Window to....Where?

Thursday, September 30, 2010

I took this picture when my mom and I went to some Japanese gardens. They

had a bunch of really cool statues and such. This is the view through one,

looking out at a maple tree. Obviously been through Photoshop, but pretty

cool...

Quote Of The Day:

"Bad weather always looks worse through a window."

~ Tom Lehrer

50 Word Story:

Reassurance of the Outside

There was one window in the dank, dreary room. Without it, it felt as though

the concrete walls would crush her alive. It wasn't anything special - just

bulletproof glass with iron bars across it. Yet there was relief in the window.

Just the fact that the outside world still existed...

Chasing Sunlight

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Took this picture as I got home from school today. My mother thoroughly

enjoys siting in the sun and reading or playing with her iPad. I caught this just

as it was starting to get dark. On a completely different page, ever heard of

Enrique Iglesias? Well...I figured out today that his name means Enrique

Churches. Hahahaha! That made me happy.

Quote Of The Day:

"Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never

happen. Keep in the sunlight." ~ Benjamin Franklin

50 Word Story:

Warm Afternoon

Golden rays spreading across the grassy meadow. Long afternoon sunlight at

its best, warming the soil and the trees, that pine smell drifting through the air.

A lone lawn chair in the middle of it. A book. An occupant moving his chair

continually as the sunlight moves. Chasing the rays.

Huey.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

This is Huey. Huey is some sort of piranha or something...I really have no

idea. The story behind this amazing little fish is pretty funny. One of my

friends had a birthday party and we all went to a paint the pottery place.

I didn't know what to do, and was going to do a dish, when I spied this fish

and instantly decided to paint it. Made. My. Day.

Quote Of The Day:

"The moment you think you understand a great work of art, it's

dead for you." ~ Oscar Wilde

50 Word Story:

Sculptor's Work

A hunk of grey clay sitting in the middle of the table. Cold. Solid. A

hunk - nothing more. A sculptor's nimble hands and hard concentration.

Slowly the clay is shaped into something drawn from imagination.

Hardened, painted, fired, and finished. No longer a dimensionless hunk,

but something beautiful from within.

Looking On

Monday, September 27, 2010

Took this one this summer at a 4th of July parade. My very good friend

and her grandparents' dog, Kuper. Kuper is an absolute delight. The little dog

has boundless energy and just wants to be with you. He's hilarious.

Quote Of The Day:

"I'll do my dreaming with my eyes wide open, and I'll do my

looking back with my eyes closed." ~ Tony Arata

50 Word Story:

Better Opportunities

The past was behind them. Not ignored, just recognized and put away.

The abuse, the hard times, the lack of money, of food, of shelter, of support.

It was all gone now and it...well, it mattered, but wasn't important. Their

faces turned into the rising sun. A better road. Better life.

Beautiful Strangers...

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Went into the city today to run some errands. I grabbed my camera on the

way out. I've found that (yes, I know this sounds terribly stalkerish) I love

taking pictures of complete strangers...I don't know why, but out of all the

pictures I took today, this was my favorite...It's just something about them...

Quote Of The Day:

"When a man won't listen to his conscience, it's usually

because he doesn't want advice from a total stranger."

~ Lindsey Stewart

50 Word Story:

Mystery Draws Eyes

One person in a large crowd. One person in the country. One person in

the world. Yet...there's something about her that draws attention. It's not

her clothes. It's not her hair. It's not the way she walks or the way she

carries herself. It's the fact she's a complete stranger...

Going Nowhere

Saturday, September 25, 2010

I took this picture last weekend when I went on a walk with my mom.

There's this one house by our library that always has kids' toys strewn across

the lawn. On this particular day, there were two tricycles and a play Jeep in

the yard, all going in different directions...made us laugh.

Quote Of The Day:

"You need a road to go nowhere..." ~ Jason Mraz (From the song

Life is Wonderful)

50 Word Story:

Nowhere is a Destination

Staring down the long road he'd chose, contemplating whether it was the

right decision or not. He sat on the bike, watching the others bustle off into

great futures. He took a deep breath, faced the road, and started pedaling.

