These are not pictures of ritzy dinners, but rather a play on the word “entry” as in Tree Square Challenge Entry. Sometimes often I have to explain my attempts at humor, and yet I keep plugging away at it. There are only three tree days after this. Remember Becky’s only rules are square and trees.
Please click on the link under her logo to see the cutest portrait in a tree ever.
My goal for this month for #Tree Squares was to start at home in Prescott, AZ and spiral away, highlighting trees farther and farther away from my home. Australia and Greece are as far away as I ever got from home. I have no pictures digitized from Greece, but trees are ubiquitous in Australia, so no worries for me. Since today is Tanka Tuesday I’ll attempt to write a themed Haiku (Expedition) to highlight this picture.
Australia Trip #18: Birds and Friends in Brisbane
Birds in Australia, unlike the birds in Prescott or Woodlake, like to pose. I don’t know what the government there is paying them, but they love to have their photos snapped.
Haiku’s are not supposed to be titled. They are not supposed to be about humans either, so this may be something else besides a Haiku, but it has the pattern 2-3-2 of the modern Haiku. I love the girl’s grumpy expression don’t you? Do you suppose she’s had one too many solicitation calls and this bird is the last straw?
Fishing Expedition
long necked Long-legged sharp beak "Don't look unless you bring food." Marsha Ingrao
This isn’t a photo class, but I had fun playing with this particular photo and adding different presets to it.
Sepia 
Soft Mist Preset 
Marsha’s mix 
Original photo
Birds are not the only ones who love to be photographed near beautiful trees. The unsuspecting can only imagine that if someone is trying to take a picture of a tree, and if they walk in front of it, they will get shot.
Marsha’s mix 
Marsha’s mix 
Marsha’s mix
My favorites, of course are getting friends to pose. I’m not great at this type of photography, but if I didn’t ask once in a while, I’d never have any pictures of those who matter most.
This next picture begged to be shared even without using it for a portrait.
sprawling angles give shelter leaves fall bugs, birds, crawl explore Marsha Ingrao
Finally, writing this post has been like going to the grocery. I had one thing in mind and one only. A quick easy post highlighting the beauty of Brisbane, Australia. One photo. So before I sign off for the night, here it is. My one photo post.
Bird’s Response to my Photo-taking Expedition
I'm not visible now leave Marsha Ingrao
As you can see, I’m running late with my posts. Tomorrow is Writer’s Quotes Wednesday Writing Challenge. The topic: Exciting. I apologize ahead of time, it probably won’t be up at 7:00 am.
Have a great night, sleep well.
Marsha Ingrao - Always Write 
78 responses to “#TreeSquares #27: Portrait “Entrees””
A gorgeous post. Loved the images and poetry and the expedition theme was perfectly conveyed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jude.
LikeLike
My pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, Marsha. I loved your interplay of photos and haiku. The whole journey was exquisite! 💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Gwen. Haikus are a lot of fun. They show my true self which is not super deep or introspective, but literal and a little silly.
LikeLike
[…] Marsha […]
LikeLike
This was fabulous, Marsha! I loved the birds. For whatever reason, birds love me. Once, I had a parrot land on my shoulder in a tropical-themed restaurant. He would not leave—even followed me into the bathroom! You’ve got some great photos and poetry! So nice to see you! I’ve been so busy. I’ll add more in my post to explain, but I’ve taken on a part-time receptionist job. Sometimes you have to take what the universe drops into your lap and run with it. Hugs, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my gosh, Colleen. As if you didn’t have enough to do! Wow! I bet it is fun, though. You are so friendly and have such a kind way about you and a kind face, I think you would be the perfect receptionist. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL! Thanks, Marsha. I worked in accounting for over 20 years so this is wonderful. It’s nice to engage with people! Most of the clientele is older so it’s really nice. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
We baby boomers haven’t given up the ghost yet. We still dominate in places. Prescott is definitely a boomer town. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Lots of older folks here. I can retire and get SS until I’m almost 68 years old. Believe me, I’ve got a few years to go before I hit that age. I might as well add to my SS while I can. 😀 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You should. As a CA teacher, we opted out of SS and get State Teachers Retirement System. I get $210 a month from SS. LOL That’s after Medicare. Even though I worked some between 60-68, I couldn’t add to it, so for the most part, I didn’t work other than blogging and writing a book and volunteering in the community. I’m not sure where I would have fit work in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yikes! That’s rough. Ron took his SS early as he was disabled. I’ve worked for years so this will be a good change for me. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fortunately for us, state teachers retirement pays well. I also saved the maximum amount I could during all the years I taught. We’ve invested that money in real estate. So, though we aren’t rich, we have plenty to live comfortably. That’s one reason we love our condo here. It’s is economical and allows us to do the things we want and need to do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bravo! We were not as lucky in that situation, but we always seem to have what we need. I’m younger than my hubby so it’s important for me to keep adding to my SS. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very smart. What we do now, and it has seemed like a job is that we have bought a condo in Scottsdale and we are turning into an Air BnB. It’s taken a month to get it ready, but I think we are ready to go now. It’s been a lot of fun, but has taken much more money and more work than we thought it would. It’s well stocked, now. and ready for customers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s awesome! Good for you! What a great idea. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
The jury’s not out, but we hope it is a good idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
With COVID there is no telling! I wish you well with this new adventure. I think it’s cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Colleen. It’s the AC. The temps this week you are going to be missing terribly. Up to 122 in places.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup… that’s why I had to move. I couldn’t stand the heat. It’s been a blissfull summer here in Michigan. Yes, we have some humidity, but I can handle that better than the blazing heat. We made the right decision for us in moving. ❤
LikeLike
Beautiful photos and poems! I’ve heard lots of good stuff about the birds in Australia. It seems they are very comfortable around people, and they are gorgeous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They seem to be unafraid of humans and always willing to pose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
that tree is amazing, and so are the colors of the bird in the last photo. looks like it was a wonderful trip…
by the way, I came across an app that is like Shazam, but it is for identifying birds by their sounds. I used it today for the first time, and it seems pretty cool, but I have no idea if it is correct! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s very cool. Will it identify birds in photos as well?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am not sure; here is where I read about it: https://davidkanigan.com/2021/07/27/shazam-for-bird-songs/
LikeLike
Thanks, Jim. When our monsoon is over I’ll get back on my computer and check it out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yikes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thunder and lightening. I unplugged. Better today, and we need the rain so badly.
