The Vitamin for Goodness!

Strawberries Anyone?
"Doubtless God could have made a better berry than the strawberry, but doubtless God never did."~William Allen Butler~
 In Victorian times, the strawberry symbolized sweetness in life and character. 
“It stood for noble thought and modesty, for although it is conspicuous by its color and fragrance, it nevertheless bows humbly to the earth.” ~Symbol-Fedel, Klementine Liipfert~
Did you ever bite into an extraordinary, strawberry and think, why don't I eat like this all the time? 
It's sweetness and texture just flood the senses with the flavor of goodness and all that is good for you! I was lucky enough to capture this photo before the grand-children consumed the bowl in it's entirety. It does my heart good to know that they did!
They are all the more sweet, when two friends drop them off at your door, because they had no doubt we would really enjoy them!
Strawberries, nature's intrinsic vitamin for the fundamental goodness in life!

Overlook the Thorns!

Roses
Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.
~Alphonse Karr~
Just loved this quote! It fits neatly into the "my glass is half-full" category. Feeling a little wilted today but so thankful to have had this time with our beautiful children. Off to breakfast and hopefully relaxing by the pool this afternoon. All it takes is a  little sunshine to rejuvenate and make this Rose bloom once again!
Have a wonderful day, smell the roses and don't let a few thorns ever, restrain your path to happiness! If you have worked at it, then you truly deserve it!

Can I Have This Dance?

Phyllorhiza Punctata, Australian Spotted Jellyfish
A Divine mystery as to the combination of cells and DNA to create these magnificent creatures! I was in a state of photo-mystical nirvana while observing the wedding dance of the universe, preforming before my very eyes!
I took about thirty shots to get just this one with some type of clarity, with no glare. A unique species, I had never seen before had to reside in my gallery of photos. They held my attention to the point of some sort of transcendent meditation. All around me was silent as I tried to capture their benevolent nature.
A gentle nudge from my grand-daughter brought me back to the reality of excited children and many more exhibits to view.
Find an aquarium seek out the jellyfish no matter their species and watch a command performance of a symphony in motion! No stress no worries, just a few moments in time to find a peaceful place in your heart!
Taken at the Boston Sea Aquarium, Boston, Massachusetts.

Sugar & Spice!

The Baby & Mostly Spice
Grandma's bragging rights one last time, I promise! This little munchkin is the youngest of three and quite frankly, just cracks me up! Her name is Sophia, however she goes by several alias', Sophie, Boffie and The Boffer! 
There are no filters with this child, she just tells it like it is. Family secrets and all! 
Very amusing most of the time, to me anyways. Best thing about being a Grandma, you can just sit back and watch the show and turn it off when you have had enough!
She loves life and people, has at least 100 best friends and wants to be a 
veg-er-tanarium when she grows up (you know one of those people that take care of animals).
She came from the same gorgeous parents as the older two, minus the freckles. She excels in school and finished all her vacation homework before she left and turned it in. The teacher gave her more. Sometimes life can be unfair, he, he, he.
She definitely colors outside the lines and marches to the beat of a different drummer.
She used to sing the Barney song with me when she was little, all the time. I do believe the only thing purple in this child's future might be her hair along with some type of body piercing. Banish the thought Grandma and start singing!
I love you, you love me 
we're a happy family 
with a great big hug 
and a kiss from me 2 you 
wont you say you love me 2. I love you. 
Someone get me a tissue! Pleeeeease!
Braces are in her future as well! By the time all three are finished with braces, their parents would have spent more than our first house cost! Yikes!!! 
She wants to move to Florida, because no one goes to school or works here. Oh my, the innocence of children!

Experiences!

Really Grandma!

"Fill your life with as many moments and experiences of joy and passion as you humanly can. Start with one experience and build on it."~Marcia Wieder~

I for one, wish to be the kind of grand-mother who bestows experiences, rather than lavish gifts on her grand-children! Even if it means ramming it down their precious little throats!