Pedaling wherever the road to nowhere planned on taking him.

The Coin

Friday, September 24, 2010

I have a gold penny! I'm rich!! Haha. Yes, I do actually have a gold penny.

Unfortunately, it's worth the same as a regular penny. We did this cool

experiment in science today where we mixed copper and zinc to get the penny

a gold color. I love science.

Quote Of The Day:

"Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you

only spend it once." ~ Author Unknown

50 Word Story:

A Dive at Hope

The square was full of people on market day. A young peasant boy roamed

the throngs of finely dressed ladies and gentlemen, hands sneaking around in

pockets and waistcoats, searching for treasure. Somehow, over the din of the

square, he heard a coin drop. Hope wasn't slipping away this time...

Sssssserpent

Thursday, September 23, 2010

I took this picture this summer. My cousin Will is enthralled by snakes of

any kind. He caught this one in his backyard and I grabbed a shot of it. On a

side note - quite frankly, I'm not completely sure how I manage to produce

this much thinking after the week I've had...

Quote Of The Day:

"Because we focused on the snake, we missed the scorpion."

~ Egyptian Proverb

50 Word Story:

Strike

The shift of sand and a menacing hiss. A black snake slithering towards

its target, its large hood spread wide. It opens its mouth, showing pointy

teeth and a forked tongue. Coiling slowly around its victim, its scales flowing

smoothly. Head reared back, mouth open, poised to strike lightning quick.

Dreamcatcher

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Took this picture a while ago when my parents and I went on a art hike.

This was a quilted strip of fabric hanging between two trees that was said to

depict ideas bubbling to the surface of the imagination. It was quite a cool

piece...we all enjoyed it.

PS - Yay! 100 day anniversary was two days ago! Woo-hoo!!

Quote Of The Day:

"All the things one has forgotten scream for help in dreams."

~ Elias Canetti

50 Word Story:

Still Protector

A dream catcher hanging in the window, catching light on its shiny beads.

Soft feathers drifting lightly in the cool wind. A sleeping child in the bed,

oblivious to the shady magic the dream catcher does. The child sleeps

undisturbed, for the woven creation lures in dark thoughts and ensnares them.

Quiet Stories

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

A picture of Tavish in the wind by the river. Though this funny little dog

looks genuinely concerned, he's a happy boy. This was taken on a really windy

day and as you can see, he slightly resembled a beetle or an airplane with his

ears up like that...

Quote Of The Day:

"There's a whisper on the night-wind, there's a star agleam to

guide us, and the Wild is calling, calling...let us go."

~ Author Unknown

50 Word Story:

Windsong

Moon alight high in the inky sky. The treetops black silhouettes against an

indigo expanse. A swift moving river weaving its way through the land. Granite

boulders standing tall, thick moss at your feet. And the wind blows through the

scene, carrying tales from all the places it's been. Windsong.

Captured

Monday, September 20, 2010

Hello there. :) Took this picture a few minutes ago in my mirror. This

little camera has served me very, very well. It takes really nice pictures.

Enjoy!

Quote Of The Day: (Two - because I love the 2nd one.)

"The photograph itself doesn't interest me. I want only to

capture a minute part of reality." ~ Henri Cartier-Bresson

"You know when you're posing for a picture and a stranger

walks by in the background? Do you ever think about how

many people have pictures of you?" ~ Author Unknown

50 Word Story:

Someday We'll Look Back

Going about life as normal. Nothing seems out of the ordinary. Yet

there he is with his camera, forever taking shots of the most uninteresting

things. Wondering why he's so wrapped up in dull things. So you ask. He looks

up and answers, "I'm capturing life...as it is right now."

Pinwheeling

Sunday, September 19. 2010

A picture from a rainy day in the city. Believe it or not, I didn't edit this

picture at all, though it looks like it has a filter on it. Hmm...

Quote Of The Day:

"In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back." ~ Charles

Schulz

50 Word Story:

Life Doesn't Stop

Life never stops. It's like a Ferris wheel. Sometimes there are spectacular

views - other times there's nothing but grey pavement. You're going to keep

spinning no matter what. There are times when we ride in joy, and times when

we wish it would stop. Nothing you can do but ride.

