Purple Wings

Purple Wings, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

I am trying to hide the ugly wall with this trellis and a vine called Purple Wings. It's gonna be awsome! I can't wait till the purple wings get big enough for me to use so I can fly around town dropping water ballons.

View on black. I may be flying over you with water ballons

Our Daily Challenge: Architecture

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My modem took a dive the other day so my computer has no internet. I have been copying my shots over to my phone and uploading them that way. Its way slower and I am having difficulty keeping up. And for that, I apologize.

I'll Have One Of Everything, Please

I'll Have One Of Everything, Please, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

I'm using self control, I didn't get two of anything.

July 15 (in case you forgot, I expect you all there)

View on black or I will blow the powdery sugar on the funnel cakes at you.

The Things You Find When Your Lost

The Things You Find When Your Lost, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Running from a bug, I found myself lost in the Fullerton Arboretum. I looked up into the canopy of this tree and saw theses branches. If you want to enjoy the real beauty, your going to have to open your eyes and see the hidden world around you.

View on black or moss will grow on you.

100 Pictures: Hidden

I've Got Me Eye On You Matey

I've Got Me Eye On You Matey, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Aye Matey, I've got me eye back and I be keeping a close watch of you. Any funny business and ye be walking the plank!

View on black or ye be sleepin with the fishes!

Our Daily Challenge: What Are Little Boys Made Of

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They are made of imagination whether it be cowboys and indians or troublsome pirates, we rule the world we create in our heads.

Aye Eye Matey!

Aye Eye Matey!, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Arrrgggghhhh! That swarmy Dodo bird Ramona has snatched me eye out and left me with a space in me head. A treasure awaits ye who bring it back to me! Aye, remember, dead birds tell no tales!!!

View on black or I will poke your eye out with me hook, matey!

Our Daily Challenge: Space

Astro Blaster

Astro Blaster, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

What?! I thought these were real! Now how am I to get to the moon?

View on black or I will shoot you with my disintegrater gun

Universal Studios

Universal Studios, a set on Flickr.

The Bliss Of Solving The Problem

The Bliss Of Solving The Problem, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Its that moment right after figuring something out even though it was staring you right in the face the whole time.

View on black. I still have a pattern of bricks to throw at you.

Our Daily Topic: tranquility

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It's really difficult to do selfies when you don't like to crop. Niether of these two shots are cropped at all

I Am Not Just Another Brick In The Wall

I Am Not Just Another Brick In The Wall, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

I was challenged to find a pattern and shoot it. I have looked everywhere and I can NOT find anything with a pattern in it to shoot. High and low I have searched and I just give up. If anyone can help me find a pattern, I'd appreciate it.

View on black or I will throw a brick at you

Our Daily Challenge: Pattern

Wires

Wires, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Hmmm, I wonder if I hook my computer up directly to these wires if I would be able to see you all. Yep.

View on black and I won't tell everyone what you are doing right now.

Our Daily Challenge: Diagonal

Clowns

Clowns, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

The Simpsons began as a series of shorts in 1987 on the Tracy Ullman Show. Then in December of 1989, it helped launch the new channel FOX. As one of the most famous television families in the world it has become a part of our culture all the way to having the word "D'oh" in the dictionary.

The Simpsons is the longest running American sitcom, the longest running animated series and the longest running American prime time entertainment show in history. Whether you like the Simpsons or not, there is no arguement that they have influenced and become a part of modern day culture

View on black. Eat my shorts if you don't
100 Pictures: Culture

Car Wash, Working At The Car Wash Yeah

Car Wash, Working At The Car Wash Yeah, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

On our way out to Canyon Lake and this oppurtonity arose to take this shot. Now, all together now, sing! Car wash, working at the car wash.

Our Daily Challenge: through a single window

View on black. I am car sick.

Atomic Fuel

Atomic Fuel, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

While at Universal Studios, we decided to check out City Walk, a really cool shopping center at the entrance of the studio. On our way over to Ben and Jerry's for some really yummie Chunky Monkey ice cream I heard a loud whinning sound coming from the sky. I looked up. I saw a bird, a plane and this UFO coming in way to fast! As it sped past the parking, people started yelling and screaming! "No cuts in line" they yelled.

