Orchids

February 11, 2014 | Orchids
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

As Old Man Winter continues to flex his "Polar Vortex" muscles, a quick stroll through the markets flower stand brings warming thoughts of spring.

Stay safe and warm!

Winter thoughts of spring

January 27, 2014 | Winter thoughts of spring
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

In midst of the Polar Vortex spotting flowers at the market bring thoughts of spring! Today is Ground Hog Day and Punxsutawney Phil is predicting six more weeks of winter. Another winter storm is predicted to arrive tomorrow, so this seemed to be an appropriate choice for today's post!

I've submitted this to the January Photo-Heart Connection and hope to get some inspiration to freshen up this blog in the coming months!

Celebrating July 4th

Celebrating July 4th
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Today's photo is a composite of two images worked through PSE 9 and then Instagram. This is the first time I've attempted such a thing, I like it... What do you think?

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Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day

Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

After a wonderful afternoon movie with my loving daughter, a pretty flower shot!

 

Penstemon

 

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Camera Nikon D40
Exposure 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture f/4.0

Tender Hearts

Tender Hearts
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Paradise was made for tender hearts ~ Voltaire

Deep within the strength of stone there can found the tears of a heart

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Delicate Beauty

Delicate Beauty
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Tall, vibrant and beautiful... Alone, delicate and vulnerable.

Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature. ~ Gerard de Nerval

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Exposure 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture f/3.2
Focal Length 35 mm

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!

Catching up on April

Catching up on April
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

1. A Touch of New England, 2. Who's Ugly Now?, 3. Chillin', 4. Spring in Bloom, 5. Some Bunny Needs Love, 6. Good Morning Earlybird, 7. MiniEggs Galore, 8. Fresh Fruit, 9. Tulip, 10. Hyacinth, 11. Maddox - Afternoon Light, 12. Outside the market - #pansies #flower #lux #squaready, 13. Flower Basket

I've been concentrating on using only the iPhone for shooting and editing my 365 for April. While the iPhone is a very simple camera to use, I think it offers great opportunities to expand one's creativity. There are many apps available to assist in capturing the photo that tells the story. As I experiment and explore I hope to share my findings and improve my photography skills.

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

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

Romantic Girl

Romantic Girl
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Yotsuba found some not so real romantic items... She was just as happy with all the beauty and glitter as if they were real!

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Exposure 0.05 sec (1/20)
Aperture f/5.6
Texture Kim Klassen's Cherish

Glitter and Flowers

Glitter and Flowers
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

There is beauty even in the most mundane... Found these at the local supermarket

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Camera+ scene: Auto crop: Square
Aperture f/2.4
Exposure 0.008 sec (1/120)

Sunday Sunshine

Sunday Flowers... Just a little taste of spring in the middle of winter!

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iPhone 4S
Exposure 0.05 sec (1/20)
Aperture f/2.4

Snow Pod

This morning's snow gently filled this pod. If anyone knows what type of plant this is let me know, I haven't a clue!

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Exposure .002 sec (1/640)
Aperture f/5.3
Focal Length 42 mm

Warm Start

Wow, this little bowl from Mickey is delicious.

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Lingering

Lingering
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Found in the front garden, lingering way past prime.

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Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55 mm

April Showers

108/365 April Showers
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

The morning rain on my neighbor's beautiful flowers. These are gorgeous when open, I'll have to post another day when that happens!

Spring is in the Air

This past week has certainly been proof that Spring is gaining ground in these parts!

Beautiful pink blossoms were found at the local supermarket, in the parking lot.

Also at the local pharmacy

And while out and about visiting my customers, there were new bunnies everywhere!

Can Easter be far behind?

Speaking of Easter, has anyone seen Hop?


Looks like it's been #1 at the box office these past two weekends, looks like a fun movie. Yes, I'm still a child deep down :-)

Stop...

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Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Finally, some blossoms proving that indeed Spring will arrive!

Another shot in the Spring Colors series, which I forgot to mention yesterday was inspired by the Spring Colours Week hosted at Poppytalk you can find out more on their site.