Farmer's Bounty

For the past few days, I've been reliving my summer through a collection of photos. I hope you're having fun taking the trip with me. Today, how about a getaway to Upstate New York? 

Hyde Park is where we're at

I've told you about the awesome antique finds 

Had to stop by the craft stores, too.

We mustn't forget the farmer's market!

All locally grown

Vibrant summer colors

Free samples await

A craving for Southern pies fulfilled

A visit to one of the many farms in the area

In good working condition

The grazers

Stopped by for some ice cream and cheese

Made on the premises

Take-away treats from the market and the farm.
Another item crossed out from my list.

Have a delightful day, everyone!

A Stroll on the Boardwalk

I still have summer on my mind even if a sweater is now part of my daily wardrobe. As a farewell to my favorite season, I've made a summer album -- something I listed on a board in my Pinterest page.

Here are a few more pictures at the beach:

I like beaches with boardwalks...

...especially if the boardwalk
has a carnival! 

Feeling like a child again is
always TADA! 

Nice to see a friendly face

Just a few prizes from the amusement
center: monkeys in Jamaican hats

Red hot chili peppers

The cutest little piglets

Just like them, I'd try my luck to win
a giant stuffed toy!

Or a more practical prize,
an iTunes gift card.

Nostalgic noshes

Tart yet sweet

A childhood favorite

Boardwalk performers: a man on stilts
and a colorful lady on a balloon on
a unicycle

There was a costume parade
that afternoon

A mini version of the Naked Cowboy

Little heart breakers {they would win if I were
the judge}: babies dressed as fishermen 

The winner in the baby category was dressed
as a mermaid {she was claiming her prize
as I took this photo}; said mermaid rode
this dressed-up wagon with a sign,
"catch of the day". Teehee :-)

The winner in the toddler category was a little girl 

dressed as Rapunzel...yes, with matching tower on 

wheels {pulled by her Daddy}.

Maybe these will give you some blah to TADA! Halloween costume ideas? Thanks for visiting me today!

A Few Beach Photos

There is a chill in the air, an indication that autumn has finally arrived. I'm in denial. Still hanging onto the green leaves of summer, the warm sunshine, and puffy clouds. So this week, allow me to share a few more photos that I'll file away into my "Summer 2012 Photo Album".

Today, it's a day at the beach.

The kind where you lie on the sand
and get lost in a book.

Where you can dig your heels in the sand.

Or dip your toes in the water.

Run from a wave...

...or attempt to ride one.

Hooray for sun worshipers! 

Isn't this Dad & daughter
photo adorable?

A parade of umbrellas

Lifeguards on duty

A day where I got to feel the wind...

...and just relax.

I hope you had some wonderful beach time over the summer. I wish us many, many more of these days!

Summer Skills

As a farewell to my favorite season, I made this week's photo album showcasing the things I did over the summer. I posted a few pictures on Instagram, too, in case you're interested. 

And because I associate summer with learning (or re-learning) something new, here are some creative endeavors in photos:

I took a watercolor class where, aside from
paint, we used materials like salt, bubble wrap,
and colored tissue paper to make art.

Taking that class sparked an interest in watercolor.
I got all nerdy and borrowed some books from
the library to learn new techniques.

I even bought a few things like a visual
journal (watercolor paper), a quality
paintbrush, and a color wheel.

I took my visual journal everywhere, including 

a trip to Brooklyn.

I gave myself the daunting task of painting
the Brooklyn Bridge and the skyline of
lower Manhattan. I started with a sketch.

Then I added color.

Some black ink for definition and TADA!,
my first cityscape. I know, I need more
practice, but I gotta start somewhere. 

I made this little work space that invites me to
practice with watercolors on a regular basis.

I even use watercolors for calligraphy.

I decorated these blah envelopes and
mailed them to friends living miles away.
Keeping in touch via snail mail is
always TADA!

I also offered some time at City Harvest
(we rescue food for New York's hungry),
where I've been volunteering for
several years now. Doing this always
leaves me with a TADA! feeling. 

I'm hoping that by reaching out to long lost
friends and doing some community service,
I would've spread some joy.

Thank you for indulging in my summer album. 

I wish you all a beautiful weekend!