Yesterday was that kind of day! I don't want to go, was the first comment, how long is this going to take, was the second and do they have ice cream was the third. 

I should have learned years ago, when I exposed them to  the ballet, (for that cultural adventure) and they wanted popcorn, that this experience stuff was not always going to be easy!

Get your ungrateful sorry little patutties in the car, I commanded! You are going to enjoy yourself if it's the last thing I ever do! Now, how's that for tough love? 

I can be a little Polly-nana-erish sometimes!

So off we go to the Babcock Wilderness Ranch for a Swamp Buggy Eco Adventure! 

Upon arrival the cashier asked if I had any coupons? When you don't have any, this is the worst possible question you can ask any senior in the State of Florida!!! Do you have any extras? NO! They were only a dollar, anyways, she said. There were nine of us. We always travel in packs. The great-grand-parents came along too. How special is that!

My enthusiasm remained intact although a bit wounded. Nine dollars, I could have saved nine dollars! I'll get over it soon, I just know I will!

Now I was in full picture taking mode and that brings out my Tywanda Gene. I will stop at nothing to get a window seat for a good photo opportunity and I did.

Look at my little Hannah, above absorbing all that knowledge, while I shot this photo. Now you can't put a price tag on that! Everyone had a blast and I was thanked numerous times along with PaPa. The great grand-parents treated us all for lunch and we are so blessed to have them with us. I do believe this was a day, we will long remember. 

The gift of experiences!

The Pollen of Judgement!

The Pollen of Judgement
"Never judge anyone by another's opinions. We all have different sides that we show to different people."
~Jacqueline Susann~
Isn't that just the plain old truth! Opinions float around like pollen, they can fertilize and nurture good thought and allow beauty to grow or they can create havoc and pain to someone with a weakened immune system and no self esteem to help fight them off.
A new neighbor recently asked me my opinion of old neighbor. She seems "rather strange" was her comment.
Now believe me I could have fed into this one big time. The shared opinion by others of this poor old neighbor is that she is bonkers and probably is! The reality is that she is a very lonely old woman who keeps herself imprisoned by the negativity of her thoughts.
I took a deep breath, and had a conscious mindful moment and thought of a statement that I inherited from someone, somewhere a long time ago!
My answer was, "she is one of life's colorful creatures." Well, that is a nice way to put it, replied the new neighbor.
Now trust me here folks, it gets you off the hook every time! "One of life's colorful creatures." Leaves a lot of room for thought for others to form their own opinions which they own, lock, stock and barrel. It also helps to keep you afloat the dinghy of virtue (blog: 2/12/2011). Your opinions are your business, let the positive ones pollinate and flourish, the destructive ones, well let's just keep them to ourselves! I promise, you will feel a whole lot better! 

Big Mike!

Big Mike
Grandma's bragging rights once again, for a moment please. This is my grandson Mike. He is the oldest of the three and a typical young teen. He loves to tease his sisters, shower forever, eat like a locust, play video games, hang out with his friends and run from Grandma and her camera!
This rare shot without him pulling a face was taken under the threat of confinement. I almost got a full smile!
He is a very polite and respectful young man. Mike, loves to draw and excels in this area.
He won a prize for a poster he designed at school. He plays basketball and lacrosse for school teams and loves to roller-blade, skateboard and go fishing and golfing with his dad, PaPa and Uncle Chris. Just an all around nice kid.
Mike is our first grand-child. My friends used to say he was like the second coming of Christ, for me! They would allow me only five, uninterrupted minutes of bragging rights. Believe me it was easy, but not nearly long enough! He was the cutest little guy you ever saw. I told him he could proof read this post before publishing. Lets see if that comment makes it!
Mike will be in braces soon and for the money it is costing his parents he had better start smiling a great deal more for his grandma's camera!

Finding the Right Words!

