Keeping With The Times

living, learning, and keeping with the times

“app” happy Wednesday #11

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Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #11! If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of course!

I’ve been playing with Camera+ and today I share how I save my images.

When I’m out and about taking photos I may take upwards of 20 shots of the same thing so I prefer to save to Lightbox only. With this option I decide which photos get saved to the Camera Roll and when. Sounds great, right? The Camera Roll does not get clogged up with tons of bad shots.

Unfortunately there is a rather large drawback to this method. The moment you save a photo to the Camera Roll from Camera+ it is immediately deleted from Lightbox. Poof!

If you made any edits the original is gone, gone, gone. Not good. To get around this I choose which I think is the best photo, save the original to the Camera Roll, and then import it back into Lightbox to edit and add filters, etc.

That works OK for me but I really don’t think it’s the slickest workflow. Before saving the image you have access to all the info from when it was shot to every single edit you made to it, but once saved, all this info vanishes too (boo).

Another option is to “Share” the image (at any stage) to another app such as PicsPlayPro and save it from there. This way the original stays put in Camera+ along with all the editing info.

Oh, and by gosh! don’t hit “Save All” by accident … ask me how I know.

"app" happy wednesday, camera+ review, keeping with the times

All this info is available until the image is saved to the Camera Roll:

"app" happy wednesday, camera+ review, keeping with the times

 

Pros:

  • Sharp, clear images.
  • Great editing tools.
  • Access to all photo info including edits.
  • Saving to Lightbox first keeps the Camera Roll clean.
  • Option to “Share” with another app to continue editing and saving.
  • Photos shot on the iPhone automatically get synced to Lightbox on the iPad (and yes I got an iPad—squeeeee!!)

Cons:

  • Photo is permanently deleted from Lightbox once it is saved to the Camera Roll, along with all editing info.

So there you have it! That’s it for Camera+. Time to move on …

"app" happy wednesday, camera+ review, keeping with the times

butterflycamera+-copy

Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

  • Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
  • Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
  • Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
  • Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
  • Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
  • *NEW* and exciting news! you can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #10

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Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #10! If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of course!

Last week I discussed how I use Camera+.

I’m really liking what it can do to/for my photos but I have yet to work out the kinks on how best to save my images. That’s my goal for the next few days – and I’ll report back next Wednesday (it’s been a bit rocky).

So for today, I present you with the sum total of all my hydrangeas…

"app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times

The image was shot and edited with Camera+.

I used the “Fashion” filter and added the Light Mat frame.

Be Still 52 Class

Day 5: Side Light

Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

  • Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
  • Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
  • Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
  • Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
  • Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
  • *NEW* and exciting news! you can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check out the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #9

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Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #9! If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of course!

What camera do you prefer when shooting with your phone? For the last couple of months I’ve been using Camera+ but I certainly had not been using it to its full potential. I would snap a photo and then immediately take it into PicsPlayPro for editing. Well, all that has changed. I’m sure some of you already know a lot about Camera+ but I thought I’d share a bit about my new workflow.

  • My goal with Camera+ is to first capture the sharpest, best quality image possible and I think it’s a great camera to achieve that goal.
  • I set the shooting mode to square because I almost always end up cropping my photos into a square anyway. This has had the bonus effect of making me mindful of the scene and taking the time to consider the composition.
  • Decide where you want to save your images: Lightbox or Camera Roll or Lightbox and Camera Roll. Each has its advantages/disadvantages. Make sure to explore this completely.
  • There are three options for Quality: High, Normal, and Optimized. When choosing a size, it really depends on what you want to use the photo for. I go back and forth between Optimized and Normal.
  • I’ve read that a person should never ever use the zoom function on phones, but I’ve been experimenting with it in Camera+ and it works amazingly well.
  • There are lots of editing options from sharpening and/or blurring to adjusting brightness & contrast. You’ll also find lots of filters and cool frames.

I accidentally broke this begonia flower off while watering my plants. Serendipity! Since it was so bright and crisp I did not make any adjustments. I simply added the “Offset” frame because it had a pink edge and I loved the coloured dots at the bottom. Again, serendipity! "app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times, camera+ Then I decided to try using my Olloclip to capture the centre. There are no adjustments made to this shot. "app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times, camera+

My dandelion with the “Sunkiss’d” filter and the “Vintage” frame.

