An Awesome View of Life

A different look. This is my "go to" thing when I can't find time to do real photos.  However, I took over sixty photos today and this is the one that made me smile the most.  At least after the 20+ of the baby. Of course all of those made me smile. (: But this is a different look.  I know I've never taken a photo of this bush when it is blooming.  I didn't even know it bloomed.  Normally, I get the fall or winter version with the pretty red leaves and berries. What I love the most about this photo is the layers of colors - which are all the same.  That's what made me smile.

The Dark and the Light of it. While cooking dinner I saw this reflection and thought it might turn out pretty cool if I took a black and white photo. Simple.  But made me smile.  And we all know if it doesn't at least make me smile it doesn't make it to my blog.  (:

Seeds and Stones This one made me smile.  (:

  Winter Drab or Bits of Color...   This photo was taken from my kitchen window.  I wasn't really afraid or avoiding going outside to take pictures today, even though it never made it above zero.  The window is just where I saw this scene.  I did go out briefly to take two photos, neither of which made me smile or go "hmmm..."  One of these criteria must be met in order for a photo to be used in my photo journal.    When I first looked at this photo I thought it was rather drab, which winter is here in Minnesota.  Or is it?  But when I flipped the picture to full screen I realized just how much color is in this photo.  Color is there if you look... (You can click on the photo to enlarge it and see the colors for yourself.)

  Love this city...     Today I spent some time in one of my favorite places -- south Minneapolis.  While out looking for the perfect spot to take a picture of the city skyline, I found all kinds of things waiting to have their picture taken.  Twelve really awesome pictures were taken today but this is the one I like best.  It captured the snow perfectly and the very essence of this part of town.  This was taken while sitting at a red light on Lyndale at Lake Street.  As Jonny Lang sings in Red Light:   "A chance to breathe While sitting at a red light You look around reflecting on your life..."

It's about time...       Various clocks around my house.  Oh and my hubby's watch.  Not creative??  Hmmm...  

This...     or this?   Another day of not going out and taking pictures so I had to improvise.  And yes I AM posting a picture of myself.  Well, actually TWO of them.  And yes they were strategically taken! ha! I couldn't decide which one I liked better.  I like the one with the flash in the mirror but also like the little pout in the second one.  And now that I've looked at these for awhile I find them to be a little more creative than at first glance or thought. 

What's Cooking?   Part of my New Year's resolution is to be creative in ALL things I do.  Cooking is one of those things.  I LOVE Thai food and found this "clean" recipe for a Basil Beef Stir Fry.  It is exactly like a dish served in my favorite Thai restaurant in Boynton Beach, FL. This is so easy to make, has the best flavors and the basil in this makes it smell so wonderful.

Firefly Jars   A few years ago when decorating for Christmas I put some leftover multi-colored lights in one of these antique coffee jars.  When Christmas was over I decided these jars still needed lights and added white lights to both jars.  Every day, all day these lights are on in my kitchen.