Friday, March 23, 2012

Photo Friday: Unwind

Where do you like to unwind? Most people would say the beach. I'm not a huge fan of sand or salt water and would have to say that I prefer the mountains and forests. Plus, I feel like the best breweries are located in mountainous regions and having a good beer on a cool mountain day sounds like the best way to unwind to me. 

For that reason, I've chosen another photo from my recent trip to Asheville for this Photo Friday. A lot of people say the sound of rushing water soothes their soul. I could go either way but I did think this particular area was especially peaceful. 


I hope everyone finds a way to relax and unwind this weekend. I know I'll be tense tonight. Go Wolfpack!!

Thanks for reading!

Liz DiNatale

Friday, March 16, 2012

Photo Friday: Floral

In my other life as an engineer, I've been busy with week long training in Asheville the last couple of months. My boss, bless him, is focused on getting me through all 4 levels of the Rosgen stream restoration training. The classes have been intense: hours of lecture, hours of field work, tons of data. I'm loving it. Granted a lot of why I'm loving it is because the last two have been hosted in Asheville, NC. That town makes my heart go pitter-patter.

This last training week we stayed in a cute 2 bedroom house on a tiny lake right behind the Asheville mall. Driving into the neighborhood is rather bizarre. At one moment you're surrounded by tons of shops, people and cars and the next you're in the middle of the woods driving around a quiet serene lake. I found this house on VRBO.com and I'm certain we'll be back. It was perfectly quaint. The owners did a nice job dressing up the property with a fire circle and deck off the lake. They've also sculpted a trail down to the stream that the lake flows into. It was perfectly peaceful with a moss covered walkway, trickling stream, old wooden bridges and cute tiny flowers. Which brings me to this Photo Friday: Floral.


Can I go back now? Actually we might be going back next weekend! We're excited about the opening of our friend's newest restaurant, Strada! Opening in Asheville early next week! Yay! While I was very sad to see Fiore's close, I know Anthony will do amazingly well in his new venture, can't wait! The website isn't quite ready yet but here it is, http://stradaasheville.com/ it will be located at 27 Broadway in downtown Asheville.

As for this weekend, I'm going to hope and pray that it doesn't rain so I can wash my filthy car, plant bushes and enjoy the mild weather before the bugs start taking over again. Oh and maybe I'll find some green beer, Happy Saint Patty's Day!!

Liz DiNatale
www.oakcityphotographync.com

Friday, March 2, 2012

Photo Friday: Blaze

Good Friday morning! I sincerely hope everyone took a moment this morning to enjoy the beautiful day because it is about to get ugly. Our dogs thought they were getting a treat this morning when we took them on a short bike ride around the neighborhood. What they don't know is that is the last time they're getting out for an extended period of time today. I'm sure they'll make us pay for their boredom. 

I'm switching it up a bit today and actually writing about next week's Photo Friday challenge. This week's was "inner city" and I had nothing for it but next week's is "blaze" and I have the perfect picture. Say "hi" to Camp MacKall's resident pup:


She has a good story behind her. According to the Captain we were talking with, she was dropped off one day, full of puppies and terrified of everything. It took her months to warm up to anyone enough to be pet. Even today she is easily startled and collapses in a heap of whimpering poochie if she thinks she's going to be hit. I think she is a classic case of owner abuse. She's been at Camp MacKall (an Army training base) for about 3 years I think. She is still terrified of going indoors but otherwise seems to really enjoy people now. She was so intent on getting my pets then she kept nudging my hand when I would pause. 

Camp MacKall was quite possibly the awesomest base I've ever been on. It is an animal haven complete with chickens, goats, sheep, cows, a horse and the fattest pot bellied pig I've ever seen. He was hilarious, I literally busted out laughing when I saw him walking. The best part is, all the soldiers on base love these animals and take time out of their day to take care of them. They've rescued almost all of them and given them a safe and free life. It was really enjoyable to see. 

Wow I got off tangent, sorry. The reason this photo is what I chose for "blaze" is because of the markings on this pup. You see that white line down the middle of her face? That's a blaze, and her's is perfectly solid. Plus she was a sweetheart and this picture was taken with my new 5D which I'm still in love with. 

I  hope you all have a splendid weekend. The hubs and I are off to Asheville for another week of Rosgen training (for me). This time we're bringing our growlers and stopping at the breweries on the way in (no I won't bring a growler to class...though that would make things pretty interesting). Hopefully we'll have better weather and I'll get more pictures while we're there. 

As always, thanks for reading!

Liz DiNatale
www.oakcityphotographync.com