Solitude!

Solitude
Language... has created the word "loneliness" to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word "solitude" to express the glory of being alone. ~Paul Tillich~

Do we all remember being sent to our rooms as children? How about standing in the corner, or maybe even a time out, as they call it today. Feeling lonely and alone. Oh, the trials of youth!

As adults, how many of us could recharge the soul in the luxury of delicious solitude? To listen to the rhythm of one's heartbeat and take a conscious breath. Live in the moment, mindful of the landscape and time to rejoice in the deafening silence of one's mind. Just to be!
Sounds like an adult time out, might just be a prescription for sweet reclamation.
Seek it my friends, in an empty room, or a quiet corner or on a rustic old chair overlooking nature. Solitude, sweet solitude, a time out, to fuel one's being! 

Changing of the Guard!

A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers but borrowed from his children.~Audobon~

While sitting on the oceans edge and enjoying the beautiful day I couldn't help notice the scurrying of these delightful creatures. It was early spring and the Gulf of Mexico was being attacked by a thick and slimy intruder, threatening it's very existence.

I couldn't seem to get enough, of all the gifts, that the sea had to offer on this glorious day. The crystal blue water, white sand, salty breezes, pungent suntan lotions, children playing, fish jumping, birds flying, boats screaming, colorful umbrellas, my husband fishing from shore, etc., etc., etc. I'm sure you get the picture. My senses were heightened and I was in the moment.

The ocean has always played such a large part in our lives and the thought of our beaches being taken away, along with the livelihood of many was overwhelming. What would we return to in the Fall?

My feathered friends seemed nervous and kept a watchful eye on the sea. Relentless in their moral obligation to humanity. I'm sure they sensed the impending disaster looming incessantly about.

Changing of the guard, that's what they are doing, yes changing of the guard. I'm sure of it!

What powerful lessons we can learn from this experience and hopefully our children and future generations can inherit the sights, smells and sounds of the ocean that should never, ever be taken for granted.


Texture by: Pareeerica. Photo was taken on Nokomis Beach, Florida. Interestingly enough Nokomis is the Indian word for, my grandmother. Surprises everyday, just love it!

Depth of Character!

Maturity and a Depth of Character

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life.
 The traditional association of Dragonflies with water also gives rise to this meaning to this amazing insect. The Dragonfly’s scurrying flight across water represents an act of going beyond what’s on the surface and looking into the deeper implications and aspects of life. Amongst Native Americans, it is a sign of happiness, speed and purity. Purity because the dragonfly eats from the wind itself. Please read more at:

~http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html~

I was amazed to find so much symbolism associated with the dragonfly online. My grand-mother used to tell me that if one landed on you, it meant good luck. I really never gave them another thought! Insects in general gross me out. I know they all serve some sort of purpose in the universe, but it doesn't mean I have to like them.

If I had to pick a favorite, however, it would definitely be the Dragonfly. They don't bite and eat twice their weight in mosquitoes every day. Mosquitoes for dessert, now there's a delectable thought!
Photography has taught me to see and respect all creatures no matter their hierarchy in the food chain.
Below is a picture of my kind and gentle husband who adores nature, hosting a Dragonfly on a warm and sunny day. He posed for a brief moment and then hovered away into the abyss of nature.
According to many legends and cultures we could all use a few Dragonfly Kisses, along with some Dragonfly Wisdom! Maybe even a, Dragonfly Magic Potion, that we could sprinkle
on ourselves in times of doubt. Now wouldn't that be neat, timely and cost affective!

This photo was taken at the Botanical Gardens in, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Finger supplied by my husband.

A Call to Happiness!

             Trumpet Vine click photo to see larger

Let your pain be your past.  Hurts to serve only as lessons for the future.

Fill the voids with laughter. Let windows of opportunity help you build a life with purpose and fill your hearts always with happiness.~Rosemary Aubut~

The quote above was written for my baby brother and his new wife. I placed it on the back of a wedding album that I created for them. Glad I reviewed it! Thought you all might enjoy!

