On the Brink of New Years Day!

I Know I Can, I know I Can...

 On this special day I am gathering my list of all new possibilities that I wish to explore, in the coming New Year.

As I search and ponder I realize that anything I desire is possible and only I can make it happen.

It is all out there for me to grasp and the responsibility is mine alone.

The one thing I know for sure is that I wish to live in a continuous state of gratitude. This is a very tall order and not always an easy one to keep. To count my blessings, another words, in spite of all that is negative and destructive to the body and soul.

I took this photo in the Magic Kingdom with my family all around me. What a blessing! I wish for all of you the Magic that only your Kingdom can provide!

Happy New Year!

On the Eve of the Eve!

On the Eve of the Eve
New Year's eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights.  ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

I took this photo yesterday, of Falmouth Harbor, Massachusetts. It was a moment of silence and breathtaking to view. The day was very cold, one could even say blustery, no amount of clothing could possibly take the chill away.

We were visiting with our son who is employed here. He is happy and life is good for him. What greater gift can a parent experience then the joy of witnessing their child's triumphs.
Somehow the cold didn't seem to matter any longer!

Looking Pretty Official!

Looking Pretty Official
Had loads of fun with this photo! My daughter received an Orchid Plant from one of her lovely employees. It spoke to me in remembrance of the sweetness of spring.

I took some photos of the plant against a white door, loaded the photos into the computer, choose my favorite, opened it in photoshop, proceeded to crop and manipulated the background, filled it in with a matched color, tweaked the flowers themselves with different filters and blending modes, found and added a beveled border, added some textures, love the linen look, and then added text, Orchid. I then flattened the image and decided to try a black border! Wow, try doing that again, Rose.

All the while tuning out almost anything relevant to life itself! Breathing is one of those involuntary functions, thank goodness! I have truly found my passion and time seems to have very little significance. Even my growling stomach gets ignored. Photoshop might  even become a great weight loss tool as well. (he, he)

I am so grateful to have the time and a wonderful, supportive but hungry husband who has always endured my creative whims.

This photography passion however, is not a whim, I've made it official, Rosemary Aubut, Photography.
 I Believe it, own it, and love the look and sound of it!
Life, what an incredible journey!

Antioxidants 101

                                  Benefits of Antioxidants click on photo for larger view

 Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. When our body cells use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals (by-products) which can cause damage. Antioxidants act as "free radical scavengers" and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals.  Health problems such as heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, cancer etc are all contributed by oxidative damage. Indeed, a recent study conducted by researchers from London found that 5 servings of fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of stroke by 25 percent. Antioxidants may also enhance immune defense and therefore lower the risk of cancer and infection. HealthCastle.com

I know, I know, I know!  I've heard and read all the research. I promise in 2011 to get my antioxidants from more fruits and vegetables as a compatible supplement to my daily dose of red wine!

This photo was taken at the Funchal Marketplace in Madeira, Portugal. The entire experience was a feast for the eyes, senses and the soul.

Snow, from an Old Person's Perspective!

Baby it's Cold Outside!
Nothing screams cold more to the senses than snow! You can touch it, if you dare! The sheer sight of it makes one shiver! You can taste it as long as it's not yellow. It falls so silently you can almost hear it, unless accompanied by howling winds. You can even try to smell it, if your nostrils don't freeze up first.

My husband and I moved to Florida to escape the perils of this atmospheric phenomena. Upon visiting, up North, for the Holidays we never seem to escape at least one major encounter with our old friend, Snow. The Governor has even declared a State of Emergency, this time.

On the positive side, snow is beautiful to witness upon it's first fall. The landscape is covered in a blanket of the fluffy white stuff with occasional footprints of a stray animal looking for food or shelter.

Now, children, they always seem to know what to do when it snows. Building forts surrounded by snow families, molding snow-balls and hurling them as far as they can, sledding, snowboarding etc., etc., all the while, noses dripping, rosy red cheeks, snow encrusted mittens, shinny coat sleeves and barely moving in the armor of clothes it takes for them to venture outside. All this and only a cup of hot chocolate to make them warm again.

Oh! To be a child again......Nah, think we'll fly back to Florida, give true meaning to the phrase snow-birds, toast and be thankful to the sun gods!

Call Back to Focus!

Focus
I have learned a great deal this year by committing myself to learning and creating some one event on a daily basis. This process of commitment has brought to myself a great deal joy and insight. Knowing that many of you are reading and following my blog is a wonderful and exciting bonus. I am able to track countries that have visited my site and must say that I am overwhelmed to know that besides the United States, persons from Russia, Germany, Croatia, India, Slovenia, United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Denmark, Georgia, Gabon and Malaysia have stopped by for a visit. Wow, who would have ever thought it possible. Guess that's why they call it the world wide web. 


