the next theme is...CHANGE

"Changing Horizon..." by Sunflare Orange

“The joy of life comes from our own encounters with new experiences and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different."
~ Jon Krakauer, Into The Wild

Xanthe: rolleigram by kirstinmckee

Sam Cooke once sang, "It's been a long, long time coming but I know change gonna come, oh yes it will." Yes Sam Cooke, change is coming...new seasons, new life, new ideas.

With this Ring by soupatraveler

If you're like me though, the prospect of change is a bit scary. We often get set in our ways and struggle to step outside the invisible but defining lines that prevent us from greatness.

"My philosophy..." by farmgirl in flipflops

"My philosophy is that life is all about learning and growing, and that life can be a real adventure of learning, growing, compassion, and joyfulness." ~ John Mackey

"mama, come quick, I've found a little patch of heaven." by journeywithasimplegirl

However, I think we're finally ready to step out of the shadows, into a real adventure and find our own little patch of heaven. We're not exactly sure where it'll take us, but I hope you'll join us for the ride.

We look forward to seeing your "change" photos!


Ashley of Ramblings and Photos

the next theme is...THE FIVE SENSES

Spring has sprung in the northern hemisphere and we hope everyone is enjoying the outdoors--breathing in some fresh air, running in the warm breezes, and partaking in some of your favorite springtime rituals. You know, taking in the wonder of the season with all of your senses and every part of your being.

And speaking of senses, I am happy to announce that our theme for the next two weeks is "the five senses". We all know what they are, right? Well just in case you need a refresher, they are hearing, sight, taste, touch and smell. So let's spend some time on these gorgeous spring days interpreting the five senses with our photographs. Here, let me give you a few examples...

I can seriously smell these lilacs...

lunch date with lilacs. by tumbleweed.in.eden

These blueberries are bursting in my mouth, they taste so good!

sundaymoment by kirstinmckee

I want to touch the natural textures of this fantastic old brick wall...

brickmaster by lindsey g (modchik)

I see spring written all over this beautiful shot...

untitled by soul aperture {christina}

And I can hear the music and the hustle-bustle of rush hour...

musical rush hour by urban muser

OK, so I hope you are getting it by now, this one should be fun! It'll be really helpful to the muses when we are writing our posts to know which of the five senses you were thinking of when you snapped your photo so please write it in the tags (thanks!). Have a lovely week everyone!

~christy {urban muser}

the next theme is...I AM

We've gone through a lot of change here at Mortal Muses over the past 6 months, saying goodbye to some of our muses and welcoming new ones. Sometimes it's hard to keep up! We appreciate each and every one of you who follow our blog, share your beautiful images in our flickr pool, and stop by to comment on our posts each day. As we edge ever closer to our 500th follower we want to get to know you a little better and tell you a bit more about ourselves.

So in that spirit, our next theme is "I am....". Tell us something about yourself that we don't know. This is not a self-portrait theme, but if you want to take on that challenge as part of this theme, we welcome you to do that.  Use this prompt to share something that represents a part of you and your life---a hobby, a dream, a place you hold at work or with your family or friends.

Maybe you'll tell us that you are a baker...

{154/365+1v.2} lunch muffins by jennifée

Or a wanderer...

strolling by ~ania♥

Or a gardener...

last summer by superdewa

You can also share a feeling. Maybe you are insecure...

in the afternoon, i am full of insecurity by teagan nicholle

Or perhaps you are feeling strong...

i am strong. by mamaowlphoto

We hope you will get creative with this one. Remember, you don't have to be in the picture (unless you want to), but the subject should tell us something about YOU! It would be great if you could write somewhere in the image description or tags "I am ( fill in the blank)". I look forward to seeing your submissions and to learning a little more about you in the next two weeks.

until then,

~christy {urban muser}

and the next theme is...MUSIC

Do you love music as much or more than photography?

Photography makes my heart sing by Libertad Leal

everyone needs it by Anna Gay

Maybe it is your favorite musicians, 

{music maker} by tolly p

or the music you dance to, 

“Dance for yourself, if someone understands good...” by photos=happiness

or for the memories it brings back to you,

"was i miserable because..." by anniebluesky

or just the challenge of shooting live musicians or the excitement of a live performance.

Whatever it is, we look forward to seeing your MUSIC photos in our Flickr pool.