This photo was taken in my front yard last spring. I just love the loveliness of this flower. A small wonder with a very large impact.

Diamonds in the Sky!

Diamonds in the Sky

If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, 

I shall feel that I have worked with God. ~Gilbert K. Chesterton~ 

This photo  was taken from a top of a cruise ship while we were leaving Key West, Florida.

Hordes of people struggled  for railing space to capture a photo or glimpse of nature's most brilliant work of art.

People gather early evening on Mallory Pier to celebrate and toast the sun's departure. Applause is offered and human nature is at it's best. We must hold on to all those happy times to ride us thru any storm and know that with time, these trials shall pass. 

Happiness is always just a sunset away!

Born with a Silver Spoon!

                               Born with a Silver Spoon click on photos for larger views
 “How can hope by denied when there is always the possibility of an American flamingo or a roseate spoonbill floating down from the sky like pink rose petals?”
    ~Terry Tempest Williams~
This exquisite bird has the grace of a ballerina and the silly antics of a hyperactive three year old child. To watch one fly is mesmerizing and to watch it forage for food is amusing. 
I don't know much about bird watching but I do know, that if I never saw a particular bird up north it is probably tropical! Words of a true novice!


I can identify a few of the Heron, Egret and Sand Hill Crane, species. 
All wonderful to watch but the Roseate Spoonbill eluded me for a very long time.
While visiting the Corkscrew Sanctuary in Naples, Florida I was able to get a few great shots of this beautiful but fidgety creature. I have about thirty blurred shots and then resorted to the sports mode on my camera.
At first I thought  they were Flamingos, they are similar in size and color. 
An easy way to distinguish them, think of them as a Flamingo who has just had a mammogram. Now you won't forget that one will you ladies! Don't forget to have your mammogram either!!!
As for that silver spoon, they truly are royalty and I forever their paparazzi. 


The Flamingo below. Very different! These photos were taken at the San Diego Zoo.

Monarch Butterflies!

Monarch Butterflies
In general, monarch butterflies residing in the northern regions fly southward before the temperature turns cold and intolerable. Migration of monarch butterflies begin before the arrival of frost (prospective month, August). With the arrival of warm months in the North, they fly northward and spend the summer months there. The North migration of monarch butterflies is observed in the spring time.~buzzle.com~

Florida part time residents have been called Snow Birds, for many years. A  light hearted term that describes senior residents who escape the bitter cold of winters north for about three to four months.
I think that the Florida Department of Tourism, really needs an ad campaign to attract longer term residents (nine months) and call them, Monarch Butterflies. These little guys instinctively know when it's time to fly south and safe to go back north.
 After listening to the grueling temperatures from the north, this week, I'll bet there will be a few more Monarchs, residing in Florida, next year.
Try to keep warm my northern friends and listen to the flutter of butterfly wisdom!


Textures by Jerry Jones.

I Stand Alone!

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me." ~Erma Bombeck~

I'm trying Big Guy, I'm really trying! 

I know it took me long enough but now it all seems to be flowing rather nicely! One could call it long term creative backup. My remedy, just go for it, trust my talents and express my voice thru the written word!
My goal, to create a creative piece every day for 365 days. This blog is number 79. I will sum them all up and have a book made at the end of the year. My legacy to my children.
 Almost can't wait! Have got a lot of work to accomplish!  Who knows, hope there is volume two three, four.....etc., etc., etc. Have just got to use it all up!

Sweet, Sweet Petunias!

Sweet, Sweet Petunias
Go to sleep my sweet, sweet petunias
 the day has been long and you have been strong
 You have brightened my day
 shown your beauty proud
so delicate you sway with the slightest of breeze
sleep tight my sweet darlings sleep tight
for tomorrow another day you renew your true colors
your demands so subtle
a mere pinch, food to sustain, occasional rain to create the dew of night to morn
remember my name, remember my name
whisper to future generations this message
know to educate thyself is to educate generations foreword
Water my seeds, water
~Rosemary Aubut~

Herbs and Experiences!

