Keeping With The Times

living, learning, and keeping with the times

Autumn Greens

by 14 Comments

Blissdom Canada is fast coming to a close. I can’t wait to share some of the insights that I gained from this blogging conference but that’s going to have to wait until I get home and get my thoughts together.

There was a lot packed into these last four days, and my head is spinning. Thank you everyone, for your words of encouragement – you were right! Everything went well and I am very proud of myself!

For now, I simply want to celebrate the greens of autumn with Kristy at Live and Love out Loud. Kristy has teamed up once again with Rebecca of Bumbles & Light and they are hosting the Nurture Photography Challenge.

I took this photo before I left home – it’s another one in the series #fromthepottingbench that I put on IG. I love the greens in this one! And I can’t wait to get home…

Nurture Photography - Autumn Greens

I spied these cabbages in the planters in front of the hotel where I’m staying – aren’t they gorgeous! Love these!

Nurture-Photography---Autumn-Greens2

 

Nurture Photography - Autumn Greens1

… and this… as seen on the wall in the Tim Horton’s lounge…

write-about-what

… is what I’m going to continue to do…

Take a moment…

by 7 Comments

I discovered this big frilly mushroom hiding in the debris behind the garden. Isn’t it pretty? Just sitting there not caring if anyone saw it or not… just being a mushroom.20130801_Big-Frilly-Mushroom_0002-copy

20130801_Big-Frilly-Mushroom_0012-copy

20130801_Big-Frilly-Mushroom_0002-2-copy

20130801_Big-Frilly-Mushroom_0008-copy

I’m starting to feel a bit overwhelmed with commitments that are bearing down on me this month. And not only the commitments I’ve made, but also the commitments I am about to make.

I spent all day yesterday working on a project that basically fell apart at the seams… arghhh… so I’m feeling deflated…

Today I’m going to pretend I have nothing more important to do than to go shopping. Hey! that’s a good thing, because that’s what is at the top of my list! Crate and Barrel here I come!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Fading Sunflowers and Texture Tuesday

by 17 Comments

In a few short days our summer will be over. The forecast is for cooler temperatures, and even a few thunder showers. Up until now, we’ve been enjoying one of the warmest and sunniest Septembers ever, and it certainly hasn’t felt like fall.

texture tuesda

But every season brings it’s own beauty and excitement. Cooler, crisper days make my thoughts turn to crock pot meals, candles, and pumpkins.

I’m trying to put my autumn mantel together, but it’s been a slow process. I just haven’t been inspired. I’m hoping that a trip to Crate and Barrel tomorrow will fix that! My walking friends have asked me to join them on a shopping trip to the big city, and then for lunch. How fun! This walking gig has turned into so much more than I expected… some mornings it’s hard to get myself out the door but every step has been worth it.

I’m showing up for Texture Tuesday today at Kim Klassen dot com.

Fading Sunflowers: a slow shutter speed, high iso, large aperture, a bit of Photoshop magic, and a couple layers of kk_villa

Friday Finds

by 17 Comments

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…
Foxtails-in-Sunlight

Hay-Bales

Bins-in-Field

… sigh…

City-Hall-Gardens

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

Tiny-Blue-Mushroom

… a fairy’s umbrella perhaps?

Tiny-Blue-Mushroom1

Dandelion-1

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…

White-Spider

Frog

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

Country Mouse, City Mouse

by 12 Comments

This morning I’m sitting at the kitchen table at our house in the city. Yes, we do have two homes, so I’m a country mouse, and a city mouse.

The country mouse takes walks along roads where the dew on the grass sparkles like jewels.
bokeh

On one of my walks last week, we were chatting up a storm when I commented that is was so humid out… and just look at that dew on the grass…

As my voice faded away, I was struck with how I had just about missed this miracle.

bokeh

I couldn’t wait to get home and get my DSLR, and after everyone had left, I set about to capture some magic.

grass bokeh

I’m not sure if anyone saw me, but if they had, they probably would been alarmed to see that I was lying down, in the ditch, on top of soaking wet grass.

grass bokeh

I stayed there quite a long time, taking shot after shot, and marveling at the beauty that surrounds me, and again, how photography has opened my eyes to so many things that might have gone unnoticed before.

bokeh

But, today I am a city mouse and must use this time to catch up with all the cleaning, and washing, and other tasks that having two houses entails. But I do not let an opportunity of any kind get past me. As I look out my window, I am aware that the city holds many marvels as well.

