Debra Martz Mugs

Withering Queen Annes Lace by Debra Martz While walking around the park area by the Portland Head Light, I noticed scattered tall blooms in their final stage even though everything else was still green and not changing. The withering bloom of Queen Anne's Lace aka Wild Carrot. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20231013-DSC_9962.NEF

Looking Away by Debra Martz ........................... There's beauty on the backside, too! The road to the summit of Signal Mountain twists and turns as it winds its way to the top for scenic views....but I kept seeing all the gorgeous thistles! Finally a place to stop and walk to the edge where the one looking away captured my attention. Oh, yes, I did continue on and basked in the glory of the views all around! ........................... This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributing these images without the expressed written permission from me is strictly prohibited. .............................. Thank you for looking, Debra Martz

Flight of Great Blue Herons @Debra Martz The heavily overcast day worked well for a blank "canvas" that shows off three Herons in flight. Two passing over the treetops of the rookery and another one lifting to the sky. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 2024/20190214-DSC_3009.NEF

Six Shooter Gunslinger - Black and White by Debra Martz And then while in Utah, we drove into Kanab one day right as a parade was coming to an end. Kanab’s Western Legends Roundup parade. Spotted this guy riding away with his six shooter strapped on his hip. Sure wish we had known of the parade; I would have been there for it all. Copyright Debra Martz 20180825-DSC_5091.EET

Luckenbach Texas Armadillo Guitar by Debra Martz Wood carving of an armadillo playing a guitar with lone star and a background of vehicle tags. This is just a small interpretation of this fun venue where music is the star!

Cowboy Capital - Bandera - Texas by Debra Martz One cannot walk nor roam around Bandera, Texas without noticing the western feel of the town. From horse art to boots to western murals, you'll find it here. You will, also, see a sign on the edge of town "Welcome to Bandera, Texas, Est.1853, Cowboy Capital of the World" and taking a stroll around the courthouse you will find the Monument honoring the Cowboy Champions of Bandera County. This bronze sits atop that monument with the watertower in the distance. Copyright Debra Martz 20180808-DSC_3266-E2T

Well Worn Pilings Portland Maine by Debra Martz The pilings, originating from piers of the past, remain intact in a collective heap at the cruise terminal in Portland, Maine, even after the passage of many years. I found them interesting in their weathered and worn state, and even more so when a single cormorant landed on one. Amazing to me was its "matching colors" of silver, black, and orange. A beautiful display of nature amidst the relics of the maritime past. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20231013-DSC_9843.NEF

Black Crested Titmouse Little Beauty ©Debra Martz It's sweet how timing works. I hadn't made it 100 yards at the start of the trail when the mosquitoes attacked. So it was back to the truck for insect repellent wipes. This little one was perched on the side view mirror but as I got closer it flew into the tree close by, turned and watched me from there. I saw a few more on the trail throughout the day but not this close. Image captured at the Santa Ana NWR in south Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20230302-DSC_7082.NEF

Springtime In Alaska by Debra Martz ........................... May is a beautiful time to visit Alaska. Flowers were blooming all around Ketchikan. ........................... This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributing these images without the expressed written permission from me is strictly prohibited. .............................. Thank you for looking, Debra Martz

The Schandua Building - Fredericksburg, Texas by Debra Martz While walking down the very busy through street of the tourist town of Fredericksburg, I noticed antique hand knocker on an old door. That brought my attention to the the Texas seal marking this as an historic building. Later, when walking in the opposite direction and across the street, I had a better view of the Schandua building. Well, a better view of the upper level which was the residence. From the signage on the building: "Erected in 1897 of hand-hewn limestone, this structure was the home of John (d.1900) and Bertha (Klein) Schandua (d. 1943). They lived upstairs with their children and John's hardware store was downstairs. For a time, the Maso...

