FOL 2014 - Week 2 - A Silhouette

*I'm having a bit of trouble lately with blogger and the internet in general this week. Windows 8.1 (what I have) updated my browser to ie11 and neither seems to be playing nicely w/others. And, after reading some forum posts and switching between google chrome and firefox, it doesn't appear they solve the problem either. So, if I cannot comment on your blog or you get multiple comments from me on yours or you can't comment on mine, etc., please understand that "it's all good folks!"  According to blogger and ms/ie - they know of the problem and it's going to take a while for the old browser applications everyone else has to 'catch up' they said.
I guess, from what I've read, I'm lucky I can even see my blog and post pics!*


For week 2 of the Focus on Life:2014 series, Sally's prompt for us was:

 

 

 

 A Silhouette

 

 

A photograph with a subject(s) captured in a shadowy outline with little or no detail against a bright background.

 

This week,"We are going to let all the flaws of the world fall away for a week and concentrate on  an image with no features,  just a simple silhouette". 

 

On my walks in the late afternoon each day I was trying to find a lovely saguaro to capture as a silhouette because they are so majestic, especially when captured this way, but nothing seemed to work out. 

 

It did lend me to take notice of things a bit more and be present and in the 'now' - like this challenge does each week - and I managed to capture a silhouette of a very tall palm tree.

 

Played around with a little bit of color and saturation here,....

 

 

But our ever-so-gorgeous Arizona Sunsets, which make the landscape one big silhouette, are my favorite.

 

Something I never tire of!

 

Our sunrises are equally as amazing!

 

In all it's glory,.....

 

 

Please check out all the Silhouettes everyone else was able to capture this week, won't you?

 

 

De-saturation photo using Sally's Tips / Video she provided this week!
Thanks Sally - this was cool!

 

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Silhouettes!

Cheers,

~Shel~

Focus on Life: Week 52 ~ Goodbye

Well, it's week 52 of the Focusing on Life: 52 Photos weekly photography challenge for 2013

 

Sally's last prompt for us this year was:

 

 

Goodbye

 

"Well, we are here at the end of our year long journey. It is time to say goodbye.  This week for one last time in 2013, I ask you to focus on how you would like to say farewell and then capture it in a photo(s)"

 

I'm certain that so many things went through your heads (and your hearts) for this prompt, as they did mine.

 

I thought of the Farewell song from the Sound of Music.  And, annoyingly, The Beatles song "Hello, Goodbye" has been a constant (I am not really a big Beatles fan!) in my head all week long.

 

I thought of Shakespeare's, "Parting is such sweet sorrow,...." and Chaucer's "All good things must come to an end" and of course, the various fashions of the famous one liner in so many movies, "I bid you adieu".  

 

 I thought of how to capture a wave goodbye, some one walking alone down a road, boarding an airplane or leaving in a car,...all sorts of photographic ways of saying 'farewell'.

 

My thoughts were of saying 'Goodbye' and how I would wish you all well and much success and happiness in the coming year.

 

I was saddened to see this journey come to an end.

But happy that it happened and better off for it, too!

 

Then last week when Sally sent out the invitations for the 2014 Focus on Life: 52 Photo challenge, I was not so blue or sad about this last post of the year. 

 

I thought of the seasons that have come and gone only to come and go again and of how it can be bitter sweet to see things come to and end. 

Yet with the passing of the seasons, the days and the months, there's the endless cycle of hope.

 

Of renewal, of birth, of life. Of hello.

 

 

 

I'm excited to continue this journey and look forward to seeing what those of you who continue will be 'snappin' in 2014.  And, even if you don't pop in to share each week with photos, I will be sure to see you 'around' here online.

 

At least that is my hope.

 

So, I will end with this:

 

"May you fare well in these last few days of 2013 my friends.

I look forward to seeing you in the New Year!"

 

And in the famous words of Dr. Seuss,...

 

 

"Don't cry because it's over.

Smile because it happened!"

~Dr. Seuss~

 

Until Next Time, (I don't say goodbye well at all!)

Peace and Love!

Cheers,

~Shel~

*To sign up/register for the FOL: 52 Photos 2014*
Click HERE!

 

 

Focus on Life: Week 51 - Togetherness

This is week 51 of the Focusing on Life: 52 Photos weekly photography challenge and Sally over at The Studio Sublime gave us this post for the next to last weekend of the year:

 

 

 

Togetherness

 

"This week focus on wrapping yourself in the warmth of togetherness"

 

So, here's us,...together in front of the fire place, sharing some 'togetherness'.
 

 

 

 

Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas this coming Wednesday and may you have some 'togetherness' with those you love!

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Celebrating the Warmth

of Togetherness!

