SMUG MUG

Yesterday I stopped in two places where I'd been wanting to take photographs for a number of weeks. It was overcast and drizzling. My first stop was to the pagoda. About 2 miles from my home there is a property that displays a strong Chinese architectural influence. In the back yard there is this beautiful pagoda. I was able to peek through some shrubbery to get this shot. I would LOVE to walk back to see if there is a pond with koi.

My second stop was at the Gravel Hill Rd. bridge to get this shot with stunning fall color. The stream was flowing fast after all the rain we'd had overnight.

On the recommendation and generosity (50% discount coupon) of a gifted photographer friend, Hillary, I signed up with SmugMug as Larkphoto to store and display my photography. I felt it was time to step up my photo sharing to a site that had more integrity. Stop and visit! Your comments/feedback are always welcome. ** Please note: my site is under construction.

MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS

The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, a National Historic Landmark, is maintained as a "working history" museum by Pennsylvania's County of Bucks, Department of Parks and Recreation. Handmade tiles are still produced in a manner similar to that developed by the pottery's founder and builder, Henry Chapman Mercer (1856-1930). Mercer was a major proponent of the Arts & Crafts Movement in America. He directed the work at the pottery from 1898 until his death in 1930.

You may still purchase handmade re-issues of tiles and mosaics made in the American Arts & Crafts tradition. Check their catalog to see the many tiles available for gifts and installations such as kitchens, fireplaces, floors and walls.Tours are offered every half-hour and consist of a 17-minute video and a self-guided walk through the facility. Visitors will see original installations, various displays, and selected aspects of current tile production.

I drive by the Tile Works often, and have been wanting to photograph the fascinating architecture. Finally, the other day I had my camera with me and the time to stop. This building is made from reinforced hand-mixed concrete.

The Tile Works construction reflects the Spanish influence on mission architecture.

A close up of one of the tiles produced here. What story do you think is behind this ship and sea serpent?

Did Mercer have a chimney fetish? I didn't count them, but there must be over thirty chimneys! This one was particularly ornate.

Lots of chimneys!

Another shot which shows the Spanish Mission influence.

This is the inner courtyard showing the protected walkway.

The walk way on the right side of the building. I like the interplay of light and shadow in this photograph.

Another view of the inner courtyard and chimneys.

A close-up of the concrete walls visible in the walk way.

OCTOBER AFTERNOON VACATION

I had the opportunity this afternoon to drive to the northern part of beautiful Bucks County. It was a bright and cool day, perfect for taking off on a road trip. I had Hannah and my camera with me, in anticipation of being able to do some photography.

As soon as I was able, I ducked off the main highway to the back roads. I did not care if I got lost. I knew if I kept going, I would eventually come out to a familiar place. There's something very rejuvenating for me being off the main thoroughfare, moseying along the back roads at my own pace and meeting very few other cars. It made it possible for me to stop frequently when I saw something I wanted to photograph.

I thought this building was interesting, and I wondered if it had once been a schoolhouse? The color and contrast came out very poorly, so I decided to turn it into a black and white photo to salvage it. I was happy enough with the results to share it.

I slammed on the brakes when I saw this old barn and tractor. It reminds me of the barns that were so common in the country around Shippensburg, where I grew up.

I walked up and took a rear shot of the tractor under the barn overhang. This was another photo that is better as a black and white image than color. Black and white symbolizes the simplicity of farm life. Photographs in the mid 20th century were predominantly black and white, so I felt it heightened the impact of the image. I really like the contrast too.

Hannah and I stopped at the Bucks County Horse Park in Revere. Riders were participating in a "Spook-a-rama Trail Ride." Horses and riders follow a set trail where they encounter many spooky obstacles. Anyone who knows horses is aware that they are creatures of flight and have a natural inclination to be spooky when seeing strange, unfamiliar things. It's a fun outing for riders, and they receive extra points if they came in costume. I love this grey horse made up to look like a zebra. I wonder what his owner used to make the black stripes? It must have taken HOURS! I imagine other horses spooked at him!

After grabbing a light bite to eat at the horse park and letting Hannah out for some sniffing and a run, we headed again into the back-roads wilderness of Tinicum. Just off Rt. 611 we encountered this beautiful waterfall. Off to the left was a lovely home. I would be the luckiest person alive if I could live in this environment.

Tinicum is very rocky, and stone walls are common. This scene reminded me of Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall." Here it is for those of you who may not be familiar with it. And if you are, it is always worth re-reading.

Something there is that doesn't love a wall,

That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,

And spills the upper boulders in the sun,

And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.

The work of hunters is another thing:

I have come after them and made repair

Where they have left not one stone on a stone,

But they would have the rabbit out of hiding,

To please the yelping dogs.

