Thursday, December 31, 2015

New Year's Eve Fire 12-31-15

Hello and happy Thursday. Tonight is New Year's Eve and marks the year of my blog. I thought I'd end the year the same way I started - with fire. The difference this time is that the almost full moon is included. You know, I feel I have a fire in me with regards to photography. I wonder if I can continue to do APED for another year. Some days this year it has been very hard to steal/find the time needed just to decide on a photo. then many times research whatever or wherever I've photographed and then try to form just the right wording to hopefully help you get engaged. My hope is that with a little knowledge you'll want to come back the next day. I do admit there have been a few times when I just find what I think is a great photo and just don't want to work anymore (many days I work more than 12 hours), and just put it out there and, hopefully, you enjoy the scenery.

Either way, I hope you have enjoyed taking this year long journey with me. I believe I will continue this path and I hope you will join me. Who knows, maybe I will continue to grow as a photographer and as a writer. That is what I expect of myself, for life is continually a learning and growing experience. When I was in college my professors told me that I must learn something new every day. I believe that is true and I look forward to the new year's adventure of learning and sharing.

I hope you have a wonderful New Year's Eve. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Looking Up This Wednesday 12-30-15

Hello and happy Wednesday. It seems like every time I look up at the sky lately, it's raining. So, today I thought I'd look up at one of my favorite birds - the Great Blue Heron. So now, I think things are looking up this Wednesday - ha.

I hope things are looking up for you this Wednesday as well. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Tuesday's Schooling 12-29-15

Hello and happy Tuesday. Today we're going to school in a little schoolhouse in Gaffney, SC. As you can see, this is called Possum Trot School. It is thought that the school got it's name from a path that the children took to school which was, obviously, a possum trail. Cool, huh? This school has been around since 1880. It's had its ups and downs through the years, and, if you care to read more about it, go to http://www.sciway.net/sc-photos/cherokee-county/possum-trot-school.html.

I hope you had a terrific Tuesday. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Monday, December 28, 2015

Moon Love Monday 12-28-15

Hello and happy Monday. Today I want to give you the moon. You probably know the old saying, "I see the moon and the moon sees me. God loves the moon and God loves me." I photographed this moon the day after Christmas. On Christmas it was a complete full moon, but where I was there were clouds and I didn't see it at all. A friend of mine did and posted a picture of the full moon through a telescope and it was great! A day later without a telescope and just a little less full and in between cloud cover and this is what I got. I'm going to need to save up for a telescope!

I hope your Monday was as full of love as this moon. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Holidays Camellia 12-27-15

Hello and happy Sunday. Since you've seen a few pictures of my white Camellia, it's time you met another - my red and white Camellia. And yes, even though it's unseasonably hot here in the Southeast, this beauty is blooming at just the right time for all the holidays celebrated at this time of year. I consider myself very fortunate to be surrounded by nature's beauty.

I hope you found yourself surrounded by beauty today. I hope you had a sensational Sunday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Saturday's Gift of Rose 12-26-15

Hello and happy Saturday. Today is an easy day. I didn't have anywhere I had to go or anything I had to do - except a little cleaning, cooking and walking the dogs (the usual). Sometimes, when you're doing "the usual" something unusual happens - like seeing this beautiful rose. It was during the morning walk with the pups and at the end of the street that this was seen. Recent heavy rains, and a thunderstorm, have kept us from walking this far for the last few days. This morning was very foggy and humid, but not raining so we took our usual long walk and this was our reward! I love presents and I made this photo as a gift. Now, I guess one could say that I am "re-gifting" to you.
I believe a rose it like life - it is beautiful, and there are thorns/obstacles/storms that we must encounter, endure and overcome in order to fully appreciate that beauty.

I hope you are having a wonderful Saturday and that you have found some unusual "gift" to appreciate. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Friday, December 25, 2015

Above The Clouds on Christmas! 12-25-15

Hello and happy Friday. Merry Christmas!! Sometimes I wonder how God views the Earth. Does God sit above the clouds and look down with super zoom vision to see every nook and cranny and every person walking above? When God isn't using super zoom vision and sees something like this photo I took from a plane, is there a thought such as, "How beautiful the creation appears"?

