Hang In There!

Hang In There
"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."
~Harriet Beecher Stowe~
We have all been there at some point in our lives haven't we?  I just loved this quote, along with this photo. With a little cropping, I added a filter and then a texture layer. The title came next. A pretty powerful message for this little guy to deliver!
Our daughter Kathy, took this photo of Mike, her son and our grandson, holding this colorful amphibian like creature. Mike, caught Mr. Frog, with a fishing lure, quite by accident the other day. He carefully removed the hook from his mouth and released him back into the pond. He struggled for a while, but posed reluctantly for this photo to be captured. In a pretty tight place, would't you say. 
Thank goodness for boys and their fondness for slimy quick moving little critters. I guarantee you that between my daughter and I, this photo would have never happened. Cute to look at, but holding him!? We left  that one up to Mike! 
I am sure froggy may have suffered a bit of a sore throat and maybe even a bruised ego, but alive and well he survived the day. He just hung in there! 

Happy Fourth of July!

Liberty & Freedom
"We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls." ~Robert J. McCracken~
Freedom is a gift I have enjoyed throughout my life here in the United States. It is a gift that we sometimes take for granted until it is threatened. So many have given their lives so that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom and liberty for all. This has got me to thinking: is there a difference between liberty and freedom? The dictionary defines them as:
freedom |ˈfrēdəm|noun the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraintliberty |ˈlibərtē|noun  the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views My guess would be, quite clearly, that you can't have one without the other. Liberty and freedom, two words that we can never, ever take for granted. Took the above photo driving down a back road in small town America the other day. Look how beautiful our flag looks against that red old barn. Pretty impressive, wouldn't you say? 

Blithewold Gardens!

Blithewold Gardens
We took a ride yesterday to Bristol, Rhode Island. It is a gorgeous little town that borders Narragansett Bay. It also hosts the oldest Fourth of July Parade, in the country. Bristol, offers everything you can imagine, that a small New England, town has to offer. Great restaurants small shops, line the main route, a great place to loose oneself and meander about. 
Blithewold Gardens, Mansion & Arboretum are also located here. The photo above, was taken from the North Garden just behind the mansion. Once again, I was in photo heaven. Everywhere one looked there was a beautiful photo, just waiting to be captured. The estate encourages photographers and painters alike to visit and create. Summer art camps are held here for children.
Blithewold was the summer residence of the Van Wickle family. Bessie Van Wickle, had a passion for horticulture and through her children, the estate was bequeathed to the public for their enjoyment and education. Today it hosts thirty three acres of lush rolling lawns down to the sea, along with gorgeous gardens, selectively scatted about the property. 
Blithewold, is the perfect place to have a wedding and we are very fortunate to be attending a very special wedding, here in the fall. 
Enjoy the photo and have a great day!

Sit & Rest A While!

Sit Back A While
"Some of the secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but by inventing some imaginary letters along the way." ~Douglas Pagels~
Isn't this what silence looks like? Can you hear the birds chirping? Can you smell the sweet aroma of the flowers? Can you feel the chipped paint on the wooden arm of this adirondack chair? Can you taste the freshness of the morning dew? 
I took this photo rather haphazardly the other day, after a little cropping and some layering, I was quite pleased with the way this simple little image spoke to me. 
This chair lives in my daughter's front yard, away from all the hustle and bustle that life has to offer. Just a nice little place to rest and enjoy what the abundant rains of spring have brought forth. A place to rejuvenate the senses, reflect and spend some time with the most important person in your life! You! 
Have a wonderful day!
Posted to: http://www.lgordonphotography.com/

One Particular Harbor!

Ia ora te natura... 
"I know I don't get there often enough, But God knows I surely try, It's a magic kind of medicine,
That no doctor could prescribe... 
 But there's this one particular harbor, Sheltered from the wind, Where the children play on the shore each day, And all are safe within... 
A most mysterious calling harbor, So far but yet so near, Where I can see the day when my hair's full gray, And I finally disappear."~Jimmy Buffett~ 
Probably one of my favorite all time, Jimmy Buffett, tunes. Yes, I have a confession to make:
I am a Parrot Head! Can anyone take you away, any better than he?
We were invited aboard a yacht by the ship's crew a few days ago, upon visiting our son's place of employment. Viewing Falmouth Harbor, from this magnificent vessel was surely a treat. My husband and I both agreed that she is probably bigger than our current home and how impeccably kept she was. The maintenance and cost to own, much more than we can possibly comprehend. It was certainly nice to visit, dream a little and enjoy the crispness of the salty air. 
Followed by a delicious dinner later on, the day was enjoyed by all. 
Have a wonderful, July 4th weekend everyone and always find a safe harbor!

