GD Company ♥

I have a brand new blog!

2010-12-10T21:39:00.001-08:00

I hope you'll take a sec to head over & check things out! Please update your bookmarks and I'll see ya there!

http://www.gretchengause.com/

Your comments mean the world to me. They keep me encouraged and honest. Every word sparks me to continue and I visit the blogs of all who let me know what they are thinking. ~So thank you ;) If you'd like to leave a comment with your name rather than logging, in choose the name/url profile - you do not need to enter a url unless you want to.

sweet summer saturday ♥♥

2010-08-24T16:09:00.001-07:00

Who doesn’t love love!? Photographing these two was like photographing the sky & clouds ~ they just go together – perfectly.

What a beautiful day it was :) Thank you so much Shellee & Mike for including me! And a million cheers to both of your wonderful families :)

Congrats you two!!

♥ wedding ♥ weekend ♥ bliss ♥

2010-08-18T22:16:00.001-07:00

Now we’re talkin’! A whole wedding weekend: BBQ, Rehearsal & the wedding! This awesome family I’ve know for a long time and spending the whole weekend with them was a serious treat :) Thanks guys!!

To all the Eaves’ & all the Hudspeth’s & the rest of the beautiful family: THANK YOU & I hope you see you ALL very very soon :)

All the best to you two!!

one fine day

2010-08-08T23:29:00.001-07:00

there was a wedding

Thank you again Linda & John for including me!! I had such a great time and was completely enchanted by your love for each other – it shined as bright as this here lollipop ;)

May you have a million zillion anniversaries together!

Silver Dreams

2010-08-06T09:34:00.001-07:00

I didn’t know until this past year just how much I love this type of photography. I realize it’s not the most romantic or emotional type of photography, not like photographing people which is my number 1 love, but it’s so relaxing! I get in a zone, I’m thinking, I feel like I’m in it with each piece trying to figure out what it would consider home. What time period is it inspired by, what makes it feel organic or not, what colors make it shine or let it shine… I get in this zone… my family knows to leave me alone or offer to hold a reflector one of the two :)

Spring Fling

2010-07-16T21:42:00.001-07:00

While I realize it isn’t Spring anymore I wanted to post some photos of a wonderful hike my family and I took in June. I JUST got around to going through them fully! I hope your Spring was fabulous and your Summer is wonderful :)

10 little toes.

2010-07-05T22:26:00.001-07:00

Well it’s been a while since I’ve posted – I hope this makes up for it!! Spent a gorgeous morning with these wonderful people and have the pics to prove it! Thanks again you four! ;)

Headed to Utah this weekend for the wedding of another family whom I adore! This is the… Fourth? Yep! Fourth spent with the fabulous Eaves’. Can’t wait – Photos to follow…

A family crush.

2010-06-15T13:58:00.001-07:00

This is the second time I’ve photographed this beautiful family and let me tell you they are so lovely. Photographing them has this calm sweetness that I look so forward to. Even with the crazy little guy… he adds some spice to the sweet ;)

I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of the littlest addition ~ Photos to come…

Thank you so much Tami & Brian!

Add custom HTML to your Facebook Page!

2010-06-09T14:59:00.001-07:00

In the past 7 months I’ve spent countless hours researching and trying to figure out how people used html so efficiently. From vectors & textures to coding & buttons I’ve been in a whirlwind of information. I now have at least a basic understanding of how all of these things work together along with a vocabulary of which was actually the most important and time consuming knowledge to gain. If you don’t know how to ask the question, figuring out how to do the deed is quite tedious. THANK YOU to all of the bloggers that share their info on such a regular basis! You are all miracles!!

This bit of info actually has not crossed my mind and so stumbling onto it was a treat, and for the first time a very simple task to execute! Imagine that! Since I already have buttons for Twitter and my Blog made, inserting them into my fan page was literally a snap!

Search for static fbml in the facebook search bar after logging into your account.

On the Static FBML page choose “Add to my Page” and choose whichever Page you’d like html to be added to. This is only available for your public Pages, not Profiles. If you are not clear on the difference or are ready to create your own page read THIS.

After adding Static FBML return to your Page and chose “Edit Page.” Static FBML will be among the list of applications currently available on your Page.

Choose “Edit” and a box such as this below will open. Add your title and your own HTML just as you would in your blogging world! So cool!

After saving your changes if you’d like to add additional boxes, waaayyy down at the bottom there is a link, “Add another FBML box.” Your list of Boxes will always be available in an FTML edit state. Do you see that below? I have 3 boxes listed: Connect Socially, Guide Bird of the Moment & Hi I’m Gretchen and I can choose any of them.

After adding your HTML/FTML box (es) and saving, return to your Page and head to your Boxes tab. You can choose to leave these HTML boxes there or you can choose to individually move them to your Wall by choosing “Edit” “Move to wall tab.” You can always move these back to your Boxes tab and they are easily editable by clicking the little pencil beside your box title.

I hope this all makes sense The steps are very basic, nothing like adding Flickr to your fan page & your profile, which in my opinion is nearing on insanity. If I didn’t explain this well please don’t hesitate to email me & I’ll be more than happy to get back to you!

I think this bit of info is super cool & I hope you do too! If you use this be sure to leave your facebook Page name in a comment. I’d love to see what you did!

Many cheers & much good will,

I’m not saying I’m hip.

2010-06-04T15:46:00.001-07:00

Today in the mail I received tickets to see Robert Francis from a local radio station. I’m not sure why but I imagine it has something to do with an Indigo Girls event I attended a while back. Regardless, I had never heard of this Robert Francis. Now I don’t do a ton of modern music listening, often I’m inundated with crappy “alternative” men’s voices that just shoot my anxiety level through the roof. Can you say Daughtry. Ick. I do however have a massive array of music that I do love that starts with my record collection including Jackson, Taylor, Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Sarah Vaughn and a multitude of sickeningly kitschy 70’s country albums and continues till modern day Gaga, Guerra ladies night dancing sort.

That said, I was sure they were sending tickets because this guy sucks and no one would go. I immediately looked at his site and, titillated, continued to iTunes to further listen to studio recorded stuff. Bought the “Before Nightfall” album and am almost in tears listening. I HIGHLY suggest listening to the entire album… Gorgeous. Junebug is the most poppy I think… others have a more 70’s Western twang (♥♥) and an occasional Doors thing (♥♥).

Poetic and thick, nostalgic and rough, like a modern day Johnny Cash. I’m in love.

Tell me your skin doesn’t move.

All morning my son has been singing Ah-oooo-oooo-oooo, Ah ooo-oooo-oooooo. It’s just too precious. In the mindset of beautiful longing I’ve been editing some photos of this weeks family adventures. These two have struck a chord in my heart and I thought I’d share with you my spirited beauties.

The Unicorn & The Swordsman.

Prayer.

2010-05-28T16:42:00.001-07:00

Most days the top of the world where I’m currently residing looks brilliant. In fact this morning I was thinking about my post and just how jolly it’d be. The day has progressed into a not-so-jolly holiday realizing that some relationships move silently like ships in the night till they pass each other with the dawn fog. Looking back it may seem clear that the two could and should have stopped and shared a chat but they didn’t.