As I see this photo, I do think how beautiful the sky, the clouds and the ground look from above. And I wonder how, if everything looks so lovely, how can it ever be bad? Yes, sometimes looks are deceiving, people are deceiving and things are not always well. Today I am really missing my mother, who went above the clouds to be with God earlier this year. While the emotional pain is almost unbearable at times, I am so grateful that I had her in my life, that I was blessed to have her for my mother and that she will always be with me in spirit.

But today, today is Christmas. Today is a time for joy, for family, for fellowship, for gratitude, for Jesus. For me, today is peace, love, forgiveness. Today ALL is well, just as I perceive it to be in this photograph. When I look at this scene I think of a song called "From a Distance", sung by Bette Midler. Look it up on youtube.com and listen to it if you care to and you'll hear the beauty that I see here.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Be kind to each other. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Christmas Eve Wish 12-24-15

Hello and happy Thursday - and happy Christmas Eve! For this wonderful day I have chosen a sunrise picture from above the clouds. Sunrise is a great time of day for me. Early morning is more like an everyday rebirth for me with a chance at a new start, a new day to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. Each day is a gift and I enjoy all my gifts and strive to use them wisely. On this Christmas Eve I wish for all of you the gift of enjoying each day. I know not everyday is easy. On those days we must be intentional in finding something with which to appreciate and to smile and to laugh.

I hope you have a cheerful Christmas Eve. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Hula Girl Tree Wednesday 12-23-15

Hello and happy Wednesday. Yesterday, I showed you a tree hanging on the edge of a mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Today, I want to take a more fun approach and show you a Hula Girl Tree that I found near Edisto Island in South Carolina. There are times when a tree reminds someone of something and that "someone" just has to make it right. In this case, I have to say I applaud the effort. I am grateful someone took the time and expense and braved the terrain to make this fanciful hula girl happen because I surely enjoyed seeing this from the road.

The next time you take a trip to Edisto, SC, see if this Hula Girl Tree is still there. It can be seen from the main road and we actually saw it as we were leaving the island on the right hand side.

I hope you had a wonderful Wednesday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Tree Tuesday 12-22-15

Hello and happy Tuesday. I have for your viewing pleasure today a tree - and not just any tree - for this tree is along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. I have taken pictures of this tree for many years. When I compare it to the other photos I have of it, this time I captured some of the fog about to overcome the tree. I love trees. And I love how this tree continues to "hang in there" (so to speak), even though it's leaning over the edge.

I must quote the poem by Joyce Kilmer every time I see this and other magnificent trees:

"I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree..."

...A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the sweet earth's flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day. And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree who may in summer wear a nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately loves with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree." ~ Joyce Kilmer

What true words! I feel the same way when I photograph nature. I know there's a higher power at work.

I appreciate that power and look forward to every adventure.

I hope you had an amazing Tuesday. thank you for looking. see you tomorrow.

Monday, December 21, 2015

Monday's Christmas Cactus Flower 12-21-15

Hello and happy Monday. Above is a bloom from my Mom's Christmas Cactus. This plant is an oldie but a goodie and is treasured. If you want to learn how to care for them you can find the information at https://www.humeseeds.com/xmasccts.htm. This particular plant of mine has been passed down from my Grandmother to my Mother and now to me. I will do my very best to care for it and others like it.

Do you have something that's been passed on to you that you hold dear? It's an honor to have something that someone you love passes to you for your enjoyment and care.

I hope you had an enjoyable Monday. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Sunday Love 12-20-15

Hello and happy Sunday. I can't believe the weekend is almost over. I told my cat, Effie, this and she just looked at me in disbelief. My work days are very long and she misses me when I'm gone. Since I'm on the computer now and she can't get petting, she has curled up and pressed behind me. She is one loving cat. Love is what life's all about. There are a lot of kinds of love. I appreciate all the love I have in my life. This Sunday I feel love and I hope you do as well.

I hope you had a loving and special Sunday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Saturday Rushes By 12-19-15

Hello and happy Saturday. Just like the running water of this stream in North Carolina, Saturday has rushed by too quickly. It's evening now and I'm wishing I had more hours in this beautiful and wonderful day to do more, to experience more, to be more. Saturdays are the days to let it all hang out.

I hope you had a great Saturday. Maybe yours didn't rush by as quickly. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow,

Friday, December 18, 2015

Hello and happy Friday. I just love, love, love this camellia! Last night it rained and when I was walking the yard this morning I saw it - pretty, delicate white flowers with water droplets all over. Yippee! I ran to get my cameras and, well, I really like this one so I'm sharing, Sharing is caring, right?

