The Sweetest Days

Lovin' them lobster traps

2012-02-11T08:29:00.000-05:00

Um yeah, I don't know what's going on here but I guess Fox's Lobster House is carrying the holiday theme into Valentines Day with their lobster trap tree. Very unusually indeed!

I can't help but wonder if Gloucester, Mass has their infamous tree decorated for Valentines Day as well?

I have to admit the 'love' decorated lobster trap tree was a delightful sight to see yesterday on my trip to Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine!

Let it rain

2012-02-10T07:07:00.000-05:00

If there's one thing I've always loved about the weather is watching the rain or snow fall from a distance. The wind-swept streaks coming down through the sky can be so bold. Seeing them at sunset is all the more dramatic.

* All of these images were shot within a matter of minutes of each other *

I never paid much attention to how quickly the sky changed color during a sunset or sunrise until I started photographinging them. It really is amazing. A matter of 30 seconds can make a dramatic difference in the colors reflected up through the clouds.

The Forsythia I cut last week-end has little green buds appearing. Yay! I also cut pieces from the Double-flowering Cherry tree but didn't have any luck last year getting them to bloom so I'm not hopeful they'll be any different this year.

Have you bought seeds yet? Or Spring bulbs?

I know it's early here in the Northeast but I'm itching to get things started. Just yesterday I noticed they're starting to tap the tree's for maple syrup. That took me totally by surprise as it seems so early but with days in the upper 30's to low 40's and cold nights I guess the timing is about right. At least for this year anyway.

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.

~ Rabindranath Tagore

I wish you all a wonderful week-end! Bitter cold temps are on tap for us but then we'll rebound back into the 30's and 40's again next week. Just plain strange.

Just a little something . . .

2012-02-05T21:25:00.002-05:00

Two weeks away. Where has the time gone?

It always feels good to be back, especially when I have something pretty to post.

I've continued to hold true to my word of keeping flowers in the house throughout Winter and will continue to do so until I can bring flowers in from the garden. If you don't have any of your own I suggest you go buy some! The roses I've been buying are the small spray roses, and at $3.99 a bunch you just can't go wrong. The florist had some out of code carnations marked down to $.99 so I bought those too and mixed them in.

She also had loads of bright orange and yellow mums that someone over ordered and were also marked down to $.99 a bunch so I bought two bouquets for the girls bathroom and put them into one large container. Its like a greenhouse in here and I love it.

So I think I have found my dream vacation spot.

Yesterday I started browsing around Google Street Views and thought, 'Hey, why not go to Paris and see the Eiffel tower!' and so I did. Did you know you can go to different countries? I never even thought about it before. So then I drove around Champs Elysees and down a few side streets. Lots of people, shops, restaurants, and plenty of cars, but beautiful scenery.

From there I just had to go to Positano, Italy. Did you ever watch the movie Under the Tuscan Sun? It's one of my absolute favorites and you can view it here. The guy she met in the market and had the one night fling with lived in Positano.

Positano looks like a gorgeous place.Water sparkles on the bays like a million diamonds, while houses seemingly stacked almost one on top of the other grace rocky hillsides accessed by simple narrow streets. (Positano map) You can see it for yourself by dragging the little orange person down to the blue lines. I would suggest zooming in on the map a bit first though as it will make it easier to find the streets. Just to the right of Chez Black has a gorgeous view! Maybe you've actually been there yourself, in person? My girls were making fun of me because they thought it was a silly thing to look up online but I think its pretty cool. Technology is amazing! We obviously don't travel much but maybe one day that will change.

What a marvelous way to check out a vacation destination before you make reservations!

The days just keep growing longer. Hard to believe we will be springing forward on March 11th. Sounds good to me! A few of my daffodils have just started to poke up out of they ground. I gave them a cease and desist order until at least March. Hopefully they listened ; )

Today I cut Forsythia and brought it in to force.

I was struggling to photograph the flowers before the sun sunk to low. The shots below are just before sunset. Often times I think it's the pretties sun of all with long shadows and golden colors.

Lots of hooting and hollering going on in the family room tonight during the Superbowl. Seeing as how we live in the heart of Patriot country I guess it's to be expected. I don't watch sports but I loved the half-time show, even though I'm not a big Madonna fan. It was SO much better than last year with the Black Eyed Peas. Oy!

Oh, did you have a favorite commercial? Tomorrow I'll try to watch some of them online.

Hope your week is a good one!

Memories of winter in black and white

2012-01-22T08:27:00.001-05:00

It's a winter wonderland outside. Granted the snow isn't deep but there's just enough to give the landscape a magical black and white appearance.

