I finally got back to some still life last week, inspired by my new mug that I picked up at the grocery store.
A week or so ago, I entered 6 photos in the county fair. I haven’t done anything like this since high school, when I entered my crocheting. And the big news is that I earned 4 first place ribbons and one second place! Here is one of the winners, Sunflower Mystery (you might recognize it):
The other 3 first place winners were Feathered Gold (the owl feather), Point Arena Lighthouse (from a couple years ago), and Rodeo Dreams (a photo of Henry standing on the fence watching a rodeo). Dusty Jeans got a second place. A photo I took of prairie sunflowers did not place. And. . . I came home with 14 bucks for my efforts! We won’t mention that the printing and matting cost more than that. But I will re-use the mats.
It was raining cats and dogs- and, evidently, hawks while we were out at the fair on Saturday. We drove back through flooded streets while thunder crashed around us- and found this guy in the backyard.
I took this shot through the sliding glass door (which was covered with raindrops)- when I opened the door, he flew up the hill and disappeared.
melinda anderson photography 
So happy you entered that one of the the sunflower it is really beautiful and the processing is just wonderful. IMO I think it even needs to be blown up more for your home. It is that stunning. So happy for you in your accomplishments of these even if it cost you some money well worth letting others see your work.
I love the hawk, poor guy he looks dazed. Love the rain we had of course I didn’t have any damage and was inside at the time so I can say that. Phoenix again was hit hard especially the airport, we were lucky it was just wonderful rain.