Costa Rica

What an amazing country!

Celebrating Women

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March 8th is International Women’s Day, let’s remember all the women in our lives.

Respite from the storm.

The past two weeks have been quite difficult.  I hope that my photos from a recent trip will transport you away….for just a moment or two.

In mid-October, I went to the New York Botanical Garden‘s show, Monet’s Garden. My garden had just a few flowers, so I was amazed at the amount of plants in full bloom outside the Conservatory.  Even some water lilies were still blooming in the courtyard pools. Of course, inside was overflowing with plants similar to the ones that Claude Monet  planted in his garden in Giverny, France.  I hope you enjoy these photos and take a moment to smile.

All my best to those who are still struggling.

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I know it’s Summer when

I see sunflowers-in the garden, along the road and at farm stands.  Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers. The ones I photographed last week were as tall as I am.  Sunflowers turn toward the sun, shine even on a dark day and produce seeds that can be dried and eaten.  Have you ever tasted sunflower honey?  I like the Italian variety- Girasole Miele.  Try it and tell me what you think.

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May is National Photography Month

And, it is the perfect time to try photographing something new.

Try taking photos of things that would not be your typical subject.

Try taking photos at an unusual time of the day or from a different height.  A friend once asked if I could shoot from the vantage point of a small dog. This challenge opened my mind to consider radically different viewpoints when photographing.

I hope this inspires you to try something new.  Be sure to let me know.

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Watercolor Journaling Workshop in Italy

Today’s post brings us to Borgo San Fedele, a restored ancient parish church, near the village of Vagliagli in the middle of the Chianti.  Vagliagli means “valley of the wild garlic”, which grows in the countryside.  The workshop classes took place in the restored church.

At Borgo San Fedele, I heard the crunch of small stones under our sneakers and saw terraced flower and herb gardens, a pond with water lilies and very tall cypress trees.  There was a distinctive scent of Linden Trees and the sound of deer barking.  (Yes, it turns out small Italian deer bark like dogs.) It was unlike any other place I have ever been.

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A Fiery Post

This is a a fun blog post for me.  I love fireworks and this Fourth of July I saw two fireworks shows.   I’ve shot them before but the images never come out quite like this.

Firework burst © melabee m miller

After admiring the one above, I couldn’t help but think that it reminded me of something that I had shot before. Then it struck me-a protea flower!

Protea Flower © melabee m miller

Do let me know if you agree.

August

Artichoke © Melabee M Miller

I haven’t visited  Italy since 2007 and I miss it very much. However, this summer I have a little bit of Italy growing in my vegetable garden.  Chloe’, my daughter, brought me a large package of artichoke seeds from Italy the last time she was there.  I planted every seed and although only four artichoke plants sprouted, I really believe those plants know how happy I am to watch them grow every day.

By the way, Chloe’ gave me a surprise by writing about me in her blog, so don’t miss it!