It is delightful to be back at Friday Finds where I'll be linking up for the first time in, gosh, I don't know how many weeks. Now that summer and travel are behind me, I'm hoping to get back into a routine.
The photos you see above are of the lone hydrangea bloom that I had this growing season. After two prolific years, last winter apparently did in my hygrangeas and they struggled all season long. I actually waited a bit too late to cut this one but at least I got it. {I used a couple of Kim's Lightroom presets on these photos.} It deserves some recognition for being so brave when all the other would-be blooms didn't even show up. I do hope they'll return next year in huge numbers.
Life is returning to normal and that's a good thing. Are you ready for Halloween? I've got a bag full of candy to hand out, although the forecast is rainy and chilly. Campbell is going to be Cleopatra so I don't think she'll be too comfy in her on-the-Nile outfit. It's quite likely they'll cut short the actual door-to-door thing if the weather is bad. She and her friends will come to our house, of course, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them head to Campbell's godmother's house soon after they come here.Since it's Friday, 'Aunt Debbie' may have the children hanging around longer than usual. That's okay. She really loves Halloween and has over-the-top decorations, which the children love, everywhere in her home.
My role will be to record the transformation of Campbell into Cleopatra, complete with appropriate eye make up. Should be fun!
As I have for the past two or three years, I plan to do a gratitude journal again here on Camper, beginning tomorrow, November 1. I will try to post a photo and short blurb on what I'm grateful for each day. I hope you'll join me and better yet, I hope you'll do the same! On Monday over at Focusing on Life, I'll be announcing our annual gratitude journey and you are invited to post your gratitude photos on our Flickr stream. You don't even have to wait until Monday, you can begin tomorrow.
With that, I'll bid you all a 'Happy Halloween' and I hope to see you often in November!
I will look forward to your gratitude journal and photos - such a great endeavor for this time of year. I'll pop over to Focusing on Life and see what it's all about. Love your triptych with the one lone hydrangea and heart.
Posted by: Donna Hopkins | October 31, 2014 at 08:27 AM
Looking forward to the month of November and the month of gratitude. I have just been given 2 hydrangea plants so fingers crossed for next year.
Posted by: viv | October 31, 2014 at 09:17 AM
Such a wonderful series Dotti, so glad to see you back posting I have missed them. Happy Halloween to you and your family. I didn't have time to get a post up but so glad to see you have returned.
Posted by: Barbara Hurst | October 31, 2014 at 09:30 AM
You honored your lone hydrangea beautifully! My mom's hydrangeas didn't do well this year either. Happy Halloween to you and your family. I'm looking forward to seeing Cleopatra!
Posted by: Cathy H. | October 31, 2014 at 09:56 AM
Your hydrangea looks super. They never seem happy in my garden, and as a result I tend to lust after other people's. They're such great flowers. Love the idea of Cleopatra trick or treating. Hope the weather is kind for her and her friends. A gratitude journal sounds such a lovely positive idea. All the best and Happy Halloween, Bonny
Posted by: Bonny Bonafilla | October 31, 2014 at 10:42 AM
You are lucky to have hydrangeas. I hope to try some next year. good luck with 30 days.
Posted by: Roxi | October 31, 2014 at 11:01 AM
Well your one hydrangea bloom certainly deserved your camera's attention. Lovely capture. Can't wait to see pics of Campbell as Cleopatra! Happy Halloween!
Posted by: Carol Hart | October 31, 2014 at 11:11 AM
Lovely triptych, Dotti! Have fun tonight, and I look forward to reading your gratitude journal.
Posted by: Barb | October 31, 2014 at 12:18 PM
Your images are just a work of art. I sure hope you are printing and hanging some of them in your home.
Posted by: Laurie @ Pride in Photos | October 31, 2014 at 01:07 PM
Your hydrangeas are beautiful! My daughter was Cleopatra a few years ago, yes it is a costume for warmer weather. A gratitude journal sounds like a wonderful idea, there is always something to be grateful for. Happy Halloween!
Posted by: Michelle B | October 31, 2014 at 02:03 PM
Lovely triptych of your hydrangea flower, Dotti !
I think Campbell is looking great as Cleopatra, hope she and her friends are going to have a wonderful time ...
Happy Halloween !
Sylvia
Posted by: nd her friend h | October 31, 2014 at 02:13 PM
That poor lone bloom. Lovely photos and welcome back to Friday Finds.
Posted by: Sarah | October 31, 2014 at 04:06 PM
All my hydrangeas were planted this year, and one plant came with two blooms which I was so happy to have. I'm hoping to have a lot more next year. Thanks for linking your FOL and mentioning about the month of gratitudes. I need to start working on mine since tomorrow is the 1st!!
Posted by: Beverly | October 31, 2014 at 04:36 PM
Beautiful tripych of your brave flower, love the preset you used !
Posted by: Caz | October 31, 2014 at 06:50 PM
love this!!
Posted by: lynn | November 01, 2014 at 06:49 AM