Creatively Fit

Cynthia - California Thursday, July 21st 12:15 - 1:00

2010-07-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

Well it looks like I am not the only one who has not walked and photographed for awhile. I have just been too busy (translated as too distracted) to walk. I would love to come back. Will you all join me. I have missed this terrific group.

I continue to carry my iPhone with me to take pictures. This is a terrific app called hipstamatic.

I love this bench under the shade of a big old tree. In the bottom corner you can see the natural rock fence. It looks like it has been there forever.

Lola thought it was about time I took her for a walk. She wanted to walk in every direction at once.

Beijing sights

2010-07-20T22:39:00.001-07:00

On our first day in Beijing, we got to the heart of the city via train (the subway system is excellent), then decided to walk home. It was a great way to see the city, but as Beijing is a very very very large city, it took us 7 hours to reach our guesthouse!

There was so much to see, as one can imagine. The above is one of the most pleasant areas we passed. The steps to the shops remind me of Manhattan!

We stopped when we got tired. This photo was taken at a very nice shop with free wifi. There were many youngsters with their macs and PCs surfing the net. We sat around people watching…

Then we came across a street market.

We crossed a park, and there were lots of lights and activities.

We stopped to watch this sport (sorry about the quality of the photo… can’t do much with a point and shoot). It’s a little like beach volleyball… There were 4 players; 2 players on each side of the court.

The “ball” is an object made of feathers and rubber (maybe other materials too). I couldn’t get a photo, but see the drawing on the left. It will always land on its base, because the base is heavy.

The players kick the object over the net. If someone lets it fall, the other team gets a point. There were some amazing kicks and smashes.

I am glad to have seen this. When I was a kid growing up in Malaysia, my brothers used to play with this, and tried to kick it as many times as possible, without letting it fall. This is the first time I have seen it played in a competitive setting.

Paula, Munich, 1:00pm - 2:45pm

2010-05-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

Through field and forest! Another long walk today!
The field with all the wild flowers was so gorgeous and beautiful that I didnt dare walking into it. Turned completely into a kid again. Loved it!

I found this wooden house and learnt that right there starts an educational path in the forest, explaining all about wood!

From top of hill I had a good view and learnt how dried logs get measured, cut and stored. Looks like pattern doesnt it!

All fascinated about how leaves turn into humus. The honor goes to bacterias, worms and an insect by the name of jumping dick :-)))

Here I should have been learning to play simply kids song! Little Paula was pretty dissappointed when we figured that notes are not our thing at all :-(((

Next station I learned how a squirrel figures that a marten is after it. The squirrel hears the tiniest noise a marten makes on the tree. Amazed how the tiny tiny noise multiplied over the length of the tree!

At a former block of glacier ice - melted over the last 11.000 years! - dragonflies were dancing in the gleaming sun light and the wooden boards explained exactly what was all about!

So much fun to be kid again!

Oh, these three trees are so very wonderful. Being the pristine fruit trees of our ancestors! Back to hunter and collector times!! Left to right: pear, which then were smallish, round and rather white yellowish, cherry tree in the middle, small, slim tree and cherries will be very small with big pit and a apple tree! Never would have thought such tiny apples could be eaten!

Most fun. Chirping, giggling and all excited! I tried my luck barefeet on the sensory path, walking over sand, red soil, humus, wet stones, pine needles and branches.....loved it!

Wonderful day out. How was your day?

Paula, Munich, 1pm - 3:30pm

2010-05-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

5 weeks after my foot surgery I put on the big girls shoes...ahhhmm ;-)) mountain boots and went for a brisk walk. Finally I collapsed on this bench. Maybe you join me there and I tell you where I walked today!

Weihenstephan (Mount St. Stephan), well, it is rather a hill, yet 724 St. Corbinian arrived here and found a little chapel sacred to St Stephan. Within 200 years a huge Bendictianen Monastry was built and since 1040 the monks brewed beer.

Means this brewery is today the oldest brewery in the world and the law of purity for beer goes back to the monks here.

Sorry, picture isnt great. Yet I love that the monks prayed between the brewing ;-) Today it isnt just a brewery but a cutting edge university creating the next generation of brewers. The students come from all over the world and it looks so funny seeing this hearty heavy set Bavarian man with a hugs moustache and on his side a petite all smiling, all nodding Japonese man! Think global and act local ;-))

The fountain which served the monks over 1000 years is still going strong, yet doesnt provide enough water to fullfill the needs of beer drinkers from all over the world.

The abbots garden is quite something. The students from all over the world adhere to the tradition and provide guided tours in many languages - currently more then 20!

I love this tree commanding the abbots garden. Wall structures from 9. to the 20. century can be found. It is such fun to walk through all these history, imagining the destiny of these monks as the sound of army boots echoed the holy grounds in 1803 when Napoleon secularized the monastry. Ever since the State of Bavaria holds the tradition of beer brewing alive!

University gardens. A pure pleasure to indulge in all these colors and scents.

Hope you enjoyed this walk through history. Have a wonderful start into the new week! Heckschs...... ;-)))))

Cindy Florida Sunday 2-5 The Beach Again:)

2010-05-19T04:26:00.000-07:00

I have been walking a lot lately! However, I don't usually bring my camera. I have become more focused on walking fast and for distance. I save my creatively fit walks for special places and/or occasions. Even if we post once a week or once every other week, I think with the amount of teammates that we have here, we can keep creatively Fit going strong. So please don't feel like you can't post if you haven't been around in a while. We love to see where you've been and hear how you're doing.:)
Another way of looking at CF is like a relay team. Think of it as passing the baton! It's all about motivating one another and encouraging each other to continue on. CF is a constant work in progress, just as we all are. I believe it will grow and evolve into whatever it is meant to be. It is still finding its way. Together we can turn it into something great!

So on to the walk...
It was a long walk to the beach and we took Lucy this time.

Lucy was not feeling the beach:( We tried to talk her into it...

Nope! She's a land lover!

So we joined her up in the dunes...

We did take a nice long walk along the beach and ran and jumped over tide pools, while Lucy chased the birds! It was a great walk and day!

I'm passing the baton!:)

Feel free to grab it!(we are always looking for new teammates too. If you are interested in joining just leave a comment here and let me know)
Happy walking!
Cindy

Paula, Munich, 2pm - 3:30pm

2010-05-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

3,5 weeks after my foot surgery and still in my protective shoe we went to Gruenwald, a small place just outside Munich, on the high bank of the river Isar and nowadays best known for the Bavaria Film Studios (Europe's largest and most famous movie production studios) and being one of the most wealthiest community in Germany.

On top a castle of the former ruling house of Wittelsbach can be found.

Well, castle is a bit posh of a name for this 500 year old custom house of the Wittelsbach. Being situated high above the river and surround by lush trees, it certainly called for a walk.

The attached restaurant is famous for its dishes of game as well as for its prices ;-))

The walk soothed my overworked mind. My heart openend to the songs of the birds, the light green of Spring made me feel fresh and alive.

Most of the forest is protected and pristine. Gnarled roots remind me often on a trees trouble in gaining ground and strength.
As per next week I am allowed to do exercises again. Yet not being twenty anymore means I will have to do lots of exercises ;-))
However with this beautiful Spring and sunshine it is calling for exercises anyway, doesnt it?

Hope all of you are having a brilliant start into the week.

Afternoon Walk 3:00 to 4:00 1km

2010-05-07T22:31:00.000-07:00

So here we are at Bondi Beach staying with Daughter No. 2 and waiting for the birth of her baby.

While she and Grandpop-to-be were watching a DVD I grabbed my camera and went for a short walk.

Bondi (bond-eye) Beach is a famous eastern suburb beach in Sydney.

It is lovely walking along the beach in Autumn

The young ones still enjoy surfing.

It is relaxing watching them.

Walking along the street to 'home' I came upon this lovely tree.

Cindy Florida Sunday 2-5

2010-04-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

This walk is from Sunday April 25. It was my birthday and we decided to go to the beach. I'm not sure how far we walked. I'm guessing about 3 miles. We wanted to check out this beach because it was a beach that allowed dogs and we wanted to see if it would be a fun place to take Lucy. It was an incredible place. The landscape seemed to change from one end to the other. And there were turtles everywhere! It was a great day! We definitely plan on returning, possibly next Sunday:) with Lucy!

My kids never met a skink they didn't like:)

We met a nice retired man,named Bob, who offered to take a family picture for us.
It was a great walk and a very happy birthday!!

Cindy Florida Monday All day!

2010-04-06T20:31:00.000-07:00

Today, April 7th, is National Start Walking Day! Sponsored by the American Heart Association!

It's a great day to join Creatively Fit!

It's spring break this week so we decided to take a walk on the wild side!

Well, maybe not the wild side but this is the closest we could get to the wild side!

Each one of these lovely creatures capture the attention of my camera with his/her charming personality.

And these charming creatures always capture my attention!

Since I am not a ride person, it was a perfect opportunity for me to sneak in a creatively fit walk!

Maybe tomorrow, a walk on the beach:)

Note: Our feedburner was disabled for a while. If you subscribe to Creatively fit you may want to re-subscribe now, in order to continue getting daily updates in your email:)

A Walk in Town 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

2010-04-04T00:22:00.000-07:00

Last saturday we caught a bus into town and then walked with camera at the ready.

Elizabeth Street Mall used to be an ordinary street with traffic but now it is a mall for pedestrians.

We just missed an aboriginal busker playing a didgeridoo. He is checking his earnings.

Although the shops at ground level are fairly modern the old facades had to be kept for heritage sake.

An old Bank of New South Wales

As we left the mall we came to Brisbane Square. This beautiful old building used to be The Treasury Building now it is a casino.

Brisbane Square now houses the Brisbane City Council, while the City hall is refurbished.

The walk will continue in the next post.

Cindy Florida Thurs 9:45-10:30 AM

2010-03-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

I wanted to give an update on my progress being creatively fit. I know Paula has been feeling a little lonely around here.I so much appreciate your posts! Even those who haven't been walking, clicking and connecting your support is always appreciated , as we all benefit from encouragement:)

I have been focusing my creativity with my fitness in a slightly different way recently. I have been working out at the gym 45-50 minutes M-F. I spend the first 30 minutes on the treadmill. My stamina has increased greatly since I started. My goal is not to add more time to my workout(because I don't have more time) but to intensify what I do in that amount of time.

These pictures above were taken last week with my phone camera. As you can see, on the treadmill data I averaged 3.8 mph, burned 226 calories, and went 2. miles in 31 minutes. Today (no camera phone in hand) I went 30 minutes and burned 245 calories. I am burning more calories in the same amount of time because I have increased speed and incline.

