Puppy Love

Okay, I know it. 

 You should never pick favorites.

You should love both of your children equally
 (be it canine or human children)

After the death of my first ever dog Kenya, his younger brother
was wailing and pining for another canine companion.

So I got Freddie.

Six years I have tried to make Freddie "live his best Life" 

Agility classes.

Harness belts to prevent "jump up".

 Camomile pills to ease his seperation anxiety while I am at work. 

Considered, interviewed homes, contacted rescues
in the hope of giving Freddie "his best Life"

 Now he's still with me.
And I do love him, despite his faults...

 as he finds the biggest mud puddle to plop into.

or finds the biggest stick to clobber my calves with
 during a hike in the woods.

As he barks incessantly for no apparent reason...

But today as I took my dogs and
 sweet little Emma for a hike to the park...

and he guarded  Emma with committment  and devotion...

OLLIE WAS MY FAVORITE!!!

Emma's Personal Canine Security Team..

My Sweet Gentle Man.

 He touched my heart deeply with his

commited devotion to his "charge" -

Sweet little Emma Lily.

A Mock Photo Shoot with Mom and Dad

So I head to Mom and Dad's for dinner tonight. 

After having my head a little inflated after

 my first (soldout) ONE WOMAN SHOW

 (a charity event and maybe they bought them
 for the frames alone - but still)

 I asked my folks for a mock photo shoot - to see if this is something I might pursue. 

After a lovely dinner and visit out we went. 

With all due respect, they behaved badly. 

 Distracted, poor to follow direction, cracking jokes, etc.  

But after cropping, reviewing and organizing, I realized they were perfect. 

 The pictures captured who they are - still holding hands and
breaking out in laughter after 59 years of marriage. 

Pretty Impressive.

So maybe I will - after all - take the leap. 

But maybe I'll just stick to landscapes. 

 On my way home I got a great shot of the full moon. 

 Ah ha - maybe that was the problem. 

A FULL MOON!

Day 16th - The Photo Contest.

I attended the reception for the "Classic Town Photo Contest" Tonight.  My niece joined me and it was utterly delightful  to wander the exhibit while being served butlered hors d'oeuvres and sipping wine.

 OOO LA LA!

Two of my photos made it into the Traveling Gallery Show and although
 not my best of photos, it was exciting to see them among the winners.

As I drove home through the suburbs,

I've never felt quite so at peace with following my heart's desire.

I stopped to photo a peaceful field at sunset to "mark the moment".

It's time I take the leap!
It's scary, but it's time.
"Anything worth doing starts with being afraid."



Day 12 - Summer time Food -

Summertime food -

so beautiful -

art like -

fresh and succulent -



Day 7 - Vedging Out with Emily

My niece Emily and I have started a tradition
 of meeting to dine at the best in Philly. 

We have been doing this since she was 12 or so. 
Tonight we tried "Vedge" -
a spectacular Vegan Restaurant on Locust Street.

There is no better dining companion. 

She enjoys the art of it. 

She loves always trying the new and unknown.

She is simply fabulous company!
 

I LOVE this tradition we've started.

Hope it goes on until I am old and gray!

And we ended it with...

 lavendar, lemon pistachio cheesecake!!!!

Day 6 - A Lovely Spot to R.I.P.

I am greeted by this scene everyday I open my car door after arriving at my workplace. 

Resting in Peace ...

 better later than soon...

But if you have to RIP,

this is the place to do it!

Day 4 - A walk in the woods with a friend and my dogs!!

Nothing starts my day off better than a walk in the woods. 

My dogs are happy. 

 Friends catch up. 

 And the woods? 

My Church! 

There is no holier place on earth! 

Day One - Emma Lily - the Photo Challenge Returns!

So Glad to begin Susannah Conway's "August Break" Photo Challenge again. 

 Nothing can lift your spirits more than to figuratively or literally "find a beautiful picture" every day. 

 30 pictures entered in 30 days! 

 I had an impromptu photo session yesterday with Emma Lily - the 3 month old babe of my friend Eileen!

What better way to start the challenge than with Dear Sweet Emma!