Point Of View!

Thru The Ropes
Aboard The Tall Ship Eagle, I shot this photo of it's rope ladder, loving that I could also capture the town of Fairhaven, across the harbor. Except for cropping it is SOOC, (straight out of the camera). 
It was a gray overcast day, warm and muggy, the air still and heavy, just an all around great day to tour and photograph. Hope you enjoy this photo as much as I do. Lots to do today!
Have a wonderful day!

The Tall Ship Eagle!

Barque Eagle
"USCGC Eagle is the sixth U.S. Coast Guard cutter to bear the name in a proud line dating back to 1792. The ship was built in 1936 by the Blohm and Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, and commissioned as Horst Wessel.
Originally operated by Nazi Germany to train cadets for the German Navy, the ship was taken by the United States as a war prize after World War II. In 1946, a U.S. Coast Guard crew, aided by the German crew still on board, sailed the tall ship from Bremerhaven to its new homeport in New London, Connecticut."~google search~
We had lunch yesterday at a restaurant we were checking out for rehearsal dinner. It is located in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts in the Historic Waterfront District. It was a bonus day as the Tall Ship Eagle was docked in the harbor, manned by cadets in training for the USCG. Touring the ship was very interesting and the day just perfect for photographing. 
My husband and I were both born in New Bedford, I was raised in Fairhaven across the bridge and he in the southend of New Bedford. Sights and sounds we are very familiar with, yet we enjoyed it all as any tourist would. The history here is very rich in fact and folklore and I will share with you more photos someday soon.
Have a wonderful day!

Blog Tutorial!

Just a Couple of Things To Share
I created the photo above by using the antique effect in IPHOTO a Mac program. I then transfered it to photoshop for, cropping, borders. sizing and saving for the web. KInd of looks like I used several textures, something new and easy. 
A couple of things I would like to share with my blogging friends who may already know these google features but for those who don't, enjoy. 
1. Playing around the other day on the design page of my blog, I noticed the Favicon box above the navbar, top left. I uploaded a photo just to see where it would publish. An error came up and said that it was not square. So I sized a photo square, low and behold I now have my own initials before my blog url in the address bar, instead of the blogger, orange B. Not such a big deal but just a little personal touch and easy to do. 
2. Click on the Title top left of my photo (Blog Tutorial!), see where this brings you!!! I find this feature very exciting and a whole new way to view my posts. Type /view after your url, eg. 
http://www.rosemaryaubut.blogspot.com/view, place your url in the link box under your title when creating your post. Finally figured out what this link box does. Actually you can place any link here to any site you wish.
If it does not work go to, new post>settings>formatting and click yes on, Enable Dynamic Views, this may be a default setting already in place for you. Next click on Site Feed near Settings tab, make sure Allow Blog Feeds, says Full. Again this could be a default setting. I love this feature and you can enjoy your blog as a sidebar along with several other options located in the teal drop down box. 
Thanks, Mr. google you will always keep me on my toes, so much more to learn!

Armed With A Smile!

Astilbe
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God."
~author unknown~
My friend Judy sent me an email the other day called "Ever Seen A Lavender Farm," some of you may have seen it. The most gorgeous photographs of fields of lavender you can possibly imagine and if that wasn't enough the above quote finished it off. Now I wish I had  a photo of lavender to share with you, but astilbe will just have to do.
Sometimes a few simple words in the right combination can make all the difference in our understanding of the human journey. The quote above has been written before in different ways but there was something about the battle part that really resonated with me. "Everyone one you meet is fighting some kind of battle." I will definitely give that phrase more thought  the next time I start to take something personal. If someone is in a mood or a snit I will simply arm myself with a smile, unless otherwise asked. Sounds like a plan to me! 

Have a wonderful day!

Flowers For St. Anne!

