67/365

Garbage Can

Saw this on my walk around town.  I just love the shadows of the bare tree against the cement wall.

My heart is happy for:

a full tank of gas

66/365

My Sneakers

I was wandering around downtown the other day looking for photo ops.  I decided to take a break for a few minutes and sit down.  I looked down at my feet and, voila, there was my next pic for the day.

It's not an award winner, but just a tad interesting.

My "happy" for the day:

I was able to go to the movies to see "Jesus Revolution" for the second time.  What an inspirational and humbling true story.

65/365

Eyes of the Lorax

Abilene has the nickname of "Storybook Capital".  There are a couple of parks in town where there are statues of storybook characters.  The parks are very sweet and very child-orientated.

These are the eyes of The Lorax. 

 The assignment of my photo club this month is eyes.  Ick.  I have no imagination so I figured I wouldn't submit anything for the assigned topic, then I happened upon the statue today during my walk around town.  

I love Dr. Suess and read a lot of his books to my children, but somehow I never read this one.

Apparently the book is about human greed being the cause of the destruction of the natural environment. 

The "lesson" is basically, "nothing will get better if no one cares".

My heart is grateful today for:

the friend I play racketball with every week

64/365

Just a Bouquet of Blue Sunflowers

Someone was done with a bouquet of colorful flowers even though they still looked pretty vibrant.  I boldly asked for them and spent some time trying to get a good shot.

It was fun and I didn't feel as exhausted setting this up as I did the other day.  There were some pretty yellow sunflowers and some Chinese asters but for some reason I liked this one best.

I'm grateful today for:

clean drinking water at the turn of the tap

63/365

Abstract Art

The same coffee shop that offers the lending library displays local art on the walls.  The current artwork is all abstracts.  I think I mentioned that I'm not a fan of abstract, but I AM a fan of supporting local artists, so I applaud this shop for their decor.

There are no artist's names visible and no prices so I'm not sure if the work is for sale.  If it is, one would probably need to talk to the staff about contacting the artist.

Regardless, the artwork just reinforces the fact that besides being soooo cozy, the coffee shop is community minded which makes it a place I really enjoy frequenting.  So much so that sometimes I think I need a PT job to support my coffee habit at this place.  

Today my heart is grateful for:

the late afternoon sunlight streaming through my west-facing windows

62/365

Lending Library

A small lending library in a local coffee shop.  What a great idea!  And I just love those plants.

Today I'm grateful for:

A potential photo job in the near future

61/365

Revisiting the yellow roses    Past.  Their.   Prime.

I finally had some time today to concentrate on photographing these dying roses.  

I don't really have a good place to set up for still life, so everything is a Major Effort and by the time I get around to actually making the images, I'm pretty exhausted.  Maybe I should set up, take a break and then do the photography.  Hmmm, I'll have to try that next time. 

One of these days I'll have to bite-the-bullet, pay for some blooming/vibrant flowers and spend some time with them.

I'm grateful today:

that yesterday I was able to pay off a car repair bill ahead of time

60/365

Abstract Shadow on Steps

I don't normally like abstracts.  My brain has a hard time making sense of them, although I hear from others that that's exactly why they do like abstracts.  To each their own I guess.

Anyway, while walking around downtown, I saw these cement steps with the railing shadow cascading down the steps.  I thought it looked very cool, so there you have it.

My heart is grateful today for:

Amazon Prime free (haha) delivery

59/365

Cement steps and red brick building

This building was an abandoned warehouse.  A couple of years ago it was purchased by a local church and revitalized into an extremely popular coffee house.  I seem to remember hearing that some of the proceeds go to missionary ventures.  Maybe that's why their prices are a little higher than other coffee houses in the area.  

I'm grateful today:

for the great phone conversation I had with my daughter who lives many states away

58/365

Address 201

This building is an event center.  I love the green bricks and the large #201.  The #1 is just a little skewed which makes it even better~~a slight imperfection.

