The Mare's Tales - Gypsy Mare Studios

Photography

2012-01-27T22:50:00.000-05:00

Lately it seems that all I can think about is taking photos. When I'm not thinking about taking them, I'm thinking about editing them. I have thousands on my computer so this pretty much takes up all my free time. I am consumed with thoughts of photography. I lay in bed and night unable to sleep because I'm thinking about what I can photograph and how; where I can go and when. Driving in the car I see all sorts of things I want to stop and shoot but it would take hours to get anywhere if I did this. It's starting to worry my husband. Things aren't getting done that need to get done. Unfortunately it's not something that pays the bills (yet... I'm hopeful).

So earlier this month I was on the moon when I received word that I won a first and a third in The Horse of Delaware Valley's annual photocon. If you live in the PA, MD, DE and love horses you are probably quite familiar with this publication, it's been around for years. When I was a child I would cut out all the free horse and pony ads in the back and tape them to the fridge. I poured over that paper and cut out every pretty picture. I started entering their contest nearly 20 years ago. A few times I was a finalist and in 2008 I came in third in the action division. I never won a first... until this year. I think I'll use my winning to buy a ticket to Nevada to see my grandmother this summer (and maybe find some wild horses to photograph when I'm out there).

My photo of Pumpkin Pie chasing a squirrel was in the latest issue, chosen as a finalist .

My third place photo pf a hose jumping a Halloween/autumn themed obstacle at Fair Hill Three-Day.

This photo I took at Devon in 2008 received a third place award in the action category.

I still can't believe how intense that sunset was!

Another finalist photo from waaay back in 2000. The bay horse was my thoroughbred, Pewter's Bill.

So I don't know where this is all going. I have no training, I just do what feels right.

I have an okay camera but definitely not professional equipment.

Perhaps its given me a little bit of encouragement to keep on clicking!

To see more photos, visit my Flickr page or watch this You Tube video I put together today.

Raptor Rapture

2012-01-24T10:42:00.000-05:00

rap·ture - 1. the state of mind resulting from feelings of high emotion; joyous ecstasy

Joyous ecstasy are two words that perfectly capture my emotions on Sunday when I came face to face with two amazing birds of prey at ZooAmerica in Hershey, PA.

This is Bliss the golden eagle. Many of the animals come to this zoo in need of rehabilitation. Bliss was infected with the west nile virus. He is better now and has become a wonderful ambassador for his species.

He seemed to have a real bond with his handler.

More photos on my Flickr set: ZooAmerica.

Osgood the barn owl.

I was so excited to get this close to a barn owl. I am surprised these photos were in focus, I was shaking a little.

Various other raptors at Hershey's ZooAmerica...

Okay, not a raptor, but I thought this 1.5 year old alligator was kind of cute.

Howls and Meowls

2012-01-22T19:10:00.001-05:00

We headed to ZooAmerica in Hershey, PA for it's annual free community day this weekend.

This zoo only has animals that you would find in North American. It's the first time I have been here with my new camera (Canon Rebel T3i) and I was excited to get some good shots.

I didn't think they would turn out this good!

Beautiful gray wolves looked perfect against the freshly fallen snow.

I shot this through a fence, still can't believe it. Looks like he's coming right for me!

Next is a bobcat.

There were three of them napping and enjoying the winter weather their warm coats were made for.

This Canadian lynx was looking all around his enclosure for something. Maybe mice?

Look forward to the next post for some beautiful raptors!

Garden Paradise

2012-01-16T19:51:00.001-05:00

Longwood Gardens is the best place to chase away the winter doldrums...

(more on my Longwood Flickr set)

Coral Pea above, a tiny flower from a carnivorous plant below.

A type of beautiful kalanchoe above, lily below.

(I used my new macro lens, can you tell:)

A colorful, tropical Aechmea above, several types of orchids below...

Love these pretty salmon and pink primrose below. They had them mixed with a yellow Marguerite daisy and daffodils. Spring bliss!

