I have always loved flowers that grow on stalks. Delphinium is one of my faves.. And these little ladies are my cherished pink Delphs. Purple or blue is a common colour for giant delphiniums but pink is more rare. I think they are just so pretty and old fashioned looking. Very nostalgic.
I have been revisiting a book that I read a few years ago. It is by photographer Freeman Patterson. In this book " The art of seeing" he recommends some exercises that help you break out of a photographic rut. I have read this book several times and every time I return to it, I get something different from it. I really like the abstract results I got last night. I find this style just appeals to me emotionally.
There is a bluff is trees between my garden and the house. I have made a path that goes to the veggie garden. A couple of years ago I started bending the young trees over in hopes that one day they will make a beautiful natural arbor covering my path. My grandkids refer to it as the forest. When I walk through it , it is cool, green and refreshing. Makes me feel like I am in a magical place.
I have been asking around to see if anyone knew of someone who wouldnt mind if I came to their yard and photographed flowers etc. I went last night to meet one of my leads. Little did I know that the hour and a half garden tour, and my delightful tour guide would be such a tonic for my soul. Such a nice lady with a lovely yard. She lit up as she told me stories about bringing flowers from the old place, planting this and that, the old pump that she has moved from her childhood home to wherever they go. It was just such a joy to share that. I think this project is going to be very good for me.
Today I went for my quarterly blood work. Because I was fasting and in town, breakfast in town was in order. That seems like the only time I ever hook up with my old best buddy anymore. We had a nice brekky and when she had to get back to work, I left. As I drove away I saw two ladies walking together, slowly not really watching where they were going, just enjoying their conversation. All of a sudden I felt lonely. I rarely do. That is one thing about being way out in the country that is not the same. I have a good life and love it in the country but sometimes ..
Not many flowers can compete with the Peony. It always shows up in a fancy party dress. Reminds me of a tutu. I have tried many times to grow peonies, but for some reason I have not had much luck.... it could be this grey thumb. This year my plant gave me 3 .. yes only 3 beautiful flowers. By the time I took this photo all the petals had dropped from the other two, and this one was fading fast. I just wanted to show you her last Hurrah.
One of my garden treasures is this mosaic piece made from an old Forestry Dept. gas can. I love the way it glitters in the sun and reflects all the colours around it. Could an old magpie like myself get any better "garden bling"?
After we launched we went over the city. It was a beautiful morning, calm and peaceful and most of the city was still asleep. This is east of the city. The little white speck that you might see on Richmond ave. is the chase vehicle following us. If you click on the photo you will see an enlarged view and maybe your house.
The canola is starting to flower. I look forward to this spectacular sight every year. when the bright yellow fields glow against the brilliant blue sky. Is there any wonder why Alberta is called big sky country.
Today I got a visit from my family. This young lady is my oldest grand daughter . She is 15 and turning into a beautiful young woman with a really good sense of humour. I am grateful that I got to see her before they leave for Kelowna for almost a month.
I have been working at my photo collection.. sorting and backing up. Last year I posted a couple of pics that I took from this photo shoot, set up in my basement. I thought it was quite good and makes me want to try more. I have been pretty busy so I may be posting from the archives for a couple of days.
I never claimed to be a wonderful writer or an especially good photographer, I am just a gal, doing what I like to do, and sharing it with you. Yesterday I went for a walk down to the creek to let the dogs cool off. I managed to get my husband to come... a rare event.. why walk when you can drive is his motto. Anyway it was nice . Sometimes a girl just likes to have someone to open and close a gate for her.
Yesterday was a great day for me.. I had one of those infinite joy moments. I was laying in the hammock in my oasis. The breeze was warm and fragrant, the sound of the trees rustling gently accompanied by the birds singing. I was snuggled in a blanket to keep too much breeze off my skin. When it dawned on me that I was happy..... in fact I thought , if I had 50 million dollars ( lotto max limit, and the number I have in my head to make me deliriously happy) I would not be any happier than I was right then. I am so grateful for those moments.
Ahhh another wonderful sunset taken close to 11 pm. Last night I walked a mile to get a good shot of the pending splendor ... I took this photo on my way home about 300 yards from my house. Oh well the exercise wont hurt me. One of the things that is said about people who live in this neck of the woods is, that summer is here for such a short time, that we wring every bit of it out and drink it in. I think this is true . Seems like by the time fall comes we are exhausted from early mornings and late nights and loving it all.
I have a friend who likes to post her gratitude list for the day on FB. It always reminds me of my favorite book from 20 yrs ago. which has been read and enjoyed over and over. A stream of consciousness type of book with pages and pages of list of things that have made Barbara happy for 40 yrs. In keeping with the aim of expressing my gratitude in this blog I have decided to post things I that make me happy. I am trying to figure out how to make a list on the side.. wish me luck. I think my first one should be.. finding a new copy of an favorite old book. that one is mine ... copyright free.
A photographer is always burning the candle at both ends in this country. The best light for photography is early just after sunrise and just before sunset. I headed outside this morning in my pyjamas ...again. Barely awake but the golden light beckoning me to open my eyes to the beauty it was showcasing just for me. As I pushed myself to take the required amount of photos.. remember I had promised myself 500 photos a week, I thought... why am I doing this. The answer is partially obvious. My creative side cant resist creating a wonderous dream world for myself. When I loaded my images I thought, Wow I have alot of pictures here even with my harsh editing. I have decided that I am going to 1. Get them backed up properly. 2. Get a little harsher on the editing. 3. Start printing and framing. 4. Start looking for a place to show. 
Whenever I see this particular flag on my way to Grande Prairie my heart swells a little with patriotic pride. I combined it with an excerpt from the fireworks that we attended last night.
