Out taking some photos the weekend before Christmas, I got these shots. In reviewing the pictures, I realized that the ducks all seemed to be looking at something off to the left somewhere. What were they looking at? I have no idea, but it must have been pretty interesting...
Here are some photographs I took on Thanksgiving Day 2008. Nope. No family photos here, but a small sample of what nature gives us to be thankful for.
Thanksgiving Day morning was a cool one and I snapped some photos of the frost.
Later on the skies became clear brilliant blue.
There are a few more photos in this group over on Flickr. Just click on this link if you'd like to check them out.
I was supposed to be in Washington DC to help my friend, Meredith, get unpacked and settled in her new apartment, which I did...somewhat... But I spent a lot of time on my own, while Meredith was at work, roaming the city and visiting museums and memorials, since I'd never been to DC before.
Washington is a beautiful city. Everyone I met was friendly and ready to talk to a stranger. And while DC is big it felt manageable and comfortable, not overwhelming. The Metro was clean and easy to navigate, even for someone like me, with no experience on subways.
I'll have to make many more trips to see everything I would like to, but I did see a lot and took a lot of photos. So you'll see Arlington Cemetery, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Museum of Natural History, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Library of Congress, and others.
I'm so glad I had the opportunity to visit Meredith and roam around. She is my oldest friend, but it had been more than 15 years since we spent any real time together, but we fell right in step and never missed a beat. I guess that is the way it's supposed to be with true friends.
Oh, and don't worry, two more of Meredith's friends came into town the last couple of days I was there and between the lot of us we got Meredith pretty well settled in her new apartment. We certainly had fun doing it too! We even had our own pool tournament. You can click here to see some of those photos.
I also had the opportunity to get to know Meredith's friends Judy and David. We had a blast; they are great people! And thanks to Allan for all the tips on places to go and see, especially that often overlooked gem, the Library of Congress. It is absolutely beautiful.
A Thought
When I Look Into A Glass,
Myself's My Only Care:
But I Look Into A Pool
For All The Wonders There.
When I Look Into A Glass,
I See A Fool:
But I See A Wise Man
When I Look Into A Pool.
~ William Henry Davies
As promised, here is a photograph of the first rough sketch. I just laid in the placement of the flowers and basic shapes. Busy weekend so I didn't get any more done, but I will have an update by this coming weekend.
Just for grins, here is a photo of the Barred Owl that hangs around in the oak tree outside my window. He's probably 15 - 18 inches tall. Beautiful, isn't he?
I'm extending an open invitation for you to come along with me and watch my progress as I learn to paint with watercolors. I'm feeling somewhat ambitious, inviting you on a such a journey with me. But, that is what this blog is about really; taking chances on life.
I will take pictures at each stage of the process of producing a watercolor painting or at least each creative session. I may not complete a "stage" each time I sit down to work, but I'll chronicle each session with notes and a photo of the progress I've made. I will begin with my pencil sketches of the subject and go from there. I have chosen another of my favorite photos to work from for the painting. A purpley-pink coneflower (echinacea).
I really feel like I'm going out on a limb with this, but what the hell do I have to lose? At worst you and I will both learn that I can't paint with watercolors! Who cares, at least I will have tried, right? And had fun along the way.
The updates will most likely alternate with posts on other subjects, as I'm sure other things will capture my attention now and then.
We'll see what happens. I am ready to get started....
Isn't he gorgeous? Those eyes, those wings!!
Obviously, you can see why I was head over heels. Aah, my little bubble-eyed beau!
Below is a photograph of the dragonfly I had an afternoon fling with this Spring. I knelt in the flower bed where he was hanging out and we played and flirted with each other for quite a while.
He would land on the twig sticking up out of the ground and look at me; then he would shake and nod his head and strike another pose. After a minute he would take off and fly around me, then come right back and pose some more.
He was wonderful and we had so much fun playing.
One of my favorite photos from a trip this summer to Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