Cheers,

~Shel~

Please click the links below to see
how every one else captured some
"Togetherness"

 

 

 

 

Focus On Life: Week 50 - A Pop of Red

It's week 50 for the

Focusing on Life: 52 Photos

weekly photography challenge and

Sally over at The Studio Sublime

gave us this prompt:

 

 

 

A Pop of Red!

 

"Red is such a visually striking color.  Pops of red grab your attention and add such interest to a photo.  This week, focus on your surroundings and keep an eye out for a Pop of Red!"

 

I LOVE red and my surroundings always have pops of this beautiful color!

There's decoration that have to be placed about,...

 

But, during the holiday season, it has a bit more than a little, "Pop of Red".

And the house to be readied for guests,....

  

Please click the links below to see
where every one else found
"A Pop of Red"

And candles to be lit,....

 

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and RED!

Cheers,

~Shel~

Even Mother Nature gives us Pops of Red for our Holiday Celebrations!

 

Focusing On Life: Week 49 - Add A Little Sparkle!

Well, it's week 49 for the Focusing on Life: 52 Photos weekly photography challenge and Sally from The Studio Sublime gave us this prompt:

 

 

 

Add A Little Sparkle!

 

 

Well, I did manage to get the tree up this week so there is a "Little Sparkle" going on in our house!
 

 

 

 

Click on the images below to see how every one else "Added A Little Sparkle" to their week!

 

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Sparkle!

Cheers,

~Shel~

Focusing on Life - Week 48: Giving Thanks!

This is week 48 for the Focusing on Life: 52 Photos weekly photography challenge and our prompt from Sally over at

The Studio Sublime was:

 

 

 

Giving Thanks!

 

What are you thankful for?

 

 

I do know that I am thankful for this journey through life that Sally has 'prompted' us to take this year and I'm so very thankful for all of you.

 

Every one's been saying how they're sad this photo challenge is coming to a close and they are hoping Sally (or someone) will keep things going on some level or in some capacity.  I'm hopeful of that too, and would take on that challenge if my life didn't seem to be headed in what I believe to be a totally different direction next year.

 

Right now I'm thankful for hot tea, soft blankets, the warm fire and the festive way the cabin is decorated by my sister for Thanksgiving!

 

I'm thankful for the various stringed instruments that have been played by my nephew, my brother-in-law and my son and the joy I get from hearing their music!

 

I'm thankful my hubby's restocking the wood pile and keeping the fires lit! 

 

I'm thankful I have a good, loving and fun family!

 

 

click photo collage to enlarge

 

 

I guess most of all, I'm thankful for the life I have been blessed with and for those in it.  

 

Until Next Time,

 

Peace, Love and Giving Thanks!

 

Cheers,

~Shel~

Giving Dad Bunny-Ears!



 Be sure to stop by and see what everyone else is 'Giving Thanks' for this weekend!

Focusing on Life: Week 47 - Centerpiece

It's week 47 for the Focusing on Life: 52 Photos weekly photo challenge hosted by Sally over at The Studio Sublime and our prompt this week was:

 

 

 

 

Centerpiece

 

"This week focus on what is the centerpiece, the central, most important feature in your day, week, life!  It makes you comfortable, brings you joy, brings you peace of mind, or is simply a place of comfort."

 

For me, this one was easy! Well, I thought it was going to be anyway.

 

These two. Yep - they're my "Centerpiece". My hub. My Rock. My World. My Everything!

 

My Goofy Boys!!

 

 

Only they're not much into having their photo snapped. I told them I didn't want to 'cheat' this week and use a photo of them that I already had and so they had better stand there and let me take their picture!

 

So they agreed. But only for a second.

And only for 1 photo they said.

 

Well, I think it was about 5 seconds, then they bolted so I couldn't get a second shot! Stinkers!

 

I played around with some editing and overlays, etc. I used one called 'Logan' on Pixlr. How appropriate, eh?!

 

And here's the rest of my "Centerpiece".  This was taken at our family reunion this summer up near my sis's cabin. With the exception of just a few who weren't able to make it, it's my sister and our two brothers and their families. These wonderful people are also my 'Centerpiece' and part of my 'Everything'!

 

 

 

 

I'm going to be spending Thanksgiving with some of these folks. Wishing I could spend it with all of them, but grateful for those of us that will be together! 

 

I'm wishing all of you here in the U.S. a wonderful Thanksgiving Day this Thursday and a fun, yet relaxing, holiday weekend.

 

May you have the luxury of spending time with your family, friends and those you are close to and may you be healthy, happy and 'full' of love and light!

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Finding Center!

Cheers,

~Shel~

Focus on Life: Week 46 - Reflect

This is week 46 for the Focusing On Life: 52 Photos weekly photography challenge and our host, Sally, from over at the Studio Sublime gave us this prompt:

 

 

 

Week 46: Reflect

 

"The start of the Holiday season is coming up quickly whether we are ready or not, so before jumping in to all the hustle and bustle let's take a moment to slow down and reflect on all the joy, peace, happiness and love we already have in our life."

