Photo Challenge Day # 56

Day # 56

I love spring time! The leaves on the trees are budding out, turning the world green. The grass sprouting its first dandelions of the year. Tulips have bloomed, and new growth is everywhere.

Last weekend the parking lots at local lumber yards and green houses were busy! Everyone running around like ants, building, digging, raking.

Well, I am doing the same thing! Progress is in the works here.

I posted a "before" picture of my front yard, and it is a work in progress, so I will post a "teaser" for you....just to keep you in the loop!

Day # 56       "For my Front Yard"

 Happy Spring yard work and garden prepping !

See you tomorrow with Day # 57!

Jewels

Photo Challenge Day # 55

Day # 55

Today was a very lovely morning. I was pleased that I was able to get out to take some photographs. I really wasn't sure where I was heading with my camera. But, since I was down town early, I thought why not start here!

My picture today is downtown, Prince George. As you know, (if you read my first blogg posting), that the City of Prince George is 100 years old. In this picture, I hope you can see the history of Prince George, its past, present and future.
Prince George is my home town, I have been here for 41 yrs. I am almost a pioneer! My home, my life is here!

Day # 55 "My Hometown"

The picture was taken this morning at 7:30 a.m. on the corner of 3rd. and Victoria. 

Photo Challenge Day # 54

Day # 54

Its a Murder!

Once upon a midnight dreary...

Well, it wasn't midnight, it was in the middle of the afternoon. 

Crows are smart, intelligent birds. I have read that they not only can use a "tool" but can create a "tool" !

They remember faces, that if a human helps a crow, they will remember and tell their friends. 

They love to fly (well, they are birds!) and have fun. Today during the wind storm, I have watched a crow, fly high up in the sky with the wind, and then zoom down towards the ground. With his wings back and beak pointed the the earth! (Julie was not fast enough with her camera!) He did this several times!

Last year I had a seed bell hanging in a tree. It was on a very wobbly branch. There were about 5 crows. Each one took its turn on the branch to knock off the seeds for the ones on the ground. But, the branch was much to wobbly for the crows. But, they did find a friend, a much smaller crow! He knocked the seeds off so the bigger ones on the ground could eat. I also put a second seed bell on another tree. I thought the crows would be greedy and take over both seed bells. They didn't, they kept to their one bell, and let the chickadees  have their own bell for their  breakfast.  

Day # 54    "The Birds"

  After seeing so many crows (a Murder) on the street, it reminds me of a movie, Alfred Hitchcock's, "The Birds"! 

So, maybe be kind to the crows that come to visit, maybe they will be kind to you!

Have a great day. See you tomorrow with Day # 55

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 53

Day # 53


I live in a great place! Just a 10 minute drive and I am at Cottonwood Island Park.
 My go to place for a walk, with coffee in hand and camera slung on my shoulder. 
I go to there to be near water, to hear the many birds singing and calling out, and to watch the water fowl.
Even in a cloudy dreary day like this morning, you can see still, hear, feel, smell nature in the city. 
Yes, I believe we are truly blessed and lucky to live here.

 

 

 

 

Day # 53    "Take Off! "

 

 

 




I took several photos of the goose taking off and flying, amazing to watch! 


See you tomorrow with Day # 54!

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day #52

Day #52


Exploring along the Fraser River, right here in Prince George. A person can encounter many things. 
Beaver chewing the bark off branches. All sorts of birds singing, flying with the breeze in the sunny blue sky.
In the distance you can hear the rail cars, shunting in the distance. Letting me know that I am still in city limits.
Following the trails, made by man, deer, moose to the waters edge. Climbing over and under fallen trees to a mossy clearing. Smelling the pine trees, the moss, the new leaf buds ready for the leaves to burst out into the sun.
Feeling like an explorer, resting on my mossy spot. I look around and sadly I find, bike tires in the tree, an oven, car parts, as well as bottles and cans. 
I am not sure if I was on a nature trail, or at a land fill site.

Day # 52       "Mini Fungi" 

 But among the mess from humans, I can still find beauty!


See you tomorrow with Day # 53!

