Formal Newport

Newport is one of my most favorite spots in the world.

There is truly something for everyone to love in this lovely city.

And there is so much to photograph.

Have a look.

Maybe you'll want to plan your own trip there.

xoxo S.

 

This is the formal side. Tomorrow...a bit of the nautical side.

Winter Blooms

January can be sometimes very gray and uninspiring.

But hidden among the mist and tangled branches a few little treasures can be found.

Have a look.

xoxo S.

 

 

And of course some left over poinsettias are always pretty

Chocolate

Who doesn't love a good piece of chocolate?

xoxo S.

Nothing like a Good Cup of Tea

You can almost taste it!

xoxo S.

Reflection on Loss

January, for me is a time to stay close to home, reflect, maybe even hibernate a bit.

Why not, it is cold and a bit uninspiring out.

And today I heard the sad news of the passing of a family member.

The news caused me to reflect again on family and the circle of life.

I was thinking of how one generation teaches the next about life, tradition, family history and values. 

And this we pass onto our children.

And so it all goes.

I will miss this beloved aunt quite a bit.

Even though I had not seen her in person in quite awhile....

The hole will still there.

Another Angel in Heaven....

And the circle of life continues...

xoxo S.

A memory from her beloved homeland.

Trekking the Himalayas

While on the the theme of my Bucket List...

Why not a trek through the Himalayas.....

And an Expedition to Mount Everest....

Also a grand adventure....

Also as experienced at Disney's Animal Kingdom....

Again, my pictures can tell the story......

And one can dream, Right?

xoxo S



I would begin my trek at the Bazaar.....

And perhaps the marketplace....or among the ruins

 



Not sure what this guy is supposed to do...hopefully scare off any evil spirits....

Supplies for the climb up Mount Everest

I am most certain that actually climbing Mount Everest would

 NOT be on my bucket list!



Asian tigers. Nice to be lazy!

And white water rafting has to be a great finish to any trek!

The mysterious Mount Everest. Highest Peak in the World!

(Well, not this Mount Everest...but the other one)

Out of Africa

These days everyone seems to have a "Bucket List."

Took me awhile to figure out what that meant.

And I am not even sure I have one....but if I did.....

An African Safari would most certainly be on it.

I have always wanted to photograph the wonderful African Savannah ....

with all it's amazing wildlife.

But the closest I might ever get to such a grand adventure...

Is a trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom.

And that's OK. It's a pretty nice adventure....even if it's not the real thing.

So, here are my photos.....taken as if I were on Safari.....

Enjoy the adventure!

xoxo S.

 

The atmosphere at the lodge was so

realistic....it really could be somewhere "Out of Africa."

Off on our Safari Adventure

The African Savannah......no really.....OK, not really.

Not sure if there are flamingos in Africa, but these fit right in.

 

An amazing African Elephant

So amazing

One can't help but be amazed by the grandeur of these Giraffes

 

Beautiful Vistas

Absolutely cool Osterriches

The Lion King

These Rhino looks mighty fierce

The Lioness keeping watch



 

This may or may not be a zebra's behind.....but he sure did

Strike a Pose

The Muir Cat Standing Guard

After the safari, a stroll in the market place for some hand-made crafts

Enchanting African Drums

Never too much Pink

Recently I was invited to a 10 year old girl's birthday party.

I can't even remember the last time I had been to a birthday party that didn't include Transformers, Pokemon, Nerf guns or X-box games.

Had sort of forgotten that naturally the decorations would probably all be in pink.

And I was a bit surprised by how taken I was with all the pink.

Pink balloons, pink napkins, pink dolls, pink cupcakes......

You get the drift.

I LOVED it.

Such a sweet setting.

And when the Barbie cake was eaten and the pink balloons had drifted home with parting guests,

I happily returned to my noisy home of boys, Transformers, Pokemon, Nerf guns and X-box games.

Yes, the blue has won me over.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

But I can still enjoy a bit of pink once in awhile.

How about you?

xoxo S.



Patiently awaiting the cutting of the birthday cake!





Pre-Party Preparations

A Barbie Doll Birthday Cake is the table centerpiece.

Black and White

Classic in Photography.

I am always drawn to it.

These travel photos I took came out quite dramatic in black and white.

So...what do you prefer? Color or Black&White?

I can't decide.

xoxo S.

A London Street

Spanish Cliff Town

Olive Fields and White Washed Towns in Southern Spain

The Grand Canal

 

Spanish Hill Towns

 

Greek Fishing Village

Alaskan Shoreline

Prince William Sound Glacier