The year has changed but the view has not.  Welcome 2012!!  A fresh start, new perspective and resolutions!  This should bring inspiration to live life to the fullest, to be your best, to stay in shape, eat well and keep your camera handy.  This image taken early on the last day of 2011.  Old Hickory Lake showered in the colors from the sky.

This year I have decided to make more prints.   If you would love to have this image grace your walls you can order here.   All images are printed by me on beautiful rich fine art paper and signed.   Custom framing is also available.

Yesterday morning it really felt like winter was upon us.  The air thick with fog and ice forming on every surface.  I discovered these cool patterns on my deck cocktail table.

Paisley Ice

Paisley Ice #2

Ice Trails

Ice Leaf

Be sure and check out my newest online store at Society6.  Prints are also available directly through me!

Presenting a new portfolio of fog images from Fall Creek Falls State Park.

Fisherman in the early morning fog

Up close and personal to a blue swallowtail that had just emerged from it’s chrysalis last week.  He clung onto my hand tightly waiting for his wings to dry.

Swallowtail butterfly hanging out on my hand

Up Close and Personal with a Butterfly

I have not posted to my blog in a while because I have be updating my website!  Check it out. I am finally happy with it.  I still have galleries to add.   All images are available in print form.   Be sure to see the other WINGED creatures on the site!

These photos are back from the winter.  A neighbor had pulled this car out of his garage.  No telling how long it had been in there or how long a human had actually sat inside.  It is a classic and I think with some TLC could be back to it’s former glory.

August, the dog days, hot, sun, almost fall.  August brings so many little surprises of nature.

Walking along you may notice stems that just appear from no where, the next day buds, the next day blooms, these are surprise lilies or Lycoris squamigera for you botanic nerds.  One of my neighbors has a group of them that pop up every year in a Stonehenge formation.

Pretty Surprise Lilies against a pretty August morning sky

Another little surprise that happens in August are the emergence of mushrooms.  Can’t you see a little toad taking shelter under these natural tents?

Little Mushroom Tent City Unless You are an Ant

Bird's Eye View of the Mushroom Tent City

And then last night on my way to take care of some of my dog clients I saw the most amazing August sunset.  A painting by mother nature, no kidding, full of complimentary colors, brush strokes, palette knife strokes, and dollops of paint.  Seriously one the most beautiful skies I have ever witnessed in both the west and east.

The Eastern Sky at Sunset

The Western Sky at Sunset

The first time I noticed yellow finches flitting around was two years ago.  They were feasting on sunflower seeds from the tall stalks of once beautiful sunshine flowers that now were just pin cushions of seeds providing nourishment to the birds.   By the time I noticed them they flew away, yellow streaks to across the field to find the protection of an old tree.   These are elusive little birds.

I have been on a mission to photograph these guys.  Today when I arrived to check my garden’s harvest I saw them fly over to the fence with their not so showy finch cousins.  No sudden moves.  I walked v…..e……..r………y……..s…….l…..o……..w…….l……y through the garden and stood very still, sometimes squatting out of site waiting for  a yellow finch, also known as a gold finch, to present himself to my camera.  Finally one began streaking around the garden looking for food as his little body caught the late afternoon sun.

Hanging out on the garden fence.

Yellow finch snacking on a sunflower seed.

This past week I had so much fun at a house party put on by Music City Roots featuring Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen.   Not only did Frank give us some great music he also made us dinner, ginger chicken with rice and this yummy relish… it was truly delish!  Turns out Frank is an excellent cook.  Check out the Live Stream video from the party and you can see Frank shop at Whole Foods and then prepare the meal… he shows off his chopping skills!!   Fast forward to about the 23 minute mark.

The band performed in the man cave, complete with stage, at the hosts house.  I love their sound and am now a huge fan!!  Check out a little bit of them live from the party here!

Somethings cookin' on the stove!! The house smelled yummy!

Sweet chili sauce and relish of local tomatoes, some cucumbers, green onions, peppers...

Ingredients for the ginger chicken. All the food was from Whole Foods.

The cook!

MCR's sponsor provided Moonshine for cocktails.

Waiting for dinner.

The stage waiting for the band.

Frank serving up the food!!

The band.