Sad. That’s the way things go.

Flowers from the babe.

2010-05-27T14:39:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my Love took the little ones to the park to play. This was so nice as it gave me bits of quiet to get some updates and some edits done that have been taking the back burner. The sun was in and out and I wondered how they were fairing with the sprinkles. I plinked away at the shutter and the keyboard and felt accomplished all the while a twinge of sadness remained for the park date that I missed.

When my family returned home I was greeted by a burst through the door and my Hazy yelling, “Mama!! Look what I picked for you!!” I was overjoyed to say the least!! I was so unbelievably heart warmed that all the while I was missing her, she too was missing me…

Later that evening I began thinking of her birthday coming up and how every year passes with a whiz and a bang, bright and bold, memorable yet so much of it already forgotten. There are specific moments that I remember trying to etch into my brain, knowing that they would be fleeting; a few I remember but many of them have been lost to the new ones.

I know that there will come a day when she doesn’t miss me all the whiles that I miss her. She won’t be picking me flowers each time she goes to play and she won’t be kissing me on the cheek before she runs with her friends. I do, I do, I do, I DO want to make these flowers one of those etchings that last, never falling victim to the crouching tigers of the present.

Thank you blog. Thank you readers.

Snow Bird

2010-05-26T14:23:00.001-07:00

I ran across these total beauties over at Varnish (great design site ~ head over asap) who found them on Behance.net. I immediately started thinking in my head of all the ways I’d use/appreciate them! I need ten. Yeah. Ten.

Are they not amazing!! The idea is that when you purchase them, they are blank canvases to do whatever however by whomever you choose! I love that! Think of a child’s imagination gone crazy on one! Or a quiet afternoon full of tea and doodles and the memento of the moment to enjoy.

Truly a beautiful little design tid bit!

Speaking of Silhouettes…

2010-05-26T11:24:00.001-07:00

Just in case you aren’t sure why you should love a silhouette but feel oddly attracted to them, I have found a few images that exactly portray the loveliness building.

Image Credits From Top Left: ANGUS FERGUSSON VIA BRIGHT BAZAAR, Inside the Black Apple, Scott Clark Photo & Robert Wagner, Brian Neal Sensebaugh, Display Coordinator for Anthropologie, (Tour Brian's Home)

Below I’ve rendered Little Ruby’s silhouette turquoise and masked it into the Ikea Frame from the pink living room above! This truly is an extra special way to share your family portraits! Think outside the frame ;)

Vintage Inspired Silhouettes by Me!

2010-05-25T15:53:00.001-07:00

I’ve spent the better part of the day photographing and photoshop-ing to create these little treasures! I’ve several more to go to complete a two family set but am absolutely loving how they are turning out!

If this is something you’d like of your family contact me! Prints are available from your own Silhouettes 10x10 inches and smaller.

There’s Love and then there’s…

2010-05-24T19:27:00.001-07:00

L♥O♥V♥E

Equestrian Dream.

2010-05-18T13:31:00.001-07:00

I used THIS beautiful texture on these images. Thank you Kim!

No $$ Storyboard Template

2010-05-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

Here is another PSD Template for your use! Download HERE and find directions on using templates HERE. I’ve only created a PSD, no action. Files download with a PSD and a JPG thumbnail. Cheers!

Fix it Friday

2010-05-14T13:10:00.001-07:00

The challenge for the I ♥ Faces participants:

"This is a photo of my 2 year-old Parker. I am bothered by the harsh shadow on his face and the washed out colors of the photo. His eyes are a beautiful blue and you just can't see that. I would love to see what you guys can come up with!"

What a super fun concept! Taking someone else’s image that you don’t have the same kind of attachment to as far as the vision and editing away… very cool.

So here’s my entry ;)

Using CS

Adjusted curves to increase contrast and making the image overall brighter
Removed kids horse play blemishes using my stamp tool and healing brush
Brightened the little fellow's teeth using selection, adjustment layer, brighten/contrast
Brightened his eyes using selection, adjustment layer, brighten/contrast then burn/dodge
Enhanced the highlight on his lower lip using dodge
Applied Florabella’s Vintage Summer action removing darken layer
Applied THIS texture, settings: Multiply, 26%
Selected and created a new layer from the texture on his face NOT including the side highlights, settings: Multiply, 0%
Crop – not necessary, I did like the placing of the fellow in the image but the cutting of his forearms led me out of the image instead of back to his face. This leaves him leaning into the frame more.
Flatten ;)

So fun!

To see more edits visit:

Your comments mean the world to me. They keep me encouraged and honest. Every word sparks me to continue and I visit the blogs of all who let me know what they are thinking. ~So thank you ;) If you'd like to leave a comment with your name rather than logging in, choose the name/url profile - you do not need to enter a url unless you want to.

A little potato here, a little potato there.

2010-05-13T17:48:00.001-07:00

In my search to discover new ways to grow food I ran across this method! I thought “PERFECT!” I have issues with growing potatoes. I realize they are supposed to be easy, forgiving and most of all, bountiful but I have hang-ups. For one I worry about the kids eating them. I shouldn’t worry really because they know exactly what they can and can’t eat! They don’t go gobbling magnolias and whatnot – chives and nasturtium on the other hand never last long at my house. They know more today than I did a year ago.

My daughter can walk through a nursery and point out random leaves and tell you what it is. She pointed out asparagus root the other day! I’m awed by her.

SO – I’m growing potatoes. I ran across this method and am very excited to share!!

SUPPLIES

Firstly I called the local coffee roaster in town whom I know carries many many different organic beans, they surely would have sacks that did not have formaldehyde dripping from them as burlap often does. One good sniff says they are perfect. Cost: $0

{ Side note: I bring up the formaldehyde because when I first discovered this project I ran to a local nursery to pick up some burlap sacks. On the ride home I was overwhelmingly wrought with a headache the size of Mt. Vesuvius and couldn’t roll the windows down enough. The smell lingered in my car until the next day when I put them back in the car to return them to the nursery. The first thing my daughter said as she got in the car was, “What’s so stinky!!” Talk about bad news. I couldn’t possibly grow food I was going to ingest and pass on to my children in something so poisonous! And yet it made me wonder – what of all the other foods/purchases that I make that I’ve no idea the history?

The gal at the nursery was bewildered when I returned them and couldn’t figure out why they smelled so bad. She held up one bag, “Beans, it say’s beans! Could beans been in a bag soaked in formaldehyde?” Even burlap you buy at Joanne’s has formaldehyde on it. I explained that it held the fibers together for mulching and protecting root balls. She then told me she’d take them to the CLEANERS, she didn’t want them in her washer. I mentioned trying baking soda and vinegar (maybe for flowers??) but she didn’t hear me…

Jennifer was the miracle that mentioned the coffee bean bags – Thank you Jennifer!!