"app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times, instagram

I got carried away playing around with the filters and when I went to save this image, alas… it was a demo. So yes, I purchased the Hollywood set … they get you every time.

"app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times, camera+

So there you have it. I think Camera+ is a great tool. Of course it doesn’t do everything and that’s why there are hundreds of apps out there to take your photos even further!

Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

  • Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
  • Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
  • Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
  • Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
  • Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
  • *NEW* and exciting news! you can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check out the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #8

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Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #8!

If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of course!

  • Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.
  • Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
  • Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
  • Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
  • Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
  • Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.

 

My apologies! I am so over-tired tonight I haven’t got enough energy or brain power to come up with anything more exciting than my “Percolator” shots this week. I can’t even get the “mouseover” to work so I’m just showing both before and after versions … arghhh … do you ever get that tired at night? Anyway… here’s my image of some power lines after I ran it through Percolator …

"app" happy wednesday

and here it is before – how fun!

"app" happy wednesday

Here’s a cool succulent …

"app" happy wednesday

and a wild strawberry flower!percolator-wild-strawberry-copy

Next week I have a Camera review to share but tonight I’m about to fall off my chair …

Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #7

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Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #7!

If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of course!

  • Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.
  • Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
  • Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
  • Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
  • Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
  • Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.

*NEW* and exciting news! you can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check out the article here. I added a link and it works like a charm!

This week I wanted to share a little bit about Iconosquare (formerly Statigram). Have you heard about it?

It’s an online program that not only tracks and analyzes your Instagram feed, it provides viewing and organizing tools. It’s not a program or an app that you download — you work with it on your computer. I happen to be a little “nerdy” about keeping things organized and finding out how things work so I really kinda like this.

“Statigram is no longer only about analyzing your performance on Instagram it is also about managing your activity and engaging your community.”

Iconosquare

There are several types of snapshots that you can generate and they are updated about every 12 hours.

This is an “Instagram Summary” snapshot which you can share on Instagram if you like (use the hashtag #acticonosquare).

"app" happy wednesday, iconsquare

This is a “Most Liked Media” snapshot (#photoiconosquare). When Iconosquare was still Statigram you were able to create a little video of your most “liked” photos but I can’t find that option anywhere. It looks to me like it’s simply a snapshot now.
"app" happy wednesday, iconosquare

You can also

  • see and organize your feed into groups
  • get statistics on who is following you and who has decided to quit following you (insert sad face here but just get over it)
  • see how many comments you have
  • add an Instagram tab to your FB page

One of the cool things it offers is a snapshot of your feed to create a cover for your Facebook Page:

"app" happy wednesday, iconosquare, keeping with the times

I really encourage you to check it out. You simply have to sign in with your Instagram ID and you’re good to go. I’d love to know what you think of this… leave a comment and feel free to speak your mind. Is it a form of bragging? Is that bad? What do you love/not love about Instagram? Is it a tunnel dragging us in/down? I personally don’t care for commercial promotions but then what am I doing when I promote “app” happy wednesday?

Now let’s see what you’ve been up to! Don’t forget you can now link up directly from Instagram! I’m linking one from my feed today – hope you “like” it! tee hee

*sorry … this series is closed

Good Monday Morning!

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How was your weekend? Great I hope!

Yesterday I woke up a bit late and went and sat on the bottom steps of our deck. We’d been up ’til 1:00 or so the night before and I was tired which caused me to just sit still.

Slowly I noticed how warm it was, and how the sun was shining on the dew and the birds were singing. Of course I had my phone with me … it’s just the way things are nowadays.

This was my view…succulent, instagram, camera+, keeping with the times

succulent, instagram, camera+, keeping with the times

Here’s the reason we were out late the night before. Lobsterfest. And its what we had for dinner.

lobster, instagram, keeping with the times

It doesn’t get any better than this!

Thanks for stopping by!

“app” happy wednesday #6

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Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #6!

If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of course!

    • Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.
    • Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
    • Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
    • Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
    • Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
    • Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.

*NEW* and exciting news! you can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check out the article here. I added a link and it works like a charm!