I also do crunches every workout. In addition, I have added arm and leg exercises. This only added about 5-8 minutes to my workout. (MWF Legs M-lunges with dumb bells 3 sets of 12) , W out and inner thigh machine, F-front and back of thigh machine. Tues, shoulders and pecs Thurs, biceps and triceps. I make sure to stretch well everyday! This averages out to about a 45-50 minute workout. I try to keep weights a little on the lighter side, to do faster higher reps.

When I'm on the treadmill I watch tv (there are several in front of me) or think(lots of thinking time-my mind is always going).

I feel like I have become my own personal trainer. Designing your own workout intuitively (listening to your body and responding to what it needs) Is also a way of staying creatively fit!

I may be writing more about this topic on my other blog later when I have more time. Now it's time to apply all of this energy to my day!

Were you Creatively fit? Tell me about it!

Paula - Munich/Germany, 12:45am - 1:30pm

2010-03-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

I had breakfast with a friend today who lives in a very special "apartment block".

On the way to her
I met HIM.
He finally has arrived.

SPRING!!!!!!!

Old and new exists side by side
New emerges from the old
Double meaning intended

Anyway after breakfst we had a stroll through the park belonging to this apartment block, which is called BORSTEI

Its an protected historical site. Over 100 years old and built by an industrialist creating a living space for his workers in the meaning of unburdening the wifes and schooling their kids right there. From the outside these houses cant be changed, the inside however is renovated with wooden and marple floors, elegant classic bathrooms, and Hi Tech kitchens. Nowadays
this area still has its own school, own shops, private gardens, the maintenance people are available at no extra cost, laundry get done within 24h - exactly like 100 years ago. I think that is awesome.
This man included playground for the kids, gave Bavarian artists the change to create gardens and sulptures and now there is a college for fine arts and industrial design attached to.

Loved this head.
Could have taken plenty of
pictures just from this head.

The horse who used to be a fish
or is it a fish transforming into a horse?
Magic mind

Yepp, already 100 years ago there were nudes in Munich,
exactly like nowadays.
LOL.

Paula - Munich/Germany, 10:45am - 12:30pm

2010-03-16T04:54:00.000-07:00

Had to run some errands in town and decided taking sneakers and camera.

So I passed the Munich Royal Residence. If you still can see the highly polished nose of the lion on the shield - well, a tourist guide mentioned it would bring luck. Ever since it seems to be obligatory for all tourits to pass the lion and rub his nose

Some details for the Munich City Hall. I love gargoyles (not sure about spelling, please correct if you dont mind)
Pics of my fav shop. DALLMAYR's. he used to be the purveyor to the royal court.
There is only shop in the world I love more: Fortnum and Mason, London.

It is the second time where I play around with making collages. Still a long way to go. Cindy, you havebecome my muse with learning and blogging about your photoshop lessons. You got me all motivated.Thanks Cindy!

Have a great day around the world!

Paula - Munich/Germany, 2:00 - 3:30pm

2010-03-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

ERIN GO BRAUGH!
LONG LIVE IRELAND!

For the very first time ever I joined into the celebration.Wasnt easy gained as the day started with snow again and it didnt look like it would ever stop. BUT:
It did!

Our Irish and many of the Munich's International Community led the way.
It was fab.
So much FUN.

More of a slow walk ....

Patrick, a British boy who got enslaved by the Irish,
returned after several years of shepharding
to the place of origin. Here he had a vision
which he describes:
"I saw a man coming, as it were from Ireland. His name was Victoricus, and he carried many letters, and he gave me one of them. I read the heading: "The Voice of the Irish". As I began the letter, I imagined in that moment that I heard the voice of those very people who were near the wood of Foclut, which is beside the western sea—and they cried out, as with one voice: "We appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us."

Strict according to etiquette: First St. Patrick, followed by the carriage of the Irish Consul to Munich and the Mayor of Munich ;-))

I loved this dog. What do you think?

Happy for all of the particpants that the snow
stopped and the instruments and dances didnt
get disturbed. The cold however was bone creeping.

Irish Celts, the descendants of my ancestors:
The Celts of central "Europe."

The kids of the Irish School in Munich had FUN!

Green whereever you look!
Today it isnt meant environmentally!

Medley of moments!
Look at the shoes / middle top pic!

;-)))

Paula - Munich/Germany, 1:15 - 2:30pm

2010-03-13T06:09:00.000-08:00

Arrived safely by -10Celsius / 14Fahrenheit and heavy snowfall. Hibernated the next 6 days under the cover with a constant supply of hot tea.
However today a pale sun appeared and I needed to be out and about. Wanting to go to the art & music center in town to get the event calender.

The center is named after Celibidache
one of my fav conductors.
Background:
Art deco tower of public pool

Love this sculpture. Its like turning any
condition into magic motion music

The sky in Geometry

Colorful way of hiding
ongoing contruction work

Wanna join me there?

Wish all of you a fab weekend and hope to meet you on the global walk ways.

Sara - California Tuesday 10:30-12:00

2010-03-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

Today, this ninth day of March, is crisp, clear, cold and windy! I went up on Signal Hill, on my way to the beach for a walk, to see what I could see. Here is downtown Los Angeles, 25 or so miles away. It is so clear today you can see the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory...two white specks in the hills to the left of downtown.

There is still some snow on the San Bernardino Mountains. But now it's time to get in the car and drive down to the beach...

...where the wind is whipping and oh so cold up on the bluff above the sea...

And you can see, down here at the water, as close to the ground as this bird stands, even he is being buffeted by the wind, his feathers all askew!

Back up top again, here is a view of (right to left) downtown Long Beach, the Palos Verdes peninsula, and the Queen Mary, with the port behind.

So....three miles walked today, up and down slopes and stairs and along nice, flat beach... Time to drive home and eat lunch.

By the water (2 pm)

2010-03-03T22:38:00.001-08:00

2 seagulls sharing a pole – not a common sight

Jelly fish

Starfish

It’s a cruise ship day…

Paula, currently Florida, 11:00am - 4:15pm

2010-03-03T11:51:00.001-08:00

Another day in St. Pete. more a day out between a brisk walk in downtown and a leisurely walk throught he museum to see Botero, and finally ending in a bit weird fun place to eat once again SHRIMPS. SHRIMPS & SHRIMPS AGAIN.

I feel in love with this sculpture
of a wave.

Tried to get it from various angles

This however is my fav

Found this tree quite intriguing

Here we go - Botero

His over sized figures are fascinating
sometimes I am not sure because I find them ugly or
there is something in them I cant grasp

Like the hand anyway

Did I mentioned I love shrimps ;-)))

However the foot was great and no one was peeling
shrimps while we were there :-)))

No comment on this one.

I will be on my way to Germany tomorrow. I very much enjoyed my time here and surely will be back. It was nice to be somehow a bit closer to you, Cindy and you, Hayley.

Cindy Florida Monday 9:15-10:15 AM

2010-03-01T21:27:00.000-08:00

Been walking but mostly in the gym. As the weather gets warmer I'll venture out more. Trying to walk M-F on the treadmill burning at least 200 calories. Better than nothing, right? Also, always do sit ups and today added some arm exercises. I don't usually have my phone with me in the gym. Thought I'd experiment with some quick snaps. Don't want to make people uncomfortable. I was very discreet but don't think I'll attempt it again.:)

Happy Walking!

Paula, currently Florida, Monday, 1:00pm - 1:45pm

2010-03-01T16:35:00.000-08:00

A rather short and very brisk walk along

grateful not having to walk too much
on pavement but grass

Love this drawbridge even more so with the
H.P. Plant Museum in the background.
All travel guides describe it as a Moorish building
a copy of the Alhambra / Granada.

It rather looks Russian and has nothing in common
with the Alhambra, lived for years more or less
outside its doors...

Passed the Center of Performing Art
GOSH, I so much loved the sunshine streaming
through the glass roof.
Geometry of light

Palms complimenting the accuracy
of the ornaments

Left over of a dead palm tree,
witness of the eternal circle of life

I loved this underpass construction
Geometry for safety

Paula, currently Florida, 12:30 - 3:15pm

2010-02-26T07:15:00.000-08:00

Actually we went to the Museum in St. Petersburg to see the Botero exhibition however the weather cleared and there was no way one would get me inside.
So we went for a drink on the waterfront, walked along the Pier and finally made it to the Pass-a-Grille beach.

Long walk again however leisurely...

There are moments where even
I dont believe I am 50plus :-))))

Like any Star, its all about posing...

Detail at the pier frame

Pier in St. Pete

Another HUGE tree on the way to the beach

Never have seen seagulls with a crest!!!
And never experienced this weather phenomena
when cold air from the ocean meets warm air at the shore:

rather cold mist... and no view

Loved this bench!
It took S. quite some time to explain what these
signs: "Adopt a highway" or like here "Adopt a beach"
mean...

Have a great weekend everyone!

Paula, currently Florida, 1:45 -4:00pm

2010-02-24T07:15:00.000-08:00

Another day in paradise...

One the way back to Tampa we stopped at the DeSoto Memorial.
Having lived in Spain for such a long time (haha, being more Spanish than German), knowing the Spanish history inside out I obviously wanted to see the region where DeSoto landed in 1539.

On the end I was so taken by the natural beauty and loving trees so much, we went onto the nature trail for more then 2h, however it turned in rather a leisurely walk. Some pictures out of the woods:

ok, rather the roots

S. called it a love tree,
being so intertwined and hugging

my first Gumbo tree, all amazing!
Learned they are called tourist trees too
stand in the sun, turn red and peel...

Love the trees with Spanish moss,
look like out of a wonderworld
or witnesses of a time gone by

driftwood makes me dream of
lands not seen

Did I mention I love palm trunks?

Have a great day around the world

Paula, currently Florida, 11:00pm - 1:15pm

2010-02-21T08:52:00.000-08:00

More from our trip; 2. day

Ark of Mangroves leads to the boat
mooring place @the family house

Love this copper colored filigree grass

A sundial with a sense of romance

Touristwatching@Don Pedro State Park

More treasures collected during beach walk

My fav orange cream collection

Love this pic - my teller of tales

And after my walk I indulged myself in colors - it seems I favor Gold

Collected broken shells too and tried to paint them. How difficult. Bend, broken, shiny, rough - all sorts of surfaces. A Non- artist gets hooked ;-))
They are the witnesses of my joy and happiness during these days at the beach house.

Paula, currently Florida, 1:00pm - 3:45pm

2010-02-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

After 6 weeks of hibernating during Bavarian snowy Winter, just snuggling up on my sofa with steaming hot tea and books and NO exercises at all; I am glad being now back on track and currently in Florida.

My first few days in Tampa where quite cold and my new fancy bathing suit came without fur...
Really I didnt have that many warm clothes with me and not being fond of heating the rooms via air condition; I got all excited when S. suggested 4 days @the family beach house on Don Pedro Island, South of Sarasota (70 miles). Particularly as the forecast promised some improvement in temperature.

