Magic Fairy Dust

It's time for some spring magic! May the butterflies sprinkle you with fairy dust! :)

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!

Signs of Spring

A sure sign of spring is when the birds begin playing in the yard!

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.

Year of the Dragon

I know it isn't conventional, but I love reptiles. Snakes, lizards, crocodiles...they all fascinate me. So naturally I had to attend the celebrations for the Year of the Dragon. Here are some sights from the celebration of the new year 2012.

I was inspired by the beautiful colors & intricate details in the decor. Please take a deep breath & join me in the zen garden.

These are some of the cool moments I encountered while immersing myself in the festivities.

New Arrival

In less than one week, my tiny palm tree more that doubled in size. From the moment I spied the long spindly arms reaching out of the heart of the palm, I was mesmerized. The creature-like appendages were breaking free from their confines and putting on an artistic display for all to see. The sequence below heralds the arrival of the new fronds from soft, fuzzy, and entwined to tall fully developed arms swaying proudly in the wind.