The Pilgrimage
 Yesterday was the Feast of St. Anne, my friend Mary and I made our yearly pilgrimage to her shrine, only a half hour ride. I fully intended to bring you a photo, however, my photos did not translate in a way that would do St. Anne, justice. 
St. Anne is the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the grandmother of Jesus. 
St. Anne is also the patron saint of mothers and grand-mother's. Mary calls her, "her go to girl." I can truly understand her devotion to this great lady. St. Anne, is perfect to pray to and ask protection for one's children and grand-children.
I am always humbled by the opulence that this magnificent house of worship displays, we lit candles and made our requests. The statue of St. Anne, is flanked on either side by St. Jude and St. Theresa. A powerful trio for sure.
St. Jude, was petitioned to watch over an ill friend and St. Theresa to shower my friend with love and roses. 
Mary, sat us in a pew strategically where one could see the statues of St. Anne, the Blessed Mother and Jesus on the alter. She calls this her triangle of power. Only my friend Mary, could possibly come up with this prayerful advantage. Thankful for her friendship I have learned much from her. I wish for everyone to have such a friend. 
She encouraged me to start this blog to display my talents, a gift for which I am eternally grateful. 
Angels, do truly walk among us, I am convinced of that! Have a wonderful day!

Remember When!

Remember When
"Remember when thirty seemed so old
Now lookn' back it's just a steppin' stone
To where we are,
Where we've been
Said we'd do it all again
Remember when
Remember when we said when we turned gray
When the children grow up and move away
We won't be sad, we'll be glad
For all the life we've had
And we'll remember when"
~Alan Jackson, Lyrics~
"Sometimes a photo just sings a song!"~RA~
Have a wonderful day!



Texture, Dream, by: Kim Klassen

The Grand Painter!

Sunshine
"As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life."~John Lubbock~
Trying to live up to this quote by introducing you to yet another coneflower along with several filters and textures creating an artistic feel. Digital art is my medium of choice and the possibilities are endless.
I can't imagine my life without flowers, nor can I imagine my life without art in any medium. 
When I can bring flowers into permanent fruition thru my creative skills in any form, it is truly a marriage made in heaven. 
So please Mr. Sun, continue to color the flowers so that we may enjoy, bringing art to all those who choose to view what you have truly mastered! 
Have a wonderful day!


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

Health, Healing, Inspiration!

Symbolism
"Yarrow flowers are often thought to represent health, healing and inspiration. Many people give these blossoms as gifts to symbolize their concern for the recipient’s well-being, or to help them find joy and illumination in their lives."~google search~
Walking the beach with my husband and camera in hand the other evening we came upon these lovely yarrow flowers. I had cultivated them for many years in my garden in shades of yellow and pink. Tall and lanky they grew, sometimes several feet high. Always generous with bloom lending interesting texture and color to the garden. 
Considered an herb with medicinal qualities there is also a great deal of Greek folklore attached to them. Google yarrow, you will be amazed.
Never noticing them in the wild before especially on the beach amongst the grasses, beach plum, with their feet in sand. Mother Nature, herself, keeps on lending me the ability to really see all that I have missed. There is so much more to discover thru the lens of my camera! 
I send to you a kind bouquet of their symbolism, Health, Healing and Inspiration. 
Have a wonderful day my friends!

Hazy Hot & Humid!

East Beach, Westport, MA

East Beach, yes those are rocks!

Allen's Pond, view from East Beach

Gooseberry Neck Beach, over looking Buzzards Bay

Westport River,  Last Light
The summertime's famous three H's, forecast, Hazy, Hot and Humid, 95 degrees and climbing. The humidity was so heavy yesterday you could see it, cut it with a knife and eat it with a spoon. Every pore releasing fluid at a rapid rate with no relief in site anytime soon. Yes, we are in the dead heat of summer folks. 
These photos were taken last evening between 7:00 and 8:30 PM, within a two mile radius. The beaches were still crowded with people seeking relief, not everyone here has air conditioning. Boston reached a high of 103 and Providence recorded 101. Not much sympathy from my southern friends for sure, however, this is the northeast after all. 
I could not decide which photo to share with you today, so I chose five out of the one hundred and nine captured. Hazy, textures and filters provided by Mother Nature, herself. 
Try to have a wonderful cool day today, maybe I'll just stay inside!

