I've not been doing a lot of blog-visiting the past few days but hope to make up for that next week. I also have far more mismatched, "leftover" photos from the past month or two than I do of anything new. It's time to get snapping again. Until then, I hope you enjoy these images which I've gathered from my hard drive. Please remember to click each one to enlarge.
This is Skittles and his beautiful green eyes. It's the face I often awake to. It asks the purry question "Is it time for breakfast, yet?"
A walk after a night of rain reveals treetops in the puddles. That tiny speck of white you see up ahead on the path is Benny.
Spindle berries. I tend to photograph them occasionally throughout the year. This shot was taken in October. They're fairly drab and colourless throughout the summer but once the autumn leaves begin falling, the pods turn a brilliant shade of magenta. They split open to reveal a bright orange seed. Their colour remains through much of the winter, slowly fading over the months. I'm sure I'll take more shots before the season is through.
Speaking of brilliant colours, this beautiful Blue Jay watched closely as we tossed peanuts in his general direction. He swooped, landed and collected several of them over the course of about ten minutes. I don't think he allowed a single squirrel to get one. He's a bossy old bird.
I found this yellow crayon while walking along my usual pathway. It begged to be photographed.
The late-day sun reflects off the water and bursts through the dock's rails.
A fiery disc slipped below the horizon leaving only traces of a blazing sunset in its wake.
A different night, a different sunset and a half moon in the midnight-blue. Let's stop at a couple of shops on our way home...
A rusty old pump for sale at an antique store. I like the colours and textures.
Marbles, in warm hues of amber and gold adorn this candle holder.
Gingerbread Santas. Warm from the bakery oven and hard to resist.Thanks for joining me on my "miscellaneous" moments. Please grab a cookie on your way out.
76 comments:
All the photos were so beautiful, but your sweet kitty's face and the rusty old pump were favorites...followed closely by the nearly moonless backlit night sky...hard to say which was my absolute favorite. You are a master with that camera...David would surely agree with me!
Sandi
You have been hiding lots of wonderful photos. They are all so beautiful.
Santa Puppets
stunning shots hilary...the cat and the crayon are my favs! been off the grid for a day myself so trying to play a bit of catch up...hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
Hi Hilary! I was about to post some photos of my walk through the woods last week, but now I can't because we got a snowstorm today! :) Nice bluejay shot, oh gosh, yes, they are BOSSY, lol! I'm always a fan of the sky and water photos too! Lovely!
:)
More amazing photos. Love the spindle berries and the first sunset pic. Well, really, I love them all.
Oh, thank you! That santa cookie is scrumptions. I haven't even started my Christmas baking yet!
I love your random pics. Those sunsets are glorious. And you've even managed to have the sky turn out blue. My night-time ones all look black. Or gray.
Your reflection of trees in the water looks inviting, as if we could just jump in the puddle and get lost in a secret canyon, full of trees.
Have a good week!
Would be scared to death if I woke up with that image =)
All gorgeous photos Hilary. My favorite was the sun bouncing off the rail.
I liked all the photos but was most impressed by that cat shot. Do you have a close-up lense or was this done with your regular. Perfect lighting and texture and composition...and I do not like cats much because I am allergic
:-0!
I enjoy your miscellaneous moments, Hilary. Skittles is a beautiful cat, loved that one.
Hilary, I see more when I take a virtual walk with you than I ever do when I take one on my own...if only these virtual walks burned some calories.
My favorite: the crayola photo. You have a wonderful eye for light and composition.
Nice collection of miscellanous photos. My fave is Skittles green eyes. It's like he's staring right into a person's soul.
That pump shot is magnificent.
Love the Skittles eye. Well done.
Beautiful photos as always. Thanks for taking the time to share them with us. I especially liked the closeup of Skittles' good morning wakeup call, the spindle berries and the blue jay.
Skittles has a beautiful face, I love the tiny bit of sun shining on the perfect nose
sunburst thru railing is stunning
they're all stunning
You have the very BEST miscellaneous moments. These photos are absolutely stunning, each and every one; I'd love to have a coffee table book of your work.
Impossible to pick a favorite; I love how you find beauty in the simplest of all things; things that most people would overlook or find a nuisance - like the puddle in the path. I can imagine other people annoyed, because now they have to skirt the path. But you stop to reflect on the beauty of the treetops and the sky overhead.
Brilliant, truly.
Miscellaneous is a good thing;) I squishy heart Skittles.
Your miscellaneous moments are just wonderful!
Better to awaken to those eyes than his tongue rasping one's armpit. ;)
Some very nice shots there. I love the jay and the flare through the railings, especially.
Great images to have pulled - I especially love the one of the path with the puddle!
I have not been able to travel the land of blog in over a week! I miss it, but the schedule has been so full!
All your images are wonderful. I love that kitty eye and the night skies. Lovely.
