a thousand words

A walk in the fall

2010-10-20T18:04:00.000-04:00

Wet Leaves

2010-08-09T15:37:00.000-04:00

Beach Vacation

2010-07-09T10:56:00.000-04:00

My family just returned from North Carolina on a fabulous vacation to the shore. Here are my attempts to remember the beauty of the ocean and how much I love being there. Personal pictures can be found on my other blog.

Random Fun Shots

2010-04-12T19:27:00.003-04:00

These are the flowers in front of our house

These are a few I took at the Toledo Imagination Station (formerly COSI). This is in the water area. The thing in the middle is a bowling ball on a pulley system. The kids pull the bowling ball out of the water to open the drain and the water spirals down the tube. It's all dark and the only light is a purple/blue light.

Gosh...

2010-01-25T22:09:00.003-05:00

It's been so long!!!

I don't think I really have anything to share, which is really sad! I'm off to look at my pics from the last few months and see what I have...

OK. These are from right after Christmas. Forgot I even had them...

Frankenmuth, MI

2009-11-21T20:07:00.005-05:00

Another good trip this week was to Frankenmuth, MI, which is a sort of Christmas Wonderland of sorts.

There are some family pictures on my other blog, but these are the ones that are more of my "photo play" shots.

Nature Walk

2009-11-21T19:29:00.004-05:00

FINALLY, I got out on a shoot this past week. Having two mid-week, unexpected days off school was great! I got a lot of pictures taken. And my camera doesn't think I'm ignoring her anymore.

This was Tuesday, at Metro Beach Metropark.

Aw, Man! It's Friday again!

2009-11-05T22:39:00.001-05:00

And I still haven't gotten to last weeks shoot out or this week's shoot out.

If I miss next week's, I full expect to be removed from the member's list. I apologize, my life is just busier than I can find time to fit in a much desired shoot out right now.

:( Sorry Gang!

Shoot Out: Childhood Memories

2009-10-23T22:50:00.003-04:00

Thanks, everyone, for indulging me and allowing me to choose this theme. And Thank You for being patient with my post. It's so hard for me to get to during the week.

For me, childhood was strictly about playing. I work hard so my children will remember fun, good moments.

I'd like to share with you a few of our favorite moments in local "hot spots" for my kids.

Here, my oldest is on the local t-ball team. I think every child who's 4 or 5 years old plays in the summer in our community. His younger brother looks on, anxious for when he's old enough to play.

This was taken in Detroit at "The Ren Center" where there is a really cool water feature.

Swimming in the pool

And swimming in the ocean (North Carolina - family vacation).

And here are some "every day play"

And quality time with "brother".

MTFSO: Will be posted Friday evening

2009-10-22T22:33:00.000-04:00

It's coming I promise. Weekdays are hard for me!

I'm out this week, MTFSO gang

2009-10-15T23:52:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone.
I've had a crazy busy week, didn't take any new shots and I didn't get to my archives.

Sorry guys. :( Have a good week!

My Town Friday Shoot Out: Silhouettes

2009-10-09T06:50:00.001-04:00

For this week's My Town Shoot Out, I went to the archives. The theme of the week is silhouettes. Who knew I had done this before...and actually had a few good ones to boot!!

This picture is from my inlaw's family cottage this past 4th of July. That is Lake Erie in the photo.

Our home is very near an Air National Guard Base. This picture, although I wish it was better cropped, was taken this past August at the air show.

This picture is of my youngest son at the Detroit Zoo. He'd positioned himself in a window that looks into the seal aquarium.

My Town Friday Shoot Out: Building Study

2009-10-04T19:42:00.009-04:00

I did it! I'm so excited! I finally got to shoot at a location I've been wanted to do for such a long time. And it was perfect for this Shoot Out.

Almost 6 years ago, my husband and I move our little family to the Detroit area from Ohio. Each and every time we went "home" I noticed this one specific building. It caught my eye and mesmerized me. I wondered the story behind this abandoned building. There had to be a story!

