Keeping With The Times

living, learning, and keeping with the times

Friday Finds

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

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

friday finds

friday finds

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

friday finds

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

friday finds

Some beautiful light shining into a farmyard.

friday finds

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

friday finds

It was a beautiful week.

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

3 Things

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texture tuesday, kim klassen

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

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

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

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

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com.

kk_cherishscripted

kk_steelish

simplicity word art – Anna Aspnes

 

Follow Your Art

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texture tuesday, kim klassen

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

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

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

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

August-Potting-Bench

 

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

kk_red x2 partly desaturated

This is What I Found

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Clematis-in-Bird-Bath

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

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

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

Misty-Morning

Misty-Morning1

Misty-Morning2

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

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

Misty-Morning3

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

Texture Tuesday

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texture tuesday, kim klassen

… a little note to myself today…

 

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

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

Happy Tuesday!!

 

 

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

kk_jamal, de-saturated, soft light

kk_chaos, soft light

 

Friday Finds

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

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

phonephotography

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

IMG_4178

…but it needed something… like a bird…

IMG_4192

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

Cool, huh?! all dreamy and mystical.

phonephotography

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

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

I have to trust that.

 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

One Thing Leads to Another

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My Friday Find for this week is a roll of rustic cotton “ribbon”.

I was browsing around my favourite country store (shouldn’t have been there…) and spied it almost right away. It stirred something in me. Visions of days gone by flooded my mind. The crafty urge that lurks just below the surface of my being became overwhelming and I convinced myself that I would definitely be able to use it on something, someday. Isn’t it beautiful? Dreamy.DSC_3076

The first thing I did when I got home was rummage around in my (mountains) of scrapbooking supplies that are taking up way too much space in my basement. I looked for papers with similar colours and for some reason, envelopes and tags came to mind. I think because they are easy to make, and at least it would get me going.

friday finds kim klassen

This then led me to my next project… a flower press. I used to have one, but alas, it made it’s way to Goodwill during one of my purging episodes. (More on that next week).

DSC_3077

So what about the ribbon? Have I used it? Most definitely.

 

 

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot Com

LR Preset kk_lettherebelight

My Big Outdoor Studio

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

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

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

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

DSC_3102

Heritage Hollyhock Dinner Plates

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texture tuesday kim klassen

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

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

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

Linking up to Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Summer Breeze

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Peony-Blue-Table-2

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

Peony-Blue-Table

all of the above?

Peony-Blue-Table-1

makes me feel fine

sweet days of summer

the (peony’s) in bloom.

July is dressed up and playing her tune.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer Classes and Challenges

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I’m taking part in several classes and photography challenges this summer. I can’t believe that July is only a few days away… where did May and June go?

I wanted to get everything straight in my head, so I thought I would share my schedule with you (in order of appearance)…

The Phone Photography Project at Big Picture Classes starts on July 1st and runs until August 1st. It looks like a ton of fun! Lots of yummy new apps to try!

summertimeatthelake

Nurture Photography, Summer 2013 is a Photography Challenge from Kristi of Live and Love Out Loud, and Rebecca from Bumbles and Light. It starts July 5th and runs until August 2nd. I find this one a bit challenging, so I’m hoping I can keep up.

Poppy-Rain

From Start to Finish at Kim Klassen dot com. It starts on July 9th, and runs for 8 weeks. I don’t have to say anything to you about Kim… we all know how talented, creative, and generous she is.

scattered

The Art of Blending at Digital Scrapper, taught by Linda Sattgast starts July 10th and runs for 10 weeks.

Linda Sattgast has the most straightforward, precise, and friendly teaching style I’ve ever come across, and you always get good value for your money at Digital Scrapper:

All class materials (videos, manuals, textures, etc.) are downloadable. View the videos on any computer, tablet, or cell phone that has internet. You have “Forever Access” to the classroom materials, so no need to worry about a computer crash or accidentally losing something. You’ll have personal access to Linda Sattgast, Adobe’s Scrapbooking Expert, in the class Gallery and Forum for the 10 weeks of class, so go ahead—ask her any questions you want about blending! The class Forum and Gallery will be available for posting during the 10 weeks of class, and available for viewing (but not posting) after the class ends.

lakeviews

Whew! So there you have it!

I wonder if I’m going to be able to keep up… the lake beckons…

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

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A phone call at 1:08 am is never good, right?

word art, free

I literally had a wake-up call. Not that I need one, because I am always grateful for everything that is good in my life, and grateful for each new day.

But last night I woke up, thinking I had heard the telephone. I’ve done that before, but it has always been a dream (a vivid dream, nonetheless). But just in case, I glanced over at the phone, and it was lit up… omg… it did ring…

It’s 1:08… omg…

Heart pounding furiously, I reached over and turned on the light. Then I leaped over the bed and grabbed the phone and looked at the display. It was my youngest daughter’s cell phone number. Sheer terror gripped my heart. I feel it even now, as I type this.

I grabbed my glasses from the night stand and in the process tipped over a small vase of flowers. I fell to my knees on the floor and hit #1, and then the “talk” button. An eternity passed before I heard her voice. It was small, and weak. Oh, god…

“Mom”, she said, I’m so sorry!, I just got out of bed and stepped on my phone and it dialed your number. I wasn’t sure if it went through, and I didn’t know what to do.

Absolute relief washed over me, and all I could think was “thankyou, thankyou, thankyou“.

After a brief chat, and laugh, we both went back to our beds.

I was a bit shaken up, but I just laid there and thought “thank you” over and over again, like a chant, or a meditation, and it wasn’t long until I drifted back to sleep. And when I woke up this morning, I said it again.

 

 

free word art

 

 

I created some word art to share with you. If you want to see more, check out the Word Art tab at the top of my blog.

All word art is a brush in .abr format, which can be used in both Photoshop Elements, and Photoshop.

Simply click on the graphic above to download. If you have any questions/problems please ask them in the comment section so others can read them and perhaps find help too.

 

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

kk_sybil, and a few LR adjustments

(Vintage) Friday Finds

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My “find” for this week would be a teaspoon.

I’m always on the hunt for vintage silverware, it’s so full of character and makes me think of farmhouses and family meals.  It makes me think of summer, and bridal showers, and other special occasions.

Teaspoon

But I also found the pretty white teacup at Value Village several years ago. I just loved the green and mauve design, and the slightly worn gold edges.Lilacs-Tea2

After I took all my photos, I sat and drank the lovely green tea and admired my garden. It’s doing ultra well this year. We’ve had a lot of rain and there’s more in the forecast.

lilac, tea, garden

Have I mentioned that I love lilacs?

lilacs, tea, garden

And I love my garden.

Garden-Shed

It’s pretty maintenance free, mostly perennials, with a few annuals sprinkled here and there. Right now the anemones are blooming their hearts out.

Anemone

It’s such a rush! Every day a different plant starts to flower. I can hardly keep up. It’s heavenly.

Texture Tuesday, and Positive Thoughts

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Yesterday morning as I was sitting at the computer, I started to feel so uncomfortable. I had the windows open and I could hear the birds singing; the sun was shining and there wasn’t a breath of wind.

It became quite clear that I couldn’t stay inside.
wild strawberry, photoshop, texture, kim klassen texture tuesday

I quickly changed into my work clothes, set my camera by the back door (to grab at a moment’s notice), and sprayed myself with OFF from head to toe… the mosquitoes here are brutal. In fact, there had been one buzzing around my head before I even got out of bed. Gah! I hate that! I managed to fend it off for quite a while, but it eventually got me. I know that because I woke up later with an itchy hand.

Anyway, I spent the morning weeding and fluffing up my flower beds. It always amazes me at how fast the plants grow once they get going, and there are tiny little miracles sprouting and blooming everywhere I look.

I potted up my spicy little herb garden that now sits happily on the deck, and dug up a wild strawberry because it was so cute.

A Hemaris Thysbe, and a Canadian Swallowtail Butterfly were buzzing around. They are here because the lilacs are blooming, and I knew it was only a matter of time before these two creatures would grace our yard.

It was a beautiful morning and I am very thankful for all the good things in my life. As most of you know, Kim Klassen is going through a hard time after learning that her husband has leukemia. He is now in a hospital receiving treatment. The doctors have said they caught it early and he should make a full recovery. In the meantime, I’m sure Kim could use our positive thoughts.

For my image, I used kk_teatime from the “minimay” set.

Friday Finds, and a Little “Find” for You!

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simplicity, simple life, friday finds, kim klassen, barb blookbank

There’s a new meme in town! Friday Finds, hosted by Kim Klassen.

She has invited us to share something that we find each week. It can be anything; from antiques, to flowers, to… whatever!

Magically (it seems), our trees and perennials are starting to bloom, so of course, flowers were an obvious choice. Walking around the yard, I caught a soft, sweet, light scent on the breeze and followed it to our Mayday tree. One quick snip with my shears, and I headed back to the house to look for the perfect vase.

A simple glass jar that had once served as a soap dispenser was hiding under the sink. A perfect “find” don’t you think? I love the cone shape, the small size, and the smooth ridges of glass. Sweet and simple. Love!

After editing the image, and adding texture, etc. it just seemed natural to add a little quote, which I then made into a sweet little graphic. Goodness, when we love doing something we “find” the time, don’t we…

So now, I have a “Friday Find” for you! I’ve made the quote available for you to download! I hope you like it!

 

life-is-really-simple-brush

The word art is a brush in .abr format, which can be used in Photoshop Elements, or Photoshop.

Simply click on the graphic above to download. If you have any questions/problems please ask them in the comment section so others can read them and perhaps find help too.

See you tomorrow at Friday Finds, with Kim Klassen dot com

kk_sybil

Quote by Confucius

Texture Tuesday, and a Bit of Rambling

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texture tuesday, textures

Today is the day I am going to sit here at the computer and get some work done! I am woefully behind on a project that is supposed to be submitted on June 1st, and I don’t even know what I’m going to create… aaackk…

But first, I had to play TT. I took this shot while driving home from Saskatchewan. We had crossed the border and were already in Alberta, but this iconic building could be anywhere on the prairies.

I took it with my phone (can’t remember what app I used) but then I added three layers of kk_1402 on colour burn. I added a linear burn to the sky and added a Gaussian blur.

OK, gotta run!! I am going to join Kim Klassen in an Adobe Connect Meeting. Woot! how fun! I just checked in and Kim’s just setting up! Perhaps I will see you over there?

 

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Black and White with a Touch of Colour

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kim klassen, texture tuesday, black and white photography, adobe photoshop, cs6, liightroom

My favourite day! Texture Tuesday!! Today everyone voted on a subject and Black and White with a Touch of Colour was the winner.

I’m “grandparenting” this week, so I’m at my daughter’s home. As I lay in bed this morning (briefly, I might add, since little ones were soon joining me), I kept looking at this North-facing window with the white curtains. Creative thoughts started to flow.

After breakfast, when the two oldest were off to school, and the 3 year old had had breakfast, my mind turned to TT.

I thought about the lovely sedum that I got for Mother’s Day and went around the house looking for props. A lovely pot, a white table, and an off-white ball seemed to be the perfect combination. It’s a simple scene but that’s what works for me.

Even though there are technically four items, I see three, since the plant and the pot become one. And odd numbers are always a safe bet when designing anything.

I used a technique that Kim taught us using gradients to reveal some colour in the plant. Then I brushed away some of the gradient on the ball to reveal a slight, slight, bit of green to support the theme.

Lastly, one layer of kk_3003 on soft light was the final touch.

I’m totally crushing on this… it’s amazing what a fresh perspective can do.

Well, I gotta go! It’s time to play Hungry Hippo!

 

 

 Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com.

Beyond Inspiration – Day 14

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kim klassen, beyond, b2b, texture

The lesson in B2B for Day 14 (or should I say one of the lessons) was on how to stretch your canvas and add words to the side of your image.

I have to say that I really like this format. I had a bit of trouble coming up with a good quote but mostly I didn’t sweat it.

When I saw this little spray of flowers at Safeway, my heart jumped. Such a tiny thing. Surrounded by dozens of colourful roses for Mother’s Day, and I pick these.

I adore them. And I adore the potting bench they are sitting on. I’m afraid you are going to be seeing a lot of that bench this summer. I’ll tell you all about it later… I must get to work on my dinner party. EEK, what am I doing sitting here??!!

Have a wonderful, amazing Mother’s Day weekend, everyone!

 

kk_3003 (my newest absolutely favourite texture) by Kim Klassen

 

Texture Tuesday with Kim Klassen

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kim klassen, texture tuesday, hydrangeas,

Hello everyone, hope you are well.

I have been so absent as of late. But I’m not going to bore you with all my excuses. I will say that I thought I had better get a post up before I forget how to do it.

Texture Tuesday seems to be my lifeline. It’s one of the things I love to participate in and I usually try to come up with something. It takes me to a place that I wish I could be all the time; simply creating because I love it.

I picked up this glorious hydrangea the other day. It’s just one bloom in a tiny pot. One perfect little bloom. I love it.

Our world is warming up and things are turning the tiniest bit green. As I drove home from town yesterday, I could see that all the willow catkins were bursting out and seemed to be glowing in the late afternoon sunlight. I’m going to pick a bunch this afternoon and take my time arranging them. I am so looking forward to that.

The ice on our lake has finally vanished and that is cause for major excitement around here. We have a little group that places bets on when it will go ($100.00, and you’re in). Hubby didn’t win this time, but that’s OK. We just want to get our dock assembled, and our boat in the water. And we’re hoping for another wonderful summer spent with family and friends.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

For my image today, I used one layer of kk_3003 on soft light. Kim wanted our image to POP, so I bumped up the saturation on the hydrangea and softened the background. Check it out at Texture Tuesday!

Pansies, Greenhouses, and the Smell of Spring

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pansy, garden quote, kim klassen, barb brookbank, texture, texture tuesday

Yesterday it snowed. Lots. It was actually a mini-blizzard.

As I sat at the computer trying to work, my mind kept wandering. Something was calling to me… something bright, warm, and filled with flowers.

I knew what I had to do. I had to finish up a draft of my next tutorial and send it off to be approved. Then I would have to wait, wouldn’t I? The person who approves it is halfway across the world in Australia and was probably still asleep. This would give me a few hours where I could do whatever I wanted… so off I went…

the big, greenhouse

 ah, yes… welcome, indeed

I spent about an hour walking up and down the aisles, dreaming and scheming. When I looked around at other people, they all had a hint of a smile on their face. The saleswoman was wearing a tank top! Oh, now doesn’t she have the best job in the world!? And the smell… the smell of soil after a rain… gah, it gave me shivers…

It’s too early to buy anything for the garden, but I could indulge in one little pot of sweet smelling pansies. It’s now sitting on a rough little wooden bench in my kitchen where the sun pours in all afternoon.

After I left the greenhouse, I headed to my favourite junque shop and stocked up on… (oops, that’s for another post).

I’m joining in on the fun at Texture Tuesday with Kim Klassen. Today we were to use any of Kim’s textures and add some wise words. Well, I’m not so wise, but I loved the quote.

Credits:

Kim Klassen: Textures kk_3003_2, kk_3003_1
Anna Aspnes: background paper, masks, brushwork, envelope, loop-da-loops
Beads: Amanda Taylor
Vintage Typewriter

 

Simplicity

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picsplay, desert marigold, kim klassen, texture

As I have said before “I need flowers”. However, our holidays are quickly coming to an end and I didn’t want to spend any money on a bouquet that I was going to have to either give away, or (heaven forbid!) throw away. So off I went in search of wildflowers. These charming Desert Marigolds are growing on the roadsides all over Fountain Hills and I didn’t think it would be a problem if I snipped a few and brought them in to grace our humble abode.

This morning I set them on the little antique chest that has become our coffee table. I love it’s rough texture and peeling paint and the fact that at a certain time the sun streams in and hits it on the corner, creating a perfect sunbeam. No fake Photoshop sunbeam here (although I am not above that).

I snapped the photo with my iPhone and took it into #PicsPlay where I added a filter and the text. Then I added one layer of kk_subtlyyours by Kim Klassen.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful Thursday!! Yes, yes, I’m late to the party! :)

My apologies for re-posting this… there were some error messages with the first one and I’m trying to figure out what it was. Thanks so much for your patience. I saved all the comments from the previous post (I treasure and appreciate all of them).

I Dream of Flowers

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tulips, spring

Last week, as I prepared for the Easter weekend, I indulged myself once again and bought some flowers.

These tulips were tightly closed but I could see a hint of green mixed in with the pink petals.

Tulips-Pink-Frilly1

They were irresistible.

I could tell that the flowers were going to be frilly, and before I knew it I had put two bunches in my cart.

Tulips-Pink-Frilly3

I did a bit of research on double tulips and read that they are sometimes referred to as peony tulips. I can certainly see why. These remind me of the pink peonies that grace my garden around the beginning of July… am I dreaming? Umm, yes. But what a wonderful dream.

Tulips-Pink-Frilly4

A tulip doesn’t strive to impress anyone.

It doesn’t struggle to be different than a rose.

It doesn’t have to.

It is different.

And there’s room in the garden for every flower”

Marianne Williamson.

 

Texture Tuesday

 

Texture:

kk_sybil

Going a Different Direction

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barb brookbank, kim klassen, anna aspnes,

I just can’t get over the twisting and turning of this hyacinth.

When I bought this plant, it was about 5 inches tall and very compact. I wondered if the flowers would even open up because the blooms were so small and tight.

But what did I know? This hyacinth is just doing what hyacinths do best and it’s happy about it.

I’m inspired.

 

 

Texture: kk_edith by Kim Klassen

Word Art, papers: Anna Aspnes

Go Your Own Way

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Hover your mouse over this image to see the “before” photo

I am loving the way this hyacinth is behaving. Very unruly, wouldn’t you say?

Do you ever struggle with what your blog is about?

Some days I act like a food blogger, some days I act like a diy and home decor blogger, and some days I act like a photography blogger, and then I’m an art blogger, and on and on…

My “other” life revolves around Photoshop and scrapbooking, which I don’t feel comfortable sharing here. Not just because of privacy, but because I don’t think this is the right audience for it.

I’ve slowly been categorizing my blog posts so that I can take advantage of the drop-down menu here in WordPress. I think that’s what has me wondering about all of this. I look at a post and think “what the …. is this about?”

I’m having blog angst…

Thank you for dropping by, and please join the fun over at the cafe today!

 Textures:

kk_1402, kk_sybil by Kim Klassen

I Must Have Flowers and Cameras

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This winter I’ve tried to pick up a bouquet or a pot of flowers every couple of weeks. They certainly are a mood booster as well as a great motivation to get my camera out.

daffodil, flower, bulbs

I was so drawn to this pot of daffodils. The flowers with their sunny faces, the lush green leaves, and the textured bulbs were a balm to my winter weary eyes.

daffodil

Spring is around the corner (I’m sure) but in the meantime I’m happy to have these simple delights.

daffodil

As I was photographing these, I noticed yet another speck of something on the sensor in my camera. I’ve been meaning to take it to the “shop” to get it cleaned but I haven’t gotten around to it. Lightroom and Photoshop make it easy to avoid such inconveniences.

But now I’m dreaming of a new camera and I’ve been digging around the Nikon site and formulating a list and a plan…

I remember when I bought my Nikon D3000. I didn’t have a single clue how to use it – not a clue. But I took several classes and practice and practiced and practiced. It wasn’t too long before I was out of auto mode and into manual. Buying that camera was one of the best purchases I have ever made, but something tells me that it’s time to move on… and I’m listening.

Seashells and Soap

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seashell art, instagram

I’ve become fascinated with this “from above” photography.

I find it mysterious. What’s the story here? A handful of seashells, a little sachet of dried lavender, handmade soap, and flowers…

As a matter of fact each item does have a story but that story is most likely meaningful only to me. And yet, when I look at these little vignettes made by strangers, I have the feeling that I’m getting a tiny glimpse into their life and I wonder what it all means. And that’s where I want to be left… wondering.

 

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen Cafe

Texture Tuesday

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I added the link to this post to the Be Still 52 class even though it’s over a year old. I just really liked it and thought it fit perfectly with the class. I’m working on a new one which I hope to post soon. Thanks for understanding!

Inspiration has been coming at me from all directions lately.

This week’s TT theme is “Free and Easy”. Anything goes as long as you use at least one of Kim’s textures.

In the 2B class, our assignment was to create a photo “from above” and Kim hinted that phones would be a great way to capture one of these. But I kinda thought I would use my DSLR until she mentioned the part about falling off a chair when using big cameras. I know she is right because I’ve been there…

So here’s my creation for the combined TT and 2B assignments.

Traces

pics play pro, instagram, from above

Today as I was going through my mother’s sewing basket (as I have done many times) it felt so different. I think it was because I was really looking. I wanted to create a vignette for this exercise and I had to choose my items carefully. After I took my photo and processed it I was quite moved by this poignant scene.

Traces left behind by loved ones.

Tiny spools of thread, and thread wrapped tightly around pins. An unfinished sewing project (a hot pad). And those scissors… my mom was very territorial about all of her scissors (and consequently, so am I). Thimbles, needles and little parcels of (salvaged) hemming tape. And ever so heartbreaking… the cigarette (butt) filter. She used it as a pincushion.

Textures:

kk_1402

kk_1402 magic

Finding Light on a Winter Day

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texture, photoshop, photography, kim klassen

Today I was inspired to work on an “assignment” for the 2B class. Kim shared a beautiful and informative post with us this week. There were many different subjects – so many that I think it’s going to take me at least a week to digest it all! Oh, thank you, Kim, for all the inspiration.

I went in search of light on this grey, February day. It’s not really to hard to find light in my house – actually, sometimes it’s blinding. But the trick is to find soft, white, diffused light. Quite often I head to my basement (weird, huh?) where I have an antique white Hoosier cabinet. There is a rather large south-facing window to the right of it.

I set up my little vignette – pink carnations in a cream vase sitting on top of two of my favourite Somerset magazines and I liked what I saw. But I couldn’t get it quite right until I set one flower on the books and zoomed in. That’s when I felt the little burst of excitement – I recognize it now – it means something I’m doing is working…

I used my 40mm fixed lens. Settings: 1/6s, f4.5

Then I took my photo into LR, cropped it and applied the lovely preset that Kim gave us – I was astounded! Never could I have done that myself! Next, I took it into Photoshop and played around with gradients and levels. I ended up discarding them and I simply used kk_sybil on soft light. Dreamy.

I guess this will qualify for tomorrow’s Texture Tuesday where the theme is “Like a Dream” where we are to use soft gentle, whispery photos.

Sweet Dreams – see you in the morning.

Only Dreaming

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texture tuesday, lilacs

 

February 19th. Up north here we are in the grips of winter. Spring arrives on March 20th. That is not to say that on March 20th we will wake up and the trees will be budding, birds will be singing and we’ll be running around in shorts and t-shirts. Most likely there will be a snowstorm.

So this morning I went into my archives and stared lovingly at all my flower photos. These beauties are at least 3 months away…  but dreams can happen at any time and dreaming is what I am doing.

Today is Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen Cafe. The only requirement is that we use one of the textures from the Downton collection. I chose kk_cora on soft light, white oak on soft light, and sheet music on darker. I played around with the opacity of each layer until I was happy.

Speaking of Downton – we’re catching up on the third season – I’m not going to discuss it because I know others are still catching up too. Wish I could talk….

One more thing – I just found out that one of my recipes has been accepted to Food Gawker!!!! Oh Happy Day! I’ve only been rejected a hundred times… It’s my Roasted Sugar Pumpkin Soup – it will appear sometime today – do check it out!

Here’s my texture recipe (oh, yes, and that sweet font is “I Love What You Do”)

lilac recipe