Hi and welcome to the weekend!
I love that today is the day we get to “spring forward”! In fact, I’ve been looking forward to this day for the last 6 months. Cheers to spring!
I love that this magazine (Good Housekeeping) continues to show up in my box even tho I didn’t order it.
I love that it’s the weekend. We’re busy planning a few things we want to do.
I love that a dinner date is incorporated into the plan.
Cheers to love!
Blessings – Debbie
Hello x 2!
Crazy thing happened, as you can see. Before my play date (yesterday), I was trying out the timer on the camera as I haven’t used it in a while. I had no idea of the reflection ’til I downloaded the pix at the end of the day. I like to think of it as a happy mistake.
My tripod was already packed – I had plans to set it up and take some pix of Beth and me. Long story short, we had so much fun and ended up not getting pix of ourselves. One day…
But we did have fun and enjoyed an amazing lunch date.
And a trip to wine country! Just a short 30 min from my house.
There are no words…Other than the fact that snow-covered mountains are so beautiful while we enjoyed our nearly 80 degree afternoon in the sun.
Our afternoon was spent visiting right here.
Our visit was so refreshing and good for the soul.
You know me AND Lightroom by now, so I leave you with this.
Blessings – Debbie
I realized (after the fact) that yesterdays pix were not given the proper ISO. Basically ISO means sensitivity to light. The higher the number, the greater the sensitivity or more light.
Here’s another back to back example. However, this time I used the exact same angle for both shots. The ISO was adjusted from 400 to 100.
Can you see the difference between the next two shots? Hint from yesterday: Depth of field.
That same pic after a trip to Lightroom.
And just because I love color. I couldn’t think of anything as colorful in the house as these pool balls. In case you’re wondering, this was done in Photoshop Lightroom where I love to play with color.
So there you have it.
I’m going on an adventure today. I hope to work some practice into the agenda.
Blessings – Debbie
I’ve come a long way baby! That goPro photography workshop taught me basically everything I know about my new camera. Before this, I was a point and shoot camera kinda gal.
I’m shooting in manual and that right there is a very “big deal”. I’m also shooting in RAW instead of JPG. I feel like a big girl now…
ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, DOF – Those are a few terms I knew very little about before the class.
Today I want to share just a snippet about depth of field (DOF). And aperture because DOF and aperture go hand in hand.
The picture below is an example with a very large depth of field. Meaning pretty much everything you see is in focus. From the trees in the background to that large clay pot in the background. Again, everything in the pic is in focus = large depth of field.
The following shot was taken in manual with a large aperture setting of 25 = A very small opening.
Reminder to self – The larger the aperture setting = a smaller opening for light.
Below is an example of the extreme opposite. This would be a short depth of field meaning the subject is in focus and everything else is very blurred = short depth of field.
The following shots were taken in manual with a very small aperture setting of 4.5 = A very large opening.
Reminder to self – The smaller the aperture setting = a larger opening for light.
Another example of a very short depth of field.
And here my friends is my take on that pic above. Once again done in Lightroom.
Practice ~ Practice ~ Practice…Those were the words Tyler used when I asked should I continue taking more classes. Thanks Tyler, I’m taking your advice to heart. I still have a long way to go.
Blessings – Debbie
And that’s exactly where I was today at the very beginning of my workout. I felt the pain early and it was difficult working thru that first 5 – 10 min of exercise. The old body wanted so badly to stop but my mind knew I could work thru it and I did. The reward is great as I burned 300 calories this morning.
This was my treat on the patio after my workout.
I had a little visit with this pot, (on the patio) it is so cheerful.
Here’s my take of it in Adobe Lightroom.
And again, because I couldn’t leave well enough alone.
Wishing you a bright beautiful day.
Blessings – Debbie
Monday is treating me like a queen. I had my usual morning cup of coffee, that makes me very happy. Drinking coffee in general makes me happy. Although I normally limit my intake to just one big humongous cup.
My morning also started with a visit to the gym. It’s been a while (last year) since I’ve walked through gym doors and I’m so glad I did. It was an amazing positive experience, one I look forward to again and again and again.
It has rained on and off all day and that = lots of happy flora in the garden.
I ran with that picture straight to Lightroom. Yes, it’s the same pic, how crazy is that? I’m in love with these colors and I could see this print on fabric or a thank you card of sorts. Did you catch that I’m in love with these colors? I can’t seem to emphasize that enough.
For whatever reason I caught the afternoon sleepies. I did take an afternoon nap, unusual for me, but I feel brand new.
