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.

If your feeling patriotic, buy all three!

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!

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!

My challenge this week is to share images featuring faces, in a crowd or standing alone, human or animal. Selfies are approved. I look forward to seeing which one of these “Faces in a crowd” speaks to you! Thanks, John from Journeys with Johnbo for providing this forum.

For this challenge, I limited myself to the more formal definition of a portrait.”A portrait is a painting, photograph, sculpture, or other artistic representation of a person, in which the face and its expressions are predominant. The intent is to display the likeness, personality, and even the mood of the person.” My professor did not accept snapshots or photographs where the person’s eye was not directed at the camera. It took a while before I was comfortable asking a stranger to allow me to take their photograph. I was strolling along the street in Sedona. An artist was working on a sculpture in the front of the shop, and I wanted that image. I passed on the image and talked to my brother. He said, “Let’s get that photograph.” I learned that the worst thing that could happen is to get an answer of “No.”

Festivals and Parades

It is fun to photograph people dressed up and in a festive mood. The first two images were taken in December 2019 (pre-CoVid) at a Victorian Christmas in Nevada City. The bagpipes were brought out in 2007 for a July 4th parade. I liked the way the little boy was paying attention.

Back when parking was “the” problem attending large gatherings!

Selfies

One of the problems for photographers is that they are often not included in the picture. This may be the reason some of us pick up a camera. We are more comfortable behind the lens. But then when looking back over time there is no history of our changes. I try and remedy this by looking for reflections.

Environmental Portraits

One type of portrait is Environmental Portraits where the surrounding is essential to the subject. Given this assignment, a friend and I entered a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle store and we asked the employees if they would pose for us. It was easier to do this with a fellow photographer.

The Bird Shop is now located in Roseville. Great employees, experienced staff.

Boudin Bakery at the Wharf in San Francisco

I have been returning to Pacific Grove for over 20 years. We ate at Fishwife and sat near the door. As each customer was leaving, the owner would rush from wherever she was and personally thank the men with a hug. We watched, as some tried to leave quickly, but she was quicker!

These images were taken in 2005. Sadly, she is no longer there.

Namaste! A local farmer’s market in Carmichael, Ca

I want to thank all the volunteers who help make the experience at the zoo, museum, and visitor center so much more informative. Docents add to the community.