tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81734499443717871342024-02-19T10:03:38.751-05:00SilverBluePearlChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-31342027155373428642010-07-15T12:03:00.002-04:002010-07-15T12:04:30.787-04:00Moving OnI am now blogging over at <a href="http://anindependentguinevere.posterous.com/">An Independent Guinevere</a>. Please come visit. I miss you . . .Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-77618182323895189532010-05-31T12:14:00.003-04:002010-05-31T12:44:10.736-04:00Southern Flowers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnISz93isHsrRZY-cBr5FhZuZVCRs9WG9oLg_U7cmHbQQabYDjt2EdpDux7c78Ut1sfl83nuwxXksyWD2DcnbXn1YLDs3_3ws3rru9kBf1tip2ANGnmt_zTZmw7jA7PfRA3PaCcgcsNUE/s1600/magnolia1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnISz93isHsrRZY-cBr5FhZuZVCRs9WG9oLg_U7cmHbQQabYDjt2EdpDux7c78Ut1sfl83nuwxXksyWD2DcnbXn1YLDs3_3ws3rru9kBf1tip2ANGnmt_zTZmw7jA7PfRA3PaCcgcsNUE/s400/magnolia1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477468465320554898" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Magnolia - Nikon D40 with 55mm lens</i></div></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How I would love to have dahlias and peonies growing in my yard. Alas, Florida is not a friendly place for such blooms. But since Mother Nature is quite fair, she lets me have magnolias and gardenias, instead.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Br6xJupULHNTLGgpNUn7ZQSGlnDz1KO_uymj7XzSEPlag2jKlHg8zviD0F3NiZHEctxp80r2hAxTW02ciI9i9AaOaOyY4RhFn5rt54EHIrx9lP-jNuBBRzAhS7reyRlRRszzDtRnJPJw/s1600/gardenia1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Br6xJupULHNTLGgpNUn7ZQSGlnDz1KO_uymj7XzSEPlag2jKlHg8zviD0F3NiZHEctxp80r2hAxTW02ciI9i9AaOaOyY4RhFn5rt54EHIrx9lP-jNuBBRzAhS7reyRlRRszzDtRnJPJw/s400/gardenia1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477468404841840994" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Gardenia - Nikon D40 with 55mm lens</i></div></span></div><div><br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-51996691085396910942010-05-30T09:28:00.003-04:002010-05-30T09:34:33.528-04:00Weekly Challenge - I've Got The Blues<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWLIkEgsSG8yjSrlztCI0KvU0rqbaoP9QaM93Gb8ACHIAD1ABqvd-VXlYNk1L98V0-i_nhqv_3wyaPXolURMdFRy8tQK9oyGH2ykogXDdbenvr6FOniF1xJXLawVuY4IuwMiTCPNX27RP/s1600/passblues.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWLIkEgsSG8yjSrlztCI0KvU0rqbaoP9QaM93Gb8ACHIAD1ABqvd-VXlYNk1L98V0-i_nhqv_3wyaPXolURMdFRy8tQK9oyGH2ykogXDdbenvr6FOniF1xJXLawVuY4IuwMiTCPNX27RP/s400/passblues.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477054620390698994" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Blue Water - Nikon D40 with 55mm lens</i></div></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Blue is my favorite color. That's saying a lot, considering my all-consuming love for colors of every shade. For blue to make it to the top is pretty impressive. And there is no blue I love more than the color of the Gulf of Mexico. It's actually a range of shades, from turquoise to cerulean.</div><div><br /></div><div>I could stare at it forever. Often times, I do.</div><div><br /></div><div>Go on over to <a href="http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/">Inspiration Avenue</a> and check out the other amazing submissions.</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-82319450676197154872010-05-28T12:48:00.005-04:002010-05-28T13:11:30.036-04:00My Guru<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1As1SVdNeaaAG3hZmeT-ImsIBBYFEqAF4MLwrQoESL8Kwv4AhpsL9RcEciCUxc_PJPRNmVx3et71rirqLCtBSAM7QbwcegzXmfraCZ4AueTkA8G__INcfrm1rcn48_JIZ8wJxlBU-M-c/s1600/prettypurple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1As1SVdNeaaAG3hZmeT-ImsIBBYFEqAF4MLwrQoESL8Kwv4AhpsL9RcEciCUxc_PJPRNmVx3et71rirqLCtBSAM7QbwcegzXmfraCZ4AueTkA8G__INcfrm1rcn48_JIZ8wJxlBU-M-c/s400/prettypurple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476364805858345970" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>One of My Favorites - Sony Cybersho</i>t</div></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Since my current location is at sea-level, I am unable to shout my new discovery from the mountaintops. I actually can't even see any mountaintops from here. So the internet is going to have to be my mountaintop as I shout to the world that I have found my guru. I have found someone amazing and brilliant that I think everyone should know about.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Ashley Ambirge from <a href="http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/">The Middle Finger Project</a> is not just writing about a fearless, original life, she's living it. And she makes us all believe we can do it, too. Her posts are funny, wise, realistic and heart-felt. Ashley really wants us to find our own potential. She knows the secret: that when people are happy and productive, the world is a better place.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">When I first started reading her blog a week or two ago I just kept thinking, over and over, "Yes! She <i>gets</i> it!" She has this incredible ability to make her readers feel as though she's talking directly to them.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I could go on and on, but I wouldn't do it justice. Just <a href="http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/">head over to her site</a> and start reading. I'm tellin' you, it'll change your life. It's changed mine.</span></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-13357691779794268972010-05-23T08:45:00.004-04:002010-05-23T08:49:44.958-04:00Weekly Challenge - Melange<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmcLSZbm1uYZxHkcpeJRacCU6upFbMq8ZbdRxwr6jAmFxpjrDKln7a-VMbCn-cfFcXIDdlsttdVTLDSZRAC_BkU6Kj2eXfxthoLhiHf_HqGjdzeUe89NnBVRxcDJe18vngxc6ADmlywJj/s1600/melange.