Hello December

Oh hey, December!  Where did you come from?  And where is your bitter cold weather?  No, I'm not complaining I promise but I would like some snow on Christmas.  That would be awesome.  Thanks!

Today's post is another Sunday Scavenger Hunt.  Below are my interpretations for Missing, Numbers, Purple, Music and Bracelet.

1) Music. 

Running water is like music to my ears.  

 2) Missing. 

This window display is missing some jewelry.  

 3) Numbers. 

Sewickley United Methodist Church clock tower.  

 4) Purple. 

One-Way to purple.  

 5) Bracelet. 

Photo from last week's Christmas shoot with a good friend's 21 month old girl. 

Sorry for the short and sweet SHS post today.  I have a lot to do to get ready for the week.  

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look see.  Why don't you stay a while:) 

Linking up and signing off with,

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

Yay!  It's Sunday!  And do you know what that means - well besides another Scavenger Hunt Sunday?!  New Dexter and Walking Dead episodes.  WOOT WOOT!  

We had a nice and quiet week.  We opted out of going out on Thanksgiving Eve and were very much thankful we didn't.  No hangovers this year on Thanksgiving.  That is always nice.  Instead of being miserable we got up at a decent hour, ate breakfast with the Macy's Day Parade on in the background, went for a run then hung out at husband's parents' house until dinner at his Nonna and Pop Pop's at 6.  Which was followed by - as always - very interesting post dinner conversations.  But that's for a whole new post. 

Anywayyyyyyyyy (said in Ellen's voice), on to this week's prompts: Home or Thankful, In the Kitchen, Couple, Bubbles, and Trees.  

1) Bubbles.  

This is one of the little girls I nanny for, Elizabeth.  Family and close friends call her Bits but I like to call her Bubbles as she is constantly blowing bubbles.  Isn't she adorable?! 

 2) Couple. 

Here is Bubbles' older sister Annabel with her cousin on Wednesday.  Pittsburgh had great weather this week so I made sure to get the kiddos out for some fresh air until it really starts to get cold.  Just a couple of kids hanging out. 

3) In the Kitchen. 

Most mornings begin with a cup of tea.  This morning was no different.  

 4) Thankful or Home. 

After being in the 50s and even getting to the 60s on Thursday, Pittsburgh had it's first snow yesterday.  I love the first snow.  As much as I hate the cold I am thankful snow helps me to appreciate the cold - it can be so beautiful.  

5) Trees. 

Husband and I went on a small walk Monday morning through North Park.  I love the what is left of Fall foliage in the above photo with the house in the background and the reflection of the trees and boathouse in the bottom photo.  I couldn't choose just one to share.  Can you believe these were taken with my iPhone 4 using Instagram?  

Hope everyone had a great week and an even better Thanksgiving full of love and delicious food!  Cheers to a new week and the beginning of one my favorite times of the year!  

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

My week was rather uneventful which is always lovely.  The calm before the Thanksgiving holiday storm.  Therefore, and without further adieu, I'll get right to this week's prompts: Vision, Strong, Buttons, Map and Favorite Fruit.

1) Buttons.

Buttons on my keyboard.  

 2) Favorite Fruit. 

I love Pomegranate.  But rarely get one since a) they are incredibly expensive and 2) a pain in the ass to open.  Well I caved when I saw them at our local and cheap grocery store ($1.79/Pomegranate - is that a deal?).  It has been sitting in my kitchen all week begging to be opened and seeded.  I finally got around to it today.  And ladies and gents, and thanks to the all knowing google machine, there is an easy and quick way to seed a Pomegranate.  I have a feeling Pomegranates will be a regular in our kitchen from now on:)

 3) Maps. 

Being that the only map we have in the house is one of Oregon I decided to photograph my favorite place my husband and I visited when we toured the state way back in 2008: Breitenbush Hot Springs. 

 4) Strong. 

This log is strong enough to hold me and a family of four.  

 5) Vision. 

I am beyond grateful for my vision.  Otherwise, I would miss the beauty of the sun coming through bare trees creating lovely shadows. 

WOOP!  Actually blogging a SHS on a Sunday.  

Hope everyone has had a nice and rejuvenating weekend.  I haven't been able to sleep in all weekend but have woken up refreshed regardless.  I am looking forward to this holiday week and cannot wait to stuff my face.  

Cheers! 

Linking up with: 

a day late...

Lately I have not been carrying my DSLR around with me like I used to.  That needs to change.  My remedy; start participating in Sunday Scavenger Hunt hosted by Ashley Sisk over at Ramblings & Photos again. Hoping this helps to motivate and inspire me on a weekly basis.  I have been in need of both recently.

Last weeks prompts were:  Nature, Vintage or Retro, Whimsical, Cooking and Week's Best.  Here are my interpretations (a day late)...

1) Cooking.

I do not cook or bake.  And I honestly have no interest in learning.  Luckily I have a husband who does not mind it.  Otherwise I would be most likely still be eating Pierogies and Lima Beans from the can.  However, I do make a mean oatmeal.  That is the extent of my "cooking."  

