the elegance of words

come on over

2011-09-20T19:50:00.000-04:00

My 365 project ended months ago, but I'm still blogging over on a little light reading, where I'm halfway through a 53 project to document life here on Cape Cod. Stop by and become a follower!

day 365 of 365

2010-12-31T00:01:00.004-05:00

I'm all out of words. Speechless.

Well... just about. Here I am at the end of my 365 journey, and the end of 2010, and I'm absolutely flabbergasted that so many of you stuck with me through to this last moment. You've all been so supportive, and reading your comments each day and following YOUR photo projects has been a truly amazing experience. I have found such a fabulous community of photographers and writers and artists here in blog-land and on flickr, and I've made some amazing new friends -- something I didn't really think was possible on the faceless internet. Thank you one and all.

Please join me on my regular blog, a little light reading, for my upcoming 53-project -- it will feature a series of photo essays, a chance to share your work, some giveaways, and other fun stuff.

There's not much more to say...except that I've loved every minute of this journey, and I love all of you. May 2011 be the best year ever. And so with that:

day 364 of 365

2010-12-30T07:46:00.000-05:00

364 days ... the journey's almost done. We've traveled a long way together, and my mermaid tail is getting a little tired.

day 363 of 365

2010-12-29T07:51:00.001-05:00

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles.

day 362 of 365

2010-12-28T07:57:00.002-05:00

Caution: Men working overhead.

day 361 of 365

2010-12-27T07:32:00.000-05:00

The winter woods are full of delicate beauty, if you look very carefully. Click here to see more winter beauty.

day 360 of 365

2010-12-26T09:05:00.000-05:00

My stove is very chatty first thing in the morning.

day 359 of 365

2010-12-25T08:02:00.000-05:00

Happy Christmas, one and all!

day 358 of 365

2010-12-24T08:47:00.000-05:00

day 357 of 365

2010-12-23T07:18:00.000-05:00

Treetop: holly holiday edition.

day 356 of 365

2010-12-22T07:48:00.002-05:00

Squash. I love that word.

This squash is a little lonely, left to fend for itself in a frosty field.

OK -- we're coming down to the wire on this 365 project. Less than 10 days left, and then it is done! For those of you who've been faithfully following along, we need not part company after it's all over. Pop on over to my other blog, a little light reading, and become a follower, or subscribe via RSS, or bookmark it in your browser. Because next week, when this blog is all done, I'll be starting what I'm calling my "53 project," which is a lot like a 52-week project except that I'll be turning 53 in 2011 and so I'm throwing in an extra week at no additional cost. :) There will be a photo essay every week, giveaways, and a glimpse into life here on Cape Cod. Please join me!

day 355 of 365

2010-12-21T08:22:00.001-05:00

This barn window was both a mirror, reflecting the woods behind me, and a portal through to the window on the other side.

day 354 of 365

2010-12-20T07:52:00.001-05:00

Raise your hand if you've ever actually had cod liver oil. We used to take cod liver oil capsules with our morning vitamin when we were kids. I can still remember the smell.

day 353 of 365

2010-12-19T07:08:00.000-05:00

Nice hat!

day 352 of 365

2010-12-18T04:44:00.003-05:00

A girl can dream.

day 351 of 365

2010-12-17T19:51:00.001-05:00

day 350 of 365

2010-12-16T19:33:00.004-05:00

day 349 of 365

2010-12-15T07:37:00.000-05:00

OMG. I am now the proud owner of a fantastic Yummy Goods shopping bag. Melissa=awesome!

day 348 of 365

2010-12-14T04:44:00.000-05:00

day 347 of 365

2010-12-13T07:46:00.004-05:00

The Library's got a new toy.

Some people say that technology like this means the death of the book and the death of libraries, but I don't agree. More people than ever are coming to use the library, and to ask about old-school AND new-school books and technologies. To me, it's just another way to interpret the written word.

Thus endeth my sermon. Now I get to play!

day 346 of 365

2010-12-12T09:14:00.001-05:00

Our family has a funny story about a white Christmas tree.... one of those tell-it-every-year kind of stories. This pretty little one shines out of the window at Yummy Goods in West Barnstable.

I'm featuring some holiday lights on my other blog today. Come on over and see them sparkling!

