Monday, January 30, 2012

Sunset in France

© 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Crescent Moon

© 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

What is it about the moon, this crescent moon, that magically communicates life's mystery. Is it the shape? The fact that it's partially hidden? The reality that it is reflecting the sun? The way it just hangs there in space so close and yet so far? The crescent shape to me is a happy shape. I have no idea why. It symbolizes hope and goodness to me. To others this shape represents other things I am sure. We are all so influenced by our environments and personal histories. Wouldn't it be wonderful to wipe out the conditioning and memories and see life anew? Fresh. This is the goal of meditation. To empty the mind. Great idea, not so easy to maintain in actuality.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Winter in the Alps

© 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

© 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

 © 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Something I have never become accustomed to while driving in the mountains during winter are the snow covered roads. Frequently in Europe there are no guard rails or protection of any kind. As one climbs higher and higher, twisting and turning it is extremely easy to hit a patch of ice or snow and go in a direction you would rather not! Where the sun hits the road its wet but you turn the corner where its completely shaded and you can hit  a section of ice or snow very easily. I have been in cars where people are so well adapted to the environment that they drive at very high speeds through the snowy alpine roads. Well, I grew up at sea level and my "heart is frequently in my mouth" when driving with them.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Orchids for Alexandra

 © 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

© 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.
Today is my daughter Alexandra's Birthday. These orchids are for her. Happy Birthday Alexandra.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Wheat Grass and Cattails

© 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

I suppose it's hard to see but these are images of wheat grass manipulated. I have so much fun making these images. The combination's are endless. These photos are a tiny bit too large and the right side is ever so slightly cropped, sorry. I like repeat patterns a lot. Here's another of cattails.

© 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Long Island Sound at Lattingtown

© 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Long Island often gets a bum rap. But I can assure you that the north shore and the east end are filled with many beautiful spots just like this one. The Hamptons have been discovered by copious outsiders and have made it often times unpleasant during the summer season. But that's no different from the South of France. So, if one is able to visit slightly before or just after the summer season you will find yourself very lucky indeed.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Floridian Horizon

© 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Missing Switzerland

© 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

I guess I'm a bit nostalgic for Switzerland having spent so much time now in Florida. It's the fresh fallen snow in the mountains I miss most. That dry sound of snow crunching under your boots as you walk, especially this time of year. Or maybe I miss the clean fresh smell in the air? Or maybe the smell emanating and drifting from wood burning fireplaces? Perhaps its the gathering with friends and family over fondue, white wine and schnapps? I guess I miss it all. I don't think I will get there much before this summer. But one never knows what's in store.

Lac Leman in Switzerland and the Jura Mountains



© 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

This is a view across Lac Leman with the Jura mountains in France in the distance.

Swiss Alps

© 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

One of the greatest joys of living in Switzerland is taking a ride into the Alps or countryside. Everything and everywhere in Switzerland is so well groomed and cared for, even the simplest farm. It's a visual delight. As you can see from the image above the views are spectacular. The country is small so one does not have to drive forever to reap the benefits of spots like the one above. It rains quite a bit so in the spring everything turns a verdant green of breathtaking dimensions.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Winter's Road

© 2012 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Locust Valley New York