Life in Pictures

An Invitation For You

2012-02-21T03:27:00.000-08:00

If you were here, I would offer you a cup of tea and a cozy chair

so we could chat awhile. I would ask you how you are doing.

I would want to know where you grew up and who your family

is.

I would ask you about things that only women talk about amongst

themaelves like friendships, heartbreaks, first loves, children, favorite

foods. I would ask you if you are well. I would want to know about

the sadness that you may have had ,(or have) and what things make you

happy in this life. I would exchange hugs with you and make plans to get

together again very soon.

Alas, we are apart physically, but I still want to share these things with

you my loyal friends. So, I will start today with ten things about me

that you might like to know.

I just turned 50 this year, and I am still freaked out at times because

I don't know how I got here so fast.

I have one daughter who is 23. She is an insulin dependent diabetic. I am a nurse.

I have had many years of insomnia, many days I am incredibly tired.

I played volleyball in high school and lettered for 3 years.

I hate housework.

I love cooking. My fave food is Thai.

One of my favorite lunches is a tuna fish sandwich and

cheese popcorn (pure indulgence).

Okay so that is my first ten "Things About Me."

I would love to hear things about you, too.

I was inspired by Reena the other day reading her bio

and felt like I knew so much about her after I was done.

Thank you for that, Reena ♥

I called this creation , "Tea, deconstructed",

to show you a little bit about my daily tea habits.

The tea I am enjoying is Body and Mind, a white loose

leaf tea (orchid and jasmine).

I have made a commitment to live healthier

and I gave up the soda, too!

Have a wonderful Tuesday my friends.

Tea is a cup of life. ~Author Unknown

Joining Texture Tuesday, Sweet Shot Tuesday,

Tones on Tuesday, Photo Tip Tuesday.

Kim Klassen texture "felicity" used in PSE in color burn @ 73%.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

2012-02-18T22:54:00.000-08:00

Love-One of the most popular topics this past week. This rose is from a beautiful
bouquet my daughter's boyfriend sent her. The quote is from one of my favorite
poets, E.E.Cummings.

Duplicated-I've been shooting my polaroids more since starting my group on
Flikr.

Trending-This would be trending in my home and probably elsewhere I
suppose. We are thinking of a warmer climate, sun,sand, beach and reminiscing
of past times we spent along the ocean.

Paper-I love those little messages you get in your fortune cookie. I'm a
sucker for them everytime. I keep them and tuck them away in books
only to be surprised by them later, or even better someone else finds them!

Plastic-This sweet little dinosaur came in my box with my dreamy diana lens
I ordered recently. We have had fun with him, he shows up from time to time
in different places around home. He is worth the smiles.

Sunday for us will be getting outside for some fun and recreation.
Missouri Dept. of Conservation is holding their annual photo
contest and I am joining in this year, wish me luck!

This is where Sunday morning breakfast begins.

This is the tea wisdom for today.

Here's to an awesome Sunday that lasts a little longer than usual.

Happy day, get out and live.
Thank you friends for stopping here
and sharing pieces of your lives with me everyday ♥

Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour."
- John Boswell

Joining Scavenger Hunt Sunday, Your Sunday Best,
Sunday Snapshot, Sundays In My City,
Three From Here and There, Quotography {winter},
The Simple Things.

The Earth Under My Feet

2012-02-17T18:47:00.000-08:00

I did not travel far today to find beauty.

I traveled to Strawberry Creek in search of the deer.

Oh, I know this place like the back of my hand.

I know every path, every creekbed, even the secret paths

that no one else knows how to get to, I know them.

In these photos is the simple beauty of nature in a moment.

The earth waits and offers her gifts to me when I stand still

for a moment and listen and look.

I look up and I see the veil of light.

Today is warm, the deer tracks cross over the path I walk.

I hear the birds as they sing me along my way.

This is my gift today she gives me.

I feel the movement of awakening,

of longer days, roots stretching and

shooting towards the sun.

I look and I see. I listen and I hear.

I reach out and I feel her.

She offers herself today.

a breeze, a bud, the earthy smell of soil,

the dogs that find me on this path,

the mud that pulls me down and

I am stuck for a moment, and that

in itself reminds me to remain grounded.

She is always with me. She offers me this place

where I stand today.

She is the earth under my feet.

(Mother Earth.)

My joy is sharing these earth wanderings with you, my friends.

Happy Friday.

“The whole world is, to me, very much "alive" - all the little growing things, even the rocks. I can't look at a swell bit of

grass and earth, for instance, without feeling the essential life - the things going on - within them. The same goes for a

mountain, or a bit of the ocean, or a magnificent piece of old wood.”

― Ansel Adams

Joining Project Alicia for Poetic Winter {Passion},

Photo Story Friday, Photo Art Friday,

Photo Friday,

Favorite Photo Friday.

She Is Happiest

2012-02-14T03:03:00.000-08:00

And so it is we get to gather here on Valentine's Day ♥

No stories here today, just a grateful heart for all the good

that comes my way each and every day, moment by moment.

This is actually one of my daily affirmations I created back when

I was feeling blue. I still say it, even when I'm feeling bright and

cheerful, just as a reminder.

Always keep your heart open.

Today my wish is that you receive all the happiness

your great big heart can hold.

Happy Tuesday friends.

Hugs and Kisses this day.

Joining Texture Tuesday, Sweet Shot Tuesday,

Tones on Tuesday.

Photo edited with Kim Klassen textures, "She Loves You",

"More Magic", and "Look Up."

Everyday Moments

2012-02-13T03:14:00.000-08:00

"Who would ever think that so much went into the soul of a young girl? "Anne Frank

Happy Monday friends.

Here's to youth and soulful women

who were once wondering what they would become.

May we always be dreamers ♥

Joining The Creative Exchange, Show Off Your Shot,

Quotography, Mellow Yellow Monday,

Triptych,

Happy Sunday

2012-02-11T18:51:00.000-08:00

Facial Features-Madelyn's face is changing constantly as she grows

and she is growing fast. I enjoy hearing about her days at school and

how she views the world. She is becoming quite expressive in many ways.

Shadow- This is a very quick snap of my window sill and the shadows it casts

against the opposite wall late in the day. I have always loved shadow play.

Spicy- Some homemade spicy tomato sauce I canned this summer and we

are still enjoying it this winter. The tomatoes still even taste sweet.

Note to self: Can more this summer*

** Gold- A warm, golden fire is one of my very favorite things I look

forward to in the winter season. A fire, the quiet, hot cup of tea

and I will call it "bliss."

* Fabric- Just a piece of the bottom of this dress. Madelyn likes to put

this dress on and play. The crazy thing has wings on it. I don't really

get the wings, but she loves it and that is just fine with me. Crazy that she

wants to wear it on a day when it is 20 degrees outside.

* * * * *

I have been in a semi-hibernation mode. These days of winter I find

are long and grey and cold. I am enjoying my new tea called

"Body and Mind". It has jasmine and oolong and some peach.

It keeps me warm these days.

I will be finishing Walden soon, and moving on to a new read.

I am ready to go a-wandering in the fields and the forests

here in the midwest. I have committed to some photos for

Missouri Dept. of Conservation and I am craving a

little vitamin D of the God given kind, LOL.

Here's hoping your days of winter are allowing you

space, and warmth, and sun to go out and wander

along some paths where you can find fresh air

and breathe deeply.

Thank you friends for stopping here.

Happy Sunday, dream big.

Joining Scavenger Hunt Sunday, *Your Sunday Best,

Shadow Shot Sunday, The Simple Things,

**Project Alicia "warmth" and Sunday Snapshot,

Sundays in my City.

You Are The Light

2012-02-07T03:46:00.000-08:00

Here is the scoop: I love Kim Klassen's textures. I truly enjoy the challenge

of taking a photo and her textures and creating something magical.

I decided to call this photo and post "You Are The Light" because

I enjoy meeting up here in this space and getting to know all of you

better everyday.

On a down day, I can find beautiful photos and stories to make

me smile and have a grateful heart for this love of creating that

we all share in this space.

Yes, I may be a nerd of sorts, but I love Texture Tuesdays and

get kind of excited about the next challenge and the next free

texture.

