Keeping With The Times

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Winner(s) of the Field Guide to Everyday Magic

September 5, 2017 by Barb 1 Comment

Hello everyone! I’m just popping in to announce the winner(s) of the Field Guide to Everyday Magic with Bella Grace Magazine.

Congratulations to both Karen Olson and Linda Hoye! and a huge thank you to everyone for leaving such beautiful heartfelt comments.

I didn’t respond to any comments in order to make it easier when it came to making the draw, but please know I read each and every one of them and many of them moved me deeply. Thank you again xo

Field Guide, Bella Grace Magazine, Blog Hop, Lake Views, Barb Brookbank

 

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Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

Potting Bench Quandary

May 3, 2017 by Barb 1 Comment

If you’re ever going to be in a quandary, hopefully it’s as simple and light as trying to decide where to set up your potting bench!

This week I’m rearranging my deck; moving my potting bench here and there, trying to decide if the furniture we have is working for me (it’s not) and setting up pots and crates ready to be filled with herbs and flowers.

And while I’m enjoying being outside immensely … I’m a bit frustrated at my deck situation. It’s a partly covered deck (which is wonderful) and I want to take advantage of the space where I can work even when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Here the potting bench catches sunlight which is lovely for the plants, plus it’s still under the overhang so it’s out of the elements. But it’s a bit inconvenient as it sits against the railings and partially blocks the view of the surrounding forest:Potting Bench, Barb Brookbank, Keeping With the TimesHere the potting bench is against the house which results in flatter light, and no sun:Potting Bench, Barb Brookbank, Keeping With the TimesSo what would you do? I really don’t want to set it against the railings but I feel it’s too drab against the wall.

Wait! I might have another solution … I have two potting benches ;)

The other one sits on the ground and is exposed to the weather. I wrote about it in my An Inspired Barnwood Potting Bench post a few years back.

I guess I would simply have to time my work, and my photography around Mother Nature.

I think I just solved my own problem ;)

xo

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED Tagged With: deck, decor, potting bench, spring

How to Write an Action to Re-size and Save Images for your Blog and a Special Offer

February 16, 2014 by Barb 25 Comments

Writing Actions in PhotoshopI’m pretty sure most of us know that our images need to be re-sized before uploading to the web. The photo needs to fit within the width of your blog, and it needs to load fast or you will lose readers. True story.

I’m no expert on this subject, but I found a great article at photoshopessentials.com which gives an in-depth look at why, and how to do it. It’s very informative and enlightening and explodes a few myths about size, resolution, etc.

However, I thought I’d go over how I do it and show you how to write an action to automate this task. One click of a button and your image is re-sized and saved in a folder. Perfectly sized and hard for someone to steal it for printing purposes, although they could steal it and use it for the web, but that’s just not cool.

Actions can only be written in Photoshop, but don’t despair, I have a little surprise for you and you’ll find it at the end of this post.

Since Photoshop CC has a bit different dialog box, I wrote this action in CS6. So here we go:

How to Write an Action in Photoshop to Re-size and Save Images for Your Blog

To start with, make sure you have a folder created where you want to save your re-sized images.

  • Open a photo that you have already adjusted exposure, white balance, and cropped etc. Make sure all your edits are complete before re-sizing.
  • From the Actions panel, make sure that Button Mode is not checked. Actions can’t be written in Button Mode.
  • Click on the down-facing arrow and choose New Action. In the Dialog box, type in the name you want to use for your action. I’m using the name “Resize and Save for Web”.
  • Choose Default Actions as the Set. This will save the Action in the Default set (of course). You can create your own sets, but I won’t go there right now.
  • Choose None for the Function key, and choose a Color if you like. This will give the Action a Color when in Button Mode. For this Action, I did not choose a color.
  • Click Record. Everything you do from now until you press the Stop key will be recorded. It doesn’t matter how long you take, PS will sit there and wait all day if it has to so you can go slow and make sure you take only the steps that you want recorded.
  • In the Menu Bar, choose Image > Duplicate, and click OK.
  • Choose Image > Image Size.
  • Make sure that Scale Styles, Constrain Proportions, and Resample Image are checked.
  • Click on the down-facing arrow and choose Bicubic Sharper (best for reduction).
  • Set the Resolution to 72 Pixels/Inch.
  • For the Pixel Dimensions, set the Width. I set the width to 760 Pixels/Inch because that is the maximum width for images that will fit on my blog. Yours will most likely be different. Accept the Default Height to maintain proportions. Click OK.
  • In the Menu Bar, choose File > Save for Web. Choose JPEG, Medium with a Quality of 45. Click Progressive. I left the rest of the settings at the Default. Click Save.

