From my Tree to You and Yours

It's good to make another entry.   I just love this little magical lighted house by Donna at This That and Hockey.  She is amazing and I use her animations all the time.  Visit her site and you will be amazed at her work.  There are many great talents on these AOL journals.   I wanted to share a couple of photos of my tree and the tree topper.   It is calm here today and some sun is peaking out.  Colorado has been hit hard with snow and here in Seattle we are recovering from the damage of the windstorms and flooding.  Several people died trying to heat their homes with charcoal grills and generators inside.  Most did not speak English very well and just didn't know...our Seattle Times published warnings in the paper in several languages....Spanish, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Russian....  Want to send thanks to North Carolina...a company supporting the cell phone towers here sent trucks with generators all the way to Seattle to keep major cellphone towers operating.  A lot of people have only cellphones and no hard lines to the house....we have one hard line coming in...and when the power was out it still worked.... I'm listening to the music of the Russian Transiberian Orchestra and their christmas CD...it's wonderful and seeing them in person a couple years ago was amazing..they are a must see if they come to your town...fantastic music and light show. Ok enough of my rambling...take it easy,  be calm, have tolerance, what will be will be and if you just remember that the greatest gift you can give anyone is you and your time you will never dissapoint where it really matters.   Just a little thing to remember..:)

So from my tree to you and yours a very Merry, Magical Christmas and a most Bright and Joyous New Years!  

       

               

The Great Rains and Windstorm Of Seattle Dec 2006

There was no escaping the rain the last few days here in Seattle and most of western Washington and Oregon.  Record breaking wind and rainstorms hit the region.  I should have known something was coming when I saw the beautiful sunrises a few days ago...you know that old saying red sky in the morning, sailors take warning.  I took a couple of sunrise photos that appear so peaceful and the blanket of fog was so picturesque in the valley.  The wind storms that hit Western Washington were incredibly powerful...as of this morning there were still 1/2 million people without power...since Thursday night.  We were lucky..and I count my blessings.   Our power is on ..but we have neighboring housing developments all around us that are without power.   Even our local grocery store...Safeway...was on generators.   Could only buy dry goods...no refrigerated or frozen items.   Most of the gas stations are closed due to no power.   On top of all that my work PC went on the blink on Friday and I've come down with a strong case of sneezing and a runny nose.    Tried to go shopping today but the stores near my home were all without power...not so good for business this time of year. 

I had bought tickets for my sister, my daughter and I to see the Pacific NW Ballet Nutcracker for Thursday night in Downtown Seattle at the center Opera House....of course that was when the beginning of the storm hit us.  Took us two hours to get there for what is usually a 20 minute drive.  It was a wonderful show...the trip home was quite exciting...main roads downtown were closed and we had to take alternate routes...a garbage can flew across the street right behind my car as I was driving down 1st avenue..missing us by just one second.  The winds were incredible.   Bridges were being closed and friends and family were getting power losses at their homes.   A few sad occurances of accidental deaths by floods and trees falling.    The great rains and windstorm of Seattle Dec 2006 will not be soon forgotten....areas have been declared emergency zones....today it was calm...but many are still without electricity.  Here are a couple of links to some news articles you may find interesting.
Seattle times link  and King 5 News Link .     I do count my blessings! 

 

  Animations by Donna of Ds Designs

Inside wreaths and white bird

I have some time for another entry....this sparkly wreath was made by Donna...I think it's one of my favorite ones.   Below is a photo of a wreath I bought awhile back..it's not real..kind of like the animation but it is beautiful just the same and I've been able to enjoy it over and over again.   The white bird may not be real either yet it is there welcoming me as I walk in my front door each day giving me a real happy feeling.   It's set on a grapevine wreath which I change each month.  I have a red bird too that I use for Valentines and sometimes Christmas....this year it seems like white is the color for me.    (White is actually a blend of all colors when it comes to light...I think I read that somewhere... isn't that nice?)  

