Lens-Artists Challenge #277 Empty Spaces

Patti from P.A. Moed Creative Exploration in Words and Pictures challenges me to look through my library of images and discover how empty spaces contributes to my total image.

To define empty spaces Patti turned to the experts at Adobe. “Emptiness in an image can help isolate the subject and also highlight it by drawing the viewer’s attention to it. What else? It can convey a mood–like loneliness, solitude, fear, or sadness. By isolating the subject and surrounding it with empty space, you also create drama, which gives your images a powerful, visual appeal.”

Lonely Leaf on a foggy, cold day
Another leaf alone catches a bit of sunshine
Early morning fishermen
Happy alone
On the sidewalk in San Francisco. Sea Gull enjoys found sour dough bread!
Sea Gull watching family at the beach in Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove
Pelican in West Palm Beach Florida

Do you think that my empty space (negative space) adds to the subject matter? When I look at these images I categorize them as minimalism. So whatever the acknowledged term is I do use this point of view when I am out taking photos.

It is December 2nd. I was reminded that today is my “Half Birthday” by Baskin Robbins. I think they want me to celebrate with an ice cream cake. Well, it is raining, and I am not sure that I want to rush this next birthday. My high school class is thinking about having a group celebration for the Big 75. Three quarters of a century. I do think that I am due a BIG memorable celebration of some sort. Not sure how, where or when. I do have a half year to come up with something.

First things first. Moxie has been diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. So far, she has had 3 seizures in the span of 4 months. So far she has no side affect, but the dosage has been increased. She will be on medication for the rest of her life. This means that I need to figure out who will take care of her if I was to plan a trip. At this time no trips are planned.

Being kind of a home body lately for a number of reasons.

  1. There is an unknown canine illness that prevents me from taking Moxie to the dog park. So we retrieve at home. Moxie is reluctant to walk around my neighborhood. I guess she is happy to have me around. In the summer she didn’t want to sit on my lap much, but now she can be demanding of some sitting time. I don’t mind.
  2. The stores are crowded, and parking lots are no fun.
  3. I have so much to do at home. My blog and photography, my genealogy, and knitting.
  4. My newest hobby is quilting. I went to my first guild meeting and I will join in the 2024. I am finishing up a project: a sampler hanging that I started before CoVid. Getting in my last 3 lessons when I put it all together. Pics to follow.

This month I am on Baby Watch for my great grandson Kingston to be born to my granddaughter Alyssa. Due date January 6. Again, more to come!

Lens-Artists Challenge #269 On the Edge

Patti creates a new challenge for me, “This week the Lens-Artists are heading in a new direction. We’re exploring “the edges.” What have I captured “On the Edge” of buildings, cliffs, rivers, and beaches. I interpreted this challenge in a straigtforward way.

Seen from a jet

People on the edge

Mt Diablo climbers
Many edges as seen from Mt Diablo
Looking down from One World Trade Center
Balancing the world while strolling down
The Oculus

Animals on the edge

Balanced on flower power
Pelicans on the edge
Taking off
Coming in for a landing
Stay away from this wet edge!
Getting along
Love on the edge
Balanced, but not happy
Left hanging
Mealtime – the edge of hunger

Earth’s edge

Island of Maui
The ocean’s edge in Maui
The end of day at the water’s edge
Erupting volcano on The Big Island

Glad you stopped by. Any thing catch you attention? Let me know. I love to hear from you.

Pacific Grove here we come!

A couple of weeks ago we took the opportunity to head to Pacific Grove. Just a quick getaway for our 49th anniversary.

These two were engrossed in conversation. The light was right, and I took the shot.

Breakfast stop at Starbucks

Usually we stop near Gilroy to get some Bing Cherries. With the long rainy season the crop of Bings were delayed. All the end of season rain did not help with this crop.

Got some cherries, just not Bings.
Split cherries

Arrived in Monterey, and decided to explore Fisherman’s Wharf.

Boats awaiting destinations.
Tourists passing street musician.
Interesting way to repurpose a parking meter.
Getting hungry. Tempted with clam chowder.
Cute face!
Life altering copping! We needed to see what this was all about.
Great lunch/dinner. Not sure how my life has been altered? But my tummy was satisfied!
Got so busy eating that I didn’t catch a photo of the cioppino.
Had to grab this sign at another eating establishment. A whole lot of NO!
More street photography from Fisherman’s Wharf.

Our lodging this time was near Asilomar Beach.

The next day we decided to spend in Pacific Grove. Our grab and go breakfast did not make the cut. We went looking for something to eat.

Kind of a running joke. Often we enter somewhere new and follow signs that promise “Information”. But we usually find this not a very helpful way to go.
Interesting sign tells everyone not to play with wind chimes. But where are they? A little late, or did they remove them for safe keeping.
Peeking through the lattice.
Haircut Time!

Many buildings have found new purpose in Pacific Grove. The landmark store now is home to many businesses. This gas station has found a different kind of customer.

After walking along main street in Pacific Grove we head out to Lover’s Point. Sea Gulls and squirrels are unafraid of people.

I’ll pose for you!

Walking along I found some objects to capture my attention.

Got so close to these squirrels with my Fuji xt2 18-55mm lens.

No extra cropping necessary. We just watched each other.
Pretty soon another squirrel joined the party.
Lover’s Point overlooks Monterey Bay.

Watching season 2 of Big Little Lies. Looking for location shots.

Oh, to live near the water!

Ready for an afternoon snack. Belgium Waffle ordered and eaten.

Two forks. We shared this tiny waffle.

Caught a couple more images, and we head back to cottage to relax before dinner at The Fishwife.

Goodbye Pacific Grove. Time to drive home.

Driving next to us while we wait in traffic. Don’t want to end up like these cars.

Fun getaway. Guess I need to plan some more. Where do you like to go when you have a couple of days?

More People Watching on Pier 39

Embarcadero means a “place to embark”. Looking up this information led me to this 1906 documentary, A Trip Down Market Street. Click on the link and travel down the road. Taken from a cable car weeks before the 1906 earthquake. It is amazing to see what traffic was like then.

My friend and I walked down the Embarcadero to Pier 39. Stop for lunch and do more people watching.

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Vendor stocking his shop

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So many food choices. Go healthy or not?

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Careful those knives are sharp!

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Up, up and away. Having Fun!

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Cute shop on Pier 39

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Love the vest

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Throwing a kiss. Spray paint sidewalk artist has music, movement, and spirit!

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Balloon artist not happy to have a photo taken. Oh well.

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So many cell phones. What is so interesting?

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Watch out for Gulls!

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Old Port Gate frame the ship

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Explanation of height restrictions on the Segway

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Serious driving skills being tested

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And the winner is…

When you grab some fast food you are warned to watch out for birds. They are known for helping themselves to your delicious seafood and sour dough bread.

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Gulls Rule at the Fishermen’s Grotto

 

 

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He earned his tip

Arriving at Pier 41 to take the ferry back to Vallejo.

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Fun day and lots of fun images to add to my memories.