Random Things Photography

Feathers of Fancy

2011-12-27T09:54:00.001-08:00

Feathers of Fancy, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

This lovely creature I discovered in the Bird Aviary at Walt Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida.

Tarzan's Tree

2011-12-18T13:53:00.001-08:00

Tarzan's Tree, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

My kids love exploring this treehouse! Disneyland California.

Golden Eye

2011-12-14T16:13:00.001-08:00

Golden Eye, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

A lovely mask in New Orleans Square Disney Land California.

SSE Abstract

2011-09-30T20:54:00.001-07:00

SSE Abstract, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

Looking for a unique perspective of SSE is difficult. But from this spot the picture reminded me of a golf ball waiting for a whack!

Bee-ing

2011-09-21T13:04:00.001-07:00

Bee-ing, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

A lovely bee doing his thing in the Gardens of The French Laundry in Yountville CA.

Echinacea

2011-09-21T13:03:00.001-07:00

Echinacea, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

I planted Echinacea this summer and it did rather well. I think I needed to be more on top of dead-heading the old flowers though. My herb bed was much prettier with these pink pretties in the forefront!

Lacy Fern

2011-09-18T13:52:00.001-07:00

Lacy Fern, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

Redwoods near Santa Cruz CA.

Tree House View

2011-06-01T09:23:00.001-07:00

Tree House View, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

I love the movie "Swiss Family Robinson", and visiting the tree house in Walt Disney World is always a must! I do not like the "Tarzan" version in California, and hope they change it back to the original!

Pond Life Colors~

2011-04-21T11:23:00.001-07:00

Pond Life Colors~, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

WDW Epcot World Showcase China.

Divine

2011-02-05T11:23:00.001-08:00

Divine, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

I was so excited to find her!! We just kept asking people, and finally found a cast member who said "she'll come out that gate in about 5 minutes!" There were a few people who were actually waiting for her. She is amazing!! I was so impressed with her makeup, and the talent she needed to remain steady in that costume~

Lucious Lemon

2010-12-23T10:08:00.001-08:00

Lucious Lemon, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

Our Citrus is ripe here in California! Everywhere you go tree's are loaded and heavy with citrus. Good thing we planted dwarf trees. We have a lot of fruit! Next to the lemon tree sits a blood orange tree, a grapefruit tree, and a clementine tree. We had a lime tree but it died with our frosts last winter.

The scent of the citrus I picked this morning is heavenly!

Moonlight over the Bay

2010-12-19T10:22:00.001-08:00

Moonlight over the Bay, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

This beautiful moon shone big and bright over Monterey Bay California. I screamed "Pull over!" And ran out to get a few shots. I liked this one best with the lights twinkling.

Carmel after the Storm

2010-12-13T20:09:00.001-08:00

Carmel after the Storm, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

The coast line of Carmel California , after a storm passed over. The colors were so lovely and vibrant!

Apple Orchard

2010-12-03T08:31:00.001-08:00

Apple Orchard, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

We took a field trip up to Apple Hill, California. We were late in the season. But we still bought Apple Donuts, Pie, And delicious Wine Crisp Apples.

Orchid Tree

2010-11-25T18:57:00.001-08:00

Orchid Tree, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

This gorgeous tree was in full bloom in the Animal Kingdom, WDW. It looked like a tree full of orchids!

Flare Flags

2010-11-13T16:01:00.001-08:00

Flare Flags, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

I wanted to capture the warm sun glinting through the flags, and I was able to get a bit of sun flare here. I was pleased with this as it was just what I wanted. WDW, Animal Kingdom, Asia.

Evening Glow

2010-11-10T08:21:00.001-08:00

Evening Glow, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

This stopped me in my tracks! We were finished with our "Behind the Seeds Tour" at Epcot, and were on our way to The Food and Wine Festival to eat and drink our way back to The Boardwalk, where we were staying. I saw the evening sun on the Imagination Pavillion...and stopped to snap a pic.
SOOC...

