Saturday, January 31, 2009

emerald


emerald, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Yes, another "sick of winter" post! Here are some lovely green ferns to soothe the soul after so many weeks of ice and snow. Here's to dreams of a green world.

Friday, January 30, 2009

coating


coating, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Another ice picture from yesterday, because I really like this one. It's kind of Zen. And cold. They did say it'll get up into the forties on Monday, though! Looking forward to that. It's been a while.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

patterned


patterned, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Yesterday's freezing rain left a coating of ice on everything. This is from the shrubbery out behind the building where I work in East Longmeadow. When the sun comes out, everything looks like crystal.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

what's your angle?


what's your angle?, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Another snow day here in wintry Massachusetts. I tried going out for a walk, but the snow was so deep and slippery that I didn't get very far. This is the iron fence along the cemetery next door.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

umbrella tree


umbrella.tree, originally uploaded by LizzieBelle.

Another one from the archives: this is a tree that no longer exists. Last fall, as I was walking through Stanley Park, there was a small sapling where this wonderful tree used to stand. I was saddened by its demise. I don't like it when any tree is cut down (unless it's really diseased or damaged beyond saving), and I always liked the shape of this ancient crabapple. I think of it every time I walk by this spot.

Monday, January 26, 2009

leaves


leaves, originally uploaded by LizzieBelle.

Here is an example of "it's not the camera, it's the photographer." I took this with a cheapo, 1 megapixel digital (my first) several years ago at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston. Even then, I was developing my eye for shape, color, and texture, and this remains one of my all-time favorites that I have taken. I don't let the lack of expensive equipment stop me, and neither should you!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

reverse


reverse, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

We had a brief reprieve in the weather yesterday, with temps reaching the forties, so I took advantage of it and went for a walk down to Heritage Park on my lunch break. I found evidence of others' passage beside the frozen pond, where hockey players practiced and a pair of skaters glided over the ice.

Today, we are back in the deep freeze. *sigh*

Friday, January 23, 2009

flutter


flutter, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

This was the sight that greeted me yesterday as I left work for the day. It's so nice that the sun is going down later now, and I get to enjoy lovely sunsets such as this one. My coworkers are well used to me stopping to whip out my camera at Kodak moments like this. *g*

Thursday, January 22, 2009

broken chain


broken chain, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Digging into the archives a bit for this one, which was taken at the old cemetery on Elm St. in West Springfield last year, and is going to appear on the cover of a book - my first official sale!

I love the imagery on old gravestones. They seem (to me) to be more spiritual and ethereal than more modern stones. Here's an interesting site with common symbols and their meanings.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

a new day


patriotic lily, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

There's a feeling of hope in this country as a new President takes the reins. Congratulations, Mr. President, we are ready to follow your lead.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

burden


burden, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Tired of the snow yet? Yeah, so am I, and so, apparently, is this statue. She looks quite put-upon, doesn't she? You can almost hear her sigh.

Friday, January 16, 2009

portent


portent, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Some more July color to brighten your January, and hopefully distract you from the bitter cold for a moment. This is one of the fabulous daylilies at Stanley Park, which are but a memory for now.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

splash


splash, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Remember when water outdoors was in a liquid state? I sort of do, too. Today, it's all frozen solid. Last August, it was splashing happily in this fountain in Stanley Park.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

fiery


fiery, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I'm avoiding posting any more winter pix for a while. It's just too darned cold out there! Here's one from April. Think spring! Less than three weeks to Groundhog day, which is the halfway point of winter. In two months, we'll be looking for crocuses. :)

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

interlude


tiger lily, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Yep, I'm getting pretty sick of winter, especially with those single-digit temperatures forecast for later this week. Here instead is a little taste of July. Enjoy! And bundle up...

Sunday, January 11, 2009

slats


slats, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Light, fluffy snow is piled up on a bench at Grandmothers' Garden in Westfield.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

entrance


entrance, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

The front door to the Westfield Woman's Club is a pretty shade of blue. It caught my eye from across the street.

Westfield Woman's Club

Friday, January 09, 2009

shades of white


shades of white, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

The colors of winter are white, grey, and blue at Heritage Park yesterday. This cluster of birch trees was underwater during last month's flood; now it is buried in water of a different sort: snow. The pond behind it is frozen over, but whether the ice is thick enough for skating is a matter of some debate. The skaters go out anyway, despite the signs warning them not to. I hope they are right.

Funnily enough, the song on the radio right now is Annie Lennox singing "Whiter Shade of Pale." I kid you not. :)

Thursday, January 08, 2009

more ice


spray, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Yesterday's storm left a coating of ice on the trees, making them into crystal treasures for a few hours.

fragile

predestination

slice

occasion

coated

Monday, January 05, 2009

into the bridge


into the bridge, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

The view through the covered bridge at Stanley Park yesterday.

Nearby, the little stream is mostly frozen over, but not quite completely.

little stream

Over on the pond, the geese, ducks, and swan are looking for a handout.

rows

Fortunately, there are always people bringing them treats. :)

Sunday, January 04, 2009

shining


shining, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

Walking up Western Ave. on the way to Stanley Park, I came across these silvery ornaments hanging in a birch tree.

dangle

It's a good thing I stopped to take pictures when I did, because by the time I was walking home, they were gone! Today's lesson: grab the opportunity when you see it, because it might not be there later.

Saturday, January 03, 2009

freezing


freezing, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

The air conditioning unit down at city hall is showing its contempt for the weather today. Even though it's sunny & bright, it's still quite cold.

The sun does show off the nice carvings on the stone there, though.

carved

Friday, January 02, 2009

Happy New Year


fancy, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

A little bit late, but heartfelt. I hope 2009 is a wonderful year for us all.