"I decided that if I could paint that flower in a huge scale, you could not ignore its beauty."

Georgia O'Keeffe

Canada geese enjoying the sunny day on the lake.

Owl update. Saw the pair over the weekend, they look happy and healthy.

Even managed to get a few good photos.

Warm Winter

2012-01-12T11:21:00.000-05:00

Like much of the country, it's been unusually warm this winter (except for snow in October). Today it's supposed to get into the mid 50's.

I still have all sorts of plants growing in the garden. Even the snowdrops are threatening to bloom.

I love how the raindrops cling to the leaf hairs on the lupine leaf above.

The photo below is my kale. I wasn't able to harvest any in the fall because bugs were eating the leaves.

Perhaps we'll be able to eat some soon. I heard kale chips are yummy.

Look, I still have a flower in my garden! I can't believe this pretty primrose keeps chugging along.

This morning I was playing around a really high aperture to get a sunburst effect on the raindrops.

I think my camera was set at f/20 for these.

And this week I received the most adorable original Holiday Hummingbird painting I won from my

friend Sandy Sandy's blog giveaway. Have I mentioned before that I'm lucky?

Farm Show!

2012-01-10T18:17:00.000-05:00

For the first time I went to the PA Farm Show all by myself. It's the largest show of it's kind under one roof in the US. I've always wanted to go and really study the animals but it's so crowded I became frustrated and only stayed a few hours. I did manage to get some nice shots.

You can see all my favorite shots on Flickr.

Fancy chickens drink Coca Cola.

Today was carriage racing. I saw many of these teams compete at Devon last year.

It's such an exciting event.

Boy do those horses and ponies fly!

"Lots of people talk to animals... Not very many listen, though... That's the problem."

~Benjamin Hoff

Sunday Sunset

2012-01-08T18:55:00.001-05:00

Wise Owl

2012-01-04T15:43:00.001-05:00

Wisdom outweighs any wealth. - Sophacles

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Etruscan Inspired

2012-01-03T14:37:00.001-05:00

"Horses and dogs have been man's most intimate and faithful companions since the dawn of history, but the horse has certainly been the most useful. In sport, agriculture, transport and warfare, the horse has contributed more to human pleasure, ambition and progress than any other animal." ~ Prince Phillip

New original custom Painted Pony for 2012. Based on a bronze Etruscan horse figure.

Now on ebay for 3 days only!

Click here for auction.

Replica of Etruscan horse figure.

Gypsy Soul

2011-12-30T12:51:00.003-05:00

I've been asked before why I call my business Gypsy Mare Studios. Many reasons come to mind.

The palomino mare my mother owned when I was born was named Gypsy. My mom had bought her as a baby and broke her to saddle. When I was an infant she would take me for trail rides. I blame that mare for my horse addiction. Another reason is that I associate the word gypsy with something magical and romantic; a lust for life, a passion for the open road. I always strive to put a little magic in everything I make. Through photography I enjoy showing people that magic in the world around them that they may not have taken the time to stop and notice.

Lastly, I tell them, that I dream of owning a Gypsy Vanner someday.

It was my great fortune yesterday to meet a horse most magical, D' Artagnon, the beautiful Gypsy Vanner.

I spent two hours photographing this beautiful, intelligent boy. Truth be told I could have spent days.

Thank you so much to his owner, Carol, for sharing him with me so now I can share him with you!

More photos on my Flickr Page.

I want to rock your gypsy soul

Just like way back in the days of old

And together we will flow into the mystic

~Van Morrison

Simple Horsey Pleasures

2011-12-22T16:20:00.001-05:00

It was 60 degrees today. It's December, winter and almost January.

Weird!

I took Rosie's blanket off and let her run around and roll in the sand arena.

I think that must be the most enjoyable thing for a horse to get out of their blanket and scratch.

“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”

― Laura Ingalls Wilder

Horses are such graceful creatures except when they get up from a roll. I think they look so awkward!