So I want to thank all of you who visit here and say "Hello"

and leave kindness here.

Yes, indeed you are the light.

Happy Tuesday friends.

Follow Your Bliss ♥

Joining Kim Klassen for Texture Tuesday, Sweet Shot Tuesday,

Sweet Violet, Tones on Tuesday

Photo edited with Kim Klassen texture "cosmo" in soft light at 37%

and "look up" in linear burn at 45%.

Everyday Moments

2012-02-06T03:49:00.000-08:00

“Surely the apple is the noblest of fruits.” — Henry David Thoreau, Wild Apples

this little old weekend was cold,rainy and gloomy.

We took the youngest out for the day for a little bit

of birthday fun, we did whatever she wanted, almost.

We played glow in the dark putt putt golf and we had

a really good time finding out how hard it was to hit

that little glowing ball down those little courses, lol.

B made pancakes for the girls, while I continued with a

little health and food routine I'm trying to turn into a

habit, it's getting easier as the days go on. Was quite

proud to stick to it this morning and have some of this

instead of some of this, you feelin' me?

Sunday we stayed inside and stayed warm. More gloom and

rain.

This made me smile.

and last I will leave you with this.

Happy Monday. Live Big.

Joining The Creative Exchange, Show Off Your Shot,

Mellow Yellow Monday, Quotography, Favorite Photo Monday,

Blue Monday.

Happy Sunday

2012-02-04T18:02:00.000-08:00

** Strike a Pose-This is a photo I just edited for Urban Muser's {in the picture} project

I am participating in this year. The current theme is, "write on!" This is my

my 2nd entry for this challenge. My word for this year is "create" and I am exploring

some new areas over in Flikr land.

Footwear- So odd for it to be February and to be completely comfortable with

these shoes. I love the hearts, quite nice for the month of February. I participate

in a group called, "From Where I Stand." A photo of where you are standing

in any particular moment and the ground where you are. I love these

photos because they really are fun to shoot and they keep me in the moment.

Hobby-This is one of my polaroid cameras I took with my polaroid spectra. I have

gotten some expired film that is creating some lovely photos. I am also participating in

some projects here and my own project here.

Shiny-My SX-70 and some of my recent polas. I love the depth of field that

this camera produces.

(***) Color Me Green- Having a cup of morning tea, and a great message to absorb. ♥

Joining Scavenger Hunt Sunday,

(***) Your Sunday Best which I am so glad is back. ( it is one of the first linkys

I ever had enough nerve to link to!)

Sunday Snapshot, The Simple Things,

** The Weekend in Black and White.

Happy Sunday friends. Enjoy this day.

Still Lingering

2012-02-03T04:19:00.000-08:00

I have been feeling the creative urge lately,

as my word is "create" for this year.

A desire to say something differently

that has perhaps already been said.

The warm days of winter are still lingering here.

The trees out back are budding and the birds

have remained and are finding plenty of food from the

woods that we are surrounded by.

I was happy to be featured here this last week

and also here.

I have loved hearing your thoughts on bravery and

about being you. Some of you struggle with allowing

yourself the freedom to say what you want to really say.

I will tell you this is why we collectively meet here and

allow ourselves this space. To Be Who We Really Are,

and carry that along with us into everyday life.

I would certainly love to hear your thoughts on your goals

and dreams for this year.

Is it a new camera? A new job, or relationship?

My new post for The Monthly Soul Journal is here.♥

How are you doing with you?

Let me know how you tend to yourself, and remain centered

and healthy.

Happy Friday my dear friends.

Hope this day finds you ready for weekend

adventures.

Joining Project Alicia for Poetic Winter,"solitude"

Fabulous Friday, Triptych-"Bold"

Shoot. Edit. Submit.

52 Linked with these ladies:

Stacey, Jenn, Tracey, Andrea , Heather,

Kristin, Amanda,

Amanda, Janet, Lesli,

Carla, Lena, Rose, Naomi, Tracy,

(the theme is sleep, but honestly I just crave sleep but really, I am the proverbial insomniac.)

I Am Who I Have To Be

2012-01-31T14:17:00.000-08:00

Reading this book sparked some thoughts and feelings about my life patterns.

I have sat in a quiet moment and thought about all those things we tend to think

and rethink over and over. Some things I never got to do, never chose to do

and things I crossed off my list years ago.

I always awaken early in the morning before anyone else is stirring around.

I will be starting a new phase in life soon, another move (I have lived in the home

I am in for 12 years). I was married when I moved here and I went thru a divorce

here also. I met Brian while I lived here, watched my daughter grow up here.

She turned 16, then 21 here and I in turn turned the 4-0 and the 5-0 here also.

I lost myself and found my self in this home. (I figured out alot of things living here in this space.)

I have taken up journaling again, trying to remember the joys I had as a child

and the relationships that shaped me to who I am now.There are boxes and boxes

of photos, old polaroids of me and dad and mom and hard relationships that forced

me to make decisions that led me to where I am now. Oh how I realize now

that I would not change those decisions for anything for what I have gotten out

of this place I have arrived.

I lived in Colorado for a time and lately, I have found myself revisiting

those places- and that time again and again. I remember many days being

an adventure just to be able to drive out to somewhere and get out and

explore the land and mountains, the sun and snow and trails that lay before

me. I will never forget those times when the sun was high and I was blessed

to walk into the forest and mountains and alongside the Colorado river.

I find myself yearning to return to that place again. Just that feeling of the unknown adventure.

We will be returning to Colorado and Utah this summer as we always do.

I look forward to those warm days with the high sun and the cool mountain breezes.

I will make the most of my time there. There was a time when I planned to live there and

make

a new life there, but I soon found out that I was living my life and to get on with it now. So I did

and

here I am in all this good stuff I have now everyday. Family, friends, love, work, this space I have

here with you all. The content of my life is full. I have discovered who I am after all these days of

living. Of making choices to do and not to do. Of finding delight in this stage of it all. I will not get

ahead of the moment and worry about tomorrow. I will be be happy in today. I will not pretend that

my life is a result of uncontrollable events, because I have been there every moment to make the

choices I have made. I am who I ought to be, I feel the tug from my soul to live truthfully, to say

these things aloud. I am who I have to be.

Joining Project Alicia, Black and White Wednesday,Wordless Wednesday But With Words,

**P52:Self Portrait, Live and Love Out Loud

Golden Moments

2012-01-30T15:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday to you friends. Hope today finds you in a creative spirit.

I have been inspired by the book I am reading, Walden, by Henry David Thoreau.

I find my self searching many times for a more simple pace.

To slow things down, and find a fresh perspective.

To find a simple happiness in those small, everyday moments.

You know, those ones we take for granted at times.

The smell of fresh morning coffee,

hearing the morning rain from the warmth of your bed.

Hearing the birds as the day becomes evening tending to

their last minute business in the fields.

The far away sound of a truck rolling down this lonely

road I sit near and gaze out to when I am in the moment.

These small things become golden.

These everyday moments we find to connect the bigger

events.

The simplicity in living moment to moment.

Here's hoping you have many golden moments today friends.

Joining Texture Tuesday, Sweet Shot Tuesday,Photo Tip Tuesday.

Photo edited with Kim Klassen texture, "not too shabby" in soft light at 100%,
and "simplicity" in multiply at 60%, then erased at 4%. Phrase "simplicity"
credit of Henry David Thoreau, from Walden, "Where I Lived, What I Lived For."

Notes on Bravery

2012-01-27T16:07:00.000-08:00

I have never thought myself to be a writer or elaborate storyteller, yet I find myself these days needing to add more personal meaning to what it is I do here in this space. This photo represents a place where I sit quite often, even on the coldest of days. I love to sit in the morning with my tea and just let my mind wander. I have recently taken up journaling again, which I recommend. (The process of thoughts to paper can do much for any soul.) I have been thinking about how we all go thru "stuff" and how we all sort it out differently. I looked up the meaning of brave and a simple definition was, "having or showing courage." So who do we show our courage to if we don't exactly have it? What if I am scared, fearful of the outcome, worried about my future? How can I be brave? I decided I needed to show myself some courage. To show myself I could get up, live my life in spite of what was going on around me. There is a term for this, it is called bearing witness. That voice you hear that says things to you, good or bad. The one you constantly hear. "You shouldn't do that, don't eat that, don't trust him, you should do this and not that." Yes, you know that voice.* That is the one you show your bravest self to.

