Tina has given us a real treat for this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #120. In her post, she shares her photos from an African safari and gives us tips from an expert on photographing animals in the wild. Going on a safari is on my ever-growing list of must-see places and experiences.
This week, I’m going to take the theme “What a Treat” in a different direction. I’d like to share a variety of treats that I’ve experienced in the past few weeks that have given me great pleasure. Are you ready? Let’s go.
Delicious
Little did I know that the Bite Into Maine food truck we discovered several weeks ago has received many national awards for their lobster rolls. Their chefs have been honored by Food and Wine Magazine for creating one of the best rolls in the country. The food truck is on the grounds of the Fort Williams Park in Portland, Maine, which is home to the Portland Head Light, a historical lighthouse at the tip of Cape Elizabeth. Given that the truck is closing down for the season next week, we made one last trip this weekend for a lunch of lobster rolls and clam chowder. Trust me. It tastes as delicious as it looks.
Spooky
As I mentioned in an earlier post, New Englanders embrace Halloween and decorate their homes for the holiday. I’ve been delighted on our walks throughout Portsmouth to see the various displays for Halloween. This spooky lady startled me one day on our walk. I love the details here–her black fingernails and dark eye makeup, as well as the collection of skulls at her feet.
This garage looked spooky when we saw it on another walk in the early evening. The peeling paint and the storm clouds overhead added to the creepiness of the scene.
These skeletons are in a mischievous mood on another lawn in our town. They are climbing into windows, up drain pipes, and falling from window ledges. Two of them are also carrying a friend in a rowboat! This is only a small sample of the dozen or so skeletons cavorting around the house.
Colorful
This beautiful door and with the color-coordinated pumpkins decorations were a visual treat for me this season. I love all the orange!
Beautiful
I’ll end my post with a moment from our road trip to Maine several weeks ago. We stopped to visit the Wolf’s Neck Preserve–a wonderful organic farm with oceanfront campgrounds, and an educational center in Freeport, Maine. The trails and farmland were covered with autumn leaves in rich harvest colors. As we were leaving the site, we passed this beautiful inlet where two boats were moored. I snapped this photo just as the first raindrops started to fall.
We hope you join us this week for Tina’s “What a Treat” challenge. Please be sure to visit her post to see her stunning wildlife photos. In your post, include a link to Tina’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag so that everyone can find your post in the WP Reader.
Looking ahead to next week, it’s my turn to lead the challenge, so be sure to come back here on Saturday, October 31st at noon, when we’ll be exploring how to create photos that “Focus on the Subject.” As Tina mentions in her post, we’re curious if you’d like to know the theme in advance or prefer that it’s a surprise. So please let us know what you think!
In closing, once again I’d like to give special thanks to all of you in our creative community who join our weekly challenges. Your posts last week on Ann-Christine’s “My Hideaway” theme showed us your beautiful retreats near and far, including your own homes. Your continued participation, support, enthusiasm, and creativity always inspire us! I hope you have a wonderful, creative week and please stay safe.
Categories: LENS-ARTISTS, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
Some spooky treats there! I wish more of my neighbors would put up decorations, but I admit that I don’t. Why should they? 🙂
I don’t have a preference either way on the early announcement of the challenge topic, but as I noted to Tina, I have on occasion gone in the “wrong direction” by starting work on a response before I read the detailed description of the challenge. Not that it matters, just a comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, John. Yes, spooky treats! I love them. We used to create a huge spider web with a large creepy spider across our house and front lawn when my son was little. That was fun. Thanks for your thoughts on the theme in advance. I can see your point. Well-taken. Hope all’s well with you, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I bet you will Miss that food truck over the winter! And it reminds me how amazing food can be discovered on these little mobile gems! Quite a nourishing treat.
See you next week for the focus theme
PS
I left a note on tina’s blog but wanted to quickly mention it here – I would love a few days heads up for the theme – sometimes I do photo shoots ((informal)) in Friday’s and it would help me churn on ideas 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Yvette. Thanks for your thoughts! And yes. We will miss that food truck during the long winter! Glad you’re joining us next week, too. I see your note about advanced notice, too. OK. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a nice day Patti!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with Yvette, you will definitely miss the food truck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Aletta. Oh, yes! We will. Next year, we’ll look for others.😀. I hope all’s well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All is well here thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
My mouth started watering when I saw that lobster roll! Thanks for this post full of treats. I love the skeletons!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Beth. Aren’t those skeletons amazing?!? There were even some “playing” in the backyard! I think the lobster roll truck should offer take-out during the winter, don’t you??
