Guest Blog – Page 8 – Ruth E. Hendricks

Communication Via Photographs from Readers

Today’s post features GUEST Bloggers Photographs from different friends who follow my blog

One of the most satisfying aspects of keeping a blog is the response from readers.

The likes, the comments and the emails. The emails and messages with photos attached are always a pleasure to receive.

Some will say they saw something and they knew I would have photographed it.

Tulips Yoga Socks, A Lost Glove, First Pussy Willow, An Albino Goose, NYTimes Crossword Puzzle, A Knitted Blanket

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I’ll start with Colleen’s guest contribution.

The subject of her email was Springtime Goodness and then the lovely photograph and the line –

“Today is a good day to be happy.” ( I like your thinking Colleen )

Joanne finished a pair of hand knitted yoga socks for her daughter

and the link for the yoga socks pattern

My sister sent me the last glove of Winter- New York City

My sister Mary sent me sign of Spring – Pussy Willow from the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

Marlene sent me this from Florida today. A Sting Ray. Hiding.

and a beautiful Florida sunset

Florida Vegetation from Mar

From Guest Blogger Bobbie in Kansas says “South Lake Park, Overland Park, Kansas. I noticed it driving to work the other morning and thought it was a swan mixed up with the geese, but could not stop as I had to be in the hospital, but was happy to see them yesterday on the way home. It has red eyes, and light colored feet and bill. The other geese were very protective and I could not get close.”

Vincie knit this soft and pretty toddler blanket and set me a photo so I could see how the pattern was working out. I am making a similar blanket.

Bill sent Saturday’s New York Times Puzzle completed Clue #56 was “Light Insufficiently”

From Arleen

“You are rubbing off on me–I sat down to dinner a couple of weeks ago and caught a pretty reflection in my wine glass. I of course thought “If Ruth were here, she’d be pulling out her camera and taking a picture!” So, I did it for you! : ) Let me know what you think! I used one with a flash, one without.” Flash or no flash?

March 9, 2014March 10, 2014 by Ruth Categories: Guest Blog, PhotographyTags: albino goose, blogging community, communication, crossword puzzle, electronic flash, guest blogger, knitting, photography, postaday, Pussy Willow, Spring, tulips, winter, yoga socks 15 Comments

Central Park Snow Scene via Joe in NYC

Here’s today’s guest blog-

This afternoon I received this photo from blog follower Jack. His son Joe took this “Central Park- South East corner…there is a small pond that is iced over and covered with snow…it looks really peaceful”

I wrote to Joe (who also follows the blog and he was happy to contribute today’s post- Thanks Joe!)

He gave me permission to share his picture. And thanks Jack for sending Joe’s Central Park Snow Scene.

February 3, 2014 by Ruth Categories: Guest Blog, PhotographyTags: Central Park, Central Park South, frozen pond, guest blog, New York City, postaday, snow, snow scene, travel, walking, weather, Winter in New York City 21 Comments

Old Homestead and a Stone Chimney Via Marlene- Hardy, Virginia

It’s a Guest Blog today. This gallery could be a good writing prompt, too. You know there’s a story. Probably more than one story.

And you know when someone sends me photos and they say they saw something and it made them think of me and the blog, it’s a nice feeling. Marlene (Erika’s mother and Mark’s MIL) wrote from Hardy, Virgina with the accompanying photos she took on a walk with Donald.
Glad you had your cell phone along on your walk, Mar.

“We saw this fireplace chimney in the woods so we ventured up the hill. There was a stone outline of where the old homestead was. There were a bunch of mason jars all over so we figured kids with moonshine would sit around the fireplace and drink. Way behind the chimney we saw another old house. So we walked through the leaves to the other house.”

“After checking out the side of the house I walked around to the front door and there I saw the front door was padlocked.

It was so funny because the exterior wall was missing on the side.”

Thanks Marlene for the gallery of the old Homestead in Virginia,

Ruth E

January 19, 2014 by Ruth Categories: Guest Blog, PhotographyTags: abandoned, architecture, family, fireplace, guest blog, Hardy, iPhone photography, Old Homestead Virginia, postaday, VA, woods 10 Comments

Santorini, Arles and Geneva Windows Via Omaha Nebraska

Windows.

When I posted for the Weekly Photo Challenge: Window Saturday night, within an hour’s time, I received an email from my good friend J in Omaha.

Attached to the email were photographs of interesting windows from her recent retirement European holiday.