I promise to keep photographing, photoshopping, writing and performing to the best of my ability with the knowledge that I possess at any one given time. Thirst for knowledge is the key and it's so fun to surprise myself not knowing where the next inspiration will come from. 

Merry Christmas

Peace Train

Peace Train, Cat Stevens 

click photo for larger view

Now I've been happy lately

Thinking about the good things to come

And I believe it could be

Something good has begun

I've been smiling lately

Dreaming about the world as one

And I believe it could be

Something good's bound to come
For out on the edge of darkness
There runs the peace train
Peace train take this country
Come take me home again...
I wish most for Peace this Holiday Season and pray
for all our troops who keep these precious babies safe.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Flores de Noche Buena, (Flowers of the Holy Night)

The Legend of the Poinsettia

A charming story is told of Pepita, a poor Mexican girl who had no gift to present the Christ Child at Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked slowly to the chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather than joy.

"I am sure, Pepita, that even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes," said Pedro consolingly.

Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, fashioning them into a small bouquet. Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more saddened and embarrassed than ever by the humbleness of her offering. She fought back a tear as she entered the small village chapel.

As she approached the alter, she remembered Pedro's kind words: "Even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes." She felt her spirit lift as she knelt to lay the bouquet at the foot of the nativity scene.

Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes.

From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night, for they bloomed each year during the Christmas season.
© Paul Ecke Ranch 

There are probably many legends associated with the poinsettia on the internet, however, this legend speaks to the true meaning of giving. I don't think I'll ever look at a poinsettia again without thinking of Pepita and Pedro. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Congelation nos arrache-pied! (French)

French, such a romantic language...
click on photo for larger view

I do believe that you can say almost anything in French to a non-bilingual person and it sounds romantic. I do not speak or write the language myself so I am one of those non-bilingual persons! I do have an extremely intelligent friend, however, called Google. Without this trusted old friend this blog would not be possible. I depend on Google for much of my daily activities. I have never asked for anything that Google could not deliver in some way, shape or form. You name it, I've Googled it!
So, I asked my friend Google to translate, "freezing our buns off" into this romantic language as to not offend any of my proper friends. Since most of our friends are not of the proper persuasion and speak in dialects un-beknownst to "Bostin Propar" I am sure I have offended no one.
I miss you all my Florida Friends where the sun shines daily, vitamin D is free and seasoned people are in pursuit of early bird specials and savvy waitresses who know enough to write separate checks without asking. 
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Sitting in these chairs would give new meaning to the words "freezing one's buns off" I am sure!

This photo was taken in my daughter's front yard on a blustery December day just hours ago! Texture courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/42396059@N07/5231113668/in/photostream/

Believe!

'O Holy Night
The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Probably my most favorite Christmas Carol of all. With all the hustle and bustle that go along with the holidays somehow the lyrics to this song just say it all and bring me back to focus. The few moments it takes to listen and truly absorb the words to this musical prayer, return me to a place stored deep in the chambers of my heart and soul, the true meaning of Christmas.......
Just a little trivia I found on the internet about this beautiful hymn: 
The words and lyrics of the old carol 'O Holy Night' were written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847. Cappeau was a wine seller by trade but was asked by the parish priest to write a poem for Christmas. He obliged and wrote the beautiful words of the hymn. He then realised that it should have music to accompany the words and he approached his friend Adolphe Charles Adams(1803-1856). He agreed and the music for the poem was therefore composed by Adolphe Charles Adams. Adolphe had attended the Paris conservatoire and forged a brilliant career as a composer. It was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight (1812-1893).


I took this photo of a Christopher Radko, ornament and embellished it with a texture frame courtesy of: JoesSistar

My Sister's House

Decorating Perfectdom

Walking into my sister's house yesterday, I noticed every holiday detail and was so glad that I had brought my camera. Her knack for decorating is a grand feast for the eyes. Her home is filled with the love of four daughter's and a devoted husband. They are about to be grand-parents soon and this Holiday Season is especially, special.
God is said to be in the details and this be true he is everywhere present in this home of warmth and all that is known to be good.

Burroughs House

                                  Days of Old click photo for larger view

This photo was taken of the Burroughs House earlier this month. Meandering thru I couldn't help thinking how it must have been to reside here long ago. Thanks to all the wonderful people who take the time to decorate this lovely lady for the enjoyment of all. Below is a little history from their website.