Now, where was I? Yes, laundry, ironing and a pile of clothes waiting to be folded and one sweet phone call from my dearest. That’s what Monday is made of.
Blessings – Debbie
Stone Brewery – World Bistro and Gardens = A place that got our attention in every way. This is where hubby and I had an early dinner date last evening.
A portion of the walk from the parking lot to the restaurant entrance.
The entrance with doors wide open.
We soon learned we had an hour wait. So we killed time in the garden.
And we dreamed of doing similar things in our garden one day…
There was music in the garden too…
It was a happening place as we took note of a big bus that rolled in after we arrived.
I liked the organic open feel all the way around.
We spent a little time in the store.
This crew did a fine job taking care of the customers.
This is the spot where hubby and I found over there in the corner to wait and visit ’til our little beeper thingy went off.
A shot of the front door from where I was sitting.
Soon our beeper went off and we were greeted at the hostess station.
We dined outside at this table. This is the part when my camera battery died and everything else seemed to go downhill after that too.
Basically the restaurant was so busy that we waited another hour for our food once we placed our order. Lets hope if we return that the service is better.
A few things hubby did for me this weekend just because.
He purchased 4 new pair of shoes for my car. I love my new shoes! + He was off before 6am to fill my gas tank for me for the week. + He had the kitchen spotless before I got up this morning. = I think it’s the sweetest thing that he loves to surprise me.
And with that, I’ll say the week is off to a very good start!
Blessings – Debbie
I’ve been taking pictures in RAW for one whole week! Switching from JPG to RAW has made all the difference in the world.
Now I’m able to take pics of the flowers in the front yard and play in Adobe Lightroom.
I had a lot of fun with this exercise.
And I’m thinking how I might frame some of these.
Who knows where this is going, but I’m enjoying the process.
I’m off to enjoy Friday with my hubby. Yay for this being his 3 day weekend.
Blessings – Debbie
Here’s the guest room made up for my special friend Dana.
The guest bath was all set with fresh linens.
I thought we would spend more time (she was already here once, just not to spend the night) in the backyard with our cameras.
I thought I’d pick some of these to put in a vase for her room.
I thought we’d take more pictures in the backyard.
I thought we’d bring the patio chairs out here for a visit.
I thought of a lot of things we might do.
But the best news of all is that my friend gets to finally leave San Diego and head home today. Actually, Dana has a stop in Seattle where she will get to stay with Nikki for the night. Then Dana will be on her last leg to Canada early Friday morning.
There truly is no place like home and being in the arms of the ones you love. Many blessings to you Dana and safe and speedy travels.
Blessings – Debbie
It’s moments like this when that really deep breath and sweet sigh provide that inner feeling of utter joy. It truly is a feel good moment, I think I’ll stay right here and wallow a bit longer.
I’d like to share a few highlights from the weekend.
First Off – Wendy and Tyler our goPro experts, they’re the whole reason why we all came together in the first place.
Wendy and Tyler AKA Blue Lily Photography will be leaving in 2 very short days to travel the world for the next 9 months. Who knows, they may be in your neck of the woods. If you’re in need of family photos or a photography workshop, look no further than right here.
Wendy and Tyler do not mess around. Here’s a glimpse where the workshop was held .
We were not only spoiled rotten but given the tools we need to goPro!
An open book, that’s who they are.
A random moment captured during a break…
Wendy and Tyler held nothing from us as they lined out models for both days. Tyler welcomes the handsome dude.
We even had the opportunity to meet this lovely couple on this cool site for a photo shoot. Yes, they’re getting married in just weeks!
Random fun…
We were also given the opportunity to take pics of this family.
Wendy…
Cam and Tyler – We think these two were pretty awesome to put up with embrace whatever we ladies threw at them.
I’m telling you, Blue Lily, when they do something, they do it right.
I feel like I’m missing something. Well if I am, I’ll be right back to share.
Blessings – Debbie
How does one put into words the magic you’ve just experienced? I can’t, I just can’t do it. All I know is this, my hubby is witness that I’m still on a high.
I had the privilege of meeting Wendy and Tyler AKA Blue Lily Photography this past weekend for their goPro Workshop. I came away with more knowledge and respect for this couple than I could have ever imagined.
We had such an amazing happy group from all over the US and Canada.
It was a colorful group too…
The weekend brought laughter and fun.
The lessons were packed with information. Help was at our side during breaks or when needed. Wendy and Tyler are passionate professional photographers eager to share their wealth of knowledge to those just as hungry.
Knowledge in motion…
Dana came all the way from Canada…
Practice ~ Practice ~ Practice
Hi Crystal!