Herbs and Experiences

Last summer we traveled up north and cared for our grand-children, as we always do. We will have a new learning experience this summer and try some gardening, seemed reasonable, easy and fun!

Reasonable it was, easy it wasn't and work abounding! We did manage to grow some distorted tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Seemed like an awful lot of work for our meek but precious bounty! There are farm stands everywhere in town with veggies, fruits and fresh flowers just waiting to be purchased! Already done, round, plump and oh so pretty.

However, time spent reaping our harvest of the distorted but delicious little creatures will be etched forever as the gift of experience. Every bite a sweet and delicious memory!

The herb garden pictured above was grandma's, exclusively. It was easy and fun to grow. Next summer maybe the children and I will figure out what to do with them!

Sunshine!

Sunshine

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. ~Louisa May Alcott~

Look mom I have bokeh! No, no, no, it's not a rash or an ethnic dance! The more I learn about photography the more I realize I don't know.
Wikipedia defines it as: photography, bokeh (pronounced /boke/) is the blur, or the aesthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image, or "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light." Differences in lens aberrations and aperture shape cause some lens designs to blur the image in a way that is pleasing to the eye, while others produce blurring that is unpleasant or distracting—"good" and "bad" bokeh, respectively. Bokeh occurs for parts of the scene that lie outside the depth of field. Photographers sometimes deliberately use a shallow focus technique to create images with prominent out-of-focus regions.

Another words it's the way I use to see before my lasik eye surgery! Now I did not waste my money, this technique is a very beautiful when done properly.

Rummaging thru my photos I found the above picture with the bokeh effect. Taken quite accidently. Notice how the foreground is sharp and in focus and the background a blur. I wish to create more images like this and will be working towards that goal! Hope you enjoy!

A Family Affair!

A Union of Nations

When I judge art, I take my painting and put it next to a God made object like a tree or flower. If it clashes, it is not art.~Paul Cezanne~


What does a still life have in common with a family affair and a union of nations?
 Well, my traveled sister-in-law, Jo-ann, sent me an e-mail containing a painting by Paul Cezanne. It is simply titled, Still Life! She thought it, a good inspiration piece for me to emulate. I love the work of Cezanne, and a couple of light bulbs went off. I immediately put the grocery shopping off for another couple of hours (easy), ran around the house collecting some of my favorite objects and came up with the above photo!

The scarf in the lower right was given to me by my cousin, Gaynel, who is an airline stewardess for Delta. She purchased the woven textile in Istanbul, Turkey. It is absolutely beautiful and I always wait for opportunities to wear it here in Florida (air conditioning).
The woven scarf in the lower left was given to me by my cousin, Nancy. She purchased it for me in Egypt. Her son, at the time, worked for the US government, there. The scarf in the background was purchased for myself on, Canal Street in New York City. Love those fabulous fakes! The towel was purchased by my mother in Madeira, Portugal. My sister Terry, gave me the small bowl in the foreground. It is pewter on the outside and ceramic on the interior. Very textural and beautiful.

The small framed photo in the foreground is that of my cousins and myself on Easter Sunday, many, many years ago. The photo in the background is of our parents.
Well there you have it, a family affair with a collection of gifts from different nations.
Fruits and veggies designed by nature and I don't think they clash!
I hope Monsieur Cezanne would approve! 

The Tree of Knowledge!

The Tree of Knowledge

The apple cannot be stuck back on The Tree of Knowledge; once we begin to see, we are doomed and challenged to seek the strength to see more, not less.

~Arthur Miller~

That's All Folks!

Take the First Step!

First Step

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

~Martin luther King~

What possibly lurks beyond this window? Why do we fear looking beyond what comforts us? Why is it that some are comfortable in public forums, while others need a machine to speak their voice? Some can dance on life's' stage while others can dance only in the rain. Are the shadows of fear ambushing our potential? Why do we give a four letter word, fear, so much respect?

"A first step in the souls' calling, giving more respect to the unknown, may just reap the consequence and ramifications of sweet success! Lifting ones potential, taking a more confident next step, no matter what impedes our journey." 

~Rosemary Aubut~

Wow, where did all that come from? Thank you, Dr. Martin Luther King, for inspiring me!

On a lighter note: We had a blast Saturday night, along with some dear friends,

enjoying the newly renovated River District, in downtown, North Fort Myers. There were hundreds of people reaping the benefits of the mild weather, great food and lively music.

We meandered into a new, Art Mall, featuring different artists and designers, a feast for the eyes, leading to calgon moments. I saw the window featured in this blog leaning against a wall, ever so discrete. So beautiful, I could hardly take my eyes off of it! I had to feel its' texture and of course take a picture. Would have loved to have seen, the house from whence it came.

Little did I know then, it would become an inspiration piece for my designing mind????? 

Photoshopped the heck out of it. Added some yummy textures (not sure who they belong to, sorry) and playing around with some lighting filters. Another one of those, Cracker Jack Moments!

Remembrance!

Not just for Remembrance

Just a little more internet trivia for you to digest! 

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub and a member of the mint family. It has nothing to do with Mary or Roses, instead deriving its name from the Latin Rosmarinus which means "dew of the sea," referring to its light blue flowers and affinity for wet environments. Rosemary has been traditionally used in Mediterranean cooking for both flavor and food preservation. In addition, rosemary has antioxidant effects, so may reduce inflammation.

Rosemary has a rich history of non-food use. Shakespeare's Ophelia refers to rosemary saying, "That's for remembrance." She might have been on to something. While evidence is conflicting, there are some indications that rosemary improves brain function and reduced anxiety when used as part of aromatherapy. Greek tradition says placing a rosemary twig under a pillow can prevent nightmares. There is less research on that. But, preliminary research does suggest that its topical use can prevent baldness (a technique some Native Americans have used for centuries). ~Christie Taylor~

It has been my experience to smell the essence of this herb before it is seen with the my eyes. A twig broken, the air is filled with the pungent aroma of this ancient herb. A real attention getter to say the least.

This photo was taken late last summer, I have added several layers trying to achieve a more etherial effect. Hope you enjoy it!

I never promised you a Rock Garden!

I beg your pardon,

I never promised you a rock garden.
Along with the sunshine,
There's gotta be a little rain sometimes.
When you take, you gotta give, so live and let live,
Or let go.

Beautiful words to a beautiful song, with a little play on words! 

This photo was taken in Niagara Falls, New York.

We took our two beautiful grand-daughters to see the Falls for the first time, this past summer. The girls had there cameras and we were shooting pictures everywhere. 

Creativity can be contagious! 

It was a wonderful trip with built in long term, wonderful memories. 

"Look Grand-ma, look Pa Pa" was a phrase that rang out constantly, one that we will never tire of!

Showing a young person something new for the first time, is like seeing it for the first time yourself, thru their innocent little eyes. 

Excitement is the by-product, proof of a memory everlasting.

Welcome!

Welcome
For a few dollars this robust woman flashed her beautiful smile long enough for me to capture her spirit! Dressed in her native costume she roamed the Old City Section of Cartagena, Columbia, greeting and meeting tourists. 
I suppose you can visit any city and find trouble if that is what you seek. If you wish beauty this municipality offers it in grand style and abundance.
Old churches, courtyards, parks, flowered window boxes adorning the windows of antiquated structures, a feast for the eyes and a photographers dream.
Do any of you recognize the background texture form yesterdays blog? Hope I did it proud?
Grunge Box by Jerry Jones.

