All posts tagged Local Attraction

50 / 52 : “Underground”

Recently, my little family took a spontaneous 3 hour drive. It took us up the side of a mountain to an amazing hole in the ground. We went to explore the gorgeous, gaping depths stretching beneath our feet. Through a doorway, then down rock-carved stairs–reverence and awe instantly caught us off guard. The magnificent Luray Cavern captivated our curiosity during our long walk through its mysterious formations.

50 / 52 : “Underground”

Underground

This is definitely not the most exciting self portrait, especially in comparison to where I was standing. I did not know what to expect and was not very prepared for the awesome photography opportunity the cavern provided. It was truly AMAZING. I could have spent hours exploring under there. Every time we turned a corner it was breathtaking! The “lakes” with their glorious reflections, the vast expanses, the towering, statuesque pillars–a true wonder.

Luray Cavern

Every angle held new rocks, shapes, and textures. It was an easy subject to photograph and also fun to edit.

Luray and Me

My husband took this one, not too bad! 😉

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by Observing Owl on April 15, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Photography, Self Portrait Project, Travel
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Posted by Observing Owl on April 15, 2013

https://observingowl.wordpress.com/2013/04/15/50-52-underground/

41 / 52 : “Cold Nose”

It has been a while. I have been hit with what I call the “project monster” (overloading myself with things to do) and have had some wonderful out-of-town family guests. I will finish this Self Portrait Project hopefully sooner, rather than later. Anyway, I took this photo while out in the lovely Christmas Town at Busch Gardens over the weekend. The temperature/”feels like” was in the low 40’s to high 30’s by the end of the night…so it was a bit chilly. Nothing that some FANTASTIC hot chocolate or well placed area heaters could not fix. I love the cold….not the brutally freezing, just the cold. I would rather shiver than sweat any day!

41 / 52 : “Cold Nose”

My wonderful brother and his amazing wife spend a few days with us and the kids. It has become a Thanksgiving tradition. Christmas Town was better this year because they were there. We ate my favorite smoked BBQ, rode some rides, saw some shows and walked among the paths lined with tons of real, lighted Christmas trees. It was a beautiful time with priceless memories.

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by Observing Owl on November 28, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Family, Fun, Local, Photography, Seasons, Self Portrait Project
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Posted by Observing Owl on November 28, 2012

https://observingowl.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/41-52-cold-nose/

36 / 52 : “Fair Day”

A day at the fair goes way back for me. Some great memories, some fun times – there is nothing like a day at the state fair! The weather was cool and breezy. The scent of greasy pizza, cotton candy, and farm animals was in the air. The sounds of carnies vying for our attention, mingled with the shrieks and clatter of people on rides. Our kids squealed as they chased each other around the pretty green grass of Meadow Event Park. Growing up, I use to enter the photography competition in the Florida State Fair. It was always fun to go and find out what/if you won for your photos. I thought that a self portrait from this year was appropriate for my project. I took a few pictures that day, but this one was my favorite.

36 / 52 : “Fair Day”

I love that my daughter is munching a bite of pretzel. I love my son’s smile with pizza in his cheek. I love that I can take my kids to the fair now and let them create their own memories.

The first animal that we saw was my all-time favorite! They use to have them at the Florida Fair…it is the baby Zebu. I still totally want one. The cutest cow EVER!

We love the animals. I think my kids could have spent all day feeding goats and petting sheep. They really enjoyed watching the baby chicks hatch from eggs and the ducklings splash and slide in their little man-made pond.

I just realized that I have now been writing this blog for about a year now! Here is the post from last year’s trek to the State Fair…I can’t believe how much my kiddos have grown. 🙂

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by Observing Owl on October 1, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Events, Family, Fun, Photography, Self Portrait Project
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Posted by Observing Owl on October 1, 2012

https://observingowl.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/36-52-fair-day/

34 / 52 : “Park Path”

My family and I discovered a new place to play this past week. It is a park very close to our house. There is a playground, hiking trails, a fishing pier, paddle boats/canoes, and shelters for parties. It was really pretty and peaceful. We look forward to going back, especially the kids. They were not happy when we left that playground. My husband is planning on taking some of his marine science students out on the boats for a field trip. It is nice to get out and play once and a while. Next time we’ll have to explore the paths into the woods.

