So there is a slight chance that I have been *less than productive, since the conclusion of my semester. It's been rather nice to have "nothing" to do around here at home...but the other day I really needed to feel "accomplished" in the simplest sense.
When the sun came out around 1pm...I headed over to play dominoes at gram's, but was wholeheartedly inspired to take full advantage of the loveliness I observed on my 1 mintute walk because we hadn't seen the sun up in these chilly parts of the North Country in at least 4 days.
So the domino game was delayed [to the unamusment of my brothers- who called me 5 times while I was on this little photo-adventure] But alas...I think I got some fab shots* I even decided to title them as things popped into my head while I was searching out significant things to capture.
"Home Base"
In my exploration of the woodshed that holds its ground as the 1/2 way marker between gram's house and ours...I saw this base in the corner of the shed- just hangin out. It reminded me of alllll the games we played in that yard growing up. I never realized I was so blessed to have all that yard space to just run around in for so many years of my life, until I moved to a city. We used to play out there everyday, and that one base was always "home" no matter what game we were playing- whether it was kickball, tag, capture the flag, or sprinting races during the day or man-hunt and hide & seek at night-- there was always kids around to do something spontaneous and adventure-like. I spent hours outside trying to find myself some good ol fashion fun with the cousins, brothers, aunts and uncles, and grandparents who I grew up with on the Taylor Lane community <3
"Upward and Onward"
This collection of skis of all sorts was also found in the shed. I have probably worn all of them at some point in my life because my parents and grandparents always encouraged us to participate in "lifetime fitness activities" like skiing, in all seasons. I realize now how this had a huge impact on the way I approach things like that in my life now. I think those kind of provisions and encouragements from a young age helped me to be excited about "doing things" instead of sitting inside, watching tv. I knew that if I ever had the motivated to get out and ski, no matter what the season- I could find someone in the family to come with me! I'm pretty sure that's why I've developed a strong desire to motivate friends/family to pursue spontaneous, active adventures instead of the sometimes easier, more boring options.
"The Color Of Rust"
I just love the color of these dead flowers that are all over my yard in the fall/winter. It's such a beautiful hue, especially in the sunlight. The color of rust signifies the significance of time to me because rust could not occur without time.
"Tires & Bows"
This scene was found in the field by my gram's. I loved how interesting it was to find all the miselananeous objected just settled there after the snow melted. Among the most intreguing were some mysterious tubes, and tires- tangled up inside of the old horse water troff and a bright red Christmas bow.
I just love all the textures embedded in that photo- and it reminds me of the unique complexities that are special and significant to me about growing up here.
"Batteries Not Included"
This tree has always been my favorite of the many varieties of trees the Taylor commune is surrounded by. It's an apple tree that is completely hollow on the inside, but still produces apples every year. It's right outside my gram's living room window and hangs over the corner of her porch by the hot-tub.
This tree is basically "a freak of nature" because it survives and produces literally without anything "inside" to give it life. It helps me to really consider what "gives" people life- what motivates them to produce, what brings them joy, ect...
I titled this "batteries not included" because so much of our culture tells us that technology is what will bring us those things-- that games, and toys, and computers, ipods, and cell phones will provide the substance for our lives.
My opinion is that, although I have ALL of those things-- and may be mildly addicted to them, I know that it is the things that don't "include batteries"-- like conversations, adventures, and quality time with people I love are what provides the most significant substance in my life.
There were so many adventures with my wonderfully spontaneous friend smals. We are the kind of people who stop to smell the flowers :) 
