52 Photos Project / Week Eighteen / A profile or silhouette

My wonderful father-n-law
Jack Wynn

This week's challenge made me stop and think for a little while.

I kept thinking that my photo would be some side shot of a self portrait I had taken

recently during You are Your own Muse E-course.
Nothing seemed to work for me.

But then I came upon this photo of my father-n-law.

We were in the Outer Banks in the fall last year,

a time I love to be down there.  
When the flood of tourists have come and gone,

the beautiful beaches are more serene and quiet

and there is definitely more privacy.

My father-n-law Jack Wynn was struggling to walk 
and we are always careful where we take him 
to make sure it is easy for him to move around.
He goes like a trooper and never
wants to miss a family moment.

My husband Jimmy had found this hand carved walking stick

and we had given it to him for Christmas.

He took that stick with him down to the ocean.

 While we were all running around the beach,

collecting shells, playing and goofing,

I remember glancing over at my father;

he didn't know I was looking at him,

 he was having a private moment,

all to himself,

pondering what was before him.
I saw only beauty.

I love this photo I was able to capture!

Jack Wynn is an obedient man of God

the leader of our family,

loving, gentle, speaks only with wisdom

 and oh how he loves his family!!

I have been in this Wynn family for 34 years now

and what a loving gift he has been to me.

I have been blessed in this life to have

two wonderful daddy's.

Life just doesn't get any better than that!

52 Photos Project / Week Seventeen / Black and White

Oh how I love Sheep!


I captured this shot while at Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival
an incredible sheep and yarn fiber festival held the first weekend in May
every year.
I have been attending for over fifteen years
and it is an incredible experience.
Every year it gets better and better
and more and more people are attending.
You spend two days going through booth after booth, 
buying hand-dyed fibers and yarns, knitting and weaving goodies.
You go through barn after barn, seeing all the different sheep that
have come to market.
I came across these two adorable sheep and
I wanted to capture them together
and I did in black and white!  
I am always playing with my camera.
So I thought it would be perfect for the photo prompt this week.

Sheep are loving, gentle, quiet, precious and oh so adorable.
I  have loved them as long as I can remember. 
I know that is why I have always enjoyed my weaving and knitting.
Hope you enjoy my photo!

Decided to add this shot my sister took of me that same weekend.

Look at those curly locks!
See I told you I loved sheep!

Joy in Knitting

color color everywhere!

I have been a knitter since I was a little girl . . . truly a little girl!

When I was in the fourth grade, I used to visit two little old ladies and be their

companion in the afternoons, to help my mom who was the assistant manager of a very large apartment complex when we lived in Annapolis, Maryland.

I still remember those two precious ladies!  I think that is why I have a fondness today for little precious older ladies, they have so much to offer us!

They gave me a set of aluminum knitting needles and a skein of bright colored yarn and taught me the basics of knitting and purling . . .

what a treasure that was and I didn't even know it as a little girl.
I know I have spoken of this in the past, but it
has always stayed with me.

the joy and pleasure of the needles!

Today I am still knitting, not as often as I would like to, but still knitting.

I was reminded of that this morning while outside on my back deck.

Me, my coffee, the birds flying around and just my knitting.

The rhythm of the needles is so relaxing

and I find myself in a gentle mood.

I have been working on a pair of baby booties for my co-worker

who is due to have her little girl very soon.

As busy as my life gets with all the things I have to do

somewhere you will find a small knitting project somewhere close by.

I never want to forget my roots . . . seems strange to say that

but it is true.

I think about my blog title and how I came up with it

Gentle Threads

knitting and weaving have always been a part of me

and now I am expanding into other art forms.

I will always be drawn back to fibers.

How lucky for me I get to experience all of the art forms I want to.

saw this sign outside a knit shop in Jackson, Wyoming!

So as I have knitted these booties for Addison's precious little feet

I have thought about the little life that will wear these,

how quickly she will outgrow them,

that her little feet will grow and grow into big girl feet

and it is okay

because

knitting is more than the piece you are creating.

It is about the gentle rhythm of the needles,

the quiet process,

the relaxation and calmness

it brings.

Just being present where you are.

Slowing down enough to create

something beautiful 

for someone you love!

Knitting anyone????

52 Photo Projects / Week Sixteen / A Reflection

Serenity!

Is that me in my creative space?
Self Reflection!

I can't believe that it is already week sixteen of
52 Photo Projects!
I have been learning so much with my new camera
and each week Bella has a thought provoking prompt!
It makes me reach a little deeper with my photography.
Thanks Bella!

It has been a whirlwind week for me
but I always take the time to think about the photo prompt

R E F L E C T I O N
The dictionary describes it this way:
echo, image, contemplation, musing, pondering, wondering
thought, meditation and deliberation

When I reflect on my own life
I think of
love, happiness, raising children,
new directions, friendships,
my art always there,
growth, wisdom, gifts,
spirituality,
letting go even when it hurts,
 teaching myself something new,
stepping out even when it isn't comfortable,
reaching out to those in need,
peace and contentment.