Traits Inherited!

Traits Inherited 235/365 
"Sweat is the cologne of accomplishment."~Heywood Hale Broun~
The little wrought iron bench and table above are part of a four piece set that belonged to my mom and dad. Every few years it would get scraped with a wire brush and painted bright white. The set sat proudly in their front yard for many years. It now lives, still bright white, in my sisters yard. Freshly painted by my 87 year old mother! 
Visiting my mom yesterday was a joy as always. She asked me at least a half a dozen times if I were hungry and at least a dozen more if I were thirsty. Now this has nothing to do with her age but everything to do with the fact that she loves to cook and making sure we ate always a top priority. Always something warming on the stove or freshly made in the fridge ready to eat within minutes. Mom, now lives in an apartment attached to my sisters house. 
Dad who has passed loved his garden, flowers always in perfect rows, neat and color coordinated. He would spend much of his free time in the garden. 
It is a very interesting observation to see, which traits each of their six children inherited, from these two very hard working individuals. 
Speaking for myself, I love to eat but dislike cooking, everything is always frozen and ready for the microwave. l have a deep love and respect for flowers instilled by my dad, but I did not inherit the neat gene. My garden always hap-hazard, doing it's own thing. 
I did inherit from both of them, however, the love of family. I am never, ever afraid to get my hands dirty and sweat a little. I love to accomplish projects of interest. Gifts to treasure and DNA I am proud to own. 
Thanks Mom and Dad!

The Common Cold!

Echinacea
Neatly tucked away are the pink petals that make this perennial so recognizable. About to bloom any day now they stand strong and tall. If you look really close, you will see a tiny pink spider towards the left forefront. More than just a pretty flower, echinacea has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. 
"Results of archeological digs indicate that Native Americans may have used echinacea for more than 400 years to treat infections and wounds and as a general "cure-all." Throughout history people have used echinacea to treat scarlet fever, syphilis, malaria, blood poisoning, and diphtheria. Although this herb was popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, its use began to decline in the United States after the introduction of antibiotics."~google search~ 
Now I'm not recommending that anyone start making a tea or tincture from these lovelies, but I do know that people still take it today to shorten the duration of the common cold. 
They grow here in New England in clumps, seem to propagate easily, if they love the sunny spot they are in. 
When they pass, grab a handful of the dried heads, crumple them up  and scatter the seeds about. Rake them into the soil a little and sure enough they will grace any garden, proudly, the following season. Can't wait to capture their wispy nature when they are in full bloom. In the meantime I hope you enjoy this wonderful tease. Have a great day!

Coincidences!

Coincidences
"Coincidences are God's way of remaining anonymous."~unknown~
I have always loved this quote and my very dear friend Nancy, did it for me in calligraphy and framed it as a present many years ago. It has remained in my home in a prominent place and I still read it from time to time, mainly because it rings so true. Nancy also hand wrote the words, I've Joined the Crew!, on the above birth announcement! I had designed some coloring books, invitations and birth announcements and had a small business called Whittle People & Company. It was long before home computers and I even used rub on letters for the baby stats above. A little crooked, as you can see. I would then take the originals to the printer and have them printed for sale.
What does any of this have to do with Allicyn Jayne, the baby mentioned above, you ask?
Recently, Nancy asked me where my future daughter-in-law, grew up and what was her last name. When I answered, she screamed very excited. Rose, Rose, I worked with her mom, many years ago for a very long time. I gave one of the birth announcements, that you designed to Allicyn, and entered her birth information, as a baby gift. Wow!
When I spoke to Allicyn and her mom about this, they were amazed. The birth announcement that I designed, hung in Allicyn's room for the first five years of her life. She and her mom dug it out and sent a photo of it to me, via cell phone. I did some touching up in photoshop as it had faded and my name not very clear. I designed this around 1980. 
We just love this beautiful, bright young woman and are so honored that she will part of our family. Do you believe in fate? Gosh I sure do, it is all just meant to be!
 

