Karen Bobotas

Don't Sit and Watch as the World Goes By.....

2012-01-25T05:16:00.000-08:00

... as quoted from the Mary Chapin Carpenter song "Why Walk When You Can FLY?"

Go partake in a beautiful winter's day with the snow gently falling enjoying the trails at Bolduc Park for some cross country lessons offered by Gilford Parks and Recreation or check out the many other activities they have to brighten your day.

It will bring a twinkle to your eye and you'll be so glad you did!

enjoy,

An Exhilarating Day....

2012-01-22T18:09:00.000-08:00

A trip over to Dartmouth Skiway today for J1 J2 Macomber Cup alpine skiing.

Cold temps.... oh yeah

about -2 degrees upon arrival.

But the bright blue sky and great skiing certainly made up for it.

Being the second J1 J2 race I've photographed this season ~ all of "you" reminded me why I get up at 5am.... drive 2 hours to the mountain.... and stand on the hill for hours in the cold temps....because I absolutely love watching and photographing you.

Overall, a fantastic day from the 5am wake up to the windshield time for Tom and I on the drive home!

....and to top it all off the Patriots won! Friends TiVoed the game so I didn't miss a beat.

enjoy,

Diane's Wishes

2012-01-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

The second annual Launch -a-Wish in memory of Diane K. Kline was held at Moulton's Farm in Meredith on Saturday, January 14th.Family and friends gathered to send their "wishes" as the sun was setting on a cold and windy winter's night. I've put together a slideshow of images taken from this event ...take a few minutes, sit back and enjoy the warmth of family and friends.

click on Diane's Wishes Slideshow

Such a beautiful tribute and memorial to Diane Kline, wife, mother and friend.

For more information click on the Diane K. Kline Memorial Scholarship Fund

enjoy,

A Great Morning Over at Proctor/Blackwater for 1st Run

2012-01-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

of the Tecnica Cup alpine ski race for J1 and J2's at Blackwater/ Proctor Academy in Andover.

It was nice to see some of the Vermonters over in New Hampshire today!

enjoy,

The 2012 Ski Season has begun!

2012-01-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

Mother Nature has been less than helpful so far this season. But Gunstock has been working diligently around the clock to fill in the gap. With two big races under their belt this weekend the Gunstock Ski Club "crew" gathered once again over at Cannonball...

....and what can I say

It always feels like we never left ...and I mean that in a very wonderful way. Smiling all day while I was taking photos of our youngest J6's to our more experienced J3's.

There was some great racing on the hill and many spectators enjoying the "comfortable" temperatures...

...and as we all know the season will come with many ups and downs ~ but at the end of the day you can't wait to go off and do it again!

enjoy,

Singin' The Blues....

2011-12-31T08:25:00.000-08:00

with Michael Vincent and a Doubleshot

Dan Hewitt

Dan McLaughlinDuring their recent photo shoot we did at Pitman's Freight Room in Laconia the boys were in their zone,

after rollin' into town from Gulfport, Mississippi. Michael Vincent and Doubleshot will be around for about a month and have some gigs planned in the Lakes Region. Well worth your time to take a look at their schedule and go hear these boys play "the blues".

enjoy,

As We Approach the 365th Day

2011-12-30T07:28:00.000-08:00

The sun will surely set on December 31st to end 2011 and will rise again on January 1st to begin 2012.

New Year's Eve gets made into a big deal but in reality it is the beginning of a new day just like every other day of the year.

True "sunshine" is each and every one of us.

It is our unique, inner "sunshine" that will make the year ahead what it will be.

Trust your inner sunshine ~ it won't let you down but rather warm you the whole year through.

enjoy,

Looking Back at Shutter Clicks of 2011

2011-12-26T13:43:00.000-08:00

I recently had some of my camera equipment in need of repair quite unexpectedly. When I contacted Nikon for service they could not have been more helpful and prompt in resolving my problems.

The situation caused me to look up the shutter counts on my cameras. While the numbers were high on each body I instantly began to think of all the pictures I had taken since acquiring them.

