Just two of our roses…
Rose Duet
Volunteers? Anyone, anyone . . . ?
My father always referred to flowers or plants that appeared out of nowhere “volunteers.” Is that the right word? Anyway, a couple years ago I noticed a prickly pear leaf growing out of the ground behind our rose bushes. We left it alone, and this year it developed several leaves and a couple dozen buds. I worried that they would open while we were gone for the week, but they waited until our return. Over the last few days, we’ve been enjoying the blossoms “volunteering” to add color and beauty to our garden.
Three and a Half Pears
This image is from a little photo shoot I did at the end of January with some pears.
Ocean Portal
Here is the latest in my series, Beach Ladies. I always love taking photographs underneath the pier- and when I saw a potential beach lady walk under, I just had to photograph her.
Bright Beauties
Spotted in Southern California
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!
Cold Moon
Last week’s Cold Moon after it rose
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.
Big Horn
The last few days I have finally gotten around to editing more of the photos I took at Bearizona a month or so ago. I had fun playing with textures and some new brushes in photoshop to create somewhat painterly looks.
Abstractification and Impressionization
Yeah- probably not real words- but I had fun yesterday “abstractifying and impressionizing” this multiple exposure photo of a building and archway on the University of New Mexico campus. I added another photo layer, one of my own textures, and a few grunge brushstrokes before doing some color adjustments. I like the effects and thoroughly enjoyed myself!
The Bunny
Another portrait of “my” bunny
Summer Roses
We have really enjoyed all our new rose bushes this summer- but this one is our favorite. We love the variety of shades that the roses turn as they bloom.
Hummingbird Portrait
August 2020 was the month of the hummingbird in our garden- they rule the back yard. When we are outside we are constantly “buzzed” as they make sure we know we are in their territory. We’ve had many more than ever before- is it the hot, dry weather? the fires elsewhere? Whatever the reasons, we have enjoyed having so many! Our local bird expert writes that some will start leaving soon (as they always do in September), but we imagine that we will continue to have a few that will stay around through the fall.
Standing Tall
This beauty VOLUNTEERED to grow in our garden! I noticed it growing a couple weeks ago in a big pot which holds our spent irises. Each day it grew taller and finally bloomed a few days ago. We didn’t plant it, but we are delighted it chose our yard for its home,
melinda anderson photography 