Mode Of Transportation!

Explore. Dream. Discover.
"Twenty years from now you will be more disppointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."~Mark Twain~
There were many boats in the harbor to photograph, somehow something very special about this little dinghy caught my eye. I loved the bright blue color in contrast with the sand and rocky shore so typical of the New England coastline. Not so sure I would sail away in this little guy, but I loved the quote and adored this photo. So there you have it folks!
Explore, Dream, Discover, before it's to late is the important message here, no matter your mode of transportation. 
Have a wonderful day!

Right Versus Left!

Ascending Stages

"I firmly believe that all human beings have access to extraordinary energies and powers. Judging from accounts of mystical experience, heightened creativity, or exceptional performance by athletes and artists, we harbor a greater life than we know." ~Jean Houston~ 
Reading a magazine recently, there was an article about connecting the right brain with the left brain. The right side known to be creative and the left analytical. The exercise seemed simple and promised to heighten one's creativity. Feeling a little low on creative energy, I would give it a try. Amazing the things one will attempt when retired and thirty seconds to kill. 
Sit quietly and look side to side in a rapid horizontal motion for thirty seconds. Feeling a bit dizzy afterwards it was a excellent suggestion to sit first. 
Above is the end result, not sure if the two hemispheres connected or not, if the title of the photo came from the right or left, no bells or whistles, risking all the while my eyes get stuck never to see forward again.
"Just a spiritual being in the ascending stages of the human experience climbing towards the pinnacle one step at a time!" Wow, is that a mystical statement or what!!! 
Have a wonderful day!

Captivated!

Spellbound
"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever."~Jacques Cousteau~
Walking along an unfamiliar beach we came upon a rustic little seafood restaurant. Shack like with panoramic water views, just our kind of place. Hungry, we thought it the perfect choice for dinner. There is something special about dining on the water, especially if one loves seafood. The ocean holds us captive each and every time we visit. I think that we shall never tire of it's wonder.
Leaving the restaurant, camera in hand, I had to capture this shot. Just loved the fishnet thrown haphazardly over the wooden fence flanked by a weathered lobster pot to complete the scene. What a view, the danger, keep out sign placed strategically to add a little mystery and charm, I am sure. 
The ocean has cast a spell upon us once again, a spell we wish never to break! 
Enjoy and have a wonderful day!

Summer Raindrops!

Summer Rains
"I am sure it is a great mistake always to know enough to go in when it rains. One may keep snug and dry by such knowledge, but one misses a world of loveliness."~Adeline Knapp~
Driving home from our favorite restaurant last evening it began to rain quite hard. 
One of those high speed windshield wiper kind of summer storms. 
Almost home, the sun was trying to break thru, droplets still falling. I could not wait to grab my camera and take a few shots. It was 7:30, mostly cloudy with no sun to cast shadows, perfect for photographing. 
There is always something special about a summer rain, watering all your flowers, a drenching like no other. Everything smells so fresh, a real scrubbing behind the ears from Mother Nature, herself. The temperature always seems to drop a little making the outside bearable once again. 
Out of fifty three photos the above hydrangea leaf spoke to me the loudest. Kind of looks like it could be waterproof! 
 Love the summertime, yes I love summertime!  Hope you enjoy!

Chasing Rainbows!

Peek Thru
"Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up."~Allen Klein~
Mostly just a pretty picture today and a quote to ponder. These hydrangeas were cut from my daughter's garden, their scrumptious hues just had to come inside and color my world. Where would they have the most impact, I thought? The small table in the bright yellow bathroom would be perfect. A pop of new color so unlike the yellow, an unlikely place to add refreshing color, even if only, for a short while. Enhanced with several textures to add a little drama to the overall feel. 
Sometimes a bleak and gray day can be colored brightly, if you let rainbows filter thru dense drama wanting to rob laughter from your soul. Cut thru the tightly woven textures of confinement, peak thru, find humor to brighten your day. 
Trusting, that you will be color co-ordinated from head to toe with a guaranteed smile as the ultimate accessory! 
Now run thru the fog, run like the wind, find some sunshine in the most unlikely places, it's all there for you to experience. Come on, lighten up, I know you can!!!!!!!!
Posted to: http://www.lgordonphotography.com, The Creative Exchange.

