Bokeh... Best viewed large, if you will! by marlboromaam

Bokeh... Best viewed large, if you will!

I don't know about ya'll, but I needed a little happy bokeh in my life today! I feel much better now!

When I lived in Orlando back in the 80s, I listened to WLOQ - Hot Licks and Cool Jazz, a local radio station that is still the best jazz station I've ever listened to. I miss it very much. It's where I was introduced to all the new jazz artists and would go buy their music.

Anyhow, one time they advertised a new jazz artist (at the time), Dan Seigel, was going to be at "Cheek to Cheek" a really cool jazz club in Orlando. So I got my ticket and went all by myself (Yeah, I had a real nice brass pair back then). When he and his accompanying musicians took the stage, he said, "I'll bet no one here has heard of me." Hah! I yelled out, "I have and I have my CD jacket for you to autograph!" He smiled and said, "Send that wonderful woman back stage after the show, please!" LOL! I got an autographed CD jacket and photo, too!

That was back in the good old days for me. I was in my late 20's and loving life, with a great job and wonderful opportunities waiting for me. The economy was booming and Ronnie Ray-Gun was president! They were great days and great times.

So without further ado, I'll introduce you to the song that hooked me on Dan Siegel. Oddly enough, the title is "Feelin' Happy"... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSr3TjZubzE&t=84s
Fav-ulous hexagonal bokeh and lovely text. I used to listen to a jazz show, long gone, from 10-12pm called Music to Midnight. Long gone now.
June 26th, 2012  
Love your bokeh and your story. Have you tried to find that station online? Many stations are available that way.
June 26th, 2012  
Happy bokeh it is :) I hope it cheered you up :)
June 26th, 2012  
Lovely bokeh, Maggie - looks like happy dappled sunlight! Great music too. (I remember that jazz show too, Peter!)
June 26th, 2012  
Love the bokeh
June 26th, 2012  
bokeh is bodascious
June 26th, 2012  
what a story :) !!
i can see how this shot changed your mood :) It is such a happy shot! great colors, bright lighting and gorgeous bokeh!!! awesome!
June 26th, 2012  
That bokeh is GORGEOUS. That should be in the dictionary for the definition of bokeh--perfect.

Do you have any idea how many times I had to read "Ronnie Ray-Gunn" to realize who you were talking about ; ) (I'm so embarrassed to tell you that--ha, ha!!!!)
June 26th, 2012  
Gorgeous bokeh, stunning even.
June 26th, 2012  
Love the lighting!!
June 27th, 2012  
There's nothing a bokeh can't cheer up! Love your capture.
June 27th, 2012  
Vee
That is beautiful bokeh! So sparkly!
June 27th, 2012  
@peterdegraaff Thank you for your kind and lovely comments and fav, Peter! Sad how things pass too quickly in our lives.

@lynnb Thank you very much, Lynn! I looked a while ago, but haven't tried lately. Will have to do that!

@sassik Thank you, Sassik! I do!

@janturnbull Thank you, Janet! Really appreciate your lovely comments!

@kerristephens Thank you, Kerri!

@cheribug Thank you, Cheryl! Haven't heard that word used in a while!

@kdimagery LOL! Appreciate your wonderful comments, Kd! Thank you so much!

@yonnie Your comments are so sweet, Yvonne! Thank you so much! LOL! That's how he was referred to in the movie, Iron Eagle!

@sugarmuser Thank you so much, Sharon!

@inwonderland9 Thank you, Alice!

@marieooi Thank you, Marie! You are very kind!

