Let the Circle Be Unbroken

On the Wings of a Dove?

Explanation: Competitive swimmers (even men) shave their bodies before a big meet. My team's mascot is a Viking. Someone took the horns off a helmet and added them to give Nate a strange vibe, huh?

Odd Shots brought to you by Katney...

Alfred Hitchcock Presents?

Harriet has more on Shadow Shot Sunday. I probably should have saved this snap for Halloween. And the PhotoHunt theme this week is "Twisted." Laura is twisted in a way, don't you think?

DC Sunset: Always Politically Correct

The National Archives & Mr. Washington view the always politically correct DC sunset. Snapped during my Newseum shoot. Golden!

For more Superior Snaps from around the world, please visit SkyWatch Friday.

Ruby Tuesday-"X" Marks the Spot

Some kind of Spider Plant at San Francisco's Conservatory of Flowers. That's just a guess, though. I really have no idea! For more Ruby Tuesday shots, visit Work of the Poet, OK?

I *Heart* Faces-Random Dancing

I think I could post one of these waterskiing snaps every day for a year and never run out. We just had the perfect day, you know? This week's I *Heart* Faces Challenge is Completely Candid! Eric couldn't be more candid, could he?

In the Time of the Butterflies

Shot with a Canon Rebel XTi in the Butterfly Zone at San Francisco's Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. Oh, and BTW...You should read In the Time of the Butterflies, by Julia Alvarez. More than Two Thumbs Up! For more Weekly Winners, please visit Lotus at Sarcastic Mom.

Racing stripes

Stars & Stripes

Cacophony

Mariposa Anaranjada

PhotoHunt-Upside Down

A Capitol Sunset

I'm facing East for this shot, as the sun is setting behind me. I love the way the sunset reflects on the granite and marble facade of the US Capitol, lighting up the whole sky with hues of pink. Snapped this from the terrace of the Newseum, looking out on Pennsylvania Avenue. This is the route the President takes to the White House on Inauguration Day. To be dazzled by skies from all over the world, check out SkyWatch Friday.

Oh, What a Wonderful Day!

This post is part of Dale's Thursday Challenge.

I got some terrific news last night. It all started Monday morning when I did not get into the photography class I wanted. After hours of tears and finding new classes, things began to look up. I went waterskiing with some friends. Just chillin' on the boat and in the water took my mind off all the stress of the day

So last night I was sitting at my computer before I went to a meeting when a new email popped up with the subject "Photography." Shocked, I opened it up and low and behold someone had dropped the class I wanted. Because I was next on the waitlist, I got in. This is amazing, except for the fact I need to rearrange my schedule again. I have figured it all out, now I just hope it works. Everything's going my way. Happy Thursday!

Mellow Yellow

I'm Thinkin' About It...Mexican Standoff

OK, the challenge over at I Heart Faces this week is "Contemplative." Eric plays football, but is always ready for any kind of challenge. I think he's contemplating his next 360-degree, super wake-board flip. Or else his next wipeout. You never can tell. I call this snap "I'm Thinkin' About It."

Angie and Amy also have a "Pets" challenge this week. Here we have Patch, The Old Lady, and Pepper, The Young Whippersnapper. Patchy's an Outdoor Kitty. The out-of-doors remains a mystery to Pepper. This snap's title is "Mexican Standoff."

Boxers or Briefs?

Went wake-boarding out on the river yesterday. A perfect day. Blue skies, brisk air and boxers...well, sometimes, you just have to go with the flow.

To enjoy more Odd Shots, visit Katney, OK?

It's (Not) Electric

Today's PhotoHunter theme is "Electric." Welcome to Alcatraz Island, which was a Federal Prison in San Francisco Bay from 1934 to 1963. Alcatraz really was the worst of the worst, and offered punishment to its prisoners that some said was much more horrific than the electric chair.

Known as The Rock, Alcatraz housed well-known criminals such as Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly and Franklin Stroud, also known as The Bird Man of Alcatraz, a murderer who was probably the best-known prisoner. No one was ever executed there.

The wake of the Alcatraz Ferry, leaving the city.

The approach to Alcatraz. Juxtaposition: Sailboat and cell block.

Thirty-six prisoners were involved in 14 escape attempts during Alcatraz's 29 years as a federal prison. Most were re-captured or shot. Two tried to swim to San Francisco, and were never heard from again.

One of the cell blocks. Not exactly the Penthouse Suite.

Alcatraz accomodations.

Solitary

Back to School? Yeah, Right!

This Week's I ♥ Faces Photo Challenge is "Back to School." School starts today in my neighborhood. These kids, who both attend my former elementary school, look like they're ready for a new school year, don't they?

Drag Day

Here's a fairly Odd Shot. There's a tradition in competitive swimming, where the swimmer wears a ratty old suit over the racing suit during warmups. The extra weight creates "drag." In theory, when the swimmer takes off the drag suit, then he's gonna go faster.

We do a lot of stupid stuff on our summer team. We had "Drag Day," as in the drag suits; here's how two of our coaches interpreted the theme.

Enjoy Odd Shots Monday!

Echo-Can You Hear Me Now?

Meet Echo. I ktty-sit for her sometimes. She does a lot of eating. And sleeping. And yawning. Happy Saturday. Enjoy my Camera Critter!