Our Four-Legged Guest

Along the way, I have taught photography and have always enjoyed the chance to share what I know about cameras and image-making. With beginning students, assignments can be useful in that they pose a visual problem to solve. I would tell the class that they were free to interpret my query anyway they liked, except for one subject, "Please no images of cats."

I'm sorry I have not held cats in high regard photographically. It must be something about  the reliability of most members of the species to eventually curl up in a ball, making it easy to frame in a viewfinder. Earlier this week, my eldest decamped back to college taking her kitten, Boo, with her. But before they left, I succumbed again to his presence and now I have joined the ranks of the feline inclined. It's always good to be able to change your mind, wherever you are in the game.

Twelfth Night

My neighbor had an extra ticket to today's matinee of Twelfth Night and I was the lucky recipient.  From my front row balcony seat (thank you Susan!) I was able to take a few photos- as when you arrive the dressers, actors and stylists are onstage getting the characters ready which makes for a fun spectacle of its own. Everything about the production was amazing and made for a very entertaining afternoon with the Bard. 

(and Mark Rylance was brilliant)

A Return to Civility

Last night, like many addicted devoted to  Downton Abbey, I was glued to the screen watching the premiere of season 4 on PBS.  There was something for everyone from risque to ennobling with many sad faces on Mary. (I was relieved when she finally wore something other than black.) I only wish the Dowager Countess of Grantham was my grandmother! 

Refresh and Rehash

As much as I like seeing and doing new things, there is often some aspect of personal history calling me. Years back, one summer, I took a road trip through the Loire Valley with my niece and we stayed in some ancient chateaux that rented rooms to tourists. We traipsed, ate and drank while enjoying the many idylls of the region. I had a few cameras along and took numerous photos (even experimenting with filters).  The images have been laying in wait for me to examine them and today's frigid temperatures make exploring my archive an especially enjoyable distraction.

Snowy Day Pix

It's been grey and chilly for a long stretch and yesterday, the first snow storm of 2014 brought wintery conditions and over 8 inches of snow. What a treat to wake to clear skies, sunshine and our world iced in white!

(and thank you family for the excellent shoveling!)