Magical Places

The words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels.
... Hazrat Inayat Khan

For more terrific shots, please visit Ruby Tuesday and Today's Flowers.

Labels: flower, hollyhock, motivational quote, ruby tuesday, today's flowers |

Monday, September 28, 2009

Walk With Me Sun ...

9:43 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows follow behind you.
... Maori Proverb

Be sure and look in Today's Flower and Mellow Yellow Monday for more interesting pictures.

Labels: mellow yellow monday, motivational quote, sunflower, today's flowers |

Sunday, September 27, 2009

“The artist is a receptacle for the emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web.”
... Pablo Picasso

Labels: digital darkroom, heritage, inspiration, spider web |

Saturday, September 26, 2009

He loves me ...

9:01 AM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

And what's romance? Usually, a nice little tale where you have everything as you like it, where rain never wets your jacket and gnats never bite your nose, and it's always daisy-time.
... D.H. Lawrence

Be sure and look for more beautiful flowers at Today's Flowers.

Labels: Daisy, flower, quotes, today's flowers |

Friday, September 25, 2009

Million Dollar View ...

9:01 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.”
... Dr. Seuss

See gorgeous skies from all over the world at Skywatch Fridays.

Labels: knight mountain, lake, landscape, quotes, skywatch friday |

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Early Morning Sunshine ...

7:06 AM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

I love the early light. It makes getting up at the crack of dawn worth it. The coolness of night's shadow quietly gives way to the warming rays of light as the sun begins it's journey over the mountains. It's a quiet time, a time of reflection and hope. And always ... there's the magic~

Think GREEN ... visit Think Green Thursday.

Labels: hope, morning, sunlight, think green thursday, tree |

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Do You Believe?

11:02 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace and power in it.
... Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I believe in magic ... it's everywhere you look. Every move we make, every flower that blooms, every living thing, is proof of the magic that permeates everything. We attract that which we focus on, so make your thoughts and actions the most positive you can ... and believe in the magic of life.

Labels: believe, digital art, magical, pears, wordless wednesday |

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Blackbird Has Spoken ...

4:23 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you.
... T. Alan Armstrong

The red-winged blackbird awakens the mind with awareness. It is associated with creative energy and an ancient symbol for the feminine force and for the forces of Nature. They're often seen perching on cattails and will fiercely defend their territory.

For more terrific shots, please visit Ruby Tuesday.

Labels: hope, passion, red-winged blackbird, ruby tuesday |

Monday, September 21, 2009

Keep Shining ...

9:58 AM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible.
... Unknown Author

Often used as the colour for hope, yellow adds a little sunshine to our lives on this last day of summer. The bright spirit of hope is present in the beauty of these flowers.

For more beautiful flower photos do check out Today's Flowers. And for yellow inspiration, go see Mellow Yellow Monday!

Labels: bearded lillies, flowers, hope, mellow yellow monday, today's flowers, yellow |

5 comments

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Riotous Joy ...

7:58 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

“Earth laughs in flowers.”
... Ralph Waldo Emerson

For more laughter and joy, please check out Today's Flowers and Color Carnival.

Labels: color carnival, flowers, today's flowers |

5 comments

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Embrace Life ... and Sing ...

8:08 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
... Steve Jobs (Apple co-Founder)

Labels: church, landscape, sky |

Friday, September 18, 2009

Visions of Blue ...

10:46 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

I love the interplay of light in the mountains. Everyday is a scene from a postcard. After almost seven years here, I still never tire of the local flavour.

For more awesome sky pics from all over the world visit SkyWatch Friday HERE!

Labels: blue, clouds, lake, landscape, mountains, skywatch friday |

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Sky's Not the Limit ...

11:35 AM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

Yesterday is but a dream, tomorrow but a vision. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day. ... Indian Proverb

For more outstanding colour shots, check out Color Carnival!

Be sure and also check out Thursday Challenge.

Labels: color carnival, landscape, parasailing, thursday challenge |

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Stand Out From The Crowd ...

10:39 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

To be nobody-but-yourself -- in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else -- means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. .... e e cummings

For more beautiful flowers visit Today's Flowers!

Labels: cummings, flowers, poet, today's flowers |

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Reach for the Sky ...

10:04 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

With hope ... nothing is impossible.

For more gorgeous color check out Color Carnival and Ruby Tuesday.

