Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Abstract Appreciation

Vine on post : 7th Street NW

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm trying to get out every day, take some new pictures, and post something within 24 hours. What I didn't reveal is my real motivation. I'm trying to be healthier and exercise more. So, I've combined my hobby with a walking regimen. Yesterday evening's walk was in a 2.5 mile perimeter around my neighborhood.


Sunlit hibiscus in the yard of Mr. John and Ms. Alison on 3rd Street NW

There were a number of people out, enjoying the pleasant weather. One I spoke with at length was Ms. Vivian. She and her neighbors, Mr. John and Ms. Alison, were out porch sitting when I walked by. They both had the most beautiful hibiscus plants I've ever seen. The blooms on these plants were the size of salad plates. They kindly allowed me to come into their yards and photograph these gorgeous plants. As I departed, I expressed my appreciation for their graciousness, to which Ms. Vivian replied, "We appreciate your appreciation of our efforts." That made me smile.

I took approximately 50 pictures in my 2.5 mile circuit. To see more of yesterday's walk, go to my new overflow site, Standing Room Only, here.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 07/08

13 comments:

Virginia said...

Great idea to walk and take photos. I just can't manage with a big clunky camera around my neck.
That's one of my excuses for not walking!

The Artful Eye said...

This hibiscus is in your face, it's beautiful and the red post with the complementary green vine seems unreal.

You'll soon discover that so many wonderful images are right under your nose. I love walking around and just looking. Too many streets of San Francisco type hills here for a leisurely stroll it's more like a mountain goat huff.

marley said...

And you were worried about what you might not find and might not show! You did well! Its a good practice to get into, I suppose its the true essence of CDP blogging :)

Janet Kincaid said...

Virginia: I think if I had a big camera, I wouldn't combine the two, but I shoot with a Canon A630, which is pretty compact and makes it easy to do both activities.


Andrea: That's part of what I'm looking forward to: seeing things that have been there all along that I've missed.


Marley: Thanks. I did all right for today. The challenge this evening is, I haven't been out yet and I need to do that or I'll be forced to photograph the cat!

Tash said...

Good for you on getting out there and walking with your shadow :). Isn't it amazing how much beauty there is so close around us? Isn't it nice that having a camera in tow helps us see that beauty? You've captured it so well, such fabulous color!

Bobbie said...

That is putting your feet to the fire, Janet. Posting something within 24 hours of having shot it. It will make you grow I'll bet. I love the hibiscus as I do all of this tribe. I grow them too and love seeing these dinner plate ones open. My favorite, though, is the Texas Star Hibiscus an unruly red one that grows up past my roof each year and is usually loaded with red every day ;) Joy!

The D in D & T said...

The hibiscus is truly beautiful.

Janet Kincaid said...

Tash: Thanks! Having a camera in tow has certainly given me a keener eye and I'm loving it!


Bobbie: I'd love to see pictures of your hibiscus (hint, hint!) ;-) As for me and my feet and fires, what can I say? I'm a little wack-a-doo some days! LOL!


D: Thank you! They totally took my breath away when I saw them.

Chris said...

Do like the colors in these photos! I like walking and shooting, too.

Saw your comment about the peanuts on Birmingham DP. . . .There really is a restaurant here asking customers not to take the peanuts out because of allergies.

Maya said...

A noble effort! I walk every day to and from work which is when I take most of my photos. Actually, most are taken on the way home since I'm usually in too much of a hurry on the way in.

I like the color contrast in the first shot. Very nice!

Janet Kincaid said...

Chris: Thanks! Walking and shooting is proving to be fun. Around these parts, Five Guys & Fries are the one franchise where I see a "no nuts in the neighborhood" sign. I'm sure there are others. While I'm not allergic to nuts and have almost no food allergies, I am mildly allergic to fresh mango. Go figure!


Maya: Thank you! I liked the contrasts in the first photo, too! I'm finding, in the all-of-seven-days I've been doing this, that I go out in the evening to shoot. Not sure why that is... Too lazy in the morning, I suppose? Which is silly, because it's cooler and less humid in the morning.

Unknown said...

It's killing two birds with 1 stone. You get the photos and the exercise! :-)

Keep it up!

Janet Kincaid said...

Keropok Man: I'm working on it! :-)