Best of 2011

I came across this blog post that inspired me to go through my pictures and decide which I felt were my best for 2011. So here I go!

This first one is from the Digital Photography Bootcamp class that I took with Leigh-Ann in July. It was tough to choose which water picture I liked best. I was able to "freeze" the water by using an exposure setting of 1/1600. I am still learning all of the correct settings and what aperture and shutter speed will do to my pictures, but this was a fun day to play at a fountain in Burien.

Here is another one that shows something learned at Bootcamp. This time I slowed the shutter speed way down to blur the movement of the water.

This shot shows how to use something to frame your shot. Granted the tree on the other side isn't super exciting, but getting the tree to be in focus helps me to remember to look for this type of shots in other locations.

There is something I really like about this picture. Maybe it is the tractor in the background. I really think that it is the way that he is holding the pumpkin. It really captures the reason we were there...to find that perfect pumpkin.

This one is a little different perspective of Mt. Rainier. I guess this is the view you can get when you go up to Chinook Pass to take pictures.

These are just a few. I would guess if others looked through my pics they would pick different favorites. As always I am my own worst critic. What I learned from looking through these is that I want to be more aware of lighting and white balance. At times I was shooting in the middle of the day which is harshest light. I also need to learn how to brighten things up for all of these cloudy days we hide under around here.

What a difference a day makes?

So just after I awoke (it was pretty late today) I received a phone call from my Mom telling me that my dear Poppa had passed away. We knew this day was coming soon. He has been sick with congestive heart failure for many years and within the last few weeks he was place in Hospice care. Today I have been in a fog. I made travel arrangements, bought a suitcase, and made guest teacher plans for the three days I will be gone. In the back of my mind continued to be this thought I wish there was someone here to hold me up through this. As I reflect on my day there have been many people to hold me up. My dear friends who are sacrificing their sleeping in time to take me to the airport. My friends who are texting me during their time in Disneyland with hugs, kisses and love. My friends who I didn't even have to ask to watch over my house and get my mail, she offered first. My coworkers who offered to help me in any way they could. These are the people that I have in my life. I am extremely thankful for all of these wonderful people in my life. It is good for me to remember that I have all of these blessings in my life. Sometimes I am quick to forget about these blessings and wish for that ONE person. Be careful there Ms. Melissa. You already know who your Savior is.

Time for a Man Plan

Well, now that the National Board box has been mailed I have decided that it is time for an actual Man Plan. The steps that I have taken so far obviously are not producing much in the category of dates. If and when there are dates they are usually only first, maybe second dates. It is time for me to take a different approach and spend some actual time on this mystery. I am a wonderful person. There are many fantastic qualities that I possess and there is no reason why a man wouldn't want to spend his life with me. I know that keeping this confidence in myself is part of the process. I also realize that this journey may help me to recognize other things about myself that may be challenging to face. I hope that during this process I will have fun along the way, maybe find some new places to enjoy and I truly hope that I meet the man of my dreams. Step one: Research.

A long time coming!

Isn't amazing how long it can take to get art up on your walls???? January 1st was my second anniversary as a homeowner.  Well over a year ago I was in the Ben Franklin in Bonney Lake (one of my favorite places now that I live in Enumclaw) and I saw this art display they had created using canvas, paint, and wire.  I bought all of the supplies, went to the copy story to get the pattern made and rushed home to make it.  Now, well over a year later I can say that it is complete.  It is not on the wall yet, but it is complete.  Here it is:

I also decided that I wanted more on the walls in my craft room.  Again at Ben Franklin they have some very cute whiteboards and magnet boards.  Here is what I came up with.  Now if I could just find that hunky guy to help me hang them on the wall.  ;)

Yarn Buying Moratorium and a Clean Craft Room

I decided when I got home from Spokane that I was going to clean and organize my craft room.  Much like my Mom's room, which she often refers to as her crap room, my craft room often becomes the dumping room when I am trying to get "stuff" out of my main living spaces.  I decided it was time to do a little purging and reorganizing.  I didn't get rid of too much otherwise I wouldn't have made nearly as much progress.  In the process I did realize that I need to be on a yarn buying moratorium AND I need to finish up many of the projects that I have started.  Guess that is a good start to some New Year's Resolutions.  The other reason I decided to clean is I hope to have my girls out for some crafting time.  I would like to make it a once a month "thing" actually.  What a great way to start a new year - with a clean craft room.  Here are some before and after pics.  Is it bad to admit that it was like this in the beginning?  Oh, well.  It is better now.  Here's to a wonderful 2011.  Best wishes to you!

Oh Good Grief!

I decided I wanted to make a Christmas card tonight to deliver with the centerpiece that I bought for Byron and Janie. The plan was to start out simple and the card ended simple BUT it took me FOR-E-VER.  It started out as a rectangle card. Then changed to a square because I recently purchased square envelopes. I got the card to the place that I thought was finished and then realized I made the card 6 x 6 when the envelopes are 5 1/2 x 5 1/2.  So then I started over again.  Again, I finished the card.

 

Then I went to open the card and found that I had not paid attention to the fold when I stamped on the card.  UGH! I think it ended up being an okay accident though.

The Day After

The day after your birthday calls for Thank You cards. This evening I put together a simple yet effective "Thank You" layout. Using my awesome clear stamps, I set up a large block with various thank yous in different fonts and sizes. I also added a small dot, flower or star. A card for my brother called for the more masculine star.

The day after my birthday also called for decorating for Christmas.  The year I tried my 4 1/2 foot tree on a table.  I think I like it.  I know for sure that I love the blue, white and silver that is used to decorate the tree.