I hope you had a caring Friday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Thursday's Misty Morning 12-17-15

Hello and happy Thursday. This morning was full of mist and fog and I thought I'd let you see a reminder. Remember, there is beauty in all things.

I hope you noticed some beauty today.

I hope you had a great Thursday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Wednesday Rocks 12-15-15

Hello and happy Wednesday. Since the Wednesday workday is over now I think I'll have a drink on the rocks!

I hope you had a wonderful Wednesday. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Camellia for Tuesday 12-15-15

Hello and happy Tuesday. Can you believe this camellia bush is still blooming? Well, it is. And, while all of the others are full of buds, they aren't blooming yet. I am seriously happy with this bush this year. Pulling up in the yard after a long day of work and seeing these flowers is like getting a few more minutes of energy. That's a good thing since I have to walk the dogs.

I hope you had something that gave you a few more minutes of energy today. Some might say that would be coffee. :)

I hope you had a terrific Tuesday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Monday, December 14, 2015

Hanging out on Monday 12-14-15

Hello and happy Monday. Whenever I need any inspiration I can always count on our friends at the zoo. This fine Lemur is just hanging around enjoying the day. I'm not sure if he's just relaxing or if he's on the lookout for danger. It's just hard to read his eyes. They always look a little scary to me. I'm hoping he's at least comfortable.

I hope you had a relaxing and comfortable Monday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Sunday's Spider Web 12-13-15

Hello and happy Sunday. They say that Sunday is for visiting and I'll bet the spider that owns this web is looking for some visitors later today. It's early morning at the time of this photo and the web is covered in water droplets, so it's not quite the right time to visit - they might just slide right off. Ha! Maybe the spider slid off, too. Or maybe went out for breakfast. Maybe I should check under my feet. Hmmm. You never know; it is Sunday, after all. Whatever the story, he or she makes a pretty web.

I hope you has a great Sunday. The next time you see a spider web, if you're not too freaked out, take a moment to see the loveliness. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Fading Winter Rose Saturday 12-12-15

Hello and happy Saturday. It's still warm here in the south and it's still the middle of December. I am finding that some flowers are still blooming as well - some, like the camellia, should bloom now - others, like roses, usually don't bloom this time of year. This one, however, is a winter rose, and, from what I've researched on the web, may be one that goes as far back as 29 BC, in a town called Paestum in Greece. The poet, Virgil, even referred to these flowers' beauty. You can read a little more about this wonderful winter rose at http://www.italiannotebook.com/places/paestum-rose/. I have learned so much this year while doing this blog. It's so amazing to find a rose in my neighborhood that could date back to 29 BC!!

I hope you had a beautiful and amazing Saturday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Friday, December 11, 2015

It's a Berry Good Friday 12-11-15

Hello and happy Friday. While walking the neighborhood I happened upon a bush with some pretty little red berries. I can imagine the berries making a heart shape and so I am passing my heart on to you. Friday has long been the day filled with love and hope and I believe a heart symbolizes that. However, these berries might just be toxic, so don't eat them - just enjoy the love from a distance.

I hope you had a wonderful, non toxic, Friday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Winter Rose Thursday 12-10-15

Hello and happy Thursday. As I was walking my dogs this morning I happened by a rose bush that, in most other Decembers, would not be blooming, Yet, here it is, one single bloom on the entire bush. You know I feel very fortunate to see this. I, of course, come back later without the dogs and snapped away. This morning, when I was unable to snap the photo, it was just a little bud. Now, this afternoon sans dogs, it has blossomed into this beautiful flower. In this day and time when there's so much "stuff" going on in the world distracting us from the wonder of this great earth, it's good to know that, once in a while, when we least expect it, something pops up and says, "hey, look at me, smile and enjoy."

Please take a moment to enjoy the beauty that you find in nature today. It's worth the look. After all, we have to recognize and enjoy our blessings whenever possible.

