A New Start

As you can see, it has been many months since I have added to my blog. Computer woes at home was just one problem. My main obstacle seemed to be that life just got in the way. However, I was just thinking about just how much I enjoy recording my thoughts here. My blog gives me opportunities to sit back and reflect on my favorite subjects: photography, literature, art, craft projects and the simple pleasures of life. I can stand back from the ordinary times in my life and begin to see those people, places and events which serve to inspire me. This blog helps be to bring more joy and creativity into my life!

And as the new year approaches, I thought that I would update my blog a bit. I am still struggling to find a background template that I like, but I am definitely going to continue to publish what I can my "creative ramblings". I may comment a book that I am reading, write about a favorite photographer, share a favorite quote, or describe my latest craft project. I will still add my photographs when I have a chance, but I don't think that every entry will include a photo. (I found that I got very far behind in adding blog entries if I didn't have photos to go with them.)

I really do enjoy the writing process. It helps me to have the theme of creativity so that my blog entries flow and do not stagnate with just descriptions of daily frustrations. (Yes, I know that my frustrations will pop up here from time to time!)

In addition, I really do enjoy visiting other people's blogs. I glean more inspiration from reading your blog entries and viewing your photographs. Keep up the good work!

My goal for the new year is to continue to add meaningful entries to my blog on a regular basis. I realize that I may not be able to add daily entries, but I will definitely try to be
consistent . In turn, I will be around to visit your blogs very soon.

All the best for 2008. Happy blogging!

Kathy

Harry Potter Mania

The last book in the Harry Potter series just hit the shelves at 12 am today. I now have my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and I will be busy reading it this weekend!

I read about the first Harry Potter book in a newspaper article. This was befor the book was printed here in the US. I still remember getting my copy of the first book. I couldn't put the book down because it was so cleverly written.

J.K. Rowling makes her character come to life right there on the pages of her books. I have enjoyed watching the Harry Potter movies, but I do prefer to read the books and let my imagination dictate what Harry's world is really like as well as what will happen next in the series.

As a school librarian, I have seen firsthand how the Harry Potter books have made an impact on children. The fantasy series have encouraged so many children to become better readers. I have seen reluctant readers devour the Harry Potter series and then go on to read such classics as The Chronicle of Naria series by C.S. Lewis.

Hopefully, I will be able to take a break from reading in order to take some more photos this weekend. We have had very pleasant weather lately and I want to get out with the camera before the heat and humidity returns.

I hope that you have a great weekend!

Summer Fun ~Family Style

I hope that everyone has had a good week. I am finally getting around to doing some more blogging. It has been a busy week!

I thought that I would post some recent family photos. My parents have an above ground swimming pool in their back yard. My nieces and nephews really enjoy swimming in the pool during the summer.

Recently, my little nephew Christopher had his first dip in the pool. (Christopher will be a year old tomorrow.) So, I posted a photo of my brother-in-law Chris in the pool with his children, Christopher and Rachel.

Christopher really loved the water. Here his is with his Dad.

The baby just squealed with delight in the water. He said, "more,

more!" when he was in the pool.

My sister was sitting on the deck watching all of the swimming

activitity. (I was circling the outside of the pool with my camera in hand, of course.) Christopher made sure that he got our attention!

Christopher had to get hugs and kisses from his mama when he got out of the pool. He loved being wrapped up in his beach towel, too. I think that he looked so cute in his first swimming trunks!

I can't believe that Christopher will be a year old already. Hopefully, I will get some good photos of his birthday party this weekend.

Saturday in the Park

We are fortunate to have several parks here in Utica, a small city in Central New York State. These parks were constructed during the Great Depression of the 1930's. It was a very difficult time in our nation's history because many people (including my grandparents) were out of work due to the stock market crash. So, the government provided people with such jobs as building and maintaining these parks.

I like to wander around these parks with my camera. The above photo shows Proctor Park. It is lush and green. This park includes walking trails, stone bridges, a stream, and benches underneath shady trees.

I make this photo using my trusty Canon point-and-shoot camera, a Hoya R72 filter and a tripod. I am fascinated with this type of infrared photography because I love the strong contrasts as well as the magical quality. The trees look fantastic when they look full and snowy white.

I would like to do some more infrared photography. It takes a lot of practice and experimentation to get it just right. I just wish that I could get a print of this photo that I am happy with.

Has anyone else had any experience with infrared photography?

Purple Rain

Flowers are another reason that I enjoy making photographs during the summertime. I can still remember all of those snow banks we had to deal with all winter long. It is truly a miracle to me that we have any flowers here at all. And all summer long I can photograph single blooms like this ones, or entire gardens.

One very important photography lesson that I have learned is that I don't need bright summer light to take photos. Fortunately, I realized (after much trial and error), that diffused light was better when using a digital camera in order to make the floral photos come alive with rich colors. I photographed this purple mum after it stopped raining one summer afternoon. It was one of my first photographs and I still enjoy viewing it.

Sweet Summertime

"Summer Sunset On the Barge Canal"

As you know, the winters here in Central New York State are snowy, bitterly cold and long. So, it is wonderful to enjoy the summertime while it is here. And to me, summertime means having more opportunities to take photos, of course!

Central New York State is certainly a lot different than the hustle and bustle of New York City.Our part of the State is dotted with small towns, rolling hills, and farmland. The beautiful Adirondack Mountains are just a 45 minute drive north from where I live. And we are blessed with many lakes, too.

I have always lived here in Central New York. Photography has given me a new way of creatively documenting the people and the landscape of this area that I call home. I can look over the Mohawk Valley and taken in the natural beauty. Sometimes I return to the nearby Finger Lakes region where I grew up, with camera and hand. It is exciting to find new subject matter to photograph amongst familiar places.

So, I will be sharing these, as well as other photos of the place that I call home during the upcoming summer season.

