The Great Pumpkin

Centerpiece

 The leaves I gathered on my morning walk added to the centerpiece.

Picnic Anyone?

A stand of trees

Textures

Deep red

The red  blossoms are hanging on despite the cold weather.

Light and Shadow

Getting the best shot!

Rain or shine, getting the best shot is critical!

Pine Cone

A walk in the woods provides many natural treasures to photograph!

Wordless Wednesday

Fall Colors

If you are a "senior" and want to go on a road trip to see fall colors, AARP has conducted a survey of  1,000 baby boomers to recommend their favorite sites and then published them on their Travel Center site. Last week I took this photo in Ellison Bay, Door County, WI, which was ablaze in color. It is one of my go-to places for magical rejuvenation of my spirit, regardless of season, but the surroundings were breathtakingly gorgeous along the entire peninsula. Go visit before the snow flies!!

Some of the other locations recognized in the survey are Duluth, MN; Michigan's Upper Peninsula; Gatlinburg, Tenn.; Ithaca, NY; Colorado Springs, Colo. San Antonio, Texas; and Tacoma, Washington.

Autumn Apple Tree

How'd you like 'dem apples?!

Sweet fall flowers

Fall vine

One think I learned is to avoid placing images in the center, but I like this fall image of forest vines.  Despite that it can be classified as a busy, cluttered background, I like this one.

Friday Field Trip

It's fun to experiment with different images! Photography is not easy, sometimes frustrating, but so pleasurable!

Road to the Ferry

Photography Field Trip

I am in Door County attending a photography class at The Clearing, an outstanding Folk School that has been in existence for many years, patterned initially after a 20th Century educational concept that was popular in Denmark. The Wisconsin school was established by talented visionary Jens Jensen from Denmark who had immigrated to the United States, living in Florida, Iowa and finally in Chicago. In 1935 Jensen donated the land, an outstanding piece of property in Ellison Bay, The property is secluded and beautiful and the retreat atmosphere is conducive to relaxation and education.  In terms of both understanding the technical and compositional aspects of photography, I am way out of my league yet I am learning a little bit about the basics.  I'm also learning a little humility during the very gentle daily critique sessions. No more "Granny Automatic" photos for me. Despite the occasional showers we are taking field trips in the rain. in addition to class time. With only a week in the workshop, we have no time to waste. I decided that I am going to become the Grandma Moses of photography!

Lake Michigan Sunrise

A week's vacation on Rowley's Cove near Ellison Bay, Door County, Wisconsin at 7 a.m.

 Sunday, October 13. Beautiful Lake Michigan

Beautiful autumn leaves, which I will photograph and post later. 

Bracing wind, fluttering pine branches, white-capped waves. and glorious sunrise

Mural: Soaring bird

This is a detail of a much larger mural on the side of a building in Stillwater, MN, a popular tourist town not far from St. Paul.  I was captivated by this image but failed to photograph the whole scene.  I guess I'll have to return to get the entire mural.  There are  many eagles and hawks along the Mississippi River, and we all seem to be drawn to them, real or not!

Autumn in the 'Hood

After a week of rain (which I do not mind at all) the day is filled with sunshine. I am always interested in how some trees decide to show their colors, like this one where half the leaves are still green and others are turning.

Gourmet Food!

This may not look like much, and the decor probably can be described as really "old-fashioned" but the food is fantastic. Located about 45 minutes from Saint Paul on a rural road just outside of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, it is a very pleasant drive that we make about 3-4 times a year. We usually arrive early,  and the place is packed when we leave. The Shady Grove has a loyal clientele! The food is extraordinary gourmet fare and the wine list is good!

Mellow Yellow

I have been in love with Santa Fe and all points of New Mexico for years!

Fly Me to the Moon!

Until I can get a bit more organized, I decided to "mine my archives." This photo was taken at St. Paul's Minnesota History Museum in 2004.  I need to go back to see if it is still there or placed elsewhere in the building.  Although this kind of aircraft has been replaced by faster, sleeker jets, it has an important place in our historical world.

Orange: Theme Day, October, 2019

I knew that I wanted to avoid anything related to Halloween or flowers or pumpkins for this theme  day, yet autumn is really unavoidable. On September 23 I posted a photo of the Mississippi River in all its glory, which reminded me of my door wreath, my choice for today. I try to hang a seasonal wreath on my front door, and how delighted I was to snag this one at Goodwill recently! Click here to  see more Theme Day photos.