From my aunt's garden

        

My aunt said that she thought this was a special breed of amaryllis that her mother had once planted in their yard. There is only one plant like it in the garden, and it usually puts out 2-3 blooms a year. Any attempts to transplant new growth have failed, but this one plant persists---must've been her mother's touch.

Personally, I don't care what species it is---I think it is a flawless example of the beauty that we sometimes miss on the way out the door in a rush to get into life. I was leaving for work today, and it was starting to sprinkle---so everything was overcast and gray---when this brilliant flash of color caught the corner of my left vision. Needless to say, I jumped out to beat the rain to this gorgeous eye candy (just barely, mind you...haha). These are the snaps that resulted. 

My aunt is ecstatic that I was able to preserve and get them printed for her this year---her living room has similar splashes of peach, salmon, and buttery yellows...a very warm room. Hopefully, this will add a touch of color to the wall and a touch of her mother's memory to the room...

 

Happy Memorial Day

Adi Ness Untitled, 2000 color photograph-- part of the "Soldier's Series"

The above photo is not my work, as you can see from the photo credit. I recently was led to a man's thoughtful journal through countless links. This journal belongs to Albert, and he featured one of this photographer's works therein. Enthralled by his entry, I looked up some of this man's work...wow. The soldier series really touched me, and the one above was my absolute favorite for many reasons.

This Memorial Day, since we are at war...one that I do not believe in...I decided to dedicate my thoughts as "Present Day Holiday" to those who are fighting and living in a foreign country, just so I can sit and type in my mundane journal and sleep like a baby in my nice climate-controlled house in a cushy queen-size bed without fear---those who won't be grilling today with their families or friends and hugging  and kissing and laughing with their loved ones. I will of course, be remembering my father, who was once one of those sleeping away from family and friends in an hostile place---his tribute was done a little earlier this weekend because he has been on my mind greatly---he was a great man. So, to all those out there who cannot be with loved ones this holiday, or those whose loved ones cannot be with them...my small contribution of thought goes out to you.

May all higher powers take care of you and your loved ones until you can be together again---safe and sound---laughing and loving. I will laugh, cry, and cheer with you on the day that you are all home---back where you belong. Godspeed.

Snippets of photos from the Veteran's War Memorial in my home town.

 

 

Purple

By the way, I am guessing these are pansies...I have been wrong over 15,000,000 times to date (give or take a couple), so please correct if I get the flower type wrong. Pansies, yes?  no? :o)

The Baaaaaad Kitty

"K" is for baaaad kitty. Bad kitty came along when almost all kitties were gone from the house...now we have a youngster that will be around for quite a while :::::::::sigh::::::::::::   At my mom's request...more shots of her "baby kittykins"---besides my normal one-a-day pic---should be added for her enjoyment.  :o) Mom usually gets what she requests..... <wink>

Jack

Just a few trinkets and a lot of memories. You are missed and loved.

Memorial Day and every day...we miss your smile.

Photo Friday Challenge

Photo Friday Challenge:  Black and White

Trickling Choccolocco

Classic barn photo

It's a Boy!

Born May 24, 2004 @ 11:45pm...20" long...7lbs4oz...beautiful.

Saving Grace

Full Moon

While out worshipping the moon goddess, I caught her image from beneath

the mother oak tree in my yard. She is, as always, beautiful.

Backroad

Raindrops