I found myself thinking about the smile that my work gives not only to the people that I photograph but to myself included.

Not every person likes the photo that I take of them. We tend to be so very critical of how we look (myself included) and tend to find fault within a photograph of ourselves easily. When I look at a photo I've taken I not only see the image in front of me but recall the process and moments involved while capturing that image - whether it's the personal interaction or at times an observation of another person just being themselves or merely a special place that I stopped to sit or wander about for a while.

I don't look at my cameras as "equipment" per se, but rather as an instrument that's operated by me to bring life into view. When the day comes that I worry more about shutter click counts rather than the joy of shooting I will have lost a precious gift.

A gift that I never plan on losing.

I have gathered together a collection of some images that I've taken throughout this past year while clicking those shutters!

enjoy,

Wouldn't It Be Nice....

2011-12-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

if this was all we had to do to make our wishes come true....

Do something special this holiday to brighten someone's Christmas.

'Tis the season to be Merry!

enjoy,

No Stress Zone

2011-12-21T17:51:00.000-08:00

As we approach Christmas day take a minute and think about what's really important....

As the grinch learned it not about what's in the packages, boxes or bags...

It's so much more.... give a little piece of yourself ....something from your heart

...it doesn't always have to come from a store.

It will mean so much to those you love.

And for all the rest of you still out there shopping your nuts off.... well you still have three more days - so you better get cracking!

enjoy,

Old & Worn

2011-12-14T05:23:00.000-08:00

most certainly

...but beautiful just the same.

enjoy,

Three Wise Men were Walking Down the Street

2011-12-13T07:03:00.003-08:00

... no punch line

merely something you don't see every day.

enjoy,

It Can Be a Beautiful Day

2011-12-12T13:48:00.000-08:00

This image is from a frozen garage window that I photographed with a dear friend,

and this slideshow from an ice fishing outing I had with the Belmont Middle School students a while back which always puts a smile on my face.

It puts the "fun" in winter.

...at this point with temperatures hovering in the 40's winter is seemingly a long ways off.

enjoy,

The True Beauty of the Lakes Region

2011-12-10T14:58:00.000-08:00

....is all of her "PEOPLE"

Yes you heard correctly.... total raised in 5 days $331,240.00!

"WOW"

Opening your Arms and your Hearts

2011-12-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

Once again Patrick's Pub and Eatery organized their PUB MANIA event to benefit the WLNH Children's Auction. A 24 hour celebration of community shows just what can be accomplished when people work together to help others in need.

It is the true testament of love to open your arms and let your heart follow...

...at the end of the day take a moment to stop, take pause, and enjoy the wonderful warmth through your soul.

To Allan Beetle and your entire crew, the "culinary athletes" along with their support teams and the Lakes Region community....

I say "BRAVO" once again this year.

enjoy,

Me and my Boys.....and friends

2011-12-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

Reluctant to be photographed....

certainly but who isn't?

.... they did it for mom :)

But then up the driveway comes Sam....

and we had us some "girl" fun!

enjoy,

Santa Can You Hear Me

2011-12-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again for the WLNH Children's Auction soon to begin.

Get involved in whatever way you can. Whether it's with a donation or bidding when the boards open.

It's a perfect way to give back to this wonderful community we all call home.

I put together a slideshow of pictures along with Rick Page's song "Santa Can You Hear Me"

to get you into the spirit ....and bring back some of the magic from last year's event.

WLNH Children's Auction Video 2010

enjoy,

Feeling Like You're in the Rapids

2011-11-30T14:24:00.000-08:00

I love how images can make you feel like you're there.

In this case paddling along the river.

But guess what folks this is no "lazy river"...

So it's time to get into gear and paddle like crazy.....

so that you'll reach that calm water down stream.

Be sure to enjoy the ride!

enjoy,

In the True Spirit of Christmas

2011-11-28T16:30:00.000-08:00

It seems that everywhere we turn

our senses are barraged with Black Friday....Cyber Monday....etcetera.

