No Pain No Gain

Posted on March 8, 2011 by 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

What Monday Is Made Of

Posted on March 7, 2011 by 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

Dinner Date Last Evening

Posted on March 6, 2011 by 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

Still Learning

Posted on March 4, 2011 by 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

This Would Have Been Your Room

Posted on March 3, 2011 by 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

Blue Lily goPro Workshop – 2 of 2

Posted on March 2, 2011 by 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.

I love the way they work as a unit. They flow in unison and where one leaves off the other picks up and runs with it.
They have a genuine love for people and it shows.
Their patience with us as a group was rock solid.
There was no question to big or small for them to handle. And they handled it with grace.
I learned more in the first hour than I did with all of the 6 photography books I purchased and studied before the workshop. For me, it had everything to do with the way they were able to reach me. That was a really big deal.
They totally splurged on us! This workshop was held in a gorgeous beach home with a wall of floor to ceiling windows overlooking the beach – they fed us well – made us laugh – And let us into their hearts.

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.