tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88586306264303823782024-02-18T22:11:28.487-05:00Never Fall Awayfor my creative urgesCall Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-51377082378464418632011-02-15T16:16:00.000-05:002011-02-15T16:16:21.158-05:00Return to PaintingRemember last June when I was all excited about <a href="http://neverfallaway.blogspot.com/2010/06/watercolors-sheet-1.html">watercolors</a>? Classwork got the best of me and I haven't picked them up since, though I have spent some time coloring with my colored pencils.<br />
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With a clear schedule and desire to make a mess, I hauled out the watercolors again and had a lot of fun! I'm going to go ahead and post both of them here, along with some notes so I can remember what I did. <br />
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<b>Mess #1</b>: aka "Tree with swing and sheep: a completely original idea"<br />
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<a href="http://s395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/?action=view&current=021511b.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/th_021511b.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" ></a><br><em>clickin to embiggen</em><br />
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No plan other than playing with technique. I started with the grass and let it dry before adding the sky. I'm actually quite pleased with the blending with the sky. I did a bit of blotting with a paper towel and then went back in with some white paint which created something like lines of clouds. <br />
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Next, the tree, the swing, and the leaves. I kinda like the leaves - after sketching out the tree and a few branches, I just started dabbing my brush around with different colors. <br />
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Because I wanted to put <em>something</em> on the hill on the left, I decided to add a fence and some white dots that Twitter insists will be believable as distant sheep. <br />
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I finished by going back over the grass and adding vertical darker green lines to give it some texture.<br />
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<b>Mess #2</b>: which was all about a specific technique<br />
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<a href="http://s395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/?action=view&current=021511a.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/th_021511a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" ></a> <br><em>clickin to embiggen</em><br />
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Here, I wet the paper with a sponge and then used painter's tape to mask off two lines, despite being told on Twitter that this was the wrong kind of tape. I then smeared a bunch of color all over the place, screwed around blotting it with a paper towel and a sponge (leaving gunky bits behind) and then removed the tape. <br />
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I did have some tearing when I removed the tape, but that's alright. What I was interested in was the overall effect, which I do like and plan to work with some more, as soon as I purchase the correct tools.<br />
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A masterpiece? Of course not. But I had a lot of fun experimenting while blasting Frou Frou and not giving a damn about anything else going on in my life right now. I think I'll do it again soon.Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-60090027386326487912010-06-20T15:04:00.001-04:002010-06-20T15:22:37.630-04:00My Taste in ArtIt's either really good or really bad. I'm not sure. What I know is that any time we visit an art museum, whether it be the permanent collection or a limited-time special exhibition, I find a piece or two that really speaks to me and I want to take it home. <br />
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That's good, right?<br />
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And because I assume the museum peeps aren't going to be down with me putting those framed works in my car and taking off with them, I usually just check the museum store for prints or reproductions.<br />
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So here's where I start to question my taste. The art I adore? It's <em>never</em> available in the gift shop. No worries, I'll go home and look online! Except, it's never available there either. For reference, see "<a href="http://neverfallaway.blogspot.com/2009/11/lie.html">The Lie</a>". No kidding, if you could find me a print of that photo, at any price, I would kiss you. Or have your babies. Or pay you a 10% finder's fee. Whatever you wanted, because I would be that indebted.<br />
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Is it that my taste in art is so good that they want to keep those gems hidden away, unavailable for public take-home? Or is it that my taste in art is so bad that they just assume there would be no market so they don't bother making prints available?<br />
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Because, you know, it's all about me.<br />
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Or maybe the issue is that these artists I love had really sucky agents who failed to negotiate a syndication deal for them. <br />