"app" happy wednesday

Because I’ve been so busy, I’m just going to share a few photos from my week. I took them all in Hipstamatic, my go-to app for instant art. I don’t have any tips but I promise I will next week!

I have a sweet little kitchen garden on my deck and it is the source of many hours of fun …

"app" happy wednesday

and food …

Kitchen-Garden2-copy

and more food … we had a delicious salad with fresh lettuce, basil, nasturtium and parsley. I make a very thin salad dressing with mayonnaise, sugar and milk which doesn’t overwhelm the fresh lettuce.

Kitchen-Garden1-copy

It rained this week so I went about the yard taking shots of raindrops with my Olloclip.

waterdroplet2-copy

Can you see the house reflected in this giant drop? I think that’s me in the middle but I’m not sure …

waterdroplet-copy

A lake view from last weekend…

"app" happy wednesday

and isn’t this hilarious!? Our family get-together at the fire… I really think it’s funny because the little guy looks like he’s texting too – but he’s not :)

familytimeatthefire-copy

I hope you enjoyed my Insta photo bomb! I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #5

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Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #5!

If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of course!

  • Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.
  • Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
  • Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
  • Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
  • Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
  • Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.

Spring is here and I’ve been busily potting up my bedding plants #fromthepottingbench of course!

So here’s my rustic ladle pot holding a cute little succulent. I think this one is a lot about perspective. After I had taken photos with my DSLR I picked up my phone and suddenly felt so much more creative. I think it’s because I don’t have the expectation that it needs to be perfect.

I used the Distressed FX app with Lora and Lade. Lora brighten up the focal point, and Lade added the texture and wonderful vignetting.

"app" happy wednesday, succulent, ladle pot, rustic, keeping with the times

So what have you been up to this week? I’ve seen a few samples of your work around blogland and Instagram – do tell how you accomplished it all!

Please link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #4

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Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #4!

If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of course!

  • Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.
  • Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
  • Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
  • Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
  • Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
  • Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.

This is a #latergram since I took this photo while we were still in Arizona. We have a gorgeous gold wall in the main living area which is a perfect backdrop. I set my Ball jar full of sunflowers on a small rustic table in front of it and snapped away! I always seem to like the most simple setups and you would think there isn’t much going on here. But actually there’s the gold wall, turquoise table, Ball jar, sunflowers, water, textures and word art. That’s 7 things that went into this little vignette. Next time you take a photo and edit it, count how many things went into creating it—you will probably be surprised!

Have I told you how much I love these Ball jars? It’s a little keepsake I found while rummaging through antique shops in Prescott with my real life blog friends, Terri, Barbara, and Melinda.

"app" happy wednesday, picsplaypro, mextures, over, instagram

First I cropped the image in PicsPlayPro and then I used Mextures (first time) and applied “Cool as Ice” by Matt French. I like the washed out effect that it gave the whole image. Then I added the text with Over using the font “Windsong”.

Easy peasy today! I look forward to seeing what you came up with this week!

Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #3

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Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #3! I’m excited to have you join in!

If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of course!

  • Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.
  • Did you use just one? Did you combine apps?
  • Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
  • Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
  • Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
  • Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.

I’ve had a pretty busy month between holidaying in Arizona and then returning home to visit family at Easter … and then holidaying in Arizona … on and on …

Anyway, we’re back home and I’m trying to get back on my feet as quickly as possible. So my edits are quite simple this time around!

I took this photo right after we crossed the border from Montana into Alberta. As much as I love to travel, it’s always great to get back home and I wanted to capture the moment.

As I moved my camera up and down the window I realized that the tinted glass at the top of the windshield made a darn good filter all by itself. I loved the blue tones and how they made the rain droplets stand out much more clearly. So this is pretty much straight out of the (phone) camera. Do you not just love it when things like that happen?!

Next, I was inspired by Terri from Photographically Speaking to add some word art. Terri uses “LetterGlow” to add word art to her images but I decided to use PS Touch.

So with a little help from Drop Box I was able to upload this word art by Paislee Press to my Camera Roll, and then into PS Touch where I layered it on top of my image, then changed the blend mode to Multiply at 50%.

wanderlust1-copy

I still love Hipstamatic. There is no easier way to create fun art than this program. Pick a film, pick a lens, pick a flash. Or, set it on shake and take whatever happens!