I mention this not at all to criticize the nursery gal, it’s a great place with wonderful choices, locally owned and the ladies are all super friendly. I mention this only to point out that just because something somewhere looks like a great idea, it’s not always picture perfect. You have to keep thinking, keep investigating, keep wondering and if the answer isn’t all that great you have to be open to going on to round two. People that you think should be informed aren’t always – I had the manager?owner? of the local feed store direct me first and foremost to purchase medicated chick feed for my chick that seemed weak. Sorry. I’d rather let it die. (Which it didn’t – it turned out just fine.) End side note}

BACK ON TRACK

I picked up a lunch sack sized bag of growing potatoes and cut these into 2 or 3 pieces each. Cost: $2.50

Finally I accidentally bought a bag of organic amendment instead of more soil so I added it to the soil I had. Cost: $9.00 (if I’d bought organic growing soil instead, it would have been $8.00)

INSTRUCTIONS

Roll down the bag sides. Put in some dirt. Put in 4-6 potato pieces. Bury them. Water. Add dirt as plant grows to give enough room. Harvest. Eat.

At least that’s my plan :)

I’m really encouraging of others that don’t have a ton of room, maybe even just an apartment balcony to grow what you can and this should work perfectly! All for the startup cost of $11.50. I’ll need to buy a couple more bags of soil if we don’t have bulk on hand at the time but still… not too shabby!! Much love, happy growing and do let me know if you try this!

Your comments mean the world to me. They keep me encouraged and honest. Every word sparks me to continue and I visit the blogs of all who let me know what they are thinking. ~So thank you ;) If you'd like to leave a comment with your name rather than logging in, choose the name/url profile - you do not need to enter a url unless you want to.

Free Storyboard Template

2010-05-12T14:06:00.001-07:00

I’ve been an editing maniac the past week!! I’ve missed the blogging world so… Mother’s day came and went and my mind was filled with beautiful, poetic thoughts that, if I’d been able to, I’d have passed on to you. But alas, I’m editing instead. Don’t get me wrong – I love it! I feel creative and sort of like a detective: investigating the best options for each image and landing the “Eureka!” at the end. Warms my heart.

In the process I’ve gathered storyboards from around the internet, particularly over at the Coffeeshop with some success. I’ve also had to create some of my own. I figured I’d share with you!

I’m not into using actions to “streamline” storyboards so I didn’t create any but I do have a PSD template for you. I’ll pass on more as I a} create them and/or b} find time to post zipped and uploaded files.

Download HERE.

This PSD template has been tested in PS & PSE. If you are new to using clipping mask templates like this don’t worry they are very easy!

If using Elements place the image you’d like used in your template just above the appropriate layer, hit Ctrl+G. This will group your image and shape. You are then free to transform (resize) your image as you wish without it showing up in other unwanted areas of your template. Repeat the process for each image and layer.

If using Photoshop, the directions are the same but you’ll hit Ctrl+Alt+G to group your image and shape.

FYI, after flattening, adjust your image size and use it for blogging and facebook! Your friends will think you are so fancy ;)

Let me know if you have any questions!!

Your comments mean the world to me. They keep me encouraged and honest. Every word sparks me to continue and I visit the blogs of all who let me know what they are thinking. ~So thank you ;) If you'd like to leave a comment with your name rather than logging in, choose the name/url profile - you do not need to enter a url unless you want to.

Abigail = perfect sweetness.

2010-05-02T22:16:00.001-07:00

The sweet beauty Abby. What a little dream…

Your comments mean the world to me. They keep me encouraged and honest. Every word sparks me to continue and I visit the blogs of all who let me know what they are thinking. ~So thank you ;) If you'd like to leave a comment with your name rather than logging in, choose the name/url profile - you do not need to enter a url unless you want to.

Mike + Krystal. Engagement.

2010-05-02T21:43:00.001-07:00

A treat to photograph these two!! Looking forward to their September wedding.

What I miss about CA.

2010-04-27T19:40:00.001-07:00

Embrace Life

2010-04-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

I couldn't not share this. I've watched it probably six times, had my children and husband watch it, and I always get the slightest tear in my eye. This is just beautiful.

Be safe & well,

Into the sunshine and gone.

2010-04-25T17:30:00.001-07:00

Sometimes dreams reach the sunshine and glow shine reach reach reach swaying in the breeze; rejoicing in their peace and crying in their joy for what seems an eternity. It’s these precise moments that more hopes are born. From the sensational wrap of warm sunshine a seed is planted, a seed of desire to be more.

Of Tulips: The epitome of hope. They slumber through more than half of the year waiting for their brief turn to live and their finest of flowery moments lasts but days, then go as quietly as they came. No fuss, no tear; a wither without complaint beyond the shedding of pollen. Thank you Tulip for sharing your beauty in the finest of seasons. You give me faith in knowing that no matter the length of time in the sunshine, the warm moments are best had than not at all.

Your comments mean the world to me. They keep me encouraged and honest. Every word sparks me to continue and I visit the blogs of all who let me know what they are thinking. ~So thank you ;) If you'd like to leave a comment with your name rather than logging in, choose the name/url profile - you do not need to enter a url unless you want to.

The Visit.

2010-04-24T17:18:00.001-07:00

This farm is special – it runs clear like a clean river. The chickens & cows & goats & dogs look like they’ve been bathing in sunshine & good eats. Visiting a place like that feels like going back in time. Knowing your livestock like your family means that you recognize their patterns; their likes and dislikes. This means that when something is wrong, you know it. You don’t need a Professional to tell you! You just know. And you know how to fix it.

I have a little space on this grand Earth. It’s not a lot but it’s mine and I plan to fill it with life, just like that farm.

Your comments mean the world to me. They keep me encouraged and honest. Every word sparks me to continue and I visit the blogs of all who let me know what they are thinking. ~So thank you ;) If you'd like to leave a comment with your name rather than logging in, choose the name/url profile - you do not need to enter a url unless you want to.

The solitary.

2010-04-19T21:24:00.001-07:00

Sunshine. Lollipop. Rainbow. Lemon Drop.

Your comments mean the world to me. They keep me encouraged and honest. Every word sparks me to continue and I visit the blogs of all who let me know what they are thinking. ~So thank you ;) If you'd like to leave a comment with your name rather than logging in, choose the name/url profile - you do not need to enter a url unless you want to.

I know your mother.

2010-04-12T13:55:00.001-07:00

~ In tribute to the mothers I call friends.

There will always be stories that float around beginning with, “remember that time…” and I have a million with your mother. She supported me and I supported her.

We were soul mates, your mother and I.

Your mother made me the person I am today. Without her I surely would have failed.

Your mother always told me how strong I was and challenged me to be slower to spark. Lord, she challenged me. I almost don’t remember a time without her though I know there was because I remember when we became friends. It wasn’t on an Alaskan cruise or in a lunch room at the office, we were much simpler than that. We met in our school days, craze, haze when the world spun perfectly around us.

It seems that the mundane moments in life can sometimes be the most pivotal.

Oh I wish you knew your mother like I. You’d excuse her for her craziness and actually grow rather fond of it. You’d love her style and her hairdos. Oh god and her shoes! You’d think they walked on water. You’d actually love the sound of her voice and talk to her for hours just to hear it share her thoughts. You’d think her choices all made perfect sense and you’d know that she always did her best and more often than not sacrificed what she’d have loved to do in order to make sure you knew you were loved.

