Blarney in Black & White

“Blarney in Black and White” – Blarney Castle in County Cork, Ireland.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! I know everyone says they’re Irish today, but for those of you who don’t know, my birth name is Erin Riley…how much more Irish can a girl get?? Anyway, after graduating from college, my parents took the family on an amazing vacation to Scotland and Ireland. We visited the Waterford Crystal Factory, the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, and of course Blarney Castle, where this image was taken. Yes, I kissed the Blarney Stone, which perhaps explains my “gift to gab.” 😉 As you can imagine, it was truly the trip of a lifetime and I can’t wait to go back to “the motherland!”

“May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Sláinte, my friends, and thanks for stopping by today! Please feel free to leave me a hello down below, and I hope you’re all well! 🙂

Winter Bloom

While I can do without the cold weather and grey skies that Old Man Winter often brings,  I have a particular fondness for one of its seasonal blooms: the Camellia. Here in the Lowcountry (among other places) we’re blessed with their blossoms from January through March, often providing the only pop of color in the landscape this time of year.

“Winter Bloom” – A pink Camellia japonica blooms in Charleston, SC.

I’ve posted other photos of Camellias in the past, but I realized that I’d never shared this one! A bit surprising really, since I’m a big fan of the color pink–I suppose you’d probably figured that out by my business name, eh? 😉

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope that you’re all doing fabulously. I appreciate each and every one of you, and hope you’ll take the opportunity to comment down below!

Sol Surfers

“Sol Surfers” – Surfers silhouetted by the sunrise on Folly Beach, SC.

Hello, and a belated Happy New Year to all of you! I realize my blogging has been sporadic at best over these last few months, but I’m hoping to remedy that. Either way, I thought you could all use a reminder that Spring is just around the corner. With all the cold weather, including an ice storm that rendered Charleston out of commission for two days, it’s always nice to remember that it won’t last forever and that the warmth will return again.

I hope that you are all well and having a great start to your new year! Thanks for stopping by today and please feel free to say hello–I love to hear from you! 🙂

I’m Dreaming…

…of a white Christmas! Greetings from the Northcountry! I’m currently spending some pre-holiday time in upstate NY, where the high today reached a balmy 9 degrees. While it’s a far cry from the warm southern air I’ve grown accustomed to, I very much enjoy the beautiful snow that has blanketed the area and most importantly, spending time with family.

“White Christmas” – Ornaments hang from snow-covered evergreen branches.

 

I should mention that this image was inspired by this image over at CJ Schmit Photography. Hopefully he won’t mind that I “borrowed” his idea! They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, right?! 😉 Next time I’ll be as smart as he is and use ornaments that don’t show our reflections!

I hope that you all have a holiday season (whatever you celebrate!) filled with peace, joy, and love. Merry Christmakwanzukkah! 🙂

Wonder of a Sunset

“When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator.”
– Mahatma Gandhi

“Wonder of a Sunset” – Sunset in rural Madison County, Virginia.

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed today’s photo, and encourage you to leave a “hello” down below! 🙂

Autumn Vista

Here’s a quick “post and run” for your Friday. I’m headed to Myrtle Beach this weekend to witness a dear friend’s wedding, but I didn’t want another week to go by without another post! So please enjoy today’s view of Table Rock, photographed in 2007.

“Autumn Vista” – Fall foliage at Table Rock State Park in South Carolina.

Have a great weekend, y’all! 🙂

Autumn’s Arrival

With temperatures still exceeding 80 degrees here in the Lowcountry, it’s hard to believe that Autumn has arrived. Our nights have gotten cooler, but our days are still gloriously warm. This is one of my favorite times of year here, although–truth be told–I find it hard to imagine living anywhere else. Have I mentioned that I love Charleston? 🙂

“Foliage Overlook” – Fall foliage in Table Rock State Park, SC.

Despite the lack of foliage locally, South Carolina’s “upstate” boasts beautiful color every year. This shot was taken several years ago in Table Rock State Park, located just outside Greenville. I’m hoping to travel to this gorgeous location again soon–fingers crossed!

Thanks for stopping by today (did you miss me? 😉 ) I hope that you enjoyed today’s post, and as always I love hearing from you so feel free to leave a comment below. Happy Fall!

Just Jelly

Happy Monday! I know it’s been awhile, and for that I apologize. I’ve missed you, and I do hope you’ll forgive me for my absence. 😉

Today we head back to the National Aquarium to take a closer look at  jellyfish. Contrary to popular belief, jellyfish don’t just float along with the ocean currents, but rather pulse their umbrella-shaped bell to move in any direction. Their stinging tentacles are used to capture prey; in fact, some jellyfish have tentacles up to 100 feet long! Existing in every ocean, they’ve been around for over 500 million years, which makes them the oldest multi-organ animal. Pretty darn cool if you ask me!

Upside Down Jelly at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

Pacific Sea Nettle at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

Pacific Sea Nettle at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

Pacific Sea Nettle at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

Upside Down Jelly at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

Moon Jelly at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

Pacific Sea Nettle at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

Spotted Lagoon Jelly at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

Moon Jelly at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

Pacific Sea Nettle at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

Moon Jelly at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

Upside Down Jelly at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland.

Thanks for stopping by today! Please feel free to leave a little “hello” down below, as I always love to hear from you! 🙂

Washington, Reflected

Of the many notable landmarks in Washington, DC, the Washington Monument certainly has to be most recognizable. Standing 555 feet 5 1/8 inches, it’s not only the tallest point within the city, but is also the tallest stone structure and stone obelisk in the world. Its cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848, but its capstone wasn’t set until December 6, 1884. Between the years 1854 and 1877, construction was put on hold due to lack of funds and the American Civil War, creating the change in stone color you may notice at about 25% of its height. It is currently closed to the public due to damage that occurred during an earthquake and Hurricane Irene in 2011.

“Washington, Reflected” – The Washington Monument is reflected in the Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC.

“Washington Stands Tall” – The Washington Monument in Washington, DC.

While we enjoy the festivities that Independence Day has become known for, let us take a moment and be thankful for the revolutionary men and women who created this nation: the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed today’s post and have a great weekend!

Stars and Stripes Forever

The Fourth of July. Independence Day. America’s Birthday. Whatever you care to call it, today is the day we remember how far we’ve come as a nation. Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican, Independent or not into politics whatsoever, you can’t help but feel a sense of unity today. What better way to represent my American pride than with a few images of the Stars and Stripes? (Disclaimer: these were obviously taken at the same time, at the same location. I couldn’t pick a favorite, so I’m sharing all three!)

“The Banner Yet Waves” – The American Flag.

“Stars and Stripes” – The American Flag.

“Star Spangled Banner” – The American Flag.

Thanks for stopping by today, and I hope you all have a fantastic (and safe!) Independence Day! As always, please feel free to leave a little love below. 🙂