I love this shot of the Hoodoos at Red Canyon, Utah. So vintage.

IMG_0469-copy

This is what happens with the crazy Salvador 84 Lens … hmmmm …

IMG_0452-copy

And lastly, a little teaser … and no filter … can you guess where I was? I hope to get this story told by Thursday or Friday.

"app" happy wednesday

Now it’s your turn! I can’t wait to see your art!

Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #2

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Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #2!

First I want to thank everyone who linked up last week. In my opinion the link-up was a resounding success!

I so enjoyed seeing all the wonderful works of art that everyone created, and thank you for sharing some of your techniques!

Here’s mine for this week:

I took a photo of some hydrangeas then adjusted the exposure in PicsPlayPro. Then I ran it through the Waterlogue app, but I really wanted a bit more detail.

So I took the Waterlogued image into PS Touch and then layered the original (straight out of the phone camera) photo on top of it. Next I lowered the opacity of the top layer to about 50%.

If you hover your mouse over this image, you will see the “before” version. You can see how layering the original photo on top of it brought back some of the detail.

PS Touch had added a grey border which I didn’t like so I took the image back into PicsPlayPro and changed it to this white one.

I’m thinking I might have liked the final version to be a bit lighter… but oh well…

Here is the shot straight out of the camera:

"app" happy wednesday

Now it’s your turn! Link away!

Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button.

*sorry … this series is closed

Friday Finds

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This week I found myself on the way back to Arizona (waiting for our flight which was 3 hours late). We had driven to AZ a couple of weeks prior and then flew home to celebrate Easter with our family. Then we flew back to AZ and in a couple weeks we’ll be driving back home. Make sense?

2014-04-21-16.11

I took a photo of this (tree) before we went back home for Easter…

Friday Finds, Arizona

… and look at it now! Just over a week later! Where did that come from?

Friday Finds

Things move fast in the desert!

Friday Finds, Arizona

This Saguaro was kind enough to dip down low so I could see it up close.

Friday Finds, ArizonaSaguaro, Friday Finds

Now, I debated as to whether or not I should include this one. It’s some kind of weird (scary?) growth on a big old Saguaro… hmmm… shiver…

Saguaro, Friday Finds

So that’s been my week. I’ve found that the heat has zapped my energy and I haven’t even taken my camera out. Thank goodness for my phone!

How was your week? I hope it was a good one!

“App” Happy Wednesday – A New Linky Party!

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Hello all!

I’m just popping in to announce that I’m going to be hosting a Linky party on Wednesdays. It will be a place to share your photos edited with “apps” of course!

  • Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it. Did you use just one? Did you use several?
  • Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
  • Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
  • Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button which you will find at the bottom of this post.
  • Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday at midnight.

Here’s an example:

Snowy Trees

I took this with my phone then used PicsPlayPro to crop it into a square, adjust exposure, and then I ran the HDR Bright filter of which I’ve never used before.

That’s it, that’s all! Fun! I hope to see you there!

*sorry … this series is closed

Waterlogue Wednesday?

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This is just a collection of photos feeding my Waterlogue obsession. It’s not a linky party and I can’t seem to find one so I’m having my own private party… I wonder if there is enough interest out there? Would you play along if I started one? Crazy idea?

Painted in Waterlogue from {Keeping With the Times}

It’s instant art for the masses… and perfect fodder for scrapbook pages…

Painted in Waterlogue from {Keeping With the Times}

This is an example where I used the “Rainy” setting – it’s not one I use often but it seemed to work with this little birdhouse on my potting bench (which is covered in snow this morning).

Painted in Waterlogue from {Keeping With the Times}

And of course, Arizona dreaming…

Painted in Waterlogue from {Keeping With the Times}

So what do you think? Leave a comment if you might be interested in a party. I know it’s a big undertaking to set one up, so perhaps you just need to hit me on the head with a dose of reality!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Arizona in Instagram

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Homeward bound … this late flight got us home safely and we were in bed by 2:30 am. We’re glad to be home, but are not impressed with the snow banks that greeted us …

Arizona in Instagram

When we left Arizona, the temperature was 35C (95F). The Palo Verde trees were blooming their little (big) hearts out!

