Back To My Roots!

Pastel drawing from: "The Red Boat Chronicle"

Pastel drawing from: "Forever Grateful" 

"Passion and purpose go hand in hand. When you discover your purpose, you will normally find it’s something you’re tremendously passionate about."~Steve Pavlina~

Back to what I really love to do! So fortunate to be enjoying an art class in Matlacha, Florida. I had several different art groups to choose from. Thinking long and hard about what place makes me feel really happy when I visit, the choice then became easy!
Fooling around with some inexpensive pastels that I had purchased for my grandchildren, I became intrigued. The control of the medium, for me, was refreshing. I wanted to learn more and what better place to learn, than an art class.
I have been blessed with an incredibly talented teacher. She is working with me on creating more depth in my work. There are about ten very creative and supportive students in the class all total.
Perspective, has always been one of my issues. I'm trying to conquer that issue and also taking away the fear of deliberate strokes. "It's only paper after all", my new mantra!
Both drawings are rendered from photographs I have taken, and featured previously on this blog. You can click on the links under the drawings to view the posts.
Matlacha, Florida is old Florida, converted into an artist community. Galleries, shops and restaurants line the main street.
Every cell in my body heightens with excitement as soon as I cross the bridge to get there. I no longer have inexpensive pastels and I am working my way up the chain. Sometimes passions don't come cheap, however, worth every penny! "It's only money after all." Working on that issue too!
Have a wonderful day!!!

Forever Grateful!

Great Blue Heron

can grow: 40-52 in.

a very famous profile...

a fearless hunter...

"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."~Gandhi~
Trying to escape the ills and evils of the world, a trip to the beach would surely be the elixir!  Barbaric media images, were now embedded deeply upon the scanner and keeper of my soul! The horror and the scoundrels who committed the horror, remain forever, a mystery to my being! Why? 
Families destroyed, life disrupted as we know it. Sweet innocence lost, their genius never to be. 
My roots are in the Boston area! I knew that some family members would surely attend the race! Panic filled my heart and the phone calls began! Thankfully all are fine! My sister and her family, stranded in Boston, were finally able to leave by train. 
Definitely a perfect 10 beach day, my therapy would begin. Hardy breezes cooled the high ninety degree temperature! A large heron greeted me as soon as I placed my feet in the sand. His massive wing span and overall size were truly amazing. He flew off in a hurried swoosh! Darn where is that camera when I need it? 
All settled, chair placed perfectly in the sand, cooler close by, towels laying flat, soda in one hand and my instrument of capture perched firmly on my lap, I was ready! Bring it on!
Moments later Mr. Heron, returned to my left. Engrossed by any tidbit that an angler might cast his way. Too pre-occupied and hungry to allow my shutter button to frighten him off, he waltzed toward me. 
Click, click, click, many photos later, forever grateful for his grand performance, he meandered along, scrutinizing the shoreline. 
The heron is a bird of immense symbolism and folklore. For me he symbolized hope, on this sunny day. A much-needed gift from the universe to divert my fears, enabling my tentative belief in humanity once again! 
Boston, a city steeped in tradition, founded by heroes, a legacy carried on, through all the efforts of those involved! Home of the BRAVE!!!
 We love you Boston! You make us proud! 

I was so impressed by this gorgeous heron that I decided to make him my new blog header. A peaceful reminder, that we must hold onto faith and hope, no matter the circumstances.

Also sharing with: http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com

The Wood Storks Of Corkscrew Swamp!

A fascinating creature...

Standing tall...I was protected by a fenced in boardwalk when I took this photo.

Always in pursuit of food...

Ok, so not the prettiest bird in the universe...

Yes, that is a gator in the background...

follow me...  
The wood stork is another common sight here in Florida. We usually see them by the road side, wading in almost any pool of standing water. They can stand erect, commanding a second look, especially in larger groups. My hubby often says that they are holding a union meeting! 
Quite playful, they seemed to go about their day peacefully. Not nearly as aggressive as the egret.  
Very regal looking creatures, larger than most of their sloshing buddies, dressed always in formal attire! 