More On History!

Round Hill  

"Edward Howland Robinson Green, August 22, 1868 – June 8, 1936, known as "Colonel" Ned Green, the only son of the renowned female tycoon and miser, Hetty Green, built his home on Round Hill, South Dartmouth, MA, after his mother's death in 1916 she left him with a fortune of between $100 and $200 million. The mansion was designed by architect Alfred C. Bossom and completed in 1921 at a cost of $1.5 million dollars. In 1948, twelve years after the Colonel's death, his sister and heir donated the entire property to MIT, which used the 240-acre estate for educational and military purposes. 

Hetty Green, nicknamed "The Witch of Wall Street", November 21, 1834 – July 3, 1916, was an American businesswoman, remarkable for her frugality during the Gilded Age, as well as for being the first American woman to make a substantial impact on Wall Street."
~google search~
Today the entire estate is subdivided into a gated community, there are 93 homes and condos scattered about the oceanside property. It is an absolutely beautiful place to visit.

I thought I would share some of Round Hill’s beauty and history with you today. Day They Shook The Plum Tree, by Arthur H. Lewis, makes for very interesting reading about this remarkable family. Required reading for me in high school, I will have to read it once again to refresh my memory. Enjoy!

OINK!

Look At That Face
If it looks like a pig, call it a dog??? OK, so it really is a dog, but try to understand my confusion!  Max is a 95 pound pure bred, Albino Boxer. I first met Max at the age of nine weeks, that was ninety pounds ago.

 I asked my daughter why she bought the kids a pig? Not kidding! His pink skin shows thru his fur to this day! Max is now almost three years old and for the most part still thinks he is a puppy. He loves to clean his teeth by chewing on cardboard or anything paper for that matter. Jumping on me, trying to give me one of his great big sloppy wet doggy kisses, his favorite past time. I swear he carries a gallon of drool in each one of those droopy jowls! 

Max, rules his world within the confinement of a electrified fence that surrounds the property. He is fiercely protective of his domain and family. A coyote made the mistake of meandering into the yard a couple of weeks ago. Max, attacked with all his strength, the coyote left limping and $500.00 worth of vet visits ensued for Max.  Do you think we need doggy healthcare? 

Just a few words to describe this canine from Granda's point of view: loyal, large, gassy, gluttonous, noisy, loving, sweet and protective, IQ questionable. 

I trip over this animal at least once a day, he takes the liberty of resting anywhere and everywhere, his 24 inch legs always extended. He just lifts his head, gives me the look and lays back down, sighing! If dogs could talk! 

I think grandma has fallen for this big swine like creature who dares to impersonate a dog! He loves my children, keeps them safe and is part of the family, what more could a grandma ask!!! 

Oink, Oink Maxie, grammy loves you!!!

The High Road!

The High Road
"Taking the high road is usually not the easy one to take or the most popular. The low road seems to offer instant satisfaction. It may seem better for the moment, but if you compromise you principles and your integrity, it will always end up costing you far more in the long run."~Billy Cox~
When you can look yourself in the mirror with honesty, lay your head down to sleep with a clear conscience, you have truly found the recipe for peace. Dragged down by others may lead you down a low road, it is a road of unhappiness and despair. You may need this road for a short while to regurgitate your feelings, please don't stay to long as the buzzards will be sure to find you. Find an exit or short cut to a higher road as soon as possible making sure it is not a rotary, you will miss the bridge every time.
Arriving on the high road you will find overhead signs that read, peace, integrity, principles, morals etc. You will know that you are headed in the right direction, never to be lost again. Successfully leaving that dark road of despair, you might want to send others left behind a text message, help them find their way! Looking into the mirror of tranquility is a wonderful reflection to behold! A reflection I wish to have a rippling affect without throwing a stone.

