Thematic Photographic - 281

Emptiness, isn't constant. Thankfully, it's one thing we keep refilling, throughout our lives.

Emptiness, is Carmi's theme this week, and as always, he's calling for our own interpretation. 

THEMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC

That empty feeling when nobody hears your bark!

Emptiness, really shows when there's plenty of seating at your favorite neighborhood hangout.

Or, that moment when you fear emptiness will bring those old melancholy blues to your table of one.

He was crushed at being left behind.

Sometimes, emptiness is just a feeling we can't shake....

Strangely enough, there are moments when we welcome emptiness.

Can you please stop singing, and eat your dinner?  

The Mag - 9 February 2014

Silly is, as silly does.

Thank you Tess Kincaid, for this photo of uncrushable charm.

THE MAG

You may not see his hunky shape off in the shadows, 

but surely you'll hear his funky tunes.

A Fallow Dear

Drip, drip, drip went her bathroom sink

like dama, dama, dama

on his old bongo
let's tango.

Her cell phones a ringing
 like a spoiled baby
crying to be picked up
 like a homesick maybee.

Always a wrestling 
or a dancing
 is Ryann

 even styling
 his old hat.

She's singing

in Fargo

where goslings

thrive the mostest

being his bestest

free from husband

overload

and tumultuous carpools

she juggles eleven

hearty sweethearts.

Yet her heart

bears a missing link 

of one true

Valentine.

Can she be yours?

Scavenger Hunt Sunday - 9 February 2014

Are you ready for a hunt?  This week Ashley is looking for, looking up, light, favorite mobile device, outside and inside.

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY



1. Looking up

2.  Light

The day's golden sunset waning.

It's easy to catch random sunlight,

    .....in it's shifting gleam, of afternoon light.

A most precious moment in the changing of the hours.

3. Favorite Mobile Device

4 and 5 in one.

4. Outside

5. Inside

Thank you for playing along in my Scavenger Hunt Sunday.  If you want to view more just go here.

Six Word Saturday - 8 February 2014

Cate, from Show My Face blog, is calling for what's up in our world, in six words.

Stand up and do it right.  It's up to us to spread the word, read here.

SIX WORD SATURDAY

STRENGTH LIES IN DIFFERENCES, 

NOT SIMILARITIES.

Different roads sometimes, lead to the same castle. - George R.R. Martin

As  a matter of fact, there's nothing wrong in having diversity in your movie selections either.

Really. 

 I am as excited to see The Lego Movie, as well as, The Monuments Men, both opened yesterday.

BUT!

I'm also excited to check out-

HOLLOW STONE:  the Life and Disappearance of Narek Grigoryan.

Works by David Sollie.

A work of visual fiction- surrounding the life of Armenian chemist, Narek Grigoryan.

at the Bockley Gallery

A little blurb that ran in our Mpls. St. Paul Magazine "Edge of Camp" presented at The Bockley Gallery.

More on Frank Big Bear  as a matter of fact, besides being an unbelievable artist, he drove cab while raising his family and becoming an artist.

WE ARE FOREVER ENRICHED WHEN WE COME TOGETHER WITH OTHERS.

So depending on the incoming snow which is headed my way, I'm hoping to have an enriching weekend, how about you?

Bockley Gallery is at 2123 W. 21st Street just west of The Lake of the Isles.

So a visit there, and hanging out in the neighborhood, is a win, win.

More here about the Lake of the Isles.

Alphabe- Thursday - Lopsided

Explanation of Ziva here.

NCIS scripts: LOPSIDED.  Is it just me?  Or, does anyone else feel this way too?

It's time again for Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday.

My letter L for this assignment is - Lopsided.

Lopsided, as in much lopsidedness for the television show N.C.I.S.

This post is for fans and followers of N.C.I.S. (the way it was) before it became The New Special Agent Bishop Show.

I never enjoy wishing anyone off a show, but the actress it appears, they are replacing Ziva with, is one you'd believe would be history, especially after last night.  

If this were the real world of NCIS-  (Ellie Bishop) would be GONE! 

Ironically, she, Emily Wickersham, was in the film Gone.

 Of course, nobody could completely replace, Ziva.

Here is a link where you can vote to bring Ziva back.  Will it work?  It's worth a try right?

I'm not saying this isn't a worthy actress.  

But do you WANT HER CONSUMING 98 % OF THE SHOW?

Does anyone else agree?

What I missed most from last night's episode of N.C.I.S. and frankly the last few new episodes, before their short break.

It's not that they weren't in last night's episode, it's just that their exposure was too limited. 

FIRST and foremost, I miss the character Special Agent, Leroy Jethro Gibbs.  The man we've come to respect, the way he was, not what he's become lately.

Abby Sciuto

 Abby's information here, thanks Wikipedia.

It felt like she had about four minutes of viewing time.

Cool hat though!

I missed a worthy appearance of all these characters.  As for Gibbs, the manner in which they are airing him lately, is not the GIBBS we've come to respect and enjoy.  Wikipedia discussing season 9.

Anthony DiNozza

More about him here.

