M IS FOR MAGA

New Home

2011-10-21T17:56:00.004-04:00

I'm changing homes for a while.
Please visit me at http://www.mlrutledgephotography.com/

Book writing break.

2011-09-19T23:17:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone that might still be interested!

I have totally neglected this blog because after being in KY

this summer, my brother and I have decided to write a book

about our childhood.

We have no idea how long this will take or where it will go

but for now, it is taking a lot of time.

I hope everyone is happy, healthy and problem free

and I will see you all soon.

Mary Lou

HELLO AGAIN

2011-09-07T21:05:00.003-04:00

Since I was here, we went to KY to my
high school class reunion.

I'm proud to say it was 45 years.

We had a great time.

It was small town, KY so I knew everyone and through Facebook,

have reconnected with a lot of them.

My brother and my husband were in the class before me so my brother and his wife went to my reunion as my guests

which made it even more special.

We spent quite a bit of time touring the area and reliving our childhood days.

My brother, Mike and I have decided we are going to write a book about our growing

up in rural Ky.

I'm not sure how long it will take us but so far,

it's a wonderful thing.

We are from a town in Western KY called Trenton, not too far from Nashville, TN. These are some photos I took of our town as it stands today.

This is the church we married in.

In the 50s and 60s, there were a lot more businesses

and people but looked pretty much the same.

Thank you for visiting.

I was lucky

2011-08-16T01:03:00.002-04:00

My granddaughter says if you see a cardinal, you're lucky.

I'm lucky a lot of days around here.

The cardinal is the state bird of Virginia and also my home state of Kentucky.

We are going to KY this week so will take a blogging break.

I hope you have lucky days

and see something beautiful.

Scout

2011-08-11T00:22:00.001-04:00

My cousin has a new puppy dog.

His name is Scout and I think

he's really cute.

Beagles are my hubby's favorite kind

of dog so he likes him too.

We hope to see him in person soon as we are going to KY.

Sunflowers and Ears

2011-08-05T00:36:00.002-04:00

I saw these sunflowers today.

At a Motel!

And another one had these huge

Elephant Ears.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Duct Tape Creations

2011-08-02T01:22:00.000-04:00

Kids are doing all sorts of things with

duct tape now.

This is a rose,

although I've never seen

a green one..

made my Morgan.

AND

This is a shirt

made by Abby.

Who knew?

Grand Mosaic

2011-08-01T01:03:00.000-04:00

We had a GRAND visit over the weekend.

I tried to recreate some images I found

on the internet.

The top left was supposed to be a square

but with 5 kids,

it turned into a pentagon..

Their grandpa used to work there

so they thought it was better anyway!

Linking to Mosaic Monday.

Join Mary for some other mosaics.

Mosaic made with Photoshake

for Ipad.

Orange

2011-07-21T23:54:00.001-04:00

I'm in a photo challenge and the theme is Orange.

Now everywhere I go,

I see orange things that

I never noticed before.

These must be ice cream people!

Taken at a state park.

Of course, this is never ending!

I stopped these people on the street

and tried to explain why I wanted to

take a photo of their baby!!

SO CUTE!

We love this restaurant.

I never noticed the orange awning before!

This is the house with the copper gutters that I've taken photos

of before but never noticed the orange door.

And a FEW others.

Mango smoothie made with tea instead of milk.

And some wearables!

AND

My favorite!

I think orange is the new red!

Have a good week!

Come Sit With Me

2011-07-18T20:43:00.001-04:00

I have an album on Facebook

of the above name.

These are some recent entries.

and my most recent favorite

but I'm not sure if it's the bench

or the pillows that I love!

I do love the yellow bench.

Have a restful week.

Sit a while if you can.

Linking to Ruby Tues.

Grow where you are planted

2011-07-13T00:07:00.002-04:00

Have you ever seen flowers planted

in a washtub and garbage can?

I drove by these and thought

they were so pretty.

It took me a minute to see the pots.

These pots are in the same little garden

every year.

I never tire of seeing them.

At first, when I saw this basket,

I thought it needed some flowers.

But now,

I've grown to love it,

just as it is,

alongside the street.