Such as City Hall. On the weekend, I happened to get a glance at the gardens there, and I made a mental note (actually I wrote it down) that I must get downtown with my camera – an opportunity awaits! But, first things first. I cannot wait to get to Chapter’s, to grab a latte, and to sit and watch people as they go about their everyday routines. Even though I am a country mouse first and foremost, I can certainly appreciate the city life, and everything that it offers.

Thank you for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderful Monday!

 

 

Friday Finds

by 14 Comments

Here are just a few of the extraordinary things that I found this week…

A nasturtium and a marigold that I dug out of the garden about a month ago and put into a pot on the deck are rewarding me with a profusion of new growth.

friday finds

friday finds

Crispy and colourful leaves on the driveway leave no doubt as to what is on it’s way.

friday finds

Morning sunlight streaming through the trees and onto the dewy grass.

friday finds

Some beautiful light shining into a farmyard.

friday finds

This slippery salamander was on the road as I walked to meet my friends. It seemed to be frozen, so I had to push it along to the ditch so that it wouldn’t get run over. In the ten years that I’ve lived here I’ve never seen one until now.

friday finds

It was a beautiful week.

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

3 Things

by 19 Comments

texture tuesday, kim klassen

Good Morning! It’s a beautiful September morning where I live; sunny, with clear skies, and a predicted temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. Pure gorgeousness! I’ve just returned from my morning walk and am ready to get busy.

I’ve probably mentioned a few times that I always have a few too many projects tumbling around in my head. So today I’ve decided to write down 3 things that I must do today.

  1. Organize the linen closet (arghhh).
  2. Decide on a subject for a guest blog post I have coming up in October, and get writing!
  3. Go on a photo “drive” around the countryside, starting around 5:00 pm. Our fields are turning golden, and the light is as well.

That’s it, that’s all! Happy Tuesday!!

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com.

kk_cherishscripted

kk_steelish

simplicity word art – Anna Aspnes

 

Garlic Bulbils

by 11 Comments

I went to our favourite u-pick yesterday and found this garlic. I also learned something new. Not only can you use a garlic bulb, you can also use the bulbils that form in the flower at the top of a very tall stalk.

The man who owns the garden showed me how to coax the little seeds out, and said I should taste one. Well, it nearly knocked my (boots) off! Serious garlic going on here. How very intriguing… I had no idea…

Garlic Bulbils

Garlic Bulbils

So when I got home, I did a little research.

I found out that they are called bulbils, which are like miniature garlic cloves, and that they are actually a sort of seed. This seed can be planted, but it takes two or three seasons for the plants to produce. Apparently, it’s a great way to grow garlic because they don’t harbor soil-borne diseases.

Anyway, I had garlic mashed potatoes on the brain and couldn’t wait to get home and whip some up. When I boiled the potatoes, I threw about 10 bulbils into the pot and cooked them all together. I left the skins on the potatoes because they were fresh baby potatoes (yumm), and it makes them rustic, and probably more nutritious.

Anyway, the result? Too mild. Boo. Next time, I’m going to crush and add them when I mash the potatoes. I think the residual heat will cook them, but still preserve the intense garlic flavour. Or maybe I’ll surprise hubby and put some in the ice cream… see if he notices…

Garlic Bulbils

 

Follow Your Art

by 22 Comments

texture tuesday, kim klassen

This morning when I went to get a second cup of coffee, I glanced out of the dining room window and looked down at my potting bench.

Have I mentioned that I love my potting bench? Maybe 50 times? Anyway, I noticed the little sign I have that says “follow your heart” but the “he” was hidden behind a plant. It struck a chord with me, so my little quote for the day was born.