Annabelle!

Annabelle
Walking back to my son's home with my daughter, grand-daughter and niece from a street fair in Falmouth, Massachusetts, we came upon a grand home bejeweled by these beautiful, Annabelle Hydrangeas. I did not have my camera so I have to confess that this photo was taken with my cell phone. Some how I will always be connected electronically no matter what! 
A few years before we sold our home I had planted these gorgeous Annabelle's, one of five varieties that graced our home. They are white for most of their blooming duration, however, they turn a luscious lime green towards the end of their season. Their stems a bit weak to sustain their heavy heads, one must support them.
There had to be two hundred feet of white fence frontage on the property photographed above. 
All two hundred feet adorned by these magnificent Annabelle's, what a sight to behold! Visions of forbidden cream puffs accompanied by mounds of cotton candy filled my head. OK, so I'll even throw in a vision of a snowball. 
The day was warm, sun shining, with a few of my favorite people, how good does it get!!! 

The Bold & The Beautiful

Stargazer Lily
"The lily family has traditionally represented innocence and purity. These motifs appeared as far back as ancient Greek and Roman civilizations and reappeared in biblical traditions. Stargazer lilies have come to be associated with these meanings, but they've taken on additional meanings as well. White stargazer lilies, in particular, have come to characterize a sense of purity and are often used as an expression of sympathy. The pink varieties are also considered symbolic of wealth and prosperity, as well as being a sign of aspiration."~google search~
I personally think the Stargazer Lily, the most beautiful of all lilies. They are bold yet beautiful, delicate yet strong, almost rubbery like to the touch. I have  never seen them in white, but can only imagine that they are equally as beautiful. Stargazers, also give off a very sweet perfume like aroma, a real show stopper no matter which one of your senses captures it first. 
I used a couple of artistic filters on this photo along with several textures, trying for a painterly effect. I have no set rules when it come to photo enhancement, I just play until I get a pleasing result. Try it, have some fun for yourself and have a wonderful day!

Glittering Eyes!

Glittering Eyes

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”~Roald Dahl~

Run like the wind, fly like a bird, soar like an eagle! Does this creature not speak to our need to be free from all that restricts us? Think of all the captions that would befit this photo. 

Seagulls are tenacious birds that never give up on any morsel of food whether in your hand or not. Definitely not respected by beach goers, you never want to entice them with food as they will never leave your side. 
Walking the beach, however gave me a new respect for these scavengers of the sea. In their element they are graceful, yet playful, standing guard waiting for any opportunity to seize a opportunity! They are quite magical, an unlikely secret, I would have never observed or given much thought, without the lens of my camera!

Summertime!

Summertime
"Then followed that beautiful season... Summer....
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood."~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow~
Yes, yes, yes, it is a happy time, the cone flowers are in full bloom, throwing back their petals, raising their heads up high, rejoicing in the glory of the sun! The earth is smiling, the birds are singing and the bees intoxicated from the indulgence of sweet nectar. Yes, it is summertime. Mother Nature's, extravagant gift to Mother Earth, herself. 
Children, wearing remnants of watermelon dripping from each scrumptious bite, followed by 
 popsicle smiles coating their quick licking little tongues. 
The cone flower blooming, significant timeframe for all memories that signify we are in full blown summer. 
Ah...a lazy summer afternoon, isn't that a pleasant, welcoming thought! 

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

Posted to, Flowers on Saturday; http://blueberrycraftandhobbytime.blogspot.com/

Full of Grace!