Have a wonderful week.

Shaking it up for Mosaic Monday

2011-07-10T16:37:00.002-04:00

I've been experimenting with

Photoshake for Ipad.

It puts photos in mosaics automatically.

These are some examples.

I like their backgrounds and edges.

Joining Mary and friends for

Mosaic Monday

2011-07-08T00:46:00.000-04:00

As I sat looking out my window,

enjoying the peacefulness,

a strange sight appeared on the lake.

(You can have boats on the lake

without a motor.)

Was this a boat?

A canoe?

NO!

It's a surfboard?

He started to get a bit unsteady..

and then..

BUT, try, try again.

He made it back up and off he went.

His feet are in boots but

not attached to the board

except for a cord.

He took a few more spills.

I don't know how he felt about his adventure

but it was great entertainment for us!

Thank you, whoever you are.

Mary Lou

A Collection

2011-07-06T18:00:00.000-04:00

Some photos I've taken

lately.

This one is edited with PhotoShake!

We are having storms...

Hope your day is sunny and happy!

Corvette Show

2011-07-03T16:51:00.007-04:00

What does a 62 yr old woman do
on a 97 degree day with $5.00?

Go to a Corvette Show and
take photos!

Money goes to Wounded Warriors.

This is a 1959 Corvette.

This is a child's version that runs on gas.

I will post more after I cool off a bit!!

Have a great holiday!

Rides

2011-07-01T00:36:00.003-04:00

I've been taking a lot of photos

of "Rides" lately.

I'm not sure how it started but now,

like most photography things,

it's become an addiction.

Some of it comes from my granddaughter
that likes "cool" cars..

As for me, these would suit.

I hope you have a great ride

wherever you go!

Photos edited with

Color Splash app for Ipad

G. Bates

2011-06-27T00:28:00.000-04:00

This is from a little shop here that I love.

As you can see, just the entryway

tells you that it's going to be

an interesting place.

Joining Mosaic Monday

at Dear Little Red House.

Route 5, John Tyler Hwy. VA

2011-06-25T20:27:00.000-04:00

The trip from my house to my daughter's

is 45 miles through some pretty countryside.

There are corn fields with crepe myrtles growing alongside

There are also wheat fields

I'm not sure what this critter is

on the wheat

Some of the wheat has been cut and bailed

and ready to put into storage

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the

Virginia countryside.

New Beginning

2011-06-24T00:19:00.000-04:00

So, I begin once more.

I have been in a blogging slump.

I need change.

Last month.

This month.

IT's a slight change.

Some things always have

to stay the same.

God Bless Us Everyone!

Thank you for stopping by.

Summer Break

2011-06-11T00:53:00.000-04:00

This and..

That

Of SUMMER.

Time Out..

See you pretty soon.

For Maggie

2011-05-31T19:01:00.000-04:00

My dear friend is having a

granddaughter soon.

This is not her first but as always,

so special.

So much so, in fact, that I thought

she could use a special hat.

And a special bib.

The button says HOPE.

Her name will be Maggie.

Maggie gives us all HOPE.

Red Barns

2011-05-23T01:01:00.000-04:00

These barns and house were found on a

drive through rural Virginia close

to my home.

The background is a wheat field.

Joining Mary at Dear Little Red House

for Mosaic Monday

and Work of the Poet for

Ruby Tues.

Dragonfly

2011-05-19T00:10:00.000-04:00

I went out on the deck and this dragonfly

was sitting on the table.

I thought he was not alive.

SO, I got my camera and went back out to

find him in exactly the same position

so I thought for sure,

he was not going to move.

Just as I snapped this shot,

I guess it woke him up

and he flew right into my face!

I'm not sure who it scared the most!

I love the pattern in his wings.

Or her wings. I'm not sure..

This and That

2011-05-16T22:44:00.000-04:00

Just a few photos from

Colonial Williamsburg this week.

Spearmint

Peppers

And my favorite little

Garden House

I hope everyone has a

wonderful week.

Dinner with the Mallards

2011-05-14T22:41:00.000-04:00

Mr and Mrs Mallard out for a stroll.

Where do you want to go for dinner?