Free Photoshop Action

  • Navigate to folder where you want to save your re-sized images. Accept the default name of your image. If you give it another name, the action will save every image with that name and of course will end up overwriting every image you run the action on.
  • Close the duplicate image, then close the original image (do not save the changes).
  • Click the Stop key.

Here are the final Pixel Dimensions for my image. Notice that the file size went from 28.7M to 1.11M. The other thing to note is that I do not touch the Document Size dialog box when re-sizing. It gets reduced automatically.

Free Photoshop Action

Clean as a whistle and faster than a speeding bullet!

But the fun part today is my little give-away! I will write a custom action for the first 10 people who comment. I can only record it to the point of re-sizing the image since I can’t create a path to a folder on your computer. Once you run this action on an image, you will have to then save it yourself.

If you want a custom action, make sure you say so in the comments, and make sure that I can contact you.

You give me the info – I give you the action!

Want a few more tips on Photoshop? Check out my page “Photoshop Tips”!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED Tagged With: blogging, freebie, photoshop, photoshop actions, Tutorial

I just discovered the InLinkz Link Manager

October 19, 2012 by Barb 12 Comments

*this post is no longer relevant …

Could it be that I am the last one on the planet to hear about this?

Here’s what InLinkz says about the InLinkz Link Manager:

  • It is a widget that you can insert in your blog to display lists of products, menus and buttons
  • The lists can display a thumbnail of the product
  • You construct lists by dragging and dropping from a pool of products you have added in the tool
  • Each collection and product link is tracked for impressions and clicks
  • It can be displayed on your blog or site and works on blogger and wordpress.com sites and RSS feeds
  • It has powerful search functions to manage all your links, no matter how many you have

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED Tagged With: inlinkz

I can sew a straight line . . .

April 13, 2012 by Barb 18 Comments

Post revised March 27, 2015

I’ve been busily sewing drapes for our patio doors at our new place. Luckily I can sew a straight line (with my 38-year-old Kenmore sewing machine).

It never misses a beat.

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

African Daisy – front yard display

March 16, 2012 by Barb 13 Comments

this made me think of Monet – I said think :)

While driving around Scottsdale I spied these African Daisies (Osteospermum). One yard was completely covered! The yards on the rest of the block had them as well, but they weren’t quite as full. In the bright Arizona sun the flowers were absolutely dazzling! Hubby had to pull a U-turn and let me get out to take the photos.

I’ve had these flowers in pots at home and love them but there are days when there isn’t enough sun for them to fully open (drives me crazy). So I was really quite blown away by this display – such wild abandon!

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

Butterflies of AZ – Part I

March 15, 2012 by Barb 6 Comments

We’ve been in AZ for a couple of weeks. Yesterday we took a trip to the Desert Botanical Gardens where a butterfly exhibit has been running since March 3rd and is to continue into May. I’ve never been in a butterfly ‘house’ and found it completely enchanting. They flutter all around you simply bent on finding food in the flowers and oranges made available to them. Hubby had to drag me out . . .

I have tons of photos to post – just not a lot of time right now.

Hope to get back to regular blogging next week!

This or That Thursday at deb duty photography

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

Northern snow gauge

February 26, 2012 by Barb 8 Comments

This is what 20 cm looks like . . .


. . . and I’m lovin’ it!

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

Carnations and candy

February 22, 2012 by Barb 16 Comments

For as long as I can remember, some friends of ours have hosted a birthday party for me. We are invited to their home (‘please come early‘) where we are treated to some of the best food you will ever eat.

First, we have appetizers, then one of Rema’s famous salads. Really, I don’t know anyone who can prepare a more interesting and tasty salad than Rema. The main course this year was prime rib accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes, roasted candied carrots, sauteed asparagus with cheese, and butter crust buns (she apologized for not making gravy)!

Then there’s the cake. OMG this year it was carrot cake with brown butter cream cheese icing covered in toasted pecans, pumpkin seeds, and candied ginger! I still feel full . . .