Walk among live oaks and lush gardens, relax in a rocking chair on the verandah as you watch the river roll gently by....but, first, join Mona and Jettie Burroughs as they share the history and colorful tales of living in one of Fort Myers' oldest homes - The Burroughs Home.   Built in 1901, this Georgian Revival Mansion was the scene of many social events that hosted the Fort Myers' elite including the Edisons, Fords, and Firestones.  Antique furnishings, historical artifacts, and delightful tales of growing up as the privileged daughters of wealthy businessman Nelson Burroughs and his wife Adeline await visitors who want to take a step back in time.

The Burroughs Home has come alive once again under the management of Uncommon Friends Foundation...............http://www.burroughshome.com/default.cfm

Home for the Holidays!

Home for the Holidays

It's wonderful to be home in the loving atmosphere of family. Holiday Traditions are more meaningful when experienced with the ones you love.
Photo was taken at the Burroughs House in Fort myers, Florida. Textures courtesy of:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27805557@N08/5211960305, Joe Sistah.

O Christmas Tree

O Christmas Tree
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree 
Afforded me the greatest glee!

How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.

This photo was taken at the Burroughs House in Fort Myers, Florida.
Merry Christmas Everyone!

We Three Angels of Glory & Tolerance

Things are really looking up...

Tree Top Duty once again! Wonder whose turn it is this year? Gets pretty lonely up there at the top. Gertrude, I think you should do it! No, no never mind Gertrude, your balance seems to be off a little off these days (wine). Mildred, maybe you? No, no, a little heavy on the carbs this year, Mildred (angel cake)! Beatrice, I really do think it should be you! No, no, Beatrice, heard you been running around with some guy named Joe Visa and living pretty high on a borrowed dime!
Really people, we really all need to get along! We all have our faults. Some are excusable and documented with meds and for the rest of us, well, we really need to be kind in the spirit of Christmas, work together and water the seeds of tolerance. Bet all three of these little angels will be at the top this year, together!

The Stockings were Hung by the Chimney with Care

Twas the night before Christmas
This poem has a very special meaning for me. A very long time ago my then 5 year old daughter knew this entire poem by heart and recited it at a school play. She wore a red flannel nightgown embellished with a white lace collar and a white satin night cap on her precious little head. It is funny how I can remember somethings so clearly and then can't remember what I had for breakfast yesterday! I had a picture of this event blown up and set it out every year. Going to have to find that picture and set it out once again!!! Welling up, going to have to cry, excuse me while I find a tissue. Still so proud of you my precious, darling daughter!

Break Forth in Song!

Break Forth in Song
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains...
Doesn't she just make you want to belt out a tune? You all know the chorus, and a, one and a, two and a, three.
This is one of my hand-sculpted angels. Her face is made out of air drying clay and her body fashioned out of electrical wire. Now for the best part, her dress is made of sheets from a convent in Newport, Rhode Island. The vintage cotton was so soft and of great virgin quality. Now really, what else would you do with this kind of fabric other than angle clothes?

Refrain

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Creative Seasons!

                               Father Christmas click photo for larger view
This is a photo of one of my hand-sculpted Santa's.  He lives in a plastic bin most of the year and makes his yearly debut just after Thanksgiving Day.

For many years I collected beautiful fabric remnants from my family's upholstery business, hunted down all sorts of trinkets, old costume jewelry, visited many second hand shops for pieces of handmade lace and tattered fur coats beyond repair to make just one and loved every minute of it.

Creating something from nothing is probably my most favorite things to do, giving life to discarded objects while fully realizing that most of the fun is always in the hunt of treasure.

Selling them was bitter sweet as I had a story for every fabric and embellishment. When I decided to stop my obsession with my elaborate collections it took me two years to part with my treasured, treasures. It was a season in my creative life.

These days I just point and shoot it seems to fit the age and also the stamina!

OH Very Young One!

Oh very young one...
You're only dancing on this earth for a short while Cat Stevens
 Not so long ago I can remember someone in my family having a victrola and all we cousins jumping up and down, screaming in anticipation for the arrival of a chubby old man bearing gifts. The front parlor was opened and we danced and laughed without a care in the world. The reality was the chubby old man usually showed up full of liquid cheer and a bit tattered too. What wonderful memories! 
I wish for everyone this Holiday Season to scream in anticipation, dance, laugh, fill your life with genuine cheer and know that it's OK to be a little tattered too! We are only here for a very short while.
Photo was taken at the Burroughs Estate in Fort Myers Florida.

Guardian Angels!

