Cooling Off

The heat has been just awful this year,
even up here in the mountains.

It never used to get this hot when I was a kid--at least I don't remember it being this hot. I'm glad we're in the mountains now where it's somewhat cooler than in the 'flatlands'.

Wherever you are, I hope you're staying cool.
We've been cooling off in the creek!

I've been taking pictures every day but haven't had enough time to edit them. Hopefully I will find some time. I want to post some good ones for the August Break.

This single butterfly wing came floating past while wading in the creek. I thought it was so poignant as did the boy. His reaction upon seeing it was one of sympathy for the butterfly, wondering what could have happened to it. I told him it could have been any number of things, from natural causes to a predator. It was a thought provoking sight.

I will leave you with some yummy raspberries in my sister's garden!

Happy summer!

I'm Participating in the August Break!

I learned about a very cool photography challenge called the August Break from my friend Brandi Hussey. I learned about it over on my new Google+ stream where I have become a member and so has Brandi. Since I love photography, I thought it might be fun, so I'm going to give it a shot. You can read more about it on Susannah Conway's blog. It's a beautiful blog full of great tips, beautiful pictures, and other interesting tidbits. Why don't you join in the August Break too?!

We have been in the mountains now for about a week and a half. Time is flying by but I've managed to take over 1000 pictures so far. Granted, it takes me about 10-15 pictures sometimes to get a good shot, so the majority of my pictures are not as good as I want them to be. I've also started shooting in RAW and editing in Adobe Camera Raw and then Photoshop. I really like this option a lot as it gives you so much more control over your picture. I'm still learning to use my Nikon D3100 to get the best shot possible the first time, but sometimes it doesn't work out that way. There's a lot to shoot here and I feel like I haven't even begun. I'd better get started!

Here is a sampling of what I've shot so far.

This hummingbird shot made it to #488 on Flickr's Explore page! Woohoo!

This is just a sampling. When I get more time to sit down and edit, there are a ton more where these came from!

Happy summer everyone!

Summer Sale!

Just popping in to let you know
I'm having a
Summer Sale!!

20% Off All Items
in both my ArtFire
and Etsy shops.



I hope to see you there!

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Happy Summer!

Hot Fun in the Summertime!

Hi everyone!
Summer's here and with it comes the heat,
the humidity,
and the ensuing storms.

The good side to that is that storms also make for beautiful sunsets!

My favorite flower has bloomed, the Star Gazer Lily.

And blueberries are in season!

Can't forget the summertime activities.

Lots of fun was had in the neighborhood
on the recent Fourth of July holiday.

Things are in full swing here for the summer.
Hopefully in a couple of more weeks, we will be in the mountains!

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I have added a few new items to both my ArtFire shop
and my Etsy shop.
The big difference between the two is the
Free Shipping in my ArtFire shop!

So come and have a peek!
Some items may have already sold, but feel free to look around.
You might find something you like!

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Have a great summer everyone!