Botannical Gardens, Buffalo, NY

This week I made my spring trek to the Botannical Gardens in Buffalo. Going during the spring flower show is giving yourself a gift. There are lilies, tulips, hyacinths, primroses, orchids, and much, more more, all in full bloom. Color is everywhere. It's phenomenal.

As a photographer, I like to go on a grey day so (1) there aren't many people there and (2) I can sit on the floor and take closeup photos without being disturbed. It was raining outside the day I went. I did not use a flash and the results are what you see here. I just love the color mix. If you're like me, I'd like to pick a bouquet to take home. Of course, that brings me to a story. LOL

When I was about four years old, I came home with a bouquet of beautiful flowers in my hand and presented them to my mother. As I recall, it was summertime. My mom was initially grateful and then - wise as she was - wondered where the flowers had come from. I was after all little and I didn't stray far from our yard.

Not long after I appeared in the doorway, the elderly lady from across the street knocked on the door. She was visibly shaken and wanted to know if I had showed up with flowers. My mom acknowledged that I had. As it turns out, the woman was raising those flowers for the State Fair exhibit the next week, and I had picked most of them. I guess what flowers I left in her garden were not in good shape.

You know, I've always loved flowers. I think that neighbor lady showed me perfection in the flowers she grew. She must have been devastated by my flower-kaper. Actually, while her State Fair display was horribly ruined by a four year old, I have never faltered in my selection of quality flowers...and that very forgiving lady turned into a friend for life.

Border Collie Cross

I like showing you that I can do different kinds of photography. This is a close-up of my new addition. Her name is Lily and she's a Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix.

I see both breeds in her, but actually at this point in her growing up, she resembles the Border Collie more. She is four months old, very athletic and cute as a button.

This photo was embellished with HDR photographic techniques mainly because Lily's eyes were hard to see. With her being so dark, shadows smothered her face. The HDR techniques helped even out parts of the photo that were obscured.

I hope you are as pleased with this photo as I am. While I haven't photographed animals other than horses, this was a bit of an experiment. Perhaps I'll branch out and find more canine and feline subjects. What fun!

Travel Photo

Day trips to areas around your own home are fun. Lewiston, New York is one of those trips I enjoyed in the fall. My husband and I spent an overnight there actually in a bed and breakfast.

It was a grey day, but no matter. We enjoyed each other's company. Walking along the main street was totally relaxing.

Shops were open and welcoming. We wandered in and out and eventually purchased a Christmas tree decoration so the trip would be remembered when we decorated in December.

Often I wonder if people want pictures of places like this. On the other hand, if you like the feeling of a cozy little town, then a photo like the streets of Lewiston is a welcome find. The gazebo at the end of their main street is enchanting even on a grey day. I couldn't resist taking these photos.

I would encourage everyone who enjoys photography to look at a map and then travel to places near home. You'll find photos in sights you maybe overlooked before.

I've actually considered sending these photos to the Chamber of Commerce in Lewiston. Hey! You never know! Maybe someone would like them and want to use them for publicity.

Pretty in Pink

The old cliche is "pretty in pink". Little girls love to dress up in pink. They feel so much more feminine in that color than in any other color. I used to love watching the girls strutt their stuff, especially at Easter time. But these days Easter isn't what it used to be. Now many stay in their jeans.

Well, hold the thought - pretty in pink - as you look at my first small notecards because the ladies out there still love the color. You just can't miss with pink! These are 4 x 5 notecards, six in a bundle for $8.00 and professionally printed on soft-to-the-touch matte paper. I'm actually excited about them.

Ideal for saying thanks to a friend or a client, these cards could also work as an announcement, a gift card, a quick note to mom, even a congratulations for graduation. In fact for the men out there, these would work for a Valentine's Day "I love you". Just think, you can feel good about your card, pick just the right words, and slide your card into a bouquet of flowers or a box of candy. You will be glad you did!

Sunflowers in a Bundle

One of my absolute weaknesses is a beautiful sunflower. I live for the day when I come upon a field of sunflowers. Don't know where there are any in my geographic area. Must make a mental note to look next August. About then I'm busy like a squirrel storing my nuts for the winter only I am picking blueberries for the freezer.

I dream of looking peacefully at that field of sunflowers, and then I want to start shooting photos. Lots and lots of photos. Every sunflower is a little different from the ones next to it. Goodness! I could be there all day!

The sunflowers I have in my collection are from gardens in the local area: a sunflower here, a sunflower there. They are very indivdual, standing proud in the sunshine as the tallest flower in the garden.

I must admit in retrospect there is something about majestic about them not being squished together like people in a huge crowd. They seem so dignified. And just think about it: they produce so many seeds to sustain the winter birds. That's like living on forever.

Anyway, I've taken my best photos of sunflowers and printed them on 5 x 7 note cards. Now I'm beginning to think about matting and framing some of them. Hmmm. Do you think they'd sell? I would love to know what you think.

I'm a bit humble about framing photos for folks to buy because I constantly wonder if they are good enough. Guess I'm almost ready to move forward though because I am constantly developing my photos skills and I'm feeling positive about the results.

Two Girls and A Horse

So now you know that I search and look and look and search for mesages in my photos. I often try to connect with what the people are possibly thinking or feeling. I also look for what might be going on in the horse's mind.

Of course, it is all for your interpretation because you are the one buying the note card, and you will have a very personal, specific message you want to convey.

This photo is one of my absolute favorites. It's two girls loving a horse, plain and simple. But then it gets even more interesting because it's about a horse loving two girls.

Just think if you used this photo as an inspiration for a short story or a poem. That could be fun. I used to love to take a picture from a magazine and do just that. Sparks your creative juices. Sometimes the results are pretty amazing. Now think about the message you might want to tuck inside this card.

The horse's name by the way is Bailey.

Victory Celebration

This is a bit of a celebration because I sold my first three cards! Really. I did. I did. I did. Can you tell I'm jumping up and down!!!???

The first card was my photo of Harry. It's a neat picture, the kind where you wonder what Harry is thinking. Anyway, Harry is #1 in every way. I'm so glad someone out there in Etsy Land fell in love with him. He is a pretty special guy.

The second and third cards I sold were of flowers. One was the Color Splash photo that everyone seems to like. It has such a soft tone and it's so filled with spring energy.

The other card shows off black-eyed susans from my garden last summer. I love this particular photo because it feels as though the newest flower is unfolding with support from the 'older' flower.

Isn't there a life lesson here? I'm forever looking for the message. Loving a photo after all is about finding a connection.

For me, this photo is about encouragement, nurturing, protection, and support. It's about being a role model and setting an example. Could be about older and wiser. I'm not sure.

Photos like this one speak to me. Best part about this blog is that I can share such things with you, and you'll quickly realize I'm a softy for photos that talk to me.

So now - after a long, cold day at the barn in 7 degree temperatures - I'm going to retire to a hot bath while you reflect on what I'm trying to say. When you figure it out, let me know and we'll both be richer for your insight.