The gaps I mean,

No one has seen them made or heard them made,

But at spring mending-time we find them there.

I let my neighbor know beyond the hill;

And on a day we meet to walk the line

And set the wall between us once again.

We keep the wall between us as we go.

To each the boulders that have fallen to each.

And some are loaves and some so nearly balls

We have to use a spell to make them balance:

'Stay where you are until our backs are turned!'

We wear our fingers rough with handling them.

Oh, just another kind of out-door game,

One on a side. It comes to little more:

There where it is we do not need the wall:

He is all pine and I am apple orchard.

My apple trees will never get across

And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.

He only says, 'Good fences make good neighbors'.

Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder

If I could put a notion in his head:

'Why do they make good neighbors?

Isn't it Where there are cows?

But here there are no cows.

Before I built a wall I'd ask to know

What I was walling in or walling out,

And to whom I was like to give offence.

Something there is that doesn't love a wall,

That wants it down.' I could say 'Elves' to him,

But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather

He said it for himself. I see him there

Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top

In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.

He moves in darkness as it seems to me~

Not of woods only and the shade of trees.

He will not go behind his father's saying,

And he likes having thought of it so well

He says again,

"Good fences make good neighbors."

This chapel intrigued me -- non-denominational -- for hire -- built in 1847. I should have peeked in the windows.

These huge glacial boulders deserved to be studied. I would absolutely love to see this scene after a snowfall -- but frankly, I meandered so many back roads, I do not think I could relocate it!

This had to be the most awe-inspiring sight of my drive this afternoon. There was a sign by the bridge noting the exceptional quality of the water. These creeks are spring fed and eventually feed into the Tinicum Creek. The boulders were amazing. Instead of just being plain grey stones, they were mottled with white and moss. The water was rushing through the chanels, and the fall color added to the scene. I felt like I was in the mountains, not Bucks County.

This is the same creek looking downstream.

IDA PHOTO SHOOT

I love to do photo shoots. Katie, a college junior, boards her mare Ida at the barn where I kept Lark. She asked me if I would take pictures of her and Ida. We had a gorgeous fall day, and it was good to do the shoot before Ida's coat started growing the winter fuzzies.

This was a candid shot -- Katie enjoying a quiet moment with her horse.

I like the way the breeze was blowing Katie's hair away from her face. She has more of a mane than the horse.

Horses have amazing eyes. I love this shot, which also includes the halter nameplate of Ida's registered name, Fuerst Ideal.

This was one of the under saddle shots. I particularly liked this one because of the hock action. The hock is the middle joint in the horse's hind leg -- it appears to correspond with the elbow of a person. But in the horse, the hock is actually the heel because horses evolved over the years to walk on their middle toe. The hoof compostion is similar to our fingernail.

Ida is moving forward with energy and power coming from her hindquarters. Her ears are pricked forward, and she looks very happy.

I caught this shot as Katie was walking Ida into the woods behind the pasture. It certainly shows the love a girl has for her horse. They are so relaxed and enjoying their stroll.

This is what they call a conformation shot. Conformation is the sum of the parts -- the way a horse is put together. Many people, including horse people, mistakenly say confirmation.

I love this candid shot because I got lucky and captured both Ida and Katie striding forward with their right legs!

LANDSCAPES

I am challenging myself photographically, and have been shooting landscapes.

I like what the sky and clouds contribute to the first shot. I think the composition is better than in the second one.

There's something to be said for the interest provided by the large bales of straw in the second photo. The tree is interesting, but it probably shouldn't be dead center?

So. . . please tell me YOUR thoughts?

PS- a reminder -- you can view the pictures full size by clicking right on the photograph.

OLD CEMETERIES

When I was doing graduate work towards my master's degree in communication at Shippensburg State College (now University), I took a course in 35mm photography. At that point I was already fairly adept with my Minolta SRT 101 camera. The course assignment was to produce a sound-slide presentation, writing an original script and taking all the photographs to accompany the script.

Most of the students opted to do "how to" presentations which required very basic and straightforward photos. I had always had a fascination with old cemeteries and epitaphs, so I decided to do my project with a literary thrust. I titled it "Genesis." Everyone asked me why I chose that title when I was shooting cemeteries and gravestones. I replied that if you wandered long enough and often enough, reading the epitaphs of these folks, they became very alive. We are conditioned to think that death is an ending, but in many ways it is a beginning.

I used bird calls in the background, and my mother was the narrator. The tape was coded with signals for automatic advance of the slides. The day I was scheduled to show "Genesis," my mom came to class with me. My heart was pounding. I was very proud of my project and was eager to share. The lights dimmed in the classroom, and the bird calls started quietly. Through epitaphs and poetry and snippets about death by famous poets and writers, I used metaphor and symbolism to heighten the impact of the photography.

