tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45665985893806597412012-02-02T19:12:01.670-06:00Shaking The TreeMs. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.comBlogger3751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-12181143173061008402012-01-26T14:44:00.001-06:002012-02-02T09:19:42.142-06:00

time for a seasonal pause.    mid-winter is the perfect place for that sort of thing.   i'll be back in springtime.   maybe sooner if i feel like ending the hibernation.  happy blogging everyone.  sit long, talk much.   take good care now. {in the picture}- pieces of you

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-62010772515327170662012-01-23T10:59:00.000-06:002012-01-23T10:59:13.303-06:00

the state of my mind can change by day or by night.   by minute or by hour.   sometimes the state of my mind can be consistent and level.   other times it can take a swirling waltz around the dance floor.    the state of my mind can be a giggle or a cry.  it refuses to be pinned down.    when i was years younger i tucked these words away in my mind's suitcase, to be unpacked when needed..........

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-46467876470690067782012-01-22T09:31:00.001-06:002012-01-22T10:44:25.827-06:00

the prompts for this week are ~ sunset, b&w, a day in my life, four, and colorful.   sunset~ this one was difficult for me but i realized something during the process of making a selection.  sunset photos are unappealing.  at least my own.   if i ever take another photo of a sunset i hope someone shakes me.   so there.   this one was taken a few weeks ago.  i was on the lower east side

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-79121855189282448162012-01-21T09:42:00.006-06:002012-01-21T15:03:40.513-06:00

"I am trying to be unfamiliarwith what I am doing."~John Cage Chasing shadows for Shadow Shot Sunday has primed my eyes to be on the lookout for things that previously I didn't give a moment's care for ~ the play of light vs. shadow.   It's a play of more than four acts really.   It can go on forever, but within that forever my eyes occasionally get weary and long to "see" in a manner that is

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-38468543059045132762012-01-20T09:48:00.000-06:002012-01-20T09:48:47.557-06:00

January 20 stone~ huddled near the edge of the ice  as though it's their office water cooler i wonder ~ do they ever get cold feet? time again for weekend reflections.   i haven't picked up my camera for the better part of the week.  i like that - taking a leave of absence from snapping life in second-fragments.   for that reason i don't have much this week for reflections.   i was busy

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-24431416886474811952012-01-16T10:04:00.001-06:002012-01-16T10:12:58.623-06:00

January 16 stone~ a scattering of winter bones, kissed with snow - asleep in cold silence.                                   the finest winter embrace ...is the one that warms the soul                            and presses against our hearts... creating enough warmth within to light the spark,  stoke the fire, and carry us through to the awakening. Anyone who visits my

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-92069285356039771062012-01-15T10:31:00.000-06:002012-01-15T10:31:50.691-06:00

if it's sunday, it's time for scavenger hunt.   and yes, that is the case.   the prompts for this week are ~ stacked up, winter wonderland, sweet, hole, and frozen.   let us begin.... stacked up~ i didn't go very far for this one.   stacked coffee cups in my kitchen cupboard.  winter wonderland~ the first time i looked at the prompts for this week i didn't think we'd have any snow.   a

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-59307734380186585122012-01-14T08:44:00.000-06:002012-01-14T08:44:18.063-06:00

January 14 stone~ winter's shadow leans into the weathered barnfor a January embrace. i came across this old barn on a recent drive.   after participating in Barn Charm a few times i find it difficult not to notice a barn.   there are so many of them, even in the midst of the city.   so i pull over and snap.  this one had the added flavor of a late-day shadow.    thanks for checking out my

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-16059911785919495462012-01-13T10:25:00.001-06:002012-01-13T10:26:47.763-06:00

time again for weekend reflections.   these weeks are rolling by as quickly as movie credits when i'm trying to read what tune it was that i liked in the soundtrack.   i need a pause button for life.   imagine what that would be like. here we go... glass and steel building in Racine WI. downtown Racine storefront sunrise reflected on the waters of lake michigan i like to throw in

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-54145964402237490042012-01-12T09:31:00.000-06:002012-01-12T09:31:59.261-06:00

January 12 stone~ nose pressed to the glass my unwavering gaze is on a gray sky while I await the arrival of a wild white fury.  the calm before the storm~ two mornings ago something happened that rarely happens.   i had an urge to get out of bed before sunrise and head to the lake shore.    must have been a premonition - there were others there too, on skywatch.   a small group of us

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-70807323598526594522012-01-09T09:13:00.000-06:002012-01-09T09:13:13.653-06:00

January 9 stone~ who notices the thinner-than-usualice on the pond?the mallard that waddles, then unexpectedly swims. I took a nice long nature walk yesterday at one of my favorite spots - The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center along the north shore.   It has a bit of everything - forested trails, ponds, and lake shore.    Come along with me and I'll show you a few of the sights... tangled

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-43735225346060910942012-01-08T10:19:00.000-06:002012-01-08T10:19:25.224-06:00

It's time for Scavenger Hunt Sunday!  This week's prompts are ~ one color, laundry, empty, one dozen, soft one color~ One of the prompts I struggled with.   The jellyfish is colorless but the tank water is not.    Jellyfish are really difficult to photograph, at least for me.   Every time I see a tank of them I start snapping away because they're just so fascinating.   laundry~  I

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-16116719264894749052012-01-07T10:32:00.000-06:002012-01-07T10:32:27.054-06:00