My Homeland

Happy Fourth of July! Today we are celebrating the birth of our nation. Yes, it is a day filled with picnics, barbecues, and fireworks. In my heart and mind, however, it is much, much more.

My ancestors came to this land in order to build better lives, especially my Italian an Irish ancestors. Their lives and examples serve as a lasting legacy to me and my family. They left us with so many lasting gifts: the pursuit of a better life, the value of education, the bonds of family, and, of course, freedom.

And during these days when terrorism is such a threat, I like to remember of the good things about this country: the hard working, patriotic citizens who are working to make a better life here, the freedoms we still enjoy as well as the beauty of the diverse parts of our nation.

I really like this song by Lee Greenwood. It is entitled "God Bless the USA". It has help us through some dark days in this nations history, especially after September 11, 2001. For me, it sums of the meaning behind the 4th of July, too.

Here is a link to the song: http://users.1st.net/teddi/index30.htm

Wildflowers

Here's another macro photo that I created using my Sigma 105 mm lens. These tiny flowers cried out to be photographed and I was pleased with the results. I focused on the front flower. I liked the blurred background.

Photography really does provide us with "new eyes". I am amazed at the fact that I can get really close to nature's miracles!

Photography also gives us a special way to look at life and God's creations. I had the following William Blake quotation in mind when I took this photo: "To see the world in a grain of sand, and to see heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hands, and eternity in an hour."

I really enjoy visiting your blogs in order to see the different ways that you view the world. It is a privilege!

Tiny Details

It is so good to have more time to do some blogging now that summer is here. I so enjoy visiting other people's blogs as well as posting my own entries.



I recently purchase the Sigma 105mm macro lens. Now I am enjoying the process of learning how to use this lens. First, I have learned that a photographer needs plenty of light in order to take a decent macro photos. And using a tripod definately helps!



Macro photography is challenging because it forces the photographer to really see tiny details that others might miss. It just amazes me how close I can get to an object with a macro lens!

International Center of Photography

It has been a very busy June. The end of the school year always brings so many task, meetings and events, and this year was no different. But I will have more time to do some blogging now!

I wanted to post some information about the International Center of Photography. My friend Mary and I had the opportunity to visit this fantastic place during our New York City trip in May. (Here is the link to their website: http://www.icp.org/ )

The four very inspirationsl photography-related exhibits included African-American Portraits, the Photography of Stephen Shore (every day images), Amelia Earhart, and David Seymour photography. I was struck by the different types of images because they all seem to capture very different moments in time, from the stuggles of African-Americans, the adventures of Amelia, to everyday life during the 1970's.

My friend Mary isn't that interested in photography, but she really appreciated this photography museum. She liked the fact that she could learn more about history by viewing this photos.

I have posted an "artistic" photo I took just outside of the musuem.

New York, New York!

I visited New York City last weekend with my wpnderful friend, Mary. We departed from Union Station here in Utica and traveled to New York City's Penn Station by train. (Here is a photo of Union Station taken at trackside. I am also posting an "artistic" photo of the fence.)

It took us five hours to arrive in the Big Apple. Lynn, Mary's friend from her college days, met us at Penn Station. She took care of our luggage.

I took my first subway ride from Penn Station to Broadway. We really weren't on the subway too long, but it was a good trip!

I had dinner with Mary, Lynn, and their friend Kim at a barbeque restaurant in midtown Manhatten. Mmm...delicious! And the company and converstation was fantastic!

Mary and I went shopping in the Big Apple. Here is a photo of Mary at American Girl, one of her favorite stores. Mary loves to shop there and find collectible dolls.

Mary and I were invited to stay at Lynn's apartment on Long Island. Lynne and her husband, Frank, were gracious hosts. Here is a photo of Rockville Centre, Long Island where Lynn and Frank live. The photo was taken from their train station.

I will post more photos in my next blog entries! We also went to The International Center of Photography as well as the top of the Rockefeller Center building.

I'm Still Here!

I am still here! I have been so busy lately. My friend Mary and I went to New York City last weekend, so I will have photos from the trip to post here soon. I have also taken a few more spring photos, so I hope to post them here, too.

Hopefully, I will be visiting your blogs agains soon!

An Inspiration

It was a beautiful Sunday. The sun was shining on this Mother's Day and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

It was a wonderful day to honor mothers. I went to celebrate Mother's Day with my family. My Mom has six children and five grandchildren. She always puts us first in her life. The amazing thing is that she found out that she has multiple scerlosis a few years ago. But she keeps going and has such a positive attitude.

She is such an inspiration! So I am posting a single tulip in honor of my Mom and all those in our lives who serve others.

Pretty Petals

Spring has finally returned to this part of New York State. The flowers seem to be blooming later this year, but the daffodils and tulips are now in full bloom. And what a joy it is to see these miracles of nature!

Recently, I was out with my camera as the late afternoon sun was shining through a group of gorgeous tulips. I just sat and marveled at the way the light danced through and among this lively group.

I decided that I wanted to do something a little different when photographing tulips. My goal was to make some creative photos using a limited depth of field. I also wanted to retain the rich flower colors. So, I used my macro lens (60mm) and focused on the front petal. I was able to get the very front petal to be in focus while blurring the rest of the flower and background.

I was pleased with the results. I don't think that every photographer would appreciate this style, but I was excited because I was able to work with color, composition, and the camera's settings. What do you think about this image?

Experimentation and Frustration

I was pleased that I was able to produce a few night shots at the carnival. As I wrote in my previous entry, I have not done a lot of night or low light photography. I found it very helpful to have a photography instructor as well as experienced photographs with me last Friday night. I gained some helpful tips from them.

I was a bit frustrated due to the fact that there was a loud, noisy crowd at the carnival. I couln't hear my camera "beep" was the shot was just right. So, I really had to trust my eyes. I also found it difficult to take photos with all the people in the way. I just could get close to the objects that I wanted to photograph and I am short to begin with.