It flew right at me and crashed in this building. With Atomic fuel drippin on my ice cream, I snapped this shot. Then I through my Chunky Monkey at them for wrecking it with their stupid leaking fuel. They are soooo buying me a new one.

Happy Sliding Sunday!

Wreckage

Wreckage, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Didn't anyone teach this engine that smoking was BAD!?

HCS!

Cliche Saturday: Amusement Park or Rides

View on black or (hack hack) I will (hack hack hack) will ... does anybody have a fan???

Jet Crash

Jet Crash, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

As photographers we have to make quick decisions sometimes. I saw this plane coming right at me and contemplated, should I stay or should I go. (yes I stole that line from the Clash) I stayed. (didn't say as photographers we always make the right decision)

100 Words: Contemplative

The idea to use this shot for contemplative was inspired by Mikul (Eyesplash) who lives in Vancouver and was in the middle of the riots. When things started getting too bad, he had the brains to leave. But not before getting some great shots. He has an awsome series of shots from that day ranging from the excitement before the game to the aftermath of the riots.

Instead of viewing on black, why don't you go check out the series of photos from him

www.flickr.com/photos/eyesplash/5841255938/in/photostream

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By the way, that is a REAL plane. You might recognize it from War of the Worlds.

Coffee & Candy Cigarettes

Coffee & Candy Cigarettes, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Ahhhh, morning time. My favorite part of the day. I yawn, blink the sleep out of my eyes, toss the cats off of me and scratch my butt. Then I gracefully make my way down the stairs like a drunk person and roll into the kitchen to make coffee. Then I grab my glasses, my candy cigarettes and leave a trail of coffee droplettes to the front door where I go outside and enjoy the morning air.

View on black or I will make you eat those candy cigarettes. BTW, they are pretty gross, not at all how I remembered them as a kid.

Our Daily Challenge: Candy

For Manly Men

For Manly Men, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Today, the Little Purple Monster challenged me to a drinking contest. I declined. He took my Machismo candy cigarettes away citing they say For Manly Men on the bottom. I agreed to the drinking contest if he would give back my candy ciggies. I set up the table outside incase he got sick. One beer and I was out cold.

And yesssss, the small beer was mine, smart alecs!

View on black or when I awake, I will ... I ... I don't know what but I will!! (you do have to view large on this one)

Our Daily Challenge: opposites

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While at the Kwik E Mart in Universal Studios I found these Duff Beer cans. The large one has a shirt and the small one has mints. I got them knowing I would use them in a challenge. Who knew it would be the next day. :)

Also got the candy ciggies at Universal in a candy store.

Flaming Gas

Flaming Gas, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Went on vacation to Amity Island and was having a blast till this mean shark with big Jaws came and ruined it. He ate a guy, sunk a boat, blew up some gas tanks then had the nerve to swim by me, jump out of the water and breath his fishy breath on me!

View on Black or be dinner

100 Pictures: Fireworks - Fire

Blast From The Past

Blast From The Past, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

How far back do you want me to go?

View on Black. Remember the Lawyer who ran to the outhouse to hide? Yep, view on black

Our Daily Challenge: Blast From The Past

Flying In For The Fair

Flying In For The Fair, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Let be honest, my favorite part of the OCFair is the food. The rides are cool but the food is awsome! So when I found out this years theme was custom made just for me, my jaw hit the ground. The theme this year is Let's Eat. I expect you all to be there July 15th. Including you over there in Australia. Yes you. Now if you don't mind, I am off to start my diet so I can eat everything I see at the fair. Mmmmmmmm

View on black or I won't share this grilled corn with you.

Land Lubbin Seahorse

Land Lubbin Seahorse, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

This is the extremely rare Land Lubbin Seahorse. It crawled out of the sea here in southern california when it realized all the other fishies and aquatic life were actually peeing in the water.

