Tag: nature
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A Hello to Old Friends and the Start of Something New
How I’m working to bridge the gap between older writings and new beginnings while welcoming the threads that hold them together. First, I want to start with a big, hearty hello to all of my friends here, remember me? I’ve said this before and apparently, I’m saying it one final…
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Illustrate
Interesting phenomena occur when two or more rhythmic patterns are combined, and these phenomena illustrate very aptly the enrichment of information that occurs when one description is combined with another. Gregory Bateson We’ve spent the spring inside, unable to visit parks, beaches, wide open spaces.. This sudden onset of an…
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2019 The Year of Small Surprises and Second Chances: Weeks 14 & 15
The year of small surprises and second chances… To be honest I think this might be how I approach the rest of 2019. Embracing those sneaky, small surprises and allowing for second chances. The first set of images is a throwback to my 2016 photo project when I took one…
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2019 The Year of Pollen and Pretty Flowers: Week 13
If you’ve ever tried to complete a year-long photo project you know each week brings a new challenge and today’s post is my answer to the seasonally specific question “what do I share when the focus of my blog is an outdoor PNW lifestyle but the arrival of spring means…
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2019 The Year of Seeing Green: Week 12
The year of seeing green? Living green? Sharing green? We try for all three here but I still had a hard time settling on one for this post so after a day spent typing and deleting variations I finally acknowledged my best days happen when I can see something green…
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2019 The Year of Black and White: Week 11
While the easy title for this week’s post was “Black and White” I could have also added something about it being the last full week of winter, or how my earliest memories of enjoying photographs were with books full of black and white images. All of these would have been…
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2019 The Year of This and That: Week 10
Have you ever had a week that felt busy in the moment but didn’t result in a list of accomplishments? My best case scenario for a week like this is that everyone made it through without any major problems and each busy day lead to something good later so by this…
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2019 The Year of Looking for Light: Week 8
I know February is coming to a close when I can hear birds again in the morning but daylight hours are short and it’s too cold for spring flowers to fill the gardens. We’re turning the corner but we aren’t there yet! Because my mornings and evenings are still fairly…
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2019 The Year of Looking Back to Avoid Seeing Today: Week 7
Looking back to avoid seeing today… not something I usually recommend but every once in a while it’s a coping technique I can get behind. We’ve been snowbound for weeks and while I’ve promised to post a photo a day I was tired of looking at icy pictures so after…
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2019 The Year of Crisp White Snow and Icy Blue Skies: Week 6
What a change from last week’s soft pinks and rosy afternoons! This week passed by in a frozen shade of blue all due to a sudden return of winter. We’ve had snow days, ice coated roadways and a first for this blog, icicles. Brrrr All the images above are from…
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2019 The Year of Changing Views: Week 4
This week has been a bit of change for me since I spent all of it at home resting so my photo choices are a mixed gallery of memories, sights from a typical work week, followed by a slow Saturday walk along the waterfront. Changing views indeed. We started the…
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A Tree, A Search for Quotes and Chief Seattle
All things share the same breath – the beast, the tree, the man… the air shares its spirit with all the life it supports. Ted Perry Raise your hand if you’ve read this quote before. It’s typically attributed to a speech given by Chief Seattle, See-ahth in the Lushootseed language, in 1854…
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The Reds and Greens of Autumn
“The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the dead things go.”– Unknown “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”– L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables “Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a…
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The Last Few Days of Summer
There is a time in the last few days of summer when the ripeness of autumn fills the air. Rudolfo Anaya Even though the calendar says we’ve passed from summer to autumn the few weeks between September 21st and the middle of October always feel like an extended summer in…
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We Will Welcome Summer’s Ghost
We know that in September, we will wander through the warm winds of summer’s wreckage. We will welcome summer’s ghost. Henry Rollins Sigh, “summer’s wreckage” is a pretty fair description of my yard and garden today. The peak heat of August has passed leaving a tangled mess of overgrown branches,…
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The Scent of a Lake in the Mountains
Nothing is more memorable than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains. Diane Ackerman My favorite childhood summer scents all conjure up memories of water. Fresh, salty and earthy they all say summer to me.…
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Olympic National Park: Colorful Mountains and Meadows Filled with Wildflowers
It’s August in the PNW and that means every day we have available is spent outside enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds us. This year our summery blue skies have been filled with a toxic mix of wildfire smoke from around the world ( Siberia, Canada, Washington, Idaho and California)…
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Fresh Berries and Lazy Summer Days…
Better than any argument is to rise at dawn and pick dew-wet red berries in a cup. Wendell Berry While I appreciate the sentiment behind this quote and am sure I’d thoroughly enjoy a summer dawn with fresh picked berries I can also vouch for the fact that they are…
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Summer Blues
There’s more than one kind of blue day… My favorites are the ones filled with blue skies, fluffy clouds and sparkling water.
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I’d Rather Be…
Today I’d rather be a dog. Our dog Finn to be precise. His day started with a nice walk followed by breakfast next to the heater. Late morning meant it was time for a nap in his favorite sun spot then a second trip outside so he could patrol the…
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A Serene and Settled Majesty
There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations. Washington Irving When the stresses and sounds of daily life are just too much my go-to escapes for some peace and quiet are the…
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Shades of Blue: Part 7 – Crab Pots and Donuts
As an antidote to the wet, windy weather outside I’m remembering a sunny day in July and returning to my Shades of Blue series. Today’s post is picture heavy with only a few words so we can all enjoy the pretty blue skies, colorful flowers and peaceful waterfront views from…
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Layered Trees and Exposed Identities
In the spring and summer I watched my plants flower, but it was, perhaps, in winter that I loved them best, when their skeletons were exposed. Then I felt they had more to say to me, were not simply dressing themselves for the crowds. Stripped of their leaves, their identities…
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Textures and Elemental Sounds
The three great elemental sounds in nature are the sound of rain, the sound of wind in a primeval wood, and the sound of outer ocean on a beach. Henry Beston Regular readers know I like to start these WordPress photo challenges with a quote that leads to a small…
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Shades of Blue: Part 4
I’ve got a photo filled post for you this week as we continue my June walks through town and along the beach. You get to see my mother’s day flowers blooming by our backdoor, views from the marina, an accidental shot of beach sand when I was trying to put…
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Shades of Blue: Part 3
I’d better pick up the pace with these spring themed posts or I’ll still be working through May photos after the 4th of July. 🙂 Today you get to see Ryan and I out in the neighborhood looking signs of spring, roaming the beach skipping rocks and finding interesting driftwood/seaweed…
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Transient
In the presence of eternity, the mountains are as transient as the clouds. Robert Green Ingersoll I don’t know about you but the question “What do you want for your birthday/Christmas/Mother’s Day?” always makes me a little uncomfortable. I know the asker means well but I don’t like telling…
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Shades of Blue: Part 1
If you’ve been with me for a while you might know I take all my photos with my iPhone and if you are a details person you’ve noticed I typically tag each photo or post with the editing app used in case a reader wants to try something new with their own…
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Evanescent
Night is brushed aside like so much cobweb. The day is wound up and begins even before the last haunted dreams, the last of the fog, those spectral and evanescent residues, have faded away. Gregory Maguire, After Alice That 2017 is setting records for the coldest and wettest spring in pacific…
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Moss On Stone
“There is an ancient conversation going on between mosses and rocks, poetry to be sure. About light and shadow and the drift of continents. This is what has been called the “dialect of moss on stone – an interface of immensity and minute ness, of past and present, softness and…
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A Good Match
Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity… John Muir So many interpretations of a good match are running through my mind tonight – father and son, mountain hiking and stress relief, nature and escape,…
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Hellebore
While local garden centers are filled with pretty displays of spring bulbs and primroses I’m starting to worry about the mostly dormant state of my own yard. Plants that usually bud and flower in early February show no signs of growth and my weeds are the only green things that look truly…
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My Year In Pictures: January Week 4
Wow, after 2 years and 730 daily photos I can finally say this project is finished! I’ve enjoyed the practice of taking and posting one photo for every day of the year but now that it’s over I’ll admit to feeling a little overwhelmed by the pace of creating 30 new photos…
