Monday, June 19, 2017

Fireworks are my favorite


So I know it's hard to believe this, but I am going to have to ask you to trust me on this one. 


I L-O-V-E take photos of fireworks. 


Shocking, I know, but true. I literally look forward to July 4th fireworks displays every year so that I can see what I capture with my camera. The Day of Independence is obviously WAY more important for other reasons, but this is a tradition that I get excited about. You know have no idea. 
Case in point : this year, I am pretty bummed that I will be at a soccer game {you'll find out more about that later} and I'm not sure I will be able to take my tripod - if they even have a fireworks show at all. Ok, more so ticked than bummed if I'm being quite honest.

Anyway, back to the post at hand. July 4, 2015 we were in Fairhope, AL as is tradition. We parked our behinds on the pier and watched the light bursts over Mobile Bay, which really just can't be beat.

I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure that Nikola Tesla was trying to communicate with us here.



I love the different shapes that the pyros shoot. They are, after all. Pyros, I mean. They are brilliant. And brave. And so stinking creative.



One flower stands alone.



I love happy accidents. Exhibit A : this photo. There is absolutely no way that I could have planned this capture. Kind of reminds me of a dancer. Love it.




This looks like some kind of sea creature to me. Or maybe I just need some coffee. Scratch that. Of course I need coffee. Hold please.                           Nope, still looks like a creature of the deep.






I'll admit that it's kind of hard to get excited about these when I already have 2016 fireworks photos too, but I'm trying. For your sake. You're welcome.





Wednesday, June 14, 2017

A Mountain Weekend Getaway


I know it's going to come as a shock to everyone, but I don't remember a thing about this trip to Blue Ridge other than the fact that we hopped up there for a weekend visit in May of 2015 so that Craig could help his dad with some manly chores. You know, chopping down trees, making fires, drinking beer. Wait, that last thing isn't manly. It's smart. I mean...uh. You know what I mean.

Since it wasn't a "visiting family" or "holiday" jaunt, I spent my time documenting everything around me. I know, I know - I always do that. Just look at the photos and don't mind me.




Fibonacci, what?!



Don't these just send you back to your childhood days and make you hungry for summer outside?



While I was flitting around from plant to plant like a little butterfly {um, what?! I promise I am of sound mind. Usually.}, the boys were hard at work. Canon was breaking sticks...


...while the men took down this huge limb. It has since been used to make some pretty tasty s'mores. #thanksnature







I promise not all of my posts will be this lacking of stories and words, but sometimes it just works out that way. Also, I just legitimately don't remember this weekend. So...

However, standing before you today, I do solemnly swear to draft up a ton of posts each weekend and will dig into the very depths of my soul to bring you joy! tears! laughter! with my entries in the future. My life's purpose is, of course, to make you happy, dear readers. I shall strive to live up to my potential.





Monday, June 12, 2017

Wonderful Weekend : Asheville, NC - Homeward Bound


Forgive me, Internet, for I have sinned. It has been two years since my last confession blog post. I wish I could tell you that it was because of some life-changing event like having a baby or winning the lottery. Alas, it is because I got overwhelmed. Busy. Lazy. Take your pick. Life happened. I still documented and you will still see the results of said documentation. You'll just be a little late to the party. Better late than never, amiright?!

In any case, if you're reading this, you're most likely my dad, so "Hi Dad!". If you somehow stumbled into my corner of the internet and aren't mon pere, welcome! I hope you enjoy our time together and come back for more.

Since a lot posts in the near future are going to be catching up on life, I am probably going to be fuzzy on some details. My bad, Dog. Welcome to my brain {and photo} dump.

So when we last spoke, I was telling you about our trip to Asheville, NC and recounted our adventures in the city {1, 2, 3, 4} and at Biltmore {1, 2, 3, 4}. Go refresh your memory. I'll wait.




Ok, remember now? Well after leaving Asheville, we were headed back to Blue Ridge to pick up Canon {thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!} so we took the scenic route - aka the only way to get from Asheville to Blue Ridge. At one point during our drive, we came upon this bridge. There were a couple of places to pull off the side of the two-lane road so we took advantage so I could get some pictures. Naturally.


*Ahem : the following should be read a la Chris Farley. May he rest in peace.*

I'm not really what you would call a "daredevil". I don't "like heights". I'm not a "risky person". Thus, the death grip on the sides of bridge.


Such a pretty view to be so freaking scary to walk on. I'm talking death-defying. I'm so proud of myself for facing my fears and not screaming at the toddler who shook the planks while I was standing two steps from the end. That took all of my self-control.


But that wasn't enough of a photo fix, obviously, so when I spotted these beauties on the side of the road I decided I had to immerse myself for a while. On the side of the interstate. Literally, up to my elbows in flowers wet with rain. I'll let you picture that in your mind for a while.






And yet another example of a need for a macro lens. I would think that you would be tired of hearing this, reader, except that it's been two years so I feel the need to reiterate.


There's just something about the not-quite-perfect in nature that calls to me. The lines, the details, all of those characteristics that help a plant become what it's meant to be. Perhaps, Freud would say I identify. That I see all of my imperfections and am drawn to things that are imperfect to help me feel better about myself. Or some such nonsense. What does he know, anyway?








So once again I obsessed over plants, but I have no idea what they are. I'd love to hear their name, though I can't guarantee I will remember next time. Care to help a sister out?

This officially ends the Asheville trip photos. It only took two years. I can see why you'd be sick of them. I will try to bring something new and exciting next time.

I'm glad to be back. I am well aware that my writing is a little meh right now. Never fear. I will find my groove again.

Come back again now, ya hear?