Breath sweeps mind.Jakusho Kwong A tale accompanies this week's shadow shots.   They were taken in a public place.   Not only were they taken in a public place, the said public place didn't allow photographs.     Because I broke a rule, I won't reveal the locale of this place, I'll keep that my little secret.   Upon my arrival there I made an inquiry as to whether or not photographs were

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-166387682112618102012-01-06T11:36:00.000-06:002012-01-06T11:36:58.136-06:00

January 6 stone~ hear ye, hear ye! throw open the doors and windows, hear the sounds of the street - it's 50 degrees oh my, what heat. And it may be one for the record books.   Yes, that's what the weatherman predicted last night - a record high temp for today.  It isn't yet noon and the mercury sits at 50 F.   My windows are open, the furnace switched to off.    Who would have thought it

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-75946490699786879992012-01-04T14:11:00.008-06:002012-01-04T16:36:33.365-06:00

January 4 stone~ like a January spotlightthe sun takes short, daily excursionsacross the blue, exposing harsh flawsand daylight dreams for nighttime tea. blue~ When I was a little girl I thought that heaven was a place that I'd be ushered into by angels and then be offered a seat among rows where I'd sit and watch every single moment of my earthly life appear before me like a fast-paced movie

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-10148576089267738622012-01-02T15:14:00.003-06:002012-01-02T20:31:34.762-06:00

Well, yeah, I made it to Illinois for Christmas.   The maiden voyage for my new/er car with power windows, key-less entry, air conditioning (no, I didn't turn it on),  automatic transmission, and mp3 player.    It was a grand ride I tell you.  I had a wonderful time with my family, ate way too much, and yes, the Packers won.   Was it a white Christmas?   Not even a flake.   Moving on... After

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-25415706939142048842011-12-21T10:36:00.000-06:002011-12-21T10:36:24.305-06:00

Happy winter's solstice everyone!                                                                  texture - Kim Klassen's wonderful magic stars Tomorrow I leave for my Mum's house in N.W. Illinois, just across the state line in Jo Daviess county where I grew up.    My sis lives in Oregon and won't be there, but my brother and his family will be celebrating with us.  We no longer trade gifts;

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-3494046938272719632011-12-19T10:04:00.000-06:002011-12-19T10:04:45.264-06:00

Ooh, last week before the big day,  and  only a few days before I travel.   When I spoke with my Mum last night I learned that northwest Illinois has snow - at least five inches on the ground!    It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, every where I go...   There's the hustle and bustle around town, evidence of holiday festivities...   He was walking against the light, with a ten pound

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-61885416990726370252011-12-18T09:41:00.000-06:002011-12-18T09:41:28.403-06:00

Sunday morning round-up for scavenger hunt - let the fun begin.   This week's prompts are ~ what is it?, fur babies/children sleeping, joy, window, and half.   what is it? ~  Ha!  you may think you know what this is, but I bet you don't.   Is it the handle on a gate?   Looks like it, no?    Well, guess again.     I'll keep you guessing until the end of the post.   Tee hee.   It's the imp in

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-74924968279725589802011-12-17T10:39:00.000-06:002011-12-17T10:39:59.879-06:00

I awoke this morning to a white world.   Yes, that's right.   It snowed overnight!    Alas, it was "a dusting", precisely what the weatherman had predicted, and no more.    For the most part, it has melted already, and the forecast high for tomorrow is 45 degrees.    It is not looking good for a white Christmas, but that is still one week away and anything could happen.    My hope is not

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-44297560858382414492011-12-16T10:04:00.000-06:002011-12-16T10:04:00.617-06:00

It's Friday, the sun is shining, and I just won two additional Winning Play tickets on my Green Bay Packers Winning Play scratchcard.  I'm so lucky.    And...it's time for Weekend Reflections, now how about that?   Things are good.  That's a crowded storefront in Bayview, a groovy little area on Kinnikinnick Ave.  just north of where I live.   Can you say that three times?   The buildings

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-14747923175065821662011-12-15T14:25:00.000-06:002011-12-15T14:25:25.675-06:00

Now I ask you, doesn't that look like a summer scene?   I make every attempt to be upbeat and grateful for each day, no matter the circumstances,  but our weather the last few days has been...disgusting.   Yesterday's high was 54 and it's been raining for 48 hours.   I love rain.   Love it.   But it's December 15th and I want and expect snow!   I'm just not liking this climate change thing, at

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-7758684305112388282011-12-12T09:23:00.000-06:002011-12-12T09:23:42.632-06:00

the first frosty panes of winter~ when the day's sun is slow to peek over the horizon and wind's frosty bite sinks in  like teeth on bones,  that will clench for awhile, and then release... that we might see the grace that cloaks and warms, for winter's days to come. Thanks for checking out the first frosty panes of the season.   Head on over and say hello to Lisa at The Creative

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-63983683243845792522011-12-11T09:48:00.002-06:002011-12-11T16:28:01.327-06:00

Does it seem like Sundays roll around really fast?   It surely does seem that way to me.   This week's prompt for the hunt are ~ less is more, holiday lights, ornament, cup of cheer, and nativity.   Let us begin... Less is more~  While driving past my friend Don's prairie the other day I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the grasses.   It was another call to pull over.   I love grasses, I

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-10765653978416705672011-12-10T10:39:00.000-06:002011-12-10T10:39:40.464-06:00