Kitty's face is really good. I love the blue jay, the colors were great. The crayon looked like it should be the cover on a book. Blessings*
• Sandi, thank you! You always say the kindest things which make me smile. Thanks so much for that. :)
• Thanks kindly, Nessa. Much appreciated. :)
• Thanks very much, Brian. Catch up takes time after a day or two off from blogging, doesn't it? Thanks for the kind words. :)
• Rain, I'm looking forward to your snowy photos which I have little doubt we'll see soon. Thank so much for the very kind words. :)
• Thanks kindly, Ellen. Very much appreciated. :)
• Wendy, I'm glad you enjoyed the cookie. It hit the spot, eh? Your comments about the puddle is similar to how I feel about them. Thet do look like the gateway to a secret world. Thanks so much for stopping buy. :)
• Fabian! :) Three guesses as to what Frank said about your comment! It would have made a great room quote. ;) I miss you, Vanly guy. :)
• Thanks, PHST. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for the visit. :)
• Thanks, Tabor. I do have a macro setting on one of my cameras but this was a regular shot, cropped the way I wanted it. Too bad you're allergic. I have little doubt you'll like them a lot more if they didn't make you uncomfortable. Thanks so much for the kind words. :)
• Thanks very much, Valerie. I'm glad you like it. Thanks for stopping by. :)
• Thanks kindly, Steviewren. The real walks don't burn too many calories either because I keep stopping to take photos. Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated. :)
• Lakeviewer, thanks so much I'm pleased that you think so. Thanks for stopping by :)
• Michelle, thanks kindly. Skitty very often looks quite deeply into my eyes. I think it's the cat nip. ;) Thanks for the visit. :)
• Thanks very much, Leah. Your kind words are always so appreciated. :)
• Thanks so much, Kevin. I'm really glad you like them. Thanks always for your supportive visits. :)
• Dianne thanks so much for your always-kind words. I'm glad you like Skitty but I'm not surprised - I know you're a huge animal lover. Thank so much for stopping by. :)
• EthelMae thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. You've totally made my day. Truly, it's the camera that's given me the gift of seeing things with new eyes. Thanks very kindly for expressing such nice sentiments. :)
• Thanks so much, MPM. I'll give him a scratch behind the ears for you. :)
• Thanks kindly, TSannie. Much appreciated. :)
• Frank, you would know. That was one of your funniest columns and you should consider posting it on your blog sometime. I'm glad you like the photos. Thanks! :)
• Lalilani, thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you like the shots. I hope you can find some room in your schedule soon. Thanks for stopping by. :)
• Thanks kindly, Tammie Lee. Your kind words are much appreciated. :)
• Karen, thanks so much. Your kind compliment made me smile. :)
you were holding back, now we see your kitty!
What a sweet kitty you have.....love that picture...it was the best.
Just beautiful. The closeup of your cat was unbelievable. Such green eyes!
You are such a great photographer. You have such good composition and a good eye to catch the most creative things. Thanks for sharing them all. I like all of them so much.
There are some fabulous shots in there. Well, all of them I love of course but I have to say that one of Skittles is the best. A very sharp shot considering s/he isn't sleeping so a moving target... I know, I've tried! Brilliant shot.
And the following one - the reflection. Genius.
Oh dash it I love them all. I'll use up all your comment space if I say more. But I'll mention the blue jay too and the magenta flowers...
There. That's it. Just gorgeous. Really. Miscellaneous they are NOT. :0)
I agree with you about the pump. Before I even read your comment, I thought, "Wow, look at all the colors." It's my favorite out of the bunch because it is the most unique.
Wonderful--each and all! I can't choose a favorite. It is always such a pleasure to stroll down life's byways with you. Thank you.
I just love your miscellaneous moments Hilary. I think thats the way most of my pictures are shot. The closeup of Skittles is stunning. Beautiful.
Tree Tops in the Puddles. Definitely my favorite. I love the perspectives that reflected. Thank you!
Beautiful cat eye! Look at that colour... As you know, I love sunsets and yours depicted here are out of this world.;)
xo
Zuzana
What incredible pictures. They really are stunning.
So beautiful! All of them! But the yellow crayon on the beautifully gritty textured ground! How unexpected. I love it.
I also love Skittles. An Abyssinian perhaps?
High-fiving Brian. Great minds think alike my brother.
Love that shot of Skittles! I wonder why some creatures (like cats) have pupils with that long shape, and other creatures (like us) have round ones. Wonder if it helps them to see in the dark? There must be a scientific explanation, will have to google it!
And your other random shots are great, you must have a computer hard drive full of glorious photos.
Beautiful, as always!
That kitty face is just gorgeous. And I love Mr. Bluejay too! :)
Sweet Skitty!
The thing about your photos is that they all have an ineffable patina of love. I don't know how you do it, but they do. There is a warmth... well, I said it was ineffable, so I won't try to describe it. But, they do.
