Beyond Layers - Day 64

I love a nice quiet weekend.  Dove hunting season opened this weekend, so I am a dove widow.  The bird of peace, but don't fret, we eat all that is brought home and there are plenty more once the season is over.  The quiet afternoon gave me the opportunity to work on another lesson.  This one was about masking.  I love Kim's style of teaching and am looking foward to her next class, Round Trip, which starts soon.  I hope to go out for a photo shoot tomorrow and try new lessons from other online classes I am taking!

Beyond Layers - Day 60

I have been so behind in this class, but at the same time, I know I am right where I should be.  As I mentioned in my previous post, life just sometimes passes us by...oh too quickly.  But this exercise really spoke to me and I wanted to give it a spin. 

This is another picture I took this morning down that unfamiliar road (which will become VERY familiar to me now!).   I didn't mention that I ended up with about an inch of mud on the bottom of my boots.  But I was determined to make the best of it this morning and I was not disappointed, mud and all.

Here is my "shot" at Day 60, which uses scripted text.  I am usually not partial to yellow, but these wild flowers were just so lovely after the fresh rain!

Always Take a New Road...

Life just passes us by if we let it.  I once had a conversation with a woman from Holland who said to me, "you Americans live to work...we work to live."  That has always stuck with me and sometimes I think it is so true.  I think the answer is somewhere in between because we have to work to make a living, but work doesn't have to be the focus of our lives.  The older I get, the more I realize that balance in life is SO important.  

Yesterday my husband and I took a new road in our area that leads to a new school.  The road has just recently opened and is not completely finished.  So we turned around and on the way back discovered a wonderul old stone building with a windmill.  It had just rained and I didnt' have my camera with me, but I thought about in all night.  This morning I put on some hiking boots and drove back.  I was determined to get a picture of the old building and windmill.  I was so glad I did.  It was like major eye-candy.  The kind that makes your heart stop!  As I began shooting, there were three cows that came down another road curious to see who I was.  Our eyes met and we just stared at one another.  Shoot with your camera!  I think they were waiting for me to take their picture! They didn't move until a few minutes after.  The little one just stole my heart.  I have several pictures from this morning, but I am totally in love with these guys.   It will be a picture in my mind and on my heart all week.

As I proceed on this journey of life, I have found such grattitude for the things nature gives to us.  It never ceases to amaze me how a flower can be such an intricate work of art or the color of grass after a fresh rain.  It is moments like these where I find such inspiration and want to capture every little detail.  I fell in love with macro photography for this very reason.  I love to take a fresh flower and shoot angles of it from every different perspective.  Each and every close photo reveals such beauty.  I get lost in these moments...hours beyond hours can pass and I am still filled with awe in the contentment of nature's beauty.    It always reminds me of a beautiful quote.

Money Well Spent

I had the opportunity to attend a workshop this weekend with Doug Box and Randy Kerr from http://worldphotographic.org/.  I will have to say, it was money well spent.  Not only are these two guys talented photographers, but they are funny and are really great instructors.  Before the workshop you have the opportunity to download a manual, which they refer to during the workshop.  I have a much better understanding of ISO, White Balance, Shutter Speed, and understanding exposure.  Right after workshop, I participated in a two hour photo walk with Randy Kerr.  Although I am not really a portrait photographer, he really helped us to understand light and how to use it to take the best picture of any subject.  Randy is very passionate about light and we all walked away with such inspiration.   These are samples straight out of the camera.  They are not perfect and I can see all my mistakes, but photography is a learning experience and I know my pictures can and will improve. 

If you ever get the chance to take a workshop with Doug and Randy, I highly recommend it.  Their workshop schedule can be found on their website.

The Accidental Photo Walk

I have come to realize that my camera should be attached to my hip.  This morning is a perfect example.  I went to the car wash to get the Beetle washed, only to find out the car wash was closed.  It opens at 8:00 and I was there at 7:45 sharp.  So...thought process....take a left on this road up here and see what's around the corner.   Only to my surprise, there was a beautiful vision of a waterfall  flowing over a relief pond.  Dang..where is my camera!   Fire up the Iphone...snap a few pics, back in the beetle and off to the car wash.  Now I find out the car wash doesn't open until 9:00!  So...home to get my camera (don't get me wrong, I love my Iphone, but I LOVE the feel of my camera in my hands), back out and 45 minutes to shoot.  It was pure heaven.  Just enough...oh, and I did get my car washed!  

