Here Kitty, Kitty!

Tiger at zooWhen I saw this beautiful cat I was in total awe! I love cats of all kinds, and was able to find a spot at this exhibit without a lot of people in order to get this photo. It appears the Tiger was eating a treat left by the zookeeper. A Tiger can represent so many things: power, grace, strength, etc. A picture of a wild cat in a nice frame is the perfect gift to any cat lover. This was a great picture, and would be the perfect addition to the scrapbook project mentioned in my previous post. What else will go in our scrapbook? You’ll have to keep reading my blog to find out!

The Elephant

Elephant at the zooGoing to the zoo is like going on a mini global safari. You can see animals from all around the word at your own pace and in a day. I saw this elephant at my local zoo and had to take a photo! This elephant is part of the Asian Elephant exhibit-one of the first major exhibits you encounter. It was very crowded the day I went, but I was still able to get a pretty good shot. I love how big, yet graceful, these elephants are. This backdrop (the zoo) would be the perfect occasion to create a scrapbook of your day at the zoo. Once you’ve finished your scrapbook, you can display it on a table or shelf. Instant decoration that shows memories of an awesome day!

The Lakeside Dock

Lakeside dockIt’s the time of year when the weather is slowly starting to change. Some days it can get quite warm, and I’m already starting to think about fun in the sun. And what’s more relaxing than a water view? When I saw this dock at the lake (which I went down to) I started to think of nicer weather to come. Not to mention the awesome view I got from the dock of nearly the entire lake. This is a type of photo I’d have tacked up by my desk to remind me of Spring/Summer. Have something that reminds you of better weather? If so, take a picture and use it to remind you of better days.

Bufflehead Ducks

Bufflehead ducksAs I was walking around my local lake I noticed these black and white ducks floating on the water. Were they really ducks? I’d never seen them at the lake before, and decided to take a few pictures…and investigate! An online search revealed that these fowl were Bufflehead ducks (specifically, the male variety). I thought these black and white ducks were really cool looking! Know anyone who loves nature or the outdoors? It would be a great idea to take a photo of your local ducks or water fowl and have it printed onto fabric for a personalized throw or pillow. A customized present is always appreciated. See an unusual animal while you’re out? If so, take a picture! If nothing else, it’ll be a great conversation piece.

The Foundry’s Ruins

Foundry ruinsThe picture above is what remains of a once robust foundry. I showed other areas of this foundry in my previous posts. The circular area pictured is where the metal was melted and forged. Given the proximity to water, a pier, and the railroad (in the background), it’s no wonder the company chose this spot for their foundry. I’m sure that at one point this foundry was one of the biggest employers in the city. Now, I doubt anyone even knows the company’s name. I think it’s important to keep remnants of the past on display. Not only can they be turned into parks, but are also a reminder of an area’s past.

The Seagull

Resting seagullTravel much? Notice that no matter where you go in the world that seagulls basically look the same? I think that’s kind of amazing. On the right, you’ll see a seagull that’s made its home near my part of the world. Seagulls always make me think of the ocean (a favorite spot for vacations). I love to watch them glide on the wind or diving into the water trying to catch a meal. I’ve seen many pictures of seagulls, so why not take my own? It’s a great touch to any decorating scheme. Your space doesn’t have to have a nautical theme for a seagull picture to work. As long as there’s something to tie it all together like similar colors, textures, or mood, almost anything can be tied together to make your space unique.

Bird on a Reed

Bird on reedAs I was walking around the lake I saw movement out of the corner of my eye-a bird hopping on a group of reeds. It jumped from reed to reed, never staying in one place long. Then, I was finally able to get a picture of the bird (featured in this post). It’s amazing how the reed can support the bird so easily. I especially love how you can see the ripples of the water in the background. I love the combination of land and sea (lake) in this photo. Overall, I think it’s just a cool picture. Enjoy!

Bend, Don’t Break

Bending treeWhen this tree was pointed out to me on a walk I thought, “Wow, that’s cool!” Upon closer inspection I saw that this tree was perfectly healthy; but was growing bent towards the lake. I think many of us, at one time or another, have felt like this tree. But this tree demonstrates a powerful lesson when it comes to life: bend, don’t break. Know someone who’s going through something? Tell them to bend, not break, and give them the link to this post. Hopefully, it’ll give them the inspiration they need.

The Stone Man

Stone manI took this picture at the foundry I mentioned in one of my previous posts. It wasn’t until I looked at this area of the ruins from a different angle that I saw a “man” kneeling inside the foundation. I think it’s amazing how inanimate objects can look like people or animals. The key is to photograph something at the right angle. If you’re taking a picture, try walking around the object first (if possible). Capturing an image at different angles can transform both a photo and the objects it captures.

Tunnel Under the Pier

Pier tunnelHave you ever flipped through a magazine, seen a picture, and thought “I’d like to take a picture like that?” I think everyone has at some point. But how often does it actually happen? I saw a picture of the underside of a pier in a magazine I bought. I thought it was a really cool picture: the underside of a pier that created a tunnel into the ocean. About a week later I was walking along the waterfront and what do I see? I shot that looks almost exactly like the one in my magazine! Jackpot! So I moved closer to the water until I was able to get the shot in this post. Magazines and other publications can be great inspirations for your photos and decorating. Whether the magazine deals with travel, architecture, photography, anime, or gardening, it’s the inspiration you get from it that matters.