I couldnt get fast enough to the beach! Lost myself in all these impressions of white powdery sand, the screeches of seagulls, mill of shells and the scent of the ocean. I watched the waves coming in, breaking, leaving the foam behind as sign of their existence. Foam - to be blown away in the wind and becoming part of the eternal circle of life again.

My senses were quite overwhelmed. I offered my face to the wind and pale sun.
I walked along the seashore so full of joy and gratitude. So many treasures, so many stories in each and every shell. Corals, sponges, little crabs.

My first living shell EVER. In the first moment I wanted to throw it back into the water. However that would have been interfering with the circle of nature.

I loved watching the willet's on the beach. The way they run towards the incoming waves to find food and never leaving the waves out of sight to quickly move back to the beach when necessary.
I simply couldnt stop watching and walking.
Squeezing my butt muscles and walking very consciously slow and rolling my feet as it is supposed to be done. Returned to the house after 2.45h walk to find S. has prepared our Valentine' s day dinner, just lovely done and I got all pampered and spoiled with gifts.

Next morning I woke to the sunrise streaming in through the blinds.
Each and every moment meant spiritual reconnecting with nature. Each and every moment meant magic in MY life.

Ladies, over the next few weeks you will experience Florida through the eyes of a tourist ;-)))))

Sara - California Wednesday 10:00AM-1:00PM

2010-02-10T18:02:00.000-08:00

After yesterday's rain, today dawned clear and bright...so here is some California sunshine for you. Come along with me to a great place to walk on a day like this!

Don't forget your sun hat, and your walking shoes....

You might need a life vest if you are planning to go out rafting....I'll wait for you on shore.

There are plenty of ways to entertain yourself...or scare yourself silly...you go right ahead, but I'll wait for you down here on solid ground!

When we tire of walking, let's hop on the train around the park and scout out the prettiest places to photograph flowers.

Because they are simply gorgeous today, glowing in this beautiful sunshine.

See, didn't I tell you it's a great place to walk. And we did four miles in three hours...I guess we were walking kinda slow! But it sure was fun.

Sara - California Tuesday 9:30-11:00 AM

2010-02-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

Five miles were walked today, at the mall. Five times around, inside. Toward the end I was slowing down and decided to mosey about inside M*acy's for a bit. Sometimes I visit the china section and look at patterns...deciding which one I like the best. Today I found two: India (the yellow bordered setting here) and Oberon (the delicate floral), both by Wedgewood. It's fun to dream...but I'll never buy anything that expensive; I could, but it seems so awfully extravagant to me.

I would have liked to walk outside, but a rainstorm is threatening...due to arrive in earnest this afternoon.

Cindy Florida Monday 9:00-10:00AM

2010-02-08T07:47:00.000-08:00

Today I combined the Gym with a short Creatively Fit walk. I walked for 32 minutes on the treadmill, burned 238 calories, distance 2.27 miles. I watched Rachel Ray instead of Regis and Kelly. I discovered that RR has less commercials that R&K. This made the time go much quicker and I like RR better than K. Her show today was all about tips!!

After the mill I did my usual sit-up routine consisting of 100 crunches 50 straight up and 25 right and left.

From the gym I went over to City Hall, which is right up the road. I walked once around the park and snapped some pictures!

On October 21 I walked from the gym to City Hall. You can see the pictures from that walk HERE. Sometimes it's interesting to compare the change in seasons and how the light changes, especially in Florida, where the differences can be subtle.

I hope you're having a creatively fit day! Sometimes the creativity comes in figuring out how to fit a fitness routine into your day!:)

Port Melbourne Beach Walk (9 am)

2010-02-05T22:35:00.001-08:00

I thought I’d have a bit of fun, so I have included an illustration. It is my interpretation, is not according to scale and blah blah blah as per usual disclaimers… Let me know if the illustration helps…

Please click on the illustration and images to enlarge.

The order of the images is according to when I photograph them, starting from the bottom left.

Boats at Station Pier. On the left is the Spirit of Tasmania (a ferry that sails to and fro Port Melbourne and Tasmania), and on the right is The World (a cruise ship)

Ramp for cars going onto the Spirit of Tasmania

Port Melbourne Yacht Club

Another pier further along the beach, which is popular with anglers

The pier again. The Spirit of Tasmania started to move, and got into my picture

Shades of a playground along the beach

Beach volleyball courts were not used, as it was still early. I suspect this section of the beach was being cleaned, judging by the sand…

A memorial along the beach. A close-up of the plaque is shown on the right

Walking is hard work, so a trip to the local cafe is well-deserved

Back to where I started. The sculpture titled “Destination” celebrates the history of Station Pier and the development of Beacon Cove (the development along the waterfront)

Forest Walk 7:00-7:50am, 3km.

2010-02-04T21:33:00.000-08:00

When we go for our morning walk through the forest, I always marvel at the variety of colours and patterns in the bark of the trees.

From a distance they just look like ordinary gum trees (eucalyptus)

A little closer you can see green ones and........

....white ones and......

....black ones and.....

...orange ones and.....

....pink ones and....

....brown and green ones and.....

....cream ones.... (melaleuca paper bark)

....brown and white ones and...

...blood stained ones ....

...and freckled ones and....

...dimpled ones and....

...spotted ones and...

...... brown and orange flakey ones and....

..more and more and.....

...more different kinds of bark art.

Sara - California Wednesday 9:30-11:00 AM

2010-02-04T14:51:00.000-08:00

Today's walk was at the beach, where I saw:
...ivy-clad palm trees
...grand houses right on the sand
...the Pacific Ocean
...the Seal Beach pier
...interesting brick windows
...snow drops!

Five miles walked today - hooray!
If anyone wants to see more of this walk, you are welcome to visit me over at Much Ado About Something, where I posted a lot more photos.

Evelyn, Australia - Melbourne in texture (3.00 to 3.15 yesterday and 9.00 to 9.15 today)

2010-02-02T22:13:00.001-08:00

I took some photos yesterday afternoon and this morning. I have combined them into the above digital collage , which I hope is more interesting than the photos themselves (I hope this is allowed on Creatively Fit…).

I have included the photos below, so keep scrolling down…

Hope you enjoyed my collage and textures…

Looking at the Trees 7:30-8:15 am

2010-02-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

We walked in the forest today and I love looking at the trees.

Eucalyptus trees

Then I left the forest and walked along the street and saw these trees.

I can't remember the name of this one but I call it the sausage tree as the bottle brush flowers look like white sausages.( I have since seen this tree on Titania's blog and she says it is a Buckinghamia celsissima )

Mango tree

Lillipilli Tree

Sara - California Monday 10:00-11:15 AM

2010-02-01T20:18:00.000-08:00

Today's walk was at the indoor mall.

I did a bit of experimenting with self-portraiture, just to see what would happen.

When I got tired of photographing my own reflection (which didn't take long!) I decided that this reflection was much more interesting.

And, after a brisk walk four times around the mall (about four miles) it was time to slow down so I visited the One Dollar Bookstore and perused the shelves for quite a while, coming away with three books. The first one is a travel narrative about Greece, circa 1964, with charming drawings throughout; the second is a novel about Jerusalem. I started it this afternoon and am very pleased with my selection. And finally, a collection of Colette's stories. Colette was an interesting woman with quite a varied life whose writing has always intrigued me, although I have to admit I've only read her autobiographical pieces. It is the beauty of surroundings, the scents of flowers, the sweetness of fruit, the softness of a cat's fur, the glow of lamp light...she evokes pictures in my mind whenever I read her.

So, the rains are coming again to Southern California, but I've got plenty to read!

Cindy Florida Sunday 12:45-2:00 AM

2010-01-31T16:55:00.000-08:00

It was a chill day in Florida today. No bright Florida sun. It was the perfect day to walk around Blue Springs.
This is real Florida beauty! The Springs!

We took Lucy with us! It was fun, except for her throwing up in the car to and from:( This made my little one sick, so he threw up too! Good times! Lucy made some new friends but nothing beats a man and his dog.:)

As usual, Lucy wanted to play with the squirrels. But the squirrels weren't buying it.

The kids found this great hollowed out tree to climb on. Lucy even got into the act! I couldn't resist taking a few pictures. Hayley, you would have had a ball with this one!

But I must admit, the real reason we decided to walk at Blue Springs today was for these lovely creatures! They come into the spring this time of year because the water in the river is too cold. The Springs are 72 degrees year round. Today the park rangers counted 88 manatees (sometimes referred to as sea cows)

I hope you enjoyed my Creatively fit walk today. It was not a strenuous workout, more creative than fit. However, I believe any walking is better than no walking. Tomorrow, if I'm not subbing, it's back to the treadmill.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

I'm linking this post to Mosaic Monday over at Little Red House. You can find many more mosaics over there and if you browse around Creatively Fit you will find many mosaics from our teammate. If you'd like to join Creatively Fit just email me or Hayley and we'll set you up! You can also leave a comment here.

Evelyn, Australia – around a factory (3-4 pm)

2010-01-31T14:30:00.001-08:00

A pair of gloves next to a factory (see below)

I do apologize that I can’t remember what factory it is...

Sara - California Saturday 1:00-2:00 PM

2010-01-30T15:51:00.001-08:00

After lunch today what I really wanted to do was take a nap...but I made myself go for a walk. Sometimes you have to put the old body in gear and ignore its complaints (and my body is certainly no spring chicken, as they say!) Being a morning person, my energy level is highest before noon but today it was not possible to go walking until 1:00.

I know just the place for a lazy afternoon walk, a lovely neighborhood in my city several miles away from my home. As you can see in the collage above, it is quite grand and gracious. The streets are lined with very old trees towering above and providing lovely shade. I strolled for an hour up and down the wide avenues. The only people I saw were a few hired gardeners busy maintaining the gorgeous landscaping here and there; now and then a luxury model car would pass by on the street...but other than that it was very quiet. I could hear the birds singing and the wind rustling the leaves.

This remarkable child's swing caught my eye (click to enlarge). Well, what caught my eye first were the red Christmas globes glinting in the afternoon sunlight (most people have taken down their decorations by now), but soon I noticed that clever hobby horse swing. Don't you love it? If you were five or six, wouldn't you have the greatest time galloping over fields and streams on this valiant steed? I wonder if he has a name.

But the very best things I saw were the flowers....

Just look at these! Isn't God wonderful? I never stop being amazed and delighted with the gorgeous and whimsical living things He has designed...and I love the fact that, even though I've been on this earth for nearly six decades, there is always something new to discover and rejoice in.

So, today's walk, while leisurely, was just over three miles in one hour! And it was a well-spent hour indeed.

Morning Walk 7:00-7:45 am.

