Song-ography, the "Both Sides Now" edition...

"Both Sides Now, #1"
Self-Portrait

Song-ography got me to thinking this week.  That usually scares the Better Half.  "Both Sides Now" by Joni Mitchell.  Made me realize I'm kinda on the flip side of motherhood, instead of just a flipped out mom.  Kids can do that to ya.  I've witnessed and participated in both sides now.  With my Things all grown, or in the process of it, I realize my job as a mom has kind of mellowed out.  I'm not sure when the last time I had a temper tantrum (these days I'm just more apt to exit stage left).  Yes, moms can have temper tantrum.  Altho I prefer to call them "refocusing sessions taken out on the kids".   There were days where I could only be pushed so far without falling off the edge, and I was gonna take the Things with me...because THEY pushed.   Ipso facto, the Things should have known better.  So should have I.  I think I've learned something everyday of motherhood.  Usually it was "what I SHOULD have done".  It was exhausting at times.  Yes,  I still get tired.  Difference is, instead of the Things causing me to yearn for some peace, quiet and shut-eye...it's now all totally of my own doing.  Maybe I shouldn't have stayed up to the wee hours of the morning watching re-runs of "House Hunters International", or taken that spin class on an empty stomach, or lost track of time editing photos.  But they are all MY choices.  Good or bad.

What else happens on the flip side of motherhood?  The grocery bills have decreased drastically, while the restaurant bills have gone in the opposite direction.  The house SHOULD stay cleaner longer.  Still can't figure out where I'm going wrong. I can go five days without having to run the dishwasher.  A week for laundry.  The Better Half thinks I'm pushing that one a bit too far.  I say, buy some more clothes. Instead of being a spectator and supporter of all the Things'  activities, I am now an active participant in my own life.  Nurturing them, has morphed into nurturing moi.  I've found I am pretty darn good at some things besides making beds, dinners and taxi runs.  Photography, writing, and practicing a healthy life-style (MOST of the time) are my forte's these days.

"Both Sides Now, #2"

Sometimes I feel too young to not have little kids running around anymore.  How is it I reached this flip side so quickly?  I have no answer.  Just like I didn't have answers for many of the Things questions growing up.  I just winged the answers.  I'm going to have to wing this one too  All I know is that I am here trying to live the role as good as I can.  Motherhood isn't done.  It's never done.  It's just "different" now.  But then again, so am I.   Truth is, the view is kinda nice from both sides now.

Can't wait to see where this week's Song-ography title "Both Sides Now" took you.  But before you link up, here is a peak at next week's song. You all knew it was coming at some point.  Yes, I'm heading back down the Jersey Shore this week.  Yes, I'm talkin' 'bout my guy.  Which can mean only one person...

"Born to Run"

The Boss (aka Bruce Springsteen)

Not sure what I'm going to do with this one yet.  Hopefully something will jump out at me while down the shore.  But there's mega ways you can go on this one with your interpretations.  So run with it (get it?!?!?)

Thanks for linking up to this week's Song-ography!  And if you haven't yet?  Whatcha waiting for?

An InLinkz Link-up

Clouds in my coffee...

"Clouds in My Coffee"
Project 52 (11/52)
March 11 - March 18, 2013
i-phone (no filters)

The week that was...

It was a week where I probably spent waaaaaay too much time on the computer.  Sometimes I just get sucked in.  Before I know it...it's tomorrow.  The same thing happens when I catch an "America's Next Top Model" telethon on tv.  Only, I think I'm more creative than Tyra (at times).  Altho, I'd REALLY like to master her whole "Sm-eye-zing" (smiling with the eyes) technique.  I should work on that sometime when I'm not on the computer.

Taking photos, editing photos, creating with photos...is my creative escape.  And last week I was happily lost.  Made a dent in my growing backlog of "to do" edits.  Which was a good thing because I also added many photos to my growing backlog of "to do" edits.  End result?  I maintained the status quo.  WINNING.

