Thursday, August 13, 2009

Friday Shoot Out - Relaxation

Lena of Spirits of Lena chose Relaxation for this week's Friday Shootout. I'll try to visit those of you participating in the Shoot Out over the next few days.

I do like a good read, but lately I haven't really been up to reading, so I do Word Seek Puzzles. Wouldn't a Bob Hope film be relaxing...

Relaxation


Walking around our yard relaxes me. Here is an Imperial Moth that I spotted on an elephant ear plant yesterday morning.

Imperial Moth "Eacles imperialis"

Imperial Moth "Eacles imperialis"


For my birthday I got a new lens for my camera, a 70-400 mm Sony lens. My Sweetheart knows me well :-D This is the first photo with the new lens. Unfortunately my arm/shoulder isn't strong enough to take hand-held pictures with this lens on my camera yet. I took the picture from my recliner propped on a pillow that I keep in the chair. The picture is through the window which had the blinds down and open. Isn't it amazing to be able to take a picture through a slat of a blind? The picture is of a female Northern Cardinal. The picture is cropped with a little noise reduction... ISO was 800 and the camera on auto.

It is relaxing taking pictures of birds.

Northern Cardinal


Frank wanted to make sure the lens was working properly and took a few more pictures. This is a baby Northern Cardinal. We are hoping that it has survived. It looks too young to have left the nest. It was preening what little feathers it had. I do find it relaxing, but at the same time exciting to look upon nature.

Baby Cardinal

Baby Cardinal


Evening before last Frank spotted this Luna Moth relaxing on the side of his shop. It is a beautiful moth.

Luna Moth "Actias luna"


Looking at flowers and smelling their aromas are relaxing. I find the colors of the Mexican Petunias relaxing.

Mexican Petunia

There you have it... four pictures from me and four from Frank. I love sharing a hobby with him. It is relaxing... most of the time :-D
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26 comments :

  1. I am not a puzzle person. Sometimes I do suduku.

    My students like word search puzzles like yours. May be they get relaxation from doing them.

    have a relaxed weekend

    Cheers,

    Ann:)

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  2. Nice to meet you, Zaroga. It is indeed relaxing to take pictures of birds. On my last vacation I spent hours in a deck chair targeting the jays and cardinals and finches and others to visit my parents' birdfeeder. A zen way to spend a day.

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  3. Wow, that Imperial Moth is impressive. I wouldn't want that flying around my light!

    And I loved the photo of the young cardinal! That's just a great shot.

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  4. your photos are amazing. I love birds and nature - such wonderful shots!

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  5. I LOVE the color of those flowers...I have a weak spot for purple stuff :) I'm very jealous of your new lense - that shot of the bird is fantastic!

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  6. Beautiful photos -- all of them. And I am a puzzle fan of all kinds and am impressed by (1) your confidence to do it ink and (2) the precision and neatness of your lines...although seeing the clarity and focus of your photos, I should not be surprised.

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  7. Wow! A new lens, you are a lucky lady! Beautiful pictures. Keep healing.
    Smiles and Blessings.

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  8. Amazing photographs! The Friday shoot out has inspired me to start searching for a new camara with a better zoom, it is such great fun.

    Sara x

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  9. Love your pictures. My, aren't those baby birds UGLY! You will love your new lens! Jeep has one of those but it's a little too heavy for me. Enjoy your weekend!

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  10. your shots are amazing!! I would say you are learning the new lens very well. Great shoot out Zaroga!!

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  11. Did the baby fall out of the nest? and did it survive? I seldom get to see baby Cardinals.

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  12. I absolutely LOVE that first photo of the crossword puzzle and glasses. What a classic shot! And that little baby bird is just adorable! :) Waht a sweetheart Frank is to get you new lens for your camera for your birthday!

    Glad you're feeling much better!!

    xoxo

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  13. I am happy to hear you are feeling better. I can see you are really enjoying your new camera lens. The pictures it takes are exquisite! What a nice husband!!!
    The baby cardinal is so sweet and I love the shots of the moths. Very relaxing poses, a nice shoot out! have a peaceful, healthy week, Zaroga!

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  14. I love your photos, as always. That puzzle shot is terrific! And the little bird, you can see every little feather! (So cute that he has so few but knows what to do with them!) I'm touched that your beloved joined you in the shoot out.

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  15. Loved the macro of the puzzle book -- the glasses are a great touch. You're doing well with that new lens. Super job on this week's topic. The Mexican Petunia is one of my favorite flowers and it grows wild in my neighborhood.

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  16. Oh those bird photos are AMAZING!

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  17. You found some real treasures in your yard! These are wonderful photos for the theme.

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  18. you took these photos through your window, fantastic. you husbands are good also. I enjoyed the story very much.

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  19. I do crosswords, really love them! Great shots, so glad you and Frank share photography! Les says my camera is too complicated and he is so tall he shoots down and doesn't have a good eye. LOVE the pictures!!

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  20. I am glad to hear you are feeling better as well, and miss your comments, but understand... I forget about puzzles, I used to love them! Not to self...buy some puzzle books for those moments I have to wait in lines, and other un-relaxing moments in life! hugs!

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  21. Beautiful...you've definitely put me at ease :D

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  22. I wish I had the patience to wait for and photograph birds!

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  23. Great pics Zaroga. The clear crisp focus is amazing.

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  24. Very beautiful shots. they are perfect and beautiful. I like them all especially the last one. it's my friend's fave color. :-) thanks for sharing.

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  25. Your pictures are so pretty! I love that luna moth.
    I was trying to find what kind of camera you use. Let me know sometimes. I think you told it on here once but I can't find it.

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  26. Fabulous photos. I have never seen an Imperial moth. They are indigenous to the southern U.S. then? Must google.

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Thank you for visiting my Nook. Your comments are much appreciated.

Make it a great day!

Zaroga