Best Foot Forward 2024

The sun is shining! The day is quiet, and all is relatively ok. I’m home in my happy place with my dog Moxie and my husband.

Lately I have been happy to stay home. Avoid the shopping crowds. Avoid the traffic issues. But after many years wearing my comfortable shoes, I decided to venture out and shop for a replacement. In keeping with not wanting to work through the holiday shoppers, I ordered 5 pairs of shoes in my size to be delivered to a nearby store. Usually, I like a style, but my size is not there. Also, looking for my size often presents a vision issue. So this was my way to solve both problems. Tried the shoes on at the store and went home with a possible 2. But at home they just were not right. The next day I went back to the store and returned them.

Still I wanted new shoes to start the year off right. There is some positivity in play here. Next stop was Macy’s shoe department. Needed to get on the line to ask for my size. Scans the barcode, and tells me to wait in a chair. That works for me. I actually have a problem standing for a long time. 45 minutes and I need to sit. My back surgery a couple of years ago did not fix my damaged nerves. Another story.

So many shoes on display. None of which I would ever wear. But I have my iphone handy and can’t resist. And oh they were so photogenic.

Crowd pleaser
If your feeling patriotic, buy all three!
If only I had the right outfit!

Well, no I wasn’t waiting for any of these fashion statements. I went home with Easy Spirit Explorer. The box says, “Comfort out of the box.” My style!

Dark Chocolate colored clogs

My dog Moxie has idiopathic epilepsy. Epilepsy with an unknown origin. The first medication did not affect her personality, but it didn’t stop the seizures either. For the past week she is on Phenobarbital. And this has sedated her and her gait is off. Vet appointment this week. But there have been no seizures with this medication. So, we shall see.

So how did I ring in the New Year.

Dinner served at home, and a movie from our collection. A New Years tradition. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally. One of my favorite movies. It has a great musical score and I love New York!

Shrimp Scampi, Bang Bang Cauliflower, Salad by David, Key Lime Pie and Prosecco

And no New Year’s Eve baby yet. Did I mention that in 2024 I will gain the title of Great Grandmother. My granddaughter is due any day.

Hoping for a drama free peaceful 2024!!!

Best Wishes to all!

Lens-Artists Challenge #260 Overlooked

This week Janet wants me to share with you images that I think many would have overlooked. For me, that is what I often focus on, and now I get to share them with you.

I love to look at puddles and see reflections or things floating by.

These leaves came together in a heart shape

Wilted Flora

Sometimes, I arrive on the scene after the flowers have shown their best side. But I find this side interesting too.

I see some sunflower seeds!
These wilted pods spoke out to me!

Lost or abandoned

I currently am knitting a baby blanket for my granddaughter’s baby due in January. This will be my first great-grandchild (a boy).

I wonder who created this blanket? I wonder if it is missed?
Maybe this baseball player will remember
where was the last place this glove was seen.
I liked the splash of color on this lost straw hat.
The newspaper was left there on a bench. Perhaps to share.
You never know when an outhouse can come in handy!

Eye Glasses

In May I had an eye exam and ordered new frames. They arrived, had them adjusted, and still everything looked blurry. I returned the glasses and made an appointment to have my eyes reexamined. I had another eye injection for my AMD (macular degeneration), and on Monday I went for another exam. My vision changed dramatically, for the better. Yay! So I picked out another frame, and glasses have been ordered.

I once lost a pair of glasses. Hope the owner has a spare.
This lost pair provided a reflection of a beach in Maui.

Peeling

I am always looking at peeling paint or bark. Looking for fascinating images.

Do you see what I see?
Found on the side of a building.
Buildings in Old Sacramento reveal its history.
It would be easy to overlook this caution sign. But don’t!

Trees tell tales

Love occurs naturally
Pine cone found in the snow
It took me a moment to remember what I saw in this image. Now I see it.
Such texture
Walking along I come across this.
You may have missed this. I didn’t.

One of the reasons I love photography is that it gives me time to look at the world instead of rushing about. I hope that you enjoy the slower pace, and can find new things that you may have overlooked.

Lens-Artists Challenge #244 Glowing Moments

Siobhan from Bend Branches created this challenge. “What glowing moments have been special in your life?”

I looked up the definition of “Glow” and found that I was looking through my library and paying attention to lighting.

Flowers

Lighting from the back is my way of capturing flower power.

Tulips and daffodils are a sign of spring.

Backlit pink tulips, and a narrow depth of field soft daffodils
Beautiful rose
Captured this flower in high-key lighting
This little beetle found its way on a California Poppy

Sunrise and Sunset always emit a glow

Sedona, Arizona offers a great opportunity to capture sunrise and sunsets. In August, it is best to get up early for sunrise, take an midday nap, and watch the sun go down. Plan to eat a later dinner.

Water glowing

Dewdrops on a spiderweb
Swimmers splashing in the golden hour
Slow shutter speed captures a water glow of a fountain

Painting with light

Does this doll conjure up a movie?

Slowing down the shutter speed can make for some interesting effects.

Tunnel lights
I have so much fun being a passenger

Thank you for taking the time to view my idea of glowing moments. Enjoy your own glowing moments, stay safe, and be kind!

Lens-Artists Challenge #243 It’s Tricky

This week, it’s Donna’s turn to host the Lens-Artists Challenge: It’s Tricky! If you’d like to fool us, this is your week. Otherwise, I hope I can inspire you, or trick you into joining the fun.

Water Reflections

Glass Reflections

Spherical Reflections

What do you see?

Movement

Ghostly Images

My dog Charlie will always be in my heart!
Who is crossing at the crosswalk?

The Great Escape

I am always on the lookout for images that can be seen in a different way. Sometimes I play with my shutter speed control. Sometimes the image unfolds throught a reflection on glass or water. Sometimes, the image is just a happy mistake. It all depends upon how you look at your surroundings.