Again, I’m late posting my project for last week. I really need to get my act together. Don’t you know?
So a week ago Sunday, February 8th, the hubs and I planted our vegetable seeds. And I’m so “Happy” to report that by Friday we started to see growth.
And by Sunday we had pumpkins at around 4″ tall. Image below was shot Sunday, February 15th.
Happiness is, watching our little vegetable garden grow.
Blessings – Debbie
Small “was” my assignment for last week. Sorry, I did not get the post up. However, I want to continue with my little project of posting, so I figured a few days late would be just fine.
I’m into my second full week of hiking. And I just love it! But it did not start out well.
I’ll explain. On my first day back to hiking 5 miles, I gained a small blister. On the tiniest little toe of mine. How nice is that? Isn’t it crazy how one tiny thing can throw a wrench into our best plans? And yes, I hobbled nearly 2 miles home that day.
But look out, I was well prepared with a band-aid the next day. Don’t you know, I developed another little tiny blister on my other little toe. Now I had matching blisters. And feeling pretty discouraged, as I thought I had good hiking shoes.
The next day I took a time out. Gathered my shoes and a clean pair of socks to pay a visit to the local shoe store.
So I’m in my car, half way down my street, when I see my sweet neighbors daughter jogging.
So I stopped the car. Waited for her to reach me. Put down my window and the sweet lady stopped. I said hello to the nice lady and explained to her my situation and showed her my hiking shoes and asked if she had any recommendations on the type of shoe I should have for the hills.
She said all I needed to hear. She simply said “you need a good pair of running shoes and I don’t think you will ever have trouble with blisters again”. She went on to explain that she wears running shoes for everything.
And so I was off to hunt down a good pair of shoes.
After trying on 9 or so pair, I found just the ones that made happy feet. Mind you, I had two fresh blisters and no band-aids on at the time of trying on shoes. And I walked around and around the store with no trouble at all. It was a really good sign that they were meant for me.
And I’ve walked and hiking the hills and valleys happily ever after. Cheers for happy feet and to hiking band-aid free! I’m telling you, I will never forget the kindness of that gal as she was my angel that day. Running shoes is where it’s at peeps, trust me.
But for my small shot, I thought this little family of empty snail shells on my little trowel would be much prettier than blisters.
I’m having a much better week and happy to report those small blister trials are last weeks troubles.
Blessings – Debbie
So this week, our photography project was assigned. We are to shoot “A Part of Me”. I wasn’t prepared to shoot another part of me, since I just shot my new frames for the “light” assignment last week. So I thought about doing an expressions collage to post as my shot.
But the more I thought about it. The more I realized the part of me that has been my obsession since childhood, is my hair. From being able to sit on it, to cut up and over my ears. I still remember those High School years and mom saying to me “I think you got a little scissor happy”. Currently I’m growing it out, but on any given day I have the urge to cut it off again.
Shot yesterday with my iPad and played with (edited) in Photoshop by adding a filter.
I wasn’t so sure about the process on the above shot, so I applied another filter and submitted the image below as my shot of the week.
In other news:
I was back to my first book club meeting since last July. What a joy to see the girls again and discuss our good book Delicious by Ruth Reichl. There truly is a special wonderful warm feeling in our great group of ladies.
This my friends, is the hubs jalapeño plant from last spring. This guy received no love from us this winter, but look at it! I just noticed blossoms on his plants this week. Our tomato seeds from Burpee are on the way. Oh how we love to make this place home.
My little succulent garden is thriving and I have plans to plant a few more this spring/summer.
A Pretty Day For a Project – So the hubs and I hand-picked a few slate pieces (extra pieces left on the property) for a little path. Tuesday, the gardener buried the slate at ground level. Then he planted ground cover (around the slate) the hubs and I picked out over the weekend. The two old lights were removed but the electric left for a future lighting project. The after picture should be coming soon.
And here it is Thursday. I find that I’m trying to keep the washing machine and dryer busy, a little cleaning around the house is in order. And truly looking forward to the hubs getting home this evening. As I get him for the next three days, it’s his Friday off work week. It should be a fun weekend packed with work, play, relaxation and rest.