 2) Nature.

Pittsburgh had fabulous weather this weekend.  Yesterday it got up to 70!  Our last hurrah before Winter finally takes over.  I'll take it though!  Anwayyyyy, on weekends husband and I like to walk to our favorite breakfast joint in Ambridge (a suburb approximately 40 mins NW of Pittsburgh), The Maple.  We go at least once during the weekend for a cheap but delicious breakfast when we don't feel like making our own or we are out of whatever we need.  Over the Summer we got into the habit of walking  there (approximately 2 miles each way) as a way to get exercise and enjoy some fresh air.  Since it was so nice yesterday, we decided to continue with this tradition.  The above was taken on our way back.  I love when nature invades civilization. 

 3) Vintage/Retro

This is a corner shelving unit in our dining room.  It has pretty much been the only thing in my house that I have gotten around to "decorating" even though we have lived here for just over 2 years.  On the top shelf is one of my favorite antique shop finds; an old Kodak Duex and the second to bottom shelf on the right; an old camera my sister found when she was in England she gave to me for Christmas a few years ago.  It has markings on it dating back to July 21, 1896.  Pretty cool, huh?   

4) Week's Best. 

This was taken on our way to The Maple for breakfast.  I love the colors contrasted with the black of the bare trees and blue sky and how the yellow balloon is perfectly illuminated by the shining sun behind it.  

4) Whimsical.  

I love games. Yahtzee, Phase 10, Apples to Apples are some of my favorites.  This, however, may be my new favorite.  It's called Cards Against Humanity.  Similar to Apples to Apples but for a much more raunchy crowd.  Great to play while drinking with friends.  Lots of laughs will be had by all, i promise.  

Hope you have enjoyed my interpretations for the week.  I am excited to get back into SHS again.  If you do not already participate, you should!  It is a great way to share your blog with others and see other people's talent as well.  

Linking up with:

Hope everyone has a great week!  

Scavenger Hunt Tuesday

It's FINALLY raining here!  We were supposed to get some rain all weekend but of course that did not happen.  Which led to a very humid night where my husband and I did not get much sleep even though we had all three fans going in our room last night (we don't have air conditioning).  Hoping this rain will cool things off a little so we will sleep better tonight!

How was y'alls Memorial Day Weekend?  Do anything fun?  Or did you just spend the long weekend relaxing?  That's we did.  Weekends with no plans are my favorite!  Especially after a weekend of travel.

I know I have been slacking on the Scavenger Hunt blog posts.  I went a while there without really taking any photos and to be honest lost a little interest in it.  However, with some changes in my life that I have decided to make and the warmer weather seemingly here to stay, I feel rejuvenated and am taking photos again.

1. Capturing Movement

Here is my husband swimming in his second triathlon on Saturday.  Blurry, I know but I like how you can see him taking breath as he continues to swim.  I would let you know he finished but I am not sure he would too happy if I shared.  Apparently he has turned into a little triathlon snob:-P 

2. Texture

Brick wall.  

3. Beneath Your Feet

Concrete floor on our front porch while I was swinging on our porch swing enjoying the warm Memorial Day afternoon and sunshine.  I didn't realize how dirty my feet were until I saw the photo enlarged.  Oops!  Prior to this, I cleaned my car and grass stuck to my feet.  I thought I got everything.  Apparently not.  

 4. Face Your Fears

I love street photography.  I have been wanting to walk around and capture the different people and culture but have been hesitant because it is apparently rude (who knew right - sense the sarcasm?) to photograph someone without asking for their permission first.  Being the timid and shy gal that I am this has been keeping me from doing what I would like to one day capture.  I asked this sweet man as I  walked around Beaver after work if I could take his photo.  At first he asked me I would want to get a photo of him and I told him for my blog.  He asked me what my blog was about and I told him photography.  He agreed.  And I thanked him profusely.  Before him I had asked three other people and was turned down by all of them.  One lady was really nice but the second two were kinda rude and looked at me as if I had something growing out of my head.  I knew I wanted to do this for Face Your Fears as soon as I read the categories from last week's Scavenger Hunt but kept putting it off (hence me waiting until Tuesday to capture this) because it made me uncomfortable.  It was not until I was looking through my Twitter feed this morning when I came across this article on tips on shooting street portraits. If that wasn't a sign, I am not sure what is.  Next time I do this - and there will be a next time - I will bring my business cards with me with my blog information on it so they can visit the site if they so choose.  Thanks again, sweet man.  I appreciate it!  Just another step to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. 

5. Currently

I was not really sure how to capture Currently.  Currently to me means being in the moment.  And one of my favorite moments from the weekend was sitting on the front porch with my husband, playing Yahtzee and listening to the wind chimes.  Makes me happy.  This was taken last night (via Instagram) while we were winding down after dinner and from a wonderful long weekend.    

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend as much as we did!  Have a great week!  At least it's a short one, right? 

