Valley of Lights
We had heard mentions of the Valley of Lights display in our neighboring Prescott Valley and somehow had the (wrong) idea that it was a neighborhood of decorated houses. We went last week and discovered a long line of cars snaking along a road through magical archways of lights with over a hundred I’m sure displays of lights sponsored by various area businesses. It was a wonderful treat and so well done. There was everything from an animated fishing Santa to wild west scenes to fairytales to Noah’s Ark to patriotic tributes. Very impressive!
Winter Solstice- Jupiter and Saturn Conjunction
We climbed up the hill at the back of our property with two chairs, two tripods, one long lens, one short lens, binoculars, one flashlight, and two iPhones. OK, Lonnie climbed up with all that- I carried one tripod. We did this after sunset while it was still light and stood, wobbling, on the uneven rocky ground inside our property line and waited until we saw it. Lonnie spotted it first, much higher in the sky than we expected, especially having watched the two planets from our back yard the last few nights. I eventually moved down the neighbor’s gravel driveway (near the Private Property sign. . .) to be able to get photos that included the house and the Thumb. The photos I took with my long lens were not as detailed as I expected, and I much prefer the photos below which are little pinpoints of light. You will have to ZOOM WAY IN (upper right in the house photo and upper left on the Thumb photo) to see it. I took some iPhone shots, which I’ll post later, that give a wider view of the scene. Despite all the stumbling and bumbling around, it was ultimately a thrilling experience to see this astronomical event- a sign of hope as we approach Christmas and the New Year.
Christmas at the Square 2020
The Christmas lights at our downtown square this year look just as beautiful as ever, despite it being 2020. We took a quick walk around, trying to avoid bumping into unmasked people in the dark- and then headed home. A quick nod to Christmas in this strange year. . .
Still Here
Believe it or not, parts of my Thanksgiving bouquet are still here- and the colors are red and green!
Roofline Abstract No. 3- Homebound
This is the third in my series of roofline abstracts and was not taken on a photo trip like the other two. This is a multiple exposure, multi-layered image from photos shot from my own driveway. Since March, I have missed trips to Alaska, Minnesota, and southern Arizona- as well as several likely California trips, so it’s up to me to find (or make) photo opportunities where I can. Unlike many others, I have not suffered during the pandemic- but I am getting eager to experience some new places beyond home.
Rooflines of Bodie
This is second in my rooflines series- rooflines of Bodie.
Roofline Abstract- Castle Dome
When out shooting, I often find myself taking photos of rooflines. I guess I’m attracted to the diagonal lines, especially when they intersect with the diagonals of other roofs. I have been putting together a little series of roofline abstracts created by layering two or more photos together to create even more roofline diagonals.
Below is a roofline abstract from Castle Dome, an old mining town here in Arizona.
Autumn Stillness
A peaceful scene at Watson Lake . . .
Notice the water lines on the tree!
Thankful
H A P P Y T H A N K S G I V I N G !
Summer Memory
Just a few weeks ago, it seemed like summer.
Falling Leaves
Leaves are falling; though the sun is shining, winter is on its way.
Leafy
Another autumn downtown tree
Autumn Heron
When we arrived at Watson Lake, a heron was sitting on the little float that sits in the middle of the lake. After awhile it flew in front of us and then across to the opposite shore. The wind was ruffling its feathers as it stood immobile until after we left.
Shades of Yellow and Orange
Our walk by Watson Lake last Friday provided views of fall color in all its hues! The weather has turned since then; we had a light snowfall with heavy wind Sunday evening and overnight. I wonder how this scene looks today!
I am using this image in my photo group today for our photoimpressionism assignment. Coincidentally, our photo club has the same theme this month. I won’t be using the same image for both groups, so I will be posting that photo here next week.
melinda anderson photography 