A horse is a horse of course….right?

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of going up to a ranch in Sunol to see, for the first time, my BFF’s new horse. She had a horse when we met 20+ years ago and I had a chance to see it a handful of times. She, the horse (LOL), was older and gentle and sweet. Age took hold and the poor girl passed away about eight or nine years ago. Since then, my BFF hasn’t talked much about horses and I didn’t realize she felt a void after hers passed away.

Since I’m not a horse person, I had no idea that they could have such a hold on people and that horses could have such complex, individual personalities. So I was somewhat surprised and, of course, happy for my friend when she announced that she was “thinking about leasing” a horse and getting back into having one in her life. Knowing my BFF as well as I do, “thinking about leasing” meant she was actually going to buy one. I was so excited for her when she found a young female horse that was a “lease to own” if the fit was right. They made a great connection and fell in love. YEAH! The horse became hers and now is boarded just a few miles away from home. It was so much fun to go up and be introduced to someone so important in her life.  

Here are some pictures of the horse, the place and their new friends. You can see them at Poppyfly.Smugmug

The Farmers Market

I love the Farmers Market! Who doesn’t, right?

The one in Campbell is held every Sunday all year around. Lucky for me, it is walking distance from my home. You will rarely find me with a “To Do” list of things to buy. Why? If you know me well, you know I’m not the “only buy organic, meal planning, make everything from scratch” kinda girl. There’s nothing wrong with planning, organic, and scratch. It’s just not me. At the FM you’ll usually find me looking at and/or buying the things that provide instant gratification like the fruits, humus, flowers and (OOOOH YES!) the chocolate. Snake and Butterfly is the BEST!! Try their Toffee Bacon, Cherry Chili, and Smoked Almond and Sea Salt chocolate bars, just for a start.

Besides the smell and flavors of the aforementioned, the visual part of the market is my weakness. I find myself entranced by the color and texture of the boxes, tables, buckets and baskets full nature’s art. I might even liken walking through the FM to mediation. It clears my head of the bad stuff for a while and brings me back to center.

So here are a few of my favorite visuals. I tried some black and white versions to see how they look. Enjoy!

To see more of this gallery go to Poppyfly.smugmug.com

The Photo Bug Just Bit

OUCH! THAT HURT!! (my bank account)...I knew this would be a dangerous bug to mess with...

I took my first photo-workshop through a gallery/academy in my neighborhood. It was a day long class given by Aperture Academy. SOOO much fun! I was lucky enough to go with a couple of good friends who have a similar interest in this particular form of art. Chris is the technical guy who researches every camera, lens, filter, backpack, etc. to make sure that, whatever the device, he is ready with the best reviewed piece of equipment one might need within a budget. Lisa has a fantastic eye for photography. She takes amazing pictures but is in the same boat I am as far as knowing the the technical side and gear side of what she is shooting with. When one of the instructors asked if I had brought a wide angled lens with me, I handed him my bag and responded, "Here. You tell me."

There were about 12 of us with two well known photographers/instructors that paid one on one attention to each and every one of us at every location we visited. We started at Baker Beach (on the ocean side at the foot of Golden Gate Bridge), where we were given individual instruction on how shoot the environment and construct a photo with good composition. They were overflowing with information and suggestions on how to get a great shot. The instructors were working with a group of people that ranged in knowledge and ability that varied greatly. Some folks were already well seasoned photographers that were working on advancing their skill and others, like me, were just trying to learn how to use our cameras.

Next, we moved to the bay side of the bridge at Fort Point where we got to explore the interior and exterior of the building and all kinds of lighting conditions. This place was filled with old cannons, interesting vignettes and beautiful architectural details. It was definitely a place to go back to on a week day when we could take more time and not have a quite so many visitors in the way. After that stop, we drove over to Sausalito for dinner at a cute little cafe on the water where we could go over what we had learned so far.

We were then driven to Rodeo Beach (Fort Cronkite) where we hoped for a good sunset. Unfortunately, the weather didn't permit the typical orange, pink and blue skies you see at this time of year when the sun is going down over the ocean. BUT, there were sea stacks that we got to focus on and learn to manipulate the look of the water as it crashed against the rocks and swirled back into the ocean. Again, with more expert help from the instructors. Thank you, Brian and Scott!!

The last stop was at the Marin Headlands Overlook looking towards S.F. where we took shots of the lit up Golden Gate Bridge after sunset. BEAUTIFUL! Very gusty!! Raining. BEAUTIFUL!! Because of the weather, we were only there for a max of about 20 minutes. It was just enough time to get a perfect last shot without any rain spots on my lens. I lucked out. Not everyone had a rain free shot from that location.

So don't bother sending me links to the cure for a Photo Bug bite. I'm just fine with this disease, thank you!

To see more of this gallery go to Poppyfly.smugmug.com

Junior Hunt Weekend

Junior hunt weekend, for those of you who aren’t familiar with duck hunting, is the weekend after the end of the regular duck season when anyone 16 and under can hunt without the very seasoned adults getting the chance to get the birds before the youngsters do. My son has become, from what my friend Clancy has told me, a “seasoned hunter” himself. Here's the proof.

Jordan is 14 and is a great caller and shot. We went out to Clancy’s ranch in Marysville, CA for junior hunt weekend. Here are some photos of the event.

Jordan’s first two birds of the weekend (Pintails)

Jordan’s nice sized Drake Mallard and another Pintail

And I can’t pass up the opportunity to hunt for a few photo opps!

If guns and hunting don't offend you;
To see more of this gallery go to Poppyfly.smugmug.com

Carmel and Monterey

One of my most favorite areas on the California coast is the Carmel and Monterey area. The first time I remember going to that part of the coast, and didn’t go shopping, was in college during a botany class field trip. We took a day long stroll through the forest, meadow and out to the beach on a quest to discover and admire the coastal flora and fauna. It was incredible. I promised myself I would come back again and again. I kept that promise to myself and it turns out it’s like going somewhere new every time because the coast is always changing with the tide and storms that pound its shores throughout the year.

This visit was THE perfect weekend to go. It was a beautiful, sunny, 72 degree day. There was a nice breeze and HUGE waves that boomed against the cliffs and rocks. You could feel the sounds waves travel through your body. I couldn’t help but let out an “Oooh!” and “Ahhh!” at the sound and show the ocean was putting on for us. Certainly, only the brave or insane risked their lives while they stood on the rock formations along the shore as the enormous walls of water crashed upon and then swallowed entire mountainous outcroppings that peppered the edge of the shore.

After an afternoon of beach combing and photo taking, we stopped at a monastery directly across from Point Lobos and then cruised up to visit the Carmel Mission. Both had amazing buildings in beautiful settings. The mission was especially spectacular as far as the size, structures, history and age. It certainly brought back memories of my Catholic school days going to the old Saint Joseph’s church in down town San Jose.

We ended the day with dinner and dessert at Cannery Row. I didn’t get any pictures of that…Sunday evenings are very quiet there. I will definitely do that again. No crowds. I should have taken some photos there. I’ll do it next time!

To see more of this gallery go to Poppyfly.smugmug.com