Don't Bark Back

Angel for the Year 2014

Wow!! Last SSS2 post for the year 2013. Really? Did it go by that fast? Whew...I don't know how time can go so fast, but it does seem to. Is someone well versed in the theory of relativity? Then perhaps you can explain to me why time seems to be going faster as I get older. Or, is it really connected with age?

Today's image made me think about how we can always use another angel in our lives and one for the New Year would seem most appropriate. This one lives in my dining room window. One of my favorite 'go to' places for shadow shots because it is a south facing window. Opportunities abound!

New Year  Midnight Clock 

Wishing you all the very best in the upcoming New Year. New Year, New Day, New Start. Think of all the bad things from this year all in one Etch-A-Sketch and shake it until it's all gone! That way you'll have a 'fresh slate' for the New Year.

I'll also leave you a quote that I found that I thought was nice:


"I have no way of knowing how people really feel, but the vast majority of those I meet couldn't be nicer. Every once in a while someone barks at me. My New Year's resolution is not to bark back."  -Tucker Carlson 


Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

The Season of Light

Over the past few years, I don't know when it started, but I began to feel a shift in how I approach the Holidays (which really means, 'Holy Days'). I used to make every effort to try and get all my handmade cards and extensive Christmas letter out not long after Thanksgiving. Certainly by mid-December. I'd shop for all my nieces and nephews and their parents and I'd start a few months before so that I would have most of it done by December. When I was in my 20's and early 30's, a lot of things were hand made. Oh, my! To have that kind of energy again...

But, it IS wearisome, all that shopping, card and gift giving, baking for friends and neighbors. By the time Christmas Day arrives (in spite of all the long range planning), I, like so many others are weary from the process. All my intentions of reflecting during the Advent Season never happened. So much for good intentions in trying to stay connected to the spirit of the season. So, a few years ago, I applied my 'babies won't die if' perspective to my approach to the season. I pared down my card list. It's only a third of what it used to be. I shop for very few and, in fact, I turned into a complete rebel at not making it a point to get things in the mail so that they arrived by Christmas Day. After all, there ARE twelve Days of Christmas and they start on Christmas Day. So, that is now my approach. Get it done when it gets done. I have until the 12th Day of Christmas and even if I go past it, babies won't die, will they? 

In the meantime, I now find time to start each day with reading and reflecting of the upcoming celebration. I feel as though I've shifted gears on what I invest my time in. How did we ever let it get so out of control, so super-sized? So secular? We did. I now find myself trying to recover the sacred aspects instead.

I will say that I enjoy having Christmas dinner at home. I enjoy making the meal, making it special with all the planning and shopping that goes with it. I enjoy inviting a few friends to join us as we spend a lovely evening together. I do make it a point to keep the crowd small so that it is manageable for me. The guest list is never the same from year to year. Here's my menu (the drink list is a selection-we don't all plan on drinking every single one!):

Dinner at the Scott's House 2013

Even though this is the darkest day of the year, know too, that it is the turnaround point where the days will now start to get longer. Whatever it is that you find yourself doing, I hope this season of light is meaningful to you. I hope that it is special. I hope that it does feel different than the rest of the 364 days of the year. Even if you've been recently faced with incredible challenges, I hope that you can find that silver lining in the cloud and keep your eyes on it. I'll be thinking of each of you and hoping that this season of light fills your hearts and your homes.

Mele Kalikimaka.

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

A Secret! I Know A Secret!

'Solarized Cactus' © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

OK, it's really NOT a secret, but if you have an Android phone, your cell phone camera has this little icon that looks like a magic wand. Have you played with that? I have. Perhaps excessively if there is such a thing, but I always like to explore the, 'what would happen if' or the, 'how would this look if...' kind of thing. So, when I saw all the different effects my cell phone camera (Samsung Galaxy III in case you have one and you haven't gone 'exploring' in the camera settings yet) in my world of photography, I consider this to be 'bling'. Big time bling!

