Two of my favorite things in Turkey…
…and…
The more the better!
Eye candy!
Sky candy!
Click here for more interpretations of the Weekly Photo Challenge: Illumination.
All words and images c2013NaomiBaltuck
Posted by: Naomi Baltuck | January 23, 2013
I love what you see! Thank you for these great photos. Balloons and bulbs.
By: Susan Wingate on January 23, 2013
at 6:04 am
Thank you, Susan! So nice of you to stop by.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 23, 2013
at 6:24 am
Amazing and so colorful! Did you go up?
By: stuffitellmysister on January 23, 2013
at 6:38 am
Oh, yes! It was spectacular, Paula. I was terrified, afraid of heights, but as soon as we were up, time stopped, and all I could do was take in the moment. Here are some photos from that adventure.
http://naomibaltuck.wordpress.com/2012/10/15/sky-candy/
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 23, 2013
at 4:04 pm
I wonder if that is universal. It is just how I felt when I went up in a balloon over Park City, Utah 20 some years ago! It was awesome and memorable!
By: leecarlsonyoga on January 23, 2013
at 6:04 pm
Hi Lee,
I didn’t know you went up in a hot air balloon! What a spectacular place to do it. I hope you took lots of pictures! I still remember watching you and the kids go up in that balloon over Niagara Falls.
Thanks for the visit, Sis!
Love,
Naomi
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 2:56 am
Beautiful!!! And now that I visit this post, my memory is jogged. I cannot imagine how your heart must have been beating!!! Good for you, Naomi!!!♥
By: stuffitellmysister on January 24, 2013
at 1:01 am
Just love those Turkish plates. Wonderful designs, and wonderful photos.
By: Forestwoodfolkart on January 23, 2013
at 7:51 am
Thank you! Aren’t the colors amazing? Every time I saw them, it was like seeing them for the first time all over again. I appreciate your visit.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 2:57 am
Such an interesting array of pictures about illumination. Great choice for the theme. How is the storytelling going? I am fascinated that you are a story teller. What kinds and to whom?
By: tchistorygal on January 23, 2013
at 8:25 am
Hi Marsha,
This is a busy month for storytelling, but it’s going well, thanks. I tell at schools and festivals. My favorite shows are tandem performances with the Baltuck/Garrard Family Storytellers. This week I went solo at the University Child Development Center and told folk tales of Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. Over the weekend will be telling for the Timberline Library in Olympia with my son Eli. On Monday I will do stories from Northwest history at the National American Library Association Conference. I do folk tales, true stories, stories from history, stories for adult audiences, for children, and for family audiences. My website is in transition as I move hosts, but it will soon be back up. You can read about my storytelling at http://www.naomibaltuck.com. Thanks so much for your interest, Marsha.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 3:06 am
Awesome!! I bet you are fantastic!!!!! I’ll check it out!!!
By: tchistorygal on January 24, 2013
at 3:14 am
You can’t believe but I haven’t visited the Cappadocia area yet. Really these balloons are amazing and you captured so beautifully. And do you know most of them are coming from Cloud Nine (USA)… There was a poet friend, I learned from him. And and yes the second one…. I am crazy with them. I love to be in Grand Bazaar… Thank you dear Naomi, maybe one day we can meet in one of them
why not. Love, nia
By: niasunset on January 23, 2013
at 10:27 am
Dear Nia,
Cappadocia is one of the most unique and remarkable places I have ever been. I hope that you are able to go there one day. I didn’t know the balloons came from the US. Our captain, Mustafa, said he had to go to the US for flight training though.
We loved the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar too. Such a feast for all the senses! I look forward to meeting you there one day!
Love,
Naomi
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 6:31 am
Reblogged this on photographyofnia.
By: niasunset on January 23, 2013
at 10:27 am
Dear Nia,
Thank you for reblogging this post!
Love,
Naomi
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 6:32 am
Wonderful … and uplifting photos – love air balloons. Love all the colors you have collected in one gallery and compare with the lamps. Well done.
By: viveka on January 23, 2013
at 10:35 am
Thank you! I was so struck by the similarity too. I managed to get home without a suitcase full of the lamps, but that just means I have to go back now!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 6:41 am
So colorful and cheery on this cold dark morning. A wonderful way to start the day.