GREAT CHOICE!!

Capital Landing Neighborhood

2011-05-10T23:40:00.000-04:00

Driving through a little section of town

there are a lot of cute little houses,

garden houses and cottages.

I loved this green one

with the swing and rockers on the porch.

See the little stained glass window?

And this yellow with the yellow garden house.

and arbor

And I love all of these.

I love this one

because it

reminds me of the ocean.

What a wonderful neighborhood!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-09T00:28:00.000-04:00

Joining all mothers for

Mosaic Monday.

Cows

2011-05-04T14:42:00.022-04:00

I grew up on a farm in KY and

I was around cows a lot.

About a mile from my house now,

there is a field of cows.

And as usual in the spring,
there are several calves.

Cows are really not very friendly.

This guy seemed sort of interested until

I got out of the car.

This guy, was definitely

not in a happy mood.

Seeing them brought back the

country girl in me.

Really, it has always been there.

Iris

2011-05-01T17:21:00.000-04:00

It's Iris time.

I love them even though

I don't have any.

Thankfully, my neighbor does!

(the writing on the mosaic

is from a photo I took

at the fabric shop!)

Joining Mary at Dear Little Red House

for Mosaic Monday.

(PS, Mary was just published in

Art Blogging Magazine!)

Cygnets Born

2011-04-28T18:55:00.000-04:00

The swans on our lake are

proud parents again.

They had 9 babies.

Same as last year.

Just in time for

Mother's Day.

I think the mother might be having

second thoughts!

Making ordinary special

2011-04-25T00:08:00.001-04:00

It's amazing what I've seen in the parking lot lately and on the street close to our house.

I'm so taken with Instagram now and love to take photos with my phone

when I'm out and around,

then quickly post them to Instagram.

Two things I've noticed a lot of are

Yellow cars and red accents on things.

I always think of Ruby Tues.when I see red.

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T23:13:00.000-04:00

Good Friday

2011-04-22T19:53:00.000-04:00

HE died in my place.

Lessons to learn

2011-04-20T23:42:00.000-04:00

We were on a little trip this past weekend.

As you can see,

the weather didn't start out that great.

Even though the clouds were dark,

we concentrated on the jonquils blooming in the medion.

Dark skys surrounded us.

And then,

THERE IT WAS.

The sun did come out.

Our path was not at all straight,

as you can see.

So many lessons to learn if

you only pay attention.

Dear God, please help make

our paths straight and our

skies clear.

Show us your son

this Easter.

Weekend

2011-04-15T18:31:00.000-04:00

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Ferry Ride

2011-04-13T23:43:00.000-04:00

We are a few miles from the ferry and

ride it often

to see our daughter.

It's either the ferry or two bridges.

We are 40 miles apart.

This is the ferry we are waiting for and

as you can see,

named Pochontas, which is appropriate

because in the background you see

Jamestown Island, the site of the

first permanent English settlement.

On the pilings next to the ramp

there is an Osprey nest.

Ospreys look like an eagle from a distance.

They are gone for the winter but are

back now and building their nests.

This is an Osprey perched in a tree

by the river.

People build large structures in the river

for the Ospreys to nest on.

There are always a lot of

seagulls around the ferry.

and some Comerants

I'm very blessed to live where I do.

Every day I see history and beauty.

I hope you enjoyed our ferry ride.

Instagram bug has bitten me

2011-04-11T22:28:00.004-04:00

I just found instagram last night

and tried it today.

I sitll have a few questions but it's

fun so far.

It will make me use my Iphone for photos more than I have been

It's just another little challange we will enjoy learning.

I'll be joining Mary for Mosaic Monday even though a big late.

Dump Chair

2011-04-07T22:40:00.000-04:00

This is my favorite little chair.

I bought it at the dump in

High Wycombe, England.

Truly, the dump.

The people that owned the land dug out

the good stuff worth selling.

Believe me, in England, there is a LOT

of GOOD stuff!

The man in charge was actually

sitting in this chair and

at the time, it didn't have a bottom.

After a bit of discussion,

I talked him into selling it to

me for 20 pounds, about $30 at the time.