This year as we approach the holiday season I remind us all that we can look to Mr. and Mrs. Claus to realize that truly the best gift of all is when we find ways to give of ourselves not only during the Holiday Season but all year through.

Think of all the joy we can bring!

enjoy,

Be Thankful

2011-11-24T07:41:00.001-08:00

....be Happy

....know that you touch others in your very special way.

enjoy,

It was a cold day...

2011-11-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

so I played around with

some warm light.

enjoy,

Take on the Challenge as There is Always Something New to Learn

2011-11-17T17:57:00.001-08:00

I've posted a few of my "flight" images over the past couple of months so bear with me while I talk about another image. When it was time to review the images we all agreed that we liked this sunburst image but Phil's biplane was no where in sight.

I recently had a large group portrait where one lad was holding a football in his lap. Unbeknownst to me he tossed that football up in the air at one critical point - when I was taking "the favorite" shot of a group of 43 people.

So I got the idea of trying to do a composite image - where I could take one of his good frames and put it in the place of his "football face". It came out nicely and so long story short I got the idea to revisit my flight images and see if I had a biplane image that I thought could work. Keeping in mind the direction of the sun on the plane I found one image that I felt had some possibility.

And voila....

The sky is the limit.

enjoy,

Simply Remember YOUR Favorite Things....

2011-11-10T12:36:00.001-08:00

from the voices of Gilford High School drama students as they prepare for their Fall musical this coming weekend,

The Sound of Music... take a minute to remember your favorite things

...it really works as you can see from their expressions !

enjoy,

Time to Get into the Swing of Things

2011-11-04T04:52:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again for Gunstock Ski Club's annual Ski Sale.

Head up to Gunstock Mountain Resort today to drop off gear you want to sell...

They'll be waiting for you from noon till 8 pm.

....or if you're if the buying mode Saturday is your day for a lodge full of gear to make your winter the best one yet!

Winter is fast approaching.... time to accept what's ahead so getting out to enjoy it to the fullest is your best bet.

...and while you at it you could try out Gunstock's new ZipTour Mountain Zip Line officially opening this weekend....

ZIPPITY DOO DAH... My oh my what a wonderful day!

enjoy,

The Difference a Week Makes

2011-10-31T10:22:00.001-07:00

It was just about a week ago that I did some work with Lakes Biplane in Gilford. We flew over Lake Winnipesaukee and took in the fall colors and wonderful scenery of our area.

Granted it was a brisk morning and the air was cold....

but certainly nothing like what was in store for us this weekend. Most of you that know me know I love the winter season.

I guess I'm feeling that things don't quite feel right....

enjoy,

HOLY NOR' EASTER, BATMAN

2011-10-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween...?....!

From my dogs point of view

Take life with a sense of humor.

enjoy,

Fall into Winter

2011-10-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

A snowstorm last evening brought along with it a beautiful morning to wake up to...

bright blue skies and snow covered trees.

Yes, I realize everyone is thinking it's too early and they aren't ready for it.

But, seriously... did you not take a look out your window this morning with just a little bit of wonder in your heart and think what a beautiful day?

Smokey thought so and was getting into it...

...truthfully he just wanted me to feed him another cookie ;)

enjoy,

Foliage Flight

2011-10-25T12:36:00.001-07:00

taking to the sky over Lake Winnipesaukee

The beauty of the Lakes Region at her best.

enjoy,

Fall

2011-10-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

An abstract form

a departure from Reality

Visualize your thinking....

enjoy,

As a Photographer I Have to Stop

2011-10-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

On my way to an appointment yesterday the clouds were forming over Lily Pond.

...and I've learned that

as a photographer I have to stop,

not only to take a photograph but to enjoy the beauty that Mother Nature presents to us on a daily basis.

Today she brought a brief shower along with a double rainbow!

...and then the clouds cleared as quickly as they came.

enjoy,

Being able to climb up in the Treehouse

2011-10-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

....in your "party dress" is pretty special.