I encourage you to reflect on what makes you happy,
what has formed you, where you have been
and yes
where you will go!
Have a blessed week.
Donna Lee

Bloom where you are!

My finished piece!

I am participating in The Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap again this year with Beth Nichols of Do What You Love for Life.  This is the fourth year she has put this together and I know it must have been an overwhelming task.  I believe her final tally of participants were 180 people from over 20 countries around the world! I can't imagine having to organize everybody, thank you Beth for doing this.

Happy to be participating again!

The idea was to have a theme, this years was BLOOM.  You were to be creative and have fun.  She would send to you where your postcard would be sent to and you in turn would receive one.  She also created a Flicker site where we could post the picture of the postcards that we received.  How fun it is to be a part of it.  I have been working on collage pieces so much lately, to open my Etsy shop, that the creative diversion was a welcome!  I had fun with this little piece.

So I thought I would share with you my creative steps in making it.  First painted the background with Liquitex acrylic, then tore my flowers from vintage pieces of wallpaper I had purchased at Art and Soul Market this year.  I drew with my Pitt marker the stems of the flowers, then painted a few of the leaves with Golden Leaf Green (I love that color), I added sparkles in the center of the flowers, used some of my Washi Tape and vintage lace to represent the ground.  Splattered down some Titanium White acrylic and splashed on the flowers.  Then added the word b l o o m.  I always have a small dictionary at hand I use for my collage, so I added the definition!  I used my pastels to antique the words, and rub the postcard edges, I used bubble wrap and painted some extra texture.   I sealed the card with some modge podge and then stitched the entire border on my sewing machine.  I made several, so here is a small peak at the other postcards I finished.

It was definitely a work of love . . . and as I did last year, I made a few extras to send in the mail.  I love to send a small piece of myself in the mail to let others know I care.  We are forgetting the beauty of a handwritten letter or postcard.  Emails are great, but there is nothing like receiving love in the mail.  I challenge you to do that this week, send a piece of love to someone you know, make their day!

B l o o m . . . where ever you are planted . . . grow from deep within . . . let life's experiences grow your heart and mind . . . love your life and be happy in every way . . . flourish in your walk everyday . . . thrive to be your best . . . grow in wisdom . . . bloom in your life and in your talents and in love!

My received postcard from Pauline of New Brunswick, Canada!

Photo compliments of Do What You Love Flicker Group
A Sampling of the finished work!
Thank you Beth for a wonderful experience.

52 Photos Project / Week Fifteen / Something old and long forgotten

Something definitely old and forgotten

I knew I loved this shot when I took it
while visiting Manteo, North Carolina in the
Outer Banks last weekend!
Manteo is a small fishing village full of quaint shops, boats tied at the docks,
and older houses;  so I guess I truly could have
photographed the entire little town and it would have
been considered old!

The morning I took this there was a wonderful
farmer's market going on near the waterfront.
I strayed away with my camera from the
beautiful booths full of fresh vegetables and flowers.
I found myself going down side streets trying
to capture something different and
there this bike was . . . standing by itself
waiting to be photographed!
I think it captures our photo prompt perfectly!
Made me think too . . .
I don't want to become old and be forgotten!
None of us do.
I plan to age with grace and style!
Elderly people have so much to offer us
They are full of wisdom, character and so much love to give.
We sometimes are afraid of older people,
we shouldn't be!
Take the time to talk to them, take the time
and don't be rushed to get away.
Take the time to listen to what they have to say,
they are special, so very special.

Did you know that Andy Griffith lives
quietly and privately
in Manteo, North Carolina?
  He also acted in
The Lost Colony when he was very young.
That is where he got his acting career started.
Just thought I would share that bit of wisdom with you today.

Just look around you, there is always something old that can be found,
what a waste it would be to forget the things
that were once so full of life!
Donna

Summertime goodness . . .

Saw this sign while in Manteo, North Carolina last weekend.

It got me thinking about what is good for me in my own life.

Somehow I decided that would be my thoughts

for my blog this week.

Summer is a beautiful time to slow ourselves down

enjoy what is right in front of us.

I took the time to roam leisurely through a farmers market

The flowers and vegetables were beautiful

Full of color

Giving me inspiration.

Lately everything inspires me!!!

My heart and creativity are WIDE OPEN.

I look at colors and see a watercolor painting

I see flowers blooming and

recognize God's beautiful palette.

No art instruction book can teach this!

I know what is good for me . . . 

Love and Faith, Family, Friendships that are true, Walks on the beach, 

Beauty in nature, A good book to read,  A quiet morning to write,

Time to paint in my studio, Long Sunday naps,

 Traveling to somewhere I have never been before,

Time with my camera in hand

Quality time with my hubby,

Being with my kids (oh how I love them)

Healthy food and yoga time

Watching an old movie,

Living without stress

Alone time with me, myself and I

Art retreats with my girlies

Time in an art museum

Writing from my heart

Savoring every moment of this life.

This week take the time to be open with yourself

Think about the things that are good for you!

Don't take anything for granted

and if given the chance 

Share them with someone 

as I have with you!

