John asked me to dig into my photo archives and find something humorous. (Please, nothing that might be injurious of anyone or anything, of course. WE, the collective Lens-Artists that we are, must retain our civility.)
I’m not one that usually tells jokes. As a matter of fact, when I was the librarian at Rio Americano High School my principal would stop by and ask me to share a joke he might use as an opener for an upcoming meeting. Sadly, I could not provide one, but I did get a book of jokes, and story openers for him to use. But when I am out with my camera I often look for funny signs, or happenings. So here goes.
Giving directions in a positive or negative way
Public restrooms often are a source of amusement
Heed these warnings
Some suggestions to follow.
Some food-related signs
Katz’s Delicatessen encouraged the home front to not forget soldiers fighting during World War II.
Can you relate? Sometimes, I can!
Candy Heaven in Old Sacramento allows customers to taste.
This Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant brings in customers with a life-altering cioppino! We gave it a try.
Catering to a particular customer in Monterey.
The following signs are a mixed bag of honest information that might make you smile.
Are you sometimes overscheduled? Just hang up a sign!
“The artist’s gaze, the photographer’s eye, when cast on a subject begins a relationship. That relationship can grow into a deep affection and a profound wisdom. It is that aspect of relating to your subject that I invite you to explore in this challenge.” Thank you Priscilla of scillagrace.
Photography has always helped me to see the world. It may be the quiet moment when I am out and can appreciate nature. It allows me to take a deep breath and slow down. You must be still as you press the shutter button.
Exploring my backyard with my macro lens I spot this dragonfly.
Posing for me
Sometimes I am occupied looking for the unusual. This may be a funny sign, or an object found out of place.
This bird is taking a stand!
Found this in Locke, California.
Old Folsom Bridge
Other times I see faces or animals in many of my images. This is pareidolia.Merriam-Webster dictionary defines pareidolia as, “The tendency to perceive a specific, often meaningful, image in a random or ambiguous visual pattern.” Hey, photography has even opened me up to learn new terms.
Sunny Face
Here’s looking at you
The gangs all here
Redwood Burl
My photography has helped me get away from my introverted self. I like to people watch, and I use my camera as my lookout point. Some images are candid moments, some environmental portraits, and some tell a story
Photography has been with me since I was nine years old. It helps me connect with people, places, and things around me!
Over the past year, I followed many photographers as they shared amazing images. I decided that for me to grow I would need to open myself up to this experience. So this week I accepted Sheetal’s challenge to, “Show us the things you love that make your world spin or things about your world that make you delirious with joy.”
Charlie has captured my heart. My Australian Labradoodle just celebrated his first birthday. My life has revolved around this boy, and the bond is strong. The day starts when he says it does. He quietly calls out to me that he is awake. With his collar on, we head to his round bed where we snuggle for a time. Then out for our short walk in our court. Six houses and I take in the changes from day to day. Occasionally, we greet a neighbor or see a jogger. Then home to have breakfast. With no plans for the day, we settle on the couch, catch up on emails and take a morning nap together. I am the person who trains and cares for Charlie’s needs. We take a walk and play fetch. We have one training session a day, one game of “Find It!”, and one grooming session after dinner. Some indoor fetch and he settles while my husband and I watch television. Charlie has found a place in my husband’s heart. When I am away, Charlie keeps him company. Charlie is a people magnet. I just hope that he soon becomes more relaxed being out and about with me and my camera.
Charlie has us wrapped around his paws. Discovering each other, training together, and becoming part of the family.
Still small enough to fit!
Relaxed
My friend Anne captures us together
Before his haircut
First haircut
Visiting with Sactown Doodles in Rocklin
Backyard pool experience.
The first 6 months together! Love his expressive eyes. Love his head tilt!
Head tilt!
At the Doodle Romp
Tongue Out!
Charlie loves to play fetch
The second half of Charlie’s first year!
This litter of 10 adorable Australian Labradoodles is 1 year old (put together by Jo)
Camera in hand, looking out at the world makes me happy. What I capture in the frame just depends on what catches my eye at the time. Small objects, funny signs, colors or shapes, patterns, contradictory images, animal and people expressions, and the people busy doing things. I don’t see myself stuck on one subject. My only limits are what kind of lens I can carry, and I usually only carry two. My camera has an added value in my life by connecting me to wonderful photo friends.
The Natural World
Amusing signs
Graduation 2020 style!
A helping hand
Creating rolls of handmade ice cream
People all around.
The pandemic has slowed down life, and I try and appreciate this new pace of life. One day, one goal. Thinking back over the decades I now wonder how I kept up that frenetic pace. I am home with my husband that I have known now for 54 years. We take turns arguing with the television over the news coverage. We share opinions on how to fix the world, if only they would listen. We read the newspaper and find books to read on our iPads. We play Scrabble, and figure out what we want to eat for dinner. It is a serene existence. We talk about what we want to do after “the pandemic”, and when will life return to normal. Actually, we also discuss what that normal will look like. Hopefully, eating out, traveling both near and far, and feeling less restricted to be around people. I look forward to new adventures with my husband and my Charlie.
I am taking the first step in sharing with the Lens-Artists. This is my new challenge, and I hope that I will be able to meet it!
A Photo's Worth 
