Visually Oriented Blog

Portrait Shoot!

2012-01-15T20:08:00.000-05:00

It had been a while since I had done any portraits, well other than a few of the my husband and I several months ago. That was the day I broke my macro lens :(
Plus I had to share something other than cell phone photos - I'm a little tired of only using those myself!

So when this guy messaged me that we could finally set up a day to do some I was thrilled. He's a cool guy and a very talented singer and musician. I wonder if there is anything that he don't play? (He is a drummer, guitarist, pianist...)

I think that I overdone it a little on the textures on some of them but I think that the effects are amazing. that's just my "o" on the subject.

I just love that it looks that the sign's paint is peeling!

This wasn't a "quality" shot, but I loved it!

He reminds me of a Jesus print here, and in some others as Barry Gibb of the Bee gees - look at photos of BG in the 70s

The original photo shows too much of the house in the background, so I used a texture. I loved the results!

He told me that on most album covers musicians DO NOT SMILE. It is true, I noticed that! Why is that?

I love string/playing shots!

Week #2

2012-01-15T03:11:00.000-05:00

It is amazing how many words we come into contact with each day. Work played a part in a few, but sometimes you need to go somewhere different to find some unique textures and fonts. I especially love #5! It is part of a sign in Panera bread. I really wish that I had taken photos of the whole sign!

I am so excited right now, I won a spot in the Brave Girls Club's Body Restoration! My body and I have not had a good relationship in years. Actually I don't know if we have had one since I was a teenager. I had bad haircuts, acne (due to the 80s-90s hairspray), and then I developed the curves that have made me miserable ever since. I was a tomboy (who loved clothes, shoes, and jewelry) who was skinny and never wanted a larger bust but ended up with one. Now, with my much too large bust, I want to learn to look beyond it and call a truce with how I think of and treat myself.

Wow, the things we manage to admit when we write!

It's been a While....

2012-01-08T01:30:00.000-05:00

Wow, it has been a while hasn't it?

This whole journaling on paper depletes my thoughts of words for an actual blog post. I have been laying low too. I really want to enjoy things that do not really require my being "plugged in." It is difficult to resist the urge sometimes.

I have decided to attempt another go at the 365 Photo photo challenge. I found an app for my Android phone, okay, so it is the only app for 365 on these phones. (I would love to have an iPhone, but the reality is that I just don't have the money to, or want to spend on one.)

My theme for the month is Word or Words. My two words for the Word for the Year are here too.
I had edited one photo on the phone, but I can't seem to get the edited version back out of the 365 app!! I can't get it back into the same editor - so the color on it looks horrible :(

So here is week number 1

Hello

2011-12-13T20:25:00.002-05:00

I've been hiding as of late.
I am lost in a world of repainting and redecorating.
Mostly I have been lost in a world of writing and reading.

I am loving the feel of pen to paper, silent reflections, filled with discovery of who i am, what I really love, and reverbing as well. Cracking open things that I don't talk to others about, or that I feel too ashamed of.

Loving the tactile and sensory feelings of reading books, my baby blanket, a vintage throw, and teddy bear.

I have been quite negligent of my blog posting, and reading, during this time. I did "spruce" the place up a bit. Sorry, but I couldn't resist the phrase ;) It will be a few weeks before I attempt to return and begin visiting other blogs again.

Hopefully soon I will return...wishing you a joyous holiday season.

WE are...Marshall

2011-11-14T19:08:00.002-05:00

Today I remember my home state and our local city of Huntington.
Today and every year on this date, WE take a moment to remember how far You have come.
Today WE put aside our blue and gold and wear green and white.
Today WE gather our thoughts and WE remember, together.
Today WE showcase the strength and perseverance, that WE share, as only fellow West Virginians can.
Today WE remember that it has been a long road, and not an easy one, but You persevered and have shown Yourselves and this entire nation that inner strength.
Today, You are a model of what all of us can do to continue on after those dark, rainy nights. And that is to go from Ashes to Glory.
Today, all across this nation -
WE are....MARSHALL!!!!!
The photo above is one of my own from earlier in the year. The fountain has a water jet for each of the 70 plus people who died in the plane crash. The fountain runs from the start of football season until this day, November 14th.
This is one of the most amazing stories that you will ever hear. A team lost, a few remaining players, one of whom loved Marshall so much that he rallied people together so that We could have Marshall football. Because the university was going to end the football program.
*You can see the most moving and powerful part of the movie We Are Marshall here. It is a true and sad movie, I cannot think of it without tearing up. But these are some of the most inspiring words you can apply to your own life.

Fall Days

2011-11-05T10:03:00.001-04:00

Loving wearing boots, sweaters scarves, and fingerless mittens!

Please fall, make your self at home and stay, FOREVER!!!!!

circles

2011-10-12T00:59:00.001-04:00

Notice all the little circles that the rain is making?
And how funny that the outside lights reflect as circles too...

Lost

2011-09-28T08:12:00.000-04:00

Ever feel lost but you know exactly where you are?