I'm grateful today for:

my bookgroup and all the good books we've read over the years

57/365

Dying Yellow Rose

My roommate was ready to throw this bouquet of roses into the trash but I rescued it just in the nick of time.  I was on my way out of the house today when I decided to finally get a couple of shots of these flowers.  

Not a great set-up but at least it's something before they die much more. 

I might try a few more shots in the next couple of days.  

Today is the end of a  V.E.R.Y.  busy weekend.  I don't like to wish my life away, but I'm really glad these past three days are coming to an end. 

My heart is grateful today for:

The beginning of a new week with an almost clean slate... 

56/365

Pink Lily

My daughter had a bouquet of flowers on her table.  She always seems to have fresh flowers in spite of the cost of buying a bouquet almost every shopping day.

There were two or three of these pink lilies.  I couldn't resist getting a photo of the most perfect one.  I couldn't really stage it the way I wanted to, but I think it's still beautiful.

My heart is happy today:

rejoicing in the beauty God has created for us to enjoy

55/365

Abstract Painting

When I went to my daughter's house yesterday, her not-quite-5-year-old came running to me to show me some paintings he had done earlier in the day.  They were so fun to look at and he was so proud.

He's definitely coming out of his "shy" self.  I despaired for a while that it would happen, but he seems happier and more open these days and it's joy to behold.

This is the "painting" I like best of the whole bunch.  I make my own photo notecards for birthdays and other events and I'm definitely going to use this image on some of the cards.  Now I have to come up with just the right sentiment to go with it.  

His birthday is in a couple of months and this will definitely be the photo for his card.

My heart is grateful for:

budding creativity no matter what the age of the artist

54/365

The Switch Plate

I'm grateful for so many things in my life.  The other night when I was doing some hand-sewing while watching TV it occurred to me that electricity and light is something I'm very happy about.  

It would be especially difficult to do needlework of any kind at night.  I know that generations managed just fine with lanterns and gas lamps, but that was their reality and they didn't have any options.

Thankfully, we do.

My heart is happy today for:

electricity and light at the flip of a switch

53/365    

Decor

I was visiting a photographer friend of mine in his studio today.  He has several of these camera statues scattered around and then I saw these mini-albums that he offers his clients.

I did a little reorganization and voila.

My heart is grateful today for:

the smiles and laughter my "group" shared around the table after our

exercise class this morning

52/365

Abilene Christian University Admin Building

I didn't really intend to photograph this building at the University, but my GPS took me past it, so I parked and got a few shots.  It's quite an impressive structure and I love the columns.  

There weren't too many students walking around this area, so it was easy to get this image without the distraction of the students.  Or...who knows, maybe some students in the pic would have enhanced it.

The building was erected in 1929 and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

I'm grateful today for:

the beautiful spring-like weather

51/365

Victorian Stroll

This image is from a few years ago in Troy, NY.  The Victorian Stroll was (and maybe still is) a yearly event during the first weekend in December.  

There's nothing like that around where I live now, sigh.

My heart is grateful for: 

a trip I'll soon be taking with two friends

50/365

Utensils in a Crock

Today at church someone asked me how my week was.  I said I thought it was fine because at that moment I couldn't remember a single thing about my week.  I knew I was busy, but nothing stood out as memorable.  Then I said that "since there were no crises, it was a good week."

I really feel that way.  Of course, after a short minute, I remembered some of the things I had done but nothing was out of the ordinary and there was nothing to talk about without boring the person to death.

So, yeah, it was a good week, praise God.

Then I had to make an image to post today.  Another head-scratcher!  I remembered years ago some friends and I agreed to post a New Photo Each Day For The Year.  

It was pretty excruciating. We tried it for two years then gave up.  But during those two years I made images of the most Amazingly Mundane Things (sometimes) just to get a new pic each day.

So I thought I'd start doing the same now.

So here's my pic for today.  Utensils in a crock.  

My grateful heart sings today for:

the good fellowship during the fellowship meal we had at church today

49/365

Decorated Coffee Cups

One of the local coffee shops has this display of cups behind the counter.  I once heard that customers decorated the cups and then they were put on display.  