Today my husband and I will be going back over to my parents house to help them with their new computer. After many years of trying to get them online they finally broke down and decided to go high tech. LOL! It's a bit of a challenge but I know they'll get the hang of it. I always forget how much work it is just to set the computer and homepage up, trying to customize everything, give them some bookmarks and an email address. Baby steps is what it is, just like it was for all of us.

Wishing you a fabulous Sunday! As my husband would say, "Go Patriots!"

Amazing front!

2012-01-21T18:29:00.000-05:00

It's been a busy week and I'm way behind with my blogging, photography, and visiting other blogs. Seeing as how I'm finally going back to work this week, after 2 months off, I don't think things will get much better. However, I'll try.

In the mean time I wanted to show you a couple photos I took last Friday on my way home from the mall.

The clouds were crazy that day! Just as the sky seemed to be clearing off this enormous front came rolling through. Luckily I was near the local airport so I stopped and shot these two images through the fence for a wide open view.

I'm still amazed!

The past couple days we've finally had some snow. Everything is just lovely in a light coating of white. Come Monday we'll be back up to 45 degree's so the snow won't last long. It's the saddest winter we've had in a while. Less than 2 months until the time change though so I'm excited about that!!!

I hope you're having a great week-end! So far mine has been spent getting my parents (who are in their mid-70's) online for the first time ever. Way to go Mom and Dad!

Strawberries

2012-01-15T20:42:00.003-05:00

Let me preface by saying I am definitely NOT a food photographer! There's still so much for me to learn in this area but I want to try and challenge myself a bit, shooting more still life, which includes food. I think these images may be a bit over-processed but with time, and practice, maybe I'll get the hang of it.

Lately the girls and I have been eating strawberries like crazy! You know, the ones they sell in the grocery store. The genetically modified version that look like strawberries fresh out of the field but taste like strawberry flavored cardboard. Ha!

After I cut them up I sprinkle a good dose of sugar over top . . .

mix it all together
&
let them set out on the counter for 1/2 an hour or so to juice up.

The girls usually eat them straight up but I personally prefer my strawberries over vanilla ice cream

Hope you had a sweet Sunday! It's cold as the dickens here in New Hampshire!

Moonset on the bay

2012-01-13T10:47:00.000-05:00

Lately I'm not good at getting up and shooting the sunrise or sunset. Instead I prefer to stay in where it's cozy and warm, walking on the treadmill and doing my exercises for my back. However, Tuesday morning I could see the moon waning in the sky and thought it might be pretty to capture it as it set on the bay. So here we go.

Mind you I had no tripod with me

Looking right, opposite the moon

Geese were flying in repeatedly, that is until the sky started to lighten up a bit. It seems they prefer to travel in low light. Hmm... don't they know I'm trying to get a picturesque shot here?

And in a moments notice the moon slipped below the clouds on the horizon

Silly I know but this was my favorite shot. Just a simple gull flying through the air with an added texture

I've been trying to add work to my Redbubble and Society 6 websites. It takes a lot of time to set up photography websites, work on images and then post them, all the while trying to figure out if you're charging to much, to little, or what. Both sites seem to be quite good, though I suspect Society 6 has product that is a bit higher quality. I know they charge enough for their services! Holy cow! But, I guess that's the way it goes if you want someone else to do all the work, right?

I keep thinking about going back to Etsy

We had snow yesterday and rain this morning, which turned everything to ice. Seeing as how we are in the northeast though school was ON both days. We're hardy folk here in NH. Or stubborn. Could be a combination of both. Yes, I believe that's what it is. Ha haa!!!

Happy Friday all!

Roses and such

2012-01-08T13:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday to all!

Phineas would like me to thank everyone who left a comment regarding my most recent post. Being that he's a cat he can never get to much adoration. Currently Phin's dealing with a bit of Feline Herpes, causing his right eye to have a runny, yellow discharge. Usually it only lasts a few days and then he's fine. The girls and I wipe it all the time while he leans in for the rub. If things get worse we shall be off for a visit to the vets *sigh*

Roses

So far I've bought only one bunch of roses this winter but I photographed them every which way I could think of! Oh what fun, and oh-so glorious. Now they lie on the counter, drying up, but it was a good friendship we had. Who knows, maybe it shall continue.

Currently my Amaryllis and (lousy) Paper Whites are in full bloom but I'm thinking more roses are in order today or tomorrow.