By: rutheh on January 23, 2013
at 11:08 am
Hi Ruth,
Thank you for the visit, and for taking the time to comment. Maybe because I live in a place that is often wet and gray, I am attracted to warm lights and bright colors. (Our twinkle lights stay up year round.)
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 6:43 am
hiring a balloon seems to be a great passion in Turkey?
By: frizztext on January 23, 2013
at 12:01 pm
Hi Frizz,
Especially in Cappadocia, it seems to be very popular. The landscape there is unique and perfect for viewing from a balloon. Ballooning is popular in the American Southwest, perhaps for the same reason. Thanks so much for stopping by.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 6:45 am
once a friend bought a balloon flight for me as a birthday gift, 300 $, but I didn’t have the courage to take it …
By: frizztext on January 24, 2013
at 6:59 am
What a generous gift! But I understand. I wouldn’t have gone, except that Eli really wanted to go. I am so glad that I went. As I get older, instead of becoming more cautious, I think I am getting less so. It helps to have kids to nudge me in directions I might not otherwise go.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 7:26 am
How utterly beautiful!! Thank you so much, Nia
By: mtlawleyshire on January 23, 2013
at 12:14 pm
Thank you for stopping by, and taking the time to comment!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 6:46 am
Love the picture of the sky candy.
By: Colline on January 23, 2013
at 12:23 pm
Hi Colline,
Thanks for visiting, and for sharing your thoughts.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 6:46 am
Those LAMPS! I need 5 lol
By: JasmineKyleSings on January 23, 2013
at 1:38 pm
Yes! Me too! I am still kicking myself for not bringing some home in my suitcase. I always travel carry-on, but I know I could have managed somehow.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 6:47 am
Ship to self I have to remember that espically when I hit the vineyard!
By: JasmineKyleSings on January 25, 2013
at 12:04 am
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 25, 2013
at 1:11 am
What fun. What color.
By: Jamie Dedes on January 23, 2013
at 2:30 pm
Thank you, Jamie. I have been loving your poetry, and forwarding it to my daughter, Bea, who is enjoying it as well.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 6:48 am
Love it Naomi!
By: crazytraintotinkytown on January 23, 2013
at 3:26 pm
Thank you!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 6:49 am
All the balloons are just so pretty in the sky
By: maggiemyklebust on January 23, 2013
at 3:31 pm
Hi Maggie,
Thank you! It was such a surreal experience, and the landscape was so otherworldly that, looking back, it almost seems like a dream.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 6:50 am
I can imagine…
By: maggiemyklebust on January 24, 2013
at 9:14 am
Sky candy! What a wonderful image. It has long been my dream to preside over a shop that sells children’s picture books and night lights. I’d settle for a ticket to your light show or your sky show.
By: megan hicks on January 23, 2013
at 4:30 pm
Hi Megan,
What a lovely pairing to send a child off to dreamland–bedtime stories and comforting night lights. Thanks so much for the visit.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 6:52 am
Those pictures are absolutely fabulous. I just love them
Just the sky candy I’d like to imagine visiting and brightning the grey, forlorn, wintery sky outside my window today. Thanks for cheering me up.
By: sarahpotterwrites on January 23, 2013
at 6:05 pm
Dear Sarah,
Thank you so much! It is a dark and gray day here too, but I have twinkle lights on to cheer me up. Thanks for the visit. I will be by for a visit soon–doing some catchup!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 6:55 am
Love the colours and shapes and airiness of these ‘circles’ suspended in the air. Outstanding.
By: Let's CUT the Crap! on January 23, 2013
at 6:30 pm
Thank you, Tess! I hope the New Year is treating you right!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 23, 2013
at 6:32 pm
Fabulous and so colourful, Naomi. I have yet to experience a balloon flight.
By: adinparadise on January 23, 2013
at 7:50 pm
Oh, AD, you should definitely put that on your bucket list. I’ve seen some photos of you doing some pretty daring stuff. I think you would love this.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 7:27 am
I almost did in Johannesburg last year, but unfortunately the weather was too windy, and they couldn’t go up.