If you don’t hear from me in the next few days, just know I will be back…Soon…Promise…
Blessings – Debbie
What a lovely day…
It started this morning at Starbucks with my girlfriend + a beautiful morning country drive in the mountains in search for cool places to go shooting (photography) together.
Lunch was at the best Greek restaurant and we dined on the patio. Loved my salad!
And for the afternoon, she brought me to her studio where she shot me for like 2 hours. I had fun learning about studio lighting and we both enjoyed talking shop (photography) all day.
And to think, my salad was the only shot I took. Sad…
But truly a great day to remember.
Blessings – Debbie
Wow, we are already into the second week of the New Year. The project this week is “Storytelling”.
I snapped this image yesterday in keeping with storytelling. Doesn’t it look like they’re telling stories?
This is potentially the last few shots of me with my favorite frames. I should be getting my new frames next week. The story regarding new frames has everything to do with me needing a little larger frame such that I have more room for the progressives.
Roses in January and new polish today. The story behind the polish. While doing a bit of food shopping, I noticed a large section of nail polish 50% off. So I came home with three new bottles.
I’m really excited about my 52 week project this year. It has a way of helping me to focus on photography while I tell my life story on the blog.
How fitting. Who knows, I may be back with a few more stories this week.
Blessings – Debbie
So I joined a project 52 group this year. Basically, we as a group take an image a week (based on the theme) and present our images.
I’m really excited to be a part of the group as I feel it will offer inspiration and the drive to get out there and shoot.
This past week, our theme was “Fresh”.
I was inspired to keep it simple and shoot something that had everything to do with the week.
“Fresh” flowers from the garden for family arriving from Alaska.
The hubs sister and her husband from Alaska. Image shot in the rain this morning just before we said good-bye. We had a wonderful visit with them this week. Some of the highlights = Cheesecake Factory – Lunch date with the hubs (he had to work this week) – Visit to the local library – Strolls in the neighborhood – Evening visits – Farmers market – Japanese Garden – Oceanside dinner – Hike along the scenic lake and mountains – Afternoon tea at the local tea house…
The hubs woke violently ill yesterday. And a drive to Urgent Care was necessary. After an IV laced with Zofran and 5 hours later, he was feeling much better. Fortunately, he is on the mend and not contagious at this stage.
Now I’m looking forward to a new week and a new photography project challenge. Should be fun.
Blessings – Debbie
I’m still here!
Whew tho, I have a lot of catching up to do over the last couple of months. So I’ll try to make it as brief as possible.
November was pretty packed, as I was learning a lot (in school) about using the paintbrush and tools in Photoshop. That’s when things began to fall off my plate. Like the blog, unfortunately.
And things were added to my plate.
I joined the girls for a day trip up to Rogers Gardens. It was great way to step away from my school work. It was the best distraction and just what I needed to kick off the Christmas season.
After my much needed day away, it was time to refocus on school work. The image below is one of the two paintings I finished in Photoshop.
Then Thanksgiving rolled around. We dined at the Hotel Del.
The view from our table.
Everything was cooked to perfection.
After dinner, we watched some ice skating beneath the blue sky and palm trees.
And we took a selfie to remember the day.
Then it was time to plan for our annual Christmas party. Hors d’Oeuvres, dinner, white elephant gift exchange, and a bonfire with s’mores – those were the highlights of the party. But it was our friends that made the party so special. If I remember correctly, we had 14 guests in all.
Unfortunately, I didn’t take that many pictures. But the Starbucks mug with gift card was a big hit.
By this time, the month of December was in full swing. And the churn of my busy schedule kept right on churning.
We had a lot of rain and I found that to calm my nerves as I planned my next and final school project. I had to give a speech. There was a lot of planning and the hubs helped out so much with my powerpoint presentation. He’s the BEST! Then I rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed some more. Finally the day came (mid December) and I was ready to present to the class my evolution and passion for art From Crayons to Photography.
And then, as time marched on, we only had one weekend to do our annual Christmas newsletter. I was inspired after all the rain to take an image of our ornament in a puddle. Turns out, we liked it so much that we made it our 2014 Christmas card. The only regret, we did not have a lot of time to review our newsletter and we found some type o’s. For shame!