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At least these particular pieces that caught my eye are less than three miles from my house. I'll have to go visit them. And debate my taste with the voices in my head.Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-27476178050953133902010-06-07T11:52:00.001-04:002010-06-07T11:53:25.102-04:00Watercolors: Sheet #1After putting paint into my palette, I picked up a book I had bought and tried a few of the techniques they mentioned. Then I became insanely impatient and decided to start just throwing paint on paper to see what happened.<br />
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<a href="http://s395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/nfa/?action=view¤t=sheet1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/nfa/th_sheet1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="center"></a><br />
<em>Please click image if you wish to embiggen</em><br />
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In the upper left, that was supposed to be a nice solid block of color. The orange (actually, <em>vermilion</em>, which is my new BFF) square to the right, that's a fading wash, getting lighter as it moves down the paper. Across the bottom, that's supposed to fade gently from one color to another. And then various other <em>stuff</em> playing with brush strokes and mixing paints (some kind of feather/flower/blob and a headless person walking off the side of the photo).<br />
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Here's what I learned:<br />
<ol><li>I did "stretch" the paper, aka wetting it down so it can soak in lots of water and not get all crinkly gross. However, I then kinda forgot to rewet the paper before I started working so it was really dry. More water on paper equals more flowy paint. </li>
<li>The colors are much more bold than I intended. I needed to mix in more water (plus the water on the paper)</li>
<li>The fluffy brush that came in my set is for cold weather painting - it's shedding its coat here in this heat, leaving fur everywhere like Tonya. Replace that brush!</li>
<li>Vermilion is awesome.</li>
</ol><br />
It was just kinda awesome to put paint on paper to see how it behaved a little bit. I expect to do a lot of learning through mistakes. Seriously, wait until you see Sheet #2. The best part of watercolors is that they're not that expensive and clean-up isn't too bad. And I had fun doing it. I may never be great, but I found it to be relaxing so I plan to keep playing.<br />
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BTW - since I clearly have no idea what I'm doing, I'd love to hear any advice or suggestions you have for me.Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-54378351623928011472010-06-06T14:03:00.000-04:002010-06-06T14:03:50.792-04:00Inspiration: Found!Hey, remember when I posted here sometimes? And then I ran into a dry patch with no inspiration? Well, the drought is over. In fact, I'd say it's been over since my trip to Europe, which was two months ago. However, free time to blog about it seems to be lacking. But I have a lot to share so hopefully there will be many posts coming soon.<br />
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Some will be about this:<br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/nfa/palette.jpg" align="center"><br />
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I also have various things I've been meaning to share from the trip, other artists' work, and various whatevers. So be sure to follow this blog or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/showmyface">follow me on twitter</a> for sneak previews.Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-66897613759401717762010-02-15T20:25:00.000-05:002010-02-15T20:25:31.031-05:00FrustrationI'm trying desperately but not finding much of that creative mojo I was hoping would spring forth with the new year.<br />
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To be honest, I'm drowning in work. I'd say 50% of my projects are things I have no interest in at all. Coding, writing reports, meeting with consultants at work. And another 50% are things I'm greatly interested in. Graphic work, writing, exciting projects.<br />
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The problem is that 50% plus 50% don't add up to 100%. They add up to more like 150% of the hours in the day. I'm completely overwhelmed and just spinning. My life feels volatile on so many levels and sometimes I find myself really yearning to let some of that out in a creative way but I just don't have the time.<br />
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Frustrating for sure.Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-50617831478415524252010-01-02T13:34:00.000-05:002010-01-02T13:34:35.057-05:00Creative New YearThe last few weeks I haven't felt much inspiration. At least, not of the sort I'd post about here. But now it's the new year and I'm trying to be very open to creativity. I've cleared the guest room (where I go for quiet time when it's too cold outside) and I'm adding pieces to my inspiration wall. Soon, I'll have to snap a photo. In keeping with my desire to be receptive to whatever muse may <strike>smack me around</strike> grab hold, I'm printing this <a href="http://creatingwings.com/2009/12/20/i-am-not-an-artist-a-creative-manifesto/" target="_blank">Creative Manifesto</a> to keep nearby. Check it out, you may like it.<br />
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One of my favorite gifts that I received over the holidays was from Joe's Auntie. Don't you love those gifts that you had no idea you wanted but they are somehow perfect for you? She sent me <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charley-Harper-Coloring-Book/dp/1934429236" target="_blank">Charley Harper's coloring book</a> and a brand new set of colored pencils. <br />
