The arrival of June has finally brought us some long overdue sunshine and I couldn’t resist getting out to take a few photos of the blooming hydrangeas in our yard.
I found this little guy wandering around on one of the blooms.
We’re heading into our second year in the house and these beauties have more than doubled in size.
“Beautiful Hydrangea, mighty and bold your blooms we see,
Yet soft and fragile your petals may be.
—–Donna Robinson”
“Did you know there is a “National Public Gardens Day?” I sure didn’t, but when I read about it on the Atlanta History Center website, and they said in honor of the day you could tour the Swan House Gardens…….FOR FREE….I couldn’t resist the opportunity for a photo outing. And, since it’s way more fun having a fellow photographer with you I invited my friend and sister-in-law, Janice to join me.
Front of The Swan House. This photo really doesn’t do it justice.
The driveway leading to The Swan House. We tried to get in but our “garden tour” stickers were a dead giveaway that we didn’t pay for that part of the tour!
While most of the floral was in transition (azaleas and rhododendrons had long dropped their blooms) the summer greenery was vibrant.
A beautiful trail leads the way
There was so much to see on the grounds…..there were even statues in the middle of the trail;
And, historic farmhouses which had been moved to the property for preservation,
The Wood Family Cabin. It’s original location was near the Chattahoochee River, not far from where the Creek Village of Standing Peachtree once stood.
A closer look of the Wood Family Cabin.
There were even life-size playhouses built for the original owner’s children! This was my favorite……the Victorian Playhouse.
It was such a fun outing and a great way to practice those photography skills! I was so glad I brought along a second camera so that I could use my macro lens!
Weather wise, I couldn’t have picked a better day as there was so much natural light…..no flash needed.
Inside the Wood Family Cabin
Looking through one of the cabins on the Smith Family Farmsite
Here’s to a new week with new adventures!
Until next time…
Donna
Today my sister-in-law (friend) and I went out for a photo outing at the Swan House (Atlanta History Center)…..more to come, but this is an initial favorite of mine.
Our backyard critters have really been enjoying the nice weather this week….and I certainly have enjoyed watching them. Here are a few of my favorite pics from the week.
Happy Sunday!
Donna
Today’s post takes a different turn from my usual photography topics, so bear with me as I share some personal thoughts on the next chapter in my “Life is a Journey.”
After 35 years, today May 1st, marks the official first day of early retirement (or “re-wirement” as my husband and I like to call it) from a life-long career with Coca-Cola. Having joined the company just one month shy of my 20th birthday, the time has come to close the chapter and embark on new adventures that await me.
There is an unwritten tradition for those leaving Coca-Cola to write a farewell note. The tradition is usually a note of “thanks,” “I’ll miss you” and “stay in touch.” And so, just before handing in my laptop and cell phone, I hit the “SEND” button for my own personal “Obligatory Farewell” below:
∞
Yep, here it comes……time for another obligatory farewell. Starting tomorrow (4/26), I’ll be swapping out my red badge for the official “Alumni Green Badge.”
What an incredible experience to have been part of the Coca-Cola family for my entire career. 35 years has gone by way too fast, but I can honestly say that each of you played an important role in my journey and I thank you for your sharing this great adventure with me. Many of you, I have known most of my time with Coca-Cola; we worked together, we played together (sometimes a little too hard J), we traveled together and raised families together. And, we have experienced a lot of change and evolution throughout the years: from Columbia Pictures, to the forming and later refranchising of Coca-Cola Enterprises; from ground breaking innovative packaging promotions (i.e. “Magic Can,” “Pop Music in-pack mini cds,” “Contour Commemorative bottles”) to the many numerous brands that have come (PowerAde, Dasani, Fair life) and gone (“Ok Soda,” “Tab Clear,” “Tab Energy,” “New Coke”).
I am grateful….I am humbled…..I am blessed to have worked alongside so many talented individuals who, together, we have helped mold Coca-Cola into the Brand it is today.
My next chapter is unwritten, although I’m sure there will be photography ( a lot of it!), travel and perhaps, one day, that bar in the Caribbean Michael and I have long been chasing after! If you want to see what I’m up to, please feel free to follow my photography blog (website and e-mail contact links below).
In closing, I share with you a quote Joe Walsh gave in an interview about his journey with the Eagles. To me, it pretty much sums up my personal Coca-Cola journey:
“You know, there’s a philosopher who says, as you live your life, it appears to be anarchy and chaos, and random events. Non-related events, smashing into each other and causing this situation or that situation. And then, this happens, and it’s overwhelming, and it just looks like what in the world is going on ? And later, when you look back at it, it looks like a finely crafted novel. But at the time, it don’t.”
Cheers, everyone! This Party is Going Mobile”
“Life is a journey, not a destination. You are the artist, paint what you will.”
∞
Credits: The featured photo for this post is of a building that was painted by our very talented brother-in-law, Dean Janik, for the movie set of “Live by Night” which was filmed in Brunswick, GA in 2015. The title for my post (and for the obligatory farewell) comes from my husband……how did he come up with it, you ask? Well, that is a story for another day…..stay tuned!
Despite a few colder days in Atlanta this past week and a very rainy Sunday, I think it’s safe to say it’s finally Spring. If you couldn’t tell by all of the trees and flowers blooming, the birds and critters certainly made it known by their presence.
Happy Spring……..Enjoy your week!
