In style Pinks!

Filed Under Uncategorized | 15 comments

A fleeting fly by of Pink!! Make sure to stop by Monday to see what Fall fun we have in store!!

Be sure to visit Bev at How Sweet the sound. Sept 18th Pink Saturay.

TTFN~~  Claudia ♥ ♥

September 19, 2009 at 12:38 am | Uncategorized | 15 comments

Autumn Grasses

Filed Under Outdoor Wednesday | 24 comments

Besides the Zions Park Arch– this barn close to Park City, Utah is one of the more photographed places. Notice the grasses that surround the property.

As summer flowers are going to seed –listen quietly and you can almost hear the rustling of the grasses…

Fall brings a slower pace. Even the grasses dance, swaying to and fro. ( ha!  trying to recall the last time I used “fro” in a sentence!)

Here, at the edge of autumn. What is it? The smell of leaves and grasses drying?  A sudden shift in the air, a slightly amber cast to the light, then a blue haze hanging over the valley at evening.

Thanks to Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for the gathering of other outdoor appreciators. Stop by and say hello to some of them.

Gone is the fun and the fast pace of Summer… even nature slows, preparing us for the richness of Autumn colors yet to be unfurled.

Visit my dear friends at Hooked on Fridays and Beautiful Life Fridays… they are sure to inspire.

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

September 16, 2009 at 12:03 am | Outdoor Wednesday | 24 comments

Monday: Are you a writer?

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Are you a writer?

Typically my answer to that question would be a resounding… “No” — but as you can see from the stack of journals, just in the last year!!… I write a lot!

In fact I have kept a journal for the better part of my life. The first real lengthy one dates back to my college days. There were a lot of “he looked at me…” kind of phrases– *groan* I know.

When someone asks you what you do — do you ever say you are a writer?
Some words are ones I aspire to… such as– painter, singer, cook, and yes, writer.

For the longest time I didn’t call myself a photographer, because to me I was nothing like those I looked up to. But, I am a photographer.  Mostly because I love photography! It’s a passion of mine and has been for years… even decades. I am  self taught, for the most part, even though I have taken numerous on- line classes and attended workshops. But I have to say, as I spend more time enjoying this passion, I am getting better (according to my critical self) and certainly enjoying myself more! That pleasure helps me answer “yes” when someone asks me if I am a photographer.

It’s funny because I would use words like… Mother, sister, daughter and designer to describe me, however I am certainly imperfect in all these categories. If I can accept the imperfections of these definitions then perhaps I could also with other descriptors. — Sooooo… that must mean I am a writer. *cough* excuse me I am only choking a little bit here.

We are all writers– of our own life. Whether we pen it or type it or just pass it along verbally.

We don’t have to be the perfect Van Gogh or Norah Jones to be the artist or singer that is in our heart– if we enjoy it and those passions enhance our lives… then we ARE! Embrace these words that help to enhance your life.

*note to self* … enroll in some writing classes!

I can almost hear Fall approaching– can you?

Visit Mary at the Little Red House and Susan at Between Naps on the Porch and see what all the creative people are doing over there.

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

September 14, 2009 at 1:23 am | Writing | 10 comments

Living Beautiful: Pink fades

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Realizing that my outdoor PINK opportunities were fading just as my Summer began slipping quietly away… I took a much needed drive to one of my favorite spots. Le Chaille, a French inspired Chateau and Gardens. Nestled at the base of the Cottonwood Canyon, I drove up the winding brick lined lane.

I am often asked about where I took the shot of my “header” (Top of my blog page) It is actually the shot of the Le Chaille front gate that I took when I was on my first trip several years ago — in mid May if I recall correctly. I fell in love with the peace that was there. The grounds keeper gave me permission to wander as I pleased.

This is how the grounds look in late August. Isn’t the entrance breath taking? Even at times a bit over whelming visually. Take a moment to really look at all their details.

Definitely the French inspiration…

When the cold and bitter winds howl this Fall and Winter I am sure I will dive into my Le Chaille folder for a touch of Pink pick me up.

Have the happiest of weekends– Visit Melissa at the Inspired Room (with her Beautiful things gathering) as well as Julia at Hooked on Houses where she celebrates things that make us happy… don’t for get to see the LONG list of Pink celebrators with Bev at How Sweet the Sound.

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

September 12, 2009 at 1:05 am | Living Beautiful | 27 comments

Dog Adventures

Filed Under Mosaic | 39 comments

Tucked high in the Eastern Mountains of Utah, Soldier Hollow, home of  the cross country events during the 2002 Olympics, presented this years Sheepdog Championship and Festival.

I’m such a sucker for Dogs of any size and shape– definitely  sheep dogs are ones that tug on my heart.

The event runs over about a 1.5 mile course, where the dogs have 16 minutes to herd 5 sheep down from the top of the mountain meadow to a small pen. The Team exists of a handler (human) and a sheepdog. This year there was 7 countries represented. It was almost poetic how this morning began. There was a quiet hush over the audience as they watched as the dog brought the sheep down. Creeping up on them, stopping quickly or yipping softly to follow his commands. If the handler wanted something a bit different they would whistle – and sure enough the dog would immediately respond.

My rear end was sore from me kicking myself all morning– I had not brought a telephoto lens.

See how Cali lay quietly in the crouched position managing her group?

A little bit closer look.

That person leaning against that pole was the whistling handler. The weather was perfect… (ok, so I was whining it was too hot but) I can’t imagine how it would’ve turned out had it been a windy or blustery day. I don’t know if the dogs would’ve heard their masters.

With balanced timing and motion the team  brought the bleating sheep into the coral!  Under 16 minutes. It really was breath taking.

I asked this gentleman if I could take a shot of his beautiful dog– he was more than willing and so proud. He told me the relationship they have is so close. They work hours all for one thing– the appreciation and love the master gives his dog.  Look at the smile on this guy! Aren’t his eyes something else??

 The center photo and this particular dog is obviously not the same– but the trial for all of them was the same.

There were pups herding ducks.

And then there was the Splash Dog Event!  This was an old guy — who after watching several of the younger dogs, decided he would just watch and think on younger days when he flew like they did.

This little guy wore a Super man cape, the announcer said it really wasn’t a cape — just a “poop” bag tied to his collar.  I dunno, he looked like super man to me.

Look carefully at this wonderful guy– you see his master DIDN’T throw the toy for him, so he just sort of stopped mid way thinking– “oh no! did i forget something?” … and because the toy wasn’t tossed they let him go again!!

Now thats what I call focus!!

…with a big ol SPLASH!!!  Look– there is my darling sister and BIL (brother in law) — I think my blog not only makes me more focused on life and finding beauty everywhere, but they are a big part of encouraging me. Today when we were driving up, one of their kids called and asked what they were doing, obviously they were teasing her because … Beeb said, ” ooh I know, I’m getting so adventuous… my middle name is Adventure!” and my BIL said, “yah, kinda like my middle name is Athletic!”

This little creature was part of the days recreation for the kids– but I thought he was awesome!! He is an Albino Hedge Hog– now how many of you can say you have had the pleasure of one of these critters up close and personal?

Stop by and visit Mary at Mosaic Monday — and Susan at Met Monday.  Ohhh and yes; its Wednesday already with Susan, from Southern Dreamer. Stop by there and see what other out door adventures others might be having.

Side note: “Thank you Beeb and T for being so good to me– you continue to make me feel so loved and never the 3rd wheel.”

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

September 7, 2009 at 12:21 am | Mosaic | 39 comments

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