Bicycle Seat~

2010-10-24T12:06:00.001-07:00

Bicycle Seat~, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

WDW Animal Kingdom...just finished walking through the Maharaja Jungle Trek..and I loved this bicycle..especially the seat!

Ablaze!

2010-10-22T12:54:00.001-07:00

Ablaze!, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

This was taken on our very last night. We had just eaten dinner at Seven Dragons in the China Pavillion. Delicious! This sunset over Epcot was stunning.

Towering Tall

2010-09-30T08:50:00.001-07:00

Towering Tall, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.) WDW 10-9-10!.

Our family visited The Muir Woods National Monument. It is a California treasure. As we walked along the paths the forest was so peaceful. When alone we could feel the deep quiet in our bones! One of my favorite spots in our beautiful State!

(Click on the photograph to view full size on flickr.) Thanks for stopping by! :)

Castello Di Amarosa

2010-07-07T09:07:00.001-07:00

Castello Di Amarosa, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

We spent a day in Napa at the end of June, before the birth of our 3rd child arrives! This was my favorite picture of the day. My husband did not wine taste here, and we did not tour the Castle, but the grounds were very beautiful.

~Orchid~

2010-04-08T14:46:00.001-07:00

~, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

One of the hundreds of orchids in the Botanical Building at Balboa Park, San Diego.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balboa_Park,_San_Diego,_California

Golden Gate

2010-03-22T11:04:00.001-07:00

Golden Gate, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

It was a beautiful day Sunday in SF!! This picture was taken from the fantastic glass walk through in The Disney Family Museum we toured. No photography was allowed inside the galleries.

Sunset Magic

2010-03-19T17:07:00.001-07:00

Sunset Magic, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

Winner in the flickr group Disney Photo Challenge "No Magic Needed SOOC." http://www.flickr.com/groups/disneyphotochallenge/discuss/72157623522922693/

Disney World January 2009
Sunset over the Epcot World Showcase Waters. Taken with my old Point and Shoot Camera!

Florida Sun

2010-03-13T16:19:00.001-08:00

Florida Sun, originally uploaded by Random Things (Jen C.).

We have booked our trip to sunny Florida in October! We will stay at The Boardwalk Resort! We can't wait!!

Tinkerbelle in Flight

2010-02-12T15:05:00.001-08:00

Tinkerbelle in Flight, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

Last night my Mom took our girls and I to see Disney on Ice! It was a fantastic show! I have several shots in the same album as this. Just click on the picture.

Ferris Wheel

2010-02-10T15:46:00.001-08:00

Ferris Wheel, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

My second win in the Disney Photo Challenge Pool on Flickr!

Crocker Art Museum

2010-02-09T17:42:00.001-08:00

Crocker Art Museum, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

A homeschool field trip took us to this beautiful art museum today. Located in Sacramento, California.

Submarine

2010-01-29T09:09:00.001-08:00

Submarine, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

On Flickr I am in a group called Disney Photo Challenge. There are many challenges to enter your photography, on a variety of subjects. This photo "Submarine" is the very first photo of mine to have won a challenge! (And I have entered many, and won second place before..)The challenge was "Water Rides". So I was thrilled to see my photo chosen the winner!
Only winners can enter photos into the pool. Here is the link to the pool.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/disneyphotochallenge/
I am just a little excited to have one of mine there!

Walt Disney World!

2010-01-13T16:36:00.001-08:00

Epcot WDW, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

Just the other day my husband booked our next vacation to WDW Florida! We will have a new baby then, only 2-3 months old! We will go in mid October 2010, and be there for the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot! So, here is a favorite picture of Epcot from our last trip there.
We can't wait!

Decorated

2009-11-06T08:36:00.001-08:00

Decorated, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

This lovely leaf looked like it was wearing jewelery, or a crown of pretty Fall berries.

Taken in Amador County California

Welcome Fall!!!