Cartagena, Columbia

Textures


We were fortunate enough to take a Panama Canal Cruise, a little over a year ago with some dear old friends.
Cartagena, Columbia, was a port that we visited on our way back to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
I have many pictures of this port but this one always stood out to me. It just represents everything texture.
At the time I had Photoshop installed on my computer but never used it due to intimidation. Since I have learned how very important textures are to the world of photography, I just seem to see them everywhere. I love the simplicity and contrast of the wispy palm against the weathered masterpiece which adorned the side of an old prison courtyard.
Somehow I will try to incorporate this texture into a future montage and do it proud. 
There is art everywhere just waiting to happen!

Nuclear Soup!

Can't make this one look pretty!

Did you ever laugh so hard that your tears roll down your legs? ~ANONYMOUS~(Explain Lucy). I walk with my friend Cynthia, we are kindred spirits, so to speak. She is a running coach for  4000 people online. Lucky for me she lives 1000 feet away. God, really does have a sense of humor, knowing full well that I am a confirmed couch potato! We walk about fifteen miles per week and I think I offer her some sort of comic relief or at least a challenge of monumental proportions.

We are 24 hours apart in age, have a great deal in common and never seem to be at a loss for words...

She has me on this energy drink certified by Dr. Oz, himself. On day three, I have to say that it is really working. 

She shared with me her healthy pea soup recipe. (ginger, spinach, potato, cumin, etc., a little different than we are used to.) Just heat it all up throw it in the blender and stir in some plain yogurt. Easy and oh so delicious!

I am of the philosophy that if it’s good for you it doesn’t matter what it taste like, (as long as it’s not raw) I can get it down. But now I had to get it by the husband. The grocery store brown bagged my purchase. God, forbid he see the ingredients, it would have been all over from the start.

People that know me will speak of my talents but you never hear them brag about my cooking! The basics are not a problem, we have survived four decades of marriage and two healthy young adults.

Once heated I poured a large portion into the blender. Mistake! The small plastic part of the lid started to pulsate, blew up in the air and somehow landed back in the blender! Grind, clunk, grind, clunk #!#+*. The noise was horrible. Lucky for Kermit in the other room I was able to salvage the remaining portions. The texture was beautiful and the color a little nuclear.

I assured him that it would be delicious, just like his mother’s. Well, the look on his face after the first bite just said it all. Kind of like watching the Titanic sink, if you know what I mean! 

I suggested a little cheese and he really was trying to be polite! "What was that noise," he asked? "If you bite into anything really crunchy don’t swallow," I said. After a few more bites he reminded me of my healthy chicken soup, the one where you added so much rice the spoon stood up in the middle of the bowl! How about those healthy cookies, do you remember those? The ones where all our friends said it kept them regular for days. Yes, "I remember," now laughing so hard I could hardly contain myself!

Well Kermit, finished his bowl of soup and is now ribbiting in front of the TV. You know, “It’s not easy being green.” Looks like the welcome wagon may be visiting your home soon!

Cracker Jacks!

Orchids

This vase of orchids sits alone on top of our bedroom bureau. It is a bright coral color, against a lime green wall. Maybe a bit gaudy for some but it all works here in Florida, along with a brightly colored floral bedspread and curtains to match.

My full intention was to leave some color on the vase and a bit of color in the center of each flower. Maybe lighten up the lime green wall and add some lighter textures.

I never really know what each day will bring and what the finished project will look like! Kind of like Cracker Jacks, a surprise in every box! Maybe it just brings out the little kid in me? As you can see, my full intentions were mislead by some interesting textures that I had saved and never used before.

A bit somber in tone, it was a very good exercise in layering and the use of brushes and blending modes.

Somehow I just can't wait to see what tomorrow brings and what prize will be in the box!

Enjoy and have a great day and remember there is art everywhere just waiting to be noticed and captured, for even, just a brief moment!

The New Look!

The New Look


I've decided that I wanted my blog to have a more customized look. More professional and artsy as well!
Combined a few of my favorite things and came up with the look above. 
Hope you like it as much as I do.


The textures are courtesy of Jerry Jones

Back From the Market!

