The Challenge

2019 is just days away. Where has this year gone?

Many are asking themselves that question right now, including me. 2018 has been a challenging year for most people on many levels. Health, finances, relationships ... you name it. One thing is for certain. Nothing stays static. Everything is always shifting.

Speaking of that, about a month ago I decided to do the 2019 Photo-A-Day challenge. I haven't done it since 2012 and yes, it was quite a challenge, but I found one thing happened that helped me grow as a person - it took me way out of my comfort zone.

Why? Two reasons:

1. I had to get over worrying about what other people and photographers would think about what I chose to photograph each day. 
2. When you're committed to shooting an image a day, it teaches you to REALLY notice people, places, and things around you.

So ... here we go, starting anew on January 1st. If you're so inclined and want to join me in this challenge, use the CONTACT form on the right and let me know where you'll be posting your images. I'd love to see them! Mine will be posted right here.

If you'd like to be notified by email when I post my images, plop your email address in on the right. Don't worry ... I'm not compiling an email list to send you stuff. Not my style. 

Wishing you all a magnificent new year! 

Two Faced

Not long ago I was having lunch with some friends at the Cheesecake Factory in Tucson. The food was really good but I noticed the ceiling right away. They have a unique way of using indirect lighting, don't you think? Her two faces spoke to me (well, not literally but figuratively) so I had to shoot this image.

Many years ago I had a clairvoyant woman tell me that I spent a previous lifetime in Egypt as a princess. She saw me wearing a golden headpiece and lots of gold jewelry. I was sitting on a throne with a cobra head staff and a black cat by my side. Hmmm ... that might explain my fascination with ancient Egypt and the pyramids, not to mention jewelry LOL!

Be good to yourself and each other. Namaste'

Mr & Mrs

Recently I was cleaning out some photo folders and came across these images of a wedding that I photographed. The couple was really nice and I had a good time doing it.

Normally I don't like photographing weddings but I did this for a friend of mine, whose son was the groom. It was a lovely day and it was very apparent that the bride and groom were good friends. I believe it's important to marry your best friend.

I shot 250+ images that day but these are a few of my favorites images.

Be good to yourself and each other. Namaste'

Heading South

I find the Canadian geese that are heading south for the winter fascinating. I love seeing their formations and hearing them honk as they fly overhead. Our neighbor tells us that, at some point, we will see thousands of them in different formations* ... all heading to a warmer climate for the winter. Good for them. As for me, I'm quite content to be here with our crisp mornings and evenings and beautiful sunshine during the day. Yes, we had a good soaking of rain yesterday but I'm glad for that, too.

*She also tells me that it's a good idea to wear a hoodie when out walking ... just in case I'm in the line of fire for their poop. Yikes! A hoodie it is. I was the recipient of some seagull droppings once in California, so I'm heeding her warning. It wasn't a pretty picture!

I'm grateful. Take good care of yourself and each other. Namaste'

Lingering

Just out on a walk today with Daisy and I captured this bed of leaves with my phone camera. Then I noticed one lingering sprig of green peeking through. Die hard.

Autumn is spreading her blanket of beautiful leaves, crisp air, and Canadian geese flying south for the winter ... but the geese are another blog post.

My Mom loved Autumn leaves, so these are for you, Mom.

Take good care of yourself and each other. Namaste'

Backlit Beauty

For those that know me, you'll remember that I've often said that no flowers come into our house without me photographing them. This one is no exception. She is from a bouquet that I picked up yesterday when my daughter and I went to the Farmer's Market in Salem. This one is available for sale at my gallery: reginaarnold.com without my watermark signature.

Take good care of yourself and each other. Namaste'

White Magic

I found this beautiful bloom in the back yard and thought it was quite magical. The petals are soft and a beautiful white; almost transparent, with the center having delicate red stripes. The camera just doesn't do it justice.

I wish I knew what it was. Not a clue! It grows on a vine that just started growing in the last few weeks. If I didn't know better, I'd think it was Spring instead of Autumn.

Be good to yourself and each other. Namaste'

Grand Opening

I call this one the Grand Opening because we've been watching its progress day by day. The last few petals are now opening to the Divine.

We planted these giant sunflowers because I believe they are so spectacular. (The birds love them, too). Hopefully when they go to seed, the birds will spread them around. It's wonderful that it's early October and we're seeing these blooms. Love, love, love them!!!

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It's what sunflowers do." ~ Helen Keller

Be good to yourself and each other. Namaste'

Something New

While roaming around outside today, I discovered this little beauty. Isn't she lovely? I've never met a flower I didn't like! Take good care of yourself and each other. Namaste'

Don't Bug Me

The scientific name for these insects is Tipulidae also known as the Crane Fly but I've always called them mosquito eaters. Ha!

