Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Lovely Sunday Afternoon

We had a perfect-weather afternoon to stroll through a local botanical garden. The sun was shining and the temperature was just right. 

I've been wanting to visit here for awhile now, but it's just too hot in the summer and our schedule often clashed with mild spring or fall days. This past Sunday was the day to do it!

I think tulips are my favorite flower. They come and go too quickly, though, and I almost missed them.





The garden has several themed areas and one section was geared towards the five senses. I was amused by this sign because I really can't smell (but that's another story).



 This was my favorite feature.


It's the centerpiece of the water garden, which also includes small waterfalls, fountains, water pools and sculptures.




Here's the cool surprise about it...


You can walk around the back and go inside. Image above is looking out the mouth.


A window at the top creates rainbows on the floor.


The park really is a peaceful feast for the senses.


Be creative with sound.


Close your eyes, rest, and listen to sounds around you.


There are neat metal sculptures ... 



and a special exhibit of Lego sculptures!





We really enjoyed our visit and plan to go back later in the year to see the colors of autumn show off.



Tulsa Botanical Garden. What a gem hidden in the beauty of the rolling Osage Hills. 

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Foggy Woods

On a drive around the area where we grew up, I noticed the fog rising out of the woods. It was a gloomy winter day but this scene was so interesting. Of course I had my husband stop the car so I could grab a snapshot. He's so used to this. I shout "STOP" and quickly, but carefully, he pulls off the road. Or he'll say, "I can't stop, there's cars behind us!"

Fortunately, this is not a heavily traveled road. Anyway, I got my shot and in looking at it later, it was kinda blah. But it had potential! I just didn't know how to bring it out. I wasn't even sure what I "saw" but I know what I "felt" -  there was more to this scene and I needed to find it.

So, here I am over 10 years later and have learned a lot about Photoshop, Lightroom, and now some AI generative toys. I think I've jazzed up this photo to convey what I saw in my mind's eye, thankyouverymuch, Mr. Adobe.

By the way, when I began my entry into the world of image editing software, I was inspired by an artist I stumbled upon online who created gorgeous digital graphics. Her bio said she was a self-taught, 63 year old. At the time, I thought that was ancient! I was so impressed that an "old lady" could do such a thing. Now, (after an appropriate apology), I wish I could tell her what an important example she was to me. You are never, never too old to learn new things, to be creative, to stay engaged with life.


"Stay engaged with life." Kind of an ironic statement, considering that my latest tinkerings have dealt with ghostly apparitions, spooky fog, and gravestones. I don't think there's any subliminal reason for that. They just seem to lend themselves to these ethereal effects I like. Did you notice the spectral ladies in the pictures above? I couldn't decide on having one or two. I may have to go back and lighten them a bit if they're too hard to see.

Anyway, that's the story. Just a quick post for today.


Saturday, March 9, 2024

Practicing Digital Art

I love editing photos and working with Photoshop brushes and effects. Been learning some new techniques lately. The first two images were shot at a cemetery in St. Clairsville, Ohio. (Check out the name on the second picture)


The next two images are from an old church in Reno, NV.



Just wanted to get these on the blog. Don't have any musings this evening.