By: adinparadise on January 24, 2013
at 12:42 pm
amazing!
By: artblablablablog on January 23, 2013
at 8:03 pm
Thank you! Really nice of you to pop in, and take the time to leave a comment.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 7:28 am
Sometimes a large group of hot air balloons will gather just over the hill by us. It’s really cool to see. Now that I have my camera I can’t wait till the next time they stop in.
By: Debra Kristi on January 23, 2013
at 8:41 pm
That would be fun. When I was a kid, and on a rare occasion got a helium balloon, I made a dixie cup into a basket and gave my little tiny Noah’s ark figures a balloon ride. Have you ever thought of doing that for Thor?
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 7:30 am
LOL. Not until you brought it up. That could make for a hilarious vlog!
I recall creating a few of those balloon rides for my toys as a child. Such fun. Thanks for the idea.
By: Debra Kristi on January 24, 2013
at 7:39 am
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 7:40 am
WOW! I’ve always wanted to go up in a balloon – but I’ve been too scared! Maybe I should put this on my bucket list!
Great photos for the Illumination challenge
By: diannegray on January 23, 2013
at 8:43 pm
Hi Dianne,
I have always been afraid to do that, but once you surrender yourself to it, it is remarkable. I found that I wasn’t afraid once we got going–I was too busy being amazed. Then the landing went so smoothly, that I wondered why I was ever afraid. It might help if you have your glass of champagne BEFORE the flight!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 7:32 am
Oh yes – great idea!
By: diannegray on January 24, 2013
at 7:14 pm
Miss the Balloons out west but we have a gathering here in NH each year
Loved the post!
By: nutsfortreasure on January 23, 2013
at 10:19 pm
That sounds lovely! Thanks so much for the visit.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 7:33 am
I got some beautiful shots but sadly with the Pentax K1000 Film camera aha the good old days
By: nutsfortreasure on January 24, 2013
at 10:03 am
Those are amazing!
By: pattisj on January 23, 2013
at 11:13 pm
Thank you, Patti. I was thrilled with the lamps as I was with the balloon ride. I would have filled every dark corner with spirals of light and color, if I’d had room in my suitcase!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 7:35 am
These are lovely. Thank you! Micheline
By: michelinewalker on January 24, 2013
at 12:53 am
Hi Micheline,
Thank you so much, for your visit, and for taking the time to leave a comment!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 7:35 am
Incredibly beautiful! Gorgeous colors!
By: Amy on January 24, 2013
at 12:57 am
Thank you, Amy. Guess what! At dinner tonight we all talked about your canoe trip down the Dordogne! I was so impressed with the photos, and now we are thinking about doing something a little different on the next trip, and that just intrigued me. I love to canoe–taught it at the kids’ camp when I worked in King’s Canyon National Park, but I don’t do enough of it any more.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 7:39 am
I want some of the sky candy. I always wished the I can walk into my own living room field with lights like that. Beautiful and exotic! As for the huge balloons, they are just awesome! Great post!
By: Island Traveler on January 24, 2013
at 9:25 am
Beautiful photos of color and light!
By: Mary Brugh on January 24, 2013
at 1:49 pm
HI Mary,
Thanks so much for stopping by. How are you doing these days, Mary? We were listening to your CD in the car the other day, and sent good wishes in your direction.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 28, 2013
at 4:12 am
I’ve always wanted to do that
By: TBM on January 24, 2013
at 4:13 pm
These are outstanding Naomi!
By: Phil Lanoue on January 24, 2013
at 7:48 pm
Thank you so much!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 8:12 pm
Delightful pictures! And I agree, the more the better…
By: megtraveling on January 24, 2013
at 8:22 pm
Thank you, Meg. I appreciate your visit. I don’t think you can have too many beautiful lamps (or twinkle lights).
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 28, 2013
at 4:13 am
Naomi,
These photos are beautiful! I too have always wanted to go up in a hot air balloon. It looks so peaceful! What a great adventure for you! I’m glad you didn’t let your fear of heights win!