She's such a sweet mare. She'll follow me around the arena. Jog when I jog, stop and turn when I do and even go over the cavaletti. I think I should teach her tricks.

I hope you can take time to enjoy the little things this Christmas;

family, friends, good food and spirits.

Appy Holidays!

(for more horse friends check my Flickr album)

Drafts and Sheep

2011-12-18T12:36:00.001-05:00

Despite the cold and threat of snow flurries, it's always fun to walk around Landis Valley.

They had several activities for children today including a lesson, 1892 style, in their old school house.

This black Clydesdale was really keeping his eye on that sheep!

An adorable Percheron was checking out my camera. He was interested in the noises it was making.

Tanya the Turkey is one of my favorite Landis Valley residents. She's so ugly, she's cute!

This is inside the school house. I was never able to go in the classroom before!

The teacher did a wonderful job telling as all about what school would have been like in the late 1800's.
The flag had a few less stars on it and The Pledge was different, no mention of God.

Wrought iron detail from one of the desks.

They don't make 'em like they used to!

I love the rusty hinges on the gun shop door.

Peeking in the tavern window.

Love the Christmas cookies.

Hanging inside, you can just make it out in the photo below, is a German style tree, hung upside down, with cookies and pretzels for decoration.

I just opened a pro Flickr account. I have an album with my favorite Landis Valley photos HERE.

Landis Woods

2011-12-14T14:59:00.000-05:00

Since we can't afford to go to the gym now, my new workout is the blue trail in a nearby park called Landis Woods. If you are a frequent reader of my blog, this name may sound familiar. It's quite close to another favorite, often blogged about spot, Landis Valley Museum. I think perhaps I was a Landis in a past life or something. The brothers did have a sister that died at an early age and was an accomplished artist.

So here are the things I see on my walk. It's really quite beautiful as all forests are.

Light shining through the leaves like stained glass.

"But I'll tell you what hermits realize. If you go off into a far, far forest and get very quiet, you'll come to understand that you're connected with everything."

~Alan Watts

On my hike today I saw that Mr. Owl has chosen a Mrs. Owl.

They looked so sweet up there in the tree sleeping. I had no idea that I would see them out at 1PM in the afternoon. Perhaps they're on their honeymoon. Hopefully I'll see some owlets by the end of winter.

"Going to the woods is going home." -John Muir (1838-1914)

And one last Appy Holidays sign for ebay for 2011. It's ending soon if you're interested!

Mr. Owl and the Christmas Moon

2011-12-10T18:35:00.001-05:00

There's a great hiking path near me and I was told 2 weeks ago I would see a lot of owls.

Well, I did but I didn't have my camera with me.

Fast forward to tonight and I am so happy I was able to get a few shots!

‎"To the artist, the forest is an asylum of peace and

dancing shadows."

~ John F. Carlson

The full moon was incredible tonight. At first it was really orange, much more so that this photo.

This is the Christmas moon or also called yule moon, long night moon, bitter moon or, in English medieval times, the oak moon.

Another woodland creature I recently came across...

Thursday at the Barn

2011-12-08T18:59:00.001-05:00

I should subtitle this post "I Love My Macro Lens".

Took my camera to the barn today. The light was really beautiful wherever I went.

This is Vagabond. He is such a handsome guy. A big, beautiful, warmblood by Consul.

I fell in love with him the first day I met him (despite his somewhat cheeky nature, I think he knows how good he looks).

He has the most amazing brown eyes... swoon...

'V' is pasture mates with Rosie but she has been stuck inside with a bad cut to her hoof.

Poor girl, I hand walked her a bit so she could get some grass.

"Food goes in this hole, please."

The eye of pretty chestnut Scotch.

Young Sophie looks up from her hay.

Irish Rose dribbling some of her water then munching on hay.

New girl, Tempi, goes out with Irish Rose.

She's a massive Irish Sporthorse. They look like sisters.