But....

having your mom climb up there with you

....that's priceless.

enjoy,

AWARENESS

2011-10-07T14:41:00.001-07:00

enjoy,

Picture Yourself HERE

2011-10-06T04:46:00.000-07:00

Come on out to Gunstock Ski Club's annual auction at the base lodge of Gunstock Mountain Resort Friday, October 7th at 7pm...

....and this could be "you" next summer!

Watch the slideshow to see the fun,

ahhh....the days of summer

...and if winter is on your mind

watch this slideshow

to get your juices flowin'

Get out there ...."for the love of it"

enjoy,

Circle of Life

2011-09-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

I am a big Elton John fan... have been since the 70's. LHS Homecoming theme this year is Disney movies. Seniors will be producing their float in the spirit of The Lion King.

It's the Circle of Life

And it moves us all

Through despair and hope

Through faith and love

Till we find our place

On the path unwinding

In the Circle

The Circle of Life

Partial lyrics from Elton John's song The Circle of Life... fits in nicely.

enjoy,

A Beautiful Bud

2011-09-29T11:07:00.001-07:00

blooms

enjoy,

For the Love of ART

2011-09-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

Photographer

...meets an artist

...with a work in progress

.... an absolutely glorious day.

enjoy,

Fall has arrived

2011-09-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order

John Burroughs

enjoy,

An Old Barn

2011-09-19T05:23:00.001-07:00

enjoy,

At Week's End

2011-09-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

Sing when the music plays,

Stand proud with who you are,

Take on the uphill challenge together,

Take the downs with humor,

enjoy.... being lifted off your feet.

Remembering... THE GUYS

2011-09-08T05:32:00.000-07:00

Winnipesaukee Playhouse will be performing Anne Nelson's "The Guys"

It is sure to be a wonderful show remembering those who lost their lives on September 11th as well as the families they left behind.

For more information and showtimes go to www.winniplayhouse.org

enjoy,

The End

2011-08-30T15:43:00.001-07:00

...of the summer season is upon us.

Jump in and enjoy the warmth...

...then slap on the apparatus and go for a ride.

Waterskiing brings a bit of calm water and a bit of chop

...and these three managed it very well.

All together a great time spent around the big lake with memories that will last a lifetime.

enjoy,

Old Home Day ~Egg Toss and Fireworks~

2011-08-29T03:30:00.001-07:00

Another Gilford Old Home Day full of fun and fireworks.The annual Egg Toss brought out young and old to the playing field.

Some careful catching with their delicate cargo.

Finally the last egg standing...

and the winners are... exuberant!

To end the evening the fireworks went off a little early ...just in time before Irene started her journey through the Lakes Region.

Big blasts with big color!

enjoy,

Not Just Another Face in the Crowd

2011-08-22T10:32:00.001-07:00

Faces from the Timberman Sprint at Ellacoya State Park this past weekend.

enjoy,

PURE INSPIRATION

2011-08-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Timberman 70.3 triathlon was held at Ellacoya State Park over this past weekend. As stated above it is simply pure inspiration.

The race brings together hundreds of athletes from around the globe to endure a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run. Luckily, for these athletes, this race is held in one of the most beautiful spots in New Hampshire.

Enjoy the ride...

Congratulations to you all,

Them's the Berries!

2011-08-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

There is still great blueberry picking around the Lakes Region if you're up for a little hike.

Head up Piper Mountain in Gilford which is a fairly easy hike up from either Carriage Road or Gilford Glen Road. We chose Gilford Glen Road and the blueberries were plentiful and the view gorgeous.

You can't lose...

...when a little blueberry bird of happiness :)

gets added to your plate!

enjoy,

A little Rainy Day....

2011-08-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

...in black and white.

enjoy,

What's Happenin'...

2011-08-13T04:21:00.001-07:00

....this weekend

Locally, it's the Belknap County 4-H Fair in Belmont for some old traditions ~ great people ~ animals ~ exhibits and fun!

