About Me

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I was motivated to start a blog by reading all the wonderful talented individual's who have blogs out there. So, I want to make this blog about everyone who reads it. My family and God always comes first in my life. I want to share my experiences and in turn, hope to get feedback and ideas from you. I love unique things, I adore anything that sparkles (not over the top though) I love decorating, cooking, gardening, photography and shopping. My number one passion is photography! To me it becomes more than a picture, it can become a piece of art, or a beautiful memory. Decorating, though I am not a professional, and don't claim to be, has been a part of my life since I was very young, and just love searching and shopping for new ideas and incorporate the old, such as Mid-Century Modern and Hollywood Regency with contemporary. Living close to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, and being of Hispanic heritage, I love cooking Mexican food, and love to share my authentic recipes. Though I live in Florida, my heart is in the desert southwest, and hope that my family and I will return there very soon…keep your fingers crossed that my prayers are answered SOON!!!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Calming effect...




What in nature makes you relax?  Is it the sound of the waves coming ashore, is it the sound of breeze blowing through palm trees or through a beautiful open desert canyon?  In this hectic world around us, we all need time to just sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.  I work in a hectic office environment, though I love what I do, there are days that I just need to forget the day, and find a way to put it behind me and enjoy all the good in my life.  For me, it's definitely taking out my camera and taking pictures.  Of course my favorite subject is my daughter, but it's not one of her favorite things...so I go to my second, and that is nature.  Living in Florida, we are surrounded by so much beauty.  Though I am such an amateur and learning more each day, I still get out there and take pictures whenever possible.  On average, when I go to the beach to shoot, I will take over 600 shots...so thankful for DSLR cameras and SanDisk...don't like any of them, one click and they're gone.  Well, that's where I'm heading right after work this evening, the beach!!!


Yesterday was such a beautiful day, we decided to stay home and just relax around the house.  Got the yard work done early in the morning, not much to do, just a little maintaining.   My husband made his fabulous pork chimichanga, and a side of his (could eat the whole dish) black beans - so delicious.  Both the pork and the beans have to simmer for hours, so I made some iced vanilla Chai tea and we just sat out front for a short time.  Since we haven't had any rain in a few weeks, I got out the garden hose and just began to water the plants.  About 45 minutes before the sun was about to set, I noticed the reflection off the water droplets on our Hawaiian Schefflera.  I go into the house to get my camera before the water dried up, and didn't have my macro lens on, but placed the setting on my camera for macro and just took a few pictures.  The first one is probably my favorite with the reflection of the schefflera captured in the droplet of water, but since I am a Bokeh junkie, I loved the natural Bokeh that the sun through the plants created.  Just all very simple, since I wasn't trying for anything, I think they came out OK. 


Sometimes the most simple things in life, like a droplet of water on a plant can be so peaceful, and makes one stop and realize there is so much beauty all around us, if we just take the time to sit back from time to time and enjoy it. 


Hope everyone had a great weekend, and getting ready for the upcoming holiday weekend, I know I am...getting the menu and plans all ready...bring on summer!!!




















5 comments:

  1. Sounds like you had a lovely weekend, but honey, you need to give up the recipe for your hubby's black beans!

    Both shots are equally spectacular, but the bokeh really produced a nice dreamlike quality.

    Have a wonderful holiday weekend!!!!

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  2. OH, I LOVE the photos. So pretty and so amazing to capture the beauty in those drops of water. I think the most calming thing for me is the sound of the ocean, but I also love a cool fall night here in Texas, just sitting outside and listening to "nothing".

    I'd love the black beans recipe as well. I love them, but mostly just eat them out of the can. I bet you are gasping right now! :) Oh, and how I love a chimichanga!!!!

    Thank you for your sweet comment today. You always make me smile. Have a wonderful week!

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  3. Photos are beautiful again! I LOVE black beans! Chimichanga's are my favorite, and the sea is my serentity always will be. I finished the fireplace, if you would like to see, just email me any questions if you have any about the ecorating process just shoot away. Have a great week.

    Linda

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  4. Thank you all so much...I'm going to have to post his recipe, they are really good, spicy, but not too much, just very yummy!

    Joni

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  5. You are such a sweet friend! I think almonds would be great in that salad. I substituted goat cheese for the feta, and left out the salt and pepper. I think as long as you have a crunch in it, it would be great.

    Enjoy your weekend. The coconut palms sound dreamy and I hope you share all your photos. Have fun on the boat and with family and eat lots of great food!

    xo,
    nicolle

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