Arizona in Instagram

 

Arizona in Instagram

I love these Fairy Dusters. I caught this using my Olloclip.

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The desert is bursting with blooms!

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And the greenhouses are packed with fresh new succulents.

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The amazing Agave!

IMG_9516-copy

IMG_9507-copy So today is a “get back into the old routine” kind of day, and a nap is certainly not out of the question.

Have a happy Saturday!

Friday Finds: Waterlogue Sunflowers

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Good Friday morning! I can’t believe how fast the weeks go (and how I’m struggling to get posts published).

Good Heavens! I’m on holidays surrounded by sun and warmth and flowers and trees. You’d think I’d be brimming with inspiration. Not.

I only just brought out my big camera (after a week) and I haven’t taken any photos. So once again I turn to Instagram.
Waterlogue Sunflowers

I found these lovely sunflowers at Trader Joe’s, set them in a vase on my old weathered Mexican table, took a quick photo with my phone, and called it a day.

Waterlogue Sunflowers

Can you believe I forgot to put water in the vase? I was pretty puzzled when I got up the next morning to find my flowers drooped over and looking pretty sad. Now that’s just weird.

Anyway, today I want to find my mojo. I’ll let you know if I find it …

No, I Didn’t Drop Off The Edge of the Earth

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arizona

Although I must admit it feels like it…

I’m just getting back on my feet after a marathon drive from Central Alberta to Fountain Hills, AZ. Yes, I know many people have done it – but knowing that only helped a tad. On Day 1 we traveled 1250 km (12 hours) to Idaho Falls where we spent a rather restless night. Leaving early the next morning we buckled down and drove 1500 km (15.5 hours). I was almost delirious by the time we drove up to our little condo. But spare a moment for the poor guy who did all the driving – hubby is pretty amazing… he drove, I watched the road and chattered to keep him company (and I am NOT a chatterer) so I did my duty too. On top of everything else, hubby had a MAN cold… and you know what I mean by that… I’ve never seen someone sneeze so much in my life.

But what amazing and beautiful country we drove through; Alberta, Montana, Idaho, Utah, a tip of Arizona, Nevada, and then Arizona again. Sadly, I didn’t get any photos – only drive-by shootings that are blurry and uninteresting … there was just no time whatsoever.

I’m not afraid of endless plains, or mountainous passes, but I have to say that I was terrified as we navigated through Las Vegas – one wrong move and off into the wild unknown we would have gone (it’s a huge fear of mine to take a wrong turn in a city) but of course hubby drove through like he’d done it a hundred times.

Anyway, we’re here! Yay!

This is our neighbor’s rosemary bush which I furtively snip pieces of as I walk by…

rosemary-copy

a walk after dinner…

az-grass-copy cactus-copy cactus-flower-copy arizona

… and then we fell into bed.

Today is a new day and I’m off to unpack my camera!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Faux Northern Lights

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Faux Northern Lights

Good morning! You would think that living way up here so close to the North Pole, I’d have seen some real northern lights. Well, I have. I just haven’t felt like going out to get photos in sub-zero temps. They truly are an incredible thing to experience. You don’t just see them, you experience them.

Of course I’ve never seen northern lights that look like the ones in my photo here, but I was sitting on my warm sofa last night, wearing my fleece pj’s, playing with #picfx, and this is what happened. I should mention that I took this photo in broad daylight – how fun! This is why I love Instagram! Are you following me on Instagram? You should (tee hee). Anyway, here’s a little blurb:

WHAT ARE NORTHERN LIGHTS? The bright dancing lights of the aurora are actually collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere. The lights are seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres. They are known as ‘Aurora borealis’ in the north and ‘Aurora australis’ in the south.. Auroral displays appear in many colours although pale green and pink are the most common. Shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and violet have been reported. The lights appear in many forms from patches or scattered clouds of light to streamers, arcs, rippling curtains or shooting rays that light up the sky with an eerie glow.

northernlightscentre.ca

I’m hitting the road and heading to my country home, and yes, I did get this city home cleaned up spick and span (in-between Starbucks and trips to the greenhouse).