Time at the beach…
Happy faces everywhere…
Don’t forget to kiss the chef…
Getting ready for that first sip of coffee…
My mind is about to explode from all the things we learned, my heart is filled with joy that I had the privilege to be there and my days will be filled with practice.
Here’s our fabulous group shot complements of Wendy and Tyler. I asked Wendy if she would share these in advance and she graciously agreed. Thank you!
The only negative – I’m still having a hard time sleeping straight through the night. The symptoms occurred the first and second day of the workshop. The symptoms continue after the workshop.
Apparently my mind wants to carry on with the party night and day and it’s not such a bad thing after all. Party On!
To be continued…
Blessings – Debbie
Wikipedia describes this emotion best – Anticipation, or being enthusiastic, is an emotion involving pleasure (and sometimes anxiety) in considering some expected or longed-for good event.
Right about now, this would be what describes me best. An emotion involving pleasure for a longed-for good event would also be an understatement.
I’ve been anticipating said event since January and come tomorrow the anticipation will end. And that my friends, is the beginning of new knowledge where learning and fun coincide…
I find it so amazing that I get to attend this Hilario Amazing San Diego Gopro Photography Workshop. Well, not that one exactly, as that was held in January. However, the link gives a little sneak peek of an idea of what the experience is all about. My depends are packed, just so you know. The workshop is hosted by none other than the infamous, funny, fun-loving Blue Lily Couple. This couple takes their passion for photography on the road and will literally travel the world for the next 9 months. I still can’t believe I have the privilege of gaining knowledge from them.
I heard about this event via Meg. And by the evening after I read this amazing intro to Blue Lily, I too was signed up for the workshop. Meg has a great sense of humor, I love her Craft Thursdays with her children, her love for color and her beautiful family. Someone pinch me…I think I’m dreaming too!
Here’s a pic I took moments ago. It represents me and what I want to do, blossom. I can’t wait to blossom such that I can use the camera to its full potential.
More than likely I won’t be around here (the blog) the next couple days. But I look forward to my return!
Until then,
Blessings – Debbie
I’ve had few hair stylists in my life that I really connect with, she’s one of them. She even thought it was cool that I wanted to take her picture. This pic is “blog” approved.
I was encouraged to take photos in the salon. I wasn’t expecting all that, but I took advantage.
I love how they cater to their clients – totally my cup of tea…or coffee.
I enjoyed a cup of the Berry Black tea.
I was offered round two while I waited on my hair color to process.
This is my hairstylist’s station. Actually, the lower left corner is a portion of the cut-away mirror (in front of me) with an ad reflecting in it. On the other side of the mirror, would be the stairs that lead to the second story.
I truly enjoy a great salon experience, today was one of those days.
Get this, I actually have a friend who will not get her hair cut on the same day of color. Her reason? She loves her salon experience so much that she prefers her visits as often as possible. That very well could be me one day.
Blessings – Debbie
What a busy good Monday. It pretty much amounted to a lot of phone calls and a trip to the mall for many hours.
My number one priority of the day came first, my hubby. He needed help with our vision plan and I spent nearly 2 hours calling providers for a certain type frame he’s looking for. I did succeed finding a couple of places. I hope one of the two places work out for him. Fingers crossed.
After my long afternoon of shopping, the garden was the peaceful place I wanted to be.
It still amazes me that there seems to be something new in bloom each day.
Although this lily isn’t new, I like the way the late afternoon sun splashed against the background.
And now my friends, I’m ready to disappear into the background. I’m in need of a second wind, a cup of coffee or something to shake my sleepy self. Perhaps “The Batchelor” will do the trick.
Blessings – Debbie
Hello world! I hope your weekend is treating you well. I’ve been a little occupied with my hubby the last few days.
We enjoyed doing many things together including:
Now that we’re on the heals of the weekend, I wish it would last a little longer.
The garden was so pretty right after the rain.
The sun and blue sky broke through.
I like times like this when everything is fresh and new.
Truly a cheerful sign after a downpour.
We enjoyed a delightful evening with friends in downtown San Diego. What a wonderful way to polish off the day. Lorraine prepared such a lovely meal and her homemade carrot cake was off the charts delish.
A picture as we head into downtown.
I had full intentions of taking pictures, but I didn’t. I chalk it up to one of those times where it was best to enjoy the moment.
Some moments are meant to capture while others are meant to remain in our hearts. This will be an evening I will always cherish and will also remember who and why we celebrated this night.
Blessings – Debbie