That is how and what I have been feeling lately.

Utterly lost.

I am not interested in blogging.
I am not interested in television.
I am not interested in social networking.
I am not interested in shopping.
I am not interested in hanging out with friends.
I am not interested in continuing my encouragement project.
I am not interested in photography.

The only reason that I can figure that I am not interested in photography at the moment is that nothing is working out with it right now. When I finally get up the nerve to submit I either do not get accepted - at all - or they have closed whatever option I had before I made up my mind to try for it.

I had thought about starting up a portrait business on the side, but everything I do to try to pursue that fails. People can't work out a schedule, won't answer me back, (we are talking some free ones to some people that I know personally) or just don't seem interested.

I am starting to feel hopeless. I went on vacation last week. I took 4 photos with a DSLR and about 10 with a cell phone. In a WEEK.

Maybe I am getting too upset over this and allowing it to make me too uptight or depressed.
Maybe I am supposed to wait for better timing.
Maybe I am supposed to quit for a while and see if one day I will be more in the mood.
Maybe I am not supposed to be on blogger whining about my problems to strangers.

I have no idea of what to do.

I may be in hiding for a while.

Along the fence

2011-09-28T07:59:00.001-04:00

What is along the fence at my in-laws.

Red <3

2011-09-21T11:38:00.001-04:00

Red <3

2011-09-18T21:03:00.001-04:00

JeffBridges.com / Perception

2011-09-18T16:43:00.001-04:00

via jeffbridges.com

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:

A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children.. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly..
45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.

The questions raised:

*In a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

*Do we stop to appreciate it?

*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.

How many other things are we missing?

Inspiration / post-it quotes

2011-09-18T14:08:00.001-04:00

via pinterest.com

My retreat

2011-09-13T07:26:00.000-04:00

Very late I know.
Been working A lot!

August Break Day 31 & In The garden

2011-08-31T08:33:00.000-04:00

A photo of my sweeter half and Miss Muff from a shoot on Sunday. One that has probably cost me a macro lens and eventually my first dslr. *Sigh* Lessons learned.

August Break Day 30

2011-08-31T04:40:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 29, A Blog Award & In The Garden

2011-08-30T22:15:00.002-04:00

Thank you to Carol over at A Creative Harbor.

3. I love oldies music - especially Al Green

4. Snoopy is my favorite cartoon

5. My favorite colors are red & black. But hot pink is like red without being too girly

6. I struggle with finding myself

7. Miss Muff my schnauzer runs things around here

Seven Bloggers to pass award to:

1. Susanna's Sketchbook

2. Soul Aperture

3. Urban Muser

4. Cheryl's Excellent Adventure

5. KLB Photography (my sweeter half)

6. Cinnamon Owl

7. Deb Did It

Seven Things About Me

1. I love to take walks in Blowing Rock NC

2. I'm a Coca~Cola addict ;)

August Break Day 28

2011-08-28T13:16:00.001-04:00

I have been quiet I know! Be glad ;)

We went on an early morning walk in one of our favorite towns this morning.
I saw these in a shop window and was quite taken with these ladies - especially the plus size one! Such interesting figures. And I loved their almost pencil like hand painted hair and faces. I really wish that I had better photos - these quick snaps do not do them justice!

I was given a web award by Carol - I promise to post it soon! My days have been a little full and I haven't gotten to sit down at the computer to do so!

August Break Day 27

2011-08-27T18:30:00.001-04:00

A Monte ss in the side mirror of a Monte ss :)

August Break Day 26

2011-08-27T15:27:00.001-04:00

Isn't she cute sleeping like that?! ;)

August Break Day 25

2011-08-26T02:52:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 24

2011-08-24T21:32:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 23

2011-08-24T03:07:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 22

2011-08-22T22:48:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 21 & silhouette

2011-08-22T04:08:00.001-04:00

August Break day 20 & Black & White

2011-08-20T20:19:00.001-04:00

My brother's simplex motorcycle.

August Break Day 19 & Breaking a fear

2011-08-20T09:52:00.002-04:00

I am afraid to travel alone.

It's not a fear of getting lost, my mother was never afraid of getting lost.
I am so glad to have learned that from her, you find new places when you
aren't afraid to drive in a new section of a town or city.

I have become so dependent upon going places with other opeople that I lost
my independent side.

About 6 years ago I started having vision problems. I found that I had
headaches if I read or watched tv. Driving was difficult.

My husband was gone for work all week, so I went to work and came home. I
went only to the grocery store that was about a mile from my house, I tried
to do all of my shopping when he was at home.

I went to an eye doctor, she gave me glasses and wanted me to stop wearing
my contacts. This made things 100 times worse. Due to my nearsightedness I
had major peripheral vision issues which increased the headaches and
depression. I felt dizzy from time to time.

So my depression worsend, and to make matters worse I was having to squint
to see anything. A co-worker stared telling me, quite often, that I needed
to go to the eye doctor. I kept telling him that I had been that year and
that I didn't see that it was going to get better.