* * *

All of the following are iPhone-ography and Instagram

Speaking of roses ... above is the 2012 Monets Garden calendar I purchased from Georgianna Lane's Etsy shop. If you're looking for beauty look no further. G has got it!

Again, more Phin. This time relaxing in front of the fire on a chilly January day

And finally, a trip to the local greenhouse, Churchills, last Wednesday morning with my husband. It was a true touch of spring I tell you, especially when a butterfly came flying by! One of the people there said it had shown up a day or two before and must have hatched from a plant brought in for the winter. And yes, I did take the photo with my iphone.

Still no snow here in NH. Not good. Well I like it but it's not good for local businesses. After all, New England is supposed to have snow in January. Instead we have balmy temps in the 40's. A friend of mine from Instagram who lives just outside of Washington DC even has Daffodils in bloom! Hows the weather where you live?

Linking up with Marys Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Just Phineas

2012-01-03T08:04:00.000-05:00

. . . because he really is so handsome

I hope you have a Phin in your life this morning. Animals provide such comfort during our daily routines. Of course like all children they can make us a little nutty too!

But oh, when I see this face . . . I melt.

And he loves me, he really does.

Even if he has a weird way of showing it.

There's that crooked chin again. I like to squeeze it because it's kind of rubbery.

It feels like a Monday, doesn't it? Happy Tuesday to all!

~ The End ~

Welcome to a new year

2012-01-01T22:27:00.002-05:00

2012!

Here we are beginning anew and I'm so thankful to enjoy a gorgeous day this January 1st!

As a big leap forward (for me anyway) I decided to start a RedBubble account to offer some of my images to anyone who's interested. So far I have a whopping 3 photos for sale! LOL! There will be more, I promise. Believe it or not I'm already thinking about switching over to Society6. A few ladies I know are there, and seem to really like it, so I signed up to give it a shot.

I used to love photographing this old Apple tree. You can see my most recent photo here. I have several other images of the tree as well but at the moment can't find them. Never forget, organization is key, especially in photography : /

Recently while speaking with the son of the owner of this farm I mentioned how much I love this tree and I hope they didn't cut it down! Please don't cut it down! He said, 'Well, if it starts to die and make a mess it will probably go.' Phew! The tree was still alive and kicking' so it should be safe.

Wouldn't you know less than a week later it lay there on the ground in a heap. I felt such anger inside. It wasn't obstructing anything, and sat on the middle of a hill with a gorgeous sunset behind it almost every night. On the plus side I'm glad I photographed it multiple times. At least I have that.

Last but by far from least, I'd like to remember a couple bloggers we lost in 2011. If there's one thing I love about blogging it's the wonderful network of women we meet along the way. Women who have helped me out with my photography, become my internet friends, or given me inspiration. And there are some who just captivate you with the whole package. Char from Ramblins, and Sarah from the blog Spruce Hill were two such women. Losing the two of them was both shocking and sad. Both ladies remain in my thoughts and heart. I hope they know how much they are missed.

And how was your New Year?

Joy

2011-12-28T21:05:00.002-05:00

What brings me joy today:

* This image. I just love Peonies and I'm pleased with the way this particular photo came out * The small, pink tea roses I bought at the grocery store tonight. Wish we had snow to photograph them in! * No snow! It's a love/hate relationship, obviously * Christmas is O-V-E-R * The Midnight in Paris dvd. I bought the movie the day it came out and have watched it twice. Would love to get in another viewing before the week is done. * A good nights sleep * A knowledgable Physical Therapist (finally) for my back! * My new blog header and sidebar. I worked on it for a while trying to get it just right. Not sure if it is 'just right' yet but it's good enough ; ) * That I've finally figured out how to use this #@*% iMac. Hee hee . . . * The MomentDiary app on my iphone. It's totally free and a great place to record my thoughts, or save some of my favorite Instagram photos. * The latest issue of Victoria magazine arrived today!

Let's face it, there's a lot of things that are bringing me joy. (We won't go into the bad stuff)

So what about you? Is there something specific in your life that's bringing you joy? Something you just want to shout about? I'd like to know!

Christmas under the bridge

2011-12-18T22:39:00.000-05:00

During this hectic and all consuming season

I hope you find moments of peace and solitude in your heart

Sharon

Christmas crafts and little white lights

2011-12-16T20:13:00.001-05:00

I am not a big craft person but when I saw this one on Pinterest . . .

Source: wenderly.com via Sharon on Pinterest

. . . I thought 'How tough can that be!' Not to mention it's a cute, simple gift idea that I know I would love receiving.