And sometimes, I get side-tracked.  Like this photo.  I was editing shots from a visit to the Reading Pagoda (post to come), and drinking my morning cup(S) of coffee.  Making a dent in the workload until I noticed the reflection of the clouds on the computer screen in my cup of java.  Off on a tangent I went.  Wish I could say this is a metaphor for my week.  It's not.  But I can tell you I was probably "Sm-eye-zing" when taking this shot.

--Kathy

linked to:  Project 52, Inspire Me, Macro Monday

   

Scavenger Hunt Sunday (1/13/13)...

NOT an easy week of Scavenging for me.  Sometimes ya got it...and sometime lately I don't!!!  This week fell into the latter category.  Oh well.  I just wasn't feelin' it.  It happens.  I wasn't feelin' food shopping or getting out of my pj's a couple of times this week either.  The good news?  Mission accomplished on the Scavenger Hunt at least.  Altho, I've come to the conclusion I need to update my pj choices AND throw out the shrivelled up grapes and that are sitting on the bottom shelf of my fridge.  Pretty sure the Better Half would concur on both accounts.

This week's prompts are:  Outside, Backside, Little Things, Reflect, and A Cup of...

1.  Outside

"Frozen Over"

Frozen, yes.  However,  I wouldn't suggest going ice skating on it.  It barely held a duck moseying across it.

2.  Backside

"Looking Back"

Don't look back, unless...it's a good view.

3.  Little Things

"All By Myself"
Lancaster County, PA

Just a little, lonesome weed.  

4.  Reflect

"Head in the Clouds"
Philadelphia, PA

5.  A Cup of...

"Double Espresso"

Trying to shake things up a bit this year by participating in a few new link ups.  But some things are best left unchanged like...Scavenger Hunt Sunday.  I guess when it stops being a challenge I might move on.  BUT, given my frustration levels over this week's prompts...I would say I'm gonna be scavenging for quite awhile.

--Kathy

linked to:  Scavenger Hunt Sunday, Weekly Top Shot, Sunday Snapshot, Simple Things, Sundays In My City

Much Ado About Something...

Christmas has left the building...

Thank you, and goodnight.

"Christmas Has Left the Building"
Week #1:  January 1 - January 7, 2013
Project 52 (1/52)

The week that was...

So, I made a compromise...and I'm only 7 days into 2013.  I REALLY would love to tackle a 365 photo project.  But I just know at this juncture, it's just gonna frustrate me.  Being the Queen of Rationalization, I decided a 52 photo project would work much better for moi.  One photo per week for 2013.  To make it a bit more relevant, not just ANY photo will do (cause we all KNOW I take lots of them so where is the challenge in THAT?).  But it has to pertain to the happenings of the prior week.  You know, sort of like "Much Ado About Something".  I'm kinda actually inspired...for this week at least.

Photo #1 (January 1 - January 7).  It was a week of un-bedecking my halls.  And trust me, there was A LOT of un-bedecking to do.  THREE freakin' Christmas trees and a basements worth of accoutrement.  No partridge in a pear tree tho.  Don't judge me :).  It always SOUNDS like a good idea when I'm starting out (the day after Thanksgiving).  But after ten trips up and down my basement steps carrying uber boxes...my sanity does come into question.  By moi.  But at least the end result lets me ooooh and ahhhhh for awhile.  The reverse process tho?  No such climactic moment.  And the house always looks so dang empty afterwards too.

Yep folks, Christmas has left the building...

--Kathy

linked to:  Macro Monday, Project 52, Inspire Me

Scavenger Hunt Sunday (107/2012 edition)...

