Magical light

I thought this pair of silver and wood salt & pepper shakers were gorgeous enough to merit a photograph.
Taken on our table at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia over the weekend.

Cappuccino at the Four Seasons

In Philadelphia on a Saturday night.
Fun. Fun. Fun.

Virginia creeper berries

From Wikipedia: Virginia creeper (or five-leaved ivy) is grown as an ornamental plant, because of its deep red to burgundy fall foliage. It is frequently seen covering telephone poles or trees. The creeper may kill vegetation it covers by shading its support and thus limiting the supporting plants' ability to photosynthesize.

Virginia creeper can be used as a shading vine for buildings on masonry walls. Because the vine, like its relative Boston ivy, adheres to the surface by disks rather than penetrating roots, it will not harm the masonry but will keep a building cooler by shading the wall surface during the summer, saving money on air conditioning. As with ivy, trying to rip the plant from the wall will damage the surface; but if the plant is first killed, such as by severing the vine from the root, the adhesive pads will eventually deteriorate and release their grip.

Native Americans used the plant as an herbal remedy for diarrhea, difficult urination, swelling, and lockjaw.

Also known as "Engelmann's Ivy" in Canada.

I just loved the color. And gee! You learn something new every day, right?

I love squiggles

This is a tiny bud from the pumpkin vine we have growing along the side of the house. My husband threw out some seeds again this year and we've got a lovely crop coming on.
But it's the squiggles that get me every time.

Pumpkin blossom

There I was, sitting outside this morning in the cool shade by the side of the house, when what did I spy but a beautiful curvy blossom. It took me a long time to set up the shot with my Joby Gorillapod, but it was worth it. My macro shots always come out better when I use a tripod.
Pioneer Woman's Soft & Faded as well as Totally Rad's Rusty Cage actions applied.

Cinnamon lace

This was taken in the fern garden that ran alongside of the cabin where we vacationed in Maine this past week.
So good to be home. Ok, I'm lying because I wish I could stay there all summer long but it's good to be home safe and sound. Hot as hell here, though . . .

Lilac love

I found this beautiful layer mask today at Jerry Jones' site, Shadowhouse Creations. I set the layer mode to lighten and the opacity at 70%. I think it's yummy.

Squiggles

Amusing myself with the camera and my macro lens over the weekend. I am attracted to squiggles, among other things.
The beautiful weather continues. This makes the third day in a row and everyone is enjoying it.

Seed pod

Today was beautiful and I spent it lounging in the sun with my camera and my favorite two guys in the world. Yum.

All the leaves are brown

I took this photo last year, and this year processed it with Vintage Wine, a new action offered by Florabella. If you're into digital photography and you enjoy processing your photos using Photoshop, you must visit Shana Rae at Florabella.
The weather here is wicked. It's still raining and the wind is howling. I'm nice and dry inside and enjoying some fine coffee. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

Glorious

Morning glories cascade over the fence surrounding our vegetable garden. They're at their peak right now and I think they're beautiful.

The Velvet Underground

I'm here to bring you fungi. And long-time readers will know I have a penchant for this sort of thing. So it's my gift to you, k?

What? You thought I was going to break out in a rousing rendition of 'Sweet Jane'?

Blue sentries

I didn't know what kind of plant this was when I took this photo in the Spring. Luckily, there was a name plate. This is Pride of Madeira, a member of the borage family. Taken at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

Sunflower unfurling

I love how this sunflower looks! Its new life, with its little tendrils reaching to the sun, just about to bloom.
It almost reminds me of my children, when they left for college.
Or something like that. Don't mind me. I'm just in a contemplative mood is all.

Cosmos bloom unfurling

I used a light combination of Florabella Textures on this dainty little flower that's about to burst forth. I wonder what it looks like today? Maybe I will get up off my chair and find out.

Cosmos and visitor

I was heading by the cosmos on my way to begin watering the outdoor container gardens when this sight stopped me. My husband must have been in a good mood because when he saw that I was busy with the camera, he went ahead and watered everything for me. Needless to say, I was surprised.

Water's edge

This was taken on the beach as the tide was heading out. I used my gorillapod and set it in the very low tide. I was just fooling around. SOOC shot.

Midsummer's dream

I love these dreamy textures that Florabella offers. And that's all I have to say about that.

Oh, happy day

Summertime, and the living is easy.
Well, not really, but when I look at this picture, it sorta feels that way sometimes . . .

Michelle Black's 'Funky' action applied, opacity lowered to 40%.

All gone

A coneflower has lost all its petals. Do you think it's feeling a bit wistful?