Finally, we got to relax while the December dust settled. And I found the time to put my nose in a book called Delicious by Ruth Reichl. What a great read!
Our dear neighbors brought the most delectable plate of homemade yumminess over on Christmas Eve. What a treat!
Soon it was time to celebrate Christmas.
The hubs and I, along with our friend went back to the Hotel Del for Christmas dinner.
The image below was taken on our stroll along the pacific after dinner.
I kicked my shoes off to enjoy the soft sand between my toes.
And to check out this sandcastle.
A close up – it truly was a marvelous work of art, all the way around.
Our friend came back to the house to spend the late afternoon and early evening visiting. And we watched The Christmas Story together.
Then, the hubs and I found ourselves alone and made a mad dash for jammies!
Our Christmas picture later that evening.
On the day after Christmas, we decided it was time to put all the decorations away for another year. It actually took 1.5 days to get everything put away, cleaned up and back to normal.
The only thing resembling Christmas, are the candy-canes tucked in the bud vase.
I’m ready for the New Year. And ready to add more things to my plate. Like family/company coming from Alaska this weekend and the blog and other things of importance.
Until next time – Happy New Year and many blessings to you this year…
Blessings – Debbie
Wow, this has to be a first.
But it feels so good. Not something I would normally feel good about. But I do! And I’m oh so happy.
So the week started with this scene on campus when I arrived. The power on campus went out approx. 8 min before I arrived. Then we heard the campus was closed for afternoon classes. What did our cool photog class do? Carry on with class in the dark. Cause that’s how we roll.
Painting in Photoshop – So, my next and last assignment for the semester is learning to paint in Photoshop.
We have two images to paint and one has to be a face. Hmmm… AND he does not want it looking like a photo. He wants to see where the brush has been. I have a lot to learn.
Currently, I’m studying brushes and angles, how to hold the Wacom tool for great technique and a whole bunch of other goodies. I’ll just say this “There is no possible way to achieve this with a mouse, impossible.”
I say all that to say, our professor signed our class up and paid for us to take 5 online classes in the next four weeks. Just one of the lessons is 8 hours. In the last two days I have devoted 16 hours learning how to paint and I’m not even two hours into the first of 5 online lessons. *Sigh* But, I’m having so much fun!
I’ll say it takes me a while to follow the leader…When the instructor (online class) makes a stroke with a certain brush – I hit the pause, hop into Photoshop, reach for the Wacom tool, grab that brush (in Photoshop) and give it a try too… For me, That’s the way I learn, I can’t just sit thru a lecture and recall those steps at the end. If I follow along, I’m likely to remember when I’m off painting on my own.
I learned how to start the underpainting process this week.
The image on the left is the original image I took with my camera. The image on the right is my first spin for this lesson. I’m not so sure this is going to be one of my final images, as for now, it’s all about learning the ropes.
That being said, I told the hubs last evening that I’m playing hooky “in school” for the rest of the week. While I love what I’m learning, I’m one of those people who can juggle so much, before something has to fall off the plate and the hubs comes first (I was on the computer ’til 9:45 last evening). Then I promised the hubs that there will be no more Photoshop going on in the evenings. Not that he complained – But he did ask in a chipper voice “where’s my wife?” – He’s the best!
And this morning as we were getting around for the day. I gleefully announced “I’m going on a field-trip with the girls (our neighbors) this week and playing hooky! The hubs said “why don’t you come meet me for lunch?” Now I have a lunch date this week and a field trip. Priorities people – I feel so guilty, but oh so good. Don’t judge.
And oh so happy I have the Christmas tree project behind me. Cause I have a feeling this is going to be one crazy fun ride in school this month. HOLD ON!
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John Fitzgerald Kennedy – Thank You doesn’t seem enough for our heroes and she-roes…Happy “Belated” Veterans Day!
And a Very Happy Wednesday to you!
Blessings – Debbie
Blue struck in more ways than one over the last few weeks. This was me fretting over numerous areas of concern with my montage project.
My montage assignment went in several directions early on.
While I was excited about the grape leaves, I was torn on which way to go – Blue or Autumn?
Then a magical moment came and the blue completely won my heart.
This is the part I jumped all in.
