Christmas brings your art out

I have been remiss in my postings. I have been off three times a week into New York City to attend school. I am getting certified as an ESL teacher. It isn't easy running for trains and getting home by midnight, but it will be worth it.

I took this Sunday off to return to one of my favorite places for photos, The Tomato Factory Antiques in Hopewell, NJ. Christmas is a wonderful time to see all the antique ornaments on display (and perhaps purchase a few.) Here's a lovely selection over by Donna Rago's jewelry. By the way, Donna gets the most wonderful pieces of jewelry. I had to pick up a little Christmas present for myself, because I have been so good this year.

Creepy crawlies

Found this little critter on a walk on the trail in the Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge.

Mop Top Chicken

Yes, there are a pair of eyes in there somewhere....

Dragonfly

Butterflies fighting

Caught these two Checkerspots duking it out for territory.

Butterfly models

Word has gotten out and the butterflies are now posing for their photos.

Where's the butterfly?

Can you find the butterfly in this photo?

Silver Spotted Skipper

Hope, NJ

One awesome party....

Using a macro lens on my iPhone

Spring has sprung

And the Great Blue Heron is back. I didn't know until today that such a big bird could actually roost in a tree.

Little Furries Rescue

As much as I enjoyed and loved my new little furry diva, Dani, I could not keep her. Ali Baba is in his sunset years and decided that he enjoyed her litter box as much as his own. I was fortunate enough to find Little Furries Rescue, a non-profit rescue for little "furry" pets. They spay & neuter and rehome rabbits. They also foster and rehome chinchillas, guinea pigs, and all the little furry creatures that people cannot take care of or afford any longer. Dani will be fostered with other little furries, and spayed. She will then find a forever home with someone who will not dump her in the woods because they cannot keep her.

If you are thinking of getting a small furry for your home, do some research first. If you decide that you can care for a rabbit or guinea pig or ferret, then look at rescue organizations who looking for homes. If you have some space, and enjoy interaction with pets, then consider fostering a rescue. Finally, these organizations rely on grants, charity and handouts. So if you have a few extra dollars or see a sale at the local pet store for hay or critter feed, consider buying and donating to your local rescue.

Bunny Zen Zone

Waiting for some-bunny to love...

Maybe Daniel or Danielle

My daughter found this poor domestic rabbit that either escaped or was abandoned. It took about five days to catch the bunny. We now are in the process of getting the rabbit a new home. We just do not have the space.

Another day another diner

Having lunch with Dad at the "New York Kosher" diner. It has a wonderful pickle bar and the best homefries.

More Encaustic medium

After the waxen disaster from the previous weekend, I had to buy another crock pot. Luckily, there are second hand stores around the area. I picked up a used one for $5.00. Then I had to head back down to Philadelphia for another trip to Dick Blick's art supply.

Al through the fish eye lens

His nose looks huge.

Ice covered trees

The quicker picker upper

I don't know why I bother to get him toys when his favorite is a roll of paper towels. You would think he was holding onto a teddy bear.

One awesome boss

We had another snowstorm and delayed opening on Friday. Not much but just a nuisance storm. My boss made homemade lasagna and another co-worker made her famous sherbet punch. Awesome.

White out

After receiving 10 inches of snow and only a two hour delayed opening, I had to clear off my car and head to work. The winds were increasing and gusting up to 35 mph, creating white outs. I shot a photo of one just before a car disappeared into it.

My Photojojo Order

I got some really cool lenses for my iPhone from Photojojo. I also got a freebie of a little dinosaur.

Sketchbook project page

Still not quite sure where I am going with this. I guess it would be about opposites or negative space.

Day 7 - Snow in the morning

With the sun just barely peeking through...

Day 5

I spent most of the day setting up for more portraits of Ali Baba as various other artists. So the only complete art I was able to accomplish was a nice photo of Reeces

Day 3 - Ali Baba as Frida Kahlo

Well, it's supposed to be Frida Kahlo. It looks more like Groucho Marx. I said I was going to produce art everyday. I didn't say I was going to be successful all the time.

Day 1 - Tomato Factory Antiques

One of my favorite places for cabinet cards, tintypes, CDVs, jewelry and just odd stuff. However, it was closed to today. They have a nice selection of outdoors "object d'art" that are in the process of being weathered. I altered the photo with the Grunge Photo app on my iPhone.