Wordless Wednesday – Changing Seasons – Festival of Leaves
Everybody landed together
Look at all those shapes fitted together. Nobody followed a pattern!
Looking good on the bricks
Those old bricks make a handsome backdrop. Nice place to land!
THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES
Come Meet the Fallen Leaves
Walking this city of sidewalks and trees gets my mind thinking on change. These Savannah leaves make me wonder what’s landing at your feet. A pretty leaf deserves an introduction to the tree that sent it!
Which tree is decorating your sidewalk?
“Look how the leaves settle among one another. The trees held them apart yet down here, their colors mingle in ways I’d never think to arrange.”
Follow the road, follow the fence… oh, look! A train!
Photography Patterns – Trains and City Subways
Follow that Train
One morning on my way to work in Savannah, I looked out my driver’s window and there was an Amtrak train moving past in the opposite direction. An Amtrak train! I have driven this route more times than I can remember, and this was the first time I had seen one there. Now, I knew where I was supposed to be going. But look what was going the other way!
“I was on my way to work. My eyes wanted to follow that train.”
– Robert
Life speeds by outside the car’s windows, especially when I’m thinking about getting to work and signing in. That morning gave me something else to look at. The engines, all those passenger cars, and that sky! Why do I have to work on a day like this? Apparently, having a camera handy does not excuse me from showing up.
No. 24, you seem to know where you’re going. I do too. I’m just having a little trouble getting there!
Amtrak engine No. 24. On time? I had no idea. I didn’t have its schedule! The person who needed to pay attention to the time was sitting in my car.
Robert, Keep Your Eyes on the Road
(TIB: Yes, I literally stopped in my lane to snap several photos. I checked my rearview mirror and driver’s-side mirror first. Getting rear-ended on my way to work would not have been good driver responsibility. Ha Ha Ha! Still, I was stopped in the road. That part belongs in the story too.)
Now that we’re looking at the photograph, follow the white line along the road. It comes in from the lower edge and carries your eyes toward the right. Then look at the fence beside it. See how the posts appear closer together farther away?
Follow that white line with your eyes. Mine have already wandered over to the train.
That is what leading lines do in photography, they give our eyes a route through the picture. Here, the road edge and fence draw us into the distance, while the long sides of the passenger cars give us another route across the frame. Those lines help us see the depth of the scene. Adobe’s leading-lines guide explains the technique with more examples.
The grassy verge follows the road, and the tree line carries on behind the train. They add softer edges beside all that metal and pavement. I like being able to follow one part of the photograph and then notice something else. Although I have to admit, those clouds are very good at stealing my attention.
That Sky Is Not Helping!
Look at the sunlight catching the passenger cars in this photograph. My eyes go straight to that bright stretch on the right, then back along the windows.
Those repeating windows make their own pattern. Below them, the fence posts repeat too. There is quite a bit going on beside a road I usually just drive down.
Those passengers get a window seat. I get to go sign in at work. Well!
The road, fence, and train give me lines to follow, but the sky gives me a reason to keep looking up. Look at those clouds! This is a beautiful view to find on the way to work.
And there I was, enjoying it from the wrong side of a workday. All right, Robert. You have your photographs. Get your butt to work!
THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES
Your Train Story
No. 24 passed through my morning while I was supposed to be getting to work. Pull up a seat and tell me about a train you actually got to board, or one you’re hoping to catch.
Where did your last train trip take you, or where would you like the next one to go?
“Why do I have to work on a beautiful day like today? I could watch trains under that sky for a while. Hey, I’m late!”
— Robert
📍Savannah, Georgia
Collection Photography Patterns – Trains and City Subways
While staying in Rincon, Georgia January to February this year, Neal and I took the back roads to find where they went. Heading up Highway 21, we found the town of Newington.
This tall, narrow water tower caught my eye. It wasn’t like most I’d seen!
I had parked and walked closer when it started to rain.
Those weathered letters running down the tower gave me plenty to look at while Neal waited in the car.
THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES
One in Every Town
I keep looking for water towers as we drive through Georgia. On some drives, I seem to find one in every town! Neal, Please take a picture for me or take over driving for a while. Hey, readers! Come along on the next back-road outing, and tell me about a town you’d put in our path.
Which town deserves a slow drive through?
“Today, I’m taking the back roads to see the towns. I’ll be looking up when we get there.”