I’m always working on some project, ideas tumbling around in my head, and sometimes I get tired of it (or maybe it’s the mess that results from photo shoots and props). At the same time I’m thinking that I should be doing something more productive. Do you ever feel that way? I guess I have art angst… there are worse things…

If you have a moment, check out the series of photos on my Instagram feed with the hashtag #fromthepottingbench, to see how the season is progressing. I see a bit of yellow in the trees already, and the highbush cranberries are turning red. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was working with bedding plants…

August-Potting-Bench

 

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

kk_red x2 partly desaturated

This is What I Found

by 11 Comments

Clematis-in-Bird-Bath

I found a Clematis flower and set it in the little bird bath that I fashioned out of a big bowl that I found at Winners, and a rusty stand that I found at our town-wide garage sale this past spring.

I’ve found that my iPhone can take some kick*** photos. Here I used CP Pro, which is the $1.99 version of Camera +. It has the capabilities to set focus and exposure, as well as a burst mode, anti-shake, and you can touch the screen anywhere to snap a photo. Way cool! I don’t know how these would print though, since even though it is over 2000 pixels in width, and 3000 pixels in height, it’s still only 72ppi. Hmmmm, this is something I should find out (I’ll let you know). I should mention that this is SOOC, except for a crop. Pretty amazing stuff.

I’ve found that I’m loving my morning walks. It’s been almost 6 weeks and I’ve hardly missed a day. I walk the first part alone, in the quiet, misty mornings…

Misty-Morning

Misty-Morning1

Misty-Morning2

…then I meet up with my little group at the mailbox and we continue on from there. Takes about an hour.

When I get home, I walk around the yard, check the garden to see what’s new (see my quirky little bird bath?), then head inside to start my day.

Misty-Morning3

I tell you, I’m living the life of o’riley…

Art of Blending by Linda Sattgast

by 4 Comments

art of blending, digital scrapper

Yikes! It’s the middle of August, people… how’d that happen? I hope all of you are having a great summer, I know I am.

July was filled with family visits, a birthday party, lake time, and the never-ending yard work.

Through it all, I’ve been trying to keep up with my classes and have been doing pretty good. I’m a little behind in a couple of them, but I’m sure I can catch up.

One of my favourites has been “The Art of Blending” taught by Linda Sattgast, at Digital Scrapper (it’s not open to registration at the moment).

This week we are on lesson 6, where Linda teaches about edges, and masks. I was completely fascinated with this lesson, and used masks in ways I never had before. I had to watch the video about 5 times to get the concept into my head… very good stuff!

I hope you like my onion bouquet… when I asked the farmer if I could have the tops off the onions, he was completely baffled… what would you want those for?

 

Textures:
cement-LSattgast-11 – Screen 30%
cement-LSattgast-11 – Soft Light 100%
instagram edges

Texture Tuesday

by 15 Comments

texture tuesday, kim klassen

… a little note to myself today…

 

I’m working on some new word art and I have a few fresh and exciting ideas for it. I’m hoping to have some ready by September 1st, but for now, have you seen the free word art I’ve already made available?

If not, check it out here: Free Word Art & Photoshop Tips.

Happy Tuesday!!

 

 

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

kk_jamal, de-saturated, soft light

kk_chaos, soft light

 

Instagram Addiction

by 4 Comments

It seems that the magic of August has taken over… here are a few snippets of my days…
garden-lawn-shed

clouds

on-my-walk

daylily

saskatoon-berries

saskatoon berry jam

I had so much fun with the Phone Photography Project, and now The August Break, that I seem to have forgotten where I put my big girl camera… it’s just too much fun to snap a photo, run a filter, and come up with a mini piece of art. I think I’m addicted… I just signed up for “Picture Everyday” with Tracey Clark…

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Google-Plus-Cover-Template-Keeping-With-The-Times

Early Morning Sights and Sounds

by 8 Comments

Early MorningA Morning at the Lake

OK, before I regale you with my “flying-by-the seat-of-my-pants” backup and upgrade of my blog, please take a moment and check out this video! You have to click on the title underneath it and it should open up a .mov file with Quicktime.

I had walked down to the dock (as I do quite often), and was presented with this stunning scene. I pulled out my phone and snapped away. Then I decided to take a video, and if you will suspend your disbelief when I tell you an eagle flew into the scene as I was recording, I will be eternally grateful… you will also hear crows and loons, yes that northern icon, the loon, was gracing the morning with it’s beautiful call. Gave me shivers.