Great writing for DiNozza's response after their capture at the airport in last night's episode.

He had a few more minutes of viewing time, but not enough.

Donald Mallard Ducky.

Ducky on the Wiki here.

He had a lovely conversation during the shower of the dead guy moment, but again, not enough of Ducky.

Oh that's right they opened the show with Bishop hitting balls, and they closed the show with her hitting balls.  Oh, and hugging Gibbs.

Jimmy Palmer, Ducky's side kick.  Who doesn't enjoy his insightful humor?

Hmm, let's see was Jimmy there last night? 

Timothy Probie) and (McGeek or McGoo) McGee.

More about Probie here.

Yep, he was there, very briefly.

Is it me, or does anyone else feel like our beloved characters are riding shotgun to the show, and their actual parts are those puppets being pulled by the hands of one new character?

IMDB information about NCIS TV series since 2003 here.

Well played Ziva, every time!

More about her here.

I (and a trillion more) miss Ziva, and yet, I'm willing to allow her the grace of making her own necessary moves.  I'm extremely happy they didn't kill her off, as they have done in the past.  Nobody likes to see their long time characters, killed, much less shot in the head.  

It's just seems to me, that it's horrible enough to not have our Ziva anymore, but to bring a replacement at the expense of seeing our characters in their usual status, is even a greater loss.

I'm left with two thoughts.  Is somebody secretly trying to sabotage this show?  Or, is this new replacement for Ziva's spot, related to someone highly associated with this show's maker?

It's not that I don't care for the actress, Emily Wickersham, let her roll on the show.  But please, CBS or the responsible party, JUST NOT at the expense of our beloved, carried the show all these years, enjoyable and willing to be on the show, characters.

Thematic Photographic - Made of Steel

MY HEART IS TRUE AS STEEL. - William Shakespeare

Home sweet home?  Just one more place where our love grows stronger than steel.

Life is a canvas of many strokes, where shades from different palettes meet into a picture so concrete that some forget it is their own, so become framed themselves. - Vanna Bonta

THEMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC

Carmi's theme is Made of Steel

As Carmi so often says, shoot and tell our own story.  There are no rights and wrongs here.

Our family's love for each other, is made of steel.

I hope they steal my heart forever.

The more you love, the more live you have to give.  It's the only feeling we have which is infinite. -  Christine Westover

The Mag - 205

Life isn't always just a tiptoe through the tulips, but when it is, it truly is worth dancing about.

THE MAG

canta y no llores

(sing and do not cry)

Her hands upon his hip

his tight against her slip.

Wondrous escapades of enticing motions

beneath her ever questing notions.

She pressing her limits

he counting the minutes.

Slowly sinking down before him as she

puts toe to key. 

The music plays upon her own restless flesh

as his maleness feels ever fresh.

All hands astray in quivering caresses

as wind rustles through grasses.

His humid breath behind her ever blazing. 

A melody of lingering moans matching

endless exquisite harmonies

all slipping into vast wondrous symphonies.

Thank you, Tess Kincaid, for bringing such inspiring photos for our magpie tales each week.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday - 2 February 2014

Let the hunt begin again, as we join Ashley Sisk, at Ramblings and Photos blog, with her weekly challenge.

Ashley hopes we're able to uncover these lucky items.  Beverage, snuggle, thick, behind the lens, where were you?

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY

1.  Beverage

Following my morning coffee.

2.  Snuggle

"Cousin, I just love you so much."

3.  Thick

Thick with layer after layer of snow.  So sorry, little birdies.

My focus wasn't just on capturing these alluring, ice sculptures, but also on Mr. (unknown to me) Photographer, as he positioned his camera about the St. Paul Winter Carnival.

4.  Behind the Lens

From this angle-

To this view, before he really gets serious.

Behind the lens, even if it takes rolling on the ground, for that perfect shot.

5.  Where were you?

I waited, and waited and still, you never came to get me.

"You were waiting for me?"




Thank you sharing this week's Sunday Scavenger Hunt.  If you wish to view more, or bring your own hunt to life, go here.

Six Word Saturday - 1 February 2014

"Excellent I cried!"  "Elementary." said he.

and remember this-

Grab a genuine, bona fide book my child, you won't ever be sorry you did.

SIX WORD SATURDAY

Where Cate, from Show my face blog, asks what's happening in our life to be explained in six words.

IS THERE NO PLACE LIKE HOLMES?

Have you ever heard of a boy named,

Griffin Sharpe?  Did you know that he truly met Sherlock Holmes, and that time travel does exist?

This appears to be just what I was searching for,

during a recent visit to the library.

I just hope it's thrilling enough to contain a nine year old boy, that's indeed hungry for a spine tingly, mysterious read of sorts.  Not too scary, but
 mind-gripping all the way.

This selection, written by Jason Lethcoe, author of, "You Wish" and these as books as well.

Perhaps you've heard of him?

I believe discovering Lethcoe is crucial to rousing any child's attention, and also, he's able to maintain control of it until the very last page.

Some times it feels like being a Rocket Scientist, just to get some things accomplished with the younger, growing minds of today.