Wildlife: Birds of the Air – Rivers – Cellpic Sunday
A Walk with the Locals
It was November 8, 2022, and we were staying overnight in historic Darien before visiting Sapelo Island the next day. Driving down from historic Savannah, Georgia was not far at all. Georgia sure has a lot of historic seaport towns.
After a fantastic seafood lunch at Skipper’s Fish Camp, Neal and I took a walk down to the floating dock behind the restaurant, along the Darien River.
A walk by the water seemed perfect, with plenty to catch my eye along the way.
““I can plan a walk through town. What catches my eye along the way gets a say in how long it takes.”
– Robert
Well, we weren’t the only ones out for a stroll! A striking white bird was moving along the dock, looking as though he had lunch on his mind while we had just finished ours.
Lucky for him, in Darien, seafood was on the menu too!
A Local in Golden Slippers
Time for my go-to, iNaturalist’s visual search, and a little help from Google. I knew it! A snowy egret.
Those yellow feet! Quite the footwear for a walk by the river.
Darien gives a person plenty of reasons to keep walking. Founded by Scottish Highlanders in 1736, the town grew into a port shipping cotton, rice, and timber. Later, shrimping became a major part of its waterfront life. Looking back at those tabby ruins, I think about how much work once passed through these streets and along this river. There is a lot behind the view we stopped to photograph. Darien’s history
The surrounding coastal marshes and waterways also make this a place for watching wildlife. Down on the dock, that history of making a living from the water felt close at hand. We had enjoyed our seafood at a restaurant; the egret appeared to be considering his options right beside us. Different lunch arrangements, same stretch of river. Yea, I liked that.
Hunt for Supper
“Robert, don’t get too close and scare him away!” Neal knows me. A beautiful bird, sunlight on the water, and my camera at the ready!
We watched him move along the dock, stopping near the edge with his attention turned toward the river. Was he looking for lunch, or getting an early start on supper? I could only guess. He certainly hadn’t invited a photographer to join him.
His attention was on the water. Mine was on him.A feather adjustment before continuing his dockside business.
““Privacy please! A bird ought to be able to browse the seafood menu without a photographer following along.” Ha!
– Robert
We never saw him catch anything. He kept moving along the dock, and we enjoyed watching him go about his afternoon. I had to admire those yellow feet stepping past the dock hardware. Our lunch was finished, Sapelo Island was still ahead of us, and here was another reason to enjoy being in Darien with Neal.
Room for One More Walker
Pull back a little, and you can see the hoses and dock fittings he was sharing with everyone else.
No reserved table for this local. He brought his own waterfront seating.
“Whoo, watch your step, little fella! Don’t get tangles up!” I wonder how many times he had walked this stretch before we came along.
THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES
Slow Down by the River
Nowhere to be for a while? Pull up alongside us for a minute. Smell the freshness on the breeze and see the river shimmer with movement. I’d enjoy hearing about something you remember from a past trip. Planned or unexpected, both make a story to tell.
Have you walked by a river or water lately? Ok, not the back yard pool, that certainly does not count, Ha!
“Traveled for lunch, and we enjoyed the river, the wildlife, the Day ”
— Robert
📍 Darien River, Darien, Georgia
Collection Wildlife: Birds of the Air, Rivers, Cellpic Sunday
The Flower Hour – Cemeteries – Yes, a cemetery! Come see what’s growing.
Look What the Light Does!
That petal looks like silk held up to the light. Oh, that purple!
THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES
Take the Scenic Stroll
A cemetery walk might not be your usual choice for an afternoon out. These irises are my invitation to give Historic Oakland a look. Tell me how far you’d go for a park visit with time to wander and sit awhile.
How far would you drive for an afternoon like that?
“The pure beauty of sunlight shimmering through petals, I am in awe!
Changing Seasons – Thursday Doors – Fall found our address
Welcome Autumn, Do Come In
Autumn made an appearance at our red door, number 39. A plump orange pumpkin settled onto the doorstep. “Hello!”
Neal brought this friend home. He does love this time of year. Check out his blog.
I’m usually looking at everyone else’s doors on my walks through historic downtown Savannah.
This time, I get to stop at our own and enjoy what Neal has added. Coming home has acquired a bit of Fall color.
Our familiar welcome at number 39.Next door has a character all its own.
“I spend so much time looking around the neighborhood. It’s good to stop and admire home, too.”
– Robert
The red paint and familiar handles are here through every season. Now there’s someone orange waiting beside the door to greet us. Let’s see how long our pumpkin friend hangs around this year.
A Closer Look at 37
Even without seasonal company, this door deserves a closer look.
