Off the Clock

It's Thursday afternoon. I just dropped Clara's bags off at the High School and hugged her good-bye before she boarded the bus to Southern California. Her cross country team is making the nine hour drive to compete in a huge cross-country meet tomorrow. As an added bonus, they will visit Disneyland on Saturday (Disneyland!) before heading home on Sunday. Paul left for the airport earlier this morning. He's flying down to watch her run and to visit his family. 
So, I've got a long weekend to myself. And I've got plans . . . work plans, social plans, creative plans.  
And I could get started this afternoon. 
But instead, I change out of my work clothes, pour myself a glass of wine and relax in front of the T.V. I take the dogs out for a walk, enjoying the cool of the early evening.
I'll get lots done this weekend. 
But, for now, I'm off the clock. Doing what I want. And enjoying it immensely.
When was the last time you let yourself go off the clock?

My Photographer's Eye: Southern California Duo

Vignette #18: I Want a Barn
Clara and I took a side trip to Idyllwild to visit my sister Tricia and her house "on the mountain." It turns out she and  her husband John had bought a new property "down in the valley." The more they described it, the more desperate we became to go down and take a look around. My photographer's eye was captivated by their barn and was thrilled to capture it as twilight fell. I would love to take it over and turn it into an art studio and photography gallery.

 

Vignette #19: Childhood Memories
I grew up in a house twenty minutes away from Disneyland. During my childhood, we took countless trips to the Magic Kingdom. We took our cousins when they came to visit from Houston. We went on family trips. As teenagers, we created havoc trying to circumvent park rules. I remember E tickets and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Monsanto and Mr. Lincoln.  When boarding the monorail to head to Downtown Disney with Clara last week, I turned.  And my photographer's eye saw a scene which brought back every single one of those childhood memories. The submarine ride had real mermaids. The Matterhorn had an abominable snowman. In childhood, all things were possible.
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My Photographer's Eye is a semi-regular series designed to feature my instagram photography and a brief accompanying narrative. You can see the other vignettes in this series by clicking on this link.

My Photographer's Eye

Vignette #17: Change is Inevitable 
I am heading out back to complete some errand - water the plants or relieve the dogs, probably. But I stop when I see this furry yellow fella.  It's the first caterpillar of the season. My photographer's eye tells me to stop. Capture the texture.  And the color, so vibrant against the African daisies in our front yard. Think about the metamorphosis which caterpillars signify. Change will come. It is inevitable. And so often . . . it is good.
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My Photographer's Eye is a semi-regular series designed to feature my instagram photography and a brief accompanying narrative. You can see the other vignettes in this series by clicking on this link.

My Photographer's Eye: Prayer Flags Over Montara

Vignette #16: Prayer Flags Over Montara
I have always loved prayer flags and have occasionally played with them in my art. Imagine my joy when I see this lovely strand while walking the back roads of Montara. They are slightly shredded from the wind which takes their intentions and sends them out into the world. My photographer's eye catches God's light shining through the trees, as if to signal approval of those who take time to pray.
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My Photographer's Eye is a semi-regular series designed to feature my instagram photography and a brief accompanying narrative. You can see the other vignettes in this series by clicking on this link.
P.S. For those of you who do pray, I would appreciate it if you could say a prayer for Henry's club soccer coach who is experiencing some major health issues. His name is Franklyn.

My Photographer's Eye/Messy Little Details

Vignette #15: Rusted Memories
On the side of the house, there's a pile of stuff waiting to go to the dump. Unusable. Rusted. Discarded.  But, in the right light, my photographer's eye spies an interesting combination of shapes and a muted tapestry of colors. As I gaze deeper, I remember the use that each of these once had - the hack saw used to trim branches off a Christmas tree; a shovel and hoe used to turn the garden; a tray from our old Weber BBQ.  Rusted memories brought back to me when I pause to capture a photograph.
My Photographer's Eye is a semi-regular series designed to feature my instagram photography and a brief accompanying narrative. You can see the other vignettes in this series by clicking on this link
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My blog friend, Carolyn Phillips, is starting a new photography meme called "Messy Little Details," giving photographers a place to share photos of those little details you can't help but shoot. I thought Rusted Memories would fit nicely in the thread, but I also wanted to post this photograph:

While walking Gypsy along my favorite Montara back road, I saw a bunch of dandelions. Getting close to just one and looking straight down, I was amazed at what I saw. To me, the flower resembled a faraway galaxy and reminded me of a moon jelly fish.  Recurring patterns in nature revealed when I stopped to capture the messy little details.
To see other photos of the messy little details, click on this link.