 

Wow - how on earth do I capture all the joy, peace, happiness and love that surrounds me in one photo - especially when all those I love and find joy with are spread through out the country?

 

Yep - a bit more challenging than it sounded when I first read this prompt last Sunday!! 

 

Last year during this time of year I was whining to my brother-in-law (aka - Older Wiser One) one day about how rude people were during the Holiday Season and how I thought this was supposed to be the "Happiest Time of the Year!"  And  his response went something like this,....

 

"There are people who don't feel the same as you do during this time of year Shelly because maybe they've lost a loved one and they're missing them.  Or maybe they can't be with the ones they love during the holidays and this makes them sad. Or, perhaps they are trying to figure out how they're going to put food on the table and they're worried there won't be enough money to feed the ones they love. Or maybe, they just don't have people around them who care about them like you do."

 

UGGHHHH! 
'Older-Wiser-One' is such a downer sometimes! 
But he was right. 

I needed to step out of my 'bubble' and realize how lucky I was and just accept things for what they were and not expect everyone to feel the same or act the same as I was acting and feeling.
(Just take things as they come and don't judge or be offended!)

 

So, this week I chose to "Reflect" on how lucky I am. 
(Truly Blessed - despite how some weeks I seem to forget this!)

 

And I wish those who might be feeling down or in despair the comfort and luxury of Joy, Peace, Happiness and Love as our year slides into its final weeks.

 

 

 

 

Until Next Time,

May Everyone Find Their Little Slice of Joy, Peace, Happiness and LOVE!

 

Cheers,

~Shel~

Focus on Life: 52 Photos - Week 45 - Industrial Photography

It's week 45 (Holy Cow Smokes Batman, where has the year gone?!) for the Focusing on Life: 52 Photos weekly challenge hosted by the talented Sally Russick over at

The Studio Sublime.

 

 

 

Our prompt this week was:

 

Industrial Photography:  It's amazing how something perceived as cold and whose purpose is to perform a function can have a beautiful soul."

 

Well, this got me thinking - as our weekly prompts always do.

 

On Halloween, our son (aka - the Masked Rider) took a pretty good spill on his motorbike while taking it for a spin around the block here in our subdivision. I was at the grocery store when this happened and, long story fairly short,...here's the gist of it.

 

Normally, the "Masked Rider" looks like this when he rides his dirt bike (even around the block, pretty much!):

 

 

 

This day, he was dressed like this:

 

Logan was actually wearing only a tank top, basketball shorts and his riding boots when he crashed.
And, this is Mike's motorbike, which is much smaller than Logan's.

 

And this is what happened when he decided the street would look better paved with his skin than with the asphalt that was already there,....

 

 

Yep - OUCH!  His hands were the worst - well kind of!

 

 

Nope - not a pretty sight.

Didn't feel too good either according to Logan.

 

Lesson learned: always wear your helmet, NO MATTER WHAT!!  And gloves, a long sleeve shirt and some pants couldn't hurt, either! :-) 

 

We're the luckiest and most grateful parents on the planet that he didn't hit his head (which didn't have a helmet on it and although it's pretty hard, it's not that hard!!) and that this didn't turn out worse than it did.

 

But, I thought about what Sally said in her prompt. How something cold and 'industrial' (if you will) can have a beautiful soul.

 

Well, 'Scrape' as he's now referred to, is chomping at the bit to get back on his bike and ride. To him, it has a soul. It's beautiful in his eyes.  (it's his fault he biffed it he said, not the bike's fault)

 

So, here's a piece of 'soul' from his bike:

 

This is a pic I took of his broken muffler.
It wasn't broken in the crash, but it was a kind of cool angle/pic to get - so I grabbed it!

 

 

And yes, he's doing fine - thanks to all of you who follow me on facebook and sent well wishes. They were greatly appreciated!

 

Then there's this. This definitely has a soul. And, it's back in use. It's the water line from Grandma Emma's cabin that burned in the Wallow Fire a few summers back.

 

Utility pipe that was burned in the Wallow Fire at Grandma Hindman's.
It's now in use at the new cabin that's over close to where the old one was.
Yippee!!

 

Now, it's back up and running to the new cabin that's being put in close to where Grandma's was!

 

How beautiful is that?!

 

Not exactly sure if these are considered 'Industrial' photos or not, but I thought this was a very cool prompt this week Sally - I'm looking at things in a totally different manner than before and am excited to see what every one's going to post this weekend.

 

I'm prepping for a show tomorrow, so I may not get to every one's posts until next week - sorry about that!!

 

Now, hop around today and see what other beautiful, industrial souls were found this week!

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Feeling Blessed!

Cheers,

~Shel~