                               Family click on photo for larger view
This very sweet photo is of my husband's grandparents. There are volumes that could be written about this courageous young couple. They gave to their children a legacy of love and devotion and a true sense of family. There is a profound connection with this beautiful young woman and a history that only a family can comprehend.
I layered the photo with several old textures using different blending modes and opacities. Found the music sheet to be very appropriate and added more texture by coloring the flowers pink.

Serenity!

                        On the Brink of Winter click photo for larger view
This photo was taken in Massachusetts in the early part of fall. October is a month that fills us with anticipation of what is yet to come! The harvest, holidays and hopefully a mild winter with a little snow just to make our Christmas white! This day was overcast, the air heavy with that muggy New England feel and the silence was deafening! Mother Nature teasing us with her last hurrah of warmth and serenity!
I added a texture layer to this photo, courtesy of Jerry Jones. 

Love is Like a Flower...

                                I DO click on photo for larger view
"Love is like a flower, it only blooms when the time is right." Chelsea Gasson
This photo was taken at my niece's wedding back in 2007. I just heard recently that she and her husband are with child. This quote seemed a fitting tribute to a beautiful young couple, that give me hope in the belief that all is right. 

Oh Little Tree!

Rosemary for Remembrance 
"I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year." Charles Dickens
This tree is a gift from two very special people. They keep the spirit of Christmas all the year just by being who they are. Kind, generous, and thoughtful are just a few words to describe them. This tree of Rosemary will always be remembered, as this herb is intended to do. It fills the house with smells of the holidays and will be cherished always!

Iris

Iris click photo for larger view
The word Iris means a rainbow. Iris is the flower of the Greek Goddess Iris who is the messenger of Love. In the language of flowers Iris symbolizes eloquence. I found this meaning of the iris flower on the internet and it is ever so appropriate! The photo was taken at the, Corkscrew Sanctuary in Naples, Florida. This little beauty thrust her royal head out between the thirsty reeds and granted the weary landscape some much needed character!

Photoshop Junky!

Stand Tall click on photo for larger view
This photo was taken on my daughter's back deck earlier this summer. This very sweet and tender little zinnia had just been transplanted into a flower box. She stood tall as if to say, "I really like it here, with a little water and some good food a Zinnia could really get used to this place." She did thrive and this invited guest brightened our summer into early fall. Flower Power, it just gets to me every time!
The background for this photo was created by the use of 5 texture layers and several blending modes using different opacities. Wow, I can't believe I said all that. The tutorial for this look is courtesy of,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skeletalmess/4460319787. Thank you Jerry Jones for your technical expertise. Your genius has enlightened many and I can't wait to learn more!

Little Miracles!

Max & Sophia
I have often thought of my children as blessings, but my grand-children they are simply miracles! They are the smartest, cutest and sweetest grand-children on earth. I have been convinced of this parody for quite some time now. It is simply because I truly have more time to notice their development without all the hassles of raising them. This little angel is one of three and the youngest. The photo is a rare capture of this highly spirited child at rest. She is still very excited to see me and always runs for hugs and kisses while screaming my title. I do believe she thinks of Santa as her best friend, but she is also smart enough not to let on if she doesn't. Genius, just pure genius!!!

Divine Light!

PA PA,  Can You Hear ME?
This photo was taken in Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal. The village streets are quaint with outside cafes and rustic old houses showing off their age with dignity and grace. In the center of this township  is of course, the Village Church, surrounded by elaborate stonework and trees to shade. This place of worship is where my grand-father was baptized and his father before him. Once again this was a goose bump rating of 10 on the emotional richter scale. This window called to me in gratitude from generations past!

Grace us with Your Beauty!

Grace us with Your Beauty
Not much to say today! I think this picture speaks for itself!
Used layers and blending modes to create the mood. Border courtesy of http://www.cottagearts.net

I Cry for You Peonies!

I Cry for You Peony! click photo for larger view
Hydrangea is probably my most favorite flower because of it's beauty and longevity. The Peonies, however, are my most favorite flower because they tease us with their short lived beauty. We must appreciate them in the short time that they grace our lives, every spring.
Most often their willowy stems must be corralled with wire rings to contain there vivacious personalities.
They are perennials in New England and need the frost to bloom again the following year. I cannot grow them in Florida, therefor, I Cry for you my Peonies!
I used textures and layers to create this look.

The Debutante!

The Elusive Monarch click photo for larger view
This photo was taken at the Butterfly estates in Fort Myers, Florida. I never really gave the butterfly much thought until my friend Cynthia started her own butterfly garden and greenhouse. The process these little creatures go thru to become a reality is amazing. Cynthia, cares for several different species, researching their habits and all the different plants that they breed and survive on. Thank You Cynthia, for teaching me to stop and be kissed by butterfly wisdom.
The link to Cynthia's website is: http://cynthiasbutterflygarden.com/
Several blending modes and textures were used in this photo.

