Jars of Spices

Nice and Neat
April 2007

My iTunes: Chasing Cars (acoustic version) by Snow Patrol

I went out to dinner tonight with my friends Jenn and Mita. When we all decided to go to an Indian restaurant, I was Nervous (with a capital N). Why? Because the only Indian food I eat is sitting around Mita's kitchen table! She is a great cook! The image above is her spice cupboard in the kitchen. Well, it is 1 of 3 cupboards she has stocked! Ever since I have seen the inside of it several months ago, I have wanted to take a picture. Again, it's the lines...she is so organized! Maybe I should seek professional help for this affection I have for lines...what do you all think? I didn't have much time to get this shot but I like it.

In the end, the food was wonderful where we went....we had chilli paneer, naan bread and much more that I can't pronounce..... :)

Have a wonderful week!

Unexpected Delight

View from Below
April 2007

My iTunes: Good Riddance by Green Day

This bike is a thorn in my side. Why you might ask? Well, everywhere we move...it comes as well. Whether we have room or not. It is my better half's bike and while he does ride it, I get tired of seeing it in our hallway. Nothing is worse than being in a hurry and getting a handlebar in your side at full speed...and it always me that hits it!

In my neverending quest to make the ordinary interesting, I decided to sit indian-style on the floor and start shooting this object of my disdain. I had the house to myself, so I sat and snapped....for quite awhile. And it was strange...I started having a lot of fun. And now, the bike isnt so bad. Actually it is pretty sweet if I do say so myself. This is why I love photography...I hope that you like my take on the bike. I definitely will be back to this subject soon.

Speaking of my better half, his blog is finally up. Do you all mind clicking over there and saying hello? His blog is called THIS JOURNEY and I know he would love a visit from any of my friends who want to drop by...SO THANKS!

Moving Parts
April 2007

A Bit Off Center

Door View
December 2006

My iTunes: Let It All Out by Relient K

One of my morning rituals is checking my emails to read the comments my friends in the Blogosphere leave for me as I sleep soundly. When I opened up my email this morning, I had the email below in my inbox. John is a blogger friend whose site I visit DAILY to get a dose of his wonderful photography. He also hails from NC, where I was born. He had some questions about my style of shooting. Click here and here for some examples of what he is talking about. Actually he isn't the only one to mention it...MARK! I made sure to get his permission to share this email with you and also my response. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!

Thanks John for spurring me to think a bit about the perspective God gave me as I look through my lens! And everyone...make sure to go visit John's blog and be sure to be nice! :)

*********************************************************************

Hello Anna

I'm emailing this comment instead of putting it in the comments section of a post on your blog so as not to upset your many fans. I don't want that army to turn on me! But here it is: Your choice of framing drives me crazy sometimes. Why do you like to chop off the edges of things like the flower in "Looking For Details", and the traffic lights in "Signs All Around"? I've seen enough of your work to know it has to be a deliberate creative choice, but why? Fill me in.

(Signed)
Puzzled in NC

*********************************************************************

(My response...)

Wait, I am getting myself up off the floor with laughter. My husband and I so enjoyed reading your email John.

You are right, it is deliberate. And you are also right, it is creative. I think I am so off center when it comes to taking photos. I can't totally explain it. When I see something through my viewfinder, in my head the last thing I think to do is to snap it head on. I think for me it may be a bit TOO tidy to be seen by me the way someone else may shoot it. I dont do it all the time, but every now and then. If you look through my archives you will see a lot of both.

I wish I had more of an explanation for you.....

Bottom line. I think God made me see things the way I do on purpose because he loves me.....and the same goes for every talented photographer in Blogland and their unique eye. I am sorry if it drives you crazy sometimes....really...I am somewhat of a people pleaser! :)

Hope you are less puzzled and more intrigued now,

Signed,
WAY OFF CENTER in the UK

PS...I so want to post your comment and my answer...it
is killing me! :)

*********************************************************************

What a great email! Some of you may reconignize the shot for today. I took it back in December in our neighborhood and thought I would share it since it had to do with this post.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Signs All Around

Stop.
April 2007

My iTunes: Mercy Street by Peter Gabriel

First things first. We went on a walk to get some ice cream and along the way I snapped a few street shots. These are my two favorites. Nothing special but I liked the angle, the sky, the colors. Can you count how many street lights you see in the bottom image? Seven to be exact and let me just say, for every 2 you see here, there was another one I didn't get. That's right...at least 11 in one small area. Pretty cool to look at as they are all changing every few minutes.

