THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: flower


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My Garden

My Garden is my family and friends.

I was listening to a song this morning called The Garden by RUSH and I really loved the song’s lyrics. In addition to being a great drummer he wrote some wonderful lyrics.

In this one of many possible worlds
All for the best, or some bizarre test
It is what it is, and whatever
Time is still the infinite jest

The arrow flies when you dream
The hours tick away
The cells take away
The Watchmaker keeps to his schemes
The hours tick away
They tick away

The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
So hard to earn, so easily burned
The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
So hard to earn, so easily burned
In the fullness of time
A garden to nurture and protect

In the rise and the set of the sun
‘Til the stars go spinning, spinning round the night
Oh, it is what is it is, and forever
Each moment, a memory in flight

The arrow flies while you dream
The hours tick away
The cells tick away
The Watchmaker has time up his sleeve
The hours tick away
They tick away

The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
So hard to earn, so easily burned
In the fullness of time
A garden to nurture and protect (it’s a measure of a life)
The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
The way you live, the gifts that you give
In the fullness of time is the only return that you expect

The future disappears into memory
With only a moment between
Forever dwells in that moment
Hope is what remains to be seen
Forever dwells in that moment
Hope is what remains to be seen

In the fullness of time a garden to nurture and protect (it’s a measure of a life)
In the fullness of time a garden to nurture and protect (it’s a measure of a life)
In the fullness of time a garden to nurture and protect (it’s a measure of a life)
In the fullness of time a garden to nurture and protect

It’s a measure of a life
It’s a measure of a life
It’s a measure of a life
It’s a measure of a life

Bees on sunflower. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Searching

I’m warm and toasty inside despite that nastiness outside. Just heard the plow come through.

Alone again in the office looking at some prints I made earlier and what wall they will go on. Thinking of venturing outside and taking some pictures. Then again after opening the door and catching some of that wind, I’m rethinking the expedition.

Thanks to OC Webcams

I was watching the webcams in Ocean City Maryland and many of them went offline last night with that blizzard. Any drink you order there will be a frozen one. Got this snapshot above from the 94th Street cam overlooking Coastal Highway just before daylight.

Photo by Mike Hartley

If I’m lucky, I can see myself wearing a path between my front door and the beach this year. And many points in between because I’d like to do a lot of Eastern Shore of Maryland photography. There are many great small towns and waterways to explore.

That will also serve the dual purpose of having the fun of getting to and from those destinations in my Miata. I can’t explain how much fun that has been to drive.

Zoom Zoom. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Yesterday was another day of missed opportunities. But feeling better about today. .
  • Sometimes being nocturnal feels more natural.
  • If I had the room, I was thinking of adding a heavy bag (boxing) to my office.
  • It’s lonely in here at times no matter how much I talk to myself.
  • The picture of the flower above is for balance. I might have some snow, fog and rain pictures soon.


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Waiting

Nothing like walking outside in the summer and smelling the flowers in bloom. I’m having trouble waiting for spring let alone summertime. I guess I’ll just have to dream for a few more weeks at least.

Music has had my mind racing all day. And it’s got as many ebbs and flows as the ridges in this flower. I can’t get at ease and that’s affecting production. I’ve got a few things done today but not much that I’m really excited about. Yeah, some essential chores, but nothing on the creative front I’m happy with so far.

I’m out of balance on several fronts. As I pulled the cover off my car today and started it to charge the battery that frustration of not being able to use it as I’d like due to the season and melting snow/salt covering the highways. I miss the enjoyment and freedom that toy gives me.

I blew off some of my exercise time today which wasn’t smart because that could be one reason the body feels tense. I haven’t picked up the camera all day Saturday and that is pretty much a failure.

The thought of having to shovel wet snow later today isn’t doing anything to improve my attitude. I will get through it and the winds on Monday and power through the week ahead with a renewed effort and mindset.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Maryland’s men’s basketball team got a nice win.
  • Some instrumental tunes can say a lot.
  • Don’t you just love people who can look you in the eye and lie.
  • I’m really going to be depressed when my grandchildren get old enough when they don’t run to my arms.


