Birds at My Window

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song." -Chinese Proverb "Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." -Henry VanDyke

"Bowling Ball Ice"

Every now and then when the conditions are right, ice forms on Lake Michigan in spherical shapes. Two years ago, when Dave and Heather visited the spheres were especially large and plentiful. The only way to fully appreciate the phenomenon is to witness them in person, or for the less adventurous the following photographs. As far as the eye can see

Up Close

With my foot for reference...hey! Another foot photo! http://wildmarymoments.blogspot.com/2008/06/feet.html

A view of ice balls that were tossed by waves on top of "ice dunes", with the Petoskey State Park beach house in the background

"Taking Pictures of People Taking Pictures"or "Photography Wildstyle II"

My family seems to get an inordinate number of photographs of photographers. Do not be mistaken. This is not necessarily in error. Some subjects, like Dave (who actually does professional photography on the side) are perpetually holding a camera like an extra appendage. A sort of "love me, love my camera" understanding. If he is to be included in the family album, the camera will be there.

At times, the camera is part of the subject. Maybe we just WANTED a picture of someone taking a picture.

Or maybe the person just got in the way of the intended subject.

Perhaps this person just couldn't put their camera down long enough to pose, like Dave on the"Bowling Ball Ice Mountain" on Lake Michigan,

or stopped JUST long enough, like this one of HB taken from a balcony.

Bonus! On occasion, I even end up with two photogs per pic, like these: from left, clockwise - Guatemala, Utah, Arizona.

Are you ready for a couple of originals?? How about a SHADOW of a person taking a photo?

Or the view through the viewfinder of a photographer??

We give the beginners a chance, too! I like this up-close and personal one of Alisa,

...and of course, the ultimate novices, kids!

I'll leave you with that smile!

"Photography Wildstyle"

Dave and Mary, Sea Ranch, CA, 2005

One of my first blog posts, "Feet!!" began with, "I don't know what it is about my family, but when we take pictures..."

I had always intended to make that a regular subject of my posts because there are abundant topics on the idiosyncrasies of "One and Only Wild Family" - some surprisingly heartwarming, some LOL funny, but often just quirky stories that are the stuff of my family. Since many of them concern photography or can be easily illustrated by photos, I will keep it to topics involving photography in some way.

I've been saving pics for the next installment so it's coming soon...

By the way, I think for a novice blogger "Feet!!" is worth taking another look at: http://wildmarymoments.blogspot.com/2008/06/feet.html

Mackinac Island Winter

Mackinac Island has much to offer in any season. The lilac festival in spring with the ancient massive lilac trees blooming abundantly; the summer spectacle of millions of flowers like a continuous rainbow over the island, the quaint horse drawn carriages and Victorian architecture, and a multitude of bicyclists out to enjoy a ride around the island with its turquoise waters and warm breezes; the colors of fall, the crisp air, and the sweet peace and calm of the tiny island without all the fudgies (fudge-toting tourists).

Last week was the first time I experienced Mackinac Island in the winter. First, there was the slow, teeth-chattering trip across the straits by ferry. The usual 20 minute trip took over an hour as we left from St. Ignace and went the long way around the island to the docks, avoiding packed ice, I presume. Also, it took a considerable amount of time to plow through the thick ice floes, which explained why they transported us on the old traditional ferry and why all the catamarans were in dry dock.

The utter lack of color was what grabbed me the most as I walked into town. No flowers, no awnings, no flashy tourists, no red and yellow carriages, no green grass. Of course, I know what winter looks like, but I guess I associate the island with its color more than I realized! These photos were taken in the same spots I had taken pictures the summer of 2007.

In spite of the differences I enjoyed the day as much or more than usual. Except for snowmobiles, the only winter transportation for the locals, it was peaceful in a "just us now" sort of way. My friends and I got some lunch then walked up to the Grand Hotel. The only way I can describe the winter/summer contrast of the mighty Grand is in photos. See what I mean about color??

Then we headed up to Stonecliffe and explored on snowshoes for a while. With just one return ferry we made sure to be back at the dock in time for a chilly ride home. I'm all for making this an annual event! Anyone game?