Labels: balloons, color carnival, ruby tuesday, sky |

Monday, September 14, 2009

Me 'N My Buddy ...

10:55 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

This scene reminds me of the need we all have to lean on someone from time to time, especially in times of emotional crisis. We need to remember that we are all connected and that when we help others ... we also help ourselves.

For more awesome shots do visit Monochrome Weekly and Sepia Scenes.

Labels: lake, monochrome, sepia, waterscape |

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Nightfall ...

8:51 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

When sun has set, and night is moving in, is a beautiful time where the world seems to stand still.

For more awesome scenes, check out Scenic Sunday.

Labels: lake, landscape, nightfall, Scenic Sunday, sunset, twilight |

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Turtle Painting ...

8:45 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

After finding this injured turtle on the road, with a crack in its shell, we nursed it back to health. A few days later, we released it back to the pond that was his home.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Bridge to Everywhere

10:03 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

There are many little towns and hamlets through the mountains. Each has its own charm. I love taking little day trips.

As we meandered along a narrow road, we came to a little park along the water. It was a hot summer day and people were enjoying a cool, refreshing dip.

Labels: creek, landscape |

Thursday, September 10, 2009

In Olden Days ...

11:32 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

One of the outbuildings in a local heritage village tourist attraction. It recreates a pioneer working farm and has many of the original buildings.

Labels: heritage, pioneer, pottery, wooden door |

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Goin' to the Chapel ...

8:14 AM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

This is a quaint little heritage church which is often used for weddings in the summer. It's bordered by fields on both sides and mountains in the background, although you can't see them in this picture. Makes for some lovely photos.

I just like the feeling of walking back in time when I drive past and wonder at the generations that have walked through those doors.

Labels: church, digital darkroom, heritage, landscape, photomanipulation, trees |

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

A Walk in the Park

8:51 AM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

This is a beautiful park to walk through when you just need to think. The trail goes on for miles and you can lose yourself in the beauty and peace. You never know what you'll encounter: a squirrel, someone on horseback, a bear in the creek. Each walk is an adventure.

This 'photo' has been manipulated and can also be seen on Paintbox Pictures.

Labels: landscape, photomanipulation, the painted box, trail, trees, woodland park, woods |

Monday, September 7, 2009

On the Inside Looking Out ...

12:23 AM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

There's a parrot sanctuary near here where they take in birds that no one wants. They try and educate the public about the responsibility you undertake when you get one of these birds. They're 'will' birds. In many cases their lifespan will outlast the owners.

Although these birds are well-cared for and loved at this sanctuary, it is so sad to see the evidence of stress these intelligent birds have undergone. Some are plucked almost bare of feathers.

For more black & white, or monochrome pics please check out The World in Black and White and Monochrome Weekly Theme.

Labels: black and white, monochrome weekly, parrot sanctuary, parrots, world in black and white |

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Storm's Coming ...

6:55 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

This is the view taken near where I live. Storm clouds are coming from the west. Living in the mountains, storms sometimes tend to play ring around the mountains, so you'll have splashes of sunlight with ominous clouds on the other side. Makes for some spectacular lighting. This is just the calm before the thunderstorms arrived.

For more awesome scenes, check out Scenic Sunday.

Labels: lake, landscape, mountains, Scenic Sunday, storm |

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Hope ...

1:31 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

With the concern over the dwindling bee population, I try to photograph these amazing creatures whenever I can.

You can view more wonderful flowers at Today's Flower, as well as other sepia creations at Sepia Scenes.

Labels: Bee, flower, macro, nature, sepia, today's flowers |

Friday, September 4, 2009

From Here to Serenity ...

12:38 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

There are times when just sitting quietly, listening to the sound of the waves gently caressing the shore is as close to serenity as you can get. There's a wonderful sense of contentment just BE-ing. What a great place to re-energize the batteries and I'm so very grateful I live where I do.

For more awesome sky pics from all over the world visit SkyWatch HERE!

Labels: lake, landscape, sky, skywatch friday, tree |

7 comments

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Days Gone By ...

2:53 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

For more awesome B & W shots check out The World In Black and White and Monochrome Weekly.

Labels: black and white, monochrome, wagon wheel, world in black and white |

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Magical Waterfall

3:19 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

For more beautiful water shots, please check out Watery Wednesday.

Labels: gardens, magical, Waterfall, watery wednesday |

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

A Touch of Red ...