Originally, it was picked on a lot and bullied around. Taking things into it's own hands, it went to Japan and trained in the ancient arts of (censored). After two years of training in this highly secretive organization it returned to Orange County.

It went to the Orange County courts and had it's name legally changed to "Assassin Bug". Now, bugs all over the county tremble in fear and wont even whisper it's name, afraid it might come after them.

And that my friends, is how the Assassin Bug came into existence.

View on Black or I'll say his name and send him after you. (there bite REALLY hurts)

Yellow Jacket Required

Yellow Jacket Required, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

I don't think he is getting enough fiber in his diet. He is actually chewing the wood.

I used my Hoya close up lens again. I used 4 and 2 combined. I thought I was being brave at about 4 inches from him. I snapped a coulple and lowered the camera only to find there was another one on my left shoulder. He flew off as soon as I moved my head. As I stood up and went to brush off my pants, I noticed another one on my pant leg. Thats when I ran down the driveway waving my arms above my head, screaming "theres bugs on me! Get em off!" I'm sure my neighbors think this is a crack house by now.

View on Black or Yellow or Black or Yellow

Our Daily Challenge: Yellow

Bird Bird Bird Have You Heard Of The Bird

Bird Bird Bird Have You Heard Of The Bird, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Sorry about the title of this but I have had this stupid song song song have you heard of the song stuck in my head. It's been about a week week week have you heard of the week and it's really starting to get annoying. I'm hoping it gets stuck in your head head head have you heard of the head and will leave mine. Good luck luck luck have you heard of the luck to you all and I hope it works for my sake.

View on black black black have you heard of the black

Stop And Smell The Flowers

Stop And Smell The Flowers, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Was at the Fullerton Arboretum and there was this loud ruckus going on over on this bush. This little bird was going nuts tweeting. I walked over towards it and it quited down. Soon as I turned away it went berzerko again. I stopped, slowly turned back towards it, our eyes locked, it did one small pleading tweet. I nodded my head ever so slightly in acknowledgement. I crept closer to it and carefully pulled out my camera. I aimed and pressed the shutter. click click click.. I lowered the camera and our eyes locked again. Then as I started to get up and go, it said, Hey Buddy! Five bucks a shot! I'm trying to make a living here!!

Geeze! Is nothing free anymore???

View on Black or I will send the bird after you

Cliche Saturday: Nature

Burt Bird

Burt Bird, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

The Retro Cam app on my phone added a new camera called Hipsteroku. Had to test it before work this morning. I asked my faithful hummingbird Burt to pose. Say hi Burt

Dear Grandma And Grandpa

Dear Grandma And Grandpa, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

This is a a court order to cease and desist on pinching grandkids cheeks. I was the cutest baby in the world and look what your never ending pinches did to my cheeks. You used to exclaim aren't you adorable as your fingers squeezed the life out my face and now you just scream, grab your heart and fall over.

If you insist on continuing, I will report you to the police who will gladly move you from your warm if not cozy home to a new place where you will have a roommate named Bubba Joe.

With all the love,
Your Grandson, Mike

PS. My birthday is coming up soon and I have my eye on this new car? Do you think you could get it for me early before I have your assets frozen?

View on black or I will pinch your cheeks.

Our Daily Topic: Never Ending

Oh, Theres My Remote

Oh, Theres My Remote, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

The last thing I heard after the pilot threw me out of the plane without a parachute was, Don't forget your stupid camera! And he tossed it out after me. As I and my camera a few feet away fell through the clouds toward the ground at a turtles pace (it's been two days after all) I realized what I had to do. So I reached into my pocket and pulled out my wireless remote shutter and snapped a selfie on the way down.
View on black. You all saw the face I make if you don't.
Our Daily Challenge: Backlit

Viewed on Black

Viewed on Black, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

This is the face I make when I find out you didn't view on black.

View on Black (see above photo)

View on Black

View on Black, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

This is the face I make when I find out you didn't view on black.

