Keeping With The Times

living, learning, and keeping with the times

Vintage Baking Powder Tin Vase

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The flower arranging bug has hit me — and hit me hard this year. I’m not content with putting only one type of flower in a vase and calling it done.

Last week after I arranged my Funky Modern Triangular Bouquet I started to see possibilities everywhere … such as this lovely lily and (bluebell) bunch that I placed in a vintage baking powder tin. Easy peasy.

In the past I’ve been quite annoyed by these purple flowers (I think they’re some kind of bluebell) and I would pull them out of my garden like weeds …

… oh, now wait just a minute … I love weeds! so I added some flowering thyme to fill in the spaces and voila!

I processed this photo in LR and used kk_oldendays at a reduced opacity.

Vintage Baking Powder Tin, keeping with the times, vintage, flower arrangement

For these two images I simply let the vibrant colours loose …

Vintage Baking Powder Tin, keeping with the times, vintage, flower arrangement

DSC_0604-copy

Summer is so busy! This week I have three of my grandchildren visiting and the days are packed full. So now before I call it a day I have to muster up some energy and go and water my plants.

So thank you for visiting and I do hope your summer is going as beautifully as mine!

Country Roads and Friday Finds

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Quite often in the summer I’ll jump in the car and simply drive around. Yes, I’m searching for photos, but at the same time I’m soaking up life. If I hadn’t gone out and about I would not have discovered this wonderful barn. I sat and stared at it for the longest time. The whole scene brought me peace.

So orderly.

So tidy.

So loved. I wanted to take it home with me.

I could smell freshly cut lawn and clover.

I could hear tall grasses rustling in the warm breeze, and a squirrel chattering in the evergreens. Other than that … silence.

A Drive in the Country, barns, country, country living, keeping with the times, friday finds

A Drive in the Country, barns, country, country living, keeping with the times, friday finds

A Drive in the Country, barns, country, country living, keeping with the times, friday finds

A Drive in the Country, barns, country, country living, keeping with the times, friday finds

Later in the day I visited Star Lake and ran into this fellow who was pretty much minding his own (business) …

A Drive in the Country, barns, country, country living, keeping with the times, friday finds

A Drive in the Country, barns, country, country living, keeping with the times, friday finds

… seriously?

A Drive in the Country, barns, country, country living, keeping with the times, friday finds

OK. Goodnight! I’ll leave you alone.

A Drive in the Country, barns, country, country living, keeping with the times, friday finds

For the past few days we’ve had smoke from forest fires blanketing our area, so that’s why the sky in each of these images looks blown out and featureless. The poor air quality has been rated as high as 7 (out of 10) which is unheard of in these parts. And even though it does make for some interesting light I’m ready for some fresh air. Here’s hoping for a cool breeze and a bit of rain please.

Thanks for stopping by, I so appreciate it! Have a wonderful weekend!

“app” happy wednesday #13

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Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #13! If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of any kind!

Let me stress there are no rules!! Just join the fun and share any kind of artsy creation!

As I was driving home from “town” the other day I took a detour down a country road that I had never been on. I was lured by a bright yellow canola field but ended up finding quite a bit more than I was expecting. This tiny barn caught my eye but it was the white fence that drew me in. Oh the leading lines (to die for!) I loved that it was white, chippy, and best of all, falling over!

After a few edits, this is what I ended up with … Dorothy, can you hear me?

"app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times, iPhoneography, Bob Weil, camera+, picsplaypro

Here’s a step-by-step of my edits:

"app" happy wednesday, little stormy barn, keeping with the times, iPhoneography, Bob Weil

Original

"app" happy wednesday, little stormy barn, keeping with the times, iPhoneography, Bob Weil

When I changed the Blend Mode of the sky to Subtract it was instant magic (crazy stuff!)

"app" happy wednesday, little stormy barn, keeping with the times, iPhoneography, Bob Weil

I want to mention that I take photos of cloudy skies and have them in a folder on the Camera Roll (stuff like that comes in very handy!)

And there you have it! That’s it!

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.
  • 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 #12

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Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #12! If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of any kind! Let me stress there are no rules!! Just  join in the fun and share any kind of artsy creation! There are even no rules for me as today I don’t have any exciting edits to share. However, if you missed it, I’ve been reviewing Camera+ for the last few weeks and you can find some info here and here.

I’ve been posting a lot of images of my peonies, and today I have a shocking pink and black version to share. Quite the difference from yesterday’s post Texture Tuesday: Reflecting!

