Mini post, another flower festival

Our little town is having it's annual flower festival, these are a few of the stars.

A sea horse down town.

Hydrangea, I do love walking in other people's gardens (with their permission of course).

More Flower Festival photos to come.

Cheers,

Kat

List of "Things That Make Me Smile",

1. Soft Summer Evenings on the porch with the scent of Magnolia blossoms gently underscoring the song of the birds and bugs.

2. Long drives with time to stop and take a few photos, the geese a silent surprise, rocking oh so gently on the waves and fireflies that move too fast to photograph.

3. Early morning in the garden, an alert little visitor watches carefully to see just how close I will come, quietly, softly.

4. Bright summer afternoon rewards, hanging in easy reach. They ripen a few at a time, the hunt is part of the fun, giggles are included.

5. A bowl of sunshine, freshly rinsed, a dessert worth waiting for, mouth full of juicy sweetness. The rain that sang me to sleep as it fell softly on our roof not long ago has made them plump.

Bliss is in the moment, find it, catch it, share it.

Kat

With thanks to Cat from corner of cats mind for the inspiration,

Carousel at Myrtle Beach, A New Obsession,

This is another one of those times where my obsession for photography really paid off.

My Sweet Hubby and I went down to Myrtle Beach. It was a lovely evening, so we decided to go for a walk after dinner. I as usual, had my camera with me.

This was our first visit to Myrtle Beach and we did not know anything about the area. We expected just a bunch of tourist shops on "Broadway at the Beach".

We found camels and dragons!

This is by far the most interesting carousel I have ever seen.

It was made by Herschell - Spillman back in 1912.

It even has cats! I have seen lions and tigers before,

here we have not just one, but two kitties.

According to the sign posted outside the carousels pavilion, the carousel has been at Myrtle Beach since 1950. (So yes, Zuzana, it is the same one). It has a giraffe.

A very well dressed goat.

These pictures were hard to get as the carousel was moving more often than not. Can you see the details?

I don't know if pigs fly, but I will never hear the saying again without thinking of this guy.

The stork. Ready for the next delivery.

My favorite, another cat of course. Do you see the long haired beauty on the side?

This carousel is certainly inspirational. I have so many ideas in my head. A series of prints for a child's room, or maybe a children's story to explain how they all came to be so peacefully together on the ride.

I spent nearly an hour in front of this thing and my Sweet and Patient Hubby just smiled.

I am a lucky girl!

Cheers,

Kat

Sneak Preview, Carousel

Want a sneak peak at tomorrow's post?
Carousel at Myrtle Beach

The Blue Fairy

My latest effort. This is a combination of photo manipulation and digital painting.

I am quite pleased with it.

What do you think?

Kat

Meanwhile, back at the ranch,,,,,,

                            

I know, it isn't really a ranch, but I wanted to use the title anyway. While we were away, Summer appeared. This is the first of these little lizards I have seen so far this year. He was hanging out in the rock garden. Hopefully he will stick around and invite friends, they eat bugs.

When I was little, Mom had these in her garden, we called them tiger Lillies. I just know I like them. We have them all over the yard right now.

A close up of my Lavender. I need to spend some time pulling the weeds that are growing up in it and try to encourage it to spread. I love the stuff! I am so glad it does well here.

This blossom is huge. Eight to ten inches across easy. They smell good too.

Now for a little farther away. We have been walking in some new areas lately. This stretch is a new favorite. There are shady woods.

There is a lovely meadow.

I took pictures of two different types of butterflies. I don't know the names of either one, do you?

This one looks as if it is wearing a painted velvet cloak.

We found a treat. We were only able to gather a small handful of ripe ones, but oh my they are good.

I don't really need to explain this one.

There is even a lazy little river that wanders under a bridge.

Spontaneous looks a little grumpy. Guess I better stop and spoil her a little.

Hope you are having a great weekend.

Kat