"TEE OR TEA"

"TEE OR TEA"

The christening party/unveiling of “Tee or Tea” went extremely well. To be perfectly honest, I have been recuperating ever since! I should also mention that our daughter and friend are here visiting. Her friend April has been recently transferred to Florida due to her employment. We have looked at over thirty houses in the last several days. April has signed a purchase and sales agreement and has made an incredible choice.

My heartfelt thanks to Suzanne Cummings and her husband Dick for hosting this magical event. The food was incredible. Cooking, besides decorating, is also one of Suzanne’s many talents. 

About sixty people attended the event. The unveiling took place after everyone had eaten and was settled with a beverage of their choice. Champagne was then served and Suzanne gave a sincere toast. She complemented all the talented people in her life, but said that I touched her heart the most with my art. What greater compliment can an artist receive! She has touched my soul and cemented the fact that I am on the correct path. Making people happy with my art and getting paid for my achievements are quite the accomplishment for any artist.

So as promised, in a prior blog post, I reveal “Tee or Tea” in its entirety. Again, a special thank you to Mary Ann Coyle for getting this old bike rolling. My only regret is that Mary Ann was not here to enjoy the festivities.

I do apologize for the delay. However, life has an amazing way of just being life. Enjoy!

Notes, Quotes and Images of Cape Cod!

"Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within the reach of every hand." ~  Mother Teresa ~ 

"All glory comes from daring to begin." ~ Eugene F. Ware ~

"Press on. Obstacles are seldom the same size tomorrow as they are today." ~ Robert H. Schuller ~

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." ~ Nelson Mandela ~ 

"We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right." ~ Nelson Mandela ~

"Good manners sometimes means simply putting up with other people's bad manners." ~  H. Jackson Brown, Jr. ~

"Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning." ~ Unknown ~

"Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius." ~  Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr. ~ 

"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing." 
~ George Bernard Shaw ~

"Whenever you're in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude." ~  William James  ~

"I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck." 
~ Emma Goldman ~ 

"Sometimes the beauty and knowledge around us must simply be shared." ~ Rosemary Aubut ~ 
Enjoying family, friends and the beauty of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. 
Have a great day!

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My Word for 2013!!!

Open wide...

Standing tall...

A Hint of Spring...

I just love tulips and I am happy to say that these beauties were a gift. Tulips are colorful, strong and wispy. Can't you just taste their color? Sherbet maybe??? Living in New England most of my life, they always suggested that a hint of spring was surly not far behind.
Standing tall, strong and upright for a few days, soaking in all available light they slowly tire, beginning their graceful decline. Some opening wide adding to the drama. Loving their wispy fall, I decided to capture me a few photos over several days. 
Reading my fellow bloggers posts recently, I noticed  that some were picking a word to live by in this new year. Hmmm! I thought long and hard about this and had several phrases that I could attach myself to. But just one word!!!!!! This is not as easy as one might think! 
Well folks, after much deliberation I have decided on a word!!! Drum roll please......EXPLORE! 
Yes explore, that's my word and I really love it! 
This is our year for a landmark anniversary and those birth numbers that accumulate automatically. Usually we don't make a big deal out of such events, but this is a perfect excuse to make things happen, a long time waiting! 
We are planning a trip to Europe and I am beyond excited. Sitting in class for four years studying art history many moons ago, I knew that someday I would visit these magnificent treasures, gifted to us through pure genius. 
More details to come as I wish all of you to share in our journey! We will explore as the ancient navigators did, however, in the comforts of a cruise ship and later a two week land tour. Our trip is planned in several months.
So many things to explore! So much to see and do! So many photos to capture! Yes, I love my new word and plan on executing it to it's fullest potential. Dress rehearsal is over folks, no more dreaming! 
Just do, explore and enjoy!
Isn't that a phrase??? 

Balance, Order, Rhythm, Harmony!

Balance...

Order...

Rhythm...

Harmony...
 Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.~Thomas Merton~ 
One can always say the nicest things with flowers! One of life's simple pleasures they always make me happy! 
Capturing a few more photos before the blossoms rest for winter break! 
Well deserved as they have shown their beauty well intensifying the magic of summer! 
I await their grand entrance come next Spring, adding to the balance, order, rhythm and harmony of life! 

Using Kim Klassen's Sun-Kissed texture.

