Roads less Traveled

I love the Roads Less Traveled -

wherever I find them

A Bright and Sunny Monday

- pups that warm my heart

- a call from an old friend for a trip to the Renaissance Fair this weekend!

- editing pics of my niece Laura and rich, her husband-to-be

- support from staff after a trying upsetting week

- A President who made me proud
 followed by a call from my 84 year old dad reassuringly saying,
"Kelly, dont worry. He'll pull it off".
(He's always right about these things.
I needed him to say that).

- AN UTTERLY BRIGHT AND SUNNY MONDAY!

Fall Flying By -

October!

Might be my favorite month of all - crunching leaves,
fabulous colors and smells,

sweater season, good hair season, windows open...

I could go on and on.
 

But September was a hum dinger too!

Lots of Surprises and new traditions.

With my niece Emily in the city we meet for biking
Kelly Drive at least twice a week!

 Love it!

And visiting her new life downtown is so much fun!

Her new home is right out of  "Sex in the City" 

Carrie Bradshaw's Home in NYC

Em's Home on Spruce Street Philadelphia

My L.A. Friends - John and Bob - stopped my home while in town!

What a treat it was!

A surprise visit from my nephew Adam just made my day! 
Visiting from Memphis, he was attending a conference at Jefferson Hospital in Philly.

Once a DJ,

and a yoga teacher,

after a hike through the Appalachian Trail -

he headed to Med School in Johnstown, Tennessee!

What a doc he will be!

But a stop at Casselli's to catch up was just pure fun!
(That guy Claudio could sing like Pavarotti!)

And then ...
I discovered my new sacred spot,
a church of sorts,

Laurel Hill Cemetery!

Sublime! Serene! Historic!

They held a 5k REST IN PEACE Race this weekend

and what a hoot!

 When we all stop and think about it
- or blog about it
- or make a list about it -

- AIN'T LIFE GRAND!

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 -