Autumnal Flashes of Yellow

My dear little Friends,

Days come and go fast, before I knew it, these pictures all I had from October. And yet October was very generous for scenes to admire and to capture. Before having a plunge into the world of still image I have been not enough attentive to unique beauty of Fall season. Nowadays, every picture I made allows me to look at this amazing world with my eyes wide open and my Nikki set to shoot.

 

Photos have a great influence on me. Love to still picture has been genetically coded in my DNA. My grandpa was passionate about photography, he not only made photos, but also photo prints. One of the brightest autumnal flashes of my childhood is the dark room, or better to say, dark kitchen at my aunt’s home where my grandpa and we, his grandchildren, were “washing” photos and then “hanging” them on a usual laundry rope. I think I was a real kid yet. It was so funny to watch images through wet prints drying on this rope…

Well, it’s been a long time. My grandpa is not with us anymore, but I found my way to photography. Nowadays I am learning and try to improve my photos. Recently, I’ve purchased mini-light photo studio for macro photography and downloaded my first “masterpieces” to my shutterstock: https://www.shutterstock.com/g/anrostudio?language=en

I felt the flavor of marketing photography and scenes arrangment. It does not look too simple as I might imagine. However, challenge is accepted, and I have nowhere to retreat, right?

 

Have an inspiring November and many new things to discover!

Love you all,

Yours Photographer

P.S.More photos every day at my Twitter ann021814 and facebook Ann AnRo. Join me!

 

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Friday 13, What’s Behind?

As I wrote in my book, “Ukrainian superstitions sometimes seem to be weird and illogical. However, not all of them are meaningless. Besides mythical explanation, omens often are of large practical meaning. Let us talk about the origin of the most common ones. Oh, I feel that I am not alone now, some mystical spirits guiding my fingers on the keyboard. Ah!

Friday 13 makes Ukrainian shiver with fear. Popular superstition became widespread due to historical events. On Friday, October 13th, 1307, King Philip IV of France, in league with Pope Clement V ordered all Templars to be rounded up and thrown in prison. The Knights were accused of numerous crimes including heresy and treason. After a short court trial, all of them were burnt on fire. Thereafter this day is considered to be unhappy. Ukrainians (along with other nations) believe that bad news is delivered on Friday 13, and many important deeds remain to be unsuccessful”.

Are you superstitious?

Hope your Friday 13 will be lucky!

Yours Ann

Let’s meet on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ann.anro/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005236967081

Autumn 🍂 Fibers

Autumn fibers were penetrating his body and teasing his mind with deep thoughts. Today he meets fall season alone. Jeremey could not stay at home at this shining September Saturday, he felt desperate for getting out and grab a piece of life. Among trees you can’t feel yourself fooled by people who always use you for favors and never befriend with you without second thought. While sitting in the cozy gazebo Jerey’s sensitive soul is in shelter from money eyes. He never took life easy and never for granted, but cruelty and heartless always amazed him to despair. Jerey knew you come to this life only once – every minute must be filled with love and respect to the slightest amazing detail. Though his eyes saw the opposite and his ears were ringing like alarm 🔔. Every book, every life story, every motion, every wish and every breathe find the same way towards profit. Classic and dangerous theme with slippery road where everyone drives crazily without rules. Jerey possessed a blessed sense of observation, he loved to collect the life moments. He always followed the river direction, never turned against. Franny, his wife, sometimes did not understand him fully, but she was in love with his emotional look at life. Her hubby was gifted. He did not write his books, he actually lived them. Jerey Writer was happy when his words seated comfortably in his head. A passionate writer and lover of life, he made love with his thoughts. Yet sometimes he wanted them more than her, and she get accustomed to it. Fran found her own delights – she painted and made love with her colors. Her painting brush made her blush, there were no prohibited strokes. Two artistic souls were together and, at the same time, each of them alone – happy in their own created worlds. They felt odd being humans, he wanted to become his printing buttons, while she – her painting brush…

As Cool as Cucumber

Hello, my dear Friends,

Today is Sunday and many of you get your pretty bodies out…I guess you are not in front of your computer screens now. And this is very right, weekend is the time to relax with  bodies and souls. I was also out, thus could not prepare a new Sunday Series video.  “Oh, no!” somebody of you will say…but do not be in despair, I’ve prepared something delicious for you,  I beg you pardon, something cool! 

Cool cucumbers dropped in for the summer photo session to me. I was taken aback by their willingness and serious interest in presenting their shapes as best as possible. They are very different from human models. Not so capricious, not so demanding (no private massage, no diamonds left afterwards, etc) and very easy-going. They can turn to any sides and take any pose. What a delight!