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No Sun

A rainy and dreary day in Central Maryland. I wasn’t looking for something bright and sunny but as I was sorting through some old shots, I found this one I was about to trash. The focus isn’t as sharp as some other ones in the series I used but I do like the softness.

My better half pointed out how infrequently I’m relaxed this past week. And she is right. I guess it’s a mixture of things through my history. I won’t bore you with that mess but it’s something I need to work on.

Exercise again has reminded me that it is a good form of letting the body cycle and relax. My hobbies relax me but there are times I neglect them.

Just sitting and taking in life on a warm beach for a few moments this past week kind of restored my balance because of the stress this winter season puts on me. Returning to the snow still on the ground wasn’t the greeting I was hoping for but maybe we are about to turn the corner on the season.

We love our home and being here. We also discovered we like being away a bit also. So maybe a better balance this year will be a good way to relax. We aren’t world travelers. Southern Florida was the furthest we have been from home in decades and that’s less than a thousand miles.

Maybe not putting myself in stressful situations. Eating better and spending time with positive people.

There is one thing I probably won’t ever relax about. The wellbeing and happiness of my children and grandchildren. That is unless we are on a family vacation and they are all right in front of me eating ice cream in Ocean City. Then I’m relaxed.

I think I’ll relax tonight with a good evening’s rest.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Remembering an old friend who passed way too young.
  • I had to put my shorts back away from our trip south, which was depressing, knowing it’s another month or two till they are needed again.
  • Blogging has become such a daily habit with me, I missed it when I was away. Both creating and reading. But a break is always good once in a while.
  • It’s been a productive day.
  • Congratulations on the Lady Terps victory over Ohio State today. Great comeback.


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Burst

No, it’s not the 4th of July. But I still like the burst of color and if you use your imagination, you can hear a boom. I’m not feeling as spry as this flower and there is still much to do today.

Photo by Mike Hartley

Interesting, it will be almost 10 years to the day that this area had its last big snowfall. 2016 was 2 feet or more. I’m not sure just like anyone isn’t about this weekend but each day the target on us seems to grow.

I’ll need gas for the generator which I’ll get today. I also have a few other tasks before test starting it Saturday afternoon. Then I’ll bring it back inside and hope it isn’t needed.

The shovels are at the ready. I’ll be doing it in stages. Hopefully it will be light and I can plow it.


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Blooming hump day

Feeling at peace with myself early this Wednesday morning. Both relaxed and excited. The anticipation of seeing some of my grandchildren this week is putting a smile on my face. Spent some time with one of my best friends, Tuesday evening identifying and fixing the problems of the world.

Just seemed like the image to lead off a new day. Photo by Mike Hartley

I was tempted to do a food review. We went to a local spot that we know has good food, but other things bring it down. And I’ve vowed to just do reviews on establishments that leave me feeling good on a lot of levels. Therefore, I can say positive things I like about the restaurant and make everyone happy and maybe not misjudge someone having a bad day.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the case here because it’s the same issue repeatedly. Too bad because the kitchen does a nice job. So maybe a good food review tomorrow.

So, no more words, just a picture to bring some calm to a tough day. I’ve got to get to work on the daily writing prompt.

Random Thoughts of the Morning

  • One of the best parts of being retired is no more rush hour driving.
  • I’m trying to train myself to sit with proper posture. After decades of poor positioning, it’s a struggle.
  • Does everyone have a good luck charm?
  • Websters has added a line to the definition of the word Lucky. = grandparents who get to see their grandchildren often.
  • It’s a neat trick to tell someone what the saw with their own eyes, isn’t that, but something else and having them believe you.
  • It would take a hell of a lot of exercise to compensate for the number of Coca Cola’s I’d like to drink every day. Good thing I learned control.


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Out and about again

A busy week ahead with lots of goals to be met. I’m going to force myself out of the house more. Rumor of some snow later in the week might provide some weather shots I didn’t get a chance to take advantage of in December due to flu.