On an early morning hike this Sunflower had not yet turned to face the sunshine. I think it's a lot like me maybe....a little slow to get started in the morning! Captured this at the Estero Llano Grande State Park located in Weslaco, Texas. Copyright Debra Martz

St Dunstans Basilica Interior Charlottetown PEI by Debra Martz The altar stands tall at 37 feet and is decorated with an altar screen that spans 44 feet and features carved statues of saints and angels. The German-crafted Rose window in the center, though seemingly small, spans 14 feet. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20231010-IMG_9251

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher the Oklahoma State Bird by Debra Martz I had spent quite awhile watching one of these from the end of a boardwalk but it was off a ways in the distance. I waited and waited for it to take flight but no such luck. Then as I was leaving, at the far other end of the boardwalk I looked up to see this beauty perched above me on a vine that was spreading over the top of a Live Oak Motte. The range of the state bird of Oklahoma is much of south-central United States and spends it winters in Mexico and Central America. I captured this one in early March on Padre Island at Corpus Christi, Texas.

Ice Cold Beer - On Tap - Sign By Debra Martz An old rusty sign I saw nailed to an exterior wall of a little beach bar.

Show Us Your Boots - Bandera - Texas by Debra Martz One cannot walk nor roam around Bandera, Texas without noticing the western feel of the town. From horse art to boots to western murals, you'll find it here. This mural is located on the side of the Western Trails Antiques and Marketplace shop. I've added a mosaic type overlay to give more definition to the brick wall on which the mural is painted. Copyright Debra Martz

Coyote Ugly Saloon Sign By Debra Martz So many cool places with neat signs on Honky Row in Nashville Tennessee! I did a bit of processing to give this a bit of a painterly effect.

Raven Welcoming Crew at the Ponderosa by Debra Martz There were a number of large Common Ravens at the Ponderosa Point overlook in Bryce Canyon National Park. Interesting how close they will let you get to them. Perhaps they wanted something! Copyright Debra Martz 20180824-DSC_4730.N

Closeup of a partial section of my Christmas Tree decorated simply with red and white ornaments plus twinkling lights. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved

Six Shooter Gunslinger by Debra Martz And then while in Utah, we drove into Kanab one day right as a parade was coming to an end. Kanab’s Western Legends Roundup parade. Spotted this guy riding away with his six shooter strapped on his hip. Sure wish we had known of the parade; I would have been there for it all. Copyright Debra Martz 20180825-DSC_5091.EET

Coral Bean Pink Yellow Abstract by Debra Martz From my photograph of the Coral Bean plant, digitally manipulated to pink and yellow for a contemporary piece of art. The plant seems to be dancing in the wind with the shapes of question marks.

Tall Flowering Aloe by Debra Martz Everything I read says that Aloe blooms in the summer, however this is November and blooming beautifully. Found near the park at the marina area of Port Aransas, TX. Captured against a partly cloudy sky. Copyright Debra Martz 20181105-DSC_0144-ET

Bug Light Under a Dramatic Sky by Debra Martz It was a cloudy, windy, and rather cold day but that atmosphere added to the overall mood of this image of Bug Light aka South Portland Breakwater Light. The lighthouse was originally built in 1855, as a wooden structure, replaced with a classical iron structure in 1875. The light was fully restored in 1989 and was reactivated in 2002. It appears as a private aid to navigation in the US Coast Guard Light List as South Portland Breakwater Light. Construction of the fortress in the distance was started around 1858. By the time it was finished in 1864, the manner for which it was built was obsolete. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: "East Coast USA"

Soft Sand and Turquoise Water of Aruba ©Debra Martz The title says it all. It is just mesmerizing to walk along the edge of the water on the wonderfully soft sand while watching the waves roll in. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved

Candy Corn ©Debra Martz From the very first time I saw a Common Gallinule, I thought of Candy Corn with its vibrant colored beak. And today was no different as it seemed even more bright in the beautiful sunlight. Captured in the wetlands of South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20240302-DSC_0141 Alt Text: A black bird with a distinctive orange-red beak tipped with white is swimming in calm waters, casting a clear reflection. The bird appears to be a Common Gallinule, once named moorhen in the USA, known for its aquatic lifestyle and distinctive call. Photography by Debra Martz

