quick hello

Hello my friends,
Just wanted to say I'm thinking about you all and wishing you the happiest of holidays. I'd really like to get back to "being a better blogger" (Say THAT 3X fast).

Anyway, gotta get ready for work. Here are a couple of pics...though admittedly not Winter ones.

Oh and Gina...this post is for you!

In Motion

Hello gang,

It's good to join in with Carly's Round Robins again...I've missed being a part of it.

Here are a variety of photos depicting "In Motion"....though some are a bit creative. ; 0

I hope you enjoy them!

You can check out Carly and the other entries here.

I'm Baaaaa-aack

Hello my dear blogger friends,

Just posting one little entry a few days ago, and getting your kind comments, gave me the itch to come back and post a little more often. I've missed you guys! I'm also going to come around and visit you more, as best I can.

So much has happened that it's hard to know where to start. That's part of the reason I took a bit of a break. But ya know? I'm just going to start from right here and right now. And since its my damn blog and I can do whatever I want (right??), I'll throw in pix from different times, different experiences, trips and critters I've met along the way.

I'll even share some FEELINGS now and then. (ooooh...betcha can hardly wait for that!)
Thanks again for coming by and being so loyal and supportive!

So without further ado...here are a few things I'd like to share:




My doggies taking a snooze together:








A pretty little flower that caught my eye:

A Gull that was peeping in my hotel window

(the fact that I was holding out a cracker mighta helped)

Two Grasshoppers "doing it":

A Request for a Reply

Hello strangers,

I've been real busy, but without any legitimate excuse as to why I've been such a bad blogger and commenter. Yet, this loss leaves me sad.

I wanted to ask anyone who might be still reading this, to simply leave me a comment. I'm struggling with whether or not to get back into the swing of things here, or to simply let it continue to slip away.

I'd really appreciate your feedback. (I'm not hinting for anyone to ask me to stick around, I truly just want to know if anyone is still following this blog).

Thanks a bunch!

Love,
Nancy

Grown up Meme

A Meme for Grownups
Here’s a meme aimed at grown-ups. If you’re a grownup, and you’re reading this, consider yourself tagged.

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?

My Mastercard...it reminds me of how much I'm spending!

2. Do you miss being a child?

NO....because I'm very much still one.

3. Chore you hate the most?

I probably hate all chores pretty equally.

4. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?

In my own home, on our dining room table, candle-lit, wine, with a meal I created with our fresh-picked veggies.

5. If you could go back and change one thing what would it be?

Having worried my mom so much with my emotional upheavals.

6. Name of your first grade teacher?

Mrs. Laurie

7. What do you really want to be doing right now?

Snuggling with the hubby and dogs (well either that, or maybe laying on a beach in Maui)

8. What did you want to be when you grew up?

A Maid that drives (don't even ask)

9. How many colleges did you attend?

Five!

10. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?

Uh, I was cold and needed a sweatshirt? I love this pink one from Mohonk!

11. What are your thoughts on gas prices?

I really cannot understand the whole process of the ups and downs...I only know it pisses me off. We have so many other options that should be made available to us.

12. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?

OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO....

13. Last thought before going to sleep last night?

That idiot Wes from the Bachelorette must be a secret plant from the show. No one is THAT sleazy!

14. What famous people would you like to have dinner with?

It really depends on my mood...but off the top of my head, Drew Barrymore (Fun!), Deepak Choprah (deep!), Maya Angelou (brilliant poetry) and Conan O'Brien (funny!)

15. Have you ever crashed your vehicle?

Yep. And my body has never been the same.

16. If you didn’t have to work, would you volunteer?

Indeed....probably with kids, or sick people...or maybe even doing what I'm doing. Yes...I'd do pro bono counseling.

17. Get up early or sleep in?

Depends on the weather, my mood and what's in store for the day!

18. What is your favorite cartoon character?

Bugs Bunny? Maybe Popeye. Then again, always loved The Flintstones. Wait! Madeline...that little French girl. Yes, Madeline.

19. Favorite thing to do at night?

TV, computer, anything to veg out and not think too much. In fact, this Meme is a bit too much!