The Restless Boot

I was working so diligently with a gif animation, not realizing the number of photos would be restricted.  I am not sure if it was the number of photos, or the size of the photos that was the problem, but it was certainly fun planning it out.   Originally both boots did a little "jig", but when I had to reduce the number of photos, I had to make a decision which photos to remove.   So, after removing the second sequence, I was left with one restless boot!  

This was such a fun exercise and I know I will be doing many more!

Five Questions...

1. What makes you happy?  In 5 words or less...

A day with my camera.

2. Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I could sing like Adele.

3. Which words or phrass do you overuse most?

"Really?", or "Just sayin"

4. What is your favorite movie, book or both?

The Incredible Mr. Limpet with Don Knotts.  

5. If you could go anywhere in the world for a creative retreat, where might it be?

New Zealand, or Ireland



Social Networking

We are all social creatures.  Some of us more so than others.  It is even apperant it in the animal world.  A perfect example would be birds.  I have a fascination with them, especially on telephone lines.  I often take pictures of them while at a stop light on my way to work.  I think they are a fine example of an ORIGINAL social network!  There are so many social networking platforms these days.  I can hardly remember what life was like before they existed.  Here are 5 things I vaguely  remember:
1) My phone was actually used to CALL friends and family
2) My evenings were spent reading books or watching TV for entertainment.
3) Time spent in front of a computer was only at work.
4) I never "stalked" anyone.
5)  I read the paper in the morning.

Now:

1) My phone is a device to connect me to all my social networking sites. (If you are lucky, I may answer the phone.)
2) My evenings are spent reading blogs, taking internet classes, editing photos or cruising my Facebook feeds (heaven forbid I lose internet connection!).
3) When I get home from work, I can't wait to get on my computer or Ipad to wind down at night!
4) I am now an official FB stalker (can't even believe I admit to this).
5) I check my "phone" first thing in the morning for Instagram, FB and Pintrest updates.  Caffine has moved second to my social networking habits.

How has social networking changed your life? 

A Road Less Traveled

I am always fascinated by pictures of a road leading to "somewhere."  No where specific, but up to the viewers imagination.  For some reason, the title to the book, A Road Less Traveled, always comes to mind.  For me, I think it is because we generally take the easiest path instead of taking the path that IS less traveled.  But what if we did take the path that is less traveled?  Less traffic for sure...  No Starbucks for sure, but what else might we encounter?  The sound of wrestling leaves?  The ability to actually hear the birds sing?  Seeing the nature that surrounds us? (Oh and a photo opportunity for sure!  Can't forget that one!)  For some, more negative thoughts might come to mind...but to me, I see peace and solitude as the destination of any lonely road.  What do you see?

Sunday Bliss

This year has been a whirlwind.  I find myself spending more time thinking about what I "should" be doing (work, as in day job) and less time relaxing and taking time for myself.  I bargain with myself every now and then..."if you make time for your self today, you can just work late during the week."  I can be a workaholic.  No interruptions on a weekend means more work done...which just means, more work I can take on.   Not today.  Today is for me.  Time to rejuvinate.  Time to delve into the creative process.   The whirlwind in my head stops when I create.  So today, I explored my photos, choosing those that really speak to me and put them in my inspiration file.  Here are a few and I hope they will inspire you too!

Dreaming of Sunny Beaches

Here I sit...dreaming of beaches and summer vacation.  Reminds me of when I was young and had the whole summer to look forward to.  Funny how at that age, time seemed endless.  Now at this age, time passes to quick...  So, I dream about the summers gone by, family vacations to the beach, sunburns, ice cream, fireflys and bright stars in the sky.  I can still be a kid, in my heart and in my dreams...

What are your summer dreams?

Two More for the day...

I am really hooked on altering photos in Photoshop using RAD!  I find myself being drawn to the desaturated look with a sepia undertone.  Soft and dreamy.

Photo Play Time

Finally had some free time.  Played with photos and RAD.  Love it!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Lost and Found

OMG!  I can't believe I even found my blog address.  I'm going to try (and that is a really big "try") to post every once in a while so I can practice my tech skills.  This one is for Taylor and Renee.  I have been playing around in photoshop and wanted to post this picture for them.  This picture makes me smile.  We had a really good time in NYC, didn't we girls!   Now back to photoshop.  Who knows...maybe I will overhaul this blog and use it just for photos!

Three Day Weekend - Three Days of Fun!