I just opened a pro account on Flickr, click here to see more of my photos.

Last is Dayo, a big, bay thoroughbred that floats when he trots.

He's such a lover, you can tell by his eyes.

The horse through all its trials has preserved the sweetness of paradise in its blood. ~Johannes Jensen

Christmas Village

2011-12-05T10:11:00.001-05:00

We went to Kosiar's Christmas Village last night with my husband's mother. He had been when he was a child. It was a first for me. If you go to their website and watch the flash intro, it's exactly what it's like when you approach. Over a big hill and then, voila, an amazing light display.

I like how the barn looks like a PA Dutch quilt.

(click on photo below for a larger image, I stitched two together so you could get the full effect)

As you walk around you see a lot of little houses with themed displays inside.

Some are a little creepy for me but the kids like it.

As you walk along the path, you see all sorts of hand painted wooden lighted cutouts.

Here's a Rudolph I set for a long exposure and them zoomed out. He's a light explosion!

The spinning propeller looks neat with a long exposure.

Zoe had a blast!

Andy Capp getting yelled at by his smoking wife... quite interesting.

We set up our tree this weekend too.

One of my favorite ornaments...

I love my feather tree with vintage ornaments...

Foggy December morning...

Goat Flower Farm

2011-12-02T14:24:00.000-05:00

Zoe and I made the short trek over to my friend Carol's house at Goat Flower Farm.

I snapped some nice shots of her fainting goats and mini horses.

I love their expressions.

We were just in time for breakfast so everyone was quite eager.

Just finished this black and white Paint Horse holiday sign. I think it may go up on ebay today.

I feel like I've been working on this one piece all week...

More Longwood

2011-11-30T13:17:00.000-05:00

A few more photos from our Monday trip to Longwood Gardens.

It was in the 60's outside and we were able to walk around without our coats.

I loved how the winterberry bushes looked with the little spring house. I must get some of those!

My husband gave me my Christmas gift early, a Canon macro lens. It captured this oak leafed hydrangea beautifully. I must get one of those shrubs too, the foliage is amazing this time of year when everything else is just brown.

We went around the lake and said hello to the geese.

Next we headed out to the meadow, one of my favorite spots that is often overlooked.

I think this next photo looks like Andrew Wyeth would have painted it, it was practically in his backyard.

I think this is my favorite shot of the day...

Trees lit near the Peirce DuPont house. Not dark yet but still pretty.

Inside the house the trees looked so beautiful.

You can ALWAYS find Belin in the house. Not a bad life being a cat at Longwood Gardens!

After dinner we went into the main conservatory. Even though it was members only day, it was still crowded and I had a hard time getting the perfect shot.

See my last post, Gingerbread Fantasy, for more inside the main conservatory.

The macro lens made the backround light bokeh look quite magical

By the time we were finished, it was dark outside so we could enjoy the amazing display.

Very hard to capture how beautiful it is in photos. You just have to see for yourself!

We could see the crescent moon everywhere we went.

This video was from last year but it gives you an idea of how beautiful the lights are.

Gingerbread Fantasy

2011-11-29T09:55:00.001-05:00

The theme this year at Longwood Gardens for Christmas is Gingerbread.

I believe they have been making it for months to prepare. In every room and on every tree you'll find a little gingerbread man, leaf or flower.

The main display was the Pierce DuPont House and conservatory recreated in gingerbread. It was really amazing to see. There were also larger than life gingerbread trees and a huge rotating Christmas tree covered in gingerbread garlands and whimsical, candy colored ornaments. You can see they filled the shelves with enormous jars of candy to complete the fantasy.

In the kitchen of the Pierce DuPont House.

I love the metal tree frame with the cookies hanging from it.

This large vine wreath was hanging from the skylight with cookies dangling down.

A little gingerbread leaf is tucked in a tree.

Watch a video on the gingerbread display...