My Little Point & Shoot!

so very Regal...

innards of a Dahlia...

in love with the colors...

so soft and pretty...

just love the contrast and color...
Recently I purchased a small point and shoot camera, for all those times I wished I had my camera with me. Not much bigger than my cellphone it fits nicely in my purse. Sixteen mega pixels and a steady hand rendered me a few great shots. 
Carrying my big Canon around still my favorite way to go but I'm starting to fall in love with my little Nikon! Enjoy!

Window Of Possibilities!

Window of Hope
"The optimist lives on the peninsula of infinite possibilities; the pessimist is stranded on the island of perpetual indecision."~William Arthur Ward~
"Hope is the companion of power, and mother of success; for who so hopes strongly has within him the gift of miracles."~Samuel Smiles~ 
I loved these two quotes so much that I decided to use them both today! 
I absolutely love the photo as well! 
These are flowers from the wedding still going strong a full week later. They sat ever so proudly on a window shelf waiting to be photographed, a bit cloudy outside the light was ever so perfect. 
So my suggestion for the day is: 
1. read the first quote, observe the photo while absorbing it's content.
 2. read the second quote, observe the photo, while absorbing it's content as well. 
3. repeat the process several times if necessary...
Now ask yourself, isn't life full of possibilities, nurtured by hope, resulting in miracles? 
I think we may be on to something Dr. Watson!!! Yes, yes, I think we really may be!
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Everything Was Warm & Glowing!

Begging to be Photographed click photo to view larger
This gorgeous bouquet of flowers belonged to one of my grand-daughters. It was placed on this lovely brass tray by her dad. It was time for sweet Sophia to run and play with all of her cousins. Doing what a nine year old does best! She would proudly announce that the color of her gown was sangria. She did such a beautiful job as a bridesmaid, so grown up.
Her twelve year old sister Hannah was maid of honor. Equally as beautiful, she took her job very seriously. Holding Allicyn's flowers and primping her veil. Before you know it I will be attending their weddings too! Time just has a way of doing that!
I love to take those shots at a wedding that just seem to beg a photograph. All the attention on the bride and groom many gorgeous photo opportunities go unnoticed.
As far as the best flower shot goes this one gets my vote. Just love the warmth and glow of this photo that filled the air by everyone and everything present!
It was just that kind of day! 
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Autumn Crocus!

Autumn Crocus
"Most people are familiar with the Spring Flowering Crocus, with its small flowers in a variety of colors representing some of the first blossoms to appear in the spring. The Autumn Crocus, however, is unknown to the majority of gardeners. When encountered, it is considered by many to be an over-sized Spring Flowering Crocus that is blooming in the wrong season. While related, the Spring and Autumn Crocuses are not nearly as close relatives as their common names suggest. The Autumn Crocus belongs to the Lily family along with the Lilies, Tulips, and Hyacinths. The Spring Flowering Crocus, in contrast, is a member of the Iris Family along with the Iris and Gladiolus."~google search~ 
Strolling thru the gardens at Blithewold on Sunday I came upon these beautiful crocus. I was truly amazed that crocus, an early spring flower would be in bloom this late in the season. 
We later discovered that they were called Autumn Crocus. A flower I have never heard of before, don't they just make you happy? Crocus, Spring and Fall are the quotations that confine Summer!
What a delightful surprise Mother Nature, Herself, once again had in store for us! 
Have a wonderful day!
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More On Coincidences!

Coincidences
Looking out the dining room window I was contemplating my son's upcoming marriage. Allicyn's shower was so beautiful, family and friends so thoughtful and generous.
Chris and Allicyn, are buying a house, maybe I would purchase towels and have them monogramed as a new house gift. Nice big, right out of the dryer, fluffy, thirsty ones that last forever. Great idea!
Tossing and turning that evening I was giving their initials some concentrated thought. I then had a lightbulb moment, an epiphany so to speak! Another one of those coincidences and you know Who, remains anonymous, if you read my blog posted on: 
Tuesday, June 28th 2011, entitled, Coincidences: http://rosemaryaubut.blogspot.com/2011/06/coincidences.html 
My son's initials are CJA, for Christopher James Aubut. Allicyn's initials are AJC, for Allicyn Jayne Cote. Why this never occurred to me until now is one of those unsolved mysteries contributed to age. 
Palindromes are words or phrases that read the same in both directions, e.g. eye, mom, dad. 
So if I put all of their initials together they would read:
CJAAJC or AJCCJA, not words, but wow what a coincidence!
Maybe this is called something else, but I call it one of those just meant to be divine like messages, designed by you know, Who, Himself!!!
Monograming will be a breeze now, I just couldn't make a mistake even if I tried! 