I'm not sure that's true, the drawings look very similar to each other, but whether it's true or not, it's a cute idea.

My heart is grateful today for:

my good health

48/365

Davy Crockett Memorial Statue

This memorial is located in the town square of Ozona, Texas, Crockett County.

Ozona is the only town within Crockett County.

Davy Crockett lost his bid for the Tennessee Congress in 1835 and decided to head for Texas.  He left with this famous quote,

"You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas"

He was a strong advocate for Texas freedom from Mexico.

My heart give thanks today for:

morning coffee and flavored creamer

47/365

Ozona Hotel

The Ozona Hotel in Ozona, Texas is a 3-story abandoned hotel.  

Ozona is the only town in Crockett County, Texas

grateful heart:

my daughter is having another baby girl in July

46/365

Trio of Mops

I was headed to a meeting and I decided to wander around town for a few minutes before the meeting started.  

These mops were hanging on the chain link fence drying in the late afternoon sun.

Today my heart is grateful for:

the beauty of God's creation

45/365

Abandoned Structure with left-over wires.

This brick wall surrounds a cement slab that's one city block square.  The only things left of the structure are the walls and the slab.  There's no roof and no indication of what was originally there except that on two walls there are loading dock doors.

Maybe it was a warehouse or distribution center.    I'll have to ask a local if they know, otherwise, until I find out, it's a mystery.  

I fell behind in posting one image a day, so today I managed to catch up, but that means I have to give two "my heart is grateful for" ...

So, my heart is grateful for:

the freedoms we still have in this country

44/365

The Tie That Binds

This beautiful,  sculptured statue of a pioneer family is found in the town square of Ozona, Texas.  It's a tribute to all the pioneer families who settled the area.

The statue is 9' tall, made from bronze and was created by Judy Black, 

a life-long resident of Crockett County.

Ozona is the only town located in Crockett County. The county was named after Davy Crockett, one of the brave men who died in the battle of the Alamo.

Today my heart is thankful for:

a friend who was selfless and helped me solve a marketing issue 

43/365

Grain Elevator

Traveling with a friend today to a town I never heard of before.  Along the way we spied this beautiful grain/feed business and we just had to stop and make some images.

My heart is grateful today for:

the digital photo frame I was gifted at Christmas

42/365

Cemetery Statue

I came across a cemetery today and drove through it to see if there were any photo ops.  This memorial statue was the most interesting sight.  I didn't check the name/dates.  I just like the statue.

Thankful today for:

a great message at church and beautiful weather

41/365

"Coming Through the Rye"

This statue was created by Frederick Remington.  I've loved his work for many years but had never seen this one before.  It actually took my breath away and I had to make an image of it.  

How awesome it would be to own one of these, but they're pricey and ownership is probably not an option for me, so I'll just have to enjoy the photo.

Thankful for:

the chicken piccata dinner I had while having dinner with friends

40/365

Still Life

A couple of years ago I tried my hand at still life with the few items I had around my house, which wasn't much since I had just moved into a smaller space and had seriously purged my belongings. 

It was fun, it gave me something to do and I learned a little more about lighting.

I'm grateful today for:

my sewing machine

39/365

American Sign Language

On my way home today I stopped at one of the local parks to find a photo opportunity.  It's been raining for the past 2.5 days (thank God) but this afternoon the sun came out and it warmed up enough to entice me into this playground. 

The equipments seems to be fairly new and as I walked around I saw this Sign Language board.  How awesome is it!!!  What a great leaning opportunity not only for the kiddos but for the parents/adults.

Kudos to whomever designed this playground.

My heart is thankful for:

2.5 days of badly needed rain

38/365

Stained Glass Window

The First Baptist Church in Abilene is a very large church and it has a huge balcony.  While up there I remembered to "turn around" and I saw this beautiful sight.  

The red-carpeted stairs lead the eye right to the beautiful stained glass window.  

Thankful today for:

the chance to spend some time with the grandkids

37/365

Still Life

I had the chance to get into a large Baptist Church in downtown Abilene today.  There were about 5 of us who took advantage of the opportunity.  