In West Wycombe, there is a shop that does caning and we had some pieces

done there, including the dump chair.

The caning brought the price up to

about $75 but well worth it.

It's a one of a kind,

talk about chair.

Combinations

2011-04-05T22:35:00.000-04:00

PLUS

Plus

(Florabella Seaside texture, overlay @ 75%)

EQUALS

Reflecting

2011-04-04T20:32:00.000-04:00

I've been spending time editing and

organizing photos.

Considering I have over 3000 just of my daughter and her two girls,

and 2000 of my son's family,

it has taken a while.

Not to mention,

flowers,

Barns

Animals,

Buildings,

And Colonial Williamsburg,

There are

Doors and Windows,

AND,

Need I go on!

I'm pretty good at keeping

up with it but

sometimes, you let things go

and get behind.

Maybe the solution is not to take so

many photos

to begin with?

I think NOT!

Have a good week.

Windows

2011-03-31T23:24:00.000-04:00

I love windows.

I'm not sure if it's the design,

the color, shape, or all.

I love to look in.

OR OUT!

Windows are full of nice things.

Window Shopping

2011-03-30T23:31:00.000-04:00

It was a rainy, dreary day here today.

It let up a bit when I had to get out anyway

so I did some window shopping.

The quality of these photos is due

to the weather

and not the photographer?

They were advertising Prom dresses.

I think it would be a VERY nice prom in these.

AND last but not least!

A girl can dream!

I hope you enjoyed shopping

with me.

Stare Down

2011-03-29T16:05:00.000-04:00

This guy challenged me to

a staring contest today.

HE won!!

Spring Snow

2011-03-27T20:24:00.001-04:00

Even though we had rain today,

then sleet,

then snow,

It's still SPRING!

Joining Mosaic Monday.

Visit HERE to see more

beautiful photos.

Garden House

2011-03-25T14:18:00.001-04:00

Isn't this a cheery little

garden house?

It's cute every season but

spring is the best.

HAVE A HAPPY DAY!

Is it really spring?

2011-03-23T16:14:00.003-04:00

The calendar says it’s spring.

Flowers and trees are budding.

The days are getting longer.

Birds are nesting.

If it’s official,

why am I cold?

Maybe I got used to it!

Mary Lou J

Not Quite Yet

2011-03-20T16:53:00.001-04:00

If you saw my post yesterday, I said I wasn’t going to blog for a while.

I’m back today but I have to say, the road seems never ending sometimes.

I have never said this on the blog before but I suffer with depression.

When you see the ad that says “depression hurts” they’re right!

People have said to me “just get out, you’ll feel better.” They don’t understand.

Having said that, I don’t know where I want to blog to.

Maybe the road is straighter than I think.

Maybe I can weather the curves.

Maybe the fence will be the see through version

and not the stone wall.

Thank you to those of you who enjoy seeing whatever it is that I come up with

or blog about.

When this period passes, I will see you again.

MLRutledge

Photography

What happened?

2011-03-18T00:04:00.001-04:00

I don’t exactly know how this

photo went from this

to this.

It was some Florabella actions

and a Shadowhouse texture

then with PSE 8, I brushed color

over the leaves.

I like the way it turned out.

I hope you do.

If anyone knows what type of

flower this is,

please tell me.

MLRutledge

Photography O

Happy Spring

2011-03-16T17:28:00.001-04:00

I see signs of spring everywhere.

the world is alive!

MLRutledge

Photography

Red Mile

2011-03-15T23:32:00.003-04:00

When my husband and I first married in 1968, (yes that long ago),

he was still in college at the U of KY.

In the summer, he worked at the airport pumping gas and

also parking cars at

The Red Mile race track.

As you see on the sign, The Red Mile is a trotting track.

View of downtown Lexington

He and his friend did valet parking and made good money

if people were winning.

If not, some were generous anyway and it

helped pay our bills.

At the time, this was the empty lot where they parked cars.

On our recent trip to KY, we found stables there.

The Red Mile brings such happy memories.

Some of a cigar box full of quarters.

and some larger bills.

I was 20, he was 22.

I am lately linking to

Ruby Tues.

