Random Summertime Photography: 20

Ducks!

What would summer be without being able to reminisce over one of our most dearly beloved children's book entitled; "Make Way for Ducklings" by Cadecott winner; Robert McCloskey, a book featuring Mr. & Mrs. Mallard Duck's quest for the perfect nest.

What would summer be without sitting along a water's edge and taking time to watch the antics of mallard ducks or bringing along bits of bread to feed them.

Oh sure, there are some who might mimic their noises, chase after them, befriend them with brevity or even those who might find them pesky and opt instead to shoo them away.

Either way one looks at it, ducks have become part of our family's summertime fun. Are they a part of yours too?

Random Summertime Photography: 19

Sailboats on the Sea

In summertime what captures the essence of the season like a trip to the water's edge in search of inspiration.

Observing the many varied boating vessels anchored and lined up along the docks, one begins to wonder where they have been already this season, and where they might be drifting off to next. What will their owners experience during their next adventure aboard their pleasure craft?

Boating and summertime;
they just naturally go together, don't they?

Random Summertime Photography: 18

Discovering Tranquility and Beauty

There's nothing quite like a stroll along the edge of a previously undiscovered water's edge location, one seemingly tucked away in a large Bay's waterway alcoves. This particular one we visited had inviting winding paths, sensational summer blooms exploding with vibrant color in the garden beds carved around those paths, playful fowl paddling about with their bright orange webbed feet poking through the water, and park benches scattered about offering folks a special spot for a moment's rest.

Each park bench provided views of splendor and beauty, challenging all visitors to the area to take a moment (to smell the roses) for capturing the surrounding vistas, and gulping back the subsequent moments of peaceful tranquility offered from the expanse of scenery. Ah, bliss!

As if by chance, my hubby and I were afforded this daytime date with a usual hubbub of a busy family quieting to a gentle hush to allow for it. It was such a lovely fair weathered afternoon where we became quite happily stunned over the exquisite offering this general locale provided for us. We really enjoyed being able to stroll lazily along the edges of the lovely waterway area amidst a beautiful park-like setting.

Centrally located fountain sprays shot upwards to the billowy clouded skies above, and then fell with rhythmic dancing filled with quiet graceful patterns, incredibly mesmerizing to any passerby. Ducks floated and paraded sweetly through the refreshing drizzles below, while other varied wildlife were found drifting about in the varied nooks and crannies of the waterway alcoves.

Everything was a new discovery for us at this geographical location;

• the gazebo with a fabulous viewing vista and shady seating areas
• the Japanese arched bridges
• the pampas grasses swaying in the breeze
• the lapping of the water on the shores
• the colorful sailboats drifting out to sea
• small children giggling nearby
• the perfume smells from the floral gardens

...and best of all - the joyous rarity of not being in any hurry this particular day for anything else.

Absolutely heavenly!

How good is this during summertime to be able to explore new areas near to a water's edge? Sheer luxury and simple pleasures are two things which come to mind, but all great things in life really are actually free for discovering. If only all passersby could revel in simple appreciation for the tranquility and beauty they offer us each and every day of the year. Like the Nike slogan - just get out and DO IT!

We'll be back for another visit to this area. Oh yes we will!

(P.S. Belated birthday wishes to my kindred friend Sylvia!!! :-) Thinking of YOU! Big hugs!)

Random Summertime Photography: 17

A man loveth at all times...

And over all these virtues put on love,
which binds them altogether in perfect unity.

~ Colossians 3:14

During a baptism we were invited to attend, so tenderly our daughter slipped her hand into her father's.

There is definitely nothing better than being witness to the love of a child in such a sincere moment.

I almost missed taking this shot while snapping a few other photos of the scene in front of me. So glad I got it!

Random Summertime Photography: 16

Summertime Clothing Fun

Lifting the wintry wardrobe darker hues out of our lives and sending them into orbit during spring and summertime by introducing color in a whole new way seems to offer an immediate sense of good cheer to both the wearer and the audience.

With only a quick glance inside of our clothing closets and dresser drawers, it's a test for all of us on how we dress ourselves over the course of a year by the colors we choose to wear. If we grab a color chart, do you tend to hover in the dark colors only or do you sprinkle some pastels and brilliant shades of color into your life instead? Do you alternate your colors for the seasons, and if not, why not? Just curious...

This photo below makes me want to gallop out (wink) and buy some fabric to get sewing something for myself.

Celebrate Summer with Color!



I just LOVE this funky bright and brilliant colored top on my girl.