Merry Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Project 365!

365/365 Just a few of my favorites!
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” N.D.Walsch 
"Above is the quote that started it all! What have I got to lose, just go for it," I thought! 
With the encouragement of my friend Mary, my year long journey began on 
November 8th 2010 and what a journey it has been.
I did this for my self first and then it became clear that it was something that I could publish myself and leave as a legacy to my children, grandchildren and generations forward. They could get to know me in a way that I wish I had gotten to know my grandparents, they had all passed by the time I turned sixteen. There is so much to learn from our elders and we are not always ready to receive it as a young person.
I also thought that I could sell some of my prints online and I quickly realized that this was not about money at all, I had to take that factor out of it completely and then the blessings began.
I started e-mailing some of my friends and my email list quickly grew, my friends Judy and Peggy started their own e-mail lists and so my words of inspiration spread.
I was blown away by this, I started getting emails of encouragement from people that I had never met. People were telling me that I made there day or they had learned a new way to look at issues in their troubled lives. One asked if she could share some of my writings with her sobriety group! WOW! I began to realize the true impact of my words, somehow I was somewhat intimidated by this new responsibility. People need to grasp onto something positive, I thought there is so much negative in this world. 
 Just keep writing what you feel and not to worry, I vowed! 
I have had over 27,500 page views, nearly 1300 comments and visits from countries all over the world, some I have never heard of before!
I had to keep a balance between the very serious to the ridiculously funny. People need to laugh and life has it's ways of presenting us with loads of material to laugh about if we choose to see it that way. I have a bizarre sense of humor so I used that to my advantage, surely I raised a few eyebrows along the way. With new found confidence I proceeded taking more risks doing my own thing.
The ironic thing about all of this is that I honestly did not know that I had a knack for writing. In the beginning it was more about the photos and then it became more about the writing, I do believe I found a happy balance. 
Learning the many facets of Photoshop was also a goal.
 I'll turn every photo into a work of art, how very cool, I thought.
 I am truly amazed by the versatility of the Photoshop Program and have so much more to learn. 
My new family of blogger friends has been a great source of inspiration, there is such an abundance of talent out there and they are always willing to help. Many are grandmas just like me. Their wisdom hath no boundaries!
There were days I had no clue what to say but if I had a beautiful photo on my screen the words would just seem to come. I began to enjoy the wisdom of many who had left behind such insightful quotes their words humbling and inspirational. I learned quickly that writing your words and living your words are two very different things. Living your words is not always an easy task and many times they kept me in line, whispering in my ear.
I found that my brain was far more creative at 4:00AM, my sleeping patterns became erratic. Sometimes I would wake in the middle of the night with a great idea and quickly had to jot it down for it would be gone by morning. Some nights I could not shut my creative channel off, please let me sleep I would beg. So my new found dark circles are now permanent and I can't blame my makeup anymore, a small price to pay. I suspect there is a lot more to come and I have only scratched the surface so stay tuned if you please.
"I recently received this email from a friend of a friend it sums it all up for me...
YOU DO NOT KNOW ME, BUT I FEEL AS THOUGH I HAVE COME (AND STILL BECOMING) TO KNOW YOU. WHAT AN ADVENTURE IT HAS BEEN... JO, MY DEAR AND LONG AGO GIRLFRIEND SINCE 5TH GRADE, PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, INTRODUCED ME TO YOUR BLOG DURING HER VISIT TO FLORIDA THIS JUNE. I HAVE LITERALLY BEEN REAWAKENED TO MY SENSES OF ART PERCEPTION...FROM MY VIEWPOINT, THAT IS! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR CREATIONS...I SINCERELY LIKE YOUR TASTE IN STYLE. I WILL, HOWEVER, MISS YOU DAILY BLOG.  LOOKING FORWARD TO THE TWICE A WEEK BLOG." PAM 
I have inspired one, my purpose defined! 
Thank you all each and everyone. I have received far more than I have given, the abundance of my blessings overwhelming.
Yes I Can......and you can too!!!!!!!!


Posted to: http://www.the-creative-exchange.com

Our Formal Best!