Your Mother. Though she’s not the same girl I knew and she’s not the same young woman or getting kinda older woman that I knew, I do know what she comes from and where her fears and joys were born. She’s your mother and you know her differently than I. I ask of you, give her your compassion, give her your patience and your generous thoughts. You do this and I’ll try to do the same with mine.

~Images of the daughter of a friend I’ve had for more than 25 years.

Your comments mean the world to me. They keep me encouraged and honest. Every word sparks me to continue and I visit the blogs of all who let me know what they are thinking. ~So thank you ;)

If you'd like to leave a comment with your name rather than logging, in choose the name/url profile - you do not need to enter a url unless you want to.

My 3 rules for life.

2010-04-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is a long post, thanks for reading through ♥♥

I'm thinking about the truths that I hold in my life - the ideals that I live by and that I teach my children. I'm in no way perfect but these three I hold to be self evident. In times of struggle I return to these with even more vigor than ever. These three consume me, give me hope and keep me moving forward on my crooked path.

In my beliefs is who I am.

★ 3. All things are cyclical. All energies return to thus they came. Be aware of the energy you create in the world. Be giving, be considerate, be compassionate, be generous, be kind. It feels good.

★ 2. This may sound extreme but I have different ideas about what sin is. Sin is ANY act in life upon which there is no love behind it; all acts without love in their intention whether it be self love or love for others. Think about that!

We all do it. Daily. We are each day given an opportunity to learn from the day before and reinvent the way that we are in the world. The negative thoughts, feelings, actions that I am deeming "sins" give us the same in return, negative thoughts, feelings, actions, and so we can identify them and choose to behave/think differently.

This applies to all - from the small stuff (smoking/negativity) to the big stuff (murder/rape).

★ 1. Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

-Nelson Mandela

☆ I also love to curse, drink regularly, dance wildly and generally love life ;)

I'm not in any way perfect. I just try everyday to put some energy into being my best me.

Your comments mean the world to me. They keep me encouraged and honest. Every word sparks me to continue and I visit the blogs of all who let me know what they are thinking. ~So thank you ;)

If you'd like to leave a comment with your name rather than logging, in choose the name/url profile - you do not need to enter a url unless you want to.

A real woman. A real givaway from me ;)

2010-04-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hey all!! My first giveaway is here!

I have been really grateful everyday to receive the kind & thoughtful comments from everyone in Blog Land, Twitter Town & Facebook City and I really wish I had a wrapped up present I could send ya'll. Sounds like overkill but I really really am grateful.

Not long ago I decided to truly dive into my photography, get my business up and going again (was on sebatical whilst having babies) and believe in myself like never before. This has been a true journey for me and the encouragement from the vast members of the www and the friends and family dear to my heart has been just fabulous.

I have learned so much about myself as well as the women of the world. I feel like I've lived in darkness, never realizing just how many beautifully brilliant women were out there making their mark and working hard to help others do the same. Thank you.

So here it is:

♥ Do: Leave a comment here or on my Facebook page and show support for another gal working hard ;)

You could tweet about them, write a message on their facebook page or share their page with your friends! (I'm not checking, I just think supporting the work of others is important). Here are a few I know of Panhandle Candle, Savvy Bean Designs or Precision Photography. These are all wonderful ladies - you of course could also support someone you know.

"There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women." ~Madeleine K. Albright

♥ Win: A Fierce Boudoir session at no cost!

PLUS become a Facebook fan of mine & receive 15% off albums, prints and downloads!

♥ Restrictions: Sorry - you have to be somewhere in my Coeur d'alene/Spokane area ;) Can't go to Florida... I wish!

Cheers and Good Luck!

Texture by LillianLif
More actions & textures by Florabella Collection

Happy Almost Easter!

2010-04-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

We celebrated yesterday by coloring eggs with our dear friends and neighbors ;) 5 little gals and a crazy fella. In the afternoon we baked a cake and decorated with homemade frosting of pink, green, blue & yellow. Shouldn't sound so wild but I'd never made cream cheese frosting before!

Then I stuffed about 150 plastic eggs (feeling guilt about the Walmart purchase) with stickers & band-aids, barrettes & sticky hands among an assortment of minimal candy (proud of that).

When I was a kid Easter was a big ol deal. I loved that. I plan to keep that tradition going.

the colors pastel
paper grass
spring dresses
chocolate bunnies
vintage Easter baskets
egg dying imperfect
grins
spazzy sugar overloads
family
brunch
gratefulness
sunshine
pistachios
dreamy haze of morning hunts: eggs & baskets

~ doesn't get much better ~

You are the last thing I need.

2010-04-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it's the perfect loveliness of Spring or I'm just ovulating but dear god - I have baby fever! Now before there are screams from the peanut gallery please note - I'm sane.

I went to visit a very dear friend of mine this week and met her newest little addition and I'm in love. Mine are getting opinionated and difficult, as children do, and I miss the little bebe that cuddles and smells sweet.

My other children came with different levels of difficulty and I don't feel like I gave Mothering my best from the starting gate. I've learned a lot since my first pregnancy and I want another shot at it! I want to nurse longer and cloth diaper, be quiet more and hire a midwife.

Time will tell I suppose...

Tis the Season

2010-03-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air and I'm feeling it full force. There is growth and wonder everywhere I look. In my relationships, in my home, in my garden, my friendships, my business and my love.

I'm seeing life blossom.

When downtown it's just bustling with people enjoying the air, the beach and the food and wine. It's as if the front doors flung open everywhere and people, stumbling, walked through and were amazed by the beauty they had so long been waiting for.

Blinded by the light they walk and wander until they realize tis the season to rejoice. And they do - wildly.

Pippi and Popcorn

2010-03-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

Our family had movie last night; we don't have a lot of screen time in our house. We don't do TV but we all watch movies from time to time. Last night we watched Pippi Longstocking all together. It was the first movie that my littlest guy was remotely into and he was even trying to sing the song!

I have complete control over what he watches and hears on TV. And this is a winner. Oh he likes a crazy red head {♥} with crazy confidence and even crazier little girl strength? Uh - you got it kiddo - any time ;)

Esty Inspired Product Images.

2010-03-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

For a recent client Super Silver, CdA - They love 'em ;)

Thanks for the business ladies!!

On a SERIOUS roll!!

2010-03-22T23:53:00.000-07:00

As mentioned we've been really working hard on our home this Spring. Yardwork and gardening along with composting and vermicomposting (worms do the work ;) It's been just a true blessing to feel focused for once. I am often scattered around like Wig Out cards in my daughter's room. But not currently!! Maybe that's why I've been MIA around the blog/twitter scene... Hm... a thought I suppose.

Anyway ~ I have been getting SO much done including sending out my Pen Pal letter - super excited about that and I redesigned my logo along with updated profiles on Facebook, Twitter, Website and my Blog :) Please check it out and let me know whatcha think!

As for the worming I'm totally going to share with you the why's and how's soon because it's SO easy! I know someone that has a little box right in their kitchen to rid the world of scraps easily and eco-friendly. Plus you end up with awesome fertilizing stuff called Castings. Totally win - win as soon as you get over the whole WORM thing.

