A Wink, a Smile and a Wave Goodbye!

If you’ve followed me for the last few years, you know I’m easily entertained by  Hummingbirds. I have two (2) feeders hanging in our garden just above the bicycle, surrounded by plenty of color from the knock-out roses, petunias and the butterfly bushes.

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I could literally sit for hours watching these little fairies feed! There is just something so magical about them. Perhaps it’s their small and mighty stature.  Most likely though it’s the challenge of getting the right shot before they speed away!

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So imagine how excited I was to see our granddaughter’s hummingbird feeder and all the activity around it. Our son and daughter-in-law purchased a new, all red glass feeder this year and hung it just outside their kitchen window to better watch them feed. They said it didn’t take long to attract the hummingbirds and it quickly became a non-stop feeding frenzy!

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It seems the consistent bright red color of the feeder draws them in. This little guy put on quite the show for me that afternoon.  Literally, just when you thought his feeding was over he reappeared dancing around feeder taking quick little sips of the nectar.

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It was almost as if he knew I was watching him, because just like that he turned and peered into the window as if to give me “A Wink, a Smile and a Wave Goodbye.”

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Thoughts – Anything is Possible

Here we are! The first week of 2016 behind us.  We’ve made our resolutions and set our path forward to making this year different and better than in the past! Yep……..it’s going to be a great year!

As I began laying out my plans for taking this blog (and my photography) to the next level I knew anything was possible, I had to set goals with realistic and achievable milestones.  But, I also knew that in order to grow and be successful, I had to stretch and challenge myself.  Kind of like the little dog in this photo:

Anything is possible

Anything is possible

Several years ago, my husband and I were out walking on a local trail and came across this little Yorkie trying to pick up a stick that was about 5 or 6 feet long.  Carefully, try after try, he kept working to find that right spot on the stick that would give him balance.   The sweet spot that he could grab hold of and carry the stick with ease, following his owner down the path.

Like this little dog, I’m working to find that “sweet spot” to achieve my goals.   For my blog, specifically, I have laid out a monthly plan with re-occurring weekly themes (yikes…..there’s that stretch and challenge).  Each theme a little different…..some easier to write about……others challenging and stretching myself.

I chose “Thoughts” to be a monthly theme and for this particular post I wanted to share my thoughts on “Anything is Possible.”  I know I can be a better photographer and writer, but it will take work, patience and persistence.  It will take me pushing myself past the excuses for not getting a post written or publishing new photos.

So, what are your “Thoughts?”  What do you see as possible for yourself in 2016?!?

 

 

 

 

The Elegance of a Handwritten Note

This week, I’ve received two (2) handwritten notes. They weren’t Hallmark cards with pre-written messages, but real notes.  Notes with personal thoughts of “welcome” and gratitude for a “home away from home.”  The words for each note were few, but contained more meaning than any text, e-mail, facebook or twitter message could say.  When someone takes the time to put their thoughts on paper, unable to be edited by the stroke of a backspace key….it becomes unique, special and personal to the receiver. The words, emotion and intent are never misinterpreted……..they are simple yet elegant.

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