We've had a string of sunny days, but that also means cold temperatures.   This morning's low was 12 degrees, and the mercury hasn't budged much since sunrise, even though the sun is blasting us with rays.   I don't mind, I like the cold temperatures, but I do wish we had some snow on the ground.   The weatherman says we may have one opportunity before Christmas, and if it comes, it will be on my

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-16495039051759477352011-12-09T09:39:00.000-06:002011-12-09T09:39:44.899-06:00

One must have a mind of winter To regard the frost and the boughs Of the pine-trees crusted with snow... The Snow Man ~ Wallace Stevens Winter has arrived - the ground seems to be frozen, the temperatures dip into the teens at night,  and windshields are covered with frost in the mornings.   But we have no snow!    I was out of town for a few days and it flurried briefly one evening, but

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-36096482720237319822011-12-05T09:06:00.000-06:002011-12-05T09:06:47.411-06:00

Good Monday morning everyone, and a glorious morning it is.  The day dawned with overcast skies again,  with a few flurries mixed in.  I awoke with the comforting memory of my great aunt Alice whispering in my ear....."God gave us memories so that we might have roses in December".    (It wasn't  until years later I learned the author of that phrase ~ J.M. Barrie).  Alice loved sharing that when I

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-8486604050415222412011-12-04T09:54:00.000-06:002011-12-04T09:54:31.322-06:00

It's Sunday morning, the coffee is on and hot, Daiseymae is sitting beside me looking out the window, and it's time for putting together what I've found for the Scavenger Hunt.     This has become Sunday morning's routine, and it's really lovely.    This week's prompts are ~ portrait, nostalgic, time, full of light, and motion.   portrait~ It was Bunco night, and Anita's birthday.   When

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-89023669665555975062011-12-03T09:45:00.001-06:002011-12-03T09:57:06.781-06:00

"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.Some come from ahead, and some come from behind.But I've bought a big hat, I'm all ready you see,Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!" ~Dr. Seuss It was still dark out when I woke this morning and rain was hitting the windowpane.  It's a hard, cold rain.  I felt no guilt in wanting to roll over and go back to sleep but

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-32019874234785949952011-12-02T13:21:00.000-06:002011-12-02T13:21:38.476-06:00

Here it is, the close of another work week and time for reflecting.   And reflections.     I was promised snow last night by the weatherman and he was WRONG!    I was so hoping to awake this morning to a white landscape.   It must be the kid in me.   I did manage to find my reflection in a blue gazing ball though... There are all sorts of spooky looking things in that reflection, and I'm not

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-32223219680939812472011-12-01T12:52:00.001-06:002011-12-01T13:06:53.262-06:00

The Simple Truth Some things you know all your life. They are so simple and true they must be said without elegance, meter and rhyme, they must be laid on the table beside the salt shaker, the glass of water, the absence of light gathering in the shadows of picture frames, they must be naked and alone, they must stand for themselves. ~ Phillip Levine Though the sun is shining today, we had

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-67920921628666841422011-11-30T09:23:00.001-06:002011-12-01T09:33:16.776-06:00

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, and all I ask is a tall ship and a start to steer her by; and the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking, and a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking... I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied; and all I ask is

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-42937495016021854392011-11-28T09:46:00.001-06:002011-11-28T09:48:59.518-06:00

Good Monday everyone.   The day dawned with another overcast sky but that didn't translate to warm temperatures.   It's been unseasonably warm here with highs in the 50's/60's but there was a shift in the other direction over the weekend.    Last night was a frosty one with a low of 30 degrees -  I finally got that good night's deep sleep!   This season and time of year fills me with joy.  

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-1031141490881862072011-11-27T14:12:00.002-06:002011-11-27T20:19:02.338-06:00

Well I hope everyone had a pleasant Thanksgiving holiday and that you've all made it home safely if you traveled.  I'm slowly awakening from my food coma.   Thank goodness for that. This weeks prompts for scavenger hunt are ~  waiting, foliage, candid, knife/fork/spoon, and rule of thirds.     waiting ~ I heard her call and looked skyward expecting to see her flying.  but she was sitting

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-68253194315801075032011-11-21T16:35:00.000-06:002011-11-21T16:35:41.344-06:00

Something different this week.  At least different for me.   I took a leap.   There's this on-line class - You Are Your Own Muse, with Vivienne McMaster - that I'm currently taking.    The primary focus is to explore self-portraiture and our personal comfort level with all that entails.   I had an idea for my first self-portrait, and it meant going to our art museum for the shot.   There's an

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-44658681343651143712011-11-20T11:53:00.000-06:002011-11-20T11:53:00.904-06:00

It's time for Scavenger Hunt Sunday, hosted by the ever-jubilant Ashley.  The prompts for this week are ~   mainly one color, around the home, reflection, writing, & water. my favorite color every autumn is dried cornstalk, so the first prompt of mainly one color was easy.   it's impossible to isolate this color, it must be seen in the cornfield, en mass.   hope my photo does it justice.