Linking up with

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

1) Smile.

Husband and I watched a good friend of ours little boy.  He was so good for us.  He only cried once and it was only because I put him in the jumper and he didn't want to be put there.  Trying to keep him entertained I stood him up at the window to look out.  He had so much fun.  I had Chris hold him so I could go outside to get some photos from the front yard.  

2. Shadow

Husband working hard to mow the lawn before our first open house today.  When I showed him this picture he said, "Look at those strong, beastly legs."  Ha! 

 3. Fish

Because we had to be out of the house between 1 and 3 for the open house, husband and I went to a local park and relaxed in the sun.  To cool off I went down to the creek and got some pictures of these little fishies.  Can you seem them?  They are kinda hard to see. 

 4. Unedited (SOOC)

Zoomed in photo of the ripples in the creek.  

 5. Keys

My house and work keys hanging up by the front door.  

Happy to post Scavenger Hunt photos on an actual Sunday.  Finally!  Hope everyone has had a nice Sunday.  It was a gorgeous day in Pittsburgh.  My favorite time of the year!:) 

What did you photograph this weekend?

Scavenger Hunt Monday

This week's Scavenger Hunt was a fun one.  A lot to do with the outdoors (at least for me) and changing my perspective.  I love Spring and everything most things it brings.

1. Clouds

View of the sky from the car through the sunroof on a gorgeous afternoon.  Don't worry, I was parked in our driveway;) 

 2. Low Angle

Yesterday, I went with my husband and mother-in-law on a nice long walk through Sewickley.  They My mother-in-law was very patient while I stopped for my many photo opportunities.  

 3. High Angle

This was taken during another gorgeous Spring walk.  So glad I captured the little guy here.  He was hard to get.  

 4. Sun Flare

One of my favorite things to shoot these days is sun flare.   

5. Seven

For those of you who don't know American Sign Language this is the sign for "7" 

I hope everyone's Monday wasn't too horrible.  I have yet another headache.  YUCK!  Stupid allergies (this is why I don't love everything Spring). 

Scavenger Hunt Tuesday

Late AGAIN!  Arg.  Thank you Ashley for allowing participants to upload photos until Tuesday.  Much appreciated:)

1. People

With the gorgeous weather my coworkers and I have been looking for any excuse to get out during the day.  Last Wednesday during Social Skills group, the group went for a walk.  On our walks I have been asking the group if they see anything that may help define who they are or where they have been in their recovery.  It's been quite successful and many have said how nice it is to see things differently.  As we were heading back to the office I noticed our shadows.  Everyone was very sweet to put up with my idea to photograph "Love" in our shadows.  I think they even had a little fun:)

2. Nature's Own

Nature's way to let us know Spring is here/on her way.  And that makes me one HAPPY girl! 

 3. Photographer's Choice

A black and white photo with light flare.  

 4. Quote or Word

"It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." 

As I may have mentioned before, I am huge Harry Potter fan.  Dumbledore, the headmaster of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry for those of who do not know, is a very wise man and throughout the series has a lot of good quotes.  And I love quotes.  I recently hung this one up in the group rooms.  I'll take any excuse to use/talk/discuss Harry Potter I can get.  

 5. Vintage

My mother's ring she gave to me after I got married.  It was given to her when she graduated from High School from her parents.  I rarely wear but like to open my jewelry box every once in a while just to look at it:) 

Happy Tuesday everyone!  I hope everyone had a safe and lovely St. Patrick's Day (post to come soon)! 

Another Sunday Scavenger Hunt on Monday

I know I said I would try to share my Sunday Scavenger Hunt photos with y'all on Sunday but here it is another Monday and I am just getting to sharing them.  I blame such behavior on travel and hangovers.  Unfortunately, next week won't be any better as we are heading to Chicago for St. Pattys (they dye the river green!) this weekend and are not returning until Monday.  The week after I will try better.  Promise:)

1. Light

Last week I got up a little earlier and was able to head to Beaver 45 minutes before I had to work to enjoy a morning walk around town.  This is one of the lucky captures I got.  My back was turned to these guys trying to get another photograph until I noticed their screeches.  I turned just in time to get them taking off with the sun behind them.  I love their silhouettes and the reflection of the light on the water. 

2. Animal

These are the same little guys from above.  I followed them on their take off using fast shutter to capture each movement.  I love their reflections in the water. 

 3. Crowded

My treat on weekends.  A bowl of oatmeal topped with frozen berries and walnuts.  Quite the crowded bowl, huh?  Crowded deliciousness:)

 4. Chocolate

Our new addiction.  Dark Chocolate.  I'm talkin the 85% to 90% dark chocolate kind.  YUM!!!

5. Water

Yesterday was a GORGEOUS day and Chris and I spent the afternoon listening to music enjoying the sun on our faces.  My water bottle is the one on the right (the cuter and nicer looking one).  A must have when nursing the above mentioned hangover.  

I hope everyone had a great weekend and not too tired from the time change!