As the ending approached with a poem of uplifting hope, the bird calls started quietly and gradually became louder. Before the last slide shut off, I turned off the projector to a room of dead silence. The silence persisted a few moments, and then the professor spoke quietly, "Oh, Debbie, that was wonderful!"

I received a 10 which was a "professional" rating for the project.

Across from Tamanend, the park where I often walk, there is an old cemetery. I decided to explore it this afternoon. A number of the old stones had flags and a metal disc which signified that the deceased was a Revolutionary War veteran.

Old cemeteries so often have ornate iron gates. This one was obviously very beautiful at one time, but has fallen into disrepair. It had seemingly been reinforced with any kind of junk that was handy.

This shot reminds me of one of the photographs in "Genesis." I like interplay of light and shadow as well as the depth of field which keeps the entire photograph in focus. I also like the white above the tallest stone, somewhat suggestive of spiritual energy.

Behind the cemetery was this magnificent tree. I wondered if this tree was as old or older than some of the oldest tombstones? I thought it was an interesting metaphor -- the trunk was as white as bones. I am guessing it is a Sycamore? Can anyone verify that for me?

In this photo I attempted to shorten the depth of field so that the stones in the rear were out of focus, symbolic of the fading of the physical form after death.

DAVIS FEED MILL

Yesterday afternoon I took a trip to the little village of Rushland which is like taking a step back in time. In the immediate village there are about 8 or 9 victorian style homes along with the post office, a warehouse business area, and Davis Feed Mill. My destination was Davis for bird seed. This is a snapshot of the old train station across the street from the feed mill which is now vacant after serving as a craft shop for a few years. You can see the tracks in the foreground.

The post office was closed. It is run by a postmaster who is very grumpy when the PO Box numbers are not included on the envelopes. This is a really old-time post office.

Davis Feed Mill has been in business for many, many years. It is a family business, and it has a very unique character. As long as I had horses, I bought my grain, bedding, and most of my supplies there. The prices were always lower than the tack shops in the area.

Here is one of the outdoor storage areas. To the left is straw, and hay is to the right. Do you know the difference between hay and straw? Hay is a grass -- orchard grass, timothy, alfalfa, clover. Straw is the stem of wheat, oats, barley, which is baled after the grain is harvested. Straw is often used for bedding as it can be recycled by mushroom growers. Because manure disposal is such a problem, this is why some people prefer using straw. The most popular choice of bedding for horses is wood chips. They come in big paper bales, but disposal is sometimes very difficult.

Davis carries a wide variety of items -- gardening supplies, fencing supplies, horse and pet needs, bird seed, Breyer Horses, farm and outdoor gear, etc. . . There's a bulletin board inside that advertises horses, dogs, cats, and farm animals for sale along with help wanted ads.

This is the equine aisle -- all kinds of tack and supplies such as fly spray, hoof dressings, supplements, bandages, bell and exercise boots, wound care, wormers, salt blocks. . .

This aisle displays dog and cat food, kitty litter, odor control items, first aid remedies, and dog and cat beds. To the right there is an aisle with fish and bird supplies. . . and also supplies for small animals like pet mice, rats, hamsters, ferrets, and guinea pigs.

Mary has worked at Davis for many years. Here she is ringing up my bill. I went for bird seed and suet, but I got lucky and found a 100% waterproof Harry Hall (British) jacket at 50% off! It was a perfect fit, and I bought it! Harry Hall gear has always been coveted by equestrians because of its fine quality. This is my first Harry Hall item ever. . . and I don't have a horse! But it will be fabulous for walking Hannah in cold and wet weather.

After I'd paid for my purchases, this gentleman helped me carry my things out to the car -- a service that isn't usually provided these days. But that is Davis Feed Mill for you --

FUN WITH LANDSCAPES

The original photograph was dark. I lightened it and then fooled around with color temperature, tint, and saturation. I tried to make it look fairly realistic without being overly garish.

What do you think?

When I approached this small pond, the water was glassy still. I was hoping that I could get a few shots before the reflection was disturbed by ripples. But water is just too tempting to Hannah, and she slipped in before I could stop her. I quickly snapped the picture before her ripples reached the reflection. Using the same features as above, I was able to make this photograph much more dramatic than the original.



The color of the trees was far from being this vivid. I think it is interesting that when the color is adjusted in the trees that it also changed in the reflection.

BREAST CANCER PET THERAPY

Those of us who love and understand animals know the therapeutic power they have to offer when we are ill. Some animals are particularly instinctive. I recall one day when I was ill with a gastro bug and feeling miserable. My cat jumped on my lap and draped his body over my abdomen. The warmth of his body and vibration of his purr amazingly helped my pain to subside.