I am thinking I need to do a series on street lights! Sound good?

After posting my interview yesterday, I wasn't quite sure what to expect in the way of responses. I am glad that I did have a few volunteers to be interviewed or I might have taken it personally! :) I posted some questions below and will let who volunteered answer any five (or more if you REALLY want to). Just pick your favorites. I can't wait to see your answers on your blogs!

My willing volunteers...
(their links are in my sidebar)
Paul from The Harbour of Ourselves
Chad from Chad's Photoblog
Tracy from UNLESS THE LORD...

What are you most passionate about in your life?
Pick a song that best describes you.
In a quiet moment you get to yourself, what do you do?
What surprises you most about other people?
Who has made the most impact on your life? Why?
Share one sure fire way to get to your heart?
What is one thing you own that would be hard for you to give away?
Share something that you hope to do one day.

Now, here is what you have to do after you answer the questions. You will update your weblog with the answers to the questions and include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions (that you write). So on and so on...

Walk.

Looking for the Details...

Orange & Green
St. James Park
April 2007

My iTunes: Everything Is Average Nowadays by Kaiser Chiefs

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Judy at Imagine What I'm Leaving Out. She has known me since I was born and is such a dear friend. She was interviewed by another blogger and asked her readers who might want to be next. Several of us volunteered and below are my answers from the questions I picked.

What did you look for most in a mate?
There is the obvious...I needed a man that was resting in Christ. Other than that...it was easy, he needed to have a sense of humor. Laughter is such a joyful experience and I want to spend the rest of my life doing that with my best friend. And boy do we! My stomach hurts just thinking about it.

Is your blog read by family members?
You know it! My mother, father, sister, brother, in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins...I love sharing my life here with those who are closest to me. It was one of the reasons I started my blog. The age range for who visits my blog from my family is 80 years young to 3 years old. I miss them all so much...

What one color do you never wear or have in your home? Why don't you like it?
White is so impractical (not that I have EVER been accused of being practical mind you). In my life, if there is a wall, it needs color on it. Besides, I'm a mom...white is just a waste of money until they are buying their own clothes and have moved out of the house!

When interplanetary travel becomes available, where would you travel?
I am not sure where I would go but my camera and bag would be packed (in that order)! I might even leave the bag! I would LOVE to go into space...what an adventure! And can you imagine the pictures?!? :)

What one thing would you do differently in your life, if you had the opportunity to do it over?
I would have believed from the beginning that I was a princess to my Father the King of Kings. I would have seen my worthiness through the eyes of my Savior and not tried to fill empty places in my heart with destructive behaviors and people. While I am big believer that God is sovereign, I wish that my road to my life today wouldn't have had to be so difficult. I am so grateful that God took my messes and made them beautiful.

*****************************************************************************

If you are interested in being interviewed....leave me a comment saying, "INTERVIEW ME." Then, I will respond by asking you five questions (of course, I get to write the questions). You will then post on your blog your answers to my questions. The fun continues when include this explanation and an offer to interview one of your readers in your post. When they comment requesting to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions. So on and so on....EASY!

All Aboard

Last Look...
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: Closer by Joshua Radin

So long Newcastle...the train is here and it's time to go. What a trip! Hard to believe that it was only 37 hours long! :)

Here is my last shot as I took one a final look out the train with my camera. It was great reliving my journey with you and hope you enjoyed the ride as well...it made it seems a lot longer as I retold stories to you all.

My apologies for being so short tonight. I am exhausted here and am done for the day! See you tomorrow.

Take a Seat

A Closer Look
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: Samson by Regina Spektor

So we are still in Newcastle, I am up off the floor finally as we are still waiting for the train (I promise, it's due to arrive any moment now and it is on time). My husband went for another Diet Coke and Sadie is lounging looking at the shots she has gotten on her own camera for her blog. And well, I am still curiously walking around seeing what I can uncover that may be interesting to me.

The top image is a close up of the seating at the station. I loved the vibrant color of the paint and the light reflections. Below is a shot of Sadie and just like the pics from yesterday, I had to wait for my moment to snap...eventually, it came.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting!

A Bit Farther Back

Reflection of Me

Semi-Self Portrait
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: Face Down (Acoustic) by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

When we were finally leaving Newcastle and made it to the train station, I was completely distracted from everything going on around me. Why, you might ask? As we were walking, I noticed a ginormous (vocabulary courtesy of Buddy the Elf) marble wall with an amazing reflection. I was all over that! My traveling buddies decided (and rightly so), this would be a good time for them to get a soft drink and take a seat for a while as mom "did her thing"...

They are so good to me.

I got at least 50 shots off of all sorts of perspectives and framing. This one was one of my favorites. I am having fun coming up with ways to do self portraits every now and then to share. In editing, I changed the tone to sepia because the black marble was showing a lot of fingerprints and scuff marks. You know, I actually had thought about wiping it off before I started shooting but had the sinking feeling I might get hauled off by the train police (lets face it, I can handle being on the inside)!

Anyhow...hope that you all are well wherever you are this day.

Like Momma Like Daughter

Me
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: To Be Alone With You by Sufjan Stevens

Even though I have a few more pics to post from our travels to Newcastle....I was really tired of the title and decided a new one was needed!

I snapped these images as we were waiting for our train. The top image is me, well, not me, rather my shoes. I love them and will no doubt wear them out until they cannot be worn anymore. On any given day I am either in these or my comfy flip flops, regardless of weather! I had not had a pair of Chucks for awhile, so I was thrilled when my daughters feet grew and I got her hand me downs. That was so weird by the way! The bottom image is a shot of Sadie after she had painted her nails. I just thought these two pics looked good together.

The apple truly doesn't fall far from the tree...

Her
April 2007

Travel Pass Day Three

Winding Staircase
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: The Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani

Back to Newcastle upon Tyne...

After finally getting pulled out of the train station by my daughter and husband (50 pictures later), we headed to the hotel to drop our bags and regroup before the concert. We ended up staying in downtown Newcastle in the Royal Station Hotel, which was opened in 1858 by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

The Victorian architecture is beautiful and they have preserved all the features of that period while also restoring the rooms with modern conveniences. It was oozing charm and romance. I saw this top image almost immediately, as I walked the winding staircase. I noticed the light pouring in from the window and grabbed the camera. It really was so pretty. The bottom pic gives you another point of interest there besides the stairs, the beautiful chandelier. And can you see the fancy ceiling? I knew I had to include both of these images for you to see.

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend! :)

In Memory

Two students in prayer on campus
*Image from the web*

So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.

John 16:22 New Living Translation

What I'm Listening To: Hope To Carry On (Live) by Caedmons Call

In memory of the students and teachers who lost their lives on the campus of Virginia Tech earlier in the week, I will be observing a day of silence on my blog on April 30th. No comments, no words. For me, just a picture. Some other blogs are doing the same thing, so please feel free to participate on your own blog and pass the word around.

For 17 years of my life, I have called Virginia home, just hours away from Blacksburg. I hardly know what to write as I sit here, so I am figuring less is more in this case. I pray that God will show His face in this difficult time. I know that He can comfort and hold these families in His hands as they grieve the loss of their loved ones way too early.

You are all in my prayers.

Travel Pass Day Two

Welcome to Newcastle
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: How To Save A Life by The Fray

About 4 hours later, we arrived from London's Kings Cross station into central Newcastle. It was a wonderful ride there. The views are lovely this time of year. The lush rolling green hills of Britain peppered with sheep and horses. Sadie and I noticed all the baby animals as we passed. They were precious. It all was breathtaking. I clicked my iPod to Joshua Radin and just enjoyed the view as we made our way along the tracks...SO RELAXING!

I snapped these images on our arrival platform in Newcastle. The top image is what I saw as I hopped off the train and the bottom image is of the curved skylights weaving their way throughout the station. The weather while we were gone was wonderful so it really added to these shots that I managed to get from the windows and skylights.

I definitely wanted to give my thanks to the better half and my daughter for waiting for me while I took so may shots in the station. It has become second nature for my family members to make sure I am actaully still behind them when they are walking away, so they don't forget me somewhere as I capture all I see...

Thanks for always being so patient with me when you see me reaching for the camera!

Station Lines
April 2007

Travel Pass

Part One

Looking Up
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: Go (Acoustic) by Hanson

We have spent the last 32 hours traveling by rail. When I shared that we were having some special time with our daughter Sadie, I didn't tell you that we surprised her by taking her to a concert in Newcastle, England. It is three hours there by train so we headed out early yesterday morning. The three of us had such a great time together.