I found a website, Forgotten Detroit, where I found the building I had been wondering about for so long: The Michigan Central Depot, or "The Depot". If you have a few moments, I invite you to visit the link to see The Depot in all it's former glory. Be sure to look at the photos of the inside, taken by a much braver photographer than I.

These photos were all taken from my car or just outside my car. I could not do any better without leaving my comfort zone completely. Thank you, MTFSO team, for finally giving me the opportunity I've been waiting for!

My Town Friday Shoot Out: No Can Do

2009-10-01T16:27:00.001-04:00

I'm sorry guys, but I did not get to a shoot out this week. I still hope to get it done this weekend, but it will be Sunday or Monday before the pics go up.

Thanks for being understanding. I look forward to visiting your blogs this weekend.

My Town Friday Shoot Out: My Favorite Place...

2009-09-25T02:41:00.000-04:00

I had lots of ideas for this week's "Shoot Out"...Target, my favorite place to shop; Starbucks, my favorite place for coffee/breakfast; my couch, my favorite place to hang out in the evenings; my bed, my favorite place to sleep....but in the end, I chose my favoritest place to meet my best friend: Goldfish Tea in Royal Oak, MI.

My best friend and I have been meeting here on random occasions for the last two years or so. We've enjoyed many a night in this tea house, sipping our favorite pot of shared tea, ginseng oolong. The employees are great, knowledgeable and very friendly, especially the owners Jim & Janice. The customers are fun to watch and talk to. The tea selection is amazing...great Chinese teas.

The pictures aren't great and they don't capture the warmth you feel when you enter the place, but this is MY favorite place to be....

End of Summer

2009-09-21T19:32:00.007-04:00

Best of Summer 2009

My Town Friday Shoot Out: Domestic Animals

2009-09-19T12:21:00.003-04:00

Yes, I know it's Saturday. I'm a slacker! But better late than never right.

And to make matters worse, none of these were taken recently. Sorry!! Enjoy anyways, please.
And I truly do hope to visit all of your blogs this weekend. I'll try my best!

This is our brown & white (and sometimes blue) dog, Missy-dog. She's a smooth fox terror...err, terrier.

For the story about behind that picture, see HERE.

My Town Friday Shoot Out: Aged & Weathered

2009-09-10T19:29:00.005-04:00

This week's theme for MTFSO was chosen by Pauline. Be sure to visit her blog. I can't wait to see what she photographed! This theme could lead to so many things...or people ;)

I started this week's theme with photos of barns. Like last week's photos, these were taken on the same trip to Armada last week. I thought I'd find more interesting barns, and get lots of shots, but I found a better opportunity instead. Here are my "best of" for this week's theme; Aged & Weathered.

My Town Friday Shoot Out: Windows & Doors

2009-09-04T08:03:00.004-04:00

I'm back, MTFSO friends!! These pictures were taken in Armada, MI, just 20 minutes north of my town. It's a great place to visit for that old "farm town" feel. I love to go up there for produce. These pictures are of the "down town" area and at an abandoned home in the same area.

My Town Friday Shoot Out: My Apologies

2009-08-28T07:10:00.002-04:00

My dear friends at MTFSO, I apologize for not being able to get to the topic at hand this week. I've started back to work as a full-time teacher at my son's school this week. It's the first time in 6 years I've really worked, and it's taken some getting used to. I do fully intend to stay in the "game" and I hope you'll understand that life just got in the way this week. I hope things calm down soon and I can have more play time.

I do look forward to visiting all of your pages this weekend. Thank you for your understanding.

Ellisa

Farmer's Market

2009-08-24T17:56:00.004-04:00

I absolutely LOVE to go to the Farmers Market. There is a great one in Mt. Clemens, MI that I use. I spend at least an hour there every Saturday morning that I can. Sometimes I buy just a few things, other times I load up on everything that looks good. I'm a "part time vegetarian" (if there is such a thing) so I love to see what there is and explore the veggies I haven't tried before.

These pictures were take this past Saturday.

My Town Friday Shoot Out: Signs

2009-08-21T15:14:00.003-04:00

This week's theme was chosen by Si.

