Photo Challenges and finally ... Spring!

It's been a good day ... this Friday.  Busy indoors with housecleaning, laundry, dinner ... but the best part was spending the afternoon out in the sunshine with my dear sweet husband who first of all, blessed me by bringing home one of those yummy mocha coconut frappaccinos from Starbuck's after work!  If you don't know yet, it's what they call "happy hour" from 3:00 to 5:00 every day from now until the 15th ... hallelujah, they're half price!  You only have until Sunday, so you had better get there quick!  Honestly, I've never had one, that is until a friend introduced me this last week.  Thank goodness it was for the happy hour discount ... at the regular price they're as much as a gallon of gasoline these days!  After enjoying every last little drop of what may be my last one for awhile, and looking through some scrumptious gardening magazines, I got that coffee-kick giving me extra energy to plant some lavender with my hubby.  He's good at gardening ... at least someone in the family is!  He's taught me a lot, and ever since, I've enjoyed getting out there and getting my hands dirty ... especially when there's lavender around! :)

 

It was inevitable ...
winter has finally given way to spring's arrival ...
warm sunshine, blue skies, gentle breeze, flowers, birds,
the smell of fresh cut grass, bees 'a buzzin',
backyard barbeques, and yes, dirt ...
it's the promise of growth, and new life ... 

oh, how I love Spring ...

... and did I mention lavender?

... oh, and yes the sunflowers ...
mustn't forget about the sunflowers!

{another little 'gift' from my darlin' husband!}

And finally ... I'm entering a couple of photo challenges with the following images over at 'Before and After', as well as, 'Black and White Wednesday' ... this is my great niece (what you can see of her, that is), and my two, oh-so-cute, great nephews!  They all live out of state, and it's such a joy being with them when they're able to be here!  To see more, black and white, and before-and-after images, or to add your own, click on the buttons below. 

Hope you're able to get out and enjoy the weekend ... we're hoping this one won't be a total wash-out with all the rain we've been getting.  Today was exceptional, and we hope we get more sun tomorrow to completely dry things out around here.  We'd also like to browse some of the early spring garage sales and stop at a couple of farmer's markets.  There's a new one this year with lots of organic produce, honey, homemade soap, and flowers ... lots of flowers! :)

- sooc -

  

 - Canon 30D - Lens 24-70mm f/2.8 -
I warmed it up just a bit ...
hmmm, maybe just a bit too much,
but, you'll have to forgive me, I'm finding my way around Lightroom 3.
It's been a bit confusing since I've only used Photoshop Elements.
If anyone knows of any good tutorials for LR3, do let me know!

I also converted this image to b/w. 
I love how it brightened up the boy's faces here.
Be sure to check out the other entries ...
the link buttons are below.
Enjoy the sunshine, and have a blessed weekend.

Black and White Wednesdays @ The Long Road to China

Well, I hope you're finally enjoying some warmer spring days where you are.  It was beautiful here today, although I really couldn't get out and enjoy it.  I've had bronchitis, and it has kept me down for sometime now ... actually, this is my second go around with it, and I'm not the only one around here who's had it, either!  I'm hoping I'm nearing the end of it ... I'm so ready to get out and enjoy some of that sunshine and warmth that visited our hometown, today!  As I've been inside, resting, reading, and eating more chicken soup then I care to admit, I discovered a new photo challenge over at Lisa's blog, The Long Road to China.  I adore black and white images so this challenge caught my eye.  Not only is Lisa a fantastic photographer, she shares an amazing story, and I really enjoy reading her blog!  There are no 'rules' here, other than your image has to be in black and white ... most are sharing the same image in color, too, before the conversion to b/w.  That's easy enough ... the hard part is choosing an image to convert, unless you've already shot it in black and white.  I've noticed that some do more than one image, as well.  It's an open theme, so that makes it even more fun ... whatever your 'flavor' is for the week, go for it!

As for my first entry on Black and White Wednesday ... this is a favorite image of mine.  While walking along at the fair this past fall, I 'happily' happened upon these two ... an adorable little boy and his beloved grandpa ... each face so full of character, young and old!  When I first saw them they were just sitting among the crowds of people, patiently waiting and watching.  We talked awhile ... Grandpa was a farmer with years of hard work and sun scorched days visibly etched deep into his face ... and his little grandson, snuggled there on his lap, who completely adored that hard working farmer!  They had apparently gotten lost from the rest of their family.  I asked if I could take a few photos of them ... not a problem.  After a few minutes, when this little boy finally saw his mother coming, he began by pointing at her, telling her in the sternest little voice that he could muster, that she was "never, ever to leave them like that again!"  Grandpa looked a bit frustrated with his daughter as well, but eventually he relaxed, and just smiled at that little boy that he so visibly adored!  This, I must say, was one moment I was so thankful to have visibly captured!  If you'd like to see more black and white images, or to join in on the fun each Wednesday, you can click on the link above, or their 'button' below!  Thank you, so much, for stopping by, and have a blessed weekend!


- Deborah