Jewels 

Photo Challenge # 51

Day # 51


My tulips are blooming! Well, the tulips in my front flower beds are blooming! They are the first ones to open up and let me know that it is spring is really here!! 
Tulips are pretty tough little flowers. They manage to survive the spring snowfall we often get here.
While I was photographing my tulips, I remembered a story from a few years ago!

There once was a girl, who had a curl right in the middle of her forehead…ooops! Wrong story… 
There was a little girl, she was about 3 years old, with brown hair. She was a cute little girl. She was always full of fun and mischief. She, like her siblings, also loved being outside. Not the typical ribbon and curl girl. Digging in the dirt, hanging on the monkey bars kind of girl. 
She also had 2 sisters, and 2 brothers.
 The house was a busy, noisy house.  There was always someone going in or out, someone crying, laughing or in trouble.
It was during this time of year, the tulips were just opening up. 
The little girls mother was busy with the other children, household chores, yard work, cooking, cleaning, and more.  On this day the mother was making lunch, when the little girl came into the house. 
To the mothers horror, and the little girls delight. The little girl had picked all the tulip blossoms,(with no stems). Her little hands were full of tulips!
 Long story short, the mother tried to float tulips so they could enjoy them indoors (have you ever tried to float tulips they are not like roses!)

Twenty or so years later, these flowers still come up, red and yellow! I lovingly remember this  little girl…

Day # 51 "Tulips"

I have also was told a story about this little girls grandmother, who when she was a little girl had done the same thing!

Now, is it a family trait…or is it just little girls love to pick flowers for their mothers?

May flowers give you treasured memories…

See you tomorrow with Day # 52!

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 50

Day # 50

Today is the end of a work week. 
Yes, I have entered the land of the employed once again. I am the "new kid" at work! Me! A newbie! 
Once again starting from the bottom, working my way up the seniority pole. Learning the store from the back to the front. 
My vest and apron and new and crisp, let see what it looks like when I am done my probation period!
The crafts, the projects and frames, the ideas ! Yes, I will need to restrain myself, craft budget, like when I first started at "Lewiscraft"! 

Day # 50   "New Job"

I am hope to enjoy learning new skills at Michaels, and will share my photos and stories with you!

I hope you all had a great work week, and enjoy your weekend.

See you tomorrow with Day # 51

Photo Challenge Day # 49

Day # 49


This morning it was sunny and crisp at my house. There was a heavy frost last night. I had noticed the fog lifting off the sports fields at the high school behind my house.  I had barely washed my face, combed my hair before heading out with my camera  bag. I had decided to  head out to Cottonwood Island Park. As I drove closer I notice how heavy the fog was at the park.

When I arrived, I was greeted by the sound of all sorts of birds singing. What a lovely song they sang as I walked along the path. 
Breathing deeply there is a wonderful woodsy smell, closing my eyes, I felt I could be standing anywhere in nature!

 The leaves are starting to open, there are a lot of leaf buds still. 

While I walked along, there was a little chickadee bird following me, my walking companion. He even posed so I could snap his picture! 

When I go for a walk, with my camera I usually take a lot of  pictures.  I do have a tough time choosing "the" right photograph to post with my blogg!

Day # 49 "Morning Flight"

I hope you've had a wonderful morning.

See you tomorrow with Day # 50!

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 48

Day # 48



I have noticed when looking at other photographers art work on their posts on face book, Global TV news, weather-window how spectacular their pictures are. They display vivid colours, even during the night time sky. I wonder where I am during these events.

Then I wonder if the pictures are enhanced by the photographer later on the computer with all editing programs available?
Most of my pictures are edited on my camera...and very little is done on the computer. You see what I see. I do crop out unnecessary bits on occasion.  I am in a sense working on and developing my own style of photography. I appreciate your views on my works, it is wonderful for me to read your comments!

So, I went onto my desk top today and played around with a couple of pictures I had recently taken. As a photographer, you need to keep up dated and learn new skills. 

I know what you are saying...I need to take a picture each and every day. 

Well, since I made up my own rules, I shall bend them just a little.
I played editing my photos, to see what I could come up with.

Day # 48   Evening sky ??