What does bravery look like? It is giving yourself a break, moving forward, realizing nothing happens by accident. How does bravery act? She gets up and she feeds her soul with the things that makes her heart sing. What colors do you love? Paint your toes. What music do you like? Turn it on. Try some better healthy foods that will feed your creativity and help you thrive. Make friends with those you know really deep down inside care about you and lift you up. Get plenty of rest, plenty to drink, smile, say hello,* practice your art wholeheartedly.

Am I up every day? Absolutely not, but I have learned to recognize where that voice nags at me and to ignore it. I have enjoyed all of you who have shared with me some of the things that have been going on in your life right this moment. For many of you I truly do understand. This community is what this is all about. Connections and friendships. We share thru our creativity. We understand this art of photography and why we do it. It feeds our souls and for some it is a living, but what joy if it is both for some of you.

I am sharing with some others today. It is my hope that you will visit them and say hello, and maybe connect with them along the way.

52 Linked-"Tired" this photo does represent where I come alot of days when I am tired and just seeking quiet.

{This is the collective group of women who are musing for 52 Linked.}

Stacey, Jenn, Tracey, Andrea , Heather,

Kristin, Amanda, Rhonda

Amanda, Sara, Janet, Lesli,

Carla, Lena, Rose, Naomi, Tracy,

Focus 52-"Leading Lines" my lovely old steps I am currently stripping, kinda shabby...maybe.

Triptych-"Trust" yes, trust and bravery hold hands.

52 Photos-"Where I Lay My Head Down" yes, sometimes I do that in this space when the weather permits.

Three From Here and There-"Anatomy" my hands hold my journal which is close to me at all times these days. I am not

writing lengthy entries, just random thoughts, notes,about working things out and making life work.

If you are here, I want to thank you for visiting me for this post today. Please leave me a message on your thoughts.

Practice your art. Tell a story with your art. Practice bravery when required, seek out friends, be open to the next life

adventure. Be brave all you beautiful souls ♥

About Serendipity....

2012-01-23T15:25:00.000-08:00

You wanna know something? I was thinking today how funny life can be. You think you are making your way down your own little path in life until you begin reflecting back. So today I was kinda doing some thinking on where I was about a year and a half ago. Job lost, no immediate prospects in the horizon. Found a little lump in my breast. Panic. It all felt like I really wasn't in control of anything at all, but rather I was being led along by things beyond my control. It was in the stir of all this chaos that the little idea to start a blog popped in my head. I needed an outlet, a diversion, something to focus on, journal, chronicle the days and feelings and thoughts that were running thru my head.

So I began a blog. Taught myself alot of things, most of all patience and trust the process. You know what I mean? It was quite a feat to gather those first thoughts, post and send them out into the unknown. And wait. Would anyone read those words, would anyone respond and want to be "blog friends?" I still remember how I felt when I got my first several responses to my posts. Excitement, and then what next?

I learned alot from that first year of blogging. I remember sending a message to Edie, and getting the kindest words back from her almost immediately saying, "don't worry, you will figure it all out. It is a little tricky at first but I believe you will be good at this." Kind words can take you so far..........♥

These last two years have been incredible. I have met great souls thru this community, started my own project, had a few little features here and there and all in all I am chronicling my daily life in a photo. I have grown a little, developed my eye a little, learned my way around photoshop a tiny bit. Most of all I have realized we all have a story to tell. That lump turned out to be nothing serious, I became gainfully employed again, my daughter is doing well with her new pump for her diabetes and I think I am learning to embrace my first month of being "50."

By the way, this was the message from my tea bag this morning. Speaking of serendipity.......

I would love to hear your story. Leave me a message so I can learn yours.

Happy Tuesday my friends.

Trust the process ♥

Joining Texture Tuesday and Sweet Shot Tuesday ,Tones on Tuesday,Sweet Violet

Kim Klassen textures "Serendipity, Not Too Shabby, and Sweettart" used in PSE.

Everyday Moments

2012-01-23T04:54:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to capture more everyday moments of my life for one of my projects this year.

A moment of afternoon sun catches my eye as I pass by the window. Just another day,passing

by the same window. I see how the light comes thru and it really isn't an ordinary day

anymore. I have captured a little magic that I forget to look for in the everyday.

I shoot the light and I continue my day. Tomorrow I will look for the magic moment

again. I think I have missed too many little moments like these.

Joining The Creative Exchange, Show Off Your Shot.

Happy Monday friends. Find the moment.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

2012-01-22T07:38:00.000-08:00

Sunset-I had to go into the archives. We just haven't had any sun to speak of, but then no snow either.

Black and White-I shot this photo 4 days ago. This was the only one I liked out of several.
I take several shots of a subject looking for the one I feel really "speaks". I have been trying
to work more with shooting my polaroid spectra, and though I like the film, I am still
experimenting with different lighting conditions.

A Day in my Life-Yesterday I made coconut chicken soup. Coconut milk, garlic, ginger, snow peas,
spring onions,rice noodles and cilantro on top. Good for what ails you! (BTW this was hot! Thai chilis and cayenne, whoooo!)

Four-a sepia portrait of distortion and my wood bowl collection. There are 4 there, really.

Color-I love these old glass vials of powdered porcelain paints.The labels read "Fry's Vitrifiable
Colors for china- New York." I imagine the person who owned these created some beautiful pieces of hand painted china. I would love to have seen them.

Just another shot from a day in my life. We are stripping the back deck. I went out to gather some supplies and these 2 were there to greet me. I love that I live right along the woods and they
all cross thru here. Two days ago a coyote hobbled thru this area. I saw him while I was sitting at my computer, but he moved out too quickly as they always do. Maybe next time.

Today here is grey and foggy. We are expecting rain, warming into the 50's.

Oh snow where have you gone?

I miss you so. I miss playing and hiking

and shooting pictures outside when you

are falling. I hope you visit soon.

Have a lazy, happy Sunday friends.

Joining Scavenger Hunt Sunday,

Sunday Snapshot,The Simple Things.

2012-01-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

52 Linked: Breakfast

I woke up early this morning ( as I usually do).

I made a mental list of all the things to do today.

Visit some blogs of those who visit here.

We are refinishing some things inside the house.

I hope to visit some antique shops later today.

Laundry. Cooking for the weekend. Organize photos.

Today is cold as in 20 degrees. I can't think of anything

I want to do that involves going outside today other than

a little road trip.

So I am hoping that my healthy little breakfast will spark

those creative juices. A cup of Tazo black with stevia.

Cranberry granola cereal with walnuts, coconuts and milk.

A few quiet moments alone in thoughts.

BTW: I have fully enjoyed all the visits here this week

from all of you. I look forward to reading everyone's comments

and visiting your blogs. I honestly try to visit each and

everyone of you. Having this blog community has done

so much for me personally over the last year. I can't

believe sometimes all the incredibly talented folks out

there. I love the stories, the photos, the crafts and all

the soulful connections I have been able to make thru

this community.

Here's to finding your creative flow, to awakening to

the day with a purpose, to more connections among

kindred souls, and a wonderful weekend spent among

those you hold closely.

Musing today with these ladies.

Let's keep growing this community.

Hope you stop by to visit each and everyone.

Just say hello, ( after all, you never know what doors

are opening with the next hello.....)

2012-01-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

On a cold, blustery day we trek up a mountain. We are crazy because

it is 20 degrees, and the wind is blowing fiercely.

Have you ever just wanted to escape so bad into the world that

no matter what the circumstances, you must be away from the

everyday pace? Renew your thoughts and breathe in calm?

We passed no one on the trail this day. We were loners moving

along and feeling the sunshine thru the wind and cold. It was

enough just to be in the world and feel awakened. The trail crunched

under our feet from the ice. The wind whipped around us so strong

our cheeks felt frozen. The sun shined on us, so bright and clear and we

saw the colors of a winter mountain before us. We stood there remembering

how many times we had visited this place for the last 20 years. It has brought

us a peace of mind many times over, a getaway from the regular, the routine.