I emailed back before midnight and invited her to guest blog. She sent a few more.

Since January first and the wordpress monkeys’ report telling me that I had 80,000 fewer viewers in 2013 than in 2012, I’ve been thinking about the purpose of my blog and reflecting on why this occurred. The decrease in viewers was astounding to me. It had been increasing, building, growing. And then it plummeted? Hmmmmm.

My blog followers numbers have increased. Doesn’t make sense. Thought maybe my posts mundane, not exotic enough, or the writing sparse or the writing boring or people just tired of seeing a pic of what I ate for dinner on a Tuesday when it was cold outside? People are rushed, stressed and don’t have time to look at the photographs? Not sure.

But hearing from my friend J in response to the gallery of windows photographs I posted, or receiving via email the Barred Owl from Shuey (which was #4 in the lineup for most viewed post this past year even though it was from 2012) or knowing that my son Mark sent Mt. Vernon photos he took of the kids after he looked at my post of him standing in front of Washington’s home all those years ago- and that was at 3:30 AM he was looking and sending current photos. It felt good.

Responding to photographs. It’s about dialogue, communication. I am always talking to the high school students about the purposes of photography. What makes a good photograph.

Maybe you wrote a comment after feeling something upon viewing an image. Or emailed me a story of a memory a photograph triggered (thanks Jack)

After all, I want people to look at the photographs I take or I wouldn’t bother to upload them and share. Didn’t my friend V just say that about why people post on FB?

They want a response!

I’m seeking some connection to others. Making sense of my life. Honing my eye. Seeing what is right in front of me in my world. Individual yet universal experience.

Most of the people I hear from via email don’t have their own blogs.

Cousin Paul sent a photo of his house in the moonlight, Rob sent a photo of a glass of wine on a table in an excellent composition and Bill sent the completed crossword. Okay, now who am I forgetting?

Matthew sent the pics from the Museum of Broken Relationships from Zagreb and Laura the photo of the Longaberger Basket Offices shaped like a basket and my sister Mary, I can always count on her to see something interesting. When I visit her in NYC she has lots of ideas about where to go and find things to photograph. Here’s one she sent of NYC signage.

The grandchildren have taken turns and want to be guest blogger as has my DIL Erika for Windsor the Rescue Horse– Anna with the pickup full of mannequin legs, Michael shooting into the sun at breakfast , Jack setting up the sock monkeys and telling them to smile, Maura with her drawing,

Friend from Florida Kristin with the Orchid Cactus brief bloom or the Alligators on Christmas Day. Euthemia with her Christmas mice.

I’ll l add more guest bloggers links in future posts but I’m grateful the blog has created a forum for exchange with one another!

Here are J’s wonderful windows she sent in response to the challenge. Thanks J.

Geneva Switzerland Windows

“From my window in Arles – J”

Le Cafe La Nuit

Santorini Greece Windows

Santorini Greece Window

Laundry Day in Marseilles

Arles, France – chandelier in window

Arles, France

Arles – peeking through the window to the sewing room of La Poule Blanche. The proprietor made everything she sold in her shop, and I bought an apron, of course.- J

Chambesy, Switzerland

Thank you Guest Bloggers, thank you blog followers and thank you occasional visitors for stopping by today.

I appreciate all of your responses.

xxoo

Ruth E

January 12, 2014 by Ruth Categories: Guest Blog, PhotographyTags: blogging community, food, France, Geneva, guest blog, Le Cafe La Nuit, Marseilles, Nebraska, New York City, Omaha Nebraska, photography, rescue horse, Santorini Greece, sock monkey, Switzerland, travel, Van Gogh, weekly photo challenge, windows 14 Comments

A Century of Crossword Puzzles and a Guest Blog Photo

You might have noticed a recent GOOGLE DOODLE with a crossword puzzle. Crosswords have been in the news a lot lately. I hear they’re good for your brain, keep it sharp.

I’d read an article in the Washington Post by Merl Reagle about the inventor of the first crossword puzzle -Arthur Wynne, who ” never received a penny” for his creation. His first puzzle was printed on December 21, 1913.

I have several friends and family who enjoy solving crosswords. In some households there’s a race to get the newspaper first!

And if you haven’t seen the movie WORDPLAY, consider watching it. There’s a trailer for the 2006 film in this link from TIME.