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

Friday Finds

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Well, this is where I found myself yesterday. Even though most of the day was sunny, there were wind gusts between 40 – 50 km/hr which as you can see were causing some whiteout conditions on the roads.February Snow, Friday Finds

It was pretty nasty so when I finally got home and was having a cup of tea, I sat and counted my blessings and sent out a little thank-you to the Universe.

So what should I do today? I’m at my city home, so should I clean house? Work on some tutorials? Or should I go to Starbucks for coffee and then to the greenhouse to drink in the warmth and humidity and colour? Hmmmm, you can see where this is going, I’m sure.

I think the housework can wait one more day …

#onmywalk and 10 Things I Love about my Home

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It doesn’t matter how many vacations a person takes, when you come home to this you simply have to embrace it.  My part of the world is peaceful, calm, beautiful and safe, and I’m beyond grateful for that. I have the luxury of going for walks and noticing the everyday miracles. Like this frosty, crusty lock on the mailbox. Do you see the heart? #iseehearts
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Deja vu.

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Sorry if my pic’s are getting monotonous.

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The snow ghosts are back.

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Yes, we walk no matter what (well, actually I draw the line at -25C with a windchill).

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I’ve been a bit slow this week and can’t seem to get going some days. I’m feeling a bit uninspired and I’m eating too much; i.e. carbs. Must be post vacation blues. Wait a minute … I ate too many carbs on vacation too … hmmm …

I know it can’t be a lack of light because Alberta has an abundance of sunshine and the days are getting longer. Where it used to be dark at 4:00, it’s now still light until after 6:00. By the summer solstice, our sun sets after 10:00 and for a few days is seems like the light lingers in the sky almost all night.

In my post last week “10 Things I Love about Arizona” I promised that when I got home I’d write a list of 10 things I love about my home. I just realized that I’ve practically written it today.

1. It’s peaceful, calm, beautiful and safe.

2. There are miracles everywhere.

3. I love my house, my bed, my kitchen, etc.

4. I love that we live on a lake.

5. I love that we have so much sunshine, even though it’s cold.

“Alberta enjoys the highest number of sunny days in Canada — more than 2,300 hours of sunshine each year. Even in winter the sky is often clear as the sun shines brightly on the sparkling snow. In June, daylight hours can reach 16 to 18 hours per day.”

Environment Canada

6. Even power poles and lines can be beautiful.feb-snow5-copy

7. Our family is here.

8. I do love the changing seasons.

9. We’re close to Jasper and Banff – world class destinations.

10. It’s just plain home. It’s in my blood.

Have a wonderful Friday. I’m off for my walk.

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There’s a New App in Town

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And it’s taking Instagram by storm! It’s an app that takes your photo and turns it into a watercolour.

Now, I personally think they look fantastic – especially on Instagram in the tiny view, but they look pretty good in larger sizes as well. So here are some images I created in #waterlogue:

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Tiny pieces of art! Way to much fun!

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day everyone!

The Doors of Barrio Viejo in Tucson

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On Wednesday I joined the ladies for a day of photographing the beautiful doors and windows in the Barrio Viejo in Tucson. What a magnificent photo opportunity! Everywhere I looked there were colours and textures and shadows and light, all coming together in hundreds of different ways. Already I know I need to go back there because I’m quite sure that I could take ten photos of this wall and come up with something new every time. Something I didn’t notice, or that wasn’t even there (like shifting sunlight and shadows).

Tucson barrio viejo

If I had to pick a favourite, it would be this door. I didn’t get the photo that I wanted, so there you go – I have to return …

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Just look at that texture!

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Just look at that Deanna!

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I loved this one for some reason …

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Oh, and this … I love this …

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But look at this little cutie! what? the cat? or Terri?

Tucson barrio viejo

Is it not an amazing world we live in? When I started blogging over 3 years ago, did I know where it would take me? Did I anticipate I would find myself in Tucson with 5 other women photographing doors and windows and cats? Ummm, that would be a resounding no … .

But there I was, and from the moment we all happily greeted each other in the parking lot to the moment we said our sad good-byes I was marveling at this incredible turn of events.