Grab a genuine, real-live book my child, you won't ever be sorry you did.


How could it not be highly stimulating and an electrifying 
read for anyone?
It's-

 About the world's most secret detective.



An interesting letter from Jason Lethcoe to clear up a few intriguing questions brought forth while reading "No Place Like Holmes" can be read here.



Thanks for stopping by, and if you wish to view more Six Word Saturday posts go here.

Sepia Saturday - 213 - Feb 1- 2014

You may be wondering why in the world I would post a photo like this?  Hint- vacation memory from my childhood.  This location is outside Florence, Arizona where my grandfather spent the majority of his life, as a rancher.



You may recall that I've mentioned him before.


So, speaking of vacations, or as Alan says, let's take a holiday- Yes!

Alan has gifted us with an open suitcase all stuffed and ready for a joyful holiday.  So please do gather your old photos and bring them here.  Or, just sit back and enjoy my Arizona tour.

No cell phones please!  Just kidding! Well a holiday, or family vacation in my childhood always included a sleepover, or stay over in a motel, where we would simply, spend the night.  We were always early to rise and back on the road again.

Holbrook, Arizona

Not just any motel either.  Swimming pools, weren't essential, yet many offered them.  We desired only two main requirements.  Can you see the AAA sign and, any mention that pets are allowed?  If not, it'd be necessary that my father turn away from the Wigwam Motel.

Sometimes it felt like we drove on and on before finally landing one too.

Truxton, Arizona

Oops, not here either.  Drive on, this looks a bit too desolate right?

SEPIA SATURDAY



You are surely welcome to pack your bags and journey with me.  Or, if you'd rather take the high road and board a cruise ship or take a stay in an extraordinary out of this world classy New York City hotel, you may want stop here.


Perhaps it's the blistering blizzards and endless powdery clouds of snow day after grey sky day but the endless days of frozen tundra temperatures, are beginning to get rather tiring.   So, yes I'm really hungry for a bite of dust between my teeth and perspiration dripping from my forehead.  Seriously.

Let's roll!


First Destination:
Monument Valley, Navajo- Tse' Bii' Ndzisgaii  More information from the Navajo Nation Monument Park here.

Beautiful isn't it?  I don't care that it's the desert.  Monument Valley, Arizona if you desire specifics.

Pictured is Jimmy Swinnerton ( dean of desert artists) and Bill Bender (working cowboy turned artist who as a child idolized Swinnerton and his lifestyle)

In Monument Valley

The story of James Swinnerton and the time he spent here from 1906 to the late 1950's can be read here.

Notice the Rainbow Bridge sign?
What could be more satisfying?  Of course, include me in any tour for the Rainbow Bridge. 

Looking west, petrified forest National Park Road and Bridges, Holbrook Navajo County, Arizona.  Note Rainbow Museum at rear.

Rainbow Museum.

Jim Camp Wash Bridge, spanning Jim Camp Wash at Route 10, Holbrook, Navajo County, AZ.



 Going back to the building with Jimmy and Bill, if you look closely, this rustic, lime stone appearing little shanty is also the Post Office.


Jimmy's wife Gretchen had this to say about their holiday to the Monument Valley.  "Each year from the first of June until the latter part of July, desert fever stirs our household with a grip stronger than an octopus."

I can relate to that feeling right now.  Blame it possibly on all my childhood holiday/trips that my family and I would encompass, every summer during our long scenic drives from Michigan to my grandfather's ranch in Arizona.

Gretchen continued with more.  "Why I do this each year I have never been able to figure out because it's the same trip, same road, auto cams and climate, and has been for the last several years...."  She added that the two had decided to "tour Old Mexico next year, and I'll keep my fingers crossed until summer comes again," but she concluded "I know Jimmy, and we will see Arizona again next year."

If I could explain to Gretchen the reason why, one endures this journey, this would be it.  It's all about that small little voice, that fully awakens within many of us, with a sensation so unbearably exciting, it can't be ignored.

Gretchen Swinnerton

Being completely honest about James Swinnerton, or Jimmy as his wife refers to him, these trips undoubtedly were all about incredible gifts from his muse.  See here for full disclosure.

There are folks that would describe the desert, even here in Monument Valley as being a bleak and dismal emptiness.

Never, James Swinnerton,a true artist unable to quench his thirst, year after year, as he discovers and delivers so much from so little.

My gift to you is a painting by Jimmy Swinnerton, enjoy his insight.

Full Wikipedia about Jimmy Swinnerton here.

A natural arch in Monument Valley, Arizona was named "Swinnerton Arch" in his honor.

Jimmy Swinnerton, died in Palm Springs at the age of 98, and his canvases are still in high demand.


Well, that concludes this trip/holiday and it's back on the road again!

Look there, it's the Triple AAA sign, and new COLOR TV'S too!

I always have to thank, The Library of Congress and especially their prints and photo department, that not only offer many photos for us to use, but just visiting their fact filled, supply of information and photos as well, is like going on a holiday as well.

THANK YOU LIBRARY OF CONGRESS and all the folks that work there.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed our visit to Arizona!