LawGirl

Sunday Six Has Moved . . .

2010-01-03T15:46:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder that all future posts can be found at IdyllExposure.

This week's Sunday Six is already there!

Let's Go, Y'all . . . It's Moving Time . . .

2010-01-02T16:55:00.002-05:00

You can now find all my former posts, and all the ones to come at Idyll Exposure. The new blog is still shaping up, but it's coming along.

For those of you who use a feed reader and want the RSS Feed, here it is:
http://idyllexposure.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss

Please come along! I'll miss you if you don't!

2010 Virtual Photowalk

2010-01-01T11:30:00.000-05:00

I've participated in some sort of photo challenge the last two years. This year, I participated in two! For 2010 I'm also going to attempt to participate in two photo challenges. I'd really like to stick with the Sunday Six challenge that Helen created. Although, I think I'm the only person who is still posting!

The new challenge for 2010 isn't a daily challenge like 366 or 365. It was created by some of the same photographers who joined in this year's 365 challenge. Here's what they've come up with:

All participants in the 2010 Virtual Photowalk are encouraged to maintain a blog and post photos as frequently as their schedules and desire allows while exploring their own photographic growth and path.

Each month we will be posting a new list of 15 themes for inspiration. Periodically, we will have some additional postings that go ‘Beyond Themes’ with inspiration more focused on technique, skills and process (think macro, black and white, etc.). You don’t need to use the Themes or Beyond Themes inspiration to participate in the Photowalk; they are there simply for inspiration if you wish to use them.

We’re also working on some additional plans to allow for some group “Show and Tell” with constructive discussion for the group at large – more on that later!

There is no requirement to post a photo for each theme, they are just there to help expand your photographer’s eye and help you look at your world with a different point of view. Look up the words in a dictionary – you’ll be surprised to see the many different meanings and it might help spark a new direction for you. Post as many or as few as you want, repeat themes if you’re driven to capture multiple examples. Seek out creative interpretation of the theme and use this list to push the limits of your imagination, but most importantly, seek out photos that stand on their own as good photography.

Here's the theme list for January, 2010:

Arc
Bold
Chaos
Cold
Doors & Windows
Edible
Layers
Looking Down
Masculine
Meditative
Pattern
Pink
Texture
Trio
Warning

I think the first list sounds pretty intriguing! Lots of possibilities for each of these themes.

So, come along for this ride if you like. I may not hit each theme, but I'm sure to get a few interesting photos in the mix! :)

Final Tally

2009-12-30T21:32:00.003-05:00

So, the end of 2009 is here and the "365 in 2009" challenge is practically over. I'm stopping my total at 287. I know that I could go back through many of the photos I've taken over the past year and find other themes, but I think I'm too tired. I started off strong, but the move in June and July really threw me off and I just never caught back up. Although, lacking only 78 themes isn't too bad.

With that said, I'm stopping with my 365 total and moving on to 2010's photo challenge. The format for the upcoming challenge I'm joining is a little different. I'll post more information about it in a day or two. Sunday Six will likely continue as I go into 2010.

Lastly, there will likely be a blog change around here. I will be republishing my entire blog into a more photo oriented blog either here or at Wordpress. I just haven't made up my mind! When I know . . . you'll know, too!

See you soon . . .

Photographer (287 of 365)

2009-12-29T15:00:00.002-05:00

A shadowy shot of yours truly. Oh, and I am totally in my PJs in this photo. You can get away with that in the country. :)

Dessert (287 of 365)

2009-12-29T13:00:00.000-05:00

These are pecan tarts. I made them as one of several desserts for a Christmas dinner my Mom was hosting. Since I had to head back to Atlanta before the dinner took place, I didn't even get to taste them! I hope they were good!

Times Gone By (286 of 365)

2009-12-29T11:30:00.000-05:00

My Mom loves antiques. I found this old pull toy for her several years ago in a random, little antique store.

Gatherings (285 of 365)

2009-12-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

This is the Christmas tree at my Dad's house. We gather here every Christmas Eve to celebrate!

Sport (284 of 365)

2009-12-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

Sailing is not a sport that I've ever been involved in. It is, however, a sport. I originally hoped to shoot some of these model sailboats for the kite theme. However, none of them had the little kites you often find on sailboats. Sport works, too.