However, that’s the beauty of this passion. You don’t have to be trying to make perfect art every single day. Sometimes a girl just wants to have fun, ya know?
"app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times, camera+, mextures

And sometimes a girl is just tired. I got out of bed way too early yesterday morning (4:00 ish …) had coffee, did some work, went for a walk, and then did some more work. At about 2:00 pm I found myself on the couch “reading” until 4:00 pm …  at which point I got up and made a light dinner and then proceeded to make my way back to the couch. It’s been hot here at 28C which I’m just not used to and we don’t have air conditioning for the 5 days a year we might use it. Don’t get me wrong, lots of people have air – we just don’t. I prefer to lounge on a couch like a lout with a couple of fans blowing on me.

So there you have it! I shot my photo with Camera+ and then edited it in Mextures.

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

Texture Tuesday: Reflecting

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Good morning! The peonies are producing like crazy and I have light pink, dark pink and white ones vying for attention.

Today I have a single light pink blossom to share with you. I’m cheating … I know it’s Texture Tuesday but with all the lr presets that Kim has provided in the Be Still 52 class … I cannot stop playing …

I used kk_oldendays on these … sigh …
Peony Mirror Still Life, Keeping With the Times

Peony Mirror Still Life, Keeping With the Times

Peony Mirror Still Life, Keeping With the Times

… and be still my heart palpitations … I applied kk_darkmood and reduced the clarity from 57 to -44.

Peony Mirror Still Life, Keeping With the Times

… good heavens, I can’t decide! here it is with the clarity at 57 … which do you prefer?

Peony Mirror Still Life, Keeping With the Times

Oh my … you are getting off easy today. I could post 15 of these but I’m going to restrain myself and save some for a rainy day.

Happy TT!

Casual Country Garden Bouquet

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This week I’m like a kid in a candy shop. I”m finding flowers everywhere I look.Peony & Lilac Bouquet, keeping with the times, friday finds

To say my garden is exploding would be an understatement. I hardly know what to do with it all! Oh would that I could save some for January, February, and March! But alas I cannot, so photos will have to do.

Peony Lilac Bouquet

I could post a flower-a-day for 365 days I’m sure … .

So here are five random things that made me happy this past week:

  1. Spending time with family on the holiday long weekend.
  2. Lots and lots of delicious food.
  3. Weather ranging from not bad to amazing, and that the big storm with giant hail did not materialize.
  4. Flowers, flowers, and more flowers.
  5. Taking photos (especially with my iPhone) and editing on my iPad.

So what did you find this past week? What made you happy?

“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

Texture Tuesday: Anemone Flashback

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Texture Tuesday, keeping with the times

Just popping in to say hi! and happy TT! Today is Canada Day, so Happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canadians!

We’ve had such a fun holiday visiting with family. Our oldest daughter and her family have been here since Friday. Today they are heading home … so sad … already can’t wait for next time … .

Have a wonderful day and I hope to see you tomorrow at “app” happy wednesday!

kk_awaken
LR Preset Melancholy at 25%

Friday Finds: A Quiet Moment

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Friday Finds: Butterfly and Lilacs, keeping with the times

I had planned to write a rather large post to take you on a tour through my garden but somehow the day got away on me. It’s the Canada Day long weekend coming up and we’re looking forward to some quality family time. The house is clean, the beds are made, and the bathrooms are sparkling. I have steaks marinating in the freezer, hamburgers ready, and pies in the works.

Between all the preparations I took a minute and sat down with a glass of ice cold water, camera in hand, and waited for that elusive butterfly that had been taunting me all morning. It had been flitting through the yard and around my head and not once did it land anywhere near me. So I set out some bait: a jar full of lilacs. I knew it could not resist and sooner or later I would “capture” it. And yes, well the rest is history.

I edited this in Lightroom with one of Kim’s presets (kk_oldendays) … a click of a button and magic happens.

Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian friends! I’ll see everyone next week or you can find me on Instagram if you’re interested in our weekend shenanigans!

 

“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

Friday Finds: and Happy Summer Solstice

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It’s been another busy week and I’m always astounded to realize that it’s time for Friday Finds. I found many things this week; this leaf, for example.

We had a lovely, soft, steady rain and there were droplets everywhere.

Friday Finds

The Alberta Rose is blooming. There are not very many this year and I’ve noticed that a lot of the shrubs have died off …

alberta-rose-copy

I love hanging flower pots …

flower-pot-copy

and the new leaves of Bishops Hat …

bishops-hat-leaves-copy

and the spent parts of the Alberta rose …

spent-rose-copy

alliums and sunshine …

Allium

Hollywood Dreamstate alliums …

Allium

Have a wonderful weekend and a happy Summer Solstice!

“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

Melancholy Lilacs II

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Today my still life blends lilacs present with lilacs past.

A fresh bouquet rests on a white tea towel while photos from last spring and a soft mauve scarf draw the eye through the image.

Lilac Still Life, Keeping With the Times

Melancholy-Lilac-with-Scarf1-copyAlthough the end is near, the shrubs still have blooms and even as they droop and fade their scent gets stronger and sweeter. Now there are swarms of swallowtail butterflies and hummingbird moths (hemaris thysbe) and bees and wasps all trying to gather up every single drop of nectar before it’s gone.

The parade of blooms continues in my garden. As the lilacs and anemones near their end, I watch closely as the peony buds double in size on a daily basis and the perennial poppies ready themselves to burst open. New growth and life is everywhere and some days I hardly know where to start. I do know that if I don’t move quickly the moment will pass. But some moments will pass and I’m good with that. Some moments are simply meant to be savoured, not saved.

Be Still 52 Class

Day 4: Make it Happen

kk_melancholy LR Preset

Texture: Cora/Soft Light 50%

“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

Melancholy Lilac

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This takes me back to the farmhouse where I grew up. Faded memories of lilacs and mom.Melancholy Lilac, Keeping With the Times

I’m swooning over that window. Yes, it’s a sweet little prop …

Melancholy Lilac

… and the flowers are glorious this year.

Melancholy Lilac

Oh my. Thank you Kim for Melancholy. Just in time for lilacs.

Be Still 52 Class

Day 4: Make it Happen

Oh and don’t forget to join me for “app” happy wednesday tomorrow!

Johnny-Jump Up Still Life

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How about this perfectly imperfect pot of johnny-jump ups?johnny-jump up, still life, keeping with the times, be still 52 class, Kim Klassen, melancholyI was out in my garden doing a bit of weeding and I spied this sweet little bunch sitting so prettily in the lawn.

Oh how I love thee.

Simple. Imperfect. Perfect. I know I planted some seeds once, but I haven’t seen you for years … welcome back.

Also, welcome to my Hoosier cabinet in its new home—our pantry! Now that’s perfectly imperfect. I had been earnestly purging and organizing and was thinking how I could really use some more shelves. Long story short, hubby helped me drag it upstairs and I spent a blissful day setting up my treasures.

Take a gander at that side lighting! Its from a north-facing window and is my preferred light. I like the whiter, bluer tones and generally steer away from the yellowish tones. It’s a matter of taste but this is how I see it. The lighting in this room is not perfect (but it’s perfectly imperfect) so I use a piece of white foam core to bounce some light back onto my subject. For the above image I used my 40mm lens on a tripod with a slow shutter speed and an ISO of 250. I also used the timer to reduce shake. I ran Kim’s “Melancholy” LR preset and upped the saturation just a bit.

Here’s a pull-back of my scene.

hoosier

I’ve had this cabinet for over 20 years and it continues to delight me. It truly is the simple things in life that are the best.

Be Still 52 Class

Day 4 “Make it Happen”

 

“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 :)

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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

Texture Tuesday: Lavender and Soap

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There’s nothing like a bath and there’s nothing like a bath with fresh lavender bits floating around in it.

I have a wonderful little kitchen/herb garden growing on my deck again, and this year I added lavender to the mix. So lovely! This image was created for the Be Still 52 class which I’m enjoying so much.

just breathe
Spring is such a whirlwind here. The first signs of green are like a miracle and then every day there’s another miracle and another and another… it’s very hard to keep up with all the photo opportunities!

Then there’s the clean-up of the yard, garage, flower beds and lawns … running to the greenhouse (10 times) and hauling plants and pots and soil around.

I’m exhausted and by the time I sit down at the computer at night to write something my body complains and I truly cannot stand it for very long. That’s when a bath with Epsom salts, Aveda body wash, and fresh lavender come to the rescue. Ahhhh, bliss…

Be Still 52 Class

Day 2: Room to Breathe

Joining in the fun today for Texture Tuesday!

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Friday Finds – Stillness

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For Friday Finds this week I’ve been playing around with a minimalist style of botanical and high key photography. High key photography uses unnaturally bright lighting to blow out most or all harsh shadows in an image.

Let me tell you it is not easy but it forced me to slow down and really look at what I was doing.

I love the part about gathering materials and arranging them; there’s something so soothing about order and simplicity. I had to stop, look, and listen (be still).

Friday Finds, Minimalist, Keeping With the Times

Each of these four images was taken separately at different times of the day.

I set the plants on a piece of foam core outside out of direct sunlight, and set my camera on a tripod over top of them. I used low shutter speeds, high ISO’s, and apertures between F9 and F11. I also used a flash at times (gasp).

Even then I had lots of processing to do. I took them into LR and used curves to adjust the white background while limiting the effect on the plant itself. Those shadows are tricky!!

When I created the collage in Photoshop of course the whites were all different – if you hover your mouse over the image you will see the “before” collage. So again I used a combination of curves and levels adjustments. Then I dodged some pesky areas.

