Sunday, February 28, 2010

58/365 - Closing Ceremonies

10.02.28 - Closing Ceremonies

Today wraps up the 2010 Winter Olympics from Vancouver. Over the past two weeks, we have watched great races, games and performances. Today's US vs Canada Hockey game was the culmination of the Games, a last minute goal to send it to OT and the Canadian team victorious in the end. Yes, I wish the US would have won, but what a great effort overall.

Read more...

Saturday, February 27, 2010

57/365 - Daily Chore

One of my goals of P365 is to capture the Daily Aspects of My Everyday Life. Images that will illicit some sort of response when viewed years from now. The response could be a memory, a story, a feeling, and hopefully a smile.

A sub goal of P365 is to improve my photography - I actually take multiple pictures daily - one for P365 and the other for my photography blog. Another exercise to grow my skills is looking at other images, from photo blogs, magazines and books. While I peruse many photo blogs each day, I decided to check out some "coffee table" books this week, to get a different perspective. There's something about the physicality of a large book that slows you down, makes you thing about the image.

One of the books I checked out from the library is a beautiful homage to the diversity of Americans and their homes. I thought this would provide some inspiration for P365. The book, America at Home did just that.



For today, I decided to capture something I do almost every day at home - washing the dishes. This isn't a normal view, but one from the window looking in. I even managed to get Brian in one of the pictures, in his usual lazy Saturday afternoon get up of no shirt and shorts. Yes, even in the middle of winter.

10.02.27 - Wash Break

Daily Chore

What daily chore do you want to capture? Try to capture it with you in the action.

Read more...

Friday, February 26, 2010

56/365 and Weekly Gratitude - a Capella CDs

I loaned these CDs to a friend about a year ago and this week she returned them to me. Even though I had ripped and put all the songs on my iPod, the physical CDs reminded me of all the time, work, hours and dedication it took to create these recordings.

Voices Only

Even though I own all the studio recordings by The Chorallaries of MIT, the first two albums were just that - vinyl albums. Just two weeks ago, I received the digital versions of these two albums. I hadn't heard some of these songs in twenty years, yet, I could still sing my part to most of the songs from the first album:
Making It In Massachusetts - Chorallaries of MIT

So this little stack makes my Weekly Gratitude Entry:
Weekly Gratitude - a Capella

Read more...

Thursday, February 25, 2010

55/365 - Winter Coaster Collection

Pretty self explanatory - we own a set of coasters for each season. This set started it all last year. I received these cute snowmen coasters during our Book Club's White Elephant Gift exchange. The kids love them.

10.02.25 - Winter Coaster Collection

We each have our assigned coaster - mine is the front right (holding the heart), Scott's is the front left, Erica's is the back at the top and Brian's is the back right (green scarf).

I think it is important to capture some of these little "details" - because I know the kids will remember these coasters when they get older (just like I still remember the plates we ate on growing up).

Read more...

Tips for Project 365

Pool of Ice
A photo I took on Feb 10 - because I'm a firm believer that all blog posts need a photo!

Jessica Turner's blog post on this prompted me to share some tips for Project 365, or any similar type of project.

  • First off - Don't sweat it if you miss a day or two, or even a week - It's OK to have a gap. Just start again. But don't give up! It's OK to re-evaluate your project and tweak it so that it works for you.
  • Don't sweat it if the picture isn't perfect. Some of my most loved pictures certainly won't win any awards, but they are precious to me and represent a piece of my day. Because that's what I want to achieve with my P365 - a capture of my life.
  • Yes, carry that camera around EVERYWHERE. I take my DSLR practically everywhere! People around me don't even notice. I once pulled out my camera during a Book Club Meeting (we were at a restaurant) and my friend said "Where did that camera come from? Did you carry that thing in here?". Invariably, if I don't have my big camera, I will spot something that I want to take a picture of.
  • And when that happens, I use my iPhone's camera. Again, my goals for this project is to capture a bit of my every day life. Some of my iPhone pictures are pretty darn good!
  • Keep up with the downloading / editing. If you get behind, then don't edit - just use them SOOC. Try to print out the photos on a regular basis (this is something I am way behind on).
Hopefully, you can use these tips and keep trucking on those pictures! I'd love to hear additional tips in the comments section.

Keep clicking away!

Read more...

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

54/365 - Complete Opposites

The kids decided to channel the gymnasts on Make It or Break It and turned the family room into a tumbling mat. They ran from foyer into the family room, vaulted off the couch and flipped in the air.

But all this activity resulted in some tired kids. Giving me an opportunity to capture both ends of the spectrum.

10.02.24 - Opposites

Read more...

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

53/365 - Looking Outside

I wonder what she's looking at. Oh, probably Rascal, our other cat and Hannah's "nemesis".

10.02.23 - Who's Looking Outside?

You see, Rascal will actually venture outside during the winter months. Hannah's a little more, how shall we say, refined to subject her tender paws to the cold and snow. But I think she longs for the outdoors.

Soon, Hannah, soon.

Since my friends, Lindsay and Nadya, love to see pictures of Hannah, this one's for them!

Read more...

Project 365 2010 - Week 7

Wow, how fast is the year zooming by - week 7 already! We are almost to the end of February, and I want to see some nicer weather.

And here's Week 7's summary of pictures:
P365 2010 - Week 7

Again, I created the mosaic of pictures using my flickr stream and the mosaic maker at Big Huge Labs. Then I added the date captions and text using the picnik editor that flickr links to. Super easy!

I hope your P365 is coming along well, and for other P365 Inspiration, head over to Jessica Turner's Blog and Project Life Tuesday.

Read more...

Monday, February 22, 2010

52/365 - Monday Evening

Our routine Monday evening entertainment - a show about a group of gymnasts training for the Olympics and the drama associated with teenage athletes and their families.

10.02.22 - Monday Evening Entertainment

Tonight's drama - the group goes against the Established US National Gymnastics association by inviting the Chinese National Team to Colorado. Of course, there's subplots of entangled relationships and friendships. Typical soapy stuff. Erica's favorite show.

Read more...

Sunshine Blog Award

My sweet friend, and super talented scrapper, Nadya, presented me with the Sunshine Blog Award.



What a great award that brightens up my day.

I get to pass the award on to 6 of my followers or friends.
I'm passing it onto:

Kyla
Terri G
Lindsay
Jayne
Char
Maggie

Thanks again, Nadya! You're the best!

Read more...

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Mosaic Monday - Music

For those who know me or have been around my blog know that I love music. I gathered up several pictures of music, my violin and piano for this week's mosaic.

Mosiac Monday - Music

Mary at This Little Red House hosts Mosaic Monday. Go and check out her beautiful mosaic of vintage greens, along with the other participants of Mosaic Monday.

Hope you have a day filled with beautiful music.

Read more...

51/365 - 47 Baptisms

Wow, what an incredible sight. Two baptism troughs at the front of the worship hall, a 25 minute sermon and an impromptu call for baptisms. Over two services, 47 people came forward. As a frame of reference, the church baptized a little over 80 people in 2009.

10.02.21 - 47 Baptisms

I didn't have my camera at church, so no pictures except for this one I snapped later on in the day. But a tremendous day.

Read more...

Saturday, February 20, 2010

50/365 - Lego Building

We entered this weekend with a high possibility of snow, and sure enough, a fresh layer dusted the outside grounds (truthfully, I walked home through the falling snow at midnight, so I knew it would be there in the morning).

Fortunately, the "big storm" forecast for tonight didn't materialize and we should only receive rain.

So, another lazy Saturday afternoon, with Brian putting together some new Bionicles he purchased.

10.02.20 - More Bionicles

Yes, I know the picture is pretty crappy, but one of the things I've learned about Project 365 - the pictures don't have to be perfect - they just need to represent a bit of your day.

Read more...

Friday, February 19, 2010

49/365 - Lively Book Club Discussions

Kellie hosted our monthly book club meeting tonight and she ordered a red velvet cake, custom decorated in the image of the book's cover:

10.02.19 - Book Club Discussions

My Little Red Book, edited by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff, is a collection of short stories, revolving around the first periods from women around the world, of current and past generations. Many funny, some sad, some happy, stories all women can relate to, especially those with daughters.

And contrary to popular belief, we DO discuss the books during our meetings, and tonight's discussion proved to be most interesting, educational at times and quite "colorful". With the lively discussions, the time passed so quickly - we didn't leave until after midnight.

If you have a young daughter, the book is a must read and a great conversation prompt when your daughter starts to grow up.

Read more...

Weekly Gratitude - Lavender

A favorite scent - so relaxing and soothing.
Weekly Gratitude - Lavender

I even planted several Lavender plants in front of the house. In the summer, I can reach for a flower or even a stem, crush it lightly and enjoy the fragrance.

Read more...

Thursday, February 18, 2010

48/365 - Too Many Geese

Alternate Title: Why I Don't Live Along the Water in Our Subdivision

As I drove into the subdivision this afternoon, sun shining, the air feeling almost spring-like*, I caught this sight out of the corner of my eye while crossing the bridge over the slough.

10.02.18 - Lots of Geese

Hundreds of geese, waddling about, eating, squawking, and yes, pooping. They stretched along the slough banks to the retention ponds.

Hence, the reason why we don't live along the water's edge (even though the realtors will extol the benefits of "waterfront" properties).

*it's sad when 32degF feels "spring-like"

Read more...

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

47/365 - Erica's Aeropostale Bag

We bought this bag a couple weeks ago, and it has replaced the standard back pack for school [probably because it is WAY more stylish]. I like the color, too. A nice turquoise blue to remind me that Spring / Summer comes closer every day.

10.02.17 - Erica's Blue Bag

Read more...

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

47/365 - Today's Gas Price and Kickball

I have two pictures today - one that's not very "personal" and one that is "personal". Both are relevant (well, all pictures are relevant in some context or other, so that goes without saying).

First, the non-personal picture - our current gas prices:
Today's Gas Price
$2.379 per gallon is pretty low for around here. I don't recall it being this low in a least several months.

Now, the picture of Brian playing kickball with his 4th grade classmates:
Addressing the Ball
Brian's teacher coordinated a classroom pizza potluck tonight. We got to meet parents of the other students and then we watched the kickball game. Quite entertaining and fun.

Some "technical photography stuff" around the kickball picture:
ISO: 1250
Aperture: f2.8
Shutter Speed: 1/160s
The shutter speed is still a little on the slow side (for sports, 1/500sec or faster is desired), but Brian wasn't really running very fast (he never runs very fast), so it was OK.
The noise in the original image was pretty noticeable, so I ran the image through a noise reduction program - a freeware program called Noiseware Community Edition from Imagenomic. They also offer a full licensed edition with more features.

So, how are the gas prices in your neck of the woods?

Read more...

Project 365 - 2010 Week 6

I realized I started last week's summary with Monday's picture instead of Sunday, so this week, there is a repeat of last Sunday's photo, but it's Scott, so I think that's OK.

P365 2010 - Week 6

For other P365 Inspiration, head over to Jessica Turner's Blog and Project Life Tuesday.

Read more...

Monday, February 15, 2010

46/365 - Stay Away Cold!

I've had a sore throat, and been stuffed up, sneezing and coughing for the past 4 days. With 3 fresh inches of snow on the ground, it was time to enjoy some Hot and Sour Soup for lunch.

10.02.15 - Hot and Sour Soup
The basic recipe -
2 C chicken broth
1 C water
Shitake and oyster mushrooms (I used dried ones)
Tofu cubes
1/4 lb of Pork, cut into strips
1 clove of garlic, chopped
1" ginger, grated
2 green onions, chopped
2-3 T soy sauce
2-3 T Rice vinegar
1 T Tabasco sauce

Stir fry pork, garlic, ginger and green onions in a medium sauce pan until the pork is cooked. Add liquids and mushrooms, simmer for 15 minutes (or longer). Add tofu last. Adjust seasonings as needed. You could add some wontons or a little noodle if you like. Traditional Hot and Sour soup uses cornstarch and egg, but I didn't want either, so I omitted them.

We're all at home today, with the President's Day Holiday. Pretty low key. Thinking about Spring as the snow continues to fall outside my window.

Read more...

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Mosaic Monday - Hoar Frost

As much as I would like to "think Spring", the brilliance of Winter made me appreciate the cold yesterday, with thick hoar frost coating every surface outside.

Hoar Frost Mosaic

Mary at Little Red House hosts Mosaic Monday - be sure to visit her and the other Mosaic contributors there.

Meanwhile, I have another 35 hoar frost pictures to sort through! Thank goodness we have President's Day off.

Read more...

45/365 - Afternoon at the Movies

And today's movie choice - Percy Jackson and the Olympians - The Lightning Thief.

10.02.14 - Movie Day
picture taken outside the movie theatre

The verdict - enjoyable, but different from (what I remember of) the book. Maybe I should re-read it now.

We met up with two other families. I sat with Jill and Kim while Brian and his friends sat all the way up front in the first row.

Read more...

Saturday, February 13, 2010

44/365 - Sleep It Off

Brian claimed he got "3-4 hours" of sleep last night at the church Lock In. And he was up as a pup when he got home this morning at 7:00. That didn't last long - I found him fast asleep at 8:00.

10.02.13 - After the Lock-In

I'm glad he's getting some sleep now - he won't be as grumpy later on.

Read more...

February's 12 on 12 - Redux

The reason for my tardy 12 on 12 post - I also created a Digi page for it.
I was inspired by my friend, Lee, who overcame her apprehension towards PSE in January with a beautiful Digital version of her 12 pictures.

Here's my Digital version of yesterday's 12 on 12, a double page spread, based on a freebie template I found on Dreams Inspired.

February 2010 12 on 12

I'm not 100% sure I'll create a digi page for each 12 on 12 - the process is still fairly time consuming. We'll have to see.....

Read more...

Friday, February 12, 2010

February 12 on 12

This month I didn't forget and got my 12 pictures throughout the day.

Morning means preparation for school. Brian's class held their Valentine's party this afternoon, and I signed up to bring drinks.
Fridge in the Garage
No, I didn't bring beer! And lest you think we are bunch of boozers here, all of the beer is leftover from our Super Bowl Party. It will probably last until next year! (OK, it won't, but it will last a while). I took the sodas (again, leftovers from the Super Bowl Party) out of the fridge. And this is the fridge in the garage, which houses all of our drinks and "overflow food".

The water is in the kettle, heating up for my coffee:
Boiling Water
Hey, you can see a reflection of the window - and there's a bit of light starting to peak through the clouds.

I woke up with a sore throat, the sniffles and I can't stop sneezing. Time for pseudoephedrine and zyrtec.
Ward off the Cold

I went upstairs to roust Brian out of his bed.
Hiding
Yes, he is in there.

And I took a picture of the outside pond from his window. Yes, that white stuff is still hanging around.
Wintry Pond View

We're at Brian's school now, and he's picking out his lunch selection card. Friday's are easy - it's pizza day.
School TGIF

On my drive to work, I got stuck behind a large farm tractor.
Tractor in the Snow
While not an unusual sight during harvest season, this is February! I've never run into large farm equipment in the winter. [then again, there's corn still standing in some of the fields this year]. Notice the frosty trees off to the right? Hoar frost. Beautiful.

At work, we have been planning a big plant shutdown and computer conversion. I decided to write the dates on the big calendar this morning. Then at 11:15, I was called to an "emergency meeting" at 11:30 to discuss the plant shutdown. Moved to September.
Changed Schedules

After lunch, I needed a little chocolate snack.
Afternoon Snack
Perfect while working on the computer!

After work, I took Erica to the stable for her horse riding lesson.
See You, Mom
Hey, she even waved to me!

After dinner, I drove Brian to church where he is spending the night in a "Lock In".
In Line That means he'll run around the indoor playground, drink soda and eat snacks. I doubt there will much "sleeping".

Because he'll be spinning around on the merry-go-round, hanging on for dear life:
Centrifugal Force

We spent the rest of the evening watching the opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics. A great day.

Read more...

Weekly Gratitude - Hubby Scott

I felt it to be appropriate to devote this week's Gratitude Post to my Hubby, Scott.

Gratitude - Valentine's Weekend

Case in point - he'll be heading out tomorrow morning to pick up Brian at 7am! He's not even a morning person, but he's been training for a half marathon, getting up at the wee hours of the morning to hit the gym. I'm grateful that he'll be able to make the pick up, allowing me to sleep in.

