Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Fade Into You

I’ve been away from my computer, and out in the world. I think it’s good every now and then to take a self-imposed break from the internet, and technology in general. Ok, well maybe not technology in general ~ that might be a little too much for me. I need me my smart phone.

I returned this afternoon from a visit to see my sister, Charlotte, who lives in nearby Pennsylvania. It’s always good seeing Charlotte. She was exceptionally busy, but she cleared some time to spend with me. She and her husband are wonderful cooks, and it’s a given that the food will always be delicious. But I really go for the dose of Char. The food they serve me is only the icing on the cake.

 

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I’ve been practicing with the S mode (Shutter Priority) on the camera. I set the shutter speed to 6400, capturing this image. I’m getting more daring, although I have no idea I’m doing everything right. But that’s the beauty of it. I’m not here to be judged.

 

 

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I’m here to share the images. It keeps me grounded.

And speaking of grounded, I took a lot of shots from the ground these past few days.

 

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It was windy here on Easter Sunday. Quiet, too. Sometimes I wish I could host huge family gatherings like my sister does but after hearing her family stories, I decided that I really prefer the quiet.

 

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Dogwood blossoms that I set in a vase and placed in the dining room window.

 

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I think the grass needs to be cut . . .

 

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And the poor old lilac bush that’s been here for what I’m sure must be over a half a century, is about to give up the ghost.

I counted five blooms of this size on what is left of this dear, old, gnarled bush. In May of 2009, a large and very dead tree fell on top of the lilac bush, splitting it in two. And each year since then, although it has created many new shoots that sprout out of the formerly crushed half, it has consistently produced less blooms than the year prior. This year, the bush has but a few blooms but I’m optimistic enough to hope for better next spring.

 

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While at my sister’s house, as she worked on an alteration project for a client, and I read a book, we listened to Pandora on her TV. I liked this song above.

I also watched a lovely movie over the weekend called Mao’s Last Dancer, available as an instant stream from Netflix. It’s based on a true story and I thought it was beautiful.

Mao's Last DancerA delegation from Madame Mao's Beijing Dance Academy selects 11-year-old peasant villager Li Cunxin to study ballet in far-off Beijing, where he trains for seven grueling years to become one of China's greatest dancers. His efforts win him the opportunity to dance in America, opening his eyes to a new love and the possibility of a dramatic defection from China in this remarkable true story based on Cunxin's autobiography.

~ from Netflix

 

Thanks for coming by and visiting my small place in the blogosphere today. It was good to see you again.

 

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And George says hello.

Until next time, my friends . . .

123 Signature[5]

31 comments:

Hilary said...

Beautiful images as always, Kate. I love that dogwood in your window.. and that dog at the end. ;)

I always use shutter speed priority and haven't ventured out into aperture preferred yet. Or (gasp) totally manual.

Country Gal said...

Wonderful photos ! I am yet to venture out a bit more on my camera . Iv'e used continous and always have the camera on manual and lens on auto I am always adjusting my Shutter speed and my Fstop to my subject and lighting but other then that not much as of yet . Glad you and your sis had some time together . Have a good day !

Dar said...

Time with a dear sister is a precious time., enduring.
Your photos are lovely, especially taken away with the dogwood blossoms. How wonderful. And George...what a sweet pup waiting to please.
BlessYourHeart

JaneK said...

ok.... we could totally watch movies together! I saw that movie recently and really enjoyed; there aren't a whole lot of people I readily take movie suggestions from, but you are definitively one!

thanks for sharing your lovely flower shots; glad you got to hang with your sis.

oh.... and hello sweet George

sharon said...

I love the dandelion. pretty cool!

Cloudia said...

Yes! we simply can't see it ALL. Gotta get away from the web from time to time...

Used your photo in this post:

http://comfortspiral.blogspot.com/2012/04/i-saw-angel.html


Your kind visit adds an irreplaceable element to my day: YOU!
Thanks pal

Warm Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral

><}}(°>

Annie H said...

Great job getting out there and using all the settings on your camera. I know I can't judge because I'm an auto setting kind of girl. Anyone that plays with the others settings is awesome!

Thanks for sharing and glad you got to visit with your sister! That movie looks good. I think I may just have to stream it.

:-)

Low Tide High Style said...

Ooh love these pics, especially the dandelion and the photo of handsome George! Give him a hug for me please. Glad you had a chance to spend some time with your sister. I'm off to listen to the song and I will check out that movie!

