Whimsical Windows - Patio views

This serene scene is interrupted by someone wielding a point and shoot...

Toby's Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors is back. Today, I present our patio after it has been scrubbed on a delightful summer day - a day that is perfect for cooking something over charcoal for dinner. The photo shows the intrepid photographer reflected twice in the patio door - lighthearted with a hint of whimsy I think...Let the grilling commence!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Equine event

How can a child (and his/her mom) resist?

Shadow Shot Sunday 2 is back, and the shadow hunters and huntresses look (and we always seem to be on the prowl) for shadowy elements for capture and sharing. Today it is the street fair Derby Day a few weeks ago, and attraction perfectly suited to kids was the horse and pony rides. What first captures attention is JC's Pony Party mascot, the smiling horse on the sign that elicits from all a smile :) 

Although she barely fits in the saddle, Charlie Horse gives a smooth ride

Gentle is the operative

Of course, the horses and ponies in this endeavor are quite gentle and seem aware of the precious cargo riding atop, and follow the equally gentle commands of their handlers. Note that the city name on the tall equine - Derby - how apropos! Not to mention the stars and stripes also painted on his flanks...
The horsies are the actors that work well on their stage, which is a open and empty grass lot. A true venue for actors with hooves...

Tina's Pic Story - Parisian Garden 'G'

Garden No 1...par Patti

Garden 2...by Patti

Tina's Pic Story arrives this week, and she has given us our assignment, offer pictures to match the theme, which is the letter 'G'. Given that, how about gardens? And better yet, how about in Paris?

Garden 3...by Patti

Garden 4...par Patti

Patti and Allegra have been to Paris twice, and on the second trip in the early spring of 2005, the blooms were beginning. Patti is not sure where these gardens were in the City of Light - no matter, the flowers are beautiful - and the theme has been met!

Ruby Tuesday - Brigantine ruby

Ruby Tuesday 2 is back, and we follow the ever simple rule - red, a lot or a little. Today it is the latter...

This is a very early and very rare color print (Kodachrome?) in the family archives, my grandfather in front of the Sea Gull Cottages on the beach in Brigantine New Jersey in maybe 1953 or 54. Not much red apart from the bathing suit to each of the cottage doors. And perhaps a hint of a sunburn ruby on his skin - although the fading and sepia sand may mask it a bit...see ruby iterations at RT2!

Whimsical Windows - Houdini at the opera

The master illusionist looks on. Acrylic by Greg Karas

Toby's fun weekly meme, Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors, is back. We look for portals of whimsy and/or otherwise in our travels...today, I return to the old Sterling Opera House in nearby Derby, where the sidewalk level windows are now full of portraits of artists who graced the stage from 1889-1945. This window has the image of the magician and stunt performer with the stage name Harry Houdini, the dapper artist wearing a pair of handcuffs. 

At sidewalk level, there is so much glare that it nearly obscures the performer (although in character he was an illusionist too :)

The artist is Greg Karas of Ansonia, and Patti wrote of this in her newspaper blog - the old and someday to be restored entertainment venue offers a cool exhibit to the lucky patrons who happen to be strolling by...