Many leaves made their way to the canvas/Photoshop. They were scattered and layered with bits of overlay in areas. In the end, the image below made my heart sing.
I’ll be presenting the image below for critique this week. Would you believe 30 (Fun and Enjoyable) + hours went into the image below? Knowing when to stop, is when I look at the image without seeing areas that beg for attention.
Now that I had one concept under my belt, I still had to come up with another, as two images are due. That alone may have caused another dose of anxiety and doubt blended with thoughts that I would not be able to come up with another concept.
Then I came up with the idea of creating flowers with bits and pieces (mainly parts with bokeh) of different photos I’ve taken.
I got this far along when I fell completely out of love with this idea. Yuck is my honest feeling. This is where I let go.
Then I thought – How would it be if I used the images I took at the Wild Animal Park? Surely I would be able to come up with something cool. Excitement returned!
So I put thoughts and ideas into Photoshop. Then, after working on this image a good portion of a day or two, I fell out of love with this too – “it looks TOO cut and paste ish, I don’t like it“. And this is the place I abandoned it.
I was searching, searching for something. I didn’t know what, but something that would make my heart sing in the end. And this is not that, that’s all I know.
And then I put another thought to paper. I went into my next idea with a great deal of joy. But I also had my doubts.
The thought was to take images of our pond and blend them with a sailboat. I started with a simple pond image and boat. But I still needed at least 3 more images to complete this assignment. While working and searchings for ideas, thoughts came to mind. And the waterfall and other images (in time) fell into place.
The five images blended together (below) consist of – The upper portion of the pond with lilies is image #1 – Image #2 is the waterfall and rocks (upper right)- Image #3 the sailboat – Image #4 the lower pond with the long reflections – Image #5 the rock in the foreground.
In the end, I’m happy with the way the image flows and appears to come together seamlessly. I’m happy to say I will be presenting this as my second montage image.
I’m thankful that just because we let go, doesn’t mean we give up. Rather, letting go gives the freedom to express ourselves as we find our way to the place our hearts sing. That’s what it’s all about. While I don’t feel I’m the best, I do believe in giving my best effort.
Then Halloween rolled around – And the hubs invited me to join him for a lunch date last Friday. And then we went to pick up some chocolates for the ghosts and goblins that evening.
I could not help but capture this image of our bag-boy in costume. I have no words. But, the chocolate was GOOD!
Ahhh – November 1st, what a special day. The hubs brought all the Christmas stuff in. I know, we have such an early start. But in my defense…
And we enjoyed a lovely Saturday evening dinner with friends Jer Bear and Julie.
This is the tree I worked on, it’s our dining room tree. First I had to take the “pre-lit” lights off, as the old cord and lights were bad. Then I fluffed the branches and applied new lights. This is where I left off over the weekend. It’s coming right along as I have a little more time to dote this week.
Another thing, today is the day to vote! We normally vote by mail, but we didn’t get them filled out in time. However, we were able to fill out the form and vote from the comforts of home. I dropped mine off at the polls this morning. No lines no waiting.
Back to work on Christmas decorating, with the sounds of the season filling the air.
Blessings – Debbie
We made it to the next photography assignment this week. It’s an assignment that has frazzled me for days.
Digital Montage – That’s what we’re creating with the images we take.
Montage – the technique of combining in a single composition pictorial elements from other sources, and bringing them together to make one image.
I spent hours trying to grasp some sort of inspiration that would lead me to a concept.
I had self doubt for a good portion of the week. And wondered If I would come up with something.
During class this week, I was so overcome with passion and emotion from all of the inspiration tossed my way, that a tear or two pooled. I’m such a sap and I’m ok with that.
Then I woke this morning with a concept! I can’t tell you how excited I was to start shooting.
Grape leaves – How would it be if I took images of the leaves and layered them? I would like to add transparency to some of the areas layered beneath. And change the color too.
It took no time to grab the camera for a little test.
Below is one of the first images I took (without the tripod) Not quite the focus I would like.
But for fun, the color of the leaf was changed. Made me happy!
Then I went back out with the tripod and remote. And shot ’til my heart was content.
And then went to work in photoshop for a bit to see how I felt about it. The below image is just a little test drive, nothing earth-shattering.
