Hudson River Landscape

The Hudson River School was an American art movement in the mid-1800’s represented by a group of landscape painters.  The visions of the Hudson River School artists were known for their realistic portrayal of idyllic American wilderness.

It is generally thought that artist Thomas Cole founded the Hudson River School.  In the fall of 1825, Thomas Cole traveled up the Hudson, stopping at the Catskill Mountains in New York.  Finding the dazzling autumn colors inspirational, Cole was the first to paint landscapes of the area.

Anna Julia Cooper

Born a slave in 1868.  Died in 1964 as a well-educated woman, having earned a Ph.D. in history.  An amazing feat for any person of that era!

The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class-it is the cause of human kind, the very birthright of humanity.

~Anna Julia Cooper

Scattered Views

People have various viewpoints and frequently see things contrary to expectations of others.  Consequently, any number of people can look at the same subject or issue, yet each will see something different.  That doesn’t make one person’s perspective right or wrong over another’s…just different. 

We all must learn to be more tolerant of others when ideas and beliefs differ from our own.

My Guys

Why did I wait until the last five minutes of his visit to capture some memories? 

Actually, that is not entirely true.  One night I took a couple of practice shots using my new Gary Fong Lightsphere (a wonderful Christmas gift from him).  Here he is, enjoying his new Kindle (a gift from me and his dad).  Talk about an ironic twist.

At any rate, that was all the shooting of him I did until he was preparing to leave.  I don’t know why I waited until he was practically out the door before I grabbed my camera.  Perhaps because I know how much he hates being photographed by me.  Or possibly because the mood was never right.  I don’t know.  But I did know that I could not let him go without some parting shots.

Farewell, my son.  See you in a few months!

Wired!!!

On Christmas Eve my husband and I traveled to Schenectady to visit our sister-in-law in the hospital.  I was wired.  With all the busyness of the holiday season, it had been weeks since I’d picked up my camera.  I was bursting to click that shutter button!

It was a beautiful afternoon.  The sun was shining and the sky was blue – a perfect day for picture taking. On the ride home (much to the surprise of my husband) I cranked the window down, braving the cold wind whipping my face.  Click, click, click…aah…that wonderful sound made by the camera’s shutter.  It was just what I needed! 

P.S.  After blogging for more than three years, I figured it was time for a change.  How do you like the new look of Bits ‘N Pieces?

Happy New Year!!!