Those are all gorgeous shots. I especially like the shots of the spindle berries and of the blue jay!
Lovely as always Hilary. The rusty pump is a beauty as is the Jay.
I realized that when I posted a comment that I was on my other email address and it just came out Sue...that was me photowannabe. I wondered why I was having some problems posting things. (:0)
Love these, especially Skittie ... I like this idea of Misc. Moments .. I am thinking I may sub this 'theme' idea for Monochrome Mondays ...
I love how the most uncommon things speak to you and you turn them into the most precious pictures.
Pussycat, pump and the candleholder were my favourites this time but I also loved the sunshine behind the railings and the sunsets....... great lot of photos.
Nuts in May
What wonderful left overs you have!
I love the rusty old pump. It would make a wonderful painting.
Those are beautiful pictures! Thank you for sharing them.
Came over for another look.
The sunsets too. Love the sunsets. And the pump.
Hungry for gingerbread now!
• Gary I'm sure glad you didn't word that another way. I have two cats. I'll post a photo of Zephyr sometime soon. :)
• Hilary I'm not surprised that you loved that photo. I know you're a cat person and you have a similar Tabby .. and name. ;) Thanks for stopping by. :)
• Thanks, Nancy. I'm glad you think so. He's my sweetie. :)
• Larry, thank you so much for such kind words. It means a lot to me that you think so. Thanks for that. :)
• Thumbelina, thank you so much. I have VERY many shots of both cats and Benny where they're not much more than a blur, so I know exactly what you mean. Feel free to use up my comment space all you like. With such kind words, how could that be a bad thing? ;) Truly, dear C, I'm very touched by your kind words. Thank you. :)
• Anita, thank you. I'm glad I'm not the only one who liked it. Even rusty, old things can be beautiful. Thanks for the kind comment. :)
• DS, I'm always happy to have you walk with me. You're such warm company. Thanks for the kind words. :)
• Sue, thanks so much. I've already read ahead in the comments so I know it's you! :) I'm glad you liked the photo of Skittles. Much appreciated. :)
• Cabo, thanks very much for stopping by with your kind comment. I'm glad you liked that shot too. :)
• Protege, I knew Skitty's eye would catch yours. ;) Thanks so much for your always-kind words my sweet friend. :)
• Maddie thank you very kindly. Much appreciated. :)
• Thanks so much, Alix. I'm glad you liked the crayon. I wondered if it struck anyone else the way it did me. Thanks for letting me know. There's nothing that exotic about Skitty. He's a common tabby... and a goof. Thanks for stopping by. :)
• Shammie, that's a good question. Did you Google it? Cat's eyes shrink down to tiny slits in bright light, yet open incredibly wide in low light. I would imagine that this shape of pupil does this more effectively than ours. Thanks so much for the kind words.. always very much appreciated. :)
• Thank you, Kat. I've not seen you in action for a long time. What could possibly keep you so busy? Oh! Four kids and a new house. ;) Thanks for taking the time to stop by. :)
• Thanks for stopping by, KC. :)
• Suldog, thank you SO much for such a warm compliment. I'm so glad you enjoy my photos as you do. You've just made my day. Thanks for that, friend. :)
• Thanks very much, Meeko. I'm glad you like them. Thanks for the visit. :)
• Thank you, Reb. Much appreciated. :)
• Sue, I'm glad you figured out your comment woes. Thanks for coming back to let me know. :)
• Thanks, Daryl. I can see it now.. Miscellaneous Monday. Go for it! :)
• Merisi, thank you so much. That means a lot to me coming from such a fine photographer as yourself. :)
• Thanks so much, Maggie. I'm glad you enjoyed them all. Thanks for stopping by. :)
• Thanks, Chesire Wife. I'm pleased that you think so. :)
• Thanks, Jo. I think you'd do a fine job of painting it. Thanks for stopping by. :)
• Jen, thanks kindly. Much appreciated. Thanks for the visit. :)
• Thumbelina, thanks for stopping by again. I needed that nudge to start replying to comments! Help yourself to the gingerbread. The tray has a way of refilling every time we reload the page. ;)
All of these touch me. I love the crayon on the ground, the stars coming out for the evening, the colors, the textures. Your posts make me stop and take a closer look at where I am.
Wow! Nice images!
I knew for sure my favorite was going to be the yellow crayon laying on the dirt.
But then I saw the rusting pump and THAT was the one! Then again I like the blue in that blue jay.....!
But why have a favorite?! Enjoyed these very much!
What riches, Hillary!
Our cat has the SAME face-
Just excellent post.
Aloha, Friend!