Anyhow, back to my adventures with WordPress and HostGator.

I have been avoiding any and all updates because of some of the horror stories I’ve heard of blogs crashing and being down for hours, even days. But all you have to do is back up first, and at least you will have something to go back to.

Oh, that’s all well and good but what the heck do I back up? I was searching around my website and reading all sorts of instructions “back up this”, “no, back up that” “no, back this up” … and what is a PHPAdmin? what’s an SQL? I do know what a database is, so I backed up every single thing I could. Some of it downloaded, some of it went (who knows where?). Then I hit the dreaded upgrade button… arghhh, the heart pounding, headache-causing moment was upon me.

Literally 5 seconds later, it was over. WordPress was upgraded, and I was back to business. That’s when I noticed that the new version supports video! It seems somewhat awkward, having to click a link, but it’s a start I guess.

So let me know if it worked for you, and if you liked it… I’m going to go get an aspirin.

Happy August Long Weekend!

by 7 Comments

feather macro olloclip

I’m off to a pretty good start with the August Break, and I continue to be amazed at what the camera can reveal. Today’s prompt is “Up Close”. Can you tell what this is? It’s the downy part of a feather… how amazing. I took it with my phone, and the Olloclip lens.

I’m sharing on Instagram once again. It’s an easy, no pressure, fun kind of way to document the ordinary moments and things as you go about your day, and since this is the August long weekend in Canada, I’m going to be savouring every.single.moment.

Happy Weekend to all my fellow Canadians!!

What am I Going to do Now?

by 8 Comments

Tomorrow is August 1st. I know you know that, but I had to write it down just to get my head around it.

This is what I did yesterday. I wanted to spend at least one July afternoon sitting on a blanket, on the lawn, flipping through beautiful magazines.

Summer-Reading

After a light dinner, I walked down to the lake and sat on the dock.

Lake-Sparkles

And, because I was alone, I decided to go out for a drive. We live on a lake, but there are little lakes all around us and some of them are so small, but so stunningly beautiful and serene…

Star-Lake

… that I could hear these little ducklings twittering softly as momma looked on…

Ducks-on-Star-Lake

The Phone Photography Project is almost over and I’m surely going to miss it. But when I was reading one of my favourite blogs, I noticed that she is participating in the August Break 2013 with Susannah Conway. It sounds like a good one, so I have exactly one day to decide if I’m going to commit to it. It’s kind of a way to keep blogging through August, without having to write too much. You take a photo based on a prompt, and you post it… or not… sounds perfect…

Here Comes the Sun

by 10 Comments

Here’s a sunny lily from my garden, blooming her heart out…
IMG_4627

And another one, I didn’t see that ant until later…

IMG_4587

The rest of these were taken on some of our early morning walks last week. I was playing with shadows, and apps… apps galore…

IMG_4758

Proof positive that I was up and outside by 7:30…

IMG_4650

Memories in the making…

IMG_4658

All of these images were taken with my phone. I’ve captured summer in ways I never thought possible, because of it.

This post today was inspired by Kathy at “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out“. She has started a new meme called “Song-ography” and I just had to jump in and play! Thanks, Kathy!

From the Potting Bench – the Series

by 3 Comments

I have this love affair going on with my potting bench…

Not only do I love my potting bench, I love that it’s sitting on the ground at the bottom of our deck. What a vantage point!

It’s perfect for displaying flowers such as these lilies which I planted last autumn. I took them from a pot on the deck and stuck them in the flower bed for the winter… oh my… how happy am I that I did that…

from-the-potting-bench---lilies

I play here, I relax here, I arrange bouquets here.

I picked these wildflowers from the ditches surrounding our home. There’s goldenrod, yarrow, chamomile, clover, and I’m not sure what that purple flower is, but this whole bouquet is going in the fire pit when it’s done… no errant seeds will find their way into my garden.

from-the-potting-bench-wildflower-bouquet

I’ve had this beautiful book since 1999, and I pore over it every summer… well, actually I pore over it all the time.

from-the-potting-bench-backyard-bouquets

So, this is how I play.

from-the-potting-bench-howiplay

 

I have a little series on Instagram at keepingupblog. I’m using the hashtag #fromthepottingbench, if you want to see it.