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I love three day weekends. We never go anywhere due to the traffic and all, which is perfectly fine with me as I get three days in my studio! The first day we did a bit of work in the garage and Jeff finally hung my peg board above my soldering station. I absolutely LOVE getting organized. Second on the list was getting my torch all set up again....now we are back in action! I bounced all around in different directions this weekend. First I finished a piece for a very special person. This is SO NOT me, but I had fun making it. The piece is titled, a Glimmer of Hope. The focal has a little shadowbox that safe keeps a little PMC textured circle with a tiny Swarovski crystal, and I mean tiny! It is about the size of a pin head, and thus represents glimmer."

My second piece is a new direction in my metal work. I love working with metal and color. It will be in addition to my standard pieces. I love making these and get totally lost in the process.

Today, I finished this piece. I needed a wind-down day. When Kelly gave me back my pieces from the book, I knew I wanted to change one of them. Actually, the piece was never finished, but it was still used in the book. This piece was special to me because it represented my ancestry. One of my great ancestors was Daniel Boone. My family has always been hunters and thus the bullet shell casings were an appropriate talisman to remind me of my family history. My nephew brought me the shells. He was so proud and excited to see what I had done with them.

All in all, this was a very productive weekend doing the things I love and spending time with those I love....family and friends.

Next weekend...BRONZE PMC!

For Maija

Maija, this is for you. I'm sending her to you in a big old box with a BIG pink bow! She is really a monster....but I do love her....

Time to Unwind...

So much has happened since I last posted that it would take me a month to sit and write it all out. Let's just say, I have been very busy. Artfest came and went and it was a wonderful experience. I have been to many different venues, but Artfest continues to be my favorite. There is something really magical about the experience, but the surroundings are enough to put anyone at ease. It was just what I needed at a very busy time in my life. I will definitely go back next year.

The move is making progress. Not at the snap of the fingertips that I would prefer, but we are moved in for the most part. Now all the unpacking, repacking, pictures to be hung, furniture to be placed, new furniture to be bought, etc...and the list goes on. This morning I'm at the mercy of the cable company. They will be here anywhere between 8 - noon. How is that for a good estimate? So, I thought I would take advantage of catching up on some emails, bill paying (ughh!), and of course, unpacking...

One of the beautiful discoveries since moving in is the beautiful plants that have come up. The yard is so nicely landscaped and we are making discoveries every day. It was obvious one of the prior owners was partial to purple as there are purple blooms everywhere. I love coming out to my back yard with a cup of coffee and just taking it all in. We are so lucky to have found this house, but so blessed in that it is full of the beauty of nature. More pictures later, but for now, I wanted to share a bit of my joy.

Moving

We are moving. We are moving...I think it is finally sinking in. We have been in this home for over 10 years and have been looking on and off. This is such a big change for me, one that is both welcome and at the same time very frightening. I have become so comfortable here. Every time I walk in the front door, I am at peace. That IS how a home should feel. I know that I will feel at home in our new place after some time, but it is still change and the "unknown. Where will I grocery shop, what Vet will we use, how far away is the closest Starbucks? (We found that out today as I HAD to know.) But, it is time and we were both ready. It all happened so quickly. Jeff went out riding on the "bike" last weekend and came home with a bunch of flyers. He looked on the Internet all day. I thought it would pass...on our way to Lowes, we ended up looking at houses for 3 hours. Then another full day followed. The last home we looked at, I told Jeff as we drove up..."this is the one." And it was. It had everthing we wanted in a home and more. We went back today to take some measurements. It will need new kitchen counters and hardwood flooring in a few rooms. We will have that all done before we move in. As I sit and write, I keep wondering how it will feel. How long will it take before it is really "home." But the biggest question is, how will I possibly pack up and move my studio!!!! Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Here is a front photo. It has a 3-car garage, but one got cut off in the photo...

Indulgence

It's spring time...that means buds on trees, sprouting bulbs, and Brachs Malted Milk Eggs.... Yes, the time for indulgence is here! I put the word out that I was on the look out for Brachs Malted Milk Eggs and scored two bags yesterday!!! If I had a major weakness, it would be these babies! I can put a bag away in a matter of minutes, but I won't. I will savor each one. I'm very partial to the Brachs brand. I have eaten these since I was a little girl, and I never stray away. I have eaten others, but I always come back to these as my very favorite. They bring back memories of white lips, white patten leather shoes and a new easter dress. It's funny how something so little can bring back memories so big.

What is your indulgence? Have a great day!