Poem It Out

I've started an e-course called Poem It Out with Liz Lamoreux.  I've been taking some writing classes as part of my sabbatical requirements and this seemed like a fun way to stretch myself a bit.   Truthfully, I find poetry kinda intimidating.  The cool thing is that in this course, you combine the writing with photography.  I love that!

So here's a photo I took and some thoughts that go with it.

20 Minute Nap


I settle into my napping couch

and set the timer.

I'm becoming my mother.


We'd laugh at her short slumbers.

It's all I need

she'd say

She never allowed herself

a full amount of anything - 

a bite of donut

half a Coke

a smidgen of nap

Just enough to tide her over

.... until..... what?

I Feel Bad About My Neck

Have you ever read Nora Ephron's book I Feel Bad About My Neck?  It's the first thing I thought of when I took this picture for Urban Muser's selfie project.

It's a very funny book with lots of little snippets about getting older.  One of the anecdotes is about how she feels badly about her neck.  It's gotten old and wrinkly and saggy.  She warns us that we may use all the anti-aging creams in the world on our faces or get botox or face lifts, but our necks will always give us away.  Well, as my father-in-law used to say - "I don't mind getting older - it beats the alternative!"

This month's challenge was to do a selfie in black and white.  There are a lot of very creative interpretations linked up!

Happy Scavenger Hunt Sunday

Joining in Scavenger Hunt Sunday this week.  The prompts were...

Seven

I think that's seven cars in my rear view mirror.  Just passing the time at a red light.

Clouds

This was actually a sunrise - not a sunset.  I'm not exactly a morning person.  I like my sleep!  I'm sure my husband won't believe that I took this shot.  HE'S usually the early riser in our house.

High Angle

 Bejamin Franklin's grave.  People traditionally toss pennies on it.  A penny saved is a penny earned. 

 I wonder what they do with all of the pennies. 

 I'll have to remind my daughter about that saying the next time she wants to go to the mall.

Low Angle

Momma robin proud of her handiwork.

Sun Flare

General Anthony Wayne on guard at Valley Forge Park.  He has an excellent view of the sunrise each day.

Well, that's it for this week.

I always love looking at everyone's links for this challenge at Ramblings and Photos.

Have a lovely week :)

Going wild in the city

     On Sunday, I set off to meet some blog friends in Philly - Kathy (You'll Shoot Your Eye Out), Wendy (In Focus On Him) and Shay (Eye On The Sparrow).  It was a lot of fun - my first photo meet-up!  We wandered around the historic district, so I expected to capture shots of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, yada yada,yada...

     I certainly didn't expect to take shots of wild life!!!

 Okay, maybe it isn't exactly wild life.  But this guy just seemed to beg to have his picture taken.  Or maybe he was hoping for a handout...

This, however, was a little more unexpected in downtown Philly.

It looks like this was taken in a country setting.  Until you pan out...

Lesson learned.  The beauty of nature is everywhere!

More wild life in the city?

This guy seemed to think so.  We did get a few glances from passerby.

 I wonder why?

Thanks for a great day ladies!  Check out their blogs.  These girls have skills (besides bike-jacking) :)

February Photo Heart Connection

Meet Ted.  (Original, right?)  He belongs to my daughter.  Did I mention that my daughter is 23?  He came to live with us after my baby shower, before she was even born.  He sat patiently in her crib waiting for her arrival. He still holds a special place in her heart - and under her pillow - even after all these years. He's a well educated bear, he went to college at Penn State. I'm sure he had some interesting adventures there, but he's not telling. He's also well travelled.  He lived in Spain with my daughter while she studied abroad.  I was so afraid that her luggage would get lost, with Ted inside! That would have been devastating! He is well-loved as you can see.  He is my Photo-Heart connection this month.  Whenever I look at him, I just smile- because he is a treasure to my daughter and because having a daughter who still brings her Ted with her wherever she goes is a treasure to me.

Check out all of the February Heart Connections at KatEyeStudio

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

I made it!  Scavenger Hunt Sunday, and it's still Sunday!  Here are my interpretations for this week. 

1. Facial Feature

 It was bitterly cold here this weekend.  This was a quick cowl to make, and it kept me warm today!

2. Shadow

This shot was from a while ago, but it was the first thing I thought of when I saw this category.  I'd love to cruise around town on this!

 (after the snow melts, of course!)

3. Spicy

 Still trying to figure out how to use a lightbox :)

4. Gold

I love the weather vane on the dome of this church.  

5. Fabric

This fabric just makes me feel happy.  I think I'm going to make a little banner with it, with the word "smile".

Can't wait to check out all of this week's entries over a nice hot cup of coffee.

Inspiration

Kat's Finding Your Eye Journey of Recognition course has really provided a wonderful opportunity to grow and reflect.  Our assignment this week was to venture to a gallery, notice which artworks appeal to us and think about the influence other artists have on our own creativity.  I noticed that she didn't say go to an "art museum".  I've been to the major art museums in my area, but the wording she used caused me to investigate  - to see if there are any smaller galleries close by.  Wow!  What a list I came up with!  So many treasures to be explored right in my own backyard!  Who knew?  That was a lesson in itself!

I had recently been to the Philadelphia Museum of Art with my oldest daughter, so I decided to go to the Brandywine River Museum.  The works of N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth and others are on display there.

I noticed that some of my photos reminded me of Andrew Wyeth's work.  I guess it isn't too surprising, considering he painted the same Chadds Ford area that I was photographing.

It's interesting how influences sneak in without you even knowing it!