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I do! And delivery to Georgia!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful post Patti. Although I don’t like lobster, your photographic skills make it look delicious. And, I love the witch and her skull friends. Regarding the theme and its timing. I think we would get more spontaneity leaving it as is. If I knew this week’s topic, I would have out been shooting ice cream sundaes, hot dogs, sunsets, etc. in preparation. With no time to prepare, we have to use our ingenuity and come up with something from our archives. At that point, you’ll never know where our search and interpretation will take us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Anne. I’m more of a fan of the clam chowder, but my husband LOVES the lobster rolls. I understand your point about spontaneity. So far, the opinions on advanced notice are divided. We’ll have to figure out what we’re going to do. Thanks for weighing in. Take care, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really loved your Halloween shots , the skeletons really seemed to be partying and the colourful door was eye catching. Makes me wish we had this festival in India as well. A treat indeed, Patti!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Sheetal. It is a fun holiday here. Some people really get dressed up in costumes. We’ll probably see a lot of Trump masks and probably Putin, too! You have many wonderful festivals in India. I hope I can see some of them when we travel there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The weirdly wonderful Patti 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Brian. Weirdly wonderful. I like that!! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice variety of shots Patti…lobster roll looks delicious 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, AEK. Glad you like the variety. My husband raves about the lobster rolls.😀
LikeLike
What great treats you’ve given us. My mouth is watering over that lobster roll — I can count on one hand the number of those I’ve had in Maine, so I’m still yearning for more. And I love those skeletons. Whoever came up with the idea of posable bone bodies was clever since I’ve seen them in many places this season. Great photography, great categories. And, as always, a lovely post. (By the way, I like knowing ahead what the theme is because I don’t always have pictures that work well. But, a surprise theme is good, too — it just makes me think and comb through my pictures for something.) The challenges are fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Rusha. I’m delighted you like my treats! I was hoping they’d make everyone a little bit happier. The posable skeletons are a great idea for Halloween. The possibilities are endless…😀. And thanks for your thoughts on the “advanced notice.” So far, the opinions are mixed. We’ll have to put our heads together and figure it out. I hope all’s well. Enjoy the holiday, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“a lunch of lobster rolls and clam chowder”, what a treat!! Fun and creative Halloween decorations.
The “Two Boats in a Storm” image is my favorite. 🙂
Enjoy Sunday, Patti.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Amy. It was a treat. We’re going to miss the food truck over the next few months! I’m glad you liked the nature shot. It was such a beautiful spot right as the rain started to fall. Take care and enjoy Sunday, too, Amy.😀
LikeLike
Terrific post as usual Patti. That lobster roll looks FABULOUS! We have a food truck here that serves lobster rolls using fresh lobsters flown in from Maine but somehow yours looks a lot more delicious!! Not surprising that a New England food truck would have the best offering! I too loved the skeletons and also the uber-orange house. Of course as a nature lover my favorite this week was your closing image. Really beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Tina. Yes. Fresh is always better, isn’t it? Rich is in 7th heaven. That was the deluxe size, by the way! And as for the other shots, I’m delighted. Isn’t that uber-orange house great? And I’m glad you like that closing image, too. Take care and enjoy the day. Maybe you’ll be on the golf course?