Clocks (283 of 365)

2009-12-28T11:30:00.000-05:00

This is my new clock. The clock face is actually only 1/4 of a typical clock face. The fact that you have to imagine the rest of the clock is part of why I love it.

Chair (282 of 365)

2009-12-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

The fabric of a new chair.

Sunday Six: Week 52

2009-12-27T19:35:00.003-05:00

This is the final Sunday Six of 2009! I plan to continue Sunday Six into 2010. This week is a Recap Six from my trip home to Tennessee.

One of the many ornaments on my Mom's Christmas tree. I ended up not getting a shot of her entire tree lit up. She always has a beautiful tree.

A close-up of the Christmas tree at my Dad's house.

Dried oranges sitting out as potpourri.

By now most of you know that I like to snap pictures of puddles. I especially like them on cloudy days when you get nice reflections. Friday morning it was really, really windy. I still ended up liking this shot, ripples and all.

Friday morning was so cloudy. We had such a nice mixture of white, fluffy clouds and dark, storm clouds. The clouds along with the scenery made for some beautiful shots. It's so nice to walk out the front door and take in this view.

See you next week for the first Sunday Six of 2010 . . .

Paws (281 of 365)

2009-12-25T11:30:00.000-05:00

Kitty paws playing with a shoelace.

Vine (280 of 365)

2009-12-24T11:30:00.001-05:00

It's not exactly a vine, but it's a product of what grows on the vine. Yum!

Sunday Six: Week 51

2009-12-23T18:58:00.003-05:00

This week is a Recap Six and includes photos from Georgia and Tennessee.

A shot of Marietta National Cemetery during a very foggy morning.

Tree branches in the fog.

I'm not really sure what this is. It's some sort of swirly decoration that I spotted. :)

Christmas candy!

This is Socks. She belongs to my Dad and Stepmom. I just love her little spotted nose.

Here, Socks is investigating new gifts brought into the house.

Only one more Sunday Six left for 2009! Until next week . . .

Artificial (279 of 365)

2009-12-23T11:30:00.001-05:00

A close-up of my little, artificial tree.

Seven (278 of 365)

2009-12-22T11:30:00.000-05:00

Seven eggs.

Controls (277 of 365)

2009-12-21T11:30:00.000-05:00

Remote controls, very important controls.

Chores (276 of 365)

2009-12-20T11:30:00.000-05:00

Folded towels from a load of laundry.

Monuments or Memorials (275 of 365)

2009-12-19T11:30:00.002-05:00

I recently passed the Marietta National Cemetery on a super foggy morning. The staff was just beginning to place Christmas wreaths on many of the headstones.

Toys (274 of 365)

2009-12-18T11:30:00.000-05:00

Elmo is always one of the popular Christmas toys.

Triangle (273 of 365)

2009-12-17T11:30:00.002-05:00

First of all, I am not a great gift wrapper. That being said, this box was so hard to wrap! Not only is it in the shape of a triangle, but it's about five feet long! It's certainly doesn't look very pretty. It is, however, a very good disguise for the gift(s) inside.

Candlelight (272 of 365)

2009-12-16T11:30:00.001-05:00

Tealight candles in the shape of a star.

What's Inside? (271 of 365)

2009-12-15T11:30:00.001-05:00

It's a surprise!

One Dozen (270 of 365)

2009-12-14T11:30:00.000-05:00

A dozen Christmas gift tags. Aren't they cute?

Sunday Six: Week 50

2009-12-13T19:02:00.003-05:00

I feel a bit better about this week's Sunday Six. It's a New Six, all from today, but I feel like I captured a couple of interesting shots.

I pulled out my little Christmas tree today.

Fun ribbons for wrapping Christmas gifts.

Some dirty lens bokeh. Those specks stand out more than anything else for me.

I played with some tealight candles today and ended up with several shots that I liked.

Dots!

And, finally, more tealights.

Until next week . . .

Sunday Six: Week 49

2009-12-13T13:35:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I'm late again, but at least it's here! I will preface last week's Sunday Six by saying that this might be my weakest set of the year. I was just not feeling that great last week, and creativity was not flowing. So, that being said, here is last week's Sunday Six.

Over Thanksgiving, my Dad and I sat and went through part of his vinyl collection. I hope to get to look through the rest of it the next time I'm at his house. He tells me there are original Beatles albums. I'm determined to find them, and confiscate them for my own. Here are a few of my albums. My collection is definitely small, but it'll grow.