It was good to be able to try something new. I learned more about shutter speed as well as my camera's settings.

Now it is back to photographing flowers. The tulips are in bloom!

Experimenting with Night Photography

On Fridat evening I attended a workshop sponsored by the local camera club. The workshop turned out to be a "hands-on" learning experience with night photography techniques. The presenter teaches photography courses at the local community college. She gave the participants some basic tips pertaining to the subject while we were still meeting inside.

Next, we headed out with tripods and cameras to a local fair. Amusement park rides and games had been set up, so we thought that this would provide use with some coloful night shots.

I have to admit that I tend to shy away from low light situations. I really enjoy working with natural daytime light. However, I thought that this workshop would be a good learning experience for me. So, I worked with light and movement as the presenter suggested and considered it to be an experiement. We shot with slow shutter speeds while using the tungsten setting on our cameras. I am posting the photo of the "Vortex" amusement ride. I was pleased with the color and movement that I was able to capture with my camera.

I will write about some of the frustrations that I encountered wiht photographing at the fair in my next blog entry!

A Work In Progress

We had gray skies and rain showers for most of last weekend. Fortunately, the sun peeked out on Sunday afternoon. I went for a drive outside just outside of the city and found this old house alongside of the road. The wooden frame is all that is left of this long abandon house. It must have been a Victorian beauty in its day (during the late 1800's).

I stopped at took several photos of this old house. The lines and textures fascinated me. I have seen several photos of this same house at local photography shows, so I thought that I will photograph it myself. The late afternoon light was working for me.

Unfortunately, I didn't get as many photos as I would like to because the neighbors drove up when I had the camera out. I am definately going back and taking more photographs of this old house. I would like to take a wide angle photo of this house and then convert it into black and white.

For now, I would am going to work with this photo in Photoshop. I may use the artistic features in Photoshop in order to produce more digital artwork. I really enjoy working on challenging projects in Photoshop. As Stephen Nachmanovitch wrote, "Creative work is play. It is free speculation using materials of one's chosen form. "

Getting Out and About

Hopefully, I gained some inspiration by attending the local Baggs Square photography show last weekend. It was wonderful to see other photographers' work. I had many "aha" moments when I view the photographs of local scenes and areas of interest. For example, the same old building looked entirely different to me because of a lens a photographer chose to use.

Now I would like to just get out and about with my camera this weekend. I would love to explore such local scenes as the train station, main street, and old buildings in seach of such elements as haunting reflections, time-worn textures, as well as the colors of everyday life.

Of course, life seems to have the habit of getting in the way of my photograpy plans. However, I have to make the time this weekend to enjoy this art of photography.

For Arts Sake

On Friday evening, I attend the opening of a local photography show. A group of local citizen is working on improving the quality of life in our small Central New York city. This enthusiastic group is called "For Arts Sake". The focus of their efforts is different types of artistic forms, including photography.

I entered their first juried show (held at Baggs Square) and had my photograph accepted! The photograph is entitled "Art and Architecture". (I have posted it here on my blog several times). It is a real honor to have my photography displayed with local photographers whose work I really admire. (I posted a photo I took with my point and shoot camera. It isn't the best, but it will give you a chance to see the show.)

I had a wonderful time at the opening. I was able to chat with some friends. In addition, I had the opportunity to see my photography teacher. (He was the judge for this show.) I could feel all of the creative energy in the air!

Here's To Better Days

Spring, it seems, has finally decided to stay here in Central New York State. We have enjoyed two gloriously sunny days with highs around 75 degrees F (24 degrees C.) Peferect weather at last!

On Friday night, I attended the opening of a local photography show. My photograph was accepted for this juried show! I was thrilled to see my photo hanging in the show. I will write more about this show during the upcoming week.

I had a lot of chores to do this weekend such as cleaning the car and raking the lawn. However, I did take a few photos that I hope to post here soon.

My computer at home is still being repaired. I hope to get it back soon. I really miss posting photos here! I will be visiting your blogs again very soon!

Fallen Heroes

It has been grey and gloomy here in Central New York State for so long lately. Recent tragedies, both locally and nationally, have certainly added to my sense of despair. One week ago a local police officer was shot and killed over a routine traffic stop. This young man was just doing his job of protecting and serving our small community. This totally senseless act by was committed by a coward who is still on the run.

This Tuesday we learned of the national tragedy that occurred on the Virginia Tech campus when over 30 people lost their lives to a lone gunman (who turned out to be a student.) Words cannot properly describe the deep sadness I felt when I learned about both horrific tragedies.

How can people have so little regard for human life? It is beyond my comprehension.

One of the reasons that I enjoy making photographs so much is that the creative process allows me to celebrate life: the miracle of a spring bud, my nephew's tiny hand, the glory of a summer day, a quiet sunset, the beauty of a single snow flake, and rich hues of autumn leaves. There is something very special in picking up a camera and really seeing the beauty of all of God's creation. And it is in that creative state that I feel closer to God.

I wish that people could find such creative outlets instead of choosing violence and destruction. I know that this may sound naive, but I believe that there are ways to lead a better life.

"To everything turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn. And a time for every purpose under heaven."

Today the sun returned and the spring breeze is gentle and calm. The birds are calling and the temperatures are mild once again. And so I hope to get out with my camera this weekend and really see the glory of God's creation.

Longing for Sunny Days

Spring just does not want to stay here in Central New York State. We have been experiencing a storm called a Nor'easter here for two days. The moisture is coming up along the Atlantic coast. The storm system first raced across the Midwest part of the US before gaining more strength along the Atlantic Coast. So, we have had rain, wet snow, freezing rain and now plain rain. The temperatures have not been higher than about 3 degrees C (37 degrees F). There is a slushy accumulation of snow on the ground now, but at least I have electricity now!

