Archive for the ‘Nature Notes’ Category
Edmands Park Photo Gallery — New Images Added
Posted in Inspiration, Nature Notes, tagged edmands park, nature, Newton, Parks, Photography on March 26, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Spring has sprung in New England.
Posted in Branches, Inspiration, Nature Notes, tagged Arnold Arboretum, Photography, spring flowers on March 22, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Paying Attention to the Song of a Single Bird
Posted in Books I Love, Inspiration, Nature Notes, tagged Barbara Brown Taylor, being present, book covers, paying attention on March 18, 2010| 1 Comment »
So when I first saw the book, Altar in the World, in hardback I didn’t even crack the spine. Then it came out in paperback, with the cover image of a blue bird on a blue branch set against a soft beige-cream background. And, in red scrolling text, the title of the book just off center. Kudos to the designers because quite frankly I am a sucker for packaging and I am so happy I opened the book.
There’s a quote on the cover from The Dallas Morning News that says, “Not a page turner, it is a page lingerer.” So true. It is a book about one woman’s journey dealing with faith. Whatever one’s beliefs, I think it is a beautiful read. Here is a passage that had me lingering this morning:
“The practice of paying attention is as simple as looking twice at people … To see takes time, like having a friend takes time. It is as simple as turning off the television to learn the song of a single bird.
I have yet to learn the song of a bird, but I did pay attention to the birds as I walked from the parking lot to my office building. I saw 5 pigeons, 3 robins, 2 blue jays, a rock dove and at least 1 starling. As I entered the building, behind me I did hear a beautiful song. Though I scanned the nearby tree branches and rooftops, I could not spy the bird. Next time.
Hot Off the Press: New Article at Creativity Portal
Posted in Contributing Writer, Inspiration, Nature Notes, Photography, Publication Updates, tagged butterflies, Creativity Portal, mother's gift, muse, seeds on March 13, 2010| Leave a Comment »
March is a big birthday month in my family. A grandmother, two brothers, a new nephew … and my mother. With spring coming she’s on my mind a lot, and served as the inspiration for this article appearing on the Creativity Portal website. Enjoy.
Pete’s Turtles
Posted in Inspiration, Nature Notes, tagged baby turtles on March 13, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Inspired by Ansel Adams …
Posted in Branches, Inspiration, Nature Notes, tagged black and white photography, edmands park, water images on March 11, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Nature in Black and White
Posted in Branches, Inspiration, Nature Notes, tagged Ansel Adams, black and white, edmands park, Photography on March 10, 2010| Leave a Comment »
During lunch, on a bright sunny day, I went for a walk through Edmands Park with camera in hand. Inspired by Ansel Adams, I decided to shoot in black and white. I’m quite excited to see how the pictures come out. Mr. Adams was on my mind because of a recent blog post I’d read about some of his photos held at the National Archives. In 1941 he was commissioned by the National Park Service to create a mural that exemplified nature in the national parks. When the U.S. entered World War II, the project was halted. You can read more here on the National Archives website. The following picture in particular lit the creative spark in me.
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On the way home today …
Posted in Branches, Inspiration, Nature Notes, On the Road, tagged magnolia, orchid, squirrel on March 6, 2010| Leave a Comment »
An Orchid in Back Bay
A Magnolia Bud in Central Square
A Squirrel Along the Charles River
A 2-Chipmunk Day
Posted in Inspiration, Nature Notes, On the Road, tagged chipmunks, Photography on March 4, 2010| 2 Comments »
On the way into work this morning I saw not one but two chipmunks. They raced along a stone wall surrounding the school where I work. I just stood and watched them for a bit. No reaching for the camera. I’ve learned I have limited skill and luck in taking pictures of chipmunks. Though I did have this lovely moment one autumn.
Here are a few fun chimpmunk facts from National Geographic.
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/chipmunk.html
March Updates …
Posted in Contributing Writer, Inspiration, Nature Notes, On the Road, Photography, Photography Exhibits, Postcards, Publication Updates, tagged cacti, Contributing Writer, exhibits, magazines, Photography, Postcards, slave narratives on March 2, 2010| 2 Comments »
Hi, all. I’ve been struggling with writing this month’s update. Not sure if that’s because I’ve got too much going on or too little. In any case …
Ordinary Beauty
Lately, I’ve been enjoying photographing the mundane. The absolutely ordinary. The every day items surrounding me at home. Like a stamp or a ball of yarn. How beautiful it has been!
Upcoming Exhibits
- Riverside Gallery @ the Cambridge Community Center: I”m honored to be exhibiting at the Cambridge Community Center, located in the historic Riverside neighborhood of Cambridge, MA. Gallery curators seek to use the space to serve and connect the community. Opening reception is Saturday, March 6 from 4:00-6:00 pm. More details to follow.
- Somerville Open Studios 2010: Preparations for SOS 2010 are heating up. Organizers are seeking volunteers. If you’re interested, you can find out more information here.
- I’m seriously contemplating submitting an application to ArtBeat 2010 which takes place in Davis Square, Somerville, MA in mid-July. The event theme is Water and if you’ve perused my website at all, you know how much I love water images. The deadline is end of the month, so I’ll let you know in April if I get the paperwork in on time. 😉
New Opportunities
Based on a young friend’s suggestion, I’ve created a Just Postcards section on my photo website. Fairly unique postcards available for purchase for just $2.25. As the title suggests, they are images only available as postcards. My goal is to continue adding new images to this section, approximately once a month.
Submit!
Well, this past month I hunkered down and identified a bunch of online and print literary and consumer magazines open to freelance photography. I’ve sent off over a dozen new submissions and received only two rejections so far and one “maybe.” The list for March is just as long so … we’ll see. 😉
Write, Write, Write
I think it’s helped that it’s been so cold that I needed to stay inside. I’ve dusted off some old manuscripts and begun to rework them. I’ve pitched a few new article ideas to magazines and literary magazines. Most have to do with my family and close friends, aka the people who inspire and support me most.
My Current Inspirations are slave narratives, bookcases, kitchen tables, magazines I can’t really afford and cacti. What’s inspiring you right now?