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-84235076528684848092011-11-19T09:31:00.001-06:002011-11-19T09:54:25.750-06:00

And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.  ~Roald Dahl metal/wood/bone when I was taking the master gardener class at Boerner Botanical Gardens I preferred to arriving early so that I could  take a stroll around the gardens with my camera.   one day I noticed these unusual metal

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-61691972580691488112011-11-18T09:10:00.002-06:002011-11-18T11:32:56.161-06:00

The morns are meeker than they were, The nuts are getting brown; The berry's cheek is plumper, The rose is out of town. The maple wears a gayer scarf, The field a scarlet gown. Lest I should be old-fashioned, I'll put a trinket on. ~Emily Dickinson  this week's reflection shot is of the Pecatonica River in southern Wisconsin.   I'm enamored with that name - Pecatonica,  which means "slow

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-54895121102668364672011-11-17T12:50:00.000-06:002011-11-17T12:50:40.405-06:00

Whoa, I just checked the thermometer and it reads 30 degrees.   There was ice on the pond this morning, so that explains it I guess.   The air didn't feel that cold when I was out earlier, but it takes a whole lot of cold before I'm chilled enough to complain.   The skies are sunny and that's good - the farmers are still busy getting in the harvest.   the cornfield to the left is still to be

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-26473855538559254202011-11-16T10:06:00.001-06:002011-11-16T12:29:40.804-06:00

The word prompt for this week is Bright.    Bright sunlight perhaps?   Bright street lights?   Bright Daiseymae smile?    Or...bright firelight? yes, bright burning chair firelight.... It's sort of disturbing, no?  Provocative.   I had been invited to an autumn bonfire party just before Halloween.   The host had  oodles and oodles of his in-law's furniture that had been in a flooded basement.

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-64992147587788375882011-11-15T09:57:00.000-06:002011-11-15T09:57:23.886-06:00

I spent awhile in northwest Illinois last week, visiting my mum.   And here's the thing.   While I was there I didn't feel like taking photos.  Oh...I took a few here and there, but I drove past oodles and oodles of barns - it's barn country for the cry!   And it would have been easy to stop - I was renting a car and it had................an automatic transmission!   The only car I've ever owned

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-60158700122571906022011-11-14T08:35:00.000-06:002011-11-14T08:35:51.749-06:00

November 14 stone~ she occasionally moved to the rhythm of the music, her hair blowing like a feather around her face as she stared out through the glass, a lost and found look of faraway in her eyes. today I'm linking with The Creative Exchange, over at Lisa Gordon Photography.   head over there yourself and check out the abounding creativity on this Monday morning.  thanks for

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-7969453172508590972011-11-12T10:20:00.001-06:002011-11-12T10:27:27.607-06:00

this week's shadow shot was taken during my last visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum.   this sculpture freaks me out no matter how many times I see it... Duane Hanson (American, 1925–1996) Janitor, 1973 Milwaukee Art Museum, permanent display Does he scare you?  Do you find him a bit creepy?   He's extraordinarily life-like. from the museum's summary of the sculpture ~ "Duane Hanson is

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-87565781783311714622011-11-11T09:11:00.002-06:002011-11-11T10:22:51.393-06:00

ten photos on the tenth day of the month, with a bit of a narrative ~ most mornings begin with coffee and this one was no exception.   the rainy, dark, and cold mornings have me lighting candles for company while I drink my cup o' jane. I knew our first frost was coming, so it was imperative that I pick the last of the tomatoes for the annual green tomato spice cake.    my nemesis The

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-81742474359821438922011-11-10T09:45:00.000-06:002011-11-10T09:45:37.617-06:00

sunrise over cornfield, northern Illinois when I was visiting my hometown last week it was all about getting in the corn.   tractors pulling heavy, swaying wagons of shelled corn dominated the roadways.    the landscape was all about the harvest.   I love corn.   I think because I have so many fond childhood memories of spending time with my dad during corn-picking time.  one of my favorite

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-22395955072823255752011-11-09T07:37:00.001-06:002011-11-09T10:32:35.814-06:00

this photo was taken while driving interstate 43 south, towards my hometown in Illinois.    when I had a point and shoot camera it was so much easier to take a through-the-windshield photo than with my current camera.  it was so simple.   now I keep a 18-200mm lens on all the time and it's more difficult to just see and snap.  which is my preferred method of taking a photo - over a studied, 

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-75386154449515368702011-11-07T17:03:00.000-06:002011-11-07T17:03:27.064-06:00

I've been out of town, separated from the one living, breathing creature who is the center of my life.   I've returned.   Daiseymae is doing the boogaloo.    when I walk in the door the first words from my mouth are -  "momma's home - Daiseymae, momma's home". and the dance begins.   I know where to find her.  she's always on my pillow.   I know precisely where to go.   I climb the stairs

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-68584938700151767902011-11-02T10:19:00.000-05:002011-11-02T10:19:39.077-05:00

it's been a long while since I've participated in Ana's Earth Wonders photo challenge.   thought I would give it a go today.    this week's prompt is "brown".     the flaming colors of autumn are now gone, replaced with nature's more subtle statement of beauty.  the above photo was taken along lake Michigan while driving down S. Lake Dr.   I did pull over this time.   if you haven't visited

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-54693147656913042592011-10-31T09:45:00.002-05:002011-10-31T17:10:49.779-05:00

it's monday, the last day of october 2011, and halloween.   when I was a young girl one of my favorite books to pull out on Halloween  was "The Highway Man" by Alfred Noyes.  it always put a scare into me, not only the story itself but the wonderful illustrations.   " the wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees, the moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas, the road was

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-71552644226130797582011-10-30T14:09:00.000-05:002011-10-30T14:09:08.205-05:00

my second go-round with scavenger hunt.  the words seemed really doable this week, so I'll have at.                                                                               Macro I believe they're high-bush cranberries.   I own no special lens so it is what it is...                                                                                         Found Texture I got a bit