And while you're over there, become a follower of that blog. In less than 20 days, this project will be ending, and a new one will begin over there. You won't want to miss it!

day 345 of 365

2010-12-11T08:28:00.002-05:00

Again with the roofs. This one's decorated for the holidays.

day 344 of 365

2010-12-10T04:44:00.003-05:00

He's so friendly. Every time I drive by he waves hello. I think he's got a little thing for me.

day 343 of 365

2010-12-09T07:58:00.000-05:00

Peace on earth, and good will towards all.

day 342 of 365

2010-12-08T07:29:00.001-05:00

A special poem written and illustrated for me by my 9 year old cousin Claire. I am touched beyond words:

Lucy the Librarian

She loves to read
She loves to write
Column after column
She'll read all night.

Faster, faster
On she goes
It's hard to believe
All the words she knows.

Rocks, astronomy
Nouns and worms
Lucy knows everything
Every single term.

We all love Lucy
She's so much fun
She's the best Library Director
Under the sun!!!

day 341 of 365

2010-12-07T08:04:00.000-05:00

Put out to pasture.

day 340 of 365

2010-12-06T08:38:00.001-05:00

What do you see when you look at this photo? Is it a photo of a broken window, or more than that? Are you a literal or figurative person? Or does your vision embrace both points of view?

I dedicate this photo to my fellow Muse Kat -- because after I took it I realized that I'd captured a frame within a frame -- just like she'd discussed in her recent blog post. Thanks Kat!

day 339 of 365

2010-12-05T08:51:00.000-05:00

There's a thriving Amish community out in eastern New York, where we went for Thanksgiving. I've just posted some photos of the beautiful countryside in that neck of the woods. Come see!

Oh, and while you're there, you might want to become a follower. In just a few weeks, I'll be embarking on another year-long project, and it will take place over there. It's hard to believe that this 365 project is coming to a close! It seems like just yesterday that I posted my first post. Thank you all for sticking with me this long!

day 338 of 365

2010-12-04T09:20:00.000-05:00

His and hers outhouses, behind a Baptist church in New York farm country.

day 337 of 365

2010-12-03T05:00:00.001-05:00

In case you were wondering, the answer is yes. There ARE rats -- RATS! -- on Cape Cod. I know, because I was given one as a gift by my very thoughtful cat. Um....thanks?

day 336 of 365

2010-12-02T07:43:00.000-05:00

Farm equipment at the edge of a field ... or sculpture garden?

day 335 of 365

2010-12-01T07:42:00.000-05:00

What's all the fuss about feet photos? Come on over to Mortal Muses today, where I'm getting in touch with my inner foot fetish.

day 334 of 365

2010-11-30T07:37:00.001-05:00

With two birds you can get crystal clear reception. With three birds you can get top-secret transmissions from Yugoslavia.

day 333 of 365

2010-11-29T07:55:00.000-05:00

A message from your local Temperance Union.

day 332 of 365

2010-11-27T22:06:00.001-05:00

It is a family tradition to stand outside and wave white hankies or napkins as visitors drive out of sight. This was our sendoff as we left Halcyon Farm after a lovely Thanksgiving stay. So long! Farewell!

day 331 of 365

2010-11-26T23:29:00.001-05:00

As a child I was an indiscriminate berry-taster,

ignoring the perils of bitterness or poison,

determined to discover some new sweetness

even in the cold grey days of late November.

day 330 of 365

2010-11-25T15:00:00.002-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and I've only just swallowed my last bite of turkey.

day 329 of 365

2010-11-24T07:54:00.000-05:00

Have you noticed the power (and beauty) in power lines?

day 328 of 365

2010-11-23T08:35:00.000-05:00

Some trees. Such show-offs. When everyone else has politely dropped their leaves, they hold out so they can have the last word.

day 327 of 365

2010-11-22T07:41:00.001-05:00

Moonlight is sculpture --Nathaniel Hawthorne

day 326 of 365

2010-11-21T08:16:00.001-05:00

Happiness is when the wind blows the leaves into the neighbor's yard. :)

day 325 of 365

2010-11-20T07:42:00.000-05:00

day 324 of 365

2010-11-19T07:30:00.000-05:00

day 323 of 365

2010-11-18T07:39:00.000-05:00

day 322 of 365

2010-11-17T07:46:00.001-05:00

day 321 of 365

2010-11-16T07:27:00.000-05:00

A few hangers-on, showing off their brilliance.

day 320 of 365

2010-11-15T07:38:00.001-05:00

I'd like a half-serving of moon, with a side order of treetops, please.