Donna Lee

52 Photos Project / Week Fourteen / Chocolate

Chocolate Yumminess!

This week the photo prompt was chocolate!  I thought that would be an easy thing to take a picture of, I just couldn't decide what I wanted to photograph this week.  So I delayed . . I thought of baking a batch of brownies and putting a scoop of vanilla ice cream on it, I thought of going to Starbucks and getting a cup of my favorite cafe mocha, my husband thought of a Snickers bar (his favorite) and I thought of just taking a picture of a bowl of m and m's.  Then today, while shopping at my absolute favorite grocery store The Fresh Market while deciding on something for dinner . . .there it was Chocolate everywhere!!! Being the newbie photographer that I am, I carry my camera with me, never wanting to miss a shot.  Of course, I did ask the store clerk if it was okay to photograph the cakes! She even took some out of the case for me!  I think cameras definitely bring out the niceness in others and  I know I have gained confidence through the eye of my camera!!

No way I could bake something so beautiful!

Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Chocolate is definitely an indulgence!

It makes us happy, it gives us comfort, and is meant to be shared!

It is delicious, happy, seductive and gives us so much pleasure. 

Fun prompt this week Bella and thanks to her daughter for coming

up with the photo idea this week!  I was a little slow, but I got it!
Excuse me . . . while I perk some yummy coffee and go for something chocolate??

Godiva, Godiva everywhere . . . question is which one to choose?


I just have to end my post with the most precious picture about Chocolate
I think this little man describes it perfectly!
I received this photo the day after I posted from my co-worker Destinie,
her son was enjoying some chocolate. 

Mr. Kaine Ore
(aka Mr. Adorable!)

Happy Monday! Sharing the word!

Registration is now!  Don't miss this fun opportunity!

I have just returned from a wonderful three day getaway in the Outer Banks!  It was a time of renewal and being with my incredible and precious family.  

I came home to my computer and tons of email!  I really did enjoy going to a cottage with no wireless this weekend, it taught me to truly slow down and enjoy what was right in front of me.  I was able to rest, read, watercolor, walk the beaches, eat great seafood, hold hands with my hubby and enjoy time with my kids.  Each day was relaxing and full of promise!

I am so glad I checked my computer this morning!  I was reminded of this wonderful opportunity

The Great Big Stitched Postcard Swap

I participated in this last year and enjoyed it so much that I have signed up again for it this year.  Each year Beth Nichols of Do What You Love for Life puts this swap together.  I am sure it takes a lot of energy and planning to make this a success.  I know that Beth is a busy lady, she has an amazing e-course you might want to check out.  She lives in Yorkshire, in the north of England!  It is amazing to me how we are all so far apart, yet so close together because of the internet. So I wanted to share this opportunity with you in case you hadn't heard about it!  Last year the theme was Love and this year is Bloom.  

(Two of my favorite words I love to use in my collages)

I have added the link above and it is on my sidebar, it will take you right there!  Don't delay, the deadline is on Wednesday of this week.    Let me know if you signed up, you will have fun creating something wonderful!  You will get something wonderful in your own mailbox in return!

I decided to add a picture of my postcard from last year.  I really did enjoy the experience and look forward to it again this year.  It would be even more special if some of my friends were participating too!  I remember that I created extras and sent them out to friends!  I know I will do that again this year, each card I made was a little different!  I didn't want any to be the same! Truly, none of my friends are the same . . . that is what makes them unique!

May you always have Love in your life!

Donna Lee

52 Photos Project / Week Thirteen / The table at meal time

A Nibble before dinner!
Photo taken with my Fascinate phone!

This weeks prompt was a fun one . . . to photograph and share something you have enjoyed at mealtime.  Could be from your own home, while at a restaurant, out with friends, just something that you wanted to share. Visit here if you want to see all of the photos from this week's prompt!  There is some great stuff happening over there! They are amazing photographers and I get to hang out with them weekly!

Summertime is so laid back, I know in my home there is not a lot of heavy duty cooking going on for my husband and I after working all day.  We have been enjoying the grill and salads, anything light and easy.  I think the days of meat and potatoes are over!

I was able to capture this shot while having dinner with my girlfriend Toni in the Outer Banks, of course, (my home away from home!)  There is this wonderful & charming place called Colington Cafe, only open for dinner in the summer and fall season  It is an old victorian house transformed into this charming eatery.  The food is delicious, the atmosphere is divine and the gardens and white lights outside bring you in.  So I decided to share with you my favorite nibble, even at home I love to create this dish.  I choose just the perfect plate to serve it on, have just the right ingredients, knowing that presentation is everything!!  How wonderful it is to enjoy the little things in life and to make even a nibble an occasion to celebrate.  I know I need to slow myself down in this life and enjoy those things that are surrounding me.  Take time to savor the moment!

Yummy . . . can you taste it?  Warm Brie, french bread, fresh fruit and apricot chutney. Even more better than that,  fellowship with my sister girlfriend!  Life is full of amazing moments to share!  We just have to choose to make them special and amazing!