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-3271461422806642132011-10-29T10:45:00.001-05:002011-10-29T12:23:43.293-05:00

I don't go looking for beauty.  I merely find what I see... he and I, waiting for the walk light today's shadow shot was taken on Michigan Ave. in downtown Milwaukee, looking west.  we stood facing each other for what seemed  an endless amount of time, and though there was little traffic that morning, neither of us walked against the light.   it was a long light, long wait.   I don't know the

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-32038354008389652082011-10-28T11:11:00.000-05:002011-10-28T11:11:08.672-05:00

it was a chilly, blustery, overcast day when I visited Milwaukee Art Museum this week.  the current exhibition is Impressionism - Master Works on Paper.  I was surprised at the size of the exhibit  - 125 drawings, pastels, and watercolors of  Manet, Monet, Degas, Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Toulouse- Lautrec, and more.  there were some fine works to see, and  it's a sure-bet fun place to find

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-72128677138776233632011-10-27T13:53:00.000-05:002011-10-27T13:53:02.918-05:00

the skies this week have offered us all possibilities.   they've been rainy, overcast, sometimes bright and sunny.  our fall colors haven't been the in the realm of reds so much, but lots of yellows.    I found this stand of immature willows in the town of Carrollville near where I live.  there are several abandoned factories along railroad tracks near the lake and it's one of my favorite

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-4047375810081690802011-10-25T08:55:00.000-05:002011-10-25T08:55:20.124-05:00

this barn sits along highway 75 in Illinois, and the photo was taken last May in the midst of springtime.   I love the windows and the new metal roof, and the emerald green hillside behind it.   no house - it stands alone.   the trailers sitting in front tell me that the barn might be used for something, but not livestock.   one of many old-timers still standing.    hey, head on over to

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-88137932795402700472011-10-24T10:55:00.000-05:002011-10-24T10:55:01.477-05:00

Milwaukee Public Market ~ October 2011 I wanted a closer look.   Oyster bar in Milwaukee?    Lobster dinner for 12.95,  every day?   today I'm linking with The Creative Exchange, at Lisa Gordon Photography.   head on over there and check it out or link up yourself.   you'll be glad you did.   happy Monday everyone.

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-37565914604742396422011-10-22T10:04:00.000-05:002011-10-22T10:04:35.396-05:00

it seems as though it's been several new moons since I participated in shadow shot sunday, and that's a crying shame, because I've missed the familiar faces of the shadow shot community.   and all the fabulous shadows that are tracked down around the globe each week.   this week's SS is from a....friday night fish fry!!!   the room was huge, with ginormously tall ceilings that simply demanded

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-31831082700513278492011-10-21T11:07:00.000-05:002011-10-21T11:07:41.194-05:00

it's been awhile since I've participated in weekend reflections.  I haven't been out and about to snap that many photos since finishing my 365 project.  it felt good to put down my camera for awhile and spend time away from the computer.   but in some respects, I missed those out and about days, taking photos.   I'm glad that curiosity got the better of me, and that I went down to the Occupy

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-37115774883531970742011-10-20T09:43:00.000-05:002011-10-20T09:43:08.461-05:00

we've had enormous contrasts in weather for the past week.  one week ago we had sunny, almost-80 degree days.  every Wednesday I can be found at Boerner Botanical Gardens in a master gardener class.  when the days are sunny and extraordinarily warm in mid-October it's difficult to sit in a classroom when it looks like this just outside the doors...  the worm has turned.   can anyone name a

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-80505252125750129782011-10-18T11:39:00.000-05:002011-10-18T11:39:25.259-05:00

unless you have no television, internet, or radio, it would be near-impossible not to have heard about the Occupy Wall Street protests that have been going on for weeks.    well, last weekend Milwaukee had its own version - Occupy Milwaukee.   never one to sit on the sidelines as a spectator,  Saturday last I headed down to Zeidler Union Square (dedicated in 1995 when the Milwaukee County Board

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-44272278274099881102011-10-13T12:32:00.000-05:002011-10-13T12:32:54.079-05:00

well hot damn, here it is thursday already, and that means time for skywatch friday.  I haven't participated for a couple of weeks, but we had a string of 80 degree days last week and it was near impossible to not get out and about.  Saturday last  I was invited to a Halloween bonfire party (that's another story)  and as the sun was setting over Dave and Cathy's cornfield, I captured a moment.

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-69576856696218447962011-10-11T11:19:00.000-05:002011-10-11T11:19:27.228-05:00

when I completed the 365 project I'd decided to put down my camera for awhile.   one week became two and then two quickly became three.   how long has it been?   I stopped counting.  it was my plan to take no photos for awhile and then return with fresh eyes.   I'm not sure how fresh are my eyes, but  last week I took up my camera again - for friday fish fry.   we'd decided to check out Lakefront

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-19258199377731298222011-09-20T11:44:00.001-05:002011-09-20T13:36:06.536-05:00

last year I began a photo project - taking at least one photo a day for 365 days.  every.single.day.   the year ended on August 30th.   what did I learn?   more about myself on the inside than about photography.   I learned that there are times when I'll choose to stand my ground rather than retreat.   I learned that what's inside counts for way more than the photo itself,   and that if I'm good