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmcLSZbm1uYZxHkcpeJRacCU6upFbMq8ZbdRxwr6jAmFxpjrDKln7a-VMbCn-cfFcXIDdlsttdVTLDSZRAC_BkU6Kj2eXfxthoLhiHf_HqGjdzeUe89NnBVRxcDJe18vngxc6ADmlywJj/s400/melange.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474445895025982754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Melange - Nikon D40 with 55mm lens</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I love this challenge because it takes me out of my comfort zone. I prefer not jumble things up, but that's exactly what was called for. At first, I didn't like this flower combination. But the longer I sit with it, the more I come around.</div><div><br /></div><div>Click over to <a href="http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/">Inspiration Avenue </a>and check out the other submissions.</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-76877588105469925642010-05-18T07:33:00.004-04:002010-05-23T08:52:23.941-04:00Lists: Music Lyrics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRuPj3C0H4fMkHSHUleuYu6DJ-H5g8VgwJE5e4LPPo8cBpWZcEK20xDcT85mBZI3lLdz_vNJ9VaVwgQtabePZ9eYfNZuid1OjxcpZx32-zFAXprMOiwPjnQMGQg15Xv40fMVu1OIiqMxc/s1600/hydra1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRuPj3C0H4fMkHSHUleuYu6DJ-H5g8VgwJE5e4LPPo8cBpWZcEK20xDcT85mBZI3lLdz_vNJ9VaVwgQtabePZ9eYfNZuid1OjxcpZx32-zFAXprMOiwPjnQMGQg15Xv40fMVu1OIiqMxc/s400/hydra1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472572649796273970" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Purple Hydrangea - Nikon D40 with 55 mm lens</i></div></span><div><br /></div><div>I love music. I could spend days explaining why and how much I love music. To list all my favorite lyrics would probably break the internet, so I'll just put up a few here. And they are not in any particular order.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Guinevere</b> by Eli Young Band: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">written by Mike Eli, James Young and Scooter Caruso</span></div><div><i>For as much as she's stumbled, she's runnin'</i></div><div><i>For as much as she runs she's still here</i></div><div><i>Always hoping to find something quicker than heaven</i></div><div><i>To make the damage of her days disappear</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>It's In The Way That You Use It</b> by Eric Clapton: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">written by Eric Clapton and Robbie Robertson</span></div><div><i>Nobody's right until somebody's wrong</i></div><div><i>Nobody's weak until somebody's strong</i></div><div><i>No one gets lucky till luck comes along</i></div><div><i>Nobody's lonely till somebody's gone</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Half My Mistakes </b>by Gary Allan: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">written by Radney Foster and Bobby Houck</span></div><div><i>Half my mistakes I made because I was moving too quickly</i></div><div><i>Half them were made because my heart was moving too slow</i></div><div><i>Nobody can tell you a damn thing if you ain't listening</i></div><div><i>Oh and half my mistakes I've made cause I couldn't let go</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Old Days Are Gone</b> by Gary Jules: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">written by Gary Jules</span></div><div><i>In the old days we had it all figured out</i></div><div><i>The old days are gone, hallelujah . . . </i></div><div><i>In the old days your somewheres were chosen for you</i></div><div><i>The old days are gone, hallelujah</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>I Believe In Something</b> by Mark Aaron Canty <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">written by Mark Aaron Canty</span></div><div><i>I believe in something </i></div><div><i>But I don't know what it is</i></div><div><i>Never much on miracles</i></div><div><i>But I've never needed one like this</i></div><div><i>The only life I'll ever live</i></div><div><i>Has been more take than it's been give</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-83848751737130512342010-05-16T08:50:00.003-04:002010-05-16T08:58:54.706-04:00Weekly Challenge - Architecture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75Z57B4gPvnASo5PS9aBSjUAgm_p1W6onrucluWUz3ajSfGTkIDfrACmpwEw2qwqVBHi7RDgnYcHRidRBntGdxQ38Ji3lI06ZqedN9sr-PP4fHqSHYDro86vb1NhvgHidn5kZc4zTaPbe/s1600/archedhall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75Z57B4gPvnASo5PS9aBSjUAgm_p1W6onrucluWUz3ajSfGTkIDfrACmpwEw2qwqVBHi7RDgnYcHRidRBntGdxQ38Ji3lI06ZqedN9sr-PP4fHqSHYDro86vb1NhvgHidn5kZc4zTaPbe/s400/archedhall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471850727984746482" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ringling Museum Courtyard - Nikon D40 with 55 mm lens</i></div></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One of my most very favorite buildings in the world. I first saw it when I was seventeen years old. And now, seventeen years later, I still visit it once a year. And I am still in awe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Head on over to <a href="http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/">Inspiration Avenue</a> and check out all the fantastic submissions.</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-18452594661045113792010-05-15T12:23:00.008-04:002010-05-15T14:22:57.842-04:00Where Have I Been? Alas, Nowhere Special. . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-0eWZgBYz-P6v4jP7wZ4MqJ1iIWpcfToZDfkHaj5CSxpCycxAlkJA2Q-1QK90nAh9lE6mt0Byg49KLxJYntmWzuTJBTlkPvjWOm9H_3JG_qZ83Klx0ZevTTknpTxgA8M2Yt_D88NSeXo/s1600/gulfmay15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-0eWZgBYz-P6v4jP7wZ4MqJ1iIWpcfToZDfkHaj5CSxpCycxAlkJA2Q-1QK90nAh9lE6mt0Byg49KLxJYntmWzuTJBTlkPvjWOm9H_3JG_qZ83Klx0ZevTTknpTxgA8M2Yt_D88NSeXo/s400/gulfmay15.