Something to brighten your evening. I hear that cold wind blowing outside but I’m thinking warm thoughts. Photo by Mike Hartley

It hasn’t been the most productive day of the week yet, but there are still 6 hours left to finish strong. It’s been a good week. Got a few dozen prints made and uploaded images, took care of some computer issues, read a bit, learned a lot, played with Canva, spoke to friends and made plans with family.

I’m trying to take the whole of days into account when I think of what I hope to accomplish. That is taking exercise and rest into account when summarizing a week now. This was a well-rounded week. There were a few restless nights, but also a few with good sleep.

I worked on my photography and writing mostly, so I’ve neglected to increase my painting skills or lack thereof so far.

This week is going to be even better. I started to push myself a little harder yesterday in the exercise area and I’m keeping it up today. Now to stretch it out all week and make it routine.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Another day, another test of this country’s morality.
  • Had a great beef stew this evening.
  • Talent isn’t always natural. Sometimes it comes from a lot of hard work.
  • Blindly following lies seems to be a difficult path to walk.


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Peaceful and Stressful

The rains came Friday evening and this Saturday morning had that fresh smell to it.

Droplets. Photo by Mike Hartley

The pressure was on to finish something important Saturday. But first I had a little fun with the family. We had an afternoon together and a great lunch from Bare Bones. The grandchildren played, the children took turns taking care of the mobile ones while we took turns holding the baby.

What a special time in life. It’s just a marvel to feel those little fingers squeeze mine.

So just after they left to return home, I sat down to work on a speech about 5pm, and the power went out from the high winds we were having. 5 hours later it’s restored and I was back to work.

It’s going to be a long night.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • When you visit your loved ones resting place, it’s both calming and upsetting.
  • I’ve got to take a picture of Cheetos in a taco shell.
  • There is a limit to stress. It’s called the breaking point.
  • I’m not going to celebrate till it’s here, but I see some warmer weather headed out way later this week.


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Blooming ideas

Some ideas are still seeds. Some are buds yet to open. Some are just beginning to blossom. And there are some coming to full bloom.

Photo by Mike Hartley

The exercise commitment is working out well so far. The increased communications with friends and family. The daily work on the hobbies and spending time in enjoyment with my better half has worked well and seems to have achieved a balance.

My commitment to read more books is below average. My photography goals are falling below expectations in getting new images. The work done on expanding the photo library website keeps moving each day. Sometimes, just a few images, some days a few dozen, and every so often over a hundred or two added.

I’ve failed to work on the family history organizing much. The cold has impeded our travel. I’m keeping up with the logistics of surviving in this world, but I do have to make some modifications. Because the world is changing.

Two things have changed for me. I believe we might have to be in a position to be self sustained for a period of time for food or power or maybe other services. So I think I’ll make an effort to lay in some more previsions.

I also feel less safe. I’ve never felt the need for a gun for safety. I’ve owned a shotgun since my youth when we enjoyed skeet/trap shooting and through the years. I’ve gone to the range many times with my son shooting various handguns to become proficient with them. But never owned one and still don’t plan on one.

I am thinking of adding a rifle and becoming proficient with that though. I’ve been giving society more credit that it may deserve. I hope I’m very wrong. But I guess it’s just the decades of IT work that trained me to have at least 2 levels of disaster plans ready and tested frequently.


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Night of Inspiration

A free evening to create and challenge myself. Staying focused is tough sometimes. So is staying awake.

One of my favorite blooms from my wife’s garden. I didn’t know what it was so I checked out Google images and found one that looks like this called a Lollypop Asiatic Lily. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’m trying to work a few more hours each day on my hobbies, so I put in some time while listening to the NBA Finals game 2. Of course, I overestimated my stamina this past evening and ended up falling asleep at my desk and then recliner.

Feeling good this morning, makes me wonder why. Photo by Mike Hartley

That is OK, rest is important also. But an early start today is underway and with the first light of day about to break, we are off and running.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • The burgers and scallops from the grill were good last night.
  • Sometimes when you see angry people and bad things happening to them, it’s just karma catching up. So just be happy.
  • If I can make my grandson laugh a lot today, it will be a great start to the week.
  • If enough educated and well-read people vote, we will be fine. If not, we won’t be.
  • When people are honest with you, life is good.