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My Year In Pictures: January Week 2
If we say a New Year shows it’s colors in the first weeks of January I hope my 2017 is filled with shades of a pastel rainbow. Fingers crossed that these photos start a positive trend leading to more time with family, more time in the outdoors and a chance to…
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My Year In Pictures: December Week 1
Now that we’re into December I can officially start the end-of-project countdown! After two years of taking and posting daily photos it’s time to try something new and even though I’ve learned a lot about social media accounts and refined my view of the quiet little moments that bring beauty…
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My Year In Pictures: November Week 4
Well November is almost over and the holiday season is in full swing but for me the biggest sign that December is coming are our rapidly shrinking daylight hours. I try to ignore early Christmas music and decorations but there’s no hiding from the fact that there are only about 8.5 hours between…
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My Year In Pictures: September Week 1
As soon as our first hike to Second Beach ended two years ago a return trip has been at the top of my vacation wish list. Our first visit was such a lovely surprise with a quiet beach, warm temperatures, and wide open vistas we couldn’t help but remember the area…
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My Year In Pictures August Week 5
Keeping with the style from my last post this final August catch-up will also be a simple combination of location notes and lots of pretty pictures. If anyone wonders why we love living in the Pacific Northwest this series of Olympic National Park photos really illustrates the best of what we…
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My Year In Pictures: July Week 1
In the middle of a super busy week my thoughts turned to holidays and games as an escape from our over scheduled days. Looking at the gallery above you can rightly guess this has been a challenging stretch! Not only are there 3 holiday related images and 2 game photos there is a moment…
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My Year In Photos: June Week 3
What a week! The third week of June flew by in a flash only slowing to note Father’s Day, the first day of summer, the last day of school and the start of Ryan’s trip to spend some quality time with his Grandparents. We enjoyed a quiet Father’s Day and loved…
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My Year In Pictures: May Week 2
We’ve turned the corner into the middle of May and as spring fades to summer our family focus has been on growth and new beginnings. A quick scroll through this set of seven images really highlights what’s captured my attention: pretty, soft colors, natural science and good health. We’ve enjoyed fresh…
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My Year In Pictures: May Week 1
I feel like we’ve finally turned the corner toward a long, warm summer and now instead of rushing outside at the first hint of blue sky I’m secretly looking forward to some rainy days so I can catch up on inside chores. Spring 2016 has been picture perfect here in…
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My Year In Pictures: April Week 4
Looking at Ryan’s 1000 piece puzzle spread out on the desk is a lot like searching through my photo files filled with tiny images that tell the story of our lives. It takes 1000 little pieces to show every known atom in the universe and at the end of this year I’ll have 1096…
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My Year In Pictures: April Week 1
It’s always nice to look back on a week that felt like any other and discover you actually saw some great things along the way. April in the Pacific Northwest means fresh flowers, a little bit of sunshine and a lot of rain, all of which you can see above, and to keep…
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My Year In Pictures: March Week 5
There are days when I can focus on the big picture and let little things go by the wayside but then comes a week when the big picture is just a bit to big and I narrow my field of vision searching for small things that make me happy. I didn’t over think this…
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My Year In Pictures: February Week 4
We’re almost at the end of the first month in my new year-long challenge and after 27 days of daily photos I am happy to report that it is still fun. 🙂 I’m enjoying the freedom to try some new things after spending a year exploring the random settings in Hipstamatic…
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My Year in Pictures: February Week 3
I’m so happy February has an extra day this year! Really, I’ll need more than one day to catch up but I’ll make the most of what I get. 🙂 The third week of February started on a sweet note with Valentines day falling on a Sunday. We celebrated with…
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My Year In Pictures: February Week 2
Finding the right words to describe February in the Pacific Northwest is always a challenge for me. Some days feel like winter while others bring a mix of spring-like skies, rainbows and thunder storms. In truth it’s a month of contradictions as the snow fans fear their last chance of a white blanket…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Weight(less) Kites
You will find truth more quickly through delight than gravity. Let out a little more string on your kite. Alan Cohen This week Ben asks us to share a photo of something marked by its weight – or it’s weightlessness. Ryan carried his new kite through a full day of hiking and…
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Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Nature (Invincible Summer)
In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer. Albert Camus When our winter days are cold and dark I hold tight to moments like this knowing summer will come again. I took this Whidbey Island photo on a picture perfect August day as we hiked along Ebey’s…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Trio
A happy family is but an earlier heaven. George Bernard Shaw A trail-side “selfie” of John, Ryan and I illustrating everything that makes me happy and grateful as we celebrate Thanksgiving here in our sunny pacific northwest corner of the United States. Posted as part of the Weekly Photo Challenge: Trio.
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up November With Hipstamatic (week 3)
“Wow what a week” is all I can say as I after seeing this set of 7 photos together in a gallery waiting for my post. It’s been another non-stop whirlwind of activity broken up by a major wind storm, a night without power and some chilly days. Brr…winter is coming.…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up November With Hipstamatic ( week 1)
As I sit in front of my computer tonight, three days after the day I wanted to finish this post I’m reminded one more time why this random image, daily photo project is important. It’s so easy to get lost in our busy days. I rush from work to evening events, the laundry room…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up October With Hipstamatic (week 5)
As promised I have a few more spooky images from John’s latest creations in my newest recap. The past week was filled with Halloween preparations and you can see he really had fun designing and displaying new vignettes. I mixed in a few “daily life” photos to keep my theme…
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Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Panorama (Crossing Puget Sound)
Even though my iPhone has a great panorama feature I rarely remember to use it. I’d like to think I am so caught up in the beauty of each location I can’t be bothered to think about trying something new but really I’m probably trying to get a few quick shots…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Careful (Father and Son)
Be careful to leave your sons well instructed rather than rich, for the hopes of the instructed are better than the wealth of the ignorant. Epictetus One of the best things about my usual “third in line” hiking position is capturing moments like this. John and Ryan like to walk…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up October With Hipstamatic (week 3)
October is finally settling into a true fall like feel here in the Pacific Northwest. Apples are dropping, leaves are turning and scarecrows are popping up all over town. Our Indian summer continued through mid-week with one last stretch of 70 degree days but by Saturday afternoon rain returned and the…
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Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Nature (Baby Birds and Gun Batteries)
I’m slowly working my way through hundreds of photos from our 2015 Staycation and in typical fashion 90% of them are of trees, beaches and the natural vistas that make the Pacific Northwest such a beautiful place to live. I’ve got so many potential images for this weeks “nature” challenge it’s difficult to choose just one…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up September With Hipstamatic (week 4)
As you can see from the big red, white and blue emergency sign this week did not follow my carefully constructed plan for a normal stretch of days. The early shots capture some pretty sights and colors that caught my eye but a phone call Friday afternoon changed everything. Regular readers have watched…
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Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Black & White (Fall in the Park)
Fall in the Pacific Northwest is a season of extremes. We bounce back and forth between stunning blue skies, mild temperatures and bright fall foliage contrasted by extended periods of damp, cool fog. This misty afternoon happened back in October 2013 but the photo is one of my favorites and I’ve been…
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Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Macro (Acorn)
The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn. Ralph Waldo Emerson This tiny acorn fell from its Oak tree and landed at my feet in front of Starbucks where Ryan and I were relaxing with iced coffee and cookies after his first day of High School. We decided there…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic (Summer Greens in the Pacific Northwest)
A powerful monochromatic image is composed of a gradient of a single color, and has an emphasis on texture and composition. Jen H. The Daily Post After a steep but scenic hike up the Snoqualmie Region’s Ira Spring Trail winding through an evergreen forest, wildflower meadows and granite avalanche zones we enjoyed our…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Connected (The Web of Life)
“All things are connected like the blood that unites us. We do not weave the web of life, we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.” – Chief Seattle Posted as part of the Weekly Photo Challenge: Connected
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Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Nature (Freedom on the Beach)
Kids + Beach = Freedom to Run Put two kids on the beach together and they naturally fall in step, running toward the open water, sunshine and surf. Ryan and his cousin Sophia were my inspiration for this week’s “nature” challenge at Lens and Pen by Sally.