Their road to our tables was a very long one. Foreigners from India captured our vegetable world quickly and painless. We happily met them and quickly sliced  to our salads. Also we found an approach to them and persuaded  to reproduction. Awareness that there can be more little cucumbers at our tables brought peace to our minds and welcoming sounds from our stomachs. Cucumbers are so delicious and useful to be neglected as very healthy vegetables (though in some countries they are regarded as fruits, lol). Just chewing them makes us loose calories and wash our bodies with the water filtered through their veins. No wonder the feeling is great when we apply cucumber slices to bruises under our pretty swollen eyes.

Cucumbers are familiar to every Ukrainian. As an agricultural country we harvest cucumbers every year and try to supply every home with juicy and crunchy taste. However, last several years Ukrainians faced problems growing them. Due to global warming and raise of ozone layer climate in our country has drastically been changed. Our always rich soil has been conquered by many pests and lack of rain. Consequently, we harvest less cucumbers every year, which automatically rises the prices at the markets. Unfortunately, farmers use their methods to fight against it. As a result, cucumbers may be not free from nitrates that turns this veggie to not useful one. What a shame!

Cucumbers are great in salads, smoothies and by themselves, but many people are discovering that along with all of the above benefits, cucumber water is a healthy, refreshing beverage. This treat used to be found at spas but is fast becoming mainstream.

As to Ukrainian cuisine, cucumbers dance together with tomatoes. We have never been warned that cucumbers and tomatoes are not compatible. None of us ever thought that such beautiful red and green colors are not in tandem, even more when they reach the stomach and the process of fermentation starts, the acid released in the abdominal cavity for digestion can cause numerous digestive problems. Who would have thought? Tons of such mix has been consumed and probably will be more no matter of sound aftereffects. We still love it!

Did you get used to pile cucumbers? Do not do it again. Eating cucumbers with the peel provides the maximum amount of nutrients. And their peel is so crispy! Cucumbers can be eaten fresh or pickled. They can be enjoyed as a  snack or used to add flavor in a variety of dishes. If you have a Ukrainian friend or you have ever been to any Ukrainian home, you know that Ukrainians cook a lot of home tins with pickled cucumbers. Receipts can be different as well as tastes, however, there is nothing better than to open a tin of your cucumbers at cold winter days.

July is the high season for cucumbers. You must have cucumbers at your gardens. They are very gracefully growing with the yellow flower first. Later you can spot a cute baby cucumber who grows as fast as sun kisses its head. Growing them can help you release your stress and improve your daily life. They are very healthy and photogenic! I believe my photo session was pretty successful. Thank you for my models and thank you!

Do you have cucumbers in your menu today? No, then I am coming to you! Ha-ha!

Have July Sunday!

Yours Food Specialist

P.S. This post was sponsored by…”CUCUMBERS Association of Ukraine” !

 

Green Sunday

Trinity or Green Sunday is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter in summer in Ukraine. Starting from Friday people were in search of green branches and herbs to decorate their homes with.  And me too:

This tradition comes from ancient Judaism, in which the Pentecost, the Feast of Harvest, was celebrated outside amongst flourishing Nature.

The last Saturday before the Trinity Day is called “Green”. In the morning, Ukrainians went to the woods and meadows to collect herbs: thyme, tarragon,  basil, oregano, tumbles and in evening they were decorating houses with the branches of maple, basswood, and ash.

On Sunday morning Ukrainians  in festive clothes are going to the church, which is  also decorated with flowers and branches of trees. After the church, boys and girls are heading to the woods, where they were playing games, dancing, singing songs, and joking.

There is one captivating tradition regarding wreaths,  girls usually go to the forest or to the field to make wreaths. Then they come back to the village to tie the wreaths to the birch tree. On Sunday, girls are checking their wreaths and taking them off the tree. If the wreath remains fresh, it means the girl’s family would be happy, but if the wreath withers, it is not a good sign and meant the family will be unhappy.

In ancient times Ukrainians spent this holiday at forests and fields, arranging fireplaces and dancing around, even jumping through it. Nowadays, Ukrainians also prefer going to forests, but mainly for bbq and again dancing, although this time as an after effect of horilka, ha-ha! Happy Trinity!

Oh no, do not click yet, here is the cherry on today’s pie, my trailer devoted to new project, let’s check what I’ve got for you:

And you, do you celebrate Holy Trinity? Share! Subscribe! Like!

Love you all,

Have a great weekend!

Yours Ann

P.S. In case you would like to know more about Ukrainian traditions, I am happy to announce that currently I am working on a book about Ukraine…aren’t you interested?