I hope you had a terrific Thursday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Wednesday on the Rocks 12-09-15

Hello and happy Wednesday. Today, let's do Wednesday "On The Rocks"!! Although it's December, and I am in the South, it's is not usually this warm and so, because it is, I am remembering a day earlier this year when a kayaking adventure took me to this wonderful place called Stumpy Pond. Stumpy Pond is also known as Rocky Creek Lake. So, where there are no rocks or the water's deeper, there are stumps and, for obvious reasons, this is a very quiet area for exploring far away from the noise of motor boats. This place has long been a favorite of mine

I hope you had a delightful Wednesday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Tuesday Takes Flight 12-08-15

Hello and happy Tuesday. On this Tuesday, my favorite bird, the Great Blue Heron has taken flight and enjoys soaring gracefully overhead. This day did not pass as gracefully, but I made it through. Now, I can remember when I took this photo and enjoy the feeling I had when I took it. I am also glad he didn't drop a present on my head. Ha

I hope your Tuesday went by gracefully. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Monday Sky 12-07-15

Hello and happy Monday. Sometimes, on Mondays especially, the days seem very hard. It is, after all Monday and that's why Mondays are famous. At some point on that very hard day, you might want to just take a moment to walk outside. That time might also coincide with the end of the day. Sometimes the best of the day is the end of the day. Sometimes all you need to do is take a deep breath and look up - like now. There's a saying, "When all else fails, look up". I like that saying. I use it, I practice it. Now that you know the saying, feel free to use it for yourself.

I hope you had a wonderful Monday. I hope you had a chance to look up at the sky today. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Sunday's Attending Cow Bird 12-06-15

Hello and happy Sunday. This Sunday, our parking lot attendant is what appears to be a Brown Headed Cow Bird. This bird is actually known as a "brood parasite". They don't build nests, the female just lays her eggs in other birds' nests and the other birds raise them. The male and female Cow Birds enjoy multiple partners with no apparent consequences. But then again, they don't get the joy and sense of accomplishment in raising their own. I guess it won't hurt them to be a parking lot attendant once in a while - even better if it's in a church parking lot. Ha

I hope you had a great Sunday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Saturday's Scarlet 12-05-15

Hello and happy Saturday, I wanted to bring you today, a Scarlet Ibis that I found at the Aviary in the Asheboro Zoo in North Carolina. This Ibis appears on the lookout. The Scarlet Ibis is the national bird of Tobago and Trinidad. While mostly found in South America, you can view this one and others like it at many zoos around the country. You can find out more about this beautiful bird at http://www.birds.com/species/p-t/scarlet-ibis.

I hope you had a sensational Saturday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Friday Fishing and Wishing 12-4-15

Hello and happy Friday. This looks like a good place to fish. This Friday, I am wishing I was at this place fishing. I could fish, and whistle and take photographs. I could relax. One day, some day....

In the meantime, when I can't go fishing, I can keep wishing. And, since I alrready have this photograph, and my memory, I can visualize myself on that dock doing what I want to do rather than doing what I have to do. One day.

What is it that you dream of doing "one day"?

I hope you had a fabulous Friday. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Thursday's Azalea 12-3-15

Hello and happy Thursday. Today I have another flower - azalea - that shouldn't bloom during this time of year. That's ok by me. I am going to be grateful and enjoy my unexpected blessing.
After all, I've been told we should find at least three things that we're grateful for every day. That way we never have a bad day.

I'm sharing one of my three good things with you. I hope maybe it will become one of your grateful things today as well. If not, well that's ok. At least you looked, Oh wait, your looking makes me have another thing to be grateful for today!

I hope you had a great Thursday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Wednesday's Winding Water 12-2-15

Hello and happy Wednesday. Look what you can see from a pull-over spot on Highway 64 near Highlands, NC. Please be careful - Highway 64 is very curvy, with little room for error and the driver really needs to pay attention to the road, so make sure you have a great passenger to navigate your adventures. On one of your stops you may see this winding river mimicking your own drive. Could this be the design idea for the road you're on? Hmmmm, possibly. It seems everyone likes curves.

I hope you had a wonderful Wednesday. Enjoy life's ride. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Tuesday Duo 12-01-15

Hello and happy Tuesday. Today is also the first day of December. Can you believe my camellias are still blooming. Yes, this is the same bush that I showed you a couple of weeks ago. I have four other Camellia bushes, but this is the only one in bloom - and it's a long bloom time if you ask me. I'm enjoying the heck out of it because I don't have to go any further than my front yard for great photo opportunities. Yay me! Gratitude is my attitude for this day.

What are you grateful for today? Did you see some pretty flowers? Did someone give you a compliment? Did you get a check in the mail? There's something good in every day, isn't there?

I hope you had a gratifying Monday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.