Comfort Spiral
You really are an excellent photographer! I feel that many people who will view these will become better at shooting photos too, Hilary. Very inspiring!!!!:)
Oh oh they were all wonderful..beautiful shots!! Wow!! I loved every single one! Hmm my favorite..the Cat eye I think or the bluejay..or maybe the candle holder...well ok so I can't choose!! Wonderful post hon:)Sarah
I ADORE the Skittle pic. I have kitties and they are my fav photo subjects ;-)
I love the little stories that go along with your great photos!
I was particularly delighted by the bright blue jay bird.
You can almost hear Skittles purring :-)
All gorgeous pictures as always. I admire your talent and hope a little of it will rub off on me.
xo
Your photography is such a joy to discover, each time. I must learn how to throw away what is not good. I suppose that is another part of an artform. As a writer, so difficult at first to throw away words. Now, much easier. Need to do that with photos - and perhaps life, as well. Okay, I'm going to throw away my entire pile of paperwork regarding my attention. Will feel so much better. Probably all expired anyway as I have let it grown far too long.
Hilary,
I hope you have the time to get down here to my comment. Your pictures are so detailed... and beautiful... I love each and everyone of them... Are you getting ready for Christmas? Those cookies look like what will put Santa over the edge and make him have to loosen his belt :)
Catcha later,
The Bach
Lovely images, Hilary. i love the old rusty pump, the reflection of the tree in the puddle, the crayon on the dirt road. . .all are great subjects and well captured. Thanks for sharing these visual thoughts. . .
Soon again.
As always, such lovely pictures, Hillary. I love the way you see the world around you, the details you pick out as beautiful. They're often unusual, and always wonderful.
I like the picture of Skittles the best. I love that cats always look as if they are in possession of some deep, life altering secret. Some magical knowledge of worlds beyond our grasp...
And then they go and play with a dust mote, and make us laugh :-)
hope you're well...seems a long time between posts...
Sandi
Love, love, love the beautiful pics!
The close pic of your kitty is gorgeous!
Hilary,
I just love these! Skittles eyes are gorgeous! And the reflective puddle...Really nice shots!
• Thank you, Sandy. That's such a nice thing to say. That's no surprise though.. you always do have the nicest things to say. :)
• Thanks, Russell. I kind of guessed that you'd be liking the pump photo. I'm glad you liked the others too. And true.. no need to pick a favourite. Thanks for stopping by. :)
• Thanks so much, Cloudia. Cool that your cat looks like Skitty. Thanks so much for the visit. Aloha. :)
• Thanks very kindly, Michael. I'm very flattered that you think so. Thanks for the kind words. :)
• Sarah, thank you so much for such a kind comment. I'm really glad you enjoyed the photos. Thanks for stopping by. :)
• Colby, who could resist a kitty? Neither you nor I, for starters. Thanks for the visit. :)
• LadyFi, thanks so much for saying so. I'm glad you think so. Much appreciated. :)
• Joanna, there's no straining to hear him purr in the mornings. He's a real cuddler - especially before breakfast but immediately afterwards too. Thank you so much for such kind words. :)
• Thank you very much, MJ. You're right - and a fine parallel to life in general. Be ruthless with that paperwork. No doubt another pile will grow in its place before too long. ;) Thanks so much for your warm comment. :)
• Bach, of course I have time to read your comment. I always do. :) Thanks kindly for the compliment. I'm glad I didn't buy any of those cookies or I'd be loosening my own belt.. again. Thanks for stopping by. :)
• Gary, thanks so much. That means a lot to me coming from a great photographer. Your kind words are very much appreciated. Thanks for the visit. :)
• Shimp, thank you very much for your lovely words. And how you described cats is spot on! You made me laugh with your loving account of their depth and knowledge, topped off with their goofball antics. Gotta love a cat. Thanks so much for stopping by. :)
• Sandi, I'm fine, thank you. It's my usual infrequent schedule. Thanks so much for your concern. You're very sweet. :)
• Kelly, thanks very much for your kind words. Much appreciated. :)
• MT, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. Always happy to see you stop by. :)
Really enjoyed your photos Hilary. Specially the red berries and the blue jay. Also your cat. - Dave
Oh, Hilary. Your "leftovers" would be most peoples' "prize winners"! Great photography, as usual, friend.
• Thanks very much, Dave. I'm glad you liked them. :)
• Sandra, what a very sweet thing to say. Thank you so much. :)
those spindle berries really caught my eye. perhaps miscellaneous pictures but all captivating and i so loved the colors in them.
Skittles and Spindle Berries and Sunsets. All wonderful. I am not sure I've seen eyes as green as Skittles has. Gorgeous creature.
• Thanks kindly, Lime. I'm glad they appeal to you. That means a lot to me. :)
• Louise, thanks so much. I think he's a beauty too, but I'm kind of biased. Thanks for the very kind words. :)
Skittles is SO pretty. Oh my goodness.
Thanks so much, LWK. I'm inclined to agree with you. :)
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