And as always there is the huge bag full of gifts. Most items are in shades of green since Rema knows that green is my favourite colour.  Of course there is the usual box of Turkish Delight which I simply cannot eat – my teeth would fall out and I am not kidding about that! I decided that a photo collage would be as satisfying as eating that whole box of candy (I was right).

So, thank you Lyle and Rema, for being there, for taking the time, and for making me feel so special on my birthdays. No matter how old I get I still look forward to this ritual and it is so very appreciated.

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

I’m starving . . .

February 19, 2012 by Barb 18 Comments

For colour!

It’s a drab, chilly, February day where I live. I look out the window and I see white, off-white, grey, brown, and white.

This afternoon I was cleaning up photos from last summer – only a few hundred had to be deleted – and I came across my series of Geum. I nearly cried. At the time that I took them I was quite critical of my shots – just another flower in a vase . . . maybe too bright . . . don’t like the composition . . . arghhh . . . what was I thinking?

Sorry, I had to vent . . .

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

Barnscape

February 18, 2012 by Barb 11 Comments

Kim gave permission to go heavy on the textures this week so I dove right in! I’m loving the class – not only learning about textures but also picking up tidbits about Photoshop. It’s really neat to watch someone else work – it’s almost like having her right here (almost).

It got me to thinking, I’d love to take another Photoshop class but in a ‘live’ setting with people all around. Hmmm, maybe the next time I get an e-mail from ‘Kelby Training – Live’ I won’t send it to the deleted bin so quickly . . .

I followed the lesson {Photographically Speaking } Day 10 ~ A Painterly Effect. I used different textures than Kim did, and I also blended in a photo of some starlings that I took last year – whoa! I’m really getting brave!

beyondlayers

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

Less is more

January 19, 2012 by Barb 39 Comments

I’m trying to break a bit of a creative ‘drought’ and what better way than to do my assignment for Kim Klassen’s ‘Beyond Layers – A Year of Artful Inspiration’.

Lately I’ve been feeling overwhelmed (mostly creatively) and I’ve been ‘tuning’ out. So I asked some digi scrapping friends what they do when this happens to them. I was inundated with loving comments and friendly suggestions. Their heartfelt comments blew me away.

For the next while I’m going to do as one friend suggested which was ‘just do one thing. when you get that done, do one more thing. just do something’. That’s what I’m doing today. I’m not overly excited about my creation today, but at least I did it.

Can you believe this is a hollyhock?

Today Kim quoted Ludwig Mies van der Rohe when she said ‘less is more’. I’m thinking that may apply to more than textures . . .

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

Inspire

January 16, 2012 by Barb 14 Comments

This year I want to be inspired and I think if I try to ‘inspire’ I will be inspired.

I have to tell you, since I started blogging over a year ago I have never been so inspired in my whole life – so by choosing this word, I hope to carry this energy right through 2012. I have so many things I want to accomplish . . .
When I took this photo in Maui last year, the sun was setting fast and I wanted to practice photographing water in slow motion. I used a tripod and an extremely low shutter speed (f11, 0.5s, ISO 100). I was pretty pleased with this result! I created this layout using Photoshop CS5 and techniques and supplies available at Digital Scrapper.
I’m going to print this photo at 12″ by 12″ and hang it on the wall in my office. Costco does a really great job of printing up these large pages – I’ve printed dozens and never been let down once – I highly recommend them.

 

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

My word for 2012

January 4, 2012 by Barb 17 Comments

INSPIRE

I figure if I try to inspire, I will be inspired. It’s a win-win. I’ve posted this list of positive action verbs and I hope this inspires you to choose your own word for 2012.

 