Sorry that I haven’t been around to your blogs lately… summer and grandchildren… need I say more? I hope to be back soon.

Nurture Photography – Green

by 4 Comments

Yesterday I piled the grandkids into the car and told them we were going for a drive in the country. Little did I know I was going to find my photos for the Nurture Photography Challenge! Bonus!

First I stopped at our little country store where it became quite clear, quite fast, that I wasn’t going to be spending a lot of time looking around… a three-year-old just wants to run, ya know, and why do store owners always want to give kids candy?

We didn’t see much excitement, unless you call a fence post exciting….

Nurture Photography

…and I do… (find fence posts exciting), especially when they are covered in lichen…

IMG_4618

… and I love the perspective…

IMG_4621

 

… and even the blown out sky. I’m still lovin’ the messed up, filtered, over-processed, and over-exposed images from my phone… but fear not, I don’t plan on abandoning my dslr any time soon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Blog? What Blog?

by 6 Comments

How is your summer going? I hope it’s been good.

I’m trying to keep up with all my “stuff” while still enjoying and treasuring every minute, which is why the Phone Photography Project has been so much fun.

I love the grainy, blurry, filtered, messed-up photos of moments I’ve captured because of it…

Misty morning walks…

IMG_4479

…brilliant blue dashers…

IMG_4391

…vibrant cone flowers…

IMG_4485

…lovely lilies…

IMG_4383

… and yummy preserves that my granddaughter helped make…

IMG_4467

I organized a little photo challenge for the grandchildren this week too. We had our first two prompts yesterday #fromwhereistand, and #bugs. I have to tell you, the things they came up with were amazing. We’re using phone cameras, a dslr, and a point and shoot. There are virtually no rules (just prizes for all).

So, my blog is suffering a wee bit but it cannot be helped. I’m trying to keep up, but it’s proving to be hard. Oh, and since when did it come to pass that I can’t run as fast, or as far, as a 3-year old?

Camera+, PicsPlayPro, LensLight, and Vintique

Friday Finds

by 6 Comments

Well, what I found this morning, is that I forgot it was Friday… feels like my summer is going by with lighting speed.

So I thought I’d share this photo from the Phone Photography Project. We were supposed to find something “far away”. I kinda thought the little building looked far away.

phonephotography

Here’s the original, and I kept thinking that the sky was too blown out – not bad, kinda artsy…

IMG_4178

…but it needed something… like a bird…

IMG_4192

In one of Kim’s earlier classes, she had recommended PS Touch. I’d used it a bit, but not much, and I knew that it allowed you to work with layers (duh, it’s PS, Barb!!) So I added the photo of the bird and used the “Fade” function to blend it (there is also a gradient option). Too. Much. Fun.

Cool, huh?! all dreamy and mystical.

phonephotography

Well, I have get dressed to go for my walk. It’s been three weeks now and I’ve been able to keep up with my two friends, and have found that I look forward to it.

My legs still hurt a bit, I miss my morning ritual at the computer, and I think I do get a bit behind on some of my stuff. But for some reason, it just feels right, like it’s what I’m supposed to be doing.

I have to trust that.

 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Nurture Photography – Gold

by 11 Comments

Nurture Photography - Gold

DSC_3188

Nurture Photography - Gold

Nurture Photography - Gold

DSC_3199

DSC_3205

We managed to get a couple of hours out on the lake yesterday; the sun was shining and it was quite warm, but there were dark, menacing clouds lurking around the edges. So when we went up to the house around 5:00, and the thunder and lightning started, I despaired of finding my golden hour photos for the Nurture Photography Challenge.

Around 8:00 I felt so chilly I had to go have a hot bath, and thought I’d settle in for the night. But suddenly, through the trees, I noticed some beautiful light hitting the lake. Now was my chance! I grabbed my camera, and decided to go with whatever lens was on it (40mm f2.8). I wasn’t sure if it would work out, but I had no time to fool around.