We wanted to have a wild little adventure.

Wild, and cold, and bright, and clear.

We looked up into the trees, where the blue peeked thru.

We looked down at the rock and the ice with it's patterns

that made pictures we could see.

We looked out across the mountain as far as you can see.

(We stood in the sun.)

Joining Project Alicia, 52 Photos, Sweet Violet.

Happy Wednesday my friends. Be wild this day.

2012-01-17T03:43:00.000-08:00

My word for this year is create.

I feel this photo fits just because I am seeking

to remain open like a book.

Seeing the little glimpses that I might otherwise

miss.

Cultivating a creative spirit at home, with my

actions and looking at the world with an idea

that anything is possible.

Open to new friends, new art, new dreams.

Happy, wonderful Tuesday all of you little

creative souls out there.

Embrace this day ♥

{Kim Klassen texture "serendipity" applied,then erased and "aurora" applied in soft light @ 100%}

Joining Texture Tuesday, Sweet Shot Tuesday.

Weekend Life

2012-01-16T05:23:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share some photos from a small river town nearby that I visit from time to time. I visited the

area yesterday in the early evening hoping to catch the remains of the day and the magic that happens

for us photographers when the golden sun is sliding down and the blue hour takes over before

nightfall. This little forgotten river town goes back into hibernation after the holidays. A few shops remain open

for business, along with the town's restaurants. You can literally blink your eyes and be thru this place before

you know you passed thru it.

**The Mississippi River is wide and beautiful at this time of year. This part of the river is no longer

accessible in the area where I took this photo. This small town has seen it's share of floods. The river

continues to reshape it's banks. There is some remaining carnage from the last flood that rolled

thru this area. In the spring, the Mississippi is fierce and angry looking for relief from the

continual swelling of the melting northern snows. It finds it's relief here along the

banks of these small towns. I love this place. The eagles and hawks gather and fly over

as if they are guardians of these riverbanks. They glide down near me curious and quiet

as I stand and watch the gold change to blue in this river valley.

I love this little town when it becomes forgotten. It's quiet solitude and the roll of the river help me find a kind

of inner peace (and a reason to post a few soulful words) that I sometimes forget about relying on. So, I

walk about in this town, thankful for the residents and their quiet rhythm of living along the Mississippi.

They look and watch, but don't seem to mind the occasional stranger that walks about their little town

gazing out across the river, looking up into the sky. They share this space in the valley. No doubt when

I come here again, the landscape will have changed. But there is always the constant roll of the

river. The never changing roll.

Happy Monday. Happy Adventures.

{Get out and find your creative soul.}

Joining The Creative Exchange, Show Off Your Shot,** Triptych,

Barn Charm, Mellow Yellow Monday, Quotography, Favorite Photo Monday,

Blue Monday.

“The Mississippi River towns are comely, clean, well built, and pleasing to the eye, and cheering to the spirit. The Mississippi Valley is as reposeful as a dreamland, nothing worldly about it . . . nothing to hang a fret or a worry upon.”
Mark Twain, Life On The Mississippi

2012-01-15T07:12:00.000-08:00

Stacked up-This is an old weekend lodge my family gets together at in the summer
in southern Missouri. I really got into shooting with my hipstamatic app this summer
and I'm really glad I did.

Winter Wonderland-We just had our first "little" snow this last week, and it
wasn't much to speak about. More ice than snow and the morning drive
that normally takes me 22 minutes took me over an hour.

Sweet-I have purged most sweet from the house, but these jellies, jams and fruits
were still lingering in the pantry. I liked the colors, so I stacked and snapped.

Hole-I know this is a stretch, but I really couldn't come up with anything here!

Frozen-The deck that we enjoy thru the other 3 seasons has now become abandoned.
I felt like I should snap something that included a place that provides us with so
much enjoyment the rest of the year.

**A simple selfie.

In 2012 I am:

Venturing into self portraiture, learning to embrace what I see in the camera

when it is pointing at me. Understanding who I am, the story my face tells

and the places I will travel this year will bring their own rewards by the end

of 2012.

Shooting and studying lo-fi. I have discovered over the last year that I have

a true passion for lo-fi creations. I started here.

Becoming a better photographer. This means many things to me. Developing my

eye more. Finding the creative moments. Discovering the magical light.

Learning the more technical side of shooting a photo.

Diving into polaroidography. I have begun already with a little

project called This Little Instant(*). We are discovering the

art of shooting in instant film. Every photo I shoot, I learn more

about the camera and about my skills and what catches my eye and

why. I just finished a collaborative project via Shutter Sisters via Facebook

called "Picture The Holidays" with a group of over 500 participants. I will do

this again next year. It was fast and a creative whirlwind and I met many that I

now can call friends.

I am wondering if you have a 2012 list in your head, on

paper or journaled?

What are you venturing into this year? Any great aspirations or

dreams you have that you will be fulfilling? I would love to hear them.

Creativity nurtures the soul.

Hope you have a soulful Sunday friends.

Joining Scavenger Hunt Sunday, **The Weekend in Black and White,

The Simple Things.

The Collector

2012-01-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

**The Collector is my other name.

I choose this because it fits me well.

I wander along a little path in the woods

and I am looking down to find treasures.

One of a kinds. I now have many treasures:

feathers. rocks. fossils. butterflies.

birds nests. old pottery. old rusted metal.

I found this along a flooded plain while walking

yesterday. It is made with the wild little grapevines

that grow in the area.

I am thinking today how fragile it is.

How it was home once upon a time.

It created life and shelter from the harshness.

I love that all these small findings tell a story.

I love my little diana lens and how

it has a mind of it's own and it creates

a mood in a photo at will. dreamy little diana

(I am the collector.)

a little musing today for Texture Tuesday, Triptych,

Sweet Shot Tuesday, Show Off Your Shot, and

**Photo edited in PSE. Kim Klassen texture "aurora" applied, erased at 12%
and color burn applied for contrast, then "embrace" applied in soft light at 5%.

What is your story?

I have this new project here. Curious about instamatic photography?

Want to learn more? Join us, we are creating and sharing with each other.

I would love to meet you. Click here for more details.

Have a lovely, creative, sweet Tuesday my friends.

2012-01-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

One Color-How about shades of blue? (I debated about this one for empty, because
my sink is empty for a short instant!)

Laundry-the little shot of the laundry area, and some background scenery to add to it.

Empty-My empty lonely polaroid land camera. Waiting on my film to arrive.

One Dozen-My variety of teas I consume. There really are dozen here, you can
see corners under packages. Kind of fun to try and count them all.

Soft-my morning breakfast area in the morning light.

Fun as always doing the Sunday Scavenger Hunt.

We are slowly getting back into the swing of the routines here.

Putting away Christmas, purging the old, making room

for the new.

This Little Instant(*) is underway and I am loving

the creativity that this group has.

If you love instant photography, or are curious

and thinking about learning more, read here.

We would love to have you.

Joining Scavenger Hunt Sunday, Project 52,

Sunday Snapshot, Creative Everyday 2012.

Have a happy, happy Sunday friends.

2012-01-06T15:47:00.000-08:00

(this moment)

this was my morning moment before rushing to work.

a mild winter day, yes.

kind enough to wander around in the grass with bare feet.

I am awaiting my new diana lens for my nifty nikon.

I want to play with pictures.

Create and be playful.

Lighten up just a bit.

Happy it is Friday and grounding again

in our daily routines that bring us comfort.

The knowing what to expect what is next.

(Yes, the unknown is unsettling.)

I know in this moment when life starts leading

you down a new path, interesting things are underway

and

just enjoy the trip.

This moment I have on my new fave flannel shirt,

just finished a big cup of hot vanilla-black pekoe tea.

My new impossible film is here ♥

Creating for this little project. Join us if you like.

I would love to have you.

(I have more info here on this project.)

All love, my friends. All good stuff.

Musing with Liz Lamoreux In this moment,

SouleMama {this moment}, Fabulous Friday, iPhonography.

2012-01-04T17:24:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you need to get out to get on with it.