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Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Challenger’s Choice From Under the Sea
We’re almost through the fourth week of August and it’s time for a round of Challenger’s Choice over at Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge. I’m a little late to the party but the weeks not over so I still have time to share a few underwater views from our Staycation 2015 visit to…
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Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Macro (Robin’s Egg Blue)
Last week I sat down with this tiny eggshell and my new Olloclip determined to get at least one clear image with the macro lens. Even though the focus isn’t perfect I like the colors and thought the soft pinks added a nice touch. Posted as part of Sally D’s…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up July With Hipstamatic (week 5)
Another beautiful week has come and gone here in the Pacific Northwest and I’m happy to say we spent every minute possible enjoying outdoor living and a bit of travel. Sunday afternoon Ryan and I hiked to the lovely waterfall from yesterday’s post along with my aunt, sister and her…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Searching For Inspiration
We’ve reached the middle of the hottest summer on record here in the Pacific Northwest and the soaring temperatures combined with our home’s lack of air conditioning are making me long for cool forest pools and fresh waterfalls. Thank goodness it’s time for vacation! This year we’ve decided to shake things…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Close Up In The Garden
This week, discover the hidden details that can only be seen up close. Brie Anne Demkiw – The Daily Post During our walk to the grape vines from my previous post we passed a colony of bees harvesting pollen from this lovely border of sedum… Posted as part of the Weekly…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up July With Hipstamatic (week 4)
This week’s set of seven photos perfectly illustrate why I love summers in the Pacific Northwest. The temperatures are generally mild, flowers are in full bloom, gardens are at their peak and the beaches are wide open. I’m a day later than usual with this recap because Ryan and I just got home from long weekend…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up July With Hipstamatic (week 3)
Another pretty week in the Pacific Northwest has come and gone but thanks to my random photo a day project I have some nice souvenirs to remember the season. Sunday afternoon was the perfect time to sit outside for lunch and believe it or not I didn’t plan to match my food…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up July With Hipstamatic (week 2)
I think I’ve mentioned before that some weeks I’m surprised by a theme weaving through the photos when I sit down to write my recap. There are plenty of weeks that feature random yet interesting moments but every once in a while I see a trend in my choice of subjects that wasn’t apparent…
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Nature in the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve
The summer of 2015 continues to be a season of extremes and while several parts of the country are experiencing floods and record rainfall the west coast is in the middle of a drought. The entire Pacific Northwest is now under extreme fire watch and Seattle had the hottest 4th of July…
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A Surprise Everyday: Shaking up July With Hipstamatic (week 1)
I have a quick little recap today since we just got home from a weekend away with family celebrating the 4th of July. Ryan is spending the next 5 days with his Grandparents and John and I are on our way to pick up some take out for dinner so we can…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up June With Hipstamatic (week 4)
The fourth week of June was a fun one that began and ended with family time and was filled with what’s turning out to be a stretch of warmer than usual summer days. Since we don’t have air conditioning we’re doing what we can to keep cool and I’m using the high…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Muse And The Spirit of Our Inner Child
“The most potent muse of all is our own inner child.” Stephen Nachmanovitch When I saw “muse” was the theme of the latest Weekly Photo Challenge I knew the days ahead were going to be full of beautiful photos and posts as bloggers around the world let us peek behind their creative curtains while…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up June With Hipstamatic (week 2)
Sometimes these weekly recaps highlight random, un-linked moments from my days and sometimes an unexpected theme emerges. Flowers, flowers and more flowers filled the second week of June. We filled our empty deck planters Sunday afternoon and before they were finished I snapped a photo of a few of the bright colors…
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Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Macro in Pink
One last peony photo for the year as part of Sally’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Macro. Shot with my iPhone 6 native camera and edited in Snapseed.
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Vivid Peonies
Can I have one of each? I couldn’t walk past this flower stand without picking out a few for myself! Posted as part of the Weekly Photo Challenge: Vivid.