My Photographer's Eye

Vignette #14: Pride of Madeira
When walking the dogs in the open space recently, I noticed that the winter rains had brought this bush ("Pride of Madeira") into bloom.  At the time, I didn't have my camera with me (not even my iphone), but I resolved to return and take some photographs.

My photographer's eye yearned to capture the intense purples of the alien-looking rosette blossoms.  I'm glad I returned to capture these images. Have you ever returned to capture an image you missed the first time around?
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My Photographer's Eye is a semi-regular series designed to feature my instagram photography and a brief accompanying narrative. You can see the other vignettes in this series by clicking on this link

My Photographer's Eye

Vignette #13:  Faded Beauty

I am out back, looking for signs of spring. The intense fuchsia of the new hydrangea blossoms catch my eye. They are fresh and pretty; bright and full of the promise of spring.  But, then, my photographer's eye sees something different. The faded beauty of last season's hydrangeas, not yet pruned from the arbor.

Their faded, crumbling beauty touch me in a deeper way.  They speak not of the promise of spring but of the fullness of a life well lived - one that drained every drop out of life before succumbing to a wintery end. 

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My Photographer's Eye is a semi-regular series designed to feature my instagram photography and a brief accompanying narrative. You can see the other vignettes in this series by clicking on this link

My Photographer's Eye

Vignette #12: Cracks in the Wall
Walking to work past the plastered buildings, I suddenly noticed that each wall contained cracks. I stopped to examine them more closely. As I stared at the cracks, it seemed as if  whole worlds existed in the patterns they contained. My photographer's eye decided to capture one small square to see what the close-up would reveal. I think I see a cat, stretching her face up to the sun.  What do you see?
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My Photographer's Eye is a semi-regular series designed to feature my instagram photography and a brief accompanying narrative. You can see the other vignettes in this series by clicking on this link

My Photographer's Eye

Vignette #11 A Riot of Poppies
The poppies didn't wait for the first day of spring to come to life. By the time the equinox arrived, they were rioting and rollicking and spilling from their container. Almost past their prime, my photographer's eye recognized their beauty in the urban landscape and stopped to document it.
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My Photographer's Eye is a semi-regular series designed to feature my instagram photography and a brief accompanying narrative. You can see the other vignettes in this series by clicking on this link.

My Photographer's Eye

Vignette #10:  The Back Garden Gate
Oh, how the dogs wish I would unlatch the gate and let them run free!  When they look at the latch, they see the possibility of freedom. When my photographer's eye sees the latch, it sees the beautiful texture of the wood and the gorgeous color of the rust. I snap the photograph, turn and walk back towards the house.  I call the dogs, and they reluctantly follow me inside.
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My Photographer's Eye is a semi-regular series designed to feature my instagram photography and a brief accompanying narrative. You can see the other vignettes in this series by clicking on this link

My Photographer's Eye

Vignette #9 Cozy
She really wants to be a good dog. I know that. And I know she's trying. And I believe she'll get there (someday). It's just that (right now) she's still a puppy. She can't help barking and chewing and (occasionally) having an accident in the house. And it's annoying. She gets on my nerves, and I (occasionally) yell at her, calling her a "bad dog." And I feel bad about that.
So, I took this photograph to remind me that she's really cute. . . especially when she's curled up nice and cozy.  My photographer's eye can capture this part of Aria. And help me recall this next time I find a chewed up shoe or book or ipad .  
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My Photographer's Eye is a semi-regular series designed to feature my instagram photography and a brief accompanying narrative. You can see the other vignettes in this series by clicking on this link

My Photographer's Eye

Vignette #8 Harbor Views
I am blessed to live near the water, in an area of immense natural beauty. My photographer's eye encourages me to notice the harbor from different angles, in different light, capturing its many moods and colors.  I took this shot when Clara and I were walking the dogs up in the foothills above our house.  We had just trudged bounded up a steep hill and I turned to see how much light we had left in the day. The sun was just beginning to set. I love how you can make out a few details in the silhouette - the sailboats and break water and the radar tower. 
A few days later, Paul and I were walking along the Coastside trail, and my photographer's eye saw this:

The blue water, the white foam, the sandy shore all framed by the rusty bridge which runs over the creek bed. One harbor. Two views. Can you choose a favorite?
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My Photographer's Eye is a semi-regular series designed to feature my instagram photography and a brief accompanying narrative. You can see the other vignettes in this series by clicking on this link

My Photographer's Eye

Vignette #6:  A Pause
It's only mid-day, but I've already accomplished so much. It's been a busy day, a very busy day, in fact. But good-busy. It's the kind of day I used to have all the time, back before Paul got sick and Clara got so stressed and I felt incapable of doing anything more than simply getting us all through the day in one piece. But, today, I feel different - confident and hopeful that things are returning to normal. I've worked hard, and I'm rushing to get to my afternoon class on time. I park my car, my head full of the day's lesson plan as I rush up the path through the park.  I am clearly in a hurry, but my photographer's eye notices the beauty of the day and sees the beauty of these old oaks and begs me to pause and capture this beauty. And so I do.

