Puzzle (60 of 365)

This is actually a retaining wall next to a major Atlanta thoroughfare. I think it looks like really big puzzle pieces!

In My Neighborhood (59 of 365)

The Chattahoochee River runs all through the Atlanta metro area. Luckily, I live pretty close to it. There are several neighborhood parks along the river, as well as, the Chattahoochee Recreational Centers which are spread out all over the city. I see lots of sunsets over the river on my way home from work. They're all really pretty.

Follow The Leader (58 of 365)

I went down to the Chattahoochee River this past Saturday around sunset to take a few pictures. There are Canada Geese all around the river. These two geese were a pair of troublemakers. They swooped in and starting running all the other geese away!

Black & White (57 of 365)

This is Mei Lan. Mei is nearly 2 1/2 and was born at Zoo Atlanta. Isn't she beautiful?!

Zoo Atlanta works with the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, along with several other U.S. zoos (the National Zoo, San Diego Zoo, and the Memphis Zoo) in the hopes of restoring some of the giant panda population. Currently, it's estimated there are approximately 1,600 giant pandas in the wild.

Guilty Pleasures (56 of 365)

Aren't Krispy Kreme doughnuts one of the best guilty pleasures? They are so yummy when they're hot and gooey! These are Valentine's Day glazed doughnuts which were part of Krispy Kreme's V-Day selection. They also had frosted heart-shaped doughnuts to choose from.

Swim (55 of 365)

I have several of this guy splashing around in the river. I liked this one best simply because of the water running off of his body.

Shadows (54 of 365)

I snapped this photo a couple of weeks ago. The bird is in a nice, shadowy spot. I like that he's half hidden. It's sort of half-portrait, half-silhouette.

Sunday Six: Week 8

This week is a Recap Six, all from Saturday - and all animals.


A drippy Canada Goose.


Yang Yang, from Zoo Atlanta. This picture makes Yang look pretty mean. He's actually a very goofy giant panda.


Yang Yang's second born, little Xi Lan. Here, he's wedged himself into a climbing structure for a long nap.


Zoo Atlanta has four baby gorillas: Kali and Kazi (twins), Macy B, and Gunther. I have no clue which of the four is posing for this picture, but it sure is cute!


Snack time at the gorilla enclosure! This little gorilla in the center is doing its best to get some attention by beating its chest.


Finally, from the Reptile House, a Caiman Lizard.

Eight (53 of 365)

Check out this tiny eight-legged guy! I happened to spot him hanging out on this leaf when I was at the botanical garden earlier this month.

Green (52 of 365)

Pretty green leaves.

Memories of Childhood (51 of 365)

The first thing that entered my mind when I saw this was Mr. Bluebird from "Zip-a-dee-doo-dah." I used to sing this song all the time as a kid.

Tilt (50 of 365)

A pretty moth orchid. This qualifies as tilted, right?

Abstract (49 of 365)

This is the inside of a caterpillar tunnel! I really liked how the individual pieces of canvas were different. The bright colors are a plus, too. The tunnel, by the way, is in the children's garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Flowers (48 of 365)

A grouping of moth orchids inside the Fuqua Orchid Center. I think these orchids are so beautiful.

Sunday Six: Week 7

I suppose this is technically a Recap Six since two of the photos were taken yesterday, but the remaining four are from around the house and were taken today.


Part of my Valentine's Day plans included a late lunch with one of my best friends. She brought along a bag of chocolate as a gift for me! My bag is full of Snickers, Reese's Cups, and Hershey Kisses. What's funny is, I did the same thing for her, except different candies.


This is one of three framed photos I have hanging in my living room. All three are from my trip to Puerto Rico last August.


Last night on my way into Midtown I was caught in Cirque Du Soleil traffic. I pulled out my camera and started playing with night shots. I realize this one is incredibly blurry, however, I love the streaks of light from the cars on the downtown connector.


This one turned out much better! It's a bit blurry since I was sitting in a moving vehicle. That's the 17th Street bridge, which is bright yellow, looking into Midtown.


This is a cute little whistle I bought in San Juan, Puerto Rico. You fill the whistle with some water and it sounds just like a bird! It has a really pretty sound.