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471561590529870274" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Gulf of Mexico, May 15, 2010 - Sony Cybershot</i></div></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Did you all know SilverBluePearl is my third blog? The first two didn't turn out so hot and, when I couldn't post consistently, I just deleted them. The classic "if I can't do it perfectly why bother at all" attitude. Well, I finally learned my lesson. No more deleting blogs just because I can't post to them. Life gets crazy and some times we can't get to our blogs. That's okay. I always come back eventually. Sometimes with pretty pictures.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry I've been gone so long, friends. I'll try to pop in more frequently from now on.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>**Note: I took the photo above about twenty minutes ago. Where I am is far from the oil spill, but our beautiful Gulf is hurting. Click this link to see how you can help:</i> <a href="http://www.seabirdsanctuary.com/">http://www.seabirdsanctuary.com/</a> <i> (Link via my friend Toni)</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-73604517801648976482010-05-01T10:00:00.004-04:002010-05-01T10:22:29.761-04:00It's A Blog Party!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kikHzzPjyoJ8EMea7iPyWowPWbGUpW-w6u-b33Zc9rJW86g4ia2UVax2YzMRqgmR9YnuR2VZS62Bg_7ZB49uq2oM9T4Mz7qTmizVkANJZzSCYXI66WgNtmRLZWLbUBLUqs-Fgry30Xn9/s1600/pinknwhite.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kikHzzPjyoJ8EMea7iPyWowPWbGUpW-w6u-b33Zc9rJW86g4ia2UVax2YzMRqgmR9YnuR2VZS62Bg_7ZB49uq2oM9T4Mz7qTmizVkANJZzSCYXI66WgNtmRLZWLbUBLUqs-Fgry30Xn9/s400/pinknwhite.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466302015121116482" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Pink 'n White - Nikon D40 with 55 mm lens</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>We're having a party over at <a href="http://www.inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/">Inspiration Avenue</a>! Tutorials is our theme, and the only thing I can write that makes any sense is recipes. I'm more of a hands-on, right-there-with-you kind of teacher. But recipes, now those I can write. So here is one of my absolute favorites: Tuesday Pasta. </div><div><br /></div><div>Invariably, I always end up making this pasta on Tuesday nights, though I never actually plan it that way. It is easy, delicious and even good for you. How's that for a yummy weeknight dinner?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tuesday Night Pasta</b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Ingredients</i></div><div>1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes, rinsed and dried</div><div>1 tub of fresh mozzarella balls (small size)- (I like <a href="http://www.belgioioso.com/FreshMozz.htm">Bel Gioioso Ciliegine</a>) at room temperature</div><div>4 cloves of garlic</div><div>1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil</div><div>1/2 lb small pasta (farfalle, rotini, penne, etc.)</div><div>handful fresh basil, torn or chopped</div><div>sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Start the sauce when you add the pasta to the boiling water.</div><div>2. Pour oil into large saucepan over medium heat.</div><div>3. Chop garlic and add to pan. Keep an eye on oil so it sizzles nicely but does not smoke and garlic does not burn. Cook for two minutes.</div><div>4. Add whole tomatoes, basil and salt and pepper to pan. Cook just until the tomato skins start to split.</div><div>5. Toss sauce, pasta and mozzarella in serving dish. Serve immediately.</div><div><br /></div><div>Serves 2 generously.</div><div><br /></div><div>Notes:</div><div>- Don't use fridge-cold mozzarella: it won't melt into the sauce if it is too cold.</div><div>- All measurements are approximate. Some prefer less garlic or more cheese (me! me!). Adjust to your taste.</div><div>- I like the pasta to be roughly the same size as the tomatoes and mozzarella, but this is also delicious with spaghetti or angel hair.</div><div>- If you can't find fresh mozzarella balls you can use a large hunk, just chop it into pieces roughly the size of the tomatoes.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you try this recipe; I think you'll love it! If you have any questions I'll answer them in the comments! <a href="http://www.inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/">Now come on over to the party!</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-19974059364765922632010-03-30T14:50:00.006-04:002010-03-30T15:16:26.390-04:00Lists: Things That Make Me Happy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwdArpwuYoWcfKdc4St4kOfGnKVvvJ_vt40xhqVCCfPSKAQ4MkrfFhKKmQehUpYDA45SElsh1vAlU5rlr5RA4nWoX1hQAa4Dc2uDHtfmmRUc8aatoebqr7beCX60KojG8vEZnoA1Bvp5C/s1600/hydrangea-muted.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwdArpwuYoWcfKdc4St4kOfGnKVvvJ_vt40xhqVCCfPSKAQ4MkrfFhKKmQehUpYDA45SElsh1vAlU5rlr5RA4nWoX1hQAa4Dc2uDHtfmmRUc8aatoebqr7beCX60KojG8vEZnoA1Bvp5C/s400/hydrangea-muted.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454507165055240770" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Soft Hydrangea - Sony Cybershot</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This regular posting thing is going well, don't you think?</div><div><br /></div><div>Life is chaos right now, again, so here goes a simple list.</div><div><br /></div><div>Things That Make Me Happy</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Chocolate in almost any form.</div><div>2. Colors - all of them.</div><div>3. Music - everything from jazz to country to hard rock.</div><div>4. Natural light - the best light for taking photographs.</div><div>5. Swimming in the Gulf of Mexico.</div><div>6. Shopping - and oh, how my wallet wishes it didn't.</div><div>7. My nephew's giggles.