2010-01-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

On my way to the shop to buy the paper, I realized that I pass many varied letter boxes. I didn't have my camera but always have my phone. So I took these with my phone and although poor quality they have a bit of serendipity,creativity about them.

The bright morning sun shining on this white letterbox makes it look like an Avatar letterbox.

We often have water restrictions and these signs mean they are using a rainwater tank to water the garden otherwise you can get fined.

A newly constructed garden with the Bali influence. (I wonder what people thought when they spied me photographing letterboxes.

Sara - California Thursday 9:45 - 11:15 AM

2010-01-28T14:16:00.000-08:00

Such a glorious morning!

The perfect day for a walk around Naples....

....Naples, the Long Beach neighborhood, that is.
It's been quite a while since I've gone for a walk here. Anyone interested in seeing more of Naples can click HERE and HERE to go to my two 2008 posts.

To get to Naples, go to Second Street and turn right at Ravenna. Very soon you will be in an enchanted neighborhood!

A neighborhood where brilliant scarlet poinsettia on 12-foot stalks glow like rubies against the stunningly blue winter sky...

...and mermaids and dolphins greet you above turquoise waters...

Where the vast mirrored stretch of water is joined to the crystal dome of the sky by a delicate filagree of land.
Do you see the rowers?
(All these photos are clickable for better viewing.)

And stately pelicans keep watch atop the tallest lamp posts.

In this place of meandering channels and a circular canal you can walk and walk and never lose sight of beauty. If you walk in a certain direction, you will come to this...visions of snow-capped mountains hiding behind the palm trees while pleasure boats gaily await their time to unfurl the sails and head out to sea.

If you are especially observant while you walk you will be treated to little treasures...diamond dewdrops, for instance, hugging the edge of a softly furred and gorgeously green leaf.

You might find the crisp, lacy white ruffles of an ornamental cabbage flecked with green...

...or Mr. Toad, cycling and cycling on his rainbow-colored bike but going absolutely nowhere!

You may also find that you can magically look in two directions at once....behind you to where the channel sweeps out to the sea, and in front of you as well...do you see me lurking there behind the roses?

There is visual poetry to be discovered too...like this paean to circles....flowers with concentric circles of pink and white petals, the circular bronze top of a lantern, a water-filled circular basin cradling a collection of beautiful glass disks, a small bronze globe....

So....while observing all this roundness and walking around the circular canal this morning I stepped right along, one foot after the other, for four and one-fourth miles. And in the process I hope to have lost a tiny bit of the excessive roundness of my own person...that's the goal. That and a healthier heart and lowered blood pressure.

So...thank you for coming along with me!

Sara - California Wednesday 10:00-11:30 AM

2010-01-27T21:53:00.000-08:00

This is my first post here at Creatively Fit. Thank you, Diane in Australia for telling me about this. I am excited about joining you all in the days ahead, walking and being creative at the same time. What a great combination!

It's a bit warmer today here in Southern California, and there is sunshine after our unusually rainy week last week! So this morning about 10:00 I drove up to Signal Hill for a gallivant and to see what I could see.

During my 3-mile walk around (and around, and around again!) the hill, camera in hand and big floppy sunhat on my head, I saw some lovely cheerful sights. This little flower was out of reach over my head so I simply pointed the camera up, zoomed in a bit, and viola!

A mere two inches across, dozens of these pretty pale mauve faces adorn a large, loosely flowing bush.

Where the road ends, and the downhill slope begins...

...I saw winter-bare trees creating dramatic shadows around a gentle, green-velvet lined curve...

At the top of the hill, fruit-laden palm trees bask the sun.

Elsewhere I came across this strange plant life that looks like it should be under the sea....

...and distant views, somewhat hazy, of the snow-topped San Bernardino Mountains half-hidden by clouds and beautifully framed by this wonderfully betasseled and beaded tree.

It is good to be outside and commune with beauty like this.

Cindy Florida Tuesday 9:15-10:00 AM

2010-01-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

Poinciana Trees 7:00-7:40 am

2010-01-25T21:08:00.001-08:00

On the way home from buying the paper I pass these flowering Poinciana Trees. They are a big tree with an overhanging shape and make the streets look very colourful at this time of the year.

It is very hot walking even in the early morning.

Cindy Florida Monday 9:15-9:45AM

2010-01-25T07:34:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm trying to get fit again. I headed to the gym today, after dropping my son off at school.

How to be creatively fit at the gym? Well, today I started by going on the treadmill. 30 minutes, 2 miles, 200 calories burned. It's a start. Tomorrow I hope to do the treadmill again and add a few free weight exercises. That's the fit part. What to do about the creative part? I'm having camera issues so no pictures. And I think people might be a bit uncomfortable with me snapping pictures at the gym.

So.... here is a picture that I took of the outside of my gym during another Creatively fit walk. And here is my attempt at being creative with it.

I did the collage in Picasa and added the animated sticker, and rotated the colors in photobucket.

Here is another very creative use of treadmills. I wanted to embed it but it was disabled:(

Were you Fit today? Tell use about it Creatively!!:)

Forest Leaves Sunday 7;00-7:55am

2010-01-17T01:25:00.000-08:00

I love the way the morning sun lights up the leaves and seed pods as I walk through the forest.

Flowering Trees. Everyday this week 6;30-7;45

2010-01-15T04:04:00.001-08:00

I have walked to buy the paper every day. Sometimes I go the shortest route. sometimes through the parks and sometimes the long way round. The time only varies by about ten minutes. As I see the same stuff each day it is difficult to post each day. However, I must try to be creative. So I will show you some flowering trees that I pass on the way.

Jacque - Pueblo, CO - 3-4pm

2010-01-11T20:38:00.000-08:00

I have taken a LONG break from all things computer related really. So I'm finally back in the mode!

Today I took advantage of our 50 degree weather and went for a walk at "Mineral Palace Park" here in town. (It's a really cute little park, near downtown.) Unfortunately, (or fortunately) 1/2 the photos that turned out were of my little girl!

But it felt so great to get out for a walk again!

(click the image for full size)

A Different Route-Thursday-7:00-7:40am

2010-01-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday I took a different route to the paper shop. I went through the back streets past many colourful trees and I cut through the community parks on the way.

Through a park.

Between houses with Alamanda and Hibiscus hanging over the fence.

Past pretty Franjipani trees.

Through another park then back out onto the street to the shop and home again via the main road .

Paula; Munich, Saturday; 10:45 - 11:30am

2010-01-09T05:07:00.000-08:00

Snowy trip through town

quite cute ;-)

City Park today

City Park, view to the church

Dynamic and energetic

At the former kings courtyard

Castle Nymphenburg, ready for fun

Wish all of you a wonderful weekend.
I am ready to snuggle up with bed & book.

The Shortest Route-Wednesday 7:00-7:35am

2010-01-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday I took the shortest way to the shop to buy the paper.

Through the little forest, shady and cool.

Past a fence where an orange and pink Bougainvillea was hanging to greet me.

Then out on the street to continue the down hill run to the shop.

Then a long stretch up Chatswood Rd, around the colourful trunks to the uphill drag home (behind me).

Cindy Florida Friday 8:05-8:30 AM

2010-01-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

We finally got to walk this morning! It was cold for Florida! We walked briskly and I snapped a few pictures. The strange looking thing all wrapped up is a palm tree. This is winter in Florida. They are forecasting snow tomorrow!! Crazy!

Here are a couple of details that grabbed my attention. I love the natural colors of the patina in the heart wind chime and the bright playful colors of the painted birdhouse. So different yet that seem to go well together:)

It feels good to get out in the fresh air! I'm so glad we walked today!

Paula; Munich - 12:30 - 1:00pm

2010-01-08T05:42:00.000-08:00

Waiting for more. Waiting for the blizzard.

Sorry no more pic's from today.
Not only my hands were shivering but
my battery wasnt charged either.
Besides I was afraid to freeze on the spot!

Hope all of you have a brilliant day.

Paula, Munich; 11am - 2pm

2010-01-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

Through the centuries

One of the things I love about Munich is that everything you want is just at your fingertips. Today not feeling too too well I decided to visit a Museum.
Actually it is a very beautiful and interesting museums building however to grey to take more pictures from the outside.

I am still very fond of wrought iron...

Ornaments made of pebbles but by -10 Celsius/14 Fahrenheit I was frozen to the bone when I reached the Bav. National Museum. 120000 years of settlement history in Bavaria. There was no way that I would take a long walk outside today. I needed to be warm and cosy.

Love the entrance gate - lion is once again reminding of who gave the city its rights - Henry the lion!
Well, the museum is so very huge that I didnt manage all in one day. Particularly after 3h traveling through the centuries all started to look pretty much similar.

I marveled at the Celtic mint and coins (WOW, even then fake coins where common!), the handmade tapesteries, the first scissors, needles or bone jewelry. Often photography was forbidden as to not damage the exhibits.

Anyway after 7 years of absence it is my first winter in Germany and after a few weeks of it, I am having enough. Brrr. Very much looking forward to my trip to Florida starting February 5.

The Forest. Wednesday 7:00-7:40 am.

2010-01-05T23:09:00.000-08:00

Some mornings we drive to the Daisy Hill Forest for a walk. Recently the name was changed but we still call it the forest.

We walk around the ring road.

There are many walking tracks to take but that is a bit adventurous for BB.

Sometimes we bump into the wildlife. A wallaby and joey.

Then BB drives to the shop to buy the paper, while I walk home.

This is a mural on a fence at the entrance to the forest.

The electricity poles along the street have murals too. I think it is to stop graffiti .

Cockatoo

Ring Tailed Possum

Brush Tailed Possum

The road plummets down the hill but I turn right here looking forward to breakfast and the crossword out of the paper..

Cindy Florida Monday 12:50-1:15 PM

2010-01-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

Today I found a way to creatively sneak a walk into my day. Between shopping, cleaning, bill paying, appt setting etc... I decided to take a breather and find a place to walk, if only for a few minutes. On my way to food shopping, I stopped in a nearby strip mall and walked quickly from one end to the other and back again.

I tried out my panoramic setting on my new camera ( I still have some work to do in figuring out how to get the most from this camera).

I "speed" window shopped along the way.

I walked to the far end of the strip mall, Super Target. It was a little bit chilly, so I went into Target and walked quickly around the entire perimeter of the store and exited at the other end in the gardening dept.

I walked back to the other end of the shopping center and went in World Market for a lap around the store. I bought a heart shaped pancake maker for $2.99 and left!

Total walk time was about 25 minutes!

Did you walk today?!
I'd love to hear about it:)

Diane- Australia: When it is Raining, Hit the Mall-- Monday 8:15-9:15 am

2010-01-04T04:01:00.000-08:00

When the tropical rain is pouring down we head for the Loganholme Hyperdome for an early morning walk. The shops are just starting to open and not many people about so you can hike along without bumping into people,as you can see BB striding out in front.