I'm featuring treetops over on a little light reading today. Stop by!

day 319 of 365

2010-11-14T07:50:00.000-05:00

A little late bloomer finally succumbs to the frosty weather.

day 318 of 365

2010-11-13T06:29:00.000-05:00

Bokeh -- it's hard to describe and a little elusive. I'm musing about it over on Mortal Muses today. Stop by and share the beautiful blur.

day 317 of 365

2010-11-12T07:54:00.000-05:00

We've had a week of wild wind. The trees have been dancing against the sky.

day 316 of 365

2010-11-11T08:26:00.000-05:00

Words are flowing out
like endless rain into a paper cup,
They slither while they pass
they slip away across the universe.

day 315 of 365

2010-11-10T07:53:00.000-05:00

November forecast: Wind. Rain. Bare trees. Raw gray days. Cold dark nights. Hot tea. Steaming soup. Good books. Warm blankets.

day 314 of 365

2010-11-09T07:38:00.000-05:00

The last of the yellow tomatoes, blown over by the blustery November wind.

day 313 of 365

2010-11-08T07:50:00.001-05:00

Felt + scissors + needle + thread + beads + sequins = ornaments.

day 312 of 365

2010-11-07T08:02:00.003-05:00

This is a real street in Harwich, just a few miles away from this street.

day 311 of 365

2010-11-06T09:40:00.000-04:00

Here's another entry in my roof series. This cupola reminded me of something out of a children's book or nursery rhyme -- maybe part of the "little crooked house" or the "house the Jack built." It makes a nice perch for this seagull, who can see out to Lewis Bay from this lofty vantage point.

day 310 of 365

2010-11-05T07:31:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure if this crow is eating or praying. Or maybe doing some crow-yoga. Downward crow pose?

day 309 of 365

2010-11-04T07:57:00.000-04:00

These are the last of the fall flowers in the front yard. They look like pink daisies but I think they're actually chrysanthemums. We got our first hard frost last night, so they'll be dying back soon, too.

I'm musing on night over on Mortal Muses today. Won't you join us?

day 308 of 365

2010-11-03T07:39:00.000-04:00

These men were working atop the new water tower in Centerville. Even though I was very far away and shooting with a telephoto lens, one of them seemed to pose for me. Click on the photo to view it larger.

day 307 of 365

2010-11-02T07:30:00.002-04:00

All fall down.

day 306 of 365

2010-11-01T07:58:00.001-04:00

This photo is for my mother -- may she no longer worry. xoxo

day 305 of 365

2010-10-31T09:38:00.000-04:00

day 304 of 365

2010-10-30T09:37:00.000-04:00

I've been taking a lot of night shots this week. I wandered around downtown Hyannis after dark, and the streets were mostly empty. There's something enticing about the lights pouring out of the windows, inviting you inside. You can see more of my night shots here. And don't forget to stop by Mortal Muses starting tomorrow for 9 days of musing on night.

day 303 of 365

2010-10-29T07:31:00.000-04:00

day 302 of 365

2010-10-28T07:27:00.002-04:00

I've strayed just a little off-theme in my daily photos lately -- but as the blog header says, the theme is to embrace words, actual or implied. And way back last January, I set up some rules for my 365 project, and one of them was: Thou must stick to the theme, OR twist it to thy liking. So, in that case I've succeeded.

But today I've got not only words, but a sign, and books! Three of my favorite things. And now I'm back on track, and all is right with the world.

day 301 of 365

2010-10-27T07:57:00.000-04:00

This branch reminded me of a clothesline, with the leaves all hung out to dry.

Fall color has hit Cape Cod full force this week, and it is so beautiful.

day 300 of 365

2010-10-26T07:42:00.000-04:00

I loved these ghostly little flowers in the gardens at the Vanderbilt Mansion.

I'm musing on my love affair with light over on Mortal Muses today. We're featuring 9 days of inspiration -- and 9 days of amazing giveaways. Stop by!

Oh, and look! It's day 300. Only 65 more days to go before I finish my 365 project. How time does fly.

day 299 of 365

2010-10-25T09:06:00.001-04:00

What the mouse saw.

day 298 of 365

2010-10-23T07:42:00.000-04:00

They really are blue!

day 297 of 365

2010-10-22T07:40:00.002-04:00

Millway after the rainstorm. Beautiful rainbow light.

day 296 of 365

2010-10-21T07:43:00.000-04:00

day 295 of 365

2010-10-20T08:05:00.000-04:00

Dramatic skies over Craigville beach, and just a few brave souls fighting the cold northeast wind.

day 294 of 365

2010-10-19T07:22:00.001-04:00

O fall. I adore you.

day 293 of 365

2010-10-18T07:46:00.001-04:00

Yesterday afternoon I watched the West Barnstable firefighters as they practiced their fire skills and burned down the Sandy Neck Beach bath house. Pretty awe inspiring.