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I adore this book - it's like a coloring book for grown-ups, full of modern-looking line art. It's been awhile since I spent any time coloring but I'm sure Auntie thought it would be a nice calming activity for me. One I can do in the guest room, even. Yay Auntie!<br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/nfa/010210ch1.jpg"><br />
<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/nfa/010210ch2.jpg">Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-86000930538784821802009-12-04T10:03:00.001-05:002009-12-04T10:07:57.612-05:00Winter<embed wmode="transparent" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/kcrV2rb1SKURKxbpTN&related=1" allowscriptaccess="never" height="415" width="480"></embed> <div style="font-size:0.9em;"><a href="/watch/1367738-tori-amos-winter-full">Tori Amos Winter (full)</a>.</div><b>Winter</b> (Tori Amos)<br />
<blockquote>Snow can wait<br />
I forgot my mittens<br />
Wipe my nose<br />
Get my new boots on<br />
I get a little warm in my heart<br />
When I think of winter<br />
I put my hand in my father's glove<br />
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I run off<br />
Where the drifts get deeper<br />
Sleeping beauty trips me with a frown<br />
I hear a voice<br />
"Your must learn to stand up for yourself<br />
Cause I can't always be around"<br />
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He says<br />
When you gonna make up your mind<br />
When you gonna love you as much as I do<br />
When you gonna make up your mind<br />
Cause things are gonna change so fast<br />
All the white horses are still in bed<br />
I tell you that I'll always want you near<br />
You say that things change my dear<br />
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Boys get discovered as winter melts<br />
Flowers competing for the sun<br />
Years go by and I'm here still waiting Withering where some snowman was<br />
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Mirror mirror where's the crystal palace<br />
But I only can see the myself<br />
Skating around the truth who I am<br />
But I know dad the ice is getting thin<br />
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When you gonna make up your mind<br />
When you gonna love you as much as I do<br />
When you gonna make up your mind<br />
Cause things are gonna change so fast<br />
All the white horses are still in bed<br />
I tell you that I'll always want you near<br />
You say that things change my dear<br />
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Hair is grey<br />
And the fires are burning<br />
So many dreams<br />
On the shelf<br />
You say I wanted you to be proud of me<br />
I always wanted that myself<br />
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He says<br />
When you gonna make up your mind<br />
When you gonna love you as much as I do<br />
When you gonna make up your mind<br />
Cause things are gonna change so fast<br />
All the white horses have gone ahead<br />
I tell you that I'll always want you near<br />
You say that things change<br />
My dear </blockquote><img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/nfa/1204snow.jpg" align="left">I love the lyrics to this song. The security of a father, going off on your own, indecision, uncertainty, expectations... And if you listen to it, it sounds very much like winter. Tinkly snowflakes falling, a little cold. And absolutely beautiful.<br />
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Beth posted a prompt at <a href="http://oneminutewriter.blogspot.com/2009/12/todays-writing-prompt-snow.html" target="_blank">The One-Minute Writer</a> today about <em>Snow</em>. Here's what I wrote:<br />
<blockquote>Snow memories are some of my favorite from childhood. Sledding, snowmen, forts, snowball fights...<br />
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But one of my favorite snow-activities was to bundle up in all of my wet-resistant warm clothes and go lay in the middle of the neighbor's field. It was large enough that you only caught hints of trees along the edges in your peripheral vision. Staring straight up into the sky, watching snowflakes float towards me. A few would hover on my eyelids before melting away. I loved to listen to the sounds of the snow falling, distant branches creaking, animals in the pine grove nearby.<br />
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I'd really like to lay in that field right now and spend some quiet time listening to the world. Maybe it would tell me something if only I could hear.</blockquote>I miss the snow. And I miss laying in that field during all seasons. I think it would do me a world of good to lay in the middle of a field right now.Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-62771007270743340652009-11-24T14:29:00.000-05:002009-11-24T14:29:02.119-05:00"The Lie"<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/nfa/thelie.jpg"><br />
<em><a href="http://www.museumsyndicate.com/item.php?item=13343" target="_blank">The Lie by Felix Vallotton</a></em><br />
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It's not often that I'm totally taken by a painting but a few years ago, we saw the <a href="http://www.artbma.org/collection/overview/cone.html" target="_blank">Cone Collection</a> from the Baltimore Museum of Art when it toured through our undisclosed location. While the main focus was on the works of some guys named Matisse and Picasso, this work by lesser-known Felix Vallotton is the one that caught my eye. And I've been obsessed with it ever since.<br />