3:07 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

More pictures at Ruby Tuesday and Today's Flowers ....

Labels: red, ruby tuesday, today's flowers |

Monday, August 31, 2009

Dew Drop By ...

9:03 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

For more Macro Monday close ups, or just more beautiful Today's Flowers go and check them out.

Labels: Dew, flower, gardens, macro monday, today's flowers |

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Slumbering Giant

9:47 AM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

Sleeping the eternal sleep ...

Visit Scenic Sunday to view more

Labels: knight mountain, landscape, pastoral scene, Scenic Sunday |

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Blossom Time

6:32 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

The warm days of early spring are a wonderful time for me. I love the freshness, the renewal of life and the promise that we are all part of an endless dance.

Labels: apple blossoms, orchards, spring |

Friday, August 28, 2009

Twilight by the Lake ...

12:35 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

For more awesome sky pics from all over the world visit SkyWatch HERE!

Labels: enchanting, lake, skywatch, skywatch friday, twilight |

5 comments

Thursday, August 27, 2009

A Poem as Lovely as a Tree ...

11:01 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

I've always loved working with special effects in the darkroom. Photoshop is my new darkroom and I love experimenting. This is a variation on an infrared technique. I hope you like it.

Labels: digital darkroom, infrared, photoshop, tree |

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Tranquil Passage

7:41 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

Japanese Gardens are meant to be peaceful; places where you can come to reflect. This fish was swimming lazily near the tiny falls that flowed into the pond filled with beautiful lotus flowers.

Labels: fish, Japanese Garden, Koi, lotus, pond |

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The Simple Pear

9:26 AM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

According to the ancient Chinese, the pear was a symbol of immortality, as pear trees live for a long time. In other mythologies, the pear was seen as a symbol of harvest.

In this picture, I've immortalized the pear and put it on display.

Labels: bronze, immortality, pears, symbol |

Monday, August 24, 2009

Mojo ...

10:52 AM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

He was with us only a year. The sweetest cat I'd ever come across. I'm not a cat person per se - allergies. And I'm used to large dogs. But he changed my mind. I'll be posting pictures of him from time to time. I'll start with this one that has been manipulated in Photoshop.

Labels: cat, kitten, mojo |

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Take the Plunge

7:53 AM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

Go ahead ... jump in ... the water's great!!

Visit Scenic Sunday to view more

Labels: Dock, lake, Scenic Sunday, sky |

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Peek-A-Boo

11:41 AM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

I love the feel of this picture. I never tire of the beauty of nature, and flowers are an outward expression of all that is pure and fragile.

Labels: flower, nature, pure, yellow |

Friday, August 21, 2009

Refuge From the Storm

11:37 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

This is a beautiful little heritage church, part of a pioneer village near here. It stands so still and stark holding untold secrets through the years.

Labels: church, heritage, pioneer, storm, village |

Thursday, August 20, 2009

The Colour Purple

8:23 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

I love the colour purple. And you?

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Fire and Ice

5:10 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

I have always been fascinated by colour and light. Colours influence our moods. They inspire and motivate us. They add to form, while light gives them intensity.

Here are two examples of the same image. How does each one make you feel?

Labels: fire, flowers, ice, Rose, rose petals |

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Solitude

6:53 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

This piece was created during a time when I needed peace and tranquility. When the world gets chaotic, it's important to remember to withdraw even for just a little while.

Labels: canoe, lake, peace, Solitude, tranquility |

Monday, August 17, 2009

Contemplation ...

12:41 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

Sometimes choosing the right path means stopping a moment to look back and see where we've been.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Worn and Tired

3:46 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

The sturdy wood is worn by years of toil. One wonders what lays beyond the door.

Labels: black and white, heritage, pioneer, wooden door |

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Fragile Beauty

2:54 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

Every so often we just need to stop, and breathe in peace and tranquility.

Labels: Dew, Pink, Rose |

Friday, August 14, 2009

Colour and Light

1:41 PM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

And from the darkness comes the light. Makes one smile.

Labels: flower, yellow |

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Time Won't Wait ...

11:10 AM |

Posted by ~Visions~ |

How often do we put things off until we have more time, more money, more energy? Regrets creep in when you've let too much time go by. That is the greatest sorrow in life. Throw off the mantle of doubt ... and dance.

Labels: digital art, regret, stop time, time, watch |