So a few days ago I went out and bought the bulbs for $1.29 each, the glass jars at the Dollar store, and purple ribbon at Walmart for $3.79. We already had soil. Oh, and I bought of bag of sphagnum moss, also at the Dollar store.

Just a couple days before Christmas I'll wrap ribbons around all the jars (so they don't accidentally get water stained in the mean time), add a touch of moss, and print out Georgianna's gorgeous tags she has offered up to her readers. And if you aren't a reader of G's blog, you should be!

On Christmas day I'll attach the tags with brown twine just before giving them out to the ladies in the family.

I've made one extra, just in case ; )

You know you want one. Seriously.

Speaking of crafts, my younger daughter, Elise, is about the craftiest young lady I know. She see's an idea she likes and it takes her about 2 seconds to whip it up! Not to mention she has come up with some pretty good ideas of her own too. She's like a mini-Martha Stewart.

We had seen these necklaces at a local shop one day and I think they were asking close to $30 for them. Elise came home and looked them up online, then we went to Joann's so she could buy the materials.

Aren't they adorable?!

Yesterday I bought some bird charms she could attach. I know she's giving several to her friends for Christmas (and one to her bird brained mom, of course). She had also asked me to list some of them on my blog for $10 each, in case anyone wanted to buy one, however, I'm not sure which ones are for sale and which ones aren't. Her weeks are busy with school and homework so she hasn't given it much thought. If she figures it out I'll let you know!

My little birdie

I love the glass candle goblet I found at TJ Maxx yesterday for $6.99!! That's a 'WooHoo' deal!

Can you feel the stress yet? LOL! Just think, less than a week until the shortest day of the year. Then we start going the other way! If that isn't something to look forward to I don't know what is.

I hope you have a wonderful week-end whether it be out there with the masses, spending time with family and friends, or just being in a quiet place. My favorite place to be.

* Don't forget Pioneer Woman's holiday TV special starts tomorrow, if you're interested

A gray day, because we all have them

2011-12-14T08:56:00.001-05:00

A lot of times when you see my photos what you don't see is the way I was feeling when I shot them. And I usually don't say, but today, since this is my personal blog, not about places I've been in New England, I'll tell you.

The past several years have been a struggle with my older daughter. Photography has been a huge saving grace for me because on the darkest days I would frequently pick up my camera and head to the waters edge. Looking through the viewfinder calms me and helps bring my focus to one thing; what's on the other side of the camera instead of what's going on at home.

I shot these images (and several others I plan on posting) a year ago on a particularly grey morning. Often times it's nice to go out and shoot a pretty sunrise but that was not the case. I just needed to get out. Gray or not, there had to be something out there to capture.

There were days, for months on end, I could barely get out of bed because who knew what was going to happen that day. Little did I realize shortly after I took these photos all hell would break lose once again.

Unfortunately when you are in the throws of the daily ups and downs of dealing with a troubled teen it can be a very isolating time. Reaching out to friends feels embarrassing and bothersome. It's generally just the way it is because you don't want to be judged. I leaned on my husband as much as I could, took long hot showers, walked, cried, and slept. All the while my New England Life blog was slowly dying and I couldn't say why.

Thankfully a year later I can finally say life seems to have stabilized. The pressure has lessened. And even though I still worry something will shake me to the core, that the phone will ring with the worst news, for the most part I think most parent's kind of feel that way on any given day.

As for the lesson I learned, well, I will say I learned life goes on and things do get better. Give your teen all you have, love, discipline, and support. Though my daughter still has hurdles to overcome she is doing well and I'd like to think it's because we have worked so hard at instilling how much we care about her on a daily basis. Not to mention she had some great support through counseling in school and outside of school.

For anyone else out there struggling, know you are not alone. Even though it feels like it.

On that depressing note ... I hope you like the photos! LOL!

Christmas Goodness

2011-12-10T07:54:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to share a few images of our Christmas tree and such. This year, except for the red bows on the garland, we went with a simple white theme. We don't have a big house or a lot of decorations but I so enjoy what we do have!

For the first time in the 20 years my husband and I have been married we finally have a real tree, a Concolor Fir. The artificial tree we have is so large that I really didn't want to have to remove furniture to put it up, so, we looked everywhere trying to find a slender artificial white tree like Jesse's but there wasn't anything available. As we strolled the field trying to find the perfect tree, my husband thought all the trees my daughter and I kept picking out were to small. Even though we brought a tape measure with us he just wasn't convinced. I told him it's going to look a lot bigger once we get it home. Wouldn't you know as soon as he and my daughter brought the tree in he said, "This tree just got a whole lot bigger!" LOL!