The effect you see here is the 'solarizing' effect. There are lots of shadows in this image, but they have been interpreted differently due to the effect. And, I will say, 'me likey'! I've been playing around a lot for the past year and a half with these effects and I often find myself using this one.

Here's another one, but more of a 'big picture' kind of image at the Albuquerque's Bio Park's Japanese pond:

Japanese Pond at the Albuquerque Bio Park © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

I had this one enlarged and printed on metallic paper. It has a pretty good 'cool' factor according to my son!

Hopefully, I've unleashed a fun 'Pandora's Box' for you. Now, get that cell phone camera out and go PLAY!!!

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

Goodbye, Joe Spado

Some of you may have known fellow blogger, Joe Spado. He participated for a while in our SSS ventures and other memes. If you have not heard by now, Joe left this world on Monday Dec. 2 peacefully in his sleep. His heart could not go on anymore. He is dearly missed by those of us who knew him. If you don't know him, visit his blog (Round Circle: The Truth Is Spoken Here) and see what a great man this person was (and, quite the storyteller too, not to mention haiku writer). He touched everyone he came in contact with and left a positive mark.

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

It's The Details In Life That I Love

...oh, yeah, baby, you know I do!

"Details in Life 1" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

"Details in Life 2" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

This is some of the stuff you find in those dried potpourri mixes. The afternoon light was enticing and there was a spotlight begging for subject matter. I happily obliged, courtesy of a nearby dish of potpourri.

Simple things like this give me great joy-the time of day, the light of the afternoon sun spilling in through the dining room window, looking at the details of such ordinary objects up close and finding them to be oh so fascinating. Curiously satisfying-much more than a sparkling diamond would be. At least, that's how it is for me. I know many would not agree with this!

The beauty of it all is so fleeting-never to be the same again.

So very wabi-sabi...this beauty that is imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. And, that is how life is. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

Babies Won't Die If...

I'll explain the title later on in the post-in the meantime, I hope you read on.

These images were taken at the beginning of this month at the annual Marigold Parade down in the south valley of Albuquerque. It is a celebration of the Dios de Los Muertos-a way to remember those whom we loved and have passed on.
When I first learned about Day of the Dead, I thought it was weird and creepy. However, the more I've learned about it, the more it makes sense-a time where we remember those whom have departed. I've even done an 'altar' a few years in a row (was too swamped this year to do it) and I've found that it is a sweet, honorable and respectful way to think about those that we have lost. It is a day/week/month of remembering. And, being grateful for having them in my life.

Anyway, the parade lasts about an hour, is packed with people and most if not many (spectators and participants) dress up in costume. A photographer's dream-most folks gladly pose for you. The parade route, I think is about 2  miles. You are shooting towards the sun, so your subjects are in the shadows and they are moving quite fast and no, you cannot clog up the street-they have parade patrollers making sure there is room. Everyone is in a joyful, happy mood. It ends at a community center where there are various kinds of vendors selling DOD related art. 

Ah-mazing!

Marigold Parade 'Car-Nation' © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

2013 Marigold Parade: Shadow Profile © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

This One's for Ralph! Green car fin © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Rose Hat in the Marigold Parade © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Puppet Bride © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Stork/Stilt Lady: © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

And the explanation of the title? Well, many years ago, a colleague taught me how to keep things in perspective (so as not to get overly stressed about any situation at hand). She said to ask your self, "will babies will die if"...here you fill in the blank with whatever task or event that you thought was so important to take care of.

So, if you find yourself getting stressed out about not getting those holiday cards in the mail by a certain date or not getting whatever shopping it is that you need to get done by a certain time, ask yourself if babies will die if you did not complete those tasks by your self-imposed deadline.

So, you haven't killed any babies yet and you're not going to. Go easy on yourself. Take deep breaths. Close your eyes and feel the joy of the day.

