Day 31 May Flower Challenge

Welcome to Day 31 of the May Flower Challenge

I'm fascinated with flowers. They are all over my tiny apartment. I photograph them all the time. I draw, paint, doodle them, create them out of paper... I also see them all over the NYC. Each day I will post flowers and I hope that you will join in. The only rules are that your blog post or flickr photo that you link must contain flowers. Click above on the May Flower Challenge Page to learn more.   

It is the last day of my Mary Flower Challenge.

Thank you for visiting, 

participating, commenting,

linking, enjoying and playing all month.

Here are a few of my favorite 

photos from the past month.

and a few more...

I really cannot say thank you enough. 

I enjoyed visiting each of your blogs and/or flickr photos. 

Your comments always mean the world to me.

Flowers really do have a special place in my heart and soul. 

I am sure that you will see more of them on my blog.

Participate by linking your blog post to my blog post. Each day during May, starting on May 1st, on my blog post I will have a linkytool available so that you can link your specific blog post (not just your blog but the post itself) to my blog post. And, please remember to link back.

Participate by linking to the flickr group - May Flower Challenge- and adding a photo of your flower creation. Make sure you add your photo to the linky below each day that you post.

Day 30 May Flower Challenge - Lupine

Welcome to day 30 of the May Flower Challenge.

I'm fascinated with flowers. They are all over my tiny apartment. I photograph them all the time. I draw, paint, doodle them, create them out of paper... I also see them all over the NYC. Each day I will post flowers and I hope that you will join in. The only rules are that your blog post or flickr photo that you link must contain flowers. Click above on the May Flower Challenge Page to learn more.  

My Mom's garden is bursting with Lupine. 

The plants actually bloom every other year 

so don't be alarmed when you don't see them next year.

Join me tomorrow for the final day of my May Flower Challenge.

Don't forget to hop around an visiting the other blogs.

Participate by linking your blog post to my blog post. Each day during May, starting on May 1st, on my blog post I will have a linkytool available so that you can link your specific blog post (not just your blog but the post itself) to my blog post. And, please remember to link back.

Participate by linking to the flickr group - May Flower Challenge- and adding a photo of your flower creation. Make sure you add your photo to the linky below each day that you post.

Day 29 May Flower Challenge & Creative Color Challenge

Welcome to day 29 of the May Flower Challenge.

I'm fascinated with flowers. They are all over my tiny apartment. I photograph them all the time. I draw, paint, doodle them, create them out of paper... I also see them all over the NYC. Each day I will post flowers and I hope that you will join in. The only rules are that your blog post or flickr photo that you link must contain flowers. Click above on the May Flower Challenge Page to learn more.  

Today I am also linking up with the Creative Color Challenge over on Louise Gale's blog. 

Her color for May is Pink and she happily gave us a good spectrum of pink. I chose to do a pen and ink drawing of pink flowers and share a few flower photographs.

My Mom's garden is just bursting with color.

I just love how the different the pinks are. 

Make sure that you visit the other Color Challenge participants.

 Participate by linking your blog post to my blog post. Each day during May, starting on May 1st, on my blog post I will have a linkytool available so that you can link your specific blog post (not just your blog but the post itself) to my blog post. And, please remember to link back.

Participate by linking to the flickr group - May Flower Challenge- and adding a photo of your flower creation. Make sure you add your photo to the linky below each day that you post.

Day 28 May Flower Challenge & Shared Messages from the Universe

Welcome to day 28 of the May Flower Challenge.

I'm fascinated with flowers. They are all over my tiny apartment. I photograph them all the time. I draw, paint, doodle them, create them out of paper... I also see them all over the NYC. Each day I will post flowers and I hope that you will join in. The only rules are that your blog post or flickr photo that you link must contain flowers. Click above on the May Flower Challenge Page to learn more.  

On Mondays, I usually do a post called Shared Message from the Universe.

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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I walked past this sign in NYC during lunch one day in April. I absolutely love this. 

Being back in my hometown this week reminded me of seeing this. My hometown has around 5,000 people in it - more people than that live in the 4 block radius of my NYC apartment. 

Everyone in my hometown says hi to one another, we wave hello, say thank you and you're welcome, we offer help to one another...

How does this picture make you feel? 

What does it make you think about?

Today's Flower photos I wanted to share with you the simple Dandelion. 

