320/365

Goldilocks & the Three Bears

Abilene, Texas is known as the Storybook Capital of America.  The town has the largest collection of Storybook Sculptures in America.  There are two different parks in town containing sculptures and descriptions.

 

This one is Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  (Goldilocks actually has two legs, the second leg just doesn't show in this image)

M heart is grateful for:

good children's literature

319/365

Building with Reflection

This is a downtown office building in late afternoon with a reflection of another building in the window.

I'm grateful for:

leftover pizza for dinner tonight

318/365

Alleyway Back Door

The back door of a business in Cisco, Texas.  It appears to be a loading area.

I'm grateful that:

my dil's first pregnancy is going well

317/365

Open Mailbox

Walking around Cisco, Texas I saw this open mailbox in front of an adorable house that's for sale.  No house number on the mailbox but a realtor sign in front of the house.

Wonder how long it will stay on the market???  I'm hearing that house sales around here have slowed down.  

I'm grateful that:

It's almost Thanksgiving and I think my sil will be making brisket

316/365

Walton Electric

It looks like once upon a time this building was Walton Electric.  Now, not so much.  

I'm grateful today that: 

I had a reason to spend some time outdoors in the beautiful weather

315/365

Coca-Cola

In a town where there are a lot of empty/abandoned buildings, this wall mural is amazingly well kept. I remember when a coke was almost this price.

When I would get sick as a child, sometimes my mother would go to the drug store and buy coke syrup over the counter.  I've heard there really was "coke" in the syrup.  I always got better and with  no side effects. 

My heart is grateful today:

that I visited and had dinner with my daughter, her husband and the grandkids

314/365

Church Steeple in Ohio

While visiting in Ada, Ohio for a couple of days I saw this beautiful church steeple and had to make an image of it.  I love when the trees are bare and you can see things through the branches.

My heart is grateful for:

the trip I was able to take to photograph a friend's wedding

313/365

Barrel Race

Another from my files.

Two summers ago, before we had to deal with the brutally hot summers we've had recently, these events (Playdays) took place mostly at Cowboy Church arenas on a Sat night.

My heart is grateful for:

God's creativity and the beautiful animals He created

312/365

Hat on Table

I was in a cowboy mood when I took this pic.  

This week has been crazy busy:  

getting ready for Election Day on Monday, 

working the polls on Tuesday, 

returning the election equipment on Wed,

 spending time finishing last minute details on Thurs before leaving for Ohio on Friday, 

photographing a rehearsal dinner Friday night, 

then the wedding on Sat, 

then traveling back on Sunday.  

Sheesh, I don't want to rush my life along, but I'll be glad when this week is done...

All good, fun things and this craziness is an anomaly in my life

I"m grateful that:

life changes on a dime sometimes and it's fun to just go with the flow

311/365

Hawaiian License Plate

I love vanity license plates.  I look for them everywhere I go.  Here in Texas, I guess people don't have so much imagination because in over 4 years I've only seen two or three.

So here's one from my files.

My heart is grateful for:

creativity

310/365

Tall Grasses

I read a book a number of years ago called "Tall Grasses".  It was about one of the internment camps in the United States during WWII.  It was a really good book...I should try to find it and read it again.

This image from my files made me think about it.

My heart is grateful that:

I got called to assist for a photo job, spur of the moment.

309/365

Comal County Courthouse

This beautiful limestone courthouse is located in New Braunfels, Texas, the county seat of Comal County.

New Braunfels is the largest city in Comal County.  It was settle by German immigrants and as of 2014 the population was 63,675.  The tower, seen in this photo, is 83 feet tall.

 308/365

Blanco County Courthouse, Texas

This incredibly beautiful courthouse is seen in the town square of Blanco, Texas.  The building was constructed in 1885-1886 by Austin Architect Ernst Ruffini.

It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

My heart is grateful for:

A good trip to New Braunfels, TX with some friends

307/365

The Skate Key

Look what I found! 

I've been looking for one of these for years and they're incredibly difficult to find.  I went into an amazing antique store in another town and he had, not one, not two, not three, but four of them.  I only needed one.

My heart is grateful for:

random trips with friends

306/365

I was at the coffee shop, A.G.A.I.N., yesterday and there was this pumpkin decorating the table with the faux fireplace in the background, so of course I had to get a photo of it.

My heart is grateful for:

changing seasons even though it's mostly summer here all the time

305/365

Three Blankets

Three ladies in my church are having babies within a month of each other at the beginning of the year.  I decided to crochet blankets for them and I wanted to be done with them so I wouldn't be scurrying around at the last minute to finish them.

There will be two girls and one boy.  

These are fun to make, but three right in a row....I'm glad to be done with them.

My heart is grateful for:

new life

304/365

High School Ball Field

I was surprised to see the red picnic table in the middle of the two bleacher sections.  Seems like it would be in the way but maybe they move it when there's a game in play.

