Yesterday, I went hunting for remaining snow sculptures as the winter nears its end, momentarily. Spring has begun to whisper in the wind ‘I’m very near, just a few more weeks and flowers will be bursting with joy and delight.’

I could feel the air changing so I seized the moment to capture more snow scuptures near where I live. The other day I showed the ‘Snow Dog.’ It was resting on the pavement in a parking lot and I photographed it as the dog was sleeping.  Tell me what you see – a dog, a mountain lion, a cheetah…..I would love to know!  Thank you for dropping by and I always look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.  Susan

Today, the core participants of the Artist Window Exhibit project met to discuss the May 1st start of the A.W.E. project. Artists and business owners partner to showcase the work of artists of western, Massachusetts. Lots of great ideas, great discussions flowed back and forth. The artists that were present at today’s meeting were assigned to businesses they each had thought about displaying their wonderful art. We all would love to see you through the month of May, 2009 to view the amazing talented artists of the area.

As always, I look forward to your responses and love hearing about what’s going on in your lives. Thank you for coming by – Susan.

Most of the day has been calling local business owners about the Artist Business Project – also known as – A.W.E.  Most of the business owners I spoke with have participated in the past and want to this year as well. I also contacted new owners and I began photographing the storefronts without the displays up yet.  We are creating a list with store images so artists can have a sense of their artwork will partner well with the storefront. Some business windows are smaller than others and that makes a difference. Practically all of the day was getting ready for tomorrow (Thursday) when the artists meet to discuss which stores they would like to present their work. The A.W.E. project will be for the entire month of May and will extend into June.  This project has really blossomed during these past three years when it first seeded. Will keep you all posted as to how it’s going along and if you’re in town during the monthe of May, I invite you to look at the wonderful art displayed in the many stores of Greenfield. Please, I’m eager to hear how you enjoyed it.

Always interested in how you’re doing and love hearing from you. Take care.  Susan

When sliings and arrows of the dailiness of living seems daunting, inspiration maintenance can be challenging. Today has been monumental in holding on to creating what my soul cries out to create – drawing upon my passion to being the author of my life.

I have frequestly been called ‘the idea person.’  Throughout my life I’ve had many ideas that I would love to have brought into reality. Frankly, because of lack of focus, poor self-identity and tremendous fear I held myself back and created  a self-imposed receding from writing my life.

My passion to make one idea a reality before my time is over – this is my one of my greatest wishes. So, I shall continue to hold on to the inspiration of yesterday and let it continue to grow within my soul.

Thank you so much for taking time from your busy lives to drop by – I look forward to hearing about how you’re doing, as well.

For a little while I’ve laid down my ‘word document’ (modern contemporary version of ‘the pen’) regarding my screenplay, The Last Rose of Summer. Today, my inner landscape is leaping with anticipation to return writing my screenplay. I’m so glad because I’ve been frustrated not writing everyday. There are so many exciting writing ideas I have (according to me) that I would love to complete. In order to do so I need to write or the borders of the document will remain – empty. The canvass needs to be written upon. Today, is that day.

Thank you for stopping by – I await hearing from you. Looking forward to learn more about you.

A blue lagoon lay still as a sleeping barn reflects itself unknowingly.  The barn’s reflection beckons you to ponder its point of view.

Yesterday I began photographing businesses that participate in the A.W.E. project – Artist Window Exhibit. It’s been happening since 3 years. I thought having images of the storefronts that participate will be helpful to the artists as they choose which stores their artwork will be displayed. Some artists are not from here and these images show which stores could better display their work.  I think it would be a helpful tool.

The beginning of May many artists and many business owners will once again be showcasing amazing art in their store windows. What a wonderful partnership. I’m excited about participating.

Perhaps you’ll come down to Main Street and see what’s on exhibition.

I’m so delighted you stopped by – I’m always interested in your responses to my blog.

Just received a call from the person I was to meet with tomorrow, Thursday, saying he needed to reschedule. I won’t bore you with the details, but it frees up my day tomorrow to photograph. Perhaps this is the opportunity for seizing that moment that I wanted to seize. Did that make sense – is it possible to seize the moment of a previous time in space?  You get my drift.

It’s rather nippy today and tonight will be in the single digit – hoping those diamonds dangling from the branches remain intact. We shall see.

I’m so delighted you stopped by today. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Lots of soft, powdery textured snow arrived early Monday morning. I think around 10 inches.  During the beginning of a snow storm I enjoy taking a ride in my car.  I get this feeling of – survival mode, being in my auto-bubble as I ride along the street packed with snow. My little humble Chevy is fantastic in the snow. I just move along – never get stuck. If I don’t say so myself, I’m really a terrific driver, especially in a snow storm.  It’s such a beautiful sight to see.

It would be wonderful to hear how you are doing. I always look forward to your comments.

I’ve been told by the professional weather scientists who predict in what form nature is coming – snow is falling in my little town tonight.  I’m so delighted to hear that!

I feel snow creates such an altering visual of the environment – and it happens during the winter months, only.  Other elements such as wind, rain, fog etc., can occur during any of the 3 other seasons. It’s just so, so amazingly beautiful. Thank you for stopping by, I look forward to your comments.

Today has been a long day and I thought before I retire I wanted to share this photo I took a few years ago.

A neighbor of mine had a small greenhouse in the back of her home. She wanted to show me her beautiful plants. I followed her as she walked to the back of her house. There, resting on the lawn was this quaint greenhouse. I was very impressed. She went inside and I decided to photograph her while she was pruning her plants. I loved the way the glass muted her face.

Please let me know your response to Woman with Plants – I’ll be looking forward to your comments. Thank you so much for coming by today.

Still hoping to photograph the amazing diamonds hanging from the branches that I saw last week. It’s been quite warm recently, but I heard snow is coming on Sunday. Perhaps that maybe another opportunity to photograph the jewels again.

Tomorrow I have another photo shoot of the mayoral candidate. I’m looking forward to creating interesting images. Tonight I’m quite tired after a long day of putting numbers together for record keeping of my photography business.

I’m so delighted you came by – I always look forward to hearing from you. Please leave a comment if you wish. Good night.

A candidate for public office where I live asked me to take several photographs for a brochure that’s being printed soon. Tonight has been chosen because there will be a group of people gathered with the candidate. I was told group shots were needed as well as a portrait of him with his family.

I’m looking forward to this shoot – it’s always challenging to create photographs of people in their natural environments.  On-location portraits presents its own set of issues as opposed to studio photography. The lighting is trickier in that you don’t know what you’re walking into. The ambient light vs. flash.  I enjoy its challenges and will let you know how things went.

I wasn’t able to photograph the magnificent diamonds growing from the branches of trees in my area. I hope there will be another opportunity.

Thank you for dropping by.

~~ Susan Elkin

Below is The Canal I,  that caught my eyes bathing in this wonderful haunting reflection of a factory building nestled at the edge of a small town. The quality of light reflecting on water creates a mystery within this factory’s lit windows.  There are many stories that lie within its walls. ,

A wet, heavy snow fell on the landscape of the town I live in. Within moments it transformed our town into, again, a magical winter wonderland. It was very cold and has been since the snow fell.  As I drive through the streets I have noticed sparkles of ice nuggets dangling from the tiny barren branches. In a particular angle of view – when the sun is behind – the frozen ice nuggets sparkle brilliantly that give the illusion of diamonds resting on the fragile looking branches.  It’s so glorious to see.  I will go out tomorrow and photograph this beautiful moment while the air is still very cold. Nearing the end of the week, the temperatures will be warmer – I don’t want to miss this amazing opportunity to photograph these magnificent jewels. I will post a photograph to share with you.

While you’re waiting to see the diamonds, I’ve chosen this tile with my photograph of the Gray Barn.

~~ Susan Elkin

Wanted to share with you one of my many products that are my most popular images. This image is called Roses I. I would be interested in knowing if you like it.