Saturday, June 14, 2014

Round Robin Challenge: Sunrise, Sunset



"There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope."

~Bern Williams

RRC: Sunrise/Sunset

Okay, for this challenge Karen wants to see some sunrises and sunsets! Can do! Unfortunately, I am at a bit of a handicap this time around. You see, my carpal tunnel is flaring, and my shoulder is still out of whack from the kitten dislocating my shoulder. Imagine... I was taken out by a kitten! LOL. Anyway, I couldn't get out with the camera, so it was off to the archives. 

Enjoy!

Sunrise/Sunset Gallery

Sunrise...


Sunset...


Sunrise...


Sunset...








Yeah, I tried to find more sunrise photos, but, alas, I am just not a morning person! LOL. All of the sunrise photos in this post were taken on my way to the Sierra, mostly to do autumn photos! But it's okay I suppose, it just gives me one more idea to challenge myself with. Sunrise photos in 2014!

"There's a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they're absolutely free. Don't miss so many of them."

~Jo Walton

Karen, can we revisit this topic later this year?

Be sure to drop by the official Round Robin blog to find the links to the other participating Robins! Just click the link at the top of the post to be redirected! And while you are there, consider joining in this challenge! I know Karen would love to have you play along!

Mood: Happy

~Me :)


Friday, June 13, 2014

Chips Need Salsa, So...



"What is the good warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness."

~John Steinbeck

I know the official start of summer is still about a week or so away, and I am not trying to rush things along, but the truth is, when we see the season begin it really won't mean much, because it's been so warm... no... HOT since late November! The trees are green, but with the dark, dry brown hillsides and the daily fire warnings, it's difficult to feel festive about it. The definite upsides are there, like my body not experiencing as much pain as in other seasons, but there is other worries like an unusual amount of rattlesnake reports. California is such a beautiful state, it doesn't deserve the drought it is having, and it's sad to know that some parks are having to close due to a lack of water, or in an effort to conserve water. What a year!

I think I will be doing a lot of things indoors this summer. One of my favorite things is to create new recipes. So, what are this yummy chips in the photo above calling for? Salsa! In past years I have stuck to tomato based salsas, but this year I think I will dabble in some fruit salsas. Mango, of course, and berry/melon. I am also planning on making some frozen yogurt. Maybe I will make some spicy ones to serve with grilled entrees. We'll see! I have some ideas for chilled soups as well. I love a bowl of Gazpacho and a nice salad on hot summer evenings. And a glass of chilled white wine never hurts either!

:)

Mood: Hopeful

~Me :)


Thursday, June 12, 2014

Come On And Bring Your Jukebox Money...



"Keep your eyes open, especially if you're wearing a blindfold while driving. Closing your eyes in the situation could be dangerous."

~Jarod Kintz, This Book Has No Title

How about a little music about traveling to someplace fun. It's almost summer... right?

:)



Lord how I loved the B52's! Still do really. It wasn't easy to choose between this song and Roam! But In the end, Love Shack won. I loved it from the first day, and one day, hopefully a long time from now, I think it will be the theme of my funeral. That would be fun I think. LOL.

Mood: Hopeful

~Me :)

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Gold Yarrow


Gold Yarrow 
Achillea filipendulina (Asteraceae)
June 9th, 2014 

"Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot; others transform a yellow spot into the sun."

~Pablo Picasso

 

Yellow is a pretty color. It's supposed to chase sadness away, and promote energy. Hmmm. I have very little yellow in my life except for a yellow and white polka dot duvet cover I bought at IKEA, and love. I think it looks amazing with the cornflower blue walls we have in the bedroom. Kinda like this picture of Gold Yarrow, against a Cornflower Blue sky. 

:)

Hey, look at that! I smiled just then. Maybe there's something to that theory after all!

Mood: Happy

~Me :)





Monday, June 09, 2014

Matilija Poppies At Twilight


Romneya (Matilija poppies)
May 8th 2014

"And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer."

~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

 

My arm is still giving me trouble, it's definitely better, but it's aching and it's difficult to sleep. I don't know if I should go see my doctor or not, I am still considering it. It's been difficult to do anything with my right arm, which has made my photography difficult. I thought I would just try pushing through the pain, but I got really frustrated today and decided to try photographing these flowers with my left hand. It wasn't easy, but I did okay I think. I have always loved these summer beauties, but didn't realize they were from the poppy family! I am thinking about chasing summer flowers this year. You know, all the ones that grow wild. Alan bought me a wonderful book a while back... National Audubon Society Field Guide To Wildflowers. I think I might put it to good use this summer. I like learning about new beautiful things. 

Mood: Enthusiastic

~Me :)

Sunday, June 08, 2014

Reflection Of A Waterlily



"Sometimes a girl just has to dive under the duvet and regroup."

~Jody Gehrman, Confessions Of A Triple Shot Betty

I think the cloud is beginning to pass. I hope so anyway. I am not pushing things, so today's photo is from the archives. September, 2005. Alan and I were visiting the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. We walked the whole place then finally visited the last room, that is kept extremely HOT and HUMID because all the wonderful tropical plants are at their happiest when it is HOT and Humid. The amazon waterlilies were thriving, and couldn't have been more lovely. I couldn't put the camera down! I was so pleased to be able to capture this pink one, with just the right angle and lighting, to bring it's reflection in focus so finely. It was a good day with the camera!

I am focusing on good memories as I work through the negativity.

Mood: Content

~Me :)