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL I would be in 7th heaven too so tell Rich I approve! Beautiful here today, just enjoying a day off 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Sue. Which one? The skeletons?? Or the food? They were all delightful in their own way!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those skellies!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love them, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊😊
LikeLike
I love lobster. Once a week for the last tree weeks I have treated myself to something from the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck. Yummy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that sounds wonderful, Khürt! I hope you can still get lobster through the winter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can easily picture my daughter having those skellies climbing up her house (similar sort of house, too 🙂 ) I’ll go with the tasteful pumpkins, Patti. Happy Halloween week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
She’d have a lot of fun with them, Jo. Glad you like the pumpkins. Have a good week, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That spooky woman would have made me jump, too, Patti! I love that your area gets into the spirit of Halloween! That in itself is a treat! Those skeletons climbing the walls were a little too creepy but fun to photograph I imagine! As a blogger who plans my own themes for Sunday Stills each week, I appreciate the opportunity to plan ahead and know what Lens-Artists’ theme will be next week! Focus on the subject is perfect since I will be focusing on leaves! Looking forward to it! Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Terri. I’m glad you enjoyed them. And yes, the skeletons made me jump when I first saw them, but then again, they’re having so much fun!! Thanks for your thoughts on getting the themes in advance. Appreciate your input.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful collection of photo treats. I love the skeletons on the lawn. I think they are laughing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Anne. I think they are, too! I’m glad you enjoyed the collection. I hope all’s well with you and Biasini.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes we are well and gearing up for the winter now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same with us. Brrr….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great set of photos and I love the sense of humor with those skeletons!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Nora. The skeletons are having a lot of fun, aren’t they! I was so surprised to see them and delighted, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful moody photo from Maine. Why didn’t I try a lobster roll? I must have been a more fussy eater when I was younger, when didn’t think much of the combination of bread and seafood. After seeing that photo I think I was wrong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, IJ. Hopefully you’ll have another chance to come here and try them. It would be interesting to see your reactions to the USA at different points in your life. That was true when we went to Australia earlier this year. We had been there 35 years before. The differences are striking, as well as changes in outlook. Thanks, as always for your thoughts, IJ!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the skeletons. How fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Dianne. Wonderful to hear from you! I was thinking about you the other day and wondering how you’re doing. Glad you like the skeletons!
LikeLike
WOW! Great photos, all. LOVE the lobster roll and the skeletons.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, John! I’m delighted you enjoyed them!😀. Now, if you could order a lobster roll online, wouldn’t that be great?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to chime in with so many, Patti…love the skeletons and the super delicious lobster roll – but the nature shot stole my heart. Of course (I can here you say that…)
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀. I love that A-C. I’m not surprised at all that you like the nature shot!! I’m glad you like the others, too. I was so surprised and delighted with the skeletons’ antics on the front lawn! I love that. Take care, too. I hope you are enjoying your walks in the woods with your wonderful canine friends.
LikeLike
Oh I walk a lot…as usual. Have you seen your son this autumn? I hope you have.♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for asking, AC. Sadly, we can’t travel to Canada yet. Thank goodness for video chats.😀
LikeLike
Yes – they are great to keep the communication and the mood up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, definitely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That lobster roll looks SO good! The people that did the skeleton decorations did a great job. So funny!
LikeLike
I agree, Siobhan. I had a good laugh over the skeletons. Glad it made you smile, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the smile Patti. Don’t you wonder what’s behind that barn door? Shudder!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the smile, too, Wendy!! I love that. Um…what’s behind the door. The building was actually behind a church. Now does that get you wondering even more??😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
😲
LikeLike
Love that orange door! Makes me wonder if they change the color for the season. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s funny, John. I had the same thought and so did my husband! I wonder! I’ll keep you posted..😀. Thanks for your thoughts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Superb shots!
Love the spooky lady
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t she great? I love the details–her hair, the nails, the eye makeup. So glad you enjoyed the shots. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a cool shot
And the lady is cool!
Glad that she volunteered to give this fantastic pose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought she was real, until I took a closer look!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh! Too good to be deceived.
I thought she was wearing the mask and giving pose for you.
Amazing click
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoyed your interpretation of the theme.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sally. I’m delighted you took a look!
LikeLike
Wow! Some visual treats here, Patti. That second shot with the skulls is awesome! And someone got very creative with the skeletons. I like the b/w treatment of all three of those pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed the spooky shots! So many houses are decorated here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
hi patti, wow, interesting pictures that you have chosen for the theme, I particularly like the third one.
many greetings robert
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Robert! I’m delighted.
LikeLike
That lobster roll looks amazing, but Maine restaurants know how to do lobster! Great skeleton shots – they are everywhere :). Halloween will be different this year in many ways, but we can still enjoy the decorations.
(I think knowing the topic ahead of time – with some of the detail about it – is a nice idea)
LikeLiked by 1 person
My husband’s obsession is continuing…today we’re making homemade lobster rolls. We’ll see… And thanks for your thoughts about the advanced notice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like a delicious obsession though. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonderful images Patti and the lobster roll looks delicious! 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Xenia! Today, we’re making them at home! We’ll see how it goes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That lobster roll looks really good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My husband was in 7th heaven.😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Patti, I enjoyed seeing all of your great photos! You are right about New Englanders embracing Halloween – many decorations are so creative, like the mischievous skeletons!! Such fun to walk around and see all you can. Naturally, the lobster roll caught my attention, it looks delicious! Shain’s in Sanford, ME specialities in lobster rolls year round, plus their prices are unbelievably low.
LikeLiked by 1 person