Valfal's photos

One of the many blossoms on my Christmas cactus this year. I never fail to be mesmerized by these beautiful flowers.

Saturday Self-Challenge: Eyes I chose a doll as my subject for this week's challenge. Blythe dolls are unique for their eyes that change color and direction four ways. Each eye has four sides that can be moved through the pulling of a string located in the back of the doll's head. I have added a photo of the doll I used for this photo in the note.

An image I took a couple years ago of the Brooklyn Bridge while we were riding back from a car show that was held on Governor's Island. It was the first photo I ever took of this famous structure. HFF and a great weekend to you! ~Best seen enlarged on black~ Thank you all so very much for your kind comments and faves, they are most appreciated!

One variety of the exotic Chrysanthemums on display at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. The world famous botanical garden has an exhibit on this special flower from the end of September through November each year.

Saturday Self-Challenge: An autumn or Spring themed "card" in celebration of SSC's first anniversary I had hoped to get some amazing shots at either Longwood Gardens or Winterthur, but in the end, I found the best photo under a huge oak tree in my own back yard. The tree is still mostly green, but there were just enough deep crimson colored leaves to capture a taste of autumn. My sincerest thanks to all you wonderful members of SSC for participating in the challenges and for sharing your beautiful photos with us; I hope we have many more challenges together! :-))

A view of the Susquehanna River two miles north of where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay. In the distance the Tidings Bridge can been seen crossing into Harford County. It is part of the Interstate 95 system. HFF and a great weekend to all my ipernity friends! :-)

Playing around with PicMonkey. It is amazing what you can do with a simple canna lily leaf! Original image in the note.

Jerusalem Mills is a tiny historic village located in Gunpowder Falls State Park, Maryland. Once the center of a thriving 18th- and 19th- century Quaker settlement, the Jerusalem gristmill operated continuously for nearly two centuries. Located on the banks of the Little Gunpowder Falls in Harford County, Maryland, both the mill and village are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Jerusalem Mill was acquired by the state as part of Gunpowder Falls State Park in 1961 and now serves as the park headquarters and visitor center. The village’s buildings and grounds host a variety of regular and special living history events. HFF and a wonderful weekend to all my ipernity friends! :-)

John, You are in my thoughts and prayers for a complete recovery so that you will be on your feet to enjoy photographing wildlife again. Hope you like this beautiful flower I found at the annual Dahlia show at Longwood Gardens :-)

A huge floral display I saw at the annual Dahlia Show at Longwood Gardens, sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Dahlia Society.

Just a small part of the huge main fountain display at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. HFF and H.A.N.W.E.; have a wonderful weekend, ipernity friends! :-)

The 50 Images-Project After almost a year since my last contribution to this group, I feel inspired again to continue the project! Many thanks to the founders of IMA for all the hard work they have done (and continue to do) to keep ipernity and our community together! With this photo I chose to portray the cycle of fading old age and vibrant youth. The old bottle represents the timeless continuity of life. ~Thank you so very much for all your very kind comments and faves, they are most appreciated!~

A close up shot of a canna lily leaf that was backlit by sunlight. The color version is in the note.

A place to sit at Winterthur Gardens near Wilmington, Delaware. HFF and have a wonderful weekend, ipernity friends! :-)

Argiope aurantia, better known as the Black and Yellow Garden Spider. It is a treat to see this one dining on her "catch of the day" in my garden! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argiope_aurantia

Playing with light, shadows and selective color. Have a great week, everyone!

A terracotta angel that once belonged to my late friend who was a garden enthusiast. It now beautifully graces my garden. Happy weekend to all my ipernity friends! :-)

I found this old decrepit fence behind one of the shops in downtown North East, Maryland (yes, that is its name, not just location!). The town is located along the North East River leading to the Chesapeake Bay. Please view enlarged on black for best detail. HFF and a great weekend to all my ipernity friends! :-))