Monthly Archives: August 2015
Weekly Cover Makeover Challenge (nine)
Book Cover Makeover
I really liked the book “1984” and its disturbing concept of Big Brother when I first read it a long time ago. Having read it several more times since then, I was excited to see the book was selected for the cover makeover challenge this week.
For this week’s challenge, hosted by Desley and Lucile, I started by taking a nighttime picture of the moon-glow outside of my dining room window without a flash. Then, I rotated the photo and added the camera+ concert lighting and instant filter which changed the color scheme. I also adjusted the contrast. Using the Over app to add text was the finishing touch.
I think the grainy mix of light and dark sets the right tone for a look into the world of the “future.” I think it may be time for a re-read!
The Backyard Bunch-Woodpecker
Peck, Peck, Peck
Introducing Woody. Ever since I heard the “peck, peck, peck” of a woodpecker earlier this year, I have been hoping to capture a picture of the elusive bird.
Today, when my dog scratched the door to go out, I saw my opportunity. The small bird was pecking on my dogwood tree, near the hummingbird feeder. I ran to grab my camera. When the bird then landed on my poor braided hibiscus plant, which is now only sticks thanks to being a wildlife snack, I snapped his picture. Unfortunately, he flew away before I could get a clearer shot.
Still, I did get the one picture and here he is. Look closely and you can see the red spot at the back of his head, identifying him as an adult male downy woodpecker!
Ice Marbles (One Word Photo Challenge-Hail)
Holy Hailstorm!
This picture was taken 3 years ago during a hailstorm. I immediately thought of it when I saw the topic since Facebook had just reminded me a few days ago that I first posted it there 3 years ago. I believe the photo credit may go to my brother. Here, we just cropped it a little and added an auto flash for clarity using the camera+ app. My brother says he can still see some faint indentations on the hood of his car from that storm. As you can see, the many stones were about the size of the head of a clover. Look at all those ice marbles!
*posted for JNW’s One Word Photo Challenge-Hail
The Backyard Bunch-Blue Jay
Blue Jay
Introducing Blue. Blue can frequently be seen flying between the branches of tall trees. Here, Blue uses utility lines to perch for a bird’s eye view of my yard. Bright white and vibrant blue feathers stand out against a backdrop of summer greenery to showcase the beauty of Blue Jay.
I never see two blue jays, only one. Blue seems to be a solitary bird. Still, he fits right in with the rest of the backyard bunch, displaying no lack of affinity with his feathered friends.
Creepy Clinger
Creepy Clinger
The underside of this flying creature was creepily interesting. The clinging pose was almost predatory. Unexpected fur covered horns caused me to shudder but I couldn’t look away from this strange creature.
Of course, I had to see the other side and was still baffled. What kind of mystery moth or butterfly was this? Was it a mutant? Here is a view from the other side. The texture seemed unusual. Perhaps it would be beautiful with open wings. Does anybody know what this is?
Mystery Moth
Posted for the daily post photo challenge:
Creepy
BeeSpeak Lessons (Happy Blog-O-Versary to Me)
Year One
When I started my blog one year ago today, I had no idea where it would lead me. I thought I would explore life lessons learned along the busy beeline of my life. As my interests and interactions evolved, so did my blog. I have had an opportunity to share my thoughts, writing and photography. My blog has served as a creative outlet for me and a way to expand my world with blogger friends. I really enjoy posting, reading blogs and interacting with all you fellow bloggers. Looking back, I have learned valuable life lessons, ten of which I will share with you here.
1. Be Happy. I discovered that taking pictures makes me happy.
2. Be Observant. It is easy to find beauty in the mundane, if you take the time to look.
3. Be Kind. Words matter.
4. Be Calm. Most anger arises from fear.
5. Be Amazed. I am amazed and a little obsessed with my hummingbirds and nature in general.
6. Be Caring. It is vital to care about others and also to let others care about you.
7. Be Creative. Taking photos and writing poetry, haiku or stories can free your mind.
8. Be Appreciative. Try to recognize the special but fleeting moments of simple daily life.
9. Be Friendly. You really can make blogger friends if you interact.
10. Be Loving. My love for God, family, pets, friends and nature is what lights my spirit.
I am looking forward to another year of learning and growing with you all!
Country Market-The Changing Seasons 08
The lazy, purple hazy, daze of summer has come upon the country market. The air is heavy and it is hot and humid. My eyes settle on deep greens, pinks and purples. A Silver-Spotted Skipper butterfly is drawn to rest on vibrant flowering plants of the same colors. Summer is winding down and I hope the swirl is slow.
This is my eighth installment for Cardinal Guzman’s Monthly Photo Challenge. We are to post 5-20 pictures each month at a nearby location to showcase the changing of seasons and hone our photography skills. You should check out his photos and the links that he posts to other entries you may also enjoy viewing. You can see my previous galleries by clicking on the Changing Seasons header at the top of this page.
Don’t Let The Grass Grow
Don’t Let The Grass Grow
“Don’t let the grass grow under your feet.”
Do you follow this old adage?
*posted in response to the daily post photo challenge:
Beneath Your Feet
Weekly Cover Makeover Challenge (six)
Novel Cover Makeover
Here is my version of a cover makeover for the book, The House We Grew Up In. This fun challenge, hosted by Lucile and DesleyJane, asks us to create a new version of an existing album, movie or book cover that is selected for us each week.
I love pictures of houses, so I had to take the opportunity to use one here. I cropped my photo for book cover shape, added a fade filter and used the Over app to add the words. I hope the hazy quality of the shot conjurs a feeling of the past and adds an element of mystery regarding a family history.
the beespeak 