Sorrow
I have searched the internet trying to find the right quote to express to my Dear Friend Janet, how much we care!
I probably read well over a hundred bereavement type quotes. Nowhere could I find the right series of words to express my sorrow, for she and her family.
She has lost three family members in a tragic set of circumstances. It is the kind of tragedy that happens to other people, never to anyone you know. 
My conclusion is that there are no perfect words. It is a feeling of helplessness that we hold so deep in our hearts.
She is a very strong woman who has always reached out to help others in their time of need. 
The caring that she and her husband displayed to all four of their dying parents and step-parent, at different intervals, were examples that set the standards high for all of us.
She is now called on once again to help her nephew, three thousand miles away, deal with the loss of his mother, father and grand-mother.
Just know, Dear Friend, that we are here for you when you are ready. We will offer up our prayers for all involved. What you and your family must face in the weeks and months ahead is a journey that no one should ever have to endure.
We care, Dear Friend, the dignity, grace and strength that you possess will carry you thru once again.
I long for the day when I can see you smile again! For as long as it takes.
I ask from each of you special prayers for a family in need!

A Kind Word, A Smile!

Underestimation!
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ~Leo Buscaglia~
I just looooooooove this quote! My niece told me once that she went on to get her Masters Degree, because of me! I was shocked to say the least. I asked her what it was, I said that was so profound??? "What are you waiting for," was my statement. Well it definitely sounds like something I would say and I don't doubt that I said it, but wow! Today she is a research scientist, because she is a really smart young woman who just needed a little push! A small act of caring on my part!
With all the negativity in this world how could any one of us change the way things are? 
I say, a kind word, a simple smile, a touch or pat on the back, a listening ear, a honest compliment from each of us to another, on a daily basis can multiply and flood the world with inner peace. Idealistic maybe, but in the process, we are going to feel a whole lot better!
Prescription for the day, try all of the above frequently, it's free for the giving!


The photo above was taken by, Gail Dixon. She is featuring an editing contest on this picture from her blog. The original is a little dark and she put it out there for anyone to correct and edit. The rules were simple, just do what you want to it. I knew I could handle that. Will be entering my edited version as soon as I finish up this post. Will let you know the results.

Thank Heaven!

Little Miracle
Grandma's bragging rights for a moment please! I took this photo of Hannah Rose, just before her dance recital. Reason for the makeup. I just kiss that freckled little nose every chance I get. She is the middle child of three.
We almost lost her at the age of three years. Her only symptoms were lethargy, stomach discomfort and a fever. She was misdiagnosed with the stomach flu. Thru a series of circumstances it was discovered that her appendix had burst. Thru the skilled hands of an angel she was saved. I can't imagine life without her! She makes this world a better place.
She loves school and plays piano and saxophone. She is a thriving entrepreneur and designs items with duck tape and sells them at school. She loves soccer, sewing and her new computer. She is a very quiet child and observes all. A retainer is now worn and braces are in order for next month. Someday, I just know she is going to show Martha Stewart, how to do it!

It's Never to Late!

It's Never to Late
It is never too late to start over. It is never past the point of no return for our artist to recover. We can heap years, decades, a lifetime of insult upon our artist and it is so resilient, so powerful and so stubborn that it will come back to life when we give it the smallest opportunity.
~Julia Cameron~ The Artist's Way Every Day
I read this quote on Kim Klessen's, website the other day before the sweet invasion from the north descended upon us. If you have not already read it, enjoy, I thought it worthy of repeating here.
There we go with that word, opportunity. Must be something to it. 
The dictionary defines it as: opportunity |ˌäpərˈt(y)oōnitē|noun ( pl. -ties)
a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. 
Don't miss it!
I have reread this quote several times and it really speaks to me. I hope it speaks to you as well!
Still trying with the softness techniques. Loved the simplicity of these sweet little rose petals.
Texture by, The Coffee Shop.
Well it's off to the golf course for the guys today and visiting the downtown area of Fort Myers for the girls. Also heading over to Fleamasters, 900 stores under one roof. If you have never been it's kind of like Wally World on steroids. Plenty of photo opportunities here. You know the kind of emails you receive with all those uncensored pictures and comments! Now that's a blog for another time. Maybe I can start one when I'm older and chalk it all up to senility! Can you be incarcerated for that?
Combining forces for dinner and Karaoke later on. Now come on, it is a retirement community after all! The kids just roll their eyes and endure, because they love us!!! Payback, you have got to love it!

