Friday Shoot-Out: Under Construction

On Christmas Eve, I was at the Philadelphia airport and saw the perfect shot for this shoot-out--it was a baggage carousel down to its bare bones with plywood all around: under construction. Unfortunately, it was freezing and I was trying to keep up to get to the car quickly so I just had to run by instead of grabbing my camera out of my purse like I wanted.

Anyway, I stretched the topic a little.

I have a shot of breakfast under construction. Soon after, that egg became scrambled eggs. I also included what I call "the door to nowhere" because it looks like something unfinished. I love it because it is a symbol of possibility and openness. I included a spiderweb under construction. Spider webs are one of nature's miracles--it is always amazing how intricate and beautiful the design is, especially being created by such a small creature. I also included wind turbines because they are under construction more and more so that we can harness the great power of the wind.

And, finally, I am always under construction. I am a big believer in self-improvement and am always trying to evolve into a better self. Also, my relationship with John is also under construction, in that we are trying to build a life together; I am very fortunate that it is getting better and better everyday! By the way, this is the first time ever I have shared a picture of myself on my blog--I usually do not like how I look in photographs.

Anyway, I hope every one of you have a wonderful New Year and that your 2010 is full of love and light!

Friday Shoot-Out: Angels

I am not a traditionalist when it comes to religion and spirituality. I respect all religions and spiritual viewpoints. As I said before, I do believe in angels. I believe they are spiritual beings who have evolved beyond the physical form. I also believe many of them watch over us with love and compassion. I love all forms of angels and love angels in art. So, obviously, I think this is a perfect assignment for a time of year that celebrates love and compassion (in the form of celebrating Jesus's birth).

For this shoot-out, I am going to the archives, so you may have seen some of these before. As for many of you, this has been a crazy busy time! In a few hours, I will be heading to the Philadelphia airport to pick up John's mother and daughter. I still have to bake Splenda cookies (for my dad who is diabetic) and finish cleaning the place up. It's fun busy, so I can't complain too much! Because, as we all know, there is bad busy, which is the worst. So I will take fun busy any day! Anyway, if you celebrate Christmas, I wish you a wonderful Merry Christmas. If you do not celebrate Christmas, I hope you still have a wonderful day. I hope to be "seeing" you all in the new year.

Enjoy!

Friday Shoot-Out: My Town Dressed for Christmas

This assignment was a very smart one for this time of year, so props to the FSO team!! Christmas, to me and many others, is such a wonderful time to really connect with each other. People tend to be nicer and in a better mood, thus friendlier and more approachable (except in an over-crowded line at Target). People say hello more and smile more often at strangers.

Also, Christmas is a great time to connect with family. There is a part of me, though, that is also sad on some level for the reminder of all that has changed over the years, the people that are missing from the celebration, the traditions that have died. To deal with this aspect, I try to honor who and what has been lost by starting new traditions and integrating some of the best of the old.

One of these past traditions was to ride around to look at all the wonderful christmas lights and decorations that people have put out. I shared one shot of a house that I liked (I found it hard to get a good shot of christmas lights). Sorry for yet another picture of Winston--he is just so photogenic!! I included John, who is "dressing" the tree with the star and also John studying the tree possibilities.

I also included an angel. I believe angels are spiritual beings that have evolved beyond the physical form, only existing in beautiful, loving energy. I believe they watch over us with love and compassion.

I hope that all of you are being watched over and have a wonderful Holiday!!

Photo and Poem: The Hidden

What there was to have
remained hidden.
The wind weaved in between
what was said and unsaid.
The sea sang its sanguine song
to drown out our dying voices.

What words could not be said
will not be said.
The gestures that could move
will remain still.

Still, in my memory,
the soft sand beneath my feet,
cooling my sols with soft, moist earth.
Your eyes fluid,
flowing away.

Friday Shoot-Out--Christmas Weather

This was a cool assignment from Emma at http://wehrmans.blogspot.com/.

Snow and cold have become linked in the universal unconscious for Christmas. It is one of our most salient archetypes. I guess we all love the feeling of being in a warm house, sipping hot chocolate, and sitting by the fire as the lights twinkle on the tree while, outside, there is a blizzard raging on the other side of the door. When you think about it, this is a good metaphor for spirituality. The outside may be chaotic but inside is calm.

My pictures were taken right outside my patio door. The icicles were an amazing surprise. The way the light came through them was just amazing. If I had more photographic talent, I would have really captured the light better. For the bird shots, I just liked the contrast of a bird in the snow. These were actually taken last year, since we have not gotten a major snowing (major snowing? not sure it is an actual phrase, but I like it!) yet this year. Today was one of the first days that it was really cold--like walking into a meat locker when you go outside! I am a little jealous of those of you in the warmer climes.

Hope you enjoy!

Photo and a Poem: Requiet

If I had the words
to make you move
all could go forward
and the dance prove

that we were meant
to love. The mountain
is just too far
and too hard to climb.

If I had the power
to make you sigh
to the sound of my breath abated,
yet still comes that heart sour,
the soul regurgitated.

Dark clouds move in
covering that cerullean blue
your mouth had painted my soul.
The storm in me is calm in you.

Friday Shoot-Out Favorite Things

What a great assignment from Mark at http://bagmanslogorrhea.blogspot.com/. This song is one of my favorites and I certainly love whiskers on kittens, not sure about warm woolen mittens (could be itchy). I do like silver-white winters that melt into spring!

Anyway, for my favorite things, I included representations of brotherly love, friendship, and relaxation. Can you figure out which is which?

I also included a couple shots of the sky--I love looking at the sky!

Sorry this is a short post, but I am exhausted today. Trying to keep my immune system strong because there are a lot of illnesses going around. Hope anyone reading this is staying healthy--drinking orange juice and getting lots of rest!

Hope you enjoy!