This little guy has the bluest eyes around. As blue as the Carolina sky. We had a lot of fun at Pullen Park in Raleigh for this photo session. If you hven’t ventured there, I recommend it. there’s lots of fun things to do, including a great train ride, fun playground equipment, paddleboats, and an old carousel.

It seems to go on forever. I love the skies in the desert and always relish being able to photograph when they are so clear and bright.

Shhhhhhh. It’s a highly kept secret, but it doesn’t always rain in Seattle. Don’t believe all the hype that Seattlites have webbed feet and a layer of moss on their north side. While Seattle does have it’s (more than) fair share of grey and wet days, when the sun does come out, it’s absolutely glorious.

Looking across lake Washington towards Seattle, we can see a few buildings from downtown peaking over the hill.

What’s even more unusual is the mirror-like surface of lake Washington. Crisp blue skies. White clouds. 70 degrees. I couldn’t have dreamed of a more beautiful day.

All the snow is gone. In fact, the forecast is for temps in the 80′s this weekend. Talk about temperature swings! So, as the snow starts to melt in bright sunny light of day, I got a chance to get out and take a few moments to enjoy the wonderful light and colors that this type of weather brings.

Washington DC in January is COLD. Really cold. I spent 2 days in DC, photographed a fantastic concert (Frightened Rabbit), and witnessed the inauguration of our 44th president, Barack Obama. Witness is sort of a grand term. From my vantage point I could only see the proceedings on one of the massive jumbo-trons in the National Mall. Despite the bitter cold, and the hours of walking carrying my photo gear just to get into the National Mall, it was an amazing day.

It started at 5am when I woke and struck out in the dark morning, greeted by swarms of likeminded people. It is a strange thing to find yourself in mobs of people at such an early hour, still dark, shuffling towards the same goal. Luckily I grabbed a bagel and coffee on the way. OMG, It was crazy. More people than I’ve ever seen in my life. Fences, barracades, and lines of people as far as you can see. I walked and walked and walked, carrying my gear, trying to document the day. It truly was amazing. All these people, all cold, and yet, everyone happy and excited. People helping each other. It took me about 2 hours to walk all the way around to the other side of the National Mall to enter near the Washington Monument.

When the choir began to sing, we all started to get excited. When Biden was sworn in, it was dead silent. Two million people and not a peep. Then everyone just exploded with excitement. Now onto the main event. Oh, what? We have to wait? While we all enjoyed the beautiful classical music, we all were anxious to what was to come. It was like everyone was just bouncing with anticipation, waiting for Obama to be sworn in. Again, dead silence. Most were watching on the jumbo-tron, some were looking down as they listened, but all were quiet. Looking around, there was so much emotion. So many tears. Clenched fists just waiting for the moment. We all stood there, with tears of joy and hope, which turned into an eruption of emotion. Listening to President Obama’s speech amidst 2 million other people was an experience I’ll not forget.

It took about 3 hours to walk back to my car. That was an adventure in itself, at times a bit scary when a sea of people, me included, became trapped and unable to move. Thankfully everyone remained calm and waited it out for about 30 minutes until the passageway was cleared. By this time, the 2 days of walking, bitter cold weather, and lack of sleep were taking it’s toll on me. I was in pain. Everything hurt. I was cold. I just wanted to warm up and rest. I made my way out of the city and headed back to North Carolina. Oh what an experience.

I put together a slideshow of images from the experience. I hope it gives you a little glimpse into what the day was like being there in person. CROSSTIDE graciously allowed me to use their recording of (What’s So Funny ABout)Peace, Love, And Understanding, as the sound track to the slideshow. They’re a great band based in Portland Oregon. If you haven’t heard their music, be sure to check them out at www.myspace.com/crosstide and www.crosstide.net

You’d think I’m some sort of massive gardener by my recent photos of flowers and gardens, but I’m not. You’d never question that if you actually stopped by our home and saw how out of sorts my garden is. Seattle, on the other hand, is filled with incredible gardens and I always enjoy snooping around to see what I can find. I love all the fountains and hidden treasure tucked back into the plantings, like a secret waiting to be discovered.

I had the opportunity to do a bit of flower gazing today while I photographed the Marcia Zech’s incredible lakeside garden outside of Seattle.

One of my favorite eateries in Atlanta is Fat matt’s Rib Shack. Seriously the best BBQ and best ribs. I’m not a big rib eater myself but my husband loves them. in fact, it’s the one thing he requested, that I bring back a slab of ribs for him. I prefer a chopped pork sandwich, with beans, and if I’m really hungry, a [piece of pecan pie. Yummmmmy!

I took my new lenses out for a spin and wandered the streets of Chapel Hill. A bit cold and gloomy but I had the urge to get out and shoot random stuff (which was one of my resolutions this year).