Welllllll, I really wasn't even going to do Scavenger Hunt this week. My plan was to take a break.  Not sure WHY I felt I needed a break.  Seems I've been REALLY inefficient lately and not getting much of anything done to take a break from.  But I found myself in center city Philly today with three hours to kill.  And let me tell ya, it was a beauty of a day to wander the streets with 'James Dean'.  How did we survive pre-cell phones and internet?  I really had no excuses NOT to participate in this week's hunt.  I forgot to bring the prompts with me?  Nottaproblem.  I-phone to the rescue.  Where is the nearest "Banana Republic"?  Nottaproblem.  I-phone to the rescue (I like to multi-task).  Where is that parking gargage I left my car in?  Hmmmm...there MUST be an app for that.  Note to self:  don't forget to google that.

This week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday prompts are:  Smile, Unedited, Key, Shadow, and Spice.


1.  Smile

"You Make Me Happy When Skies are Gray"

Thing #3

(linked to:  Weekly Top Shot, Snapshot Sunday)

Thing #3 turned 15 this week.  The braces are off and what a beauticious smile she has.  It was because of my youngest Thing that I found myself with free time to roam Philly earlier today.  Dropped her off at the Walnut Street Theatre for some classes (because we can never have ENOUGH "drama" in our lives), and I was OFF.  FREE.  UNENCUMBERED.  Sort of felt like a lonely loser.  Yeah, I knew THAT would make you smile my Thing.

2.  Unedited

"Towering Reflection"
Philadelphia, PA

Not a cloud in the sky today.  If I had been allowed to edit this photo for the hunt, I would have played with the levels a bit.  But I didn't.  Even tho I WANTED to.  Like REALLY badly.  FYI, I'm gonna do it as soon as I hit "post".  Even before I google a parking garage app.

3.  Key

"Love is Key"
Philadelphia, PA


"Love is the master key
which opens the gate of happiness."

--Oliver Wendell Holmes

As soon as I saw this prompt I high tailed it to Love Park and the world famous Love Sculpture. This sculpture has been a part of the Philly art scene since the Bicentennial in 1976.  Fun fact for the day:  I was a part of the Bicentennial celebration as a junior in high school.  Yep, wearing white knee high boots and an outfit so short I can't believe my dad let me out of the house, marching down Broad Street, twirling a baton.  Oh...I wasn't doing this alone (that would just be weird).  Oh yeah, and it was hot, hot, FREAKIN' hot that day.  Made it totally worth it to be wearing next to nothing, but let me tell ya...calves sweat wearing pleather boots in 101 temps.

4.  Spice

"Got Garlic?"

(Linked to:  Simple Things Sunday)

Philly has some amazing outdoor farmer's markets, especially on Saturdays.  Today I wandered over to Rittenhouse Square to take in the colors and smells.  Which were MUCH nicer than some of the other colors and smells I encountered en route.  Just sayin'.  

5.  Shadow

"Me and My Shadow"
Academy of Music
Philadelphia, PA

(linked to:  Your Sunday Best)

2 hours flew by and I needed to FIND my parking garage so I could pick up Thing #3.  I KNOW it is on Broad Street SOMEWHERE.  Which is when it dawned on me that not only do all parking garages look alike, so do all the attendants.  As I strolled Broad Street I passed by the Academy of Music.  I LOVE this place.  Built in 1857 is the oldest opera house/concert hall in the country that is still used for it's original purpose.  Just one of the many things I love about Philly, all the history here.  I think it is so cool to come to a show here at night and see the outside of the building illuminated by these gas lights.  Didn't realize they would be JUST as cool during the day with the shadows they cast.

SHOULD have taken note that my car wound up being in the garage on Broad Street directly across from the nicest Banana Republic I've ever been in and next too a pretty cool gastropub called "The Perch"  Did I mention that I love Philly?  If anyone ever wants a tourguide to the City of Brotherly Love...I'm available as long as you remember the parking garage we park in.

If ya get the chance, hop on over to Ashley's Ramblings and Photos to check out all the other Scavenger Hunt submissions.

--Kathy


linked to:   Scavenger Hunt Sunday, Your Sunday Best, Weekly Top Shot, Snapshot Sunday, Sundays in my City, Simple Things Sunday

Scavenger Hunt Sunday (July 22, 2012)...

