Natalie Captures Moments

The parks become an Artist Palette

2011-11-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

A stroll in Volunteer Park in Seattle with the sun streaming through the leaves on the trees was just so peaceful. I delight watching the transition from the lush green summers to the crispy colorful leaves. It makes me think about the transitions that I make each season.

The Columns Tumble

2011-09-05T23:07:00.000-07:00

The ancient column is often considered a classical design showing strength and history. You will see columns used in the design of churches, government buildings and banks over thousands of years.
I find it thought provoking to see these modern sculptures of a classical ancient column tumbling in the courtyard of the Washington Mutual building in Seattle. Need I say more?

They are Always Watching

2011-09-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

There are gargoyles, sculptures, and murals that are watching us all the time in Seattle. Look around and see who/what is watching you when you walk around town!

Sweet perfume of lavender

2011-04-07T23:09:00.000-07:00

Many fields of lavender of different colors and sweet fragrances were open to wander through at the lavender festival in Sequim WA in the summer of 2010. Quite a day with Maureen and Lynnette.

Spotting Bald Eagles

2010-01-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

This eagle was perched just above me in a tree along the Skagit River on Jan 2nd. I saw over 30 eagles that day in trees, soaring over the river, and on the sandbars eating salmon for lunch.

Main Street in Concrete, WA

2010-01-04T13:05:00.001-08:00

Posted via email from Natalie's posterous

I drive by her when I go to Poulsbo, Silverdale or Bremerton. Have you stopped to take a closer look?

2009-12-17T23:49:00.001-08:00

Sent from natalie's iPhone

Posted via email from Natalie's posterous

Polar Bear Adventure

2009-11-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

I took some of the most spectacular photos of Polar Bears on the Tundra up at the coast of Hudson Bay.

Center of the Universe

2009-06-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

The Fremont neighborhood of Seattle has claimed to be the "Center of the Universe." From the Troll to the statue of Lenin to the wall murals it is one of the most colorful areas of town. There is also a life size dinosaur covered in ivy, a rocket ship and Rapunzel's hair streaming down in neon from the bridge control deck. The sign directing visitors to places beyond Fremont has gotten "tired.. and a new one was installed this week celebrating the solstice.

Vortex view

2009-02-21T21:06:00.000-08:00

Sedona is know for the magical magnetic areas known as a vortex. There are maybe over 200 of them throughout the area. Maybe they have a feeling of a powerful force because of the surrounding red cliffs but tens of thousands of people come to this area looking for a feeling from the vortexes.
This tree shaped like a "V" in the area of a vortex frames a view of the red rocks.

The faces in the rocks

2009-02-20T23:25:00.001-08:00

In Sedona you are surrounded by rock formations. When the light hits them during the day and evening you can often make out the look of animals, people and things. Over the years they have been named. This formation is so like an Eagle.. I don't know if it has been labeled as such, but it is so obvious. We can see faces in clouds, snow, fallen leaves and sometimes in our toast on the breakfast table. Where have you seen a face or an animal?

Trumpet flowers from Late last Summer

2009-01-13T13:10:00.000-08:00

There is the most beautiful garden at the Hiram locks in Seattle. Seems a bit cliche to use "beautiful garden" ... I should go find some other words to describe it. But, what I miss the most in the winter are the flowers that we see at other times of the year. These are "trumpet flowers." I know very little about plants. When I grew up we lived on maybe a half acre or more but it was in the ravines and woods and we never really planted much.. most of the property was a bit rustic. I have never been interested in the names or background of flowers but I am captivated by their often delicate beauty for such a short life span.
I keep flowers in my sunroom all year round. Geraniums bloom all the time. They look a bit weak in the winter but bright red blooms greet me every day. My Grandma Leila brought her pots of geraniums into the living room each year. I remembered that when I moved into this house and love that they stay in bloom! Do you have flowers in your home in the winter?

The perfect barn

2009-01-10T00:53:00.001-08:00

Sometimes imperfection is perfect.

I have never been in a barn. Whenever I have the chance I take photos of barns driving through the countryside. This barn has boards missing but it is so perfect. I love the color and the stone base. I took this photo driving in Missouri two years ago.
There are times I tie my hair up and have blemishes ... but I look in the mirror and I am still "perfect." Do you ever feel that way?

