Project 365 - September 26, 2021

 New Beginnings

I am feeling the wind shift.  I completed my yearlong therapy through Hospice. I completed all of my annual medical exams except one. I am on a journey to become stronger each week with my workout schedule at the gym and continue to walk on the weekends with Greg. 

But somehow a heavy load has lifted and I can now feel as though I am moving forward with my new normal. I am much more content. I don’t feel the need to continuously have a long list of chores to take care of. If I only get one thing done on my weekends . . . It is okay. 

I give myself permission to slow down and take my time. I enjoy cooking and baking and sharing the end product with my friends. 

And, I have been a little bit inspired to take photos again. It’s been a long struggle. But the urge to make images is returning. Perhaps it’s because the weather is cooling just a tiny bit.

These photos were taken over the past few days. 

Project 365 - August 11, 2021

Nature

Every morning on my days off I walk with my friend, Greg. These walks are not only for the exercise, but also for my mental health. Just being outside helps me forget about the daily tasks that are necessary and let’s me connect with nature. 

I never know what I will find along these walks.  Looking back at my photos, I am surprised by the images. But with nature, sometimes you just have to look, and then look again. 

This image was take. From Greg’s screened in porch. That is where we end up after our walks and we eat out breakfast and talk until one of us decides that it is time to do a chore or two. 

There was this one lizard on the palm tree.  But then off in the distance, there was an iguana on an another neighbor’s roof. Greg actually noticed this before me!  That iguana is always on that particular roof soaking up the sun. Yes, invasive species.  But fun to photograph. 

Project 365 - August 9, 2021

Morning Glow

Along my morning drive to work, I was watching the sun paint the sky brilliant colors of pinks and oranges. I waited until I was in a safe spot and made this image. 

I love the way the light outlines the top of the car. I also love the way the clouds seem to be reaching high in the sky. 

Sometimes I wish I had more time for photography, but then other times when I do have the time, I find other things to fill my time. I don’t know why. But I guess I just need inspiration. 

Project 365 - August 8, 2021

Sunrise, Sunset

Lovely skies this past weekend. I caught a sunset and a sunrise worth posting. 

The sunset was on Saturday evening after I left Deerfield Beach. It was the first time that I had seen my cousin Michael since before the pandemic. We met in Deerfield Beach because it is exactly 30 minutes for each of us. 

Along the way home, I saw this magnificent sky but there was no way to stop and take make this image until I got off the turnpike. 

Then, Sunday morning before my morning walk with Greg, I caught the sunrise. Just lovely and used the panoramic feature to capture more of the sky. 

Project 365 - August 7, 2021

Catching Up Again

I have been getting back into the swing of things. I have a more normal schedule at work. In person events are starting to pick up. But, COVID numbers have been growing at a scary rate. And although I have been fully vaccinated now for a few months, I started to wear a mask once again. 

Then, during a Zoom call on Wednesday, I received a call from Adina. I almost never hear from her during the day so I picked it up immediately. I am glad that I did. She informed me that she had been exposed to COVID on Saturday evening when she had her booth at FAT Village. 

Of course, since we live together, I could have been exposed as well. So I immediately packed up the contents of my desk and finished my Zoom call. I called my director who then called HR. 

Then I met Adina at a walk-in clinic and we got tested. It was fairly quick and painless and we stayed home until we received a call late Friday afternoon that we both tested negative. 

However, it completely changes your perspective about how vulnerable we really are. Even with the vaccination, we can still be infected and get sick, although not as sick, plus we can still transmit this virus. 

But, throughout the week I did manage to make a few images that I felt were worth posting. 

Project 365 - July 23, 2021 Part 2

Right Place, Right Time 

While waiting for Greg at about 6:25 am today,I actually caught one of the flying fish on camera! I was so excited so have been in the right place at the right time and had my camera ready too.

Just one of the satisfying moments. 

Project 365 - July 23, 2021

 Catching Up

Last week was a whirlwind of activity.  My daughter and son-in-law came down for a visit. I took the week off from work and my other daughter also took some time off from work.

The plan was to celebrate Adina's birthday and also the one-year anniversary of the loss of their father. We did that, but in addition, the girls had another plan in mind.  They had decided to get matching tattoos. 

While I am not thrilled about the prospect of injecting ink permanently into their skin, they are adults and they are in charge of their own bodies.  Their choice.

They had long discussions about what they wanted to get. Their final decision was to have Adina draw a garlic bulb in honor of their father because he was such a wonderful cook and taught both of them the love of cooking.  They also liked the idea of the healing and protective properties of garlic.

When they asked me if I wanted to come along for the ride, I said yes, but I wanted to take photos.  Adina made sure that it was okay with the tattoo artist. He was fine with it!

I really was impressed with the cleanliness of the place as well as all of the preparation prior to each tattoo. In addition, I was fascinated with the actual process of the needle and the ink and the way the artist took Adina's artwork and manipulated it on his iPad until the girls were satisfied with the final artwork. 

Even after he placed the stencil of the tattoo on their skin, both of my daughter/s guided the artist on which lines they wanted to have more emphasis.

So, here are my images.  An homage to the art of tattoo.