Scavenger Hunt # 14 – Hero

Let me remind you of the hunt this week… Heroes – Remarkably brave person: somebody who commits an act of remarkable bravery or who has shown an admirable quality such as a great courage or strength of character or Somebody admired: somebody who is admired for outstanding qualities or achievements.

I picked M.O.M – My Other Mother. So lovingly referred to as Nani by all her grandkids.

Lou is my mother-in-law, but from the very beginning, when I first met her, 28 years ago at just barely 16, I have called her Mom. She embraced me as her own immediately, as did Joe’s dad, Nick. They are both very special people to me. Note: Dad passed away 2 years ago and my own Mom passed away in 1993.

It was the anniversary of Dad’s death on April 16 and we visited his grave that day. I love how Joe loves his Mom.

What a beautiful night at the cemetery.

Mom doesn’t like her picture taken… just like many of us, but she finally gave in and we spent an entire day together, just enjoying one another. She made sure she looked her best. She always does.

I love to see her smile.

One of Mom’s daily activities is doing word searches in front of the TV. So I captured that before leaving on our date.

Our first stop was Anthony’s for lunch. I really tried to capture those things that make her who she is… like ALWAYS remembering to put her lipstick on after eating… notice the leopard skin lipstick holder and manicured nails.

Mom’s favorite coin purse. Reminiscent of Hawaii, one of her favorite places.

I love how she loves everyone and until recently I had the ignorant thought that I was loved conditionally, that her love for me was based on the love she had for her son… but I found out that was not true. She loves me for me and unconditionally. I can’t tell you how that feels. Not only does she love me in this way, so does the rest of her family – my family. I wish I could convey what it feels like to be loved this way. It makes me speechless and I don’t know what I would do without her.

To have such beauty in your heart… it is a gift and a gift to be shared with all who have the pleasure of meeting her.

She loves flowers, so I took her to the Wright Park solarium.

It was a beautiful day and I could tell that she started to like being captured in this way. I think it was because she could feel that it was only out of love and admiration. There was no expectation to be perfect or be someone she was not and there was no other hidden agenda. I love her for who she is, as she is.

Hilltop Artisans (Chihuly students) adorned the solarium with beautiful art glass and all was for sale. She appreciates it like I do.

The sunshine was glorious!

She held my hand, kissed my face, rubbed my arm at just the right time and said the sweetest words to me.

We had to end our day a little short, since I had a photo shoot to run to, but we met up again later to continue. I wanted to really capture her life… a lifestyle portrait session. How many of us really have that of the ones we love? Very few!

Mom was wearing her favorite shirt when I arrived.

You are guaranteed chocolate in the chocolate drawer when you visit Mom! Everything has almonds of course.

And something home baked.

Afterwards you are welcome to just sit and chat. I love how Mom keeps a kleenex up her sleeve at all times. Too cute! You will also notice her striped cup that she has had since I can remember and her catalogs… she gets more junk mail than any person I know!

The best gift is her laughter. I don’t think I have ever seen a picture of her laughing and this will be something I treasure forever. She is the most beautiful when she is laughing with family. I think it is her most peaceful time. I love her… always. She is my hero, my M.O.M.

Next Challenge: In the corner – meaning frame the subject in the corner of your image.

Have a great Sunday night everyone. xoxoxo to you all and especially to you M.O.M. Thank you for letting me do this. I am grateful to have these pictures of you being YOU. The person we all love. You are beautiful!

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Scavenger Hunt # 13 – Items We Carry

Most of us have events in our lives that have shaped us into who we are today. Some of those may be negative… baggage and we “carry” this around all our lives.

I am so thankful that God offers the gift of renewal; a new day. He is faithful to restore and we just have to receive it. Sometimes this can be harder than it sounds, but it is always my goal… to walk where God has called me to walk with nothing in my hands except love.

Next Challenge: Heroes – Remarkably brave person: somebody who commits an act of remarkable bravery or who has shown an admirable quality such as a great courage or strength of character or Somebody admired: somebody who is admired for outstanding qualities or achievements.

Have Fun!

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Scavenger Hunt #12 – Growing Up

On Wednesday our family drove to Sequim to visit the Olympic Game Farm. This was our second visit and a place we have decided will be an annual trip for us. One thing that has stayed constant in my life is my love for animals. Growing up I dreamed of being a vet and even though that dream changed as I got older, I still have a very strong love for all animals.

