Keeping With The Times

living, learning, and keeping with the times

I Found Some Time!

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Oh my gosh, I found so many things this week! First of all,  I found some time!

With a winter storm raging outside, I’ve been forced to hunker down inside, and I’ve made the most of it.

After organizing and cleaning house, I sat down and finished writing my tutorial for Digital Scrapper, and then I recorded the first version! Woot!  I still have lots to do, but I should be finished it this weekend, which means I won’t be stressing about it before Christmas … so.very.good.

I’ve been able to catch up on a few Be Still lessons, and today I present my “butter and eggs” … what a lovely relaxing afternoon … (hazelnut and cream cheese cookies are coming soon to a blog near you).
Butter and Eggs, Friday Finds, Keeping With the Times

I found brown eggs, which I feel guilty buying, but the photographer in me can’t help it …

Butter and Eggs, Friday Finds, Keeping With the Times

An earlier find would be my chippy white bead board mirror/coat rack which I’ve been using in almost all my shots lately. I am so glad I didn’t let this one go …

Butter and Eggs, Friday Finds, Keeping With the Times

I also found that I can’t decide what type of processing I like best … I like the natural true-to-life versions, and then I see this one processed with Kim’s kk_gentle … oh, my …

Butter and Eggs, Friday Finds, Keeping With the Times

And here are five more finds for me this week:

  • a new MacBook Pro (squeeeee)
  • the realization that that was just the start … next comes a new external drive, a backup drive, what about a mouse … keyboard … yikes …
  • it was an easy, no-hassle experience to download Creative Cloud, CC2014, LR5, and Bridge CC for the Mac (easier than it was for my PC)
  • my IG photo was a “pick” for the new #mystillsundaycompetition by Kim (so honoured!)
  • that I’m fortunate to have enough food to eat, and a warm place to stay (going to be making donations to the food bank and Salvation Army right now) (done)

Today I’m going to find some time to go out and capture the beautiful winter wonderland that we’ve suddenly found ourselves in. We’re literally buried under more than 30cm …

Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful weekend!

Kim Klassen dot com

Chamomile Citron Potpourri Tea

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What a wonderful feeling to come home to a cup of chamomile citron potpourri tea after a day of running errands!

On Tuesday I did a Costco run, and then made a quick stop at a grocery store for the rest of my shopping. I like to get home before dark at this time of year since the roads can be a bit icy, and visibility can always be a problem as well. So, as I let my tea steep and unpacked my groceries in the fading light, I was feeling pretty pleased with myself. The pantry was stocked, I had all my Christmas baking supplies, and there was a winter storm watch in effect. How cozy did I feel?!

When I brought out my favourite tea cup and saucer, an overwhelming urge to take a photo came over me … strange right? I’m kidding of course … I wanted to document how grateful I felt and then I posted it on Instagram.

Fast forward to today, and the Be Still class. After watching the video, I was struck by how I’d already done the lesson when I took my tea photo! So I decided to redo it with my big girl camera. I didn’t do a lot of editing since I wanted to leave the colours as true as possible.

chamomile citron potpourri

I adore this tea cup and saucer. It’s part of a set of Denby dishes I bought over 20 years ago. Yikes! can that be true? It has certainly stood the test of time in terms of aesthetics. The grey-green tones with brown speckles, the warm creamy colour of the inside of the cups, the simple lines, and the minimalist design is timeless. I’ve always loved it.

I’m also a minimalist when it comes to blogging, so I’ll save the rest of the series for another day …

No Wait!! here’s one more … I couldn’t resist a little LR preset play (kk_gentle) sigh …

chamomile citron potpourri2

kk_darklight:

chamomile citron potpourri3

Kim talked about reflections and to notice them … I’m one that really loves them for some reason.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends!!

“Be

Dolgo Crabapple “Find”

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Finding these beautiful Dolgo crabapples has been a highlight of my autumn preserving ritual. When making jelly, you won’t find a more beautiful, red, jewel-like result.

Earlier in the summer, I kind of “stumbled” upon the trees in a Superstore parking lot! At the time I didn’t know what they were, but every time I filled up with fuel, my eyes were drawn to the “berries” that were forming on them.