Nighty Night lovely bloggers - hitting the pillow with a smile on my face and worms on my mind xoxo

ps: Thanks Jennifer for taking this pic of me - my fellow worm farmer - muah!

Inside beginnings of a Cul de'sac Farm

2010-03-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

Inside my home we've been focused on living more self sufficiently. We've been focused on our chicken coop, our composting & vermicomposting, the garden and eating healthier. It's been a while coming, it's not all brand new and yet there is a feeling of interconnectedness that I don't think came before now.

I noticed it last year when we first planted our garden: I was watching the skies more, feeling out the weather more, watching the birds arrive and the grasses grow. Sure I was reading about things, alot of things but the only real way to tell the last frost or when Spring had sprung was to watch the world.

This year we are beginning a couple new chapters on our journeys. We have our chicks coming in a few weeks (EEE! Super excited), our compost bins built and our worms for vermicomposting coming in a day or two. (I'll be posting more about those adventures as they unfold.) We've got a regular farm a-brewing.

The best gift of all of these things, I'm beginning to see, isn't necessarily the fresh lettuce or radishes, although those are wonderful. And I don't suspect the fresh eggs & organic compost will be the best biproduct of our venture either. But rather, of all these, the knowledge of our history being kept alive within our family and our groundedness to our earth, literally, is what is most precious. After that I'd say having projects that we focus on together is just beautiful.

Our common goals bring us closer to eachother - we are a team unlike we've ever been before - our lifestyle is depending on it. Darn magical.

Hoping to keep ya'll posted on our Cul de'sac Farm!

My dearest.

2010-03-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

My first entry over on the wonderful I ♥ Faces blog ;)

Head over and check out the dozens of other fabulous entries in the "angles" contest!

2010-03-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

Just discovered Epiphanie Bags & I'm in L♥O♥V♥E

2010-03-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

I have been on the hunt for a new bag for a while. I'm heading to France to shoot a wedding in July and I need something more comfortable and travel worthy than the bag I have and since I can't pack an assistant I'll need to carry it around easily.

And then, like magic from heaven, twinkling sparkles and all this red piece of pie revealed itself to me. I love Epiphanie Bags.... ooo la la....

It's absolutely perfect! I've seen other "fashionable" feminine-geared bags before but they weren't... um... right. To big, not enough padding, too much $$ or just not actually fashionable. But these are BEAUTIFUL!!! Highly HIGHLY suggest checking them out.

And RIGHT NOW there is a massive givaway over at the Epiphanie Bags Blog

EPIPHANIE IS GIVING AWAY YOUR CHOICE OF A BRAND NEW CANON 5D MARK II!

OR A $2500 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO SOUTHWEST AIRLINES!!!

holy mazoly - that's all I have to say

Totally enter & I'll keep you all posted on how much I love mine when it actually gets here ;)

*photos from Epiphanie website

I can't take it anymore

2010-02-24T13:29:00.000-08:00

This is so cute! fun! ridiculously clever! & free!!

It's been ages since I bought film for my land camera and I've yet to pull out my Day Lab jr so I haven't had the joy of polaroid in quite a while. Over at Cole + Josephine I learned about this fabulous little application/program/whatever you call it where you just drag and drop your images onto the camera and out pops a "photo" for you!

You even have the option to shake it while you wait for the image to appear! So adorable ;)

Get it over here ~ Enjoy!!

Happy Wednesday *wink*

Maddy

2010-02-23T20:56:00.000-08:00

~here's to the sunny days ahead and more photoshoots with adorable little sunshiny girls ;)

so it begins - the dangling bare feet

2010-02-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

Some BEAUTIFUL free textures...

2010-02-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

Just browsing around looking at textures and found these... Holy Moly. I love them!!

The image before having a texture applied is in this post --- and here is is with this texture placed over it:

Thank you so much NinianLif! Beautiful work!!

FREE textures from NinianLif

Pesto Pizza!!

2010-02-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

When I cook I generally crash through a cookbook or some googled website and look at the pictures. I find one that looks yummy, scan for the basic ingredients if I'm not already sure and then close the book/window. And then I wing it! Usually it isn't another week or two until I get to it (If I remember at all) and by then the "bake at" or "simmer for" times/degrees are long gone. That one key ingredient, ie Sage, or something is often missing. But that's how I like it. I can't sit still for too long and recipes make me anxious.

I love to cook but I race through a kitchen making brilliant disasters along the way. See me toss together the ingredients creating a dishwashing lovers dream, mixing & chopping, salting & frying, with super-fanatical speed, zip my dish in oven then throw it on the table with bread crumbs flying and wine a-splashing. It's my style.

And this dinner would have been the same except I thought I'd photograph the process!

I was REALLY excited for this meal and even ran out to get more basil leaves just to make it pretty. Oddly enough with my husband's general "stay out of the kitchen or get pummeled" advice in hand he was rather thrown back by the slowing down of my process ;) I'm not sure if he was happy that there were less dishes to wash or peeved that dinner would take longer. Either way, he made a killer salad so I was happy!

So! First I brought out the pita's I bought. Nothing special just regular ol' pitas and doused them with this FABULOUS pesto and Mozzarella.

Then I sliced up my beautiful plump tomatoes and cut almost thawed chicken (it's SOO much easier to cut that way) into little bite sized peices and put them on.

And then I chose the perfect Basil Leaves.... Just absolutely delicious! I can't wait for my garden this summer! Hm!

This went into the oven for 20 minutes @ 400 degrees. And voila! Delish!!

My Darling also made a delicious salad and lately we've been adding cranberries and almonds to our nightly salads, oh and shaved parmesan. MMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

So there it is! My dinner adventure!!! Hope ya'll enjoyed *wink

Love is in the air...

2010-02-09T17:53:00.000-08:00

I feel it as I roam through the halls of the www. It's everywhere! White hearts with Pink glitter. Pink hearts with red flowers. Red hearts with black skulls... Oh-it's out there!

And it's oddly wonderful. I don't get into this holiday much. It isn't that I don't like it or that my husband isn't romantic. I do and he is, just it seems kind of silly. But this year I feel like making it special.

I figure, maybe that's been the problem! I haven't tried!

Just made this Valentine Treat Freebie, from Shappy Bogs, planning on making a felt heart garland, something like this and I think I'll actually do something special for my dearie!

Maybe it's the love I've been seeing at work also... I've been around so many people lately totally in LOVE! It's beautiful!!

xoxoxoxo

,

A beautiful Play-Doh morning

2010-02-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd share our beautifully colorful morning with you all. Quite the mess but so worth it :) Happy Thursday to you all!!

Drunk Bird.

2010-02-02T17:43:00.000-08:00

I guess I didn't totally believe it when people would say, "oh ya, that bird got drunk and ran into the window." And YET I'm the proud keeper of another little beauty. It is sad. I know it is! But it's even more sad to keep a little tweet in a pretty cage don'cha think? I get to satisfy my compulsion for birds anytime I want and I never have to feel a twinge of guilt by smashing it's freedom.

Love those feather friends.

