, because the end result is yet to be discovered.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Theme: Sleep - Week of Jan 31st

This SLEEP theme assignment seemed impossible at first.There are a limit to subjects around this household.

I am not into self portraits, especially while I sleep. Obviously hubby really did not want me to bother him while he slept.  He does totally support my photography habit (in more ways than one) but everyone does have their limits. My little dog (Bichon Frise)  is 1 1/2 years old and she moves all the time... well most of the time.  As for my grandson, he is only here part of the time.

All three are here today, another 'snow day.' Although I probably won't be going out any time soon for any picture taking. Chill factor is  -24* and the snow is moving horizontal across the sky.

Even for this photo addict, conditions seem to say 'Stay in, bake cookies.'

Decided to be smart and  keep the camera equipment warm,  as I take a break from cutting veggies for the home made soup for lunch, it's time to post the assignment for the week.

The pup finally gave it up for a little bit. She almost blends right in with the carpet.
No - this pic was taken a week ago with this assignment in mind.
It's a Magnolia Bud waiting for spring.
I know this is not from today, as I said it is -23* out. But, the theme is sleep and he is sleeping.

Strange as it may see, I do think of inanimate objects sometimes as almost life like. I am sure this bench has seen and heard a lot of interesting stories. With early morning and snow covered... it must be asleep.
I hope some interest has been sparked and maybe others are deciding to start shooting the themes' photo assignments. It's not too late to start.