For 15 minutes I stood on the dock (in my pj’s) and snapped away. I was quite surprised to see a bit of a rainbow… how fortuitous!

for·tu·i·tous

Adjective: Happening by accident or chance rather than design. Happening by a lucky chance; fortunate.

Synonyms accidental – random – incidental – casual – chance

Why fortuitous? Well, when our family gets together, we quite often use words that are a bit out of the ordinary… it may sound like we are being snobs, but we all understand that it’s for fun, and simply emphasizes how much we appreciate life. I also like to use the quote function in WordPress.

I’m doing pretty well with all my tutorials, classes, projects, and challenges so far. But I have to tell you, I work hard on them every day… and sometimes, all day…

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Nurture Photogaphy: Gold

 

My Big Outdoor Studio

by 6 Comments

Day-1-Peonies
After watching Kim’s process from start to finish (class), I felt inspired to set up a “shoot”.
You remember the blue table I brought home the other day? Well, the location (on the lawn) works perfectly if the sun isn’t shining brightly. Today it’s very overcast and I saw my opportunity. The white chippy enamel top is a perfect backdrop… no cloths needed, and I’ve just realized that I have the whole great big outdoors as my studio.

I’ve gone back to shooting in RAW (I missed you RAW) but only for specific shoots. I don’t think that family fun on the lake needs to be shot that way since it’s just too hard to process the photos, so they never get shared.

I did some basic edits, crops, and then used the LR Preset kk_berrily. Then on into PS where I added one layer of kk_mary on soft light and brushed a bit off the flower.

Just for interest’s sake, here’s one of the shots I took. What a difference! You would never know that the image above was shot here. Amazing stuff.

DSC_3102

Heritage Hollyhock Dinner Plates

by 15 Comments

texture tuesday kim klassen

When my Mom passed away, I inherited these lovely “Hollyhock” dinner plates made by Sovereign Pottery. I can’t remember which side of the family they first came from, my Mom’s or my Dad’s. It’s just one of many things I wish I had asked… well, I think I did ask, but I didn’t cement it into my head… same result…

I would guess that these plates would be at least 75 years old, perhaps older, and not one of them has a chip or a crack. Of course they are completely crazed, but I think it simply adds to the charm.

I processed this image in LR and used kk_berrily by Kim Klassen. I think it added just the right amount of light and warmth.

Linking up to Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Trying Something New

by 8 Comments

My morning routine has really been shaken up. But just look at what happened because of it…bpc phone photography

… sunrise through the clover. This is my Phone Photography Project entry for today. It’s all about the colours of the rainbow (Roy G. Biv) and this I suppose, is violet. I do not know how that violet halo was produced, it just happened.

But, about my routine. Two weeks ago a friend asked me if I wanted to join her and her sister-in-law on their morning walks. When I accepted, I knew that it was going to bite into my most creative time of day. That’s when blog posts get written, assignments get done, and ideas flow like the Fraser River (British Columbia, Canada). But I accepted anyway and I knew it was the right thing to do. I needed to try something new.

The first week, I was hard pressed to keep the commitment. Leave the house at 7:30? before I have my 4 cups of coffee? leave the computer? nope, not working for me… plus my shins were hurting like h***.

Fast forward another week, a bottle of Ibuprofen, and the realization that I’m actually getting more work done after I get home. As well, I’m rediscovering summer mornings; the pure pale light, the sweet smell of clover, and the sparkling dew on the grass. I really don’t know if I can handle all this inspiration (I need to bookmark this post so I can look at it in March, the most uninspiring month ever).

I’m loving the social contact with two people whom I really like, and partaking in lovely conversations “how was your weekend” “how are your shins” “we need to go for lunch some day, but don’t worry if you can’t“.

Polite, caring, authentic company.

OK, the day is progressing quickly and I have to get to work! Oh, that would be after I get that photo of that flower I saw …

BPC Phone Photography Fun!

by 10 Comments

I’ve been having a blast participating in the BPC Phone Photography Project “32 days of challenges, inspiration and app reviews“. Members come from all over the world; Canada, USA, Australia, United Arab Emirates, and on and on. This world we live in is a bit unreal, don’t you think?

Every day brings new and exciting app reviews and I’ve almost completely switched over to using Camera+ because it gives a lot of control over DOF (gotta love that)!

