Gerbera

Today,

 the Gerbera Daisy.

I find them to be simple, yet elegant -

simply elegant!

Wishing you a joy filled, creative week.

Hydrangea

On a cold, grey, winter day,

 some beautifully colored hydrangea seem like the perfect choice.

Hope your new year is off to a colorful and creative start.

Speaking of new starts, I'm now on Instagram. 

You can find me at http:instagram.com/annavandemark

Orchid Wonder

Today, a beautiful orchid to mark the birthday of our daughter,

Katrina Rose.

The sapphire blues remind me of her September birthstone.

Happy creating to you!

Spring!!!

Hope you're all enjoying glorious spring weather.

It's wonderful here. 

 We moved a bit farther south in the state of Wisconsin,

 and it's like being in a whole different world.

It's WAY warmer and has a lot more happening. 

 For example, I joined the La Crosse Camera Club 

and we've had two group shoots already -

 one at night at the beautiful Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe.

Such fun!

I've also been exploring the genres of still life and street photography.

More on that as I finish a backlog of photo editing :)

Happy creating to you!!!

Through the Lensbaby Blog Circle: March

This month for our Lensbaby blog circle, 

I made images of Matsumoto Asters to share.

These asters are native to Eastern Asia.

They are categorized under the genus Callistephus,

 which comes from the Greek word meaning "beautiful crown".

I'm partial to the luscious lavender/purple hues that I found at my local florist but,

these asters come in a variety of colors.

Next, please follow the link in our Lensbaby blog circle

 to the inspiring work of Rachel Nielsen.

Enjoy!

A Rose and Spring Dreaming

My favorite flower today and quite an exquisitely

colored one, at that!

Is it Spring at your house yet?

We keep getting the Spring tease -

gorgeous temps and everyone rushes out in light jackets...

then it snows :(  Repeat.  Repeat.

Come on Spring and stay,

 please!

Happy creating to you. 

Through the Lensbaby Blog Circle: February

A lot of changes going on at our house of late...

we moved :),
 we've done some traveling,
visited with family - a lot,

met new people and seen new sights.

It's been a wonderful, busy, and kinda crazy time!

But, I'm glad to be back contributing to Through the Lensbaby Blog Circle
 this month with a whole lot of blue loveliness.

Next, please follow the link in our Lensbaby Blog Circle
 to the inspiring work of Jessica Nelson.
Enjoy!

Statice

Today is snowy, gusty, and cold in my corner of the world.

Instead of bland whiteness,

 I much prefer purple...

so, here's some Statice is all its purple loveliness for you.

Enjoy!

Hope you're having a colorful day.

Happy creating to you!

The Bells of Ireland

The world outside my window is looking pretty white, of late.

But, my florist helped remedy that with these gems,

the Bells of Ireland.

I had a lot of fun with their graceful curves and distinctive veining!

Happy creating to you.