Spring Stroll with Camera

There’s nothing more exciting and challenging than a new video about spring!😊 This time it was particularly captivating since I was literary under the weather and grey clouds that were frowning at me. They were pretty against of me, did several attempts to stop me, but failed. No power can stop Ann when she holds her beloved camera and hunts for spectacular views to share. There’s always something unique to be seen through my camera lenses. Believe me It’s worse fighting against weather and any other obstacles. For some of you this video will be special one, cannot tell why – you have to watch it till the end, surprise is waiting for you…😉 I guess spring is the most generous season, isn’t it, dear artists? So much beauty in every detail that you need extra time and battery to capture them. I continue my spring journey to discover the unseen and to admire the known, are you in? Then click the magic link:

My dear Friends, remember that my reward is your sweet comment, I need them so much! Thank you!

Love you all,
Yours Film Director 😘

Sunday Photo Quiz

My cute Friends, the best way to relax at Sunday evening is to look at these photos and answer me “what does you see?”:

“Anyone whose goal is ‘something higher’ must expect someday to suffer vertigo. What is vertigo? Fear of falling? No, Vertigo is something other than fear of falling. It is the voice of the emptiness below us which tempts and lures us, it is the desire to fall, against which, terrified, we defend ourselves.” (Milan Kundera)

“You cannot score a goal when you are sitting on the bench. To do so, you have to dress up and enter the game.” (Israelmore Ayivor)

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Love you all,

Yours Ann

A Must-Have Piece of Decor Art at Your Home

 

A crystal-clear plexiglass block featuring awesome art on a back-mounted print. It truly stands by itself. Literally. It can stand. And only today 25 % OFF Use code TIMEBLOCK25

   

 

Pine Trees Acrylic Block

Acrylic Blocks are vibrant back mounted photographic prints

• 1″ (2.5 cm) thick solid free-standing acrylic block for desk, table top or shelves
• Diamond cut sides provide a sharp image from any angle
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• Available in 4×4″ (10×10 cm) and 6×6″ (15×15 cm) at Acrylic Blocks Department

Do not miss your chance! Click and order today! Tick-tuck!

Quality and service are guaranteed.  Delivered in time!

Have a lovely weekend!

Yours Ann

 

2017 A Life Started Anew

Every new year starts with a new calendar, this forthcoming 2017 is not an exception to the rule. There was an option to make up a calendar of my photos at redbubble and I could not resist the temptation  to take this opportunity.  I made a careful selection of all the uploaded images and choose one particular for every month. By clicking the following link you will be able to page through every month and image selected: https://www.redbubble.com/people/anrostudio/calendars/24305501-2017-a-life-started-anew?p=calendar&ref=artist_shop_grid

The front page only is available here. All other pages are visible via link above (there will be Previous  Next buttons to press). Calendar Size is  11.7″ x 16.5″(Printed to fit A3). Tough wire binding and hanger, stunningly sharp digital printing, start the year with the month of your choice, 200gsm satin art paper with a tougher cover.

It does mean a lot to me. It looks like my final photo report on my photography venture. I opened my page at redbubble this year. It was not a simple decision, I knew that market is competitive (i still feel it) and I might not be successful. I am not able to boast about my success, however, I think I can be proud of giving it a try and involving myself into adventurous world of photohunting. I’ve grabbed a lot and so much unknown await for me yet. I plunged into the magical world of still image and dared to experiment. I did many mistakes and will do, but “I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something. So that’s my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody’s ever made before. Don’t freeze, don’t stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life. Whatever it is you’re scared of doing, Do it.Make your mistakes, next year and forever.”
― Neil Gaiman together with Ann

My calendar is among unique Christmas gifts that can be purchased for 24.59$ and still can be delivered before Christmas with expedited shipping. Choice is yours!

Love you all,

Yours Ann

Kyiv in Christmas Postcards

My city, Kyiv, is especially beautiful in pre-Christmas white season. Though every city (or village) takes its best sparkling outfit on during winter holidays. Don’t know which color in trend this season, but white seems to be still popular. I am looking out of my window and admire fluffy snowflakes dancing in the frosty air. Lady Winter has landed in Kyiv and covered everything with snow carpets. 

“It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it. “
John Burroughs

“Welcome, winter. Your late dawns and chilled breath make me lazy, but I love you nonetheless. “
Terri Guillemets

All postcards can be purchased at my internet store https://www.redbubble.com/people/anrostudio/shop/postcards?cat_context=u-stationery&ref=shop_product_refinement

Let us catch this joyful Christmas spirit!

Love you all,

Yours Ann

P.S. Christmas Special episode of Fun Time with Ann is already in sleigh. Ho-ho-ho!