We picked up our tree today at a Catholic Grade school.  15% of the proceeds got to local foodbanks and charities.  Got the cutest thank-you card from a first grader, named Bradley at the school....it felt so much like christmas walking around the lot and then getting the card...talk about feeling like a kid again.   Later I'll write more on that....  

 

                        

My name tag is compliments of Chris at CAB's Creations  (Thanks, Chris)

 

More on the snow!

                                    

When it first started to snow it was dark...I ran out to see and ran back in for the camera...imagine trying to take a picture of the snow in the dark!  Yep that's me...and guess what it turned out OK!    The bright snow lit up the night in a very glowing way.  I felt like a child and connected with the night and the snow.    The flakes were huge...that's why I think they showed up so well on the photo.    

The next day it was brighter and I got a photo of our house with snow.  This was the first year with our new windows and the snow.   I was sure glad to get back in the house...brrrr....it was cold outside.   I'm glad I braved the cold for these photos...of course this is just two out of about 20...not all turned out.  Usually takes more than just one or two...thank goodness for digital.  

Snow in Seattle

AOL seems to be acting up right now...not sure why.  I will start this entry and then go to sleep.   It snowed last week here in Seattle...wow...what a mess.  ...and wow, how beautiful.   I have some photos to share so check back later.  This little snow scene is from Chris on CAB's Creations...she does such a great job.  She made a great snowflake name tag that I'll add later too.   

This is such a wonderful yet busy time of year for all of us.  So much to do and see.  I'm going to the Nutcracker next week with the Pacific Northwest Ballet at the Seattle Centre.....it will have some snow scenes in it.    I'm trying hard to get tickets to White Christmas at the 5th Ave. Theatre...they have some surprise snow in the audience in that musical.

Why can't we all just have time to stop everything and just play?  I guess we can ...just need to make time..so when it snows...run outside!  Stick out your tongue.....catch a snowflake...build a snowman....grab the camera for lots of photo moments....drat now I can't wait until the next snow...you guessed it...all melted.   Still cold though.  :)

Maria

 

 

The Poinsetta Passion

Poinsettas are such interesting flowers...they bloom in Hawaii yet have become one of the most popular of Christmas flowers around here.   I went to Molbak's nursery recently to see their multitude of poinsettas...they claim they have all the varieties...they also paint them and put sparkles on them.   Check out their website:  MOLBAK's  .  They obviously have a Passion for poinsetta's.  I drove for 35 minutes just to get there!  It was well worth it and I took several photos.  I ended up buying some poinsettas and really getting in the holiday spirit.  I could have spent all day there.  Looking at the photos reminds me of that experience.   ...the smiles on my face....  somehow maybe the photos I took captured that mood....since that is what photos do.    The speckles like snow...the pinks like tints in a pale pink sunset...  The flower petals of a poinsetta are rather unique...look closely and you will see that they are like the green leaves but have evolved into the beautiful colors at the tops of each stem.   It's like a visual of a dream coming true...see there is that metaphor...  Think about it...starts out green..has a little growth and then voila!  the colors explode and become visible at the tips of what was an ordinary looking green plant.  In this case it's in the genetics...but it's still a fulfillment of a promise hidden in those genes.   So our genetics also hold a promise...our talents which bloom...hidden in our genes waiting for us to begin blooming like these poinsettas...just as beautiful and just as inspiring.    Have an inspirational day!   Maria

Donna's   Poinsetta animation is a great one for this entry:

 

Followup on Passion

Finally!  I have a little time to write my entry on following your passion...here is an example of someone who has done just that...she was charming and it was so fun to talk to her.  Her name is Meghan  and her passion is animals...especially black Fresian horses. 

Running horses....animation from Donna

She loves to photograph as well.  I met her at the last Bazaar and she had a great booth....her business is called Zoo Crew Photos and she offers a service for people at cat shows, horse shows and she does some Bazaars....however, these photos here are from her website!   She does business locally and delivers her products.. they were great...coasters, mirror compacts...I loved one of the black horses especially...the one with the white bridle and doing a stand.   She loves to be around dogs and cats and especially horses.   I think we can all learn from her....now I don't know her age but my guess would be late mid 20's.   Needless to say I bought quite a few of her products with the black horse motif...I'm looking at the compact mirror case now. 

 

 

     

Made me think....so now I'm doing some seasonal photos of flowers...poinsettas and thinking about flower shows and websites.  Passion!  What is your passion?  Does it change?  Is it all encompassing?  Is it lucrative?  The thing about a passion is that you don't get bored or tired of it.....that's the key.  I'm still working on mine but one thing I know.....I love seeing things from different perspectives and sharing that view.   Whether it's  a view of clouds, flowers, water, dead tree trunks or even the way an animal or insect appears to me.....it's the deeper translation I look for...the symbolism or metaphor...it's there....I think that is what attracts me to the photography.     Maria.     

The Bazaar Experience - 1

Hi, again, journaler friends.   What compelled me to try out this Bazaar experience over the weekend?  It happened because 1) I built some inventory over the last few months just in case,  2) I saw a note in the Church bulletin looking for vendors for two different parishes....St. Francis and St. Philomena and 3) I took action and a chance.   It has been a passion of mine to take photos and perhaps take them to market.   That being a plan I did just that.  I learned some lessons.   I did not focus on a few themes...nor did I really understand the Bazaar market.   I sold mostly my cards and only a few framed photos.   I had such a mishmash of things....mostly flowers, some scenes and birds.  The cards are great but they are not a high dollar volume.  

I also found that talking to people was so much fun!  I enjoyed meeting new people and hearing their stories of their passions.....I began to think...wow....they are so much more focused...they sell in other venues and markets.   Got me to thinking that I should be more adventurous and try putting some of that Marketing degree that got me my full time job in Accounting to work...dust off the cobwebs.   Hard to do when you are still working fulltime.   I kept asking myself...what is my passion? Is it photographing roses?  Birds? Sunset/sunrises? Seattle skyline?  DesMoines Marina? Marinas?  WHAT IS IT?  No answer.....it's not just any one of those things...although each area attracts with intensity no single one is all encompassing.  

Oh yeah, and what about that Dulcimer thing?  I had it to play a tune if someone bought something from me....it didn't really help with sales just with having fun.  It was a kid magnet for sure.  A couple of kids really wanted to try it and it was kind of fun letting them.   Definitely got some practice and learned how stage frightened I get when I think about people watching me play.....it's darn heavy lugging it around though....I may need to buy a lighter one.  LOL...I ended up playing tunes for people even without purchases.  More to come on the lessons I learned about being clear about yourpassion and following it with focus in the next entry.....

Animation compliments of...you guessed it Donna at This and That and Hockey! Thanks, Donna!        Maria 

 

 

 

                                           

Passion question!

             What is your passion?  Can you imagine yourself flying high in a Kite glider?  What focus you would have to have!....just to stay alive!   Without the imagination things like this could never happen. (animation compliments of Donna at This and That and Hockey)    I was so amazed to see this kiteglider when I was in San Diego...Torrey Pines...look closely at the second picture and you will see this courageous, adventurous and imaginative glider flying over the tip of the cliff on the upper left corner of the photo....     Then look down to the beach..it's a long way.  Torrey Pines is in La Jolla...just north of San Diego proper.  It's a college town.   The atmosphere is very California....students walking around with surf boards and books. Aren't these what dreams and passions are made of?...adventure, excitement, beauty....it still takes focus to execute the moves safely and successfully....that glider is an icon for the sky is the limit...don't you think?  I still have more to say....next entry will be on my bazaar...:)  experience!   Maria

 

                                      

A Thanksgiving Entry on Monday

            Hello, all!  The leaves tell a colorful story around here right before Thanksgiving.  First we start with an elegant animation from Donna....a favorite journal artist of mine...check out her site: This That and Hockey       She has some wonderful animations.   It's Thanksgiving in just a few days.   What are you thankful for?  The changing colors are filling me with thanks for the brightness that would otherwise leave us with some pretty grey days this time of year.  Funny, just before the leaves drop off they shine their brightest with vivid, brilliant hues...yellow, reds and oranges.   

I did a bazaar this weekend with my photos and cards and my hammered dulcimer...although I didn't make a lot of money I learned some great lessons about life and people.   My next entry will dwell on this a little in the area of going after your passions.   Knowing what really drives you and how to use that knowledge to be present in this world in a real sense can make the difference of night and day for success....focus on a few if you have lots....which is my problem...I'm a mishmash of passions...I like a lot of things.   Just like my photos....red, green, yellow leaves...all different yet still leaves....just one of my many likes....more on this topic later!  Maria

 

                        

Birds are fascinating

                                   Hello, all!   Birds really are fascinating.   When I was in San Diego, Mission Beach, there were Seagulls gathered together and just walking and flying along the beach walk.  It was interesting to see them and I got a couple of them flying.   Something about the bottom one made me think of a stealth bomber.....     Maria   

 

                                                   

Trip to San Diego - Seaworld

                                                      

There is something about dolphins and whales that is so inspiring.   Just got back from San Diego!  While there I visited the Seaworld.  Got a couple of photos of the dolphins and whales.   Hard to believe I'm back here in Seattle now with rain, rain and more rain....when just the other day I was sitting by the pool getting some rays!  Lucky San Diego people!   The reason I was there was for my daughters soccer team playoffs....they didn't win but played a great game....all in all, it's good to be home!  Have a great day everyone!     Maria

 

 

Happy Day after Halloween and soccer!

                                      

 

Hello, all!   Yes, it's the day after Halloween!  Hope you all survived all right.  It's a cool crisp morning here in Seattle.  I wanted to share a pumpkin my daughter carved for her soccer team....the Seattle University Redhawks.  She and her team are traveling to La Jolla, California to play in the first round of regionals. Love those girls!

Pumpkins and corn mazes go together.Here are a pile of pumpkins in an interesting and appealing curve.  I entered the ship corn maze..but ran out of time to finish...luckily I figured out how to get out with a little creative pathmaking....... although I admit I got lost for a little while. It was great fun even though I was by myself.  Happy week to all! I'm averaging about one entry a week now...just too busy to add more but I'll try to keep up with those who visit as best I can.   Maria

 

 

 

It's fall and orange roses

  Yes, it's Fall and daylight savings time impact is coming to us on the West Coast again this weekend....Fall back one hour.....it's also time for some more roses....yes,  orange roses...I'm not kidding.  The color is very appropriate and warm!  Thanks to Joyce for the Hello animation! 

 

Beware of dog? Not!

Hello to all you kindred journal land spirits!.   It's the month of Halloween and you better beware of black cats...not dogs!  LOL...and wouldn't you know it...this Friday is Friday the 13th!   What are the odds of that in October too?  Hope all are having great fun with all the Halloween gifs out there...This one comes from Missie at: Chat 2 Missies Creations.   The picture below the animation is one I took this summer while walking at the Georgetown Garden walk.   It was just too ironic!    Take it easy all!  Maria

                   

 

A Flower entry for Sunday!

If you haven't noticed...I have changed my music on the site!  For some reason it sometimes can take up to 10 seconds to load....Hope you enjoy piano...seems to go with my flowers pretty well..don't you think?  Figured it was time.  I was getting an urge to do something different...and also an urge for another flower entry.  These flowers are Clematis from my yard...I added a little text to it to make it more inspiring for Sunday! 

                            

 

Thinking of Cruises...

 Hello all!   Finally another entry!  Hope noone gave up on me...I've been busy with work and my daughter's soccer team.  I've taken the Cruise to Alaska, a cruise from Canada to LA and just a weekend from Seattle to Canada and back.  I'm thinking of those warm and balmy cruises in the Carribean....some day!  Hope all are well and you enjoy these two photos I took in the waters of Seattle, Washington!