To be continued…
Blessings – Debbie
Cardinals fans are in the house!
I had my critique last week – One of the two images printed and matted for the assignment.
The babies continue to change color. It truly has been a joy watching them turn from dark brown into these colorful pretty guys and girls.
The hubs and I spent a couple of days in LA to help the daughter get her things ready for the movers. Yup, she moved to IL last night.
She is so pumped to be close to friends and to be in the place she’s wanted to live for years. We’re happy for her.
View from our room – yesterday morning.
The power plant in LA captures my attention.
Mainly the painting on the side of this building. Finally captured it on this visit. Images in LA were shot with the cell (didn’t want to be responsible for my camera with everything going on this weekend.)
The last dinner (last night) with the daughter was spent here. And she was off on a midnight flight to Illinois last night.
I feel like I’ve been thru a whirlwind the last couple of days.
And I’m thrilled the hubs brought us home sweet home, safe and sound last night. I slept pretty much all the way home.
It’s good to be home.
It rained last night – And I took advantage of free diamonds glistening on spiderwebs this morning.
Beauty after the rain.
And leaves beneath the web blanket.
And rest, much needed rest for me and the hubs today. Have I mentioned how good it is to be home?
Blessings – Debbie
Inspiration comes in many forms while visiting the garden. It was this rose-bush, in dire need of deadheading, that caught my attention.
And this faucet, in the line of water as it gathered drops on the web. Surely I should capture this too.
Life around the pond, is a constant inspiration. This image (below) was printed on 11 x 17 and matted for my upcoming critique this week.
The more I learn, the more I learn that there is still so much to learn. Cheers to being stretched mentally this semester.
Blessings – Debbie
You went way too fast! And I did not get my act together to keep up. However, I’m back to recover some of little things in life last month.
Catfish – Our latest edition in May. They (we have two) were about 2″ + when we got them, now they are approximately 9″ – Finally I got a shot this month – These guys love to hide under rocks and come out of hiding for breakfast – The perk = we don’t have “fry” this year – While the fish did spawn, the catfish took care of all the eggs. Nice edition if you were to ask me.
September school assignment – The lesson called to shoot 6 different categories in the Urban Environment with a total of 42 images. Then select two of our favorite images to print out on 11 x 17 for critique. And hand in the other 40 images compacted on two 8.5 x 11 contact sheets.
The six different categories – 1. Bench where people come and go – 2. Absence of people 3. Twilight 4. Collection of things (anything) 5. Non sequitur, something that looks out of place 6. Nature and manmade blended together
One of my favorite images printed on 11 x 17 and mated it for critique in class. Category = Bench
The second image I used for my final urban assignment. Category = Twilight
On a good note – the professor was so thrilled with our work that it was all hung in the school gallery.
What my contact sheets for the assignment (printed on 8.5 x 11) look like…
Next…. I still don’t have my grade, but I hope it’s a good one.
Guess who thought it necessary to be there with me, as he did not want me alone out there on my urban assignment…Makes my heart smile…
He’s the BEST!
Friendship – Lunch with friends at the beach, is always a good idea. It’s times like this that I kick myself for not having my camera. But ever so thankful for the trusty cell phone.
Fresh cool air – sipping soda beachside with friends – enjoying the visit – more than a girl could ask on a summer day.
Truly a glorious day to remember…
Happy Fish and Cloudy Water – We’ve had the pond guy out a couple of times to try to help us figure out why we can’t seem to get the clarity back. Turns out, I’m cleaning it TOO MUCH and backwashing TOO MUCH. Jokingly he said, this is not a pool, it’s a pond. And you need to allow the algae to grow on the sides to develop a good ecosystem. And he said “don’t touch it ’til I come back the end of the month.” On a good note, the fish are happy and the water ph is just dandy. But the clarity we are used to seeing is just not there. My bad.
The get this thing clean and backwash mentality is hard to let go, but I must.
New Frames – The hubs is up for new frames. The supposedly really nice frames he picked up the last time continue to have a screw loose ALL. THE. TIME.
We’ve shopped a few places and took a pic the last place we visited over the weekend. Now to go back to the other place to compare notes with the other frames we liked.