364/365 
Here we are folks my beautiful family at our formal best!
This photo was taken by Allicyn's grandmother with my camera!
It was so wonderful to see us all together on such a happy occasion,
looking all pretty and squeaky clean.
The line up left to right: Hannah, Brian, Kathy, Chris, Allicyn, myself, Sophia, Will, and Mike!
A beautiful memory to cherish forever!
Have a wonderful day!

Yes You Can!

363/365
" Our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

 ~Walt Disney~ 

I see the light, yes there it is thru the trees, I'm almost there just a couple of more steps 

I know I can do it, yes I can, yes I can!!! No tripping no falling just a short sprint to the finish line of commitment. Right there on the horizon! 
With just a couple more posts to go I have learned that I have accomplished much, I have so much more to give, there is so much more to achieve, to give much better than to receive! My purpose defined!

I just love the lyrics from the song below. Just sums it all up for me, hope it inspires you as well!. Enjoy!

Yes You Can

Lyrics by Donnie McClurkin

Listen, gather 'round 

I found something that you can use
And if you listen, well, 
I'm here to tell you, you cannot lose
A simple song, simple melody, 
to remind you that you can be
The greatest ever, defeated never, 
even though sometimes you may lose
Yes you can
you can do anything if you try, just try
Yes you can
but you have to believe 
and rely on what you have inside
You can make it through your trials, 
for your trials will just make you strong
You can do anything, yes you can, oh
Teach your children well, 
it's time to tell them just who they are
Train them as they go 
to let them know that they can go far
Oh my brother why do you wait,
tomorrow might just be too late
For God gave the provision, made the decision,
you can do all things through your faith
I can, I can, yes I can do anything
No matter what if you can just conceive it,
if you believe it, then you can achieve it.....

Retirement Mode!

362/365
Amazing that we have been retired for a little over four years now it has really flown by. 
While working I use to think that I had everything in my life that I needed except time with my husband. 
Time, precious time a gift that is sometimes unaffordable. 
We can make time, use time, spend time, and loose time but we still need time to do it! 
Retirement comes and all of a sudden we have loads of time. 
This time comes with it's blessings and challenges! 
"Finding a purpose seems to be my greatest challenge and having the time to explore it my greatest blessing."~Rosemary Aubut~ 
Time, precious time a precious gift, there for the using, never for abusing!
Therein lies the comfort in knowing that time spent wisely is time to cherish!

TV Mode!

361/365
I took a photography class last evening and here are some of the subjects we talked about: aperture, shutter speed, ISO, Auto Focus, Manual Mode, Auto Mode, AV Mode, Program Mode, TV Mode and adjusting different options in the menu. Yikes how much of it did I retain, not sure yet will just have to practice. So much for getting out of my comfortable automatic setting zone.
 It is amazing how one little black box can keep me so entertained for such a very long time.
If I remember correctly I took the above photo with the class in AV Mode, think we were going for shutter speed here trying to freeze the water in place.
So much to learn, so much to retain, the more I learn the more I realize how much more I need to know. 
The instructor said it would all make sense soon and I did have a couple of light bulb moments! 
Simply can't wait until my next class.
Have a wonderful day!

A Very Special Day!

360/365

Posting some of my favorite photos before my 365 journey ends! I took the first shot as Sophie was running to a waiting swing set with Bear, she stopped for a brief moment to reclaim her shoe. It was a beautiful warm and sunny summer day with a gentle breeze with not a hint of humidity.

We packed a lunch, camera in tow enjoying a quiet afternoon by the river's edge. 

The playground was ours exclusively for most of the day. 

Sophie used Bear as a shield to protect herself from my camera lens on several occasions. 

Bear also doubled as a pillow as Sophie rested in the shade under a sprawling old tree for a short while. 

Bear had been to many a Tea Party and really needed a day out! 

Bear is several years older now a bit tattered and well loved and hugged!

Very special moments for this Grandma for sure! 

We later stopped at a general store, Sophie grabbed a brown bag and picked thru the penny candy which doesn't cost a penny anymore. A routine she is very much familiar with. 

She found a funny hat and posed for me what a great kid! Love her so! 

Some days you just never forget!

Goblins Two!