Welcome to the "Mile High City" edition of Scavenger Hunt Sunday.  In preparation for my big adventure to Europe next week, I made James Dean get spiffied up a bit and sent him off to the camera spa this week. Yeah, the guy is a bit high maintenance.  But then again...I MIGHT be accused of the same thing on occasion.  Regardless, James was unavailable to report for duties the past few days, which means...my Scavenger Hunt all took place pre-James Dean R&R while we were in Denver last weekend.

This week's prompts are:  Time Together, Tell Me a Story, Love or Couple, Duplicated and Wrapped.


1.  Time Together

"Brother and Sister"

What a perfect prompt for me this week.  My sister and I took the Madre' to Denver so she could see her big brother and spend some much overdue time together.  Gosh, I think we figured out it had been about 7 years since they saw each other.  I can't imagine not seeing my sisters for that long, but life has a tendency to get in the way sometimes.  As I pulled up to his house we could see my Uncle standing on the street looking for our car.  He immediately grabbed my mom's hand as she got out of the car.  This is the two of them walking down the sidewalk upon first seeing each other en route to spending some time together.

2.  Tell Me A Story

"Chasing Chase"

Not even gonna pretend this is technically anything but a lousy photo (iphone on the fly).  But it perfectly tells the story of our weekend in Denver.  Laughs, lots of laughs.  What are the chances that we fly from Philly to Denver and just so happen to find out we are staying in the SAME hotel as the Philadelphia Phillies????  If you don't know the Phillies, then I guess I should tell you I'm a bit obsessed  of a fan of Chase Utley's.  I WOULD have told him that I named my dog after him when we had breakfast together (and by together, I mean in the same restaurant...yes we were THAT close).  But  I didn't want him to think I was a weird stalker chick.  Actually, I'm pretty sure he was staying in the room directly across from ours (don't ask me how I know that, but I kinda do).  AND, I'm pretty sure after seeing this sign the Madre' and Sis won't be travelling anytime soon with me again. AND, Chase knows he's being chased.  Might as well have told him about my dog.


3.  Love or Couple

I'd LOVE to have a horse.  Actually, I'd love to have a COUPLE of horses.   This is my cousin's.  She has a few.  I think she could spare one.  It's just figuring out how to get him here from Denver.  And if he would be happy living in my garage.


4.  Duplicated

So do you think things reflect more brilliantly when they are a mile high above sea level?  Not sure that is a scientific fact...but it sure seemed to be the truth.  Caught this hanging plant duplicated by it's reflection in a cute little secluded courtyard near Larimer Square in Denver.

5.  Wrapped

"Wrapped in Beauty"

This is the view out the front of my cousin's home in Castle Rock, Colorado.  Despite it's beauty, I'm not sure I could live here.  I'm an East Coast gal, I like being surrounded by trees, and buildings, and people, and a certain level of noise.  The openness is breathtaking.  But I feel so exposed and vulnerable here.  Yet the Colorado sky is a piece of artwork unto itself.  The endless, unbroken sky literally reaches down and wraps you in an embrace.  God's hands are here.

And there ya have it.  The "Mile High City" edition of Scavenger Hunt Sunday.  This afternoon I pick up James Dean from his little vacay and preparations begin for our next journey...Europe.  I've never been to Europe with a "big girl" camera before.  So many questions.  How many  memory cards should I need?  What lenses will I pack?  Will I develop grotesquely huge arm muscles carrying all this stuff around Europe?  Will I get left in the dust taking photos as my friends and family move on without me? Will they even notice?  Will they leave me taxi fare to at least get back to the hotel?  How do I say "Could you please get out of my picture" in Spanish, Italian and French?  I know, I'll just ask Rick Steeves...he knows EVERYTHING.

Happy Sunday...

--Kathy

linked to:

Rocky Mountain High...