The Interrupted Blessings of my Solitude!

"The interrupted blessings of my solitude."
Well today is the day folks. Life as we know it will be amiss for ten days. The grand-babies will enter our home like a cyclone of energy and conquer each room within moments of their arrival. The airport pickup is at 11AM and I'm counting down the minutes.
This photo was taken four years ago and is still one of my favorites. Leaving them in Massachusetts with their very loving parents was the hardest thing I have ever had to do!
I love our new life here in Florida and our time spent together now, is ever so precious.
I have a wall that displays about fifty pictures of these special little darlings and I review it on a daily basis. My husband calls it my "Wailing Wall".
Each one of these special little creatures has such incredible talents. I will share a few with you over the next couple of weeks as my photo editing time may be compromised.
I'm going to shower now and put on my running shoes as I am sure I am going to need them and will love every minute of it.

Life is Fragile!

Time
I held a moment in my hand, brilliant as a star, fragile as a flower, a tiny sliver of one hour.  I dripped it carelessly, Ah!  I didn't know, I held opportunity. ~Hazel Lee~ 


Some times when I create a photo the title comes easily and it appears before I can stop my happy fingers from typing! This is what happened in the photo above!
Someone asked me how long it takes to do a single blog. I had to think about that for a moment. My best guess would be somewhere around two to four hours. Somedays longer. 
I first of all, have the luxury of time.
The luxury of to much time can be just as arduous as no time at all. I had to find an outlet and my dear friend Mary, encouraged me to start a blog. Little did either of us know this blog would become a legacy to my children and a passion to create. Just love those coincidences!
Bringing to all of you each day an image along with an inspirational quote is such an incredible bonus. The written word has never come easy to me and I guess all I needed was more quiet time to think!
I love today's quote, in simple terms it speaks to me so eloquently. 
So don't waste a brilliant moment, life is fragile and short, don't let wonderful opportunities pass you by, and take a chance. 
Take the phrase "should have," out of your thought process and replace it with "I did it."
"Remember life is to darn short to wear pantyhose."~anonymous~ 
Get those happy feet up and dancing!

Thank You!

Thank You
This simple photograph holds the key to future exploration in the direction of where I would like to bring my work.
Like anything else there are trends in photography. From what I am observing on the Flickr.com website, the trend is lightness and softness.
I am so honored to be a part of this incredibly talented group of people. They range from amateur photographers to the best of the best. I am in visual heaven when I review their work.
The one thing that I am most in awe of, is their willingness to help with anything you want to learn. Many create masterful textures, free for downloading and only ask for credit in return.
Many have tutorials for the sheer experience of learning.  We are allowed to comment on each others work and also ask questions publicly or privately. I have a loyal group of followers as I am loyal to them. I meet new people everyday. My talent is challenged always, to bring you the very best of what I have to offer with the knowledge I possess at that time.
Interestingly enough I have had the honor to meet a group of woman who I am guessing are around my age. I base this on the fact that they mention their grandchildren and photograph them with such love and admiration. Some blog and some are exclusive to Flickr.
I thank them each and everyone for their inspiration. They take my breath away!
A special thanks to Mary Beth Rigby Griffo for turning me on to the 50mm lens and her incredible talent. To Jennyw47 for taking the time to send me directions on creating the photo above, I so admire her work. To Betty, from Artistic Expressions, for her talent, blog comments and inspirational information. She lovingly calls herself Hootnonny. To DigiGi, who is a constant source of  encouragement. To Nana's Making Memories, Photo-istic, Lynne, and to all that create and share, I bow to your talents.