Artsy 359/365
Our two little goblins Hannah and Sophia! 
Hannah was The Mad Hatter and Sophie a Purple Crayon! 
Their older brother Mike, now fifteen is way to cool to Trick or Treat! 
He went out to eat with all of his way to cool but very sweet fifteen year old friends.
The girls were adorable in the color photograph via my daughter's cell phone, but I decided to do something a little artsy today instead. 
Had some fun with layers and filters. Made a copy of the background layer followed by a line and pencil drawing filter. 
Reduced the opacity and erased around the girls faces. 
There you have it instant art ready in less than ten minutes. 
Got to love that photoshop!
Have a wonderful day!

A Witch's Brew!

A Witch's Brew 358/365
by Rosemary Aubut

A witch's brew I make for you 
A stinky stew a hearty brew
Health be not a scary thought
My caldron ready to see you through 
Sticks and stones and brittle bones
A stock of plasma boiling red
A smell to surely clear your head 
O eerie ghosts and goblins too
Come to me I will care for you 

O me O my what's in the sky 
My hairy arms raise on high 
 Bats swoop down to compete my stew 
Let chill my brew let curdle too
It best be eaten by the midnight light 
Raising your spirit to all new height 
Let your soul take to flight 

Yes my darlings come to me
 A scary witch that I be 
I love you all as a good witch can 
This Halloween Night be full of fright
Try as you might to break my spell 
There is no escape from this fearsome hell 

For those in doubt I can not cook 
I have my sacred spellbound book
A boiling pot I saved for you
To drink or not up to you
Happy Halloween!


Posted to: http://www.the-creative-exchange.com

On Halloween Eve!

357/365
You wouldn't believe
On All Hallow Eve
What lots of fun we can make,
With apples to bob,
And nuts on the hob,
And a ring-and-thimble cake.
~Carolyn Wells~ 
Just a pretty fall picture today. Thinking of my little ghosts and goblins back home carving pumpkins while gathering sweet morsels for general distribution! 
Think they call that Trick or Treat, if I remember correctly. 
The excitement builds as I know not know what their costumes be??? 
Happy Halloween my sweet Grand-babies, please send Grandma lots of scary pictures tomorrow! 
Have a wonderful and sugar filled day! 

Beauty Without Expression Is Boring!

356/365
"Beauty without expression is boring."~Ralph Waldo Emerson~
My 365 day journey is coming to an end, I will stop posting everyday and probably post once or twice a week thereafter or at least when I find something interesting to photograph and write about. 
Just when you think you have seen the last wedding photo from me I post another one! 
Well folks I just couldn't help myself on this one. It is my all time favorite. I took this photo of Allicyn just before entering the reception and the pro photographer was shooting her from the front. I loved many of my 500 photos but this one just sings to my artistic soul! I love the way the light and the wind are dancing romantically around her creating an ethereal effect.
 A very happy photolistic accident on my part. 
Some of you may be thinking well why do you love it so much, you cannot see her face and your son is not in the photo? Well because I am speaking from a totally artistic point of view. 
This one is for the artist in me the rest of the photos are for a mom to cherish! 
Just can never suppress that artist thing it always seems to resurface and finds a way to manifest itself imprinting joyous joy on my unsuspecting absorbent soul! 
My guess is I will continue to feed the little beast and trust my instincts even at the risk of seeming odd! 
Wait until I really get old kids!!!
Have a wonderful day!

A Photo Is Worth A Thousand Words!

A Thousand Words
Sometimes a photo just tells a story and we have all heard the phrase, a picture is worth a thousand words!
I captured this photo just before entering a tour bus in Costa Rica. We had enjoyed a river cruise thru the Rain Forest earlier in the day. 
Over the past year I have come across it several times wanting to use it for a post in some capacity. This photo just speaks to me. 
I have no idea who this gentleman is, however I can only imagine his lifestyle by observing this photograph. 
I would say he is a man who works very hard and long hours to support his family. He is a man of modest means enjoying only the essentials of life. His work would be that of a farmer his hands rough and soiled, his skin tanned from the blistering sun. The animal by his side well groomed and fed. His shirt clean and pressed, he is loved and well cared for. A proud and honorable man, a kind man, rather quiet and soft spoken. 
I would say he knows that his efforts are most appreciated and keep him going. 
Well folks that's my interpretation of this photo and I could be all wrong but that's my imaginary story. Do you have anything to add? Can you only imagine his lifestyle?
Have a wonderful weekend!