** my teacups in peony invites pen pals!

2010-02-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

I was looking over the list of blogs I've failed to visit (which is all of them) in the recent past and saw this... SERIOUSLY!!?? This is fabulous! I first read it and thought "No. The very last thing I need is homework." and then (!) like a whisper, I felt myself reach into that mailbox and pull out a beautiful envelope that someone glittered with stickers and cheap perfume (wouldn't that be sweet!) and I just couldn't pass it up!

I want a pen pal! I want to add dried thyme leaves from the garden & snippets of lovely paper I find downtown to my letters. Ah yes. That sounds wonderful! If you want to mail dried herb leaves to a far away faceless friend too, then go add your info :) can't wait to meet my pen pal - sigh...

My Teacups in Peony~ Project: pen pals.

*Photo found on My Teacups in Peony~ Project: pen pals.

Friend Photos ooo la la

2010-01-31T19:32:00.000-08:00

I have been a bit out of touch with my online stuff since my dear friend Michelle got to town three weeks ago. We've spent tons of time catching up and doing a whole lot of nothing together... so nice. We've been friends for over 15 years, it's cool to be able to say that about someone ;) Michelle is a model in San Francisco and I had the pleasure of taking some photos while she was here! I've posted a few here and there but on this particular day we went nutso!!

Without further ado!

ENJOY!! xoxo ;)
(To view more go to GD Company on Facebook)

Vintage-style turquoise lovelies.

2010-01-26T15:48:00.000-08:00

Just bought these beauties and I cannot wait till they get here! I've got to check the mail!! (They just shipped yesterday so I might be the slightest impatient ;) Seriously!? How cute are they!

I have known about etsy for a while but it hasn't been until the recent months that I've just fallen in love. I am inspired by just how many artists are out there selling their treasures! It's another testimony to the brilliance of the world wide web. Think about how many years went by with women (okay, people) crafting and being artsy with only a handful of people to appreciate their talents. The www allows Me to buy these from Meg in Michigan!! I love it!!

Definitely check out her shop!! Pretty Things By Meg

* Photo from Pretty Things By Meg

I love PlaySchool.

2010-01-25T10:21:00.000-08:00

We got my daughter a Playschool camera a year ago and I have to say it's a ridiculous amount of fun checking the photos out. Truly, it's a tiny glimpse into what a handful of girls find important in life.

Rascal The dog.
Ribbons.
Friends.
My Little Pony, center stage.
Princess dresses.

I love it!!

2010-01-21T20:11:00.000-08:00

I've been making strides!

2010-01-20T09:07:00.000-08:00

This New Year's Eve I did not set "as of January first" goals. I had the same ideas of what I wanted to change in my life as I always have. I waver in and out of doing them and always feel guilty because I'm not doing them with the ferver I dream of.

I should have been Catholic because the guilt I carry is out of control when I feel like I'm not following my heart.

Then all of a sudden, literally, I started doing just that. I find myself on the fourth day of big stuff!

1. Reading everyday. Currently reading The Calling.
2. Quit Smoking (Had to stop my wine drinking too because that's the culprit. Without that, shouldn't be a big deal)
3. Creating Everyday
4. Daily Meditations
5. Cut back on Coffee & Sugar

Feels so good to take care of me :)

Simple Familiarity

2010-01-19T16:14:00.000-08:00

The feel of cotton balls.

The way an absolutely perfect pencil writes.

A stack of perfectly white paper.

Yarn woven smoothly.

A jar of different sized safety pins.

My mason jars lined up on my kitchen counter.

A clothes line full of socks.

That's how it feels when the quiet tug of creativity blossoms into action, into life.

Sweet sweet serenity and simple familiarity.

Thank you for the creative everyday challenge.

The first step is asking.

2010-01-18T20:37:00.000-08:00

A friend is someone who can ask for help for you when you just can't.

How can someone, a wife, a parent, not feel for a person's loss of a spouse? I image my life crumbling under such a loss.

I say, reach out, retweet, shop, share, follow... get the word out there that this is someone in need of help. The ultraspeedy, internet world has and will continue to be a great tool of resource and humanity.

On the lovely Cole and Josephine blog I read this.

From knackstudios:

"....friends, I just found out today that one of my blog friends gina drennon from the shop feather your nest lost her husband tragically to a heart attack last week. he was only 39, and they were highschool sweethearts married for 16 years with two beautiful children. below is an excerpt from the email I received this morning.......

"She quickly decided that she must close her store so she can focus on her family & find a job that will provide a steady salary & benefits that they've now lost. The problem with doing it now is her store is located in a tourist resort & it is currently "off season" which will not begin to even pick up for several months and not fully until late spring/early summer and her store isn't even open in January regardless. Selling as much as possible online as quickly as possible, will certainly help her out.

We've all seen the mountains a group of bloggers can move when we band together. I'm kindly asking that each of you post something on your blog to encourage your readers to shop with her, and/or pass it on to others, tweet it, whatever. Gina does not know I am doing this, she is first very proud and would never ask for help, and dislikes any attention. But she is a generous soul and I have watched her donate goods and money to others in need more often than anyone. I feel helpless watching her struggle from afar & am trying to think of anything I can do to help.

Currently she is trying to get her store back online. She had a friend just delete all the files off the site after his death and when I e-mailed her earlier she was attempting to re-upload all the files and then post notices....hoping to finish within the next 24 hours. She will start out with all merchandise at 25% off site-wide. "

http://www.shopfeatheryournest.com/
http://www.shopfeatheryournest.com/blog
http://twitter.com/featheryournest
http://www.facebook.com/featheryournest

....just wanted to pass this along......whatever you can do friends...........xo"

PS: SUPER SUPER cute stuff!! Won't be hard to spend some mula.

* Photos from http://www.shopfeatheryournest.com/

Me

2010-01-17T13:09:00.000-08:00

It has seriously been FOREVER since anyone took some photos of me besides quick snapshots. I've tons of ideas for other people but never actually get down to having anyone take mine!

So, with my dear friend visiting from CA and a new rad dress, I went for it!

My friend Michelle is a model so she has experience in front of the camera and of course my experience lies behind the camera - together, we totally pulled it off! Imagine! I actually like the photos of myself! ;)

Here are a few from the shoot that I really liked :) I KNEW those suitcases were going to come in handy some day...

Bloggers Helping Haiti

2010-01-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

One World Community.

There has been a beautiful outpouring of folks helping the people of Haiti and the bloggers are no exception. One Blogger's Contribution:

These perfect beauties make me think even I could wear headbands!! GORGEOUS!

The best part of all and bless the hearts of the Rockstar Diaries team, all of the proceeds from the next two weeks are going to the doctors without borders fund to help in Haiti! The shop to find them is Love, Taza. These little bands are absolutely beautiful and there are quite a few so check em out!!

Love Love and Love Helping!

* Photo from the Love, Taza website

Birds

2010-01-14T14:19:00.000-08:00

I have a thing for birds just in case you don't know. It's a funny thing, it's not like I want one for a pet or feel all emotional about them. I really don't know what it is. The Crow is my spirit animal and my affinty for birds in general has grown out of that.

They are a different kind of animal, no doubt, but not any more special than any other. I just like 'em.