This one is for Allison. This is a photo of my violet wig, complete with a sparkly star! I've worn this a handful of times, mostly for costume parties, and it's always been a big hit.

Corners (47 of 365)

There are lots of hidden corners in the Atlanta Botanical Garden. I stumbled upon this pretty Japanese garden on my last visit. It was in the middle of the garden, but also completely isolated. There's a covered seating area that allows you to see the whole garden while you're sitting. It's a really peaceful garden, and I look forward to seeing what it looks like during spring and summer.

99 Things

So, you know I'm a sucker for a meme. Allison posted this one on her blog, and it seems like fun.

So, cut and paste this into your own blog if you want. Bold the items that you've done!

1. Started your own blog. -- Two, actually.

2. Slept under the stars.

3. Played in a band.

4. Visited Hawaii.

5. Watched a meteor shower.

6. Given more than you can afford to charity.

7. Been to Disney World / Land. -- I've been to both.

8. Climbed a mountain.

9. Held a praying mantis.

10. Sang a solo. -- Several in church chorus and Cadence, my high school performance group.

11. Bungee jumped.

12. Visited Paris.

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.

15. Adopted a child.

16. Had food poisoning. -- Several times, unfortunately.

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.

18. Grown your own vegetables.

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.

20. Slept on an overnight train. -- From Florence, Italy to Nice, France.

21. Had a pillow fight.

22. Hitch hiked.

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill.

24. Built a snow fort. -- Heh, in the South? Nope!

25. Held a lamb.

26. Gone skinny dipping.

27. Run a Marathon. - Can I bold half, since that's what I've done?

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.

29. Seen a total eclipse.

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.

31. Hit a home run.

32. Been on a cruise.

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.

35. Been to Amish community.

36. Taught yourself a new language.

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.

39. Gone rock climbing.

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David.

41. Sung karaoke.

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.

43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant.

44. Visited Africa.

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.

46. Been transported in an ambulance.

47. Had your portrait painted.

48. Gone deep sea fishing.

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person. -- Amazing!

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling. -- Snorkeling in Hawaii.

52. Kissed in the rain.

53. Played in the mud.

54. Gone to a drive-in theater.

55. Been in a movie.

56. Visited the Great Wall of China.

57. Started a business.

58. Taken a martial arts class.

59. Visited Russia.

60. Served at a soup kitchen.

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies. -- Yes, for many, many years.

62. Gone whale watching.

63. Gotten flowers for no reason.

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.

65. Gone sky diving.

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp.

67. Bounced a check.

68. Flown in a helicopter.

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.

71. Eaten Caviar.

72. Pieced a quilt.

73. Stood in Times Square.

74. Toured the Everglades.

75. Been fired from a job.

76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London.

77. Broken a bone. -- I broke my collarbone playing basketball, in the first round of the playoffs!

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle. -- Definitely not. I don't do motorcycles.

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.

80. Published a book.

81. Visited the Vatican.

82. Bought a brand new car. -- Murphy!

83. Walked in Jerusalem.

84. Had your picture in the newspaper.

85. Read the entire Bible.

86. Visited the White House.

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.

88. Had chickenpox. -- Nope!

89. Saved someone’s life.

90. Sat on a jury. - Nope, but I'd like to!

91. Met someone famous. -- Patrick Dempsey, Andie McDowell, Wade Boggs, Reggie White, Dominique Wilkins, Robert Parrish and John Smoltz (Smoltzy!!). I think that's it. Hmm, mostly athletes on that list.

92. Joined a book club.

93. Lost a loved one.

94. Had a baby.

95. Seen the Alamo in person.

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.

97. Been involved in a lawsuit. -- Of course, I'm a lawyer!

98. Owned a cell phone.

99. Been stung by a bee.

Open (46 of 365)

A couple of frogs popping out of the water. It's hard to tell, but their open mouths are full of water, too.

Garden (45 of 365)

Children's gardens are always so much fun. They're full of quirky objects and educational exhibits. I'm sure the kids love running through this tunnel.

Outdoor Seating (44 of 365)

The Atlanta Botanical Garden has many benches and seating areas throughout the garden. Several of the benches are taken by these frog sculptures.