I was inspired by this beautiful blog Still by Mary Jo Hoffman. Her work blows me away and she’s a kind person who likes to share her techniques.

Anyway I shall not go on and on. I simply wanted to share that I’ve “found” something that makes me feel passionate. I’ve always loved this style but only tinkered with it. Now I want to learn more.

Side note: any images you may see on my Instagram feed were taken solely with my phone and edited in PicsPlayPro.

Now I’m off to see what everyone else has discovered this week.

Have a wonderful weekend!

“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

Upper Antelope Canyon

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When I first saw photos of Antelope Canyon a few years ago I was thunderstruck. Was there really such a place? It looked surreal, magical, heavenly. As it turns out “Antelope Canyon is the most visited and most photographed canyon in the American Southwest. It is located on Navajo land near Page, Arizona.” (Wikipedia)

And as usual I never considered that I may go there some day but after a series of fortunate events (the main one being that we bought a place in Arizona to get away from our harsh long winters) there I was. Living a dream.

The following photo is my bucket list shot and I didn’t even see it until I got home and uploaded everything to my computer. I caught a sunlight shaft! It wasn’t even on my radar because we weren’t at the canyon at the right time.

Granted, it is not THE sunbeam in the second room that occurs when the sun is directly overhead between the months of March and September. But I will take it. Some people go there specifically to catch that one shot and leave horribly disappointed if it doesn’t happen. Not me. I was in awe from the moment we got there. I really did not have any expectations. The light is low and the tour we were on did not allow for tripods. Yes I admit it. I set my camera on auto and took almost 500 shots, hoping to get something, anything.

antelope canyon, keeping with the times

I’ve taken a long time to post this because I haven’t quite figured out how to process Antelope Canyon photos and I wanted them to be perfect … but if I leave it any longer, I won’t get around to just telling my story.

Our guide pointed out the bear. Can you see it?

antelope canyon, keeping with the times

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Caution: photo dump …

antelope canyon, arizona, keeping with the times

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I must say it reminds me of those pictures of baby ultrasounds … a womb … no metaphors here, just an observation.

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antelope canyon, arizona, keeping with the times

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These are not people I know – I just wanted to demonstrate what it really looks like in there! There are many, many tourists and you usually have to shoot straight up to get an image with no one in it.

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After about a 20 minute ride bouncing along a dry, sandy, riverbed we arrived (along with hundreds of others).

antelope canyon, arizona, keeping with the times

You cannot visit the canyon on your own, you have to sign up for a tour. We went with Antelope Canyon Tours and they were fantastic! We thought it might be frustrating and chaotic, but no, these people were all business “chop” “chop” which is the only way to handle the hoards.

I stumbled across this great article at Gary Hart Photography and he describes the experience far better than I ever could in a hundred years. It’s a must-read if you are planning to go (I wish I had). Thank you, Gary Hart if you are reading this …

 

 

“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

Scentless Chamomile for Texture Tuesday

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Good Tuesday Morning!

I had to rummage through the archives for something yellow and came up with these lovely wildflowers which some would call weeds (some would call them even worse than weeds).Scentless Chamomile for Texture Tuesday

But really, they are such pretty “worse than weeds” wouldn’t you say? I’m looking forward to seeing them blooming by the wayside again this year.

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I’ve been going full steam ahead on several projects as well as trying to clean the house, paint the dock, and tidy up the yard after a long winter. I’m running out of steam… so this is going to be a quick post – I just didn’t want to miss another TT …

Don’t forget “app” happy wednesday tomorrow! Please come by and link up your mini masterpieces created with apps – apps of any kind! It’s just so much fun!

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com where the theme today is “yellow”

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“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%.

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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.

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

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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

Texture Tuesday: Pressed Flowers

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Texture Tuesday

We finally arrived home yesterday after driving 3,000 km in three days (which is much more civilized than driving it in two days). I’m going to need at least a week to catch up on some work and I can’t even think about posting about our trip until Thursday.

As I sat in my office/sitting room I was leafing through one of my journals and came across this pressed bleeding heart. I was quite intrigued by it.

Last summer I had embarked upon a flower pressing project, even making the press myself. Then I put it on the “back burner” and forgot about it. It’s funny how a project can seem so much more interesting after some time passes.

This is kind of what my garden looks like right now. Dry, brown,  and flat but filled with memories and new hopes. I feel inspired to dig out that press and resume my project. Just doing something for the joy of it would be kind of a nice and I should do more of it. Speaking of that, don’t forget about “app” happy wednesday tomorrow!! I hope to see you there!

PS… you can see I’m quite out of the loop – I forgot today’s theme was “cuppa”… oh well … next week will be better …

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen.com

kk_rene

“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