"Gracie" and Nate showin' a little love Friday evening as preparations take place for the weekend festivities.

I took a chance yesterday that the Thunderbirds would be doing a practice "pre" show before the upcoming Boston/Portsmouth Air Show on Saturday and Sunday. If you get the chance take the drive to Portsmouth and see these fabulous United States Air Force pilots and planes in action.

enjoy,

Theater in the Park

2011-08-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

Streetcar Company presented one act plays in Laconia's Rotary Park. Mid-Life Dracula

followed by Back Around

....along with a little dancin' in the rain!

enjoy,

Photo Booth Fun

2011-08-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

...with the bride and groom

...along with the family,

...and lastly taking aim...

...for a little late night fun with the cake!

enjoy,

OPPORTUNITY ~

2011-08-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

What started as a typical scene at the end of an August day spent on the coast of Maine turned into a very unique and amazing photo opportunity.

While the sunbeams filtered through the onshore clouds ...the effect was amazing.

This image for its simplistic view captures a unique feeling,

I am posting the color version along with the black and white version offering two completely different photographs...and feelings.

The more I observe sunsets with my camera the more patience I realize I need to possess

....it's worth the wait don't you think?

enjoy,

2011-08-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

“Happiness comes from finding beauty and a stimulation or interest in the everyday surroundings in which you find yourself.”

enjoy,

Days like this....

2011-08-04T07:20:00.001-07:00

...taking time to go jump through the puddles just for the "fun" of it.

They just don't get any better...

Thanks Gang!

COLD sand...

Happy toes!

enjoy,

TIME....

2011-07-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

To sail away.

into the sunset....

oh well... not this night.

enjoy,

ON THE LAKE

2011-07-28T09:34:00.001-07:00

...with WYC

For some of the young crew a day of racing 420's and Opti's around Saunders Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee with fantastic conditions.

While others...

from LWSA spent the day sailing out to Bear Island along with volunteer Warner Nickerson and instructor Parker Tuan for a picnic and a swim....

....returning back with smiles from ear to ear.

Thanks WYC for graciously sharing your day with me!

enjoy,

Farm to Table....

2011-07-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

Dinner in the Field...

Beans and Greens Farm Stand brought together 80 friends and family up into the fields via tractor offering a fabulous view of Lake Winnipesaukee as their backdrop with the music of Paul Warnick as they dined their way into the evening.

Friendly waitstaff served diners as they enjoyed the warm summer breezes and the sun shining bright.

Good friends.... good food....

truly....

a perfect summer evening.

enjoy,

Couple more from the flight....

2011-07-18T04:52:00.000-07:00

Free to BE...

The second image was taken by our pilot Phil DiVirgilio before takeoff. I had fun with the post processing on these two images to give them a more vintage feel...

....considering our ages ;)

Click HERE to see images from the rest of the flight!

enjoy,

Taking to the Sky....

2011-07-14T06:39:00.001-07:00

If you get the opportunity take a flight with Lakes Biplane in Gilford, NH for an experience of a lifetime.

As we take off from Laconia Airport in an open cockpit biplane...

....we feel the sun in our faces,

....and the warm breeze in our hair

....then sit back and enjoy the ride.

Our pilot Phil DiVirgilio navigates us over the lake...

...giving us a spectacular view of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Me and my "birthday sister"....

... had requested an "exhilarating" ride and Pilot Phil did not disappoint.

This was after the wingover (heading straight up before turning to the left) followed by a spiral dive ~ I would say that's self explanatory ;) .....

A thrill that still makes me giggle inside today.

It reminds me of this thought

"I love where I live" .... how could I not?

For more information go to www.lakesbiplane.com

enjoy,

The Circus Comes To Town

2011-07-02T04:44:00.001-07:00

Early Friday morning the Kelly Miller Circus began preparations for the July 4th weekend Shows at Memorial Field in Laconia.

Ringmaster John Moss from the Kelly Miller Circus greets visitors at Memorial Field as the Circus festivities get under way.

Much to the delight of young and old alike Lisa the elephant comes into the Big Top to help raise the poles

...so that the festivities may begin.

Shows are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday over the July 4th weekend.

If you get the chance go see the circus this weekend....

...after all it's not every day you get to take a ride on a camel!

enjoy,

a NEW YORK state of mind....

2011-06-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

A weekend jaunt to the Big Apple was an experience to explore the sights and sounds that this fabulous city has to offer.

I will be the first to admit, for me, the subway seemed daunting. But when you're awaiting your train at Penn Station and are greeted with a cellist... what can I say... subway angst goes away.

Coming from New Hampshire green space is certainly not an issue. Strolling through Central Park we were greeted with NY er's enjoying their green space with gusto.... and passion.

After telling a story about the "Naked Cowboy" to friends I was traveling with who do we come upon but the "Naked Cowgirl". Needless to say she was turning some heads.

We took to the streets and neighborhoods,

...embarked on the ferry ride to greet the grand lady. I realize the Statue of Liberty has been photographed by so many others. But this is the very first time for "me" and it was an honor and a pleasure.

enjoy,

First Day of Summer....

2011-06-21T18:40:00.001-07:00

Hope you make it a point to go out and...

enjoy,

Playing the Blues....

2011-06-17T05:45:00.001-07:00

Local boys came up from Mississippi

Michael Vincent and Doubleshot perform at the Lobster Pound Thursday afternoon.

Great show!

enjoy,

...and when that sunshine came out

2011-06-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

I went shooting....

enjoy,

After the heat.... comes the stormy days

2011-06-02T13:04:00.001-07:00

...with sunshine to inevitably follow

enjoy,

Lakes Region of New Hampshire

2011-05-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

I love where we live,

enjoy,

City Visit

2011-05-02T15:08:00.003-07:00

Trip down to Boston for the day last week....

walking through the North End I stumbled onto the Modern Bakery - the "best" Boston creme donut ever. Well worth the trip if you're down that way.

Spring warmth filled the air and people flocked outside to enjoy it.

While others got to enjoy the beautiful day from their freshly washed windows!

Part of the visit included the Aquarium. Been many years since I've visited here and it was fun to walk through and photograph the fabulous fish.

The colors on these guys were vivid and their actions lively...

When this little guy flitted by you just could not help but smile...

It was a good day for exploring and photography.

As for the seals their movements were beautifully serene; intimate you could say.

enjoy,

Friends... and family

2011-04-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

....go fly a kite.

I highly suggest you find the time and take one day - go to the beach with a friend - and fly a kite.

It will put a smile back on your face ... and keep you from forgetting how important it is to simply play.

enjoy,

CHARACTER.... with individuality and personality

2011-04-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

Character: refers especially to moral qualities, ethical standards and principles.

Individuality: refers to distinctive qualities that make one recognizable as a person differentiated from others.

Personality: refers particularly to the combination of outer and inner characteristics that determine the impression that a person makes on others.

enjoy,

For the Love of Photography

2011-04-18T17:02:00.001-07:00

I recently made a trip down to Boston to attend the Flash Bus Tour 2011. David Hobby and Joe McNally two very talented photographers who had an idea to take to the road rumbling through 29 US cities in a bus.

The day was full of knowledge flashed with wit and wisdom from David and Joe's many years of shooting experiences.

The question and answer time proved to bring out a few stories and chuckles elicited from the audience.

...and now that I'm back home I want to try out some of what I've learned. Who better than myself - actually I can think of many better - but I was the only one available at the time. :)

So a bit of fun with two light setups and trying to come up with a picture "my client" would be happy with.

Experiment .... to Learn; Learn... to Experiment.

enjoy,

From One Day to the Next....

2011-04-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

...you never know what lies down the road so to speak. Places we drive by each and every day can bring new and exciting sights for us to embrace if we drive with our eyes open and our imagination along for the ride.For instance - a drive by the lake with the fog rolling through gives a lonely barren feeling;
...and upon further investigation a glimpse of Antartica exploring the ice caps.
When the following day - taking to the back roads....
brings visions of a ranch in Montana where the buffalo roam!

Next time you get in the car and take to the roads - bring your sense of humor and imagination along. Taking the same road but choosing a different path may just make your day.

enjoy,

PS This is for you Anne - I will definitely be humming softly as I'm shooting this evening :0 ...so as not to embarrass myself

A Beauty...

2011-04-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

dish that is.

I had a bit of fun with a DIY beauty dish and tried out some dog portraiture.

In the beginning Smokey was working it.

But as time wore on he got bored...

and really just wanted to have some fun and play ball.

enjoy,

A little "sigh" of Spring...

2011-03-30T14:35:00.001-07:00

...better get out and enjoy it!

....because it appears we will need to get through the April Fools joke that is heading our way on Friday.... and then perhaps we will be able to advance to the next season.

enjoy,

Spring Skiing at its Best

2011-03-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

Spring skiing brings with it thoughts of bright blue skies and warm temperatures.

Well we got the bright blues but mother nature was stingy with the temps and she was blowin' spring out the window.

When high winds come up only surface lifts run. The T bar brings you "half way" up the course.

That means you hike the other half to the start gate.

....a bit of my day with some wonderful,

young adults who I've come to admire

greatly over the years.

enjoy,

Melting Down

2011-03-22T14:10:00.001-07:00

enjoy,

COME ON....

2011-03-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

get happy....

(those of you who grew up in the 70's will get it...maybe)

it made "me" smile

enjoy,

Books...Pajamas...Storytime... followed by Milk & Cookies

2011-03-17T14:19:00.001-07:00

....add children and you have a lot of fun at Holy Trinity School.

For a slideshow of the evening

go to

http://vimeo.com/21172824

enjoy,

GSC Slideshow

2011-03-11T13:13:00.001-08:00

A fun slideshow put together as a

celebration of the 2010/2011 ski season at Gunstock Ski Club.

http://vimeo.com/20934390

enjoy,

Klaus' Midget Slalom Race.... in it's 25th year!

2011-03-04T11:56:00.001-08:00

A race for the youngest of alpine skiers. Taking on the challenge of negotiating the slalom course,gates that they could easily ski right through the middle of !
And after a fun day on the slopes comes the best part...
THE TROPHIES!
...and of course showing Coach Klaus some love and appreciation ...along with their collective hardware!

enjoy,

The Great Cardboard Sled DerbyI

2011-03-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

I absolutely enjoy shooting the annual Gilford Parks and Recreation Cardboard Sled Derby.

It's just good old fashioned fun for the kids that partake during their winter vacation week.

I find there is quite a bit of creativity involved with cardboard, paint and duct tape.

Over the past few years I've also noticed that there is quite a bit of "sizing up" of the competition.

Don't know about you .... but I would say the

gentlemen are thinkin' they're hosed! :)

For more images from the event go to: http://karenbobotas.photoshelter.com/gallery/Cardboard-Sled-Derby-2Mar11/G0000jqpmx8PCTc0/

enjoy,

FROST ART

2011-02-26T12:56:00.000-08:00

I was out shooting this morning and found some interesting frost patterns on a series of garage door windows.We all visually "see" the same things but individually can interpret them very differently.
I came away with four window panes that I interpreted through my vision,
you may see them differently.

To view on my website: http://karenbobotas.photoshelter.com/gallery/Just-for-FUN/G0000sTldqiB1KiI/2/P00000xaN7it9YeQ

enjoy,

Sequenced Images .... Stacked

2011-02-25T04:09:00.001-08:00

I took advantage of a picture perfect day to attempt stacking sequenced images to produce one image with multiple stages of the subject - in this case - in flight.

The challenge was to position myself safely so that the skier would appear above the mountain top while still including the kicker and landing bag.

Most of the sequences taken were between 6-8 frames. From those series I would select which individual frames would flow as they made their jumps. It was a trial and error experiment but I am pleased with the results.

Gunstock's Big Air was Bagged! by these kids and as much fun as it was to watch and photograph,

....I plan to keep my feet on the ground!

To see more images from the day

http://karenbobotas.photoshelter.com/gallery/Gunstock-2010-2011/G00000S6bDNFIPEM/6/1

enjoy,

One Moment...

2011-02-22T16:26:00.001-08:00

frozen in time

enjoy,

A Special Night Slalom

2011-02-18T03:35:00.000-08:00

held in memory of Cliff Nyquist

enjoy,

Take a Look Into the Crystal Ball

2011-02-15T08:54:00.001-08:00

...and see if you're a comin'

or a goin'

enjoy,

DOG GONE...

2011-02-12T04:16:00.000-08:00

.... day one was a beauty of a day!

enjoy,

Every Dog Wants His DAY....

2011-02-11T03:49:00.000-08:00

As the players arrive from points Norththe dogs wait patiently

...and today is their day.

Laconia's World Championship

Sled Dog Derby 2011

enjoy,

Through the Notch

2011-02-09T14:16:00.001-08:00

...with a bit of humor.

Some folks long for the dog days of summer come February.

Me, I embrace the dog days of winter!

...summer will come after spring.

the mountains in all their glory.... beautiful day.

enjoy,

A walk through the North End

2011-02-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

The meat market...

the wall...

and a recognizable icon.

for more Boston images go to

http://karenbobotas.photoshelter.com/gallery/TRAVELS/G0000_DHmIDcue2k/1

enjoy,

The SUN GOD did not disappoint...

2011-02-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

along with a new coating of...

....fresh, sparkling snow

Now that's better than a cup of coffee to start your day.

enjoy,

KEEP SMILIN' .....

2011-02-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

The sun will come out again..... maybe by Thursday

enjoy,

SIMPLIFICATION

2011-01-30T05:12:00.000-08:00

“Reality offers us such wealth that we must cut some of it out on the spot, simplify.

The question is, do we always cut out what we should?” –Henri Cartier-Bresson

enjoy,

The COLDEST of Days.... on Monday Mourning

2011-01-25T06:04:00.000-08:00

You know it's going to be a brutal day

when the temperatures hover below zero and the wind is blowing straight up the hill.

You put on a few extra layers and throw in hand and foot warmers (I'm not too proud to admit that I won't leave home without them)

These guys charge down the course with the wind gusting uphill.
At the bottom some happy with their run.....
Regardless, consistently looking forward to the challenge of that "next" run.

And keep in mind

....as the saying goes don't ....

"hockey stop"

...into the wind :)

always enjoy the ride,

AM LIGHT....

2011-01-22T05:21:00.001-08:00

and the coldness moves in

enjoy,

A Nor'Easter.... blows through

2011-01-12T16:09:00.000-08:00

enjoy,

... FORGE AHEAD

2011-01-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

enjoy,

2011 ...

2011-01-01T03:48:00.000-08:00

Time to rise and shine!

enjoy,

2011.... is on the horizon

2010-12-31T06:29:00.001-08:00

Let's just go with

....a little peace and love

and ski racing?!?

enjoy,

HNY!

It's Snowing...

2010-12-27T13:45:00.000-08:00

Presenting the starting lineup ...

enjoy,

A wish for Peace and Happiness....

2010-12-24T04:49:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to all

enjoy,

Ups and Downs

2010-12-16T16:12:00.000-08:00

It was the first day out for FIS men's Slalom alpine ski racing at Attitash Mountain in Bartlett, NH today,
I would guess to say it will be a matter of holding on...

as 2011 is sure to be a wild ride!

enjoy,

Andrea Bocelli and I...

2010-12-14T13:26:00.000-08:00

...decorated the Christmas tree this afternoon!I have to laugh - fake tree - three separate pieces (A B & C) - lights already attached

... the music made the occasion special :)

Good old fashioned Christmas humor...

....you still have nine more shopping days 'til Christmas

enjoy,