My Dogs Keep Me Sane

Camera Critters #66

2009-07-11T10:05:00.004-05:00

**Edited to add: This is Matouk. He is my dad's wolfdog. From what we have been told, he is 7/8 wolf and 1/8 German Shepherd.**

Wolf in a truck.

On another note, my aunt gave up the battle with Pancreatic Cancer yesterday. She will be greatly missed by all of us who loved her.

I will be unable to attend her services as I had planned. I feel like I'm letting her and the family down. I am thankful though that I got to see her and tell her that I love her.

Don't forget Heads or Tails on Tuesday, Looking at the Sky on Friday, and for your weekend enjoyment...

Do you want to join the Weekend Meme all about animal/critter photos? Clicking on the post header graphic will take you to the blog where you can sign in if you have made a post, and you can visit other Camera-Critters Captures. Or, clicking HERE will take you to the rules.

Looking at the Sky on Friday & a Funny Story

2009-07-10T10:15:00.001-05:00

I took this photo on the way back from the 3 1/2 mile walk that Dad, Matouk, and I took one day. The skies kept teasing us with the threat of rain, but it was just a threat, as it didn't rain on us at all. This particular walk was probably one of my favorite parts of the entire visit. I just had a great time taking photos and hanging out with Dad and Touk.

Oh - let me tell you a funny story. While on a walk prior to my arrival, Dad and Touk found this Manny the Hairy Mammoth figurine lying in the trail. Manny is a character in the hilarious Ice Age movies. Anyway, this figurine talked when you would move its head to the side. If you moved it to one side, it exclaimed "Whoa!", and when its head was moved to the other side, it would say "I can hear with these things, ya know!". One morning, Dad decided to clean off a table in his kitchen, and he decided to throw the Manny figurine in the trash. That night, we were on the phone with my dad's friend. He said something, and all of a sudden, from the trash can, we hear "WHOA!". We just looked at each other. Then, a little bit later, the person on the phone said something like, "That's what I heard." and from the trash we hear, "I can hear with these things, ya know." Dad and I couldn't help ourselves, we burst out laughing. From that point on, the figurine in the trash was possessed and throughout the evening/night would all of a sudden start talking. Finally, Dad said, since he doesn't have NJ trash removal, "I'm taking this trash outside!" The next day, I started giggling. Dad asked what I was giggling about, and I responded, I wonder what your trash removal guy thought when he threw that bag in the truck and heard, "Whoa! I can hear with these things, ya know!" At this point, Dad and I were both cracking up laughing. Maybe you just had to be there, but it was hilarious!

Is There a Pearl in This Oyster?

2009-07-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

You may think the title is strange, but this is actually an abstract macro photo of what is called an Oyster Plant. My dad kept telling me about this awesome looking plant and was hoping that one would still be intact so I could photograph it. Sure enough, Dad's hoping paid off, and we found this Oyster Plant alongside the drive to one of the spots we were going to take Touk walking that day. When it goes to seed, as it is in the photo, it reminds you of a dandelion, but it is HUGE... WAY bigger than a dandelion. I really had a fun time photographing this plant. In fact, we even picked one and took it home with us. I was really surprised because it was still intact even when I left Ohio.

I enjoyed and appreciated this plant so much, that I really want to do some research to see if I could raise it here at home. Then I could take macro shots to my heart's delight ;-) Yes, my dad, the wolf, and I share an extreme love and appreciation for nature. So, when I come home, rather than browsing wholesale tvs, I desire to go shopping for things such as flowers, plants, bird baths, and feeders. I'm sure that doesn't really surprise you.

Yes, I'll prepare you now... I'm sure you will be inundated with photos from my trip. Seriously... would you expect anything else???

Heads or Tails Spin

2009-07-07T11:30:00.007-05:00

If you click on the graphic above, it will take you to the awesome HoT blog where you can sign up and start participating in this fun and popular meme!

This week's theme is HEADS - "Spin"

Now, I don't want to make your head spin from joy and excitement, but... I'm BAAAAAACK!

