Birds

I love this time of year when all the big birds of prey are out. They are gorgeous and their wings are magnificent.

Triple-shot Friday!

I bring to you my “Mad About” sessions! I collaborated with a fellow photographer in a different state, (read: we shared an idea and ran with it in our area), and I came up with these. If you head to my facebook page – Sketchpad Studios Photography – You can find these sessions in full. Enjoy and happy Friday, friends!

Mad About Elvis!

Mad About Yarn!

Mad About Hot Wheels!

Double-Shot Friday…Okay Triple. ;)

I have a tendency to post when things are really slow, or on my lunch break.  As of late, it’s been very hectic around here and today was no easier.  BUT! I am here, and posting some shots in memory of those brave men and women who have sacrificed for our country.  I know…I normally just post 2 shots on Fridays, but It’s an honour to post these, so I chose 3. I almost did 6, but figured I would save some for Independence Day.  

First up: My hometown.  In honour of anything country related, we put up flags all up and down Main St. I love it. So patriotic! 

 

Here is a close-up of one of those little flags.  Definitely one of my most favourite photos as it shows the colours of our flag AND has the “Main St” signage in the background. Gives it a definite small town, homey feel. Don’t you agree? 

 

 

And finally…the home where heroes rest.  Tahoma National Cemetery. My daddy is buried here, and so is my best friends father.  Each of these men died within 6 months of each other, both from different types of Cancer.  In honour of their service, I give you this photo. 

 

 

 

 

 I reflect on the long line of military personnel in my family, and even as my own sons get ready to enter the military (one in just a few short months, the other in about 2 years), I am honoured, humbled, blessed, and reminded of all you do. 

 Thank you, laid to rest Vets.  You are remembered this Memorial Day. 

Double-Shot Friday!

A photo I did about a year ago. The woodsy norseman.

Cruisin’…

On warm days like this, when there’s nary a cloud in the sky, one of my favourite things to do is to get in the old car, and cruise. With the wind in my hair, and the radio blasting, it’s a great feeling. Then pulling into a little mom and pop hot dog or hamburger stand, and seein’ all the old guys smile because it takes em back to another time, when things were simple, really makes me proud. A young dame like me, rollin’ round in an old beast, they are usually impressed. Especially when I can recite verbatim what’s under the hood.

FYI – This is the inside of my 1974 Scamp, who was lovingly named “Ruby”, per my daughter because of the red interior. Unfortunately, I don’t have her anymore, I couldn’t afford to keep her. So, she had to go. One day, perhaps we will meet again.

Sunrise Photo Collage

I wasn’t going to post this today, but Don Charisma mentioned that I should, oh and my facebook family is loving this. Click the link to the photo challenge

Sometimes I really wish I would be more proactive with my camera, but early in the morning it’s tough to do, especially when I’m laying in bed and my rig is downstairs, and my bed is upstairs. Anyway, I did a series of photos this morning of a sunrise. It was just beautiful to see. I really should have taken the time to get ready for work, and surprisingly I wasn’t late (I made it with a minute to spare, haha), but this series made it all worth it. Here is the final product. Enjoy!

Index, WA

I took this photo on a trip to Leavenworth. I love this photograph because it’s very indicative of the beauty I’m surrounded by on a daily basis. I hope you find beauty in your surroundings too. 🙂

On my way to Astoria

Anyone who lives in the Pacific Northwest, knows it’s a beautiful place to be. I don’t just mean Washington, I mean Oregon too. The mountains are dizzyingly high, majestic and very humbling. The oceans are vast, and the trees cover everything. I take pride in my home, and I can’t imagine living anywhere but here. Well, maybe Alaska. 😉 I took this shot on a road trip to Astoria, OR, to take my son back to school. (Astoria is where a few movies were shot – The Goonies and Kindergarten cop, and yes, we’ve visited the settings where they took place – I’ll post a pic of those at another time). This shot is just across the Oregon / Washington boarder, coming up the hill. I had to pause to get a shot. Not bad for a “Phone” photograph.

My Town

This is a photo I took of my little town. The Chamber of Commerce liked it so much it’s on their website. One of my favourite things about my town is that it’s filled with beautiful murals like these. The shame of it all is that downtown Main St. is turning into a ghost town, with its empty storefronts. Rent increases and the new big box store developments are taking away from the old-world charm of this place. Makes me sad. In the meantime, I’ll photograph it all, and hope that one day, someone will see the value in small hometown feel and bring it all back to life.

Winter Stillness

I feel very blessed and extremely lucky to live in a part of the world where, in only a few hours I can drive in any direction and be near the ocean, or just an hour to be in the mountains. What kind of landscape do you live near? What do you prefer?