 

What are your thoughts on Photographers enhancing their photos?
See you tomorrow with Day # 49 photo! (yes, I shall be out taking pictures!  )

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 47

Day # 47


I am amazed at nature, Mother Nature and her strength. People need to be cautious, because anything built by man can be destroyed by Mother Nature.
She can twist our steel, shake you city, and we forget that she is in charge. 
Mother Nature is usually always right, Mother Nature is hardly ever wrong.


 

 

 

 

Day # 47    "Mother Nature trick"

Tomorrow April 22nd 2015 is  Mother Earth Day! 
Celebrate Mother Natures talent!
See you tomorrow with Day # 48

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 46

Day # 46

Today's photo in my challenge is a picture of my grand son. He and his little sister love coming over to my house. I have a box of toys, inside and outside for them to play.

Day # 46    "Favourite Toy?"

There is always something for a snack.

In my shed I have a big box of large giant Lego's (as the kids call them). It is such a treat to drag out the box on the lawn and build something.
I don't know if these large Lego's are his favourite, but today they were! 

My grandson worked on his project while all the grown ups were busy doing what grown ups usually do…drink coffee and visit.
He was very proud of his creation!
We took a photo , so that he will have a picture for ever!
Then the tower/creation was destroyed and put back in the box!











what was your favourite toy?

See you tomorrow with Day # 47!
Jewels

Photo Challenge Day # 45

Day # 45


Today, we went for a hike. An extraordinary day, extraordinary view! The words I should write here….well, my friends. I shall let this photograph explain it all! 
Enjoy! 

Day # 45   "Extraordinary" 

I hope your day was Extraordinary!
See you tomorrow with Day # 46!

Jewels

Photo Challenge Day # 44

Day # 44

From my house in Prince George, I am not very far from getting out and exploring the many walking paths. 

Today, I stopped at one. There were a few people out walking their dogs, kids, riding horses and letting their remote control cars roar down the path.

I have a habit, when walking on the path, I like to venture off and follow the trails. I like to find out where they lead. 

We are so lucky here in Prince George...we can enjoy nature and still be close to home or your favorite coffee shop!

I found a small man made creek. It is a culvert. No matter whether it is nature made, or man made, the sound of water flowing over rocks down a creek is the same. I think it is peaceful sound. As I sat on the rocky edge, I could hear the birds in the trees.

 I only sat a few minutes, when a robin and a squirrel came by. I am not sure how old this "man-made" creek is, but already nature has taken over. I can see the moss and grasses growing on its banks. 

 

 

Day # 44    "Running Water"

See you tomorrow with Day # 45 photo
Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 43

Day # 43

Today while cleaning  my jewelry box and I found this brooch. I had made this brooch as a Christmas gift for Grandma Toop some 38 years ago. Grandpa Toop paid for the kit, and I sat up stairs in my bedroom at the"Big" house working on the tiny stitches on this "Petit Point" during the evening when everyone else was heading off to bed.

Grandpa had cataract surgery, and so he was thrilled to be able to see the tiny stitches on the Rose pattern when completed.

Grandma Toop had a  beautiful flower bed filled with Roses outside the "Big" house in Chilliwack, and of course this was her pride and joy. So, I felt this pin was a fitting Christmas gift. 

A few years ago, Grandma Toop passed away at the age of 99 years. The family gave me the Rose Petit Point brooch to me. I continue to treasure this and the memories it stirs. One day, I shall pass this on to one of my grand daughters or great grand daughters! 

brooch outside measurements are 2 1/4"x 1  3/4 "

Picture measurements is 1  1/2" x 1  3/8

Day # 43 "Macro--Petit Point"

See you tomorrow with Day # 44!