Now that we've bought a real tree I'm not sure if we'll go back!

I'm loving this ornament! It's a teardrop shaped glass ornament that I found at JC Penneys this year. My husband and I scoured all the trees they had trying to scoff up every single one we could find. Normally they're $4 but were on sale for 50% off. The glass reflects the light and just add a nice sparkle to the tree.

Again, another ornament from JC Penneys, purchased a few years ago. And again, I bought every single one I could find! They weren't cheap, even at 50% off, but they're good quality and will last forever.

On a whim my husband started adding plumes from the enormous ornamental grass we have growing out by our mailbox. I like the soft look!

Ooooo, yummy! A Homegoods find!

My favorite place to shop ; )

Santa's sleigh has held our Christmas card for years

I hope you enjoyed the short tour around the tree. There is a bit more decor on the other side of the room but maybe I'll save that for another day.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by! I do hope the season is not to stressful and you've been able to accomplish some shopping. Me, not so much on the shopping.

A party and some pretties

2011-12-04T21:07:00.000-05:00

Last night we had the good fortune of being invited to a wonderful, private Christmas party.

It's been far to long since my husband and I dressed up to go anywhere, and though I know he wasn't particularly thrilled, he went with me and we had a good time. There was plenty of good, catered food, open bar with bartenders, and about 150 people. All in one beautiful, old house!

Cocktail chic was the attire of the night. I tried my best. The image is rather poor as it was taken with my iphone in low light.

On to my new iMac

Yes, I'm still struggling with it, but every day I seem to learn a little bit more.

Today I learned that when I reformatted my hard drive I lost all the elements, backgrounds, etc, I'd used for making headers, along with some other downloads I had. Yeah, that was not my finest moment. Since the closest Apple store is an hour away I may have to go to the local computer store and have someone help me sort all my files and put things in order. Half the time I can't find what I'm looking for and it's making me crazy.

The flowers were from my trip to Rhode Island in late May. Ranunculus aren't that common in my area so it was so nice to photograph them. Their soft and delicate petals along with variegated shades make them wonderful to work with. On the iMac I feel like I'm finally seeing the color of my images for the first time. And sometimes it's not pretty. But at least I can fix it.

I hope you had a wonderful week-end! Did you do anything special? Decorate? Shop? Lunch with a friend? Take some time for yourself?

We put our tree up today. Although we searched everywhere for a white tree like this, it was not to be, so for the first time in the 20 years my husband and I have been married we bought a real tree! A Concolor fir. My husband even cut it down. Oh, it's so pretty, with long light colored needles and the smell of citrus, it's not like any Christmas tree I had while growing up. Both the girls were very happy to finally have a REAL tree!

Thank you for visiting my little blog. Hopefully my header will be back in order soon! Have a good Monday!

Mac drama

2011-11-29T10:26:00.004-05:00

So I finally did it. I bought an iMac.

Such an exciting moment ... bringing it home, setting it up, turning it on ... holy cow, what a beauty!!!

Then reality hit. I had no idea how to use it. Thank goodness for two teenage daughters who use strictly mac's at school! They've been my saving graces the last couple days as I try to figure out how to navigate around this monster.

However, there is one issue I cannot seem to fix. Photoshop. My little brain was so excited about getting the iMac that I never really took into account what I would need to edit my photos like I've been doing for the past few years. Of course my old Photoshop program is NOT going to work on Mac, though luckily (or so I thought) I have a free version of PSE 6 for mac. That should do it, right? Wrong. None of the actions I normally use will work, even though I'm installing them correctly.

So I go looking to buy PS. Okay, there's no way I have the $$$ for any of the latest versions of PS. Now I'm thinking PSE 10. Does anyone have any experience with PSE 10?? It's on sale today for 50% off ($50) so I need to make a decision.

I have to say I hate PSE 6 compared to regular PS but it looks like PSE is my only affordable option. Please someone, give me some thoughts. Or your experience. Something!

Thank you,

Sharon

* Update: I purchases PSE 10 and so far it seems to be similar (though not as similar as I'd like) to my old PS program. I appreciate all the suggestions left for me! I've been trying to respond to each one individually.

Burning love and a cold heart

2011-11-25T19:12:00.002-05:00

I'd been waiting for a frosty morning. It may be November but we haven't had as many in the northeast as one might think.

Finally the perfect morning, cold and crisp, with the sun just beginning to rise.

All the leaves from the Burning Bushes had dropped . . .

so it was finally time for a little . . . burning love . . .