A Rose is a Rose

2011-03-10T23:22:00.000-05:00

I'm having so much creative inspiration

using Florabella actions and textures.

Some of my older photos have come to life.

On this photo, I rotated horizontally from the original.

using PSE 8.

I don't know why I like things facing that way.

I used Smitten with Country girl action

and Shabby Scratch texture.

original

My cousin the house flipper

2011-03-09T14:09:00.000-05:00

My cousin and her husband are house flippers.

They admit it.

While in Nashville, we got to tour

the house they are working on

which is their fourth flip.

The house was built in 1938.

Walking in, you see what will be,

a gorgeous mantle.

(strip going around is a wallpaper border)

Under the sheetrock..

In the kitchen is a chimney they will leave

and this area.

No idea what it was for.

There are beautiful windows but they will have to replace them

to be more energy efficient.

They have already been working on the house for 6 wks.

and have torn out to the bare bones.

At one time, there was a seperate entrance to the

attic and was rented.

The tenant had a fire.

They say to his choice of worship.

We won't go there.

This is the only original doorknob.

This is a view from the upstairs windows

of the house across the street.

Best of luck to my

Flipping cousin and her hard working husband!

I can't wait to see the finished result.

HORSE BARN

2011-03-07T12:39:00.000-05:00

This is one of MANY barn photos I took while in KY.

I thought the doors were perfect for Ruby Tues.

Edited with Florabella Vivid color, Florabella frame and PSE8

This is the original photo

taken from the car in the rain!

Lots of rain!

Wine in KY

2011-03-05T15:50:00.000-05:00

While in KY, we got to visit a winery.

Since it is winter, the grapes are not on

the vine yet but we got to see the operation.

Step inside.

where you see the tanks

and barrels that hold the wine.

This is how we know there

really was wine in there!

Thank you, John for giving us the tour

and a few samples!

(even though I don't drink wine!)

Best of luck to you!

GONE TO BLUEGRASS

2011-02-25T10:48:00.000-05:00

Taking a week break to go to

See you when we get back.

Have a great week.

Looking Forward

2011-02-23T22:10:00.001-05:00

Isn’t it amazing how excited we get over a

little flower?

Even if the wind is so cold

we have on a coat?

Mary Lou Rutledge A

SURE SIGNS OF SPRING

2011-02-23T12:50:00.001-05:00

I was walking along the street

with my granddaughters the other day

and just happened to pass this seemingly bare tree.

But, this caught my eye.

This little bud was screaming

“Spring is Coming Soon!”

Thank you, LORD

for a sure sign of spring.

recipe:

Florabella summer 2 action,

etheral (cool) texture

vignette

Mary Lou Rutledge g

CHARLES CITY, VA

2011-02-22T12:28:00.001-05:00

I guess you take it as you see it.

Joining Ruby Tues.

Mary LouRutledgeO

REDO ROSE

2011-02-18T15:20:00.002-05:00

I think this was a pretty photo as is.

But, now that I'm learning

textures and actions,

I'm going back and redoing some older photos

such as this one.

I used Florabella Blush action, then

tea stained overlay at 65%

and a vintage frame.

This is on top of a background color layer,

working in PSE 8.

There is not a lot of difference

but I think the sublte change has added

some interest.

Here they are together.

Thank You, Florabella

IS IT WORTH IT?

2011-02-16T16:37:00.001-05:00

I was thinking I had run out of anything
worth blogging about.

I don't have a dog, or cat.

I don 't have a baby.

I don't cook very much, if at all.

I don 't have a big house,

or yard, or garden.

So, what could I possible have worth seeing

or hearing about?

Today, I saw the sunshine.

and felt it on my face.

and I know that God loves me.

TRUE LOVE

2011-02-14T11:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day

Linking to Mosaic Monday

WHEN I GO DOWN TO THE RIVER

2011-02-10T22:45:00.000-05:00

I went for a drive along the river today.

It was really peaceful and calming.

The wind was cold so I didn't get out

of the car very much

but did park for a while.

This is a good place to think.

or not think too much.

It's a good place to just be.

RED DOOR RESTAURANT

2011-02-08T14:30:00.000-05:00

This restaurant has been in town for a few months.