I had a wonderful trip and a fantastic time visiting my family... especially spending time with Dad. We went for lots of walks with the wolf, went fishing, visited friends and family, took a canoe ride (with the wolf too), and talked and talked and talked. We never talked about acne, but I think we talked about everything else. hehe

Naturally, I'm already missing them like crazy - so much so that I'm already planning my next trip. hehe

I'm still trying to get caught up on a lot of things... there are so many things that my head is spinning... which brings me to the above photo. This was originally an innocent and normal photo of a pretty purple wildflower, until I used the FX option at Big Huge Labs. Now, I kind of like how it looks a bit like a piece of art. Big Huge Labs is loads of fun and offers many different things for you to do with your photos. You should check it out... but I'm warning you - it becomes addicting!

Swaying in the Wind...

2009-06-27T17:45:00.007-05:00

Thank you everyone for all the wonderful and sweet birthday wishes. Even though my flight was delayed, I've had a wonderful time visiting with my aunts, uncle, and cousins. Tomorrow I'm headed for Dad and the wolf!

One of the greatest things is I finally got to meet my cousin's son. He's one year old, and cute as he could possibly be. I took lots of pictures of him playing outside today. He was having so much fun, that I was wishing I had a camcorder, but I'm happy because think I got some great pictures of him.

Camera Critters #64

2009-06-26T18:20:00.003-05:00

Don't forget Heads or Tails on Tuesday, Looking at the Sky on Friday, and for your weekend enjoyment...

Do you want to join the Weekend Meme all about animal/critter photos? Clicking on the post header graphic will take you to the blog where you can sign in if you have made a post, and you can visit other Camera-Critters Captures. Or, clicking HERE will take you to the rules.

Looking at the Sky on Friday

2009-06-25T20:41:00.006-05:00

I made the acquaintance of this bird (and its mate) last year. YES I DO know that it's the same bird. Whadda ya mean - HOW do I know? Duh! They look the same, they are in the same exact tree, and they TOLD me! THAT's how I know. Geesh ;-)

Anyway - they became my friends last year, and they still remember me. Yes, they do! We even exchanged unlocked phone numbers.

So... I'm headed away tomorrow... on my birthday. hehe
Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to me
Happpy Birthday to meeeeeeee
I'm going to see - Dadddddddddyyyyyy!

This is going to do me so much good. With the medical conditions I've been diagnosed with this week, the fact that my vehicle is still not running right, and the fact that this will be my goodbye to my aunt... I NEED to get away from stress for awhile.

For those of you wondering - I should be able to open Camera-Critters this weekend, but I can't guarantee if I'll have my own posts on my blogs. As far as next weekend, I'll need to figure something out.

B12? Are We Playing Bingo?

2009-06-25T13:33:00.004-05:00

Have you ever had a wolf pick you up at the airport?
Me neither, but that will be happening for me soon. hehehe
I can't wait! I can't wait! I can't wait!

I seriously need to get away from stress for awhile.
My vehicle STILL is not running right (didn't know if I was going to make it to work today). So, Hubs has to meet me out here (again) after work so we can take it to the shop (for the third time).
I was diagnosed with an ulcer the other day. Then, they got my blood work this morning and immediately called me to have me come over to get a B12 shot. I guess I'm very B12 deficient. Hmmph. I must admit I don't know much about B12 deficiency, other than it causes fatigue. I just always contributed my fatigue to my life. hehe

So, that's my update for now. I will try to post my Looking at the Sky on Friday this evening, but that might be all the posts I can do for awhile. I'll do my best, that's all I can do.

Digital Superstore

2009-06-23T12:47:00.005-05:00

I have a confession to make. I'm a technology junkie. Seriously. I walk into an electronics store, and I drool puddles on the floor. I'm sure this doesn't come as a shock to any of you. In fact, I've made this confession before, but I didn't want any new readers to feel left out on knowing me. ;-)
As most of you also know, I live 'in the middle of nowhere'. So, it's not like I can just 'stop by' the local electronics store and drool over their SLR Digital Cameras. There's no electronic store to be found. Therefore, I do my shopping and drooling online. Especially when I find a site like BuyDig.com, who call themselves "The Internet's Digital Superstore". That really grabbed my attention, so I decided to check out their website.