I would like to thank my wonderful friend Julie (CG) for recently nominating me for a Thinker Blog Award. Julie, you made my day! This photo of the yellow tulip is for Julie. The yellow color reminds me of the beautiful bonds of friendship, even when life seems a bit stormy. Friendship is indeed a treasure to be nurtured and cherished!

Now I have to think of a list of bloggers whose work really makes me think. Most of my favorite bloggers have already received this fantastic award, but I will do so more searching!

I so enjoy creating my blog entries. Hopefully, the weather here has to improve at some point, so that I may get out and about with my camera again. Stay tuned!

Waiting...

I am still using the laptop to do my blog entries. The computer tech at work as generously agreed to look at my hard drive. So, I will drag the machine into my school's computer lab. The computer tech said that he would look at the computer since the office supply store charges $50.00 just to look at the machine. I am grateful that the computer tech is will to at least look at my computer.

The weather here is still wintry. We had a mixed bag of precipitation this morning in the form of a rain/snow mix. Luckily, the snow didn't accumulate on the ground and it wasn't icy. However, I am so looking forward to getting out and about in nature with my camera! And it has been so dark and gloomy that it has been very difficult to do any indoor photography using natural light.

I hope that everyone is having a good week. Let's hope that there is enough natural light (inside or out) for me to take some photos this weekend!

Inspiration from Children's Art Work

I thought that I would use my point and shoot camera and the laptop in order to create a blog entry today. Today I spotted a display of children's art work in the hallway just outside of my school library. So, I decided to take a photograph of this colorful display.

I find myself going back to look at the children's artwork several times. Many of the children don't have these right vs wrong rules about creating artwork. They seem free to explore and discover without the fear of failing. I love their nature senses of color. They are willing to experiment with different shapes, textures, and colors. There are times when they seem to see the same objects using different perspectives than adults do.

Indeed, the children have lessons to teach all of us. First, I am reminded to take the time and really experiment with different photographic processes, even if I am not pleased with my first attempts. Also, I am reminded to look at objects using several different perspectives.

I am grateful for the lessons which these young artists continue to teach me!

Computer Woes

My desktop computer at home is providing me with problems at the moment. I think that it is a spyware problem. I am going to take it to the "computer doctor" to see if he can fix it. Luckily, I have backed up all of my photos and files on DVD.

So, I am using a laptop to blog today. My photo editing software is on my desktop, so I am not able to process the Easter photos. I miss photo editing. I actually find it relaxing. Hopefully, I will have the desktop up and running soon.

The weather here is still not cooperating. We have had another day of snow flurries and below average temperatures. I can't wait to get out and about with my camera again!

Please be patient with me until I get the desktop up and running again. I hope that it won't be too long!

Computer Woes

My desktop computer at home is providing me with problems at the moment. I think that it is a spyware problem. I am going to take it to the "computer doctor" to see if he can fix it. Luckily, I have backed up all of my photos and files on DVD.

So, I am using a laptop to blog today. My photo editing software is on my desktop, so I am not able to process the Easter photos. I miss photo editing. I actually find it relaxing. Hopefully, I will have the desktop up and running soon.

The weather here is still not cooperating. We have had another day of snow flurries and below average temperatures. I can't wait to get out and about with my camera again!

Please be patient with me until I get the desktop up and running again. I hope that it won't be too long!

Easter Joy

"Do not abandon yourselves to despair. . . . We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song."~Pope John Paul II

Happy Easter! Pope John Paul II's beautiful words reminds me of all of the blessing in my life: my supportive parents, my precious nieces and nephews, loyal friends, and work that gives me a sense of purpose. I am grateful to have hobbies such as reading and photography that give me a sense of accomplishment. And my Steve, my best friend and love of my life, continues to teach me what forever is all about.

It is a cold and blustery day here in Central New York State. The temperature barely reached 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) here today. The snow shower continue and the spring flowers are not in bloom yet. However, the laughter of my nieces and nephew here at my parents' house is like a light in the darkness. They really enjoyed their Easter egg hunt and I have a few photos for their scrapbooks.

One of my students gave me an orchid recently. I just had to take a close up photo of this beautiful bloom. Now I have another flower to add to my photography collection.

I hope that each of you had a joyous Easter. Thank you for visiting my blog. I treasure your friendships!

Easter Photo Opportunities

I am visiting my family for Easter. My parents had a Easter egg hunt for my nieces and nephew today. The festivities were held inside since the temperature barely reached 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) today and there were snow flurries in the air. The kids had a lot of fun, though.

So, I had a chance to take some photos of the kids. I had to use the flash since there wasn't enough natural light. I have to process the photos, but I was able to get a few good ones. The photos will be good to use for scrapbooking.

Tomorrow I will post a floral photo for Easter. I will post some of the kids' photos here soon. I hope that everyone has a joyous Easter surrounded by family and friends.

Photography Club Workshop

I attended a workshop at my local camera club this evening. The presenters were two camera club members. They showed photos of local places and events that provide interesting scenes to photograph- everything from old barns, waterfalls, wildflowers as well as the balloon fest.

The women did a great job. The photos were inspirational. They even gave printed directions for all of the locations. Hopefully, I will be able to visit some of these places once the weather improves here.

The presenters reminded us that photographic opportunities are all around us, including our own backyards. I took this photo of an antique car at a local antique car show that is held annual at the local museum.

I am going to take more notice of local events, festivals, and celebrations for their photographic opportunities. In addition, I am going to go to local places such as the train station and the zoo for more photographic ideas.

Another Possible Entry

Here is another possible choice for an entry for a local photography exhibition. The theme of the show is "Central New York State". I took this photo at a local pond. The title of the photograph is "Twilight on Twin Ponds".

I took the photo at sunset on a clear November day. I really liked the reflections on the barren tree branches on the water as well as the rich hues of blues and pinks.

I just hope that this photo is not a generic type of nature photo for the theme. I will post the local of the photo along with the title. What do you think?

