Hippopotamus.  They are fascinating creatures.  I had to linger at the Hippo pool for quite some time in order to actually shoot a photo.  Just when I was about to give up all hope of ever seeing this animal swim to the surface, he came bounding up and out of the water. 

I just shot this photo a little bit ago as my little kitty and I were settling down for the evening!  I couldn't resist, I had to put this one on my blog!  I think it impossible for him to be any more content. 

~ Cats are connoisseurs of comfort ~  James Harriot

A Middle Eastern Dance Artist from Moscow.  She gave an amazing performance and truely captivated her audience.   

A different view!  How often do we enjoy the scenery from this level?

Dancing Elephants

To me, these elephants seemed to be dancing!  To bad I couldn't hear what music they were listening to. 

I so love the big Cats!  So magnificent.  Such beauty which you are and forever will be completely unprepared for.  I could never tire of these gorgeous animals. 

I could walk for miles along the beach.  If only grains of sand could speak.  The stories they would tell. 

This photograph makes me think of one word.  Idle.

The sound of a waterfall is not a noiseless sound.  It's the sound of contemplation. 

A scene that causes you to take ease. 

Even the wind loves art!  Creating ripples in the sand as it blows across it.

What makes us so intrigued in these abandoned buildings?  To have such an extreme attraction that we hunt them down and off we go to the most remote places that we can find!  Walking past forsaken walls, enjoying every moment feeling like an explorer.

An early 1900's shipwreck slowly being buried at sea.  Very little now remains, except for the bow and a few ribs.  Without words, stories are still being spoken.  It makes you wonder, what else is silently being carried to the grave?

So I've just come back from a trip and I have collected some new Photos!  This photo is one of my favorites.  In photography, there definitely is an art in the way you observe things.  Taking the ordinary and finding something intriguing about it. 

The same sail boat that came to our beach last month came back today.  This time, I tried doing Dutch Angle. 

I found myself a nice secluded little spot to sit and watch the tide go out.  Shedding my shoes and scavenging among the seaweed and rocky sand.  Looking out and imagining all that is yet to be discovered. 

Enjoy the scenery while on a detour!  This was definately a detour!

Abstract

I really enjoy the texture and the color palette in this shot.  For me, it has such a calming effect. There is nothing like looking through a camera lense!  It really heightens your perception of all that is around.  The otherwise insignificant becomes noteworthy and comely. 

Back to the Lavender Fields

Again, wandering through purple rows of blooming Lavender.  Not only was I enjoying this sweet smelling herb. So were the bees.  Have you ever tried Lavender as a culinary spice?  It really adds a unique flavor! 

Baby Seal

I really enjoy our beach.  My husband and I were walking and came upon this baby seal.  We were so surprised to find that as we crawled closer to him.  He would do the same and continued ruddering himself closer to us.   

Vinography!

Pull that cork!  Then in the glass it goes.  One of the many, many things that I would love to learn how to do. Make wine. 

Something Comletely Different!

So I am beginning to broaden my horizons!  This is something completely different. I have not posted any Artistic Photography on here before.  There is definitely a passion inside of me to create my own artistic interpretations. For this photograph, I am in front of the camera. With the help of another Photographer I was able to create my own vision.  I created the makeup for this shot. Being able to find the right colors and contrasts that would narrate the story that I was looking to be told and to be able to  recreate the perception of my own imagination is something that I thoroughly take delight in!

I wanted to create a woman who is so drawn to the beauty and the truthfulness of nature, that she becomes one with her surroundings.  She connects to the beauty all around her. 

Sunset on the Dock

Isn't it impressive how the coming of the night or the coming of a new day is so wonderfully announced?  Completely surrounding you and at the same time, so incredibly silent.

I took this shot early this morning.  It's so intriguing how each flower seems to tell you something different.  Some seem sad or reflective, while most are happy and euphoric!  At times, maybe even a little bit arrogant.  To me a daisy relays honesty and simplicity.

In Fields of Lavender

Today, I was able to explore a Lavender field.  A natural pleasure, with a thousand words etched on each Lavender petal. 

Spider's Web

I really have a fear of spiders.  Somehow when I have a camera in my hand I am compelled to get closer then I ever would without one.  

A spider's web really is awe-inspiring.  It's hard to imagine that spiderweb silk is stronger then steel!  Even the best human technology can not compete with this little creature!  We sure have a lot to learn from nature!

This was an impressive encounter!  Not to mention, this made for a wonderful photo.  This boat came sailing in on our beach. 

Watching this sail boat almost brought me some ancient urge.  An urge to lose myself and find the sea!  Wondering where this little boat has sailed and how far?  Where will she sail next?  Sitting on the shore, this was a very potent scene to enjoy. 

Good Morning! A picture does speak a thousand words.  So far,  it is going to be a beautiful day! 

 I woke up this morning and took a little walk and climbed down under the bridge down by our house.  There is no better way to start the day, then to take a little walk and enjoy all that is around.  Of course, you don't have to climb under a bridge like I did. 

Puget Sound is beautiful! This photograph is over looking Case Inlet.

Come on little bees! They are everywhere right now! Helping to usher in some new life. After a very long winter, which is very common for Washington. It is very nice to see the ground come alive! The temperature has warmed up and the sun is out!

One of my favorite flowers! The Lilies are in bloom! Such a happy flower!  A lovely perennial.  I do need to plant some more perennials.  Annuals are fun, the excitement of choosing something new each year, but, that does require a lot of time! 

Fires in California are quite common.  Everytime my husband and I go back to California we seem to run into a scene like this.