Butterfly Stained Glass

It's not stained glass. It's a butterfly I colored from a "stained glass" coloring book we have. Looks pretty cool against the winter white sky, with a little "boost" from a photo editor.

Bones

I love trees in winter. Ok, I love trees in every season, but there is something so intimate about trees in the winter. So naked, so exposed. I love the contrast between their bare bones branches and the cold sky. They are one of my favorite subjects to photograph.

Snow Bean

Queen of the Mountain

Welcome President Obama!

My heart is absolutely bursting today!!!

I don't normally post commentary on this blog, but feel that today is too important to just let it pass without saying something.

I find my eyes welling up with tears every few minutes. I voted for Barack Obama because I believe in his message. I believe in his abilities to reach across party lines and unite this country. For the first time in my adult life I am really and truly proud to be an American!

For some reason, my heart has always gone out to the African-American community. I've never thought it fair that even though I face some of the same hardships as so many people across this country, that my path might be a bit easier simply because of the color of my skin.

When I visited the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit, Michigan I was able to sit in the same seat on the very bus that Rosa Parks refused to move from so long ago and I wept as I heard her tell her story over the speakers installed in the exhibit. I wept because not only am I moved by her courage to buck the system, but also because she should never have had to. She was not unlike my own mother, but my mother would never have had to endure what she did, simply because she was a white woman. I list Rosa Parks alongside my mother as people who inspire me in my life.

And now Barack Obama is on that list as well. I am so proud that my children are young enough that they will never remember a time when the collective questioned whether or not it was possible for a black man to be elected President of the United States. They will know that it is possible for ANYONE who possesses the determination, the intelligence, the charisma, the work ethic and the education to be President!



My prayers will be with President Obama & his family as they lead our country! I'm so proud to be an American! I'm so proud to be a citizen of this world! My heart is absolutely bursting with pride!!!

Compelling Force

“Millions of men have lived to fight, build palaces and boundaries, shape destinies and societies; but the compelling force of all times has been the force of originality and creation profoundly affecting the roots of human spirit.” ~Ansel Adams

BluBirds

“The man who has no imagination has no wings.” ~Muhammad Ali







These birds aren't blue birds. I have no idea what kind of birds they are, but I had fun editing this photo. It's one of my favorites taken in Montpelier, Vermont in the winter of 2007.

We Are All Mad

“When we remember that we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.” ~Mark Twain


(May 2008)

Red-Shouldered Hawk

I'm certainly not a Hawk Expert, so if anyone is and they know that this is actually not a Red-Tailed Hawk, I'd love to hear what type it is. I thought it looked closest to the Red-Tailed Hawks I found after searching 'hawks' on Google.

(This is actually a Red-Shouldered Hawk. My mother-in-law has a friend, who has a brother, who was a science teacher and knows his birds. So thanks to them for helping me correctly identify this amazing bird!) 1-13-09



My husband, thankfully, watched it land in the tree just outside our apartment window and said, "Erin, come check this out! Quick!" I was so excited that in my effort to keep the camera as still as possible, I was holding my breath and would only discover this when I felt as if I would pass out! It was crazy!!! What an amazing creature!




I was hoping to catch a shot of it in mid-flight when it took off, but I fumbled when it did and only caught shots of the surrounding buildings. Damn! I'm far from a career as a photographer for National Geographic.




I added this shot to give you an idea as to how BIG this bird actually was. It was overwhelming!

Ever Green

Not only green when Summers here, but also when tis cold and drear...

Winter Berries

I love how some look fresh & beautiful while some are starting to shrivel up. Beautiful!

Before the Snow

I took this a while back before the first snowfall... so maybe in early November.

Morning Hair

The Sweetest Curls

Jack Frost

Silk Scarf

I love this scarf, but I don't know how to wear it.