Well, we have had another wintry day here. The temperature never got above 0 degrees C (32 degree F) here today and we have had snow showers. The snow hasn't accumulated on the ground yet, but we are suppose to have the same kind of weather for the next few days. It looks more like Thanksgiving (celebrated in November) than Easter!

A Local Photography Show

I just found out that a local arts organization is sponsoring a juried photography show. The chosen theme has to do with life here in Central New York State. The entries are due in a few weeks, so I am in the process of deciding what I could enter for judging.

I am going through some of the photos that I have taken that have to do with the theme. Some of you may remember the photograph posted above. I call it "Art and Architecture". I actually shot through the glass to create this collage effect. The photograph was made at our local museum. The glass corridor connects the modern art museum called Munson-Williams-Proctor with Fountain Elms, a Victorian era building.

I think that I will be taking a chance by submitting this photograph because of the collage effect. However, I like the effect and I think that it will hightlight our local musuem.

In addition, I would like to be able to get out and about with my camera and take some photos of the local area. However, the weather is still not cooperating. We may even get 1 or 2 inches of snow tomorrow!

What do you think about entering this photo into the judging process? I appreciate your thoughts!

Stuff and more stuff

I could get a photo to upload in my blog, so I thought that I will still post here. I have started to go through my house in order to decide what to keep. Oh, do I have a lot to discard, sell, or give away! It is going to take me some time to go through everything.

Actually, I am suprised that I don't seem to be attached to so much stuff. I just want to pare down and keep what is really important to me. My camera equipment and some cherished photos are at the top of the list. The photos include family photos as well as ones that I have had in local art and photography shows.

I also want to keep some of my favorite books. It is true that I have to go through my collection as I don't need to keep each and every paperback, but there are some that I will definately keep.

Of course, Belle, my cat will come with me! That is a given!

So, I will have to take some time out and take some photos! We may get some daffodils and tulips to bloom here soon!

New Life

There is always something new to see at Root Glen, a local nature center. I captured this little fern just peeking out of the ground. It is incredible to see new life after the 7 feet of snow that we had in this area during February!

Now I look forward to walking and hiking at Root Glen in the spring and summer. Some of the paths are still too muddy to use, but that will change soon.

This tiny miracle gives me hope that better days are yet to come. I hope that everyone has a good week. I am looking forward to celebrating Easter next Sunday.

Instant Sunshine

I love Gerbera daisies. They always make me smile. Gerbera daisies are like a dose of instant sunshine! The reddish-orange color of this Gerbera really makes it stand out.

We are finally enjoying a sunny day here in Central New York State. It is 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) here this afternoon. What an improvement. Hopefully, March will go out like a lamb. I just love the scent of spring in the air.

I may go to the Palm Sunday event at the local florist tomorrow. I love to be in the greenhouse, even if it is not an outdoor nature center. I just love to smell the flowers and see the spring promises! Of course, I will bring the camera. (I just hope that there will be enough light.)

I hope that you all are having a good weekend!

Cheers!

The sun came out today and the temperature was about 50 degrees F. The sweet scent of spring was in the air! It is a harbinger of good things to come.

I need some signs of beauty and cheer after the cruel winter weather we had to endure during the last few months. Indeed, I need to find comfort, joy and inspiration again in my life.

So what brings me comfort and a sense of peace? Here are a few simple things in life that mean a great deal to me:

My mother's reassuring voice
Embracing S, the love of my life
Having coffee with friends
Walking in nature
Listening to music, especially the "oldies" like the Beatles tunes
Spending time with my nieces, nephews, and family
Taking photos of nature's gifts.

I am trying to stay positive while considering my housing options. I have the support of family and friends, and that means a great deal to me.

So, I hope to slow down a bit this weekend and enjoy some of the simple pleasure in life. What brings you inspiration and joy?

I hope that everyone has a very good weekend. I will be checking in on your blogs. HUGS!

Spring Delights

Spring is finally showing some of it beautiful signs here in Central New York State. The sun is shining and there isn't a cloud in the sky. Most of the snow has finally melted (except for the mountains in the parking lots). I heard the geese overhead a few days ago. It is still only 7 degrees C (44 degrees F) today, but these are all welcomed signs of a delightful season to come.

One of the local florist will have its annual open house and floral show this Sunday. This is an annual Palm Sunday event. Hopefully, I will have an opportunity to attend this wonderful celebration of spring. The florist welcome photographers. I took this pink mum photo with my trusty point-and-shoot camera last year.

Well, I have definitely decided that I will have to move in the near future. I have been busy working on my options. I pray that everything will work out for the best!

I hope that all of you are enjoying very nice spring weather. Who has been out with their cameras?

I am still here!

Hello everyone, It seems that I have been neglecting my blog lately. Unfortunately, I have been busy with some neighborhood watch activities lately. My neighbors and I are keeping an eye on two men who don't live or belong on our street.

This has been a safe neighborhood (even if it is close to the main street in our city.) Some of my neighbors have raised their families here. I have some neighbors who have lived here for 35 years and they are concerned about the safety of our street.

So, I am busy reviewing my options, too. Hopefully, I will be reading and commenting on your blogs soon! I have missed posting in my blog and I promise to add some new photos soon. In the meantime, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Forget Me Not

I thought that I would post another photo from the Root Glen nature center. These forget-me-not flowers will be some of the first spring plants to bloom. I really liked the way the delicate blue flowers stood out against the rough tree bark.

We are very fortunate to have such a nature center in this area. The gardens and hiking trails are very well kept and people enjoy the nature center during all of the seasons.
Root Glen seems to be ever changing. It is indeed a magical place to visit and see what is in bloom.

Root Glen is a lovely place to just be able to walk and think. It is a very tranquil place and visitors are very respectful of each other as well as the beautiful environment.