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-27432534161443839422011-09-17T09:54:00.000-05:002011-09-17T09:54:11.702-05:00

  this week's shadow shot was taken at Boerner Botanical Gardens on the outskirts of Milwaukee.    we were, for the most part, spared the bite of frost the other night.   I didn't realize until 10 p.m. that there was a widespread frost warning -  I was outside in my nightie dragging in my tropicals that go out each spring and then come back indoors for the winter.   it happens every year - I'm

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-24763154033033310062011-09-16T11:13:00.000-05:002011-09-16T11:13:54.281-05:00

Even if our efforts of attention seem for years to be producing no result, one day a light that is in exact proportion to them will flood the soul.      ~Simone Weil  fish fry friday, beer, Cory in one lens, Rami in the other.   who could ask for anything more?    it was the last hot day of the year and we were dining outside along the Milwaukee River at The Rock Bottom Brewery.   One

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-82659791309416978872011-09-15T09:58:00.000-05:002011-09-15T09:58:49.773-05:00

the minutes flow into hours, the hours into days, and the days flow like a river.    I've had very little computer time this week.   in the next few days I'll be playing catch-up with my visits to all my favorite blogs.    the other night I caught the sunset over the Milwaukee River ~ it looks like a fall sky to me.   the other day we were getting serious smoke from the Pagami Creek wildfire

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-7830527247001415732011-09-12T20:44:00.000-05:002011-09-12T20:44:04.071-05:00

this barn is located about a quarter mile off highway 78, ten miles south of the Wisconsin/Illinois border.  it isn't a beautiful barn by any means, but it holds a whole lot of memories for me.    I spent 18 years crawling around in the hayloft of this barn - finding newborn kittens, or stacking hay bales in the heat of July.   it's the smaller of the two on my family farm where I grew up in

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-77600725983674532072011-09-11T11:42:00.001-05:002011-09-11T11:48:25.331-05:00

ten photos for ten consecutive hours on the 10th day of the month ~  "ultimately, we have just one moral duty: to reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves, more and more peace, and to reflect it towards others.  and the more peace there is in us, the more peace there will be in our troubled world."    Etty Hillesum thanks for looking over my ten on ten for the month of September. 

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-48854736814275770792011-09-10T09:34:00.001-05:002011-09-10T09:45:32.093-05:00

it's saturday, so on the other side of the planet it's already shadow shot sunday!   I missed this last week, as I was out of town, and getting back home proved to be more difficult than I had anticipated.   I had a reservation on Amtrak for thursday and when I checked the status of the train thursday morning it was running three hours late.   when I checked the status a few hours later, it was

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-88263348990838006342011-09-09T11:08:00.000-05:002011-09-09T11:08:20.149-05:00

last friday evening I had dinner at a restaurant along the Milwaukee river in the downtown.   a spot I rarely venture out to.   we had an awfully long wait for a table, and the beers were served in 32 oz. glasses.   whoa.   but I had the most delicious fish tacos ever.  yep.  delicious fish tacos right here in the Midwest.    it surprised me too.   and after dinner, I caught some reflections in

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-28187745592100724582011-09-08T10:05:00.000-05:002011-09-08T10:05:33.427-05:00

it's thursday -  and friday already on the opposite side of the planet - so time to watch our skies.   living in the city I don't often get to see the actual sunset.   but I live next to lake Michigan where the eastern horizon is unimpeded and I can watch it looking east rather than west.   the day's light fades, and the colors of the lake change with it.     as an aside,  that's  

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-14084414816901962972011-09-07T10:48:00.002-05:002011-09-07T11:04:04.599-05:00

i'm feeling sort of pink ~ linking up with Ana at wonderland for this week's earth wonders photo challenge ~ pink.  hop on over and check out the other entries!  happy day everyone!

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-52952287223504691062011-09-06T10:04:00.000-05:002011-09-06T10:04:49.400-05:00

while recently returning from a trip to Illinois I took a wrong turn once I got off the interstate.   I've been taking a different route this summer to avoid road construction and I'm not that familiar with the names of the roads.   I knew that if I just kept heading east I'd eventually hit Loomis Road on the southwest side of the city.   and I did.   but somewhere around the little town of

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-42669472778861907512011-09-05T10:01:00.000-05:002011-09-05T10:01:18.414-05:00

four, maybe more only one?  two! one know what i'm talking about?    THUMBERS!!!    today i'm linking up with  The Creative Exchange, over at Lisa Gordon Photography.   check it out if you have some spare time.  you'll be happy you did.  there's a lot of creativity going on over there!  happy monday everyone.     sit long, talk much.            and be here now.

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-80722546907480000032011-09-04T11:57:00.002-05:002011-09-04T16:02:32.144-05:00

i've been out of town this past week, and my voice fell silent for a few days.  it was unintentional.   after the goodbye walk on my friend donna's home and land,  i lost my voice.  goodbyes don't necessarily need to be permanent and final but in this case, they were.  death came too soon.  mike loved his land and he was very very happy there.   these are a few of the things i spied in what was

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-62103174130858552392011-09-01T10:59:00.000-05:002011-09-01T10:59:50.684-05:00

good thursday morning everyone.  well the weather forecast for today is a high of 97 with a heat index of over 100.   oh dear.   last night I went with my friend to say goodbye to her home/land where she lived for many years.   she sold it in spring, but had an arrangement with the new owners to be caretaker until the end of summer.   we drove back to Wilton just after sunset.   goodbye black