I never really thought about how many we had growing up… we had a lot and that was just normal to me.

At the game farm the animals are very friendly and stick their entire heads in the car waiting for more bread.

I don’t just mean a lot throughout my life, I mean a lot at all times!

These Fallow Deer are so, so sweet and they roam with the Bison... amazing.

We had dogs, cats, ducks, chickens…

Waddling Geese, they want bread from us too!

Free roaming rabbits in the back yard… I used to wait above the den holes and try to catch the babies as they popped out.

Free roaming rabbit at the game farm... they had lots of different colors, breeds and sizes.

We had a squirrel named Mike (yes a pet squirrel, but he was mean) and a chipmunk named Joe… both purchased at the B&I when it still housed Ivan the gorilla.

Kodiak Bear - many of these bears have been in movies... fun to watch.

We had fish, a ferret (love, love, love ferrets, but they stink!), gerbils and hamsters.

An Arabian horse named Wun Knight (I didn’t name it!), but didn’t live on our property.

Aren't I cute?

And all this in a normal city lot! Nope, not on a farm.

Even Seagulls can be cute!

During college, I worked at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium; occasionally the thought of killing the rabbits for the snakes got to me and I rescued a few adding them to the rabbit family already in the backyard.

I rescued a few chickens too… just stuck them in my backpack and brought them home! It was during my vegetarian days where I was careful to only buy products not tested on animals and placed stickers on meat in the stores urging to not eat it (I’ve changed a bit, since now I do eat meat, but pretty picky about it still).

What are you looking at?

I didn’t have birds until later in my life after I was married, but before children. I love birds, love watching them, hearing them and having them as pets… but they are a lot of work and I gave them up years ago.

We were awe struck to see so many Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles in one place! Spectacular!

Today we only have a cat, but I still love animals… they are part of who I am… can’t help but point out every one I see as I drive – dog’s heads sticking out of windows, squirrels running across the streets, opossums and raccoons, hawks sitting on the light poles and occasionally a mouse or rat scurrying in the grass.

Bye! See you next year.

If you have not gone before I strongly recommend it… we laughed so much and the most fun for me has to be that Joe makes up voices for the animals. Cracks me up!

Next Challenge: Items we carry – This doesn’t necessary need to be what YOU carry but items people, in general, carry.

Have fun!

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Scavenger Hunt #11 – Delectable

I am so late on posting this, but better late than never!

You will all think I am crazy, but my delectable is oatmeal! Yes, you heard it right, oatmeal… and not the kind with brown sugar and milk… I like it just plain!! Nothin’ on it. YUM!

I thought of putting all the other things I like too, but just didn’t find the time. I love black eyed peas, plain white rice, Haribo gummy bears and imitation crab… such a sophisticated pallet I have, I know, I have been told. The weird thing is that I am married to a foody… I mean very particular about the taste of food. Can critique anything and knows exactly what is wrong with it. I, on the other hand, am very easy to please when it comes to food. Follow the rules of no bones, no skin, only chicken or fish, maybe lean pork if it is chinese pork with hot mustard and hamburger, but no steak! Ok, maybe I am a little picky… but a plain picky person :).

Next Challenge: Growing Up (open to your own interpretation). Have fun!

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Scavenger Hunt #10 – Texture

This week was texture and well, that is an easy one… finally! Textures can be found EVERYWHERE!

My friend, Suzy and I took a beautiful walk through Lakewold Gardens… the perfect place to have a nice talk and take some beautiful pictures.

I am making cards with many of the pictures I took, so thought I would show you the card versions.

I have a lot more, but will save them for another post.

Next Challenge:  Delectable –  Delicious: having a delicious taste,  Delightful: absolutely delightful, very pleasing or very attractive or Something very tasty: an appetizing food or dish.

Hugs to you all. Have a great Sunday, even though it’s almost over now… still an hour left for me – waiting for a load of laundry to finish :).

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Scavenger Hunt # 9 – Everyday

This week’s photo challenge is “Everyday, something you see everyday”… I thought of lots of things, but quickly decided on Molly, our cat, so I camera stalked her for a week.

The family can’t help but tease her… she is easily annoyed and it makes us laugh. My son is holding her up in the air while on the couch in this one.

Monday Molly

Molly begs a lot, a habit created by Amanda, who used to sneak her food at the dinner table. Now she begs in the morning for sandwich meat as I’m preparing kid’s lunches and no matter where she is, she can hear a can of tuna being pulled from the cupboard.

Tuesday Molly

In the daytime, she won’t let us pick her up unless we corner her or find her while she is sleeping. Then at night, she won’t leave us alone! Every night she makes her rounds beginning in one of the kid’s rooms, then to the next one, then to ours. Her goal, to take over my pillow and have me cater to her every petting desire.

Wednesday Molly

I think the funniest thing about Molly is that Joe has made a voice for her (evil sounding, plotting to kill us all and take over the household). I wish I could add an audio file here so you could hear what she is saying while she paws her way back in the house.

Thursday Molly

Molly does get out occasionally, usually by force. Ignore the weeds… it’s been a while since I was out in my yard… soon it will look great again… until then, don’t judge me :).

Friday Molly

I searched the house for Molly Saturday afternoon and found her in one of her favorite spots… the top of Amanda’s Bunk bed. She was not happy with my disturbing her bath. I did get more bath time pics but they seemed personal and I saved her the embarrassment.

Saturday Molly

Sunday’s are for basking in the sun on top of the couch in front of the window… “no one disturb me”

Sunday Molly

Molly is mysterious…. and for some reason, I am afraid to sleep at night… will I be here in the morning? Would you trust this face?… “What are you looking at?”

Everyday Molly

Next Challenge: Texture

Have a great Sunday everyone!

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Scavenger Hunt # 8 – Reflection

Had a little fun with this one! Took about 2 minutes :D… I used the wide angle at ISO 800, Aperture 2.8 and Shutter Speed 80.

So, I present you, the SPOON… a reflection of Amanda… and I’m in there too :D.

Next Theme Challenge: Everyday, something you see everyday

Have a great Sunday night and remember to love the one next to you!
xoxoxo

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Scavenger Hunt #7 – Nostalgia

Does anyone else remember getting a pair of animals with each Arco gas fill up? I used to love getting these and I’m sure I owned several arks and coordinating animals.

I actually didn’t give a huge amount of thought to this week’s theme: nostalgia.  I think I was so exhausted from thinking of the last one, that I just couldn’t bring myself to go too deep on this one… I didn’t know what I was going to do until Saturday, when I was putting some stuff away in a closet and came across a box from my childhood.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am a collector.  I have many collections – Fenton glass shoes and boots, floaty pens, Wilton trivets, glass Christmas ornaments, glass baskets, Rainbow art glass fruit, old cameras, Fiesta Ware, and the list goes on….  I started collecting as a child… but back then I collected some strange stuff, the victim of being a kid without money I guess :)… I collected junk mail, medicine bottles and the toys I got from products like cereal, cracker jacks and Arco gas.  Well, as I got older the junk mail got thrown out along with the pill bottles, but I managed to keep the box of cereal toys.  Why I keep this stuff I don’t know.  It’s just how I am.  I have many things around my house that could fit this photo challenge.  I am sentimental and most of the things in my house have a story behind them.  I can tell you when and where we bought it or who owned it before me.  I have thought many times that I need to write this all down for my kids… they will never know that I have the first ring my Nana was ever given by a boy along with a picture of the two of them sitting on a rock together.  They need to know that kind of stuff don’t you think? My collections are neatly displayed around our house, but the box of toys was just tucked away and forgotten until I found them on Saturday… it really isn’t the kind of collection to display, but I will share it with you.

Over the years I have managed to lose the top of the ark and the ramp… must be up in the attic somewhere and some of the animals have their legs chewed off (hmmm….) but when I set them all up I remembered how much I played with them. I had purple shag carpet in my room, so these had to be set up in the kitchen where the floor was smooth.  I can picture my mom at the gas station while the attendant cleaned our windshield and filled the tank (the good ol’ days).  I remember them handing the bag of animals to me and the excitement I felt to get a set I didn’t have already.

I know I collected them long enough to see some variations in the way they made Noah and his wife and even some of the animal poses.

Along with the Arco animals I also had the dolls of the world – wonder where they are now and the glass animals from Red Rose Tea and cereal toys….
When opening a new box of cereal I would quickly puff the box up and look down the side to see if I could find the toy.

I must have spent an hour going through them all as I set them up on the living room floor. Then, as I was preparing this post, we spent another hour looking up vintage cereal toys on the internet… fun stuff I tell ya! These are from the R&L company called Daffy Dawgs – Corny Canines. They took a while to find, but we finally did! They came in Kellogg’s Corn Flakes in the 70’s (wow, that dates me). We found them on eBay for about $10 a piece… you might be seeing my collection on there soon :D.

Some are still in packages… and some are just little scraps of paper that normal people would not keep… My name is Connie Riggio and I have a problem…

Remember Grins & Smiles & Giggles & Laughs cereal? I must have liked it, I have a ton of these magnets. This was made by Ralston – isn’t that a pet food company?

My mom’s favorite cereal was called Sugar Pops, but for “some” reason it no longer has the word Sugar as part of the title… it’s now just called Pops. Can’t advertise that it is made with sugar. Times have changed!

Do you remember the scrubbing bubbles? I wonder where I picked those up?

Look, it’s an Olympic figure skater card from 1980 and do you see Frankenberry? Loved that cereal… along with Boo Berry, but I never liked Count Chocula.

Hope you enjoyed my walk down memory lane… I know I had fun preparing it for you.

Visit Sara’s blog for another example of Nostalgia!

Next Challenge: Reflections – Reflected image: the image of somebody or something that appears in a mirror or other reflecting surface or Considered idea: an idea or thought, especially one produced by careful consideration.

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Scavenger Hunt #6 – Pain, something that shows pain, but is not a person

I tell you, this one was more consuming to me than any of the others… I thought the “How I See Myself Today” topic was hard, this one was even harder for me. I know others thought so too, but some found it easier. Why do I have to analyze things so much? I thought about it all week, day and night. PAIN… emotional pain, physical pain… I wondered which one should I explore, but after much thought concluded that they go hand in hand. I had tons of images come to mind and I took a little drive to explore each, but turned out I really didn’t need to do that after all. No matter what the picture was they all led to one image…

I found needles…

broken glass…

beer cans, caution tape and beer bottles… sad how easy all of this was to find…

a graveyard…

a balloon that no longer has air and is wrapped in knots as it hangs from a wire…

a hole in the wall that was once filled and now remains empty and forgotten…

a crumbled wall of brick that once stood strong…

a hospital…

I thought of more like a warn staircase, a rugged road, my childhood home, the bridge that so many take their own lives every year… but all led me to one image…

…darkness, total darkness… that is what pain is to me – all consuming… a feeling of being lost, not being able to recognize anything… feeling empty and scared, drained, weak, tired, stunned, alone, mind numbing, deafening… total consumption – mental and physical… as one.

So glad to be done with this week’s hunt. Now for next week and drum roll please…

Next week’s theme: Nostalgia – Sentimental recollection: a mixed feeling of happiness, sadness and longing when recalling a person, place or event from the past or the past in general or Homesickness: a longing for home or family when away from either

Have a great Sunday night… curl up with the ones you love and hold them tight! xoxoxo

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Scavenger Hunt #5 – Lock or Something Locked

I started the day off without a lock picture and ended it with too many! Joe and I decided to make an adventure out of it and go to one of our favorite spots in Tacoma, antique row. We have lived here all our lives and have a love for this city and all that it has to offer.

We walked the streets in search of a special lock, but instead captured all kinds of images along the way. I make cards from many of the photos I take, so might as well turn some of these into cards for future family gatherings.

The Old Elks Building is one of my favorite places. You will notice it a lot in my shoots, but every time I go there I see more destruction and it just makes me sad.

Within the last week orange paint now spots the historic staircase.

A trail of rose stems along it with a broken vase…

A Valentine’s message I could not fully read…

And one red rose…

We spotted a few more locks on some of the closed antique stores…

Then walked to the graffiti garage I love so much!

We even got to watch one of the artist making some new graffiti.

We walked through all 3 garages admiring the work of so many.

There was even a fresh Valentine’s message.

We found some art on the floors too. This one will be a card for sure.

After hitting a few of the open shops we headed back home, but not without a few more stops along the way.

Can you see the opossum hiding in the tree?

Not far from our house is a lock smith with some pretty cool old safes in the front of his shop.

Loved the vintage vibe of them!

I grew up collecting antiques. My mom frequented garage sales and estate sales, then when I met Joe I introduced him and we have continued the collecting together.

Not everyone thinks that old stuff is cool, but we do!

We have been watching that show, American Pickers, lately… so cool!

Last lock image for the day…

Thanks for stopping by!

Next photo scavenger hunt theme: Pain – something that shows pain, but is not a person.

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