Do they really eat mosquitos? If so, this one has fallen down on the job because as hubby and I were walking last evening, some of those pesky varmints were buzzing me. I guess we'll have to walk earlier from now on.

Take good care of yourself and others ... Namaste'

What We Focus On

All parts of the west coast are suffering from lack of rain, dealing with wildfires, and becoming homeless because of the devastation. Let us all pray that the PTB stop the weather modifications, and release the stored water that could help to alleviate the situation.

It's supposed to rain here this week. Father God, send some to the ravaged and scorched places on this planet ... our home. Without water, we cannot survive and neither can the plant and animal kingdoms.

This lovely bloom reminds me to be grateful for the beauty in this world ... because what we focus on expands. So I will focus on water falling from the sky. Namaste'

Fur Baby

I happened to have my camera out in the yard the other day and as I was walking in, look who was there to greet me ... our little black-faced fur baby! She's eight years old now; starting to get a little gray around her muzzle but still spunky and oh, so sweet. We love you, Daisy!

Namaste'

View from the Bus

Had some more fun with the geese by adding a view from the old bus.

It reminds me of the old school bus my brother used to drive when he was a senior in high school. He would pick me up on the cold, snowy days in Nebraska. He wasn't supposed to because we lived pretty close to the school and the principal thought the kids who lived close didn't need to ride the bus.

But Mike picked me up anyway. I was his first stop and he had me sit right behind him where the heater was. Thanks, Mike! Even though you're gone, I still feel your love. Namaste'

Heart 'O Mine

Everything I'm reading (not in the mainstream media) is saying that this month is going to bring about some major changes for humanity.  I sure hope so; it's been feeling rather bleak for so many of our fellow humans. Let's hope the changes are more heart centered and that consciousness will keep rising. Nothing is static; we're in a constant flow. Send out a wave of love to all who inhabit this beautiful blue orb we call home. We're all in this together.

I dedicate my silver heart - and my human one - to these positive changes. Namaste'

Saying Good-Bye to the Dog Days of August

Some of my rose bushes are wearing the blush of Autumn already. Won't be long now until the crisp air is upon us. Have you noticed how the light is changing everywhere?

Saying good-bye to August. Namaste'

Playing with Geese

There are always geese flying over our house and I love them! It just seems that I never have my camera handy when they make their pass. But the other day I had my phone with me and finally got a picture. And then I decided to give them some friends by doing a ghost image. I guess you could say I've been playing with the geese. Honk! Honk!

Some folks believe that Oregon is always rainy, cloudy and gloomy. Not so ... we've experienced incredibly clear blue skies of late and only about 99 drops of rain. Actually, I'm hoping for some of that wet stuff soon. Well, I'm sure we'll get our share this winter, but with the wildfires going on, it sure would be nice for Mother Nature to step up to the plate and rain all over the West. 

Namaste'

Strange Clouds

Last night as the sun was going down, I noticed these clouds directly above the "normal" clouds. They seemed very odd looking to me because I'm always looking up into the sky and have never seen cloud formations like this before.

Has anyone else ever seen these?

Namaste'

Big Blue

Update: Apparently the image didn't show up in this post for some reason, so here it is ...

 I took this image at a car show in Tucson and this car was my favorite. If it was mine, I'd put the top down and spend my evenings just cruising under the stars.

It's really fun to see how these vintage cars are restored and given such loving care. When I was in high school, my boyfriend loved to restore older cars like this. In fact, I learned to drive a stick shift in his '34 Ford pickup. Those were the days ...

Namaste'

Jazz

As I was looking through my images today, I came across this little guy. His name is Jazz and he belongs to the daughter of the late great jazz artist, Miles Davis. My sis-in-law has a pet sitting business and she's lucky enough to take care of this little guy pretty often.

I shot this image when we visited them at their home a few years back. He's so cute and lovable!!!! If I ever have another dog, I would love it to be one like him. Here's to you, Jazz!

Forever Marilyn

For those of us that are baby boomers, you'll probably remember Marilyn Monroe.  I think she is an icon of "branding"  Meaning she was unmistakenly distinct in all she did ... her movies, her own way of being sexy, and her special voice. 

I think if she was alive today, her message to all women would be to be who you are and love it.  Don't try to change anything.  Celebrate your uniqueness and oneness with everyone and every thing.

This image was one I took of her 26 foot tall statue that is on loan to Palm Springs, CA.  We love you, Marilyn!