If not for blogging I would never have found Deanna S, Teri P, Barbara H, Barbara C, and Cindy C; a group of women who share not only a passion for photography, but a passion for life and a passion for sharing that life with others. We shared what lenses and cameras we prefer, what editing programs we use, and little tidbits and insights into our own lives.

There have been times in my life where I felt like flotsam and jetsam (true story, I even said it). But definitely not for many years since I discovered the world of photography, and Photoshop, and blogging. So if you’re feeling at a loss, find a passion and find the kindred souls that share that same passion. Take chances. Follow dreams. You never know where it will take you.

Photographing Desert Finds with my Phone

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As I’ve probably said a hundred times, I love using my phone camera and I love Instagram. At the end of the day, I look through my album, pick a few photos to play around with, upload them, then spend some time looking at all the images posted by the people I follow. I love all the mini pieces of art, some are fun, some are ordinary, and some are absolutely stunning.

If I hadn’t been participating in the #red prompt with Focusing on Life, I believe I may have walked by this VW without even seeing it! Well, I might have noticed it, but not appreciated it as much as it deserved, know what I mean? That’s what a camera will do, it focuses attention. I never leave the house without it.

Hope you have a wonderful Monday, I’m off to see what I can see!

Winter – Up Close and Personal

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One morning this week as I was watching some big fluffy snowflakes falling to the ground, I decided to see if I could possibly capture a macro shot of one of them.

I set a piece of black velvet on a snowbank, then used my phone and the Olloclip lens to zoom in on them. I kept trying to get one single flake but that was not to be. My hands were frozen, and as a matter of fact, so was the rest of me and after about 15 minutes I gave up. However, I was rewarded with a glimpse into an amazing world that is in plain sight, yet invisible to us.

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It’s pretty incredible that these tiny, delicate crystals are what have completely blanketed our landscape and caused this …

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This little shack is in a (mostly) abandoned farmyard not far from our home. I see it on my walk and every day I vow to go in there and get some photos. I’m a chicken when it comes to (trespassing) but I’m going to have to get over that. The other obstacle at the moment is that I’d be up to my butt in those tiny little crystals … which makes it hard to walk.

As I mentioned in an earlier post – you can see why I’m craving colour! I have got to go and get me some flowers! Poring over my summer files just isn’t cutting it.

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Christmas

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Basking in the afterglow on boxing day…

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I’ve been so busy this past week I feel like I’ve been on another planet… and I’m exhausted…

But now that Christmas is over and everyone has gone home I thought I’d break my blogging drought with a list of 10 things that made me happy this Christmas… there were thousands of things, but I’ll just list 10 in no particular order…

  1. Having our whole family together (so blessed)…
  2. Grandchildren that can’t wait to get up in the morning to play with each other.
  3. Grandchildren that run up to (Grandpa and Grandma) and give spontaneous hugs.
  4. Playing cards, skiing, snowshoeing, eating, sleeping, eating…
  5. Daughters who bring yummilicious snacks and casseroles, and baking.
  6. Cozy fires in the fireplace.
  7. Big huge snow caves.
  8. My new ultra quiet fridge that hubby made happen.
  9. Strong men who will carry heavy freezers to the basement for me.
  10. Discovering new Christmas music by She & Him.

How was your holiday? What made you happy? I’d love to hear…

The View From Here…

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Snow-Canvas

We’ve had a cold snap (to say the least) with temperatures reaching -35C, with windchill values of -40C. That makes a person not want to go anywhere! So this is the view from my dining room window, which is about as far as I ventured this past week.

I have lots to do today – first up – brunch with friends – yes, I am going out! Then decorating and cleaning up the mess around here is going to eat up the rest of the day, so I’m going to make this short!

I hope you are having a wonderful Sunday!

Thank you for stopping by!

Simple Things Sunday

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Last week was downright freezing but the only morning I missed my walk was the day it hit -30 degrees Celsius. Brrrrr… double brrrrr… that’s not cold, that’s dangerous.

But now those temperatures are a thing of the past (for the moment), and it’s a regular heat wave today at +3 degrees – water is dripping from the roof.