A little Instagram love

Autumn's burning love

2011-11-19T21:19:00.001-05:00

Burning bush shrubs make a wonderful backdrop for photos in November.

I took all these shots last week but now it seems the brilliant leaves litter the ground instead of populating the branches. Such a shame watching the bright colors fade away, knowing what we have in store for the coming months.

Winston ... a surprise shot for sure!

I love it when Lily's ears flop backwards. Love that.

Although I know I'm supposed to get down on a dogs level to take there picture, every time I did this is what I got . . .

I'm not sure if it was nap time or what but she wouldn't open her eyes for me.

So are you ready? Ready for Thanksgiving and December? Because both will be here before you know it. My daughter is so anxious to go skiing. She talks about it all the time. Me, I'm just anxious for Spring. To see all the bulbs I planted last week burst forth from the unfrozen ground. To see the buds on the trees. To feel the warmth of the sun on a brilliant afternoon.

Okay, back to reality

One day at a time

Autumn bliss ~ Texture Tuesday

2011-11-15T15:23:00.002-05:00

This week I thought I'd do something a little different. For the first time I'm joining Kim Klassen Cafe for Texture Tuesday

This weeks texture is called Phoebe, and I used it on the top photo only.

I don't know about you but I save older magazines that I cannot bare to part with, especially Victoria magazines. Holiday editions are especially nice to revisit as the seasons come around once again.

During the photo shoot I was so fortunate to have a little help . . .

Awe Phin, you steal my heart

and my prop! Ha!

Then along comes Lily who just has to see what all the fuss is about. Where would I be without my animals *sigh*

I just wanted to leave you with a simple joy I love about this time of year. If you live in a place where the seasons change I know you'll appreciate it too. Don't you just love driving down the road and seeing all the leaves blow around in circles behind you? Or watching them fall from the trees in mass quantity as gusty winds give them wings?

Although there are bursts of color here and there, November is taking its toll. Before we know it there will be nothing but green pine trees and empty branches. This winter I am determined not to go without fresh flowers of some sort every week!

Into the blue

2011-11-12T06:26:00.002-05:00

Back in May when I was invited to come down to Rhode Island and take a tour of the area with other New England bloggers, this was the final place I stopped on my own before coming home. It was 5:30, had been a long day, I was slightly lost and very tired. The drive home was still about 2 1/2 hours long.

I loved this beach. I mean I really loved it. But as I say, time was short and all I could think about was getting home. I rolled down the window of the car, took a few shots, and headed for the highway hoping I had captured something decent.

One day I hope to make it back to Rhode Islands shores.

The beauty of large time-worn rocks and tranquil blue water convey a spa-like feeling

Final note: To all the readers who followed me over to The Sweetest Days and left comments, Thank you. I very much appreciate your time and feedback. Leaving A New England Life was a huge leap of faith for me, and at times I have doubted whether or not I've made the right choice. But I'm going to persevere forward with my photography and hope this blog will find it's quiet little way just like my other one did.

Change feels like a good thing : )

Swans

2011-11-10T07:10:00.001-05:00

This morning my husband commented that it feels like a Thanksgiving morning. I guess it sort of does, except for the fact that the temps are in the low 50's and a wee bit humid. Wouldn't that be perfect for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade!

I adore the Swans.

They may not be the sweetest of birds but what they lack in personality they more than make up for in beauty.

Hydrangeas and Horse Chestnuts

2011-11-06T06:17:00.003-05:00

I'm having fun in the house displaying all the old Hydrangea's coming out of the garden.
There are still more that need to be brought in before it's to late!

Marsh views

2011-11-04T10:11:00.005-04:00

Two of my favorite local spots for fall foliage, though both are very hard to photograph as they are right along side a busy roads. Both times I got lucky as there was no traffic behind me so I was able to stop and take a few shots.

I'm really going to miss the Herons this winter!

* Blogger is acting weird. Not sure why it's posting one photo twice but I can't seem to fix it either. Hmmm....

Hydrangeas, Heirloom eggs, and Lace

2011-11-02T09:25:00.003-04:00

photo taken with my iPhone 4

The snow is still blanketing a decent portion of the yard but we're headed for temps in the 50's again today. Melt snow, melt!

My poor niece in Connecticut still doesn't have power. She said very few people do where she lives, and there is a lot of damage. I just feel awful for her and all those still living in the cold and dark. As she said though, 'at least it's not February!'

Have a good Wednesday!

