Falling water...

I don't know about you but I approach a well photographed landmark with trepidation.  Oh I love looking at them and soak up as much as I can about the location but my mind is always looking for that image that hasn't been created yet.  I'm searching for that view that hasn't been captured and plastered on postcard after postcard.  Then there are those times when you realize that the reason everybody takes the same images is because they are so stunning you can't look away.  You have to have your own version of that miracle you see in front of you.  To that end I give you Niagara Falls from the Canadian viewing areas and the Maid of the Mists boat ride.  I've seen it three times now in the last 16 years and every time is awe-inspiring.  

If you are wondering about the sizing shifts, I used two different cameras; one I didn't want to get wet and one that could handle a 'little' mist.  Plus, I had a little Photoshop fun with the last image. I hope you like them all.  September 3rd

Conelets...

You can't call them pine cones, they are too teeny.  I like conelets.  Yes, I know it isn't a real word but if vlog, staycation, and webisode can make it into Websters than conelets works for me.  They are adorable aren't they?  September 2nd

A beautiful find...

I know, I know, I need to catch up on September's images but I had to show you this!  I love this blog and can't wait to make the witches hat cupcakes.  I promise to take pics of mine when I make them in October for Halloween because I think that makes sense and I should be all caught up here by then...  <breath>  But you have to see this blog.  Let me know if you think it is as cute and clever as I do.  Don't say it is cleverer (sic?) than mine though.  Seriously, keep those feelings to yourselves.  http://www.confessionsofacookbookqueen.com/2011/09/glamorous-witch-cupcakes/

Dog-eared...

I love my new-fangled technology as much as the next person, I do, but I must admit that I can't bring myself to curl up with a tablet.  You know, the electronic replacement for paper and ink and glue and new book smell or better yet old book smell.  I know, it is lighter, it can hold a bazillion books and it can make coffee.  Well, the way they are loved it must make coffee.  I just love the feel of a book in my hand and turning the pages while I curl up tighter into a comfy chair.  We are frequent visitors to the book stores in our area and I would be so sad to see them leave.  I truly believe a great book is a thing of beauty.  September 1st

East bound and up...

Homeward bound and that is a strange concept since I was leaving the place I spent the first 25 years of my life.  There are bits and pieces of my heart scattered across the country and I feel like I have to touch base with them occasionally to feel whole.  Seeing the faces of the people I love is the best part of viewing beauty.  I know that I have to wander along but I will be back.  It helps that the view along the way is so amazing.  And yes, he got the window seat again!   August 31st

In the rafters...

Something about all those straight lines and then one big drum curve: it was compelling.  I think when you aren't looking they turn on the suction and you are transported to Mars.  Yes, yes I have been watching too much Ben 10 with my son but it could happen.  August 30th

Come fly away...

St Louis has a butterfly house!  They wouldn't let me live there, which I feel is a bit unfair, but they did let us visit. Trying to take still photos of fairy-like creatures that rarely pause was something of a challenge.  A fun one though.  I felt like I had achieved something special when I was able to get an image of the Blue Morpho with its wings open.  It's the little things that make my life complete; little and delicate and flitting around in the sunlight.  August 29th