Endless Summer in Winter?

It snowed this morning, but this Endless Summer hydrangea is still hanging in there. The petals are glistening from the snow as it melts...

Trixie's Formal Portrait

I used split lighting to illuminate Trixie's face. She is sitting next to one of the windows in my studio. Split lighting is great for slimming a face and also good for...yes, I am going to say it...split personalities. She is a true Gemini. She loves exploring new places and will do so with great boldness but runs away and hides when someone new appears. She also loves to cuddle and will sit on your lap for hours but doesn't like to be picked up or held.

She also LOVES to stare into the camera!!! She really is just a big fat ham bone of a cat! 

"Hello, is that Hollywood calling? Please tell them I have to take a nap...and then find my favorite toy clippy from Staples. I will have someone call them or maybe not. I will decide later if I feel like it."

Jungle of Rose Petals

Who doesn't like a jungle of roses? The rose past her prime is so much more interesting than the just blooming rose, don't you think? I love the petals draping over the stamen. She is exhausted in a beautifully dramatic way...

Santa's Elf Arrived Early This Year

Well, I know it is a little early to be talking about Santa. I am all for waiting until after Thanksgiving...that is, until I saw this rose. Do you see the elf wearing his red (okay, it's pink) Santa hat, coat and pants? He or she appears to be bending over the stamen...smelling them or maybe just getting a closer look.

Clearly even Santa's little helpers like roses. Next time you see some roses, get a little closer. They might surprise you.

Fall into Color

This year is spectacular. Don't you think?

I drove up my driveway (not this driveway!) yesterday and was blown away by the sight of my house surrounded by yellow trees. It looks like the house is sitting inside a giant golden bowl. Last year, which was my first fall at my house, super storm Sandy "blew" away all of the color, so this is my first year witnessing what happens here. I tried to shoot it, but I didn't capture its splendor. 

I will try again, but in the meantime, I hope you enjoy these shots of an allée of trees instead.