Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Perched In The Colors of Light ...



“May my heart always be open
to little birds who are the secrets of living.”
                           ~ e e cummings
                                     ~ 1894-1962

A gray catbird enjoys eating at a colorful birdfeeder as sweet spring sunlight dances in early June at Lehigh Parkway, Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Monday, May 1, 2017

In The Pink Of Spring ...



“In the spring, at the end of the day,
you should smell like dirt.”
                           ~ Margaret Atwood
                                        ~ born 1939

I spotted this pink bicycle left near a tree at the Springhouse of Trexler Memorial Park, Allentown, Pennsylvania as sunset knocked on the door of a picturesque April day. No doubt the bike’s owner was off exploring the beauty of the outdoors … in the pink of spring.

The log cabin close to the bicycle was part of Springhouse, the summer home of General Harry C. Trexler (1854-1933), an American industrialist who built a business empire in Allentown. The park is his namesake.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Dixie Fresh ...



“A recipe is a story that ends with a good meal.”
                                  ~ Pat Conroy
                                       ~1945-2016

As soon as I spotted this cool sign at the Bluffton Farmer’s Market on a warm October afternoon in South Carolina, I knew I had to capture it with my camera!

On a personal note, I brought a dried cotton stalk bought at the market home with me to Pennsylvania, and luckily it survived the airplane flight without getting crushed! Today it is in a vase in my livingroom reminding me of Dixie, “the land of cotton.”

Fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants and herbs abound at the Farmers Market of Bluffton, a weekly community event where locals and tourists gather not only to buy excellent produce but also to enjoy delicious food, listen to entertainment, and relax with friends. Located in historic downtown Bluffton along Calhoun and Lawrence Streets and through Carson Cottages, this family friendly market showcases local growers, local food vendors, local entertainment, local community causes and local information about the Bluffton area.

The outcome of a grassroots movement that began in 2006, this vibrant market opened in 2008 at the Bluffton Oyster Company Park on the May River and was managed by volunteers. Because of the huge public response and its potential growth, the market moved to its present location. The current site not only serves the public better but also promotes downtown Bluffton merchants to tourists and locals alike.

The market, located in the Historic Bluffton Arts District in Old Town Bluffton, has been an overwhelming success. The Arts District features distinct galleries and offers an experience of eclectic mix of art and artists located in South Carolina’s Lowcountry tucked between Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina.