Sunday, April 25, 2010
What Sunday Spawned
To chase some blahs and boredom away while waiting for bedtime, the queen of Crazy Castle spontaneously grabbed a pull up and stretched it over her heeeed. She then proceeded outside to the backyard and pretended to be the pull up ghost for the royal fam. Slowly but surely more pull up ghosts appeared. The pull up ghosts began to chase each other--with baby pull up ghost being the scariest! Some of the pull up ghosts even got creative with the placement of their head gear so that no two looked alike. The ghosts got sillier and sillier and their heads got warmer and warmer until the magical hour of bedtime arrived. And now Crazy Castle has once again survived another Sunday and all is well in their kingdom! Now don't you feel normal! The End.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Meg
A couple of days ago, our Meg died suddenly. It was a shock to our family. It still is. One minute she was running around outside and the next she was dead. The vet thinks it was either a heart attack, stroke, or brain aneurysm. I think it might have been the aneurysm because I noticed an unrecognizable red fleck in her eye when trying to "wake" her up.
She was ten years old. Next month she would have been part of our family for ten years. Even though she was ten, I just didn't expect her to die for a few more years. No decline in health at all. Just our regular ole Meggers. Running, playing, barking, sneaking food, etc.
I'm grateful she didn't suffer. I'm grateful she died doing what she loved best. I'm grateful I didn't have to watch her decline. I'm grateful she has been released from her tripod of a body. (I picture her running like she used to when we lived in Cali. Maybe she's playing with Ellie?) But it's dang hard that I didn't get to say good-bye, throw her one last ball, and give her one last hug. The last two days have been tear-filled. Today has been better, thankfully. I know it will get easier, but the emptiness our family feels right now is difficult and knowing we won't ever find another sweet dog like Meg is difficult as well.
Yesterday I spent over an hour looking through pics of Meg. (Thanks Kerri for watching Ezra.) Tons and tons of her until Ezra was born. A major decline after his birth. I guess three children did throw me somewhat of a curve ball. I'm thankful for pictures and how they have allowed me to process her life and remember her impact on our family. I have been reminded of the good and the bad. Let's start with "the bad" first.
I will not miss:
*her stinky bloopers.
*her poop.
*her propensity to chew on things. When she was a puppy she chewed on parts of our brand new table and chairs (and more) and recently would chew on the kids' toys.
*her barking at the doorbell.
*her sneaking food off the kitchen counter. Too many times to recount.
*her bad breath.
*her whip of a tail.
*her digging. Yes, even with only one leg in front she could still dig.
I will miss:
*her companionship. She was there for me when times were so tough only Eric knew. Eric asked her to take care of me, and from that day on she did. If I was severely depressed she somehow knew and would come from nowhere and be by my side. I'm really going to miss that feeling that even if no one else cared, Meg did. I guess I have an extra guardian angel now.
*her sweet demeanor. Aside from her tail, there was not a mean bone in her body. I never worried about my babies crawling on her. They would pull her tail and fur and she would remain patient with them.
*the sense of safety she gave to me. Even though she didn't have a mean bone in her body, I felt safe with her. If a stranger walked by or she heard a strange sound she would bark her deep bark in warning. I felt safer when Meg was with the children outside. She loved them and seemed to keep "tabs" on their whereabouts.
*playing silly games with her.
*her "frapping."
*her love of the water.
*her soft ears.
*her sweetness.
*her head tilting to the side when we said, "Do you want to go on a walk?" or "Do you want to go see Ellie?"
*her resilience.
*her unconditional love.
Meg was a great dog and deserves to be mourned over. I miss her terribly and am thankful to the unconditional love she gave to our family.
LOVE AND MISS YOU, Meggers.
One of the first pics taken of her after Eric brought her home from the Santa Ana Animal Shelter when she was two months old.
One of the last pics taken of her less than a month ago at age ten.
She was ten years old. Next month she would have been part of our family for ten years. Even though she was ten, I just didn't expect her to die for a few more years. No decline in health at all. Just our regular ole Meggers. Running, playing, barking, sneaking food, etc.
I'm grateful she didn't suffer. I'm grateful she died doing what she loved best. I'm grateful I didn't have to watch her decline. I'm grateful she has been released from her tripod of a body. (I picture her running like she used to when we lived in Cali. Maybe she's playing with Ellie?) But it's dang hard that I didn't get to say good-bye, throw her one last ball, and give her one last hug. The last two days have been tear-filled. Today has been better, thankfully. I know it will get easier, but the emptiness our family feels right now is difficult and knowing we won't ever find another sweet dog like Meg is difficult as well.
Yesterday I spent over an hour looking through pics of Meg. (Thanks Kerri for watching Ezra.) Tons and tons of her until Ezra was born. A major decline after his birth. I guess three children did throw me somewhat of a curve ball. I'm thankful for pictures and how they have allowed me to process her life and remember her impact on our family. I have been reminded of the good and the bad. Let's start with "the bad" first.
I will not miss:
*her stinky bloopers.
*her poop.
*her propensity to chew on things. When she was a puppy she chewed on parts of our brand new table and chairs (and more) and recently would chew on the kids' toys.
*her barking at the doorbell.
*her sneaking food off the kitchen counter. Too many times to recount.
*her bad breath.
*her whip of a tail.
*her digging. Yes, even with only one leg in front she could still dig.
I will miss:
*her companionship. She was there for me when times were so tough only Eric knew. Eric asked her to take care of me, and from that day on she did. If I was severely depressed she somehow knew and would come from nowhere and be by my side. I'm really going to miss that feeling that even if no one else cared, Meg did. I guess I have an extra guardian angel now.
*her sweet demeanor. Aside from her tail, there was not a mean bone in her body. I never worried about my babies crawling on her. They would pull her tail and fur and she would remain patient with them.
*the sense of safety she gave to me. Even though she didn't have a mean bone in her body, I felt safe with her. If a stranger walked by or she heard a strange sound she would bark her deep bark in warning. I felt safer when Meg was with the children outside. She loved them and seemed to keep "tabs" on their whereabouts.
*playing silly games with her.
*her "frapping."
*her love of the water.
*her soft ears.
*her sweetness.
*her head tilting to the side when we said, "Do you want to go on a walk?" or "Do you want to go see Ellie?"
*her resilience.
*her unconditional love.
Meg was a great dog and deserves to be mourned over. I miss her terribly and am thankful to the unconditional love she gave to our family.
LOVE AND MISS YOU, Meggers.
One of the first pics taken of her after Eric brought her home from the Santa Ana Animal Shelter when she was two months old.
One of the last pics taken of her less than a month ago at age ten.
Friday, April 2, 2010
A Trip to the Zoo
After planning my week's activities around the weather, my two homies and I packed up and headed out to the zoo on Monday. I'm glad we were able to enjoy the pleasant weather and see most of the animals outside also enjoying the calm before the storm. The animals were very active--especially the white-handed gibbon who was calling up a storm to his woman. She would have nothing to do with him and continued to ignore his incessant whoops. Finally she swung away, and he followed her. Typical. My second favorite moment of the trip. My first was seeing the grins on Evy and Ezra's faces while taking the train ride. So fun for them. So cramped for me!
Ezra's favorite stop was the elephant encounter. All three elephants were out. Baby Zuri (sp?) was playing while the other two ate and ate. Evy loved everything. Seeing the world through her eyes--excitement and learning around every turn--was rewarding to me. Even though it has been hard being a stay-at-home mommy lately, walking into the zoo that morning in the fresh air I felt very grateful to Eric that he enables me to stay home and have fun and educational outings with my kiddos.
Here are a few shots taken that day. I shot them in RAW and bumped up the clarity and contrast a little. Someday when I get better lenses I'm hoping I'll get clearer, crisper images in the camera!
Ezra's favorite stop was the elephant encounter. All three elephants were out. Baby Zuri (sp?) was playing while the other two ate and ate. Evy loved everything. Seeing the world through her eyes--excitement and learning around every turn--was rewarding to me. Even though it has been hard being a stay-at-home mommy lately, walking into the zoo that morning in the fresh air I felt very grateful to Eric that he enables me to stay home and have fun and educational outings with my kiddos.
Here are a few shots taken that day. I shot them in RAW and bumped up the clarity and contrast a little. Someday when I get better lenses I'm hoping I'll get clearer, crisper images in the camera!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Latest Obsession
So I am obsessed with photography right now. I've always LOVED photography. There is a picture in my parents' magnetic photo albums that I took when I was five. I was mesmerized at a very young age. I took photography classes in high school and served on the Yearbook staff. I loved burning and dodging in the darkroom. After high school I always had a camera handy, but exploring this art form was put on the back burner to study, and meet an awesome guy, and get married, and move, and teach, and then have children. The excitement for taking pics returned after having Abby and has compounded with each child.
Now that Evy is 16 months, I feel like I can start delving into past hobbies again. And so my love affair with pictures and capturing images is being reborn. I am pouring through material, attending a class once a week (thanks, Eric), and looking for other oppoturnities to educate myself because it's my goal to get off auto mode and stay in manual. This week I have stayed in manual. It has been a great learning experience. The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know--kind of like motherhood. It has been way more rewarding to see an image and realize I, not the camera, figured that one out. There have been lots of yucky ones, too, but I'm learning from everything!
I think after "mastering" manual mode, I want to try more with off-axis lighting. For now, I will continue to LOVE, LOVE natural light. Here is a pic I took today exploring depth of field a little more. I really like how it turned out. Plus, I really like how Ezra is smiling. We haven't seen that too much around here lately!
f5.6 @ 1/80 sec ISO 800 to help with a faster shutter speed
Now that Evy is 16 months, I feel like I can start delving into past hobbies again. And so my love affair with pictures and capturing images is being reborn. I am pouring through material, attending a class once a week (thanks, Eric), and looking for other oppoturnities to educate myself because it's my goal to get off auto mode and stay in manual. This week I have stayed in manual. It has been a great learning experience. The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know--kind of like motherhood. It has been way more rewarding to see an image and realize I, not the camera, figured that one out. There have been lots of yucky ones, too, but I'm learning from everything!
I think after "mastering" manual mode, I want to try more with off-axis lighting. For now, I will continue to LOVE, LOVE natural light. Here is a pic I took today exploring depth of field a little more. I really like how it turned out. Plus, I really like how Ezra is smiling. We haven't seen that too much around here lately!
f5.6 @ 1/80 sec ISO 800 to help with a faster shutter speed
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Matter of Time
A couple of weeks ago, Will communicated to me that he was having trouble reading the hymn numbers at the front of the chapel. I then started to notice him squinting at things from across the room. I made an appointment with our eye doctor right away and found he was 20/60 and 20/80. It was just a matter of time, I guess, before he got glasses due to his parents' genes. Oh, and braces are probably in his future. Our poor kids! Four days later he know sees life in "3-D" as he puts it. I wonder how long life was in 2-D for him? Poor guy. May the rest of his life be in technicolor!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Day 1
I am enjoying going through the hundreds of pics I took in Cali last week. We made our annual pilgrimage down there to get out of the yucky weather/drabness/etc. Our family had a memorable time, and I thought I would present some of my favorite photos through completed digital layouts. So now I'm blogging AND getting layouts done. Sometimes I do surprise myself with a good idea here and there! Here is a layout I did tonight summarizing our first day in So Cal. (P.S. Doesn't Briana look amazing in her picture?)
P. P. S. The picture of Evy was taken as she ate dirt from the lakebed. Ahhh, that poor fourth child of mine.
P. P. S. The picture of Evy was taken as she ate dirt from the lakebed. Ahhh, that poor fourth child of mine.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
A testimonial on what I've been doing the past four months
I love Obsidian. Plain and simple. It is an awesome workout combined with an emphasis on healthy lifelong eating habits. It rocks my world, but it is transforming my body like no other workout I’ve experienced before, including: running, step aerobics, Body Combat, and Body Pump.
Before starting Obsidian four months ago, I had been out of a consistent workout loop for quite some time due to health issues and body injuries from skiing (back and knee). I was nervous about injuring myself further, but the opposite has been true. I have had no knee pains during or after the workouts (although I still have some knee problems after running) and strengthening my core has helped compensate for my injured lower back.
Both the type of workout Obsidian is and the personal attention on improving my form from Lacey and Erin are the reasons why I have no troubles with my knee and back during and after workouts.
This personal attention from Lacey and Erin does not stop during the workout. They help with form, they cheer you on, they push you during class, but they also give incredible attention and advice to each Obsidian participant after the class as needed. I have been amazed at all the personal attention they have given to me in the form of analyzing my caloric intake, suggesting specific choices for food, and answering any and all questions I have about getting stronger and healthier. A friend from California remarked at “what an awesome deal” I am getting through Obsidian. I wholeheartedly agree.
In all, I have enjoyed the personal attention, motivation, and education I receive each week while attending my Obsidian classes. In the last four months, I have lost 25 pounds and more than 30 total inches. I feel healthy. I’m stronger. I no longer get daily headaches. Moving around is easier. My spirits have lifted. As a mother of four active children, I’m so thankful to the huge impact Obsidian has had on my life. Thanks so much to Lacey and Erin!
Before starting Obsidian four months ago, I had been out of a consistent workout loop for quite some time due to health issues and body injuries from skiing (back and knee). I was nervous about injuring myself further, but the opposite has been true. I have had no knee pains during or after the workouts (although I still have some knee problems after running) and strengthening my core has helped compensate for my injured lower back.
Both the type of workout Obsidian is and the personal attention on improving my form from Lacey and Erin are the reasons why I have no troubles with my knee and back during and after workouts.
This personal attention from Lacey and Erin does not stop during the workout. They help with form, they cheer you on, they push you during class, but they also give incredible attention and advice to each Obsidian participant after the class as needed. I have been amazed at all the personal attention they have given to me in the form of analyzing my caloric intake, suggesting specific choices for food, and answering any and all questions I have about getting stronger and healthier. A friend from California remarked at “what an awesome deal” I am getting through Obsidian. I wholeheartedly agree.
In all, I have enjoyed the personal attention, motivation, and education I receive each week while attending my Obsidian classes. In the last four months, I have lost 25 pounds and more than 30 total inches. I feel healthy. I’m stronger. I no longer get daily headaches. Moving around is easier. My spirits have lifted. As a mother of four active children, I’m so thankful to the huge impact Obsidian has had on my life. Thanks so much to Lacey and Erin!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Baptism Day
Last Saturday was a beautiful day as Abby chose to be baptized. She had been looking forward to that day for a long time! We were so thankful to the family and friends who were able to come and missed my parents who could not be with us.
I was worried that in all the frenzy of getting ready for the baptism and the luncheon afterward, I would be too anxious to feel the Spirit. I'm thankful to say that I did have a sweet experience, and it came when the Stake Primary President had Abby stand up in her baptism clothes while the rest of us sang "When I Am Baptized."
I like to look for rainbows
whenever there is rain
And ponder on the beauty of
an earth made clean again.
I want my life to be as clean
as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can
and live with God again.
I know when I am baptized
my wrongs are washed away,
And I can be forgiven and
improve myself each day.
I want my life to be as clean
as earth right after rain.
I want to be teh best I can
and live with God again.
It was a moving experience to see my sweet girl sing these words and to be surrounded by those who love her so much. I'm so thankful for her example to be baptized, and I'm so thankful that Eric was worthy to baptize her. I'm thankful for Lynn and Val who raised such a wonderful son, and I'm thankful for my parents for their support felt from far away. My heart is full for all my blessings!
I was worried that in all the frenzy of getting ready for the baptism and the luncheon afterward, I would be too anxious to feel the Spirit. I'm thankful to say that I did have a sweet experience, and it came when the Stake Primary President had Abby stand up in her baptism clothes while the rest of us sang "When I Am Baptized."
I like to look for rainbows
whenever there is rain
And ponder on the beauty of
an earth made clean again.
I want my life to be as clean
as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can
and live with God again.
I know when I am baptized
my wrongs are washed away,
And I can be forgiven and
improve myself each day.
I want my life to be as clean
as earth right after rain.
I want to be teh best I can
and live with God again.
It was a moving experience to see my sweet girl sing these words and to be surrounded by those who love her so much. I'm so thankful for her example to be baptized, and I'm so thankful that Eric was worthy to baptize her. I'm thankful for Lynn and Val who raised such a wonderful son, and I'm thankful for my parents for their support felt from far away. My heart is full for all my blessings!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Crazy Eight
Crazy Castle has just become crazier. That's right, our Abby Sue (as we jokingly call her) has officially turned EiGHt today. A big deal in my book. A BIGGER deal in hers. How did we get to the place where our firstborn is ready to be baptized? I have no idea. Like I've been told: The days drag on but the years fly by. It's so true.
The road to EiGHt has been paved with different sorts of stones. Some have been polished, some have been beautfiul, some have had dings, and some have been volcanic, but I wouldn't have it any other way as Miss Abby Sue is such a blessing to have in Crazy Castle.
She is precocious.
She is strong and athletic.
She is a great friend.
She makes other people feel loved.
She is strong-willed.
She is careful.
She loves truth.
She is a helper.
She is motivated.
She is sweet.
She is artistic.
She is smart.
She is beautiful.
She lives life OUT LOUD!
I'm glad she's only EiGHt so that I can have more time in my castle with this special spirit I have been entrusted with. I love my Abby Sue!
The road to EiGHt has been paved with different sorts of stones. Some have been polished, some have been beautfiul, some have had dings, and some have been volcanic, but I wouldn't have it any other way as Miss Abby Sue is such a blessing to have in Crazy Castle.
She is precocious.
She is strong and athletic.
She is a great friend.
She makes other people feel loved.
She is strong-willed.
She is careful.
She loves truth.
She is a helper.
She is motivated.
She is sweet.
She is artistic.
She is smart.
She is beautiful.
She lives life OUT LOUD!
I'm glad she's only EiGHt so that I can have more time in my castle with this special spirit I have been entrusted with. I love my Abby Sue!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Deep Thoughts (not by Jack Handy)
These thoughts have been at the top of my mind lately:
1) Food doesn't taste as good as thin feels. (Fellow competitor in the Obsidian Challenge)
So true, except for maybe tzaziki and flat bread. My goal this year is to lose another 15 lbs.
2) If it's to be, it's up to me. (Thanks, Linda.)
I'm going to apply this thought to playdates. I'm so darned bad at them. I feel bad for my kiddos.
3) If we're not happy with what we have, we won't be ever happy with what we get. (Thanks, Liz.)
I will remind myself of this thought when I feel I need more scrapbooking supplies! :-)
4) It doesn't matter who we aren't when we know who we are. (Thanks, Linda.)
One of my goals for this year is to especially work on number four. I have always struggled with liking myself, and I'm darn tired of it! It really affects so many areas in my life. I'm really wanting to find out what my purpose on the earth is, yuh know?
P.S. A real deep thought by Jack Handy: "Whenever anyone says, 'I can't,' it makes me wish he would get stung by ten thousand bees. When he says, 'I'll try," five thousand bees. 'I can,' one bee.
http://www.deepthoughtsbyjackhandey.com/3x5cards.html
1) Food doesn't taste as good as thin feels. (Fellow competitor in the Obsidian Challenge)
So true, except for maybe tzaziki and flat bread. My goal this year is to lose another 15 lbs.
2) If it's to be, it's up to me. (Thanks, Linda.)
I'm going to apply this thought to playdates. I'm so darned bad at them. I feel bad for my kiddos.
3) If we're not happy with what we have, we won't be ever happy with what we get. (Thanks, Liz.)
I will remind myself of this thought when I feel I need more scrapbooking supplies! :-)
4) It doesn't matter who we aren't when we know who we are. (Thanks, Linda.)
One of my goals for this year is to especially work on number four. I have always struggled with liking myself, and I'm darn tired of it! It really affects so many areas in my life. I'm really wanting to find out what my purpose on the earth is, yuh know?
P.S. A real deep thought by Jack Handy: "Whenever anyone says, 'I can't,' it makes me wish he would get stung by ten thousand bees. When he says, 'I'll try," five thousand bees. 'I can,' one bee.
http://www.deepthoughtsbyjackhandey.com/3x5cards.html
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thanksgiving Weekend Highlights
A cranky Evy for our car drive down to So Cal there and back was definitely worth suffering through. The days spent in Yorba Linda and at the beach were beautifully warm and full of love and laughter. Oh, how I miss the warmth today.
Highlights of our trip include:
*a walk in the lakebed
*me pushing Eric into the pool (61 degree surface temp) and then Abby and Will jumping in
*our little family hanging out in the spa and Eric, me, Abby, and Will daring each other to jump into the pool one night
*Val's wonderful food
*playing games with Lynn
*Abby & Will playing games with their "boats" they made from plant leaves
*tide pools and beach with everyone
*getting a hug from Celia
*Bri's face when she saw Horace, my horse puppet, sticking out my window as we carpooled to In 'n Out
*house hunting with Ananda and Matt
*learning more about Steve-O's Alaskan adventures
*finishing the 5K run better than I thought I would
*having my children entertained by their awesome aunts and uncles
*watching Evy and Celia dance to the gummy bear song
Highlights of our trip include:
*a walk in the lakebed
*me pushing Eric into the pool (61 degree surface temp) and then Abby and Will jumping in
*our little family hanging out in the spa and Eric, me, Abby, and Will daring each other to jump into the pool one night
*Val's wonderful food
*playing games with Lynn
*Abby & Will playing games with their "boats" they made from plant leaves
*tide pools and beach with everyone
*getting a hug from Celia
*Bri's face when she saw Horace, my horse puppet, sticking out my window as we carpooled to In 'n Out
*house hunting with Ananda and Matt
*learning more about Steve-O's Alaskan adventures
*finishing the 5K run better than I thought I would
*having my children entertained by their awesome aunts and uncles
*watching Evy and Celia dance to the gummy bear song
Friday, November 20, 2009
My Little Rose
One year ago today I was discouraged. I had my weekly ob checkup. I had not dilated in a week. I was walking around town at 4 cm. I still had 10 days to go until my due date, but I was DONE. The day went ahead as usual: kids home from school, snack, homework, and then off to piano practice. It was at piano practice that I started having regular 5 minute contractions. I didn't think anything of them as they felt like the ole' Braxton Hicks I had known so well. I drove Abby and I home. Still contracting. Sent Eric to SCC meeting at the school at 6 p.m. Still contracting. Trying to keep the kiddos happy until Eric got home. Contractions getting noticeably more painful. Hmmm. Start pacing the floor holding my back. Breathing through a contraction. Waiting for Eric at the back door as he arrived about 7:15. I tell him it's time to call Kerri and go. 7:45 on our way out the door. Walk to van and try to get in seat. Stop to breathe. Somehow I get in and have HORRIBLE contractions all the way to the hospital. Realize I had waited too long at home and started to worry the baby would come in the car. Eric drops me off at the curb. I leave him and walk in by myself, almost in tears. Eric catches up as he decides to leave the car in the drop off zone. Make it up to labor/delivery. Can barely speak. Tears come. Water breaks. Rushed to room. In SERIOUS pain. IV in. Get checked. I'm between an 8 and 9. Get epidural as contractions are now 30 seconds apart. No time to catch breath. Eric decides to not move the van just yet. Good idea. Get checked again. Baby's head is there. Time to push. Two pushes. A quiet baby is put on my chest at 9:04 p.m. on her Bapa's birthday--11/20. That bloody baby is instantly beautiful to me. Love at first sight! Eric moves the van.
I can't believe that drama happened a year ago already. I'm thankful Evy and I are here both safe and sound as there were some touchy moments during that delivery. I'm thankful for my Rosie and the happiness she has brought to our family. I'm thankful that from all the hardship and misery of carrying and delivering my baby, a little rose was born. I can't wait to watch her grow even more. Here's to Miss Evelyn Rose!
I can't believe that drama happened a year ago already. I'm thankful Evy and I are here both safe and sound as there were some touchy moments during that delivery. I'm thankful for my Rosie and the happiness she has brought to our family. I'm thankful that from all the hardship and misery of carrying and delivering my baby, a little rose was born. I can't wait to watch her grow even more. Here's to Miss Evelyn Rose!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Shining Star
Evy had her nine month pictures taken almost two months ago. I just came across the blog cd Fotogenix generously gave to me. I think they are definitely worthy of posting especially since I have not blogged for over a month now. Excuse the amount of pics I'm posting as I just couldn't narrow them down.
Looking at these pictures, the song lyrics, "I am like a star shining brightly," come to mind. I love this little girl. I love her happy demeanor. I love her angelic face. I love the coy look on her face in the picture where she is looking over her shoulder while standing, mind you, on a chair. I love how her large eyes shine. I love the innocence. What a darling age!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
A Fall Song
Golden and red trees
Nod to the soft breeze,
As it whispers, "Winter is near;"
And the brown nuts fall
At the wind's loud call,
For this is the Fall of the year.
Good-by, sweet flowers!
Through bright Summer hours
You have filled our hearts with cheer
We shall miss you so,
And yet you must go,
For this is the Fall of the year.
Now the days grow cold,
As the year grows old,
And the meadows are brown and sere;
Brave robin redbreast
Has gone from his nest,
For this is the Fall of the year.
I do softly pray
At the close of day,
That the little children, so dear,
May as purely grow
As the fleecy snow
That follows the Fall of the year.
--by Ellen Robena Field
Nod to the soft breeze,
As it whispers, "Winter is near;"
And the brown nuts fall
At the wind's loud call,
For this is the Fall of the year.
Good-by, sweet flowers!
Through bright Summer hours
You have filled our hearts with cheer
We shall miss you so,
And yet you must go,
For this is the Fall of the year.
Now the days grow cold,
As the year grows old,
And the meadows are brown and sere;
Brave robin redbreast
Has gone from his nest,
For this is the Fall of the year.
I do softly pray
At the close of day,
That the little children, so dear,
May as purely grow
As the fleecy snow
That follows the Fall of the year.
--by Ellen Robena Field
Friday, September 11, 2009
Newbie
I am a total newbie when it comes to digital photography and Adobe Elements, but I'm loving both! It has been a recent adventure of mine to learn how different digital textures, masks, etc. can add to the overall feeling of a photo.
I am learning through an awesome online teacher. Her name is Jessica Sprague(www.jessicasprague.com), and she offered a free class over the summer of popular actions in Elements. She has very clear step-by-step instructions on how to implement different techniques, and I have access to my class instructions for as long as I want.
If I can do it, anyone can! Check out these cool before and afters:
Learning about png frames and word art
Creating a Vintage Style Photo
Clipping Masks
Textures
Through the Viewfinder (TTV)
Selective Spot Recoloring
More fun to come!
I am learning through an awesome online teacher. Her name is Jessica Sprague(www.jessicasprague.com), and she offered a free class over the summer of popular actions in Elements. She has very clear step-by-step instructions on how to implement different techniques, and I have access to my class instructions for as long as I want.
If I can do it, anyone can! Check out these cool before and afters:
Learning about png frames and word art
Creating a Vintage Style Photo
Clipping Masks
Textures
Through the Viewfinder (TTV)
Selective Spot Recoloring
More fun to come!
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