Would You Like Some Jelly?

Would You Like Some Jelly?
Any beach, worth it's salt here in costal Massachusetts has it's sandy pathways, leading to the shore, lined with Beach Plum. Summer after summer my children and I would walk past these prickly shrubs. They somehow made the grueling track, from the car to town beach more tolerable. Keeping the sand dunes intact so that our path remained un-obstructed.
Carrying coolers, chairs, blankets, towels with children in tow was certainly a workout, but always worth the effort. We would spend hours at the shore every chance we got. Days long since passed, wonderful memories treasured. Both of our children have a deep love and respect for the ocean, instilled by myself and their dad. A gift, I am proud to say, that keeps on giving. 
The Beach Plum, would eventually bear grape sized fruit, which I always warned the children not to pick or eat. Very bitter to the taste, mixed with enough sugar though, it makes a delicious sweet jelly. 
The Beach Plum, a trigger, that conjures up very sweet memories. No pun intended!!!

Loyal Garden Friends!

Loyal Old Garden Friends

Other than weeds, I am not sure there is any plant hardier than the Hosta. They can survive in a landscape with little to no care. Cutting them back, or splitting them up seems to be their only requirement, as they can grow very large. I threw one in the woods once and the following summer it had rooted itself and began to bloom. They provide amazing texture and their colors vary from the deep blue greens, chartreuse, cheery lime greens and some varieties are variegated, lending beautiful contrast to any garden palette. They are members of the lily family and do very well in the shade. In bloom they shoot up sturdy stocks and usually flowering in subtle hues of lavender and some in white. 

I captured this beauty yesterday about to grace the world. She is one of many blooms living on the same plant. I seem to be on a macro toot lately and having loads of fun with my new  camera. Will bring you more photos of this loyal old friend, as my daughter has several varieties around her yard. 

Have a wonderful day!

Putting On The Dog!

Putting On The Dog
While the family was setting up for a giant neighborhood yard sale, I decided to take a little break. As habit would have it, I grabbed my camera and wandered about the yard. Approaching a dogwood tree in full bloom, I captured this very engaged little black fly. I think she was feeding on the nectar of one of it's flowers. I guess flies eat almost anything, but I  usually catch them feeding on decaying matter and excrements. Yuck! 
Fascinating, I thought, upon viewing this capture, I never knew they were so hairy, as I am usually swatting at them, to annoyed to notice. 
Watching this insect go about her day, was truly a learning experience for me enhanced by the lens of my camera. I will forever think of flies, as wearing, little fur coats, patent leather wings and Dior sunglasses. Dining on some of the splendiferous food that Mother Nature, has prepared. Now, doesn't that just make this irritating little creature seem more tolerable??? Thank goodness for dogwood trees, as this photo of, Madame Flychincloss, would have never materialized! Have a wonderful day!
Posted to: http://www.lgordonphotography.com/

Last Of The Last!

Last of The Last
The last of the last! Yes, the last surviving peony in my daughter's yard. Doesn't it look delicious? The last tease until next season! I know you must be thinking, enough already with the peonies, but I just can't seem to help myself. Have I mentioned just a few times that I love them so???
A few more of my old props in the background, I photographed this still life from several different angles, somehow, magically the peony became the focal point. Big surprise! 
I used my 50mm lens to create the clarity in the front with a bokeh background. The possibilities to photograph here are endless. I will move outside as soon as it stops raining and the temperatures rise a little. It was in the low sixties yesterday, a little hard to take since I left the nineties, with no rain in sunny, Florida. Part of the charm here in New England, however. I will continue to search for old props and there are some roses outside my window that are just begging me to photograph them. We shall see what tomorrow brings??? 
Have a wonderful day! 

Old Time Favorite!