Inspiration!

Painting By Lynn
I guess you just never know how you can inspire another person. I posted the photo below on Sunday, October 23rd, entitled, Health Is A Large Word. I liked the photo but wouldn't classify it as one of my top ten. Thought it just OK! A fellow blogger from California, then commented that she would like to paint the watermelons and would I grant her permission! Yikes, are you kidding me, yes, yes, yes! 
It brings me such joy to know that I actually inspired someone like Lynn. Wow, she has inspired me as well, look at her painting above. Makes me want to pick up a paint brush again! 
You can enjoy Lynn's blog by clicking here --> Getting My Feet Wet. She is a very talented quilter as well, and a very proud new grandma. 
Thanks Lynn, you have made my day!

Health Is A Large Word

Mother Nature's TuTu!

All Pink & Frilly
I came upon this lovely tree the other evening while walking the boulevard. It stopped me abruptly, begging a closer view. Wish I could tell you the name of this beauty but for now I will discuss it's visual impact. 
Large plumes of lantern like flowers hung in clusters throughout it's sprawling limbs. Salmon pink in color, quite the ostentatious display. 
I couldn't help thinking that they looked like frilly little tutu's hanging out to dry. Hence my imaginary name for this gargantuan wooden structure, Mother Nature's TuTu. 
So until one of my more tree educated, blogger friends, facebook friends or email friends lets me in on it's proper name it shall be forever known to me in an abbreviated version, as the TuTu Tree! 
I kind of like that name, it just rolls off the tongue. Silly, yes, but a moment captured and stored in my creative memory. I will never pass one by again without taking special notice.
The prima ballerina, Mother Nature herself, dancing her graceful dance, showering us with elegance and grace, a grand performance!

Let The Bird of Paradise!

Wisdom
"Knowledge is learning something every day. Wisdom is letting go of something every day."
~ Zen Proverb~
The Bird of Paradise are native to south Africa and mean joyfulness, freedom, and magnificence. 
They are also referred to as Crane flowers for resembling a bird’s beak and plumage. Bird of Paradise are the 9th wedding anniversary flower.~google search~ 
If you have read this chances are that you have learned something new today! As far as wisdom and letting go of something is concerned, I guess it would be some of the little stuff that stands in the way of seeing what is really important or seeing things from a different prospective. Just knowing that there is a better way! Good Judgement! Making a good sound decision and having the knowledge and experience to back up that decision. 
A little bird once told me that controlling the impulse to flip someone the bird, replaced with a kind smile goes a lot further in the feathers that flock together. A bird in the hand is far better than two in a bush. You might have to clean up a little poop though! That eating like a bird gets you sick. Having a bird and being able to let that bird go is like killing two birds with one stone!!! The birds and the bees are always to busy pollinating to sweat the small stuff!
A little cockeyed wisdom for you today!. 
OK, so now that we have that all down pat... "Let the Bird of Paradise fly up your nose." Let joyfulness, freedom and magnificence become the contagious allergens that contaminate your being today! The bird just might cause a little tickle in your throat and a whole lot of smiles!!! Just never know where all this is going to go, but it's kind of nice to be a somewhat wise old bird!!!

Behind The Times!

Joyous
"Fashion is always of the time in which you live. It is not something standing alone. But the grand problem, the most important problem, is to rejeuvenate women. To make women look young. Then their outlook changes. They feel more joyous."~Coco Chanel~
Is this photo joyous or what? Walking thru a grand flea market recently, Judy and I came across this more than colorful store. Yikes, flea markets have come a long way, I thought! Judy suggested I take a photo for my blog, there was no twisting my arm on this one! 
Neither of us were quite sure where one would wear such attire? My friend being of an adventurous nature decided to interview the owner! 
The white dress with the red trim is actually a wedding dress. "The remaining could be worn to proms and social events," the owner said. Upon further investigation I noticed that not one was made out of flannel or had the proper coverage for my liking! Call me old and a little old fashioned but I also think that fashion should be comfortable as well. Look at that mannequin on the bottom right...Holy guacamole!
There is something out there for everyone, I guess. Feeling a little more rejuvenated, joyous and fashion educated for having visited this colorful place, we moved along. A store for the younger fashion savvy generation for sure!
Ahhh... the flea market a wonderful place to find the unexpected, overloading the unsuspecting senses!