Part of the artwork on the new Dave Matthew Band album. It has some pretty fun art.

Recently delivered Christmas presents. These are for my Dad and Step-Mom.

Homemade corn and potato chowder. Yum!

One of several books I'm currently reading. It's been a long time since I've been reading just one book.

A shot of my super warm duvet cover. I snapped this just before crawling into my freshly made bed for the night.

This week's Sunday Six will be up later. Only three to go . . .

Nostalgia (269 of 365)

2009-12-10T11:30:00.002-05:00

A view of Cades Cove. The loop road, aside from giving you beautiful views of the Smokies, also takes you through a historical tour of early pioneer farms.

Harvest (268 of 365)

2009-12-09T11:30:00.000-05:00

Pumpkins are typical in harvest displays this time of year. Although, they're not usually covered up in leaves!

Grunge (267 of 365)

2009-12-08T11:30:00.001-05:00

Grungy lichens growing on an old birdfeeder.

Logs (266 of 365)

2009-12-07T11:30:00.000-05:00

These logs are part of a Christmas village display. I doubt they'd go too far in keeping anything warm!

Chains (265 of 365)

2009-12-06T11:30:00.000-05:00

The chain from a porch swing.

Turkey or Fowl (264 of 365)

2009-12-05T11:30:00.000-05:00

A brightly colored, wooden chicken.

Girl (263 of 365)

2009-12-04T11:30:00.001-05:00

Although it looks like she's making a silly face, she's actually sniffing flowers. She hasn't quite realized that the flowers need to be near your nose when you're smelling them!

Neglected (262 of 365)

2009-12-03T11:30:00.001-05:00

This bird bath is a bit neglected and full of leaves!

Heirloom (261 of 365)

2009-12-02T11:30:00.000-05:00

It may not be your typical heirloom, but this one's special to my Mom and I. This was one of the first dolls I received as a baby. It was a gift from friends on my first Christmas.

Rural (260 of 365)

2009-12-01T11:30:00.001-05:00

Cows are frequent sights in rural areas. These cows happen to live across the street from where I grew up. I think they're cute.

Organized (259 of 365)

2009-11-30T11:30:00.000-05:00

One of the many, many organized sets of Christmas ornaments my Mom pulls out every year.

Footwear (258 of 365)

2009-11-29T12:03:00.000-05:00

This is my niece, who is evidently starting the shoe obsession a bit early!

Sunday Six: Week 48 (Great Smoky Mountains Edition)

2009-11-29T11:54:00.003-05:00

This week is another Recap Six from my trip home for Thanksgiving. I grew up in East Tennessee, less than an hour from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On Friday, instead of shopping, a few of us headed to Cades Cove to drive around the loop. It had been several years since I'd been there.

A pretty leaf, just barely hanging on.

The moon was out early, and it was so high in the sky!

A typical view of the Cades Cove area. It's absolutely gorgeous in the fall and spring.

Until next week . . .

What's On Your Christmas List?

2009-11-24T20:19:00.004-05:00

I spotted something online today that I want for Christmas.

It's a trunk full of gourmet chocolates!!

Okay, so it's not the most practical gift, but check out all the yummy stuff that's included: 500 (!) pieces of chocolate ganache, five pounds of chocolate bark and croquettes, eighty ounces of Aztec hot chocolate in four tins, a twenty-ounce tin of Aztec Iced Chocolate, eight Aztec Hot Chocolate Bars, a teapot and infuser, two china teacups, a leather-bound journal and a small library of books on chocolate.

One might wonder as to the price of this extravagant gift. It's a special order piece which must be purchased in person for the low, low price of . . . $15,000.00! Don't forget, the trunk can be filled with personal items once you've made it through all those delicious morsels!

Fifteen grand. Isn't that crazy? I'd like to know how many of these Marie Belle actually sells. I'd also like a little bit of that chocolate!

Sunday Six: Week 47

2009-11-22T16:52:00.004-05:00

This week's Sunday Six is a Recap Six. We drove about an hour south of Atlanta yesterday to visit Wild Animal Safari. It was fun and sad at the same time.

North American Elk.

White Tailed Deer.

Isn't she pretty?

I wanted to scoop this little guy up and take him home with me! Look at that face!

Until next week . . .

Sunday Six: Week 46

2009-11-22T10:33:00.003-05:00

Okay, so last week's Sunday Six is a full week late (again!). It's just been a really busy week! This Sunday Six comes to you from Nashville, Tennessee. My Mom drove over from East Tennessee and we stayed with my Aunt. Mom decided she wanted to visit Christmas Village which is held at the Nashville fair grounds. It's 6 huge buildings full of Christmas decorations and vendor booths.

This booth sold hand painted swings. Aren't they sweet?

Santa Claus ornaments, which really reminded me of the University of Georgia logo more than they did Santa's belt.

A bright, fun Christmas tree. Seriously, Christmas exploded everywhere in this place.

A tutu!

This is my aunt's cat, Tiger. I didn't have a chance to take too many shots of him while I was there.

He loves lying here and looking out the window.

This week's photos coming soon . . .

There's No Place Like Home (257 of 365)

2009-11-20T11:30:00.001-05:00

A pretty little birdhouse. I didn't see if there were any birds making their home here, but I'm sure they're around somewhere.

Pumpkin (256 of 365)

2009-11-19T11:30:00.000-05:00

I'd almost decided that I was going to have to be creative in order to mark this theme off the list. I wasn't able to get any decent shots of carved pumpkins for Halloween. I was happy to see this enormous pumpkin still on display at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Sleepy or Sleeping (255 of 365)

2009-11-18T11:30:00.001-05:00

Not a bad idea for a beautiful, Sunday afternoon. This guy was out cold!

Accessories (254 of 365)

2009-11-17T11:30:00.001-05:00

Didn't you know that trees wore bows, too?

I spotted this while walking through the children's garden. I'm pretty sure it was lost by a little girl playing throughout the garden, but you never know!

Public Art (253 of 365)

2009-11-16T11:30:00.000-05:00

A shot of Henry Moore's "Hill Arches" from the ABG's "Moore in America" exhibition. The garden's exhibition wraps up next month. I'm really glad that I was able to see it as often as I did.

Childhood Antics (252 of 365)

2009-11-15T11:30:00.001-05:00

I've posted shots of this garden statue a few times. For some reason, the way I shot this one reminded me of a little boy ready to jump straight into the lily pond.

Still Life (251 of 365)

2009-11-14T11:30:00.000-05:00

These tree frogs can stay still for hours! I've hardly seen any of the frogs at the Atlanta Botanical Garden move around. I suppose that changes once the darkness comes and the people are gone.

Bells and Whistles (250 of 365)

2009-11-13T11:30:00.001-05:00

Many times throughout the year the Atlanta Botanical Garden has an exhibit (of sorts) in the Fuqua Orchid Center. Currently, they have this on display. It includes two trains, traveling in opposite directions, complete with a babbling brook and a little town.

Growing (249 of 365)

2009-11-12T11:30:00.001-05:00

A shot of a growing flower, just barely opened up.

Razor Sharp (248 of 354)

2009-11-11T11:30:00.000-05:00

Thorns on a cactus. Maybe not exactly razor sharp, but pretty close!

Obsession (247 of 365)

2009-11-10T11:30:00.000-05:00

This little squirrel is working hard on his current obsession -- hiding away his food for the winter.

Sunday Six: Week 45

2009-11-09T21:44:00.003-05:00

This week is a New Six all from Sunday's visit to one of my favorite spots . . . the Atlanta Botanical Garden. At this point, the location shouldn't surprise any of you! ;)

First up is this little garden gnome. He was one of several hiding out in a little rock cave. He just made me smile!

Bright green bamboo.

I loved all the colors surrounding this simple gazebo.

I have no clue what type of plant this is, but I love its softness. It's not quite sharp, but not quite fuzzy either.

Finally, the last two shots are of the same little pink bud. It almost looks like a little ball of yarn the way the petals are curled around each other. I couldn't decide whether I liked the photo of the tip in focus or the one of the entire bud out of focus.

Until next week . . .

Seasonal (246 of 365)

2009-11-06T11:30:00.001-05:00

A view of some changing leaves in Piedmont Park over the weekend. Aren't they beautiful?! I love the bright orange and yellow.

Rainbow (245 of 365)

2009-11-05T11:30:00.001-05:00

This past weekend was the Atlanta Pride Festival. The festival has an enormous parade which is one of its highlights. This guy was decked out in his rainbow and bubble wrap suit. I thought it was pretty creative.

Canine Companions (244 of 365)

2009-11-04T11:30:00.002-05:00

Look at this sweet face! How could you not love this face? Although, my grandmother has given Coco the nickname Double-Ugly. So not true!

**I stand corrected! It isn't Coco that my grandmother has nicknamed Double-Ugly. It's her canine brother! He's a totally different breed, Blue Heeler, I think.**

Seeds (243 of 365)

2009-11-03T11:30:00.000-05:00

This little bird is just hanging out waiting for its lunch at the bird feeder.

Sunday Six: Week 44

2009-11-02T19:28:00.002-05:00

This week I have a Recap Six from all around the Atlanta area.

First up, I took this shot while sitting in traffic Friday night. I was headed downtown to meet up with friends for dinner. It took nearly an hour and a half to get there. Normally, it would take a half hour. Halloween mixed with the foggy weather really had Metro Atlanta in gridlock.

Next we have a shot of a couple of biker chicks in the Atlanta Pride parade.

A few shots of Atlanta's beautiful Piedmont Park . . .

This isn't really a shot of Piedmont Park, but more of the reflection of the sky above the park.

Finally, a late afternoon shot of downtown Atlanta.

Until next week . . .

Feline Friends (242 of 365)

2009-11-02T11:30:00.000-05:00

This is Susie. She belongs to my Dad. She's a sweet kitty, but here she looks mighty grumpy.

Sunday Six: Week 43

2009-11-01T08:08:00.003-05:00

So, you're likely to see two Sunday Sixes this week. I'm only now getting around to uploading my photos from last week! These are all from a trip home to Tennessee last weekend.

Pretty fall leaves on one of the trees in my Mom's front yard.

A weed blowing in the wind.

This is Coco. Coco technically belongs to one of the neighbors. However, she is quickly making herself at home with all of the neighbors.

She's a sweet, sweet girl.

I really wanted to bring her home with me. I love her.

I spotted this little coneflower in Mom's driveway. I like the way it looks against the red brick.

More photos later . . .

Sunday Six: Week 42

2009-10-19T19:39:00.004-04:00

Another Recap Six this week, all from over the weekend.

Saturday afternoon was the annual Little Five Points Halloween Fest. The festival includes a big parade with lots of people dressed up. It's not just the paraders who are in costume, a lot of people in the crowd are too. This is a shot of one area of the crowd. It was like this a majority of the parade route. There were people everywhere!

One of the local haunted houses and their parade float.

I ended up walking along with some friends on their float. We had a mix of costumes. Here's a cowboy and Alex from "A Clockwork Orange." We also had a pirate, two more as different versions of Alex, and President Ronald Reagan.

Also at the parade was this guy dressed up as Snow White. If you've never been to Little Five Points in Atlanta . . . it's a very unique place.

Last night Allison and I went to the Falcons/Bears game. It was lots of fun!

The Falcons play in a dome. This is part of a support column. I thought the angles were interesting.

Until next week . . .

Ghosts, Ghouls, Goblins (241 of 365)

2009-10-18T11:30:00.000-04:00

One of the many folks dressed up at the Little Five Points Halloween parade.

Candy (240 of 365)

2009-10-17T11:32:00.001-04:00

Candied apples on sale at Kilwin's. Don't they look yummy? I think the apple covered in gummies is too cute. My friend and I ended up choosing other things. Chocolate-peanut butter fudge for him and chocolate covered marshmallows for me. Yum!

Pink (239 of 365)

2009-10-15T11:30:00.001-04:00

Lots of pink in this display. I do, however, think the sequined pink clog is a lot of fun! I don't think I'd wear it, but it's still fun.

Trash or Treasure (238 of 365)

2009-10-14T11:30:00.000-04:00

Hmm . . .

Mismatched (237 of 365)

2009-10-13T11:30:00.000-04:00

Definitely a mismatched outfit on this mannequin lamp. I came across this while rummaging through an antique store.

The Games We Play (236 of 365)

2009-10-12T11:30:00.000-04:00

Buck and his toy kong. He loves for it to be thrown, but never wants to let it go!

Sunday Six: Week 41

2009-10-11T20:55:00.003-04:00

This week, I had a chance to drive down into South Georgia for work. This week's Sunday Six is a Recap taken during my little morning trip.

Fog, fog, and more fog. I drove through this stuff the entire way!

It makes the lake look kind of eerie, huh?

Not sure what type of grass this is, but it was all over the place.

The last three pictures are from historic Greenwood Cemetery.

Until next week . . .

Sunday Six: Week 40

2009-10-11T20:43:00.003-04:00

So, I'm a week late on this Recap Six, but better late than never, right?

I spotted several sunflower fields from the interstate while on my way to court one morning. I was determined to find them on my way back. Luckily, they were right off the interstate and I was able to snap a few pictures. I was too chicken to get out of the truck and walk through the fields.

Last Friday I took in the first game of the last Braves series. Derek Lowe was pitching against the Nationals. This was the first time I'd seen Derek pitch live for the Braves. It's just not the same seeing him out of a Red Sox uniform. :)

I was greeted by this on my way home from the Braves game. Usually, traffic isn't this bad late on a Friday night. For some reason, GDOT decided to close 4 lanes of traffic. Why on earth they would decide to close 4 lanes just as event traffic is picking up is beyond me!

On Sunday, I went for a long walk around historic Roswell. This is a broken headstone in the Old Roswell Cemetery.

The main street through the Roswell Square invites its businesses to create scarecrows for Halloween. I thought this one was pretty cute.

And, in case you were wondering, Elvis is alive and well on Canton Street!

This week's Sunday Six coming up in just a bit!

Stay Tuned . . .

2009-10-05T20:29:00.002-04:00

This week's Sunday Six and a few other pictures are coming. I'm overloaded, so it'll be a day or two.

On another note . . . October baseball is almost here!

Autumn (235 of 365)

2009-09-30T11:30:00.001-04:00

A first glimpse of autumn as seen from the Hooper Bald Trail in the Cherokee National Forest. This part of the country is so beautiful during the fall!

Bridges or Tunnels (234 of 365)

2009-09-29T11:30:00.000-04:00

Speaking of the floods last week, this is one of the bridges that transportation officials closed for several days due to the rising flood waters. This is the Chattahoochee River. At one point over the last several days, the river was well above flood stage in several parts of North Georgia. Rivers are definitely not supposed to be this close to you when you're crossing a bridge! It's not a really good picture, but this was one of the few shots I was able to get of the water.

Government (233 of 365)

2009-09-28T11:30:00.002-04:00

The county government building in Douglas County, Georgia. I make my way there fairly often for court. This particular county was one of the hardest hit by the floods last week in North Georgia.

Sunday Six: Week 39

2009-09-27T19:43:00.002-04:00

This week I have a Recap Six. As usual, nothing terribly exciting, but hopefully there's something yummy!

But first, here's a view of what we've been dealing with here in Atlanta -- torrential downpours. It has rained the entire week!

This morning when I came back from the grocery store I noticed this:

It's a hot pink cornhole game! How fun is that? Evidently, my neighbors have been playing.

Now on to the yumminess . . .

Tonight, I'm having my first dinner guest at my new place! We're having roast chicken.

I stuffed the chicken with all of this: lemon slices, garlic, basil, oregano, and rosemary. Here's hoping it turns out yummy!

Finally, a close up shot of my lemon slices.

Until next week . . .

Hobby (232 of 365)

2009-09-27T11:30:00.001-04:00

Knitting is my Great Aunt B's hobby. For the last several years every time I've seen her, she's been knitting. This was the thread she was using last weekend on one of her projects.

Vapor (231 of 365)

2009-09-26T12:17:00.003-04:00

A view of the Cherokee National Forest from the Cherohala Skyway. It was foggy all through North Carolina and Tennessee last weekend. I've always loved the fog that sets in around the mountains.

Sunday Six: Week 38

2009-09-20T20:27:00.003-04:00

I have a Recap Six this week, all from a weekend spent with family in North Carolina. We had a good time laughing, visiting and eating way too much good food!

This was my contribution to Saturday night's Italian dinner. It's a caprese pasta salad and it turned out pretty well, I think.

On Saturday morning, a large group of us went adventuring through the mountains. The remaining pictures are a few of the things that caught my eye while we were hiking.

Until next week . . .

Sunday Six: Week 37

2009-09-13T16:28:00.003-04:00

It's a Recap Six this week! Okay, so there are pictures from inside my loft, but only three!

Tuesday night I headed into town to meet Allison for dinner at Flip. As usual, I was playing while driving through traffic.

This one's blurry, but I didn't have my tripod with me. Taken from the West End looking towards Midtown Atlanta.

This is a full view of Midtown Atlanta's evening skyline, only with lots of squiggles! One of these days I'll be in a spot for some nice skyline photos with my tripod in hand.

Painting was on the agenda for today. This color is called "Starry Sky."

No turning back now!

The finished project! I'm quite pleased with it. Check out my new ladder, too! 8 feet tall! Hey, I'm short, people! I take every opportunity I have to stand tall!

Until next week . . .

Sunday Six: Week 36 (Dragon*Con Edition)

2009-09-06T14:18:00.004-04:00

Today's Sunday Six is going to be a Sunday Nine, simply because I have extra pictures and I don't want to pick between them! This weekend thousands of folks are visiting Atlanta for Dragon*Con 2009. Dragon*Con is billed as North America's largest Science Fiction/Fantasy convention. Two of this year's biggest speakers were William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy (a.k.a. Captain Kirk and Dr. Spock). In addition to the convention there is a huge parade with tons and tons of fun costumes. For example . . .

The Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland was there.

The Blues Brothers danced their way down Peachtree Street, too!

Captain Jack Sparrow from "Pirates of the Carribean" was present via pirate ship.

This guy was there, too! Although, I have no idea what character he is. If you know, please speak up in the comments! I'm sure I'll feel like a dummy when I find out who this is.

Almost always present at an Atlanta parade is the Seed and Feed Marching Abominable Band. They are so wacky! They're always lots of fun to watch!

Finally, as you would expect with any Science Fiction/Fantasy themed parade there were a lot of Star Wars characters present.

Darth Vader was there along with his security forces. Dark Helmet and the SpaceBalls crew were also there. Sadly, I didn't snap the shutter quick enough to get their costumes!

Stormtroopers were everywhere! Y'all, I kid you not when I say there was an Indianapolis Colts Stormtrooper! Who knew they liked football?!

This was probably my favorite of the Star Wars costumes, simply because I'd never seen someone dressed up as Chewy.

And, finally . . . does anyone recognize this guy? Two of the guys behind me were positive this was George Lucas. I think it's just a close likeness. If George had really been there, surely that would've made headlines around here!

Until next week, which will certainly have far less wackiness!

Hair (230 of 365)

2009-09-06T14:14:00.001-04:00

The Bride of Frankenstein is known for her wacky hair. Here she is with her hubby during the DragonCon 2009 parade in Atlanta.

Hours, Days, Months, Years (229 of 365)

2009-09-05T11:30:00.001-04:00

These beautiful rock formations have certainly been standing for a long time. Hopefully, they'll continue to stand for many more. Everybody should be able to take in this view!

Peaks and Valleys (228 of 365)

2009-09-04T11:30:00.001-04:00

A view of the peaks and valleys surrounding Garden of the Gods. This was just after sunset. I love the look of the clouds over the peaks.

Bent (227 of 365)

2009-09-03T11:30:00.000-04:00

This tree trunk certainly has some bent limbs. These were all over the mountain on our way up to Pikes Peak. If I remember correctly, they're bristlecone pine trees.

Rock, Paper, Scissors (226 of 365)

2009-09-02T11:30:00.000-04:00

Balanced Rock at the Garden of the Gods. Isn't this neat? It just looks like its about to fall right over!

Exercise (225 of 365)

2009-09-01T11:30:00.001-04:00

These are the highest set of stairs in the world. They are the stairs of the Pikes Peak Incline Trail, also known as the Manitou Incline. The incline was originally built to support the construction of a hydroelectric plant and its waterline. It was also used as a tourist attraction to take tourists to the summit of Pikes Peak via a cable car.

The stairs are actually old railroad ties. The incline is just over a mile and you gain 2,011 feet in elevation. After climbing to the top of the 2,744 stairs, you then have the option to continue hiking the Barr Trail (about 8 miles, I think) to the summit of Pikes Peak, turning around and walking straight back down those stairs, or taking a 4 mile trail back down to the base of the mountain.

Interestingly, the incline is on privately owned property and is off limits to the public. The many people who climb and train on the incline are actually trespassing. There is, however, a steady push to make the trail open to the public.

Warnings (224 of 365)

2009-08-31T11:30:00.000-04:00

Warning signs posted at the Garden of the Gods. I'm so glad none of the rocks took a tumble when we were there.

Sunday Six: Week 35

2009-08-30T20:43:00.003-04:00

This week is a Recap Six from the weekend.

Yesterday I went shopping with some family members who came into Atlanta. We stopped at Ikea first. I am trying to plan out an area to hang a group of my photos in my new place and I really like this arrangement of frames.

After Ikea and a few other stores we headed out of Midtown and to the Perimeter Mall area. This is a drive-by shot of Atlantic Station.

One of the things I had to do today was hit the grocery store. I picked up these strawberries and blueberries which will be perfect for my breakfast!

I also bought a little seedless watermelon in order to try a new recipe I found.

Neither Whole Foods or Kroger had popsicle sticks, so I was stuck buying these sparkly cocktail stirs for my watermelon cubes.

The final product. Watermelon cubes. They're pretty yummy. Although, I think next time I'll add a little more sugar and a little less mint and lemon zest.

Until next week . . .

Travels (223 of 365)

2009-08-30T11:30:00.000-04:00

I snapped this shot as I flew over Georgia on my way to Denver. We were just outside of Atlanta. We flew through some beautiful clouds, and lots of turbulence!

Portrait (222 of 365)

2009-08-29T11:30:00.000-04:00

This photo turned out to be one of my favorites from my Colorado trip. As the train we were riding arrived at the summit of Pikes Peak we passed this climber. He was practically posing just for me! Ha!

Out West (221 of 365)

2009-08-28T11:30:00.000-04:00

Another photo of the beautiful rock formations in the Garden of the Gods. I cannot get over how gorgeous this place was!

National Pride (220 of 365)

2009-08-27T11:30:00.003-04:00

This is one of the many beautiful views from the summit of Pikes Peak. It's the easternmost 14,000 foot peak in the U.S. and was the inspiration for "America the Beautiful." After riding a carriage to the summit of the mountain, Katharine Lee Bates was inspired by the view and wrote the lyrics to the song in her hotel room.

Partner (220 of 365)

2009-08-26T11:30:00.000-04:00

As we were walking through Garden of the Gods we spotting this pair of rock climbers. The guy on top was guiding his partner to his position. She was evidently pretty new to rock climbing, but he was very patient as he called down instructions to her. As we made it back to our car, I looked back to see them both standing near the top of the rock formation.

Barren (219 of 365)

2009-08-25T11:30:00.000-04:00

On Saturday morning, we rode the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak. As we neared the summit, the trees gave way to the rocky mountaintop. Not quite barren, but close!

Steeple (218 of 365)

2009-08-24T11:30:00.000-04:00

We were able to see this church from our hotel balcony in Denver. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get over to the church to find out which one it is. I thought it looked really pretty in the early morning sunlight.

Sunday Six: Week 34 (Colorado Edition)

2009-08-23T20:58:00.004-04:00

This week, I have another Recap Six from my trip to Colorado. I spent a two days in Colorado Springs and two days in Denver.

First up are some pretty sunflowers I spotted on our way out of Manitou Springs.

One of the amazing formations at Garden of the Gods. This place was so neat!

A charred tree trunk we passed on our way to the summit of Pikes Peak.

I'm trying to decide what I think this formation looks like. I haven't quite figured it out yet.

Don't these boulders look like they're about to take a tumble down the mountain?

A view from the summit of Pikes Peak. Standing up there, I was seriously in awe of the folks who climb mountains like this!

Until next week . . .

Vacation & Holidays (217 of 365)

2009-08-23T11:30:00.000-04:00

The view from our pool cabana. Sadly, we were only able to enjoy the cabana for about a half hour before it started pouring rain. The wind was blowing chairs and cushions all along the pool area. We camped out inside the cabana until it slowed to a steady rain and then, headed inside for lunch.

Crossroads (216 of 365)

2009-08-22T11:30:00.001-04:00

A South Beach intersection, complete with neon lights and passing cars.

Holes (215 of 365)

2009-08-21T11:30:00.000-04:00

Holes in the clouds which let the bright, blue skies come through. It rained off and on Saturday. Thankfully, it let up just enough for us to get into the concert venue without getting drenched!