This is the only weird sign that I found...It's at a safari park near Port Clinton, OH. (Not my hometown, sorry!)

Sorry, that's all I got this week!!

away

2009-08-18T23:11:00.001-04:00

Last week, I put my camera "away" when I cleaned my house thoroughly. I never really had an "away" spot for it. So I found a good home for it, in it's bag, nice and safe. It's nice that it finally has a home.

Problem; I don't see it anymore. It's "away". I haven't taken pictures in more than 5 days now. It's weird. I'm disappointed in myself and I'm sure my camera feels lonely. (I should really name her.)

Guess I'm going to have to bust her out and start using her. Hopefully tomorrow!!

Any name suggestions for my Nikon D70? She's black, a little chunky, beautiful eye(s), amazing sense of humor and can be a bit stubborn at times.

My Town Friday Shoot Out: Relaxation

2009-08-14T09:18:00.004-04:00

This week's theme of relaxations for the My Town Shoot Out was chosen by Lena.

My area of Michigan is very near St. Clair Lake. We have a lot of shoreway and waterfront area. There is a public park that is one of my favorite places to take my kids. We play mini golf there, have picnics, play in the splash zone, play on the play ground and take long nature walks. There is also a public beach there and a large public pool.

Here are some pictures of our times spent there.

Next week's shoot out; "interesting and amusing signs", chosen by Si.

Humming Bird Moth

2009-08-12T09:36:00.006-04:00

I've posted this picture before, but I played around with it in Photoshop today trying some new things. It was fun, but I still like the original best, I think. Original (cropped) and then artistic takes of the same image.

waiting for the polar bears

2009-08-11T11:53:00.003-04:00

My Town Friday Shoot Out: Power

2009-08-07T12:21:00.005-04:00

This is part of My Town Friday Shoot Out. The theme of "Where do you get your power?" was chosen this week by J9. This theme was hard for me as I was unmotivated, but this morning, my lil' one and I used my legs as a source of power and went for a bike ride to take a few photos so I wouldn't be completely out of it this week.

Ready to Ride - Manual Power

My Local Source of Power

Someone Else's Tribute to a Former Source of Power

My Constant Source of Power

My Son's Favorite Powerful Machines, building the new wing on the high school down the block

Next week's theme is relaxation, chosen by Lena. Stay tuned!!

Dog Days of Summer

2009-08-05T11:09:00.003-04:00

Classic American

2009-08-03T13:04:00.004-04:00

From the Classic Car Show that happens at the corner bowling alley every Friday night. Dodge Charger, year unknown.

simple yet strong

2009-08-02T13:54:00.003-04:00

What are you lookin' at?

2009-08-01T21:42:00.002-04:00

This photo was taken by my husband while we were at the local park having a picnic that we shared with a few VERY friendly squirrels.

My Town Friday Shoot Out: Outdoor Food

2009-07-31T07:45:00.001-04:00

This post is part of the My Town Friday Shoot Out, a gang of photographers in varying degrees of excellence who all participate in a weekly themed shoot. It's open to anyone! Feel free to join us!! This week's theme of outdoor food was chosen by "Girlichef".

Last weekend, lucky for me, was my husband's family's family reunion. That means we eat outside. There are just too many of us to try to be inside. I was hoping to get some good ol' American Carnival Foods, but I hope someone else did for me to enjoy.

Grillin' it up!

My youngest, scoping out the veggies. He LOVES veggies.

Finger food!

Yum...I love our family's salad options.

And you can't miss out on dessert!!

Next week's theme is "power". Now that should bring some interesting photos.

why do the boys get to be the pretty ones?

2009-07-30T09:18:00.006-04:00

I love looking at the peacocks when we go to the zoo. Last night, I had this great opportunity to see the detail and spread of this majestic bird. But it's always bothered me that the mommas are brown and not so pretty while the guys get to be full of color and glory. Humpf. Something to discuss with God when I get to heaven someday.

i gonna eat you!