@vskolnik Grateful for your comments, Vee! Thank you!
June 27th, 2012  
I never say such a thing unless I mean it- and I think this is my personal favorite bokeh shot of all time! No comment re: the Raygun years!
June 27th, 2012  
PS, will be looking for this one on the Popular Page and will be disappointed if I do not see it there!
June 27th, 2012  
@dauber Thank you so much, RL! I really appreciate your comments! LOL! This one won't make the PP. It's not flashy enough for the PP. It's a lovely thought though.
June 27th, 2012  
I love the bokeh! It looks like twinkling lights in the background! OK I'm going to go try something in my yard. You've inspired me!!!
OH and by the way I miss "Ronnie Ray-Gunn!"
June 27th, 2012  
Beautiful bokeh! And love the account of your jazz club days. I don't wish to be in my 20s again, but there was a certain levity that you just can't have when you're in your .... non-20s. :)
June 27th, 2012  
Wonderful bokeh, love the colours
June 27th, 2012  
Beautiful bokeh!
June 27th, 2012  
@franklein Thank you so very much, Frances! Appreciate your kind remarks! So glad it inspired you! Yes, I miss him, too, and all that came with his term in DC.

@rockinrobyn Thank you so much, Robyn! I had a bright future and was full of hope back then. You have children and a family. I would not expect you to feel as I do. =)
June 27th, 2012  
@wenbow Thank you, Wendy!

@lyoungs1023 Thank you, Elizabeth!
June 27th, 2012  
Beautiful bokeh and I love your story.
June 27th, 2012  
Beautiful shot, Maggie.
June 27th, 2012  
your bokeh is so nice and it really is cheery...like a kid with bubbles!! love your story! I bet it really made his day as much as yours!
June 27th, 2012  
@beckys Thank you, Becky! Appreciate your comments!

@janets Thank you, Janet!

@vickisfotos Thank you so much, Vicki! Hah! I was a ballsy broad in those days. Wish I still was. =)
June 27th, 2012  
beautiful bokeh
June 27th, 2012  
beautiful bokeh maggie! and a great story!
June 27th, 2012  
@mackpwo Thank you, Pam!

@marybz Thank you, Mary! Appreciate your comments!
June 27th, 2012  
Lyn
Well, bokeh queen! And so glad you are doing a happy dance. . . I thought you were STILL in your twenties! Lovely shot and story. . .
June 27th, 2012  
Very beautiful! Love it! Fav
June 27th, 2012  
@lyno LOL! I wish I was still in my late 20s. Thank you for your sweet comments, Lyn! Grateful for you visit!

@ulpiphotos Wow! Thank you for the comments and fav, Ulpi! Most appreciated!
June 27th, 2012  
A very happy shot! :-)
June 27th, 2012  
Lovely bokeh and lighting. Great story.
June 27th, 2012  
Lovely lacey tree and happy happy bokeh!
June 27th, 2012  
@danette Thank you very much, Danette!

@daisy Thank you, Kathryn! Appreciate your comments!

@lindag LOL! Yeah, it's corny - ain't it?! Thank you, Linda!
June 27th, 2012  
beautiful picture and loved your story and thanks for sharing some great music too - has a very relaxing sound to it!
June 27th, 2012  
Love your pov, your bokeh AND your comment! FAV
Wishing you the very best, my friend. :)
June 27th, 2012  
This is such a happy, feel good picture!! fav!
June 27th, 2012  
bokeh always makes it better!! Love it!!!
June 27th, 2012  
Thanks for the happy bokeh, story & song!!!!! I enjoyed all of it! Beautiful shot by the way...especially enlarged!!!!!!!! Fav!!!!!
June 27th, 2012  
@laurentye Aww! Thank you so much, Lauren! Really appreciate your visit! How are things going these days?

@karenann You are such a sweetie, Karen Ann! Thank you for your wonderful comments and the fav! I know you wish me well. Hugs!

@memejanetx3 Wow! Thank you for the sweet comments and fav, Janet! Really appreciated!
June 27th, 2012  
great story.. backstage huh?.. hmm ...so email me what went on back there lol.. great capture too ,maam!
June 27th, 2012  
Roo
I love the background
June 27th, 2012  
Great shot,I like your story.
June 27th, 2012  
You can't help but smile with those colors! Nice bokeh!
June 27th, 2012  
fav! LOVE it!
June 27th, 2012  
@tryeveryday Thank you very much, Michelle!

