No Face Here

These pretty pansies really had no face so didn't look back at me.  But their color was so brilliant and a contrast to their surroundings that they still got attention.

Color, Or No?

This big, bright leaf stood out against the dark bark and the green moss also added some color and texture.  The color was striking and that's what caught my eye but I also wondered how it would look in black and white.  I like the photo both ways but definitely prefer the color version.

Competition

Here's yet more proof that there's always something blooming in the Portland OR area.  Right now pansies are quite prolific and competing with the fall foliage for attention.  This looks a little rusty from the rain in the area but there's lots of other colors, too.  Don't you see a face when you look at a pansy?  Who doesn't enjoy them?!

Slug Bug!

Yes, I am being literal here.  Our granddaughter's class is studying slugs and since it is a three-day weekend for them, the slug habitats had to go home so they could be cared for.  She is watching over two--Beethoven III and Rocky--and has to keep the habitat moist using a spray bottle.  She also has to make sure they have food such as lettuce, spinach and strawberries.  I'm not a big fan of slugs but I think it's good that the kids are learning an appreciation for them and getting to know more about them.  And here's an interesting side note--the boys at our granddaughter's table wouldn't pick them up because they were too slimy but she reached right in and handled one so they could get a close look.  And another nice aspect of the project, the kids gathered the slugs in their yards.  Now that's up close and personal.

Up To NewTricks

Our grandson has a new interest in cards--the showy stuff like shuffles more than tricks.  But he is learning some pretty amazing tricks, too.  He has watched tutorials online and picked it up from there and last evening he spent a couple of hours preparing tutorials to teach others.  It's nice to see him occupied with something that's not electronic.  And he is spending hours, literally, learning these new skills.

Clinging Vine

It's amazing to me that this vine can grow tall and spread widely while somehow clinging to smooth cement.  I thought it's tenacity deserved some special attention.  I used a poster edge filter to add black outlines and I added both a grunge frame in gray and a simple frame in dark red.  And, of course, I added the text.

Close To Home

We travel for two days and found a touch of home had followed us.  Two Leaves And A Bud Tea comes from Aspen, CO,  about 100 miles from our house.  We found it at the wonderful La Provence Bakery where we visit every visit to OR.  I know of no better place to find authentic, delicious French pastries.  I haven't tried all of them yet, but I'm working on it--one at a time of course.