It would be wonderful to have more of this tranquil places devoted to nature's beauty in our world. Do you have a special place such as Root Glen?

"Silently one by one,
in the infinite meadows of heaven,
Blossomed the lovely stars,
the forget-me-nots of the angels."
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

A Beautiful Season

Spring is officially here! There is still snow on the ground here in Central New York State, but the days seem to be getting a bit warmer and the days are definitely longer. It is wonderful to hear the sweet sounds of the birds once again.

I am looking forward to spending time at my favorite local nature center. It is called Root Glen. The Glen is kept in pristine condition by a local university. There are all kinds of walking trails. Small brooks meander through the Glen. Spring will bring a host of beauty: daffodils, bluebells, tulips, peonies and bleeding hearts. The above photograph was taken at Root Glen.

I am able to get some ex cerise while I look for my photographic subjects at the Glen. I have done a lot of floral and nature shots at the Glen, but the gardens make excellent backdrops for portraits.

Do you like to make nature photos, especially during the springtime? As Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, " "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. "

Blessings

Tonight I am going to try and think of the blessings that God has given to me in my life. It has certainly been a long, cold winter, but I know that there are better days ahead.

The most beautiful blessing are the people in my life. I have been thinking about how much my parents always done for me and my siblings. My parents were always home and spent time with us. I always felt safe when I was a child and that is a tribute to my Mom and Dad. They taught me such lifelong values as doing my best, treat others with kindness and respect, and celebrate the little things in life.

God also brought S, my love and best friend into my life. He listens to me, makes me laugh, and holds my hand. I feel so comfortable with him around, even when we are silent. And we can finish each others sentences. He has taught me about trust and forever love.

And there are my darling nieces and nephews. It is wonderful to see myself and my siblings in this next generation. It is a joy to see my parents with their grandchildren.

My very good friends are like hand picked flowers in a garden. My friend Mare is like a sister to me. And I have to thank my friends who read my blog for all of your support. You are wonderful!

I also find comfort in God's creation. I posted one of my favorite sunset photos above in order to remind me that there is beauty all around, even in the depths of winter. I look forward to being able to get out with my camera and photograph the natural world once again.

A Promise

I can't believe that we had more snow yesterday. Today it was very windy and the temperature was about -1 degree C. We still have piles of snow here.

I am feeling discouraged because I can't get out with my camera. I hope and pray that we will get spring flowers. The snow drops, daffodils, and tulips are still buried underneath snow and ice.

There hasn't been enough natural light to do some indoor photography lately. I did buy some daffodils at the store today, so maybe I will try to photograph them using halogen lights.

So, I am posting this peony photo as my reminder that there is still a promise of spring, even here in the middle of New York State. I hope that everyone has a good week! I will be sure to catch up on posting on every one's blogs.

Irish Heritage

Happy St. Patrick's Day! This is one of those days when I have the opportunity to remember my Irish heritage. I like to do genealogical research on my family history, including my Irish ancestors.

My maternal grandfather's ancestors were Irish. My great-great grandfather was John Charles Hanley. He was born in County Meath around 1820. He came to America during the Irish Potato Famine and settled just outside of Syracuse, NY. He and his wife had a very large family, including my great-grandmother, Ester Hanley Brown.

Ester Hanley Brown was my great-grandmother. My mother has very fond memories of her Irish grandmother. I have had the pleasure of learning more about her and my Irish roots through my genealogy work.

My Mom has kept our Irish heritage alive. She gave three of her six children Irish names. My real name is Kathleen and my youngest brother's name is Patrick. My brother Rob's full name is Robert Hanley. It seems that my Mom wanted some Irish names to go along with our big, long Italian surname!

I also have Italian and English ancestors, but that will have to wait for other blog posts! And so I will leave you with an Irish blessing:

Irish Blessing

"May the road rise to meet you,

may the wind be always at your back,

may the sun shine warm upon your face,

the rains fall soft upon your fields and,

until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand."

Where's Spring?

It is snowing again as I sit here at the computer. We had some warmer days and the snow started to melt. Now it seems that winter is back again and we may get between 6 and 10 inches of snow by tomorrow.

I am so discouraged! I managed to get the same virus or bug that the children and teachers have at school. Let's just say that I have a variety of symptoms at the moment. And now I have to go out and shovel that dreaded snow. (I hear sirens in the area right now, so I hope that there aren't too many accidents.

And to top it all off, we found out this week that our spring vacation will be three days shorter this year. We will have Good Friday and the following Monday and Tuesday off, but not the rest of the week. This is because our local schools were closed for seven snow days this winter. We are only allowed 4 snow days.

I thought that I would post this snow drop photo to cheer myself up. I hope that everyone is well and has a very good weekend!

Longing for Spring

It has been a strange winter here in the middle of New York State. It was very mild through the end of January. We didn't have snow until then and we thought that the rest of the winter couldn't be so bad. And then February. The big snowstorm was just one month ago. We received 27 inches of snow in one day and then another 10 inches a few days later.

Today, that snow is melting and the rains have come once again. I am waiting with much anticipation for just one beautiful spring day: mild temperatures, soft breeze, and spring flowers in bloom.

Oh, I really miss those spring blooms! I took this abstract tulip photo last spring. I really liked the contrasting colors and water droplets. I just can't wait until I can get outside with my camera and take more floral photos. I never seem to tire of taking photos of nature's miracles!

What is your favorite part of spring? Do you have spring weather where you live or is winter still hanging on like it is here in Central New York State?

Spring Ahead

I thought that I would post the companion to the crocus photo that I posted here yesterday. This is another close up shot that I did with my Canon point-and-shoot camera. My goal was to work with composition and color.

The weather here in Central New York State is finally beginning to improve. The temperature was actually 13 degrees C (56 degrees F) here today. We had some sunshine this afternoon. There is snow cover on the ground (along with ugly gray snowbanks), but it has begun to melt.