Health Is A Large Word!

350/365
"Health is a large word. It embraces not the body only, but the mind and spirit as well, and not today's pain or pleasure alone, but the whole being and outlook of a man."~James H. West~
Healthy body, healthy mind, healthy spirit, If you have all three you are a very wealthy person!
 It is the gathering of one's being blended into a happy soul that knows no boundaries. 
A wealth that money just can't buy! 
Attending a flea market yesterday we enjoyed many treasures, lots of bling, items to help one sing and a few items that one can fling! Nine hundred stores under one roof! 
Wow, talk about sensory overload! I brought my camera to see what I could capture. There are always many sights and sounds to behold here!!! Not to mention the smell of hot grease torturing fresh vegetables.
The most interesting and colorful for me were the vegetable stands. Farmers neatly and proudly displaying their precious bounty. 
Taking charge, protecting one's health is the greatest purchase and investment one can add to the portfolio of life! 
Now go eat your veggies and french fries don't count! I really need to start living my own words here! I have fallen off that long wagon train of health once again!
Have a wonderful day!
Posted to:
http://www.lgordonphotography.com/

Refreshments!

Silence
 "True silence is the rest of the mind, and it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment."~William Penn~ 
Chairs waiting to seat a weary soul for some quiet time and refreshment! 

Turning a corner in a very busy place was this sweet little respite. Quiet, colorful, yet peaceful. Just my kind of place to regroup, refresh the body and nourish the mind. 

Silence sweet silence such a wonderful gift! 

Have a great day and enjoy your weekend!

It's A Tropical State of Mind!

Attitude
"All we need, really, is a change from a near frigid to a tropical attitude of mind."~Marjory Stoneman Douglas~
The sun is finally shining again, my tropical paradise has returned. 
Gray and gloomy be gone you have served your purpose well. It's time to change my attitude to that tropical state of mind! 
Just a pretty picture today to remind us that paradise is really never far away! It's a mindset no matter the atmospheric conditions that surround us! 
Don't Worry Be Happy! Remember that tune? Now hummmm it!  Bet you can't get that catchy little tune out of your head...now can you???

Bird Watching!

Birds Of Paradise
"I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we only tune in."~George Washington Carver~
Is it not paradise while watching any bird? Birdwatching has become a recent past time for me. One must look for new subjects to capture when one loves their instrument of capture. Never really paid birds much attention in my younger years they were just kind of there. 

Thru the glory of digital technology, however, I have captured me quite a few. 

Above is a collage of some of my favorites. Can you name them all? 

It's OK, neither can I. Just enjoy them!

My friend Sue recently told me about her new App for the IPhone, it shows you a picture of a bird and then proceeds to sing out it's call. If the bird is in the area it will soon appear! 

Gosh I have got to get me one of those!

Ahhh... technology, what would we do without it?

Cling To Your Principles And Ideals!

Disappointment 
"Be calm and strong and patient. Meet failure and disappointment with courage. Rise superior to the trials of life, and never give in to hopelessness or despair. In danger, in adversity, cling to your principles and ideals. Aeauaninitas!"~Sir William Osler~ 
Who among us has not lived thru some type of disappointment? If someone or something is sucking the colorful rainbow out of your life you need to ask yourself why that is? Is there something I need to do? Speak up for myself perhaps? Above all one must stick to their principles holding on to their ideals, knowing that you have done the best you can. 
Disappointment builds character and lends itself to finding new solutions! It is a temporary roadblock to new possibilities. It takes a coward to criticize, especially anonymously but a noble man to move forward in spite of that criticism! 
The harsh opinions of others will fail in the attempt to sabotage the noble soul! 
The noble soul thrives in the comfort of inner peace. 
A peace that is precious and others wish to possess. 
Stake your protective umbrella of happiness, let no one tear it down!