The sanctuary is beautiful but as I was walking around the building, I came across this scene in the entryway.  

Today I'm thankful for:

the good weather and warm temps in the middle of winter

36/365

Cement Plant

As I was driving around the outskirts of town today, I came across this cement plant.  I love the architectural aspect of this structure and the beautiful blue sky behind it.

My grateful heart is happy today because:

there's plenty of food in my fridge

35/365

Troy, NY Victorian Stroll

I made this image several years ago.  I love it.  The reenactors are always so happy to pose, and show off their skills in their Victorian clothes and attitudes.

Troy is one of the only towns in the area to hold their Stroll during daylight hours, so it's really appealing to families and photographers.  

I miss these events.

My thankful heart rejoices today for:

the sun has been shining all day

34/365

Underside of a Water Tower

This underside of a water tower isn't a very exciting image, but I saw it while I was driving around looking for some photo ops.  This beautiful day comes at the end of 3.5 really horrible/cold/icy days during which I was captive in my house because of the icy roads.

It was awesome being able to be outside again and it was warm enough that I didn't need a jacket.  

Today my thankful heart is thankful for:

getting ready to meet some friends for dinner

33/365

Winter

A few years ago when I relocated to central Texas from upstate NY, one of my major thoughts was that I'd never have to deal with winter/snow/freezing temperatures again.

Well, the joke's on me.  I had no idea that parts of Texas would deal with such intense winter conditions.  I sometimes compare our temps with those in Fairbanks, AK, and sadly, we're often colder (it's only for a short time but still.....)

So our garbage is collected every Monday and Thursday mornings.  This trash can has been at the curb since Monday.  It's Thursday morning and there hasn't been a collection yet.  I'm not complaining, just stating a fact.  When I went out there this morning, I saw the icicles hanging from the lid and had to get a pic before I destroyed the beauty of them.  If someone had designed this, they couldn't have done a more beautiful job.  

The driveway and streets aren't icy anymore but the grass and trash can haven't thawed yet.

My thankful for today:

Homemade soup in the fridge for dinner tonight

32/365

Some of My Favorite Books

I love books.  I used to own a lot of them, then I decided to clean out so the kids wouldn't be overwhelmed when the time came.  But....I kept some of my favorites:  novels, Christian books and these books about my passion.  

They range from being very old to very new.  Now that I've reminded myself of the titles, I guess I should read through some of them again, otherwise I should just get rid of them.  

Collecting favorite books is just TOO easy.

My thankful heart today gives thanks for:

my favorite books

 

31/365    

A Knitted Baby Blanket

I love to knit and crochet.  This baby blanket is knitted.  Although it looks grey in the pic, it's really a beautiful deep slate blue.

I always need to be doing something creative while watching TV, so this kind of project is perfect especially once I get the feel for the pattern.  

Several years ago I kept making one baby blanket after another until I had, hmmm maybe 10-12 in reserve.  When I moved I had to give some of them to charities because I didn't want to take all of them with me.  I kept about 6 of my favorites and now I only have three left. Right now I don't know anyone having a baby, so this one and the other two will have to stay in storage for a while longer.

My "thankful" for today:

a dependable car

30/365

Chalk Butterfly

This is an older image from my files, but I reworked it and think it's really cute.  I love the colors the artist used.  It's so fun to see street art, whether on the sidewalk or sides of buildings.  There are so many good artists wandering around. 

I'm so glad I saw this.

Today I'm thankful for:

good friends

29/365

Corner of the Building

Following along with the theme of textures/shadows that I mentioned in the previous post, this brick building corner is a great texture image.  Again, not an especially exciting image for most people, but I love the color grey, I love brick buildings, and there are two shadows across the facade of the building.

As far as selling an image like this, there's just no telling what a buyer is looking for.  I used to be more choosey about the images I offered for sale, but after seeing what people buy (and who knows what they do with the images~~that's not my concern really) I'm more willing to add scenes like this just on the off chance that someone will want it.  