Off Into the World!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Took this a while ago when the valley was covered in a light blanket of snow. My dad and I went out for a drive and the sun was just starting to come up...

Quote Of The Day:

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way." ~ Dr. Seuss

50 Word Story:

Dwarfed No Longer

Since she was little, she looked up at the mountain towering into the sky. As she got older, she became more ambitious. “I’ll climb that mountain someday,” she said, waving a small walking stick. Eventually, she got tired of standing in the shadow of the mountain. So off she went.

One Sided

Friday, September 17, 2010

I took this picture a while ago. This is one of my very best friends standing

beside a fence at his house. His helmet represents his love for BMX biking. I

edited the picture so that we only see half his face.

Quote Of The Day:

"Quarrels would not last long if the fault were only on one side."

~ Francois de la Rochefoucauld

50 Word Story:

There's Two Sides to Every Story

An issue in the world that needs to be addressed. Two parties, both

seeing the situation and its solution differently. One with an idea that seems

right, another with a different plan. Yet neither party can come around and

see the other side. Nothing is going to go very far.

For Cody

Thursday, September 16, 2010

As you may know already, we lost a boy from the valley yesterday. His

name was Cody. He was a junior. The whole valley was supporting him while

he battled in the hospital, however, he passed on. I thought a shot of the river

in winter - beauty in the valley - would be suitable. Rest in peace, Cody. This is

for you.

Quote Of The Day:

"Every man dies - Not every man really lives."

~ William Ross Wallace

50 Word Story:

(Actually, there is no story tonight. Just one of my favorite poems

by Mary Elizabeth Frye.)

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there.

I did not die.

Cloud Watching

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Took this picture a long time ago when I was out for a walk and the sun

was just starting to come up. I've just started looking through these pictures

and I'm surprised at the quality of this one, seeing as I had no idea about rule

of thirds and other photography techniques.

Quote Of The Day:

"Happiness is like a cloud, if you stare at it long enough, it

evaporates." ~ Sarah McLachlan

50 Word Story:

More to a Cloud...

Puffy, white clouds drifting lazily across a pastel blue sky. Billowing clouds

skimming across open expanse of field. Menacing, grey storm clouds closing

in and piling up over the mountains. Dangerous clouds that spiral, touching

down and sucking whole communities up. They seem to be harmless - they

can be fatal.

Nighttime Magic...

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

A picture taken today of my mom's rampwalkers. My mom has this table

in our living room full of rampwalkers that she's collected. I love it.

Quote Of The Day:

"Firemen have the coolest toys ever!" ~ Adam Savage

50 Word Story:

The Night Life

All through the day they stayed silent and still in the glass cage. However,

when night fell, they propped open the lid and escaped. Holding midnight

parties in the fridge and masquerade balls by the fireplace. Exploring dark

nooks and crannies, sliding down banisters. Morning comes on. Still yet again.

The Team

Monday, September 13, 2010

A picture taken of my wonderfully funny and amazing soccer team. This is

the third picture that hasn't been taken by me, I believe, as I am in it.

Quote Of The Day:

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is a process.

Working together is a success." ~ Author Unknown

50 Word Story:

Team Player

Alone on the field, facing a team of 11. No goalie on your side. No defenders,

midfielders, forwards - you're the only one. There's no way you can win this

game. Now on the field with ten players behind you. Working the field,

advancing the ball,all part of one movement.

Candlelight

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Took this picture today - was actually surprised it turned out so well

as my kitchen isn't this dark in the middle of the day...

Quote Of The Day: (Another occasion where I can't

decide.)

"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle."

~ James Keller

"Burn not thy fingers to snuff another man's candle."

~ James Howell

50 Word Story:

Faces in Firelight

The darkness enveloped the room. There was some shuffling and

bumping followed by a few curses. Jesse kept her head down, her hands

over her eyes even though the room was pitch black. She was frozen in

terror. She had no idea who they were. Then one struck a match.

Flipped Around

Saturday, September 11, 2010

A picture of my cousin that I took today. She was having fun on the

swing set and I grabbed the camera.