2009-09-25T12:21:00.001-07:00

Welcome Fall!!!, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

This is the beautiful Japanese Maple Tree in our back yard. I love tree Bokeh! These are a type of flower or seed pod on the tree right now. It is still warm, warm in California. So there is not too much Fall colors yet. But, I love the warm reds of this tree.
Taken for the Pioneer Woman Photography Assignment.

Grasses of Summer

2009-09-24T08:16:00.001-07:00

Grasses of Summer, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

As we welcome Fall, I am recalling moments of summer. Like this one, watching these grasses blow in the summer wind, pond side. It was a lovely day...

My Moon My Man

2009-08-04T19:27:00.001-07:00

My Moon My Man, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

I put my camera on the tripod the other night. I tried very hard to get a good shot of The Moon, with the strongest lens I have. I have always been fascinated by The Moon. I liked this shot.

View the song "My Moon My Man" By Feist http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ9-jPofC-4

A visit to a lovely mountain town...

2009-07-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Old Barn on Highway 89 Sierra County California

With the visit of my sister and nephew over the past weekend came a drive to a beloved mountain town. The town of Graeagle California was our destination. Our family has a long history there. Dating back to my Great Grandparents. My parents both spent the summers of their youth there, and met each other in the area. Both of their parents had cabins to enjoy.So, quite frankly, the area is special. It is why I even exist!

It was a long and lovely summer day. We drove to familiar spots, soaked up the pine air and just relaxed by the Mill Pond. We visited the Mohawk Cemetery and the graves of my Maternal Grandfather and Paternal Grandmother. And the grave of my Aunt on my mothers side. That was very emotional.

It is this mountain air that we crave, and wish we could bottle up, and take home with us. We do not have family cabins to go to anymore. But, will continue to go there, and make memories with our children, in our beloved mountain town.

We found out that our treasured State Park there might be closing!!
http://www.plumas-eureka.org

Picked today...7-14-09..

2009-07-14T12:14:00.001-07:00

Picked today...7-14-09.., originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

Today I picked..and picked...and picked. Here is today's count::
Tomatoes: 35
Red Bell Pepper: 1
Japanese Eggplant: 1
Hot Red Peppers: 4
Zucchini:1
And Patsy Cline on Pandora...
Lovin' Summer!

Yellow Coneflower

2009-07-02T17:29:00.001-07:00

Yellow Coneflower, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

I explored the beautiful gardens at The French Laundry Restaurant in Yountville California. They grow much of their own vegetables, herbs, and flowers for the restaurant. It was very inspirational! We did not eat there. Some day...
www.frenchlaundry.com/

Crown and Crumpet Tea Salon

2009-07-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

We took a little trip to San Francisco on Sunday/Monday. My daughters and I happened to find this little gem. Crown and Crumpet Tea Salon.
http://www.crownandcrumpet.com/ We are going to go there again...and again...wanna go? Just tell us WHEN!!! It was such a great experience. We were giddy with excitment to have such a special treat. It was delicious, and every drop of tea was amazing. I had Marie Antoinette Tea. Here is what their website said about it:

"MARIE ANTOINETTE
Rumour has it this was Marie Antoinette’s favorite. Let this relaxing blend of bergamot, blue mallow and roses be the perfect tea for eating cake!" It was so wonderful. I want to try their "Paris" tea next time!

I had Tea for One, which included
Selection of six tea sandwiches
Two warm house-made scones with clotted cream, jam & lemon curd
Toasted crumpet with butter
Six house-made sweets & treats
Large pot of tea
The Girls Shared a "Nursery Tea"
For 12 years and younger - Presented on a Mini-Three-Tiered Stand
Three tea sandwiches
Warm, house-made scone with butter & jam
Four house-made sweets & treats
Pot of fruit tea or hot chocolate
They had Decaf English Breakfast tea. We all drank cups and cups of their wonderful tea!

We made wonderful memories together that afternoon! And now have ideas to make our tea time at home more special.

Vintage Apron Giveaway

2009-06-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

Recently I bought Evin her first Vintage Apron in Pink. She absolutely loves it. And wants to put it on and help me cook everyday. Here on a blog I read there is a giveaway for a mother and child vintage apron set. I hope I win!

http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a01156f7e3eba970c0115713bb7e0970b

New York Schmap Photo!

2009-06-19T17:52:00.001-07:00

New York, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

Entry number 2 about the Schmap usage of this photo.

My Photo is Published!!!

2009-06-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to have my photo of the Brooklyn Bridge included on this site. If my photo is clicked on, it takes the person directly to my flickr page. It is pretty cool! :)

Here is the email from the Company. I knew they were considering it, and they had to get my permission. But, today I found out it was going to be included!

Schmap New York Seventh Edition: Photo Inclusion
Hi Jennifer,

I am delighted to let you know that your submitted photo has been selected for inclusion in the newly released seventh edition of our Schmap New York Guide:

Brooklyn Bridge
www.schmap.com/newyork/introduction_history/p=5442/i=5442_106.jpg

If you use an iPhone or iPod touch, then this same link will take you directly to your photo in the iPhone version of our guide. On a desktop computer, you can still see exactly how your photo is displayed and credited in the iPhone version of our guide at:

Brooklyn Bridge
www.schmap.com/?m=iphone#uid=newyork&sid=introduction_history&p=5442&i=5442_106

Finally, if you have a blog, you might also like to check out the customizable widgetized version of our Schmap New York Guide, complete with your published photo:

www.schmap.com/guidewidgets/p=49362482N00/c=SK20021140

Thanks so much for letting us include your photo - please enjoy the guide!

Best regards,

Emma Williams,
Managing Editor, Schmap Guides
www.schmap.me/emma.williams

Picking and Growing

2009-06-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

I am seeing the beginning of Summer here at our home. The garden is starting to give the early vegetables, like Japanese Eggplant, Eight Ball and Italian Stripe Zucchini, Purple Queen Bush Beans, Sweet Yellow Banana Peppers, blueberries and one tomato so far. We need HEAT to get the loads of tomatoes to ripen. We have one tomato "tree" that is over 6 feet tall!!! The patio is tropical and inviting. We have eaten dinner out there several times already. The water fountain is always making it's lovely sounds to soothe and calm the garden.

And Old Jail

2009-05-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

On a recent visit to the Gold Country of California, I discovered this old jail site. It sat in silence, but it spoke volumes. The rusty jail bars, and metal hooks on the ground to perhaps chain up a prisoner were there, and strong still. Even though the rock building was crumbling around the metal cages. I wondered about the criminals that were held there, and innocent victims of circumstance. I took the opportunity to photograph one of my favorite things, rust!

A Tropical stop in Santa Cruz..

2009-05-28T11:15:00.001-07:00

We had a nice little weekend trip to Santa Cruz over the Holiday. We stopped one afternoon at a cute shop called Island Home and Garden. http://islandhomegarden.com/ She has such a nice store. And even though we were not there long, I did get some pictures of her shop I like a lot! She had so many gorgeous tropical flowers to purchase. She told us they last a long time as a cut flower. She also had so many tropical items for home and garden and even great little gift items. I hope to stop in again next time we are in town. If you are in Santa Cruz anytime over the summer, stop by and see the shop I liked so much.

Squash Blossom

2009-05-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

One of the first of many zucchini and squash blossoms. Looking forward to eating our fill of them all summer long!

California Wild Flowers

2009-05-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have lived in California all my life. And where I grew up in the Foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains wild flowers were always abundant in the spring. I have taken a few pictures of just a sample of the wild flowers out in recent weeks. I love their wild beauty and how they pop up in the oddest places. They make me think of my child hood, and bringing a bouquet home to my grandmothers cabin in the mountains. They bring back a flood of memories and I hope to capture more and more of these little lovely things!