But finally after months of misery, I decided to go to a new eye doctor.
Turned out I had kerataconeis. (I probably just majorly misspelled that,
LOL) which is an eye disorder that caused all of my blurry issues and having
to read with one eye closed and then switch to the other eye being open to
watch tv.

It took months of fittings to get hard contact lenses. But I can see quite
well now. But the dependency on others hadn't been getting fixed. It took
having to meet some friends an hour away to start chipping away at my going
anywhere alone. So I got a little used to going somewhat regional places
alone.

So, that all brings me to today. My husband has to work all weekend. I had
never been to Charleston, SC. I have wanted to to for so long. So as I was
sitting at Panera becoming addicted to French toast bagels, I decided to go
there. I nearly called a friend but I realized that I needed this. I needed
to break this cycle of fear and dependency.

So on 6 hours sleep from yesterday, after working all night, I drove the 4
hours and change to Charleston. I used my Bluetooth headphones and just
walked the streets listening to music and taking photos. I was in heaven. A
beautiful city. And I know I only saw a fraction of it, but its okay.

I do regret not staying all night there. But I know how to get back and I'm
not afraid to do so. It will be 2 weeks before I can have another private
adventure, but I am looking forward to it!
I think I am going to work on a better playlist for that!

Did you know that today is World Photography Day? I took 4 cameras out with
me! AND every hour I took a photo, both on film and my cell. Some aren't
great because I was traveling, but I don't care! I accomplished 24 oh, I
mean 48 photos in 24 hours. I am satisfied with that.

August Break Day 18

2011-08-18T18:13:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 17 and Black & White

2011-08-17T14:32:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 16

2011-08-16T21:49:00.001-04:00

Peanut Butter and honey :)

August Break Day 15 & Black and White

2011-08-16T00:46:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 14 & Black and White

2011-08-14T22:41:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 13

2011-08-14T03:40:00.001-04:00

You are missed today & August Break Day 12

2011-08-12T23:03:00.001-04:00

If you were still with us today -
I would have so many questions
I would talk more
I would not feel as shy
I would make so many more memories

But even today I have a lot of memories of -
the side (corner) widows on your 79 Ford truck being open
That we both liked Nat King Cole, Alan Jackson, (and his mustache) & Laurel & Hardy
Tuesday & Friday night fights
Your prankster side
Your sense of humor
Your favorite spot in the couch
And being the only grandchild you never made mad at you.

I love and miss you Granddaddy, more today than I realized I could. I will be so glad to see you on the other side.

Standing In My Light & August Break Day 11

2011-08-11T02:55:00.001-04:00

I have been going through the Emerge course lately. Today's challenge was a self portrait of myself standing in my own light.

Well, being that I work third shift, my light actually seems to be dark. So, I found it fitting to stand under an outside light (hence the not so great fuzziness).

That made me think of how often we actually "see" ourselves as standing in the darkness. As if we can't find our way out or that there is no goodness only selfishness or hatred or some "demon" in our way blocking ANY light from penetrating the darkness. We so rarely see any good in ourselves.

Okay, so maybe I am the only one who is feeling this way. I read so many stories on the course posts about women who were finding strength to move on, who were in a stage of transition. Some of those stories brought me to tears. And all of the petty stories that I had started to post about my "poor little life" completely quieted me. (Which for the people who really know me, would sound shocking). I know we all have stories. I came so close to sharing my experiences from last year, and although they still seem horrific to me, I have made it through, and am a tiny bit wiser. These phenomenal women have so much to overcome that I almost want to find them in person and just hug them.

We all have battles we are facing. Some of us will break and some of us will hold on and come out stronger.

My transition, by the way, is in knowing that I deeply desire to find a job that is more creative and gives me me joyous freedom of creativity and expression. I have a good paying job, but am unhappy with it. However, I will not quit until the right thing comes along.

August Break Day 10

2011-08-10T21:49:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 9 & Reflection

2011-08-10T08:01:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 8

2011-08-09T02:20:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 7

2011-08-07T11:51:00.001-04:00

One of my wall paintings. I just finished it.

I must say that I have a wonderful husband who doesn't freak out or get mad that I paint or write with markers on the walls of my studio. I am VERY grateful for that. He understands my need to be creative.

August Break Day 6

2011-08-07T11:45:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 5

2011-08-05T22:12:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 4

2011-08-04T22:24:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 3 & Rust

2011-08-03T21:37:00.001-04:00

August Break Day 2 & Rust

2011-08-02T02:25:00.000-04:00

August Break & Vintage Rust

2011-08-01T19:35:00.001-04:00

You are Beautiful!

2011-07-29T17:47:00.001-04:00

As I am sitting here watching the tall "leggy" size -12 blondes (that is negative 12) walk in for their runway applications, I am reminded that there is beauty in all sizes.

Even though we may not be what the media desires we are what someone loves and desires. So hold your head up knowing that someone FAR more important than Redken finds you B-E-A-UTIFUL!

