Limoni

Lemons (limoni in Italian) are the subject of this week's Photo of the Week.  I was fortunate to be able to pick a bunch of fresh, organic lemons off of my Grandma's tree last weekend and they were so gorgeous they became the centerpiece on my kitchen table.  Soon, they will become limoncello, but until then they are a lovely decoration in my home.  I placed them in a red bowl, and with the coordinating red curtains in my dining room, and a bit of natural light coming in through the front window I couldn't help myself from wanting to photograph them.  I pulled out the 50mm lens with its beautiful f/1.8 depth of field and snapped away.  I hope you like what I came up with!

Limoni

This was my submission for the Photo of the Week hosted by Jessica Rogers Photography.  If you'd like to participate (anyone can!) hop on over to her website.

Have a great weekend!

California Missions - Part 2

A couple of weeks ago I continued my Personal Project of photographing the California Missions at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.  San Luis Obispo just happens to be my home town and I couldn't travel through without taking a bit of time to visit and see what the mission looked like through my lens.  I've walked and driven past it many times throughout my life, I went on school field trips, played with my high school wind ensemble on its steps, I even went to a wedding there when I was a kid (I don't recall whose); but this was the first time I really truly explored this beautiful historic site with my camera.

The first photo I'd like to share with you was also submitted for Jessica Rogers Photo of the Week last week:

The old bells of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was founded by Junipero Serra on September 1, 1772.  It was named after Saint Louis, the Bishop of Toulouse, France.  The building as it stands today was built between 1793-1794.  The front portico was added in 1794, torn down in 1877, and restored in 1933. For more history on this beautiful Mission visit http://www.missionsanluisobispo.org.

Here are a few more photos from my visit:

A bit of detail around the front entrance to the sanctuary

Leaning on God

This lovely floral motif extended around the sanctuary

I truly enjoyed exploring in my home town and taking the time to examine details that I passed by often without thinking.  There is such beauty in our world, if only we take the time to slow down and see it.

Another sight in Moss Landing

Just a quick post to share another photo from Moss Landing.  I have a thing for boats - colorful boats, falling apart boats - I just love the texture!

Happy Friday!

Around the Napa Valley

Its been nearly two weeks since I was in the Napa Valley.  My hubbie & I spent a week up there, visiting family, eating fabulous food, and I even got to sneak off for awhile and take a few pictures.  Here are a few of my favorites:

I'm glad that I got a chance to take off on my own to shoot at least one afternoon while I was there.  I had a blast driving the tiny roads that cross between the Napa Valley's two main arteries (Hwy 29 and Silverado Trail) It is such a beautiful place!

Antiquing in Moss Landing

For the past two weeks I have been on the road, traveling up and down California spending time with family.  I had a fantastic trip!  I still have a lot of photos to go through, but for now I want to share the one I submitted for Jessica Rogers' Photography Photo of the Week:

Antiquing in Moss Landing

I captured this image while wandering in and out of antique shops with my cousin.  I'm so glad I got the opportunity to spend quality time with her!  We haven't been able to do that in years.  I'll take every moment I can get because she is also married to the military and will be moving to the east coast later this year.  Ah, the life of a military wife.

A quick sidenote: if you enjoy following Jessica Rogers' Photography and her Photo of the Week feature please note that her web address has changed: http://www.jessicarogersphoto.com/blog/