My brain works in mysterious ways, I know this.

I needed to clear my mind from the clutter of

the fast paced holidays. Came and went fast.

So, as you all know, I love to wander about

and capture a day, just any old place where

I am feeling it, if you know what I mean. I

find a composition before me, something that

I can feel and I shoot. I shoot many times

and many angles.

Can you feel this one? Are you there with me?

Quietly, the crew that I was with ventured off, and

they know my routine. I wander to a spot where

I look for the groove of a moment. Am I always dead on?

NO....but, I will take my chances, follow my instinct and

I stay true to what I find interesting, what I feel tells a

story.

Do you see the story here?

Late evening, snowy valley, just me and this little

moment of beauty that no one else may ever see so

I had to share, I couldn't let this moment pass

me

by.

My word this year is create.*

By the way friends,

This Little Instant (*) is shaping up quite nicely.

If you love analog instant photography join us.

Learn, create, inspire, capture.

What is your word?

Joining Project Alicia, 52 Photos, Naptime Momtog,

and then, she snapped, live and love out loud.

2012-01-03T04:44:00.000-08:00

** Little Miss Madelyn being the barefoot girl she loves to be.

I have a love for creating vintage photos. This was taken late in the summer of 2011.

Field flowers that still have a lasting beauty.

A vintage dyptich of a little abandoned riverside town.

Sharing today with Texture Tuesday, Photo Tip Tuesday,

Sweet Shot Tuesday, Tones on Tuesday.

Happy Tuesday ya'll!

** Photo edited with Kim Klassen "Word" texture.
Layer erased after applied in soft light, layer flattened
and burned at 12% in PSE.

2012-01-02T06:23:00.000-08:00

2012 is blowing in quickly here.

The wind is fierce and cold but the

sun is shining. Here it is a shot of

a new day and the new year.

I hope this day finds you at peace

with the past and looking forward to

a grand year of living in the moment.

Set your path for laughter

insight, creativity, bravery,

hope, listening, being in the

moment.

My moment right now is

cold fingers (the house is still chilly),

needing my first cup of coffee.

Listening to the wind blowing.

Getting ready to take a hike today

along the Missouri river and

capture the day in photographs.

What moment are you in right now?

Sharing at these places today.

The Creative Exchange, Show Off Your Shot,

Mellow Yellow Monday, Project 366 Rewind.

Enter 2012 my friends, and embrace the day

2011-Memories,Dreams, and Reflections

2012-01-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

This is me-my year heading to the 5-0 soon. It was just little more than a year
ago I lost a job, gained a job, started a blog, took up photography again and
made a commitment to pursue the things that were tugging at my heart. I
was featured here and here. There was more here and here. Boy, did that make
my day. Signs that showed me I was headed down the right path. This blogging
is a time suck I must admit at times, but I wouldn't trade what
I am doing now, nor what I have done. No, not at all.

Still Laughing-This photo pretty much sums it up. The guys wanted to do it for a laugh, and
I said let's do it. The passers by had the biggest chuckle. I laugh everytime I look at
this photo.

All Smiles-A shot where I chopped off her head, but nonetheless, I love her unabashed
joy in this photo ♥

Dress Up-This shot was of all the younger girls in the family playing dress up on my dad's
birthday weekend we all spent together. They had alot of fun with this little "supermodel
runway" session.

I Love You- This is Brian in Colorado this summer. It was a beautiful day and we had
gotten lost in a little mountain town in Colorado. We decided to just give up and
take a little break in the town only to find a beautiful little park to rest
in. I love him for all his constant support,kindness, and his understanding thru
these last 2 years of my life challenges.

Summer Days- Part of our summer was spent in Colorado. We took a hike up high in the
mountains. The sky was so blue, the sun so bright and we kept hiking up until we ran
into snow so deep we couldn't hike anymore. I will never forget this day and photos
of this trip help me remember this day always. I want to return here soon.

Let's Do It Again- We stayed in a deep canyon in Moab, Utah this summer in an area called
Onion Creek. It is a dry, arrid canyon with beautiful native flowers, red rock formations
and complete quietness. We got into the canyon in the late evening just before the
sun was setting. We decided against setting up our tent and slept in the back of our
jeep. No bugs, no animal sounds, just calm and quiet and the night sky and stars which
were incredible. We could see the milky way running across the night sky. I literally
fell in love with this place that night. It was magical to see the sky with no
distortion from any city lights at all. The night so dark, you could not see your hand
in front of your face.

Beautiful- These are some of the canyon flowers I found in Moab, Utah. Morning sun
captured them and their colors.

I Was Inspired- After seeing some of the most beautiful photos I have seen taken with
instant film here and here, I was hooked. I began a search for a working polaroid camera.
It was incredible when Brian told me he had an old one in his closet he had not used in years.
So I began shooting, and this year I have begun this new project. You can read more here
with details.

My Favorite- This was Easter this year. It was cool and rainy, but we found some beauty in the day.
This cabin is on Brian's parents property. They celebrate every Christmas Eve there and I just
love that little front porch. His father built it by himself when Brian was young and we spent
Christmas morning there this year.

Just Because- Just because I have a love of incredible sunsets.

Hopes and Dreams- I want to continue on this path. I don't feel like anything ended
just because 2011 ended. Oh my yes there were some real downs this past year,
but there were more than enough highs in my life to bury those sad feelings I
had been becoming accustomed to. I am looking forward to this ride in 2012. Today
blew in like a hurricane literally. Strong winds, cold air, sun and a new year.
Away with the past, today is a new day. What will tomorrow bring? I have
learned that every trial comes bearing it's own gifts, it really does. The lessons
I have learned from the sad and bad have multiplied the joy in the bright
moments and in my everyday life. Hello 2012. I'm opening my arms to
more bravery and creativity. This past year was my year to just "go for it"
and trust my own feelings. That practice has taken me miles. What are
you embracing this year? What is your mantra? Will you embrace, be
brave, create, inspire, find faith? Today is a good day to set your path.
Today is just a grand day to stand in your path you are on and welcome
whatever comes.

Joining Ashley today.

and Stefanie

and Rebecca

2011-12-31T06:53:00.000-08:00

A New Year, A New Challenge

I thought I would start the new year off with a project.
If you are a lover of instant photography like me, you will love this project.
I am starting off the year with a Flikr group project called
This Little Instant(*).
You can go to the group page and read all those lovely little details later.

For those of you who are interested, but don't have an instant camera
as of yet, I will share a few inspiring thoughts with you
to help you get started with this project.

You will need some sort of instant camera. You can find them pretty cheap,
like the Polaroid one steps which can be purchased via Ebay and Amazon.
There are also the new Fuji and Polaroid instamatic cameras. I own an SX-70,
a Polaroid spectra, and a land camera, none of which I paid very much for.
Two of them were bought from a little second hand store here by me,
and my land camera was bought on Ebay for 20.00!
(Much cheaper than our lovely DSLR's we are shooting with now.)

There are many places to buy film, and a good place to start for some basic knowledge is

via The Impossible Project. Fuji and Polaroid websites offer some info.
There are some video tutorials here and here and here.

If you have a new instamatic camera, you may need a video tutorial on exposing
the photo to light and your settings.You can go here.

If you have not shot photos from a polaroid vintage camera,
there is a tutorial here on shooting and shielding
the instant photo from light,which I highly recommend viewing.

If you have questions, there is a group pool to start a new discussion which I encourage.

It is a good thing to learn from one another, as it makes us all better photographers and

aids in our creativity.
I hope you will join me in this project and most of all I hope you

have fun and meet some new people thru this love we share of
creating life in pictures ♥

2011-12-29T14:04:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken Christmas Day. Last year we took a walk on Christmas Day.
It was very snowy that day. We played hard and we laughed hard and we ran thru
the snow. We ushered in the new year like little hellions (yes, hellions).

This year, this season is quite calm and gentle. The weather has been mild and kind.
I feel the new year rolling in on a gentle wave. This is a year of numbers in my family.
50 for a few of us (wink*) and I say bring it on, yes bring it.

