Spotted in Southern California
Bright Beauties
A Day at the Beach
Well, the people in the photo were having a day at the beach. I was having lunch with my husband and son at a restaurant across the street from the beach- but I managed to snap a half dozen photos while they talked sports. This is Huntington Beach- Surf City U.S.A.- a great place to take photos. And I’m still experimenting with my color textures- this one is more subtle.
Ocean
Here is another ocean image taken at the same time as the one from a few days ago. I’ve been experimenting making colorful textures (a total departure for me) in an attempt to create a different painterly look than usual. I like how they blend with ocean and beach photos.
Lunch at the Beach
On our first day in Southern California a week ago, we met up with our friends, Nevin and Darrell for lunch at Ruby’s in Newport Beach. It was our first time meeting up with friends at a restaurant since the pandemic began- and it felt so normal! We talked and laughed for over an hour- sharing news of kids, favorite TV shows to binge-watch, makeup tips (LOL!), and anything and everything! As I said, NORMAL- and normal felt so good!
Matt and Caleb
During last week’s visit, three year old Caleb was constantly in motion it seemed, but here is a quick shot of him sitting on his dad’s lap. Such a cutie!
Together Again!
After 16 months of bring apart, we were able to safely get together again with our son and his family in California! Three year old Caleb has grown a lot in the last year- it was so wonderful to get to know him all over again! This photo was taken at the park where Caleb plays every day.
In July we will go to Alaska to visit our daughter’s family- we are so excited to be able to resume our grandparenting lives again!
Springtime Beauty
We have so many flowers in our yard right now, thanks to Lonnie- it’s hard to choose what to photograph!
A Change of Pace
I’m in a little photo group within AAUW (American Association of University Women), and each month we share photos on a theme. We take turns doing presentations on photography topics and have a lot of fun- even now on Zoom. May’s theme is Opposites, so below are the ones I’m planning to submit.
Summer/Winter
Pepper/Salt
Desert/Ocean
New/Old
Wisteria
Spotted as I went into the dentist’s office!
On the Road to Bagdad
We took a drive a few days ago and ended up driving all the way to Bagdad (no H- it’s Bagdad, Arizona- not Baghdad, Iraq!). We were surprised by the dip in elevation, allowing us to see saguaros, ocatillo, and prickly pear cactus in bloom.
Flower Power
Spring has come at last, and we have flowers in our garden- roses, hollyhocks, and irises from last year and some new annuals planted by Lonnie.
Dahlia
Comfort Zone
I watched a program on getting out of your photography comfort zone last night. Beach, bird, painterly, textures- none of these are out of my comfort zone, alas. Maybe next week I’ll try something new . . .
Thithle
As I post this thistle image, the line from All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth is going through my head- “Thithter Thuthie Thittin’ on a Thithle…”.
Sunset Surfing
We are hoping to travel to California in the next month. Our son and wife will both have their second shots, my photography group will be finishing up the semester, and the beaches beckon! It’s been a long year without family, friends, and travel . . .
This image is from one of our trips three years ago.
An Egret in Klimt’s Garden
I have SO many egret photos I haven’t posted, so am experimenting outside the box. I had so much fun editing this one- the final image reminds me of the colors used by Gustav Klimt.
melinda anderson photography 