A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 47~ At The End Of The Day

"Each morning sees some task begun. Each evening sees it close. Something attempted, something done, has earned a night's repose."


~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


I took this photo about 7 years ago, on the way home from San Luis Obispo, California. SLO for short. I don't remember the exact area or town, it was just a tree that caught my eye. It had been a long day of mostly coastal photography along HWY 1, which started here in the Bay Area and ended in Santa Barbara.About an 18 hour trip start to finish. I don't know exactly why this tree caught my eye, but it I think it was the sight of it standing on the side of a hill all alone. It had such a lovely shape, and as the sun went down behind the hill, the tree took on such a calm presence to it. 

 I took the photograph from the car as we drove past it, and it was the last photo of the day. After hours and hours of photographing coastal splendor... it just felt good to end with something really lovely, that I had no idea would be there. It was nice. When I put the camera down I felt really tired, but very satisfied with what I had accomplished.


~Me :)


Now, go see what my pal JR has come up with for today. He's awesome with a camera!


JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/06/apadf6-46.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 46~ Crossing Bridges

"We build too many walls, and not enough bridges."


~Isaac Newton


I have posted a lot of photos over the last few years of the Golden Gate Bridge, and don't get me wrong, I love doing photographing it, but I need to start taking more photos of the other Bay Area bridges, such as this one... the San Francisco/ Oakland Bay Bridge. It's a gorgeous bridge, and I always love taking this one into the city from the East Bay. It is the most direct route to the downtown and the Embarcadero. I have done a few photos, but I think I will devote a lot more time to it in the near future, and the thought of that makes me happy. I am finally getting my brain and my energy back... and my creative spirit is ready to go on an adventure again. Sigh. Happiness.



:) Here, have a look...





What do you think? Isn't it a lovely bridge?

:)

Today's Links...

JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/06/apadf6-45.html
 

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 45: Waterfalls

"A cheery relaxation is man's natural state, just as nature itself  is relaxed. A waterfall is concerned only with being itself, not with doing something it considers waterfall-like.


~Vernon Howard


It's been a while since I worked on my photography on a daily basis. I am slowly getting my groove back though, so I am already planning ahead for the autumn by deciding what subjects I want to concentrate on. I know I will more than likely head up to the Sierra, so I am thinking I might do some water shots along Lake Tahoe. Alan wants to head up the the Redwood Forest and photograph the amazing trees, and of course you already know I never met an autumn colored tree I didn't love. 


As lovely as all those can be, I think my biggest challenge is going to come from moving water. There are some waterfalls in Plumas County, but there are some amazing ones in Yosemite as well. It will be a toss up. Either way, I think it will be good to exercise that part of my creativity. We'll see. 


How about you? Is there a particular subject you would like to spend more time working with in terms of your photography? If so, please share!


~Me :)


Today's Link...


JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/06/apadf6-44.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 44~ Rose Garden Update

"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today."

~Dale Carnegie

Julia Child

 

Time for an update regarding the rose garden. I purchased a new rose, the Julia Child. I was wanting a splash of yellow to enhance to colors of my garden. I also had a pretty good reason to chose yellow roses this time around, you see, Alan brought me yellow roses the weekend he proposed to me. So I have always been partial to them, but it has taken me quite a while to find the one with the exact depth of yellow color, and the perfect fragrance combination. But today, I finally decided on the Julia Child.

Hot Cocoa

 

The rose you see at the top is called Hot Cocoa. It is A-MA-ZING. It has the most unusual color. At times the deep purple stands our the most, but then a couple moments later it will show as more of a deep rose color, with bright pink highlights. I have photographed this rose at different times of day, with a different result each time. It's stunning!


I am not sure if I will add another rose to the garden this year, but I know there are still two I would love to see in person, just to get a feeling about perhaps adding it next year. Pumpkin Patch and Honey Dijon. I have actually seen the Honey Dijon rose in the Golden Gate Park rose garden. It is lovely and soft, and it has a real full honey scent. Not as spicy as most roses, but unique in it's sweet scent. 


I have loved every moment of building this rose garden. It brings me an immense sense of happiness.So  yeah... I'm having fun.  :)

~Me :)

Now, go take a look at what my talented friends Kat and JR are photographing today. I just know it's something wonderful. :)

JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/06/apadf6-43.html

Kat
http://inmydreamssfk.blogspot.com/2012/06/fridays-seem-to-roll-around-so-quickly.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 43~ The Power Of Positive Thinking

"A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It's jolted by every pebble on the road."


~Henry Ward Beecher


I got my silly on today. I am in a much better mood. A little humor, and remembering how short life is, can help one focus on what's really important. A little humor goes a long way. If you are needing a little humor, I found a few cute websites worth a look. Check them out when you can...


Twainquotes.com


Psychology Today


Gimundo Good News... Served Daily


:)


~Me :)


Today's Links


JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/06/apadf6-42.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 42~ Mumphf

"Smile, even if it's a sad smile, because sadder than a sad smile is the sadness of not knowing how to smile."


~Unknown


MUMPHF. And I mean it to... MUMPHF. I am not in a good mood tonight. I wish I wasn't upset, but I am, and there it is, and ... just... MUMPHF. Is it just me, or does everything seem a little off. People, including myself lately, get mad a little easier. People don't seem to be interested in being reasonable, including me according to some people... lol... and who knows they might be right. But I don't think so. You know?

That movie coming out with Steve Carell is intriguing me. "Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World." Would I want to make a special friend to ride out the end of the world with? Nah... don't think so. Maybe the world will end six months from today, or maybe December 21st will simply usher in a new age. Either would be good. After all, we can't control either, right? It's all good. If it is that new age as some predict, maybe it will be an age of understanding. That would be good. Let's just hope for that. Understanding will happen in it's own time. With some work. Right?


MUMPHF. Just MUMPHF.


~Me :)


Jeepers... I must be tired I completely forgot to add today's link. Sorry JR. :( Here you go...


JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/06/apadf6-41.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 41: Hello Summer

"What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fullfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that's it's fresh young beauty will ever fade."


~Gertrude Jekyll


Summer begins today at 4:08 PM PDT. And, being that it is the first day of summer, it is also the longest day of the year. Good! Now it can start getting dark early again! I can't wait for those short, darkening days of autumn and winter. I love those days. Everything is so beautiful. To me, summer is just a thing I have to put up with while I wait for autumn. I long for autumn. Happiness... sigh. Smile.


~Me :)


By the way, the photo above is another angle of Bird Rock, on the 17 Mile drive in Carmel/Monterey. I took it in July of 2006. Isn't lovely?


Now that you have visited my post, please stop by and see what JR and Kat have posted. They are awesome photographers, I love their creativity.


JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/06/apadf6-40.html


Kat
http://inmydreamssfk.blogspot.com/2012/06/four-blackbirds.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 40: Snowy Egret In November

"Don't shoot what it looks like, shoot what it feels like."

~Alan David Harvey

As an amateur photographer, I do find myself doing a lot of editing with light and angles, and yes, at times with my photo editing software. In a perfect world I try to look beyond the obvious in front of me, to the impression behind it. It probably comes from my love for Impressionist art. If you ever visit me, you will find book, after book relating to Impressionist art. How about you? Do you prefer the raw image, without a lot of editing? Or do you find yourself going beyond the immediate with photo editing tools? Do you plan out each shot carefully, or do you shoot by instinct? Tell me, what motivates you to do your photography?

Opinions please.

~Me :)

A Photo A Day For 6 Months Day 39: Common Interests

"Many realities hidden behind wall of perception."


~Toba Beta, Betelgeuse Incident


I love this picture. I had the best time watching these two... then I saw it... the rhino and the little brown duck are kind of similar in appearance. The coloration and the spots. Both weren't moving very fast, and I noticed that they pretty much stayed close to each other the entire time I spent observing them. I couldn't help but wonder what the two were thinking.


Were the rhino and the duck best friends? Was the rhino the bigger, older, sibling the brown duck had always wanted? Was the brown duck the understanding pal the rhino always wanted? The friend who was secure in their own identity? Maybe the duck and the rhino were both dreamers who wondered what life was like on the other side of the zoo? 


In the end, who knows. I guess I am thinking a lot about family and friendships because of this season of the Real Housewives of New Jersey. The underlying tone of the show has always been about relationships, both the ones we choose to have and the ones we are born into. Some say a friend is better than a family member because you cant pick your family but you can pick a friend.


Yeah... that's true. But sometimes friends can hurt you every bit as much as a family member. I have had my experience with both dynamics. I suppose there is no relationship that doesn't bring the risk of hurt, which is why I tend to go very slowly with relationships. It's an odd feeling to look back over those who have come and gone and know how much I still miss them. Some have passed this world, some moved and some went yelling and screaming in a mad dash out of my life. (Like Mr. November) LOL. I exaggerate... but it kinda felt that way at the time.


I don't know. It's just what it is. I know I like watching animals and their interactions. There is a lot that can be learned I think. Watching the RHONJ has some lessons in it to. I am just sad that those lessons are such devestating ones. I feel bad for the ladies. Life is too short. If only we all had a little brown duck, or a big protective rhino. Right?


"The question is not what you look at, but what you see."


~Henry David Thoreau


~Me :)


I can't believe I have already arrived at day 39! I think it will be easier than I originally thought to reach my goal. Well, so far so good anyway. The key to reaching any goal is to begin with something realistic. I did and then added a month to it. LOL. So, we'll see. 


My pal JR has been posting along with me, and it would be great if you want to join us! Go see what he has posted for today, it's always something great, he is an awesome photographer. Oh, and by the way, coming some time this week, I am going to post some photos of my cameras and the equipment I use in my photography. That would be a great way to join in, so please feel free to participate! Thanks again JR for the inspiration!


JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/06/apadf6-38.html

A Photo A day For 6 Months: Day 38: Bird Rock

From For Ellipsis

"Home is not where you live, but where thy understand you."


~Christian Morganstern

 

Bird Rock, located on the 17 Mile drive on the Monterey Peninsula, is one of the most striking stops along the route, which eventually winds down to Pebble Beach, is always one of my favorite stops along the route. It is a lovely place to stop and take in not just the beauty Pacific ocean at your feet, but also get in a little bird watching as well. No matter how many visits I make to this stunning vista, I am always amazed at just how many birds cover the rock. 


On this particular day, back in October of 2007, there seemed to be mostly cormorants, but on other visits I have seen pelicans, pigeons, and I believe an odd sandpiper or two. But it's not just birds that sun themselves on the rock, as you can see here, harbor seals apparently enjoy lazing there as well. And why not? The 17 Mile drive is among the most beautiful stretches of California coastline, and to them its home. Lucky ducks... and cormorants... and pigeons... and pelicans. LOL.








"Home is where you can say anything you please, because nobody pays any attention to you anyway:"


~Joe Moore

~Me :)

This is day 38 of my personal challenge of posting A Photo A Day For 6 Months. If you would like to join me, please feel free to join in! There is no theme, no worries about what you post. Just upload your photo, and come back here with a direct link back to it. I will include your link with my post for tomorrow. Its that easy! See, like my pal JR...


JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/06/apadf6-37.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 37~ RRC~Clouds

"There air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn't it be? It is the same the angels breathe."


~Mark Twain, Roughing it.


APAD and RRC: Clouds. 

Clouds, By Percy Bysshe Shelley


After a long absence from blogging and posting my photos, I am easing myself back into the art of the daily blog update. Last year, as 2011 moved along, I was finding myself edging off the cliff of inspiration. I wasn't happy with my photography, or the things I wanted to talk about. At times, it felt like I was literally jumping out of my own skin. I was putting it all down to a series of unfortunate events which had taken place earlier in the year, and my subsequent exhaustion from it. I figured it was my Fibromyalgia adding to it all and making everything seem worse then it really was, and as much as I kept trying to remember that intellectually, my body was simply too tired to feel inspired creatively. Come to find out, it wasn't just the Fibromyalgia or the events that took place, it was the fact that I now have an under active thyroid or, Hypothyroidism. Fast forward, and a silly little pill later, my energy and over all well being is getting back to normal. 


So, long story short, this is my second time playing with the Round Robins since my hiatus ended a little over a month ago. And I couldn't be happier to play along during a challenge that highlights one of my favorite subjects... CLOUDS. I was only able to capture one new cloud photo, the one you see above, because the Bay Area has been experiencing some really clear, lovely weather of late, but I did do a little tip-toe through my archives to show off some photos I haven't displayed in the past. Well, most of them are anyway. Some have been posted previously, but there are a few that will be seen for the first time. 


Enjoy!

A Mixture Of Clouds And Fog Looking Towards Angel Island

 

Twilight Near The Marin Headlands



As the Sun Goes Down Near Hearst Castle



After A Spring Storm Facing The Marin Headlands



As The Sun Sets On The Year... December 31st, 2007



An Autumn Dusk On The 17 Mile Drive Monterey California



Twilight In The Summer Of 2008



Stormy November In Sacaramento



A Mixture Of Snow, and Fog and Clouds Skyline Blvd Woodside California






Angry Sky May 2012
 


White Coudy Sky Mount Hamilton






And Finally, I took this last one while visiting Cambria, California in 2005




Okay, that's my Cloud Gallery. Now, go see what other Round Robin participants have posted. You can find the full list of participants, as well as all the information you need to play along, at the official Round Robin Blog. Just click HERE.




See ya tomorrow! :)


~Me :)

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 36~ Bird Logic

"Why Compare yourself with others? No one in the entire world can do a better job of being your than you."


~Unknown


Okay, so tell me, does that pigeon want to be a flamingo? Does he think he is a flamingo? Or do you think he just likes seeing what life is like in their... ahem... neck of the zoo?


Thoughts?


~Me :)

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 35~ Sunflowers

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It's what sunflowers do."


~Helen Keller


As if by magic, or good timing at the very least, I have been spending the week planning, and getting ready to plant Sunflowers... lots and lots of Sunflowers, when what should appear in my inbox... my Farmer's Almanac, and in it was a fascinating article all about... you guessed it... Sunflowers!


I was so happy to read the article, that it inspired me to take a look through my archives for inspiration before planting this year. I love the large yellow Sunflowers, but my heart belongs to the exotic colors as well. The black and purple, and especially the fiery reds. I love that Sunflowers turn their faces toward the sun, then follow it as it moves throughout the day. It's a great reminder not to dwell on the cold, dark, side of things. 


Soak Up The Sun.


Enjoy!
Farmer's Almanac: Sunflowers To The Rescue!





















See ya tomorrow!


~Me:)

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 34~It's A Girl Thing

"Life is an endless struggle of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hair stylist you like."


~Unknown


Why this picture? Why did I choose this picture, for this post? What in the world could inspire me to choose this photo out of the million or so photos in my archive? Simple. It's the universal truth that no matter how perfect one thinks they might be... hair will always tell on you!


Ladies... am I right, or am I right?

"If truth is beauty, how come no one has their hair done in a library?"

~Lily Tomlin

 

~Me :)


See ya tomorrow.