I am glad for these moments of recalling the last year and what it has brought me and where I
have traveled. Good times and tough times, they are a part of life and I will try my best to roll, roll, roll with them. All of the crazy, stupid, funny,awkward,unexplainable moments in my one-of-a-kind life.

It will always be me standing in the shadow of a moment in my life. A record in time of where I
was, and what I experienced. My photography has caused me to feel my mortality at times and
ponder on who will remember me.Will they understand what I was trying to do, what I was saying to them?

I am leaving my fears,insecurities,doubts and disappointments on the doorstep of 2012.

It is my desire to be a little more brave, embrace more moments, challenge myself in new ways.

More fresh air.

More paths to creativity.

More sharing with this community here in this space.

And I am bringing all of you with me ♥

Joining with 52 Photos, Earth Wonders, Project Alicia, You Capture,
This or That Thursday, Show Off Your Shot, 62 Thousand Miles

2011-12-26T15:14:00.000-08:00

I decided to participate in The December Daybook Edition.

A December Wrap-up.

Today outside my window it is cold, rainy and dark. We were able to squeeze a walk in before
the dreary settled in for the day (yeah!)

I am thinking what the new year will bring. I have plans to move and downsize. There will
be 4 of us in B♥'s house, but it is good.

I am thankful for this years lessons.

In the kitchen are many leftovers to consume and be creative with. My plans are to eat
them, and replace them with more healthy ( we eat pretty healthy already but could improve for sure) choices.

I am wearing the yoga pants I walked in today, no jewelry a little make-up and my fave rebel
t-shirt.

I am creating a new post for my monthly journal here. P.S.- I am now looking for guest
posters!

I am going to sit down with my family after this post and enjoy the evening before my workweek begins tomorrow.

I am wondering about all of the possibilities 2012 will bring.

I am reading the little book that came with this camera for Christmas.

I am hoping for a successful year in many ways.

I am looking forward to a little snowfall as we have had mostly warm weather so far
and I really miss those snowy days.

I am hearing rustling around again in the kitchen. Family foraging for food and snacks.

Around the house the Christmas lights remain on until New Years Day.

I am pondering about balancing my time more wisely in the new year.

One of my favorite things is shopping with my family on New Years Day and eating a meal out with them. It is becoming a tradition.

A few plans for the rest of the week include dinner out with the out of town family. A few additional postings here.

A Picture For Thought.......

What is happening with you in this moment?

Joining The December Daybook Edition.

I'd love to hear your plans and your going-ons.

Happy Adventures friends ♥

2011-12-21T16:05:00.000-08:00

Here at home we are gearing up for a holiday.

I haven't been able to cross everything off my list but oh well.

Who said everything has to be perfect, right?

I'm posting this for you and sending a little

peace

your

way.

Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas

everyone.

Joining The 12 Days of Texture, Many Muses Musing.

(Photo editing done in PSE with Kim Klassen texture "Providence" soft light at 90%.)

2011-12-18T07:18:00.000-08:00

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

1.) What is it?- How about a chocolate mouse on top of a white chocolate covered rice krispie treat
disguised as cheese (a little St. Nick's treat)

2.) Fur babies sleeping-my little guy Lucky taken with my hipstamatic app.

3.) Joy-one from the archives. Easter Sunday smiles.

**4.) Window-some lovelies in a little local gift store. Edited with Wonderful Magic "scripted" texture.

5.) Half-a little selfie in half of the mirror.

I always look forward to Scavenger Hunt Sunday with Ashley.

Love the challenges.

Long list of "to do's" today.

Coffee hasn't kicked in yet.

Wrapping presents is on that lil' list.

I'm going to thank B♥ today for laying in my new kitchen countertops

in time for Christmas with a

smooch and hug.

We are enjoying a whole lotta sunshine this morning.

happy, happy, happy.

Have a helluva day friends.

** photo #4 edited with Kim Klassen textures for The 12 Days of Texture.

BTW- what is on your list ?

2011-12-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

A Gift For You....

All the Hemispheres

Leave the familiar for a while.

Let your senses and bodies stretch out

Like a welcomed season

Onto the meadow and shores and hills.

Open up to the Roof.

Make a new watermark on your excitement

And love.

Like a blooming night flower,

Bestow your vital fragrance of happiness

And giving

Upon our intimate assembly.

Change rooms in your mind for a day.

All the hemispheres in existence

Lie beside an equator

In your heart.

Greet Yourself

In your thousand other forms

As you mount the hidden tide and travel

Back home.

♥ View another photo with KK texture here. ♥

Blessings to you this day friends.

Joining Many Muses Musing for "surprise",

The 12 Days of Textures

photo edited with KK "More Magic" overlay @ 85% in PSE.

2011-12-16T07:19:00.000-08:00

Today's theme at Mortal Muses is "believe".

And yes I do.

I believe in renewal and second chances.

I believe life is too short not to pursue your dreams.

I believe we are most happy when we allow life to just happen.

I believe we are most at peace when we focus on the bigger picture.

I believe chocolate is good for what ails you.

I believe you should have dessert every day.

I believe you can capture a moment of life

in a photo as no other will see it.

I believe we all have a story to tell.

I had much fun sharing here.

( Yes indeed.)

Joining along today with The 12 Days of Texture,

Many Muses Musing, Fabulous Friday,

Show Off Your Shot, December Views.

Love, Peace and Joy, friends ♥

2011-12-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

Whatever you do, never stop dreaming. -Darren L. Johnson



                                            A little muse and a little art for 12 Days of Textures.

                            *Edited in PSE, florabella texture "blushing" and "Lilly" by Kim Klassen.



                                                   Happy Happy Tuesday you good people ♥

2011-12-11T06:35:00.000-08:00

*Less Is More-little lovelies I found at a small cottage shop in a local town.***

*Holiday Lights-the little corner tree that fascinated me at a Christmas party this week.

*Ornaments-I loved these cookie ornaments. They caught my eye at an ice cream parlor.

*Cup of Cheer-This would me my kind of cup. I'm not really a drinker, but I'll take a
peppermint any day. (a little iphonagraphy)

*Nativity-This is on my mantle. I love it. It is the focus of my holidays.

This is the other focus of my holidays. Together with these little ladies.

Yesterday we spent the afternoon having lunch in a little town called Kimmswick.

It comes alive at Christmas with all sorts of little shops and lights.

The toy shops are incredible and the local restaurant is world famous.

(They hate to see the camera come out. They think it might really be

attached to my body permanently.)

They obliged for pictures and we spent the entire afternoon laughing

and having a great time.

( I love the holidays.)

I got to muse here this week also!

Joining today with Scavenger Hunt Sunday,

Capturing Beauty, Scenic Sunday, The Simple Things Sunday,

Shoot.Edit.Submit.***

Happy Sunday friends.

*I'd love to hear about your holidays today. Please leave me a comment with a link to your post
and on my Tuesday main post I will have a link to yours!

(the secret life of a house)

2011-12-10T01:07:00.000-08:00

a house has a life of it's own

it has a heart and energy flow

*it gets life from those who dwell within

it knows many secrets over time

it will keep the laughter and smiles and store

them away in it's walls. It will grow a soul over the

years. Those who live inside will add to the life of this

house and in return this house will become a home and

be a shelter and refuge. Many will come and go over time.

This house will remain and keep it's secrets and the little

pockets of happy and perhaps sad will hide away for safe

keeping. More will come and live inside and the house will

welcome them to live and make a life within.

This is the story of

(the secret life of a house)

*Dec.8 party at Finkman Flat.

smiles,
laughs,
Christmas cocktails,
bokeh,
warm winter gloves,
cats who snuggle,
St Nick's gifts,
holding a baby again,
talking to a long lost friend.
little joy pockets this week ♥

A festive musing joining with sixty two thousand miles,

photo Friday, Joy Pockets, and Fabulous Friday.

Happy little sweet Friday world.

2011-12-07T15:44:00.000-08:00

This is nothing more than a photograph.

(some would say)

I am telling you it is so much more.

oh yes.

This photo represents a moment in time when it was

only she and I.

The things we did together, the mistakes we made

as mother and daughter.

We grew, and readied our little souls for

2 more ♥

They are all in this world ( these 4)

But this photo, this one stands for that time

I had with her.

