The Road

February 6, 2013 | Mettlers Road Somerset, NJ
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

There is a fascination with roads. Maybe it's an American thing, I don't know for certain, but there are many references to "The Road". On the Road Again, Country Roads, the right road, a fork in the road... it goes on and on.

As I was going through photos for February's Photo-Heart Connection, this image stood out and stirred thoughts and emotions plenty. A slight detour off the beaten path from a client visit after one of the many snowfalls we've had this winter. A bright and cheerful country road, open and inviting... much like life, when we take a moment to just take the blinders off for a moment.

October 1, 2013 | Hello October!

October 1, 2013 | Slow Cooker Pork and Apples

Since October is National Apple Month and I found this recipe Crock Pot Pork and Apples today I thought I'd share it with you.

White Plains rain

White Plains rain
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

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A road trip with my daughter and a visit with my brother... afternoon rain was welcome as it cooled down the 99 degree temps.

Strawberry & Cream

Strawberry & Cream
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Tried something a little different for breakfast... daughter is always trying something new, it was pretty good too!

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Photo Heart Connection - June

Look who followed us home last night
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

June was busy indeed! There were two very important graduation celebrations and they brought the family and friends out to share these special life moments!

My daughter completed her college degree and set off in the world of broadcasting... she worked hard on developing skills and craft in media, may she succeed and be fulfilled!

My great-nephew graduated from HS and will continue on with his education at university!

This photo speaks to me of both their achievements and the beginnings of new adventures... Oh the places they will go!


I planned on sharing this photo with Kateyeview's Photo Heart Connection, but looks like I missed it!

Make a wish!

Make a wish!

Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things in nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive.” ~ Elenora Duse

Seeing the wonder of the simple things in life, knowing in my heart there is beauty all around us if we just stop and look for just a moment... These are moments I want to capture!

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#lux #dandelion #flower #morning

I'm linking up with The Photo-Heart Connection with my favorite photo for April!



More iPhone Madness

Another week and half with the iPhone...

It's been a real mixed bag these few days

• Saturday - Market flowers
• Sunday - Perfect day for a stroll on the beach
• Monday - Preparing the invitations for the upcoming graduation celebration
• Tueday - Turkey on "Light" wheat
• Wednesday - A visit with my cousin and smile from her charming Buddy
• Thursday - Morning light made these dandies unresistable
• Friday - Nikon is idle on the desk
• Saturday - A family gathering at Cupsaw Lake
• Sunday - Rainy day at the station, poor girl had to go into The City for work
• Monday - Another chilly and wet day; toys and snacks shall prevail!

There are tons of apps for the iPhone and I'm having a grand time playing with many of them. The big problem I see is keeping track of what I do as process the photos. There is definitely a conflict between my Technical and Creative selves. The technical wants to observe and record each and every step along way while the creative side is just in there doing and playing! Oh well, I am a Gemini... so that's bound to happen.

Have a great week and until next time... Live, Laugh, Love!

Bidding March Farewell

The last week has just zoomed right by... I can not believe it's already April! Here's what I've been up to

Clearly, the iPhone has taken over my life... 3 out of 5 of these were taken with it. We are definitely at the dawn of the age of mobile photography and the iPhone is just the beginning. It's amazing to me that the iPhone 4 is the most popular camera on Flickr today. iPhones also are the top 4 most popular camera phones, followed closely by the Android based Samsung Galaxy S II in the fifth spot and is gaining popularity.

iPhoneography is taking the world by storm, more importantly the age of phoneography is upon us. As new smartphones are developed they are featuring improved camera performance and increased application development. Photography has become fun and hip... and so easy to share it's almost infectious!

Nothing On

Nothing On
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Quiet Sunday, TV off and reading Catching Fire


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Good Morning Daffy

Good Morning Daffy
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

An early morning errand can lead to delightful little finds... This little gem was there by my driveway waiting to be seen in the early morning sun!

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Instagram #lux #earlybird

Street Stories

Street Stories
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Today I stumbled across a fabulous article on Chase Jarvis' blog - Don't Quit Your Day Job? No Problem A showcase of very touching street photos from a NYC banker with a very serious hobby.

Chris Arnade (Twitter @chris_arnade) is proof that photography, even as a hobby, can clearly touch the heart and tell stories that need to be told. Along the streets of the Bronx there are many stories needed to be told and Chris' Faces of Addiction set on Flickr tells them with great heart and dignity. I was truly moved by this set of photographs, it reminded me of a similar project I had in mind years ago that was inspired by Richie Sambora's Harlem Rain. Chris has inspired me to start planning that project, the time has come and it is now!

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Exposure 0.008 sec (1/120)
Aperture f/2.4

Hot Reads...

Hot Reads...
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Jeero is very impressed after reading Hunger Games... he now wants to see the movie! He found the next in the series too.

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Exposure 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture f/3.2

Finally...

Finally...
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

A pose from Maddox, no cookies necessary!

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Exposure 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture f/2.8

Out and About

Out and About
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

A quick roadside stop on a wonderfully spring like day in Port Reading, NJ

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iPhone 4S
Instagram #Lux #toaster

Flowers and Sun

Flowers and Sun
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Afternoon sun in the den... artificial flowers

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Exposure 1/40
Aperture 2.4

Techy Test

Techy Test
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

SugarPup delights in getting the newly released Consumer Preview of Windows 8... unfortunately she gets bored waiting for the download to complete!

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Exposure 0.05 sec (1/20)
Aperture f/2.4

Ella

Ella
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Ella is my aunt's dog, she is a Pomeranian/Yorkie mix also known as a Porky. Isn't she adorable? She reminds me of an Ewok!

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Exposure 0.067 sec (1/15)
Aperture f/2.4

Let's Play

Let's Play
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Maddox knows it's the weekend and he's ready to play!

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Camera+
crop: Square.
effect: Ansel (87%)

In the Key of Orange

I didn't notice Maddox's coat was on the table when set down my keys, but moments later that orange background just made my keys stand out.

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iPhone 4S

Power

Power
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

The morning cup... A big fan of  "Girl Power", the Spice Girls were a big hit for my daughter back in the day. I don't think my daughter has used this cup in many years and now has no interest, so I get to use this for my morning coffee.

Today I jumped around in my camera's manual, but landed on page 27. I now have a better understanding of using auto-focus.

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