Today I'm thankful for:

all 5 of my grown children being healthy and content

28/365

Yellow Ribbed Siding

I'm sure this isn't a very exciting image for most people but the other day as I was walking around town trying to find some new photo ops (in an area where I think I've photographed at least 30 times in the past couple of years), I came up with the idea to look for textures and shadows.  

This is ribbed siding on the side of a business and I guess the #8 is the address of the business.

It satisfies both texture and shadow so it's a win/win.  

I put my full-res images on a couple of photo sales sites, so I'm actually pretty excited about this image since it would make a great background.  

What can I give thanks for today?

A safe dry place to live in which I feel comforted and peaceful.

27/365

Oxygen Tanks 

These oxygen tanks are behind a protective chain link fence.  There were hundreds of tanks of various sizes and colors stored at this business.

I've seen this place many times before but never thought about making an image of the tanks, and now that I finally did I wonder why I never did before. 

26/365

Numbers

Address numbers on the outside wall of a business downtown.  The sun was at the perfect height (about 3 hours before sunset) to create these beautiful, perfect shadows.  The fact that the numbers are not perfectly aligned makes the image even better I think.

25/365

Shadows

I was walking around downtown today at just the right time of day to capture this beautiful tree shadow on the wall of a business.

I had my grown-up camera with me so it was really fun and easy to get just the right composition.

24/365

Painted Mason Jar

Several years ago I was at a craft fair when I saw this beautifully hand-painted small Mason Jar.  I had no idea what I would do with it, but I bought two because they're so pretty.

I have one displayed on the mantle and I occasionally stuff one or two dollar bills in it, so I guess it's become just a pretty piggy-bank.

23/365

"Waymaker" by Ann Voskamp

I belong to a bookgroup that meets monthly.  We take turns choosing the books.  This is the choice for January picked by another member. I borrowed this copy.

I've read many books that have been super-well-written and fun to read, but I have to say that I don't think I've read one where the writing has been This Compelling, nor the subject matter so Humbling.

It's a brand new book, copyright 2022.  If it wasn't so expensive I'd buy multiple copies and give one to everyone I know.  In lieu of that, I'll just recommend it.

22/365

Hiking Boots

When I lived at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains some friends and I used to hike once a week and these are the boots I used.  

Now I live in a place that is flat and ugly and the only thing I use them for is mowing the lawn.  They're very comfortable and they keep the prickers from attacking.  

They wait on the patio for the grass to get long enough to mow, and for most of the summer that doesn't happen too often. 

I hold out hope that someday I'll get the chance to use them for hiking again.

21/365

The Interior of the Rotunda of the Capitol Building in Austin, Texas.

 The Texas State Capitol Building is 2nd in size only to the United States Capitol Building in Washington, DC.  It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

20/365

Metal Dragonfly

A friend of mine was talking to the property manager of an RV park and while I was waiting, I looked around and saw this house.  It was an ordinary, not very interesting house, but obviously it was a home that someone was proud of.  The side of the house was decorated with about 8 or 9 of these metal dragonflies.  

This was the most interesting one of them all.  It was late afternoon and the light was so pretty and the shadows really added to the effect.  I didn't think about it at the time, but I'm also partial to the color green, so all-in-all this turned out to be a Great Grab Shot.  

Yay for the fact that I had my SLR with me and didn't have to capture this image with my phone camera. which I'm sure would have worked ok, but then I would've been wishing I had the SLR. 

19/365

The Wooten

The Hotel Wooten Apartments is located downtown.  It was constructed in 1930 and was originally just a hotel, but then converted into one and two bedroom apartments in 1963.  

It didn't do well financially while a hotel, but has been at almost full capacity since being converted into apartments.   The building was listed as a Texas Historical Landmark in 2008. 

18/365

The Mill Wine Bar

The Mill, once the home of the Texas Mill and Elevator Company (which opened in 1910), is now a wine bar which serves wine, craft beers and food.  It is an event venue in south downtown Abilene, Texas.

From what I hear, the food is great.  Someday maybe I'll find out for myself.  Until then, I'll have to believe the positive gossip I hear about it.