List of action verbs starting with A
Abstract
Accelerate
Accommodate
Accomplish
Accumulate
Achieve
Acquire
Act
Activate
Adapt
Add
Address
Adjust
Administer
Advertise
Advise
Advocate
Aid
Aide
Align
Allocate
Amend
Analyze
Answer
Anticipate
Apply
Appoint
Appraise
Approve
Arbitrate
Arrange
Articulate
Ascertain
Assemble
Assess
Assign
Assist
Assume
Attain
Attend
Attract
Audit
Augment
Author
Authorize
Automate
Avert
Award
List of action verbs starting with B
Balance
Bargain
Begin
Bolster
Boost
Bought
Brief
Broaden
Budget
Build
Built
List of action verbs starting with C
Calculate
Calibrate
Canvass
Capture
Care
Catalog
Catalogue
Categorize
Cater
Cause
Centralize
Chair
Charge
Chart
Check
Check in
Check out
Clarify
Classify
Co-operate
Coach
Code
Collaborate
Collate
Collect
Combine
Comfort
Commence
Communicate
Compare
Compile
Complete
Compose
Compute
Conceive
Conceptualize
Conciliate
Conclude
Condense
Conduct
Confer
Confirm
Connect
Conserve
Consider
Consolidate
Construct
Consult
Contact
Contract
Contribute
Control
Convert
Convey
Convince
Cooperate
Coordinate
Copy
Correct
Correlate
Correspond
Counsel
Create
Critique
Cultivate
Customize
List of action verbs starting with D
Dealt with
Debate
Debug
Decide
Decrease
Dedicate
Deduce
Defend
Defer
Define
Delegate
Deliver
Demonstrate
Depict
Depreciated
Derive
Describe
Design
Detail
Detect
Determine
Develop
Devise
Devote
Diagnose
Diagram
Differentiate
Direct
Discharge
Disclose
Discover
Discriminate
Discuss
Dispatch
Display
Dissect
Disseminate
Distinguish
Distribute
Diversify
Document
Draft
Draw
Drew
List of action verbs starting with E
Earn
Edit
Educate
Effect
Elect
Elicit
Eliminate
Emphasize
Employ
Enable
Encourage
Enforce
Engineer
Enhance
Enlarge
Enlighten
Enlist
Enrich
Ensure
Enter
Entertain
Enumerate
Equip
Establish
Estimate
Evaluate
Examine
Exchange
Execute
Exercise
Exhibit
Expand
Expedite
Experiment
Explain
Explore
Express
Extend
Extract
Extrapolate
List of action verbs starting with F
Fabricate
Facilitate
Familiarize
Fashion
File
Filter
Finalize
Fine-tune
Fix
Focus
Forecast
Formulate
Fortify
Forward
Foster
Found
Frame
Fund
Furnish
Further
List of action verbs starting with G
Gather
Gauge
Generate
Govern
Grade
Grant
Greet
Guide
List of action verbs starting with H
Handle
Head
Help
Highlight
Hire
Host
List of action verbs starting with I
Identify
Illustrate
Impart
Implement
Import
Improve
Improvise
Incorporate
Increase
Index
Individualize
Influence
Inform
Initiate
Innovate
Inspect
Inspire
Install
Institute
Instruct
Insure
Integrate
Interact
Interface
Interpret
Intervene
Interview
Introduce
Invent
Inventory
Investigate
Involve
List of action verbs starting with J
Join Judge Justify
List of action verbs starting with K
–
List of action verbs starting with L
Label
Launch
Lead
Learn
Lecture
License
Lighten
Liquidate
List
Listen
Litigate
Lobby
Localize
Locate
Log
List of action verbs starting with M
Maintain
Manage
Manufacture
Map
Market
Master
Maximize
Measure
Mechanize
Mediate
Mentor
Merge
Methodize
Minimize
Mobilize
Model
Moderate
Modernize
Modify
Monitor
Motivate
List of action verbs starting with N
Narrate
Navigate
Negotiate
Notify
Nurse
Nurture
List of action verbs starting with O
Observe
Obtain
Officiate
Offset
Operate
Orchestrate
Order
Organize
Orient
Orientate
Originate
Outline
Overhaul
Oversaw
Oversee
List of action verbs starting with P
Package
Participate
Perceive
Perfect
Perform
Persuade
Photograph
Pilot
Pioneer
Plan
Practice
Predict
Prepare
Present
Preserve
Preside
Prevent
Print
Prioritize
Probe
Process
Produce
Program
Project
Promote
Propose
Provide
Publicize
Publish
Purchase
List of action verbs starting with Q
Qualify Quantify Quote
List of action verbs starting with R
Raise
Ran
Rank
Rate
Read
Reason
Recall
Recognize
Recommend
Reconcile
Record
Recreate
Recruit
Rectify
Reduce
Refer
Refine
Register
Regulate
Rehabilitate
Reinforce
Relate
Related
Release
Remodel
Render
Renew
Reorganize
Repair
Replace
Report
Represent
Research
Reserve
Resolve
Respond
Restore
Restrict
Retain
Retrieve
Revamp
Reveal
Review
Revise
Revitalize
Route
List of action verbs starting with S
Sample
Save
Scan
Schedule
Screen
Script
Scrutinize
Search
Secure
Segment
Select
Serve
Service
Set goals
Set up
Settle
Shape
Share
Show
Simplify
Simulate
Sketch
Sold
Solicit
Solve
Sort
Speak
Strengthen
Structure
Study
Submit
Substantiate
Substitute
Spearhead
Specialize
Specify
Spoke
Stage
Standardize
Start
Stimulate
Straighten
Strategize
Streamline
Suggest
Summarize
Supervise
Supply
Support
Surpass
Survey
Sustain
Symbolize
Synthesize
Systematize
List of action verbs starting with T
Tabulate
Tail
Target
Taught
Teach
Tend
Terminate
Test
Theorize
Time
Tour
Trace
Track
Trade
Train
Transcribe
Transfer
Transform
Translate
Transmit
Transport
Transpose
Travel
Treat
Triple
Troubleshot
Tutor
List of action verbs starting with U
Uncover
Undertook
Unify
Unveil
Update
Upgrade
Upheld
Use
Utilize
List of action verbs starting with V
Validate
Value
Verify
View
Visit
Visualize
Vitalize
Volunteer
List of action verbs starting with W
Weigh
Widen
Win
Withdraw
Witness
Write
List of action verbs starting with X
Xerox
List of action verbs starting with Y
–
List of action verbs starting with Z
Zap
Zero in
Zip
Zoom in
Zoom out
Zone off