AND, a very BIG thank you to our incredible trio of SSS hosts, MMT, Rose and Gemma!! Without their effort and dedication, we would all be shadow drifters! Thank, thank you, thank you!

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

Don't Run With Scissors!

Hey, but if you must, you must. Just do so safely!

Is November really more than half way over?  Someone please tell how that happened and can they please, please, please slow down this time machine? It's speeding!

Sigh...I will have to find a way to be still amongst the chaos.

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

Holy Toledo!

Solar Monkey © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Actually, this image has nothing to do with the title. The title is part of a somewhat random thought.

I'll explain. Last night, my 22 year old son and I were talking about something-and he conveyed something incredible in the course of the conversation that astounded me. With which, I replied to him, "Holy Toledo!" He had NEVER heard of that expression and thought it was so funny.

Which got me to thinking. Where the heck did that expression come from? So, I Googled it. The Urban Dictionary offered a pretty good variety of definitions:

"On May 25, 1085 Alfonso VI of Castile kicked the Moors out of Toledo, Spain; after which Toledo became one of the great centers of Christian culture. Hence the nickname "Holy Toledo". It has since evolved into an exclamation exhibiting surprise, probably due to original surprise that a Moor-encrusted place could become Holy.


Which then evolved into this:
Most likely first used in the early 1900s, either refers to a sarcastic remark about Toledo, Ohio or originated from a realistic remark of the Holy city of Toledo, Spain. It is now used as a phrase, by Americans, if something is unbelievable, disturbing, or blows their mind."

They also offered another definition of which I will not post here. It seemed inappropriate and off topic.

About the image: it's a little solar monkey toy from the Dollar store on my dining room table in the afternoon sun. He was 'dancing away' and then the cat knocked him down, so he dances a lot less now. So sad...but, here he is before the 'accident':

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

Going With The Flow

"Golden Bosque" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

"Bosque 'on fire'" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

I think I will opt for brevity this week (in words) as I'm attending a two day conference and would rather post something short than none at all! Suffice it to say that the bosque along the Rio Grande river (which cuts through the state) is all aglow right now. Such visual bliss!

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

Let There Be Light

"Copper Light" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Always a story to go with the image. Always. Every several weeks I have a ritual of peeling bananas, cutting them up and putting them into ziplock bags along with a handful of frozen strawberries. My husband uses them for his protein shakes in the morning. It's what I had devised years ago to ensure that he gets something practical in his stomach at the start of each day (other wise he resorts to sugared cereals).  I use a container to collect the banana peels and take them out to the garden. That morning, I had something else I wanted to do before heading back in and set the bowl down (which happened to be a lovely hammered copper bowl found at a thrift store years ago). Badda bing, badda boom! Lo and behold, it cast an incredible light pattern in the shadow of the boxwood shrub! Of course, you know what I did then. Run for the cell phone to take the picture! I was so excited, you'd think I had won the lottery!

"Spider's Liar" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

And, you know, I think this image was taken that very same week-part of the first thing in the morning ritual is to throw open the drapes to let the light in. The morning light highlighted the spider's web on the screen with an oh-so-handy shadow for the back ground. I do revel in the details of life like this, I really do. It may seem insignificant to so many, but, not to me.

And so, I remind each of you to remember to take the time to savor those delicious little moments in time. Don't forget to notice, don't forget to look. 

Don't forget to celebrate the mundane!

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

What's Behind the Curtain?

"What's Behind the Curtain?" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

One afternoon, I decided to take advantage of the afternoon light by our dining room window to do some macro photography of a beautiful red leaf. I placed the leaf on the table that I had sitting beneath the window and positioned it to be photographed and started shooting away. After a few minutes I was interrupted by a rustling behind the curtain-coming out after my leaf, taking swipes at it with his paw! Sigh...it's hard to concentrate when something is being so cute and playful! Since I had a camera in hand with the macro lens on, I decided to photograph the imp, my dear, sweet Izzy. If you click on the image, you will be able to see all the details in the image. Sheer joy for those of us who live for that kind of detail.

