Sailing The High Seas- A Sunset Lighthouse Cruise

A sunset lighthouse cruise has been on my bucket list for a while now. So when I realized there was one happening just over the border in New Hampshire I jumped on it. By jumped on it, I mean I emailed my sister and strongly hinted that a ticket to the sunset lighthouse cruise would make a really nice birthday gift.

Luckily she agreed and she bought a ticket for herself as well.

 I left work early to beat the Friday night traffic heading north. I packed a small dinner for the two of us and some extra jackets. I am definitely glad I had the extra layers with me. It was quite chilly out on the open seas.

The boat left Rye Harbor around 7:00 on a picture perfect night. There was a nice breeze that was not too strong. The weather was what I call sweater weather. We seriously could not have asked for a better night. My sister was saying she hoped the sunset cooperated because there was not much cloud cover. Sunsets are so much more interesting with clouds.

We cruised along at a good pace and were at the Isles of Shoals in no time. Our first lighthouse of the evening was the White Island Light. And we had clouds!

My sister was already wearing her extra layer of clothing. She was thoroughly enjoying the view as I snapped photo after photo.

The texture of the water was stunning. I loved seeing ripples in the water. They are more defined at sunset. The colors are enhanced as the sun does not wash them out at this time of night.

A lone boat added to the feeling of peace. I am always at peace when I am on the ocean. I felt cradled by the boat as it rocked from side to side. It was a gentle rocking, nothing to worry about really.

We passed by the mostly uninhabited Appledore Island. I wonder if the men caught any fish.

See what I mean? Peaceful scenery all around. Could it be more relaxing? It doesn't take long to switch to vacation mode. This trip was just a 3 hour mini vacation.

There were no words for the beauty surrounding the boat. We had a nice cloud to sky ratio, making for a beautiful sunset.

Here's a view from the edge of the boat. I did not venture out for too long. 

The photographers were lined up as if they were the paparazzi. We were all looking for that perfect shot.

We cruised along and made our way out to the next lighthouse. We had spectacular views from every seat on the boat.

Lighthouse number 2 was called Whaleback. I think this one was my favorite. I love that it's made of stone.

The sunset was very dramatic at this point. I wanted it to stay this way forever.

The boat changed positions several times so everyone got a good look at each lighthouse. The tour guide was obviously a photographer as he stopped talking a few times to take photos.

This woman in the red coat made for a nice contrast to the blue scene. I often try to find an interesting subject for the foreground of the shot.

Goodbye Whaleback. You are a spectacular lighthouse!

Our next stop and last stop was Portsmouth Light. The beacon was green. Very interesting. Our photographer guide had the boat positioned so we would have some nice orange color behind the lighthouse.

Indeed, it was spectacular and the light was starting to fade. That meant photo opportunities were limited.

The colorful cloud brushstrokes were becoming smaller and smaller.

One last look at Portsmouth Light before heading home.  I left with a headful of sweet memories of yet one more beautiful New England experience.

I Can Be a Little Showy

It's hard for me to define my decorating style . I guess maybe it's Estate Sale Chic. I do know I am a bit showy.

This crystally lamp on the dining room mantel has a lot of bling to it. The lamp is small so the bling is tolerable.

The base of the blingy lamp is very decorative. I like the base as much as the crystal tendrils.

Here's the entire lamp. I bought it from an antique store and I thought it just needed a new bulb. It actually needed work on the plug. My Dad was able to fix it so it wasn't a major problem.

Here's a close-up of the front of the mantel. I've mentioned before that it needs a paint job.  Looks like someone had tried to distress it and they did a poor job.

The vintage frame is also ornate and a little shabby. Just how I like it.

On my nightstand, there is a lamp with a marble base. It's topped by a fraying lampshade that has beading on it, I believe it is from the 1940's. The little telephone table turned nightstand was a $10 yard sale find. it is chippy chic. Someday I might make it a little less shabby/chippy.

And let's not forget the little nightlight with the feather trim that stands proud above my caffeination station. Many nights it is the only illumination in my kitchen.

Hope you enjoyed the mini house tour. I'm happy to say not a single cat photobombed any of my photos. That has to be a first!

Spring Bucket List

This photo was taken in 2010. It reminds me of England but I actually took this shot next door to my favorite breakfast spot, Aroma Café in Reading, Massachusetts.  Anyway I think it is perfect for a post about Spring.

Each season I put pen to paper and make a list of things I want to do that season. I never complete everything on the list but it's fun to dream. If I don't complete my list I don't beat myself up. I just keep it in mind for the future.

So here it is, in no particular order, my 2014 Spring Bucket List:

1. Visit the new Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston. With more than 30 food trucks and a fantastically artistic new carousel I need to check it out!