</div><div>8. Flowers in abundance.</div><div>9. Making lists of things that make me happy.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are many more, of course, but I'll keep it short and sweet for now.</div><div><br /></div><div>What makes you happy?</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-28059537145797939262010-03-21T09:43:00.005-04:002010-03-21T10:04:03.168-04:00Inspiration Avenue: My Town<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBch8WP0GbDPNUhEnfUGt_xdlBtL3KOJGMIqLyY4ctRZybJUioMfmOo0DfvYlHt0Mes7GUM1dOw7BBxCqfN02woVrYlEkas75MvEyoPKoBKUJ8UpgEZscknibokLAfpCUKfRESsHuXT8o/s1600-h/ringlinghouse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBch8WP0GbDPNUhEnfUGt_xdlBtL3KOJGMIqLyY4ctRZybJUioMfmOo0DfvYlHt0Mes7GUM1dOw7BBxCqfN02woVrYlEkas75MvEyoPKoBKUJ8UpgEZscknibokLAfpCUKfRESsHuXT8o/s400/ringlinghouse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451087569774337026" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ringling House, Sarasota, FL - Nikon D40 with 55mm lens</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">My town is Sarasota, Florida. There are a thousand reasons why I love this town so much. One of them is the proximity to art and history. Above is the John and Mabel Ringling house, built in the 1920s. It is gorgeous and well-preserved and was a gift to the city of Sarasota from the Ringling estate. I try to go at least once a year just to soak up all that history. I love that my town makes preserving this beautiful old mansion a priority.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">What do you love about your town?</span></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-24805852030144987202010-03-09T09:45:00.006-05:002010-03-09T18:28:04.319-05:00Lists: Oscar Moments<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1CZKZyGKLZgnD21zAT5pJIRZMfvs039JHCK-Lq6sdws4wRSr-Uie7_U1h9QeX08m0N80P1mb3121LN4fHs7s-LU4JbgEJW7bQAEvKfxtszrJyDJgcJoiJ8YY4ki5NdIn4w-1KqNNilUN/s1600-h/maroonorchid_lores.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1CZKZyGKLZgnD21zAT5pJIRZMfvs039JHCK-Lq6sdws4wRSr-Uie7_U1h9QeX08m0N80P1mb3121LN4fHs7s-LU4JbgEJW7bQAEvKfxtszrJyDJgcJoiJ8YY4ki5NdIn4w-1KqNNilUN/s400/maroonorchid_lores.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446779221122676034" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Mom's Orchid - Nikon D40 with 55 mm lens</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Oscar mania! Here are my 5 favorite moments from Sunday's Oscars. And yes, I stayed up to watch the WHOLE thing. I probably should have just DVR'd it and zipped through the entire telecast in an hour. </div><div><br /></div><div>1. <b>Sandra Bullock:</b> It's about damn time! I have long been a fan of Sandra, especially her dramatic roles. Her acceptance speech was perfection: gracious, funny and quick.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>2. <b>Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin</b>: Come on, they were funny. If we can't have Billy Crystal, these two are the next best thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. <b>Neil Patrick Harris</b>: The magic of NPH is his subtle facial expressions and he used them beautifully in that opening number.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. <b>Kathryn Bigelow</b>: Twice, in two different speeches, she made a point of thanking the troops. She's awesome forever in my book.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. <b> Meryl Streep:</b> Classy, cool and gorgeous. Elegance in the face of many jokes. And God love her, not an ounce of Botox anywhere. That is how women should age. I'm lookin' at you, Nicole Kidman.</div><div><br /></div><div>So who watched, and what did you think?</div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-84184842959095305882010-03-07T09:07:00.000-05:002010-03-07T09:07:00.195-05:00Art Auction for Angel Faces Charity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpd8DJ_E2DYj535VrIpx0R9t0PmeQNAIJHbxZpmaZzwHuutRdYpiyhNvcBpBFjw6OuqFOEP1RD2N7BGdiXjHZoUACqku-9xOHOoQqWYmBI5FP7swgFSTGyMKcCoyXRVCeKSKQs_ZvHqBFj/s1600-h/pinkcream1.lr.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpd8DJ_E2DYj535VrIpx0R9t0PmeQNAIJHbxZpmaZzwHuutRdYpiyhNvcBpBFjw6OuqFOEP1RD2N7BGdiXjHZoUACqku-9xOHOoQqWYmBI5FP7swgFSTGyMKcCoyXRVCeKSKQs_ZvHqBFj/s400/pinkcream1.lr.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445343018611413794" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b>(click image for larger view)</b></span></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYK1zf-jRqIA1mRHknOZN3yA8_xaiKaHVhnR22NWq4VlJwVcmwAruXXPsSGaqFt_d3gJADaABeKEbyrJ2syfXcTVPIVnH7um65PZ5FVZ1cAeIIvXYt9PTAcGcVHkcDOe8jj-4Z5_JVRhB/s1600-h/pinkcream1.lr.jpg"></a><div><div><br /></div><div>Roses, roses, roses. Shakespeare really knew what he was talking about. I am offering the fine art print above as part of the Inspiration Avenue art auction for the <a href="http://www.angelfacesretreat.org/af/">Angel Faces Retreats</a>. The auction begins Sunday March 7 and wraps up Sunday March 14.</div><div><br /></div><div>This 8x10 fine art print is just the right size for that little nook or small spot of bare wall. Professionally printed with metallic finish. If you love roses you must have this print!</div><div><br /></div><div>Bidding starts at $5.00 dollars, all bids in whole dollars, $1.00 increments. Only bids in US dollars will be counted. You must leave an email address in order to receive a PayPal invoice. The winner will be notified Sunday March 14th via email and will have 72 hours to make payment. If payment is not made within 72 hours the next highest bidder will be notified. Make your bid at the <a href="http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/">Inspiration Avenue</a> site.</div><div><br /></div><div>This print will be sent without watermark in a protective sleeve and rigid mailer via First Class US Postal Mail. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please head to Inspiration Avenue to see all the other beautiful offerings from the team. Lovely art for a very worthy cause. Come on. You know you want to.</div></div></div></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-16532017002022016242010-03-03T19:02:00.007-05:002010-03-04T13:36:27.394-05:00Inspiration Avenue Charity Art Auction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinP1HwCKMz5QTw8UAH1yoGg6SW05gEEOUQFL_X22cCf5o-nNTuLtPowgwvNYAhLJu7q_EejUykXkf3yoEAf6yjiFdBg9xEaH5eWjiMw7_K3i-3EUWfWRP_WMQb6mIc2MKFFmvHyTBNMK6t/s1600-h/AuctionFlyer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinP1HwCKMz5QTw8UAH1yoGg6SW05gEEOUQFL_X22cCf5o-nNTuLtPowgwvNYAhLJu7q_EejUykXkf3yoEAf6yjiFdBg9xEaH5eWjiMw7_K3i-3EUWfWRP_WMQb6mIc2MKFFmvHyTBNMK6t/s400/AuctionFlyer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444753509694281650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>(click for larger version</i></span>)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Inspiration Avenue is having a Charity Auction on March 7, 2010. We're hoping to raise money for Angel Faces, a truly magical project.</div><div><br /></div><div>Please stop by <a href="http://www.inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/">Inspiration Avenue</a> on Sunday to see all the gorgeous goodies we will have listed. I know you'll find something lovely, and you'll be helping a very worth cause. What's better than that?</div><div><br /></div><div>The poster above was created by the amazing Maggie. Go check out <a href="http://intothemagpiesnest.blogspot.com/">her site</a>, it's incredible.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-46903992103157313002010-03-02T10:19:00.004-05:002010-03-02T12:41:31.861-05:00Lists: Favorite Words<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z3CqrEmzhc3z78bwt3_2ieFHSIaR46nWNsNAeGXULO3agWQfZ5Z9wf_KQL0qdVpAVeyXDCzMteUneUI5kj488gkrwFkGEXUdLTWUag6nczZe_-PHqHKpusYX49Zbjyw3GbVCjCy6yryg/s1600-h/ringlingpalms.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z3CqrEmzhc3z78bwt3_2ieFHSIaR46nWNsNAeGXULO3agWQfZ5Z9wf_KQL0qdVpAVeyXDCzMteUneUI5kj488gkrwFkGEXUdLTWUag6nczZe_-PHqHKpusYX49Zbjyw3GbVCjCy6yryg/s400/ringlingpalms.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444056572427189810" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Blue Sky and Palm Trees - Nikon D40 with 55mm lens</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Last week was a mess, so there was no list post. This week's list is totally random. Some of these words I like because of their meaning, others because the sound nice or look pretty. Like I said, random. Here goes (in no particular order):</div><div><br /></div><div>:: Hypotenuse</div><div>:: Serendipity</div><div>:: Believe</div><div>:: Hope</div><div>:: Cherish</div><div>:: Lavender</div><div>:: Awesome</div><div>:: Bodacious</div><div>:: Lugubrious</div><div>:: Zaftig</div><div>:: Create</div><div>:: Wisdom</div><div>:: Stupendous</div><div>:: Fantastic</div><div>:: Wily</div><div>:: Moxie</div><div>:: Breadth</div><div>:: Azure</div><div>:: Seraphim</div><div>:: Tangent</div><div>:: Quicksilver</div><div>:: Aubergine</div><div>:: Esoteric</div><div>:: The 'F' word (sorry, but it really is one of my favorite words - I use it often)</div><div>:: Phenomenal</div><div>:: Solemnity</div><div>:: Ghost</div><div>:: Fortitude</div><div>:: Power</div><div><br /></div><div>What are your favorite words?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-69082884627105722332010-02-27T17:42:00.002-05:002010-02-27T17:46:28.114-05:00Weekly Challenge - Purple<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6Ong1NcuElbD6bZZWDn0kZQSoVewX5EGKrFOiGF9Miu_DjvXgmCA-YZvfv9BugHc1MkRN38m73QD_zjDxTHegHLQUpCmb7jHqurZ8jlWrn4Z4aoCvLW1vtkJjS_DnHMod0sArU28nTW5/s1600-h/purpleorchidchallenge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6Ong1NcuElbD6bZZWDn0kZQSoVewX5EGKrFOiGF9Miu_DjvXgmCA-YZvfv9BugHc1MkRN38m73QD_zjDxTHegHLQUpCmb7jHqurZ8jlWrn4Z4aoCvLW1vtkJjS_DnHMod0sArU28nTW5/s400/purpleorchidchallenge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443057701176170706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Purple Orchid - Nikon D40 with 55 mm lens</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Well, I missed this week's list post on Tuesday, but at least I finally did a challenge. Woohoo for mediocre blog posting! Sorry, guys. Real life gets in the way of my online life. My online life is way more fun.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-56848992338123510642010-02-16T07:01:00.000-05:002010-02-16T07:01:00.359-05:00Lists: Desserts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mG2hz9XNSFnywu6pEWsgzmWUHqLKXbk_e5saOIDil1ADZmJYZhoHSt1gTikT0KKII_aeNgPGKrkca4cuCkCaKLKmGlqvoLyiyR5ZDSHx5B68bjWGcqzfqW0VI60j0fXMAkkq7wKFQsCt/s1600-h/cheesecake+cups.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mG2hz9XNSFnywu6pEWsgzmWUHqLKXbk_e5saOIDil1ADZmJYZhoHSt1gTikT0KKII_aeNgPGKrkca4cuCkCaKLKmGlqvoLyiyR5ZDSHx5B68bjWGcqzfqW0VI60j0fXMAkkq7wKFQsCt/s400/cheesecake+cups.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438625515502755874" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cheesecake Cups - Sony Cybershot</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is one of my favorite lists of all time. Because I'm a girl who <i>loves</i> her sweets. </div><div><br /></div><div>1. Brownies: Nothing better than Ghirardelli double chocolate brownies. These are best right out of the oven, so the chocolate chips are still melty.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Homemade chocolate chip cookies: I recently switched to Alice's <a href="http://savorysweetlife.com/2009/10/alices-chocolate-chip-cookie-recipe/">recipe,</a> after using the Toll House one for twenty years. This new one blows Toll House away. Warm chocolate chip cookies are a basic food group in my house.