I am looking forward to seeing signs of spring flowers. I may have to wait at least a few weeks, but I am hoping to see snow drops and crocuses in the near future. Hopefully, the deep snowfall didn't ruin the spring flowers this year.

We are suppose to have warmer temperatures and rain tomorrow. I just hope that this situation doesn't create flooding problems.

I hope that everyone is having a good week!

A Hopeless Romantic

I just found a great link from visiting CG's blog! The idea is to choose your favorite photos in order to tell you more about your personality. It is called your Visual DNA. (See my example at the right hand side of this blog.) You can certainly create your own profile by visiting this site.

Naturally, I was surprised about how the profile really described my personality. Indeed, I am easy going by nature. I enjoy drinking a good cup of coffee while reading an excellent book. I enjoy visiting with friends, spending time with my family and learning new things.

Photography has enabled me to appreciate the natural world: sunsets, autumn leaves, rain drops, ducks on a pond, spring flowers and reflections. This photo of a purple crocus is just one example of what I love to photograph in the natural world. (The photo was taken several years ago with my trusty point and shoot camera.) What a wonderful canvas God has created!

I have to say that I am a romantic at heart. I do believe that God gives us people in our lives to cherish and I believe that true love is eternal.

Be sure to try this Visual DNA profile!

Simple Delights

I am still searching for simple, everyday things to photograph. Today I was in the grocery store. I thought that I would buy some flowers, but they did not look fresh and healthy. However, I spotted some colorful mini marshmallows, so I decided to purchase them so that I could photograph them.

I was able to use natural light, but I ended up using some white card stock to reflect some of the light. Oh, I finally received my remote camera switch in the mail and I put it to good use. Now I can keep my hands completely off the camera while the photo is being shot.

It was fun to make this photo. The mini marshmallows remind me of simple delights in life: daffodils in the spring, a good cup of coffee, chatting with a friend, scrapbooking, reading a good book, and listening to music.

I am a bit behind with my blog entries, but I will catch up soon. Of course, I will be sure to catch up in visiting your blogs, too! I hope that everyone has a good week!

Experiment

I am finding that it is fun to experiment with my camera. Although this photo of a CD isn't ready for gallery viewing, it was still challenging to work with composition, colors, reflections, and an ordinary object.

In addition, I have also tried photographing such everyday objects as forks, keys, stuffed animals and peacock feathers with varying degrees of success.

There isn't too much to photograph here in Central New York State during these March days. Everything outside seems drab and gray. Our spring flowers (including the snow drops) are still buried underneath mountains of snow and ice. Hopefully, the clear light of April will bring spring breezes and flowers.

It is good to be able to work with the camera inside when the weather just will not cooperation. So, I am off to look for some more common objects to photograph. Any ideas?

I hope that everyone has a great weekend!

Sammy

This is my nephew Sam. He is now five years old and attends kindergarten classes at school. He is four months older than my niece Rachel (his cousin.)

Sammy has big brown eyes and curly brown hair. He loves to visit my parent's house because he can run in the backyard and play with his cousins. Sam loves music, cars, and dinosaurs.

Unfortunately, Sam lives with his parents (my brother and sister-in-law) in New Jersey and my family only gets to see him a few times per year.

I am glad that I have photographs of him. I was going through more photographs tonight and found this one of Sam in action. The photographs really help me to feel closer to Sammy across the miles.

The joyful part of photography is that we are able to create lasting memories. I have started a scrapbook for Sam, too. I have all of his baby and birthday photos in there. (Sam was born a month early, but it happened to be my brother's birthday, too.) In addition, I have photos of Sam at his martial arts class as well as his trip to Disneyland. Now I have his kindergarten photo in there, too. I can look at his scrapbook and feel closer to him. That's the power of photography.

Dreaming of Spring

Today I tried to remember what the local landscape actually looks like without all of the snow. I thought about how green the valley looks when spring reawakens the earth. My imagination allowed me to breath in the fresh air and drown myself in the sweet rain. And the spring flowers dotted the countryside: snow drops, crocuses, daffodils, and tulips. (I make the above photo last year when the tulips were in bloom.)

I had a group of seven year olds in the library today. They wanted to know how many days are left until spring arrives. So, we looked at the calendar and found out that there are 12 days left until spring is suppose to arrive, even here in Central New York State. They also knew that the snow will still be on the ground on March 20!

Fortunately, the temperatures are suppose to be a bit warmer starting on Saturday. The daily high temperatures are suppose to be above 40 degrees F. We are going to start daylight savings time on Sunday, and I look forward to the longer days.

It has been a very strange winter here indeed. Actually, we didn't have much snow at all here until the end of January. We even had a green Christmas. However, we have suffered with all of the snow and very cold weather since the end of January. I read in the local newspaper that we received 85 inches of snow last winter and our total for this winter is 115 inches.

I recently found a quotation that brought me some comfort, "No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn." (Hal Borland) And so I hope and pray that winter will give way to a gentle spring.

Get to the Point: A Digital Photo Project

I was viewing some of my first photography projects when I came across this one entitled "Get to the Point". The original photo was taken with my trusty Canon point-and-shoot camera. First, I took a photo of ordinary yellow pencils. Next, I used Paint Shop Pro and created a digital photo art project.

I liked the effect of the digital editing technique. Now the ordinary pencils almost look like they glow in the dark. It's fun and challenging to use programs such as Paint Shop Pro because the possibilities are endless!

I have been spending a lot of time inside because of the terrible weather that we have been experiencing here in Central New York State. We had white out conditions on the roads yesterday due to very high winds. It was below 0 degrees F here this morning and the wind chill factor made it feel like -25 degrees F. We had yet another snow (or I should say cold day) here. This makes the 7th snow day that we have had (all in February and March.) That's a record! We will probably have to make up at least 3 days, so the school year will be extra long!

So, it is good to spend some time looking at my photos!