I'll tell you a story:

I once was invited to sing during the reception of one of my best friends' wedding. I was at that time working at a little photo shop in Santa Rosa CA and often spent Sundays alone there.

One fine afternoon, with no customers in the shop, I was sweeping around the chemical shelves & whatnot and singing my heart out, practicing for that wedding. I was really letting it all out, singing, singing, singing, feeling it... and then *~BAM!~* I hear this crazy loud crash! I ran to the front of the store to find a knocked out hawk. I thought, "I am seriously no Cinderella." I waited for the bird to come to but clearly it was dead. I brought it home and put it in the freezer.

This has since become my pattern with birds and the good part is that I love to photograph them! So they get immortalized and treated special :)

May sound weird but I like it. I bury them later and thank them for a job well done. (I generally skip the model release.)

And so I bring you the latest little bird to cross my photographic & life path. Enjoy!

With lots of Love,

For the newly engaged~

2010-01-13T09:36:00.000-08:00

I saw these yesterday on the La Vie Jaime blog and I fell in love. Then today they popped up on my little "new posts of the day" screen from Fantasy Floral Designs. I just think these are brilliant! beautiful! and ever so elegant. Makes me want to get re-married just so I can walk down the isle with one of these! If ever there was a bride looking for elegance with a twist of sassy style, this is your bouquet!

ever in love,

I just can't shut up.

2010-01-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

I am a very proud mother and a loving wife. My immediate family along with my extended family are my angels. I am grateful for their love every day of my life.

Then there are these other people that I just can't shut up about!! I wish there was some kind of bell I could ring or mountain top I could scream from that could finally let out the emotion I have for them bottled up within my heart. I have been graced by the presence of so many beautiful women in my life.

I am a gals gal all the way; send me to a night on the town and I'll pick dancing with my friends all night any day. I don't need the attention of men, I don't want to be hit on, I can buy my own drinks. I just want to be in that circle of community I believe ages ago women had. It looked different but they had it. I know that women used to spend the day together gathering berries or washing laundry in the river. I know they beaded and weaved together. I know they raised children and prayed together. They had a community of women to support and be supported by. Today, we dance.

And I dance with amazing women. The most loyal, trustworthy, generous, beautiful & big-hearted women in the world. It seems rather cliche to be always talking about my friends. Like I'm 10 or something. But you know what? Children grow up and go away, siblings marry & have children, husbands go hunting and sometimes leave too. And whats left are the friends who've helped you survive the joys and sorrows of life.

Cheers to women, to friends, to dancing.

One More Beautiful Thing...

2010-01-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to add something today that strikes me as absolutely brilliant. I have for some time now felt like staying in my own circle of positivity. My friends & family as well my little community have been almost all that my heart can take.

The world in so many ways, by viewing the media, is going to hell, and fast. It would seem as if the folks in the world trying to make a difference are all or nothing. Bless their hearts I don't have the ability to travel to Sudan to teach organic farming. I have a job, an important one. I raise my kids to be compassionate and independent thinkers (I've wondered about my choice on the latter several times :) We talk about gratitude and love as the most important things in life.

And so we focus on our little contribution, in our little world with the hopes that those "out there" can impact the world fast enough. But today and in the last month I've learned something amazing.

I'll say that I always thought blogging was silly, who cares anyway right? Oddly enough I do! I have read and seen brilliant blogs, beautiful art & thoughtful people make their impact on the world. That impact more often than not is one of beauty, love, generousity, kindness, patience, encouragement and on and on. I'm blown away! I really had no idea that all of these people existed! Seems silly maybe, but I'd lost my own amount of hope in the world. Not so anymore... That is pretty darn huge.

I'll begin a list of Love Blogs where there is a big trend of adding to the world through thought, word, art with specific mention of ways to contribute. I'm all about it.

ENJOY!! And thanks to all of those bloggers who promote sticky sweetness. You make the world brighter.

PS: We'll start with this nice blog - so awesome :)

Without my computer for a week!

2010-01-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

Well apparently it's more than a simple fix for my computer. I can't believe this.

SO, I'm still shooting everyday, keeping up with my commitment to be creative everyday but you'll have to wait to see them. Sorry everyone...

I do however have access to my birds! I totally forgot I already uploaded them! So that's one fabulous thing. Today's little guide bird is Tolerance. She's super cute, purple & sweet.

I think that's a good one :)

No New Bird.

2010-01-07T16:36:00.000-08:00

Had to bring my computer (that works with my external, where everything IS) down to be serviced! I kept getting a "restart your computer message...

Not happy but when I told the guy I really needed it asap, he gave me a look like, "yeah, they all say that." Hope he doesn't keep it longer out of ill will!

So I can't change the pic BUT for the rest of today we'll say... patience.

Cheers!

The sweetest little Guide Birds!!

2010-01-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

These darling little things are what I photographed today as part of my "Creative Every Day" pledge. My dear friend Jennifer gave these to me and I LOVE them :) They each have insightful inspirational words on their fronts. The idea is to close your eyes and pick one each day and then focus your energy on that word, let it become your mantra for the day. Isn't that beautiful!

Jennifer knows that I love birds and gifted me this sweet set for Christmas... I love her.

I will be featuring one of these little sweets on my blog everyday so we can all focus together... maybe make the world a little brighter. Nothing is greater than people coming together with a single thought of compassion or love. Talk about good energy!

Don't miss out! Follow me ;)

Almost Daily Blog Photo

2010-01-05T14:50:00.000-08:00

How sweet it is. How fast it passes.

Through the gripes and trivial matters of irritation, it does pass quickly, I know this. I try to remind myself of this when I'm ready to run away. I'm trying to live in the moment and enjoy it all.

But really... secretly...I kinda can't wait.

Happy Is The New Black ! * !

2010-01-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

How cute are these!!! Stumbled on 'em and quite frankly I'm hoping I win - but thought I'd share the chance :) Kate & Oli are giving a set away to their readers in any chosen color. (I'd pick black... surprised?)

Adorable!

Contest ends Jan 13th so don't wait!!
Happy Is The New Black

*Photo from Kate & Oli

Almost Daily Blog Photo

2010-01-04T08:38:00.000-08:00

Almost Daily Blog Photo

2010-01-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

For me this new chapter of my life has given me the desire to see what's around me in ways I'd forgotten I love. Before children I was always looking, watching, seeing. It's why I fell in love with photography. And then, over time, I saw only my children, my family and of course the women in my life that I call friends. But that which kept me, me, slipped just out of reach.

I'm in complete gratitude for my new eyes.

Almost Daily Blog Photo

2009-12-31T14:44:00.000-08:00

A New Year

This teapot was given to me by my Aunt Michele. It was originally my Great Aunt Renee's. I've been saving it, worried to use it. My daughter convinced me that it would be special if she and I used it together.

She broke the lid.

In the New Year I'm not going to worry about broken things... and alot get's broken that can't be fixed.

Many beautiful wishes for you in 2010!

Almost Daily Blog Photo

2009-12-30T15:40:00.000-08:00

Almost Daily Blog Photo

2009-12-29T14:48:00.000-08:00

Winter Fixtures: The scene at my front door 4 months out of the year.

