Words + Images

A 2-Chipmunk Day

March 4, 2010 by Cynthia

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

Posted in Inspiration, Nature Notes, On the Road | Tagged chipmunks, Photography | 2 Comments »

March Updates …

March 2, 2010 by Cynthia

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?

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 | 2 Comments »

Blue Skies and Snowy Peaks in Colima, Mexico

March 2, 2010 by Cynthia

Posted in Guest Contributor, Inspiration, Nature Notes, On the Road | Tagged blue, Colima, Mexico, Photography, snow | Leave a Comment »

Sunday Musings: The Table at the Window

March 1, 2010 by Cynthia

Two tables reside in Steve’s kitchen. One rests in the middle of the room, a six to eight people seater in a pinch. Today its gold pine veneer is bare. Against the wall, near a large window, is a smaller table covered with a red tablecloth. On that tabletop rests very many items, including Steve’s pride and joy: his pepper plant. Three plants really in a single pot, with one sculpted into a tiny tree. His bonsai baby. The pepper’s canopy shades a pot of African violets that are in riotous bloom. Next to the violets stand a champagne flute filled with cut tea roses long past their prime in shades of white, pink and orange. They droop, their little heads. I still find them beautiful, crinkly petals reminding me of an ancient grace, like the skin of aging women. In front of the flute squats a golden-hued goblet. So far it is empty, though I am thinking of filling it with the rose petals. There are more items on the table: a white watering can, a pair of scissors (used on the pepper), a spice rack that’s more decorative than functional and a bunny bucket. The bunny bucket holds Steve’s mail when he is away on trips. A few books. Some scattered dirt left by a mouse in love with the pepper plant. That’s what I see this Sunday morning as I sip my coffee in Steve’s kitchen.

Posted in Inspiration | Tagged african violets, kitchen windows, pepper plants, Photography, Sunday, sunlight, tea roses | 1 Comment »

A Low Key Day …

February 25, 2010 by Cynthia

Posted in Inspiration, Nature Notes | Tagged black and white, grass, Photography | Leave a Comment »

A Paperwhites Update

February 22, 2010 by Cynthia

In the end, after the smell faded, I really came to like them. Especially now as they begin to fade and really hold the sun’s light. The petals remind me of antique fabric. I will be sorry to see them go.