Weekly Photo Challenge ~ From Above

The Los Angeles flea market owner mentioned that it was rare to find a complete United States WWII Military Wardrobe, and in such good condition. Displayed open for viewing, I was curious about the trunk’s owner and the circumstances which ultimately led to its deposit on the cement floor of a resale store.  I wondered if the family line had come to an end, or perhaps the younger generation wasn’t interested in this important piece of history. Had the trunk become too painful of a memory, a story too sad to keep telling?

I  aimed my camera down toward the opening of the two worn brown boots to record the name of the man who wore them with honor.  Moses Williams, we thank you for your service to our country.

◊

 You can enjoy these wonderful posts for the theme “From Above” here:

Gail’s Blog

Another Day In Paradise

SPH3RE

Moments I’ll Now Never Forget

Travel Theme ~ Light

Is it the light of the sun that draws us to the sea?  A persistent pull to an inner magnet of the soul that yearns for a light that dances and teases as it skims across the ocean, warms the walls of architecture, and slowly toasts the skin?  We seek out seaside towns to rest and reflect, to ponder the future and to let go of past heartaches.  The alloted week is never enough but will suffice, for embracing the light renews, we’re given the freedom to relax, to sigh and to breathe, and finally it energizes, preparing us for the return to our nests worlds away.  We are whole again.

See other  Travel Theme: Light entries here:

Ese’s Voice

No Step Too Loose

Cee’s Photography

The photographs from this post were taken at Rosemary Beach, Florida 

As sure as the month of May follows April, wild ducks begin to visit and make themselves comfortable in our backyard pool. They usually arrive in pairs, but this morning I found a lonely lady paddling around quietly by herself. Where is your mate, I wonder. She looks tired and I’d love for her to stay, but a salt water swimming pool isn’t part of the natural order of things, so up and off you go.  See you tomorrow…

ξ

Through the Rabbit Hole

Well, not really, but rabbit hole sounded a lot more interesting than through the bird feeder hole.  After a messy effort to fill a tube-shaped bird feeder with “red-hot” seed mix to discourage our seemingly insatiable chipmunks,  I noticed a tissue-pink cherry blossom through the feeder’s round peep-hole.  I took the opportunity to experiment and after what seemed like a thousand tries and finally a shaky manual focus, I captured the elusive spring blossom.  I was so happy with the unexpected result that I turned and gave a nod and half-hearted salute to the chipmunks who were already angling for a parking spot at the hottest bird feeder in town.

ξ

Weekly Photo Challenge ~ UP

I’m a big fan of looking UP. Whether it be in the context of adjusting to a more positive attitude, examining the intricate architectural details of historic rooftops, or being airborne at 30,000 feet, looking up offers many rewards. For this photo challenge I held my iphone flat and low under a flower or tree limbs, and pointed the  lens up toward the sun to experiment with backlit photography. It was challenging to find the right angle of the sun, and then a surprise or two of seeing my face or just my nose peeking into the corner of the shot.  Try experimenting with your smart phone in the sun, its compact size and large flat screen will enable you to use smaller spaces creatively for some really spectacular results.

Have a great week, and enjoy!

A cute feline interpretation of  up.  

Also:  Cee’sPhotography,  Francine in Retirement, The Urge to  Wander

ξ

Beach People

Following the sun followers on the Gulf of Mexico.

Walking Mr. Blue Sky

The Look

In the Pink and the Drink

I can always find my Cuban skies….in Rosalinda’s eyes.

I wonder what she’s doing tonight.

Furry four-legged ice-breaker.

Sunset Seekers

Looking west and yes, the sun.

….and they said it would never come for you.     The Libertines

ξ

Last Gasp

Spring Break Sunset,  Rosemary Beach, Florida

ξ

Tossed

A cold front on the move brought high winds that blew the unseasonably warm temps out of the Atlanta area, leaving everyone searching for their forgotten coats and gloves.  It tossed about a bed of lenten rose in the sunlight, and forced the release of the few stubborn dead leaves that have been clinging to the trees since the first frost.

Since then, an even more challenging system came through my world and I’m feeling a little tossed around myself these days, a signal that its time for a blogging break. I’ll be checking back in – until then take care, and happy spring!

Julius Caesar and the Roman Empire
Couldn’t conquer the blue sky.

~ from Weather With You, by Crowded House

ξ

Vero Beach Dreamin’

Opportunity occasionally knocks when you have a child who plays a sport that includes travel tournaments. My husband and I followed our daughter’s high school lacrosse team to Vero Beach, Florida, an appealing seaside destination mid-way down the east coast of Florida. Between games we found time to grab some lunch and wander around the pretty village for a bit. It took only a few minutes on the beach for us to begin plotting our escape and plan a permanent move to this tiny paradise, until of course, reality shook us out of our daydream.  Was it only last month I was imaging that life in Los Angeles was the key to our future?  It makes me wonder how many lives have changed course because of an offhand visit to a destination that suddenly felt like this was “the” place, or are most people like us, pulling up the driveway after a long flight or drive and realizing that until the next city of dreams, there’s no place like home.

Living color.

Pocahontas, frozen in time for almost a hundred years.

Grazing the farmer’s market.

Yellow = Caution

We stayed in the charming Caribbean Court Hotel, a cozy boutique oasis one block from the beach. In addition to the wonderful atmosphere, it’s highly rated restaurant and a lively 2nd floor piano bar, the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. There is a little pizza shack a couple of doors down that put the New York in their seriously delicious pizza.

A few precious souvenirs.

ξ

Weekly Photo Challenge ~ Lunch

A mailman walking his delivery route in Vero Beach, Florida was a reliable source for lunch last weekend.  In town for a quick visit and not knowing where to dine, he noted “there was always a line out the door,” and directed my husband and I to the charming Lemon Tree Cafe. The food, service, and the warm atmosphere were all wonderful.  I ordered the herb encrusted salmon, with a side of local tomatoes topped with fresh mozzarella and drizzled with herb sauce. Delish!

I downloaded my photograph to the iPhone KitCam App, and used the “Accent” lens and “Walker” frame.

The Lemon Tree, 3125 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963-1955