Just Another Positively Tuesday

 by Mauverneen

Well, here it is Tuesday again. Sometimes the week goes by so fast, it's hard to catch up. Other times, it drags. This one went by fast for me. Actually, the last couple have. Last week, I didn't even realize it was Tuesday - so, no blog. My apologies.

I have been busy. I met a cousin of mine at Starved Rock, in Utica, IL for a short hike and lunch one day. It was a sweltering hot day, so mostly it was lunch. It was fun catching up. We had lots to talk about.   

Then there were car shows - three last week! Fathers Day there was the annual show at Oakbrook Center, Wednesday there was the Great Race, which came through Plainfield, IL and Saturday was another club show in Geneva, IL. 

And then on Sunday, well on Sunday, Gallery Seven in Lockport, IL had their artist reception for the Annual Open Lens Competition. I had two photos accepted, and one of them took second place! I'm thrilled. It's such an honor to be recognized. Afterwards, two of my daughters and sons-in-law came over to the house for a cookout. Whew! The week flew by!

Now, here I sit, reflecting on the past couple of weeks, and feeling positively grateful for it all. I had fun. Now I am planning a vacation! Life can be good. We have to savor it. 

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

 

Positively Up In The Air

 by Mauverneen

First off, let me say, I don't like to fly. Makes me a little nervous, especially when there is any turbulence. Any turbulence at all. (shudder)

That said, let me tell you about my most recent flying experience. I enjoyed it. Not only was it very smooth, but the views out the window were incredible. As anyone who knows me will tell you, I always have my camera. So it's no surprise that I like to take pictures out the window of the plane. But for the most part, they haven't been very good. You're traveling at a high rate of speed, even though it doesn't feel like it, so unless you can finagle those camera settings like a pro, you might not get the clearest shots. Plus, the zoom... 

So, what was the difference this time? Well, I actually had the window seat, which helped, and I used my cell phone! Incredible. The pics I got with my phone are surprisingly good - much better than with my camera. Now, I don't know about enlarging them, that remains to be seen. But I think I have some great images - if I do say so myself. 

Coming over the mountains, still snow covered in May, was a beautiful sight. And bunches of fluffy white clouds, like little sheep, were spread out over them. At times, it was hard to tell the clouds from the mountain peaks! 

The clouds this trip were different too. They were moving so fast! Usually, we just sail through them, but this time, they were apparently not going in the same direction. I could see them coming towards us. It was amazing. 

And then, touching down in Salt Lake City, it was near sunset. Oh how beautiful that was! Coming back to Chicago, I was a little nervous as the plane flew out over the lake quite a distance before turning to aim for the airport. I thought he was lost. The city is stunning from the air! 

Ok, I'll stop talking. I'll just show you... 

 

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html