Oh Yes I Did

On my way home yesterday from photographing a mare and foal in Pennsylvania for a portrait commission, I was in complete awe of the scenes before me on the drive home. I'm quite serious in saying that every five minutes of so of the 90 minute drive home a spectacular scene was before me. It seemed almost like a gift as I have been rather secluded lately and this particular photo shoot was extremely taxing on my system.

Throwing caution and good sense to the wind I grabbed my camera off of the passenger's seat and held it to the windshield while trying to drive and snapped some photos. Yes, I did this while driving. I know, I know. Please don't send me reprimanding emails about this. Really, I know how stupid this was but I just couldn't resist. I'm amazed these photos came out so well when I didn't even look to see if the scene was in the view finder. My little Nikon D70 really rocks.

Just in case you think I'm kidding about how I took the photos, look at the second hot air balloon shot. You can see my arm and the steering wheel in the reflection off the windshield. The other picture of the moon perfectly centered in the "arms" of the Delaware Memorial Bridge gives me chills. I have had a recent obsession with the bridge and what it can represent metaphorically. Add a well placed moon to the mix and I'm just floored. It took all my good sense not to pull over on the bridge and stop and watch as the light changed with the setting sun. That just shows you I'm not totally insane. Honestly, I had a hard time sharing this as it felt like it should be my little secret. However, I also want to always remind everyone to really pay attention to the wonders of their environment. Since I have not been well enough to do this through my art, my photographs will have to do.

The art will return shortly I'm quite certain. Some have said that cancer has been in a gift in that it has given me a new perspective. I'll save you my nasty remarks on that but I can say that cancer truly is the gift that keeps on giving. I've stolen that phrase with pride because it is so true. Little ills keep popping up as a result of my life saving treatment. Each time I stand on two feet I have the rug pulled from under me. However, I will keep getting up and looking for a better place to stand. Eventually I will win. I always do.

Joe Pulcinella blog-tagged me a few days ago. I will get to that I promise. It's on my list. Also on my list is a seriously nasty payback to Joe for tagging me and giving me more work to do. Just kidding Joe. Well, sort of.

Tiko - A Cat's Portrait

Maybe I should have named this post, "Watch Me Pull a Rabbit Out of My Hat". As you can see I didn't have much to go on with the photo provided of this kitty. To create this pet portrait I had to use 3 equally poor photos to create one good one to work from. Sometimes I think commission work is like magic when I create something out of nothing. However, if I don't think I can pull the rabbit out of the hat, I don't take on the work.

It has been a month since my last post. For the past 6-7 weeks I've been dealing with some of the side effects of radiation. As it turns out radiation has been far more destructive in the long term than chemotherapy. People think that once treatment is over you are "done". Sort of like being a cake. Done. Well, I am learning there is no such thing. It's all new to me and it isn't much fun. Trust me. However, it isn't all bad. It just ain't all that good! Hopefully things will be turning around soon so I will be posting regularly again. I know how you must miss me. Ha!

Since I'm feeling silly I'd like to take a moment to direct you to a site that might give you a good laugh. Big Ryan of Chucklenut Shirts is a great fellow with a wicked sense of humor. He's turned his own battle with cancer into a business that helps others laugh as well. Now not all his shirts are cancer humor but obviously they are my favorites. I especially love the shirt that says "Your boyfriend loves to rub my bald head." I wish I had that one when I needed it. So visit his site by clicking here and check out all of his shirts. There is no reason not to buy one since he is pretty foul on tons of topics! I'm sure one will tickle your fancy.