Source:
Positive Action Verbs

Texture and Inspire brush by Kim Klassen

 

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

Refurbished planters

January 2, 2012 by Barb 29 Comments

Every year for Christmas I buy one or two (or three) pots of poinsettias mixed with other plants. All is well until December 26 when I start noticing how pitiful the poinsettias are looking. Sorry if I offend, but there is nothing worse than a poinsettia after Christmas. Most of the time I take the pots and dump them in the garden – and am glad to be rid of them. This year my daughter encouraged me to try and save the pretty greenery that was left. Since every window in my home that I look out of presents me with varying shades of white and grey I thought maybe it would be nice to have a little garden in January. So I brought in a wrought iron planter that I usually have sitting on my deck. I put in a clean liner and then proceeded to tear the old arrangements apart. What was left I kept in their original plastic liners and fertilized lightly with an everyday houseplant fertilizer (10-20-10). I washed and then sprayed the plants with a bit of ‘Safers’ garden spray (fungicide, insecticide) since I just know that there has got to be a spider mite in there somewhere . . . Then I arranged them in the planter and stood back and admired. It was easy peasy because I didn’t have to add any extra soil – the fertilizer will keep them going for a few months and that’s all I can ask for.

 

aaack! after the massacre!
snip off all flowers from the Kalanchoes and other plants – you will be richly rewarded in a month or two
wash and spray with an insecticide/fungicide
and you will have a pretty little garden in January

 

 

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Top ten of 2011

December 30, 2011 by Barb 22 Comments

Top-Ten-of-2011

Welcome to a tour of my top ten posts of 2011. I’ve had so much fun this year – I can’t remember when I’ve felt so inspired! A big thank you to everyone who visited my blog – YOU are what inspired me!
#1 Vintage Paper Trees
I have to say I love these delicate little trees – I plan on displaying them for the rest of the winter (at least).
#2 My Dictionary Wreath
I am still soooo loving this! I was inspired by all the other book page wreaths out there and knew I had to have one! This also does not have to be strictly a Christmas project – I think it could be displayed all year.
# 3 Rustic Country Whole Grain Wreath
This was my first big hit! I have it safely stored away – ready to be pulled out next September.
#4 Handmade Christmas Globe Ornament
These are pretty special since I made them with Christmas cards from the past.
#5 Baked Caramel Popcorn
This was a huge hit – I myself ate almost a whole batch . . .
#6 Flourless Chocolate Snow Mountains
These quickly jumped into my top ten – not only do they look delicious, they absolutely are delicious! My granddaughter confirmed this for me over Christmas!
#7  Christmas Table Decor
Such a gorgeous table setting …
#8 My Wintry Mantel and a Little Tour
I took you on a little tour of my home – and was met with such kind comments – thank you!
#9 Autumn Mantel Love
Seems like mantels and home tours are popular . . .
#10 Oh Christmas Tree
My handmade garland and die-cut snowflakes were a hit!
Simple Country Topiary deserves an honourable mention – it was very close to the top ten.