Above textures are from: Jerry Jones and The Coffee Shop.

Love is in the Air!

Valentine's Day Trivia
There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.
Over time, February 14 has become the date for exchanging love messages and a celebration of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. The date is marked by sending poems and simple gifts, such as flowers, to loved ones and secret loves. By far,Valentine's Day Flowers are the most popular gift today.~internet~
A few quotes to ponder on this loving day:
Love is more than three words mumbled before bedtime. Love is sustained by action, a pattern of devotion in the things we do for each other every day.~Nicholas Sparks~
Love is always bestowed as a gift, freely, willingly, and without expectation....
We don't love to be loved; we love to love.~Leo Buscaglia~
Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.~Peter Ustinov~

This photo was taken with my new 50mm lens. Thank you sweetheart for the best Valentine's gift ever!

I Love Me!

I Love Me

        "If you stand in front of a mirror with 11 roses, you'll see 12 of the most beautiful things in the world."                     ~Source Unknown~

Wouldn't it be wonderful to look in a full length mirror and see only our beauty instead of our flaws. Women especially, can conjure up some pretty distasteful adjectives to describe their anatomy. 

I say you take off those rose colored glasses put on your corrective lenses, take a good long look in that mirror, embrace your flaws, give yourself a hug and scream,

I LOVE ME!

Now do it naked!!! Double Dare Ya!

If you still have all your body parts you are an incredibly lucky person! Sometimes the gift of life can come with a pretty high price. Know that with every challenge comes acceptance. 

Love yourself and start screaming I LOVE ME! Chicky, boom, boom! 

Got to go look in that mirror now, darn that lasik eye surgery! 

I Love Me, yes I love myself, flaws and all! 

Give yourself the gift of love on this Valentine's Day. 

It just might be the best gift you receive!

Virtue!

Virtue
I fell off the dinghy of virtue yesterday, I'm trying to swim back to righteousness but Im still purging my lungs from those murky waters!
This being human stuff, can really be perplexing.
Now isn't that just a silver-tongued way of saying I need to live my own words. I do declare, that if I use enough of those darn verbs and adjectives, I can make almost anything sound good. 
Oh, by the way, it was so much fun!
I'm sliding in sideways Lord, hope I make it to home plate. Knowing that I try real hard, maybe you could cut me a little slack, call it an error and get on with the game, or at the very least could you please send me another good angel!

Feelings!

Feelings
I've learned that good-byes will always hurt, pictures will never replace having been there, memories good and bad will bring tears, and words can never replace feelings.~anonymous~
How often have we said,"I know how you feel." 
We can only imagine the pain or joy of that person, but can we ever truly feel the agony of their sorrow or the triumph of their joy.
We must give that person time to heal without judgement and instant acknowledgment to celebrate their joy. Respect and support, two words I really like and will try always to be mindful!

Late Bloomer!

Late Bloomer

It is better to have bloomed late than never to have bloomed at all!~Rosemary Aubut~

Can we change our thought process and program ourselves into believing, of which we are capable? Can we be a thought away from fulfillment or happiness? 

May the phrase "I can't" be forever banished from your being! 

Excuses and self-doubt, bundled up and tossed away. 

Bloom brightly this coming day, search for opportunities, take a chance, obliterate forever the cobwebs that tangle your highest self!

Catch a Falling Star!

Put it in your pocket and never let it fade away, ~Perry Como~
The Starfish has been used to represent the Virgin Mary, who creates safe travel over troubled waters and is also seen as an emblem of salvation during trying times. 
The Starfish can also be seen as celestial symbol and as such, represents infinite divine love. In addition to love, the Starfish also holds characteristics such as guidance, vigilance, inspiration, brilliance and intuition. 
To see a starfish in your dream, suggests a period of healing and regeneration. 
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_symbolism_of_the_starfish#ixzz1DQNIEOxR


Now put on your imaginary thinking caps for a moment, close your eyes and visualize stars falling from the sky and landing into the sea. Do you think it possible, God, did inventory and decided to sprinkle heaven's surplus onto the sea, so that man could actually grab hold a piece of salvation, as they wash to shore. The unique architecture of these creatures could lead one to believe, this be true. They have no left or right, only a top and bottom, perfect for landing right side up on the expanse of the ocean floor! 
Now open your eyes, remember this parody and may you dream of starfish, soon
dear ones!  Let your imagination soar and hold true the message, heaven sent!

