Refreshing

(be sure to enlarge to really see the detail of the water drops)

Round The Bend is on hiatus. Time to "refresh" the creativity and just take some time to enjoy the first couple of weeks of summer. See you soon.

Macro Monday and Ruby Tuesday

The Smiling Leaf

Going to my Mom's this time of year always provides me with that first changing leaf waiting to grab my attention and tell me fall is definitely on the way. On a recent visit I stepped out of my Jeep and looked down at my feet at all the leaves already fallen from one of her maple trees. The tree has had a hard time the past two years and we're not sure it will survive much longer. My Dad planted it and it has been a part of our lives for over fifty years and it changes its leaves early.

Among all the leaves at my feet was this smiling little leaf that got me grabbing for my camera. As soon as I saw it an old commercial from my childhood kept tugging at my memory. I couldn't see what my mind was trying so hard to tell me. It took me a long time googling around the internet to find the smiling face I remembered. I didn't remember the face had a body; but then I was a very little girl. This little mascot is Happy The Oil Drop Man. He was the marketing mascot for the Esso Oil Company and could be seen in commercials exclaiming "Happy Motoring." While it no longer exists there was an Esso Gas Station in the hometown where I grew up.

It might have been a few weeks early but perhaps my little smiling leaf was exclaiming "Happy Fall."

For more Macro Monday click here.
For more Ruby Tuesday click here.

Shadow Shots

I love that the shadow of the little maple branches are showing through the sunlit leaf.
For more Shadow Shots go to Hey Harriet by clicking here.

Ruby Tuesday: The Changing Leaf

Ruby Tuesday is hosted by Mary at her Work Of The Poet blog. Each week we post photos with a little bit of red or a lot of red. If you have a photo to share click on the badge at the top of my post to sign Mr. Linky or just to view other participants taking part in the meme today.

Mary asked us last week to post just a little bit of red this week. Hope you enjoy this leaf from my yard with its hint of red.

Ruby Miss Bug is waiting for you!