Jewels

Photo Challenge Day # 42

Day # 42


To know me, is to know that when you are around me, I come with knitting needles and other crafty paraphernalia! When I see yarns, fabric, my fingers itch and my mind wants to create something. I imagine the finished project and envisioning the person's delight, when they receive something from me. 
Knitting is one of my many pastime crafts. For me, it is so many things, from working out the most complicated stitch, to the feel of the yarn, the colours, the pattern, and the completion.  It also means while I am knitting,  it relaxes me, sort of like therapy! Less calories than eating chocolate or a bag of nachos! 
I will knit any where, from fishing in the boat, at the camp site, at the beach, travelling in the vehicle (when its not my turn to drive) on the bus, during my break at work, to my own back yard! 
One of my favourite items to knit for my daughters are socks, from thin to thicker yarns, complicated lacy patterns to variegated colourful yarns. 
The photo today is a cream coloured sock yarn I had just purchased. The pattern yet to be decided as well as the recipient. It is  fine yarn, I did a black and white close up shot for this picture. 
When I have these socks done, I will post and share!

Day # 42   "Macro- Texture"

See you tomorrow with Day # 43!

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 41

Day # 41

After my early morning coffee, I had decided to grab my camera bag and head out to Fort George Park.
It was very quiet at the park, only a couple of people were out for their early morning walk.
The sun was shining, the dry leaves on the path ways were dancing in the breeze.
As I was walking on the trails, I could hear the birds singing. So many difference songs from the birds. Flying, tree to tree! Flying with the breeze. The birds were singing as I walk around the park. sending out warning songs as I walked closer.

In the pond there were ducks, families of ducks, swimming, ducking heads into the water for a snack. It was no use trying to sneak up on them, they could see me, sense me, hear me and swim the other way!  

 As, I walk around this part of the park, in the distance, I can hear the traffic, thinking to myself I think I am very lucky to live here, with nature beauty so close to our own back yards. 

Day # 41   "Peaceful Morning"

Wishing everyone a peaceful, beautiful day!
See you tomorrow with Day # 42. 

Jewels

Photo Challenge Day # 40

Day # 40


Today, I had a busy day doing those chores and errands on my "To Do" list. 

I am glad that I am in a habit of taking a camera along with me. I have a small canon camera and I have named her "Sweet Pea" almost pocket size, depending on the size of my pocket. She fits into purses rather well. 

So,after my errands were done, I needed to get out for a walk. So, my daughter,Kim and I headed to Fort George  Park. It was sunny day with a brisk breeze blowing. I wasn't cold, but Kim said she was! Kim is acclimatizing to Prince George, after living in Vancouver for ten years. 

 I did manage to take a few pictures on our walk. I am kicking my self though, for not bringing my other camera, or making sure that sweet pea had a full battery charge! Any ways the walk and talk was wonderful, and I did take a couple of photos, one I will share here. 

Day # 40    "Left over from Fall"

I hope you enjoyed your day and got your errands done!

See you tomorrow with Day # 41

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 39

Day # 39

Poetry in Motion

Today, was another attempt at bird  photography, a bird in action. When down loading my pictures, I thought I had missed this little fellow leaving the feeder. Taking a closer look at my photos, on my computer, I was pleasantly surprised!  Can you spot my hooded friend taking a dive for the ground and the precious morsel?

Day # 39     "Bird in Flight"

See you tomorrow with another photograph on Day # 40!

Jewels

Photo Challenge Day # 38

Day # 38


Spent most of the day outside, doing some yard chores
I had noticed this little fellow in my bird feeder, having a snack.
I am so that glad that I am doing this photo challenge, because now I keep my camera close so I can take pictures like this. 

Day # 38      "Sunday Brunch"

 

I wonder what tomorrow may bring?

See you then, with Day # 39.

Jewels

Photo Challenge Day # 37

Day # 37


On the 23rd day of spring, we find the day was a mixture of sun, rain, wind, hail, and snow.
We know that winter still has its hold on us.
While doing some yard work, we found a thick layer of ice, with a hole in the center. I did manage to take one photo.The ice frame was heavy, wet and slippery, it fell and broke. Which was unfortunate because  it would of been a lot of fun framing my photos in ice. I did manage to get one framed picture. 

Day # 37   "Framed" in ice.

 

 Praying for warmer weather!
See you tomorrow with Day #38

Jewels

Photo Challenge Day # 36

Day # 36

The Wind, what a magical creature.