Sharing a blissful memory

because I'm feeling festive and happy for the season.

Thankful and reminiscing this eve.

My musings for 52 Photos Project, You Capture,

Texture Thursday, This or That Thursday.

2011-12-06T14:42:00.000-08:00

Here at Home.

android photo, edited in photoscape.

Let today be what it is.

Joining with Wordless Wednesday (Project Alicia),
and Sixty Two Thousand Miles.

2011-12-05T16:35:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful time of year.

Pretty twinkling lights.

Smiles between strangers exchanged.

I'm meeting new friends everyday.

Yesterday was really cold here and rainy.

Today we have flurries and even colder.

B♥ and I have been Christmas shopping when we can.

We both avoid the hustle and bustle.

Yes we are almost done.

Listening to this now.

Had a little feature here today.

I'm gonna go fix a hot chocolate

and snuggle up somewhere

with B♥.

Happy Tuesday friends.

Joining Kim Klassen for Texture Tuesday, Holiday Bokeh Party (Live,Love,Travel),
Merry Christmas Link-Up (Sereinas Photography),
Communal Global, Holiday Bokeh Party (My 3 Boybarians)

*editing done in photoscape.
*Kim Klassen "warm sun" texture applied to photo3
*bokeh caught in manual mode f3.5 and 1/40 with my Nikon d5000.

2011-12-04T07:14:00.000-08:00

Portrait-

I am always trying to capture my fat buddha. He does not like the camera, but this day he obliged.

Nostalgic-

A precious little photo that my 23 year old daughter painted in first grade. It still goes up every Christmas.

Time-

Found this along the trail on one of my weekend hikes.

Motion-

This was taken on a cold blustery, rainy day last week.

Light-

The day after Thanksgiving we went on a road trip. It was a beautiful day so we stopped just before the sun was setting at a very old cemetery. The light was incredible.

Starting the day with a little kitty love.

Joining today with Ashley for Scavenger Hunt Sunday,
The Simple Things,Capturing Beauty (photo 5)

Have a most wonderful Sunday.

2011-12-03T21:39:00.000-08:00

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. ~Charles Dickens

Musing on a festive note for Holiday Lights at Exploring with A Camera,

Shoot,Edit,Submit at Through A Photographer's Eyes

and

52 Photos for Twinkling Lights.

Ending the eve with some doggie love ♥ ( for you Christy)

Goodnight friends. It's all good.

2011-12-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we all need inspiration to fire our creativity

wouldn't you agree?

Turning on some soulful music.

Floating thru Flikr on a cold blustery day when we have

a few stolen moments.

A change of scenery. Walking in the woods, a day trip with camera in tote.

Reading a few inspiring notes on musing.

BTW it never hurts to find your work featured at places such as Shutter Sisters (wink*)

Lots of little joy pockets this week-

connecting with new faces
practicing the art of allowing
wishing on a star ☼ and getting the wish

mocha mint coffe with peppermint mocha cream ♥

losing track of time

witnessing a friend from afar re-find her center

finding chocolate in my pocket

some much needed sleep

welcoming the season of cheer

Tending my soul garden

Sharing my Joy Pockets at Holistic Mama,
In The Studio Sneek Peek Friday, Fabulous Friday,
Photo Friday at The Hollie Rogue.

Grace and Peace to you this night friends.

2011-12-01T02:59:00.000-08:00

Just one little symbol. It's universal.

Joining in for Texture Thursday.

2011-11-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

Today is a pretty day.

We have begun putting up some Christmas decor.

My cats nearly destroyed my little red birds last Christmas. So, I have hung them in a higher place this season. (Those little rascals.)

I really like the little touches that add some dazzle.

The evergreen is abundant in the woods behind my home, so I go awandering.

This was one of the first things to go up on the mantle.

It keeps me in the moment.

All that is important in this life.

I lose focus many times each day.

This is to remind us, this time of year.

To gather, nest, share, pray, believe and hope with one another.

And to remember only this: be in the moment.

Today is a pretty day.

I am sharing some heartfelt thoughts at The Campfire Girl Notes.

Sharing these moments in life with Project Alicia for Wordless Wednesday,
Naptime Momtog for Wordless Wednesday, Create With Joy for Wordless Wednesday,
Lucky Number 13 for Virtual Coffee, Viviene Interrupted,
Live and Love Out Loud for Wordless/Wordful Wednesday

2011-11-28T18:35:00.000-08:00

I have to admit something..

I want a Diana :)

I smiled a real corny smile when I professed my unfounded desire to B♥.

He asked me "what is a Diana?" well...

it's this sweet little toy camera that takes blurry, light-leaky photos

with results you just can't produce in PS elements, or Picnic,

or Photoscape. :) I grin again. ( bigger and cheesier)

You can't do that with any of your other cameras?

BTW how many cameras do you have dear?

"Not enough, I don't feel that I have enough."

Sometimes when I can't sleep at night I lay there thinking

about these lovely photos I could produce with film.

Yes, I got it bad. I want to experience every creative idea I have.

B♥ says, "You should do what you want. It's your deal, and

it's great you have something like this that you enjoy."

Oh, I am grateful (I am!) that my partner is a supportive soul.

In good times and bad he is.

My thanksgiving this day.

To have my photography, to love it so.

To meet with you my friends in this way

and develop many lasting relationships.

We share good, bad, sad, family, nature, stories, beauty, humor

and we will remember this because we record our lives.

Every day. Photo by photo.

I call mine Life in Pictures.

*I am sharing with Kim Klassen for Texture Tuesday,

Communal Global, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Photo Tip Tuesday*

These photos are of an old gal I picked up via Craigslist.

She's not up and ready for film just yet.

But when she is, you'll be the first to know.

Enjoy this day and all it brings to you.

*photo 2 texture-"Back In"- edited in Photoscape( surprise!) it's a free editing program I use quite often. Any questions about it, drop me a message here, we'll chat. I've been using it for 1 year now. I also use Picnic, and PSE.

2011-11-27T06:19:00.000-08:00

waiting. not my pooch, but he followed me around in this little general store.

foliage. we have had more than our share of rain this fall. the rain brings out these colors so well.

candid. taken with my sx-70. my daughter on her 21st.

knife,fork or spoon. anything but a knife. my little shabby everyday silver set we use.

rule of thirds. a pensive shot. my B♥

We had a great week.

The rain has set in again with the cold, welcome fall at last.

You can find my little musing here today.

I'm also joining Angie over at 100 Days to contribute.

This change of seasons certainly soaks the soul with creativity.

Thank you dear Ashley this is always much, much fun :)-

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

2011-11-26T05:46:00.000-08:00

my cat-AKA Fat Buddha

he's jovial and chatty

doesn't really care if you don't want to hang out

he's sticking by your side

loves to sit in baskets and boxes

hides under rugs and grabs at your toes

paws under the door when you shut him out

the tilted head stare when you glance back to

walk out the door

I love this guy.

Hope you had a wonderful holiday.

We went on a little roadtrip.

You can view some photos here of our little day.

(Happiness doesn't just happen; it emerges)

I am going to create some journals like this.

I will be trying this little concoction.

I'm joining in on this little project and embracing the season.

I am making these for a little ambience for our winter dinners.

enjoy this day.♥

A Fall Craft and The Giveaway Reveal

2011-11-25T05:27:00.000-08:00

thought I would show you my warm socks. My ugg slippers are always hiding my colorful socks around the house:)

Thought we would share a little craft we completed for fall.

We adopted this idea from Flax and Twine.

The original idea started as upcycled fabric used to create

invitations, but I had an idea of a fall owl mantle garland.

We love how it turned out, and Maddie sure enjoyed creating it.

Here's the simple supplies for the garland.

1.) thick craft paper with various patterns. We chose more earthy patterns to

reflect fall. We may make these in the spring with brighter colors.

2.)craft glue for gluing wings, buttons, beak and attaching the owls to the yarn.

3.)scissors for cutting the template, as well as a pencil or marker to trace the pattern.

4.) yarn for the garland.

5.) old buttons for the eyes, you can incidentally just use cut out eys from paper.