The other photo needs no explanation. It's just one of many silly kitty pictures that cat owners take. I sure have my fair share!

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2013

"Have a Heart" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

I loved this shadow as it looked so much like a heart! It is actually two balloons casting one shadow giving the impression of a heart! And, when I shot this, I did not realize that the balloon behind it had the "WWJD" acronym on it ("what would Jesus do?").

People

"Cat!" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

For the most part, we have had INCREDIBLE weather for this year's Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It runs for about 8 days and I've managed three trips over to Balloon Park this week. Yay me! All unique experiences from the others. I did post a video on it since I took so many photos, I thought the best way to present them was via a video. Go check it out!

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

This One Is...Just Right!

“Pulvis et umbra sumus. (We are but dust and shadow.)”
― Horace, The Odes of Horace

A table in my patio. One one of the last few days left of summer, although fall seemed to have already knocked on the door. The water fountain gurgles happily. There is a slight breeze in the air. Not too warm. Not too cold. The late afternoon light is perfect. 

A 'Goldilocks' moment. 

Just right.

“May your feet ever walk in the light of two suns... and may the moonshadow never fall on you... ” 

― Robert Fanney

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts-Or, Gestalt this!

"Inside" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

These shadows seem to be continuing the theme of last week-one of intersections. However, these are not chaotic, but more organized in their approach. It's funny how even a visual image that has a sense of organization will affect us. Our brains are constantly organizing information with the constant barrage of visual input. When it doesn't make sense, it finds a way to make it make sense-much like what Gestalt theory contends (the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts). I mean, when you compare last week's image to this week's, the effect is very different. In fact, you'll spend less time looking at this week's image because it is organized and it does make sense. Our brain says, 'oh, we know what that is and now we're done with it!'

And last week's image? That was in my loggia (an enclosed patio). I had a large lazy Susan leaning up against a wall with a chair in front of it which a leather jump rope was hanging down from. Kind of hard to assemble all that into a scenario that would give sense to the image (now wishing I took a reference shot too), but that is the answer to the question as to, 'what is it?'.

I'll leave you with one of my top 10 quotes: 

Hopefully, 'your place' is heavenly!


Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

Chaotic Intersections of Light and Shadow

"Chaotic Intersections"  © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Is it bad that I can't remember where I took this photo? All I remember is that when I saw this chaotic intersection of lines and shapes and shadows, is that I must have it. But now, in reviewing my image files to select something for today, I, for the life of me, cannot remember where I took this, let alone what it was of!

The only clue I have is the date that I took it. August 13th.  

So, since I don't know much more about this image than you, let's just make up stories as to what this is and where I was when I took it! I'd love to hear what ever tall tales you'd have up your sleeves!

[OK, now that I've looked at it for the umteenth time, I do know where it is and what it is of! But, I'm not telling since I want to hear what you guys have to offer by way of tall tales!]

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

One Is Enough

"One" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

One. It is not the loneliest number that you'll ever see. I think that often, one is enough.

One prayer. One love. One child. One house. One car. One glass of wine. One shadow. Why is it that we are compelled to want more than one of anything? I don't know if anyone has that answer. I know I am a 'hoarder' of shadows and of other images. Oh, and lots of other things too. Guilty as charged. I think I'm 'wired' that way.

On a completely different note, I look back to a post I did in June about everything being so dry and brittle due to having too many sunny days. Wow, what a turnaround! Just yesterday, we got nearly 4" of rain and an 1 3/4" the day before. Even though there's been some flooding in parts of the state and damns overflowing, I don't think anyone is really complaining since it is much needed moisture. Makes me wonder what the winter will bring.

