Thursday, February 28, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 28: Turtle

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 28: Turtle

Sometimes turtles are both cute and functional, as in this magnifying turtle.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 27: Tilt

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 27: Tilt
Although tree normally grow straight up, in a magic forest, they occasionally grow at a TILT. Are they warding off threats to their hallowed ground?

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 26: Quiet

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 26: Quiet
Living in an urban area, it's not easy to find quiet.  Yet every now and then, you come across a green and cool spot that's tucked away and sheltered from the noise and chaos.  That's when your soul sighs and you experience a brief moment of grace.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 25: Silly

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 25: Silly - Not really, but definitely FUN!!!!
It is certain that those who know me, know I don't do silly.  It was never encouraged in our house growing up.  However, what I do is fun, creative, unique, lively and artistic.  As soon as I saw this car--poor woman was looking for a parking space--I had to flag the driver as ask whether I might photograph her wonderful car.  I know she's probably asked that all the time, but did appreciate how gracious she was.  Sadly, what doesn't show is that it sparkled and shown with jewels.  I loved it!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 24: Cloud

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 24: Cloud
As a child growing up in the Mid-West, watching clouds was both fascinating and important. It's something I enjoy doing still.

It's not all that often, however, I see an Altocumulus Lenticularis, commonly known as a lenticular cloud, such as the cloud in the middle.   This being at a fairly low altitude, it's actually a Stratocumulus Standing Lenticularis.  Amazing, isn't it?

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 23: A Word

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 23: A Word
There are times when it's the only thing you can do, and the only thing you have -- it's enough.  You keep going.  You can never give up hope.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 22: Makes Me Smile

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 22: Makes Me Smile
Receiving an order of yarn, particularly yarn bought on sale, always makes me smile.  I see several baby blankets being made for Stitches from the Heart, a charity where we ship baby items to over 1,400 NICU centers and hospitals across the US. 

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 21: Sand

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 21: Sand...
and a lot of shells. 

In 1975, when I decided to move from Boston to San Francisco, I also knew how much I'd particularly miss weekends on Clark's Island.  It became important that I bring a bit of it with me.  My friend Deb Simmons came to the Island with Christopher and me that final time.  There were took a bucket, went down to the beach and the rocks and gathered periwinkles.  I washed them, sanitized them in bleach, put them in a bottle and carefully packed it for it's cross-country journey. 

Now, 38 years later, that little bit of New England, periwinkles and Clark's Island beach sand, still resides on display here in California.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 20: Refreshing

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 20: Refreshing
From the instant I saw the prompt, the only thing of which I could think was the old advertising tag line of 1929 for Coca-Cola "The pause the refreshes".  Every day, I look forward to my one can of Coke with lunch.  It was only natural that I put the two elements together. 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 19: I am...

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 19: I am...
working without a pattern--a work in progress, as yet incomplete.  The final piece shan't be known until this life is done.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 18: Pig

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 18: Pig
I had photos of a pig.  However, I do bless them and thank them for the delicious food they provide us.  One of my favorite things to make is a pork roast with stuffing and roasted carrots. 

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 17: In My Hand

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 17: In My Hand
I have many different collections and some are of "smalls"; items which fit in one's hand.  Among my collection are the Harmony Kingdom Celestial Angels.  Of those, this--Amour-- may be my favorite as it portrays the love between an angel and her cat.  That is something with which I can certainly identify.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 16: Perfect

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 16: Perfect
Only nature is perfect.  In nature, to me, the calla lily--formed by one, single perfect petal--is the personification of perfection.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 15: Something I've Learned

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 15: Something I've Learned
There is a technique, both in knitting and crochet, known as "entralac".  You start with a series of 1-xx center squares made on the diagonal, and build around that.  It's something I'd always wanted to learn, but never did. Until....

One of the members of my Facebook group "SASsy Stitchers" posted the link to an on-line tutorial.  One other member also wanted to learn, so we gave ourselves 4 hours and agreed we'd each post photos of our progress at the end of that time.  This is as much as I was able to do.

It's not that difficult a technique; the most difficult thing is remembering which direction to work when.  I'd like to make an entralac lapgham, but would probably need to go back and view the tutorials again.

The other thing I learned with this prompt, is that both "learned" and "learnt" are acceptable forms of the verb.  The only difference is that "learned" is more commonly American, whereas "learnt" is more commonly British English.  Ah, the things we learn.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 14: Love is...

