So, Here We Are...

Sunset over Pikes Peak

The same morning view on a crisp clear day...today!!!

The same morning view, yesterday w/ low clouds...so beautiful!!

Instagram pic of above...detailed...

So, here we are at the beginning of 2014. Our birthdays, Christmas and New Year were lovely, low key, uncomplicated. We were grateful. I know that I have said it before. I was grateful that the year had passed, that my birthday 'felt better' than the year before, as it was the first one w/out Mom. So w/ a much lighter spirit, as a Family, we cruised through all of it, quietly. On the 18th of this month it will be 2 years since we left our sweet Dutch Colonial in Rhode Island and made the big move to Colorado Springs. I have literally seen my vision expand w/ the breathtaking skies, the majesty of Pikes Peak, which I wake up to every morning. The sun is brighter (and hotter 6000 feet closer to it's warmth), the sky is bluer. And, now, w/ my new camera (w/ WIFI!!!!) in tow, I can capture more detail from far away, and the close-up/macro shots, well, more 'macro-y'. I am still very much playing w/ the camera and have barely scratched the surface. But, these shots are telling. So, w/ hope in my heart for this new year of 2014, I continue to step forward...

Girl Whirl, sunning...

'But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven: A land which the Lord thy God careth for: the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.'

Deuteronomy 11:11-12

Wordless Wednesday

'Happy Dragonfly'

Wordless Wednesday

'Pretty in Purple'

The loveliness, the delicateness, the intricacies are mind boggling.

Wordless Wednesday

'My Palette'

'Dancing Petals'
'Inner Visions'

Lilleypics

Wordless Wednesday

Gift in February

Swan With Attitude
Happy Dragonfly
Pretty in Purple

Cards, Cards, Cards!!!

I'm not sure why, but for years, the idea of making cards has just not been something that I wanted to do. The pieces just never seemed to come together, too much work, too tedious, HOW and WHAT could I possibly put on cards that someone would actually want to buy? Then it happened. A lovely lady named Marie, who has an Etsy Shop called ModFarmgirl, asked if I could make cards of, get ready, THE DAIRY COWS!!! Our 'Gal' cow had struck a cord. So I said, sure, if you want me to make cards of the cows, I'll do it. Well, I am so pleased with the results that I have bought quality Solar White card stock (of course, with envelops to match), and have decided that ANYTHING GOES in my Esty Shop, Lilleypics. Your pick of any 2 photos, or one photo, 6 cards in all for $15. I am going to play around with the artwork that you see posted on this blog and hopefully, put those in the Shop as well. For the first 3 people who buy cards, I'll give you 2 cards, of your choice, absolutely FREE! Check out my Shop for the details.

It all about 'That Look'

Well, I've decided to stick with the felines for the moment. Some of you have seen this photo of Girl Whirl in my Etsy Shop. This photo speaks volumes about this cat. The face, the eyes, THAT LOOK. Big Kitty politely, for the most, has come to 'share space' with Girl Whirl. Even as loopy as she can be at times, when she pulls this face out of her bag, I'm lost. She and Big Kitty are so different...well, yes, she is FEMALE, and there's no question that she is wired in a different manner. She Insists on nuzzling in with me, especially during the Winter months (I learned that she was weaned too soon). I mean, she's finding a way no matter what. She cuddles when she wants, not when I want...WHAT! She grooms Big Kitty and then jumps him, and he falls for it every time...WHAT! Like I said, it's 'that look', it even works on Big Kitty!

Wordless Wednesday

Central Park, NYC
Bridge at 72nd Street, Detail

Swirly Weeds & Mixed Media, Part Deux

Thank you to Kim, from Laketrees, for suggesting that I photograph the swirly weeds in black and white! WOW...this is abstract nature at it's finest. This is child-like abandon that can only be inspired by the real deal. Be free children, draw outside the lines, express yourselves! These weeds surround a Lilac bush that we planted earlier in the Spring, and when they came up instead of fragrant Lilacs, I was not especially disappointed, because of how complex they are. I have never seen anything like them! So, maybe, next year, I'll be taking photographs of Lilac buds, but, hey, swirly weeds, not so shabby!

Wordless Wednesday

Swirly Weeds and Mixed Media

Girl Whirl in Lace

It's been so very sultry and steamy for well over a week now, that for most of that time we have kept the winds closed to keep out the humidity. We have a 'system' to keep the cool air IN THE HOUSE. But, the poor kitty's miss their spots by the windows. Little Girl Whirl loves to 'hide' behind the lace curtain on the first floor by the stairs. Today, she didn't quite make it all the way under the curtain at first and she looked so pretty, draped in lace, well, I simply couldn't resist the shot! It was a delight, after the storms of the past 2 days wake up this morning and throw open every window in the house!

Wordless Wednesday

Hydrangea

Pretty in Purple

I know, I know, this is the 'Art' category and I've been posting alot of my photographs lately....but, I did mention in my bio that I would. Have I thought about starting a 2nd blog, you ask, just for the photos? Well, yes, I have thought about it.
This time of the year for me, goes beyond being a 'kid in a candy shop' as an artist and photographer. Of late, on more than one occasion, I have literally been in the middle of a conversation when something caught my eye, and I was gone...suddenly EVERYTHING has potential for being a beautiful picture! I continue to learn about lighting and distance as nature BECKONS to be captured in that one unique moment!