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Apple crisp: Must be made with Pink Lady apples, and Ina Garten's <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/apple-and-pear-crisp-recipe/index.html">recipe</a>. Will not last more than two days, even though it's huge. Trust me.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Blackberry cobbler: I use jarred blackberries from Cracker Barrel and a simple, almost plain topping I found online fifteen years ago. Heaven.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. Cheesecake cups: Simple and delicious. See the photo above. I use jarred cherries from Cracker Barrel. Their country store has some awesome foodstuffs. And the key to the lightness of the cheesecake here is to beat the cream cheese and egg mixture for at least five minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what sort of sugarplum sweet dance in your dreams?</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-57961512328489529212010-02-09T05:43:00.004-05:002010-02-09T14:31:46.621-05:00Lists: Guitar Gods<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIweLGY2EYf_NcVY85uxI-yylEP5YICCC3IkzkUkHtwjok2sltbIwtrSbhZOCeZUM3LdKkLw8deKBmFULik7MCjTBMJCNU5ng0ArDwdbm-iTl4Bv2CBFJFqETv9FpMTYTL75hflMKiHNV/s1600-h/blue.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIweLGY2EYf_NcVY85uxI-yylEP5YICCC3IkzkUkHtwjok2sltbIwtrSbhZOCeZUM3LdKkLw8deKBmFULik7MCjTBMJCNU5ng0ArDwdbm-iTl4Bv2CBFJFqETv9FpMTYTL75hflMKiHNV/s400/blue.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436065984870756354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Look At That Blue - Nikon D40 with 55mm lens</span></i></div><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>I am a music lover. I can't play an instrument or sing to save my life, but I've got good ears and I love a blistering guitar solo. So here's my list of Guitar Gods, in order of worship.</div><br /><div> </div><div>1. Eric Clapton - The greatest guitar player ever. His solo on the original version of "Layla" pretty much says it all. Slowhand is a virtuoso, made even more interesting my his willingness to try new styles, while always paying tribute to the blues he loves most.</div><div>Favorite song: <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzJZTwFYKv4">It's In The Way That You Use It</a></i></div><br /><div> </div><div>2. Eddie Van Halen - Come on, I was an impressionable little music fan in the 80's. Of course I am going to pick him! The things he can do with a guitar will blow your mind. </div><div>Favorite song: <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swzh0ngMNJo">Jump</a></i></div><div><br /></div><div>3. Vince Gill - If you're not a fan of country music you might not even recognize this artist. If you are I don't need to tell you why he's amazing. I have all his CDs (from back when we still bought CDs). What he does with a guitar is complex, but he makes it look so easy.</div><div>Favorite Song: <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y99gAVwNoo">Tryin' To Get Over You</a></i></div><div><br /></div><div>4. Jimi Hendrix - He may not have invented the electric guitar, but he showed everybody else how to play it. He was the original innovator. Who knows what he would have done, had his demons not conquered him.</div><div>Favorite Song: <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14qTXRkAKr8">All Along The Watchtower</a></i></div><div><br /></div><div>5. Pete Townsend - I certainly don't like every song The Who ever recorded. But the guitar in "Baba O'Reilly" (better known as "Teenage Wasteland") is practically supernatural. Add in Keith Moon's lunatic drums and you've got a virtually perfect rock song.</div><div>Favorite Song: <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2KRpRMSu4g">Baba O'Riley</a></i></div><div><br /></div><div>6. Stevie Ray Vaughn - I am no expert on Texas boogie-rock, but I love damn near everything this man recorded in his short career. "The House Is Rockin" might be the single most fun song I've ever heard.</div><div>Favorite Song: <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LBZ2vUwDqw">Pride and Joy</a></i></div><div><br /></div><div>So tell me I'm wrong, or tell me I'm right. Let's talk about music, kids.</div><div><br /></div><div>(Click the Favorite Song titles to hear some of the greatest guitar ever played.)</div><div><br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-63818004657916931662010-02-04T17:54:00.003-05:002010-02-04T18:01:22.125-05:00Things I Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRnx61MlUPHB5iPHeR-H0kiu2roIeZKbh5P9o2SfnvBPSZKqqRpy5NYKihPMifUJYnc-O0fktpwyDDuz0n1raH3GSVS0xwX6Jycz9YpaNUzoCiGsTvfhLxU0apjvR654jwFqUu83Ktyok/s1600-h/rubensgallery.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRnx61MlUPHB5iPHeR-H0kiu2roIeZKbh5P9o2SfnvBPSZKqqRpy5NYKihPMifUJYnc-O0fktpwyDDuz0n1raH3GSVS0xwX6Jycz9YpaNUzoCiGsTvfhLxU0apjvR654jwFqUu83Ktyok/s400/rubensgallery.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434526202460422610" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rubens Gallery, Ringling Museum - Nikon D40 with 55mm lens</i></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Oh how I love an art museum. The wood, the art, the quiet, the cool - did I mention the art? This is the Peter Paul Ruebens gallery at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, FL. Those paintings on the wall are gigantic. And 500 years old. How does something that large survive that long? I really can't wrap my head around it.</span></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-70916478492874131802010-02-02T05:39:00.000-05:002010-02-02T05:39:00.458-05:00List: Things On My Desk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJfUu1K8gFre8iNZT5gGQBzow39zz-nVzIMQHZlh2BJUJ31BDMMJSlhwhPpy2eviixntXWOqcXRXvT2MZEXXXY8vknd8OxYns4dSe3rz8OtzXt7yO-cbhCU7dNuWyV-C5wCc5KJ3qEHSB/s1600-h/brightroses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJfUu1K8gFre8iNZT5gGQBzow39zz-nVzIMQHZlh2BJUJ31BDMMJSlhwhPpy2eviixntXWOqcXRXvT2MZEXXXY8vknd8OxYns4dSe3rz8OtzXt7yO-cbhCU7dNuWyV-C5wCc5KJ3qEHSB/s400/brightroses.