Hey, having a red door is a big thing in the historic district of Savannah! I love having these colors. Our apartment building really stands out to tourists and locals who pass by.
I get to see this sight every day and there’s room for a smile.
THIS WEEK I NOTICED
Autumn at Your Doorstep
Take time to stroll your neighborhood and notice the Fall decorations on the doors of neighbors and friends. I enjoy seeing what people choose to put out. Around historic downtown Savannah, these folks do not disappoint! It gives me a reason to slow down along streets I already know. Each season, each walk can be very different on the same street.
Someone took the time to arrange that welcome, and those of us passing by get to enjoy it. I wonder whether they know how many walkers stop for a second look or a photo shoot. (TIB: Sometimes people come up to your porch or step in your yard for a better photo. I ask for forgiveness if I crushed your petunias.) If you happen to catch a neighbor outside, tell them what caught your eye. That could be the beginning of a pleasant conversation.
Two Doorsteps Welcome Autumn
Several weeks later, our downstairs neighbor placed a pumpkin beside number 37, giving our two doors their perfect orange bookends. Wow! Look at the symmetry!
Neal’s choice. Our plump orange friend looks quite at home!A few weeks later, number 37 joined in. Hello, neighbor!
Well, Neal, our pumpkin has company! I like seeing both doorsteps taking part in the season.
Back at Our Door
Company is coming, let’s hope I didn’t lock myself out again! Where are my keys?
After admiring everyone else’s doors, this is the one I come home to.
THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES
Share Your Autumn Welcome
On your next neighborhood walk, keep an eye on the doorsteps and bring an observation back here. I’d enjoy hearing what made you stop.
How have the doors in your neighborhood welcomed Fall?
“A pumpkin beside the door is our way of offering the season a place here. Yes, Fall, we’re home. Do come in!”
— Robert
📍 Savannah, Georgia
Collection Part of Changing Seasons andThursday Doors, hosted by Dan Antion at No Facilities. Joining his October 29 feature,Last October Doors.
A familiar face at the window, and family on our minds
The Holidays – My Loves – Family Traditions
Getting in the Spirit
Look at that face in the window!
All around town we have seen this face. In stores, restaurants and other people’s homes. The flowers, the colors, even the tassel are getting in the spirit.
Neal and I have set up our ofrenda as we prepare for our sixth year celebrating Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead.
On November 2, we’ll honor our loved ones again. We’re inviting them back home!
“I look at their photographs and still I have so much I want to tell them.”
– Robert
There are familiar faces to welcome and stories we’ve told before that I want to hear again. This year, some of the missing is still very new.
Ready for Company
Step back a little and you can see the whole outfit. Hey, It is a celebration of family and love, so be colorful! Someone came prepared! Let’s catch up!
Dressed for the occasion, right down to the tassel!
I love having these colors around while we get ready. There’s room for a smile when we remember the people we miss.
THIS WEEK I NOTICED
What We Choose to Keep
Looking through last year’s church photographs, I noticed how different everyone’s remembrances were. Portraits from long ago sat beside more recent snapshots. A little sculpture had its place among the flowers. I knew the story behind what Neal and I brought, but so many of those other objects held stories I hadn’t heard.
It made me think about the things we keep at home. Something can sit on a mantel for years, becoming so familiar that we hardly notice it. Then we inherit it, or carry it somewhere new, and find ourselves explaining whose it was. I like that part. Saying their names. Telling someone why this particular thing matters.
Family Traditions — Joyful Remembrance
2019 and 2020 were years of heavy losses for Neal and me. My grandmother was 94, my dad 73, and my mom 63. Neal’s brother was 74 and his dad 96. Both of us have lost our parents, and we miss them dearly!
Preparing our ofrenda gives us something to do with all that remembering. We bring out their photographs and make room for the stories, including the funny ones. They gave us plenty of those, too.
“Come on in. We’ve been remembering you, and dinner wouldn’t be the same without your stories.”
– Robert
Neal has also dedicated telling his story at his blog. Though we are married and have lived together for years, only he can speak of how his heart feels the connection and loss of his family members.
Dia de Muertos also allows us to jog our memories and delight in the meals that brought our families to the table. The food and the decorating belong here, so much of our family life happened around a table!
Our church, Asbury Memorial, prepares a large ofrenda in the sanctuary for All Saints Sunday. Everyone is invited to help fill it with memories of the people we love.