I'm grateful for:

primary colors

303/365

Chain Link and Blue Wall

I love shooting through chain link so when I saw this beautiful blue wall and the distinct shadow with chain link in the foreground, I figured it was a winning combination for me.

Sometimes just walking around being aware of the details along the way is the best way to find unexpected photo treasures.

I'm grateful that:

I was able to go to my fave coffee shop with a friend today

302/365

Field house and Track of Cooper High School

I've never seen this side of this school, so I was pleasantly surprised when I came upon this view.  It would have made a MUCH better image if there had been a runner or two going around the curve, but there wasn't a soul to be seen when I was there.

I love the curve of the track, and the field house and bleachers really put it into perspective.

My heart is grateful for:

the beautiful cool temps today with the brilliant sun

301/365

Another background of colored disks

I posted another image of colored disks a couple of days ago, but the colors were green, red and pink.  I just think this makes such a peaceful and colorful image I couldn't resist posting this different color combination. 

300/365

Aldabra Tortoise

This guy lives at the Abilene, Texas zoo.  He's huge.  This species of tortoise can live up to 150 years and weigh as much as 550 lbs and it is the 2nd largest tortoise in existence.  The Galapagos tortoise is the only one that's larger.  

It was grazing peacefully on the grass in its enclosure.  They eat grasses and woody plants but have been known to eat meat when it's available.  According to Google there are only 200,000 left in the world today.

299/365

BOOKS    

There's a fairly new bookstore in downtown Abilene and the pillar in front of of the glass storefront has this word on it.  With this advertising, it's difficult to miss the fact that they sell books.

They have other activities there too:  book readings, book groups, probably book signings and I think they offer opportunities for small gatherings like showers.

There's a little nook inside where there's a desk with a retro typewriter and blank postcards.  You purchase the postcard and then get the chance to type your message using the typewriter.  How awesome is that!!

I'm thankful for:

pleasant history

298/365

Permit Parking Only

One of the covered garages in downtown Abilene, TX has this Permit Parking Only sign at the entrance. It's probably for the people who live in the apartment building right next to it, or for others who are willing to pay for a space.  A covered parking garage is definitely a pleasure during out brutally hot and sunny summer days.

297/365

The Paramount Theater

This is a beautiful historic theater in downtown Abilene, Texas.  While I was walking around downtown this morning, I approached it from a different angle that I usually do and this is what I saw.  

It was cloudy this morning, so the colors are rich looking and beautiful.

The Paramount has shows of all kinds and often shows old movies which, I think, are very well attended. 

I'm thankful for:

folks who work hard to preserve our rich history

296/365

NO PARKING

It was cloudy and cool today, just perfect for walking around downtown looking for photo ops, so that's what I did and thoroughly enjoyed it.

This sign is on the outside of a building and there doesn't seem to be any reason why you can't park in the spot.  The sign is old and worn out but the message is still clear.

295/365

No Entrance

I've seen this garage door before, but never stopped to take a photo of it.  It's been like this for a very long time.  Wonder what's inside?

294/365   

Abandoned Building

The topic for my next photo club meeting is "abandoned".  I saw this structure and was intrigued with the beautiful mural on the side, while the business itself has been closed and abandoned for years.

I'm grateful for:

artists and their beautiful work

293/365

Merkel Water Tower

A beautiful water tower seen in Merkel, Texas against a gorgeous blue sky with scattered white puffy clouds.  

I'm grateful that:

our temps are still warm, unlike those in Fairbanks, AK (20F this morning in Fairbanks)

292/365

Fire Escape and Air Conditioners

This is seen on the side of the activity building of a church in Merkel, Texas.  

I'm happy that:

I had the chance to work with my photographer friend during a family session he did this morning

291/365

Happy Harvest

One of the decorated areas at the local zoo.  The zoo goes all out when they decorate for the Fall season.

My heart is happy today for:

smiles

290/365

Colored Disks

There was an area in the local zoo that might have been intended for people to use as a background for their cell phone pics of their children.  I can't think of any other reason for this area.  

I just thought it was so pretty with the brightly colored disks.

If my grandkids had been with me today, I definitely would have taken their pics in front of this pretty background.

I'm grateful for:

beautiful colors that decorate our world

289/365

Two Pumpkins

The local zoo sets up a hay maze every fall and within the maze there are many smaller areas of decorations.  I just thought this was really sweet.  Not a word class winner, but I like the simplicity of the pumpkins on the hay bales

My heart is grateful that:

nature is so beautiful

288/365

Three Pumpkins

I went to the local zoo today.  They do a wonderful job decorating for the Fall holidays.  They always create a hay maze, and the entrance has an archway of these adorable artificial pumpkins.  

My heart is grateful for:

joyful decorations

287/365

An abandoned home

Another abandoned structure in Bradshaw, TX.  