Making Christmas

2011-11-28T13:19:00.000-05:00

I've been busy as a bee trying to get some of my whimsical Holiday horse sign painted.

I have several on ebay if you're interested. Act quickly though, many of the auctions are ending SOON!

Some of these designs will also be available on Christmas cards and ornaments in my Cafepress Shop.

I've also started trying to decorate for the Holidays.

I made this the other day from pine cones I found on a hike and a vase I bought at the thrift store.

I saw the idea on Pinterest. I really need to buy a set of mini lights to tuck into the vase with the pine cones.

If you haven't checked it out yet, you have got to try it. Here is a screen shot of my Holiday pinboard.

Pinterest is like a big, virtual, corkboard that you 'pin' things you find inspiring. It's really an amazing site with loads of great ideas, art, recipes, photography, crafts and so much more.

Click here to follow my boards and see what I've pinned.

November Zoo

2011-11-25T23:18:00.003-05:00

Philadelphia Zoo - click on each photo for a larger image.

Make sure to leave a comment and let me know which one is your favorite!

Mother giraffe nuzzles her baby.

Wordless Wednesday - Things in My Yard

2011-11-23T11:12:00.001-05:00

Turkeys

2011-11-21T16:27:00.001-05:00

I am a fan of turkeys. They are sort of ugly but they are beautiful too in their own way.

Last week I watch the documentary "My Life as Turkey" on PBS. It was about a man who raised a clutch of wild turkeys from egg to adulthood. It was very interesting and at times quite sad.

You can watch the whole doc by clicking here.

"Tom & Tanya Turkey - Landis Valley Museum"

These photos were taken at my friend Sandy's farm. You can read her blog here.

More Photo Play

2011-11-18T15:19:00.000-05:00

Having fun with some of my older photos again. It was the only thing I felt like doing when I was sick this week. I'm happy to report I'm on the mend now and even finished a sign I started last week (see end of post).

Listening to Christmas music to get me in the mood to paint more!

Click on the LINK to my Christmas playlist so you can get in the spirit too!

Several of these images will be available in my Cafepress Shop.

Dressage Holiday Cards...

And finally my sweet Shire sign...

"Do these ornaments make my butt look big?"

Some Photo Fun

2011-11-15T19:26:00.000-05:00

I've been a little under the weather lately and haven't felt like painting so I've been having fun with some editing programs to turn my photos into graphic art.

The designs I like the most (like these) are going up on my Cafepress Shop.

I love how this sidesaddle image looks on a clutch.

I've even made a few for Christmas ornaments.

Chester County Fall

2011-11-12T09:52:00.000-05:00

Zoe and I stayed with my Mom, in neighboring Chester County, the last two days so we could take her to the hospital for shoulder surgery.

We decided to take the scenic route to the hospital so I could take some photos. It was fun going down roads I haven't been down in ages. The fall foliage makes the perfect backdrop.

This property is near Longwood Gardens and is my dream farm.

Would you look at that gorgeous barn!

Japanese Maples in my Mom's yard. I was mesmerized by the colors.

A cormorant type bird near Parkesburg, PA.

Happy Weekend!

Twister & Rosie

2011-11-10T08:30:00.000-05:00

Twister is a twenty-something POA (Pony of the Americas) gelding that lives at the barn we visit.

Zoe just loves him and he is as sweet as he looks.

Of course we still love Rosie too! Zoe is getting better at controlling her in the indoor.

She looks so tiny on that big horse, makes me a bit nervous!

She had lost interest in the barn for several months but wanted to visit last week. On the way home she said that she forgot how much she liked horses.

Photos edited with Picnik.

Last week I completed my first holiday sign of the season (sold).

As with all my work now, I show it first on the Gypsy Mare Studios Facebook page.

Working on a Shire now and hope to complete a Appy Holidays sign soon too!

Shore Birds

2011-11-08T13:03:00.001-05:00

I'm about the only person I know that loves to watch the gulls at the beach.

They are sneaky, smart and fearless.

