July 11, 2008

Photo Challenge: Patriotism

Time for the latest Brenda Photo Challenge! The subject is Patriotism, picked by the current challenge hostess, Karen at Faith of a Single Mom. We didn’t attend any 4th of July celebrations this year, so I am presenting pictures from my personal archives for this challenge.

Furry Patriotism – Our old pooch, Buddy, was the epitome of the all-American dog. He was a Belgian Malinois with great European lineage and lazy ears. True to his breeding, he was smart as a whip, energetic, dignified, and always ready to serve and protect.

On July 4, 2000, I interrupted one of his gleeful outdoor romps to take a snapshot of him in front of a patriotic garden flag. He was five years old at the time and had a mountain of energy. He was rather impatient when I gave him the “sit-stay” command. Just behind me, to my right, was his large plastic ball, his favorite toy. See how he leans to the right and his eyes are NOT on me or the camera? He’s staring intently at the ball, ready to go charge it, and insanely bark at it in his doggy bliss. He was vibrating from excitement and whimpering his impatience. Good, old-fashioned American impatience.

It was a quick snap. One nanosecond after I said “all done”, he was no longer visible through the camera lens. ZOOM, off to play!

patriotic pooch, impatiently waiting for his 4th of July portrait
Handmade Patriotism - We have a lot of Americana folk art as part of our cottage décor. This is a stitchery that I created two years ago, coffee-stained, and fashioned into a mini-quilt. I stitched dark red seed beads around the picture border, added some star-shaped stitching in the background, and placed star pottery buttons at the corners. This patriotic folk quilt is hanging right next to my desk in my home office.

patriotic mini-quilt/stitchery
Historic Patriotism - We have visited Portland Head Light in previous vacations to Maine, and we couldn’t resist seeing it again during our 2006 New England trip. This historic lighthouse is located southeast of Portland, in the town of Cape Elizabeth. George Washington commissioned its construction and appointed its first keeper. Operational since 1791, the light has steadfastly helped protect the ships coming into Portland harbor through the years. Portland Head Light is one of the most photographed lighthouses in America.

old glory flying at Portland Head Light

30 comments:

  1. Your challenge photos are all wonderful and every one tells it's own story.

    Taking a snap of Buddy is much like taking snaps of our grandchildren, quick, then zoom they're gone. :-)

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  2. LOVE your photo's. Great job!!

    Have a happy day!!

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  3. Thanks, Brenda and Sally! I had fun putting this together!

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  4. Great shots, especially your "impatient" patriot! And so true... everything now or yesterday.

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  5. Thanks, Cindra! Yes, a little tweak about the downside of exuberance! I love how he actually leans in the picture, like there is a gravitational pull from the ball, LOL!

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  6. I Love them ALL!! Especially Buddy!!! Awwwwww....Well DONE!!

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  7. Thanks, Donna! That is one of our all-time favorite pictures of our Buddy, and I remember his youthful spirit like it was yesterday. We sure do miss him!

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  8. love all the photos donna....your pooch does seem to be saying "are you done yet?" :) and my heart has always wanted to visit maine....wonderful!
    kimberly

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  9. LOL Love the dog story He looks very impatient in the photo. My sweetie Bugs passed away a few months ago but she absolutely hated the camera and alway shad an eeeeekkk look on her face in photos.

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  10. I love the dog. You just want to go kiss him. I also love the LightHouse since I am originally from Maine. We lived along the coast line. Maine has great Light Houses. Thanks for sharing.
    Blessings,
    Kim

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  11. Great photos! My favorite is the lighthouse.

    :)

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  12. Hey, Kim! Buddy gave very wet doggy kisses, LOL! Glad you liked the lighthouse picture too. We love Maine and have enjoyed many traveling adventures there!

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  13. Thanks, Joni! IMHO, that is the prettiest lighthouse I have ever seen and it has a gorgeous setting!

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  14. Thank you, moma grits! I like to tell the stories with my pictures, and the one about Buddy is priceless. I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Bugs. Our furry friends always stay in our hearts.

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  15. Hey, Nonnie! My pooch was definitely trying to tell me to "hurry up, Mom"! LOL! You'll have to put Maine on your Bucket List of places to see. The countryside is gorgeous, the food delicious, and the people charming!

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  16. Hi Donna,

    Your sweet Buddy is so cute in that photo. I can just picture him wanting to get moving. Your mini quilt is so cool. Love it and I love, love your photo of the lighthouse, the blue sky in that photo is just gorgeous and I want to live on the house and look out at the sea. I've never been to the Northeast but it is on my list of things to see. Thanks, I loved your photos.

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  17. Aawww, thanks Joan! Buddy was like a little kid - with ants in his pants! LOL! My office is Americana decor, so the mini-quilt fits right in. Oh, and you MUST go see our beautiful New England states! Those lighthouses are even better in person, with the blowing wind, sea air, and the sound of crashing waves!

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  18. Beautiful pics and that lighthouse one is just perfect!

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  19. Thanks, Jeanne! That lighthouse is so pretty, it's hard to take a bad picture of it, LOL!

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  20. What great photos ~ I love the one of the lighthouse ~ I just love lighthouses!!
    Am so looking forward to the next challenge.
    Love and hugs Tabitha XXX

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  21. Aww cute doggie! Loved your pictures especially the lighthouse is gorgeous!

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  22. Thanks, Tabitha! These challenges are a lot of fun!

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  23. Thanks, Jeanette! I had fun participating in this challenge!

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  24. I really loved the lighthouse picture..One of my favorite things.
    And the the picture you stitched.
    xoxo nita

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  25. Love all your photos. The naive stitchery is lovely - I have done a few pieces and they look gorgeous. The lighthouse photo is stunning.

    Sharon

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  26. Thank you, Nita, for your kind words!

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  27. Thank you, Sharon! I hang out and chat with some gals on a primitive artist forum, so the naive stitchery form has rubbed off on me lately. I have done many intricate needlework pieces over the years, so this kind is a nice change of pace. Glad you liked the lighthouse picture too.

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  28. Loved your pictures - your mini-quilt is LOVELY. But my absolute favorite is Buddy. What a look! ha!
    Great photo, really.

    Kari

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  29. Your pictures were so perfect and I enjoyed the stories to go with them. You revealed some of who you are in these pictures. Pets are an important part of our lives. Our handicrafts also reflect our values and priorities. Our vacations and trips impact us in might ways. They leave imprints in our lives.

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  30. Thank you, Karen! I like to give the stories behind my pictures because it helps to make the pictures come "alive" and not be static, two-dimensional image. It is all part of sharing memories and some of the joys in life.

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Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!