2009-07-29T10:15:00.003-04:00

Occasionally, my children ask me to take pictures of their toys. This time, it was a dinosaur on a rocking chair. As my youngest child said "I gonna eat you!"

safari animals

2009-07-27T16:33:00.008-04:00

This past weekend, my family and I went to African Wildlife Safari in Port Clinton Ohio. There will be great pics of the kids and husband in my family blog tomorrow, but these are the more interesting photography ones.

My Town Friday Shoot Out: Reflections

2009-07-23T17:37:00.005-04:00

This week's My Town Friday Shoot Out is the theme of reflections, a theme choosen by Audrey at "Stage 3! Who me?".

These pictures were taken in downtown Detroit, MI near the Greektown Casino. It's a place I'd never been, but I had a great time. There were a lot of friendly people and I enjoyed my time along the river and in the few blocks surrounding the casino.

My favorite part of being in Detroit was the mix of modern buildings with old architecture. Detroit really has a lot more to offer than people give it credit for.

Next week's theme is "Outside Food". Should be an interesting one. Glad we are having the family reunion this weekend....maybe I can even make it to a festival or something to get some carni foods!

free for the taking

2009-07-22T14:31:00.004-04:00

hocking hills, oh: part 3

2009-07-16T17:57:00.000-04:00

This is the final in the pictures of our vacation pictures.

While on vacation, my husband and I had an afternoon to ourselves where we decided to go into Nelsonville and venture around. We took some pictures at the old Nelsonville Brick Park first. This is where the Nelsonville Bricks were fired. Many of them were used in the city buildings and churches as well as the streets in the area.

These final pictures are of a hummingbird moth that Matt and I happened to just approach and be curious about while we were out exploring the fire tower area in Nelsonville. I apologize for the quality of these pictures, but I had to take them fast as this little bug moves faster than most hummingbirds I've seen. He's about 3-4 inches long and is cute in a weird bug way. His wings move so quickly I wasn't even sure I was going to capture them. He came and left in a period of about 3 minutes. These are the best of what I got.

My Town Friday Shoot Out - Textures & Yard Objects

2009-07-16T11:20:00.000-04:00

Last week, I was out of town for My Town Shoot Out and while looking for this week's I managed to find a great way to combine the two themes. Last week's theme, texture, was suggested by Linda, while this week's theme of yard objects was suggested by NoeNoe Girl.

These pictures were taken in Perrysburg, OH while we were on our travels for vacation. This is a public park area right on the Maumee River, where the Perrysburg Area Arts Council has created a Sculpture Exhibit. This is not all of the art, but the favorites of myself and my 6 year old who, as you can see in one of the pictures, accompanied me on this adventure.

Click each photo to enlarge if you wish.

Next week's theme is reflections, chosen by Audrey. I'm looking forward to see what I can catch of Roseville, MI & the Detroit Area. Thank you for stopping by!!

hocking hills, oh: part 2

2009-07-15T11:57:00.000-04:00

These pictures taken on our family vacation were taken at the Rock Bridge, ironically located in, Rockbridge, OH.

This walk was so peaceful and seemed so far removed from the world. We were in a ravine and there was little evidence of a busy world going on around us. We only saw a few other people on the trail and pretty much had the place to ourselves. A long, difficult trek, with my 2.5 year old on my back, but it was so worth it to see the beauty that surrounds us that we forget about most days.

hocking hills, oh: part 1

2009-07-14T13:56:00.001-04:00

These pictures were taken in Hocking Hills, OH while on our family vacation. This series was taken at Ash Cave, Cedar Falls and the areas around there.

sunset at the cottage

2009-07-13T12:55:00.000-04:00

These pictures were taken on the Fourth of July at my husband's family cottage on Lake Erie. Even though I've been going there since we met 11 years ago, the time we spend there with family means more every time we go.

On Vacation

2009-07-04T21:46:00.000-04:00

I will be taking this week off (unless somehow I find a way to upload and post, which I doubt). I will return on Sunday, July 12th and post my "Friday Shoot Out" on Monday. I hope to have many amazing pictures of caves and caverns and summer fun to show you all when I return.

