Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Autumn Splendor


To say that I've been busy lately is an understatement. Not only have I been helping during my sister-in-law's move to Pittsburgh and settling in, I am also preparing for several holiday arts and craft shows. The first show, at Bedner’s Greenhouse in Cecil, was a moderate success. The next show will be at John McMillan Presbyterian Church in Bethel Park on November 3. I have also just been accepted for the Holiday Mart at Sweetwater Center for the Arts in Sewickley. This show runs from November 25 - December 2, but I don't have to be present. Now I'm trying to figure out what other shows I can squeeze in. Did I mention that we are also painting our basement?
Sunday was such a beautiful autumn day with the trees dressed in their best reds and oranges that my husband and I decided to take a ride up to Moraine State Park. My hopes for some photogenic reflection shots were fulfilled when we discovered not one, but two little coves where the autumn trees reflected perfectly in the water. After a picnic lunch, however, our luck ran out and the lighting was just too bright to catch any of the sailboats on the lake with a decent background. Better luck next time.
Yesterday I went to the little cemetery that abuts our building plan because I wanted to photograph the beautiful old trees there. I was not disappointed. Two big yellow trees dominate the center of the old cemetery which is surrounded by bright orange trees and others that are still green. Because the weather report calls for rain for the next few days, I fear that most of the leaves will have dropped from the trees by the end of the week. I made the best of it while it lasted.

Friday, October 05, 2007

Quiet Time


I went to Beechwood today, despite the heat, because I wanted to drop off a framed photo at the gift shop where I sell my photos. I arrived there after being stuck in traffic on Route 28 and vowed never to go there again on a Friday.
The trails were almost deserted and I spent a quiet time at and near the pond. Although we're currently experienced August-like heat, I spotted several signs of autumn: fallen leaves everywhere, and a white-throated sparrow. Are they back from Canada already?
After a hectic week, I truly enjoyed the quiet time and photographed an entire mallard family (mommy, daddy, and a juvenile male) while they rested on the rocks near the water. Usually they fly or swim away as soon as I get into photographing distance. This time, I was able to hide behind some wildflowers near the waterline. Other than that, I saw mostly sparrows and cardinals. I have not taken as many great bird photos as I have last year.
I am getting ready for a couple of art shows. The first one, Art under Glass, will be held at Bedners Greenhouse in Cecil on Saturday, October 13. The second show will take place on Saturday, November 3, at John McMillan Presbyterian Church in Bethel Park.