Delicate Beauty!

Duranta Bush click photo for larger view
 This photo was taken at the Butterfly Estates in Fort Myers, Florida. With no big surprise to anyone the Duranta Bush attracts butterflies and was strategically placed in the garden. This protruding vine was showing proud, her delicate beauty, when I captured this shot.
I used textures and layers to create the mood.

Bosom Blossoms!

Side by Side
click photo for larger view
This photo was taken at the Butterfly Estates in Fort Myers, Florida. The day was overcast and I was in a very large greenhouse! The lighting could not have been more perfect! There were so many photo opportunities and I took advantage of this not so, beach like Florida day.
I have used several texture layers and blending modes here.

Oriental Poppies!

More with Layers & Blending Modes
click on photo for larger view
These magnificent beauties have the life span of a Butterfly. They are perennials in New England, and I can't tell you how many times I almost ran off the road gazing at them in the fields of Westport, Massachusetts.
Growing them for me was a challenge, they were not easy to transplant and seemed to like their original homes better. When they did bloom in my yard  I would visit the garden often, nurturing the delicate blooms and cherishing their short lived beauty. 
I used several layers with different blending modes on each. I feel like I'm making progress and very excited to have learned something new. 

Playing with Layers & Blending Modes!

Watch Your Step
Playing with layers and blending modes and it feels like I have made some progress. I am liking the mood and the rich tones of this photo. Can't wait to try another and add more clarity to the flowers.

Clean Up on Table One!

A similar version!

,

It's Time! click photo for larger view
Every Rose has it's day!!! The most exciting thing I have discovered about Photoshop is that I can take any ordinary photo, add filters and textures and come up with something new and exciting each and every time. The possibilities are endless. I have decided to play and explore with Photoshop rather than let it intimidate me. These were, I Love you Roses, from my daughter's children to her. I was about to clean up when I noticed the beautiful light filtering thru. Turning almost any chore into a photo opportunity is the way to go!

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Journey into Antiquity!

Everything European!
This photo was taken in Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal. As I walked into the bedroom where my grand-parents once slept, I was drawn to the light of this open window. As the breeze gently filtered thru the lace curtain, I couldn't help thinking how very European this image was in my minds eye. I wondered how many letters had been written, tears shed and precious moments shared in this blush of this delicate light?
I used a antique texture to overlay this image.

More Fun with Photoshop!

Dahlia click photos for larger views
Added some filters in photoshop on this beautiful creation!  Loved the definition on each petal. Must say that this busy little bee has very good taste. Original photo below. Can you tell the difference?

A Walk Back in Time!

Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal
I had the privilege of visiting Madeira, Portugal earlier this Fall. Everywhere I looked there was a photo to be taken. Standing outside my grand-father's 300 year old house I snapped this photo, giving my goose bump rating a perfect 10! Believe this old gent walked past to remind me of a time when we used to walk and he held my eager little hand. His cane always pointed out different objects of interest, that as a child, I might want to collect. Bottle caps seemed to be my favorite. He passed when I was eight years of age. I miss those walks. 

Texture Layers, A Whole new World!

A Lightbulb Moment
click photo for larger view
Thanks MB. You have opened a whole new world for me. It is a very good thing that I know a little bit about resampling and image size. Now I see textures everywhere. Would love to create my own. Got to figure out how to burn and curl the edges though. It is amazing that this ordinary shot of an unknown flower can be transformed into something so wonderful.

Fun with Photoshop

Bouganvilla
click photo for larger view
Took this photo yesterday in my neighbors yard. Yes there is more than one way to spell it. One may be the Latin version. Playing with layers, different filters and having fun. Where does the time go? Seem to loose myself somewhere between getting up and 10:00AM. So much to learn. Guess I will have to live until I am at least 150 years of age.

Angels Walk Among Us!!!

Love, Trust, Hope......
click on photo for larger view
There are many words that we could all conjure up to describe this photo! There are people in our lives that live by good example and set the standard high. They are being observed and lessons learned. One small act of kindness from each of us on any one given day can change our world.
Thank you Dad. You have made this world a better place!!!

Waiting for a Friend!

The Farm Stand
Took this photo at a local farm stand in Westport, Massachusetts. Just never know when you are going to need that camera and there is a shot to be had!  Always loved this technique of color showing thru the black and white image. Figured it out thru trial and error. If I click enough times something is bound to happen and the effect I want will materialize.