landscape Archives - Keeping With The Times

Stumbling Blocks (and why I became afraid)

March 25, 2018 by Barb 12 Comments

Stumbling blocks (and why I became afraid)

stum·bling block:
noun; a circumstance that causes difficulty or hesitation
synonyms: obstacle, difficulty, problem, hindrance, snag

About a year ago my blogging mojo took a huge dive (in case you hadn’t noticed) and I’ve been puzzling over it ever since. As time went on and no posts were forthcoming, it became harder and harder to show up in this space. I felt empty, depleted.

The good news is I didn’t lose interest in my photography, but Instagram took over my life. Instagram became the perfect microblogging outlet, which in turn, contributed to the lack of posting here.

So to be honest with you my readers, I thought I’d share a few insights as to what has prevented me from blogging (beginning last June)

loss of a family member
minor health issues
blog issues
losing my IT guy and not being able to find another one (my behind-the-scenes blog issues are messy! and I hate that)
SEO pressures … always, always, trying to optimize for Google is exhausting
a few unsubscribes from my newsletter
feeling overwhelmed by other blogs which I deemed were better/more interesting than mine
not knowing what to write about that could possibly be different, and/or interesting
after at least one incident last autumn, I became fearful of people stealing images and content in ways I couldn’t challenge (this is a big one for me)
Instagram is easier and more engaged :(

So there you have it dear friends. I don’t know what I’m going to do about it, but clearly I’m not ready to let my little blog go. A few of my “stumbling blocks” have been resolved (thankfully) and I do feel slightly more inspired these days. So here’s hoping!

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Winter Whites Along the Fence

December 6, 2016 by Barb 1 Comment

the world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper
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This winter I plan to see the magic in our county and bring it to my blog. I’ve already learned (no confirmed) how much I love white space … it’s a good thing, since I have until the end of April to capture it :)

Winter Whites

November 22, 2016 by Barb 6 Comments

“Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.”
Coco Chanel, Chanel

Yesterday as I was heading out to do some shopping I decided to stop at one of my favourite “lookouts” to take a few photos. After I took about a dozen shots I decided they were all a bit “meh” and I carried on into town.

However, on my way home I noticed hoar frost was forming on a few trees so I went back to my little “lookout” and oh.my.oh.my…

I guess I should stop whining about the lack of sunlight around here.

So grateful for my neighbourhood, it never ceases to amaze me and inspire me.

My apologies for the copyright … I’m planning on turning this one into a print :)

#NaBloPoMo

Explore Magazine Feature

July 20, 2016 by Barb 7 Comments

I was pretty chuffed to find one of my blog posts was referenced in Explore Magazine’s Alberta’s 25 Best Hikes. It’s for a post I wrote last year on Sunwapta Falls and Old Man Mountain. You have to scroll down a bit to find the article (it’s #5) and the link to my blog, but it’s there! I mean … who would have thought ;)

… and in case you don’t know what Explore Magazine is …

Founded in 1981, explore is the award-winning national lifestyle magazine that delivers the information and inspiration that active outdoor-loving Canadians want-or more accurately, can’t do without.

Explore Magazine Feature, Keeping With the Times

*with permission

This seemingly small “nod” has done a couple things for me.

First, I’m so happy I took the time to document our trip last year. This blog is my life’s journal but to be recognized by a magazine adds an extra element of excitement and it has encouraged me to share more of our travels. I do share some, but often I let it lapse, thinking “who cares” (blog fatigue.)

Secondly, I’m determined to keep improving my photography. When I went back and looked at my post, I was relieved to see that my photos were pretty darn good! I’d taken the time to look for interesting angles and small details, sharing only my best shots. So thank you Explore Magazine for the pat on the back, and the encouragement to keep blogging!

If you’re interested in our complete trip, check out my post Our Canadian Rockies Getaway and follow the links.

Mount Lemmon AZ, Ski Valley Autumn Colour

November 14, 2015 by Barb 3 Comments

Welcome to Part II of my Catalina Highway, Mount Lemmon Trip Review!

If you like, you can read part I here.

As we headed further up the Catalina Highway, we started to feel hopeful as small pockets of yellow started to peek through the pines.

These are just teasers!
And then, goodness me … yes! How amazing are these carved tree trunks! At first I was dismayed at the damage, but then I began to think otherwise, what do you think? Check out the beautiful sunlight, peeking through brilliant yellows leaves against an impossibly blue sky. Sigh.I was thrilled to see oak … I don’t have access to many of these beauties.

and then …stunning maples … . I may have gasped. At the top …It’s so beautiful!

I know, it was a serious photo dump ;) but I hope you’ve enjoyed it!

If you’re thinking of taking this trip, this may be a good place to do a bit of research: Sky Island Parkway .

Thank you for stopping by and have an awesome day!

Day 14 #nablopomo

Autumn in Alberta II

October 6, 2015 by Barb 4 Comments

Autumn in Alberta II … because it’s just so amazingly gorgeous out there and I want to remember it … one of the reasons I continue to blog.

The wood pile photos were taken a few weeks ago as we started the preparations. We ordered a full cord of birch which will probably last us three years! Hubby stacked it all … I begged off because of a bad back, and sore knees, etc. etc. etc.

Most of my Upcycled Toolbox Planter is going to have to hit the compost heap … I simply cannot save everything (that succulent in the middle being an exception).
I dropped everything and took a walk …
If you click on the following photo you will be taken to my new IG account @barbbrookbank where you can watch the leaves fall, and listen to the sound as a light breeze blows through them …
Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Emerald Lake, British Columbia

September 19, 2015 by Barb 6 Comments

The whole trip was amazing, but our final destination was Emerald Lake, B.C. … what words could I possibly add to this …
View of the cabins …
The following photo shows where an avalanche occurs almost every year …
There is the main lodge Emerald Lake Lodge for dining and warming up by a fire, but our accommodations were an amazing little cabin with no tv, no internet, and no cell service. It was like we were on another planet and was so cozy. Every time we walked up to it, I affectionately referred to it as our little Hobbit Hole … yes … right on the lake.
Looking through a window from the main lodge … goodness, I love B.C. These pots reminded me of some kind of hanging bamboo …… our room!
breakfast is served … From the canoe …

I know … serious photo dump, and I still have more. We walked around the lake and I have a ton of mossy mushroom shots to share … but I’ll leave that for next week :) but, here’s a bit of top-down faffoolery with the flora and fauna I foraged:

Lake Annette, Jasper National Park

September 14, 2015 by Barb 4 Comments

After we explored Maligne Canyon, we stopped at Lake Annette (and Lake Edith … which I didn’t get a photo of … eek.) (This is Part III of our Canadian Rockies Getaway.)

Both are beautiful. Lake Edith seemed a bit rougher with private homes nestled in the trees (can you imagine?)

Lake Annette is smoother, calmer, and great for swimming, which is a bit of a rare find in Jasper due to the fact that most lakes are fed by glaciers (including Annette) … brrrr …

So, whoah … get a load of this guy … ;)

… sorry about the butt end but it was all he was going to show me on this particular afternoon and I was hiding behind a sign, using my telephoto lens … this guy was daunting …

The elk or wapiti is one of the largest species within the Cervidae or deer family in the world, and one of the largest land mammals in North America and eastern Asia

He had a few ladies on standby …

Some people were standing so close to these animals, trying to get a shot with their phone (please do.not.do.that.)

I was talking to a ranger later in the day, and she told me that of all the animals in the park, elk are the ones she fears the most … she’s seen the injuries that have been inflicted by a seriously annoyed male.

This is where I slowly walked to the left and hid behind a Parks Canada sign …

See Highway 93A for part V

Maligne Canyon

September 12, 2015 by Barb 9 Comments

Maligne Canyon … part II of our Canadian Rockies Getaway.

Maligne Canyon is a natural feature located in the Jasper National Park near Jasper, Alberta, Canada. Eroded out of the Palliser Formation, the canyon measures over 50 metres deep.

Parks Canada has developed a self-guided interpretative trail along the canyon with signs describing the geological history of the area. There are four bridges across the gorge, each with its own special view. A short hiking loop tours the upper reaches of the canyon, while a longer trail follows the gorge and exits at a fifth and sixth bridge lower down.

Parks Canada

We crossed bridges 1 – 3 and regretted missing bridge number 4. We later drove to bridges 5 and 6. The whole hike was more than we wanted to take on … however we both decided it would be doable if we were prepared (this is what happens when you reach a certain age … you get very cautious … or perhaps you realize your limitations.)

Canadian Rocky Mountains, Maligne Canyon, Keeping With the Times

Maligne Canyon, Jasper National Park

Even though we’ve visited Maligne Canyon a few times, it just never gets old.

See Athabasca Falls for Part III

Our Canadian Rockies Getaway Part I

September 10, 2015 by Barb 14 Comments

The Canadian Rockies mountain range spans the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. With jagged, ice-capped peaks, including 3,954m Mt. Robson, it’s a region of dramatic wilderness, alpine lakes, diverse wildlife and many outdoor recreation sites. National parks include Yoho, home to Takakkaw waterfall, dropping a sheer 302m, Jasper, famed for its Athabasca Glacier, and Banff, site of glacier-fed Lake Louise.

My husband and I have lived most of our married life in Alberta, and every time we take a trip through the Canadian Rockies we are blown away by the beauty and majesty of it all.

This trip was a late 40th wedding anniversary celebration (we’re almost at 41 now), and it was pretty memorable.

We left early on September 4th, headed to Jasper National Park, where we stayed for two nights at Becker’s Roaring River Chalets, just off the Icefields Parkway and adjacent to the Athabasca River.

View from the dining room. Mount Kerkeslin in the background.

The chalets were warm, comfortable, and clean. The food in the dining room was pure deliciousness … and I know good food!

Canadian Rockies, Becker's Chalet, Athabasca River

Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park, Becker’s Chalets

We were in for a bit of a surprise when we discovered the Tour of Alberta was scheduled to go right past our chalets!

We waited …

… and waited …

… finally they appeared … and we were just mere metres from the riders!

It was quite the exhilarating sight … they were escorted by countless RCMP vehicles, event organizers, and marshals …

… 30 seconds later, they were gone!
what a blast!

OK … wait … don’t go! Check out the Tour of Alberta, Rocky Mountain (Bighorn) Sheep Style:

See Maligne Canyon for Part II.

Sturgeon Lake

June 4, 2015 by Barb 8 Comments

I accompanied the hubs on a business trip to Grande Prairie this week, and what a breath of fresh air it was! Although my favourite place to be is home, it felt great to be out and about.

On the way back I realized I had not taken one single photo, so when we took a detour to Sturgeon Lake I quickly remedied that!

No one was around and the gulls were owning this place … you can’t see them, but there were hundreds swirling around that little island, and there was quite a cacophony of screams and cries.

bokehlicious …

We were only there for a few minutes but it was enough for me to realize that I need to document our life a bit more.
We also stopped in Mayerthorpe to pay our respects to The Fallen Four.

Spring 2015

Country Roads and Friday Finds

July 18, 2014 by Barb 20 Comments

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

So orderly.

So tidy.

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

I could smell freshly cut lawn and clover.

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

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

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

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

… seriously?

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

OK. Goodnight! I’ll leave you alone.

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

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

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

Upper Antelope Canyon

May 15, 2014 by Barb 13 Comments

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

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

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

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

antelope canyon, keeping with the times

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

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

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Caution: photo dump …

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

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

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

antelope canyon, arizona, keeping with the times

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

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

Autumn Yellows, Going, Going…

October 16, 2013 by Barb 7 Comments

Yesterday, as I was driving back to my country home, I stopped for a coffee at Tim Hortons. The sun was up, but still low on the horizon and it made these poplars glow. Poplar-Trunk-Leaves

Our autumn displays are fast coming to a close. Most trees have lost their leaves and the landscape is starting to look a bit bleak.

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Hard to believe when you see this, right?

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But it’s true, and I’m soon going to have to see the beauty in stark bare branches. And beauty is everywhere, you just have to see it, right?

Yellow, Yellow, Everywhere

October 11, 2013 by Barb 21 Comments

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This past week I spent one full day at our country home soaking up our autumn colours and taking photos. I felt guilty, but this beauty is so fleeting that I knew I would regret it if I didn’t. Now, as I sit here this morning in my city home, I absolutely know I did the right thing.

I’m looking forward to getting together with family this weekend. It’s Thanksgiving here in Canada, and I see a turkey in our future.

I hope you have a lovely weekend too!

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Country Mouse, City Mouse

September 9, 2013 by Barb 12 Comments

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

The country mouse takes walks along roads where the dew on the grass sparkles like jewels.
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On one of my walks last week, we were chatting up a storm when I commented that is was so humid out… and just look at that dew on the grass…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Early Morning Sights and Sounds

August 8, 2013 by Barb 8 Comments

Early Morning A Morning at the Lake

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

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

Anyhow, back to my adventures with WordPress and HostGator.

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

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

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

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

Nurture Photography – Gold

July 14, 2013 by Barb 11 Comments

Nurture Photography - Gold

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

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

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

for·tu·i·tous

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

Synonyms accidental – random – incidental – casual – chance

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

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

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Nurture Photogaphy: Gold

Nurture Photography – Blue

July 6, 2013 by Barb 7 Comments

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

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

Nurture-Photography-Blue

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

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

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

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

The Grand Canyon–The Final Episode

April 12, 2013 by Barb 13 Comments

Our second morning dawned clear, bright, and cold. We were pretty relieved and couldn’t wait to get out and explore.

After a quick breakfast we headed out and spent the next several hours walking along the rim. Alert: photo overload!
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As you can tell, I was pretty impressed with this surreal, natural wonder.

If you ever get the chance… no wait! don’t leave it to chance–make it happen–visit the Grand Canyon!!

The Grand Canyon Continues

April 11, 2013 by Barb 7 Comments

Just a few more snowy vistas before we move along. Grand Canyon-web04DSC_0159

The sun stayed out for about an hour and we were able to enjoy the gorgeousness of the forest…

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I didn’t want to stand there with hubby so I offered to take his photo…

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Finally, the Grand Canyon. Photos cannot capture it. Words cannot describe it.

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But us photographers try.

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National Geographic writes “the road to the Grand Canyon from the south crosses a gently rising plateau that gives no hint at what is about to unfold. You wonder if you have made a wrong turn. All at once an immense gorge a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide opens up. The scale is so vast that even from the best vantage point only a fraction of the canyon’s 277 miles can be seen”.

It wasn’t long until the clouds and snow took over once again so we headed to the Yavapai Lodge where we spent the night.

We were travelling with another couple so we enjoyed a lovely dinner at the El Tovar Dining Room. It was warm and cozy, the food was good, and we had a view of the rim of the canyon.

We watched people scurrying around outside with hoods and scarves pulled over their heads. We marveled at the snow blowing around and off the roof and made predictions about what we were going to wake up to. Would it be cold, but clear? Or was there going to be a foot of snow blanketing everything?

The Grand Canyon

April 10, 2013 by Barb 7 Comments

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Shortly after we left the shelter of the gift shop/cafeteria (to escape the blizzard) and began to drive to our hotel, the sun started to peek out and we caught our first glimpse of the Grand Canyon.

We pulled into a viewing area and I just couldn’t get past the trees. They were so absolutely gorgeous with their twisted trunks, rough bark, and snowy branches.

I knew that the lighting was perfect and that the snow was soon going to melt so I slowed down and took dozens of shots, all the while exclaiming how beautiful it was. But the excitement was building as we inched our way closer and closer to the rim… more photos to come later!

I was using my new Nikon D7100 with the 55-105mm lens for the first time! I’m pretty excited about it! I did a lot of thinking about which camera I wanted. I looked at full sensors but decided the cost was just too prohibitive and not necessary for my needs. The D7100 is a 24.1-MP DX-format CMOS sensor and shoots up to 6 fps. I also bought the 55-105mm lens which will enable me to take a wider range of photos without having to change out the lenses constantly.

I sharpened the photos, adjusted the exposure, then bumped up the blues and greens a wee bit–that’s it…

So far, I’m quite pleased. I cropped the last image to within an inch of it’s life and I think the detail is still pretty amazing.

The Beauty of the Grand Canyon

April 9, 2013 by Barb 3 Comments

grand canyon

Our trip to the Grand Canyon didn’t start out too hot. As a matter of fact we ran into a blizzard and had to sit in a gift shop for an hour or so where we busied ourselves eating hot dogs. (I believe the one I ate is still haunting me…)

I took this photo with my phone as we tore across the parking lot to get back to the car. I tell you that wind was biting and that snow was wet. Did we not just fly 2236.44 Kilometers to get away from this stuff?

But, being the troopers that we are, we swiped the snow off the car and proceeded out onto the highway thinking that if we could just get to our hotel, we could warm up and regroup. However, it wasn’t too long until a bit of sun peeked out of the clouds and the fog parted enough and we got our first glimpse of the Canyon.

I can’t even describe how it felt. It was absolutely awe-inspiring.

To be continued…

It’s the First Day of Spring!

March 20, 2013 by Barb 10 Comments

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Happy Spring everyone! We have a winter storm warning; high winds, snow, freezing rain. Isn’t that wonderful?

I”m just sayin…

5 on Friday – Using a Gradient to Fade Colour

November 16, 2012 by Barb 15 Comments

This photo is a scan of the house that I grew up in. I used a technique with a gradient to fade the colour from left to right.

For ‘5 on Friday’ I decided to list 5 things that I want to get accomplished today, or at least get a start on….

Make my Christmas wreath–I have a great new idea this year. You’d think a person would run out of wreath ideas – but not so with Pinterest at their fingertips!
Sort and organize my Christmas stuff before I go out and buy new stuff which is the same as the old stuff that I already have.
Make Nuts and Bolts–my fav treat of the season.
Link up to ‘Beyond Layers’ day 85. I used ‘Kristin’ on this photo of the house where I grew up. I also practiced the technique that Kim taught this week. I have to say I love the results of this one.
Visit our country store–if, for nothing else, the drive.

Goldfield Ghost Town and Superstition Mountains

November 7, 2012 by Barb 14 Comments

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Our first stop before we headed off into the wilderness of the Apache Trail was Goldfield Ghost Town. The engineer of our little tour train tipped us off that this was THE Kodak moment. I have to admit, I didn’t see it coming. But there it was, the little town backed by the Superstition Mountains.

I spent over an hour editing this shot in Lightroom. I cropped it, adjusted the white balance, and applied several presets: sharpening, punch, and a vignette. It’s not perfect, I think the sky is blown out but I decided to leave that lesson for another day.

Here it is with the ‘Aged Photo’ preset applied. Kinda cool! I have a feeling I’m going to be acquiring several thousand Lightroom presets in the near future.

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Confession: I made a slight edit in CS6

Driving the Apache Trail is a story in itself. It’s an incredible drive and I’m glad to be alive.

My struggles with Lightroom

November 5, 2012 by Barb 15 Comments

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When I signed up for Kim’s first ‘Round Trip’ class – the one which started about the first week in September – it was because I was intrigued. I had heard so much about Lightroom – I had to know what the fuss was about. Plus – anything that Kim is so excited about – well, so am I! ;)

However – the first thing I came across was Lightroom’s organization system… aaaccckkkk… it reminded me of Photoshop Elements Organizer which I disliked with a passion. When I upgraded to CS6 I was elated with Bridge-now there’s a system I understand. Good riddance to Organizer.

But, I decided I was going to give it a chance – I began to let Lightroom suck all my new photos into its puzzling and mystifying file structure. Like Kim says ‘Deep Breaths’.

It wasn’t long until I began to falter. I had signed up for too many classes at once and my scrapping duties were taking a toll. I ended up letting Lightroom go. But in the back of my mind I kept thinking ‘I’m quite sure I can do this’. So when Kim announced she was offering a three month extension on the class, I immediately decided to take it.

Fast forward to November… I’ve worked up to Day 5 of the class. Things aren’t going too badly! I have stuck with the organization system. I’m entering keywords. I edited some photos. I took one into Photoshop and then back to Lightroom and then back to Photoshop and then back to Lightroom! Hey, this is cool! Say wha????

I’m getting more enthusiastic. I think it is going to be OK.

Kim is an endless source of inspiration to me. You all know what I’m talkin’ about here, don’t you. I now know that I’m going to get through this class and probably even become a big fan of Lightroom. I still have so much to learn but I’m making progress.

The photo I posted today is a result of LR and PS together. As well as some mad photog skills (he he). I made quite a few adjustments and removed some sun flares that I didn’t like – they vanished like magic using the Spot Removal Tool. Thank you, Kim! Thank you!

I’m not quite sure of the quote – don’t cacti stand still? Oh well, for some reason I thought it worked. Cacti are strong, tough, and resilient. And I would say they don’t give up easily either.

If you’re still reading – thanks to you too!

Font for quote is DJB CONSTANCE BEAUREGARD by Darcy Baldwin (it reminds me of a cactus).

I’m linking up to Texture Tuesday – the ‘anything goes eDition’.

This is what I see

June 6, 2012 by Barb 12 Comments

It’s the time of year when all the leaves are new and everything is so green and fresh. As I was sitting at the table this morning having breakfast I was thinking how I just can’t believe how green and lush it is in our yard right now. It’s been raining lightly for two days and all the trees are loving it . . .

View from the kitchen table . . .

from the front door . . .

from the bedroom (sweet dreams). . .

from the sitting room/office . . .

and from the kitchen table again . . .

Then, in the fall everything is yellow and gold – it’s so stunning (but I shouldn’t be thinking about that right now or even mentioning it . . .)

A morning in May

May 19, 2011 by Barb 15 Comments

This is my version of a sunrise! we don’t get one! Our house sits north/south and there are trees all around. But, if I take a walk down the path out onto the dock, this is my view to the left. The sun was barely up and the cooler temperatures overnight had created a bit of fog. I had scared off all the water fowl (just by walking out onto the dock) and the lake was smooth as glass. It was so beautiful, so quiet, and so fleeting! Even before I left to go back up to the house, the light had changed and the scene was just not quite the same.

Is it real?

May 16, 2011 by Barb 20 Comments

Well, yes it is real but is it natural? I don’t know . . . We came across this pleasant little surprise when we actually had come to see the Nakalele Blowhole in Maui (photos to follow).

A bit surreal . . .

It’s positively glowing . . .

There was no one nearby to take a photo of both of us together.

The drive from Kapalua, around Nakalele Point and on to Wailuku is extraordinary. Nakalele Blowhole is the result of the ocean wearing away the shore below the lava shelf. With each wave, water is forced through a hole in the lava shelf resulting in the “eruption” of water similar to a geyser. The “blowing” of the water varies dramatically depending on tide levels and wave action. High tide and strong surf result in the best effects. The blowhole can be seen from the road when the wave action is right or you can hike down to the area – just don’t get too close!

Useful Information:

The blowhole, point and light beacon can easily be seen from the trailhead without taking the hike.
Use extreme caution when walking these trails as they are rocky and descend steeply toward the ocean. Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and use sunscreen. Always bring drinking water, do not hike alone, and tell others about your hiking itenerary.
Be extremely careful around the blowhole as the waves and resulting eruptions are unpredictable and are deadly dangerous.
Never sit on, touch or get close to the blowhole or erupting water.
Monitor the ocean conditions continuously as rough waves may endanger you as the trail nears the water.

Duly noted . . .

It was like a ‘moonscape’

I took a tumble on this lava – it was razor-sharp and shredded my hand quite a bit – aarghhh

What could grow here?

Our first glimpse

People! there’s a hole there that leads directly into the ocean!!

All I can say is that it was an incredible experience and we came away awed and soaking wet!

Green Challenge for ‘Live Every Moment’ and SOOC Sunday

May 6, 2011 by Barb 8 Comments

It’s not easy capturing a green photo in my neck of the woods at this time of year. I did go out and I took a few dozen shots but not one inspired me. So, I’m using a couple of shots I took last spring and am dreaming on . . .