2.  Daytrip to Exeter, New Hampshire. The always fabulous Art n Tiques shop and a german iced coffee are calling to me.

3. An afternoon in Nantasket. I want to photograph the carousel at Paragon Park, play skeeball in the arcade, and eat lunch at Strawberry Fair in Norwell. Have you ever had strawberry butter? One word, Divine.

4.  Attend and photograph the Bedford Polecapping Ceremony in April. I previously blogged about this event here. It is really something to see historical reenactments. I am so lucky to live in an area where so much of our country's history took place.

5.  Attend a camera show and an antiques show in Wakefield. It's great when towns so close to my hometown have cool events.

6. Investigate antique stores in Cambridge, specifically European Country Antiques . Oh yeah, they had me at "Browse our collection of English, French and Irish Antique Country Furnishings."

7. Daytrip to Providence and a visit to The Duck and Bunny A Snuggery.

Hmm, looks like a lot of eating in my future and I am planning on dieting this Spring. Oh well, everything in moderation, right?

Memories of Ireland

In 1996 my Dad and I took a trip to Ireland. My Dad had turned 70 that year. He said, "I want to see Ireland before I croak". 

My Mom and sister stayed home. Dad and I took the grand tour. Galway, Dublin, Ring of Kerry, Belfast.  We stayed in a wonderful B&B and made friends with our tour group. Dad was excited to golf in Ireland and I met a longtime Irish pen pal.

Dad has travelled back to Ireland since that trip. Maybe I will go back sometime too. I have fond memories of the Emerald Isle.

Wishing everyone a Happy St Patrick's Day!

7 Wonders of the World

The new seven wonders of the world have been chosen , namely the Great Wall of China , Petra Jordan , Mezico Itza Pyramid , Colosseum of Rome , the statue of Christ Redeemer Brazil , India Taj Mahal , Machu Picchu and Peru . Determination of the seven wonders of the world is the choice of the 100 million people around the world via the internet sites and short messages ( SMS ) mobile phone held by the Swiss Foundation .
Here are the seven wonders of the world :
1 . Great Wall of China VS Buton Fort Kraton Wolio

This wall was built for the defense of the Chinese dynasty of Mongol attacks . Great Wall of China is the longest building ever built by humans . In strategic places through which the Great Wall of China there are many fortress defenses . Basically the Great Wall of China is a bastion compiled and put together from a collection of forts smaller that had been there before.

• Kraton Fortress Wolio Buton

The fort is located in the city of Bau - Bau , Buton sultanate former region of Southeast Sulawesi province . This fort has a long wall that surrounds the original indigenous village of Buton . The extent of approximately 22 acres and has received the title as the largest fortress in Indonesia from MURI .
MURI also still gives hope to clinch the title ' International ' because Buton fortress palace predicted would add a row of ' wonder of the world ' that is, as the largest fort in the world . Its strategic location was on top of the hill is amazing .
2 . Petra VS Goa elephant

• Petra Jordan

Petra is a city founded by chiseling stone walls located in Jordan . In this place made ​​of man-made caves carved on the stone walls of the building resembles . At the main gate of Petra there is the famous city of Petra , which is " The Treasury " . The Treasury in the form of the building with large pillars are directly sculpted and carved on the rocky hill .

• Goa Gajah Bali

Goa Gajah is an artificial cave carved in the rocks rock hard rock section . Created by punching holes in the rocks hard as a hermitage which is equipped with a sacred bathing place ( Petirtaan ) . The surface of the front side of the cave filled with ornate carvings . At the mouth of the cave are carved giant hideous face with big round eyes . The mouth of the cave is described as a giant mouth . This is one of the buildings in the world as an artificial cave that is carved in hard rock cliffs . Goa Gajah is located in Gianyar , Bali .
3 . Chichén Itzá  VS Borobudur

• Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is a Mayan archaeological heritage site located in Yucatán , Mexico . There are Kukulcan Pyramid is a temple that resembles the shape of pyramid building . Temple of Kukulkan in the form of stepped pyramid , with terraces . On each side of the rectangular pyramid are the stairs to the top. In contrast to the architecture of the Egyptian pyramids , Mayan pyramid is not a pyramid -shaped cone , because at its peak there is a flat area that is used for their rituals .

• Borobudur Temple

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia, which is located in Central Java . Earlier, I likened the building of Borobudur with pyramid building because it is a glimpse of the shape of the building is similar to a pyramid . Also exist in the form of pyramid building Chichen Itza . Borobudur is another version of the pyramid . Borobudur pyramid kepunden staircase will not be found in the region and any country . Borobudur although not included in the seven wonders of the new world but in fact Borobudur deserves to be called as one of the wonders of the world .
4 . Colosseum VS Bung Karno Stadium

• Colosseum

The original name is Flavian Amphitheatre this building , is building an elliptical amphitheater in the center of Rome , Italy . The largest building in the Roman era is able to accommodate 50,000 spectators , is used as gladiatorial contests and public performances . Colloseum is a state occasions stadium at that time . Many modern football stadium that mimic the shape of the Colosseum .