View on Black (see above photo)

I Can't Remember

I Can't Remember, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

I turn 45 this month and my brain doesn't always make the right connections anymore. I find myself forgetting things more and more. Now, if I could only remember how to get normal size again. Was it eat the cake or drink the drink?

View on black. I don't remember why, just do it whatsyourname.

100 Words: Connection

A Change Of Mind

A Change Of Mind, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

I wanted to do something fun for todays challenge. So I rented an airplane. I was a little nervous but everything was fine. The pilot was a little moody though. Sure I had questions, how fast are we going, how high are we, are we there yet, can I pee out the window, are you sure your only in your 30's cause you look to be 100. My last question as he pushed me out the door, Don't I need a parachute? He gestured I was number 1 and yelled no. Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.

Anyway, I had a change of mind about the shot I wanted to do and it doesn't involve planes. Is it too late to change my mind?

View on black. I may be flying over your house and he did say yes to one of my questions.

Our Daily challenge: Change

You Looking At Me?

You Looking At Me?, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

I used a Hoya Close Up Lens 4x and 2x. Still had to crop though. But all in all it allows me to get closer to the subject. I think this one stepped in poo.

View on black or I'll have him land on you.

100 Pictures: Eyes

Auntie Aunt Ant

Auntie Aunt Ant, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Lets start off by saying, AAAAUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!

I purchased a set of Hoya close up lenses. They are like filters you screw on the end of your lens that allow you to get closer to the subject. Never heard of them before yesterday but at $50 I couldn't pass it up. Much cheaper than the $600 lens I can't afford.

I decided to use them today and do something I have never done before, a diptych of a SOOC shot and a processed. Would of been cool if I new how to do a diptych. How hard could it be in photoshop, right. No joke, three hours later I finally did it and I have NO clue how. I must of yelled "Come Onnnnnn" so many times cause now I'm hoarse.

So here you have it, my first ever Diptych. SOOC shot and a processed version of the same shot

View on black or I will post shots of my Uncle Ant too. (yeah, you don't want to see those. He was drunk)

Our Daily Challenge: Before & After

Mr. Crab

Mr. Crab, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

While walking around Balboa Island on sunday, I found this guy along with some others. My partner kept on walking, not realizing I had stopped. I looked up and loudly called out.

In the world of bad ideas, yelling in a crowd "Wait up, I have crabs!" should be at the top.

View on black and recieve a free tiny comb.

100 Pictures: Curve(s)

Paddling On

Paddling On, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Look over in the tags. See that word over there. The one spelled C A N D I D? You betcha I did! My first INTENTIONAL candid shot of a total stranger. One that could beat me up too!

We went down to Balboa Island today and I put on my 75mm - 300mm lens and zoomed that puppy out with the intentions of takin me a candid shot! And when the 400th opportunity arose, I weighed my options.
1. He's in the middle of the bay and would have to paddle over to shore..
2. The small beach is full of 100's of little crabs he would have to tip toe through
3. He'd have to scale a retaining wall.

Oh heck, I'd be half way to the car before he got to where I was standing.

Snap snap snap. Then I looked down at my camera. My eyes bulged two inches out, my hair stood up (it's alright, to short to really notice anyway) and I screamed. He looked. I ran.

Good thing that first shot came out.

View in Black or I will throw you in the bay

Our Daily Challenge: Stopped Motion

A Bird In The Hand

A Bird In The Hand, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

You all made me feel bad for telling Ramona she had "Chicken Legs" and making her cry. So I apologized to her. She's said she's not one to hold a grudge and would I marry her.

Shoot me now.

View on black. It doesn't matter, I will hold a grudge against you all forever for making me apologize.

Our Daily Challenge" The Things We Hold

Made with 100% Real Butter

Made with 100% Real Butter, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

I met him yesterday at the Fullerton Arboretum. I said Yo, duuude, whats your name? He told me it was Butta, Butta Fly. I asked if he was real Butter, he said yes. So I licked him.