Two seasons at once

2011-10-31T17:50:00.004-04:00

When seasons collide . . .

you get Snow-tober

Lovely as it was, today I am just so happy to have our power back on and to be getting our lives back to normal.

Instagram shot

Instagram love

2011-10-29T09:35:00.005-04:00

Oh Instagram, how I love thee

* individual 4"x4" photos above were purchased on the Postalpix app

Lately my photography passion seems to be falling more and more on my iPhone 4. Everywhere I go I have to take pictures. My daughter and I actually did a little photo shoot outside of Macys at their employee picnic table with my iPhone and her photo came out adorable!

Below are a few random shots from this summer. Back before I discovered some awesome photo apps.

Awesome apps that I love: Photoforge 2 (buy the Pop!Cam app inside of it too), MagicHour, and Photo Frame.

I'm desperately craving the iPhone 4s for the 8mp camera!

It feels like home

2011-10-27T21:25:00.006-04:00

I always like to come back to this blog when I'm feeling stuck. Like I have nothing to give over on A New England Life. Being here feels more like 'me'. Like the place I need to be, if I'm going to be anywhere.

In fact, I'm thinking this just might be the place I'll end up staying.

It was a cold day but a good day last October when I took a walk around this pond in Exeter. Moments alone, away from the hustle and bustle of home life are important for my sanity.

The Geese are always a joy for me to watch and I was almost able to sneak up on this one until it quickly took notice and moved on.

Just keep paddling

2011-03-18T20:59:00.002-04:00

I think those words should be my mantra lately

Spring is but a moment away . . .

Spring fever

2011-01-14T21:36:00.002-05:00

There's something about spring that brings romance to life. I know it did for my husband and I.

We began dating March 1st. As the world seemed to come to life, so did our relationship. We moved in together just a few short months later on June 1st, and were engaged that September in 1990. We married one year later in early September of '91.

A little spring fever can go a long way

Winter white

2011-01-11T21:43:00.003-05:00

A dead Hydrangea is as intricate and lovely as one in bloom

~ Toni Morrison

Delicate

2011-01-07T15:44:00.000-05:00

Although you cannot tell by the photo, the flower is only about 1/4" in width

~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Where I find myself all to often

2010-12-28T20:25:00.003-05:00

New Beginnings

2010-04-10T07:30:00.001-04:00

April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks Go

~Christopher Morley

Steel and Magnolia

2010-04-05T21:59:00.001-04:00

Photographed at Goodwin Park, Portsmouth, NH

~ Steel Magnolias Quote ~

Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis): Well, you know what they say: if you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit by me!

Easter Rose

2010-04-04T16:46:00.001-04:00

Love is much like a wild rose, beautiful and calm, but willing to

draw blood in it’s defense

~ Mark Overby

Let’s Get This Party Started

2010-04-01T12:56:00.001-04:00

After 3 days of horrid, unending rain I went out in the garden yesterday afternoon to find a single Daffodil that could wait no longer. It’s time to get this Spring party started, and this single flower is leading the way!

And on the front side of the house sits the ever so delicate Crocus. Their brief Spring visit is so welcome. I only wish they could stay a few days longer.

Here in the northeast we are a little behind most everyone else. Last year I recall going to NYC the second week in April and the blossoms were already falling off the trees. Meanwhile, back home they hadn’t even come out yet. And I know some of you have tree’s with leaves already established. It will still be a while yet in NH.

Summertime in New England may be a beautiful place, but Spring really has to work up to it!

Spring Magnolia

2010-03-28T14:13:00.001-04:00

While picking up my daughters friend, I came across this Magnolia tree on the campus of Phillips Exeter Academy. It’s quite old and was a rather unexpected find. Had I not been picking up the friend in a different location than normal I doubt I would have ever noticed it.

We’ve had a few warm days but it’s definitely still March. Yesterday we had temps in the low 30’s. Today, low 40’s. I wouldn’t expect the Magnolia’s to be blooming already. Sometimes plants and trees like to surprise us. Even they get excited about Spring.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Vintage Magnolia blossoms

A Rosy Outlook

2010-03-21T16:26:00.001-04:00

Beauty speaks to those who choose to listen

*more Mosaic Monday posts at Mary’s Little Red House

Buzzzzz . . .

2010-03-19T17:35:00.002-04:00

I simply cannot wait for summer. The buzz of the bee, the singing of the birds, the peep of the peepers, the smell of freshly cut grass . . . it's all just a small slice of heaven right here on earth.

I also cannot wait for my husband to return home with my laptop so I may once again post with Windows Live Writer.

Yay for Snow!