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433408667326303554" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Colorful Roses - Nikon D40 with 55 mm lens</i></div></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I have to confess, I secretly love reading about or seeing things on people's desks. I like to see how others create their space, what they use to inspire them, if they are totally utilitarian or incorporate more whimsy. I think I'm a little of both. So here is what's on my desk (In no particular order):</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">1. Cordless keyboard and mouse, 24" monitor, HP printer, Altec Lansing computer speakers.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">2. Bright pink and blue sticky notes, lined index cards, pink, blue and purple binder clips.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">3. Two retractable ball point pens and teal, fuchsia and lavender Sharpies.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">4. Blue iPod Nano.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">5. Alarm clock, Aveeno lotion, bottle of water (my desk is right next to my bed, so it also functions as a nightstand).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">6. Calculator, double-sided tape, stapler.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">7. A 2GB flash drive and a card-reader for my camera memory cards.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">7. "Balance", my word of the year, handwritten on an index card.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">8. A small metal sign that says CREATE.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">So who wants to share what's on their desk?</span></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-22044966000951700222010-01-29T08:01:00.002-05:002010-01-29T08:01:00.734-05:00Sunshine Award<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwS4nU8GeMdC3YWLlaZDBbQ0dvP5vhh8kExfkrVB0ZSNcXMaeJCKFpN9i0lxu82IUIrbVwtZJOx3oQ_9C9LHhoMFEpG7-qrDulnstgdyknrvNmNALhnynUZ0sC_1DwnFYXQPZ15EK1CkGc/s1600-h/rosesbday2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwS4nU8GeMdC3YWLlaZDBbQ0dvP5vhh8kExfkrVB0ZSNcXMaeJCKFpN9i0lxu82IUIrbVwtZJOx3oQ_9C9LHhoMFEpG7-qrDulnstgdyknrvNmNALhnynUZ0sC_1DwnFYXQPZ15EK1CkGc/s400/rosesbday2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431930249007716482" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Birthday Roses - Nikon D40 with 55 mm lens</i></div></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sharon from <a href="http://manamoon-studios.blogspot.com/">Mana Moon</a> is at it again! She has awarded me the delightful Sunshine Award. And then a few hours later I got a note from Shel of <a href="http://shelinwa.blogspot.com/">Pics by Shel</a> that she also named me in her award. I don't know what I did to be so lucky to be awarded twice, but I hope I can live up to it!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OYflrnteKg0/S2C6jpRbNrI/AAAAAAAAAt8/3Lh78ONRvgs/s1600/sunshineblogaward.jpg" alt="[sunshineblogaward.jpg]" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I can't tell you how much I love getting emails about these awards. It's the little things that count, people.</div><div><br /></div><div>So here's my list for the Sunshine Award.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. <a href="http://manamoon-studios.blogspot.com/">Mana Moon Studios</a></div><div>2. <a href="http://inkonmyfingers.typepad.com/">Ink on My Fingers</a></div><div>3. <a href="http://pimpandpaint.blogspot.com/">Pimp & Paint</a></div><div>4. <a href="http://bluepoppy.omworks.com/">Bluepoppy</a></div><div>5. <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/">A Cup of Jo</a></div><div>6. <a href="http://chocolateandzucchini.com/">Chocolate and Zucchini</a></div><div>7. <a href="http://ohjoy.blogs.com/">Oh Joy!</a></div><div>8. <a href="http://www.unruly-things.com/">Unruly Things</a></div><div>9. <a href="http://citified.blogspot.com/">This is Glamorous</a></div><div>10. <a href="http://fromme-toyou.tumblr.com/">From Me To You</a></div><div>11. <a href="http://hulaseventy.blogspot.com/">Hula Seventy</a></div><div>12.<a href="http://orangette.blogspot.com/"> Orangette</a></div><div> </div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-53018883669501757172010-01-28T14:42:00.006-05:002010-01-28T14:54:29.080-05:00Gone To The Birds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkBNR-Rp2UFEGi2hSxVeObtN3bfXAF4rBJhUlSk-12zwreuMUZw6S9hbgr8cd7qJRy0DnfW9fFa2zRR-EDHHsxBeEscqR0zh1l7HFZ9thqXfAc-NkiiWFmJR2yJvyAZiYzTsQbS4pFNi9/s1600-h/sunnypelicans2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkBNR-Rp2UFEGi2hSxVeObtN3bfXAF4rBJhUlSk-12zwreuMUZw6S9hbgr8cd7qJRy0DnfW9fFa2zRR-EDHHsxBeEscqR0zh1l7HFZ9thqXfAc-NkiiWFmJR2yJvyAZiYzTsQbS4pFNi9/s400/sunnypelicans2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431878690151388066" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Breakfast with the Pelicans - Sony Cybershot</span></div></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Since the pelicans are still hanging around, I thought I'd post more photos. Because what's more fun than pelicans? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Apparently the water is so cold the fish are basically stunned motionless, so the pelicans just sit on the surface scooping them up. Then don't even need to dive for them, like they usually do. Lazy pelicans. Soon to be fat pelicans at the rate they're going.</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJa47Z2c-_9DJfBwtQ54Am0eq1e6h97XWeqzpJ2HTiaC1QJQRFEwesijExvxP7Jz_LnlRNAjfMzMjOTDOIabb-fW0Zj2vk5HV42zGKhvElhVNFQQ8bqgzWVQJ9M3qjlRSIwBnRHPpBn8w/s1600-h/sunnypelicans1.