Baby Oh Baby!

I was so happy to be able to visit with my little nephew yesterday. Christopher is just seven months old and he is such a good baby. He loves to jump around in his jumper and babble. He can even sit up now!

Christopher brings so much joy to his family. He squeals with delight when he sees his parents (my sister and brother-in-law.) His big sister Rachel just loves to hug and kiss him. Of course, his grandparents (my Mom and Dad), argue over who will hold him. And his Aunt and Godmother thinks that he is such a handsome and smart little fellow.

I am posting my nephew's photo here in my blog. I took it yesterday and it is a very informal photograph! (I forgot to bring my Canon Speedlite flash.) However, I know that this photo will definitely go into his scrapbook!

Now, I have to start a scrapbook for him. I have started scrapbooks for each of my nieces and my other nephew. I plan to give them their scrapbooks when they are older. Kay loves to look at the photos in the scrapbooks when my mother and I are working on them. It is well worth the time to put these scrapbooks together (although I never seem to be caught up on them.) "We gather up pictures and bits of our past and scrapbook them into a gift that will last." ~Kim Rinehart. Does anyone else do scrapbooking projects?

I am going to have an early night. We are having horrible weather here in Central NY State again. The wind is just terrible and it is blowing all of the snow we already have around. We are getting some snow flurries and the visibility is very bad. And it is bitterly cold. Where is spring?

Make A Wish

I had a wonderful visit with my niece this afternoon. Kay is a very lively eight year old who just announced that she has goals! She thought of these dreams all by herself and said that they were not for a school project. Here is her list:

--- Visit Hawaii

--- Learn to play the drums

--- Learn to ride horses

--- Learn more about cameras

--- Save money

--- Become a Librarian when she grows up

What an impressive list of dreams and goals! She even wants to learn more about photography. (I call her my photography assistant and let her use my Canon point-and-shoot camera.) I am especially proud of the fact that she wants to follow in my footsteps and become a Librarian when she gets older!

I am posting this photo of Kay blowing bubbles because it reminds me of her wishes. " God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow in them." (Anonymous) Although her goals will certainly change and evolve, it is refreshing to know that she is already dreaming about what she would like to do in the future. And there is no better time like the present to help her to begin to achieve her goals.

Just Ducky

I just wanted to post a fun image today, so I choose "Quackers". Quakers is one of the Ty Beanie Babies. The Beanie Babies were a real fad here in the US several years ago.

Our weather has been so dismal and I just wanted a cheerful photo. It didn't turn out the best, but it still make me smile. I like the bright, contrasting colors. I tried to photograph the duck using a different angle.

I can't wait for the spring days when I can get out and take photos of real ducks!

I hope that everyone is having a very good weekend!

Informal Potrait Photography

I attended my local camera club meeting this evening. Our speaker was a local photographer who owns his own portrait studio. He brought all of his photography equipment, including the lighting. It was very exciting to see him demonstrate how he takes studio portraits.

Our club was fortunate to see this photographer in action. We learned so many valuable tips. He showed us just how important it is to know the different ways to pose the subjects in a potrait. The club members acted as his models and we were able see the creative ways he composes his potraits.

In addition, he showed us how he uses his lighting equipment. Light is everything in photography, whether it is natural or studio lighting. It was so helpful to see him work with the lighting equipment. "Light is the signature of every good photographer." (Bill Hurther, Editor of Rangefinder Magazine).

I enjoy taking informal potraits of my nieces and nephews using natural light. Today's photo is one I took of my niece Rachel last spring. I used the available window light (to her right). She is such a natural model. I really enjoy taking photos of her and she is so patient with me!

It was wonderful to be able to get out in order attend the camera club meeting. We had a horrible winter storm here early this morning, complete with freezing rain, sleet, snow, and rain. It all turned into a slick coating of ice. The wind was so fierce this morning. I thought that we were going to lose more tree limbs. Luckily, the power did not go out. I am ready for some calm, peaceful spring weather!

I hope that all of you have a fantastic weekend!

Santuary

The wintry weather seems to be in full force here in Central New York State. Tonight we are getting sleet and freezing rain mixed in with snow. And the wind is just howling outside, too. This lovely mixture is falling on our enoromous snow banks.

So, I am trying to think about more pleasant thoughts. I am posting this photo because of all of the soothing green hues. I took this photo last spring at my favorite local nature perserve. It is called Root Glen and it is located on the Hamilton College campus in Clinton, New York.

I like to visit the area with my camera in hand. (Many local photographers go there, too.) There are many trails for hiking. There are benches thoughout the area, too. Birds sing and streams babble and meander. You can just be alone with your thoughts and it is such a peaceful place.

This is another one of my special places to just sit and think. Do you have such a favorite place?

My Retreat~Perkins Cove

The winter weather woes continue here in Central New York State. We are suppose to get freezing rain and sleet tomorrow night. I hope and pray that the weather report is wrong and that we are spared from this next round of wintry weather.

I am weary from all of this wintry mess. So, I try to cope with the situation by imaging one of my favorite places to visit. Perkins Cove, Maine is one of my special places. This quaint fishing village is located along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean (southern Maine seacoast.) Visitors can see the fishermen coming back with their lobsters and other treasures from the ocean. Sightseers can go to the Cove and take boat rides or participate in deep sea fishing. The Cove also boasts delightful shops and art galleries.

Of course, I love to visit Perkins Cove during the summertime, but it is still an enchanted place during the winter, too. I took the photo "Winter at The Cove" last winter. The sun was just beginning to sink below the horizon when I took this photo. Sunset came early on this winter day along the Maine seacoast, but there was still a warm glow to the sunlight.

So, when the winter days here seem endless, I imagine being here at my special place. I can hear the rhythm of the waves,the smell the salt water and feel the sea breeze through my hair.
"Why do we love the sea? It is because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think." ~ Robert Henri