Latin Dictionary- Aeauaninitas-calmness of mind/ patience/ tranquility/ equanimity/ goodwill/ favor. 
Not a popular word but one to hold on to!~google search~

He Is My Brother!

True Craftsmanship

This is the third ad that I have designed for my baby brother's place of business. I wrote about him earlier this past summer, you can check it out by clicking on the following link, True Craftsmanship!
The ad will publish in a local magazine to be distributed in the South Coast Area of Massachusetts. A bit wordy, I think, but he wants it all in there!
Not sure how I acquire these little jobs along the wayside, but attracting them seems to be what I do best. He promised to buy me an ice cream when I visit for Christmas! What a guy!
Since I am allergic to ice cream I'm going to have to settle for a sincere thank you!
A thank you he generously provides, I'm more than glad to help him out!
What else are big sister's for???
He is my brother after all!

Full Of Rigor!

Vigorous 
I chose Lantana to fill my window box! It is a very vigorous grower that is draught tolerant and colorful as well!
Lantana is symbolic for the word rigor. Why rigor and not vigor, I am not sure? I'll take it either way! I have had some luck with this plant before and hopefully with some consistent watering and a little fertilizer it will do just fine! 
It is raining today and I am longing for some good old fashioned Florida sunshine. 
Have a wonderful day!

Ixora The Explorer!

The Steel Ixora
"Related to the gardenia and coffee plants, Ixora is said to be native to Asia and whose name derives from an Indian deity."~google search~ 
The Ixora plant is quite common here in southern Florida, a source of constant color, they bloom all year.
As anyone who follows my blog knows I left my green thumb back in Massachusetts.
Resorting to clay pots of foliage that are inhabited by true and blue indestructible proven to grow living organisms, another words they survive on sheer neglect, remaining contained as well.
What could I plant in my newly vacated by a weaker species, royal blue pot, I thought?
Walking thru my favorite home improvement center, lowes and behold the Ixora Plant appeared, on sale to boot.! Yes the answer to my not so green Floridian thumb prayers.
These plants survive in abandoned vacant lots with no care at all. A true child of Mother Nature, herself, caring for the not so very privileged!
The variety I chose above is rather wispy which lends itself to clay pot habitation, I think!
We shall see!!! I figure some famous explorer went to India and brought this species back to this continent. Hmmm... lets go with Ferdinand Magellan. Wasn't he the Portuguese explorer who sailed around the world??? Hence the title! 
You google it I have to go and plant my Ixora!
Have a wonderful day!

Posted to:
http://www.lgordonphotography.com/

A Tribute!

Words To Live By:
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."~Steve Jobs~ 
I received this quote from http://www.finestquotes.com yesterday and I thought it an appropriate tribute to share with you today. 
I can't think of anyone who is or was truer to his words than Steve Jobs. He has left a legacy that has changed our world making it a better place to live! 
Thank You!

Look Who Came To Dinner!

Riveting
Cleaning the sink after dinner I noticed something on my glass lanai door as I was gazing out the window thinking about today's blog. Obviously this gentle little creature was not what I had planned for today. It was dark and I only had the porch light to work with as I did not want to scare him with my flash. From the hall inside I took a couple of shots of froggy glued to the window, a suction cup kind of action, almost an invasion of his privacy! Belly and fingers flattened like we use to do as children pressing our nose against a window. I walked out thru another door to capture his backside.
My guess is that there was good eating around the lone shinning light. Flying creatures in a frenzy like state of being, sensing a ferocious predator! Guess you can never have to many frogs around, not particularly fond of insects myself!
Hubby arrived home just in time to enjoy the show, however froggy remained frozen in place, one eye fixed on my lens. 
Go away lady, how rude of you to interrupt my dinner, may have been his froggy thoughts. 
Wonder if he would have liked some of that seaweed stuff I've been eating? 
We respected his imaginary wishes and went inside, only later to discover that he had vanished. 
Guess I never know where my next inspiration will come from, sometimes they just drop by inviting themselves to dinner! How pleasantly rude!