Thursday, January 20, 2011

An Award from Ruth of Synch-ro-ni-zing!, 112/365

Photo courtesy of Ryan of ArborView
Skeletons cavort
Wind frisks, crystal fingers cling
Mid-winter's frolic

The above is a poetry challenge for "Write with Pictures" - a blog that highlights different writing challenges for specific days of the week.  Todays challenge is Thursday's Haiku.  The photographer is Ryan of ArborView.  His blog is mostly devoted to trees, but I saw many beautiful nature photos as well. 

The photo below is for "Partially Seen in January".  I thought it would be a fun contrast photo for the one above.  I took this photo this past summer at a Renaissance Festival.


And really, really fun news.  I saved the best for last.  I won a prize from a wonderful blog friend Ruth of "Synch-ro-ni-zing".  Every day I check to see what is going on over there.  The comments are always fun and often turn in to a conversation amongst her followers, a back & forth.  Ruth is a talented woman, gifted with a warmth and charm that jumps out from the cold computer screen.  Her poetry grabs your soul and her photography is stunning.  And now I find ... she can paint!  

In celebration of "Synchronizing's" 5th blog year, my name was drawn at random.  And I win a painting (6" seasoned oak) of a bluebird.  Bluebirds are special to her - and do you know what.  As I was returning from my walk with my son, a bluebird flew right in front of me and perched on a street sign.  I thought of Ruth immediately - and I have NEVER noticed these birds around here before.  This little guy was doing a bit of a dance - as if to say - "If you are going to take a photo, you must get my best side.  I guess he likes all his sides!  The photos are grainy as I was far away, no tripod and I didn't want to run the risk of scaring him.  Come to find out, Ruth drew my name right around lunchtime the very same day!  Now, if that isn't synchronicity - I don't know what is.




12 comments:

Ruth said...

Margaret, this is just so A-MA-ZING!!! Do you know how much I love it? Of course you do! I can hardly stand how cute he is, looking at you straight on, and turning and posing. Holy cow. Around our parts, bluebirds are very shy, so this really is unusual. I get goosebumps, and I will have even more to contemplate while I'm painting your special bluebird this weekend.

I want to do a bluebird dance!

Pitterle Postings said...

Good gracious! I can't believe you shot a bird this time of year!! The only birds around here are those big, black, annoying ravens. They mostly make a lot of noise and dig through the garbage. Nothing cute about them at all!!

Margaret said...

Ruth - I stayed far away (that is why the photo is so grainy). He flew in front of us quickly (I think there was more than one) but they are so fast - I think they kind of dart about -- hard to follow. I have never noticed this type of bird around here before - my daughter says she has noticed a few within the past couple of weeks. :) I find it amazing too!

Patty Ann - I understand. 50 out today I'm lovin' this "winter" once again.

Lorenzo — Alchemist's Pillow said...

I'll have you know, Margaret (and you, too, Ruth), that just after I found out about Ruth's contest I went out onto the terrace of my attic apartment, and an entire flock of bluebirds swooped down, swept me up in a riot of flapping wings and abducted me. After hours of being given a bluebird eye's view of much of Spain (where bluebirds are never seen), they deposited me back on my terrace, safe and sound, but, naturally, quite shaken up.

I took this as an omen that I would win the coveted Ruth's coveted painting... but, alas, it was not to be. Moral of the story ... don't believe every synchronicity you think you see.

But, seriously, congratulations. The prize couldn't have gone to a nicer blogger than you. I guess your lone bluebird pulled rank on my flock of bluebirds. Have a beautiful weekend.

rauf said...

Truly amazing, looks like same chapee with same attitude Ruth posted a while ago

Carol Blackburn said...

Awesome bluebird shots, Margaret. I love his straight on look you in the eye shot. He looks angry, like he's thinking "what you lookin' at." Absolutely amazing photos.

Carol Blackburn said...

Opps........(I forgot)...congratulations on your winning the award. :)

Justine said...

congratulations on winning your award and these bird shots are absolutely fantastic! I also love your partially seen shot.

Unknown said...

WOW! That shot of the little birdie is wonderful.. I love to try to get photos of birds. Congrats on you win! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,Linda

Margaret said...

Lorenzo - I actually feel guilty because I know so many people would have loved such a painting from Ruth... but not enough to lose sleep over... :) I really am so excited - funny thing about the blue birds - I guess they were just consoling you. ;)

Rauf - Did you read Lorenzo's comment - he was visited by a whole flock. Yes, I am excited

Carol - Well, I wish I had a tripod -but I think they are good for a reference for a painting. I was so afraid he was going to fly away before I got a decent shot.

Justine - I am having so much fun with Partially Seen. Can't wait to see what you come up with for February.. hope you continue with a theme...

Linda - Thank you. Birds are tough - I will see a pose I want and try to wait for it - half the time they fly away before I get a good one.

Ginnie Hart said...

As I already told sister Ruth, I love that YOU won her gift because we both share you as a commenter, Margaret. I am thrilled it was YOU. And to think your bluebird confirmed her choice! It's enough to send chills up my spine...in a good way, of course. :)

Margaret said...

Ginnie - LOL! I am so giddy that I won! I can't wait to post the painted image of the little bluebird on my blog. Ruth said she was mailing it today (Monday). Very exciting!.