First of all, they offer a very large selection of products. You can purchase everything from flat panel tvs to home and garden items, such as mixers and air purifiers. See - I told ya they have a huge selection of products!

I also like the layout of the site. The main categories are across the top of the page. If you hover over a main category, the list of subcategories becomes available. After choosing a subcategory, even more specific categories open on the left side. So, it is very easy to start with "Digital Imaging" and end up with the specific Nikon D90 in a matter of seconds. You can even follow them on Twitter and Facebook. Add to all of these benefits the fact that their prices are great, and you'll truly feel like you are viewing a superstore.

Heads or Tails Summer Memory

2009-06-23T09:20:00.002-05:00

If you click on the graphic above, it will take you to the awesome HoT blog where you can sign up and start participating in this fun and popular meme!

This week's theme is TAILS - "Summertime memory"

It's always important to make sure your

wings and surroundings are color coordinated. ;-)

As I try to preserve moments with my camera, I like to think I'm 'capturing memories'. I know you will consider me strange, but almost every critter I encounter in nature, creates its own memory with me. I find myself in awe of nature and honored that the critters of nature allow me to experience them.

The Cloud Sulfur butterfly in the photo above definitely made a Summer memory with me. It flew up to me and proceeded to do a 'dance' in front of me. It fluttered around as if it was saying "Look at me! Look at me". So, I did, in fact look intently at the butterfly fluttering in front of me, and I immediately noticed that the pink outlining the butterfly's wings matched the pink of the clover's flowers. However, each time it would land, as soon as I would put the camera to my eye, it would start fluttering around again. I could almost hear it say "Na na na na hehe". So, I chased this butterfly up and down the gravel road, until I FINALLY got the shot I was after. And, in the process, the butterfly and I created a "Summer memory".

Let's Declare a National Vacation Day

2009-06-22T10:06:00.003-05:00

Have you ever seen the movie The Bucket List? Thanks to my wonderful and thoughtful friend Bear, I received a surprise package which contained this movie. In the movie, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman have both been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. So, they begin making a "bucket list" of all the things they want to do before they 'kick the bucket'. While accomplishing the things they listed, they basically travel around the world, doing different activities and seeing different things.

Hubs and I have a little inside joke that is similar to the idea of this movie. Since money is extremely tight right now, we can't afford to do many things we would like to do. So, I will always joke and say something like, "Before I die, you're going to take me to a Martina McBride concert, right?". Yes, I saw her at the Grand Ole Opry, but that doesn't count, because it wasn't a full concert! Anyway... one of the things on my list is Australia. I so, so, so want to visit Australia! Another thing on my list is getting to meet and hang out with Bear and Tammy in person. Guess what... Australia is on their lists too! So... wouldn't it just be major cool if we all went to Australia together?!?!

Well, if I won the Save Our Summer Vacation contest, I'd be sending instant messages to my buddies telling them to pack their bags! All you have to do to enter is browse the HomeAway Vacation Rentals, pick the one you would choose, and then submit a photo, video, or story telling why you deserve to win. The winner will receive a $10,000 getaway, and two runners-up will receive a $5,000 trip. You can bet I'm going to enter. You should too. What have you got to lose?

While you're at the site entering the contest, make sure you sign their petition to have August 7 declared as "National Vacation Day". You see, HomeAway is campaigning to have Congress declare this national holiday. They believe that we all deserve to take a break from the stress, especially in this economy. I like the sounds of that! I think the world needs a National Vacation Day!

Camera-Critters #63

2009-06-20T06:30:00.000-05:00

Look at the gorgeous, beautiful, handsome, majestic,
wonderful, glorious, breathtaking, friend I met this evening!

(c) Misty DawnS

Doesn't he take your breath away?
I had to make a conscious effort to keep the camera still...
because I was shaking due to being so excited.
We were very close to each other, and... well
just look at him! He's GORGEOUS!