Old Time Favorite
"Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas."~Elizabeth Murray~
Is there any flower that screams summer more than petunias? Their color vibrant, ready to capture the focal point in any garden. I have grown them for many years with varying degrees of success, depending on the variety. Mostly taking them for granted, as they are readily available everywhere and easy to grow. My relationship with them started many years ago, when my dad helped me plant my first hanging basket. Pinch them back, don't let them get to leggy and don't be afraid, they will come back, fertilize once a week, he would declare. Great advice that I follow to this day. I wish I could take credit for the beautiful basket above, but I cannot. There are two baskets facing each other, framing the entrance to my sister-in-law's backyard. Their playful nature  and whimsical attitude, a perfect choice, lending vibrant color, a beautiful contrast to the shades of green that surround them. 
Sweet petunia's, sweet memories and visual delight. 
What more could one ask of a garden???

Less Is More!

Less Is More
"Less is more."~Ludwig Mies van der Rohe~ 
When we moved to Florida, I left behind many things. Our new life style would be free of dust collectors, bright and airy. When we come north to stay with our daughter, I also get to visit  some of my old things, of which she was the recipient. Above is an old desk that belonged to my great aunt. It is oak, a fine wood but not my style, I loved the silhouette of it, however. Out came the sandpaper, white paint and just like magic, I made it my own, years ago. It now lives in my daughter's kitchen. The waterford vase and candlesticks were also mine. Do I miss these things? Sometimes I do, but usually only when I'm looking for props to photograph. Yup, that's what things have come to mean to me folks, PROPS, to photograph. I always did hate to dust. Hope you enjoy visiting some of my prior possessions, as much as I do. Love the minimalist kind of feel I get from this arrangement. Have a wonderful day!

posted to: http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/

Beyond Boundaries!

Beyond Boundaries
"Put a fence of wall around a garden and there's now an inside and an outside. You've set off private from public and defined the garden's limits. There's a sense of belonging and of ownership, of stewardship over the land that the walls encompass. You've also defined the scope of your work and delineated the size of your canvas."~Linda Joan Smith~
I just love old fences and this one just lends itself so beautifully to the climbing roses that it supports. Look at the luscious color of the moss maturing comfortably on it. Character, yes this fence has character. I am sure that the salty ocean breezes create the perfect environment for these spores to thrive. Time has a way of encompassing what man has created, back into the waiting arms of Mother Nature. In this world of synthetics and polymers, give me an old fence anytime, especially bejeweled by flowers, sparking my curiosity into viewing what is beyond the boundaries of which it encompasses. 
Have a wonderful day!

Moments Remembered!

Sweet Moments
"Flowers have spoken to me more than I can tell in written words. They are the hieroglyphics of angels, loved by all men for the beauty of their character, though few can decipher even fragments of their meaning."     ~Lydia M. Child~
We enjoyed Father's Day, yesterday with family at my brother-in-laws, gorgeous home. 
Jo Ann, his wife loves to garden and their yard exploding with precious treasure. My father-in-law and myself meandered about the gardens as I shot some photos, Dad was asking questions about some of the foliage and flowers in bloom. These precious few moments I spent with him, will be forever etched in my memory! He is such a kind and gentle man. 
Jo Ann, had cut these peonies earlier in the day and their fragrance filled the kitchen with a sweet perfume. I had never realized the power of their aroma, before yesterday. It reminded me of something or someone from my childhood, but I can't quite put my finger on it. 
Almost spent, their beauty still worthy of my instrument of capture. 
Once again, I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the splendor of these flowers, they delight my senses and speak to my soul. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! 
Have a wonderful day! 

Happy Father's Day!

Father, Dad, Daddy  
I took this photo several years ago of our son-in-law Brian, and grandson Michael. Mike now towers over his dad at the tender age of fifteen. It has always been one of my favorites for many reasons. Look at the powerful connection in the body language here. Such love and respect. There are father's, dad's and daddy's, Brian wears the hat of all three well, to his three beautiful children. He has taken the responsibility of fatherhood and has gone above and beyond all expectations. As grandparents, it does our hearts good to see our children become the role models that children require. It is also Brian's, birthday today and we wish him, many more!

To all the father's I know, my husband, father-in-law, brothers, brother-in-laws, uncles, cousins, friends, etc., etc., etc., and to anyone else who takes on the role with the responsibility, that the title requires, I wish you all the best of days, today.

HAPPY FATHER"S DAY!

Waiting for Grandma!