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-38413167856827386642011-08-30T09:48:00.000-05:002011-08-30T09:48:11.436-05:00

good tuesday morning everyone.   for the first time in many weeks we awoke to cloudy skies this morning and that's a refreshing change.  a little shuffle in the weather now and then doesn't hurt anyone, right?  now perhaps the trees, wildlife, and flowers will get a drink from the heavens.  oh, wouldn't that be nice?  we can dream. and now to this week's charming barn ~ this is one well-kept

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-83885668430852785732011-08-29T12:28:00.001-05:002011-08-29T14:01:14.664-05:00

i'm feeling kind of green... it's not that easy being green having to spend each day the colors of the leaves when i think it could be nicer being red, or yellow, or gold... or something much more colorful like that. it's not easy being green it seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things and people tend to pass you over 'cause you're not standing out like flashy sparkles in the

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-83804255713123360962011-08-28T09:28:00.000-05:002011-08-28T09:28:09.147-05:00

playing around with black and white today ~ the word "fern" is from the old Anglo-Saxon "fearn" meaning feather like feathers, the leaves of most ferns are delicate and divided... these photos were all taken at Boerner Botanical Gardens, Milwaukee County.   today i'm linking up with The Weekend in Black and White.   if you have a few spare moments, head on over there and check it

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-10744009964067005072011-08-27T09:46:00.000-05:002011-08-27T09:46:30.018-05:00

hello everyone on this late august morning.   our east coast friends are in the thick of a nasty storm, so lets keep them in our hearts and prayers this weekend.   that storm is impacting us here in the midwest too - it's keeping the current high-pressure system that's over us from moving on eastward.   that spells clear, sunny skies and warm temperatures for awhile.    and clear sunny skies

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-479368636030234502011-08-26T09:19:00.000-05:002011-08-26T09:19:46.441-05:00

the beginning of the day reflection ~ strolling through  Boerner Botanical Gardens early one morning i noticed the treetops reflected in the stone walkway.  the sprinklers had been on.    i think it looks autumn-like, with the yellowing leaves on the trees.   summer is waning and has, for the most part, loosened its grip.   we will still have warm and humid days but the nights will cool off

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-72988793416025622262011-08-25T10:56:00.001-05:002011-08-25T11:20:43.563-05:00

good day everyone.   it's a bright august morning here in the midwest, with blue skies overhead and cicadas in  trees shaking their tymbals.   to hear and see this gives me great joy.   so today i'm showing and sharing the joy. yesterday i was looking down and deep, into the vastness of lake michigan.  today i look up and out, into the clouds and the vastness of our universe.   if it ends,

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-40021606480423119932011-08-24T09:30:00.001-05:002011-08-24T16:08:10.472-05:00

i live 2 blocks from a great lake and go to the shore but once in awhile.  perhaps it's because i know the ginormous body of water will always be there.   a constant, never changing but for winds and ice.    last weekend i sat at the shore for a spell, and studied it.   the water and the light.  it appears as a whole lot of nothingness.   nothing but water.   but this was an exercise in

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-32531632475216771922011-08-23T10:33:00.000-05:002011-08-23T10:33:59.705-05:00

time really does fly.  here it is Tuesday already, time for Barn Charm.   this week I have for you what I think to be an unusual barn.   it's brick! so....has anyone ever before seen a brick barn?    this one is located in N.W. Illinois, not far from the Wisconsin line.   I've driven by it countless times and decided it was due to be captured digitally.    it looks very solidly built, and

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-66718026929161235612011-08-22T10:06:00.000-05:002011-08-22T10:06:36.353-05:00

an evening spent with friends at Racine Harbor ~ summer is fast waning, the days getting shorter,  nights cooler, and after Labor Day kids will be heading back to school.   that's just two weeks away!    Freddie's Friki Tiki is a small restaurant that sits right at harbor's edge.   the food was not exceptional, but the view was nice this sailboat caught my eye when first arriving.  isn't

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-51850192123888954672011-08-20T10:29:00.000-05:002011-08-20T10:29:19.707-05:00

the master gardener's annual picnic which I attended the other evening was held at Northpoint Lighthouse in Milwaukee's Lake Park.   the gardens were tended by master gardeners for the first time this year, and it was a lovely spot for our picnic.  and I managed to find a few shadows too.   A bit of background - The original North Point Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters were built of cream

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-456729190279897852011-08-19T09:52:00.000-05:002011-08-19T09:52:20.104-05:00

one of the cool things I saw while at the fair last week was this vintage ambulance that was on display.   it was situated just under the sky-glider, so I managed to captured these reflections in the front fender.  I don't know the year of it, but it was vintage alright.   vehicles simply don't have this much chrome going on anymore, which is a crying shame. initially I was regretting

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-12339150835694035482011-08-18T11:34:00.000-05:002011-08-18T11:34:46.736-05:00

well, I'm back from the hinterlands,  where August spells C-O-R-N.    fields of corn that seem to go on forever.  roadside stands selling the sweet ears were plentiful.   and all of this under blue blue skies...   it may not be such a great year for tomatoes, but it's an excellent year for corn.  plenty of rain in most parts, and a whole lot of sun and warm weather.  corn loves that

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-21773057489067672202011-08-15T09:05:00.000-05:002011-08-15T09:05:50.301-05:00

the Wisconsin State Fair is over for another year - yesterday was the final day.   all the cows, calves, horses, and pigs have made their way back to their homes on the farm.   the popcorn and cotton candy stands have closed their shutters, and the carnies have begun the job of breaking down all the midway rides, only to be re-assembled at the next fair down the rode,  perhaps in the next

