When I was a small child, and we would go outside in the morning, we would often get grossed out by the "spittle bugs". A bug that forms a bubbly saliva like mass as protection for its for its larva. this 'spittle' would transfer to our legs as we ran through the tall grasses!

This morning I noticed they were out and about during last night, and left their little creations. Now I can appreciate their delicate formation!

The dandelions have reached their zenith, and most have at least partially distributed their seeds. SO time for one last wish and blow of the tiny umbrellas!

And, as always the light through the leaves is stunning.

FLASHBACK: It was a glorious day in my favorite building. One that I feel both pride and ownership in.

The whole time I was there, with the many school children touring, a whole new batch of lawyers being sworn in, and many international tourists, I couldn't help but think of that day a couple of years ago when an egotistical Governor thought he could take this building from us and call it his own. A day, in 2011 when citizens respectfully left notes to him and legislators had to crawl in through the offices of their opponents.

continuing with the theme of "doors and windows" I looked at the textures created by the coverings we put on out windows. This one on top (morning in our breakfast nook) brought back all kinds of memories of photo shoots long past while working at Springs Window Fashions! The one on the right is the early morning moon through a close-up of the window screen!

It was a beautiful morning again today; so some sun, shadows, and a blue bird for you.

The elegant black swan seemed particularly disgruntled at being housed with the goofy flamingos. and was watching them and their antics on land as he glided through the water.

The camels are always good for a laugh. They were busy chewing their cuds, and right after this, both of them laid out flat for their afternoon naps. As a kid, I got rides on these guys on Sundays. I think the Shriners have stopped sponsoring that, but it sure was fun!

Every seedling bought was an act of hope that it will flower or fruit. This photo is one vendor selling the hope of what the buyer's tomatoes will look like in a few months, if she purchases his seedlings!

The capital steps are lined with people of hope; advocates of many causes are lined up to spread their hope of a betterment in whatever way they define it. Here is a man looking to become a candidate. Democracy is hope: the politicians hope they will get support; the voters hope they choose the candidate who will help them!

There is something about this technique that I really love. The visual aspects of the final shots harken back to both my painting and my etching days. I love how it relies on my recognizing potential, shooting immediately, and is a record of a moment in time that is even more fleeting than most "normal" photos. Add to that, that it record how we actually see if we are traveling fast! I tend to not like to "mess about" with my photos too much - both because of my lack of knowledge and curiosity about the technical aspects of post work and because making the photo.

This technique is one way I have found that I can get the painterliness and abstraction I want, without relying on computerization in post. Some are cropped, or contrast, color, or brightness adjusted, but no filters or layers are used in these.

It is interesting how different the colors of the feathers are between the sun hitting it and not!