Little Tropical Isle On Bourbon Street by Debra Martz I enjoyed an early morning walk on Bourbon Street and other French Quarter Streets nearby while there were no crowds. While on this stroll, I took pictures of my favorite signs and several are places I actually went to later. In Topaz software, I used several filters to make the image more colorful. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: "Signs" "New Orleans Louisiana" "Digital Art Photography" 202220210512-DSC_4637-Edit-2.tif

Park Road View - Cedar Breaks - Utah by Debra Martz Thank goodness for wide spots in the road! We were driving along the Park Road in Cedar Breaks National Park, between overlooks, when this scene came into view! I loved the yellows and greens along the edge leading to the orange and reds of the earth below and the mountains fading off in the distance. Yes, it was a "honey, stop the truck" moment and the shoulder was wide enough that he could do just that for me! Copyright Debra Martz 20180822-DSC_4154.N

Hanging by a Thread by Debra Martz ........................... Every 4th of July a family reunion is tradition. Of course, I love seeing all the relatives but I always thoroughly enjoy a visit to my aunt that lives in the country. She has not only great flowers all around but lots of yard decorations, too. This plant was growing next to a shed and I really didn't notice the spider silk until I uploaded it to my computer....and it looked like it was hanging by a thread! ........................... This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributing these images without the expressed written permission from me is strictly prohibited. ............................

Walking Tree - Bryce Canyon Utah by Debra Martz While hiking the Rim Trail between two of the overlooks at Inspiration Point, I needed to stop for a breather!! What better place to take a break than beside this gnarly tree with the roots like legs "walking" along the edge!! And believe it or not, this pine still had several branches of green. Copyright Debra Martz 20180824-DSC4910.N

Monarch Butterfly on Cape Honeysuckle by Debra Martz I walked out the door, camera in hand, to head out for some bird watching and then this... Monarchs all over my Cape Honeysuckle plant. Saw them everywhere I went on November 5...migration of the monarchs...beautiful! Copyright Debra Martz 20181105-DSC_0003.N

View from Brian Head Peak - Cedar Breaks - Utah by Debra Martz The highest point of Cedar Breaks National Monument, 11,307' offers expansive and beautiful views! Below is the resort town of Brian Head, Utah and beyond the state of Nevada. Copyright Debra Martz 20180822-DSC_4198-N

Tropical Zone Pathway by Debra Martz Upon arrival at Estero LLano Grande State Park you are "greeted" with this beautiful sight. This is the starting point into the area referred to as the Tropical Zone in the park. The pink in the distance is a very large bougainvillea. In this area you will find Palm Trees, a big Banyan Tree, Orchid Trees and many fruit trees and much more. It is a wonderful place to enjoy watching for birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects that thrive in this beautiful nature setting. This is a state park of Texas located in Weslaco near the border of Mexico.

Photo of one of my cactus blooms; processed to appear as an antique work of art.

St Dunstan Basilica Pipe Organ Charlottetown PEI by Debra Martz The 89-year-old pipe organ originated from a retired church in Montreal and was relocated to St. Dunstan's Basilica in Charlottetown in 2012. With great attention to detail, it was carefully reconstructed in the choir loft, piece by piece. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20231010-IMG_9251

Blue Dragonfly by Debra Martz I was on one of my regular bird watching outings but not many birds to bee seen on this particular day. As I was leaving a place called Paradise Pond in Port Aransas, TX I spotted this beautiful dragonfly on this single stem rising above the water. I'm not sure which type it is, maybe a Blue Dasher. If you know its ID, please note in the comments. Thank you for looking!

Great Roadrunner takes a Brief Pause by Debra Martz Meep meep!! Catch me if you can!!! They are fast birds that prefer to run rather than fly. And boy can they run....up to 15 miles an hour and maybe even faster when on to prey. This one stopped briefly on the road where I was walking, showed off its beautiful crest of colored of feathers, and off again like a flash.

It was the sky that first grabbed my attention and then the beautiful nature which combined for a lovely landscape.