Before our beach trip I learned that the Cape May/Avalon area is a major hub for bird migration.

More info:

Cape May Bird Observatory

Avalon Sea Watch

While I didn't see anything out of the ordinary,

I did get some nice shots of gulls, pipers and even some swans.

The gull below was doing a little dance in the water to dredge up food.

It was really funny to watch.

I love to watch the sand pipers run back and forth.

Beach Weekend

2011-11-07T09:53:00.001-05:00

My Mother-in-law says I 'step in it' all the time and buy 'it' she means luck.

This past weekend we were fortunate to be given a stay at a friend's parent's beach condo in Avalon, NJ.

What a wonderful time to visit the beach, there is no one there!

I felt like we had the whole town to ourselves.

On each day we visited Cape May, NJ.

Most of these photos were taken around Cape May and the light house.

Such wonderful memories...

Can you believe I saw I jack o' lantern sitting on the beach? I almost died!

It's like he was waiting there just for me.

Farms from the Car

2011-11-01T13:23:00.001-04:00

It's such a beautiful time of year!

I talked my family into a drive to nowhere on Sunday.

Mainly so I could shoot some fall farmland during the magic hour before sunset.

Someone from out of town said to me the other day

that they bet I take this beautiful landscape for granted.

Never, ever. Not for one moment. I love Lancaster County.

I managed to get a few good shots, even from the car...

We stopped briefly at Lititz Springs Park to see the ducks.

Zoe had a near duck experience.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T20:48:00.000-04:00

Scenes from Trick or Treat night!

A gypsy fire is on the hearth,
Sign of the carnival of mirth;
Through the dun fields and from the glade
Flash merry folk in masquerade,
For this is Hallowe'en!

Trick or Treat?

2011-10-30T15:15:00.000-04:00

We had a freak snowstorm yesterday. The only bad thing about it is that I had to cancel our Halloween party.

I'm sure the monarch caterpillar wasn't too excited either so I brought him inside along with some of his food and 2 brothers.

I also was able to bring in a few beautiful flowers...

Just the night before I snapped these pics at an Amish farm down the road.

They grow the most beautiful squash...

And always have a pretty display out by the road.

The cats were happy to stay indoors yesterday.

The snow was pretty but I want my fall back!

Great Pumpkin Carve

2011-10-28T09:33:00.000-04:00

Despite the cold, rain and wind, my Mom and I had fun working on our pumpkin at The Chadds Ford Great Pumpkin Carve. 2011 marks our 9th year at this fabulous event and I'm so excited to write that my design won the award for Most Halloween!

Lighting the pumpkin...

My Mom likes to paint her face and hair like a pumpkin:)

The inside is neat...

View from the parking field...

Some of the other pumpkins. My favorite was the barn owl but I really like Totaro too.

To be eligible for judging, you can't add anything to your pumpkin though.

Happy Halloween!

Baaa...

2011-10-25T18:36:00.000-04:00

I had a fabulous fall day at Landis Valley Museum with my friend Sandy Sandy and her wonderful parents and sister.

Today it was the Tunis sheep that proved the most photogenic.

As we were approaching the horse barn, Sandy gazed up in the sky and said, "look at the bald eagle."

I thought she was crazy until I saw the white head.

And then we saw TWO!

A very odd site in Lancaster County.

Such beautiful colors. Like Mother Nature's stained glass with all the light coming through.

One of my favorite residents, Tanya the turkey.

It really is a magical time of year.

Embracing Autumn

2011-10-24T20:29:00.001-04:00

I have been so busy lately that I haven't had time to get out and enjoy the lovely fall landscape. After I dropped my daughter off at kindergarten, I took a drive around Lancaster County Park...

Rock Ford Plantation...

I parked at the covered bridge and took a little hike...

Then I went to Woodward Hill Cemetery in Lancaster. I've always wanted to check it out.

President James Buchanan is buried there.

I was underwhelmed by his grave.