Well, how about a city street IN the Rocky Mountains?  Took the Madre' to Denver last weekend to visit her brother.  After dropping her off for a day of familial bonding, my sis and I took to the streets of Denver with our trusty side-kicks James Dean and ????? (come on Karen, name that traveling companion of yours, will ya?).  We wound up on the 16th Street pedestrian Mall.

WHY is it everywhere I travel it is stinkin' hot?  First Cincy and now Denver.  Who would have thunk I'd need to go to the Mediterranean in a couple of weeks to cool off??!!??  And seriously folks, whoever says "but it's a DRY heat" I'm just gonna have to give a Philly Italian Wooter Ice to cool them off because they are apparently suffering from heat stroke....but it's a DRY heat stroke.  At least the brilliant sun makes for some cool reflections.

The 16th Street Mall has a very eclectic smattering of bronze sculptures dotting it's landscape.

I have to say the stiltwalkers were my favorite.  Something about the juxtiposition of country kids playing on stilts in the midst of an urban backdrop captivated me.  Plus, they were smart because it was too dang hot to put your feet directly on the sidewalk.

Not exactly sure HOW this beauty was able to catch a breeze on this sweltering day...but good for her!!!  Apparently HER hair holds up better than mine in the heat.

And I just can't get America's "Horse With No Name" out of my head after this sculpture.   HATE when that happens.  Well, better than John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High"...

Soooo many photos to get thru, soooo little time before my next adventure.  Yikes, what is a full memory card to do????  More Denver nuggets tomorrow (Get it??!!??  Apparently still suffering the effects of a mile-high altitude).

--Kathy

linked to:

"Gray skies are just...

...clouds passing over"

(Duke Ellington)

"Twin Towers"
Ambler, PA

This was the sight on a morning walk the other day.  Gray, ugh.  Never been a color to appeal much to me.  According to meanings and feelings associated with colors, gray is the color of intellect, knowledge and wisdom.  Haha, I think the AARP propaganda mill has been working overtime churning out that rubbish to make us all feel a bit better about growing older.   Otherwise, how would you account for the huge amounts spent on Grecian Formula and hair salons throughout the country to rid ourselves of all those signs of intellect and wisdom? The old gray goose ain't what she use to be folks..but only her hairdresser knows for sure!  

Let's see, gray is also the color of "compromise".  I guess it is because it falls midway between white and black.  Hmmmm...some might call that compromise.  I call it indecision.  I never liked falling into the gray area...it kinda puts me in a gray mood when I can't get my gray matter to commit and I'm floating aimlessly.  Plus, how could one NOT commit to black when it is so slimming?

The good thing about gray?  Gray skies are pretty darn good conditions to photograph IN, and display photographs ON.  I take a firm non-neutral stance on that.  Considering it is such a neutral color, it's a bit surprising it can evoke such a strong mood in photography too.    

But perhaps most importantly, gray looks fantastic when paired with MY fav color...red.  And you know what they say..."Gray skies are gonna clear up, so put on a happy face AND your red pumps!"

--Kathy

I'm in Love...

...with a handsome red devil

"Reflection"

Philadelphia, PA

Tis true.  Sigh.  He had me at hello, as I rounded the bend in the path.  Who would have thunk I'd find this looker, with just the right amount of aging to give him that perfect distinguished look...NOT nestled in a rustic little town, quiet hamlet or charming forge.  But in, gulp,  PHILADELPHIA?  They say you find love when you least expect it.  Yep, my "City of Brotherly Love" works it's magic again.  

      I'll take "Bridges for $500, Alex".

     "The only major U.S. city home to a covered bridge"

      "What is Philadelphia?"

       Ding, Ding, Ding...we have a winner!



Next time, I'm bringing a Cheesesteak "wit whiz" and hangin' awhile youz guys, just so I can look at that reflection in that wooter!


Have a great Tuesday!

--Kathy