Photography – Page 33 – Jennifer's Journal

Summer Lovin’

Published on July 29, 2014January 16, 2016 by J. Kelland Perry33 Comments

Summer in my province of Newfoundland and Labrador, compared to most of North America, is short but ever so sweet. What makes it so cherished, to my mind?

The following photos were all taken in Lead Cove, the little community where I raised my children.

I love my home for its natural beauty,
its refreshing, rugged and
unspoiled charm,
for its clear and wide blue skies
without a whisper of smog.

I love the clean, sparkling water
and the glistening rocks adorning the coastline
that beg to be traced
and trod upon by eager footsteps.

I love summer in Newfoundland
for its breathtaking views
of seascapes and landscapes
when I embark on a hike.

Whether I traverse
its beaches of sand or
climb its rocky windswept hills,
I know my camera will find its aim.

I embrace it because
the bushes and shrubs,
green and lush,
are heavy with fragrance
and of wild roses in bloom…

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…while in the gardens,
the planted perennials are brilliant with colour,
delighted at last
to spread their bright petals to the sun.

I love the hardy trees of Newfoundland
in summer…

…as they stretch
their ripe foliage to the sky.

Shot through with rays of sunlight,
a shimmering haze settles over the treetops
like a warm summer veil.

After a long winter and dismal spring
of cold, naked branches,
they, as I do,
breathe a sigh of gratitude
at the return of this warm and golden season.

Are you filled with Summer Lovin’ where you live?

Weekend Family Fun

Published on July 22, 2014July 22, 2014 by J. Kelland Perry16 Comments

Last Friday, we took a trip to Lead Cove, the little outport community where my children grew up.

Time spent with fun-loving family…

…on a warm summer weekend, is high on my list of favourite things to do.

Around the bay, the pace slows down where time together is savoured and enjoyed.
(Our boy fell and skinned his knee after I took this one, but let’s not talk about that.)

Nico explores with Poppy, making the most of his freedom from the leash.

Our little girl spends a pensive moment beside the sea.

Nico joins her.

Perhaps they are watching the fishing boat near the horizon.

When we return to the summer-house, our chef checks on the roast he is smoking with maple chips.

Nico finds a shady spot.

Pulled pork sandwiches with all the fixin’s. Yum!

Everyone loves it. ❤

Nico is savouring every minute.

So nice to see the kids playing and spending quality time with their mom.

Later, we light a fire and serve up spider wieners.

Happy girl.

What fire would be complete without s’mores? My first one in decades. 🙂

Relics of Rome

Published on July 17, 2014July 17, 2014 by J. Kelland Perry29 Comments

Seeing the above World Heritage Sites, the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain while in Rome, was unforgettable. Being able to get up close had an enormous impact on me. Have you ever been inspired by a work of art that is also a relic of the past?

See more here: Scenes from Italy: Rome

Cats in Contrast

Published on July 7, 2014July 7, 2014 by J. Kelland Perry22 Comments

Happy Monday, my darling peeps!

Vivian here again, returning to guest host on Jennifer’s Journal.

Today’s update is actually in answer to the Photo Challenge: “Contrasts” over at the Daily Post. Yes, we know it’s a tad late, but Jennifer was busy blogging about other stuff.

Hmmm…which makes me wonder: what could be more important than CATS?

Particularly, Moi?

Even my sister Maisie is somewhat miffed that we were put on hold for other posts.

Never mind I was centre stage in three of the last seven journal entries; everybody would rather hear from Adorable Me than yet another post about boring writing, appreciation, and now, bouquets… blah, blah, blah. Am I right?

You’re nodding, aren’t you?

Now, on to the Challenge. Maisie and I are a study in contrasts, that is a given. Yes, we are cats, yes, we are sisters, and yes, we both love Perry’s Point. But our personalities differ greatly. I don’t like bananas, Maisie loves them. I stand on my hind legs to please my daddy master, Maisie wouldn’t dream of it. I love licking Maisie and cuddling with her, she merely tolerates me. If we were human, you would probably surmise that I’m an extrovert and Maisie is an introvert, and you would be correct.

But this is a “Photo Challenge”. I haven’t figured out how to use a camera – yet – so Jennifer took the following shots (and the shot above) and tweaked them a bit using lots of contrast in her photo editor to achieve these results.

august 067 — **This one shows my dreamy, romantic side.**

Jennifer says she's going to paint this one someday. (rolls eyes) Since I'm her muse. Whatever! — **Jennifer says she’s going to paint this one someday, since I’m her *MUSE*, she tells me. (rolls eyes) Whatever!**

august 027 — **I was on the Hunt here, too preoccupied to pose prettily. “Here, Mickey…here, Tweety…wait! I think I see a flutterby!”**

Maisie playing with the camera strap. Get a load of those talons. Yeesh, overdue for a mani-pedi? — **Maisie playing with the camera strap. Get a load of those talons, will ya? Yeesh, someone overdue for a MANI-PEDI?**

Ooh, even I have to admit this one was quite a capture. Sis looks like she sees something lipsmackingly delish. Did someone open a BANANA? — **Ooh, even I have to admit this one was quite a capture. Sis looks like she sees something lipsmackingly delish. Did someone peel a BANANA?**

My staff caught me unawares in this one...zzzzzzzzzzzz — **Jennifer caught me unawares in this one….zzzzzz….but she let sleeping cats lie.**

Jennifer says she thinks she’s onto something with the heavy contrast. She says the greater definition may help her draw or paint images from photos done this way. I’m iffy about it, but what do you think?