I liked this grave site better.

I think the lady above looks a bit sadder than the lady below.

The one below has a slight Mona Lisa smile.

Since I saw Buchanan's grave I thought I should go get a better look at his house, Wheatland.

The back was just as nice as the front and had a nice little veggie garden growing too.

And some lovely trees.

Just what I was looking for...

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

~George Eliot

More Fair Hill Fun...

2011-10-17T14:08:00.000-04:00

A few more photos from the Fair Hill International 3-Day Event...

Near every jump on course there are outriders, people on horses prepared to catch a loose horse or help in any way they can if something should happen.

This Appaloosa walked down to the water jump to get a drink between riders.

Usually outriders are on horses but I was especially fond of this pretty white mule.

I love the heart shaped marking on this chestnut's head and the big, bright eyes on the bay.

At Fair Hill there are almost as many dogs as people!

Plenty of entertainment from dog agility, live music, kid's art activities, Pony Club demos, shopping and a man with hawks and falcons!

It was an amazing fall day to be out on a horse.

I love the spooky looking tree above and the beautiful buckskin below.

Cross Country at Fair Hill

2011-10-16T08:14:00.000-04:00

I had a wonderful time yesterday at the Dansko Fair Hill International. It was the cross-country phase of the event which is always a favorite. As a spectator you get a nice little hike in walking from jump to jump watching some of the top riders and horses tackle very scary (to me) obstacles.

Honestly I don't know how some do it!

You can click on any photo to make it larger.

More photos on my Facebook Page - Gypsy Mare Studios

Harvest Days

2011-10-09T20:02:00.000-04:00

This weekend we went to Harvest Days at Landis Valley Museum.

I love watching all the different breeds of work horses. Belgians, Percherons, Shires, Haflingers...

This pretty ox would make a nice painting...

All pies baked in a rustic outdoor oven. Wish I could taste one!

My daughter Zoe...

Just a few more...

2011-10-08T09:36:00.001-04:00

Just a few more shots from Dressage at Devon last weekend. Too nice not to share!

Next weekend I'll be photographing cross country jumpers at the Fairhill International Three Day Event.

Have a Happy Weekend!

October Butterflies

2011-10-05T13:06:00.001-04:00

I am amazed at how many butterflies are in the garden this time of year. My two favorites are the common buckeye and the monarch. It's definitely a feeding frenzy around my butterfly bushes. Today I even saw a hummingbird. What are they doing still hanging around here?

Pumpkin Pie thought he would play a little game with his squirrel friend this morning.

No squirrels were harmed:)

Dressage Elegance

2011-10-03T17:04:00.001-04:00

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Dressage at Devon

For more, please check my Facebook Page.

Cheryl Meisner on Tango

Sharon Merkel-Beattie on Essence of Glory

Christopher Hickey - Witness Hilltop

David Marcus - Chrevi's Capital

Christopher Hickey - Witness Hilltop

James Koford on Rhett

Karin Davis on Fiderglanz

Nancy MacLachlan on Deniros Tyme

Lauren Walfish on Othello

Evi Strasser on Renaissance Tyme

Mary Bahniuk Lauritsen on Rossignol ISF

Sasha Newman Dubois on Rossini 234

Jennifer Wilson-Horr on Unika

Jacqueline Brookson on D-Niro

Silva Martin

Guy McLean

2011-10-02T21:54:00.000-04:00

I saw Guy McLean perform today at Dressage at Devon.

He was absolutely amazing. Thought I would share some photos...

More photos of DaD tomorrow!

More from Dressage at Devon

2011-09-28T09:15:00.000-04:00

Some more photos from my day at Dressage at Devon.

Lot's of beautiful young horses to look at.

These young guys are almost as exciting to watch as the grand prix jumpers.

You never know what they will do.

Maybe this one thought he would get extra points for demonstrating his jumping ability.

I have never heard "LOOSE HORSE" so often at a show.

