SHS Photo Challenge 32

Wishing a happy Memorial Day weekend to all my American friends.  There should be some great photo opportunities out there as you celebrate with family and friends.

This week's hunt came together for me much quicker than usual and it kind of surprised me as I thought the prompts were quite challenging at first glance.

1. Beneath Your Feet

As more and more time passes since my surgery (6 months now), I am finding myself more adventurous and spontaneous about stopping to get the shot.  I had seen this beautiful tree (below) when I drove home from church last Sunday and thought to myself "I must go and get some shots of that".  This week, as I was really close to that same location, I just did it . . . parked my car and trekked up close to the tree.  When I was done, I headed back to my car, but I turned for just one more shot. And then I looked down . . . and there it was, beneath my feet . . . perfect!

A little research tells me this flowering shrub is called "Laburnum Anagyriodes" and can grow to 7 metres in height.  It's common name is Golden Chain or Golden Rain, and is sometimes referred to as 'false ebony' as the wood from very old specimens can be used in place of ebony.

2.  Showing Movement

When a water hose was left on in the neighbour's yard it created a flash flood in ours.

  This little fellow took a dip in the temporary pond and splashed around creating ripples in the water.  

So kind of them both (the neighbour and the birdie) to help out with this prompt.

3.  Texture

The way the sun was shining on this clematis blossom it gave the petals a sparkling velvety texture.

4.  Face Your Fears

I had to face my fear of being stung to get this shot.  

This busy bee was in nectar heaven and paid me no mind, thank goodness.

5.  Currently

Currently, Gracie's favourite pastime is bird-watching . . . she takes after her mama.

Linking with Ashley and friends at Ramblings & Photos for . . .

SHS Photo Challenge 30

Spring has arrived . . . the sun is shining, the birds are singing, barbecues send tantalizing aromas wafting on the breeze.  The spring bulbs are winding down and the roses and clematis are taking off like nobody's business.  It seems like there is so many more things to take pictures of these days . . . so much fun. 

I am excited to see what you all found for the hunt . . . here's what I came up with.

1. Sidewalk

 Caught this big fella (Stellar's Jay) scooping up seeds spilled from the bird feeder.  My sidewalk has been quite busy this week as I moved the feeder back to it's first home.  Lots of sparrows and chickadees and finches zipping in for a quick bite.

  

2.  Inspiration

 "Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do.  Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."  ~ Ella Fitzgerald

I am inspired by the many great photographers that link up with Ashley's Scavenger Hunt Sunday . . . you teach me so much and encourage me to try new things and develop my own flavour.  

Appreciate you all so much.

3.  Time

 Time for a cat-nap.  Zack loves to snooze in the orange "throne" chair.

4.  Close-up

 Clematis . . . "Fair Rosamond"

5.  With Mirror

A shot from my bedroom . . . love my "inside" hydrangeas.


A blessed and happy Mother's Day to all you beautiful moms!
Check out the other entries at Ashley's Ramblings & Photos . . . 

SHS Photo Challenge 26

Wishing a happy Easter to all my fellow scavenger hunters . . . 

"Do not abandon yourselves to despair. 

We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song."

~ Pope John Paul II

I really enjoyed this week's prompts . . . lots of fun to work with. 

We were looking for New, Life, Fragrant, Pink and Obvious

1.  New

 After attending Good Friday Service the girls and I went to Crescent beach where we made a new friend.  This kitty was hanging out were we parked and was so friendly.  We gave him some attention and then went for lunch . . . fish & chips . . . at the beach.  Yum!  After we spent some time walking along the shore and taking pictures we headed back to the van.  As soon as the cat saw us, it jumped down off the fence, came right up to us, and . . . 

 flopped down for a belly scratch.    What a sweet fella!

2.  Life

 Clematis vines are bursting with new life from what looked like a tangles mass of dead twigs.

3.  Fragrant

 Hyacinth  . . . beautiful flowers, enchanting fragrance.

4.  Pink

Perfect prompt for this week . . . all these lovely pink blossoms opening up all over the place.


5.  Obvious

One does not need to be inside my house very long before it becomes obvious that my favourite colour is green.

Do wander over to Ashley's Ramblings & Photos to check out the other entries . . . great prompts this week and I anticipate some gorgeous shots.