Scott & Scarlet

2009-12-27T13:49:00.000-08:00

I photographed a wonderful couple on Christmas eve. The chemistry between them shone so bright!! I love when that happens! It makes my job so easy! If two people love being together and show that to the world the images reflect that by default ~ I almost couldn't stop shooting! I had a great time ~ THANKS GUYS!

xoxoxo

Coco Ring Flash

2009-12-26T22:34:00.000-08:00

My new ring flash came this past week, just before the holiday craze. This meant that amongst wrapping paper flying and little wire things that refuse to let go of the toys they hold - I played and played and played!

I'm shooting here with a Canon 50D, Sigma 28-70 2.8 and a 580 EX II with the Coco Ring Flash Adapter attached.

The Coco Ring Flash Adapter is a knock-off of the $200 Ray Flash. They work the same way, acting as a prism for the light that comes from a hotshoe flash unit rather than an independant flash with chords and all. It is supposed to work with your TTL settings and be of course less bulky and heavy than other Ring Flashes.

Three negatives:

If I'm zoomed out I get a sort of hazey/smokey thing going on:

Weird right?

BUT it's easily solvable by zooming in and then taking a few steps back. Not ideal but I didn't expect it to work perfectly with the TTL mode anyway. The exposures were great so that's saying alot.

Another problem I ran into was red eye. I've read that this is a problem and I've tried different settings and it's something I have to work on more. It seems really hit or miss! Sometimes there is absolutely none and other times it's terrrrrible. There has to be some sort of constant that I'm missing... I'll get back to you. I would say that this issues pops up in 1 out of 10 photos so it's not great by any means but it's not the worst thing ever either.

Lastly, having the Ring Flash as an extension of my 580 seemed to add alot of pressure to the hot shoe itself. I had to be really consciencious about setting the whole system down, even on my lap; luckily the Ring Flash is easily removed and attached.

Here are a few that I ended up really happy with:

Here we have that pretty halo effect.

Super-Princess-Girl ;)

The look of the flash here is so minimal! You have a some of the halo, which is kinda fashionista-cool so that's alright and then some great all around lighting.

All in all I'm pretty happy with my purchase - it was less than $50 from Amazon and it threw really great wrap around light helping to eliminate those icky black line shadows. The knob that you twist at the top was kind of difficult to turn but it held onto the flash head really well without even using the wedge included. I'll take particularly tight over loosey goosey any day.

Good Luck and Many Cheers in 2010!

OUTSTANDING tips for customizing your blog!!

2009-12-23T13:21:00.000-08:00

I've searched high and low trying to figure out how to figure out the customization process of my blog. Realistically I didn't even know the correct terms to begin! Background/Layout/Gadget/Widget/Buttons etc etc etc along with the html coding and more. I figured that everyone who had beautiful blogs must have just had someone else do them :) Now I'm not saying mine is super duper fancy, compared to many others, it's rather plain, but I'm kind of a minimalist of sorts and so that's ok.

The following link was GREAT in helping me add some personal touches without the added craziness of a fullblown makeover. The author's thoughts are SUPER organized and easily understood. Although I didn't find any problems in the directions, others stumbled on different issues that the computer world loves to throw out there occasionally, and it also seems like the author is really helpful in figuring out the issues.

Check out http://thecutestblogontheblock.com/blog-secrets.html for excellent tips on customizing your blog! This is all so new to me, so exciting... and FUN!!! I could do this for hours! Suppose I should get to those Christmas cookies though ;)

Cheers!

This sweet little signature is one of the things I learned how to do!! Next I need to get my own font created for the full effect!!

I'm not a Nature Photographer

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I like animals. I do! But I do not have the patience to sit and wait like that! I get all tense and aggitated. Her little baldy baldy baldy... It's not so good! We headed out to see the Bald Eagles, my family and I a bit ago and it was wonderful. Just a really beautiful experience. Well it would have been if I hadn't had two littles who thought being in the car and NOT in carseats (car was off) was the next best thing to Christmas and went absolutely nutso. Besides that - yeah - I'd say nearing on magical :)

How do you know a bald eagle from another kind of eagle?

He has a comb over.

My Hazy.

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Two images of my little beauty of a daughter. She lights up my life.

Your Font - Your Way

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This has got to be one of the COOLEST things ever ever ever! I might think it's so cool because I happen to love my handwriting. Seriously, I do. My mom thinks it's messy and my great aunt and uncle deemed it unreadable... But I adore it :)

If you visit this site you will find strict instructions on how to hand write the alphabet, numbers, puctuation and any other random doodles (hearts, smiley faces, hammer & sickle... You get it right ;) that you want made into a downloadable font of your very own! This is really cool for scrapbookers and I think probably that was the idea with the artists conception but I'm not a scrapbooker. I am however the designer of all my printed stuff and I L O V E the idea!!

Check out this link:
http://kevinandamanda.com/fonts/fontsforpeas/how-to-get-your-handwriting-as-a-font/

Cheers!!!! & Happy Almost Christmas!

GD Company ♥

I have a brand new blog!

sweet summer saturday ♥♥

♥ wedding ♥ weekend ♥ bliss ♥

one fine day

Silver Dreams

Spring Fling

10 little toes.

A family crush.

Add custom HTML to your Facebook Page!

I’m not saying I’m hip.

Prayer.

Flowers from the babe.

Snow Bird

Speaking of Silhouettes…

Vintage Inspired Silhouettes by Me!

There’s Love and then there’s…

Equestrian Dream.

No $$ Storyboard Template

Fix it Friday

A little potato here, a little potato there.

Free Storyboard Template

Abigail = perfect sweetness.

Mike + Krystal. Engagement.

What I miss about CA.

Embrace Life

Into the sunshine and gone.

The Visit.

The solitary.

I know your mother.

My 3 rules for life.

A real woman. A real givaway from me ;)

Happy Almost Easter!

You are the last thing I need.

Tis the Season

Pippi and Popcorn

Esty Inspired Product Images.

On a SERIOUS roll!!

Inside beginnings of a Cul de'sac Farm

My dearest.

Just discovered Epiphanie Bags & I'm in L♥O♥V♥E

I can't take it anymore

Maddy

so it begins - the dangling bare feet

Some BEAUTIFUL free textures...

Pesto Pizza!!

Love is in the air...

A beautiful Play-Doh morning

Drunk Bird.

** my teacups in peony invites pen pals!

Friend Photos ooo la la

Vintage-style turquoise lovelies.

I love PlaySchool.

I've been making strides!

Simple Familiarity

The first step is asking.

*Me*

Bloggers Helping Haiti

Birds

For the newly engaged~

I just can't shut up.

One More Beautiful Thing...

Without my computer for a week!

No New Bird.

The sweetest little Guide Birds!!

Almost Daily Blog Photo

Happy Is The New Black ! * !

Almost Daily Blog Photo

Almost Daily Blog Photo

Almost Daily Blog Photo

Almost Daily Blog Photo

Almost Daily Blog Photo

Scott & Scarlet

Coco Ring Flash

OUTSTANDING tips for customizing your blog!!

I'm not a Nature Photographer

My Hazy.

Your Font - Your Way

Me