Back From the Market
"Nourish thy body, temporary housing for the immortal soul."~Rosemary Aubut~


These profound words of wisdom came to me around 12:15 AM. Whoever is whispering in my creative ear, would you please knock it off around 11:00 so I can get some rest!
Now, come on, you know He has a great sense of humor, just take a good look at all creations around you!


Quick and easy recipe: mix all the ingredients together, form a still life, add a few textures, Jerry Jones Brand or to taste, and filter them all thru photoshop. Presto! Instant art! Only 30 minutes to prepare and uses up 20 calories per viewing!

A Moment in Time!

A Moment in Time
A photographer who made a picture from a splendid moment, an accidental pose of someone or a beautiful scenery, is the finder of a treaser. - Robert Doisneau -

I took this treasure in Costa Rica, and it truly is a capture of a moment in time! This gentleman was leisurely fishing on shore amongst huge crocodiles enjoying the peace and tranquility of his native land. We were, however, enjoying a tour of the Rain Forest, safely afloat, in a river boat.

I swear that I book travel just to take pictures, it somehow justifies my passion.
I have over 17,000 pictures in my photo library. I will share with you a few, from time to time. You know how we all feel about seeing vacation photos of others. Yawn! I can take two to four hundred photos in a day on vacation  and there are always those few outstanding gems that make it all worth while.
It's interesting how a photograph can help one remember so many details of any one particular day. Where we were, who we were with, the climate, etc., etc.

An understanding spouse and tolerant friends are always best to travel with, when one is possessed with the addictive traits of a photoholic.

Full admission: I am a photoholic, an addiction, I wish there to be no tonic or remedy! 
The first step to discovery... Rosemary Aubut

Transition!

Seashells 

Three of life’s treasures, seashells, sand and sun

Filling the heart with memories of contentment and longing

As the tide washes in and out we feel our life, ever moving, changing, flowing

Contemplation flows full circle, back to the shore of life

A secret smile escapes our lips with a soft sigh

A distant rainbow appears to remind us of the colors of our soul

Whispering it’s song of freedom Debra Oakland

Recently I had one of those deep girlfriend kind of conversations, with a very dear friend. She and her husband came into our lives thru a series of fortunate coincidences, we were reminiscing and counting our blessings. They are "salt of the earth" kind of people, people of enormous faith that has sustained them thru some of life's bitter experiences. One of her most endearing qualities is the ability to laugh in spite of it all and maintain a somewhat abnormal sense of humor. The fabric of her being!


Moving, she is in a transitional place in her life asking God to help her meet and build new and quality relationships, such as ours. She asked me to pray for her and so I did:
"Please God, send her my twin. Amen."
OK, so He made me this way and I can't seem to help myself!

Madeira Wine!

Benjamin Franklin & Madeira Wine

Benjamin Franklin wrote an autobiography of his life, explaining the various adventures he went through on the road to Independence. In 1744, he began writing about the need of the colonists to maintain a militia, to help protect its citizens against the many attacks that were happening at the time. Spain and France were both in a war against Great Britain at the time, and the colonists were a natural target of hostilities.
The colonists responded to his encouragement with great enthusiasm, and soon there were companies and regiments being formed up and down the coast. Now they just needed some heavy artillery with which to man their forts. They had a few cannon in Boston, but not nearly enough to keep their cities safe.
Benjamin Franklin and a few of his friends therefore headed up to meet with Governor Clinton of New York, the English-appointed ruler of that state. Here are Ben Franklin's own words about this meeting:
"He at first refus’d us peremptorily; but at dinner with his council, where there was great drinking of Madeira wine, as the custom of that place then was, he softened by degrees, and said he would lend us six. After a few more bumpers he advanc’d to ten; and at length he very good-naturedly conceded eighteen."


You have got to love it! Just a little bit of historical trivia from the internet, to store in that useless information department of your brain.
If I interpret this correctly or at least appeal to my warped  sense of humor I'm guessing that Madeira Wine, is in some way responsible for saving the Colonies!
It is also considered to be a fortified wine, placing it in the Wheaties category of alcohol!