And remember to join us tomorrow when we start musing on Charm -  as always, on the last day of the theme we'll be holding our usual linky party where you can add your own links and show us how you've interpreted Charm.


happy snapping,
cara of cararosephotos

and the next theme is....CHARM

I'm a fan of intangibles. I appreciate the ambiguity of a theme that allows us to be inspired in many different directions and conjures up many different possibilities in our choice of photographic subjects. For me, "charm" is just one of those things. It has the same basic definition and a definite connotation most could agree on, but it also is something that not everyone can really put their finger on in terms of who and what has that charm. Just what is it that makes someone or something charming? How might someone's photography charm you? And then there is the other way to look at it, as a noun. A special part of a bracelet or necklace or trinket that we hold dear.

So, muses, show us YOUR charm! Show us what you think is charming...what charms you? And now I have to stop saying "charm" because it doesn't sound like a word anymore!

Maybe it is an actual charm...

"it is later than you think" said the reaper by ~mimo~

charmed i'm sure by soupatraveler

Maybe it is someone you find charming...

...and now he is 6 by kirstinmckee

make new friends by ~staci lee~

Or a place that charmed you...

my head told my heart, "let love grow" by tumbleweed.in.eden

Whatever it is, we look forward to seeing your CHARM photos in our Flickr pool.

And remember to join us tomorrow when we start musing on Water -  as always, on the last day of the theme we'll be holding our usual linky party where you can add your own links and show us how you've interpreted Water.

happy snapping,
cara of cararosephotos

the next theme is... LOOKING OUT, LOOKING IN

In the course of a day, have you ever noticed how often you are looking out or looking in?

Maybe you are looking out for a friend to meet you...

Cheers to your Weekend AND Your New Year!! by tumbleweed.in.eden 

 ... or looking out at the world going by.

  Early Morning at the Window by Kat Eye View

As photographers, we look in all the time too. Into our cameras...  

leaves through Clyde, the argus by KirstinMcKee 

 ...and our subjects.

  Bottom's Up by soupatraveler 

 You might even spend time, looking deep within yourself.

  "in the moment we are timeless" by soul aperture {christina} 

Notice where you look out and look in, through the course of your day. Capture these moments and share your images of LOOKING OUT, LOOKING IN with us in the Flickr pool. 

Tomorrow we begin musing on WINTER IN BLACK AND WHITE. I can't wait!! 

Kat of The Kat Eye View of the World

and the next theme is... WINTER IN BLACK AND WHITE

There is something about winter that calls me to black and white.

december skies by kirstinmckee 

 The contrast in the weather and the bare branches of the trees.

  Weather Pattern by Kat Eye View 

 The feel of the snow, gently falling.

  sister, in the snow by tumbleweed.in.eden 

 The land is in hibernation, and color recedes.

  5/30 Simple Sage (+1) by soupatraveler 

We leave our mark, in different ways.

 october snow by Urban Muser 

Today, start sharing your experience of WINTER IN BLACK AND WHITE with us in the Flickr Pool. We love black and white here at the Mortal Muses, with an everyday photo selection on our Life in B&W page. Have you noticed it before? If not, you are missing out! While we muse on the WINTER IN BLACK AND WHITE theme, we will celebrate our ongoing love of black and white on all of our three pages.

 But first... We celebrate the New Year as we start musing on FRESH tomorrow. See you then!

and the next theme is... FRESH

A new year is right around the corner, and a fresh slate of new beginnings, await us. Many of us will set goals, fill in new calendars, or feed our souls with balance. Maybe a walk near the water to stand in stillness, as you listen to the beauty, of the waves.

water watching by lucy.loomis

Will you load up the van, hit the road and take the trip, you've always wanted take?

austrailian caravanning by gemma marwick

How about seeking out nature, and all it has to offer?

these little treasures by hnxing

No matter what your plans are for a fresh new year,  in my heart, I know you will shine. ; )

shine by doc unc

Here's to new beginnings! I look forward to seeing all your FRESH photos in our flickr pool.

{Our festive musing and giveaways will  resume tomorrow with the creative prompt announced yesterday...GREETINGS}

Warmly, 

Christina {soul aperture}

and the next theme is...WARMTH

As November approaches and the temperatures in most parts of the world begin to dip we find ourselves seeking warmth in different ways. Some of us find it and wrap our hands around it.