My Town Friday Shoot Out - Celebrate Life

2009-07-03T03:32:00.000-04:00

Doreen, a fellow Michigander, choose the theme for this week's Friday Shoot Out. Her choice was "Celebrate Life". Appropriate for me as my husband turned 30 this week, and my turn is just six weeks away.

I was in Ohio and Michigan this week, so there are pictures from both places. I start by celebrating with my mother her retirement from teaching. We celebrate with an ambush of silly string...a surprise to her.

I choose to capture the start of new life in nature mostly, as that's where I was most of the week.

The lives I celebrate most are those of my children.

Then, 2 months old.......and now six.

Then 2 months old......now 2.5 years old.

Thank you for stopping by. Fellow "Shoot Out Gang" members, be sure to comment so I can follow the links to your blogs as well! I love to see the work you've done.

The Falls

2009-06-30T17:23:00.000-04:00

These pictures are from the waterfalls of the Rocky River near my parents' home. It's another place I've always been fond of in my hometown. I also found it to be so relaxing and serene; even when you can hear the trains, the planes and the automobiles. I've always been drawn to water and find so much peace in being at a place where I can hear and see the water.

Back to Berea

2009-06-29T23:41:00.000-04:00

I went to my childhood hometown this past weekend for my mom's retirement party. I had a bit of free time and I was able to get some great pictures at Coe Lake in Berea, Ohio. A long time ago it was used as a quarry for gathering limestones used to create the Grindstone that Berea is famous for. As a teenager, I just spent time there jumping from cliffs, riding my brother's dirt bike off the cliffs into the water below, swimming in the lake, avoiding water snakes and just causing general mischief. Since those times, the city has changed the area a lot. No real paths existed when I was young and there were no bridges. It's still a beautiful area, none the less.

These are my favorites.

My Town Shoot Out - Colors of the Rainbow

2009-06-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

This week's theme for the My Town Shoot Out was chosen by Debby, from Germany, at The Pink Birdhouse. If you're interested in joining our rapidly growing group, just follow the links. Everyone is welcome!

All photos are clickable to enlarge. ♥

At first, all I could find of significant color here in Roseville, MI were flowers. Now we have pretty flowers, but I didn't want this to be a floral shoot. I'm sure that will come in time. But I did get a couple good flower shots to share.

Then I started looking around more as the week went on. I found these flags out by Lake St. Clair at a marina on a cool and windy day.

Then I found what most Michiganders (yes, that's what they call us) think of when we are asked about the color orange: construction barrels.

Then I remembered this beautiful artist gallery not far from my house. It's simply called "LOVE". The artist was out front and told me that he was sorry for the condition of the paintings and he would be touching them up in the next few weeks. I love them just the way they are. These are of the side and the back of the building.

While there, I noticed a Doc Marten's boot store with a colorful display. One is signed by...someone who wears colorful boots I would assume.

Finally, we have my most fun picture of the week. I stopped in to return some videos and this is what I found waiting for me.

Well, those are the most colorful parts of my little suburb. Thanks for visiting again! Last week's Shoot Out is on my other blog still...here's the link.

flames

2009-06-24T09:35:00.001-04:00

When I was gifted my Nikon D-70 back in early May by my brother in law, it was at my son's 6th birthday party. After the party ended and we put the boys to bed, we had a fire in the fire pit on my in laws' deck. It was such a great night and so very relaxing. I really learned a lot about my camera that night. And I was blessed to share it with my great inlaws and the family.

a photo blog

2009-06-23T23:24:00.001-04:00

Since getting my camera about two months ago, I've fallen deeply and madly in love with it. I take it everywhere. I have at least one or two pictures from almost every day the last few months.

I love my writing blog, but I don't want it to be all about the photos. I needed a place to put them, where I can share a story or two sometimes about the photos I've taken that day. The stories about my kids, my life and photos about our activities will remain at Not So Simple, with just a few overlaps here and there.

Thank you for visiting and I look forward to sharing my photos and their stories with you more!