Chocolate

2011-07-29T06:12:00.001-04:00

The table at mealtime

2011-07-20T05:59:00.001-04:00

*My dining room table is still occupied by stuff from the living room! And the floor wasn't finished yet either.
So one the circles are from 5 Guys Burgers and the other is from my unfinished living room floor.
No real internet connection - cable and router unplugged due to unfinished flooring too. So no real photos. Sigh
Hope everyone is having a good week though!

Seeing things differently

2011-07-14T22:01:00.001-04:00

So, my laptop is still down, and with the painting/trim/new floor still not done I can't use the other laptop on the internet :(

So typing with two fingers gets old, quickly!

These photos are from the light strands (okay, white Christmas lights) going around my studio. I had never noticed the patterns made on the walls with the overhead light off. Cool!

Roid week day 3

2011-07-12T18:22:00.001-04:00

Roid week day 2

2011-07-11T21:21:00.001-04:00

Seriously, I am going to miss the poor pods. They are so amazing.

Hello Roid Week!

2011-07-10T21:15:00.001-04:00

Summertime Treat

2011-07-10T16:54:00.001-04:00

Key Lime ice cream <3

Crazy week & what's growing

2011-07-10T15:52:00.001-04:00

Okay I've
* worked 10hr shifts and Friday night
*my silver dollar plants, greenery
*applebees floral bush
*painting the living room - so a lot of living & cleaning

Scenes of West Virginia

2011-07-01T14:38:00.001-04:00

I can't believe it has been 3 days since I posted. I've got to work on that.
Yesterday was a travel day for us. And did I mention we took "scenic"
routes? ;)

These photos are from Summers Co. One of my favorite places on earth. The
mountain photos are from Pipestem State Park. The water photos are from the
nearby Bluestone Lake and Dam.

And the large statue, that's John Henry. The legend says that this man out
dug a steam shovel. They were building a railroad tunnel. And it is said
that he died after beating it.

Hope you all have a great weekend. And remember, freedom isn't free, so take
a moment to remember those who have and are giving us our freedom. Thank you
is nowhere near enough to say to our troops.

Scenes of West Virginia

2011-07-01T08:19:00.001-04:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Angela Byers" <2byersbills@gmail.com>
Date: Jul 1, 2011 8:14 AM
Subject: Scenes of West Virginia
To: <go@blogger.com>

I can't believe it has been 3 days since I posted. I've got to work on that.
Yesterday was a travel day for us. And did I mention we took "scenic"
routes? ;)

These photos are from Summers Co. One of my favorite places on earth. The
mountain photos are from Pipestem State Park. The water photos are from the
nearby Bluestone Lake and Dam.

And the large statue, that's John Henry. The legend says that this man out
dug a steam shovel. They were building a railroad tunnel. And it is said
that he died after beating it.

Hope you all have a great weekend. And remember, freedom isn't free, so take
a moment to remember those who have and are giving us our freedom. Thank you
is nowhere near enough to say to our troops.

Tuesday - The Blue Hour

2011-06-29T02:47:00.001-04:00

I completely forgot to post these today!

Texture Tuesday

2011-06-28T13:28:00.000-04:00

Shew what a busy couple of days!

Yesterday we drove down to York, SC after work mind you. And these two photos are from an old gate in the downtown area. York has many Colonial style buildings. Not a very large city, but it was quite nice.

Today I will be sharing over at Kim Klassen cafe, with a LOT of others for Texture Tuesday. This is my first time posting there. I love textures so free plus seeing so many other people's beautiful work helps inspire me to use them. I rarely do except for my own personal use, mostly portraits or digital art.

So the hard part is deciding which of these two photos to use, but I feel this way every Wednesday for 52PP too, so we will see how that goes.

I used two layers of golden on the first image and one layer of "golden" on the second.

Okay I had typed a longer post and forgot that I had copied it to paste over here and then copied Kim's blog address and so my longer post is gone, *POOF* Ahh well, I will work at a better post for tomorrow - and not delete it then!

Monday Blue hour

2011-06-28T05:44:00.001-04:00

Been a very busy day today. So my blue hour is only in the morning.

I promise a longer post tomorrow!

Sunday Self Portraits & Your Sunday Best & The Blue Hour

2011-06-26T23:47:00.000-04:00

Wow what a weekend! Lots of stuff got done (including a little housework, lol!)

A charity motorcycle ride to benefit one of our volunteer firepeople. A nap. LOL! And this photo is from the back of a motorcycle!

A baseball game - see yesterday.

Some backroad driving today. Another nap. Hey 3rd shift makes having a normal weekend difficult :(

And then searching for the Blue Hour this evening.

I had been toying with the thought of doing self portrait Sundays. However through the Urban Muser blog I found A Rural Journal blog and she does Your Sunday Best....so you get to see all of that - in one post!

Oh and have you played with the MagicHour app yet? NEW FAVORITE HERE! Woohoo! All of my selfies were taken with it! They say it is the closest thing to Instagram for us Android users.