A floor tile.
Kids playground. These two had it all to themselves.
Christmas decorations still hanging around.
Aldi Supermarket (for cheap goods)

Cindy-Florida :A New Years Resolution!

2010-01-03T09:32:00.001-08:00

Recruiting!!
Calling all walkers/photographers!

We want you...to be part of our team!

Join us in getting Creatively Fit in 2010! It's fun, easy and creative! Read all about it, above!

WALK- CLICK-CONNECT!

I'm joining Mosaic Monday over at Little Red house, for this post, because we do a lot of mosaics here at Creatively Fit!

This Mosaic includes pictures of the many paths that I have walked, in 2009!

Your posts can be as simple or elaborate as you like. One picture, two or collages! Poems, paintings, short stories! It's all about getting away from the computer, getting some exercise and reporting back, creatively!

We will support you with comments and cheers!

Come join the fun!! We're waiting for you...

In the meantime, have a look around and see what others have posted in 2009!

Happy Walking 2010!!

Outdoor walking may be a little hard for those of you experiencing a harsh winter but there are also great indoor places to walk and click i.e. Malls, Museums, Super Stores...:)!

Spread the word!!

Diane-Australia, Saturday, 7:15am -8:05am

2010-01-01T15:55:00.000-08:00

This morning I walked to the shop to buy the newspaper.

Down the hill through the park.

Up a hill past a bench.

Past some houses and a funny flag. Then down hill all the way to the shop. Along the road for a while and ......

Turn uphill through the park and home. It is very hot and humid. Looking forward to a cold shower.

Cindy Florida Thursday 8:10-8:45am

2009-12-31T10:35:00.000-08:00

As we close out the year, I reflect on my Creatively Fit walks and pictures. Although, Creatively Fit has been inactive for a while that doesn't mean that it has to end. Sometimes there may be a break in the routine, it doesn't have to mean we give up. :)
My son, Matthew, and I took our last Creatively Fit walk, for 2009, this morning.

As we ring in the new year, we(Matt and I) have resolved to revive our Creatively Fit walks. Matthew will be joining me! I bought him these new funky sneakers last night and we were raring to go this morning. We will try to walk every weekday morning before he goes to school, for a half hour. Today we added a little running or sprinting or jogging(well something that was briefly faster than a walk:). I probably won't be taking as many pictures. I'd like to focus more on the fit part. But I will use Creatively Fit as a way of documenting my walks and keeping accountable and motivated. I will also try to go to the gym after Matthew goes off to school. This is the year that I kick my butt into shape.

My vision for Creatively Fit, for 2010, is to be a supportive blog, for people to use, as a way of staying motivation, through encouragement, sharing, and creativity. I encourage all of our teammates to give it another try. We all have different styles of posting. Please feel free to show us your style. Whether it be with collages, slide shows, dialogue, single pictures or something completely new. Let's get Creative and Fit again. Let's encourage each other and learn from each other!

I look forward to getting Creatively Fit with you all in 2010!

Have a wonderful, Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year!

Now Let's see those creative posts!

Paula - Munich, Saturday, 11 - 12:30pm

2009-12-05T09:39:00.001-08:00

By now I can walk brisk and fast again. And quite long. The snail times are over. So I decided to walk into town today.

I love taking pics through a window. The effects are often so surprising and fascinating. What do you think?

The medivial moorish dancer. His kind used to entertain the king.
Good that this times are over.

Detail entrance gate, City Hall. I simply love it.

Through the gate.

My today's absolute fav of pics taken through window.

On the end I got stuck at X-mas market again.
I am in love with these stars:

Some more impressions from the market.
Did I get you into the mood?

Have a fab weekend. Love from Munich

Paula - Munich, Thursday; 4:15 - 4:50pm

2009-12-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

Today I finally managed to be out of the day center early and decided to have a stroll at X-mas market. No brisk walk, just a stroll. But then wants to briskly pass this market?

Sorry to be not around more often currently however this treatment is taken its toll and generally I am in bed early.

But now, Florida Ladies, come along to snowy Munich:

All what your heart desires and more :-) From gingerbread house to a special stamp for your cards to be send - right from the market.

Looks like the cathedral is protecting the market.

X-mas doesnt hold any religious meaning for me, however I do understand the tradition or custom celebrated in many families. I particularly love the decoration "all natural" plus bee wax candles on the tree. I dont care for electric lights on my tree. But I do remember a X-mas shop in St. Pete - all artificial trees - my eyes were big like diner plates!!

Spice red wine, hunters tea and grog are warming - if one cares for such "delights"

The X-mas market doesnt only offers candles to buy you may make your own, learn how to make glas decoration and sing christmas carols every afternoon. For children there is a X-mas village inside the cityhall and you may leave your little one's in the care of trained staff to get your shopping done.

A "living crip and moving figures" are mostly exciting to the tourists as there is a the Crip scene as live play every day too.

Hope you like our stroll. How do you celebrate X-mas?

Well, it will be my first Winter and X-mas time in Germany since 2002. Still a rather foreign feeling, missing the warmth and X-mas at the beach.

Cindy - Florida Sunday 1:00-3:00 PM

2009-12-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

I walked, on Sunday, at the Auto Show Extravaganza, at the Orange County Convention center. Although walking once a week is not going to do much for fitness, it is still better than nothing, right? Even if you are only able to post once a week or just once in a while, we welcome your contribution.:) Feel free to post whenever you can.

The Orange county convention Center is a massive place and we did do quite a bit of walking!

Christmas is coming!
I hope Santa brings me a new camera and a hip bag!:)

Cindy - Florida Sunday 8:10-9:00 AM

2009-11-22T07:55:00.000-08:00

Walked this morning! I don't think I can walk everyday. My goal will be a few times a week.(I hope) The sun was shining and the air was comfortably cool.

Creatively Fit seems to have fallen between the cracks. Here's a sidewalk crack collage:) Cracks can be beautiful too!:)

I walked 4.32 miles this morning; 1.66 miles to the middle school, 1 mile around the middle school track, and 1 mile back home.

Hope everyone is having a beautiful Sunday!
I hope you find some time to walk! I'll be here to cheer you on!:)

Cynthia - California 4:30-6:00 p.m.

2009-11-13T14:01:00.000-08:00

Spending the weekend with my friends Susan and Tricia. We took a long walk in Palo Alto. Such a beautiful neighborhood with the most gorgeous houses.

Loved these chairs. It's like these chairs were left right where 3 people sat over from summer and not brought in yet for autumn and winter.
Walked to The Elizabeth Gamble gardens...not many flowers, but a scarecrow watched over new planting.
I liked all the vertical lines on this greenhouse.
We then stopped downtown at a small shop with these cute little felt kids shoes and then to Starbucks for coffee. Nice walking with friends.

Cynthia - California 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

2009-11-11T16:19:00.000-08:00

I have been so bad about walking lately. Decided to walk to the little neighborhood market this morning to pick up a few groceries.

There are still a few flowers blooming...but not many.
Walked by the neighborhood bulletin board. It's always fun to see what's going on.
Someone forgot to take in their slippers.
The little market does such a lovely job displaying their produce. This basket had a knitted lining. So very cool...and they have local produce which I always am happy about.
Such lush reds. How can one resist!

Paula - Munich/Germany, 11:00am - 12:55pm

2009-11-08T03:39:00.000-08:00

We were looking
forward
to a calm
walk along the river

sun
clouds
sun
clouds
no sun
rain
cats & dogs ;-))

The nearest accessible
public building invited
us to an unusual walk.

So we went

"Around the world in 80min"

Museum of Mankind / Munich

I am so much in love with all the wood work. The often filigrane work are just such treasures.

I had to walk plenty of steps and I managed upright, not very slow, hardly noticeable limp only. You can see how relieved I am to finally improving. Haha, the stairs helped my butt exercise too.

Hope your day is filled with trinkets and treasures of the world around you.
Have a splendid warm and sunny day.
Hugs from Germany

Cindy - Florida Friday 8:45-9:25 PM

2009-11-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

Hayley and I were walking together sort of, on the phone, spinning, running, jumping walking! We had a few scary moments but all in all it was a fun walk! I'll be looking for Hayley's pictures!

Take your camera for a night walk and dance with your camera! But watch where you're going!:)

Paula - Munich/Germany, Friday 1:00 - 1:20pm

2009-11-06T06:19:00.001-08:00

First time in nearly two weeks - not only because the weather permitted! Still a bit slow but not a snail anymore :-)) A brisk walk was possible for 20 min only. Yeah!

I am undergoing treatment and I ventured into the park close by. I guess over the next few weeks we will get to know this area very well. LOL

Love him. Thought I would try to get him from various ankles next time. The Lion King in a bourgeoise German front porch. Giggle

Once again I was lucky and it cleared up a bit. The colors are incredible and by now I can push through the carpet of leaves like a child and really enjoy it. Dont you just love it - being child?

When I was young I wanted to have hair color like Indian Summer - this Golden brown with touch of red. Sensual and warm.

Bit of a short walk but it is good to be back. Have found plenty of themes and topic in this posh neighborhood.

Have a great weekend. Hugs from Germany.

Cindy - Florida Tuesday 11:25-12:25 PM

2009-11-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the last time I walked was on Friday or was it Thursday?! I did walk on Saturday, if you count trick or treating. But no pictures.
Anyway, walked today. Went back to Historic Sanford. As you can see, they haven't switched the Halloween decorations to Christmas decorations. But I'm sure that's coming soon.

I passed by a gallery that I love. This gallery consists of artist studios. You can walk around, peek in the studios and watch the artists work. I noticed a sign in the window that said, "Artist studio space available" I had to go inside and inquire. I spoke to the gallery owner. She said the artist will be accepted by a jury. Although there is rent to pay(that's the scary part). I took an application...How I would love to do this. I think I would do paintings from my CF photos.

After I left the gallery, I had so much to sort through in my head, that I walked over to Lake Monroe to continue my walk. The weather was beautiful. The air was cool and the sky was gray. The water was choppy, much different from the last time I walked here.

After that, I walked back to the town. As I approached the intersection, I came upon a very large witch (also left over from Halloween). It was a great subject for some pictures, so I started clicking away. A man from across the street was yelling something to me. I crossed the street to talk to him. He asked if I would take his picture. I did. He wanted me to bring him a copy of it. It was a very strange encounter.

It was a good walk today.

I'm a little sad that we seem to have lost our team.:(

Hayley and I have been talking about changing the format of the site. We will write a post together soon, to let you know what we have come up with.

I hope everyone is doing well. We miss seeing your pictures.

Have a great night!

Cindy - Florida Thursday 9:20-10:10 AM

2009-10-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

More walking than clicking today:)

Just enjoyed the sunshine and view!