Purina and Susan G. Komen:
Cat Chow sales to benefit breast cancer battle
By Joan Lowell Smith
October 15, 2009, 3:31PM

Purina is donating proceeds from sales of Cat Chow to the Susan G. Komen For the Cure.And you thought Purina was only interested in selling pet food. Not so. Purina is heavily involved in raising awareness about breast cancer. This is the second year Purina Cat Chow is supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, global leader of the breast care movement. PCC is donating $200,000 to the Komen crusade and wants involved people to participate with their stories and photos with their cats.

A national survey indicated 84 percent of breast cancer patients with cats found respondents were soothed during their battles with breast cancer and 76 percent found kitty calmed them daily during treatment.

Purina Cat Chow urges consumers to submit stories and photos of their cancer experiences by May 2010. We’re a bit early but why not start now? For every photo uploaded, Purina will donate $1 to Komen up to $10,000. That’s in addition to the $200,000. (Visit catchow.com for details.) Purina Cat Chow’s "Complete Formula" and "Indoor Formula" feature pink packaging during Cancer Awareness Month. And we’re halfway through it. A few breast cancer survivors shared their stories of how much their cat influenced their determination to fight the disease. With patient permission, Purina shared some uplifting stories.

Lara Pilla, from Manhattan, had plenty of support from friends and family, but they couldn’t live with her. So she adopted Mingo, a tiny black kitty with an independent, energetic and affectionate disposition. Just what she needed. Ten years later, Lara was hit with a recurrence of breast cancer. A survivor of the double onslaught, she wants people to know that Mingo helped her through it.

Through a routine mammography in 1991, Missy Fish of St. Louis, Mo., was diagnosed with the disease. Fourteen years later, like Pilla, she needed another mastectomy. Over those years, her cats, Phoebe and Jack, stayed glued to her side. Fish was grateful and raised more than $700,000 for breast cancer research as a community organizer par excellence.

In Rochester Hills, Mich., Shannon Watson was a mere 25 when she received her diagnosis. Living alone, she adopted Chloe, a kitten who became her constant companion while she recovered from treatments. In 2007, just before she was set to marry, breast cancer returned, but Watson did not let that prevent her marriage or dampen her determination to make an impact in the fight against breast cancer. With a group of similarly dedicated women, she formed "Rack Pack." The group has raised $30,000 for the Komen fund.

This past summer Purina displayed a lighthearted approach by launching a new product line, Chef Michael’s Canine Cuisine. It arranged "house parties" across the country through hosts who volunteered to invite doggies and owners to Sunday supper. Guests and pooches played games and, of course, received samples of Chef Michaels’ dry dog food in — you guessed it — "doggie bags." Hosts received Purina party packs containing decorations, games and product samples. To read glowing comments from participants (no dogs commented directly), check houseparty.com/chefmichael.

Dawn D’Angelo, of Newton, hosted a picnic party at the dog park in Wantage Park where dogs can race around in an area covering seven acres. "It was an awesome experience," she bubbled. "Purina sent us such great things." About 20 dogs romped with D’Angelo’s 4-year-old Lab, Rocco, but first each one was introduced to Chef Michael’s tasty goodies. "We fed them separately to avoid any problems," she explained. "We gave each dog two wet and two dry samples. One man said his Lab puppy, Maggie, was a ‘fussy’ eater, but she disproved his statement by gobbling up her sample and then proceeded to climb on the picnic table looking for more," she recalled with a laugh. A marketing executive when she isn’t frolicking with Rocco, she added with another laugh, "and I don’t work for Purina!" She and Rocco are regulars at the dog park, about which she said: "The dogs are like Rocco’s best friends. He’s my baby and it’s great to do something special for our best friends."

Contact Joan Lowell Smith at P.O. Box 302, Garwood, N.J. 07027 or e-mail her at mailto:http://www.petcentric.com/Stories/Articles/Were-in-This-Together.aspx?articleid=0ad06961-d66f-4e14-8978-c7

HERON

One of those lucky shots at an unexpected time!

The other day I drove past a lovely pond where a lone swan was swimming. I decided to double back to take some photos. Recently I have been trying to pay particular attention to sharpness of focus.

I positioned myself on my stomach to use the ground to help me steady my camera and lens, since I was using my 70-300mm zoom, and started shooting. It was late afternoon so I set my ISO at 400. In retrospect I now realize that 800 might have been a better choice to help boost my shutter speed -- always a good idea when shooting moving objects.

I was snapping away, enjoying the beauty of the swan when I noticed a heron in the shadows. I thought it was a staue at first, and then it moved! I kept inching closer and closer, and the heron finally stepped out of the shadows and proceeded to walk towards a stream at the rear of the property. He paused, and I got this photograph.

Reminder: you can view these photos full size by clicking on the photograph.