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJa47Z2c-_9DJfBwtQ54Am0eq1e6h97XWeqzpJ2HTiaC1QJQRFEwesijExvxP7Jz_LnlRNAjfMzMjOTDOIabb-fW0Zj2vk5HV42zGKhvElhVNFQQ8bqgzWVQJ9M3qjlRSIwBnRHPpBn8w/s400/sunnypelicans1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431878598827288082" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";color:#000000;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";color:#000000;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJa47Z2c-_9DJfBwtQ54Am0eq1e6h97XWeqzpJ2HTiaC1QJQRFEwesijExvxP7Jz_LnlRNAjfMzMjOTDOIabb-fW0Zj2vk5HV42zGKhvElhVNFQQ8bqgzWVQJ9M3qjlRSIwBnRHPpBn8w/s1600-h/sunnypelicans1.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Sushi for Breakfast - Sony Cybershot</span></i></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></i></span></div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">If you click on the photos to enlarge you can seem them gobbling up the fish. Funny birds.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></span><br /></div></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-61925906920960005972010-01-26T01:31:00.003-05:002010-01-26T01:31:00.264-05:00List-Making<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJnU-yfGlrVwoBNz1M2tXE421krNE58SQyLneRHNkv7t3Z1h8khd0_AeaDdfdjALo2hkqflXmJLJ4lI2UY-u6Mq8JWGH7wqVDPiXcNje8r5fxFex-pVr5WqfUFyjAfjH9ne3K0hyphenhyphenLmh6Y/s1600-h/orchid001_sel.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJnU-yfGlrVwoBNz1M2tXE421krNE58SQyLneRHNkv7t3Z1h8khd0_AeaDdfdjALo2hkqflXmJLJ4lI2UY-u6Mq8JWGH7wqVDPiXcNje8r5fxFex-pVr5WqfUFyjAfjH9ne3K0hyphenhyphenLmh6Y/s400/orchid001_sel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430315465023057010" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Glowing Orchid - Nikon D40 with 55 mm lens</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I am shamelessly borrowing an idea from </span><a href="http://hulaseventy.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Hula Seventy</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> wherein I will make a list every week until January 2011. Because I love to make lists. Not useful to-do lists, but things like Top 5 All-Time Guitar Gods. (Being a music fan, you'll see that list soon.) These lists may be funny, or serious, or silly, or anything in between. This is going to be fun.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I'll start things off with something simple: Favorite Colors (because I love color like a baby loves her mama.) In no particular order:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">1. Intense magenta: regal and noble.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">2. Shimmery pale pink: the perfect shade of eyeshadow.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">3. Chocolate: excellent home decorating shade</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">4. Eggplant purple: a little goes a long way</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">5. Bright White: it makes all colors look better (I know white isn't technically a color, but hey, it's my list)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">6. Metallic candy-apple red: nothing sexier.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">7. Deep midnight blue: the color of secrets.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Look for my lists every Tuesday!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-4217514706707904312010-01-24T10:05:00.000-05:002010-01-24T10:05:00.475-05:00Inspiration Avenue: Mystique<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmZD0t90_CkwOhswHxGnBnmmOF9FsZ3sm9u2DDpDS96saeP8s-SxcL2DgQM4JF9Hmt8O3swhiSZuI_86kNWoLOePyZMtN203knZsPSAgWlqTToRI377O6NLe0gryJFg0Bbv8W2DPGAp6H/s1600-h/foggypelicans.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmZD0t90_CkwOhswHxGnBnmmOF9FsZ3sm9u2DDpDS96saeP8s-SxcL2DgQM4JF9Hmt8O3swhiSZuI_86kNWoLOePyZMtN203knZsPSAgWlqTToRI377O6NLe0gryJFg0Bbv8W2DPGAp6H/s400/foggypelicans.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429952484391294530" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Foggy Pelicans, January 22, 2009 - Sony Cybershot</span></div></i><div><br /></div><div>Here on the west coast of Florida we rarely get fog during the day. But due to the current cold water, warm air circumstance, a giant bank of sea fog rolled in off the Gulf yesterday. These pelicans didn't seem to mind, though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't you think Foggy Pelican sounds like the name of a great old British pub? Maybe I watch too many movies.</div><div><br /></div><div>Please stop by <a href="http://www.inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/">Inspiration Avenue</a> and see the amazing work being submitted for the Weekly Challenge.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8173449944371787134.post-40068430819336809052010-01-22T18:46:00.001-05:002010-01-22T18:49:24.312-05:00Quote of the Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLUVaoIp-Imjj4LyWgEwsFY_SILn-jpbOxEPCMTSi4laZXFECdrpYBUpXzfKKODDDW2_3Vy9T051fQLmk8xhEWVRbcyxQavPOih4-oLQymVH70pnSYEP-S54vfLvhly4x7f-e-ngiuNS3/s1600-h/palms001.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLUVaoIp-Imjj4LyWgEwsFY_SILn-jpbOxEPCMTSi4laZXFECdrpYBUpXzfKKODDDW2_3Vy9T051fQLmk8xhEWVRbcyxQavPOih4-oLQymVH70pnSYEP-S54vfLvhly4x7f-e-ngiuNS3/s400/palms001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429714923444402546" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Winter Palms - Nikon D40 with 55mm lens</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><i>"Where ever you go, go with all your heart.</i>"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">~Confucius</span></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12154653377961318268noreply@blogger.com1