View on black (This is a highly trained Ninja Butterfly and I will send him after you)

100 Pictures: Butterfly/Bee

PS. Butterflies taste like hair and dust, please don't lick them

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SOOC with excpetion of convert to JPEG and I upped the vibrance a tiny bit. Other than that, no crop, no processing on this

My Pad Or Yours

My Pad Or Yours, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

I stepped in duck poo, knelt on a rock, got yelled at by some bird all so I could take an HDR shot of some Lily Pad flower. I'm happy. :)

HSS!

Hey! Anybody Seen a Flower Around Here?

Hey! Anybody Seen a Flower Around Here?, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Boy is he gonna feel stupid in a minute.

View on black or get stung! ( yeah, I doubt he'd really find you anyway)

Our Daily Challenge: OOPS!

Fuego

Fuego, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

This is just a different edit. It was a one shot deal. I placed the camera on the ground, face up and used the hose to angle it a bit. I put the camera on bracketing for 7 shots. I went inside, grabbed my remote grabbed my ...er...glasses and put them on. Flailing blindly doesn't work well in getting a cat to come to you. So I lied and yelled treats. I picked up Fuego, stumbled outside, bent down over the camera, whispered "Smile" into his ear and pushed the shutter remote. Went back inside, put him down, looked up and two other cats staring at me with the "What the..." look in there eyes.

Now, everytime I want to get out I have to trick them. This morning as I was trying toleave, they all gathered around it determined to make an escape. I pointed towards the living room and yelled, Look! Theres Felix the Cat on the couch! As they screamed like giddy school girls and swooned, I made my escape.

View on black or I will sick my dog on you. (shhhhh, he thinks he's a dog)

Cliche Saturday: Pets

Just Be Yourself

Just Be Yourself, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Why on earth would a cat be inspirational to me?

Because, this one is ... how should I say this nicely, bonkers, nuts, crazy, three sheets to the wind, daff, looney tunes, dingy, "blonde", doopey and plain ole insane. He is everything you want in a dog. He hears me pull up and waits for me by the front door when I come in. He follows me everywhere I go. He is always in the same room with me. He sleeps on my feet.

On occasion, another animal will get locked in a closet or room. Fuego will run around like mad, meowing till you follow him to the door and let the other animal out. This has happened on numerous occasions.

Other odd behavior, he has been found sleeping on top of an open door and he loves to run in circles. Fuego will circle anything and everything and will continue to do so till you make him stop. When he does this to his brother and sister, he is usually stopped by them knocking him down after a few circles then sitting on him.

He is not afraid to be himself regardless of how society says he should be. He is Fuego and you either take him or leave him the way he is.

So now you know, why a cat is inspirational to me.

View on black or no kibbles for you

Our Daily Challenge: Inspirational

PS. He is a Flame Point Siamese if you are wondering

(how was that, Sherilyn?) :)

Baked Potato with Butter and Chives

Baked Potato with Butter and Chives, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Mmmmmm! I love baked potato with butter and chives. You dare put that nasty sour cream on it and I will flick it in your eye.

View on black and maybe a steak will magically appear.

Our Daily Challenge: Still Life

Via Flickr:
Mmmmmm! I love baked potato with butter and chives. You dare put that nasty sour cream on it and I will flick it in your eye.

View on black and maybe a steak will magically appear.

Our Daily Challenge: Still Life

Just Me

Just Me, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Just me. Straight out of camera. No editing, no processing. Just convertered to jpeg. Essentially me naked. Hehehehe Your looking at me naked.

Pervs.

View on black. I need all the help I can get here.

Here's The Deal

Here's The Deal, a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

This little critter comes up to me one night and says, Look, heres the deal. You get me some fries and a large coke and I wont write 'Mike Was Here' in trash on the neighbors lawn. We shook hand/paw and the deal was done.

View on Black or I will have him throw trash in your yard

100 Pictures: Critter

Free Kisses, $5

Free Kisses, $5 a photo by hbmike2000 on Flickr.

Disclaimer:
Looking at this photo constitutes standing in line. No leaving, running, hiding, screaming or crying.

Pucker up. No Refunds!

View in black. Yeah, can't really think of anything worse at this point.

Our Daily Challenge: Eccentricity