Our snow ghosts are already “disappearing”…

snow-ghost

Last night we served dinner for 9 people, and I have to say I’m pretty happy with the way everything turned out. I’ll have a recipe on the blog soon… but now it’s time to relax (yay) and later we’re heading over to join some friends to watch the Grey Cup.

Have a wonderful, relaxing Sunday!

Trying to Stay Focused (It’s Not Working)

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Hello friends!

It’s so cool that I am working from home… quite often I have to remind myself of that. I have a job… I write tutorials for Digital Scrapper…

snowy shed, instagram, keeping with the times

…but in between I jump from my blog, to Pinterest, to Google+, to FB, and on and on. Then I have to go get something to nibble on, or drink, or I need to take a picture of something, like my back yard…

Oh, wait! Is that the phone? Is it my friends wanting me to go for a walk, or shopping? Puleeeze? Somebody help me!!

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OK, I’m over it.

Back to work…

Printing Instagram Shots with Persnickety Prints

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I’ve taken thousands of photos in the past few years and (up until now) how many have I printed? Virtually zero. Some are on my blog, some are on Instagram, some are on scrapbook pages, and the rest are residing on my hard drive, most likely never to be seen by anyone but me.

I don’t take as many family photos as I used to.. I’m happy to let their parents take them, and then share with me.

And then along came my iPhone, and Instagram. I know, I’ve talked about this before, but there’s something about the filtered, over-processed, funky quality to them that I totally love. There is no pressure to get the best shot ever, it’s simply fun and what I’ve ended up with is photographic journal of my creative life. My hope is that when I’m gone, my grandchildren, or great-grandchildren will look at them and say “grandma was kinda cool, creating all this art, wasn’t she?”

instagram, persnickety prints, barb brookbank, keeping with the times

So that’s what spurred me to have these printed. I loved the idea of the Polaroid format offered by Persnickety Prints (this is not a sponsored post, just my experience). Well, but wouldn’t I LOVE to do a sponsored post for them? Dream on…

instagram, persnickety prints, barb brookbank, keeping with the times

Anyway, I ordered the Persnickety Prints Polaroid (3×3 Print on 3×4) Soft Texture Art at $0.40/ea.

I could not be more tickled!! The quality is outstanding with great colour, texture, and size. The ordering and delivery process was fast and easy. I simply went to Persnickety Prints and clicked on the “Printing With Instagram” tab at the top, and followed the directions. I used the “Instaport” option, which I thought was fantastic because it basically backed up my feed to my computer – bonus!

instagram, persnickety prints, barb brookbank, keeping with the times

 

So, I’ll stop gushing now :) I just wanted to share… I have my little tiny works of art displayed on my desk and I’m doing the happy dance this morning.

I hope you are too!

 

November Sunset

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Yesterday I had “gone to town” to pick up some groceries before the weekend (and before the icy blast of winter that is supposed to hit us) and was on my way home when I noticed the light. At this time, I was on the highway and could only marvel at it – the stubble in the fields seemed to be glowing – totally bathed in gold. I kept watching for a place to pull off, but I couldn’t find one where I felt safe, so I kept going. Better safe than sorry, right?

As I turned off and headed down the country roads that lead me home :) I spied this little scene. It was my last chance… of course it’s an iPhone shot… I’m still loving my Instagram.

I’m looking forward to Tracey Clark’s Picture the Holidays at The Big Picture classes. I play along on Instagram, but it’s open to anyone, blogs, Flickr, etc. and it’s very inspiring.

So what are you up to? Here’s a little hint of what I’ve been doing this week…

Create a fun garland from burlap ribbon (found at World Market).

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Friday Finds

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This has been the summer of Instagram for me. I’ve captured more beautiful moments with my phone than I can count.

I found sun rays galore…
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Hay-Bales

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… sigh…

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I now see the tiniest little things… this mushroom was no bigger than a dime…

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… a fairy’s umbrella perhaps?

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Oh, and let’s not forget the resident white spider… he/she spent the whole summer hiding out on a cone flower. I think I was actually touching it with my lens when I took this…

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As we head into our most colourful and inspiring time of year, I look forward to capturing more beautiful moments!