It says "The Best of Spain".

I'm not sure what foods that would be

but I love the look of it and want to try it soon.

Linking to Ruby Tues. @

Work of the Poet

I'm late this week and will be no. 98.

Better late than not at all.

Mosaic

2011-02-06T20:30:00.000-05:00

Just so I can join

Mosaic Monday @

Dear Little Red House.

Don't want to be left out even though I made this

some time ago...

PAPERWEIGHT FOR ABBY

2011-02-04T22:15:00.001-05:00

I've been playing around with Photoshop today.

This is a photo taken by my granddaughter, Abby.

To make it look like a paperweight, I used

PSE 8 Filter, Distort & Spherize

I made it into a valentine using

Florabella free valentine templates.

Have a happy weekend.

original photo

Linking to Pink Saturday for my first time.

ROY ROGERS

2011-02-02T16:21:00.001-05:00

When I was little, my brother had a Roy Rogers lunchbox.

When he was in first grade and I was not old enough

to go to school until the next year,

he took his lunch in it every day and

I couldn't wait for him to get home because

he always saved something for me.

Sometimes, it was a bite of banana that had turned brown.

Sometimes a piece of cookie or bread.

I'm not sure what thrilled me so much that it still is

vivid in my memory today.

I think it was his coming home after a long day of being alone

or maybe my envy of his special lunch box

or my longing to see the school bus.

I don't think I spent all day looking forward to a

brown bit of banana.

I think it was the sight of my brother.

(the box in the photo is on the refrigerator at my friend, Miss N's house)

Mount Vernon

2011-02-01T20:32:00.001-05:00

This is the kitchen at Mount Vernon,

the home of George and Martha Washington.

Linking to Ruby Tues.

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

2011-01-30T18:25:00.002-05:00

Joining Mosaic Monday at

Dear Little Red House

photos taken from Trenton,KY website

THINK SPRING

2011-01-29T21:46:00.000-05:00

Have a wonderful weekend.

Florabella actions and textures applied

HORSE BLANKETS

2011-01-28T15:55:00.003-05:00

Do horses really need blankets in the winter?

I've read recently that they don't

so why do they wear them?

I grew up in KY but not the horse country part.

People think I should know all about them

but I don't so I'm anxious to

hear your thoughts.

I know a "horse blanket" is what goes

under the saddle so I'm not sure

if these are blankets or coats.

Please, fill me in!

I used Florabella texture Antique warm.

original photo

Paige & Virginia

2011-01-24T14:56:00.001-05:00

We went to visit some friends this weekend

and got to spend some time with their

twin granddaughters who are 2 1/2.

Virginia Rose is the top photo

and

Paige Madison is the bottom.

Edited with Florabella and Shadowhouse actions.

Joining Mosaic Monday

READY FOR PLANTING

2011-01-20T23:46:00.001-05:00

The garden tools are sharpened as soon as

the ground thaws in

Colonial Williamsburg.

YELLOW DAY

2011-01-16T20:15:00.006-05:00

Some days you feel blue.

Some days you see red.

Today, I saw yellow

and I saw transportation.

I went for a drive about 30 miles from home and back

and these yellow things just jumped out at me.

I went to take a photo of the old train station.

They actually moved it from one side

of the track to the other recently.

It's in Lee Hall, VA and a landmark.

The roller coaster is at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

No, I haven't been for a ride and most likely, I won't.

For that, you can call me yellow in another fashion.

The propeller is in front of the Mariner's museum

in Yorktown, VA.

so must be one from a boat.

The train has been idle long enough to

gather a good variety of graffiti.

(or a bad variety)

The jeep and sign were just there so

I added them.

Thanks for going with me today.

I'm joining Mosaic Monday at

Dear Little Red House.

View to clean house by

2011-01-14T20:08:00.004-05:00

It's sunny here but cold so I'm staying inside and

doing some much needed cleaning up and cleaning out.

The lake is full of all kinds of birds, ducks, swans and geese.

The ducks are very vocal.

One guy had a good bath today

and I caught him just as he was drying off his feathers.

January is not so bad after all.