Donna
I’ve been experimenting with a new camera lens, Canon 35mm, f2.8 Macro. What a great lens to use with flowers, food photography and up close still life! Surprisingly, it does take a little practice to get used to a fixed focal length, understanding exactly what will/won’t be blurred in the background and how light hits your subject…….definitely a good exercise for practicing a little of each of the photography rules.
So, how is it going? Here are a few of my practice shots:
On our front porch we have three planter boxes with Geraniums so I started with these. As you can tell, the Pink Geranium really pops against the black wrought iron railing and the blurred Geraniums in the background. I was able to get really close to these buds and as you can see captured the detail of the fur and pollen on the leaves.
I moved to the backyard and focused in (no pun intended) on the Purslane I recently planted. In the photos below, I was able to capture the detail of the star shaped pollen stem of the Purslane flower. I love how the lens captures the greens, yellow and oranges of each of the flowers.
I think my favorite Macro shots are of the rose bud below where the lens picks up the small specs of yellow pollen. Do you see what I mean about paying attention to what gets blurred in the background? I love the composition of the full bloom being blurred compared to the closed bud in the foreground (this is actually the same bud, taken from two (2) different angles).
The above photos were shot while hand holding my camera, I can’t wait to see how photos turn out when I’m in a little more controlled environment using a tri-pod and controlled lighting.
If you’re looking to try your hand at Macro photography, check out this link to Digital Photography School 5 Tips to Better Macro Photography. This post by James Dempsey is a quick read and gives you the basics. If you don’t have a macro lens, don’t get discouraged, those I-Phones and Androids are great for Macro photography, too! There are even small attachment lenses you can purchase to help achieve great results. Here are a few sites dedicated just for camera phones: iPhone Photography School and How to Get Stunning Macro Photos With Your Mobile Phone
Do you have any tips and examples of Macro photography ? I’d love to see them in the comments section.
Happy snapping!
Donna
I’m working on a couple of photography projects and have stumbled across quite a few photos which have been tucked away in the depths of my computer for a very long time. Photos, I clearly had a purpose for taking (whether it was because they simply caught my eye, or I had a special place or need).
A few of my favorites are of the tall Live Oaks of St. Simons Island with the Spanish Moss draping from the tree limbs. You can almost feel the warmth from the slivers of light beaming through the tree tops beating down on the ground below.
This photo is of a park just off Mallory Street, a few short blocks from the pier and the lighthouse.
Spanish Moss thrives in humidity, and can be found in the Southern U.S. and in extreme southern parts of Virginia (source: Wikipedia – Spanish Moss ). But, did you know Spanish Moss isn’t really a moss, but a member of the Bromeliad family? Yep, it’s actually a flowering plant which reproduces in one of two (2) ways: through “pups” just like other Bromeliads or seeds carried by the wind.
While researching its history I found a great article written by Celeste Booth: The Story Behind Spanish Moss. Her article covers everything you would ever want to know about this unique plant, even mentioning an interesting folk lore about how it’s name came from a Spanish explorer Gorez Goz. It must be a fairly popular folk lore because I ran across it on a few other sites (Florida Memory).
Credit: State Archives of Florida
Because St. Simons is covered with Live Oaks, Spanish Moss is everywhere perfectly framing and enhancing each scene as it gently sways with the breeze.
There is something so magical and romantic about Spanish Moss……don’t you agree?
Late yesterday afternoon, Michael and I had decided to enjoy the beautiful weather along with watching the birds and the squirrels feed. Because there was so much backyard activity I had my camera ready (every day there seems to be a new bird or critter). I had noticed the Hummingbird Feeders were getting low, and because it had been so long since I originally filled them, I assumed the nectar was evaporating or the bees/ants were drinking it. So, I went ahead and cleaned them out and refilled them.
As luck would have it, I had just laid my camera down on the table, when Michael pointed to the newly filled feeders! There he was our first Hummingbird of the year!
I think he was glad I had refilled the feeders because he took several sips!
I’ve read Hummingbirds have been known to migrate back to the same area each year. I wonder if this little guy is a repeat visitor?
Ruby Throated Hummingbird
If you were following me last year, you know how much I love these little fairies. Pic of the Week 071517- “God Winked” Thoughts: “Hummingbird, Don’t Fly Away”
Hopefully, as the weather continues to warm and the flowers bloom, the other Hummingbirds will be returning soon.
Happy Spring, everyone!
Donna
I couldn’t help but to get out and enjoy the Spring like weather last weekend. Clear skies and temps knocking on the high 60’s/low 70’s made it very tempting to wander out into the yard and start the prep-work for Spring planting.
My container gardens have all been emptied of the dead annuals from last fall, withered branches from other plants have been snipped, the bird bath cleaned and filled with fresh water and the garden has been cleared (for the most part) of the weeds. With the exception of fresh bark for the garden and bright, colorful plants for my containers, we’re ready for Spring! And, yes……..I’ve even filled the Hummingbird feeders in hopes they will migrate early this year!
It was also perfect for sitting outside and watching the birds and other critters enjoying the warmer weather.
A Finch and Cardinals feed together
And, of course the other little critters, “Mr. Chipmunk” and our “Squirrel Friends” were out scavenging for some food!
Unfortunately, as I write this post, the temps in Atlanta have dipped to the 30’s with rain expected most of this weekend……it looks like “Spring Cleaning” will be moving indoors. Fingers crossed, the low temps are short lived and we’ll be moving back outside next week.
Enjoy your weekend!
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