Looks like the filly on the other side of the fence is making fun of this young colts mane:)

I thought it looked beautiful.

No performance classes today but I did see this beautiful horse being exercised.

I see a future painting in this shot...

Can't wait to go back on Saturday or Sunday!

Friesians at Devon

2011-09-27T18:55:00.000-04:00

I had a fabulous time today at Dressage at Devon. Here are a few of the young Friesians I saw. I think most, if not all, were owned by Iron Spring Farm. Such amazingly beautiful creatures, true works of art.

Everywhere you looked there were pumpkins, mums and little bits of Halloween.

And my paintings looked wonderful in the Caracol Jewelry booth!

New Paintings

2011-09-25T16:42:00.000-04:00

I will be hanging several of my paintings in the Caracol Jewelry booth at Dressage at Devon this week. Here's a peek at three of them. I wanted to create some very simple pieces that let the horses stand out and won't take away from the beautiful jewelry.

I haven't been to DAD in ages. Probably 10 years or more. I didn't even have a digital camera then, only my old Pentax k1000. I had to scan the below photo in of JB Andrew. I was so excited to see that horse. I even have his Breyer model. I was sad to read that Andy died this year. He was a beautiful black mustang, broken by prison inmates (JB stands for Jail Bird) and ridden to dressage fame by Kelly Boyd. I love how you can see his BLM brand.

Just open your wings and fly!

2011-09-21T19:55:00.001-04:00

Zoe and I have been witnessing one of natures most amazing transformations the last few weeks.

Right before Hurricane Irene I found some caterpillars munching on rue in the garden. We brought two in to see what would happen.

You can see two different stages of caterpillar in this photo. The tiny dark brown and orange one is a baby. The more they eat the bigger they get, shed their skin and turn green and black.

After eating for a few days they made a chrysalis.

Fast forward about 10 days and they emerged from their cocoons today as beautiful

Eastern Black Swallowtails.

First the wings were damp and crinkled.

Then they pumped them and let them dry out.

It was amazing how fast they went from chrysalis to beautiful butterfly!

"If we did all the things we are capable of

we would astound ourselves."

~Thomas Edison

I've started painting for Halloween and this is my first piece, a ghostly Gypsy Vanner (sold).

To save on listing fees, I will be offering ALL pieces on my Face Book page first.

If they don't sell, I will move them to Etsy or Ebay.

Circle Game

2011-09-18T20:40:00.000-04:00

We had a fabulous day at Hershey Park.

Can you tell that the Philadelphia Toboggan Company #47 classic from 1919 has me spell bound as soon as we enter the park? You can really appreciate the artistry that went into this ride. And to sound old

fashioned, they just don't make 'em like they used to.

Zoe has tamed her wild steed.

And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game

Kitty Cats and Toad Lilies

2011-09-16T13:03:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin and Zazu were being especially photogenic this morning in the lovely, late summer sunshine.

It was a delight to be outdoors, crisp and cool air, warm sun.

My boy loves to climb the big maple tree.

Zazu enjoys sitting on my chair while I pull weeds. There was a little bumble sitting with her, trying to warm up after a chilly night.

Zoe gives Zazu a little head scratch.

Finally getting some good photos of my toad lilies.

Such and unusual little plant.

Longwood on Sunday

2011-09-12T13:07:00.001-04:00

We went to Longwood Gardens on Sunday and had a fabulous time.

The gardens are so lovely this time of year and with all the recent rain we've been getting, the flowers looked amazing.

"How deeply seated in the human heart is the liking for gardens and gardening."

~Alexander Smith

Weekend

2011-09-11T19:00:00.000-04:00

Driving home a back way from Longwood Gardens today,

we saw this amazing field of sunflowers on Rte. 926. I think it's Liondale Farm.

Kinda takes your breath away!

We still have a hummingbird or two hanging around the feeders.

Our cats MeeMee Doodle above,

Zazu Lady below...

I love her green eyes.

Longwood photos to come soon!