A few facts: "Wood storks are tall, white denizens of freshwater or brackish wetlands and swamps. They can be identified by their long legs, featherless heads, and prominent bills. These waders feed on minnows in shallow water by using their bills to perform a rare and effective fishing technique. The stork opens its bill and sticks it into the water, then waits for the touch of an unfortunate fish that wanders too close. When it feels a fish, the stork can snap its bill shut in as little as 25 milliseconds, an incredibly quick reaction time matched by few other vertebrates. The storks prefer to employ this technique in isolated pools created by tides or falling freshwater levels, where fish congregate en masse. In some areas, such as Florida, breeding begins with the dry season that produces these optimal fishing conditions. Though wood storks eat small fish, they eat a lot of them. An average nesting pair, with two fledglings, may eat over 400 pounds (181 kilograms) of fish during a single breeding season. Wood storks are social animals. They feed in flocks and nest in large rookeries—sometimes several pairs to a single tree. Females lay two to five eggs, which both sexes incubate for about one month. Young fledge about two months after hatching."

~National Geographic~

sharing with: http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/

More On Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary!

Egret

I feel happy, o so happy...sorry not the greatest shot but it made me smile...

Too Skinny...

Slowly I walk...

Their plumes were used by hat makers and they almost became extinct... 

Sitting Pretty...

I said... 
Suffice it to say, that the Egret is a common bird here in Florida. Hardly a day goes by, that I don't see at least one meandering about. It is also fair to say, that I have taken their existence for granted. Witnessing their antics at Corkscrew Swamp, has given me a whole new respect for these wispy creatures. Their delicate beauty added to the tapestry of the shrinking waterscape. 
Observing them for quite some time I became aware of their tenacious nature. They are very patient and strike their prey at lightning speed. Territorial, they scavenge gingerly about, foraging for any protein that swims, slithers or crawls. 
I used several different techniques to edit these photos! Actions, filters, textures and fooling around with levels for that matte finish look! 
Once again, Mother Nature, the conductress, of her universe! 
Have a wonderful and peaceful day! 

I was awarded Post Of The Week by The Smitten Image! Thanks Hilary

Our Day At Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary!

Roseate Spoonbill/Let Me Get This Out Of Your Way

Little Blue Heron

Roseate Spoonbill/ Little Blue Heron

Roseate Spoonbill/Morning Ritual 

Roseate Spoonbill/Me First 
We dropped Mom off at the airport, then headed south for about thirty minutes to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Florida. A local TV station had reported an abundance of birds due to the lack of rain. Birds seeking refuge in any water that remained, had been reported.  
Rain was in the forecast, it was overcast, muggy and a perfect day for photographing! The much needed rains would indeed grace us later that afternoon, accompanied by thunder and lighting. You can read more about Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary here: 
We entered the 2.25 mile boardwalk at the exit sign, fully knowing that the lake inhabited by the majestic creatures would be a shorter stroll. 
Walking about 3/4 of a mile to our destination and what a sight it was! We encountered seven different species of birds, there may have been more. Roseate Spoonbills, Ibis, Heron, Little Blue Heron, Limpkin, Wood Stork, Egrets, also alligators and turtles, all coexisting in the now shrinking lake. The true birders were all excited about a Night Heron, that they had spotted in a distant tree. 
Amazing what they can identify, as for me, it looked like a blob and my limited camera lens wasn't buying it either! 
It was an exciting and peaceful day and I have many more photos to share.
Mother Nature, and her cast of characters, is quite possibly the best show in town!

Sharing with: 

http://www.aruraljournal.com/ 
Wild Bird Wednesday: http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/wild-bird-wednesday-39-stilts.html

Cruising The Caloosahatchee!

Osprey

Why hello...

This is my good side....

See ya later....

Need some sauce?

Home Sweet Home...one bedroom Condo, perfect water views, need boat...priceless

"When nature has work to be done, she creates a genius to do it."~Ralph Waldo Emerson~ 
Cruising down the Caloosahatchee River, we came across the awesome Osprey! Their nests perched atop zone signs, almost every one occupied. Many nests are quite visible but their occupants not always in residence. 
Out hunting for nourishment to feed their young and themselves keep them engaged! I was amazed to see the size of the prey in photo five! 
Last Wednesday was the day of our voyage. We rented a boat and cruised the Caloosahatchee with three other couples. The planning for this event was a long time coming, our friend Linda made many phone calls to set our expedition in motion. 
The wait was well worth it, Mother Nature bestowed upon us a perfect day. The temperature hovered around eighty two degrees, the wind mild and the river tame. Our destination, Sanibel Island for lunch. There is something about being on the water that makes me think of food almost immediately.
My observations of the river from a boat were amazing, camera in hand allowed me to capture it's essence, and the spirit of my spirited friends. The almighty Osprey were an added bonus, truly a gift allowing us to invade and capture a glimpse of their environment! 
Haven't been on a boat in quite some time and honestly can't wait to do it again! An event from which memories are made to cherish!