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

A glimpse into our Canadian Christmas

December 28, 2011 by Barb 29 Comments

We enjoyed a completely wonderful Christmas this year at the lake. Hubby and I were so excited to host it and we could not be happier with the outcome. Our family of eleven celebrated with the usual gift-giving, eating, visiting, card-playing, and outdoor fun. This year the weather was absolutely fantastic! Temperatures ranged from minus 4C at night to plus 5C during the day which made for a lot of outdoor fun. Skating, tobogganing and hockey were pretty much the order of the day.

I’ve edited all the photos to look like hipstamatic shots. Quite some time ago I followed a tutorial somewhere but I cannot for the life of me remember where it is . . . I know it delved into curves (eek!)  – uncharted territory for me!

Your Christmas Stories

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

Make ahead mashed potatoes for Christmas dinner!

December 21, 2011 by Barb 6 Comments

“A must with turkey dinner . . . can be made ahead and frozen”!! Say wha?? what will the neighbors say? what will hubby say? eek – I’m going to do – oops, I mean, I did it!

Truthfully, I’ve made these before – for Thanksgiving – and the popular opinion is that they are delicious, taste fresh, and it’s definitely worth it. It frees up time, energy, and mess on a day when the cook can use a break. I do highly recommend it! Hmmm, what might I do instead of peeling and mashing potatoes on Christmas Day? play a hand of cards . . . watch the grandchildren skate . . . take photos?


Elsie’s Potatoes Extraordinaire*
PREP 10 MIN | TOTAL 50 MIN

5 lbs potatoes (approximately 9 large)
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
2 tsp onion salt
pinch of pepper

2 Tbsp butter

COOK and mash potatoes. Add all ingredients, except butter, and combine. Put into large greased casserole. Dot with butter.

BAKE, covered at 350F for 30 minutes and serve hot. If making ahead, cool the casserole, freeze and thaw before baking.

SERVES 10 – 12

NOTES: I use white baker/table potatoes – they’re fluffier. On Christmas Day, I will stir the casserole halfway through cooking – especially since it has been previously frozen. You might want to substitute low-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the higher fat versions.

*Adapted from The Best of Bridge

Show and Tell Saturday at Be Different . . . Act Normal Saturday Night Special at Funky Junk Interiors Friday Flair at Whipperberry Primp Your Stuff at Primp Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple Full Plate Thursday at Miz Helen’s Country Cottage Doin it Yourself at {aka}|design Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts Uncommonly Yours at Uncommon These Chicks Cooked at This Chick Cooks Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design Wow us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style, Holiday Recipe Link Party at Thistlewood Farm

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

Snow artsy!

December 19, 2011 by Barb 34 Comments

Yesterday we woke up to the most amazing snowfall. I ran around and took over 50 photos but I just could not seem to capture the essence of it. It was magical – soft, quiet and pure. After studying my photos I decided the only thing I could do was add something to try to express how it it felt – I guess that’s art . . . anyway, I added several different combinations of Kim Klassen’s textures ‘more magic’ and ‘wonderful magic stars’ both on screen mode. Kim is giving away twelve different textures and several brushes this month. Head on over to check them out! And if you want to see what all the talented people out there are creating go on over and check out the 12-Day linky party.

kimklassencafe

This or That Thursday at Deb Duty Photography
The Creative Exchange at The Creative Exchange
Sweet Shot Tuesday at Life With My 3 Boybarians

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

Holeh Bokeh!

December 14, 2011 by Barb 35 Comments

I took this photo last year and it was one of my first attempts at bokeh. Thought I’d play with it a bit so I added ‘annabelle’ – the second of Kim Klassen’s free textures for the 12 Days of Textures.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday!

Holiday Bokeh Party at Live, Love, Travel This or That Thursday at Deb Duty Photography

Filed Under: UNCATEGORIZED

Evening Grosbeak – a winter visitor

December 13, 2011 by Barb 39 Comments

According to Hinterland Who’s Who, this bird

  • has a bill that in spring is the colour of buds
  • may devour surprising quantities of raw salt, salt-impregnated earth or fine gravel
  • has a close predator–prey relationship with the spruce budworm, a serious pulpwood forest pest
  • has been seen to eat 96 sunflower seeds in five minutes (say wha??) no wonder our supply of seeds seems somewhat diminished . . .
It was late Sunday morning when a flock of these beautiful birds landed in on our feeder and were flitting around in a bit of a frenzy. I have never been able to capture a good photo of one and I was busy – busy getting ready for Christmas so I announced that I wasn’t even going to get my camera out. But hubby, as usual, gave me just the bit of encouragement that I needed and this is what happened . . . I added Kim Klassen’s new texture – Lilly. It’s one of her free textures that she is giving away this month – right now! Head on over and get yerself one! or twelve! Thanks, Kim!

Kim Klassen Cafe

Rambling Woods
World Bird Wednesday at The Pine River Review
Sweet Shot Tuesday at Life With My 3 Boybarians

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Christmas Cookies – Cream Cheese Walnut

December 4, 2011 by Barb 32 Comments

100% homemade goodness
These are a buttery, rich cookie – yumminess!
Great packaged for gifts
I’ve been a busy little elf, baking, cooking, and decorating. I made these cookies well ahead of time so I not only have some for Christmas, I also packaged a few as small hostess gifts that I can take when we are invited over to join neighbors and friends for Christmas Cheer!
I might have to make another batch because someone has been sneaking into the freezer and these have been disappearing . . .
Happy baking and decorating, everyone!
Cookie recipe and page layout inspired by Martha Stewart
Digital supplies: “Christmas Lights” by Julie Billingsley available at Digital Scrapper
Font: “DJB A Little Help From My Friends” by Darcy Baldwin

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Handmade gifts – Christmas cards!

November 24, 2011 by Barb 8 Comments

I love to make Christmas cards. As well as my computer and printer, I have every little paper crafting gadget there is – stamps, inks, eyelets, brads, ribbons, punches (oh so many punches), embossing tools, paper cutters (3), decorative scissors (dozens) . . . you get the idea . . . oh, and mountains of paper! The strange thing is – I hardly ever send any!! Whaaa? you say? Well, I like to give them as gifts. That way I get triple the pleasure. First I make the cards, then I give a package of four or six cards as a gift to a friend, and then my friend sends them to their friends. Make sense?

Cute little Stampin’ Up stamps (I have a very good friend who sells them).

My own little bird cutout creation.

Delicate lace leaves – I love these!

Love the theme of postage stamps!

Handmade Gifts at Tatertots and Jello
Christmas Card Party at The 36th AVENUE
Nifty Thrifty Sunday at {nifty thrifty things}
Handmade Gifts at Funky Junk Interiors

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Texture Tuesday – the Free and Easy eDition

November 22, 2011 by Barb 25 Comments

I found this bowl at an estate auction many years ago and it has graced my kitchen table for years. In spring it holds fresh fruit, in autumn it holds all kinds of squash and in winter it is filled with ornate decorative brown balls. For Christmas this year I may fill it with some willow balls that I found at Home Sense.

Getting a photo of a bowl of fruit turned out to be quite the challenge for me. Also, I couldn’t decide whether or not to show the side of the bowl that had been ‘mended’ and finally and obviously I did decide to show it.

Now I’m heading over to the Cafe to see what everyone has created. Happy Texture Tuesday!

I used two layers of serendipity and two layers of not too shabby. I also desaturated the photo.

kimklassencafe

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The hermit

November 21, 2011 by Barb 27 Comments

her.mit; [hur-mit]

noun
  1. In modern colloquial usage, the term “hermit” is sometimes used for anyone living a life apart from the rest of society, or who simply does not participate in social events as much as is common, regardless of their motivation in doing so.
  2. A spiced molasses cookie often containing raisins or nuts.

I spent this past weekend hunkered down inside – it was coooold outside! I did go out to try to get a few inspirational shots but my hands were freezing – they actually hurt!

To keep busy I craft and bake. I have so many projects on the go – mostly Christmas stuff, that I’m starting to feel confused. Today I’m going to take a break and go into town to shop around a bit. I also have errands to run. I have not been anywhere since November 14th when I dropped my hubby off at the airport!! That’s a long time even for me, the self-proclaimed recluse.

Don’t be alarmed – it’s not always like this. My social life comes and goes in spurts. I think that since the time changed and darkness arrives at 4:30, the snow fell and the temperatures plummeted I’ve gone into some kind of withdrawal. Well, today is the day I get out of it. I’m going to call a friend.

I don’t want to be like the second bullet point in the hermit definition – a bit nutty . . .

I’m linking up to The Creative Exchange at The Creative Exchange (Lisa Gordon Photography)

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Giveaway winner!!