20. When did you first start feeling old?

When I decided that it only pays to bend over to pick something up IF there are other things to get while I'm down there.

21. Favorite lunch meat?

Used to be Turkey....that is till I started seeing wild Turkeys all over the place, especially the cute one in our front bushes. That pretty much ruined it for me.

22. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?

Nutrigrain bars...and usually some sort of decadent candy. (They sorta balance each other out somehow in my sick mind).

23. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?

Nope. I've done it twice and I'd hate to feel "outdated". I actually believe in it.

24. A favorite movie you wouldn’t want anyone to find out about?

If I didn't want anyone to find out about it, why the hell would I write it here?

25. What’s your favorite drink?

non-alcoholic....changes all the time. Alcoholic... wine.

26. Whom from high school would you like to run in to?

Lorraine (now isn't THAT interesting to all of you?)

27. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now?

Don't remember...but I think it's country. ("When in Rome," they say...)

28. Sopranos or Desperate Housewives?

Neither.

29. Worst relationship mistake that you wish you could take back?

Hurting the one I love.

30. Do you like the person who sits directly across from you at work?

Oh yes, a lot! (I just hate shouting to each other...I prefer the phone so my throat doesn't get sore)

31. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purposes?

No, thank God!

32. Last book you finished reading?

My Sister's Keeper

33. Do you have a teddy bear?

YES....several. But my fave is a lamb named AMESLAN.

34. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?

I can't even think of something funny to say here.

35. Do you go to church?

Nope...unless there's a wedding or funeral.

36. How old are you? 47

37. Have you ever been arrested? No.

38. Have you ever attended a public protest against a major corporation or a government?

No...but only due to fear and/or laziness.

39. Do you feel that your type of employment traps you or liberates you?

Neither really. I think I can make my employment what I need it to be.

40. Is voting a duty, a privilege, a right, or an option?

I feel it's a right and a privilege (It's a DUTY if you agree with my vote!)

41. Have you ever sat on a jury?

No...but I came close last month! (I'm one of the few who would love to do that).

42. Have you ever seen someone die?

Yes, but only their spirits. I've never been around when someone's heart stopped.
And I think dying while you're still alive is much worse.

43. Are you making any preparations for old age or for retirement?

Yes...but I have mixed feelings about it.

44. Do you have children? Or, if not, do you wish to?

Nope...skipped that part and went straight to having grandchildren!

45. Have you ever served in your country’s armed forces? No.

46. How is your relationship with your parents different from what it was when you were a child?

My level of compassion has increases tremendously. I can see why they did things they did...and I feel badly for the pain they've experienced in their lifetimes.

47. Have you ever had a substantial conversation with a homeless person?

yes, several. But it wasn't always a "conversation" per se, but more like an intense exchange of sorts.

48. If life is “a journey”, then where are you going?

Well, if I answered that, I'd be taking away from the journey now wouldn't I? The only way I can answer "Where I'm going", would be ....
"Just trying to stay on the path".

Wildlife Neighbors

I'm back for Carly's Round Robin! The theme this time is "Wildlife". All of the photos seen here were taken from my own yard! You can check out the other entries HERE.

The Upside of Rain

Colorful

I did it! I finally played along with Martha's Color Carnival!! You can check out this fun challenge over here.

Clouds

I have been in such an odd mood lately...not up for any big explanations, but let's just say it's been hard for me to even post lately.





But when I saw Carly's "Monday Photo Shoot" assignment, I simply could not resist. The topic is "Clouds". Oh how I adore clouds ... always have, always will.





The past couple of years, I've found myself even more inclined to look up...in search of something. I've been on the lookout for some special sightings. And even when they don't appear, most times, clouds have their intrinsic beauty.





Here are some of my favorite captures.


(The first is for extra credit....it was like a rainbow was running through this cloud).

"I've looked at clouds from both sides now"

a fave from Joni Mitchell

You can check out the link to this challenge over here.

Evolving Poppy

Not so Trivial Pursuit

I decided to play along with the "Blogger Photo Challenge". You can read all about it over here.