Have you ever seen the wind blowing the leaves about in a whirlwind or bending the branches on trees? How about watching the wind dance among the tall grass sending wave like ripples in the prairie fields. Listen to the wind and hear the many sounds it creates as it rustles through your surroundings. The wind can be both gentle and fierce yet can bring some beauty and solace on a pleasant stroll.
 
I took a walk in the wind today and found my freshly combed hair rearranged instantly, yet was pleased by the refreshing nature it brought to my senses. With my coat flapping about like a cape or a flag, hence my picture for today,

Day # 36     "Wind"

On a day like today there is something to be said about a brilliantly colored flag caught dancing in a breeze. Its memorizing flutter as the wind crossing the silk.

See you tomorrow with Day # 37
Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 35

Day # 35

A long time ago, there was a frog. She lived near a pond, at the edge of a wood. She was very happy. She lived her life as a healer. She listened to people and animal's problems, and gave advice. Who to marry, where to live, how to save money, what kind of plants will heal illness.
She was called the "Communicator" 
She had many stories to share, there were a lot of people of all ages and life styles  who often would stop by her pond to listen.
She never travelled far, she loved her pond, that was her home.

One of her visitors was a man, he was training to be a wizard. He often came to get advice, ask questions and listened to her stories. She also enjoyed his visits, she wanted to hear about his adventures at the castle where he lived.
One day he asked if she would come and live with him, in his big stone tower at the castle. He thought that someone with this kind of knowledge is powerful, and he wanted her power. 
She denied his offer, and explained that she could not be far from her pond and the life she knows. 
He was selfish and became furious, then he cast a spell on her and turned her into a statue, and placed her in the castle grounds. 
And that is where she lives today, hearing all, but silent to all those who walk the castle grounds.

Day # 35     "frog"(using negative setting on tablet)

She sits in my garden watching and knowing all! 
story by ----Jewels


See you tomorrow with day # 36

Jewels

Photo Challenge Day # 34

Day # 34

I have a small samsung tablet. On occasion I have used it as a back up camera, photographs are pretty good. Mostly I use it to keep in touch with family when I travel out of town. It is small and easy to pack into my handbag, or carry on when I travel. 

I had discovered that my samsung tablet has a couple of photo editing programs. I took a still life of a vase that I had purchased a few years ago in Vancouver. I think I may have some fun with this editing program in the future. 

Day # 34 "photo shopped still life vase"

Day # 34 "still life vase"

I am having fun experimenting and getting to know my equipment. I hope to share more with you during my photo challenge!

See you tomorrow with day # 35!

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 33

Day # 33


A very long time ago, a small dark haired girl lived in a very small house that had an apple tree  that grew outside the kitchen window. Her parents worked very hard, and did not have a lot of wealth. They did have a lot of love to give, to their small daughter. 
Her birthday was coming closer, and her mother asked her daughter, if she could have one wish for her birthday, what would she wish for.
The little girl thought and thought. So, one night when her mother was tucking her into bed, she told her mother, that she wanted a star for her birthday.
So, as the story goes…on her birthday, the little girl was given an apple. A round, red juicy apple, just like the one that grows on their tree outside the kitchen window.
The small girl's father looked at his daughter and asked her if she remembered what she wanted for her birthday. The little girl remembered. She asked for a star.
Her father picked up the knife, and cut open the apple……

Day # 33      "star"

Inside her apple was a star, a perfect star. 
The little girl felt happy, and rich! She had a star she can hold in her hand!
------ story by Jewels  


Enjoy the small treasures in life!

See you tomorrow with Day #34!

Jewels 

Photo Challenge Day # 32

Day # 32


This weekend was a good time to get outside and start on my spring yard clean up. While 
I was cleaning, I found a wasp nestled between 2 of my white plastic outdoor chairs. No one (wasp) was home (thankful).
 I did find the nest very interesting. They are very industrious insects. As I studied the nest closely, I was amazed at it structure. 

The wasps that build these type of nests are social wasps. They produce nests that are predominantly constructed from wood pulp. Multiple fibrous brood cells are constructed, and arranged in a honeycomb pattern and often surrounded by protective layers. 

Day # 32  "Wasp Nest"

I hope you enjoyed your short science lesson! 
See you tomorrow for Day # 33

Jewels