• Bung Karno Main Stadium

5 . Statue of Christ Redeemer Statue VS Garuda Wisnu Kencana

• Statue of Christ the Redeemer

Statue of Christ the Redeemer is located at the summit of Mount Corcovado . This statue is a statue of Jesus Christ with the largest Art Deco architectural style .

• Garuda Wisnu Kencana

Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue Unggasan located in Bukit , Jimbaran , Bali . This statue is planned to be made ​​into a giant statue of Lord Vishnu who is riding his mount , Garuda . Now some parts of the sculpture has been finished and has become one of the amazing attractions on the island of Bali . The statue of Lord Vishnu is planned to be the tallest monument in the world and is targeted to be one of the wonders of the world .
6 . Taj Mahal VS Mosque Baiturrahman

• Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal , the consort of the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan , who died at a young age . Islamic berasitektur magnificent building located in Agra , India is diarsiteki by Isa Khan , made ​​of white marble and surrounded by a beautiful garden .

• Aceh Baiturrahman Mosque

Baiturrahman Mosque is a mosque located in Banda Aceh . This mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Indonesia . Park in the eastern part designed to bring the feel of the Taj Mahal in it . This is reinforced by a square -shaped pond with a fountain in the middle. When the waves struck the city of Banda Aceh , the mosque survived . The mosque is also a place of refuge from the people of Banda Aceh tsunami sweep . This includes the grandest mosque mosque in Southeast Asia .

7 . Machu Picchu VS Ratu Boko

• Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the Inca ruins of an ancient city located in the region of the Andes , Peru . Machu Picchu was built by the ancient Incan style with walls of polished stone . The main building is Intihuatana , the Temple of the Sun , and Three Window Room . These places are known as the Sacred District of Machu Picchu .

• Ratu Boko

Ratu Boko or Ratu Boko Temple is also called is the archeological ruins on a hill , Ratu Boko , Sewu Mountains . In the ruins of the former there are Boko gate , Paseban space , pool , pavilion , Pringgitan , women's quarters , and two niche cave to meditate . This extensive site reaches 250,000 square meters . Ratu Boko is the only biggest classic period settlement site found in Java .

My take on photography

As a Board Member of the local Chamber of Commerce, I am supposed to volunteer my time.  Some of our Board Members work on the finance committee or conduct membership drives. I photograph events for the Chamber.

Yesterday, there was a ribbon cutting, ho hum! Not the most exciting thing to photograph. Usually a handful of people show up, all related to the new business owner. I am sure it is momentous for them and of course I am happy they are starting a new venture but, for me, it's basically photographing a lineup.

I got everyone assembled on the front steps. This is a yoga studio and inside was not really an option once I saw the number of people to be in the photo. I took the traditional photo. I always take several shots at pretty much the same angle. People blink, move, talk and everyone needs to look good in a photo for the newspaper. For example, someone has her eyes closed in the first row in the photo above.

Next, the woman has opened her eyes, I can see the new business owner looks good, the Mayor is in the shot, oops the little girl in purple looks angry.

I notice I can't see everyone. I ask people to move. Some do, some don't. It's Friday afternoon, I want to go home and they want to party I'm sure.

Yay, the little girl has moved. Now the scissors are closed. We probably want them to be open.

Oh great, now I notice the woman in the back has sun rays coming out of her head.

Oh, I decide to back onto the street so I  can use my zoom. I close in but not enough and the bush to the right is bothering me. Well, that can be cropped.

The Mayor decided to speak. I love to hear the Mayor speak. He has a way with words and he is inspiring. He is down to earth and genuine and completely supportive of his City's businesses and of the Chamber.

I decided to keep snapping as he was speaking. I was watching everyone listen to his speech about Joy, the business owner. It was really inspiring. Joy has built quite the business in Melrose. She runs a boot camp in Melrose and now a yoga and wellness studio. She is a true entrepreneur.

Some people are still aware of the camera and others are not. Interesting. Maybe I will get the shot I really want.

Joy, the blonde wearing gray, is surrounded by the people who care about her most and they are here to support her in her new business. She was beaming. She photographed well in every shot. Her happiness was shining through.

I zoom in closer, hoping to get a few nice candids. People are not focused on the camera, this is good

And there it is. The happy business owner, the applause by the crowd, the movement of the hands. Proud mama in the blue on the left, lady in the back with a fantastic expression of happiness on her face and the sweet smile of the woman in black holding the ribbon.  Yes, some people are not totally visible but this shot is the money shot. This is the shot that captures the joy of a business opening. This is the shot I envisioned. Snap, I got it!