Credit Where It Is Due

Credit Where It is Due

I like to make photographs, and I enjoy being praised for what I have done. But God teaches a different attitude, one of thankfulness and humility. He pointed that out to me recently. I DO NOT MAKE THESE PHOTOGRAPHS ALONE. I didn't create the light, or the technology which makes photography possible. I didn't buy my camera, it was a gift from my husband. I didn't give myself the ability to see through the camera in order to make an image which others find pleasing. It is right to use what I have been given to the best of my ability, but it is wrong to take credit for what I have not done. God made the light, the elements which are used to manufacture the camera, and the world from which these images come. He has given me gifts: people to teach me, eyes to see with, and a brain to process information. I am thankful for these gifts. He deserves all the praise, not I.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Grass Flower

The grass loves the weather we've been having: cool and wet.
Where I haven't mowed it, it is flowering.
I was pleased and amazed when I saw this shot;
The flower was in focus! 
I could see anthers, with yellow pollen, and pistils. 
At least I think the white tendrils are pistils...
So, of course, I had to post it!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Clouds and Flowers


It's been raining, windy, and cold today, and it's supposed to continue many days more.
But we have had some good weather;
this was taken on a good-weather day, about a week ago.

Linking to:

Also, this is my choice for

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Pansies in Sepia

John at The Aware Writer left me a comment recently in which he said he thought a certain photo I had posted in color would work in black and white. I have learned a lot from John, so I played around with the image. I cropped it, then tried it in b&w with different filters and different amounts of light adjustments. The results were OK, but I didn't really like any of them. Then I put it in sepia, and I knew I had a good rendering. The top photo is the result. I liked it so well, I did another, which you see below. 
I am linking this to Sepia Scenes.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Fairy Slipper in Color

I posted this in black and white,
but it is so pretty in color, I am posting it again.
I hope you like it as much as I do!


Fairy Slipper

Here in northern Idaho two varieties of wild orchid may be found.
This one is a Fairy Slipper.
The whole plant is about 4 inches tall, so they are easy to miss.
I was pleased to find several of them growing near the route of my favorite walk last week,
And even more pleased that I was able to make a good capture!
The flower is a lovely orchid purple, but I also like it in black and white.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Scenes of Spring

Spring is full of hope.
New leaves grow, turning sunward, 
Promise fruit to come.



Pansies smile at the sun.

Please stop over to each of these great memes to see what others have contributed!
To see the leaves in black & white, go here. 

Memories and Reflections


This was taken about two months ago.
I could have saved it for Memorial Day, I guess,
But here it is today.

Spring Leaves in Black and White



This is my contribution to 
Drop over to see what others have seen!
A color version of this photo is here.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

"Ghostie-Kitty!"


This is Ghost.
He was abandoned by his former owner somewhere nearby.
When I first saw him, he was behind our house, 
Prowling the woods. 
He was shedding his fur for summer, and looked very rough.
He was hard to see, so I named him Ghost.

So he adopted us.
We soon learned that he was very friendly,
Unless you were another cat.
He is bold, and not afraid of dogs or raccoons.
He is a good hunter. However, he likes to catch birds.

He likes to go with me on my walks. The first shot was taken on a walk.
The rock he is standing on is in the middle of a small creek.
He was ready to go on, but I wanted to go back.

When we are walking, he falls behind sometimes.
Especially when going uphill, or if a tantalizing smell distracts him.
But if he gets "lost," he hollers.
Loudly.
Then I holler back, and wait. I meow, or call, "Ghostie-Kitty!"
He finds me, and all is well.

I have no idea why Ghost was abandoned,
He was obviously well cared for and loved before.
I think people do their pets a disservice in abandoning them.
But I am glad Ghost found and adopted us.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Remnant of Forests Past

A hundred years ago, or so,
This tree was alive.
Fire took it,
But the forest revived.

Now it stands, blackened and stark,
Sheltering insects,
Holding  moss
Cradling life in its charcoal bark.