Just thinking that this was someone's comfy home once upon a time.

I'm grateful that:

I get to see the world anew again through the eyes and excitement of my grandkids

286/365

Country Church

I drove to this "town" this afternoon.  In 1929 it was a thriving community of 450 residents.  As of 2000, the population was about 26. 

Bradshaw, TX, in the southern area of Taylor County, was founded in 1909 when the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad was constructed near the town's location.

When the railroad relocated closer to Abilene, the population dropped off and now it seems to be just a collection of abandoned & forgotten structures.

This building appears to have been a church of some kind since the room just inside the front doors is filled with pews.

I'm grateful for:

better temps so I could actually open my house windows today

285/365

Cobra Jet

An insignia seen on an antique car at a car show in small town Texas. The red color was a beautiful cherry red and the car was fantastic.

I'm grateful that:

God is not surprised by the predicaments in my life

284/365

V8 Symbol

Seen on the side of an antique car at a car show in a small town in Texas.

I'm grateful that:

the price of gas has gone down a little lately

283/365

Up and Over

I saw this set of steps going over the barbed wire fence as I was driving down a country road.  I made a quick U-turn to get back there and make some images of the steps and the small silo inside the fence.  

How interesting~~the barbed wire fence is in place to keep out intruders, but there was easy access up and over the steps.  Weird.

I'm grateful today:

the the spontaneous visit to my daughter's house not far from this spot

282/365

Decorative Handrail

As I was driving down a country road, I came upon a small church that I decided to photograph.  When I walked closer to it I noticed this beautiful decorative handrail at the steps.  It was also creating columns from the steps to the small overhang for the porch.

I'm grateful today for:

the much cooler temps

281/365

Scarecrow and Pumpkins

I'm not a fan of Halloween. Never have been.  Sometimes, if the decorations aren't too disgusting, I think they're cute.  

This display was outside the local YMCA.  The scarecrow is animated and randomly begins to move and say things and the pumpkins are inflatables.  

I miss the days when the grandkids were young enough to enjoy coming to my house and carving pumpkins.  We would usually make a day of it, culminating with the carving and putting candles in them once it was dark outside.  

Those days, sadly, are gone.

My heart is grateful that:

I had those fun times with the grandkids and we all still have the memories

280/365

Pink Flamingos

A quick trip to the zoo today because the weather is so incredibly gorgeous. 

I'm grateful for:

finishing a project that I've been procrastinating over for weeks

279/365

9/11 Tribute

This is an older, much older, image from 2015.  I was looking through some of my older posts and came across this one and several more from the same shoot.  The post was created in 2015, the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy.

Many towns throughout the United States held/hold a "Stair Climb" as close to 9/11 as possible in honor of the responders who died that day.  This one was in Utica, NY at the tallest building.  Not sure how many flights it is, but the participates go up and down as many times as necessary to replicate the Twin Towers.

Each participant wears one or two name tags of a responder who died that awful day and at the end of the climb they post the name tag on a central viewing board for everyone to see.

If you can navigate to it, the post was in 2015 on Sept 11 where you'll see more photos of the event participants.  It's actually a full weekend of different events.  

I attended the event for several years and there wasn't one time when I didn't shed a tear or two while there.

My heart is grateful for:

selfless men and women

278/365

Little Lending Library

Seen in Dunedin, FL where their claim to fame is oranges.

277/365

Blue Wall Art

Seen on a downtown apartment building in Dunedin, FL.

276/365

House Decor

Some decor seen at a friend's house.  

275/365

Just the Facts

I attended a meeting last night where the author of this book spoke about the horrendous things that are really happening at the southern border in Texas.  It's worse than we all know and worse than we want to believe.  I could go on a political rant right now, but I don't think that's what my blog should be about.

I will recommend this book for anyone who wants to know the facts.  The author is a former ICE and Homeland Security Agent, who was shot three times in an altercation (during which his partner was killed) and who is now advocating for stricter restrictions at the border.

My heart is grateful for:

men who are courageous and willing to fight the fight

274/365

Emblem

I went to a meeting at the First Church of the Nazarene last night and I got there early so I decided to see if there were any photo ops.  This emblem is situated on the front facade of the church building. Simplicity at its best.

I'm grateful for:

God's love

273/365

Wonky Tree

This tree looks partially dead, so seeing the limbs is easy.  Wonky shape.

My heart is grateful for:

blue skies

272/365

Shadows and Wires

I just thought these shadows looked great being criss-crossed with all the wires.

My heart is grateful for:

cooler temperatures

271/365

A House Cafe

A couple of friends of mine went to this house-cafe last week and told me about it.  Allegedly they're hiring and I need a job.  They're only open for lunch, so it would be a perfect place to work.

It's so sweet outside and in.

My heart is grateful for:

potential