@wannabe Wow! Thank you for the lovely comments and fav, Catherine! You are a sweetheart! xo

June 27th, 2012  
@joeboxster Thank you, Joe! Not a thing! He was very nice and asked me how I learned about him - thus a plug for the radio station. He signed my jacket and gave me an autographed photo, too! Then I went home. Jazz musicians are much better behaved than rockers, I think! LOL!

@ruj Thank you, Roo!

@chummar Thank you very much, Sunil!

@loragill Thank you, Lora! I appreciate that remark!

@amers79 Wow! Thank you for the comment and fav, Amy! Most appreciated!
June 27th, 2012  
I needed some happy bokeh today, too! This is perfect!
June 27th, 2012  
What an interesting life story! Thanks for sharing. The photo with its gorgeous bokeh brightens my day.
June 27th, 2012  
What a gorgeous photo and bokeh, Maggie. I sure love when you tell of your life experiences as you do on occasion. You write so well and it is so wonderful to read. What a great time it was for so many of us then.
June 27th, 2012  
Wonderful bokeh, and very fresh capture, nicely done !
June 27th, 2012  
eva
Beautiful bokeh! So sparkly.
Fun memories are great to have! :)
June 27th, 2012  
I applaud your wonderful, fabulous bokehliciousness! Tis just awesome! Honey, keep grooving to the oldies! :-)
June 27th, 2012  
Bokeh absolute!!
June 27th, 2012  
Goodness! Love your composition! And all that bokeh! That fabulous sunlight! Those beautiful tones! FAV'ed! 8)
June 27th, 2012  
Beautiful shot and bokeh, i enjoyed the story too =) sounds like you were fearless back then! =)
June 27th, 2012  
Magnificent shot and composition!
June 27th, 2012  
Gorgeous Bokeh!! And all that JAZZ!!! :)
June 27th, 2012  
Nice story Maggie - it is a real feel good photo you have captured the bokeh just beautifully. It is like a jeweled background. You are so good at making the rest of us feel great with your encouraging comments and your stories. Stay positive!
June 27th, 2012  
Great bokeh shot and story!! The bokeh is quite cheerful!!
June 27th, 2012  
FAVtastic and a great story to go with it.
June 27th, 2012  
awesome shot ..I do love the bokeh and that branch is amazingly clear...thanks for the Jazz to go with it!!
June 27th, 2012  
Bokeh-a-rama! Love the story and the pic. Those jewels in the background give it a magical effect. Awesome.
June 27th, 2012  
@orangecrush Thank you, Jerry! I hope it cheered you!

@swguevin You are so sweet, Sheila! Thank you so much for the kind remarks!

@darsphotos Wasn't it?! I had three different job offers in the period of 2 months. All were great! Now, I have none. Those really were great times. Thank you for your lovely comments, Darlene! Always appreciated. Hugs!

@sanfil Thank you so very much, Sandra!

@redrucksack They are great to have, especially when it's all you have, Eva! Thank you for your wonderful comments! Always appreciated!

@lorihiro Thank you, Lori! Hope you enjoyed it! Really appreciate your wonderful comments!

@ruthmouch Thank you, Ruth!

@myautofocuslife You are a sweetheart, Livia! Thank you for your kind and lovely comments and the fav! I always appreciate your visit!

@mantha LOL! I had no fear back then, Sam! Thank you for your sweet comments and visit!

@sangwann Thank you so very much, Dione!

@ellimae Thank you, Ellen! Love your comments!

June 27th, 2012  
@purdey Aww! Thank you, Sharon! You are always so kind and encouraging yourself! Appreciate your visit, as always!

@twinsplusone Grateful for your kind comments and visit, Sharon! Thank you very much!

@smithak Thank you for the wonderful comments and visit, Smitha! Always appreciated!

@cindyrez Thank you, Cindy! Appreciate your kind and lovely comments, as always!

@jaboney I love every word you wrote, Mike! Thank you for your kind comments! Always appreciated!
June 27th, 2012  
Wonderful Bokeh! Hope it has lifted your spirit.
June 27th, 2012  
Your story sure put a smile on my face - I now have Dan Siegel tracks playing in the background while I 'comment' :) Nice one. In my younger days I too was a jazz-junkie. Your bokeh is a beautiful accompaniment!
June 27th, 2012  
hoooo weeee that's a lot of bokeh! They were out in droves! Awesome shot!
June 27th, 2012  
Wow, love your narrative and yes fabulous bokeh best viewed large. here's what I'm listening to right now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPfKdotXWxo&feature=related
June 27th, 2012  
@copperheadglass Thank you, Meredith! It did but a job would do more!

@thebluegnu LOL! I'm so happy it put a smile on your face! That just warms my heart, gal! I hope you enjoy Dan Siegel. I thought he was and is a wonderful jazz musician. Thank you for your lovely comments and visit! Always appreciated!

@msk1p2 Ha ha! It is a lot of bokeh! Thank you, Sandra! Appreciate your comments very much!

@nanalisarocks Thank you so much, Lisa! Very bluesy jazz you're listening to. LOL!
June 27th, 2012  
Oh! Magnificent bokeh, you've got a magical garden !
June 27th, 2012  
@cocobella Thank you so much, Corinne!
June 27th, 2012  
Great shot, really cool backround :)
June 27th, 2012  
Amazing and sparklin' bokeh! Plus it's green! Nicely done!
June 27th, 2012  
Wonderful bokeh and tones! Great commentary too! Thank you for sharing your experiences!
June 28th, 2012  
@zela Thank you very much, Alena! Always happy to see you!

@cjphoto LOL! We like the green, don't we?! Thank you so much, Chris!

@aleksandra I love every word you wrote! Thank you so much, Aleksandra!
June 28th, 2012  
Pam
That is some amazing bokeh!! So very beautiful!! It certainly does make one smile! Love this capture and always enjoy your stories. Good music too:)
June 28th, 2012  
@dauber Just saw this on the PP as predicted by RL, aka my dad!! :)
June 28th, 2012  
@pammerritt Thank you, Pam! I love every word you wrote! Really appreciate your visit!

@rockinrobyn I'm shocked, Robyn! This is not a PP pic! LOL! I didn't know RL was your dad!!! You are so blessed gal! I would love to have had my dad on here with me. Now, just how cool is that?!! Hah! How wonderful!
June 28th, 2012  
very pretty :)
June 28th, 2012  
You're awesome ~ love your story :) :) Wonderful tones, lighting, focus... fav ~
June 28th, 2012  
Nice, lovely bokeh!
June 28th, 2012  
@earthbeone Thank you, Pamela!

@gabsview Wow! Thank you for your sweet comments and the fav, Gabrielle! Most appreciated!

@binny Thank you, Binny!
June 28th, 2012  
Very pretty bokeh, like a bunch of little diamonds!
June 28th, 2012  
@sabaa Thank you very much! Really appreciate your lovely remarks!
June 28th, 2012  
Hahah so much for your comments about you doubted its PP status cos that's where I found it!! Your happy , jazzy bokeh photo is a hit! Wonderful commentary and great comments...I read all the way through....good way to start my day! :-)
June 28th, 2012  
@Cherrill LOL! Yeah, it amazes what gets to the PP and what doesn't. I really don't think this pic belongs there. Thank you for your kind and lovely comments, Cherrill! I really do appreciate your visit!
June 28th, 2012  
So peaceful and serene..... beautiful!
June 28th, 2012  
With all those comments and 14 faves, your public have voted! lol I know its not a swan/kitten/squirrel/rose/baby..........but its good to see something artisitic and beautiful.....and your commentary helps too!!
June 28th, 2012  
Good morning! First of all, I absolutely love your photo....you must tell me how you did the bokeh. Seems I never have time to figure it out. Lately I just snap and go and hope for the best ;-) Very lovely and quite unique....will fav. I want to mention that WLOQ is one of my favorite stations, too, and still going strong. They recently moved from 103.1 to 102.5. My hubby introduced me to that station when I met him in the early 80s & have tuned it in ever since. That along with the classic jazz station, WUCF 89.9 are my fav radio stations + another one that plays music from the 70s and 80s. We used to love to go the jazz place in Disney Village and also see Jackie Jones perform at various clubs. I just checked with hubby & he said we went to Cheek to Cheek, too. Those places are all gone now but what memories. Don't know whether you remember Jackie but she's still around & performs occasionally. Dan Siegel is great! Thanks for the memories. Oh yes, you can probably tune into WLOQ on the Internet.
June 28th, 2012  
@traciwood Thank you very much, Traci!