Read more...

Thursday, February 11, 2010

42/365 - Hannah, Tail Wrapped Around Her Paws

Sounds like a Native American Name ala Dances With Wolves, right?

But that's how she sits, all prim and proper, with her long tail wrapped around her front paws. Keeping them nice and warm, we say.

10.02.11 - Hannah, Tail Wrapped Around her Paws

I took the picture after I caught Hannah sitting on one of the kitchen table chairs. She doesn't normally sit here, and I liked the light coming through the back patio door. Hanging off the chair is a pair of snow pants - indicative of the recent snow and outdoor play. That's why I like this picture over the others I shot today.

Read more...

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

41/365 - You're Never Too Old

To play on the swings.

10.02.10 - You're Never Too Old

Erica's friend, Jen, came over this afternoon and they had fun playing outside. I had to take the picture "in stealth mode" by hiding behind the patio doors and quickly shooting. So the picture is a little blurry, but we all get the basic idea.

Read more...

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

40/365 - Snow Day, Kids Will Play

The four inches of snow last night, coupled with additional snow today, resulted in Snow Day 2 of the school year. Of course, the kids were overjoyed and anxious to get out in the white stuff.

10.02.09 - Snow Day Play

Rascal ventured outside for about 10 seconds before turning back.

Too Cold to Be Outside

More snow expected tonight.....

Read more...

Project 365 2010 Week 5

This week, I added text to the P365 mosaic, using Picnik. My Flickr contact/fellow P365'r, MaggieGem, keyed me in on this little trick.

P365 2010 Week 5


Check out the other Project Life Tuesday participants at Jessica Turner's Blog

Read more...

Monday, February 08, 2010

One

I've been meaning to participate in this lovely meme that my friend, Lee, stumbled upon. A little perspective on what's happened and the potential of the future.

one hour ago: I was just starting to edit today's photos.

one day ago: I was watching the Super Bowl with great friends.

one week ago: I was editing photos on the computer while watching "Make It or Break It" with the kids.

one month ago: We were digging out of 6" of snow and dealing with sub-zero temperatures.

one year ago: I was training for the Half Marathon.

one decade ago: We lived in Indiana, Erica was 2 1/2 and Brian a mere 5 months old.

* * * * *

one hour from now: I will be cajoling the kids to get to bed.

one day from now: We may be buried in more snow.

one week from now: We have nothing planned!

one month from now: I'm hoping Spring will have arrived.

one year from now: We may be snowbound again.

one decade from now: It will just be Scott and I in the house - Erica will be done with college and Brian will be in college. Wow!

Read more...

39/365 - The Morning After

Well, we didn't have the outcome we wished for last night. But the game was exciting and well played. Lots of food, great friends, and fun commercials.

10.02.08 - The Morning After

Maybe next year.

[Maybe next year, New England will win!!]

Read more...

Sunday, February 07, 2010

Super Bowl Afternoon Mosaic

We're watching all of the pre-Super Bowl hype this afternoon, just waiting for the main event tonight, and I snapped some quick photos. 15 minutes later and I have a simple mosaic, suitable for Mosaic Monday at Little Red House.

Super Bowl Sunday Afternoon

I've got Chinese BBQ Pork simmering on the stove, the dips and veggies all ready to go, the rice and wings will start in 15 minutes and guests will start arriving around 4:30. So, signing out for the rest of the day.

Oh yeah - Go Colts!!

Read more...

Saturday, February 06, 2010

37/365 - Preparations

All today, we prepared for the biggest non-Holiday event of the year - the Super Bowl game tomorrow. As usual, we're having some people over, so we spent the day cleaning, putting away "stuff" and making "stuff".

I whipped up the Rum cake in my trusty KitchenAid mixer.
10.02.06 - Whip It

We're hoping for a Colts victory tomorrow. Go Horse!

Read more...

Copyright Notice

All images on this blog (unless stated) are the intellectual property and copyright of SLPhotography and shirley319 (© 2009, 2010). Do not steal, borrow or pirate the images here.

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code. and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act) prohibits the use of digital property to be used without the consent of its owner.

Stat Counter

email subscription

Enter your Email


Powered by FeedBlitz

  © Free Blogger Templates Spain by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP