Yesterday I participated in the Scott Kelby World Wide Photo Walk. All over the world groups of photographers gathered to walk around their city and shoot photos for a few hours. It is amazing to be able to see and share all this with one another. Our walk was a late afternoon stroll around the part of our town near Union Station called The Pearl. Taking the time to actually walk the blocks in a part of town I rarely visit was eye opening. There is so much to see and experience. It was a rainy day for most of the day but the time we spent out on the walk wasn't too bad. Some sprinkles but I never did have to use the umbrella. These are just a few of the shots that I took.

Condos by the park. This park in more of a natural area in the city, it has a pond with goldfish, reeds and water lilies. There is a small deck walk along the very unusual fence made of metal pieces with some colored glass art interspersed. Very pretty.

The photo on the left is of what is left of an old old building. There was no history on it but it has been preserved and left in place as a reminder of what once was. Lots of character in these old bricks and metal shutters.

This of course is self explanatory. It is Union Station. A glorious old train station. The outside is being renovated so I did not do any photos other than the tower. Next time I will take more time and go in and also go around on the grounds. There were some great shots posted from our group of outside shots.

Gratitude: The quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.

 Texture Tuesday's challenge is to show something that gives us gratitude and to use two of Kim Klassen's textures. I thought for some time on this to pick a subject for this week. There are many many things to be grateful for in my life so I thought of doing a collage of several different things. I love the sea, I love watching the birds at the feeder I love the quietness of the forest on a hike, but most of all I LOVE my family. They are what make me grateful and thankful for each and every day. Life is a very short journey and the people we share it with are what give us the reasons to get up and move everyday. When you lose someone from that circle you instantly learn how short life really is. I have learned to live each day as if it were my last because we just never know. I love that I can do for my family and bring them small gifts of joy, a trip to the beach or a day spent together. Cooking a special meal and sharing time laughing and being in the company of one another. This is what brings GRATITUDE into my life. 

I used three of Kim's textures on this one and several other layers and masking and brushes to get the effect I was after. Be sure and check out the Cafe` for all the talented people and see what we are all grateful for in our lives. 

Texture Tuesday