Heart of Blue Sky

This evening, on the way back home--I was just floored by the beauty of the clouds.  I had to stop to capture what I saw.  They were exquisitely, beautifully formed against that wondrous blue sky.

I thought this one was especially perfect for Sissy's Guest Heart Thursday!

GUEST HEART THURSDAY

Dust Storm

I've heard of Dust Storms, but had never experienced one before.

We were along the middle of nowhere when it hit.  Hot winds whipped over the lip of the arid hills, sending long curling dust clouds billowing out toward us.

The dust grew thick, engulfing us in a murky underworld.  Though our windows were tightly shut, the dashboard of the van quickly gathered a thin layer of dust.

The sun shone darkly. 

And then after what seemed forever, we were out and away--you can see the edges of the storm as it moved to the East.  Blue skies never looked so beautiful!

Shining Heart - Guest Heart Thursday

I just happened to catch this heart as the clouds blew across the skies.  I knew it was for my darling Sissy today.  She is such a blessing to so many people.

Yes, sweet Sis, this heart is for YOU!

For more wonderful randomly found heart photography check out Clytie's Guest Heart Thursday!  You won't be disappointed!

GUEST HEART THURSDAY

Faery Dust

Dad and I were sitting at the picnic table in the yard where the children had been doing crafts.

I looked at the ground and it was covered with sparkling glitter--Dad couldn't resist doing a few shadow puppet routines. 

I LOVED Dad's hand shadow--it looks like faery dust springing from the hand of a grande old elf.

But I'm not surprised--after all--Dad IS a Leprechaun in disguise.

I Saw - Shadow Shot Sunday

One can find all sorts of interesting things in my garden.  A few mornings ago I came across this saw.  The shadows were so intriguing I took a picture of them.

For more amazing shadows from around the world, visit Harriet at Shadow Shot Sunday.

Topsy Turvy - Weekend Reflections

This is the view from beneath the Independence Bridge.  Can you see the cloud profile reflected in those still river waters?

For more wonderful reflections from around the world, be sure to visit James at Weekend Reflections.

 

Broken Hearted - Guest Heart Thursday

In January, the Oregon beach can be incredibly beautiful, with mild temperatures we associate with springtime!  We were out on the spit watching the waves, when I spotted this wonderful broken heart.  Sometimes broken hearts can be beautiful.

For more wonderful randomly found heart photography check out Clytie's Guest Heart Thursday!

GUEST HEART THURSDAY

Contentment

I was cleaning the closet upstairs, where this large stuffed pup had been hiding.  I keep him around for my darling niece when she comes.  I put him out of the way in the middle of the braided rug in my office--and there he stayed for a few days.

What is so cute is Bootz, who sports the same color fur, has decided the dog is hers.  When I'm working in the office she sleeps cuddled next to him, sprawls over him and even snoozes between those paws under that dog's hairy chin.

Sneaking around to get a closeup of this darling duo, Bootz rolled over and yawned into the camera--a wonderful expression of pure Contentment.

I guess I'll be keeping that humongous dog just where he is for now.

Unexpected Expected Arrival

 

My adopted Bro's sweet daughter left for the hospital Sunday afternoon.  They barely made it to the hospital before one-two-three, little Josiah was born!

Three hours later I held this new baby boy in my arms.   I was overwhelmed with the amazing detail of his tiny hands and feet.

For a such a small fellow, he sure has a lot of strength in those hands.  One thing is for certain, he has all of us wrapped around his little finger!

Summer Shadows - Shadow Shot Sunday

The late summer sun flutters through the spreading feathers of the Raptor as he hunts.  He is so soft and quiet on wings of air, I almost miss his low flight over my back yard.

In evening breezes the sun shines golden rays through tree shadows, over the intricate woodwork of our neighbor's lovely old home.

Check out Harriet's blog for more fantastic shadowy photography, at Shadow Shot Sunday.

Iron Man Race Car - Weekend Reflections

Every Fourth of July, our little town of Independence puts on quite a show.  The homegrown parade lasts about two hours and has some wonderful floats, music and hometown action.  One of my favorites this year was this Iron Man Race car.  I especially liked the driver's reflective sunglasses!

For more wonderful reflections from around the world, be sure to drop by Weekend Reflections!

Shimmering Rainbow - Skywatch Friday

Last week's hot air balloon ride was a lifetime dream come true.  The balloon had landed in a field on a hillside.  They were getting ready to pack the balloon, when I looked up to see this amazing rainbow cloud.  There was no rain--only the sunshine and a thin embossing of cloud.  And the rainbow--it seemed to shimmer.  A perfect ending to an incredibly magical morning.

For more amazing pictures from the skies, check out Skywatch Friday! 

Fire Heart of Balloon - Guest Heart Thursday

Last Wednesday I realized a life-time dream of flying in a hot air balloon.  It was everything I dreamed and more.  How wonderful to have caught a heart right at the edges of the flame as it warmed the air inside the balloon.

I felt curiously at home in the air.  It was as though I was meant to float among the clouds.  It is a trip I'll never forget.

For more incredible hearts visit Guest Heart Thursday at Random Hearts!

Bringing Home the, er, Bacon!

Every year, as we wait for evening fireworks on the Fourth of July, we have the privilege of watching a pair of  nesting Osprey.  This year was special.  She didn't bring home the "bacon," but something else entirely!  Over the space of a couple of hours, I watched this bird drop at least five fish into her nest.

Here you can clearly see the fish in her talons.

Her chicks within the nest put out quite a racket!  One could hear them over the noise of hundreds of people.  I felt so privileged to watch this bird in action.

This was the last catch of the day before the Osprey settled in for an exciting evening of fireworks.

I want to add here that I have a new blog, The Abandoned, dedicated to the photos Sissy and I take  on our walks through the abandoned mega church complex near where we grew up.  I hope you enjoy visiting!

 THE ABANDONED

Heart of the River - Guest Heart Thursday

I hardly know how to put yesterday's experience into words.  As we floated into the air, flame pushing the heated air into the balloon--I finally discovered how a cloud must feel--or a bird.  Because of the air currents and the variable temperatures, our trip was a half hour longer than most.  We landed on a gentle swell of grassy mountain with a hop and a skip.

One of the most thrilling sights of the trip was that of the Willamette River which winds through Oregon's capitol city, Salem.  The river was spectacular--I couldn't help noticing the island near Marion Street Bridge is heart-shaped.  The island is a designated rookery where Blue Herons and other wild birds nest.

Just after I shot the Heart of the River, our helmsman began to lower the balloon toward the river.

A lady standing on the shore urged him to get a little closer--and he did!

We were so close to the water I caught this picture of myself taking a picture.  Then our helmsman actually dipped the basket of the balloon into the water of the river!  We were so close to the riverbank we bumped a boat moored at the edge and the basket caught for a moment on the side of a dock before we shot straight up the face of a wall of trees growing on the edges of the waterway.

What an adventure!  More pictures to come!!!

For more spectacular hearts visit Random Hearts' Guest Heart Thursday!