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-79929473424549284682011-08-13T09:04:00.000-05:002011-08-13T09:04:56.442-05:00

I captured this week's shadow shot - a 3-tier Poodle Hetzi Column Juniper - while out for a walk just before sunset.   it's sort of a like having a pet I guess - needing only the occasional pruning to keep its shape.   and sunlight and water.   there's no worming, shampooing, grooming or vet bills.  and no need to kennel while on vacation.  that's a deal.     to check out shadows around

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-75279243121943384382011-08-12T10:55:00.002-05:002011-08-13T14:38:47.690-05:00

I finally made it to the Milwaukee Art Museum this week to take in Summer of China.   read more about it here. if you're even a couple hundred miles from Milwaukee, I encourage you to make the trip and go see this exhibition.   I make no attempt to describe it here.   just go see it.   I made the day an artist's date, so yeah, I did capture a few selfies just as a way of recording the day.  hope

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-40028980559711147312011-08-11T10:56:00.004-05:002011-08-12T09:32:51.268-05:00

today I'm participating in something new (for me) - Ten on Ten.   it's taking a photo an hour for 10 hours on the tenth day of the month, capturing a day in your life.  so beginning with the first hour of my day yesterday, I snapped away.   here you go ~ the morning sky morning cup o' jane my kitty Mikey, sister to Daiseymae and Beanie I needed more hosiery for tying up the tomato

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-3921703357818474222011-08-10T12:00:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:00:19.270-05:00

words for wednesday, just not my own ~ Ha!  didn't make it easy for you did I?   happy Wednesday everyone.  sit long, talk much.

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-29173445910474782142011-08-09T08:20:00.000-05:002011-08-09T08:20:52.566-05:00

the song of the redbreast is gone from the early morning chorus ~empty nests left behindwith but a few feathers remainingas evidence that they graced us for five long monthswith their melody which remains in our hearts,to satisfy and soothe until the return again of Spring.   another old charmer that has seen better days.   a few remaining tell-tale signs that it was once dressed up in

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-84914894331649186612011-08-08T10:57:00.000-05:002011-08-08T10:57:34.750-05:00

stillness again ~it curls around the room like aplume of August river smoke I'm smitten with hollyhock flowers.   they remind me of Santa Fe, and my grandmother.    grandma Hermena always had them growing in her flower gardens, and they were everywhere I walked in the city of Santa Fe.  and besides all of that, isn't it just a lovely word to say?   hollyhock.    even the botanical name

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-14574528624447664782011-08-07T11:13:00.000-05:002011-08-07T11:13:38.322-05:00

today I'm taking you on a tour of my friend Julie's garden.  It's just before sunset and the air is heavy with humidity, causing the occasional raindrop to fall. her garden has a nice variety of flowers, especially for July/August.    these are immature berries from her Highbush Cranberry.   they're wet from all that humidity in the air, and the falling drops. Rudbeckia.   they appear so

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-73114526140686126362011-08-06T11:17:00.000-05:002011-08-06T11:17:32.360-05:00

I went to the Wisconsin State Fair yesterday.   a friend owns and operates the Double K Corral - a restaurant/bar there, so I staked out a claim on one of the bar stools and just sat and watched the flow of people go by.  I managed to catch a few shadows too. I like that I caught a guy mid-chew on that hot dog.   and the two women sitting on the bench over on the left.  they look comfortable

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-81011117327737868552011-08-05T11:26:00.000-05:002011-08-05T11:26:26.737-05:00

Julie's pond  ~   one of the fun things I did while out of town recently was attend Bunco night at my friend Julie's house.    anyone ever played Bunco?    well, if you haven't, you're missing out.   "Bunco is a social dice game involving 100% luck and no skill (there are no decisions to be made), scoring, and a simple set of rules. Women who are part of a Bunco club take turns as the

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-2634297064910981712011-08-04T11:17:00.000-05:002011-08-04T11:17:07.757-05:00

august 4 stone waiting in line for ice cream at the Fastrip when a handsome young boydressed like a cowboy walks in with his brother.brown boots, blue jeans, large silver buckle on his wide leather belt, blue plaid shirt,and a blue bandana draped around his neck.  I take a chance.  "were you riding horses?" I asked him."no ma'm, Bible School".     here it is, coming up on the tail end of

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-60881156086876189032011-08-02T10:40:00.000-05:002011-08-02T10:40:11.557-05:00

it's August.  every year on July 31st my mother tells me "never let the August sun shine on your onions."   she couldn't tell me why when asked, it was just the way her own mother did things.    it took me years to figure out that the onions need that much drying time - hanging in the dry storage shed - before the fall freeze and then winter storage. the days are still long and the nights rich

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4566598589380659741.post-41793516687213489462011-08-01T16:14:00.001-05:002011-08-01T17:07:03.746-05:00

August 1 stone walking down the alleyway past an open back door of The Hitching Post, the jukebox blasting an early morning play of  House of the Rising Sun - it's been the ruin of many a poor boy and God, I know I'm one..... well I'm taking full advantage of the August Break Silence that's hit parts of the blogosphere.  it gives us yappers, such as myself don't you know, center stage,

Ms. Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775088530495290520noreply@blogger.com23