A Blog Birthday Full of Flowers and A Special Invitation from Getty


Taking a break from my "Summertime Stories" to share some exotic blossoms and blooms and personal invitation I recently received from Getty Images just in time for a Blog Birthday celebration.  Enjoy!

~ ~ ~

While I was in the Bay Area earlier this summer, staying in Mill Valley, I found a fabulous creek side flower shop...

{a lavender dream of lisianthus}

...and while my husband and son oh so patiently sat on a nearby stone wall waiting for me to finish my spontaneous photo shoot, I captured some of these images.

{California sunshine}

Bold and beautiful golden sunflowers...

{delicate coral berries}

These precious pods are so lovely and sweet...

{dramatic and fragile}

{fresh cabbage}

Soft green greys of ruffly cabbage blooms mixed with a carpet of Irish moss... 

{blushing apple blossoms}

Some of my favorite {I grew up with these in my garden} delicate apple blossoms and berries...

{lime green asters, petite pods, and snow white stock}

Lush and fragrant stock mixed with spiky lime green asters {love the contrast of texture and colour}...

{blooming violet artichokes}

And a taste of the original California artichoke...beyond edible but blooming and looking as delicious as ever with its heart of wispy violet fuzziness.

A couple of weeks ago I received an invitation from Getty Images, who noticed my work on Flickr.  Now, when I receive stuff like this in my e-mail box I am very skeptical...but this was the real deal and I am completely thrilled, not to mention honored to be discovered among the thousands of terrific photographers on Flickr.  Thank you Getty!

They selected ten of my photographs, nine of which are now available for licensing through Getty Images.  {I am hopeful the tenth one will also be included; I am still working on getting the property release for that particular image.} 

Here's a slide show of the images that are now licensed.


{Click on the arrow to begin movie ~ it's only 41 seconds long.}

Tomorrow, four years ago, marks the date I posted my very first blog post.  It's also the birthday of my favorite little person who turns eight {and started third grade today}, and our newest addition Guss, a Cavapoo, who turns one.  Big celebration happening tomorrow at the Italian Girl in Georgia studio!

{the birthday boys}
 
So much good stuff here that I would like to share some of these flowers with you.  {Who doesn't like to receive flowers on her birthday?}  If you leave a comment I will be happy to include you in a random drawing for a matted 5" x 7" flora photo of your choice shown here.  The winner will be announced on Saturday, the 18th of August.

Thank you all for your continued comments and following over the years.

Ciao amici,
Suzanne

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