Walking is a good time to appreciate the simple things in life...

Still searching for signs of Fall.

Be vewwy vewwy quiet (oh wait, that's Elmer Fud)

I've been walking with Lucy. She keeps me moving...unless she sees a squirrel!

Hope everyone's having a great week!

Cindy - Florida Wednesday 9:30-10:30 AM

2009-10-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

Walk

Click

Connect!

Simple!!

Your turn :)

Cindy - Florida Tuesday 2:50-3:30 PM

2009-10-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

A simple walk around the neighborhood today. Nothing fancy. Took the dog along with me.

More signs of a Florida Autumn. Citrus are usually fully ripe by Christmas.

Lucy was so scared of this house that I had to pull her past it.

How was your walk today?
Hayley and I have been talking about ways to spice up Creatively Fit. Adding Challenges, recipes for healthy eating, treasure hunts, giveaways... Any ideas on how we can make this even more fun? We'd love to hear your thoughts!:)

2009-10-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

I'm Back...Well Sort Of...Our Mac is still in the shop, they are having trouble retreiving any of the data that is on it :(( Just a suggestion to everyone, save. save, save! I have lost so much info from not saving. I have been walking almost every day, but do miss posting and sharing. I have also been reading everyone's posts and loving every minute of it. Thursday Tommy and I went for a bike ride to New Smyrna beach. We went to an area that not too many people visit, because most of the beach has eroded. We took a walk on the boardwalk and the beach, but it is a little difficult to walk in sand with boots on. My calfs got a real workout. It was fun. The surf was rough, we only saw 1 surfer in the water. I really value this time I get to spend with my husband. He works nights and every weekend.

We also saw 3 guys fishing and a couple using a metal detector trying to find their big treasure. There were lots of shells and lots of birds waiting to steal some of the fish from the buckets.

We had a great day together...I wonder where we will end up next Thursday.

Paula-Munich, Germany, 1:10pm - 2:30am

2009-10-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

I had overdone it and was refined to the sofa over the last two days.
This recuperating takes its time - SORRY, I vent ;-))))
So when I woke this morning to rain and fog I was fairly content (sigh)
Wow, living on the 5. floor and I couldnt even see a church tower or the top of a tree.
Just a mass of grey and the sound of rain. OK, I was content. Sort of...

But then it cleared, the rain stopped and I got all itchy.

Energy and cabin fever sky rocking -
I needed to be out and get some
Autumn under my skin, right?

A friend of mine and I made it to the
city park (English Garden).
I didnt mind so much that I am still very slow
- snail-like - however worshipping the sun like a lizard,
quick and elegant movements of a lizard - I wouldnt mind.
A snail who wants to be a lizard ;-))

It was Golden October day like none before this year.
Every one was out and about.
Even the carriages returned to be of service.

Some lush green left and carpets of leaves.
Ok, I would have loved just running through the leaves
but I was happy to be out in the first place.

Bare and beautiful.

Our Canadian guests are everywhere ;-))

Musik too ;-))

The eternal game of light and shade
Autumn in Munich
It was such beautiful time out, made me so happy
Guess what? I have overdone it again
Walked for three miles...

Jac - Colorado, Saturday 12:30-3:30pm

2009-10-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

I've been missing my walks lately *gasp* because we had a touch of the flu (not H1N1) in our house, and then I was just lazy! But yesterday, I got back to exercising! My little girl and I walked 3.5 miles to watch the Annual Coffin Races here in town! I didn't snap many pictures on the walk there, or the walk back (another 3.5!) But, I did get some excellent shots at the races, so I thought I'd share those! That counts, right?

It was the perfect day for an outdoor festival (and a nice long walk, straight up a hill!) sunny and warm. (Since we had snow earlier this week, that's a great surprise!) And there were so many awesome costumes! My little girl loved all the puppies in costume (which I missed shooting photos of because I was too busy laughign at my daughter!) and there was even a Hispanic Elvis impersonator!! (My photos of him didn't turn out either *sad* )

For the bigger images, please check out my personal blog or my flickr page!

Cindy - Florida Saturday 4:30-5:30 PM

2009-10-25T01:27:00.000-07:00

I am having a Fall Giveaway at my blog, Chalk It Up! Click here to enter!

Cindy - Florida Thursday 9:15-10:40 AM

2009-10-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

I thought today's walk would be straight forward. My plan was to drop my son off at school and head to City Hall. That would be my starting point. The very first picture was this "one way" sign. That was the direction I was walking, so it seemed a logical first picture.

First stop: the Town Historical Museum. The kindergartens go here for their first class trip. It is right across the street from the school. I chaperoned this trip with Noah's class two years ago. Good memories:)

Next stop, a church across the street from the museum. This collage combines two churches with pumpkin patches, that I saw on my walk (about a mile apart from each other)

Museum, church,... playground. I went for a spin on the spinning thing:)(not really) It reminded me of the time we had a end-of-the-season party for my son's soccer team. Ah yes, Noah's coach spun the kids so fast that Noah got off, looking green and yes, he threw up:( Good times! I love this little bug creature. Are you feeling queasy yet?

Museum, church, playground...Community Center ( I think they call it the Event Center now). The background picture is the front of the building. I walked around to the side where the maintenance men were talking and asked if I could walk around and take pictures. They said "Sure!" When I turned the corner my jaw dropped! Click on collage to see details. The last time I was here was a few years ago, before renovations, to sign my son up for baseball. My how things have changed.

Here's another collage of the event center with a view of the lake.

Museum, church, playground, event center...Liberty Park
As I walked on, I crossed the street, to enter a little park that I had taken the boy to, years ago. Again, big changes. This was my favorite detour of my walk. The boardwalks were new and the grounds look much better maintained since my last visit. One down side. It was desolate. It was than that I decided to call somebody so I wasn't alone. "HELLO, HAYLEY!"

We talked for the rest of my walk. My last stop in my "one way" walk was the local sports complex. Baseball fields, splash park, skate park. No picture ( I will save that for another walk).
I turned around and walked back while I chatted with Hayley, about cameras and the meaning of life:) Had to snap a few more.

I feel very bless to live in a place with so much available to me. I can't believe that I have been on 68 walks and I am still discovering new places to walk with a million photo ops! Almost all of my walks have taken place within a 20 mile radius! That amazes me! Who knew?!

Did you find a new place to walk today?
I hope you had a great walk!

Cindy - Florida Wednesday 9:15-10:00 AM

2009-10-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

I got into the car this morning, to drive my son to school, and put on the radio. Some mornings I listen to the news, this morning I needed to hear music. I was hoping it would lift my spirits. Well, that new song from the Black Eyed Peas came on, "Tonight's the Night". I started singing it to my son and replaced the word "tonight" with "today". It definitely lifted both of our spirits! After I dropped him off, I decided to drive to my gym! Was I really going to workout today!!? No Way!! I parked the car and started walking to the tune of "Tonight's the Night!" (in my head, no ipod) I walked right past the entrance of the gym :p and kept on walking. The picture in the upper left is the vacant store where we dream of opening our bagel shop.

Today's walk felt like a choreographed aerobic routine. I barely stopped. I clicked and twisted and turned and dropped and kept on going!!

Can you feel the energy?!! See the pink bus...See Hayley's post for I heart faces this week!

And one and two and walk and click...Up, across and down again!

To City Hall and stretch and bend...(this was another possible location for our bagel shop)

The lizards are feeling it too!!

And three and four twist and drop ...walk...walk...click...click...

Beyond this tree and fountain is a little boy hard at work in his classroom! Yep, we're all working hard!!

I got a feeling...
That today's gonna be a good day!

Paula-Munich, Germany, 11:30am - 12:15pm

2009-10-20T05:09:00.000-07:00

Brilliant blue sky was calling!
I am sure my walking companion form yesterday would have asked to walk a tad faster today ;-))
Nope, not possible yet!
Actually I made it "only" around my block as I have to split time today between physiotherapy, lymph drainage and my very own special treat of getting an ayurveda massage!

Well, that is the house I am living in. Typical Munich city house, Art Deco, 127 years old, original wooden floors, stucko on high ceilings but state of the art renovated. I consider myself lucky to have found such a nice place for the short time I will be staying in Munich. Well, the 4 windows top floor (5th) are mine!

Main entrance door: detail of hard wood ornaments.

Just 2 min down the road - ok, ok, 2min if not limping - is the park & river walk way with this special stone flooring. Which I like a lot. My foot wasnt to happy however I have to work hard as after 3 weeks no leg exercise my leg muscles have disappeared! Not very sexy!

Simply couldnt get enough of this brillant blue sky. It felt like right jumping into it!

Well, then there were some colors of Autumn!

Texture of trees are so intriguing, dont you think so?

Well time just flew by and I had to make it to the physiotherapy.

How is your day going?

Cynthia - Las Vegas Sunday 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

2009-10-19T22:23:00.000-07:00

I was in Las Vegas this past weekend for the SITScation conference. We had a great time. Such a fun, generous, friendly group of women bloggers. Sunday morning I wanted to get in a Creatively Fit walk along the strip. Above is where I started at the Venetian hotel. We had spectacular rooms. To see more of the amazing Venetian, I have photos posted here.
There sure are a lot of statues in Vegas!

So many spectacular hotels with lots and lots of fountains.
Of course I could not miss the Vegas Eiffel Tower. It was a nice long walk, early enough on Sunday morning that all of the Saturday night party folks weren't up and out yet. And a good way to spend my morning before catching my flight home. (All photos taken with my iPhone and an iPhone polaroid app.)

Cindy - Florida Monday 10:00-10:50AM

2009-10-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

Today I walked my familiar bike path again. I just wanted to get my walk in and trusted that some photo ops would arise. Nature never disappoints me:)

This first collage reminded me of the poem "Mending Wall"
It's not a stone wall but it'll do.

I have pictures of my little one with these two beauties from years ago. I'm happy to see they are still here.

Random pictures and signs of Fall. The weather is still brisk. Tomorrow it's supposed to be back around 80.

Still having fun with the impressionism photos. It would have turned out better if somebody was there to bump me:)

I need a new camera. Something that gives me more creative freedom. Some people(who shall remain nameless-Hayley) around here are driving around Cadillacs while others are still in an economy car. hmmm...

I hope your walk raised your spirits today, it did mine!:)

Paula-Munich, Germany, 10:10am - 11:20am

2009-10-19T02:50:00.001-07:00

I woke to a rather grey and wet day. However the Auerdult had started and I thought I would limp there. It is just around the corner and I would made it home without trouble if tiring early.

Auerdult means "fair in the meadow" and is the biggest European crockery market and second hand sale since the 14. century. The vintage merry-go-around for the kids is included.

I rather like the vintage stuff and the part of the second hand exchange - even when the flowers are fake...

The handmade table cloths I like too, this particular one is actually made of Brussels embroidery.