Looking at the Sky on Friday

2009-06-19T06:36:00.006-05:00

There really isn't anything spectacular about this photo. I just thought it was a very pretty scenic photo, especially with that the big, puffy cloud in the background. I also liked the mixture of colors.

It was brought to my attention that I have accidentally been using the wrong link to get you to the blog for Looking at the Sky on Friday. I was using Tish's old blogspot address rather than her new .com address. After making a fool of myself by e-mailing Tish and telling her that her blog wasn't loading, Tammy brought my mistake to my attention. Geesh, good thing I've got y'all here to set me straight! Maybe I should research insurance quotes which have 'losing your mind' coverage. They do have insurance to cover that... right?

Feelin' Bubbly

2009-06-17T06:40:00.005-05:00

** Notice **

** We interrupt this post to bring an important news flash**

Playing with children's bubbles has been found to have dramatic results on adults. High spirits, smiles, laughing, and feelings of giddiness are some of the most common side effects reported. Some of the lesser-known side effects may be: twisting of ankles while running through the yard chasing bubbles, poking others in the eye while trying to pop bubbles with your finger, or arguments over whose bubble was the largest.

If any of the lesser-known side effects result, immediately remove the container of bubbles and bubble wand from the adult's hand and return to proper child's hand. If adult's sypmtoms persist, a follow up of placing said adult in 'time-out' may be required.

**This has been a public service announcement**

**You must now go let go of the adult-stuffiness and act like a child for awhile.**

**It's good for the health.**

**You will thank me later.**

Depression Doesn't Always Mean 'Depressed'

2009-06-16T11:59:00.004-05:00

I've been kind of weird lately. One moment, I will be confident, proud, and full of ideas, and, a few moments later, I will feel overwhelmed, worried, and like I can't keep up with things. I know this is part of the depression. Yes, believe it or not, being a victim of 'depression' doesn't mean that you are constantly sad and crying. Depression is actually a complex mixture of feelings and generally involves moodswings. Sometimes, simply being inspired by something or someone, such as motivational speakers, helps pull me out of the slump. Generally, a long and reflective nature photography walk is very helpful. However, sometimes it seems like when I get myself pulled out of the slump, I accidentally slip and fall back in again.

Please, don't get me wrong. I am not 'depressed' in the way most people think when they hear the term. I'm not 'sad'. I'm just... here. I have ideas and goals, but then get too overwhelmed by things to even take one step towards accomplishing anything. I get so many things on my plate that a simple, routine task such as washing the dishes, which will take a few minutes, can actually seem very overwhelming. Maybe I need to listen to some celebrity speakers who have overcome obstacles and reached for their goals and dreams.

Hmmmm, maybe they can give me some speaking tips too, since I'll have to take a speech class for part of my college degree. A speech class requirement for an online degree... makes perfect sense, doesn't it? Pfffft

I have a feeling though that I will come back from my trip with a whole new outlook. It will be great 'medicine' for me, I'm sure. So... no worries ;-)

Heads or Tails Lost & Found

2009-06-15T20:31:00.005-05:00

If you click on the graphic above, it will take you to the awesome HoT blog where you can sign up and start participating in this fun and popular meme!

The theme this week is HEADS - Lost or TAILS - Found

I thought this flower's petals resembled little hearts.

So, I thought I'd share some love quotes with you. ;-)

"'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." ~Alfred Lord Tennyson

"Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart." ~Washington Irving

"The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost." ~G. K. Chesterton

"Love is mesmerizing. Love is the essence of living. If you have found love, you have found life".

Macro Monday Go Ahead Make My Day

2009-06-15T15:20:00.000-05:00

Yep, I'm really, really late completing my Monday Macro post. I am having one heck of a crazy and stressful day. This photo, however, makes me laugh. So, it is the perfect photo to post for today then, because I certainly need something to make me smile!

Oh, and if you are wondering, this is a Rainbow Bluet damselfly looking at ya straight on. hehe This damselfly was my second record sighting of the weekend, as it does not have any recorded sightings in our county. It was a very productive weekend for my nature photography! :-D

If you'd like to join in with Macro Monday, just click on the badge at the top of this post.

My Swimsuit is Packed and I'm Ready!

2009-06-15T12:05:00.004-05:00

I love Summer! I love the warm weather, wearing sandals, opening the windows, fishing, and wearing shorts and swimsuits! The fact that my birthday is this month, gives me even more reason to look forward to Summer! As most of you know, this year, on my birthday, I am flying to Nashville to spend a couple days with my aunt. Then, I am flying back to Ohio to spend time with my dad! I can't wait!

Yesterday, I started looking through my summer clothes to figure out what I wanted to pack for my trip. One of the first things I packed was my favorite swimsuit. I love my swimsuit. You see, I've always had a horrible time when shopping for swimwear, because I'm so little... which means... well... everything is little ;-) In other words, swimsuits are not very flattering to me.

I lucked out a couple years ago, though. My aunt and I were shopping and I was looking through some bathing suits on clearance, and I actually found a bikini that I really love! I couldn't believe it. I probably should have bought several of the same suit but in different colors. Otherwise, now I'll probably wear the same one for the rest of my life, because I'll never find another one that I actually like on me. LOL

Camera-Critters #62

2009-06-13T10:00:00.001-05:00

Hello, I'm Happy Loa...

OH BOY...
OH GOLLY...
OH MY GOSH...

This is rather exciting for me, because this moth is new to me. I always get like a kid at Christmas when I discover a new bug. BUT not only is it new... it's also not recorded in my area! Now THAT, my friends, is super-cool. It's like looking for a treasure and finding it... it's like coming home after a long day at work and finding an unexpected check in the mailbox... it's like having your moment of fame... it's like solving the world's problems (OK, maybe not that far)... This is SOOOOO cool... and I'm just a teeny-tiny bit excited about it ;-) OK, fine I'll tell you what it is and then I'll shut up. geesh.

Lepidoptera Search Results

Scientific Name:	Haploa reversa (Stretch, 1885)
Common Name:	REVERSED HAPLOA
Family:	Arctiidae
Common Family:	Tiger moths
Food:	The larvae feed on a wide variety of host plants including apple. The caterpillars may be a pest on peach trees.
Emergance:	This common species flies during the day and also comes to light. The moths may emerge from June to July.
Status:	Common

(Information found at Ohio State University Moth and Butterfly Search)

Looking at the Sky on Friday

2009-06-12T09:34:00.004-05:00

We've had rainy, gloomy, overcast skies for most of the week. So, I really didn't have any new sky photos. HOWEVER... I DO have lots of new bug photos!!! Oh, I can feel your excitement. The dragonflies are out, and I've been having a blast photographing them. So, if you like my bug photos (I can see you rolling your eyes), you'll want to stay tuned...

I Think This Photo's Composition...

2009-06-10T11:00:00.000-05:00

... really calls out for a catchy title. Don't ya think?

I was thinking something along the lines of:

Left Out

Not Invited to the Party

Party-Time

Peer Pressure

Daisy Clique

Popularity Contest

or, my buddy Bear's contribution - Wallflower

What do you think? Do you have a title you think would work better? Or, do you think that I'm just being weird? It's OK to tell me... I'm used to being called 'weird'... really.

Heads or Tails Tune

2009-06-08T19:32:00.006-05:00

If you click on the graphic above, it will take you to the awesome HoT blog where you can sign up and start participating in this fun and popular meme!

The theme this week is HEADS - Tune

This JUNE 9 Heads or Tails is dedicated to a very special and important person in my life - Bear. Why is it dedicated to him? Well... let me tell ya... it's a secret, and I'm not one to give out secrets, or spill the beans, or open my big mouth... but.........

It's
Bears
Birthday!!!
(and I ain't whistlin' a tune of dixie either!)

(c) Misty DawnS

If I could carry a tune,
I'd sing a song,
just for you.

I'd sing it loud.
I'd sing it clear,
and I'd sing it proud.

If I could carry a tune, I'd sing a song
and it would tell of a friendship
that is special, true, and strong.

It would tell of two friends
meant to find each other
and remain til the end.

It would tell of things shared
such as dreams, jokes, trust,
ideas, knowledge, and care.

If I could carry a tune
I'd sing a song today,
on this special day in June.

In that tune I'd strongly say,
you mean the world to me,
and I'd wish you Happy Birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAR. You truly do mean the world to me.

Y'all wanna see some fantastic photography? Click on Bear's Link and prepare to have your breath taken away. You can thank me later ;-)

Macro Monday Monday Blues

2009-06-08T06:35:00.006-05:00

This damselfly is called a Bluet. Gee... I wonder why ;-)

I'm running on no sleep again. It started storming last night shortly before I went to bed, and it continued to storm all night long. Plus, my stomach doesn't feel so great. *sigh* So, I've definitely got the Monday Blues. Don't worry - I'll snap out of it.

I'm really enjoying the Macro Monday Meme. If you don't already participate, click the badge at the top of this post and join in the fun!

Camera-Critters #61

2009-06-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

SHHHHHHHH!!!
Be Vewwy
VEWWY
QWIET!!!
I'm Hunting Cwazy Wittle Woman
With Big Camewa!

*Footnote* Yes, I do realize I switched cartoon characters halfway through this post - but it's my post and my prerogative! If you don't know what I'm talking about... you need to go hang out with some kids and watch cartoons for awhile. If you are completely understanding me, then welcome to the Crazy World O' Misty Dawn - it's great to have you here!

**Bonus Points for naming the characters and in the correct order**

Don't forget Heads or Tails on Tuesday, Looking at the Sky on Friday, and for your weekend enjoyment...

Do you want to join the Weekend Meme all about animal/critter photos? Clicking on the post header graphic will take you to the blog where you can sign in if you have made a post, and you can visit other Camera-Critters Captures. Or, clicking HERE will take you to the rules.

Looking at the Sky on Friday

2009-06-05T06:39:00.002-05:00

WooHooo! It's Friday! Not only is it the end of the work week for most people, it's also time for the fun and wonderful meme where we spend our time Looking at the Sky on Friday! (Click on the badge to join in the fun!)

Lately, I've excessively told you about my least two favorite things in Missouri: Storms and Ticks. However, those are really my only complaints. I love the rural area where we live. I love all the wildlife and critters I get to see. I love seeing and discovering new things. I love being able to walk to my own pond in my backyard and go fishing (big smile on that one). One of my biggest loves of rural Missouri though...

the SUNSETS...

(c) Misty DawnS

We don't have an rv, but we do have a pop-up camper, and I hope that eventually, when life calms down some (yes, I realize this may be many years away), we'll be able to go camping and explore some of the other beautiful parts of Missouri. I hear that the Lake of the Ozarks is very beautiful, and I hope to get Hubs to take me there some day.

If you're are interested in this fun and awesome meme, just click on the badge at the top of the post and join us.Don't forget to gather up your critter photos and join Camera-Critters this weekend!!!

My Dogs Keep Me Sane

Camera Critters #66

Looking at the Sky on Friday & a Funny Story

Is There a Pearl in This Oyster?

Heads or Tails *Spin*

Swaying in the Wind...

Camera Critters #64

Looking at the Sky on Friday

B12? Are We Playing Bingo?

Digital Superstore

Heads or Tails *Summer Memory*

Let's Declare a National Vacation Day

Camera-Critters #63

Looking at the Sky on Friday

Feelin' Bubbly

Depression Doesn't Always Mean 'Depressed'

Heads or Tails *Lost & Found*

Macro Monday *Go Ahead Make My Day*

My Swimsuit is Packed and I'm Ready!

Camera-Critters #62

Lepidoptera Search Results

Looking at the Sky on Friday

I Think This Photo's Composition...

Heads or Tails *Tune*

Macro Monday *Monday Blues*

Camera-Critters #61

Looking at the Sky on Friday

Heads or Tails Spin

Heads or Tails Summer Memory

Heads or Tails Lost & Found

Macro Monday Go Ahead Make My Day

Heads or Tails Tune

Macro Monday Monday Blues