Saturday - A word to describe......

2011-06-25T19:35:00.001-04:00

I missed yesterday. I was up a little late and so by the time I woke up, it was time to eat and get ready for work.

So I am going to flip the prompt from 52PP a bit again today.

So today a word that describes summer......

BASEBALL!

We are enjoying a game at the moment. So hope you are having a great weekend! I'll see everyone tomorrow.

Thursday - A Word to describe me & Share the Joy!

2011-06-23T22:28:00.002-04:00

Today I am posting two things!! My usual that continues the theme for the week over at 52PP and today will be my first post to Share The Joy over at Meri's Musings!

So I am starting with Sharing the joy! I was feeling a little ill in my body last night and wasn't quite over it all today. But I read the lovely comment by Meri and started to think of the things that give me joy today - and you know what I may not be back to 100% but I feel 100% more joyful!

The things giving me joy today are:

A furry friend.

Summer shoes & sparkling toe nails

Coca-Cola - ALWAYS

Butterflies
Rusty things

A favorite photo of my Hubby and I

Now for 52PPs - A Word to describe me. I asked some friends on Facebook last night and I got several different things - sweet, talented, inspired, etc.

My favorite?

This one!! I love Mary Poppins too! So that made it even cooler!

Wednesday - A word that describes.......

2011-06-22T20:27:00.000-04:00

Okay so I decided that I would flip the 52 Photos Project theme for this week around and do.....

A word that describes my PHOTOGRAPHY

Which even that is difficult! LOL

There are several that I can choose from.....

There are so many words. And I am choosing a pair.

Visual Storytelling is my favorite. That is what I do.

I tell stories of things found, things loved, things in need of love or restoration.

Cars, planes, trains, transportation in general is something that I really look for. Although I also enjoy rides, flowers, buildings, and found ephemera. I love the rusty, the abandoned, but I also love the shiny and restored.

I want to communicate through them to learn their stories, how they got here, who owned and loved them. Although I rarely am able to find this kind of information :(

Tuesday - A Word That Describes Me

2011-06-21T23:47:00.000-04:00

So the last two day's posts were a little difficult.

I mean using a pry bar to come out of my shell took some work!

So as I started looking around I realized that the word that really best describes me is a pet name for me by my husband -

Butterfly

I have been finding that it is well suited for me. There are butterflies in my jewelry box, in my closet, on my shower curtain....

I am seeing and allowing myself to realize that I am more of a butterfly than I will admit.

Even though really I think I am more of a caterpilar - waiting to become beautiful.

Waiting to change to something better.

I seem to flit around and alight on whatever pretty thing my heart fancies.

I look for the sweet things, the colorful things.

I have many more thoughts, about all of this but I believe the shell is closed for today.

Join us over at 52 Photos Project and Post the word that describes you too.

Monday - A Word That Describes Me

2011-06-20T22:13:00.002-04:00

(note - today's photo is at the bottom)

I am common. As in blue collar, working class, West Virginia common.
(yes I wear shoes, no, I'm not pregnant, I have all my teeth - except for wisdom teeth - and I have my associates degree)

I work for the worlds largest paper company driving a forklift/clamp truck = hourly pay. No illusions of grandeur here.
(Blue collar common, remember)

I live in a 30+ year old house. In need of repairs.

(It takes time and money, you know ;) )

I am messy (I think you saw that in the post yesterday, right?).
I mean I can't do anything without making or furthering a mess. (I don't wear white!)

I know how to give compliments, but I do not know how to receive them - I get embarrassed.

(those who KNOW me are laughing at me right now)

I am both introverted and extroverted. Yes, BOTH. I am not afraid to talk to people in a store, but I HATE parties or being with friends of others that I don't know.

(The people who KNOW be are laughing HYSTERICALLY right now!)

I secretly would like to write.

(I know, how can I write a book, magazine article, whatever - if I don't write blog posts?! I'm working at getting better, but it's sloooooooow!)

I have trouble defining what type of photography that I actually do.

(I know, all of these recent CRAPPY cell phone pics are quick snaps - not my REAL work!)

I am afraid that I am not loving photography anymore. I can't seem to get motivated to take the DSLRs out and really shoot.

(I have had trouble in the past with going places on my own)

I am working at encouraging others. Some people aren't accepting of it.

(I know Facebook is only one side of it - I NEED to start encouraging my blogging friends/heroes and MAILING encouragement to others!)

I want to have a real road trip with my husband. I have never been farther east than Lexington, KY - Cincinnati or Cleveland OH - Knoxville TN - whichever is farthest.

( I need to save money and just do this!!) Plus I could add my "how little can I pack to go on a trip" to this! (I ALWAYS over pack!)

I am afraid to get my work "out there." I am afraid of theft of my work. I am more afraid of rejection. I am afraid of it looking like so many other's work.