While I still love my frames, it’s a growing concern that I could use bigger frames do to wearing progressives and the need for a little more room to see. Totally not something I’m thrilled about.
But I think I found something that may fill the order next year. I think…
October Class Assignment – I spent the last couple of weeks in september working on images that could be used for my upcoming assignment. Images were not to be taken in direct sunlight.
I was quite fond of the bubble I captured as it was moving down the waterfall over the stem of the leaf.
But this image captured days later caused my heart to sing. Getting ready to print this guy and mat it next week.
I must say, this semester has brought a lot of doubt. Doubt on the days we have a solid 3 hour lecture.
And I come home feeling discouraged that I’m unable to carry out the task. And when I tell the hubs all about it, a tear or two may trickle down my cheek. And he listens, while the look on his face tells me that he wished he could make it all better. And that’s what makes everything better.
And it’s weeks like this (in class) when we’ve had a solid 3 hour lab, that things begin to sink in. Somehow when we as students get to sit at the computer and begin to work on our assignments, ask questions and put to use what we’re learning, the process kicks in. And somehow I’m able to grasp what he was saying all along during those lectures.
And now I could practically do the assignment with my eyes closed. And I smile and say, it wasn’t that bad after all.
Cheers to learning new things!
And may I remember that it’s alright if I don’t come home from school knowing everything the professor finished lecturing about. Somethings take time to process.
On a Happy Note – Happy October! Puts me in the holiday spirit already. Yup, I’m one of the crazies that love to blend Pumpkin, Thanksgiving and Christmas all into one.
Blessings – Debbie
There is no easy way to say this as my heart tugs in both directions. And I’m bummed that I can’t have my cake and eat it too. But that’s the way things work and it’s all good.
So I received the fall college class schedule and the photography class I’ve been waiting to take, just so happens to conflict with the club day and time. And I was sad I couldn’t do both. But I also realize they only offer this class in the fall/once a year. So I did the only thing I knew to do. Drop the club and enroll for the class. I did ask our group leader if I could come back after my class this fall and she said “YES”! Makes me happy.
I’m really excited about my class though. I’ve already had the teacher and he’s Good with a capital G. So I already know it’s going to be packed with a lot of knowledge. I’m so excited and thrilled he didn’t retire as he mentioned he may be doing that soon. So it’s off to school I go, next month!
This summer is filled with fun little projects. Most of all, I’m having fun playing in the dirt, painting projects, photo shoots, eating tomatoes as fast as I pick them, creating little succulent gardens and weekend projects with the hubs…
This was my photo shoot yesterday…
The Tarantula Hawk Wasp – this is the specimen I found (on the ground) while gardening. I thought it was interesting enough to do a photo shoot. And then I had to google it to find out what it was. I mean really, he’s freaking 2″ long! And the first I’ve ever seen anything like it. I also learned it’s the state insect of New Mexico. I learn something new every day…
Remember the wood fork and spoon (painting project) from last week? Well, I got around to hanging the set in the breakfast nook.
And this morning I put together 3 more miniature succulent gardens for the window. I’m smitten with all the free pickings in our backyard.
A closer look.
And this afternoon, I have household plans…Plans that don’t look so pretty in pictures. But I’m going to feel great having these things accomplished.
Happy Wednesday, Peeps!
Blessings – Debbie
Hey you guys! Guess what? The weekend is moving along way too fast. And we’re taking each minute to enjoy, relax, garden, grill and rest.
So, another week has passed. A time to focus on the images (there’s a lot) I took of our nephew back when he was visiting in May.
And to slow myself at feeding time around the lilies. Love our yellow and white goldfish.
And to slow down even further to enjoy the little things. The heart of the daylily thru my eyes.
On a serious note…Or not…
Duck Lips – Since it’s been the “in thing” (for some), I thought I should at least have a go at the ever so popular (or not) expression. + I think it’s great to have on the blog (when I’m 90 looking back over life) as evidence that I got involved. I heard (what do I know?) the best duck lips are formed when you say the word prune.
And now, I think I’ll get back to gardening and focus on the cool things I want to add to the to do list this week. I believe there is more painting involved. Should be fun!
Blessings – Debbie