The Magnificent Peony
"The traditional floral symbol of China, the state flower of Indiana, and the 12th wedding anniversary flower, peonies are known as the flower of riches and honor. With their lush, full, rounded bloom, peonies embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage."~google search~
It's as though a few of these magical flowers waited for me to capture their essence. When I see photographs of them on other blogs, their beauty captures my attention for quite some time. It is a flower that I cannot grow in Florida and I miss them so. Most of the peonies had gone by, but this one bush in front of my daughter's house had a few remaining gems, although most a bit tattered. The light was perfect as there was no bright sun to interfere with their capture. I was in photo heaven. 
Later, Sophie and I cut a few and brought them in the house to enjoy. Sophie is a delightful child and is definitely her grandma's shadow. She loves to write and we talked about her starting a blog of her own. She keeps a journal and reading it for me, is quite a treat. It is amazing what a nine year old, observes today! It will be strictly monitored and I can't wait to see the world thru her eyes and what a great learning experience this will be for her. She will post once or twice a week as not to interfere with school and other activities. I will share with all of you a link when it is done. Her world is wispy, willowy and loaded with fun, like that of a sweet peony. I pray to God, that he grants her filters of common sense and good judgement as she is truly a free spirit with the ability to soar a little to quickly sometimes. It is the world of a nine year old filled with beauty, dreams, puppies and fairytales. Can't wait to get started. Have a wonderful day!

Back to Your Roots!

No Roll, No Toll
I think I should start a grassroots organization called, "No Roll, No Toll." For  eleven hundred miles not one toll booth, with no delays, as soon as we hit the, New Jersey Turnpike, right thru New York into Connecticut, you are toll boothed to death. We paid a total of $28.80 in tolls for some of the most congested, dangerous stretch of road you can imagine. Where does all that money go? As far as I can tell it certainly doesn't go into pothole repair. The traffic was moving over the GW Bridge, ever so slowly, stopping at times. As luck would have it, we were right behind a stink tank carrying three porta-potties, with no lane to cross into, I prayed he did not have to slam on his brakes! We won't even discuss, Frumpy the Clown, navigating an ice cream truck!
If you have ever heard that New York drivers are the worst, you have heard correct and not a cop around for miles and miles. These people are still playing bumper cars and have the dents to prove it. They fly out of an exit and cross over two lanes without looking and then slow down right in front of you! Yikes! I am not a good passenger and think I suffer from what I call, passenger tourettes. I have now dubbed my husband, King of the Road, he got us here safely.
OK, now that I got that off my AAA chest, it was a wonderful welcome home. The children are all thriving and lots of hugs and kisses were passed around. Max and Daisy were also ecstatic to see us! Got to get my grandma roller skates on, the girls already have some craft projects picked out and Mike needs some help decorating his new man cave. To be fifteen again! What does all this have to do with a Lacecap Hydrangea? Nothing, they are everywhere here and I love them so and thought you might enjoy them too.
It's great to be here and we look forward to a wonderful summer. Have a great day!

Homewood Bound!

On The Road Again 

"Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."~Charles Kuralt~

How true is this quote! This also applies from south to north, as well. As far as highways go I have to say that 95 is pretty darn boring. North Carolina, however gets my award for the most well manicured state, so far. There were many unique flowering trees and long stretches of yellow lilies planted in oblong beds all along the highway. Very nice to view at 70MPH.

The journey was uneventful yesterday, no lost purses and spilt drinks to report. The Prince of Karaoke still singing and I'm still writing. The only hairy part of the ride thus far, was going thru DC. The roads are still under construction on 495 and our GPS, named Tywanda was going crazy. I think she was as confused as we were, but her job well done in the end.

We stayed in Elkton, Maryland last night and enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Elkton is about twenty minutes from where we need to pick up the, New Jersey Turnpike, later this morning! 

I am very excited to see my children tonight and have a relaxing dinner with them. Did I say relaxing? Oh well it certainly won't be boring! My little Sophia, does not know that Grandma and PaPa will be home tonight and she will be the most excited! Max and Daisy, the family pets will be most excited to see PaPa, he feeds them treats every chance he gets. I'll bet he sings to them too, when no one is listening, he just loves those darn dogs.

Have a wonderful day!