A continuous range of spectral colors engulfs the Earth, sometimes pastel, oftentimes bright and bold, but such is not true for the beginning of photography. Yet, the images captured are nothing short of spectacular – delicate, pure and detailed – and that is simply the black and white (B&W) of it!
During the 1890s, black and white photographs became commonplace in seed and nursery catalogs shortly after Kodak introduced the first handheld camera in 1888.
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
Visit Awakenings for the video The Photography of Timothy H. O’Sullivan: After his start capturing the horrors of the Civil War for Mathew Brady’s studio, 19th century photographer Timothy H. O’Sullivan uncovered the beauty of the great expanses of the American west.
Guest Photographer: Marilyn Armstrong @Serendipity
Awakenings is venturing to take a journey across America in search of historical, entertaining, and/or perhaps just personal ties to her blogging community. There is always some tidbit, special nugget of history just waiting to be shared one more time or perhaps for the first time.
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
What about you? Do you have something to share about your little town (or city)? Leave a comment and contact information for a feature post on Awakenings!
How many of us as a kid tried to blow the biggest baddest bubble only to have sticky goop covering our faces, sometimes becoming entangled in our hair, the end result being to cut it out? It is definitely a natural phenomenon from the earliest age of the bubble gum chewer.
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
Be sure to stop by Awakenings and leave comments on your results if you attempt the biggest baddest bubble!
Countdown: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 to Happy 4th of July!
One day away from the Fourth of July celebration! Yep! It is tomorrow! As you continue to prepare for the festivities of Independence Day, keep in mind many of our service men and women are stationed on foreign shores where celebration may not be the topic of the hour. They are the defenders of our nation ensuring that the freedom obtained centuries ago remains in tact.
FEATURED VIDEO at Awakenings – Remember me! and MUSIC “For Freedom” by Avalon.
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
Having a loved one deployed for lengthy periods of time is tough, but it’s especially hard during any holiday. While you might be reveling in backyard BBQs, listening to patriotic music and of course, enjoying the grand finale, fireworks, the day may not be so entertaining for everyone. For those defending our independence, the red, white and blue they carry on this day may only be in their hearts.
Countdown: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 to Happy 4th of July!
Day after tomorrow we will be celebrating the 4th of July. Whew! Seems like just yesterday and we were celebrating Christmas…well, maybe not that far back but time does seem to fly by all too quickly!
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
Go to Awakenings. As you watch the video and listen to the words of Red Skelton, keep in mind this was produced in the year 1969!
“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!”
Sound familiar? More than likely your answer is, “Yes!” Memories are quickly triggered: the beginning days of summer as a child, teenager, even adult. Do you know the who, what, when, where behind this little nitty? In case your answer is “No,” read the trivia @Awakenings and store it in your memory bank.
As we approach the Fourth of July in celebration of America’s independence, take a look inside Awakenings: Embrace the past, Empower the present, Enrich the future.
Airplanes, trains, buses, cars, yachts and RVs will be reelin’, rockin’ and rollin’ toward sunny beaches, campgrounds and other getaway destinations this coming weekend. But, WHY? The fact is the very mention of Memorial Day brings to mind Memorial Day weekend: the celebratory weekend marking the beginning of the busy summer season. For some, it is better representative of the ending of yet another school year. For many, it is a long weekend with an extra day off from daily work routines.
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
Memorial Day Sale! Sale! Sale! It isn’t a bad thing to take advantage of the sales, especially taking into consideration our nation’s economy. However, should you take that advantage at any time during this weekend or on Monday be sure to notice whether an American flag is flying or if a sign is displayed in the window in honor and respect of our fallen soldiers. If one is not visible, I challenge you to ask WHY not?
So much history to celebrate on this day but at the top of the list is V-E Day: the final defeat of the Nazi war machine! German troops throughout Europe finally laid down their arms.
Visit AWAKENINGS…Embrace the Past, Empower the Present, Enrich the Future of AMERICA!
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
Keep the memory alive of all who fought and sacrificed to maintain America’s freedom! Support America’s veterans! Only a few surviving veterans have a crystal clear memory of the moments…sights, sounds, smells…of WWII. Let NOT their sacrifices ever be forgotten.
“There is still something remarkable about these old soldiers — the warriors who humbly and bravely saved the world.” ~ABC News Dean Reynolds, World News Tonight, May 9, 2005
catnipoflife 