By: Becky on January 24, 2013
at 10:18 pm
Hi Becky,
That is the perfect word for it. It was amazingly peaceful. We left all the noise and worries of the world behind. I am so glad I went too!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 26, 2013
at 1:23 am
By: Becky on January 30, 2013
at 8:12 pm
So cool! I love the photos – thanks!
By: kathy on January 25, 2013
at 5:24 am
Thanks for the visit, Kathy.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 26, 2013
at 1:18 am
This is a great response to the challenge!
By: Photography Journal Blog on January 25, 2013
at 12:21 pm
Thank you! I appreciate your stopping by.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 26, 2013
at 1:21 am
Perfect
Are the lamps from the Grand Bazaar?
By: Madhu on January 25, 2013
at 6:05 pm
Hi Madhu,
One of those shots was taken at the Grand Bazaar, but the profusion of lamps was shot at a store on a street near the Blue Mosque. I hope I can find my way back there one day, and if I do, I’m going home with a suitcase full of hanging lamps!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 26, 2013
at 12:57 am
“It helps to have kids to nudge me in directions I might not otherwise go…” – yes, otherwise I wouldn’t have seen Madrid or Rome, Venice or New York …
By: frizztext on January 26, 2013
at 10:18 am
That is wonderful! You have trained your children well, Frizz! We still love traveling as a family, and I think we are good at nudging each other just a little out of our comfort zones.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 28, 2013
at 4:15 am
Love the eye candy and the sky candy! Both are so beautiful. I love lanterns.
By: Kourtney Heintz on January 26, 2013
at 7:34 pm
Hi Kourtney!
Thank you for the visit. I love lanterns too. One day I will light my whole house and yard with beautiful lights and lanterns, and every tree, too.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 28, 2013
at 4:19 am
Oh my goodness those lanterns are gorgeous!!
By: nymuse88 on January 27, 2013
at 9:46 pm
Yes, aren’t they? I want! My mom used to say that you need to leave something to do or see so you have a good excuse to go back. I know what I will go back for!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 28, 2013
at 4:21 am
How big is your suitcase? Will I fit?
By: nymuse88 on January 29, 2013
at 3:26 pm
Hah! I travel carry-on wherever I go and no matter how long I am gone. But once I went to England–doing research for my novel, The Keeper of the Crystal Spring. I bought so many resources–mostly books on local history, folklore, and customs, that I had to bite the bullet and buy a suitcase to put them in. My sister and I called it The Body Bag, because it was big enough to fit a person into. But it would still have been a rough ride!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 29, 2013
at 3:54 pm
Drat! Yeah, I guess you’re right.
By: nymuse88 on January 29, 2013
at 4:22 pm
Glorious colors and patterns – wow!
By: Cathryn Wellner on January 27, 2013
at 10:37 pm
Thank you, Cathryn! I wish you could have come to that lamp shop with Eli and me!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 28, 2013
at 4:23 am
It’s cool how the shape and colors of the lanterns make them look like balloons up in the air.
A balloon ride must be so thrilling. There’s going to be a balloon festival nearby next month and my husband asked me this morning if I want to go up in one. I said I’d rather do it first in Cappadocia. He rolled his eyes at me, haha.
By: tita buds on January 30, 2013
at 7:21 am
GO, TITA! Get up there while you can. You’ll have so much fun, you’ll end up ballooning in Cappodocia the next time.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 30, 2013
at 7:23 am
You’ve made my imagination soar! I had a sudden vision of the lovely Turkish globes breaking free of their wire housing, drifting and shimmering into the night.
By: elisaruland on January 30, 2013
at 9:43 pm
oh beautiful lanterns
By: II 4S Aopmrdd on January 31, 2013
at 4:11 pm
Thank you! I appreciate your visit!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 31, 2013
at 4:18 pm
welcomed
By: II 4S Aopmrdd on February 13, 2013
at 7:39 am
Wow, just amazing!
By: Fergiemoto on February 1, 2013
at 5:56 am
Thank you! I appreciate the visit, and your taking the time to comment.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 1, 2013
at 6:10 am
Turkey is fantastic, thanks for the reminders!
By: Lucid Gypsy on February 2, 2013
at 9:37 am
It was my first time over there, and I loved every minute of it.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 2, 2013
at 10:21 am