Southern California – A Photo's Worth

Lens-Artists Challenge #250 SKyscapes or Cloudscapes

This week Amy of The World is a Book challenges me to select a few cloudscape photos.

Having had a long period of drought, I value a cloudy sky. I especially like those puffy white clouds that I can imagine all sorts of stories. Usually, the summer skies can be a bit drab. Beating hot sun, and not a cloud in the sky. At that time a nice cloud cover is welcome. Sunsets and clouds are beautiful. A cloudy winter’s day can give me a feeling of moodiness. Clouds with the anticipation of rain can be welcome. Or if it goes on for too many days, it can make me want to stay in bed longer.

I often take a photo of the clouds with the thought that I might want to exchange a boring, bland sky for a cloudy one. It never happens, but I do have a fun library to look at when it can to this challenge.

Puffy clouds to imagine stories

Clouds at the shore

Sunsets and clouds

Wonderful cloud formations in Sedona Arizona

Clouds take their place in landscapes

Clouds in winter

This moody Livermore sky would work for a scary Halloween theme

Airplane View of clouds

That is all folks. When you go outside be sure to look up! Or out, or down!

My photo collection has over 200 cloudy images. It is fun to go back and review my collection. One of the perks of participating in these Lens-Artist challenges. What are your thoughts?

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #215 Planes, Trains, and Automobiles…and the places they take us

Johnbo (Journeys with Johnbo) asks me to share images that focus on my journeys. It’s all about the journey for this week’s challenge.

During my high school years, I experienced a lot of travel. At fifteen my family moved from New York to Karachi, Pakistan. That was the first time flying above the clouds. I caught the travel bug, but it did not stick. I have been in California for the past 44 years. New York, Florida, Indiana, Hawaii, and Washington have been my destinations. About six years ago my husband and I got passports but still have now used them. Recently, I reconnected with my Israeli relatives, and we are talking about making it our first destination next year.

Let’s start with planes. Family trips to Florida and Indiana and southern California, travel to New York City and upstate New York, vacations in Seattle, Washington, and many of Hawaii’s Islands. That’s about the extent of my air travel.

Traveling over the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Looking at water transportation. Only one sunset cruise that had my husband bowing to the porcelain god. Not much fun for him. So I don’t think a cruise is in my future.

I liked the quiet, simple feeling this photo gives me. It reminds me of my camp days.

Sunset and whale watching cruise in Maui

Now the automobile is the way we travel. My son recently bought an electric car, and I am seriously thinking that may be in our future.

Worth the drive up very narrow roads in Maui! Julie’s Best Banana Bread

Took my 10-year-old granddaughter to Disneyland. She now drives her own car
10 years later!

My parent’s first new car was a Gold and white 1957 Plymouth with tail fins. Driving it in Karachi, Pakistan we stood out among all the Chevys.

My current car is Subi Blue – a Subaru Outback 2017

Not a lot of stories, but I hope you enjoyed the photos. It is very hot here and so I will sign off quickly to save electricity. Rolling power outages are possible.

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #204 Doors

This week Sylvia would love for me to share a few appealing or distinctive doorways I have discovered. Do you feel some have more character than others or evoke a particular feeling or mood? Hope you have fun viewing this challenge!

Old Sacramento has many historic doors, While I was enrolled in a Color Photography class at Cosumnes River College my professor gave us an unusual assignment. I was given an adjective., a noun, and a verb. My three words were Flaming door expanding. So off to Old Sacramento in search of a good door.

I have always looked for unusual doors. Some tell a historical story, some make a statement, some are inviting, some provide a different message, and some provide a frame for a photo,

Half Moon Bay Review established in 1898.

Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California.

Orange County Fruit Exchange – Sunkist established in 1922. A landmark building in Orange, Ca

I wonder what was taking place behind closed doors?

Half Moon Bay decorated in the Halloween spirit!

Entering a wine celler creates a nice frame.

This is just a small sample of doors and doorways that I come across when I am out with my camera. But the best door I enjoy opening up is the one I call home. My dog Moxie (14 months) agrees! Here she is after her spa day at Sunflower Pet Salon.

What door do you enjoy opening?

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #155 – On the Water

This week John doesn’t, “…want participants to think that this challenge is all about oceans, lakes, and rivers. The theme “On the Water” encompasses whatever manner of water floats your boat (or doesn’t).”

A Sacramento summer calls out for water. In my case I can choose between a shower or the blue pool I have for my puppy. Or I can sit in front of a fan and look over my photo library. Being from the east coast I am drawn to the beaches found on Long Island, N.Y. Many a 4th of July was spent in traffic on the causeway leading to Jones Beach. I get a calm feeling listening to the waves crashing. My last year of college I had an apartment a block away from Long Beach (New York), and in the spring mornings I would go down to beach, and nap on the sand. Now on the west coast I enjoy the waves found in Pacific Grove, Ca.