Lines (43 of 365)

I took this photo from a ramp inside the High Museum of Art looking towards the ceiling. The entire interior of the High is white (not surprisingly) and the skies began to clear up just as we were walking down this area. I love the contrast of the blue sky and the white beams along with the shadows.

Works of Art (42 of 365)

This is another glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly. This one sits inside a water fountain at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It's even more beautiful at night when it's all lit up from the surrounding lights.

Rusted (41 of 365)

I love, love, love this picture! I don't really know why. This is a telephone pole (who knows, it could be a light pole) that's been used hundreds of times as a spot to hang flyers and posters. It has a tone of industrial staples stuck in it and they're all gritty and rusty.

Blue (40 of 365)

I tried to get a good shot of the poison dart frogs the last time I was at the botanical garden. It didn't happen with the lenses I had with me at the time. This one was taken with my Nikkor 60mm and it turned out much better than my previous efforts. It's a bit foggy, but that's due to the moisture on the insides of the aquarium.

Local Landmarks (39 of 365)

The Varsity is one of Atlanta's busiest restaurants. It's also the world's largest drive-in. The main location on North Avenue is constantly busy.

Childhood Favorites (38 of 365)

This theme tie in may seem odd, and it probably is, but it makes sense to me. :) When I was little I loved Disney's "Alice in Wonderland" cartoon. I watched it over and over. I always thought the talking flowers were really neat. I realize most of those flowers were irises. However, for some reason, this flower reminded me so much of those talking cartoon flowers.

The Wild Side (37 of 365)

How's this for wacky? This raccoon hangs above the entry way to a thrift shop in Little Five Points. The tiara and necklace just make it so delightfully tacky. :)

Sculpture (36 of 365)

A statue on display in the Atlanta Botanical Garden. I love how weathered she looks.

Sunday Six: Week 6

This week is a Recap Six, all from yesterday.


My first stop of the day was at Plum Salon for a hair cut. Megan has been cutting my hair since I've lived in Atlanta. I love her. This is a glass plum they have displayed on their reception counter.


Later in the afternoon, I stopped by a friend's house. It was a beautiful day, so we were goofing around with his dogs in the backyard. Said goofy dogs.


Some of you may remember Buck, he who likes to play with tires.


And, we also have Sunny. She's a sweetie. I love her ears!


This is where we had some afternoon tension. This pretty little bird was flying very low to the ground in the backyard. I was snapping a couple of shots while the dogs were upstairs. However, once the bird flew up higher onto the deck, Sunny sniffed him out immediately.

I suppose this is where I should advise that no birds were harmed during any of this. :)


The bird eventually flew over into the grass, and thankfully, the dogs pretty much left it alone. It was eventually scooted out of the yard by a mockingbird guarding its territory.

Recycled (35 of 365)

Someone's been having a bit of fun, huh?!

Feathered or Feathers (34 of 365)

I spotted this hawk flying overhead and just barely managed to get my camera in position for a picture. This is the only one I was able to snap.

Musical Instrument (33 of 365)

This is the "Mighty Mo" organ at the Fox Theatre. It's a custom made Möller pipe organ and is the second largest in the world, second to the Wurllitzer at Radio City Music Hall. It has 42 ranks, four manuals and 376 stop tabs. This doesn't really mean too much to me, I play piano not the organ, but it's evidently a masterpiece.

Curvy (32 of 365)

Part of this year's Annual Orchid Exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is the "Orchid Daze: Gorgeous Meets Glass" exhibition. It consists of contemporary art glass pieces designed by 11 different artists. This is one of the glass sculptures currently on display.

A Movie Title . . . (31 of 365)

A photographer friend and I were out and about taking photos recently and we wandered into a thrift store. There were lots of fun things in there and I believe there might be a photo of me in a bright, blue feather boa floating around somewhere. *cringes* Anyhoo, this mannequin was in one of the front windows and we both played around with shooting it. There's some post-process in this one to bring it nearly to B&W but the color one isn't too bad either.

Leaves (30 of 365)

These leaves are on the top portion of a gazebo inside the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Swirls (29 of 365)

This is one of the lamps inside the Fox Theatre. I think it's beautiful! It's very art deco to me and I love the colors and delicate swirls.