Rockin' Camera Bag!

So, I entered a contest today, and wouldn't it be cool to win?  This is the birthday of a camera bag that I looooooong for.  Seriously.  I piiiiiine for it. I know I don't need it (that was for mom), but I *insert whine here* really, really, really want it. now. (Christmas, hint, hint?)  Anyhoo, here is the link to the line of sassy, girly, downright awesome camera bags...

Happy Birthday!

Photo, me.  Texture, Kim Klassen.

Lonely Swing

Lonely Swing, originally uploaded by marierush.

It is still so hot here in Florida (51 days over 90, but who is counting!) that even the swings are unused. It is too hot to sit in them!

I still found it a pretty sight today... I hope you do too!

Grammy Love

Grammy Love, originally uploaded by marierush.

The girls are starting to hint (bigtime) about a trip to see Grammy...they must know that it will be snowing in New Hampshire soon!

Lotsa Purple

Lotsa Purple, originally uploaded by marierush.

I decided to take my camera on a spin around the house today and drummed up these two beauties--a purple bottle and a purple daisy.

Kinda makes the yellow pop, doesn't it? Have a great weekend!

Haiku

Feelings are tender

As the unfurling bud dares

Be gentle with me

The Evolution of Cherry Tasting

The Evolution of Cherry Tasting, originally uploaded by marierush.

It didn't go very well, unfortunately. I am always proud of the girls trying things, and giving it another try...and another try. I read somewhere (probably on the Internet, so of course it is a fact) that a person has to try a taste about 10 times to change a "bleh" to an "umm."

This was "bleh" 2.

8 more times to go!

Tickle Time with Daddy

Tickle Time with Daddy, originally uploaded by marierush.

This is a precious daily routine in our home. Sometimes it happens in a chair, or on a couch, or snuggled in the bed, but it always happens. Daddy tickles.

From me to you...

From me to you..., originally uploaded by marierush.

Such a simple gesture can fill one's heart with love.

A Handful of Posies

A Handful of Posies, originally uploaded by marierush.

I walked into the kitchen to cook dinner, and my daughter had picked some flowers and set them on the counter for me. *awww*

My Love - One of Many

My Love, originally uploaded by marierush.

Such innocent beauty. Tender love. My child. *sigh*

My daughters share the same love I have for the ocean. One asked me this morning if we could go, but alas, too much work today, so I made a promise to her (and to me) that we would go one day this week. Thursday seems like a good day, but since tomorrow is Tuesday, then Tuesday seems like an even better day!

The reasons I love the beach: The smell. The peace. The sound of the ocean and the seagulls. The cool of the water. The waves--and hopping through them. The feel of the sunlight on my skin. The expanse--it just puts everything in perspective.

I believe I can fly...

I believe I can fly..., originally uploaded by marierush.

I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly

Photo, me. Texture, Kim Klassen.

Golden Love

Golden Love, originally uploaded by marierush.

She is always there. Waiting. Waiting to love and waiting to be loved.

Light

Light, originally uploaded by marierush.

I took a photowalk around my home the other day, and stumbled across this lamp. I love it. It is rich, and girly, and old fashioned and sends out a great vibe when it is illuminated. Strangley enough, it is in my bathroom! Since getting my camera, I am immensely aware of light and shadows. My girls (who are 7) can spot it now too! They will tell me, "Mommy, the light is just perfect for a shot." I giggle thinking about them saying such grown up things, but I also take pride in the fact that they are aware of what makes a "good shot." Happy Friday, and I hope it is filled with beautiful light...

Peace

Peace, originally uploaded by marierush.

I was driving home from dropping the girls off at their camp this morning, and decided to whip out my camera for a few floral shots. The sun was at a nice level, the breeze was gentle, and it wasn't too hot...just right for this image of peace.  I also gave it a little funk with Kim Klassen's texture.

Hello? A Month Got Away...

Hello?, originally uploaded by marierush.

Here it is, August 4th, and I'm back at the blog! I had a blast in Picture Summer, and most of my images are already in my Flickr account (click on the right to see them!) Todays picture is about something that I love---communication...words...talking...planning...dreaming.

Hooray for telephones, both old and new!