2010-03-12T13:35:00.001-05:00

Lily absolutely adores winter. Unfortunately winter doesn’t always adore her. It clings to her legs and feet, refusing to let go.

When the snow boots get this bad there’s really only one thing left to do … dunk her legs in a bucket of lukewarm water. Oh the torture!

I think we’re done playing ball now

Phin Feet

2010-03-07T06:33:00.001-05:00

I love photographing Phin. He’s just too cute. Sometimes he even lets me scratch between his toes!
Sometimes . . .

Let Love Grow

2010-03-02T21:55:00.001-05:00

Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow

~John Lennon

Prints in the Sand

2010-02-24T14:09:00.001-05:00

I love it when the water sparkles. It means the sun is shining bright and beautiful, as it should. By looking at the two people on the beach though you can see it was a bit chilly. They are both wearing hats, a dead give away.

Nothing seems to be bothering the Gulls though. They just meander back and forth looking for something to eat.

I know, this picture is as crooked as all get out. Now that I’ve mentioned it you can really see what I’m talking about, can’t you.

Both of these photos, and the one over on my other blog, A New England Life, remind me of postcards. I know the top photo is kind of dark but I like it all the same. The darkness combined with sparkles seem to play off one another.

Trinity Church Cemetery ,NYC

2010-02-20T17:10:00.000-05:00

These photos were taken in NYC in the Trinity Church cemetery, 2 years ago this April, just as the tree buds were starting to pop. The girls and I were rushing around so I didn’t have many opportunities for photography, but these are a couple shots I had sitting in my files that I wanted to share. Honestly they are probably the best shots of the day if that tells you anything.

It was very warm, close to 90 degrees, and the Pope was in town. The traffic, the people, the walking … it was crazy, but there were a couple moments of calmness and mild relaxation. This was one of them.

Phin

2010-02-17T21:14:00.001-05:00

Standing Alone

2010-02-16T18:32:00.001-05:00

Photographed this afternoon as the snow was just beginning to make an entrance

Big, fat flakes against a grey sky

A tree stands alone on a hill

To perfect not to be captured

Ever Changing Tide

2010-02-15T12:01:00.001-05:00

Eternity begins and ends with the oceans tides

~ Unknown

Love , Sweet Love

2010-02-13T07:18:00.000-05:00

Some relationships were built to last . . .

Forever

Dormant

2010-02-11T07:41:00.001-05:00

Is it time yet? Is it?

Nope, not yet. Soon though.

Not soon enough.

Birds Eye View

2010-02-09T17:04:00.000-05:00

This photo was actually posted on my other blog, A New England Life, last winter, sans the textures. Every time I look at it I still swoon, wishing it could be my daily view. All I know is that if I were a bird, come Spring time I’d move right in!

An Evening Glow

2010-02-07T20:03:00.001-05:00

As the sun was setting this evening it gave a wonderful glow to everything in it’s path, including my small kitchen display.

Thank you for stopping by!

Gulls on the Edge

2010-02-05T20:31:00.000-05:00

An early, cold morning in Winter.

Gulls waiting between the edge of water and sand to start a new day.

A Hot Mess!

2010-02-04T21:16:00.000-05:00

Tonight, for the first time in a long time I made Turnovers. Strawberry Turnovers to be exact.

Funny but I don’t ever remember this happening before! At least not to this extent. I tell you, it really was a hot mess!

I’m going to try my hand at photographing food working in the Manual Mode. However, with food like this I might want to reconsider.

Seaweed Palooza

2010-02-03T20:49:00.000-05:00

How I yearn to walk along the beach and feel the sun on my shoulders again. The seaweed makes for a welcome distraction and interesting scenery. When I was younger I heard they used seaweed to make ice cream. I didn’t believe it, ever. It isn’t true, right?

Btw, my daughter thought up the title and I’m running with it!

*I’m trying to get the comment section up and running. Hopefully it will happen with this post!

Phineas in Profile

2010-02-02T18:30:00.000-05:00

Phineas loves to take naps with me. As soon as I lay down he comes running down the hall, leaps onto the bed and snuggles up against my leg. Lily sleeps just off to the left of Phin while Winston snoozes away in his crate with the heated pad.

Oh yeah, life is rough in my house.

*Golden Tinted Lens texture applied by Shadowhouse Creations

Queen Anne in the Morning

2010-02-01T14:51:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new blog. How much I'll actually post here, I'm not sure, but I wanted someplace special to show my heartfelt images. My other blog has become mostly about New England while this one will be a little more personal.

I hope you enjoy it.