The Flowers In My Yard

The flowers are surely beginning to die now. I can see the colors starting to fade now and leaves slowly shrivel away. There is no more hope, time to say goodbye.


© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photograph

Mirror Reflection

When you can't find things to take pictures off I think it's best just to take pictures of things that are immediately in front of you. In this particular example, I was the target :)
© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photograph

The Suicide Cat

Fairly recently we've been seeing this kitty around in our yard. My sister spotted him more than once on the ledge of our pool. We call him the suicide cat, because it looked as if he were debating whether to take the plunge or not. On this day this Garfield look a like was statuesquely standing in the middle of the side walk.
© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photograph

Old Chicago Water Tower

I finally ventured out this weekend on a photography outing. I intended to catch this year's air and water show by the lake front. Unfortunately, I missed the theatrical stunt show, however I decided to enjoy the great weather and take a stroll through Michigan Avenue. I came to a stop and enjoyed a short sit-down in the plaza area of the Old Chicago Water Tower. A Chicago Landmark, this miniature castle like building survived the Great Chicago Fire and is a major tourist attraction.



© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photograph

Grrrr!

Here is one of the few shots I took last week. As mentioned before I've been forcing myself to take pictures of things. This was a toy my nephew left in my car. I decided to place it on the dashboard and see what happened. I got a kick out of it for a while.
© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photograph

Searching For My Muse

I found my inspiration again and I am glad that it's back. I lost my eye for photography for quite a long while. Right now I feel that it's back. I've been forcing myself to see through the lens and find inspiration. That didn't help. I feel now that it's back,even though I haven't snapped a single picture yet. It came back while looking at my screen saver that shows a collection of my old pictures. All the pictures in my photo folder, pictures from my travels and seasons in Chicago are shown. My memories have brought my inspiration back, and today I say welcome back friend.

Photo Slump

I've been in such a photoslump lately. I've been coming home extremely late from work everyday and haven't been in the mood to take any pictures. I actually can't even think of what to take pictures of. Today I forced myself to just snap at something. My fence is the best I could come up with :( I will come up with better pics this weekend, I promise!


© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photographs

Zoom in Cement

The things that catch my eye - They are strange, but when zoomed in look even more interesting. At least to me anyway. This picture was taken while waiting for the light to turn green just as I exited the expressway on my way home.
© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photographs

I want this lamp!

I saw this in a store front window while walking back to work the other night. The bright crystal looking illuminating figure quickly caught my eye. The store was already closed so I couldn't get a price on it. Isn't it lovely?
© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photographs

New Pets

I've been extremely busy and then too tired these days to post anything. This one is a bit out of date.

I would say like two weeks ago my sister called the house while she was out saying "I have a big surprise! Be ready outside and help me with my stuff." I thought -- Well if it's a big surprise I should have my camera ready :) I took Charlie out for a little walk, just as my sister was arriving...

WOOHoo! Two new pets for Jules (my nephew)! Charlie was excited! He sniffed the cage and wanted to e-hem "greet" the new little guys.
© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photograph

Oak Street Beach

Last weekend I enjoyed the water swimming and playing at Oak Street Beach. The weather was perfect and the lake felt wonderful. If you ever are in town you must pay a visit to this beach front right off the north loop area near water tower and the Drake hotel.

© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photographs

Beach Time Fun

Normally I have more fun during spring and autumn seasons. I am not a fan of the Chicago extreme temperatures of winter and summer. This summer however I find myself going out in the sun far more. This weekend my sister, nephew and I hit the beach again. Even though we have an ample swimming pool we both enjoy the beach environment. It's an actual outing and it feels relaxing. Jules LOVES the sand. This time was his first experience being covered all over with it and he was simply giddy.
© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photograph

July Fourth Fireworks

This weekend was full of events that kept me busy taking pictures everywhere. July 4th, the US Independence Day was this Monday. We started the celebration early, as many Americans did as well. For the most part everyone begins firing off their fireworks and high-tech pyrotechnic displays on the third. This year my brother in law and his brother had fun shooting some fireworks of their own, I was lucky enough to watch and take pictures :)


© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photograph

Chicago South West Side 4th Of July Parade

This Friday my neighborhood was out and about in celebration for the July Fourth Weekend. My family and I sat in the near corner of Archer & Central to watch many floats and local business on parade.

© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photographs

Walgreens' Clocks

These caught my eye the other day while walking on my way back to work.
© 2005 Araceli Arroyo Photograph