I assumed the trees must be some kind of ornamental variety … why would there be crabapple trees in a parking lot?

dolgo crabapple, keeping with the times

Yesterday, I was simply driving by and I couldn’t believe how loaded the trees were. I actually made a u-turn, headed back, and stopped to pick one of the fruits. I could smell the most wonderful “apple” scent and I knew right away. These were the real deal. Whoa … how could I walk away … well, obviously I couldn’t.

dolgo crabapple, keeping with the times,

I went back to my car, grabbed bag, walked up to the trees, and started picking. I didn’t look at anyone, in fact I kind of tried to hide behind the branches. It was one of those moments where, as a child you think “if I can’t see you, you can’t see me.”

dolgo crabapple, keeping with the times

At first I thought I’d just pick a few … enough to take some photos … but who was I kidding? I could not stop until I knew I had enough for one batch of jelly, at least.

dolgo_crabapple02

I rushed home and started cooking them right away. Oh the house smelled divine, absolutely divine. And the jelly is red, shimmery, tart and tasty. Oh yumm …

So guess what I did? I went back and picked some more. Now that is chutzpah! but wait until you see the jelly …

Go here if you want to check out a good article on the Dolgo crabapple.

These images are also for the Be Still 52 class where the prompt is “Organic”. I love this prompt … so full of possibilities (especially at this time of year) and I do have another “Organic” theme on the way …

Have you signed up for my newsletter? I’d love to be able to send you a happy note about once a week! Many, many thanks to those of you who already have!

 

Organic Photography

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This week in Be Still 52, Kim showed us how to create organic photography that is both earthy and moody, and she so very kindly provided us with the perfect LR preset to help us in our quest.

I’d been planning on baking up some zucchini or carrot bread, and I had some brown eggs … hmmmm … I never buy brown eggs, but last week, for some unknown reason, my hands picked them out of the grocers refrigerator, propelled by some strange force … the compulsive photographers force, perhaps?

Organic Photo Shoot

Organic Photo Shoot

I’m certainly a novice at this type of photography, but I find that I really love the style. So, for inspiration, I’ve created a Dark, Moody Food Photography board on Pinterest. I’ll be adding lots more to it in the days ahead.

But the really incredible news for me is that I created this completely in LR! OMG – I never thought I’d see the day. But with Kim’s wonderful and timely help, I did it. I can’t thank her enough.

Now I’m off to bake that zucchini/carrot bread! Oh, but first! Check out my newest venture – my newsletter! I sent my first one out on Tuesday and I received some pretty positive feedback – it’s like me, writing a note to friends … sign-up form on sidebar …

Joining in tomorrow at Friday Finds.

Square White Space

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Good Monday Morning! What are you having for breakfast?Bowl of Cherries

I’m having white space.

One of our challenges in the Be Still 52 class was to create a still life around a spoon. Once again my love for clean, minimal, and white kicked in.

I took this with my DSLR and I have to tell you that it’s becoming more and more difficult for me to set up for a square image. I’ve become so used to my phone which makes it a breeze because of the option to take a square shot to start with.

So here I first set everything on a 12×12 inch piece of scrapbook paper and then removed it when I was ready to shoot. That helped but it wasn’t perfect. I still had to crop and straighten. Then I had to lighten, brighten, dodge and burn. Oh well, it turned out in the end and I achieved what I was going for.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

Light and Airy Wildflower Bouquet

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It’s full-on summer here and I have wildflower fever.

I’m constantly scouring ditches and fields for pretty wildflowers and this year with all the rain and warm temperatures there is no shortage of material.Light and Airy Wildflower Bouquet

DSC_0375-copy

Light and Airy Wildflower Bouquet

On Sunday I threw on my sunhat, grabbed some shears and a pail of water, and and joyfully hit the road in search of treasures. I’d seen a vision and I was on a mission.

First of all I clipped a whole clump of purple vetch. It’s a must to put it into a pail of water immediately or it’s not going to make it. It wilts extremely fast and has a hard time recovering (if ever does at all). Most wildflowers (weeds) are like that – they need water asap. After I had gathered everything, I let it sit in water overnight (outside and out of sunlight.) The next day in the cool of the morning, I arranged my bouquet.

  • re-trim ends of all flowers
  • fill a vase with fresh cold water (I used a plastic cup inside this old cream can)
  • cut the cow parsley short and into single florets, and cluster them in the centre of the bouquet
  • strip most of the leaves off of the fire weed and place three of them for height
  • let the purple vetch do what it does best—spill out over the edge and fall over
  • add a bit of white yarrow for fill, keeping it close to the cow parsley
  • keep the bouquet out of the sun and change the water daily

So here’s what I used:

  • fire weed
  • purple vetch, white vetch
  • cow parsley
  • white yarrow
  • purple or white clover would have worked beautifully as well

Thanks for stopping by!

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!

“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

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%

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”

 

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!

kk_rainyday

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!