The Venice Window

2009-01-05T00:46:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite photos snapped while on a gondola on the canal in Venice in the fall 2007. I remember thinking how I felt like I was taking too many photos... but, now I wish I took double the number. The windows are so beautiful with framework and flowers. Next time I go to Venice, and I do plan to go again, I would like to know what the view is like from those windows. The view of Lake Washington from my windows at home is spectacular. But, the windows themselves are not memorable. Maybe someday I'll add some flowerboxes!

Winter Wonderland in Kirkland

2009-01-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

The snow that fell in December was so beautiful. It was thick and heavy and stayed around for over 10 days. But, everything in the city came to a standstill. It was impossible to drive on the streets. I left the house three times in over 10 days. The snow, like a blanket, acts as a muffler and creates almost an eerie quiet. Here are a few photos from my backyard.

Don't worry... be happy!

2008-11-11T11:02:00.000-08:00

In every room of my home I have the word "LAUGH" somewhere on a shelf or wall. I try to laugh just about every day. Really.. EVERY day I try to laugh. It's easiest when I am with friends. But, watching TV, reading humor or just thinking about dumb stuff can generate the energy. These clowns were in a parade in Long Beach, Washington a few years ago. There is something about clowns that make you forget about reality. How often do you laugh? What makes you laugh?

Outstanding in the field

2008-10-26T23:46:00.001-07:00

A couple years ago I spent hours in LaConner photographing Daffodils and Tulips. It is one of the most spectacular sights.. seeing fields in full bloom in April. As I was getting in my car ready to throw the camera on the seat I caught this little girl strolling in the field. It ended up beig my favorite photo of the entire day. Are you outstanding in your field?

Never Level

2008-10-22T08:54:00.000-07:00

This old fishing boat was in Ilwaco on the Washington Coast. It was one of my favorites to photograph. It is gone now... where ever they retire an old boat... I wonder when the last time was that it cruised in the ocean... and I am sure it was "Never Level."

Brush Strokes

2008-10-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

This artist was patiently painting in the early morning in a small town on the Oregon Coast.
I love the way I captured the painting and the scene... I probably like this photograph better than the painting itself... which of course I couldn't afford to buy!

Rock Tower

2008-10-15T22:54:00.000-07:00

This sculpture at the Bellevue Botanical Garden is in contrast to the natural trees and plants. It appears to be so fragile in that the stones can topple any moment. The stones appear to be balanced so precisely to stand tall. Amidst the garden with tall trees, delicate flowers, and flowing waters, this sculpture seems to speak to me. Balance, strength, fragility, simplicity, and contrast are words it seems to resonate.
We have so many sculptures in our city. Is there one that stands out for you?

Thunder in the calm

2008-10-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

The Hubbard Glacier in Disenchantment Bay was one of the highlights of my Alaska Cruise in August. One morning I looked out and it felt like a Titanic cruise in that the bay was full of massive chunks of blue ice from the glacier. The glacier is like a mountain of ice... a blue color that is completely impossible to describe... ice that is more than 400 years old. There is this very cold blue calm stillness as the ship rotated slowly closer and closer... but then as the glacier calves (chunks break off) a thundering noise is heard announcing its slow meltdown.

Camouflage

2008-10-14T11:15:00.001-07:00

If it weren't for the slightest movement this moose made, I wouldn't have known he was there. A photo doesn't capture his size which is twice or more that of a deer in the woods. Yet, he blends right into the brush and makes virtually no sound. A couple weeks ago I went to downtown Seattle and wandered through Pike Place Market. I felt like this moose.. I didn't make a sound and I blended into my surroundings. My colorful clothes were like camouflage.

Today, are you in camouflage
or
are you standing out of the crowd to be noticed?

Reflection

2008-10-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

A clear reflection only occurs when the sea is calm.

Sometimes our lives are so full and busy we let the calm pass by and we don't see our reflection.

Last weekend I was in Port Orchard, Washington with my boating friends. Sunday morning the bay reflected the sky, docks and boats as clear as a mirror.