This is pretty standard photo. 

The Dandelion as a whole is in focus and has a blurry background.

The photo below was taken by focusing on the center of the Dandelion.

This blurred the outer flower of the seed that is closest to me.

It allowed me to sharpen the very center.

The photo below I did the opposite of the photo above. 

I focused the outer flower of the seed.

Thus, I blurred the very center of the Dandelion.

There are so many different ways to see the same thing.

How do you see the world around you?

Do you capture it in photos?

So, today on a day (in the USA) when we honor the memory of those that have fought for our freedom, I would like to suggest that we each pass on a little kindness to a stranger today and show a little character. 

You never know, maybe they served to keep you free. 

Participate by linking your blog post to my blog post. Each day during May, starting on May 1st, on my blog post I will have a linkytool available so that you can link your specific blog post (not just your blog but the post itself) to my blog post. And, please remember to link back.

Participate by linking to the flickr group - May Flower Challenge- and adding a photo of your flower creation. Make sure you add your photo to the linky below each day that you post.

Day 27 May Flower Challenge - Poppy

Welcome to day 27 of the May Flower Challenge.

I'm fascinated with flowers. They are all over my tiny apartment. I photograph them all the time. I draw, paint, doodle them, create them out of paper... I also see them all over the NYC. Each day I will post flowers and I hope that you will join in. The only rule is that your blog post or flickr photo that you link must contain flowers. Click above on the May Flower Challenge Page to learn more. 

My first morning in Wisconsin was beautiful 

but the weather called for high winds and rain later in the day. 

As a photographer, this meant that I needed 

to take advantage early before the flowers 

lost their petals or were damaged.

This lone Poppy was just waiting to be photographed. 

 It's petal edges were a little tattered 

but it's orange color just begged to be photographed.

I love how the morning light danced across it's face.

Trying to look through the petals. 

The wind would often twist the petals while I was photographing. 

I love the unexpected shot below.

 I am so glad that I chose to take a few shots of the wonderful orange poppy. 

A couple of hours later when I  went back 

to try to catch a couple more shots 

the wind had scattered the petals 

- no where to be found.

Do me a favor and remember to catch 

a few moments with your camera today.

Participate by linking your blog post to my blog post. Each day during May, starting on May 1st, on my blog post I will have a linkytool available so that you can link your specific blog post (not just your blog but the post itself) to my blog post. And, please remember to link back.

Participate by linking to the flickr group - May Flower Challenge- and adding a photo of your flower creation. Make sure you add your photo to the linky below each day that you post.

Day 26 May Flower Challenge - Last Year's Coneflowers

Welcome to day 26 of the May Flower Challenge.

I'm fascinated with flowers. They are all over my tiny apartment. I photograph them all the time. I draw, paint, doodle them, create them out of paper... I also see them all over the NYC. Each day I will post flowers and I hope that you will join in. The only rule is that your blog post or flickr photo that you link must contain flowers. Click above on the May Flower Challenge Page to learn more. 

 Sometimes last year's flowers still have some beauty.

As I was sharing my recent photos with my Mom yesterday we went past the three below. 

She wanted to know where I had seen them in her garden because they should have been cut down.

I explained that I loved the simple beauty. 

The detail of the dried flowers.

The curled petals.

The color.

Coneflower or Echinacea


Where are you finding beauty? 

I hope you are enjoying my flower a day in May posts.

Participate by linking your blog post to my blog post. Each day during May, starting on May 1st, on my blog post I will have a linkytool available so that you can link your specific blog post (not just your blog but the post itself) to my blog post. And, please remember to link back.

Participate by linking to the flickr group - May Flower Challenge- and adding a photo of your flower creation. Make sure you add your photo to the linky below each day that you post.

Day 25 May Flower Challenge & A Little Bliss

Welcome to day 25 of the May Flower Challenge.

I'm fascinated with flowers. They are all over my tiny apartment. I photograph them all the time. I draw, paint, doodle them, create them out of paper... I also see them all over the NYC. Each day I will post flowers and I hope that you will join in. The only rule is that your blog post or flickr photo that you link must contain flowers. Click above on the May Flower Challenge Page to learn more. 

Also, today I'm linking up with Liv Lane.  Every Friday, Liv hosts the Little Bliss List link party...it is about listing the little things that have touched our hearts and made us feel joy, peace, warmth, love and/or a little bliss during the past week. So, I'm jumping on the bliss band wagon.  

This week is about family bliss.

1. I'm thankful for the "Moon Taxi" that is always so prompt to meet me at the airport (even when my flight is almost 2 hours late on arrival). Dad's are the best!

2. Hugs from my niece, who even at 18 years old, still gets excited to see me and has to spend the night at my parents house with me. So, fun! Love her!

3. My Mom's garden. It is so beautiful and on my first morning here I couldn't resist taking pictures for a couple of hours. Today's post features shots of a Purple Sensation Allium.

4. No skyscrapers...on the drive from the airport I could see the sky; the smile of the moon, the stars, the silhouette of trees against the sky... I know most of you see this all the time but living in Manhattan - it just doesn't happen. 

5. I'm so thankful, again this week, for Superman. He's back home in NYC taking care of the Creative Team, Tucker and Java, our cats while I am attending my nieces high school graduation. Love you, Superman!

What has brought you bliss this week? Get inspired by reading the other bliss bloggers today by clicking over to Liv's blog. 

Also, don't forget to visit the other May Flower Challenge participants by clicking on their links below.

Participate by linking your blog post to my blog post. Each day during May, starting on May 1st, on my blog post I will have a linkytool available so that you can link your specific blog post (not just your blog but the post itself) to my blog post. And, please remember to link back.

Participate by linking to the flickr group - May Flower Challenge- and adding a photo of your flower creation. Make sure you add your photo to the linky below each day that you post.

Day 24 May Flower Challenge - Daisies

Welcome to day 23 of the May Flower Challenge.

I'm fascinated with flowers. They are all over my tiny apartment. I photograph them all the time. I draw, paint, doodle them, create them out of paper... I also see them all over the NYC. Each day I will post flowers and I hope that you will join in. The only rules are that your blog post or flickr photo that you link must contain flowers. Click above on the May Flower Challenge Page to learn more. 

I love the simplicity of Daisies.

What is it about flowers that you like you so much?

Participate by linking your blog post to my blog post. Each day during May, starting on May 1st, on my blog post I will have a linkytool available so that you can link your specific blog post (not just your blog but the post itself) to my blog post. And, please remember to link back.

Participate by linking to the flickr group - May Flower Challenge- and adding a photo of your flower creation. Make sure you add your photo to the linky below each day that you post.

Day 23 May Flower Challenge & WOYWW

 Welcome to day 23 of the May Flower Challenge.

I'm fascinated with flowers. They are all over my tiny apartment. I photograph them all the time. I draw, paint, doodle them, create them out of paper... I also see them all over the NYC. Each day I will post flowers and I hope that you will join in. The only rules are that your blog post or flickr photo that you link must contain flowers. Click above on the May Flower Challenge Page to learn more.  

This week I moved my desk to my bed. (Yes, the joys of a small apartment and a small desk.)

I wanted to change the flowers that have hung above my bed for years. When I first moved into this apartment I bought canvases and used my pastels to create some flower art which you will see below eventually.  

I love the wall clings/decals that you can buy on etsy. I especially love the flowers shaped ones and I figured that I could make them myself. Living in an apartment means I am not allowed to paint the walls so I decided to I created my own decals.

I went to local hardware store and purchased some contact paper - yes, the kind that your mother used to line the kitchen shelves. I chose a lovely red swirl on white design. Keeping it subtle since my bedroom wall is also my living area wall and we would see it every day all the time.

I first cut out a flower trying to keep it whole.

 Next, I cut around the flower that I just cut out creating another flower outline this time.

Then I cut out a bunch of small flowers.

The old pictures are on the top and the new do it yourself wall cling/decals are below.

Here is a closer photo. Sorry that I had to use a flash but it has been overcast and rainy in NYC during the past 3 days.

I really love how they turned out. I'm thinking though that 2 large flowers may not be enough. I think I may need to add some more.

Have you done any DIY projects lately?

Besides posting for my May Flower Challenge I am also linking up with What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday - WOYWW over at Stamping-Ground so hop on over and visit a few desks to see what everyone has been working on this past week.

Participate by linking your blog post to my blog post. Each day during May, starting on May 1st, on my blog post I will have a linkytool available so that you can link your specific blog post (not just your blog but the post itself) to my blog post. And, please remember to link back.