A Poetic Word
"Gracefulness has been defined to be the outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul."~William Hazlitt~
Grace, a very simple word or is it? The dictionary defines it as; simple elegance or refinement of movement, hence the inspiration for the title of above photo. Grace, is a word that wears a hat of multiple meanings. Any woman would be proud to own a description of herself as graceful. Anyone with debt loves a grace period and you definitely don't want to fall out of anyone's good graces. You maybe be graced by someone's presence or say grace before a meal. No matter how you define it, you always want to be full of grace! 
"There but for the grace of God, go I."  A very famous proverb used to acknowledge one's good fortune in avoiding another's misfortune.~google search~ 
Grace, a poetic word that paints a beautiful picture for one to interpret and provokes thought for one to ponder. Grace, a very positive and peaceful word, a word I wish to live by and hold true! 

Where Are My 3D Glasses?

Echinops
"Echinops stems from the Greek words “echinos,” which means “sea urchin” or “hedgehog,” and “ops”, appearance, referring to the spiny flower heads."~google search~ 
Not the clearest shot I have ever taken, but I was quite enamored with the 3D affect, that was accidentally captured for sure. Can you imagine it too? A camera with a 3D lens, now that would be an interesting invention for everyday use! 
I love how thistle adds texture to a garden. Considered by some to be a roadside weed, thistle is really quite lovely mixed with other perennials. They dry beautifully, but one must be careful when cutting as they are very prickly to the touch. 
Nothing really profound today, just a pretty picture with a very happy bee, minding and going about her business! 
Have a wonderful day! 

A Little History!

The House Of The Seven Gables
"The House of the Seven Gables was built by a Salem sea captain and merchant named John Turner in 1668 and occupied by three generations of the Turner family before being sold to Captain Samuel Ingersoll in 1782. An active captain during the Great Age of Sail, Ingersoll died at sea leaving the property to his daughter Susanna, a cousin of famed author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne's visits to his cousin's home are credited with inspiring the setting and title of his 1851 novel The House of the Seven Gables."~google search~
We took a drive to Salem, Massachusetts, a couple of days ago. Salem is about a two hour drive north of my daughter's home. The last time we visited here, was probably thirty years ago when the children were young. Salem is a very old, well established city, rich in history and folklore. 
Above is a glimpse of the house and as you can see the colorful garden, captured my attention. An inspirational place to visit for sure, a walk back into American History, a very proud place to be. 
Have a wonderful day!

Food For Thought!

Not Guilty!
Although I try to keep this blog as uplifting and inspirational as I possibly can, I guess when something is weighing heavily on my heart I must express that as well! 
A verdict was recently reached and I can't say that I know anyone, that agreed with the jury's decision! How then, do these things happen? Like most, I have no answers, just feeling bewildered and indignant! 
How much circumstantial evidence does it take to convict someone today? So reminiscent of past high profile trials and does that alone insure, a not guilty verdict. Experts are brought in to confuse issues and cause reasonable doubt. How many of us would be privy to these experts had it not been such a high profile case? Does it then come down to winning and fame? Have we all gone reasonably mad? 
We must swallow the bitter pill of the jury's decision and move forward, like it or not. 
I find consolation in the fact that this young woman must live within the confinement of her conscience and suffer the consequences of little footprints, forever imprinted upon her soul! 

Know Your Poppies!

Know Your Poppies
"Earth laughs in flowers."~Ralph Waldo Emerson~ 
I took this photo at Blithewold Gardens, a few days ago. I could not make any sense from the anatomy of this flower. It looked like a peony, yet it had all the characteristics of a poppy. When I found it's identification on a nearby stand, I was amazed to discover that this beautiful specimen is called... are you ready for this one???  A Peony Poppy! They were in full bloom planted in long rows, just incredibly beautiful to view! Their color alone, a symphony to the eye.
I researched them thru my friend, google and discovered that although, not familiar with this variety, they are quite popular. They are also know as opium poppies, a low-morphine variety and legal. Opium, low-morphine, yikes! I guess you better know your poppies before you plant them! I can just hear it all now; but officer they were so pretty, I really didn't know??? Who would believe that someone raised in the sixties wouldn't know? Guilty by age and association, I guess. I could plead ignorance, If found guilty, and hopefully spend the rest of my time spreading seeds of happiness, one smile at a time! All legal of course!