My Photo Selected for 52Frames Top 52 Picks

There were 2365 photos submitted for the “inspired by a framer” 52Frames photo challenge this week. I’ve been participating in this photo op for over two years at the recommendation of a friend. So this week I submitted a composite photo/art image of a fish and background that were photographed using my iPhone, then drawing in some wavy water lines and an astonished worm on a hook. My friend inspired this entry because he introduced me to this fine hobby, and because he loves all things fishing. Every week the committee selects 52 photos that they like for a variety of reasons - including creativity. I was so happy to learn that my photo was selected to be included in this smaller curated album after receiving a an email recognizing my work this morning. I’m also encouraged to know that an image created using an iPhone can compete with all of the real camera photographers out there. It is so cool to be selected and it’s even more encouraging to read all of the positive comments from my fellow framers. This is the third time one of my photos was picked, but the first time for a composite image. I think the fact that I’ve been doing digital art pet portraits for so many years helps me create these photo/art images. Of course my husband is my best critic and helps me configure what looks best. Thanks so much for the recognition 52Frames! 

Fish Survived the Deep Freeze

When our son and his family lived down the street from us in a lovely townhouse, they installed a small fish pond in the front yard. You really didn’t notice it from the street - but it became a matter of conversation when you reached the front door. We always wondered what happened to the fish in the winter. They just seemed to disappear to the bottom of the pond until spring came around. And most, if not all of them, reappeared. Well, we can’t check out that fish pond any more because our family hasn’t lived there for the last few years and it would be a bit awkward to see what’s going on. We were just interested to see the impact of the brutal bone chilling temps of the last few weeks on the poor fish. Well, today we found out. We took our morning walk towards Eastern Market followed by breakfast at Ted’s Bulletin. There is a little fish pond on the corner. There happened to be a bird taking a sip of water in the pond. And below the cracked ice were several gold fish huddled along the edge. Being almost fifty degrees they probably felt safe enough to emerge from the depths of the deep freeze. So it just goes to show you how sturdy and hardy these critters are. Amazing!

Discovery World Milwaukee and the Denis Sullivan

It was built just before we moved to Washington DC. Discovery World is an aquarium of sorts, but also a learning lab for Great Lakes everything. And since we usually visit in July over the holiday, downtown lakefront Milwaukee is terribly congested with fireworks, Summerfest, and holiday travelers. Since we're visiting in August, we have more freedom to drive downtown to a few of our old stomping grounds. After going to lunch at Elsa's with our neighbors/hosts and a colleague of mine who now works at Marquette, we went to Discovery World. It was delightful watching all the fish. Growing up in Florida, I'm used to certain creatures. And since we haven't been near an aquarium for years, it was a treat. I always used to watch for the schooner/ tall ship Denis Sullivan while it was being built and as it sailed back and forth in Lake Michigan. It was just coming back from a trip and I finally saw it close up. My Dad loved the water and ships, so every time we are near a place like this I think of him. He was actually stationed in Milwaukee and Sheboygan when he was in the Coast Guard all those years ago. Anyway, it was a fun afternoon. It's really different to visit a town you lived in thirty years. Somehow the city looks so nice - but it's summer - and that makes a lot of difference. But the people we know here are simply wonderful. 

A Small Mouth Bass or Trout?

It's been almost a year since our son and his family moved to Virginia from DC. We see them now almost as much as we saw them here - and they used to live just down the street from us. We have visited their new hometown twice and plan to go again next month. It's a four hour plus ride by car and requires an overnight. Things are certainly different there than here. Our grandson has taken up fishing. Living along the James River must make one think of things like that. We used to fish in a small pond in Florida as youngsters using dough balls and bamboo rods. But we never caught anything that could even be considered a meal. It seems the young man is getting the hang of it and every time we see a picture the catch is getting bigger starting with a trout and a small mouth bass. They have even prepared the fish for dinner - or should I say - snack? He's been told by the locals that he needs to get out there early in the morning for better results. With school out now and baseball season in full swing I'm not sure how much longer this new found hobby will last. It's certainly not something he did with any regularity here, but it sounds like a relaxing way to pass the time - not something you hear about much in these parts. 

 

In Memory of Moby Dick

I have written about Moby Dick several times in my blog over the last three years. He was a tiny little Betta Fish that captured our hearts as soon as we got him. Whenever we went away, we made sure someone would be here to feed him, and later on transferred him to a smaller bowl so he could be carried over to our grandson's house to sit on their kitchen table and be entertained. He was constantly looking for our attention and danced whenever you waved at him from across the room. He looked stunning in the sunlight. His routine became our routine...It's been a week since we unexpectedly lost him and it has taken me this long to write about it. I keep looking in the corner of the room and there is nothing there. We've had two dogs and a Betta fish before Moby. It just doesn't get any easier anytime we lose one. Someone wrote this to me last week: "each and every precious creature has their own personality....we love them so. Moby Dick is making a big splash in fish Heaven this week. I can imagine the beautiful Betta swimming free in the Eternal flow...I am with you from the heart,"