Participate by linking to the flickr group - May Flower Challenge- and adding a photo of your flower creation. Make sure you add your photo to the linky below each day that you post.

Day 22 May Flower Challenge - Architectural Elements

  Welcome to day 22 of the May Flower Challenge.

I'm fascinated with flowers. They are all over my tiny apartment. I photograph them all the time. I draw, paint, doodle them, create them out of paper... I also see them all over the NYC. Each day I will post flowers and I hope that you will join in. The only rules are that your blog post or flickr photo that you link must contain flowers. Click above on the May Flower Challenge Page to learn more.  

I continue to see flowers in the architecture around Manhattan.

When Superman and I are out and about my camera is usually in my hand. 

He often has to pause and wait for me while I snap a picture. 

This Brownstone (townhouse) has floral elements all over it's facade.

A Carriage House on the Upper East Side.

A floral window grate. To me, it looks like the flowers are dancing below. 

Join me tomorrow when I share how I created my own floral wall clings/decals. 

Participate by linking your blog post to my blog post. Each day during May, starting on May 1st, on my blog post I will have a linkytool available so that you can link your specific blog post (not just your blog but the post itself) to my blog post. And, please remember to link back.

Participate by linking to the flickr group - May Flower Challenge- and adding a photo of your flower creation. Make sure you add your photo to the linky below each day that you post.

Day 21 May Flower Challenge & Shared Messages from the Universe

 Welcome to day 21 of the May Flower Challenge.

I'm fascinated with flowers. They are all over my tiny apartment. I photograph them all the time. I draw, paint, doodle them, create them out of paper... I also see them all over the NYC. Each day I will post flowers and I hope that you will join in. The only rules are that your blog post or flickr photo that you link must contain flowers. Click above on the May Flower Challenge Page to learn more.  

On Mondays, I usually do a post called Shared Message from the Universe.

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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Last week I shared the photo of the truck with a flower on the back of it. If you missed it click here. This week. as I was looking back through my photos from the past month, I came across the above photo.  This was taken the same day as last week's Shared Message from the Universe photo.

What are you crazy for?

I remember taking the picture and thinking...chocolate, coffee, sand between my toes, the sun on my face, animals, creating art, Superman, my family, my friends who are my family, cowboy boots, being in the moment, taking pictures, watching people, discovering something new, flowers, hot tea, a good book...

What are you crazy for?

The photo below is of my favorite flower beds. This townhouse is on 79th Street in Manhattan and every year it has the most beautiful flower beds.  Whomever lives here must be crazy about flowers, too.

Last weekend as Superman and I walked home from Central Park we walked past this building (below). We've walked past it numerous times before during the past 5 years but I've never looked up before.

Check out those flowers!

This building is between 10-12 stories high (I'm going by memory). Whomever designed this building must have loved flowers - at least I'd like to think so.

So, what are you crazy for?

And, what are you doing about it? 

I say...embrace it! 

Participate by linking your blog post to my blog post. Each day during May, starting on May 1st, on my blog post I will have a linkytool available so that you can link your specific blog post (not just your blog but the post itself) to my blog post. And, please remember to link back.

Participate by linking to the flickr group - May Flower Challenge- and adding a photo of your flower creation. Make sure you add your photo to the linky below each day that you post.

Day 20 May Flower Challenge - Sunday Color Snippets Blue

 Welcome to day 20 of the May Flower Challenge.

I'm fascinated with flowers. They are all over my tiny apartment. I photograph them all the time. I draw, paint, doodle them, create them out of paper... I also see them all over the NYC. Each day I will post flowers and I hope that you will join in. The only rule is that your blog post or flickr photo that you link must contain flowers. Click above on the May Flower Challenge Page to learn more. 

Blue

I'm fascinated with blue lately.

I notice the sky more these days 

which I believe draws me to blue more all around me.

I see blue in the Central Park gardens.

Is there a particular color that you are drawn to this week?

Participate by linking your blog post to my blog post. Each day during May, starting on May 1st, on my blog post I will have a linkytool available so that you can link your specific blog post (not just your blog but the post itself) to my blog post. And, please remember to link back.

Participate by linking to the flickr group - May Flower Challenge- and adding a photo of your flower creation. Make sure you add your photo to the linky below each day that you post.