We were excited to see Hanson in concert. They started their week and a half long tour of the UK last week and played at The Journal Tyne Theatre. It has been preserved beautifully over the years and is the oldest working Victorian theatre in the world. And the story goes, all the bands who come through here to play, warm up in the bathroom because the acoustics are so good.

What a refreshing time to just sit back and listen to three truly exceptional musicians. The fact that we can take our daughter and not have to worry about foul language and inappropriate role models is such a nice relief these days. I like when music can stand on its own and there is no shock value to get your attention. It was an intimate crowd of about 400 people. John and I saw U2 in Philly back in 2005 and there were 20,000 people there. Obviously, that was awesome but this smaller venue was just perfect for the type of band they are. It is like they are sitting in your living room for a jam session. They also do a lot of acoustic which I like a lot.

You can click here to see their website and link to listen to the single that they just released in the UK from the anticipated upcoming album, The Walk, on their indie label. Definitely take a few minutes to check them out if you are a music lover, you won't be disappointed.

I am going to do our trip over a few posts. Ends up that I got some shots that I like quite a bit and would like to share with you all. Hopefully when I am done you can get a good feel for our trip.

I snapped these first two in the early hours at Kings Cross Station in London. I couldn't take my eyes off the huge window that was pouring light in from outside. I liked the way this top shot looked with the dirty skylights as well. A bit later, I watched as a pigeon flew onto the window sash and hung out there for a bit. I love how quiet that image looks despite the chaotic atmosphere that it was found.

Click to enlarge and enjoy. :)

Solitude
April 2007

Hot Pursuit

Culture Confusion?
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: Undignified by David Crowder Band

Hey ya'll...I know, sometimes my Southern accent comes out, even in my writing!

In case you have been back a couple of times, you may have noticed that I have been away from my computer the last 24 hours. I will be posting 2 "catch up" pics later tonight letting all of you know what we have been up to here. I will also be by later to check up on all your blogs! :) I have missed my daily dose of musings and photographs from you all!

After posting an image of their sister, I thought I would give you all a shot of our boys from the park the other day in the city. Notice the title of the pic above..."Culture Confusion"...

Sam is sharing with you his take on two of his own favorite pastimes. He is combining European football with American football. Pretty interesting! I think that he may be on to something. His brother is following right behind, ready to tackle him at the opportune time. If you click the image, you can get a good look of their game faces. Luckily, Sam was able to pass the ball off to his sister just in time!

Have a good day and please check back a bit later!

Arm and Arm

Hanging On
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: Daughters by John Mayer

Time goes by so fast...

It seems like yesterday when I captured a pic of Sadie and her dad on her second Halloween. He was decked out as a football player, she was a ladybug with pretty red and black wings and antennas. I remember thinking how small she was as she held his hand and walked away to collect candy....a precious moment that is so vivid in my mind.

I snapped this as we were walking toward the park yesterday in the city. As the mom of a teen, I am always happy when I am witness to pure happiness from her. The times when there are no pretense, no agenda...just laughter and smiles. While the boys lagged behind with me, I caught this sweet moment between a father and daughter. It wasn't until I was editing it later that I was so overwhelmed with how tall and grown up she has gotten as she hung on to her dad's arm. I know he hopes that she will always do that no matter how old she gets.

This week, we will be spending some time just the three of us while the boys spend a few nights with friends. We will be savoring every second with her as we plan some things to do together...

You all take care!

For You. Love, God

Tulips Everywhere!
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: The Freshman by The Verve Pipe

My eyes and nose are taking part in quite the feast these days. I am in awe of God's wonder and color palette when it comes to his creation. He is the master artist with us as his audience. How amazing is that? Each of these flowers with vibrant colors and distinct smells...when I think if all these details, I am overwhelmed by the love he has for each of us.

What a beautiful gift!

Spontaneously today, we decided to take a trip into the city to St. James Park. It is situated in front of Buckingham Palace with a huge pond and acres of flowers and large trees to offer shade to those wanting to throw down a blanket and take a nap. And that is exactly what we did! The Queen certainly has some front yard and it is so nice of her to share! As soon as we arrived I spotted these tulips. I snapped so many pictures, it was ridiculous! For every one flower you see in these images, there are 100 elsewhere! I figured I could share a couple not just one....

I hope that you enjoy these as much as I do and that you can see your Fathers love for you through his creation whether you are in sunshine or snow these days....His blessings are truly everywhere, in every season...

The heavens belong to the Lord,
but He has given the earth to all humanity.
Psalm 115:16
New Living Translation

And More Tulips!

By the way, if you are a blogger, please head South and stop by here for some good conversation and some sweet tea with my friend Sarch.

Gone Grillin'

BBQ Time!
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: Goodbye Girl by Squeeze

With the temperatures in the mid 70's today in London, we were thrilled to be invited to dinner with friends of ours here who are also from the US. We opted to grill out hot dogs and hamburgers and have a good ol' American style dinner! We had some homemade dishes like BBQ baked beans and potato salad. YUM! It was topped off by roasting some "imported" marshmallows over the barbeque pit. All the kids had a blast.

When spring comes each year, I am pretty sensitive to everything that changes around me. For instance, there is something about the smell of the grill going, the blankets spread out on the grass, and the nice breeze in the air. It relaxes me almost immediately. I have noticed being here, little things can bring on a flood of memories about home. I was remembering how my dad always was grilling as I grew up. Even today, he grills all the time and it's such a wonderful memory of growing up for me...

You can imagine looking at this pic, the smell drew me in so I snuck a peek with my camera as our dinner was being cooked. And this image came out delicious I think! Can you smell them? I still can. I must give props to Matt, our chef who was manning the grill this evening. You've got some mad grillin' skillz! :)

Take care everyone.

Welcome!

Home
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: The Otherside by Andrew Balkwill...to listen, go here.

The reason why I had yet to "officially" welcome you to out neighborhood is because I was waiting for spring to get here to the Hill. It seems as though it is here now so I'm all set...

For this occasion, I made sure to post my favorite British piano rocker to give props to the homebred talent here in London. There is no doubt that this big island oozes musical creativity. Please take a sec to check him out. As I went to the grocery today (I know, fun, huh?), I had all the windows rolled down and the CD cranked with Dont Stop Jenny by Balkwill. I hope to see him live again soon. Great show!

So this is a shot of the sign as you enter the Hill. It looks much more inviting with the pretty blossoms all around. At the very least, better than it did a short month ago when all the branches were bare. I even managed to get a close up of a blossom below for you. Make sure you click to make it larger, it's so beautiful. It doesnt look real, but it is! If you frequent my blog, you know that I post a lot of what I see here in my neighborhood...if you are new, please take a look around to get a feel for this unique place that we call home. It's pretty charming, although I am quite biased. :)

Have a good weekend everyone!

Bloom for You (click to get up close)
April 2007

#219

Urban Decay
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: Star Mile by Joshua Radin

I couldn't think of a title for the image today, so I am giving it the next number in sequence of my posts. I know, I know....I should be more creative but I am dividing my attention between writing this and watching the movie Panic Room. It is quite the thriller if you haven't seen it but I will warn you of the language.

I snapped this as I waited for the train. I have posted before about the Underground, the "tube"...click here if you want to view that post. I am always intrigued at all there is to take in at the station...the people, the tracks, the trains, the mechanics....all of it.

Have a great weekend everyone!

BTW, thanks for all your prayers for my friend from yesterdays post. I appreciate it and I know that she does as well.

For a Friend

Lone Tulip
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: Hella Good by No Doubt

I hate to say that I am not feeling well again tonight but it is what it is. So an incredibly short post is in your future! :)

I almost didn't post this image. I am not sure why. I was taking a walk and saw this lone tulip in bloom and just loved the yellows and reds. Simply, I couldn't take my eyes off of it.

This post is for a friend that needs to be uplifted in prayer. Even though many of you dont know her, I would appreciate your prayers for her so that she can know God is near to her during an extremely difficult time of disbelief and fear of the unknown.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

Daydreaming...

April 2007

What I'm Listening To: I've Got You by McFly

Hello all!

Before I forget, a few of you have asked me what exactly an aerobie is and I wanted to make sure to answer your questions. It is like a frisbee but it looks like a plastic, flat ring. It is much easier to throw than a frisbee and faster which is fun. Sometimes we do an obstacle course around trees and things for points. Very fun. The kids love it as well because of the ease of using it. I have never seen one in the UK but you can get them at any Target in America. :)

This image reminds me of daydreaming....hence, the title of my post today. As I shot this photo, I was wishing I had a blanket. I could just lay back, put my arms behind my head and watch the clouds float over my head, maybe drift off for a minute or two. That sounds so nice. I am going to have to go back and do that soon.

Have a wonderful day...

Just a Quick Stop

Train Bridge
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: Numb by Linkin Park

There I go, looking up again! :)

What is it about bridges? I know. For me, it's the lines...always!

I snapped this as we were out and about. As I was sitting in our car, I looked up and noticed the pretty greens in the bridge above me. Of course, my camera was in my bag right underneath me, so I quickly pulled out. As my husband and kids watched me from the car while eating McDonalds, I made my way underneath the bridge for a better view. I like the way it turned out.

I'm off to bed! It is late here...

Making A New Friend

Peek-A-Boo
April 2007

What I'm Listening To: Happy Day by Tim Hughes

Happy Easter!

I hope that you all had a wonderful day. It was a nice day here. The weather was gorgeous and we were invited to go to Osterley Park with some friends before church tonight. We had a small Easter egg hunt, threw the aerobie and spent some time just hanging on the blanket watching the ducks on the water. It was nice to spend time together now that we are all finally feeling better.

I snapped these shots as we were leaving. Jack and I had been lagging behind as we walked to our car. Jack noticed that we were being watched...intently, I might add. The top image is when I got down to Jacks eye level to see our new friend. As we continued to walk, we were still followed. Once the trees opened up, I snapped the bottom image of them befriending one another.

It was a memorable day....

Bonding
April 2007

BTW, I just realized that I have been making a mistake on my blog since April 1st...I have been posting March under all my photos...which they weren't! Sorry that I was so scatter-brained! :) It must have been because I was taking care of hubby or something! Anyway...I know now that it IS indeed April now!

A Time to Bloom

A Fresh Look
March 2007

What I am Listening To: Beauty of Simplicity by Telecast

The old life is a grass life,
its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers;
Grass dries up, flowers droop,
God's Word goes on and on forever.
This is the Word that conceived the new life in you.

1 Peter 1:23 The Message

A new season. A new start.

Spring is here. I don't have to long for it or write about it coming anymore. I am not sure what it is about springtime that gives me a fresh outlook....maybe the warmth of the sun after months of brisk cold weather, the smell of cut grass, or the birds singing while the windows are open on a breezy day. I snapped this image in our neighborhood. I like the softness and colors.

As tonight slowly turns to Easter Sunday in our home, I am reminded of the new life that I have in Christ. I hope that you all have a very blessed day. Take time to enjoy the wonderful renewal of spring with your family and friends who are near and far from you.

Until tomorrow...

Hues in the Underground

The Skylights
March 2007

What I'm Listening To: Real World by Matchbox 20

Today was a good day. It was beautiful here....more pics to come.

I snapped these at the tube station today as I headed into the city. I never "happen" to look up....I am ALWAYS looking up! I have some other blogging friends that seem to have this same "condition". Click here and here to see what Carmi and Mike have seen as well. Great shots guys! I am never disappointed when I turn my camera up to find a shot...and this top pic was no exception.

Below are the cables that run mile after mile along the tracks all across London. I was looking at these imagining all the work that had gone into laying the tracks, the cables, etc. I grew up in smaller cities in the US (way less than 8 million people), so this big, urban city can be overwhelming at times. It really is a different life and I am constantly exposed to new and different things. Pretty exciting and scary at the same time!

As I looked at these two images on my comupter later, I liked the colors. The colors are almost identical in both shots. It was an unexpected capture at the station. I love it when that happens! :)

Take care.

Cables Everywhere
March 2007

Taxi Anyone?

Pink Headlight
March 2007

What I'm Listening To: Black Balloon by Goo Goo Dolls

BTW, Marc, I post the name of the song I am listening to while writing and editing my blog. Thanks for asking!
___________________________________________________________

I love London.

While my better half is still healing, I headed out with my daughter for some girl time. My medicinal therapy was through, now it was time for some retail therapy. Figuratively speaking of course! Window shopping is the name of the game in this town! Despite that, we had such a fun afternoon together.

We definitely have our moments as mother and daughter (mainly because we are cut from the same cloth), but today was a good day. We took a walk, had some lunch, did a little shopping, split a dessert and had some good conversation. These are the days I have always looked forward to since she was a baby...trying on shoes and dresses together and then laughing with eachother as we talked about life, music, and stuff. It was a joy for me.