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Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Nature and Organic Produce
I know summer’s right around the corner when I can count on a quick trip through our local garden market to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. This morning we filled our bags with apples, strawberries, rhubarb and big bouquet of peonies picked fresh a few hours earlier. The house is…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: On The Way To Klahhane Ridge
“In-between moments can be just as memorable as grand finales. This week, share a photo you took on the way to something else.” – Michelle W. The Daily Post Last August John, Ryan and I spent four days exploring The Olympic National Park and even though I was recovering from a summer…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up May With Hipstamatic (week 5)
It’s hard to believe June starts tomorrow but the photos above are proof that our unseasonably warm spring is leading right into an early summer. Next week will bring some rain back into the Seattle area but until then we’re enjoying these sunny last days of May. Hipstamatic’s random processing of Sunday’s…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Broken
The violets in the mountains have broken the rocks. Tennessee Williams While today’s photo doesn’t include violets or mountains it still reminds me of Tennessee Williams’ quote from Camino Real. Symbolic opposites are incorporated throughout this play illustrating a world full of harsh contrasts and in the end we learn the only thing that conquers the broken is…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up May With Hipstamatic (week 4)
One of my favorite parts of this daily project/weekly recap series is an “aha” moment when I realize there was a trend to my week that I hadn’t noticed in the middle of the rush to finish each day. A little distance is a great tool for gaining perspective and I’m really starting to…
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Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Black and White Succulent
I’m always looking for something new to share as part of Sally’s weekly mobile photography challenge and while some weeks find me stretching for ideas other days an interesting composition is literally in front of my face. This little succulent was part of a pretty display of air plants hanging in the middle…
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A Surprise Everyday: Shaking Up May With Hipstamatic (week 3)
It’s been a quiet week here filled with normal life and unpredictable spring weather – just the way I like it. Sunday was Mother’s Day and the boys treated me to flowers, a relaxing afternoon and dinner at home. Ryan and I stopped at Starbucks for Frappuccino’s before walking to the beach while…
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iPhoneography Tuesday: Nature’s Cycle in the Tulip Fields
The showy blooms have faded and it’s back to work for these hardy rows of tulips. The Roozengaarde family has farmed tulips in Holland and the US since the early 1700’s and their 1,000 acre farm in the Skagit Valley is filled with tulip, daffodil and iris fields earning them the title of…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up May With Hipstamatic (week 1)
Sometimes I wonder if seemingly random choices are really influenced by real-time events in our lives. These seven randomly processed images from the past week surprised me today with their faded colors and soft focus and also by the fact that they are a visual interpretation of how I’ve felt here at home. I…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up April With Hipstamatic (week 4)
This past week was a good example of how nice it is to have a few things to look forward too spread out over the course of seven days. We had just enough time to keep our regular life running smoothly while enjoying a birthday celebration, crazy spring weather and meeting…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Motion (Sounds of the Hoh River)
“A stream is music and motion: smooth glides, fast, turbulent riffles and deep pools, each posing a special challenge.” Nelson Bryant We could hear music from the Hoh River long before we reached this rocky beach in the Olympic National Park. The water literally sang as it rushed over the flat stones and…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up April with Hipstamatic (week 3)
Another busy week has come and gone but over all it’s been a good one here in our little corner of the Pacific Northwest. While my days fly by in a blur of work, family, driving and if I’m lucky a little bit of blogging I’ve been trying very hard to recognize those quiet moments…
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iPhoneography Challenge: Macro (Spring Trillium)
When we lost the large trees in our front yard I thought my favorite patch of shade loving trillium was finished but we carefully transplanted a few hardy specimens to the back side of our house and this little seedling is growing strong tucked away under a leafy rhododendron. Posted as…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up April With Hipstamatic (week 2)
Even though I was away from blogging last week I continued my attempt to take one random photo every day and am here for a quick Sunday night post recapping the past seven days. Ryan enjoyed a relaxing spring break while I had a great time exploring new ways to structure my time and really…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up April With Hipstamatic (week 1)
This past week was a fun one filled with lots of work, the end of the school quarter, crazy spring weather and Easter preparations but thanks to this “shake it to randomize” series I made sure to stop at least once every day and look for something pretty that would have…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up March With Hipstamatic (week 4)
I think any week that starts with a big party is bound to go well and this past one was no exception. Our Sunday began in Bellingham with a beautiful lunch in honor of my mom’s birthday and ended with the discovery of these pretty, pink camellia blooms. I’ve been…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up March With Hipstamatic (week 3)
Just when we thought this strange, sun filled winter would last forever spring arrived and brought some much needed rain to the Pacific Northwest. This week was exactly how March should feel in Washington with lots of fresh green growth, wet petals on the ground and flashes of bright sunlight. Sunday…
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iPhoneography Challenge: Black & White (Afternoon Light on the Washington Coast)
This was a hard view to leave behind after a wonderful summer day on the Washington Coast so if you have the opportunity to visit the Olympic Peninsula be sure to plan a hike out to First, Second or Third beaches. Bring your cameras and make the most of wide open vistas,…
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A Surprise Everyday: Shaking Up March with Hipstamatic (week 2)
At least once a day I shake my head and wonder where the time went. I know rushing through weeks, feeling let down because I couldn’t finish an unrealistic “to do” list is a bad habit but one of the benefits of this weekly series is visual proof that I did find time…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up March With Hipstamatic (week 1)
These past seven days are exactly why I need a project like this shake-it-up series. Every day was filled with things to do and tasks to accomplish but working through each item that needed my attention meant I had very little time for creativity. Usually I end a stretch like this feeling…
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iPhoneography Thursday: Nature (Spring Blooms in February)
As you can see from the title I’ve missed my usual iPhone Monday posting schedule by a few days and I also have to admit I never posted the last Black and White Challenge photo from my promised series of 5 images in a row back in February. Hopefully today’s image makes…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up February With Hipstamatic (week 4)
It’s hard to believe February is over but seeing as this is March 1st it must be true! The last week of the month flew by in a blur of work and events but the simple task of looking for one new thing to photograph and share has really helped me…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Reward (Gifts From the Sea)
The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea. Anne Morrow Lindbergh Our first view of the Washington Coast from Rialto Beach and posted as part of…
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A Surprise Every Day: Shaking Up February With Hipstamatic (week 3)
While most of the country is trapped in a sub-zero weather pattern our strangely warm Pacific Northwest winter brought bright blue skies and temperatures in the 50’s. No one knows quite what to do here but we’re trying to spend as much time outside as possible knowing the rain and chilly air will be…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: The Rule of Thirds at North Creek Park
Ryan and I spent a fun fall afternoon exploring North Creek Park’s peat bog and floating boardwalk but when it came to photos I couldn’t decide which element I liked more, the wild grasses, the blue sky or the curvy path leading us across and around the water. I finally…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Symmetry in Seasons
There is in all things a pattern that is part of our universe. It has symmetry, elegance, and grace – these qualities you find always in that the true artist captures. You can find it in the turning of the seasons, the way sand trails along a ridge, in the…
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iPhoneography Monday: Macro (Velella Velella on the Washington Coast)
I’d never heard of this little creature before we found a beach full of them during our summer visit to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula but I’ve since learned we stumbled upon a rare summer beaching of thousands of Velella Velella. Millions of tiny blue sea creatures are washing up on beaches…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Depth and Compassion
Compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind. Albert Schweitzer As John, Ryan and I work through the challenges and rewards of living with our newest family member Finn, compassion…
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iPhoneography Monday: Winter Fog On The Waterfront
After a week of heavy fog Ryan and I’d had it with the lack of light and we left the house for the beach in search of some sky. I know driving towards the water isn’t the best way to escape fog but at least we had a chance to see more than gray…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Serenity
I’m a leaf on the wind. Watch how I soar. Serenity – Hoban “Wash” Washburne For this week’s photo challenge Cheri asks us to share our interpretations of serenity. I’m sure the prompt was meant as an encouragement to explore calm, peaceful feelings and I’m happy to do that with a photo but…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Shadow
We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves. Buddha A place to clear my mind and fill shadows with joy…
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iPhoneography Monday: Nature (Pike Place Market Flowers in December)
The long arcade full of beautiful bouquets and local flower vendors is one of my favorite parts of Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA but our wet winter days mean these farmers need to be creative if they want to fill their shelves year round. Once the fall flower season…
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Phoneography and Non-SLR Digital Photo Challenge: Macro (Summer Hydrangeas)
December in the Pacific Northwest means plenty of wet days and early sunsets. Today’s 8:33 hours of daylight passed far too quickly but these bright blue Hydrangea flowers remind me that summer is just a few months away. 🙂 Posted as part of Lens and Pen by Sally’s Phoneography and Non-SLR Digital Photo Challenge: Macro.
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Phoneography and Non-SLR Digital Photo Challenge: Nature (Fall in my Backyard)
It’s hard to believe December is already here but it’s the first Monday of another month and time for Sally’s creative Phoneography challenge: Nature. I’m happy to be back from a busy few days filled with Thanksgiving visits, half-finished home projects and the general stuff that piles up when I try to do too…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Achievement
We have a small patch of wild strawberries growing in the backyard that are pretty to look at but the birds and squirrels always beat us to eating the fruit. Since I haven’t been able to taste one I don’t know if the berries are tart of sweet but this year the…
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Phoneography and Non-SLR Digital Photo Challenge: Macro (Canna Leaves)
Some of you might recognize this canna from a mid-summer black and white photo challenge but I couldn’t resist going back for a new angle to take part in Lens and Pen by Sally’s weekly phoneography challenge: Macro.
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iPhoneography Monday: 11-3-14
Usually fall in the Pacific Northwest means cool nights, warm afternoons and plenty of fall color flashing against bright blue skies. I hoped our beautiful summer would lead to another perfect season but this year has been anything but typical and now one of the wettest October’s on record…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Descent
Even though we hiked out to Sol Duc Falls during one of the driest summers on record the powerful sound of water rushing over the edge and down the canyon was something John, Ryan and I will always remember. After admiring this view from the center of the narrow log…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Refraction
Finding an image to suit this challenge has taken me all week and I’m still not sure I’ve really captured refraction but at least it’s given me the chance to share one more photo from Lake Crescent, WA. This crystal clear water is due to a lack of nitrogen which inhibits…
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iPhoneography Monday: 10-20-14
I always smile when I see small stacks of stones placed carefully along a trail so this old beach log on the Washington coast stopped me in my tracks. I don’t know if we are looking at the finished work of one artistic beachcomber or if several walkers left their markers…
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iPhoneography Monday: 10-13-14
A few weeks ago our local beach was covered by a combination of slippery seaweed and clear jellyfish. Every step we took carried the potential for an unpleasant fall but I’m happy to report we returned unharmed and I have this photo to share as part of Lens and Pen by Sally’s Phoneography…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Dreamy
I close my eyes, then I drift away, into the magic night I softly say. A silent prayer, like dreamers do, then I fall asleep to dream my dreams of you. Roy Orbison – In Dreams Posted as part of the Weekly Photo Challenge: Dreamy.
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iPhoneography Monday: 10-6-14
This relaxed seagull walked over to visit while a some adventuresome kite surfers flew across the waves. Posted as part of Lens and Pen by Sally’s Phoneography and Non SLR Digital Photo Challenge: Nature.
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1 Day 1 World Project: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
One year ago this little corner space beside our driveway was buried under pieces of old asphalt, granite boulders, tree trunks and some pretty big excavation equipment. Bringing some life back to the bed has been an ongoing project and we’ve slowly filled in the soil with new plants that…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Signs
The test of an adventure is that when you’re in the middle of it, you say to yourself, “Oh, now I’ve got myself into an awful mess; I wish I were sitting quietly at home.” And the sign that something’s wrong with you is when you sit quietly at home…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Nighttime
“How did it get so late so soon?” Dr. Seuss Long summer days are one of my favorite things about living in the Pacific Northwest but nighttime still comes far too fast. Posted as part of the Weekly Photo Challenge: Nighttime.
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iPhoneography Monday 9-22-14
Another full weekend and another happy party. I feel like September has passed in a blur of entertaining and schedules but at least the weather has been beautiful, the company has been great and we’ve enjoyed plenty of good food and drink on the deck. I sat down outside Saturday…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Endurance
“Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence and nothing too much.” Ralph Waldo Emerson We made it to the turn around point of our Klahhane Ridge adventure with nothing…
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iPhoneography Monday: 9-15-14
Regular readers know one of my favorite things to do is explore a new beach and Second Beach on the Washington coast has moved to the top of my list. I’ve posted a few photos from this visit and there will be more to come but today I have this…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Humanity
My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. Desmond Tutu Posted as part of the Weekly Photo Challenge: Humanity.
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Adventure
The mountains are calling and I must go. John Muir “Mom, this is the best day ever!” Ryan’s first steps on the Klahhane Ridge Trail in the Olympic National Park. Posted as part of the Weekly Photo Challenge: Adventure.
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iPhoneography Monday: 9-8-14
We finished our hike out to Second Beach in Olympic National Park just in time for low tide and easy access to some beautiful tide pools. Posted as part of Lens and Pen by Sally’s Phoneography and Non-SLR Digital Photo Challenge: Macro.
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1 Day 1 World Project: 6:00 am – 7:00 am
What do you do with a favorite red wagon when your kid outgrows pull toys and spends his time with electronics and sports? Turn it into a planter. 🙂 This week has flown by in a blur of first week of school activities, a new home re-decorating project and big plans for my husband’s 50th Birthday…
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iPhoneography Monday: 9-1-14
Beautiful, green moss covers most flat surfaces in Washington State’s Hoh Rainforest even this old phone booth outside the Visitors Center at the entrance to the park. Posted as part of Lens and Pen by Sally’s Phoneography and Non-SLR Digital Photo Challenge: Nature.
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1 Day 1 World Project: 5:00 am – 6:00 am
We’ve reached the daylight hours again, I’m feeling more like myself and Ryan is home from his late summer week with my parents. Put all these events together and it means another trip to the beach! This time John stayed home to get ready for an early morning at work…
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Travel Theme: Edge
There are several reasons I chose this photo for Alisa’s travel theme “Edge” but my favorite element is the line of Gulls patiently waiting their turn to stretch their wings and fly away.
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iPhoneography Monday: 8-25-14
I snapped this cute little bunny enjoying an afternoon snack outside the Lopez Islander Marina during our visit last month. Rabbits are everywhere in the San Juan Islands today even though they are a favorite attraction for the tourists the critters aren’t native to the area and are seen…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Fray
This lone surfer quietly watched the water from Washington State’s Rialto Beach for 30 minutes before he decided the time was right to grab his board and enter the fray.
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iPhoneography Monday: 8-18-14
A few days ago I posted a view from our way up the Klahhane Ridge Switchback Trail and today I’ll share our turning around point. It’s a beautiful hike but this was far enough for me! Posted as part of Lens and Pen by Sally’s Phoneography and Non-SLR Digital Photography Challenge:…
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1 Day 1 World Project: 3:00 am – 4:00 am
I’ve been worried about this 3:00 am week since the beginning of the 1 Day 1 World Project and as of last Saturday didn’t have a single good idea for what to do but Mother Nature came to my rescue with the rare, simultaneous occurrence of a Super Moon and the…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette
Some of our best hours in the Olympic National Park were spent exploring Second Beach on the Washington Coast. The one mile forest hike to the beach from a small parking area is just enough distance to keep crowds away and the sound of roaring surf echoing through the trees…
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iPhoneography Monday: 8-11-14
We’re slowly unpacking after a fantastic vacation in the Olympic National Park and I can’t wait to start sharing photos from our hikes through the mountains, beaches, lakes and rainforests of the Washington State Peninsula. This week is devoted to macro mobile photography at Lens and Pen by Sally so I’ll start small with…
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iPhoneography Monday: 8-4-14
For nature week at Lens and Pen by Sally I have a close up shot of the Hens and Chicks on our front porch. I love how these plants thrive with little to no attention and this one has been happily residing its tiny pot for years. Posted as part of Lens…
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Weekly Travel Theme: Simplify
This week Alisa’s weekly travel theme asks everyone to share what comes to mind when they think of the word “simplify“. After a day of thinking about how we’ve tried to simplify one aspect of our busy days I settled on our food choices and a photo of this pretty yellow truck at…
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Travel Theme: Meeting Places
There’s nothing quite like the mix of summer weather, interesting beaches and kids with plenty of imagination and time on their hands. Driftwood forts are a common sight on Lopez Island and each beach we visited had at least one great structure ready and waiting for the next group to meet…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Summer Lovin’
When I was a kid three activities ruled my summers: Root Beer popsicles, great books, and riding my bike as fast as possible. I’m a little afraid to try Root Beer popcicles today for fear they won’t live up to my memories but I always have a book to read and…
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Weekly Travel Theme: Purple
My sweet niece, Sophia checking out the amazing flowers on this Butterfly Bush. July 4th, 2014. Posted as part of Alisa’s Weekly Travel Theme: Purple.
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iPhoneography Monday: 7-21-14
I missed last week’s Macro post but apparently had macro on my mind while looking for a black and white image to post today. Our new front deck is the only part of the yard that really receives full, hot sun so I’ve happily filled one side with herbs and…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Containers
From “Don’t judge a book by its cover” to “Don’t look at the jug, but at what it contains” (an old Rabbinic saying), we’re constantly taught that the contents of things are more important than the vessels, wrappers, and boxes that hold them in place. This week, let’s give outer shells their due…
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Travel Theme: Decoration
I thought this cheery beach smile from Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island would be fun to post as part of Alisa’s weekly Travel Theme: Decoration.
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iPhoneography Monday: 7-7-14
The past week has flown by filled with long overdue family visits and way too much time at work but I want to slow down for a minute and share a photo from our 4th of July walk. Some of you might recognize this pretty landscape from a previous Wordless…
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1 Day 1 World Project: 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Everyone in the Pacific Northwest jokes that summer doesn’t really start here until July 5th. We usually have one or two warm days in June surrounded by partly sunny days mixed with some rain and clouds but the real heat and sunshine doesn’t come out until mid July. This year our…
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iPhoneography Monday: 6-30-14
Today’s iPhone challenge is to share a photo that’s processed using apps. Sally does a great job encouraging every participant in her weekly photo challenges to stretch the boundaries of their comfort zones and try new things with photography so today I decided it was time to finally explore one of the…
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1 Day 1 World Project 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
One of the fun things about this 1 Day 1 World project is that it is pushing me to try new things while looking for interesting posting material each week. So far I’ve taken you with us to enjoy waterfront festivals, local beaches, neighborhood church signs and the streets of…
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Travel Theme: Shine
A sparkly evening water view for Alisa’s weekly Travel Theme: Shine. Happy Friday!
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Extra, Extra
It’s been a busy week here filled with family activities, end of school projects, a band concert and a Wednesday birthday. Mine! I was lucky enough to have the day off but couldn’t fit everything I wanted to accomplish into the happy day and still try to relax at the same time.…
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1 Day 1 World Project: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The late afternoon/early evening hours are my favorite times of day and since we’ve had a stretch of absolutely beautiful June weather the toughest part of today’s post was choosing which photo to share. In the end I settled on this shot from Brackett’s Landing because even though Herons are a…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Room
Every time I walk past our local library I see the backside of a mysterious little house covered in moss and protected by a fern. Each week some new element appears and while I didn’t want to creep around the planting bed to take a closer look I finally gave…
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iPhoneography Monday: 6-2-14
My backyard view from the grass last night looking for a photo for today’s Nature post as part of Lens and Pen by Sally’s weekly challenge.
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Travel Theme: Blossom
For Alisa’s new Travel Theme: Blossom I have one more photo from our spring trips to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. This colorful display was filled with so many varieties it looked like an enormous bouquet!
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iPhoneography Monday: 5-5-14
Sally’s back from a wonderful vacation and her popular Phoneography and Non-SLR Digital Photo Challenge begins the month of May with Nature as its subject. I’ve posted this view of Marina Beach Park before when the trees were at their height of fall color and I thought it would be fun…
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A Word A Week: Water
I’ve been in a beachy kind of mood this week with lots of water themed posts so here is one more image from the same spring day as Bud’s Bait Shop and the “I wish I was on a cruise” Life Ring. Posted as part of Sue’s A Word A Week Challenge:…
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Travel Theme: Glow
Maybe I’m just looking for another opportunity to post a tulip picture but I can’t stop looking at these glowing red tulips under a stormy spring sky. Yesterday I drove a very excited Ryan to Anacortes, WA to join a group of 18 middle school kids and 6 scientists for an…
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Happy Earth Day 2014
Our April showers paused just long enough for me to take a walk this afternoon and snap some photos of our spring blooming trees in honor of Earth Day. My fingers are crossed hoping these wet days really will bring more May flowers…
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iPhoneography Monday in the Skagit Valley Tulip Fields
I know I said Thursday would be my last tulip photos for a while but since Sally’s mobile photography challenge is on vacation until May 5th I thought I’d share one more post from the Skagit Valley. The annual Tulip Festival is a favorite with photographers as well as fun day trip for the family…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: On Top
On top can be a feeling, a perspective, or a physical location. The Daily Post – Sara Rosso This eagle perched on a weathered driftwood pirate ship had to feel like he was sitting on top of the world… Posted as part of the Weekly Photo Challenge: On Top.
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Skagit Valley Tulips – 3
I took hundreds of tulip photos last weekend but don’t worry, I won’t post all of them at once! After today we’ll take a break from the Skagit Valley pictures and tomorrow will bring something new to see and talk about.
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Skagit Valley Tulips – 1
I usually post a new black and white photo every Tuesday but after spending the weekend surrounded by millions of tulips my head is full of bright, vibrant colors and I thought it would be fun to spend the week sharing a few of my favorite views from the 2014 Skagit…
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Travel Theme: Misty
I love living by the waterfront with easy access to the beach but our proximity to Puget Sound also brings plenty of misty days . In the fall we can spend weeks at a time wrapped in thick fog and even though I know the trees are turning brilliant shades of red and yellow and that the sky…
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Black & White Tuesday: 4-1-14
I really hope this will be the last bare branches photo of our winter as April’s warmer air and longer days means it’s almost time for the Emerald City (Seattle) to live up to its nickname.
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iPhoneography Monday: 3-31-14
This week introduces a new element to Lens and Pen by Sally’s Non-Traditional photo challenge – editing and processing using apps. I’ve been wanting to try Waterlogue and as I expected it’s been fun seeing what my photos might look like if I had any talent with watercolor. My first attempt was this still…
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Travel Theme: Pink
I know I’ve been very quiet this week but don’t worry I hope to spend some quality time with my reader as soon as tomorrow. I plan to be back to a more normal schedule by next week and can’t wait to see what everyone has been up to while I’ve…
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iPhone Monday: 3-17-14
I’ve posted a few photos of this beach log but I haven’t shown it from this angle before. Is it just me or does anyone else think the old roots look like fingers reaching into the ocean? Posted as part of Lens and Pen by Sally’s Phoneography Monday: Black and…
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Travel Theme: Garden
This isn’t a traditional garden picture but March in the Pacific Northwest is a challenging time everyone who loves the outdoors. It’s cold and damp 90% of the time with a few brief stretches of sunny weather that give us all spring fever but send pollen counts into the double…
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Black & White Tuesday: 3-4-14
After a dreary week of foggy October days Ryan and I grabbed our warm coats and headed to the beach. Late afternoon brought us the first touch of light in days and just as the gray lifted a flock of birds rose from their perches at the Marina and flew out to sea.
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iPhone Monday: 3-3-14
My husband surprised me with these lovely spring flowers Friday night and today I’m sharing them with all of you as part of Lens and Pen by Sally’s Phoneography Challenge: Nature.
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Black & White Tuesday: 2-25-14
The only reason I stopped to take this photo was because of how much I liked the leafless branches against a vibrant blue winter sky yet here I am on a black & white Tuesday removing all color. The original brown and blue palette was striking but after viewing it in monochrome I can really appreciate the organic structure of this great…
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A Word A Week: Atmospheric
Summer fog rolling across Heather Meadows in the Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest. Posted as part of Sue’s A Word A Week: Atmospheric.
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Three
Michelle’s latest photo challenge asks us to use a three picture posting style to tell a story through images. This is a technique I’ve enjoyed in the past and when you have a son with a flair for the dramatic composing a visual story is a fun way to pass the time. Today, with three images,…
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Black & White Tuesday: 2-18-14
I have another summer beach photo for this mid-February entry in my Black and White Tuesday series. Ryan spent an hour filling his pockets with rocks for sling-shot ammunition while I relaxed on driftwood logs snapping pictures of the day.
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A Word A Week: Violet
One of the things I love about Heather is its determined nature, blooming right on schedule no matter the conditions. This little plant flowers in my front yard every winter providing bright spots of color in a season filled with green, brown and white. Posted as part of Sue’s A Word A Week: …
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iPhoneography Monday: 2-10-14
Our latest snowstorm was perfectly timed, starting after we returned home Saturday night and melting by Sunday afternoon. We had just enough snow to walk around the neighborhood and throw snowballs Sunday morning and safe roads for grocery shopping before the new work and school week began today. Posted as part of Lens and Pen…
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Travel Theme: Yellow
Alisa’s Yellow travel theme has me dreaming of spring days and a visit to the Skagit Valley Tulip Fields. I can’t wait for April!
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iPhoneography Monday: 2-3-14
Saturday afternoon John, Ryan and I laced up our hiking shoes and set out to explore Southwest County Olympic View Park. This 120 acre parcel was owned and logged in the early 1900’s by Pope and Talbot before they transferred ownership to the University of Washington who eventually granted the property to the City of Edmonds in…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Object
Some photographs, like portraits, focus on individuals, while still-life moments capture the beauty (and often treasured stories) of belongings and found objects. The Daily Post – Cheri Lucas Rowlands I’ll bet this old basket ball has a few good stories to tell… Found during a walk in the woods and posted…
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Travel Theme: Dry
I’ve found the only sure way to enjoy home-grown Pacific Northwest flowers in January is to cut an extra bouquet or two and set them aside for drying. I have the best luck with late season Hydrangeas and if kept out of direct sun their deep purple, pink and blue pigments can last for years. Posted as part of Alisa’s weekly…
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Travel Theme: Wood
This huge beach log is one of the most photographed spots on our favorite Edmonds beach and of course I can’t help stopping several times a year to try capturing a new angle. When the tide is out this section of the log is almost as high as my shoulder and the…
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iPhoneography Monday: 1-20-14
Today is the third Monday of the month which means it’s time for January’s black and white week over at Lens and Pen by Sally’s Phoneography Challenge. I wasn’t sure what I was going to post today until I came across this small trillium photo from last spring. While I like the…
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A Word A Week: Waiting
I think these two gulls were waiting for dinner to drop from the hands of the kids standing behind me… Posted as part of Sue’s A Word A Week Challenge: Waiting
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Weekly Travel Theme: Illuminated
I always look forward to Alisa’s weekly travel themes and this latest challenge has inspired some beautiful images of light from around the world. For my Illuminated post I hope you like this view of a fiery evening sky as seen from the top deck of a Washington State Ferry.
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iPhoneography Monday: 1-13-14
Yesterday I sat down in our wet backyard grass and decided I wouldn’t go back inside until I found something interesting to photograph for today’s macro challenge. I’m happy I took a few minutes to look at things from a different angle because I had completely missed how pretty this little mushroom was…
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iPhoneography Monday: 1-6-14
The first Monday of the month means it’s time to focus on nature as part of Lens and Pen by Sally’s Phoneography Monday Challenge. The Whatcom Falls beavers have been working long hours to bring this old tree down and even though there is a nice note from the park rangers attached to the side of the trunk asking everyone to…
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A Word A Week: Reflect
Sue’s final word of the week for 2013 is “reflect“. I thought this might be a good chance for a reflective post looking back through my blogging year but as the weekend is almost over and I like this little photo of multiple reflections here we are. This is from a morning walk…
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Travel Theme: Birds
Every time I try to take a picture of a cute little bird something goes wrong. If the shot isn’t terribly out of focus, then the bird will move at the last second or the finished image is just too boring to post but my lack of photographic timing doesn’t stop birds from flying into my pictures each time…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Joy
Whether or not you celebrate a winter holiday, the years’ end is a perfect time to look back at the year-that-was and happily forward to the year-that-will-be. A time of renewal, celebration, and joy. This week, let’s set ourselves up for a happy new year: share a photo that shows…
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A Word A Week: Wind
January 1st 2010 was the stormiest day I’ve ever spent on a beach with wind gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour. I snapped this photo during a brief moment of relative calm but when the tide came up a few more feet the wind speed surged and hundreds of driftwood beach logs began rolling through the surf like…
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Travel Theme: Winter
When I read Alisa’s latest post announcing “Winter” as her weekly travel theme I knew I wanted to wait until December 21st and take a photo of the first day of winter. December 20th brought our first snowfall of the year but we were still officially in Fall so I waited……
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Weekly Photo Challenge: One
Every good photograph needs a focal point. It’s the thing that draws the viewer’s eye and tells the story. Michelle – The Daily Post This is the first year my son has been able to take the bus to school and since our pick up location is about fifteen minutes away the thirty…
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iPhoneography Monday: 12-16-13
The above ground twists and turns of old tree roots always catch my attention but this one stopped us on the trail. We thought it looked like an ancient dinosaur leg resting on the forest floor… Posted as part of Lens and Pen by Sally’s weekly Phoneography Challenge.
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iPhoneography Monday: Nature 12-2-13
The first Monday of every month focuses on images of nature at Lens and Pen by Sally’s Phoneography Challenge. I love the vibrant shades of the ever-present bright green moss growing all around this part of the Pacific Northwest. Chilly temperatures will soon take a toll on the vivid display so I’m happy I captured…
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A Word A Week: High
Sue’s latest word of the week is High and while her fun post is full of beautiful bridges, cliffs and waterfalls my photos tend to be from points closer to the ground. I don’t like heights… I do however love to see trees reaching for the sky and fall gives us the opportunity…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Let There Be Light
Take a look around you. Choose one of the light sources you see, and make it the focus of your challenge entry. Ben – The Daily Post This week Ben asks us to focus on a point of light and feature it in a post for the Weekly Photo Challenge. …
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Travel Theme: Fragrant
This week Alisa’s travel theme is all about fragrance and she has some beautiful examples of wildlife, baked goods, fresh fruit and spices posted at Where’s My Backpack. Since the theme for my blog is a view into our corner of the Pacific Northwest I thought it would be fun to show…
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Black and White Tuesday: 11-19-13
The days are getting shorter and shorter here in the Pacific Northwest and as I look out my window to nearly dark sky at 4:20 pm I thought this black and white image was a fitting choice for today’s post. The birds are still flying but the light is almost…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Layers
Layers. Layers can reveal, conceal, and make something more complex. They can vary in size, texture, color, or functionality. Each layer can have its own story, meaning, or purpose. They can overlap, blend, or be distinctly separate. A layer doesn’t have to be a part of a single object but can…
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Black & White Tuesday: 11-12-13
I missed my black and white post last week but Tuesday is here again and today I have a beachfront image from our stretch of fall fog a few weeks ago. The waterfront was surprisingly full of people but the heavy mist muffled all sounds and if I angled my view just right it…
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iPhoneography Monday: Macro 11-11-13
Capturing clean macro photos is always a challenge for me but I love Sally’s weekly Phoneography posts so here is my latest attempt. These fern fronds were part of the path through a park we visited Saturday afternoon and I liked the woodsy shades of brown on the forest floor while we were surrounded…
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Travel Theme: Connections
Walking with my brother’s dog Heidi, my son Ryan and his new friend from school this morning I was thinking about connections and how lucky we are to have a great community of friends and family around us. Of course I couldn’t help taking a few pictures along the way and once…
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A Word A Week: Two
I have one more forest walk photo for you because it could be a long wait for a better chance to post an image of a two headed tree… Inspired by Sue’s A Word A Week Challenge: Two
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iPhoneography Monday: 11-4-13
The first week of the month is nature’s time to shine at Lens and Pen by Sally’s Phoneography Challenge and today I have another photo from our Sunday afternoon walk through the woods. We left the house planning to spend a few hours on the beach but now I’m glad the access roads were closed because…
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Travel Theme: Delicate
This is the first, and hopefully only, time I post a photo of a slug but this little guy just insisted on being the center of attention today. Yesterday brought a huge windstorm to the Seattle area and today John, Ryan and I ventured out hoping to visit a “new to us” beach. The…
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Phoneography Monday: Black and White 10-21-13
The third Monday of every month is devoted to black and white phoneography at Lens and Pen By Sally. My small town is in the middle of its fourth day of heavy October fog and I hope Sally doesn’t mind the touch of Sepia in these misty beach photos because I need a hint of color…
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Travel Theme: Deep
Seven year old boys are so much fun, everything is an adventure and anything goes when it comes to work, play and clothing choices. Raking leaves at our old house was a huge job but Ryan was always ready to step up and help. This cold afternoon he dressed himself in…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Good Morning!
This week, show us a photo that says “Good morning!” It could be a shot taken during your morning walk, the morning vista out your kitchen window, your cat doing a pre-breakfast stretch, or a textured close-up of your oatmeal bubbling away at the stove. I’m excited to see how…
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Phoneography Monday: Nature 10-7-13
I’m home from a fun-filled family trip just in time to participate in Lens and Pen by Sally’s Phoneography Challenge: Nature. Last Wednesday I posted a photo looking up through some late summer flowers and today I thought I would show you a view of the same planting bed looking down toward ground level instead of up to…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Saturated
Every year I find at least one place to plant this combination of ferns and red begonias. I enjoy almost every color variety of begonia but non stop red has claimed the top spot as my favorite with the maidenhair fern. This pot spent most of the summer in a shaded spot…
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A Word A Week: Arch
The natural arches in this large driftwood stump are a great place to play, climb and build forts on the Edmonds Waterfront. Posted as part of Sue’s A Word A Week Challenge: Arch
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Inside
I don’t know what it is about small spaces that pulls children inside, ready to play, hide or even relax. I was one of those kids who didn’t like being squished into someplace small but as you can see, Ryan and his cousin Emma have been doing it for years.…
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iPhoneography Monday: Macro 9-9-13
The second Monday of every month is devoted to Macro over at Lens and Pen by Sally’s weekly Phoneography Challenge. A Hydrangea bouquet from my parent’s garden photographed with my iPhone’s Hipstamatic app and edited in Snapseed.
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Weekly Photo Challenge: One Shot, Two Ways
For this challenge, capture two images — a horizontal and a vertical version — of the same scene or subject. There are no concrete “rules” here, but a) it should be evident that both shots are of the same place/location or person/thing, and b) your photographs should ideally have been taken during…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Masterpiece
Masterpiece…a location or scene that’s special, unusual, or even magical in some way. Weekly Photo Challenge: Masterpiece Cheri Lucas Rowlands on July 26, 2013 This maple tree, tucked in the far corner of our backyard, shares its beautiful pattern with every season. Posted as part of the WPC: Masterpiece
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Black and White Weekly Challenge: Abstract
Sonel’s newest theme for her Black and White Challenge series is the word “Abstract”. I really like how these simple shades of black and white accentuate the abstract, natural shapes in this sea star and driftwood stump in the San Juan Islands.
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Travel Theme: Tilted
Alisa’s current travel theme challenges us to show images illustrating the word Tilted. I spent a few days looking through my archives and finally chose two photos from summer vacations that were a little off kilter… I really admire the tenacious nature of these tough pine trees surviving on the edges of the San Juan…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Fresh
Fresh. The definition for fresh has a bit of a fork in it – it’s a state (new, recent, previously unknown)… – Sara Rosso This morning, home after a busy week in Texas, I couldn’t wait to sit down and catch up with the latest posts in my reader. As I expected it is filled with…
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Flower Friday: 7-19-13
A Cactus flower next to our hiking trail north of Santa Fe, NM.
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Flower Friday 6-21-13
I am going to miss the Weekly Photo Challenge today but here is a Peony from my garden for Flower Friday. Photo taken with my iPhone 5 and edited in Snapseed.
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Phoneography Monday: Black and White
Posted as part of Lens and Pen by Sally’s Phoneography Challenge: Black and White.
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Travel Theme: Flow
Alisa’s newest travel theme is Flow and I have some fun photos of a very chilly but exciting morning in December when Ryan and I grabbed our warm coats and went to the beach to experience a Winter King Tide. King Tides occur when the sun and moon align increasing the gravitational pull on the…
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(i)Phoneography Monday: Nature
Every Monday I look forward to being a part of Lens and Pen by Sally’s weekly phoneography challenge. The first Monday of each month is reserved for Nature and while I planned to have a post ready to publish first thing this morning, life and work got in the way. Here…
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Daily Prompt: Green
Today in the Daily Post the photography prompt is Green. I almost posted this iPod picture a few weeks ago but in the end decided the finished image was too green to fit with my other photos. Today it gets a second chance for a moment in the sun. This is a small view of my…
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A Word A Week: Mountain
This week the dictionary at A Word in Your Ear has opened to the word Mountain. We have spent some wonderful days hiking in the mountains around the Pacific Northwest and today I want to share a gallery of images from a trip to Mount Baker, WA. For more amazing…
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iPhoneography Monday: Nature
For this week’s iPhoneography Monday theme of Nature I have a picture of freshly cut Rhubarb from our local farmer’s market. Photo from my iPhone 5 and edited in Snapseed and PhotoToaster. If you would like to join the iPhoneography Monday photo fun please visit Lens and Pen by Sally for the schedule and details.
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Weekly Photo Challenge: From Above
From The Weekly Photo Challenge: Above. Change your perspective on something. Find a subject and instead of taking a picture from in front of, at an angle, to the side, or from behind, take it directly from above! With Sara’s directions in mind I went outside looking for something that I don’t usually see from…
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iPhoneography Monday: Earth Day
Did you know that close to 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water? In response to Lens and Pen by Sally’s challenge to share portraits of Nature in celebration of Earth Day I want to post four new iPhone pictures featuring views of the water in Washington State. These first two images…
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Lunchtime
My Travel Theme post about the color green mentions our first crab caught from the Edmonds Fishing Pier. We had a great day figuring out how what kind of bait to use (chicken), how to throw the pot, visiting with the other fishers and crabbers around us and discovering what kinds…
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Travel Theme: Green
To celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day and the arrival of spring Alisa’s weekly Travel Theme is all about the color green. I love green and living in the Pacific Northwest gives me plenty of opportunities to photograph this beautiful color. Today I chose three pictures that I think highlight the themes I like to talk about…
Northwest Frame of Mind 