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2009

2009-05-02T16:33:00.000-07:00

We took a vacation to Walt Disney World in Florida. While we were there the Flower and Garden Festival was going on at Epcot, and the World Showcase. It was so pretty. Everywhere they could they overloaded the paths and planters and baskets with flowers! It was so beautiful!

Our Cherry Blossoms

2009-04-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

We have recently been to San Francisco to see the Cherry Blossoms at the Japanese Tea Gardens. I have many beautiful pictures to share from that trip. But as I am shooting in the RAW format with my new camera, I have yet been allowed to upload the huge pictures yet. BUT, the last two weeks our very own twin sister Flowering Cherry Trees have shown us their beauty and are now leafing out, and dropping all the blooms. These are a few of my favorites from the start of the buds, to the prettiest blossoms. Enjoy!

A study in Peas

2009-03-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

I posted two of the shots I took in my Study of Peas on my flickr photostream. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jereca74/ But I am limited in space each month and have yet to spring for the unlimited "Pro" account. I am almost to my limit this month. So I thought a few more of my favorites could go up here.

Yesterday we picked a big bunch of fresh, plump peas. I put them on the kitchen table, and was looking at them and discovered one, tiny, beautiful curly swirl. I decided to photograph that curly pea shoot. Here are a few of my favorites from that afternoon.

Harvest Time again..

2009-03-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

The 3 HUGE cabbages and giant bunch of broccoli I picked the other day! Yum!

Healthy Pickings

2009-02-13T11:51:00.001-08:00

Today I harvested most of the Broccoli. There will be more shoots off the stem that is left. I picked several peas, beets, and a few carrots. Here are a few of the close up pictures I got today. So pretty!

What's Growing Now

2009-02-11T09:37:00.001-08:00

The Fall Winter Garden is growing like mad!! The Rocket (aka...Arugula) and Micro Greens..are pure insanity! The Micro Greens are actually starting to go to seed now. And they are rather bitter. The Rocket is good if you pick the younger leaves.
We have been eating the Bok Choy, Mustard Greens, Spinach, and Kale regularly. We just saute it up with garlic and onions and either salt and pepper or soy sauce and sesame oil. Depending on the meal. The Broccoli is really good looking now. I am impressed with my first Broccoli patch. Grown from seed! The Green Cabbage patch is looking nice too. We have only one big one...the rest are little still.
I have been loving looking over this seed catalog. It will be very hard to narrow it all down! I want to try so many new things!
Our garlic crop is growing great, and we will have many bulbs to share in the mid spring when they are ready. The Peas are bushy, healthy and green! And the other day I picked a peas pod off and it was like sugar! I think we will have more to pick soon and use in salads and stir fry. I love going to my garden 1/2 hour before dinner and picking our salad FRESH for that night or greens to saute. I can't wait for the summer vegetables that we grill!

Random Things x 2

2009-02-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

Hello! Greetings and Salutations!
This Blog is for the Random Things...and more...hence the x 2! I like blog contests. Some require a link back. I need a open blog to do that and this will do just that! I can use this to post random pictures from our day to day life...often taken spur of the moment with my cell phone. I can post here...right from the spot!
So stay tuned...it will be random...but interesting none the less!

Blog Things to Win!

2009-02-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

Ryan McLean from Smarter Wealth is giving away a brand new Flip Mino HD to one lucky reader. This will be the easiest Flip Mino HD to win because barely anyone is going to enter meaning more chances that you can win.

The Flip Mino HD is the coolest gadget around. You can shoot one hour of video in HD (so you can play it on your plasma) and you can even edit your footage right on your device. This device is so small that it will fit in your pocket so you will never miss capturing a moment ever again.

To enter all you have to do is sign up for Ryan’s newsletter and post about the competition.

Check out all the details of how you can enter the Win a Flip Mino HD competition now. http://www.smarterwealth.net/the-easiest-flip-mino-hd-you-will-ever-win/