Keeping Warm by Trevellion

While of some of us create it with a simple wick and a flame.

Winter Warmth by Holly (Souptraveler)

Others head south following the fireball in the sky.

A Round Sun by Marina Sorr

During the next two weeks we are trying to translate that feeling of warmth through our viewfinders. You may find it in a roaring fire, a cup of coffee or wrapped tightly in a blanket. So grab your hot cocoa and fuzzy slippers, join us by sharing your warmth photos in the Mortal Muses Theme Group on Flickr. We look forward to seeing how much heat you can generate. :D

cold mornings hot tea by Lindsey (modchik)

Lindsey | the modchik

and the next theme is...LIGHT FANTASTIC

It surrounds us daily, and for most of us, it will determine when we awaken or when we go to sleep. Many of our jobs depend upon it, and for photographers, it will determine exactly how we craft our work. I'm talking about light. But not just any light, the kind of light that makes you grab your camera and start snapping away. We're talking about Light Fantastic, that soul-seeking, heart-stopping inspirational light that can make us gasp in wonder or sigh with delight.

bateman's by kirstin mckee

Twice a year on the lead up to the solstice something magical occurs. whether your waxing or waning ,the light begins to shift and change presenting some wonderful opportunities. In the Northern hemisphere, the autumn light takes on a warm glow coating everything in a rich warm hue. The Magic Hour during this time of year takes on a whole new meaning.

autumn glow by holly {soupatraveler}

Sometimes, it is how the light catches your subject that will cause your heart to beat faster. Light refractions in water can create some incredible shadows, reflections and delicious bokeh.

water droplets by boney muggle

Where we place the light in our subject...in front, behind, to the side...stylistically will change everything about the story we're presenting. Do we highlight just one section of our subject, or do we throw it in the dark by shooting it as a silhouette. We don't even have to use natural light to achieve something spectacular.

safe by lindsey (modchik)

We can also take a more subtle approach when using light maintaining the same drama as Lindsey's shot above while touching an emotional chorde like Christina's shot below which can connect many of us to our own memories of catching lightening bugs on a warm, summer evening.

summers night light by christina {soul aperture}

For the next ten days, go out there and seek your own Light Fantastic. Show us what that means to you. Maybe you'll capture a sunset or a sunrise or be surprised by a hint unexpected sunflare stealing into your shot? Or perhaps you'll seek other types of light sources as your inspiration? Whatever you do, be sure to share your images with us in our Mortal Muses Theme group on flickr. I look forward to seeing what Light Fantastic means to you!

Holly {Soupatraveler}

and the next theme is...HOME

Where we come from, our homes, can often define us. It can be a place or also a state or mind. Right now, if you're reading this from your home, take a look around you. What do you see? Perhaps you have built a tidy, manicured nest that you love to enjoy, or maybe instead it's a messy retreat. Really, it's all a matter of interpretation, right?

In my studio by Kat Eye View

Do you live in the country of your birth, or have you emigrated to a new land, maybe for a job, a relationship, or a new life. If you've moved away from your birthplace, perhaps to a new country or new city, you might long for the tastes, sights and sounds of your childhood, and "home" means a special package in the mail, a home-cooked meal or perhaps a visit from a loved one making your new home feel more like the old one from which you've come. 

Visit From Mom by Soupatraveler

Do you live alone, or do you share your space with others, perhaps your parents, a spouse or lover, children, pets or roommates. Basic facts, for sure, but very telling ones which can determine the size of your abode. How many rooms do you have? Who do you share your meals with? What things fill up your home?

the "table" by Urban Muser

But home can also be a state of mind, as in home is "where the heart is" or as the song goes, "...home is whenever I'm with you!" It might not matter to you where you live, so long as it's with the ones you love.

Magic by Cara

How we live from day to day, where we come from, who and what we surround ourselves with, they all come together to create our worlds. Where do you feel most at home? And with whom? Share with us the images that make up your home. They don't even need to be specific, they could just convey that "homey" feeling.

Zander Enjoys a Summer Evening by Ashley Sisk

I look forward to seeing what you turn your cameras towards over the next two weeks! I can't wait to surf the Mortal Muses Theme group to see what "home" looks like to you.

Holly {Soupatraveler}