Purple Spots

Orchids are so fancy, aren't they?

Smile with Your Eyes

Do you ever look for the sparkle in someone's eyes?

Paperwhite Season

One reason to love winter is it's paperwhite season!! They have such a light, happy scent...I have to go get more...

Backyard Birding with a Queen...or a King?

I am a complete newbie when it comes to backyard birding. As a kid, I always thought birders were nerds. So be it. Photographing them is a blast! Of course I shot these on one of those REALLY cold single digit days. I learned one very important thing: I need a new birding lens for sure. After a couple of years shooting birds and wanting that lens, this session finally pushed me over the edge. Despite the lens, I think this birdie is kinda cute, but I have no idea who he or she is...

He or she looks all royal...nestled under a leaf canopy as if seated on a throne under palm fronds...

 

...and swaying away, perched on another more mobile throne.

Can anyone identify this bird for me? I am sure it is a very common one, but I have no idea...

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.