I snapped this image as we got off a double decker and headed to the shops. The driver was actually polishing it as I approached and asked if I could get a couple of shots. I think he was surprised that I took the first one...I mean, a headlight is a headlight, right? Not to me! So I made sure to get a fuller view as well. It was funny. I see these taxis everywhere in London, however, these are the first images I have shared on my blog. Why now? Totally because of the color. A girls day...a pink taxi? How could I not be all over that!?! :)

Hope you are well and thanks for all the kind comments for us to get healthy. I think it's helping!

What a Ride!

A View from the Gate

The Grove Mansion, Church Hill
March 2007

What I'm Listening To: Landslide (Acoustic Version) by the Smashing Pumpkins

After another 24 hours, we are both still on the mend here so basically, I am trying to get stuff done when I have the energy for it. I love doing my blog and sharing with all of you...so this is easy for me and cheers me up! So short and to the point it is tonight...

I took this image on a walk the other day around the neighborhood. Again, wandering off into a nook I had never been into, I found this beautiful home. It seems so warm and welcoming. I felt like I had stumbled upon a home from one of Jane Austen's books...maybe Sense and Sensibility or Pride and Prejudice. I wanted to knock on the door and ask for Mr. Darcy. How wonderful these homes must be on the inside with all the period features. For now, I can only imagine. :)

Have a good night...see you tomorrow!

Just for Me...

Something Simple
March 2007

What I'm Listening To: What I've Done by Linkin Park

Good evening all...(well, it is evening here!)

Sorry this is up so late. Unfortunately, it's because I have been under the weather today with some flu like symptoms. It was a pretty sad sight today as John and I both were underneath the covers trying to shut the world out and rest. I am thinking that my body has now finally surrendered after the last 21 days of non-stop hustle and bustle around here. So I am sure that you all understand why this will be a short post. :)

I got a second wind about 30 minutes ago so figured now would be a good time to post. I then I will be keeping a date I have with my pillow and blanket! :) I fully intended to do one more playground image but opted to share this one instead. And how could I not? This is my Sam, he is handing me three flowers he picked for me while we were at the park. Aren't they lovely? I like the vibrant blue and yellow colors of this...it is cheerful. It put a smile on my face as soon as I saw it.

What a nice heartfelt gesture from my littlest. I am starting to feel better already. Have a good tomorrow...

To be a Kid...

The Monkey Bars...
March 2007

What I am Listening To: The River (Acoustic Version) by Good Charlotte

After the post from yesterday, it seems that many of you (just like me) enjoy being reminded of your childhood. Today we are taking another visit there...

I couldn't resist in sharing a few more of the shots I got at the park with the boys. As an adult, I see the world differently than I did when I was young. For one, everything is so much smaller now. For instance, being able to do the monkey bars with your feet on the ground...that is no fun anymore! What a letdown. :)

I like these two shots because I was trying to get a more abstract view of the common playground equipment. The top image is the monkey bar rings. Of course, a kid wouldn't see this view because they aren't tall enough. My Sam was actually wondering what the heck I was looking at as I snapped this photo. So I had to lift him up and show him. And that was hard...he is growing boy! His response? "That's cool mom..."

Cute.

The pic below is the swing that Jack was on from the post yesterday. I took it just after he got off to run and play somewhere else. There is nothing overtly amazing about this which is probably why I like it so much. I like the light, the coloring...the simplicity of it. It puts a smile on my face.

Take care.


The Swings...

Bliss

Swingtime...
March 2007

What I'm Listening To: 100 Years by Five for Fighting

This is the post I have been waiting to write for 19 days. John is finally home! As I blog, he is sleeping quietly downstairs in our bed. Hopefully he on his way to a full recovery. We are just thrilled to have him within reach.

This shot I took yesterday of Jack, is a wonderful image of how we all are feeling right now with our family back together....joyful. Do you remember when you were a kid and you could swing for hours on end? I sure do. As I watched him swing (for what seemed like an hour) I just loved the look on his face as he pumped higher and higher and higher. As I took my turn (yeah, I did it), I was savoring the wind and sun on my face because yesterday was beautiful. And my kids seemed to get a kick out of watching me as they had those laughs from deep in their bellies. It doesn't take much to transport me to my happy place these days and this certainly did the trick.

All this being said, I had a lot of fun getting these shots. I was beneath the swing on my back for a few of them which prompted those ineveitable looks from other parents. I actually took this one from my knees and I liked it the best. It was fun for me to do with them.

Anyhow, I am off to take care of John. I hope that you all had a restful Sunday and have a good week!