A CELEBRATION OF LOVE AND REMEMBRANCE All Saints Sunday
Last year, Neal brought the carved marble Last Supper he bought in Rome, Italy, in the summer of 2000. It had sat on his parents’ mantel, and there it was near the edge of our church’s remembrance table. I placed a photograph of Boopers beside a spirit cat. Yes, our dear pets have their place in my remembering.
There’s Neal’s Last Supper carving near the edge, a familiar piece from his parents’ mantel.Everyone was invited to bring a memory. Look how much love found its way onto this table.My Boopers. Those blue eyes still stop me.Our beloved kitty had a place among the family memories, too.
These four photographs are from last year’s service. Look along the table at all those faces, the flowers, and the personal things people brought. Each family arrived with someone to remember, and we shared that space together. As we prepare to return this Sunday, November 1, I’m thinking about those familiar faces and about Benny. I’m grateful we can bring that love, and the missing, into church with us.
A Little Coco Before November 2
Watching Coco helped introduce us to this tradition. I still return to that movie when this time of year brings the missing close. The family stories, the music, the remembering!
I can be sad about who’s gone and still find myself smiling at all the joy of family.
A Little Company
Before we go, look who’s keeping our flower-crowned friend company.
All Hallows Eve and All Saints Day are a matched pair! They actually go together.
An owl and all that color. I couldn’t leave this pair out!
All Hallows Eve and All Saints Day are a match! The Connection? All Hallows’ Eve(October 31)also known as Halloween, All Saints’ Day (November 1)also known as All Hallows’ Day and Allhallowtide:All Souls’ Day (November 2) together they form a three-day observance dedicated to remembering the dead, celebrating faith, and reflecting on eternity.
THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES
Gone but Still So Close
A parent, grandparent, friend, or beloved pet may have come to mind while you were looking through these photographs. If you feel like sharing, leave a memory here for us to read when we gather again.
What’s one thing they did that still makes you smile?
“This time of year can seem sad, missing loved ones. I watch Coco, and I smile remembering our own family stories. I’m thankful they gave us so many.”
— Robert
📍 Savannah, Georgia
Collection The Holidays, My Loves, Family Traditions
A sweet stop at Alley’s Bakery, with a familiar tune in my head.
Wordless Wednesday – Vintage Times – Have A Coke and a Smile!
No Bottle Opener Needed
No bottle opener needed for this trip back to my younger days!
A Familiar Corner of Yesterday
“Ice Cold” and “Sold Here.” Those signs knew how to get to the point.
THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES
Come Hum Along With Me
A familiar sign, and suddenly I’m remembering commercials I haven’t thought about in years. Maybe one started playing in your head while you were looking at these bottles, too.
Which old commercial can you still hear?
I went into Alley’s looking for something sweet. I’m glad I took a moment with those bottles and signs, remembering how simple life felt when I was young.”
Coffee or tea to start your morning? Read the title, you know what I’m waiting on!
Neal loves to prep our “coffee station” the evening before; whoever wakes up first is on java duty. I have found that a time or two he will place his cup and k-pod in the machine… I wonder what he is implying here?
My trusty Keurig knows just how to make my cup: hit the strong button and press the large “K.” Next cup is perfection!
“A cup of get up and go tastes even better when I have nowhere to go.”
– Robert
Not many things can top waking up on a cool October morning, breath showing in the air, ready for hot, fresh coffee. Make mine dark and mocha! Just thinking about those country mornings, I can’t wait until morning!
THIS WEEK I NOTICED
Time for Another
I remember sitting under the covered porch, watching the day start. Nowhere to be, coffee in hand, listening to the birds chirping. Those were mornings when I could stay awhile without checking the time.
Thinking back, that’s part of what I enjoyed so much: having time to linger after the first cup. Maybe a second cup would keep me out there a wee bit longer.
Hmmm, just a thought…
Neal Gets the Green One
Green for Neal, of course. His favorite color, ready for his morning coffee.
THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES
Bring Your Morning Cup Along
In our home we have been gifted a plethora of coffee mugs over the years. I know you know what I’m talking about. “Yea! let’s see here;” Good Vibes Only, The Peanuts Gang, Disney Cruise Lines, Berry College, Best Husband, Best Dad, Army Retired, Number One Brother, and “Get Your Own Cup”. My personal favorite, “Bearded, Hairy and All Around OTTERLY ADORABLE.”
Do you have a favorite cup at home?
“At home or in a local coffee house, I enjoy a cup of joe. Having time to sit and enjoy it? Even better!”