We used contrasting colors and patterns for the wings, beak and bodies. I thought it added

a little more whimsy. Even some of the buttons for the eyes are

mismatched. They look like they are winking.

You can see what the finished project looks like across the mantle.

As for the brownie camera giveaway:

Ellie A. from New York has won the brownie camera giveaway.

I love what she had to say about photography means to her:

"For me photography means I can freeze a moment so it can be relived whenever it is shared. "

Ellie, I agree and congrats!

Hope everyone had a Thanksgiving to remember.

Feel free to share your photos from your holiday with me here.

Let's become better acquainted and stop by this weekend for

Campfire Girls:)

Sharing today with Show and Tell Friday.

2011-11-24T05:40:00.000-08:00

There it is.

The heart in the sky.

That might be my heart.

So full it bursted and floated upward.

A day of together.

A day of reflecting.

All the good I have.

We will be together today, all family.

Oh and that means so much.

I look to this heart in the sky and know it was meant for me,

it is gone in the blink of an eye.

Happy day of Thanksgiving to you.

Joining Ana for Earth Wanders.

2011-11-23T17:13:00.000-08:00

Finally chose a table setting for the clan.

earthy tones all full of warmth.

I have had that crazy tablecloth for ions.

The turkey salt and papper shakers I found at an antique store. Fun.

That little mantle word board is something I read everyday.

mantras for the soul.

Had some of my photos just framed, it makes my heart sing

to see the last year I have had in pictures.

Life in pictures, yes.

Me and B♥.

I have the framed tree in the dining area, I don't think I can

take it down for awhile.

My mantle art, owl garland that we made this week.

Our wish for you-

love among family and friends.

Abundance in life.

peace in your heart.

Musing with dear Bella ♥

for her 52 Photos project.

2011-11-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

On a cold, fall day as this. So rainy and dreary.

Days like this can weigh down the soul.

But I am embracing the day for what it brings.

Listening to this CD, spirits lift instantly.

I focus on what is good, all to be grateful for.

That list is oh so long.

Brian, Maddie and I are here together. Leslie is at work.

We look forward to a day together.

That in itself is gold.

All peace and warmth to you.

Musing with Kristi for Wordless/Wordfull Wednesday.

Boy oh Boy

2011-11-20T15:51:00.000-08:00

I have to say it has been quite exciting around my home these last two weeks.

Dryer went out.

Fixed.

Stove went out.

Not fixed...

Guess who is hosting Thanksgiving :-)

I have a plan.

I will pretend I am a traveling chef. I am going to cook at Brian's &

take the food to my home.

Why not host at Brian's house, you say? Make it easy on yourself....

well, see his T.V. is out ( go ahead laugh) I did.

We had a plan to sit and watch a movie after dinner.

We are sticking to the plan.

In lieu of these minor set backs, apple cake as promised

was not posted. But, I promise this week before turkey day. Yes

even if I have to bake it in my convection oven on the

countertop. Oh yes there was this lovely, lovely walk.

Sort of a dismal day with a few pops of sun.

I love wandering thru the woods on days like this.

Everyone is huddled indoors and we have the woods to ourselves.

BTW, had a photo featured here. Hope you stop by and enjoy

those little lovelies, too.

Happiness to you.

A Little Giveaway, A Few Memories.

2011-11-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

I am always hunting for cameras. I found this little gem not too long ago in a thrift shop. I decided

to give this one away. Nice for a collection, or to use. Visit here for a little history of this piece. Such

a big part of history, I am sad that this era has ended. Read more here on The Kodak Years.

I will miss these years.

If you would like this brownie lovely, leave a message telling what photography means to you. I will

announce the winner the day after Thanksgiving.

I will leave you with this.

Linking for Sweet Shot Tuesday

Juxtapositions

2011-11-14T17:29:00.000-08:00

The weeks have been busy and running together. I have barely picked up my camera to shoot. These were instagram shots where 2 were layered together. Our crafting for the holidays has begun, lots of little plans to keep us busy. Our family had an early Thanksgiving meal yesterday, as some of them are traveling for the actual holiday.
Tomorrow I am posting a giveaway, a little fun something for the photography fans. Hope you can stop by for info. Good eve to you my friends.

Things About Me

2011-11-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, I was seriously considering cheating with an old photo of me that I have. I realized that this is a new blog, new pic, right?
I was born in 1962, I will be fifty in January. I have 3 sisters. Yes, I am the oldest. My mother was an artist, painter. My father is a self-made man who didn't have an opportunity to graduate from high school, but as an adult finished his education and then some and has continued to be a successful businessman. He is an inspiration. I have 2 other sisters who are nurses, also. A sister who is a school administrator.
As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse. I have always felt the call. I began my career in emergency medicine and migrated to the operating room and that is where I have stayed. For many years I was a open heart, transplant nurse. Now I have moved into a slower pace at a smaller hospital in St. Louis. The neighborhood is not the safest, we serve a population of very sick people. I enjoy seeing the new nurses in their learning phase of their careers. I am currently precepting a new nurse for the O.R. Enough of work.
My family life is everything to me. I have a 23 year old daughter. She is a joy to spend time with. I learn from her everyday.Brian is my partner of 3 years, he has a 7 year old daughter. My daughter is Leslie and Brian's daughter is Maddie. Oh the wisdom of a 7 year old. We call these Maddy-"isms." Brian is an auto body painter by trade. He has worked in this profession his whole adult life. He still loves his job. He is a Jeep head. Anything Jeep he loves. We enjoy getting out in the "country" as we say in this area. He is kind, witty, loving and unnervingly selfless. I have learned much from this man. He is also a wonderful father. I enjoy my time with him, he makes me laugh hard. I so love a great sense of humor.
I first took photography in high school and instantly fell in love. I made a shoebox camera. I still have some of those faded shots. I couldn't paint, so I pursued the camera. I recently found a gem of an SX-70. I am still playing with it. My photo here was taken with it on one of our first blustery fall days. I recently found a Polaroid spectra that I haven't begun studying yet. Ordering film for it is next on my to do list. Ana is one of my favorite photographers, hands down. I am an earthy hippie kind of girl. I collect rocks, gems, old vintage relics that call to me. I am drawn to earth tones, scents, the wind, rain, wood, fire. My home reflects the same. I practice yoga, not often enough for my liking. I read books- currently The Help is on my nightstand. I get out and hike to get right with my soul. I keeps me grounded.
I have a jewelry fetish. Boho is what I am currently into. I am wearing taunting teal nail color. Loving it. I am wearing these alot. My daily wardrobe is b-o-r-i-n-g. I go to work to change into scrubs. Therefore, I wear work out yoga sort of attire.I drive about 25 miles one way to work. I live outside of St. Louis in a smaller city. I would never think of living in the bigger city, I love a small town life. I have deer, hawks, owls frequently in my backyard which consists of woodland. I love being serenaded by the hoot owls.
Brian owns a home 5 miles from me along a golf course. There are alot of retired folk, I like the quiet neighborhood. We plan on a home sale this spring-mine. We will move into a smaller home. His is older with much more history and character. I love the fact that we will be in closer quarters, less room to get lost in the house. I look forward to renovating his home. It will be quite an adventure. That house has good bones.
I go to bed early and rise early. I love moving around in the house when everyone else is sleeping. I have a special relationship with my first morning coffee. I journal in the morning when my thoughts are clear, and do most of my problem solving on my drive to work.
My favorite meal is breakfast.
I watch movies, but not much T.V.
It is raining cats and dogs tonight.
I still love this lady's music. Walt Whitman's works are golden.
I have a pocket guide to Bach Flower Essences.
I refer to it often.
I am ever grateful to those I meet thru this photgraphy endeavor. I have met many talented ladies.
I hope to meet many more. Leave me a message. Let's get acquainted. Hope you know me a little better now. How about you?

Happy November

2011-11-07T17:17:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy November. Can't tell you how glad I am to be here.

It was time for a new home. I hope you can visit often.

The holidays are upon us and I will understand if you can't.

This weekend I will be posting a giveaway.

Also a fall craft that you will have fun making with the kids.

Apple cake is on the way.

Sound good?

We will chat about campfire girls, okay?

See you all soon!