....or not--My husband said it looks like a Kale Chip. Went back to the soccer fields hoping to see if the moth eggs I found dangling from a vine last week had progressed in some substantive way--uh, oh, someone had the bright idea to trim them, so I cannot report on their fate, but it appears grim.
I turned to another fence area and there was this tiny moss (or kale chip) dangling from a single spider thread--swinging in the wind--oh, but, wait, it was moving! It was a creature! In my mind, it's some traveling waste dump--an "Oscar Grouch of the Air"--whatever it is, it's fascinating. So here are three views. The one on the right was from a new angle and I caught the green of the bushes in the background with a "Do Not Enter" red and white sign. I decided to collage this as it looked sort of neat and arty that way. And you can see the insect from different angles (he has pincers too--see right side). UPDATE: After researching, I've found the guy. It's a brown lacewing--a good pest to have! Here's what I found that gives you a better idea of the body: http://www.flickriver.com/photos/keegstr/5258048907/
I have good news to report today as well! The wrens are back to visit this morning--all seem well and happy, stopping by to sing on the shepherd's crook! AND, the other great news is after cleaning up my kitchen "desk" area (like really, who uses that area for anything more than a huge dumping station), I found the clip that attaches my camera to the tripod!
Note: Tomorrow I will have completed 6 months on 365. I don't know WHAT I'll do, but I will say thanks for making these 6 months some of the most fulfilling of my life--this place, my 365 friends, the support, the discussions, the wealth of information--I'm hoping I can use my enthusiasm for making it this far to go the rest of the year--Love everyone here! :)
This is a fantastic shot and I love the way you processed/displayed it. What program do you use for the framing like this? it's terrific. And it DOES look like a kale chip!
@taffy Thanks Taffy! I processed in LR5 (bought it finally!) and then exported it to a folder to work in Picassa--The collaging in Picassa is not easy for me and you'll see the measurements are way off but there are some framing options with background colors and you can work with each photo (and continue processing there too). Picassa is a wonderful free program! I do most of my collages there (and in PicMonkey when I need an easy system). Now I need to research what this kale chip really is!
@taffy oh, and someday, I'll learn how to spell...the curse of being an English teacher and having spelling problems ALL MY LIFE (note to self: it's Picasa!). :)
I am loving this collage! Very pretty work. You are really bringing the heat lately!! You do help to keep me inspired and I am thankful to have found this site as well! Congrats on the half-way mark!!
Love this Daryl! I also always enjoy your well written, thoughtful, and often amusing posts! I also use Picasa and recently started working with LR3. I think Picasa is a pretty impressive program, too. I am still learning all it can do.
Your shot does look like a kale chip! I make them every few days and the entire family gobbles them. Here's how you prepare them - use dino kale if you can, but regular will work, too. Remove the "spine" of the kale leaves and cut/tear the leaves into smaller pieces. Toss the kale pieces with a little olive oil and salt. Place on a baking sheet. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 10-15 min or until they are crispy. Yum!
So glad your wrens came back for a visit and all is well!
YOu can do it! I love your enthusiasm. I personally had a few days of wanting to quit, but I'm glad I hung in there. I can't spell either if that makes you feel any better. Very interesting shot!
@pflaume Not only do we love the same types of photos, we eat the same things! My only difference in your recipe is I have lowered the temps and I use spray olive oil so the burn rate is less severe--I also use a "precut" bag of organic kale (most of the spines are removed and already chopped--I'm so lazy!). Garlic salt is good on them too! Oh, now I'm hungry again. Dagnabit! Good thing these chips can't hurt ya!
@nana2r Yes, I'm going to finish (or so I say now at 6 months!). Highs and lows, but there is so much to learn and do. Thanks for the encouragement (and understanding about my spelling issues--I tell my students I'm a great instructor because I can relate to their repeating errors).
Congratulations on 6 months. So happy that the wrens are doing fine. what an amazing shot this is - I thought it was a plant then read that its an insect. Great observation.
OMG! You saw one of these! We were just talking about lacewing "piles" of "stuff" the other day. I see his face (I think) best in the middle view and viewed large. These guys are so freaky! I will never view Kale Chips in the same way again. Haha Have you ever had chocolate covered Kale chips from Whole Foods? They rock! Great insect capture! I have a shot of lacewing eggs, larva, and adult. So I am going to make a collage of that. Just have not gotten that "Round Tuit" yet.
@espyetta I know right? I thought it was that initially, but it was hanging on a web like it spun it, so I got all confused! Oh, good for you to collage--can't wait to see. But it IS summer, and the lake IS calling. Do it when you can! :)
Your shot does look like a kale chip! I make them every few days and the entire family gobbles them. Here's how you prepare them - use dino kale if you can, but regular will work, too. Remove the "spine" of the kale leaves and cut/tear the leaves into smaller pieces. Toss the kale pieces with a little olive oil and salt. Place on a baking sheet. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 10-15 min or until they are crispy. Yum!
So glad your wrens came back for a visit and all is well!