The topic this time is "Photo Story". I find that so often, I am shooting just that! As my hobby grows, I find myself mesmerized by such things as all the different layers of a process. I've become more observant of the stages of plant and flower growth. And lately, duing the wonderful Springtime....I've been noticing a whole lotta mating going on!

Well, I can't say I've actually seen much of the mating part, but I can say that I've been watching the pursuit. And let me tell you, there's a lot more involved than meets the eye. Sure, some animals just "go for it", but I see some dating out there too.

Sometimes it sure seems that the female is not wanting ANYthing to do with this nonsense.

Here is one of my brief photo stories. It wasn't easy though, as it was taken through my front window, and these critters will really fast!

Be sure to read what I write after the photos so I can tell you how this story ended!

(In the first shot, the poor female is oblivious to the oggling male)

Ok, so as promised....

This went on for quite some time, and I snapped away while these 2 ran and leaped around the yard. All the while, Miss Rabbit was scoping out some options. She was so clever as she slowly made her way closer and closer to the fence. Once she was close enough, she made a B-Line right through it. And luckily for her (not so much for Mr. Rabbit), she made it and he did not.

You see, he was a bit too chubby.

So the morale of the story is:

Males who put on too much weight, just won't get the girl in the end.

(I don't truly believe that, but the extra pounds sure didn't work for Mr. Rabbit)!

My Sweet Abigail

An Inside Look

There is so very much (too much) on my mind lately and I hardly know where to begin.

This blog has become more of an assignment of sorts...to different photo challenges. Thank god for that too, or I might have let it go. But I feel as though I've stopped sharing about my life...the good, the bad, the ugly and the phenomenal stuff too.

I, like everyone else, am made up of so many different parts. I often want to share them ALL.

My photos are a part of me...a big part. But most of them have stories, or at least lots of feelings around them. I don't want this to "just" be a photography blog. I want it to be a Nancy Blog. I want it to be an outlet....a deeper expression of who I am. So I'm going to start that change. I'm going to begin by letting you know that this week has been brutal for me. Some Mother's Days are worse than others...that is, since I lost the most important person in my life 6 years ago.

And for some reason, this year is kicking me in the ass. Maybe it's because I've had a bunch of health problems that various tests have been trying to diagnose. When I'm hurting, or scared, I miss mom more than ever. Maybe it's because my job has stirred up a whole lot of new feelings in me that I often don't know how to process. She would have helped me with it all.

Maybe it's because I live in the most beautiful home in the most beautiful area I could have ever imagined, and I want so desperately to share it with her.

And maybe it's just because.

Anyway, here are some flowers for all the moms out there...and all the suffering souls without a mom to send flowers to.

Here are some flowers for you, mom.

See the Music

It's that time again...Carly's Round Robin challenge. The theme is "Music" this time. And I had two great photos in mind for this one...but for the life of me, can't find either. So I searched around and found a few that sure seemed to fit the theme. Don't be surprised if a few more pop up now and then. Music is big in our lives!

(Check out the other entries over here.)

Serenaded on a Jamaican Beach












Ms. Jewel

Me, being Tina Turner (dressed like Marilyn Monroe?)

My niece and SIL, dancing on a FL beach

Z Best for Last

It is time for the very last letter of the alphabet for Martha's A-Z Challenge. And I couldn't wait to post this!

A few months ago, we went to Jamaica and did a very daring, and exciting thing...a Zip Line!

We're not talking about the kind at a company picnic...we're talking about the real deal. We're talking being VERY high up....we're talking about mingling with the tree tops....speeding over rivers. It took a bit of hiking, and we got to do about 8 or 9 zip lines, but on this particular one, I bravely (stupidly?) brought my camera along. That left me with only one hand to hang on.

I warn you. You may want to turn your volume down...perhaps turn it off completely. Oh, and if there are any kids around, I do utter a curse word in there too.

Anyway, I give to you....my final letter....Z, for Zip line: (Don't say I didn't warn you!)

In Flight

This week's Round Robin Challenge came to us from Carly....it's called "In Flight". Although I chose the more obvious, you can check out the other entries here.

The following photos were taken just last week during our visit to family in Florida: