living, learning, and keeping with the times
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
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
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.
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.
Spring is around the corner (I’m sure) but in the meantime I’m happy to have these simple delights.
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.
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.
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
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.
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”)
The theme today for Texture Tuesday is… love…
Thought I’d include my recipe:
canvas magic on screen
stamped on soft light
stamped right 2 on soft light with layer mask
kk_mary from the Downton Collection
I’m taking a(nother) class with Kim Klassen and this is the result of our first assignment. I was trying to set up a still life with some objects I had gathered up from around the house but no matter what I did – it just wasn’t happening… I was feeling a little frustrated… so when hubby suggested we go for a walk, I grabbed my camera and off we went.
I’m always scanning ditches for wild flowers and any other treasures that Mother Nature serves up – I’ve done it all my life. So of course when I spied these pine cones I braved the scrub and scorpions and went in to retrieve them. When we got home I set them down on a small vintage trunk (a flea market find) and inspiration hit! I was immediately in love with the shapes, and colours and textures.
I also know that in order for me to create, I have to have a connection with what I’m doing. To me these pine cones were not just some pretty things to put in a bowl (which they are) but they are also a souvenir of our walk together.
A reminder of a warm, sunny day and how truly happy and grateful I am for all my blessings.
Texture used: kk_1412
Hover your mouse over the photo to see the original.
One of the main things we do when we’re “down south” is EAT! And we like to try out new restaurants. Last night we went to a lovely little Italian restaurant in Scottsdale – Davanti Enoteca.
We started with a crunchy bruschette that was like a mini salad on toast – complete with teeny frilly lettuce leaves that tickled my nose…
Then we had mascarpone polenta with ragu… mmmmm delish!
To finish it off we had their focaccia di recco which is a flat foccacia pocket filled with soft cheese served with a glob of honey that is still in the honeycomb – very interesting and very tasty!
This little bench with the potted plants is what greeted us at the door and I knew I had my TT image! And now that I’m working in WordPress – I’ve had to re-learn the mouseover technique. Aaaackk, my brain hurts. Hope it works!
WOOT!! IT WORKS!! THE MOUSEOVER WORKS!!
Oh, and I edited the photo in Lightroom – used several presets and then applied Kim’s “calamity” on overlay.
Thanks for stopping by!
… let steep for five minutes …
… pour into simple cup …
… breathe in the winter spice scent …
… enjoy …
… uh oh …
does anyone else see “f art” in there? :)
Ah, yes… we must be able to laugh at ourselves… this is the revised version!
I’m moving my little blog over to WordPress. It should be finished sometime this week. I understand that if you are following me, you will still see me in Google Reader. But if you don’t see me for a while, check me out on Google+ for updates and maybe you can find your way back to my blog and I to yours.
I have a Google+ Followers Gadget on my sidebar (not the same as Google Friend Connect) if you want to follow me there. I follow back!
Oh joy! Kim is back! giving us inspiration and cheering us on. One of our little “pushes” this week was to take a photo of a book, a cup and an unusual object.
Now, teabags are not unusual – but I think this one is. And then there are the hazelnuts…
My friend gave me this tea for Christmas. All of these cute little tea bags (boxes) were nested together in another cute little box. I was loathe to open them up and destroy the orderliness of it all. But pretty things are meant to be used, right? No use saving things and then finding them 3 years later at the bottom of the pantry all stale and tasteless.
The cookbook was my Mom’s. It has dozens of yellow newspaper clippings of recipes and there are handwritten notes all over the place. A treasure if there ever was one. What would she think if she could see it here right now, out in cyberspace. I doubt she could have fathomed it.
So this afternoon I had a pleasant little photo shoot, a cup of (very tasty) tea, and a handful of hazelnuts. All is good.
Note:
I’m moving my little blog over to WordPress. It should be finished sometime next week. I understand that if you are following me, you will still see me in Google Reader. But if you don’t see me for a while, check me out on Google+ for updates and maybe you can find your way back to my blog and me to yours.
I have a Google+ Followers Gadget on my sidebar (not the same as Google Friend Connect) if you want to follow me there. I follow back!
Have a wonderful weekend!
“Chaos” by Kim Klassen at soft light.
Well, here’s my contribution to the Bosc Pear Photography Obsession.
At the moment there are no flowers in my garden and although I don’t mind winter, I often find myself at a loss as to what to photograph. So when I came across these lovely pears whilst doing my grocery shopping I became inspired. (I so love it when you can eat your still life when you’re finished with it).
Today is the last day of Texture Tuesday until 2013. I can’t remember why that is so, it just is…
It is also the “Free and Easy Edition” where all you have to do is use any texture of your choice. I used Kim’s “paper and paste” on multiply. I don’t usually go so texture-heavy but of course Bosc Pears cry out for it and when Bosc Pears cry out, I listen.
I’m hoping that the next time you see them, they are in a tart.
Hover your mouse over the photo to see the “before” image.
kk_kristin
curves adjustment
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….
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.
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.
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’.
I just found out about Oscraps DSD Scavenger Hunt. OMG! the first clue resulted in this freebie from Anna Aspnes:
It says they are available until Monday (there are 20 freebies!!) – don’t delay!
And don’t forget that these elements are useful on blogs too!
Have a Scrappy Day!
~Barb~
As I was out in the yard preparing my flower beds for the long winter ahead, I came across these lovely, willowy anemones peeking out from behind some Creeping Charlie (yes, my garden has deteriorated to the point where that creepy weed has almost taken over).
What a nice surprise – I think I love these more than a dozen long-stemmed roses (but hubby–if you’re reading this–remember, our anniversary is on Friday).
Ahem.
Texture and Word Art by Kim Klassen
Whenever there’s a long weekend I always forget what day it is – Tuesday morning seems like Monday morning . . . you can tell I don’t work Mon-Fri, or have children starting school this week.
So now I have to get twice as much done today and here I am playing with textures.
This photo makes me feel peaceful. It’s simple and uncluttered. I love the soft colours, the late summer light coming in the dining room window, and my favourite antique duck that makes it’s way into most of my seasonal decorating. But before I can really get into my autumn decorating, I have other things to do.
We watched an episode of “Hoarders” on the weekend. I tell you, that show strikes fear in my heart. So I’ve started a pile of stuff that’s destined for Good Will this week. Clothes, decorations that I’ve outgrown, household gadgets – all going to be gone by Tuesday night (or is that Wednesday night)?
I also need to organize my craft room (horrors). It’s a dark little room that I have been avoiding like the plague. But it’s time . . . my stuff has been sitting in there in boxes since early spring.
Ugh
Texture:
kk_stampedright1
Today is the Free and Easy Edition over at Kim Klassen Cafe. It’s also the guest-host day. Sylvia from Cosiness has the honour and it’s not hard to see why. You should hop over to have a look at her work – it’s gorgeous!
Last Saturday we finally made our annual trip to the market gardens. We came home with potatoes, carrots, beets, corn, and sunflowers – 20 sunflowers for $10.00! A simple, guilt-free pleasure.
On the way to the gardens we followed some signs to a garage sale. The house was pretty secluded so there weren’t too many people around. First thing I spied was a set of three old suitcases. Cream coloured leather with a rusty trim. They were in fabulous condition – inside and out and were only $25.00!
Oh, I wanted them – I wanted them bad . . .
But . . . I am amassing quite a pile of photo props and my closets and storerooms are overflowing. This is driving my hubby crazy. He wasn’t in the mood to cart home three suitcases that to him looked like junk (would that I had discovered these suitcases on my own) . . .
After a few minutes I listened to him and my inner voice telling me that I really do have too much stuff. So I walked away. It wasn’t easy. In some ways I regret it – in other ways I don’t. I have lots of props that I haven’t even used yet – just sitting on the shelves making me feel guilty.
So I comforted myself with sunflowers. It is a beauteous bouquet – huge and wild and bright. And I don’t have to find a spot to store them when autumn is over . . .
I went bold today – I used one layer of Kim’s ‘heartfelt’ on multiply.
We just returned from a road trip through Saskatchewan. Hubby and I are both from that beautiful province and we still have family there.
I simply love taking this road trip in the summer. Especially in August when the sun is hot, the sky is blue and the fields are starting to ripen.
I can’t begin to describe the light – it is hazy, soft, and it spreads right through my soul, stirring up memories like birds in the sky.
Top photo processed using one layer of ‘Dream It” by Kim Klassen
When Kim said she was going to start having a guest host on the last Tuesday of every month and asked us to submit a photo I have to admit my heart did a little flutter. How exciting would that be? I knew I had to give it a try. No risk, no reward.
But what to do . . . where does one even start . . . it began to feel a little daunting. There is a ton of talent ‘out there’.
I thought about the pretty, wispy, fine grass I had seen growing alongside our dock and how it had captured my attention and imagination. I now absolutely knew what I wanted to do. I rummaged up my garden shears and headed down to the lake.
Hover your cursor over this image to see the “before” photo
I only needed a few stems since the very nature of the grass calls for simplicity. I arranged it in an old Watkins jar, added a couple of other old glass jars and a hard, round, smooth rock for contrast. I don’t remember where that rock came from . . . I must have picked it up on one of my long walks – and how happy I am that I have it!
I feel so honoured to be featured today and it’s a dream come true for me. Kim is so generous – she shares her textures, her knowledge and now, her blog space – simply amazing! Thank you, Kim!
Lastly, Kim taught us how to do the ‘mouseover’ in ‘Behind the Scenes – a creative guide to blogging your passion‘ by Kim Klassen and Xanthe Berkeley. I assure you, it’s a class you won’t want to miss.
Texture: Sunkissed
Font : DJB Gimme Space by Darcy Baldwin
Shot at .8m with my Nikon 40mm fixed focal length lens – max aperture of f/2.8
A bit about my processing is included with my guest post over at Kim Klassen dot Com.
Thanks so much for dropping by!
When I got up this morning and checked on a project that I was hoping would get published, I was disappointed to see that it hadn’t been. I had jumped in with both feet and was fully expecting to see it. . . but it wasn’t there. I checked three times.
So I sent an e-mail to see what happened and why wasn’t it published. I think I at least deserve an explanation. I haven’t heard back.
Then I grabbed my coffee and checked in on Texture Tuesday with Kim Klassen. Today there are no rules – you just post whatever you want.
So I set up a little photo shoot of my peonies – they are bursting out all over the place in my garden. Pink ones and white ones. My house is full of them. So beautiful. So fragrant.
I edited them in Photoshop – adjusting exposure, white balance, and contrast. I added a blur here and there and then a white overlay. I’m never completely happy with the way I photograph peonies – I think it’s because I just can’t capture how I feel about them. I wish I could send their heavenly scent out into blogland – then I’d be happy!
OK, wait a minute. I just heard what I said. “If I could send . . . then I’d be happy” . . .
I suddenly remembered a video Kim showed us in the “Behind the Scenes” class. The man said over and over again that if you are expecting a certain outcome, you will be disappointed – every time. He went on to explain why, and what to do about it.
Back to my unpublished project. I did my best. I submitted it to the universe and was expecting a certain outcome – and was disappointed. I can see what’s happening here . . . I think I had better go and watch that video again . . .
Photo Art Friday at Flowers by LeAnne
Last Sunday evening after a busy weekend spent with family, I was feeling the same way I always do after everyone leaves . . . a bit lost. I had vacuumed up every crumb, cleaned the kitchen and washed a few towels when I suddenly decided I’d had enough of that – the rest of the house could wait . . . until when? who knows . . .
I was tired and I knew I couldn’t sit down at the computer and attempt to work on a project. But a stroll around the yard seemed quite inviting. I picked up my camera and went outside with just one lens (my 18-55mm), no tripod, no expectations.
It had rained and these pansies stopped me in my tracks – I hadn’t even got off the deck before I was snapping away. I was happy that I hadn’t brought my tripod – I could just try to capture what I was seeing/feeling and not worry about ‘setting up’.
I had to crouch and twist to avoid a cluttered background, my hands were shaking a bit, and I had to use a relatively slow shutter speed since it was quite cloudy.
I don’t know, these just make me feel happy. I’m so glad I let the house go . . .
Texture: iAm by Kim Klassen
A Sunday night rain. What could be better?
There is a wild clematis vine growing in the bushes at the front of our house. Ten years ago I remember seeing one or two blossoms on it. This year there were probably more than fifty! I find them very fascinating. This one is on it’s way to going to seed.
I’m (trying) to join in with Rosie at LeavesnBloomStudio on Google +. She is starting a circle for this meme and I want to play. Trouble is, I don’t have a clue what I’m doing . . . so I e-mailed Rosie and she is walking me through the process. She is a treasure! and has helped me with other things (wrestling with fb, for one thing).
I tell you, I am floundering here . . . but I’m determined . . . hope Rosie can stick with me . . .
Last spring I took a pot of flowers which I had bought at Walmart and stuck it in the garden to add some instant colour. And there it sat, blooming happily all season. However, I did not expect to see any of them again! Granted, it did say the flowers within were perennials but . . . I was skeptical and it didn’t matter anyway so I simply enjoyed them for what I thought would be one year.
So now I have this lovely poppy blooming it’s heart out. There have been about 12 blooms so far and I see no end to the buds. Don’t you just love it when something like that happens? They look almost fluorescent against the sea of green that is my garden. It cheers me every time I walk by.
An unexpected gift.
My lilacs are in full bloom. Heavenly. That about describes a lilac . . . and fleeting, that’s another way to describe them. They are positively humming with bees this year, plus we’ve seen two Hummingbird Clearwings hanging around them (a most fascinating moth).
Every year I cut a few lilacs and bring them in, put them in vases and try to photograph them. Let me tell you I have taken dozens (maybe a hundred) shots but have never like a single one of them. Until now. It’s not just Kim Klassen’s textures (which are magical) but I love the composition of this one – a single stem, an old jar, a rock and some florets that ‘fell’ off . . .
I love the text (Kim taught us a little secret from her ‘Beyond Layers’ class on how to achieve that look) but ‘country living’ is just what popped into my head so I went with it.
There is one other thing. One pretty important thing here in this image. Something I am over the top excited about. The backdrop.
I finally painted an old hoosier that I’ve had for at least 15 years (maybe 20 years the way time is flying). Hubby’s parents gave it to us – it was brown with a bright orange interior. As you can see it is now a lovely shade of off-white.
Oh my! I had a fun time painting it – no delicate job this one! Slap it on and don’t worry – what’s a few paint drips? Let it dry for about a week and lightly sand the edges. Love love love it!!
Today I couldn’t post the before and afters . . . I didn’t want to spoil the magic of my lilacs. I’ll show you the transformation later . . .
It was 2:00 when the sun started to peek out and the light was absolutely dazzling – blinding. Since it’s very hard to get good shots of snow in that light, I turned my attention to our bird feeder. It was teeming with all kinds of little birds. Chick-a-dees, redpolls, dark-eyed juncos and downy woodpeckers.
Chick-a-dees have to be one of my favourite birds – how cute are these puffballs? I love that the sun is shining from behind and how it shows off their soft, downy feathers.
I must have stood there for half an hour, watching them flit around and listening to them singing. I could hear crows and geese in the distance. Water was running from the eaves troughs and the sun felt so warm on my shoulders.
We’re a hardy bunch here in Alberta. We had just received one of the biggest snowfalls but with the sun shining so warmly down on me, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know spring is not coming . . . it’s here.