34 / 52 : “Park Path”

 

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by Observing Owl on September 16, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Family, Fun, Local, Photography, Self Portrait Project
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Posted by Observing Owl on September 16, 2012

https://observingowl.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/34-52-park-path/

28 / 52 : “Bubble”

Yesterday my little family took a trip to the Children’s Museum in Portsmouth, Virginia. Didn’t know what to expect, but we were VERY, pleasantly surprised. It was a great museum! Wow…the kids had a blast and I had so much fun documenting their experiences through my lens. One of our favorite areas in the museum was the bubble room. They even had a huge bubble circle that you could stand inside of and make a bubble around you. I have to admit, I do love some bubbles.

28 / 52 : “Bubble”

Sometimes when I am blowing bubbles for my kids outside, I find myself just blowing away even when they have moved on to something else. It is a little bit peaceful and slightly magical to watch the tiny circles floating through the air. It definitely brings out the kid it me.

Had to share my cute kids marveling at the gigantic bubble 🙂

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by Observing Owl on August 4, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Family, Local, Photography, Self Portrait Project
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Posted by Observing Owl on August 4, 2012

https://observingowl.wordpress.com/2012/08/04/28-52-bubble/

24 / 52 : “Stars & Stripes”

Well, this post is a BIT late. I took a sort of computer break this past week…taking care of sick kids. Yesterday was the 4th of July, our country’s day to celebrate independence. It is a beautiful time to spend with family and friends – to pull out the grill and enjoy a warm (or hot in this case) summer day, always remembering those who fought, and fight now for our freedom.

24 / 52 : “Stars & Stripes”

This is the first year we were able to go out to Colonial Williamsburg and sit among the thousands on the historical Lawn and watch the amazing fireworks display behind the Governor’s Palace. It was wonderful to hear the Virginia Symphony Orchestra serenade the crowd as a prelude to the light show. The building behind us is the Courthouse that comes equipped with its own stocks right outside.

My son had fun putting on his own light show with the glow sticks his Daddy bought him.

The fireworks were awesome…loved them! Can’t wait for next year 🙂

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by Observing Owl on July 5, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Events, Family, History, Local, Photography, Self Portrait Project
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Posted by Observing Owl on July 5, 2012

https://observingowl.wordpress.com/2012/07/05/24-52-stars-stripes/

20 / 52 : “Silhouette”

It was a warm, beautiful weekend that made me very grateful to be an American…and very thankful for those who, have and currently, serve our country so bravely and sacrificially. On this Memorial Day, I did pause and remember why it was set aside and I hope you did too. The men and women who give of their time, their lives, for the freedom of this great country blow me away…there is just something incredible about people like that, something I truly can’t put into words. All I can say, from the bottom of my heart, is THANK YOU!

So my weekly portrait is a little late. This holiday weekend I chose to spend off of the computer and with my family. We spent a lot of fun time together outside, around town and beyond. We went to Busch Gardens, Mount Trashmore Park and took a walk on the boardwalk at Virginia Beach. It was sunny, hot and breezy…nice to be together at all the places.

20 / 52 : “Silhouette”

I love this portrait. It is a fun, creative shot amid some playground equipment at Mount Trashmore Park. It is the shape of the sun with the sun. I love how it turned out and can’t wait to go back to take some more photos.

It was my first time at Mount Trashmore, not going to lie, that set of stairs in the “mount” was intimidating for me, but I made it up and it was worth it.

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by Observing Owl on May 28, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Family, Fun, Local, Photography, Self Portrait Project
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Posted by Observing Owl on May 28, 2012

https://observingowl.wordpress.com/2012/05/28/20-52-silhouette/