(I just need to suck it up and try! I have my own vision to see things how I see them. And I always appreciate seeing other's work)

I am afraid, almost daily. It is a cycle I just can't break. I am afraid I will be stuck in my job FOREVER. I am afraid to quit. I am afraid of another car accident (I had one 3 years ago). I am afraid of getting my heart broke. (That happened once, I just never want to go through it again). I am afraid people I KNOW will read this and judge me. I am afraid to go places by myself. (This goes back to depression and vision problems that have been corrected!!)

I was afraid to write most - okay ALL - of this down. So the more that I think of it the word that (currently) best describes me is AFRAID. This is our Prompt for this week over at 52 Photos Project . I figured this would be tough, but I didn't know I would crawl out of my shell.

This has done me a lot of good, to get it out, to not let it stay inside. Earlier as I was emailing the always lovely Christina, I had an A-Ha moment. And from that, I wrote this post. She and Susanna have been very supportive of me and I am very grateful for that over these last two years of blogging.

So now you are seeing more of the REAL me. I hope I have not scared you away. I am trying to blog more authentically now. More of me less hiding. Hopefully a lot less fear.

A word that describes me

2011-06-19T21:23:00.000-04:00

First of all this was a very difficult prompt for 52 Photos Project this week. And we do have permission to flip it around and change it to suit us, but I may do that later in the week.

I sat for a long time trying to think of a word to describe myself. I know that there are many words others have used to describe me:

Some things are good, some things are bad. I find that..

which leaves me feeling

I know that there is a word to describe me. But currently I am at a loss for what it is.

Saturday - what's outside the window

2011-06-18T21:07:00.000-04:00

Rain, a 1932 Lincoln, and the sunset

Friday - what's outside the window

2011-06-17T17:37:00.004-04:00

What's outside the window today? Sunshine :)

Thursday - what's outside the window

2011-06-16T17:37:00.001-04:00

The sky, a local courthouse, and the road behind. The courthouse was taken with the Fisheye lens from Photojojo!

Also thinking of the lovely Christina today - after hearing Bob Marley's One Love while eating dinner in a nearby cafe.

And I just got my hands on this book!! I ordered it from Amazon.UK to get it as I don't know when it will release in the US. The styling is so amazing - and I haven't even gotten a few moments to sit down and read it! I want to take it EVERYWHERE!!

Wednesday - what's outside the window

2011-06-15T17:37:00.000-04:00

Dinner and the night sky

Monday - What's outside the window

2011-06-13T23:09:00.002-04:00

Sunday - what's outside the window

2011-06-12T18:18:00.002-04:00

Self Portraits Part 2

2011-06-12T15:06:00.000-04:00

Self Portraits Part 1

2011-06-12T14:55:00.000-04:00

a ride through some back country roads here in NC. I used the PASSENGER side mirror to aid my self portraits. Then I found out that vignette had a time lapse setting! So I took FULL advantage of that. I took over 30 photos with that. Now of course I am not posting all of those, but these are some of my favorites

Saturday - A Heart

2011-06-11T20:56:00.002-04:00

One of my Brighton charms. I love that the little heart says "cheese" :) Also it is laying on a Polaroid transfer of the heart that I have painted on my dresser!! Funny how all of these things fall together sometimes.

Friday - Heart

2011-06-10T13:03:00.002-04:00

Here I am, wide awake, when I should be sleeping. Third shift really does a number on your sleep life, you always feel tired!
So as part of my insomnia I realized that not only did I not post any photos yesterday, I didn't post anything to 52 photos project either! Ack! Gotta get myself back in the swing of things!!!!
Hearts for today. Oh, and the drawn heart, It's watercolor and ink - and was actually done by me.

Wednesday - heart

2011-06-09T07:29:00.002-04:00

A heart I painted on my dresser mirror a few weeks ago. Not sure I like it, but He did.

Tuesday - Heart

2011-06-07T19:34:00.002-04:00

Wow! Where has my week gone!
Actually, I had been working 12 hour shifts after the Memorial Day holiday. So it has taken me a few days to get rested and back to normal. Well, normal for me that is :)
Well it was fun trying to get photos of my necklace with my phone upside down and backwards to me, LOL. But here is a heart charm bought for me by the man who holds my heart.
And for the fun of it - I'm leaving them upside-down!

Wednesday - Memory

2011-06-01T08:49:00.002-04:00

There are so many memories in this little cabinet, which has a memory all of it's own. I have several boxes of things that contain memories and trinkets of my 35 years. I often feel as though I am hoarding items that I do not need, but trust me I do jot qualify for a tv show episode ;) I just hold attachments to things I am not interested in keeping, but afraid of letting go of a memory of the one (or ones) who gave me a gift. I guess I really just need to photograph some of these things and do a digital scrapbook page(s) and convert it to a book - it would help me sort out some of my stuff, ya know?

Tuesday - Memory

2011-05-31T08:41:00.000-04:00

Memories abound in head vase dolls from my mother, a cigarette box bought on a motorcycle trip with my husband, and a coffee cup often used by my grandfather.

Monday - Memory

2011-05-31T02:14:00.002-04:00

After emptying my pockets I saw multiple memories - a fountain pen I bought when I first moved to nc, a card case I bought when I went on my first trip to nyc, and my keys.
My brother told me years ago how each person's keys make a different sound - sometimes even if they have the same keys! Placement and the key ring itself has a lot to with that.

Sunday - A memory

2011-05-30T03:11:00.002-04:00

A photo (of a photo) of a trip my husband and I made to a favorite state park in my home state of WV. We had been married less than a year. A very nice Japanese man offered to take the photograph of us.

Saturday - Water

2011-05-28T15:54:00.002-04:00

A trip to the mountains and a stop off at an old grit mill - which is still in operation.
And a rock that looks like a heart in the water.
And today I am remembering our Armed Forces past and present, living or who have passed on. Thank you is not enough. I am grateful for your protection and service. And also, I thank your families who have or are currently living without you at home.

Friday - Water

2011-05-27T15:44:00.000-04:00

Water rings from my Coke on the desk.

Thursday - water

2011-05-26T15:42:00.000-04:00

I had been playing in some watercolors today and noticed how the cup of water I was using had such a pretty color from the rinse.

Wednesday - Water

2011-05-25T15:39:00.000-04:00

My add on for today's water theme.

Wednesday - Water

2011-05-25T08:01:00.001-04:00

I was not about to let the fact that there were Poor Pods in my Silver Shade film stand in my way on Sunday! So I went off anyway!

My chosen image for today's 52 Photos Project post was a Polaroid of a local fountain. I actually love the poor pod problem AND the fact that the color is a bit unusual! It made for a one of a kind photo I think! I also took a Polaroid of the lake in the EXACT spot as you see posted (from my cell phone) on Sunday - how different they feel.

And I took (a rather odd expression for me, but hey, I'm odd and I kind of like it) a self portrait.

I will try to get some of the other Polaroids posted soon. As well as later ADD actual water photos that I will take today.

Make sure you drop by 52 Photos Project and add your water photos - It's easy and there are photo time limit restrictions :)

Tuesday - Water

2011-05-24T18:25:00.002-04:00

I was trying to shoot the Evian bottle of water alone, and realized my poor hydrangea looked very very thirsty, so of course I watered her :)

Monday - Water

2011-05-23T19:33:00.003-04:00

I know a lot of photos today!

I started out by trying to take photos (in my front entry) of my dog drinking water from this cup, dessert dish, whatever it is.

Muff however, would not cooperate. Ten minutes of laying on my stomach trying to persuade her ended in 2 actual photos of this, and this was the best I got.

Then after she left, I accidentally knocked over the glass while trying to get ahold of it. Then the second of aggravation turned into a "hey this will be better!" LOL!

Then the frustration begins in trying to capture spilled water on a BLACK floor! After having to turn on the flash (something I hate to use, ever) I had to go through multiple Vignette modes trying to find one I liked. As seen here :)
Keep looking through a few I didn't like as much or at all.
And don't forget to post YOUR "Water" theme shots over at 52 Photos Project on Wednesday. It's easy!

See the full gallery on Posterous

Sunday - water

2011-05-22T21:44:00.002-04:00

This weeks's theme over at 52 Photos Project is water. You can start posting on Wednesday. So be sure to join in :)
An early evening at the lake.

Saturday Ray of light

2011-05-21T21:23:00.003-04:00

Some beautiful light shining through an old gate and leaving small spots on an old church wall

Friday's Ray of Light

2011-05-20T23:28:00.003-04:00

In the waining hours of the day I am enjoying some darkness and candlelight.

Thursday Rays of Light

2011-05-19T08:16:00.003-04:00

I walked back down the block to try and get the rays going through my neighbours trees. But I couldn't get what I wanted.
So I walked beside my house and there through the big sturdy oaks was exactly what I was looking for!
Then I saw the beautiful rays splashed against my bathroom wall from the old candy dish and they were too pretty not to share :)

Wednesday Ray of Light

2011-05-18T07:31:00.003-04:00

A view of the sunlight in my backyard.
I am sharing a photo over at 52 Photos Project today!!
Why don't you join me - it is so easy to do! Plus for two weeks in a row Gillian and I have posted the same type of photos - I didn't know until I went to 52PP and got the blog link just now!! Hilarious!

Tuesday's Ray of Light

2011-05-17T19:34:00.003-04:00

It has been very cloudy and rainy here today. So a ray of sunlight was practically impossible to find.

The rain has now stopped and we are heading into night. But with the last moments of (any kind) light, I found some interesting sights. My baby blanket (a gift from a great aunt) and my crazy stripe socks looked rather interesting with their colors in the fading evening.

Monday Ray of Light Part 2

2011-05-16T20:19:00.002-04:00

As we came home I saw a FULL very vivid rainbow! It was trying to be a double, but it wasn't quite. But it was still gorgeous.
Having too much rain in your life? Wait for your rainbow to come.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Monday's Ray of Light

2011-05-16T17:52:00.003-04:00

I couldn't choose just one photo today, especially since I usually take more than 5 (so that I can find the angle I like best)

Ray of light for Sunday

2011-05-16T17:39:00.002-04:00

So, I thought it would be cool to start taking a photograph each day of the 52 Photos Project theme for the week. Then on Wednesday I can post my favorite at that point.
It's worth a try - I think anyway

An Easy Watercolor Stamps Booklet Tutorial

2011-05-08T16:31:00.002-04:00

To all the Mothers out there I hope you are having a wonderful day, and if not, I hope that it gets so much better for you.

So I have tried to recuperate some from the cold/sinus mess going on. For some reason I just can't seem to shake it off.
Yesterday was family day at my husband's workplace so we stopped in for the tour of the plant. Which was cool except none of the machines were running, but still he was able to show us exactly where he worked at and what the parts he makes daily looks like.
Afterwards we went to eat with my brother and hit Staples, Ben Franklin (<3), Harbor Freight, and Hobby Lobby. And of course unless I am in a coma I am always buying something I don't need at Hobby Lobby & Ben Franklin, LOL

Today I have played around with my first Impossible Film (formerly known as Polaroid film) transfers. I found a couple of YouTube videos that showed me how to do this WITHOUT buying a set of specialty brushes and papers. I like the Impossible Project people, but come on show us the same technique without specialty items

Anyway, I had a project lying around here that wasn't finished. And so today i tried out part of it for the first time, and since it worked i will share it. First some background info. (please forgive the photos - I have an Otterbox case on my phone and it is filthy! So the photos like distorted and bad and I already had this posted BEFORE I looked at the blog on the laptop and seen them!)

Two or three years ago an acquaintance showed me a watercolor booklet. It was watercolors on paper cards stapled together. I had never seen one before. She told me they would be great for me to use to paint more color onto photographs.

Time came and went and I forgot about it. One day I remembered and had been long out of touch with her. So I started searching the Internet. Well for water color booklets all I could find were either small "sketch books," paint mixing guides, using watercolors with stamps, or "how to" instructions. I also searched for "watercolor stamps". This time I found a Google "Books" document mentioning a Eastman Kodak Velox Water Color Kit. So then I was off to find that. I bought one on eBay (you can see it here). I used a stamp or two and then felt guilty for doing so (It's old, I may never find another one, etc)

Six months ago I began to look at the Kodak kit. I just couldn't figure it out. How was this possible? I went to Hobby Lobby within a few days and picked up watercolor pencils and a paint tin. I was walking around and noticed the liquid watercolors, and thought I would buy the cheap ones and try them. After playing with them I didn't really like the liquid. So as I sat there I realized that the Velox kit was probably just liquid painted on the paper!

So I dug out some vintage index cards and put a decent layer of paint on them, and allowed myself room to bind them. Today I FINALLY tried them - and they work!! Easy huh?!!

Very simple instructions:

1. Find a paper base to use - I used index cards, but card stock, cardboard, shipping tags or other papers should work the same. The Velox kit has very thin paper, but due to the age of the paper I have no idea what type it was nor would I advise it.

2. Take a paintbrush (I used a fan brush - it spreads the paint around much better) and paint however much of the paper you want covered (I left about my index finger width uncovered to allow room for binding). I put down enough that I could not see the index card underneath the paint.

3. Lay the cards on something to dry (I have an old cookie sheet for my work room just for these types of projects). The cards will curl because they are wet! I suggest to allow them to dry overnight at the very least. When they are dry, if the cards are still curled but them under a heavy book or a stack of books to flatten a while.

4. After you have done this for all of the colors you have (I painted multiple cards in each color since I had the paint out anyway) you can sort them out for binding. I but a blank card in between each color. The Velox kit had papers in between as well - and there were sometimes noticeable places where the color had become powdered and stuck to the blank sheet above it (plus they had info on what the colors were good for (scarlet was good for : "tinting interiors, garments, flower work etc. A very strong tint when applied full strength.")

5. I have a Bind It All binder and left enough room to bind with metal wires. You may choose to use the Binderie binder or staples or something else cool. (I honestly haven't bound yet as I still have to finish my cards up)

Another cool idea that I did so that I could travel lighter was to take a pencil type of box, a short brush or two, a plastic film canister (for water) and a small paper towel.

I then cut some of the cards into small strips and stapled them together. You could find a retractable lipstick brush or old make up brushes to fit these into the film canister or a smaller bag or box.

This would make a great handmade gift for an artist or photographer who likes to hand paint photographs.

Hope you try it and let me know if you find out a better way or a cool way you made/bound them! Post me a link so I can check them out!

Found on the Ground

2011-05-06T20:38:00.000-04:00

This is what I found on our walk with the big dogs today. I forgot my cell phone in the house and after walking them I went back to photograph the egg.

This photo will be over at 52 Photos Project with many others.
Is Yours? It's easy to add, so share along :)