Hello Again

It's been a while. A long, long while! Winter is not for me. Every year I swear "this will be the year". This will be the year that I face Jack Frost head on, stare down the cold, and put on a brave face. But alas, the season of shortened days and blustery winds won again. I went into hibernation like a bear, settling in for an extended nap, stirring only occasionally to make sure I was still breathing.

There is something about the lighting that actually feels cold. It is like the world is hidden behind a repressive cool filter while the sun slinks low in the sky. There is always a darkened cast in the air that keeps the true colors of the world under wraps. It is during these winter months, which simply drag on and on, that I come to understand meaning of the expression "feeling blue". My creativity is stifled and my energy is gone. I start a countdown, waiting impatiently until warm days are upon us. Long days that give way to brilliant lingering sunsets and evenings enjoyed on a patio, enveloped in a soft breeze heavy with the scent of orange blossoms.

Today, though, is a new day. It is bright, sunny and warm. The grass is sending out new shoots that are reaching skyward to greet the world. The trees are covered in tiny buds, slowly unfurling to reveal their soft leaves, pure and untouched. Once again, spring is making an appearance, and a new beginning is in sight. The sun is climbing upward and a bright golden light reigns over the land. The tiny creatures that populate the garden are waking up and creating a buzz.

I find myself reunited with an old friend. We have set off on new adventures, searching for nothing in particular. Yet, we always find something that calls to us, demanding our attention. We couldn't be happier as we head off on another journey together. My camera. Me. Spring. Ahhhh.....

Haze

Why are there days that insinuate from the very onset that the horizon may hold many challenges. The sun is shining brightly, the birds are singing, it is simply a beautiful day. Yet the air rests heavy upon my shoulders, like an oppressive cloak shielding my eyes from the warm summer glow. I know better than to give in to the cloud. In terms of problems that plague the world, I have nothing about which I can complain. So I forge ahead, tapping into my well of creative whims and make a decision to harness  the emotions. Instead of allowing the haze to envelop me, I channel the nebulous energy into a tangible emotional snapshot in the form of a moody photograph.  

Lonely Arizona

This Is Just The Beginning...

I am so proud to have one of my photos selected for Special Recognition in an International Art Competition. This is a real honor and very exciting!

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It's Friday!

It's finally spring. It's warm and sunny, and time to think about the weekend! Is it time to present a rose to your special someone and ask if they would like to spend a little time with you? This intriguing close up of a soft pink rose is sure to awaken their romantic side and spark an answer of yes!

Happy Thursday!

Everyone always seems to wait for a special occasion to send flowers. I ask why?!? I think Thursday is pretty special all on it’s own. In life, every day you are blessed to wake up and get out of bed is reason enough to celebrate. And don’t forget to give thanks! And send someone special flowers! Even if that bouquet is “virtual”, they will still be touched that you thought of them. So go out there and spread some happiness!

Roses Exposed

We are all familiar with roses. They are beautiful. They are romantic. The petals are soft and delicate. An eternal symbol of love. They have become the flower to give when you truly want to show you care.

But have you ever stopped to look at the structure of the bloom? The contours are so pretty, almost architectural in shape. They twist and intertwine creating a perfect base from which the bud emerges. I decided to accent the leaves and shine a spotlight on roses from another angle. My hope is that this series emphasizes a new way to see the elegant rose.

Gentle Breeze

This delicate dandelion began losing it's tiny seedlings as the wind gently rocked the bloom while I was setting up this shot. The wispy adventurers were about to set off on their journey but I was blessed to be able to capture them before they were swept away. It can be said that dandelions are a nuisance, but I prefer to think of it as witnessing the life cycle come the full circle.

Cultivate

In the desert, every drop of water is precious. All living things have learned to adapt to the often unforgiving conditions by any means possible. This tiny bud looks skyward in hopes of capturing the last remaining condensation on the outstretched arm of the protective grasses that surround the blooms.

Hello

This flower looked like it was smiling at me as I walked by so I had to snap it's photo!

Tiny Dancers

Many days you feel as if you can conquer the world. But, there are times when the world seems voluminous, and it is easy to recede under the colossal expanse of the universe. Is it possible to hang on? How do you not only survive, but actually blossom when it seems like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? It takes perseverance to find the resplendence that is veiled, but when you uncover the hidden gems...the result is positively inspirational. These tiny petals remain undaunted by the obstacles in their way.

Anything is possible

True, it is an over-used, trite statement recited to us when we are having a tough day. Yet, there must be something to it because we keep forging ahead. There are times when it isn't easy and there are even more challenging times when it feels as though the only steps we are taking are backwards. Why do we keep going? Why do we tell ourselves we can do it? What makes us think we can overcome challenges? Because deep inside, we believe. We believe in ourselves, our family, our friends, our faith. Inside there is an iron will that refuses to give in. When we believe, anything is possible.

Golden Glow

I've clearly established that I love color and fun. I've also noted that I'm real enough to know that there are moments in life that require a subdued tones and for that, black & white set the mood. Yet, photos, like life itself, are more complicated than that. Times of quiet reflections are perfectly suited for the golden hues. The soft, warm glow emanates right off the page and into the viewers soul.

Extroverts

I have always been drawn to the sunny side of life. Whether it is the glimmer of a new bud transforming into a perfect bloom, the beauty of a butterfly gliding by as its wings glisten in the light, or going outside to greet the sun itself, I like to surround myself with all things bright and cheery. Color makes me happy. "Happy" is my favorite emotion; it makes me feel empowered and ready to tackle the world. And I believe emotions along with their subsequent reactions are what drive me to capture the even the simple moments. This collection of color represents all that engaging in life.

Austere

It's no secret that I love to keep things bright. On the flip side, I love expressionism in all forms. There are times when the moment the photo captures will call for a more restrained representation. Richer in tone, often moody, sometimes modern and refined. The lack of color can convey a feeling deeper than the most intense hue. As has been said countless times...sometimes silence does speak louder than words.