Brightest Star

Orange Lily Macro taken at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison Wisconsin

Brightest Orange Lily © 2010 Bo Mackison

These red orange lilies were almost glowing in the flower bed, they were so brightly colored. I love how the flower petals are actually black near the spidery leg appendages in the center. Another photo from Olbrich Botanical Gardens, my favorite place to visit in spring and summer in all of Madison.

I love how this flower looks like a very bright star. And I want to congratulate one of the brightest “stars” in my life on an important day in her life.

Congratulations to my younger daughter on her graduation from the University of Wisconsin as she receives her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. (Now I know who to call the next time my website disappears!)

Tulip from Above

Pink and White Tulip , Abstract Macro

Tulip from Above © 2010 Bo Mackison

Another photograph from an early Sunday morning walk through Olbrich Gardens. An abstract macro.

Crossing the Footbridge

Footbridge and Lilacs at Olbrich Gardens in Madison Wisconsin

Crossing the Footbridge © 2010 Bo Mackison

We strolled through much of Olbrich Botanical Gardens on Mothers Day morning, and it was a good thing we got an early start. The sunny morning disappeared into cloud cover that lasted for the next five days.

Olbrich was a sensorium of beauty on Sunday, though, and filled with families celebrating the big day. What a great place to take Mom and the kids on Mothers Day –no fussing with the kids to be quiet in a fancy restaurant, just great spaces for running and laughing out loud and exploring.

What a great place to take Mom or the kids or anyone, anytime at all!

Barn in Lafayette County

Rural Wisconsin, Barn in Black and White

Barn in Lafayette County © 2010 Bo Mackison

I used one of the art filters, black and white grainy, that are on the Olympus E-P1 (PEN) but much of the time the filters are a bit over the top for my preferences. So I modified the black and white tones in Lightroom.

I went to the Apple store last week for an in depth discussion on Aperture 3. After waiting for 6 months, Aperture 3 is out and finally there is support for the Olympus PEN cameras (and all the other micro four-thirds). I liked using the Aperture program before I purchased the PEN (and then no longer had access to it) and I’m considering getting the upgrade. It means another learning curve while learning to a new program. Sigh!  And comes at a busy time for me, so I’m vacillating a bit.

I’ve got an appointment at Apple for next week…I’m thinking.

Purple Bells

Allen Centennial Garden in Madison Wisconsin

Purple Bells © 2010 Bo Mackison

Been searching for an ID on this flowering cluster of dark purple bells, but no luck so far. Seen at the urban Allen Centennial Gardens at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

This is the photographer’s view, flat on back on cold stone garden path. I think that adds to the photo, on a personal note, at least. Brings back such interesting memories of me trying to right myself after spending a half hour on the ground. Good thing I have a monopod that can double as a walking stick!