I also ask that we please remember the people who were killed

on this day in 2001...

Quote Of The Day:

"Laughter is but a frown turned upside down." ~ Author

Unknown

50 Word Story:

Flipped

Her world was steady and secure. Nothing penetrated the bubble of

safety around her. But then an offer came...an offer to reach out of her

comfort zone and try something new. She hemmed and hawed, but finally

agreed. Her world was instantaneously flipped upside down. A definite

change for the better.

Binocs

Friday, September 10, 2010

A picture taken tonight in a bit of a rush - not the best...I was hoping to

get more creative with this picture, but I ran out of time! Enjoy today's blog...

I find it quite cute. :)

Quote Of The Day:

"My favorite weather is bird-chirping weather." ~ Loire

Hartwould

50 Word Story:

Eye Extensions

Binoculars perched on the bridge of his nose, his eyes wide against the

lenses. The binoculars seemed to be like a tumor growing out of the middle of

his face - they were almost always there. He liked to see the world in a

magnified view, always observing the tiniest details.

To The Zoo!!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

A picture I took tonight of my beloved Beanie Babies. I used to absolutely

love these guys - it brought back memories... :)

Quote Of The Day:

"Zoo: an excellent place to study the habits of human beings."

~ Evan Esar

50 Word Story:

Menagerie

A menagerie of exotic animals waiting. Lions, tigers, bears - oh my! Monkeys

and snakes, toucans and gazelles, hippos and seals, tapirs and polar bears.

Fascinated young faces and hands pressed against the glass, in awe with the

animal wonders in front of them. A trip to the zoo - never forgotten.

The Ride

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

A picture I took a while ago when I was in the city with my parents...

this was a mural on the street that caught my eye...no editing done to this

picture, so this is the original.

Quote Of The Day:

"I think the thing to do is to enjoy the ride while you're on

it." ~ Johnny Depp

50 Word Story:

Along For The Ride...

The others all had their problems in life, in work, in social events.

She didn't. All the others were busy with packed schedules. Everyone was in

the thick of it, even her - but for a different purpose. The others had things

to do. She was just along for the ride.

War Games

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Today's picture is of my hand in a gun formation (for those of you who

couldn't tell...) Not much to say here...the rest of this post explains...

Quote Of The Day:

"In war, there are no unwounded soldiers." ~ Jose Narosky

50 Word Story:

Not So Innocent...

Children running around pretend barracks, their hands clasped in a gun-like

formation. Yelling out bang noises and shouts of made up military

commands. Crying out in mock pain as they're "shot" and falling down

backwards. Children playing war games, not knowing the true meaning of

their actions in their innocence.

Faded Dreams

Monday, September 6, 2010

Yet another picture of my faithful Cavalier, Zorro. I took this a while ago,

as you can tell because it is actually sunny, believe it or not! The weather

used to be like this! He's snoozing away on the front porch, absorbed in

some sort of doggy dream...

Quote Of The Day:

"The best thing about dreams is that fleeting moment, when

you are between asleep and awake, when you don't know the

difference between reality and fantasy, when for just that

one moment you feel with your entire soul that the dream is

reality, and it really happened." ~ Author Unknown

50 Word Story:

Night Art

In that soft dreaming state, warm and oblivious under the covers. The

clockwork in the brain spinning in warped circles - busy creating fantasies

and illusions. Pulling key images of life and weaving them into a complex,

vibrant tapestry. Slowly slipping back into the morning, smiling in

remembrance. Dreams or reality?

Rebellious...

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Today I went mountain biking with my dad and my good friend. We got

horribly lost and ended up on a residential street trying to find our way back

into the network of trails. The trail happened to be right past this sign...the

sign happens to read "Private property - NO TRESPASSING." Of course, we

laughed at it, took a picture, and cut through to the trail.

Quote Of The Day:

"Well behaved women rarely make history." ~ Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

50 Word Story:

Free Spirit

She was never very well behaved. When told to sit like a lady, she slumped.

When told to keep her nice clothes clean, she played in the mud with the

boys. When told to go slow, she ripped it. She didn't listen - she didn't care.

That's why she's free today.