LikeLike
I think the whole country could use a bit of rain; I just wish it came down in a less extreme way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s not raining her right this second, but it could at any time. Yesterday it came down in buckets where I was, but Vince was at home and he didn’t get any. It’s keeping the temperatures in the 70s, though, and that’s appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess there’s nowhere that has perfect weather everyday… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fain now. It was beautiful this morning. But I am grateful for every drop.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, rain is critical for the environment, and in a way, I find a good rain good for my soul…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do too. I find too many clouds bad for my soul if I just stay inside. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
a rainy day is an excuse for me to jut stay home and relax and rejuvenate…
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what I did today. Silent witness – way too many episodes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have not heard of that show…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m binging on it right now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
with a good cup of coffee?
LikeLike
That big tree is simply marvelous Marsha. What a fun post. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cee. I discoverd how to see my photos from my iPhotos storage. I think I have 2 TB of storage space there, and I’ve never been able to access it to organize it since I had a PC. Last week I downloaded the app that allows me to see the photos in my file manager. Another huge step in getting organized.
LikeLike
well this is rather fabulous isn’t it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, and now it’s time to write TreeSquares #28. I’m down to that now – last minute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
no rush, I’ll be here for the next few days 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, three. I have #31 written and #30 planned, so that just leaves tomorrow, and I still have lots of choices – even a clever one like you did today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
ooh love clever ones 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This has been super fun, Becky B.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLike
Love your photos and that you have slipped you verse in, so very apt 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
See, inspired by you! Seriously, I read your post before writing mine. 🙂
LikeLike
Lol , well I am flattered 💜💜 you are good 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am not good. I am Always Write. 🙂
LikeLike
☺️☺️☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! The big ancient tree! I could stare at it forever!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ruth. Isn’t it amazing? I’ll probably never see another one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am happy to meet you God bless you
My email jesushealer827@gmail.com
LikeLike
Nice to meet you.
LikeLike
Don’t know what the tree is, but it sure is marvellous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My friend Carol shared it in her comment. It’s a Moreton Bay Fig.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Southbank is one of my favourite places, Marsha. When were you there? I’m sorry we didn’t meet up (we probably didn’t know each other then). That bird eyeing off the girl is an ibis, often called a bin chicken here. They love getting scraps from tourists and the bins, especially around Southbank. The beautiful big tree, as the eternal traveller said, is a Moreton Bay Fig. Moreton Bay is the bay to the east of Brisbane. The colourful bird is a rainbow lorikeet. I love when they visit my garden. 💖 It’s so nice to see my hometown in your shots.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am so sorry I missed you, too, Norah. It was four years ago now, so it was before we met. It was probably the most exciting and brave thing I have ever done in my life -travel wise. I could never have made the trip without Carol and Leanne, especially Carol. She really is the eternal traveler, and made sure I saw something special every day. I loved Brisbane. It was beautiful – and very wet one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Surely we’ve known each other longer than four years, Marsha. Actually, I just checked back on our email correspondence. You wrote a guest post for readilearn at the beginning of 2018 – that’s 31/2 years ago, so we must have known each other before that. https://www.readilearn.com.au/readilearn-writing-lower-primary-classroom-guest-post-marsha-ingrao/
It can be very wet here at times, but generally beautiful. I’ll catch you next time you’re here. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
At the time I visited Carol and Leanne I had been blogging just five years. I felt like they were very close friends even though we weren’t close geographically. I met both of them in person in 2016 when they visited separately. So It had been only four years. That’s a pretty long time. I think we are at about that point, my friend. We have connected, as I have with a few of my other friends online. We meet lots of people in life but form lifetime connections with just a few. You are one of those.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so nice, Marsha. I feel that too. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really enjoyed your haikus, Marsha, and the pictures are beautiful and vivid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Robbie. I enjoyed writing them. Pictures and writing are what make blogging so exciting and enjoyable to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Moreton Bay Fig is extremely beautiful! Wow! The rest of the post was great too of course. I like how you played with one of the photos in different filters.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Maria. I had a lot of fun with the entire post – not to mention the trip during which I took the pictures. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bet the trip must have been fabulous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was amazing. I probably took at least 1,000 pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How fun!
LikeLike
That big tree is a Moreton Bay Fig. More happy memories in this post. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
I agree. That first day in Brisbane was like walking into heaven, so bright, so colorful, water everywhere, greenery. Best of all great friends, meeting new people, and taking pictures of memories to last a lifetime.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yay, thanks for the name!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are welcome. Are you doing a compilation of the different species that have been posted? Now that would be a lot of work, wouldn’t it? What’s wrong with me – nobody needs MORE work! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
lol!!! If only I had time, I would love to have done that
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL. I’m sure someone has, so I wouldn’t worry about it. I don’t know if Vince’s app on his phone will identify trees. For the ones in Australia, Carol is like a tree encyclopedia. She knows so much! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person