Be Who You Are!

Be Who You Are

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.  ~Dr. Seuss~
I took this photo across the street from where I live in a supermarket parking lot. A small decline in the adjacent field holds enough water to attract some exotic birds. The stance of this Wood Stork Crane, (my friend Sue will correct me if I am wrong) seemed rather authoritative as other fowl meandered about foraging for food.
My husband waited patiently in the car while I got my creative fix!
As usual I was loosing myself in time until the horn of a passing car frightened the birds and jolted me back into reality. People must think I'm nuts, was my first reaction, thankfully that negative thought lasted only a moment longer than it should have!
The rude person who minded really didn't matter and the patient man in the car who mattered didn't mind!
The bonus, I get to share with you this image that provokes thought other than the instant gratification of it's beauty! 
I think this bird for me, symbolizes self-esteem, yes I like that, self-esteem!


Textures by: Jerry Jones

Nurtured Love!

Love

Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty - they merely move it from their faces into their hearts. ~Martin Buxbaum~

This photo is shown to you with the upmost respect.

I took this photo in Huatulco, Mexico on a tour of the countryside. We were invited into the home of a typical, Mexican family. They farmed the land and several generations lived on the property. We were first greeted by two small children, dressed in their Sunday best, who allowed me to photograph them. The family had prepared refreshments for us and explained their lives on a daily basis. 

This weathered old woman caught my attention. I pointed to the camera, she understood and nodded yes. She stood upright and proud as I tried to capture her spirit. She gently smiled as I let her view my take. I told her she was very beautiful in the very little Spanish that I know.

Her family explained that she was 94 years of age and could barely see or hear.

Just remarkable I thought, this gentle old woman in her humble surroundings was probably the wealthiest person I had ever come across. Four generations forward, stood beside her and treated her with such dignity and respect.

Her physical beauty had vanished by our standards, but her heart, now there lives, the cherished seeds of love! Her family the proof of my observations!

Just Being Silly!

Just Being Silly!
"I'll always be young at heart, because I'm to busy being immature. I can only hope that the rest of my DNA gets the message!"~Rosemary Aubut~
If you read yesterday's blog you know that my Cherub is on probation for heisting my photo props!
I was able to salvage a few remaining, succulent morsels from the fast track of his digestive system and ultimately the elimination from the bowels of his being!
Could Shakespeare, have said this any better?
I don't want to hear any flatulence over this! Some sophisticated adult potty talk can be handled with dignity if the correct words are chosen!
Now come on, don't pee on my cornflakes, just give me a little chuckle. You know it's funny!
Reach down deep, for that childlike sense of humor, that adulthood has robbed you, and say, poo-poo! Poo-Poo! Feels good doesn't it!
Just think how much better off the world would be if poo-poo were used instead of the regurgitation of vulgar four letter words we hear so often.
This is what happens when you grow up in a family with three gross little brothers who always found bodily functions funny! Quite frankly they made me laugh until the tears rolled down my legs. Bless you Mom, I know you tried!
Maybe I'll try to be serious tomorrow and bring you a morsel of wisdom and then again, maybe not!
Remember whatever binds you, may help you reflect! Just let it go!
How much would a psychiatrist have charged for that bit of wisdom?
The pasta in the photo is whole wheat, lots of fiber, just to keep things moving along!
In the meantime, I love you honey, you are the sweet nectar that sustains my being! 
Our love is solid!