See all my fire photos here.

day 292 of 365

2010-10-17T09:38:00.000-04:00

I cleaned up the container garden on my deck yesterday, and all that's left, except for a few scraggly tomatoes and herbs, is the Swiss Chard, growing happily in the afternoon sun.

I'm musing on simple food over on Mortal Muses today. Come on over!

day 291 of 365

2010-10-16T09:08:00.000-04:00

Bubbly birdbath bokeh....

Stop by my other blog to see photos of my recent visit to Vanderbilt Mansion.

day 290 of 365

2010-10-15T07:21:00.000-04:00

There was something poetic about this filigree of ivy growing on this stucco wall. Delicate and lovely.

day 289 of 365

2010-10-14T07:27:00.000-04:00

This young woman was painting the Hudson River and New York mountains on the grounds of Vanderbilt Mansion.

day 288 of 365

2010-10-13T08:50:00.000-04:00

Who doesn't love a road trip? To see images from my recent travels, check out my post on my other blog.

day 287 of 365

2010-10-13T07:56:00.001-04:00

Click to photo to view larger

day 286 of 365

2010-10-12T07:45:00.000-04:00

Back from my road trip. Going to be catching up a bit.

day 285 of 365

2010-10-11T15:56:00.000-04:00

I love these berries, that turn multiple easter-egg colors in the fall. Anyone out there what they're called? Or want to make up a name?

day 284 of 365

2010-10-08T07:56:00.000-04:00

I'm facing my fears and contemplating flying over on Mortal Muses today. Won't you join me?

day 283 of 365

2010-10-07T19:54:00.000-04:00

Run -- don't walk -- to your nearest library or bookstore, and get this book of amazing photographs by Stephen Wilkes. You can read more about it and see an excerpt gallery at www.ellisislandghosts.com.

day 282 of 365

2010-10-06T07:41:00.000-04:00

She could change everything about her
Using colors bold and bright
But all the colors mix together
To gray.

day 281 of 365

2010-10-05T07:33:00.002-04:00

One foot in front of the other.

day 280 of 365

2010-10-04T07:32:00.000-04:00

Here on Cape Cod, sand gets it's own vanity plate.

I'm sharing some of my impressions of life on Cape Cod on Mortal Muses today. Won't you stop by?

day 279 of 365

2010-10-03T09:25:00.000-04:00

The forbidden path is often the most enticing. To follow or not? That is the question.

day 278 of 365

2010-10-02T18:31:00.000-04:00

day 277 of 365

2010-10-01T07:35:00.000-04:00

I love this boy's expression of excitement and awe. I think we might have a future pilot in the making.

day 276 of 365

2010-09-30T07:06:00.001-04:00

You've got mail!

OK -- you've got to view this large. Click here for a bigger view.

day 275 of 365

2010-09-29T07:19:00.000-04:00

Ah, morning. I love the quiet routine at the start of the day. I'm musing on mornings in an earlier time over on Mortal Muses today. Stop by to see some morning beauty.

day 274 of 365

2010-09-28T07:22:00.001-04:00

Chamber pot. Now that's a word you don't hear much these days.

I've been soaking up history at the Nye family homestead. Come on over to my other blog and see more treasures from a bygone era.

day 273 of 365

2010-09-27T09:33:00.000-04:00

Summer's ship has sailed. So long, summer. Welcome, fall! My favorite time of year.

day 272 of 365

2010-09-26T08:55:00.000-04:00

Constant Comment. It's the way to start your morning.

day 271 of 365

2010-09-25T09:32:00.000-04:00

Flowers for sale -- on the honor system -- on a back road. Who could resist?

day 270 of 365

2010-09-24T07:16:00.003-04:00

Playing with mirrors in Wood's Hole. That's me (waving) and my old college buddy Lindy -- some of you may follow her 365 blog. We got to have dinner and take some pictures and catch up after 30 years apart. Thanks Miss Lindy -- it was wonderful!

day 269 of 365

2010-09-23T07:11:00.000-04:00

Cheers!

day 268 of 365

2010-09-22T07:34:00.000-04:00

It's the first day of fall on Cape Cod. The tourists have closed up their beach umbrellas and gone home.

day 267 of 365

2010-09-21T07:42:00.000-04:00

This person gets an A+ for politeness and motivational reinforcement.