Vignette #7:  100% Loyal and True
To be honest, Gypsy is a little annoyed by the fact that we have gotten a new, big dog. One who chases her around sometimes and nips at her heels. One who gets jealous when her mom is petting her and sticks a big nose in-between us. And one who takes a long time to do her "business" outside. I'm standing on the steps waiting for Aria to finish up. I turn and see Gypsy, waiting, patiently. My photographer's eye sees a small dog, framed by a big house, waiting for her master, 100% loyal and true. I could never get her to pose like that if I had my big camera out. I am grateful that I am able to capture the moment on my iphone and preserve it with instagram before Aria comes bounding up to ruin the scene.
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My Photographer's Eye is a semi-regular series designed to feature my instagram photography and a brief accompanying narrative. You can see the other vignettes in this series by clicking on this link

My Photographer's Eye

Vignette #5 Sunset Reflection
In my mind, I hear my friend Lynn repeating her famous statement, "I'm not a stay at home mom. I'm a stay in the car mom." Because, once again, I am sitting in the car, waiting to pick up one of my children.  At least I live in a beautiful place, and my photographer's eye spies a lovely sunset.  I snap the photograph, but am surprised when I look at my iphone screen:

The camera lens was tilted lower than I realized, and I have caught a reflection of the sunset in the hood of my car. I marvel that there are times when the camera's eye is better than my original vision.  At least my photographer's eye recognizes a good capture when I see it.  After editing the photograph,  I readjust my stance and capture the sunset I expected in the first place.
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My Photographer's Eye is a semi-regular series designed to feature my instagram photography and a brief accompanying narrative. You can see the other vignettes in this series by clicking on this link.

My Photographer's Eye

Vignette #3: The Milk Thief
Finishing up my breakfast while catching up on my blog reading, I push my empty cereal bowl aside.  My heart breaks as I read Deb's blog post about having to say farewell to her beloved cat.  My heart is warmed by the pictures in her tribute.  I look up, and there's my cat acting just like Deb's Fancy Jane! My photographer's eye urges me to capture the moment and tells me that this image will look even better in black and white. 

Vignette #4: Time Warp
Walking the dogs,  I stop to let them sniff around.  I look up and there's a camper which looks like it came from a different century. It's a classic and still in operation! My photographer's eye loves the curve of the camper and how the colors in the plant pop against the cool silver and blue of its body. I snap the picture and double check the date on my iphone to make sure it's really 2013.
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My Photographer's Eye is a semi-regular series designed to feature my instagram photography and a brief accompanying narrative.

My Photographer's Eye (a new series)

I appreciate how photography has helped me to see the world differently. Since I have become more and more involved in this wonderful art form, I pause more often to look around and see things with my photographer's eye.  Often times, I capture images on my iphone and edit them in instagram.  I want to share these images, along with the story of the image on my blog. So, I am starting a new semi-regular series called "My Photographer's Eye." It will feature an image (or two) and a few words setting the scene. I think it will represent what I want to do on my blog and that it is a fitting way to celebrate my 1,000th blog post.  I hope you enjoy these vignettes.

Vignette 1: Dill
It's been a busy day, but I managed to squeeze in a big grocery shopping trip. After piling the bags on the counter, I realize I will have to clean the refrigerator out a bit before I can manage to put the groceries away. Wedged in the back, there's a mason jar with the last bits of the canned pickles I purchased last fall from the school garden.  I dump the contents in the sink and move on with my chores. After stocking the pantry and the fridge, I turn to do the dishes. I look down and see a sprig of dill, sitting on the porcelain, waiting to be washed down the disposal. My photographer's eye is struck by the beauty of its shape and color; its simplicity and its elegance. I capture the photograph before I turn on the faucet and move along my day.

Vignette 2:  The Jeep
I am running up to the high school to meet my photographer friend, the amazing Becky Ruppel. She is going to take the photos for the soccer team this year, and I need to get the order forms from her.  I pull into a parking spot and immediately spot the mud-spattered jeep beside me.  My photographer's eye loves the contrast of the mud on paint and the amazing pattern created by the muck (click on the photo to see in better detail).  I desperately wish the light was better.  Becky walks up, takes one look at the jeep and says, "man, I wish I had my camera with me."