We Three Angels of Glory & Tolerance

Things are really looking up...

Tree Top Duty once again! Wonder whose turn it is this year? Gets pretty lonely up there at the top. Gertrude, I think you should do it! No, no never mind Gertrude, your balance seems to be off a little off these days (wine). Mildred, maybe you? No, no, a little heavy on the carbs this year, Mildred (angel cake)! Beatrice, I really do think it should be you! No, no, Beatrice, heard you been running around with some guy named Joe Visa and living pretty high on a borrowed dime!
Really people, we really all need to get along! We all have our faults. Some are excusable and documented with meds and for the rest of us, well, we really need to be kind in the spirit of Christmas, work together and water the seeds of tolerance. Bet all three of these little angels will be at the top this year, together!

Guardian Angels!

                               Family click on photo for larger view
This very sweet photo is of my husband's grandparents. There are volumes that could be written about this courageous young couple. They gave to their children a legacy of love and devotion and a true sense of family. There is a profound connection with this beautiful young woman and a history that only a family can comprehend.
I layered the photo with several old textures using different blending modes and opacities. Found the music sheet to be very appropriate and added more texture by coloring the flowers pink.

Oh Little Tree!

Rosemary for Remembrance 
"I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year." Charles Dickens
This tree is a gift from two very special people. They keep the spirit of Christmas all the year just by being who they are. Kind, generous, and thoughtful are just a few words to describe them. This tree of Rosemary will always be remembered, as this herb is intended to do. It fills the house with smells of the holidays and will be cherished always!

I Cry for You Peonies!

I Cry for You Peony! click photo for larger view
Hydrangea is probably my most favorite flower because of it's beauty and longevity. The Peonies, however, are my most favorite flower because they tease us with their short lived beauty. We must appreciate them in the short time that they grace our lives, every spring.
Most often their willowy stems must be corralled with wire rings to contain there vivacious personalities.
They are perennials in New England and need the frost to bloom again the following year. I cannot grow them in Florida, therefor, I Cry for you my Peonies!
I used textures and layers to create this look.

The Debutante!

The Elusive Monarch click photo for larger view
This photo was taken at the Butterfly estates in Fort Myers, Florida. I never really gave the butterfly much thought until my friend Cynthia started her own butterfly garden and greenhouse. The process these little creatures go thru to become a reality is amazing. Cynthia, cares for several different species, researching their habits and all the different plants that they breed and survive on. Thank You Cynthia, for teaching me to stop and be kissed by butterfly wisdom.
The link to Cynthia's website is: http://cynthiasbutterflygarden.com/
Several blending modes and textures were used in this photo.

Texture Layers, A Whole new World!

A Lightbulb Moment
click photo for larger view
Thanks MB. You have opened a whole new world for me. It is a very good thing that I know a little bit about resampling and image size. Now I see textures everywhere. Would love to create my own. Got to figure out how to burn and curl the edges though. It is amazing that this ordinary shot of an unknown flower can be transformed into something so wonderful.