When I was visiting the family in Ohio, their newspaper- Columbus Dispatch– had a giant puzzle created by Monica Zurowski (managing editor of the Calgary Herald) and I mailed it to my friend Bill who is a crossword aficionado. Today he messaged me a photo of the puzzle after he solved it.

He does crosswords everyday and does them well. He says according to the film, WORDPLAY, this puzzle in the photograph is not the definition of a true crossword puzzle but Bill said it was interesting and took a long time to accomplish ( today was an unexpected snow day from school)

Thanks Bill for the photo and good info on crossword puzzles. I’ve seen you do them in ink!

*Want to solve a giant crossword with 853 clues? by Monica Zurowski /from the Calgary Herald- you can download it here

January 3, 2014 by Ruth Categories: Guest Blog, PhotographyTags: Arthur Wynne, Calgary Herald, Columbus Dispatch, crossword puzzles, Merl Reagle, Monica Zurowski, newspaper, postaday, Time Magazine, Washington Post, wordplay 10 Comments

The International Sphaeralogical Society Super-ball® Exhibit via Henry J. Simonds

Here’s a new one on me- the International Sphaeralogical Society Did you ever see a SUPERBALL®??

“Founded in 2011, The International Sphaeralogical Society was created to celebrate the history and dynamism of the Super Ball®. Invented by chemist Norman Stingley in 1965 and sold by the Wham-O Manufacturing Co., the iconic toy has been the subject of fascination and play for almost half a century. The I.S.S. is dedicated to exploring and promoting the allure of this bounciest of balls.”

If you’re in the Pittsburgh area, make a plan to come down sometime during the weekend. If you live far away, just enjoy the photos and check out the International Sphaeralogical Society.

Photos and attachments via Guest Blogger Henry Simonds.

“… here are a few photos of the installation to whet your appetite to come down and see it for yourselves.

There are extended hours today until 4pm and visits can be arranged throughout the week with

Mia at 412-370-6916.

Regular hours Friday 11-7,

Saturday 11-7

and Sunday 9-3.

Saturday December 21st is FAMILY DAY 11-7

All the work is for sale, so you can pick up a last minute gift while you are here.
Some of you mentioned that it was a little hard to find, so I have posted a visual guide on my facebook page from the vantage point of the East End Food Co-op front door.

Also, Check out the link to the new Merchandise page.
The address again is 201 N. Braddock Ave at Meade St. (across from the Co-op in Point Breeze).
I could use all the help I can get to spread the word, so please tell your friends and neighbors to come down.
Thanks again,

Sincerely,
Henry J. Simonds
Co-Founder and Chief Sphaeralogist
The International Sphaeralogical Society

Saturday, December 14, 2013
7pm
—-

International Sphaeralogical Society
Co-Founder and Chief Sphaeralogist

Henry J. Simonds

Invites you to join him for a gallery talk and conversation
at
The Mine Factory
201 N. Braddock Ave.
Point Breeze
(across from the East End Food Co-op)

Come and learn more about the history of the Super-Ball®
and man’s unique relationship with this iconic toy.
Share some wine and beer and hear more about the exhibition and its evolution
as Mr. Simonds shares how the ball has inspired him and
presents contemporary examples of how others have been inspired.

—

https://www.facebook.com/events/512335242207435/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular
Www.Sphaeralogy.org
Www.Facebook.com/Sphaeralogy

—-

Weekend Hours:

Friday, December 13, 2013 – 11am-7pm
Saturday, December 14, 11am-7pm
Gallery Talk – 7pm-??
Sunday, December 15, 9am-3pm

December 11, 2013December 12, 2013 by Ruth Categories: Childhood, Guest Blog, PhotographyTags: East End Coop, exhibition, family, fun, International Sphaeralogical Society, Norman Stingley, photography, Pittsburgh PA, play, Sphaeralogical Society, Super-ball®, toy, WHAM-O 8 Comments

JFK Gravesite Photos via My Son Mark

These photos of the children at the JFK gravesite were on a hard drive but my son Mark found them tonight. They were to accompany the JFK post on November 22nd. He said to me on the phone, when I was considering whether to post them or not, “Mom, it’s still fifty years”.

I have some of my first photos from February 1964 of the JFK grave as I traveled there from New Jersey to Washington DC with my parents when there was a little white picket fence and snow. I’ll have to dig in a box in the bottom of an upstairs closet to find those

Mark said all four of the kids were especially quiet and pensive as they stood by the graves. Here are the photos he took.

Earlier in November I read an article by Michael E. Ruane in the Washington Post –

At JFK’s funeral 50 years ago, a bugler’s broken note spoke for a grieving nation

Arlington House, The Robert E Lee Memorial as taken from the JFK gravesite below

December 3, 2013December 3, 2013 by Ruth Categories: Guest BlogTags: Arlington House, Arlington National Cemetery, bugle, cemetery, family, grandchildren, history, JFK, JFK assassination, John F Kennedy Grave, photography, postaday, Robert E Lee Memorial, taps, Washington Post 6 Comments

Senior Picture Halloween Costume Via Laura

If you follow the blog through FB, you probably already saw Laura’s Halloween Costume for her party at work.

I thought it was creative and would make a fun post. She is a “Senior Picture”

Here’s she is- as photographed by a coworker (Lori, she thinks) Not a terrific photo credit but that can be rectified tomorrow.

Laura sports her supervisor’s actual High School Senior Photograph, held by paper clips and ribbon.

The look-alike sweater from JC Penney.

(didn’t want to post on the blog until her supervisor said she didn’t mind 🙂 I think she’s a good sport for allowing it)

October 31, 2013October 31, 2013 by Ruth Categories: Guest Blog, People at WorkTags: Columbus OH, Halloween Costume, Halloween Party, humor, memories, postaday, Senior Photo, senior picture, travel, workplace, yearbook 10 Comments

Back Sleeper and the Rule of Thirds via Anna

Are you a back, side or stomach sleeper? Anna texted me and sent this photo and said the lion is lying the same way as Henry (Airedale Terrier) Maura (almost 5) her sister, asked her other grandma if this is how she sleeps!

See the different positions and suggestions at the Mayo Clinic Site about sleeping positions. Back sleeping is supposedly good for back pain relief but not so great for snorers.

Photographed by guest blogger, granddaughter Anna (10) , at the Columbus Zoo Wednesday afternoon. It’s always fun for me when my family contributes to the blog effort.

Last week I was teaching the HS photography students about the Rule of Thirds and even made a grid on a transparency so they could see the lines splitting up the picture frame , get the idea. Information on how they could compose the strongest photograph by knowing about this concept of composition.

The Rule of Thirds comes to mind immediately when I look at Anna’s photo. And she wasn’t even in the class.

So went to check out The Lion Sleeps Tonight, original by Solomon Linda 1939 but covered by many famous singers.

October 22, 2013July 2, 2022 by Ruth Categories: Airedale Terrier, Animals in the City, Guest BlogTags: airedale terrier, back sleeper, Columbus OH, Columbus Zoo, family, guest blogger, iPhone photography, photography, postaday, rule of thirds, sleeping positions, The Lion Sleeps Tonight 10 Comments

Ohio Katydid and the Kids Via My Son Mark

A fun series to receive on the phone from my son Mark.

Looks like a depth of field exercise, too.

This is a “leaf bug” or katydid. A relative of the grasshopper and also called a bush-cricket in some parts of the world. Looks like such an interesting creature and is the perfection of camouflage.

Thanks Mark for sharing your Katydid and Kids study. love you. Mom

Can you see him/her?

Can you see him/her? Probably snacking on the foliage.

September 23, 2013 by Ruth Categories: Childhood, Family, Guest Blog, PhotographyTags: driveway, guest blog, insect, iPhone photography, katydid, kids, nature, ohio, outdoors, photography, postaday, star wars lego, travel 13 Comments

Category: Guest Blog

Communication Via Photographs from Readers

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Central Park Snow Scene via Joe in NYC

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Old Homestead and a Stone Chimney Via Marlene- Hardy, Virginia

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Santorini, Arles and Geneva Windows Via Omaha Nebraska

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A Century of Crossword Puzzles and a Guest Blog Photo

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The International Sphaeralogical Society Super-ball® Exhibit via Henry J. Simonds

Photos and attachments via Guest Blogger Henry Simonds.

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JFK Gravesite Photos via My Son Mark

Earlier in November I read an article by Michael E. Ruane in the Washington Post –

At JFK’s funeral 50 years ago, a bugler’s broken note spoke for a grieving nation

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Senior Picture Halloween Costume Via Laura

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Back Sleeper and the Rule of Thirds via Anna

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Ohio Katydid and the Kids Via My Son Mark

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Photos and attachments via Guest Blogger Henry Simonds.

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Earlier in November I read an article by Michael E. Ruane in the Washington Post –

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