I just finished the Photo Hunt, where there are 10 prompts, ranging from “cold” to “symmetry”. To be eligible to win a prize, you have to have them posted by the end of today.

I processed this lemonade image in Afterlight, then I added text using “Over” (which I already had).

big picture phone photography

See what I mean about DOF? These candles are a perfect example.

big picture phone photography

Afterlight warmed up and enhanced the dappled effect on this image of my garden shed.

IMG_3773

I processed the pansy image in Afterlight using light leaks, then put it all together with Pic Frame.

IMG_3645-copy

…and here’s my 10 finds: red, summery, initial, symmetry, sweet, texture, wheels, odd, sign, cold:

 

bpcphotohunt

How fun is that?! If you want to see my Instagram stream check it out @keepingwiththetimes

I had trouble finding the perfect template to display 10 pictures so I made one, and you can get it here for free! It’s a fully layered psd template, compatible with Photoshop Elements, and Photoshop.

Just click on the image below to download.

bb_instatemplate-link

 

Enjoy!!

Blueberries

by 9 Comments

This one was my sweet granddaughter’s idea! Love!nurture photography

My second entry in the Nurture Photography – Blue Challenge.

Nurture Photography – Blue

by 7 Comments

Remember when I listed my Summer Classes and Challenges for 2013? The reason I wrote that post was to keep myself accountable. And voila! here’s my photo for the Nurture Photography Challenge.

I love that sky! Clear as clear can be… nary a cloud to be seen. I tweaked the photo a bit in Photoshop, making a Levels Adjustment on the blues. I thought it added a nice 70’s vintage tone. And that would make sense, because fields and I go back that far… actually farther…

Nurture-Photography-Blue

In my part of the world, some of the canola fields are starting to bloom, and the ditches are full of all kinds of grasses. I’ve been out busily picking and drying some of them to make into arrangements.

One of my favourites is this Simple Country Topiary, it’s easy to make and lasts for years… although it slowly fades from green to gold, which really isn’t such a bad thing.

You might want to check out the Nurture Photography Pinterest Board – lots of eye candy there!

OK, now I’m off to my next assignment! Have a wonderful weekend!

Summer Breeze

by 14 Comments

Peony-Blue-Table-2

Which of these would be my find? Is it the gorgeous peonies? the white vase? the blue table?

Peony-Blue-Table

all of the above?

Peony-Blue-Table-1

makes me feel fine

sweet days of summer

the (peony’s) in bloom.

July is dressed up and playing her tune.

sorry, I just couldn’t help it… it popped into my head, and now it’s going to be there all day…

Yesterday, I dragged home a table … I didn’t go looking for it (specifically) but there it was, sitting in a corner, all chippy and blue. I just knew I needed it.

Images of tea parties on the lawn, a table laden with flowers, and books, and candles, and food, and great light, filled me with excitement. A Somerset Life. A dream of mine.

But as soon as it was tucked safely in the back of my vehicle, the doubt began. It wasn’t about the money so much as the “uh, oh… do I really need to add another piece of junque to my yard? Well, probably not … but there she is.

As soon as I set the bouquet of peonies on it, I felt reassured.

It’s a harmless pastime, this hunting for treasures, dreaming of photo shoots and trying to capture, express, and share something that’s in my mind’s eye. And honestly, I’m blessed and thankful to have “found” it at this time in my life.

I’m sharing this today over at “Friday Finds” at Kim Klassen dot com

Herb Art… Word Art…

by 17 Comments

Herbalicious

I have a little herb garden sitting on my deck, and all the different textures, and colours, and shapes inspire me every day. Some plants have gone to seed (bolted, as they say) but, no worries… I just sit and watch the pretty little seed pods and flowers as they appear.

I must say that everything is looking a bit wild and messy, but quite charming, I think, which inspired me to create this piece of herb art.

That in turn reminded me of the quote by Danny Kaye “Life is a great big canvas, throw all the paint you can at it” and that inspired me to make a brush with it! Hope you like it! Have a wonderful Tuesday!

kk_lettherebelight LR preset by Kim Klassen

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

canvaslink