That’s it for me today. Vivian here signing off, but I leave you with my favourite quote:

“Of all God’s creatures there is only one that
cannot be made the slave of the lash,
that one is the cat. If man could be crossed
with the cat, it would improve man, but it
would deteriorate the cat.”

~ Mark Twain

A Lesson in Compassion

Published on June 21, 2014January 17, 2016 by J. Kelland Perry35 Comments

One of the most valuable lessons we can teach our children is kindness and compassion for all living things, no matter how big or small.

This topic is on my mind because I was disturbed to read this morning of yet another local case of animal cruelty. How does a person exist, and sleep at night, who can commit such cruel acts against an innocent and defenseless animal?

I find it difficult to believe a child raised to respect and empathise with the feelings of all creatures can grow up into someone who can treat an animal with cruelty. My dad, in particular, taught us how to care for all living things. We grew up with pets, as many do, but it was more than that. He taught by example. He not only loved that little spider that he picked up and brought outdoors, he wished it well.

I wish every small child could experience that kind of lesson.

Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar. ~ Bradley Miller

Our task must be to widen our circle of compassion, to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. ~ Albert Einstein

It is widely believed that empathy training for children can prevent violence, against animals and human beings. What are you doing to teach children compassion?

Sweet Daughter

Published on June 14, 2014January 17, 2016 by J. Kelland Perry18 Comments

My One-Year-Old Daughter and Me

Denise was born on a beautiful sunny day, just like today. She decided to show up three weeks before her due date of July 6th. Born at Carbonear Hospital, she was the smallest baby there at the time, weighing a dainty five pounds, seven ounces.
My life as a very young mother had begun!

Denise at Six Years Old

Denise was a happy child, but she was also softhearted, intelligent, and focused.

Bachelor of Nursing Graduate

She always worked hard to realize her goals.

Her Beautiful Family

Happy Birthday, Denise! I am so proud of you, and can’t imagine my life without you in it!
Love Mom ❤

Is There Room* in Your Book for Me?

Published on June 9, 2014 by J. Kelland Perry34 Comments

I thought it funny the book is called “Our Mutual Friend”!

Is your pet as clingy as ours? Please share your story!

*Weekly Photo Challenge: Room No. 2

Vivian’s Room

Published on June 7, 2014June 8, 2014 by J. Kelland Perry23 Comments

When the fog rolled in over our lounging chairs this afternoon (with us still in them), we counted ourselves lucky we at least had enjoyed an hour of hot, precious sunshine.

You may see some of the fog in the pic below.
We put our chairs back in the shed and went inside. But Vivian had other ideas.
She stayed behind in her outdoor room…

…demanding that we come back…

…looking more and more pitiful.

She gave up eventually, I think.

Daily Post Photo Challenge: Room

Greenspond – Part II

Published on May 20, 2014May 20, 2014 by J. Kelland Perry31 Comments

After completing the hiking trail on Saturday, my husband and I took a drive through scenic Greenspond.

It is an especially nice time to visit because of the pleasant weather. The little outport town sparkles like a jewel in the afternoon sun, the plaintive cries of seagulls the only sounds that break the silence.

The breeze has abated entirely, leaving the surface of the harbour basin as smooth as a mirror.

Pretty houses dot the land while oddly shaped chunks of iceberg dot the still blue water.

The peacefulness of the setting is magical, meditative, hypnotizing.
I am drawn to its perfect calm…
…and I drink in its beauty as I quietly reflect.

Troubles melt away…
…and make room for inspiration.
We stop to admire this gem of a property. Everything about it is impeccable, from the patchwork quilt on the clothesline…

…to the softly scalloped valances in each window.
To me, it is a work of art.

Have you ever visited a place that seemed the perfect setting for a story?
Where do you go to think and dream?

A Walking Trail, Bergy-Bits, and Other Pretty Things

Published on May 18, 2014May 18, 2014 by J. Kelland Perry31 Comments

Saturday was such a gorgeous day in our corner of the world, one had to get out and enjoy it. We decided to drive to Greenspond, a community comprised of several islands not far from where we live. Connected to the mainland of Newfoundland by a causeway, Greenspond boasts a wonderful walking trail around most of the perimeter of its largest island. It was perfect weather with light winds, so I took my camera.

**This is the view from Perry’s Point before we left. The icebergs dotting the horizon were too far away to get good shots.**

Once we got on the trail, it didn’t take long for us to discover our first “bergy bit” floating like an ice sculpture in a peaceful cove.
The walking trail winds through the rocky terrain, carrying us through the brush and bog.
The views of the coastline and of the Atlantic are spectacular.

191 — **We can’t help but admire the work that went into the boardwalks.**

194 — **Some were quite steep, making for a great workout.**

It seems the locals thought of everything. 😉
Almost halfway…

There seems to be a little berg in every bay.
Another “sculpture”…

…and another.

Time for refreshments.

The Greenspond Walking Trail is a collaboration between Man and Nature, resulting in what I consider a living work of art.
Come back and join me in a couple of days for Part Two of my Greenspond photo shoot. 🙂

To my Fellow Canadians: What did you do outdoors on this long Victoria Day weekend?

Keep Reading: Greenspond: Capital of the North

Iceberg Viewing in Newfoundland and Labrador

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