November 19, 2011 by Barb 3 Comments

Congratulations to Gillian of “Tangled Tree Photography”. You’ve won the “My Memories Suite” software giveaway! I’ll be e-mailing you the code real soon so that you can download the program. Enjoy!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Barb

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Last day for a chance to win!

November 18, 2011 by Barb 2 Comments

Tomorrow morning (Sat) at 8:00 am I will draw for the lucky winner of the “My Memories Suite” software!

I wanted to show you what gorgeous layouts you can create with it. This is a template included with the software. I added the snowflake element, my photo and then my text (ran the spell check first of course!) Easy! And pretty! If you want a chance to win this giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment in my original post right here. Good luck to everyone!

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Shades of white

November 16, 2011 by Barb 24 Comments

I took a walk around the yard this afternoon enjoying what is supposed to be the last decent day for quite a while. We’re supposed to get 7cm of (blowing) snow and cold temperatures overnight. No big news to us, we already have some snow – it is the middle of November, after all. Well, I found some delightful examples of white. First, these fungi? growing on the fallen white poplar, now topped off with a bit of the ‘white stuff’.

how beautiful and fascinating is birch bark?

so pretty

the novelty of snow capped logs will soon wear off

our lakefront today, November 16 . . . it’s amazing how fast that happens

I think I better get out for a walk!

Fabulous Friday at mcdougall Photography
This or That Thursday at Deb Duty Photography
Tina’s Wordless Wednesday at Tina’s PicStory
Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge

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Texture Tuesday the Phoebe eDition

November 15, 2011 by Barb 31 Comments

Things are definitely looking grey (and a little bit white) around here. I can’t help but reflect on this past year of blogging. I started on December 9, 2010. Everything was new. I was just learning how to use my DSLR, and everything I saw was an exciting opportunity for a unique new photo. Now that a winter, spring, summer and autumn have passed and I’m staring down another winter I’m wondering how I’m going to find new inspiration. I have to believe I will even if it means buying that bouquet of flowers rather than searching around my yard on a fresh, warm morning that seems so full of possibilities. I know that new adventures and photo opportunities are waiting, I just have to stay aware of the beauty around me no matter where I am or what the time of year.

I used three layers of ‘Phoebe’ by Kim Klassen (love this one!) Thanks, Kim!

Multiply (desaturated)
Luminosity
Hue
and a vignette

kimklassencafe

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A productive weekend

November 13, 2011 by Barb 15 Comments

I’m  a wee bit late to the “Shades of Autumn” party. But that’s OK. I’ve had quite the productive weekend. It started with a whirlwind cleanup of my house on Friday night. I had craft projects strewn from the kitchen to the basement. I think my hubby was horrified . . . I put away my autumn decorations. I organized two basement storage areas and vacuumed! I went through my Christmas stuff and decided what stays and what goes. I made Nuts and Bolts (recipe to come later). I finished up several blog and Creative Team projects.Then I went outside and disposed of all the frozen pumpkins and plants on my veranda, fashioned my winter pots out of branches, etc. and swept away all the leaves. Ahhh, I was feeling pretty good and relaxed so I went in and grabbed my camera to see what brown things I could capture (not hard this time of year). For this moss photo I was laying down on the “forest” floor on top of rotting logs and leaves, craning my neck sideways and hoping for the best! Don’t you just love these little brown sprouts?

these giant leaves are falling off of a Tower Poplar we planted quite a few years ago – fascinating . . .

the slow demise of our gargantuan puffballs

our shoreline

Today I plan to wash windows even though we’ve had a skiff of snow – it’s now or never I suppose. I may even work on some crafts now that my house is in order. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend too.

Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge

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Remembrance Day

November 11, 2011 by Barb 13 Comments

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians are asked to pause in memory of the thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives in Military Service.

My Father
In 1941 he joined the Service, eventually serving in the RAF as a wireless air gunner. During these years he was stationed in Canada, Bermuda, United Kingdom, and Africa.  Thankfully, my father returned home and lived a full and happy life. He married and helped raise seven children on a small farm in Saskatchewan – he was gentle, kind, and loving.

Today, Remembrance Day commemorates the sacrifices of all men and women who served and are serving in armed conflicts around the world.
Lest We Forget

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Welcome! I'm Barb, and this is where I practice my mantra to "learn something new, try something different". It's my hope that something I do here may inspire you! Read More…

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