@Cherrill Appreciate your comments, Cherrill! I guess they have voted. It wouldn't be if it weren't for my 365 friends. =)
June 28th, 2012  
@cimes1 Good morning, Carole! Thank you for your lovely comments! I'll be happy to tell you how I did the bokeh. f-stop 5.6, iso 200, stood underneath the cedar tree and aimed toward the brightest light to find a cedar branch to focus on and wallah!

I'm so happy WLOQ is still around! Sorry that Cheek to Cheek is gone. That's sad. I will try to tune into WLOQ via the web. I did try a few years ago, but it didn't work for me. Hoping it keeps on going!!! Cheers and hugs!
June 28th, 2012  
@marlboromaam Thanks, Maggie. Sorry to bother you again, but I see you also have an Easy Share. Did you do this manually or go to one of the settings on the dial, e.g., P A S M SCN, etc. I'm such a dunce when it comes to technology & hate manuals. Everything I do is generally on "automatic pilot."
June 28th, 2012  
@cimes1 I didn't know you were using a Kodak! Wow! Okay, I'll make it easy. 1. set it on "A" 2. set your ISO to 200 3. Set your aperture to 5.6 4. find a tree limb to focus on that's about 3 feet from the camera. 5. Make sure you're in the shade and facing some light on some thing in the distance. 6. Use your zoom to focus clearly and wallah! Bokeh in the background! Give it a try and holler if you need any help. I'll do what I can. Oh! And you can use macro or no setting, depending on what kind of tree limb you're focusing on.
June 28th, 2012  
Fantastic bokeh. Love the story too :)
June 28th, 2012  
@ashmy Thank you very much, Ashley!
June 28th, 2012  
Gorgeous shot ! :)
June 28th, 2012  
Gorgeous lighting and background.
June 29th, 2012  
Congrats on the PP with this bokeh beautification. Marvelous.
June 29th, 2012  
@vignesh Thank you so much, Vignesh!

@dishaparekh176 Thank you very much, Disha!

@sailingmusic Thank you, Myrna! So kind of you to let me know! Appreciate your comments!
June 29th, 2012  
Wow, that's a lot of bokeh! Beautiful!
June 29th, 2012  
@rah2012 Thank you so much, Lara!
June 29th, 2012  
@marlboromaam Thank you so much for the detailed instructions. I have 2 Easy Shares, one older model with only 3x zoom but still does well with closer shots and then the new one I got for Christmas that has 30 zoom. I really haven't used many of the functions yet ----slowly but surely I will eventually do it.....just no time. I will definitely work on experimenting with bokeh when I do a flower or a DOF type shot. Thank you again, you're a true 365 friend.
June 29th, 2012  
@cimes1 If I can help - holler and I'll try! =)
June 29th, 2012  
lovely bokeh, made me smile!!
June 29th, 2012  
@rmkgreene Aww! Thank you very much, Ruth!
June 29th, 2012  
Kim
So beautiful.....I just love bokeh and this is amazing!
June 29th, 2012  
@kdei Appreciate your comments and visit, Kim! Thank you!
June 29th, 2012  
What a fun story and great bokeh to go along with it.
June 30th, 2012  
@juleswoome Appreciate your kind remarks! Thank you, Julie!
June 30th, 2012  
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