"The Osprey tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location near a body of water providing an adequate food supply. It is found on all continents except Antarctica although in South America it occurs only as a non-breeding migrant.
As its other common name suggests, the Osprey's diet consists almost exclusively of fish. It possesses specialised physical characteristics and exhibits unique behaviour to assist in hunting and catching prey.
The Osprey, sometimes known as the sea hawk, fish eagle or fish hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 24" in length and 71" across the wings. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts, with a black eye patch and wings."~Wikipedia~

Home At Last!

almost there.......

only a few more miles......

settling in.........
Yes we are finally home and I do apologize to all of my blogging friends for not keeping up with comments! Just know that I miss you all and will catch up soon! 
Leaving last Sunday, always a better day for us to travel through the Northeast Corridor! Less traffic going through New York and DC and yes we have tried many other routes. We made it to Emporia, VA on our first day and then onto Jacksonville on the second! We stayed in Neptune Beach part of the Jacksonville Beach chain! The hotel we chose was built in 1954 and very eclectic at that, a beautiful ocean view, what a treat! 
Arriving home on Wednesday and settling in, has filled our week! Friends made us dinner upon our arrival and it was so appreciated.
Had to go into the archives to retrieve a few photos from last spring! These were taken at Ding Darling State Park, Sanibel, FL. 
Certainly not my best work, but I do believe I captured the gracefulness of this inquisitive Heron. 
Looking forward to many more photos and adventures! 
Have a great day! 

Bird Watching!

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

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

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

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

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

Gosh I have got to get me one of those!

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

Gaggle, Google Or Geese!

Yikes, just a little chilly!

Honk, the Geese are in! Fall is sure to follow!

I know my cell phone is in here somewhere! Hello!

I think we should head south! The seagulls here are confused! Fresh water???

This place isn't so bad for a rest after all! 
Running wedding errands all day we drove thru the park on our way home. Wow, look at all the geese, lets stop. Hubby was all to willing, to bad he didn't have his fishing pole! 
I took over 150 shots so narrowing them down to a few of my favorites wasn't easy! 
Funny how a few hundred geese can keep me from doing what I am supposed to be doing! 
They were hysterical to watch, a little noisy and very territorial. 
There were ducks, white, brown and multi colored, Canadian Geese, seagulls and a few pigeons running amuck. Now I could google all of this and give you more accurate information but right now I'm just going for the visual. I think we were most surprised to see the seagulls in fresh water away from the ocean. Guess they have to find drinking water somewhere. Never thought about that much! 
Reminded me of my dad and how he would take rolls of film of the same jumping whale while on vacation and only a few of us children. Think I understand now dad, it is so easy to get carried away!

MOM, She Won't Share!

It's Mine, I Saw It First
Caught these two gulls bickering over a poor little crustacean. For a while it was a tug of war, somehow the crab remained intact, struggling with all his might. Smugness on the face of the victor as she scurried away! Had I a little cocktail sauce I might have joined in on the tussle. 
The ocean intoxicated, regurgitating objects of all shapes and sizes, indigenous and foreign to it's environment. Amazing what a hurricane can conjure up! 
The beach littered with giant globs of seaweed, most of which the ocean will reclaim as the rhythmic waves return to their normal beat. 
Mother Nature, at her worst and best, convincing mankind of the respect She is worthy!
Watching the antics of these amusing birds, a gift of mindful gratitude. 
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!

Just Strolling Along!

The Elusive Sandhill Crane
Finally I captured their essence last evening! They are a pretty common sight here on the golf course or so I thought, until I went looking for them to photograph. They are not easily spooked and their very large stature quite a sight to behold. A full grown adult can grow to 48 inches. Our friends Gail and Sheldon rented here in March on a pond and while eating breakfast a couple of these creatures meandered by Gail, startled she yelled, "come look Sheldon, there are pterodactyls here!" Yes Gail, I can understand the association.
If they look drenched it is because they are. While scouting for them, our golf cart expedition was poured upon. We took cover under a strangers carport for a short while. Emerging from our haven we proceeded to the third hole and there they were, five of them just strolling around. I'll bet eating becomes a feast after a sudden deluge of water. I looked to my left and these two beauties came strolling down from the green right to my waiting lens. Just to darn good to be true. Suddenly they flew off in a remarkable display of grandeur. Their shrilling but distinct sounds difficult to describe. 
I will always remain in awe of their size and their ability to waltz to the peacefulness of nature and grace our landscape. The Sandhill Crane a sight to behold.
 Have a wonderful day!

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

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!

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.