I adore the handmade and handpainted pipes of the old merry go around.

Well, well, the Bavarian housewifes will find all their heart desire and even more of what they wont need ever! They love their traditional painted crockery but prefer these to be cleaned with a Hi Tech micro fibre cloth ;-)))

This is so very much Bavaria - Tradition & Hi Tech, Laptop & Lederhos'n.

I started to limp home earlier then expected. I found myself leaning against a wall shaken in laughters when I figured that even the oldest, frail lady is walking faster and passing me!

And my eyes caught this snail. I found it even more hilarious - fitting my speed - the new walking companion of mine is a snail!!!

Hope you all have a great (walking) day.

Cindy - Florida Sunday 10:30AM-??

2009-10-19T02:36:00.001-07:00

Today's CF was bike, click, connect! The weather was spectacular! It was cool and brisk but the warm Florida sun balanced it beautifully! My oldest was bugging me all weekend to go to Blockbuster. He had $10 from mowing the lawn and he had something specific that he wanted to spend it on. He asked if we could bike up there this morning. I figured, what the heck! Let's go! Hubby and Noah and friend came along for the ride. Here we go!! The song from Hayley's 50 walk slide show comes to mind...

The kids love yelling in the tunnel. The dad loves yelling at them for yelling. Needless to say, noisy tunnel:)

The sign says No Bicycle riding. So, this bike rack must be for climbing! Right?

Cool crisp air+Warm Florida Sun+Bike Ride=Creatively Fit Fun

Some scenery snaps! These buildings went up a few years ago and have never been occupied. What a waste. They look pretty, though. We stopped at Target to get, the boys' friend's, new baby sister, a gift. The picture in the bottom right is of me taking a picture of the display in a store window, of a custom kitchen cabinetry shop. The display is special because I painted it:) You can get a better view of it here.

I hope you hope your creatively fit was fun today!

Cindy - Florida Saturday

2009-10-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

I'm posting this a day late because I was too tired, at the end of the day, to put it together. Just to pick up where I left off, from my last post; The day started at 6:30AM. Noah's last football game, of the season, was a 8:30. They won!! It was a great season!!

After the game we went home, got cleaned up and took an hour and a half drive to Bok Sanctuary, in Lake Wales. The best part was meeting Hayley and her family there. We finally did a CF walk together! It was a beautiful day and wonderful to spend it with friends! The first group of pictures includes some of the beautiful sights. The Bok tower is breathtaking. Pictures don't do it justice.

Here are some interesting plants and flowers that caught my eye. The fruit is a plumellow. They are huge!

There were also interesting things below our feet. Check out the stone walkway.

And this sun dial in the endangered plants, of Florida, garden. If you stand on the month your shadow will tell you the time. It was about 3:30...see?

Then I got crazy with my impressionism photography. In this large picture below I made a discovery. If you tap the camera while you're clicking you will get something like this...

However, it was difficult to coordinate the tap and click at the same time, so I asked my good friend Hayley to bump into me. This was the result!! Great team effort! We call this the bump impression. This was my favorite picture of the day, not only because it's cool but because it made me laugh so hard my stomach hurt!

Here are a couple of pictures of all the boys, tree climbing! Noah and Nicholas time together is so precious.

The three big boys did some serious tree climbing, with ropes and hard hats. Check it out here.
I hope you all are having a great weekend and did some fun walking with a friend! There's nothing like a good laugh and walk with good friends.
Thanks Hayley! I can't wait to see your Bok post:)

Paula-Munich, Germany, 11:30am -12:20pm

2009-10-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here I am again!
The early Winter days are gone again and whilst no real Autumn happened this year the landscape and countryside looked weird with still mainly green leaves but snow on them. Some trees reacted strongly and shed all leaves over night. Now we have some trees with still green leaves, some in between and some far to early bare!
Anyway I friend came around and took me out of Munich. I so very much enjoyed being out! Nix with brisk walk rather consequent limping along the lakeside! I so very much enjoyed it being out and about!

Sky was clouded when we headed out of town to a small lake nearby.

But we were lucky and it cleared completely. What a wonderful time out by the lake!

Weed right by the lake.

It actually looked like eggs of a bird from far away but it turned out to be pebbles "only". An misleading arrangment of nature ;-))))

Isnt it a romantic spot? However it was pretty cold and I was happy getting a hot chocolate!

Well, that was my first longer trip out of house and I am so very glad being able to contribute again.

Cindy - Florida 9:30-10:30 AM

2009-10-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

Today I was able to get out early! I took Lucy with me too:) I was multi-tasking on this walk: walking dog, talking on phone and taking pictures.

I have walked on this path twice before, since CF began. Here and Here are those two posts. The temperature may not be changing(tomorrow it's going down into the 70') but the colors are, slightly. You have to really look for the subtle changes.

This next collage is of a tree that captured my imagination. For some reason, it really reminded me of those apple trees in the Wizard of Oz. But this isn't an apple trees. In any case, follow the yellow brick road!:)

Here are more trees. I like the one with the baby swing hanging in it. The lightest picture was an exposure compensation experiment.

I played with the exposure compensation some more. The top is + exposure(allows more light) and the bottom is - exposure, less light. Which do you prefer?

When looking at this very ordinary shrub I notices these strange fruit like things that I had never seen before. Of course, I had to inspect what was inside by spliting it open with my thumb nail. Look at those beautiful brightly colored seeds. Any ideas as to what this is called? When I broke it off of the plant white sticky sap oozed out.

Here is my impressionistic photo attempt for today. I will keep working on this and experimenting with different light sources and times of day.

I'm so tired. Tomorrow is my son's final football game of the season. We have to be out EARLY!! I'm going to bed.

I hope you walked today and will share some pictures.

Stephanie Lake Mary, FL

2009-10-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I am still here. My computer(s) crashed on Saturday, yes, both of them. We have a Mac and an older laptop. The Mac is in the shop, the laptop is headed for the garbage. I have been using my Mother-in-law's laptop, cause she has 2, to read everyone's posts.

I have been walking all week, with the exception of Thursday. Most days I had my camera in hand, but I cannot upload all my pictures onto this computer, so as soon as mine is fixed, I will be posting lots of pictures.

Keep walking and I will keep reading!

Cindy - Florida Thursday 7:00-7:30 PM

2009-10-15T21:16:00.001-07:00

I stumbled upon something on my walk tonight. No, it wasn't a crack in the sidewalk! Impressionist photography. The sun was setting and I couldn't, for the life of me, get a crisp picture. I went with the old adage, "If you can't beat em, join em! So I decided to go with the flow and really blur my pictures using the same method as I use for my night pictures, slow shutter speed and movement. As it turns out this is a practice that some fine artist photographers have been using. I googled impressionist photographers and found some beautiful examples. Here is one artist who uses this technique quite effectively, with beautiful results! Merrill Tritt

It all began when I was trying to photograph this tree. I wanted to show Florida's Fall tree. It has flowers the color of orange leaves. I always pretend that it is the leaves changing colors.

I like the streaks of blue sky in this one. And the flowers appearing as dots, a la Seurat!!

This one looks like a pastel, to me. Another great medium for impressionist landscapes:)

Here are a few more experiments. This reminds me of heavy oil painting brush strokes.

This looks more like an acrylic painting. Not as buttery...

And this one resembles a dry medium , like colored pencils or scratchboard, especially up in the right corner.

I have a lot more practicing to do, in order to achieve such wonderful results as Merrill Tritt. I think you may be seeing a more of this technique. I hope to get better at it.

I did manage to get a few clearer shots. This cloud collage shows this little furry monster cloud creeping up behind me. I felt it looming over my shoulder. On the way back from my walk I noticed that it had moved closer. So close that I was walking in it. It was foggy. I also included this tiny heart;) and the picture below(I liked the striped effect)

As a painter, it is fun to use my camera as a paintbrush. No mess!!
Did you discover anything new on your walk today?

Cindy - Florida 8:05-8:40 PM

2009-10-14T21:11:00.001-07:00

I almost didn't walk today.
I finally got all of the pressing business of the week done today, yay! No more packages to be shipped and the mural for the school book fair is done. You can see it here. It may not seem like a lot, but each of these activities is very time consuming. Anyway, DONE!
So, it was dark and I figured I missed my opportunity for a CF walk. All was quiet in the house and Lucy was staring at me with her big brown eyes, saying, "Take me for a walk!" So I figured, what the heck! I put Lucy's leash on, grabbed my camera and we walked. Of course, I took my usual light pictures. However, when I looked at them on the computer, I thought they needed a little musical accompaniment. After all, I am capturing movement in these pictures and what goes better with movement than music. Here is my peaceful little lullaby for you all this evening.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The air was cool and comfortable but I did work up a little bit of a sweat by the end of my walk. I experimented with the settings on my camera. I believe this setting was night portrait. I like the combination of the light movement and being able to see the surroundings.

I think this setting was either night portrait or night landscape.

I hope your walk was peaceful today/tonight!
Sweet Dreams...

Cynthia - California

2009-10-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't got a walk in yet this week. But I wanted to ask if any of you are going to SITScation in Las Vegas this weekend. If you are how about a Creatively Fit walk Sunday morning?

Cindy - Florida Tuesday 5:30-6:30 PM

2009-10-13T19:37:00.001-07:00

Yes, it was a good walk tonight! Matthew and I walked during Noah's football practice. Our first encounter was a bus that was being towed. That poor tow truck!

Next, we walked past the library and the park. I ran ahead of Matthew and then he ran ahead of me. Cardio! The Winnie the Pooh key chain was just waiting for somebody to take his picture.

This next collage includes some interesting things along our walk. My favorite is the weed growing out of the crack in the brick wall.

It was a pretty long walk so we brought a container of water along, for Lucy. I love the way she's sizing up the duck.

This lock has seen better days! I put the two pictures up to show how a slight change in camera angle can completely change the look and feel of your picture.

This last one represents Heaven and Hell. At the end of our walk, we spread out our soft Spongebob blanket on the grass and laid on our backs looking up at the heavenly sky. But beware!! In Florida, that can be a risky move. I shot these pictures of the ant hill at the end of our walk to remind me, be careful where you put that blanket. Thankfully, we did not lay it on top of an ant pile. You see, in Florida we have our own little slice of Hell too!! We call it Fire Ants!! Just about everyone who lives in Florida has stepped in a fire ant pile. As the name suggests it feels like your feet are on fire. The ant bites become blisters and they itch for days!!

I hope your walk was heavenly today!:)

Julie - North Carolina - about 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.