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http://www.lgordonphotography.com

Buy Fresh Buy Local!

Buy Local
"Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up makes it permanent."
~Marilyn Savant~
This photo was also captured at the Farmers Market on Friday during our family expedition.  
The flowers were bundled with elastic and displayed in large black buckets of water on several tables. Herbs were mixed into the bouquets and the aroma just divine. What interesting arrangements when the unsuspected is mixed with the ordinary. I can name cosmos, black eyed susan, yarrow, marigold and zinnia in the above photo as for the rest of them, I really don't know, and it really doesn't matter as they all work together in a amiable sort of way. 
Knowing that this one particular farm has met with several setbacks and in many ways is still struggling to survive the "big guys" they keep on trying new crops and are really making    
a difference, hence all the signage. Many of these farms need our support and are so worth our patronage. Visit one today, have a tactile experience, enhancing your remaining senses. Yes, yes, yes, the tomatoes lined up and were screaming pick me, pick me!

Poster too: http://www.lgordonphotography.com

You Can Open Your Gift Now!

Quotes
"Everyone is gifted, but some people never open their package."~unknown~
Loving quotes the way I do I signed up for a "quote of the day," thru http://www.finestquotes.com, on Wednesday of this week. Don't remember how I found this site, but am so glad that I did. 
Great minds have so much to say and what better way to condense thoughts than thru a quote.
Volumes can be understood thru just a few short words or phrases. 
I spend a great deal of time searching for the right quote to tie into a photo. Sometimes they come easy and sometimes it takes me quite a while. I received my first scheduled quote of the day yesterday from Finest Quotes and it just so happened to be the insightful words above. 
Hope I get lucky again today, if not I will continue to search, their is so much wisdom to be found and so much wisdom to live by! A few short words can make such an impact!
Have a wonderful day and go ahead and open your gift now! Imagine what could be inside!

Can You Hear The Music?

Unity
"Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself. Your body and mind will become clear and you will realize the unity of all things."~Dogen~
A pretty powerful quote and I am just in love with this photo. I especially love that these flowers are each an individual gift of God, grouped together in unity, creating a harmonious environment for all that observe. 
What I get from this quote is that we are all individuals and we must listen to the song that beats deep within our soul. Dance to this song creating your own steps, become the unique performance for your own being to applaud. The steps will flow, your being will unite, your next performance more grand than the last! 
God, I wish I knew where all this stuff comes from??? Guess I must be listening to the melodious tune that plays constant to my spirit, some days the tune just seems to be right on key! 

The Shower!

Bridal Shower
Yesterday a bridal shower was held for Allicyn, my brand new, soon to be daughter-in-law. There were 52 guests and a delicious brunch was held at a local restaurant. Allicyn arrived on time with her mom and two year old niece, Elsie. She opened gifts for about two hours and the entire bridal registry was filled except for several items. 
The nice thing about being this age is that I simply showed up, my only job was to do the floral arrangements, fun, fun, fun for me. My daughter Kathy, the groom's sister and Amanda the bride's sister, planned the entire event. An event that was extremely well done!
Except for some roses, the flowers were courtesy of my daughter's yard, (above photo) an added bonus and the best bargain in town. To create freely without the added expense, expect for a few insect bites, is a small price to pay. 
Another day filled with gratitude, was enjoyed by all. How fortunate we are to have such wonderful friends, relatives and a beautiful new daughter-in-law, adding joy and beauty to our family! 
You can see more shower pictures by clicking on the link below. 
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1916062186619&set=a.1916061746608.2094937.1393907008&type=1&theater
Have a wonderful 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/

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!

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! 

Home Sweet Home!

Magnolia
I find it interesting that the Magnolia is the state flower of Louisiana. I had no idea, when I took this photo outside of our hotel. The pistil looks quite comfortable nestled in between the towering white petals. The state flower of Florida is the Orange Blossom and I must say that it is good to be home. We traveled for almost twelve hours yesterday without an overnight to sleep in our own beds. Home sweet home, it is so good to be back! Have a wonderful Day!


This post is linked to: http://www.lgordonphotography.com, http://arosynote.blogspot.com

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!