Kat

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

Wish I could have gone to visit my sister and mom in Alabama, but as it was--I cooked all day like a crazy woman for our Easter dinner. I'm thinking a nice quiet holiday might be in my future! I wish my pics were as good as yours--I was almost too embarrassed to post them!

(GBS) NewsFromTheHill said...

It sounds like a lovely way to spend your holiday. Give George a hug!

BB said...

Great shots... love the dandelion and the long grass especially. That is an awesome movie... the star (IRL) still lives in Oz I think.
:-)
BB

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

The flower shots (and the bird) are absolutely gorgeous.

mrs mediocrity said...

ah, so lovely...love that tufted titmouse shot!

I love mazzy star, that song was my favorite from that album.

after our false start on spring, it went back to be grey and dreary here, still no blossoms!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

That wing span capture is extraordinary!...

Daryl said...

I wonder if you cut back the lilac bush to the ground if it wont come back stronger ... and I am uber impressed with you S priority pix

it's me said...

all good--but dogwood blossoms!!!!

RURAL said...

Visiting your blog is like going into a favourite store. There is the anticipation of seeing something wonderful, and inspiring, and you never disappoint.


Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Mary said...

LOVE that tufted titmouse shot. *Sigh*... there is just something about wings that always gets me... Such beautiful glimpses of spring here today!

So glad you enjoyed your visit. I'm definitely feeling the need to get away from technology, except now I'm addicted to Instagram... ;) xoxo

The JR said...

wonder if you can start a new bush from one of the shoots

my gardenia was about half dead, i cut it back and now that thing is huge again.

Robyn said...

Sisters are wonderful people! Glad you got to spend Easter with yours.

Lovely photos, my favorites are the dandelion, and old lilac.

Kerri Farley said...

Love your titmouse in motion! WOW - what a great catch!

I LOVE Pandora!! I think you can stream that from your smart phone - I stream it from my iPhone and have little speakers on my desk that I plug my phone into - and listen to Pandora all day long.

Great song!!!
PS - I LOVE George :)

barbara l. hale said...

All terrific shots but I really love that dogwood!

GailO said...

Sounds like you had a nice relaxing, nurturing break...wonderful!

These photos are like a breath of spring itself. Your dogwood is already blooming! Lovely!

Thanks for the link to Mazzy Star...I never heard of them before and I loved that song...I do love Pandora!

Good to see you again:)
xoxo

beth said...

those dogwood blossoms are just FABULOUS.....i mean AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL !!

and oh yes, you can take my computer away, well barely, but not my iPhone....ever !!

and shutter priority. i never think to use that mode...as i'm such an aperture whore...but now i might play a bit :)
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Love the song, love George. Happy spring. It was freezing here today while watching my sons baseball game. It even snowed a little. So crazy here in Maryland.

Caroline said...

Isn't a cyber break good for the soul? I love doing that...and will be doing that more. Your photos are amazing...I wish I had dogwoods here! And Mazzy Star...yes love her...and that moody voice of hers!

Bluebird49 said...

I've seen a picture of your sister--and I LOVE her smile and her cheery face. (And yours!) You have a lovely family and I love your outlook on life. I wish I had a sister to share things with--it just be wonderful. And to have one that cooks and has a hubby that cooks, too? Well--that's a big plus! :) But thinking of you reading and you both listening to music together as she worked on something,--it just makes my heart joyful. Oh--and the first picture --the bird that I've forgotten the name of--is it a tufted titmouse? It's just beautiful. I guess I must be a "bird person" because your plant pictures are awesome, but the birds catch my eye first every time! Glad you got away,

Show-Me Sooz said...

Oh, Kate, the "little things" azaleas and the dogwood bouquet are *stunning*. I would so much like to purchase prints of these. They would be lovely to frame and switch out in the house from time to time. I'm so glad you're sharing these shots!

His Song to Sing said...

Lovely, just lovely! Great job with the S mode pictures. I have the same D7000 camera so you always inspire me with your shots. I just wish I had the same back yard as you but then it's all about seeing the beauty where we are, right?! And give George a pat on the head for me.

Anonymous said...

Hello to George!....smiles

Lili said...

So nice that you got a chance to spend some time with your sister. You've really captured the beauty and quiet of your home right outside in those beautiful shots. Just simple shots, but so powerful I think. xo ~Lili