2009-10-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

Hey, look! I'm back! So... I really had NO CLUE how much my son going to Kindergarten was going to take over my life. I get up before the sun every day now, yet I still have less free time! How is that possible? Anyway... I'm still trying to manage my time better, but today after I saw that the next three days here are supposed to be cold and rainy, I wanted to get out no matter what! Leftovers were already on the dinner menu, anyway. :)

Here we go. We had to pause in the front yard to blow puffy dandelion heads. Shhh... don't tell my husband!!

I have been waiting almost since my first CF walk to take a picture of the "Foliage Drive" sign! The leaves have only just started to turn here, but I didn't want to wait any longer! Riley found a leaf that looked like it had an eye. In the bottom right photo, I was focusing on the yellow leaf so much, that I didn't notice until I uploaded my pics that the leaf beside it looks like some kind of freaky fish with its mouth open. The tree in the bottom left corner (with the reddish leaves) has appeared here before.

What would a CF shoot be like without a mushroom? Yep, it looks like a potato, but it is, in fact, a mushroom.

This has nothing to do with anything; it's just cool.

I look forward to "meeting" the newest walkers and hopefully organizing my life so I can be a regular here again! I've definitely missed you ladies!

Cindy - Florida 8:15-8:45 PM

2009-10-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

Today was homecoming, yes even for the Tiny Mites! The game was at 9:00AM This first picture is not from my walk today but I just loved it so I throw it in the mix!:) The Tiny Mite Rams are undefeated! It was a tough game today but they pulled it out! The sun was blaring and a breeze was scarce. But whenever there was movement in the air, the balloons would cover the sun to offer some relief.

Today's walk took place at night. It was much cooler and more pleasant. I wasn't going to walk but Noah suggested we go out and take some light pictures(how could I refuse.) He got a DSI for his birthday, which has a camera in it. He wanted to give it a try. Here you can see him taking pictures. As you can see, we took Lucy too. She was such a happy pup! The top set of pictures were w/o flash on close up setting and the bottom setting was on night landscape with flash. Noah was getting annoyed with me because he kept thinking it was lightning, when I took pictures with the flash. The beads he was wearing were from his homecoming party the evening.

This next collage is a preview of Christmas. We walked in an adjoining neighborhood and took some picturs of houses with Halloween decorations. Yes some people even put lights up.

This last group of pictures is a little experimentation with the camera settings. Three were taken on close up setting and the other three were taken on fireworks setting. Can you guess which were which?

I wasn't wearing my walking shoes.

It wasn't a very rigorous walk tonight but we did get out there and get creative.

How was your walk today? Creative? Fit? Creatively Fit?

Cindy - Florida 9:30-10:30 AM

2009-10-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

Place: Lake Lily Park with lots of signs!

Weather: Stinkin Hot! Even the birds didn't want to move! I had to walk around them.

Point of interest: The Cottage, with this really cool garden thingy!

Challenge: Capture bird in flight. Well, could be better:(

Detour: Eclectic neighborhood.

Observe: Details

Favorite pix... this duck was ready to bite my nose off. We were that close!

One more favorite

Collection picture: another manhole cover. Love the patina!

Another Detour: knitting store across the street, to visit my sister. She's a knitting instructor there, the best! I didn't stick around long, as I was dripping with sweat. Did I mention it was stinkin HOT!!

It was hard to choose just a few pictures today. So I tried to limit my words.

I hope you had a great walk today with lots of pictures or lots of miles:)

Stephanie, Lake Mary FL 7:00 - 7:35

2009-10-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

Last week in Mt. Dora (Tommy took this picture)

Today was a struggle to get out and walk. But when I went out to walk the dog and saw my neighbor jogging, I said what the heck! So I grabbed my Ipod, and weights and headed outside. It was so hot out there at 7 am. I felt like I was in a steam bath. As I was walking I saw my neighbor again jogging around the block. As I continued to the front of the neighborhood, there he is again but this time he is on his bicycle. He came around 3 more times. I later found out that he is conditioning himself for a Scouting event that only the fittest adults and kids 14 and over can attend. It is Philmont. A very primitive week out in the wilderness with just what you can fit in your packpack. I don't know too much about it, but I commend him for starting now to get fit for something that he will be doing next summer. I didn't take my camera, because it was fairly dark out. I felt really good to get home into the A/C...I sure hope it cools off soon.

Cindy - Florida 10:30-11:15 PM

2009-10-08T21:01:00.001-07:00

Today I walked around a local historic town. It is not a very big area, so I found myself walking around a few blocks several times. The architecture is pretty; however, on closer inspection it didn't look authentically historic. It looks like there has been some major renovation, which in fact, there has been.

This collage below is city hall or is it the community center, I forget...

As I got closer to the police station, I noticed a monument. I'm sure I must have passed by it several times, when driving , but never noticed it.

As I approached it I started examining it more closely. The site is called Hero's Park. I was very moved by this monument and am so glad I stumbled upon it, by deciding to walk around this humble little town. Please click on the collage to read more about this wonderful tribute.

This beautiful church was a wonderful subject matter too! I love the red door!

As you will read in Hayley's and Stephanie's posts today, It was hot!! Summer hot! This cozy little store was a great place to duck in and cool off. There were some lovely treasures in this quaint little shop. The spiral staircase going up to the second floor was so small that I had to stand on my tippy toes walking up the stairs, as my feet didn't fit on the steps.

I was hesitant to walk here today, but I'm so glad I did. I found some special and important treasures today.

Did you find anything special on your walk today?
I hope so!:)

Stephanie Lake Mary, FL 11:30 - 3:00

2009-10-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

Well it's Thursday again, the day where Tommy and I spend the day together. Today we took another bike ride to Mt. Dora and walked around. This above college is of a walking path we found. It looked real fun until we came to the part that was closed off due to reconstruction of the dock, so we had to turn around. On the way back we walked on the trail instead of the dock. Tommy found this huge tree that was hollowed out on the bottom, but the top was very much still alive. It was very very hot today. The heat index was over 100 degrees.

I just love animals. A trait I picked up from my mother. These 2 ducks were in the water and came running over to us thinking we had something to feed them. When they realized that we didn't have anything, they walked away and decided to groom themselves. The gray bird is called a blue herrin. The black birds are all vultures. They have to be the ugliest birds that exist, but I was very much intrigued by them. They started to fly above us and land in the trees, so we thought we best be on our way, before they think we are their lunch.

These squirrels were so cute, I would make a noise and they would turn and look at me. At one point I thought one would crawl up my leg. Tommy kept shaking his head, like I was nuts or something. The middle photo is my favorite of the day. It looks so beautiful, but was sooooo hot.

After lunch we thought we would walk around the town for a little bit. Well that was short lived. Did I tell you how hot it was? We walked about 3 blocks, but were too hot. These are some of the store signs we saw along the way. In order to really enjoy this quaint little town, it has to be cooler out.

How hot was your walk today?

Hope it was cooler than ours.

Stephanie Lake Mary, FL 9:45 - 10:30

2009-10-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

I am posting this a day late. Wednesday's are a little busy with Nicholas playing football and us mothers providing a pregame meal for theim. I walked with Cindy on Wednesday. We both felt we needed to take an hour and walk. I enjoy walking with Cindy, she is so easy to talk to and I enjoy the conversations that we get into. We went to a place very close to where we both live and it turned out to be a great walk.

The center picture is of our reflection in one of the buildings. I am not a big fan of my reflection, but I am starting to like it a little bit. Cindy always looks great, and I was glad to get one of us together. When I look at Cindy, I think about my finish line...

I'm glad we got a chance to walk together again, Cindy. Hopefully we will do it again soon. Love You!

Cindy - Florida 9:45-10:25 AM

2009-10-08T05:43:00.000-07:00

I'm posting yesterday's walk today for two reasons: 1. It was Noah's Birthday yesterday, which made for a very busy day 2. Internet problems, which still may be happening today:(

So, yesterday I walked with CF teammate(friend and sister-in-law) Stephanie!!

As I waited for Stephanie to pick me up, I notices a lovely butterfly fluttering about my garden. I love my garden:) Yes it's colorful(not for everyone but what can I say, I love color?) Plus, my house is a light green, so I thought there needed to be ample color to balance all that green.:)

Stephanie arrived in her pretty red car, which, I must say, had a very cozy interior!:)

We headed up the road to one of Stephanie's previous walking spots. I think she said it is called Technology Park. This is where Progress Energy's(our electric company) main office is located. I must say, not my favorite company. We both took several pictures of the building. (As per Hayley's request, both take pictures of same subject and compare interpretations.) I really like the picture of Stephanie and me reflected in the windows of the building!

The pathway offered peaceful scenery. We walked and walked and then stopped and turned around.

I am becoming more and more intrigued by manholes and metal ground covers. I love their textured surfaces and the way they reflect the light.

As usual there were plenty of lovely birds to be seen and captured! Thank you Stephanie for chasing the white bird (Ibis?) at the bottom, so I could try to capture it in flight:)

We arrived back at Stephanie's lovely red car to complete our walk! Thanks for walking with me, again, Stephanie! I hope we can do it again soon!:)

I hope everyone had a good day and walk today, I mean yesterday!:)

Cindy - Florida 12:15-1:05 PM

2009-10-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today's walk was just a walk. No mazes made of corn, no gardens filled with roses and no exotic animals. I just walked out the door and started walking. Scratch that, I grabbed my phone so Matthew could call me. I put him on speaker phone so we could be together during my walk. Matthew has been home from school, sick, for the past couple of days. He does not like being home alone so this was our agreement.
As I walk along I tried to find beauty in the forgotten: a fallen hibiscus flower, star shaped weeds, cracks in the sidewalk, a half eaten apple and a lonely pine cone. Can you see Matthew's name on my phone, that picture would be my picture of Matthew, certainly not forgotten:)

I also focused on some mundane architecture. The landscape really does help to enhance the surroundings.

As I passed the old familiar Reflection Park. I decided to take pictures that I had taken before on a night walk. I thought it would be fun to do a little side by side.

High Noon!

I saw in Hayley's post below, construction was a theme! Funny, I took a picture of Men at work today too!

Was your walk working for you today?

Cynthia - California, Road Trip To Oregon

2009-10-05T23:53:00.000-07:00

Walking On Our Road Trip To Oregon

We've been on vacation and I haven't posted for awhile, but I did get some great walks in while we traveled. We walked along the bluffs of the Willamette River. We also stopped several times while traveling east on the Washington side of the Columbia River. Once we walked along a floating dock and once in a state park on a path out and along the Columbia.

When we drove back west along the Oregon side of the Columbia River, we stopped at the Multnomah Falls and hiked up to the bridge. From the bridge I looked down and found one of those hearts that nature makes.
Portland has wonderful public transportation including a cute little trolley. However it is a great walking city and I walked all over it visiting The Classical Chinese Garden, The Portland Rose Garden, The Japanese Gardens, the cute neighborhoods with wonderful Victorian and Craftsman houses and of course lots of trendy little shops and restaurants.