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

Reluctant to Say Goodbye to the Summer

"Summer" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Officially, here in this latitude (or is it longitude?) there only two weeks left of summer. Already, the morning air has changed considerably. It has a crispness to it and feels cool on the skin. Our fruitless mulberry tree has its first section of yellow leaves-not much, but a sign of things to come. Ironically, this tree does not release all of its leaves until just before Thanksgiving. Soon, there will be the sound of the cranes and the snow geese flying south to winter in the bosque as the cottonwoods turn glorious shades of yellow and gold.

                                                      "Hammock" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

As always, I feel like I did a terrible job of logging in any significant time in the hammock. But, hope springs eternal as I vow to do a better job next summer.

"Sit and Relax" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

And even though I did not do a 'good job' of using these places of quiet this summer, I make sure they come back out each year in order to entice myself to stop and sit for spell and enjoy what is before me at that moment in time.


Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

The Bee's Knees

"The Bee's Knees" © Paula Scott Molokai GIrl Studio

The image you are looking at is truly the "bee's knees". Except, I mean it more in a literal rather than figurative sense.

According to the many definitions listed in the Urban Dictionary, 

"Bee's knees means the best, as bees carry pollen in little baskets located on its mid segments of their legs."

And, this little guy's legs are indeed, full of pollen!

I've always wondered what that saying meant and why. Having an image that expresses it now gives me the connection to have it make sense the next time I hear someone say, "it's the bee's knees"!

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

"Bee's knees means the best, as bees carry pollen in little baskets located on its mid segments of their legs."

'Tis a Gift To Be Simple

"Blue Farm Dress" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

One of my aunts had a wringer washing machine when I was growing up-the rest of us in the family had regular washing machines. Aunty Trining had the wringer style-of which, I was fascinated with the fact that you had to feed each piece of clothing through the wringer before you could hang them up to dry on the clothes line. No fabric softener in those days either, so when that laundry came down off the line, the jeans could've walked off on their own! Those were the days, weren't they?

Life was so much simpler then (or so it seemed). No, it was. It was simpler.There wasn't that much to choose from by way of restaurants, menu items, clothing to wear, what soaps to buy, what kind of car to drive, or what kinds of food to buy at the grocery store. Such a contrast to life in this era-perhaps we do have too many choices. No wonder why so many of us are stressed. 

It seems like such a paradox-back then we had less 'time saving' things, yet we seemed to have more time than we do now when there are so many things and devices (and we all have a lot of things) to save our time. Today we sleep less and dream less. We all need to just knock some of that craziness out of our lives and slow down. We do need to dream more.

I'll keep repeating this 'mantra' of sorts too-much like that little guy in Dr. Suess' story of "Horton Hears  Who". That little voice that keeps on trying to be heard.

Funny. When I sat down to do this post, I had no idea what I was going to write-but the image prompted me and took me back to when life seemed to be so much more simpler than it is now.

'Tis a gift to be simple. 

I'll keep working on that. 

How about you?

And, here's to sweet dreams!

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

When The Shark Bites...

"Oh, the shark has pretty teeth, dear 

And he shows 'em, pearly white 

Just a jack knife has Macheath, dear 

And he keeps it, keeps it way out of sight"

(lyrics by Bertolt Brecht )

"Sharky" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

"Shark Shadow" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

"Sharky and Friend" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

You never know what could be lurking in the shadows-be they on land or in the water!

Presence

"Where shall I look for Enlightenment?"

"Here."

"When will it happen?"

"It is happening right now."

"Then why don't I experience it?"

"Because you do not look."

"What should I look for?"

"Nothing. Just look."

"At what?"

"Anything your eyes alight upon."

"Must I look in a special way?"

"No. The ordinary way will do."

"But don't I always look the ordinary way?"

"No."

"Why ever not?"

"Because to look you must be here. You're mostly somewhere else."

-Anthony De Mello (From the book, "The Tao of Now"

Come. And be here. Now. No time like the present.

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!