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 14: Love is...
being blessed to still have both my parents, and by having wonderful and generous friends, including those I've never actually met, who fill my heart and enrich my life every single day. 

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 13: Walking

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 13: Walking
With an apology to a friend who is foot-phobic, this is the result of another friend having walked 3 miles in the wrong shoes - wicked-awful blisters.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 12: Fence

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 12: Fence
Out on an adventure day with a friend, she took me to an artists' enclave in Oakland.  This fence was only one of the many wonderful things we saw.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 11: Entrance

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 11: Entrance
Entrance to the Tower of London through the Middle Tower.  It was nearly closing time, but one of the Tower staff was generous enough to spend a half hour talking with me and giving me a general history, telling me stories, referring to me as "love"--so delightfully English--and allowing me to take photos at a tome where there were no other tourists around.  It was truly a memorable experience.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 10: Rust

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 10: Rust
This magnificent door stands guard for one of the many mausoleums found within Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland California.  One can't help but wonder, when viewing this beautiful, yet very rusty door, whether any family still visit here.  It's just one of the many reason why I'd prefer cremation and the scattering of my ashes. 

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 9: Guilty Pleasure

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 9: Guilty Pleasure
I do love a cold, sweet treat.  Usually, I have sorbet as it's non-fat, low in calories and comes in many wonderful flavours, strawberry or peach being my favorites.  However, a "friend" posted a photo of Ben & Jerry's "Imagine Whirled Peace" and I had to try it.

Caramel and Sweet Cream Ice Cream Swirled with Fudge Peace Signs and Toffee Cookie Pieces.  I bought one pint to try, and went back for two more.  It has everything I love.  In fact, the little angel holding the heart rather says it all. 

Friday, February 8, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 8: Orange

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 8: Orange
Whilst strolling in Oakland's Mountain View Cemetery, a flash of bright orange attracted my attention.  Upon further investigation, I realized, looking through the iron door of a mausoleum, I was seeing a beautiful stained glass window depicting glorious California Poppies--or, perhaps, nasturtiums.  Either way, they are beautiful and will always remain alive.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 7: Bridge(s)

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 7: Bridge(s)
Perhaps in my next life, I'll love school and be good at math so I can satisfy my desire to be an engineer/architect.  Bridges have always fascinated me; their designs, their variety and seeing how they're built.

I just happened to see this little railway bridge in Sun City, Arizona.  What's remarkable is the length of some of the trains which pass through this little bridge.

There are two Blackfriar's bridges; one for cars and pedestrians, one for trains and both are beautifully decorated and painted. 

Living in the San Francisco/Bay area, we are blessed with a plethora of wonderful bridges and gorgeous views.  Crossing the Richmond/San Raphael Bridge I was able to capture the San Francisco/Bay Bridge and skyline of San Francisco against the backdrop of our wonderful fog. 

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 5: Soft

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 5: Soft
Before the sun rises over the hills, the soft light of morning is reflected in my bathroom mirrors.  It's a lovely, gentle entry into a new day.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 4: Hope

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 4: Hope
A brilliant sky always lifts my heart, makes my soul sing and gives me HOPE.  I don't care that it is caused by pollution--no thanks to Fred who, years ago, had to provide me the scientific explanation for beautiful sunsets. 

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 3: E Thing (Only 1)

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 3: E Thing (Only 1)
Heat and I are not good friends.  Electric fans and I are best friends.  I have MANY fans, but this cute little turquoise shelf fan is one of my personal favorites.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 2: Pattern

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 2: Pattern
Some crochet patterns come with the instructions being only in text form.  Other patterns also include a stitch chart.  I freely confess that I have still not figured out how to work from charts.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 1: Cemetery

Photo-a-Day - February 2013 - Day 1: Cemetery
Spending yesterday afternoon driving and wandering around both the Mountain View and St. Mary's Cemeteries in Oakland, was good for me on many levels.  I've not been getting out very often.  Being outside on a sunny day of perfect temperature lifted my spirits.  Having a purpose, kept me involved and having fun.  Being on my own allowed me to wander at my own pace, without worry about boring someone else or slowing them down.

There were so many wonderful images I captured--many of which will show up for later prompts.  Interestingly, this was one of the last photos I took.

I absolutely love this piece.  From the casual way in which he sits, with one foot crossed over the other knee, to the shape and position of his toes and hands, to the contemplative expression on his face, to, most of all, the beautiful draping of the fabric, everything about it appealed to me.  I only wish I knew the meaning of the stars yoking his collar.