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It was painted in 1897 but it could've just as easily been a scene staged today. A man and woman, intimately entwined on a sofa. I love imagining what Vallotton's intent was with the figures in this image, especially given the title of <em>Le Mensonge</em> (The Lie).<br />
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It's easy to assume the woman is lying - he appears to be listening while she whispers something in his ear. But perhaps he is the one deceiving her as he glances away; maybe she is whispering words of trust and love and he is thinking of the way he has tricked her.<br />
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What is the lie about? Is one of them cheating? Some speculate the woman is pregnant. Is he the father? <br />
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I also love the various reds used here - the color used to signify passion and anger. The darker colors of the man and the flowers (that maybe he brought to her as a gift?) are another reason I like to think Vallotton was indicating the man as the dishonest player.<br />
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What do you see? How do you interpret this image? <br />
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Also, will you track down a print and buy it for me? This would look amazing in my living room but Joe doesn't seem too keen on having a piece about lying hanging above the mantle.Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-89773466074836343502009-11-12T14:07:00.000-05:002009-11-12T14:07:00.278-05:00California at NightI'm done milking the California trip now. Promise. Anyways, click for larger versions if you're interested.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RtmdI9Pok9J9Z8ZmkezwwA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBW34E0Em7ixVEA4wLG3uZrjTEBE6NdsuGtpDQTDTotpgYFxZ_7CNtLDyw1RCvp4KUolyMvV3J8VXXQUUhk8peSVfEH2V3yoAnH8IolNVGMZ1GT-VIs42AuvpHw2E-iQJEjSMoKwUvPXE/s288/IMG_0556.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GWDrHxpf_bhHWF1UqC2Wnw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPG97YlJKx8H6yRt9eB6CikkNYs3T_LSsFYgNwlF3LaF70ubo-eqeR0arAHE7jNkbubdFb9ofTX1v_7YDmQrK0ivmRMkcXIzOnmNJlIL5bXhe6sUQdnaTCpMOOz8408jb3VjwSbkvPKU/s288/IMG_1141.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/29HhvzV6qZZVQIk-uD62zA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgSgAtI0cb-TIU8rkJVmh8-0zXFyQj87qTRWlme78lreRO7ZqcQo5rEvB01KuQIoQGjl9IoBE5ynOBDeYGKvSrnkdFSBnTl8VJSRkRGydtbqUjDN0JwyBH4zuF4R-CbUqsdyuM9EWRbk/s288/IMG_1204.JPG" /></a>Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-78780137144811390922009-11-02T11:42:00.000-05:002009-11-02T11:42:45.542-05:00Taking A LeapPlease go read this post: <a href="http://www.thewednesdaychef.com/the_wednesday_chef/2009/10/leap-and-a-net-will-appear.html" target="_blank">The Wednesday Chef - Leap And The Net Will Appear</a>. <br />
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I want to write that post. I want to realize who I am and take action. I want to find the confidence to be successful. I want to take a leap towards making myself happy.<br />
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Why is it such a scary thing, finding a way to believe in ourselves and move towards fulfillment? It's alarming how much easier it is to stay in the daily routine no matter how much that rut is sucking the life out of you.<br />
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Anyways, read the post. I found it inspirational and motivating. I've been meaning to share the link here so I can refer back to it when I need a kick in the pants. Which will be roughly once every five minutes if I don't go ahead and take control soon.Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-29263333112969072009-10-27T13:44:00.000-04:002009-10-27T13:44:21.045-04:00Around CaliforniaOne more set of California trip photos left after this one. These are just random photos fromhere and there. Anyways, click for larger versions if you're interested.<br />
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(I'm partial to #4 and #5 - the wine bottles and the water fountain outside the winery)<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aMtMs9j7irbcrfLJHVJ9oQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz8NtT4QL1N28yGrbdaoZbcWoTAYVuYlXzWdZCgOiVx0rpFzmq332ww_quJ2u6nh3t1Wdaz9B53Oj5sgUVRO_UJ2b64WVKxpcQAdBy_1-NkmPoEdLtxAwP321upj-ehbZ_v0V2fHW_Ig/s288/IMG_0756.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XwyPlfRA2FbzFXrx9uuLow?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFH4YIHiZy4jLZkJCIbnFnYwvP_wAXmuofxcKSmKLwYTLQo1LEDnpoLvf31qYHnSAVzGXeEWyTBAor-7e7n2ufS4Q1F3rOU7INS-rizojRTl-PSVM1dV2UGlTYd_wfjvb1HTkn_6KmLo/s288/IMG_0859.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SccKutSCNTUlYvsV-JAIdA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrs-ZuxhyphenhyphenDLwMhInJb_zaqD5_AbxwReN910eWRJ5WZSkd6ewTeyoG5Z3QHEgVNTvYTGl55pRiHLmKL1VUrQF9U6atuDl9WBKRzqlRJOiUIswYM1N9kRkA6Sn4RvYLo5ZH2uNHhcpHaxFY/s288/IMG_0864.JPG" /></a>Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-18510558445848689742009-10-21T12:44:00.000-04:002009-10-21T12:44:54.542-04:00California CoastJust a few photos from the California coast that I thought turned out reasonably well. Though I learned yesterday that I have a lot to learn about color correction. I should do something about that. Anyways, click for larger versions if you're interested.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3v2brgIcQRCqmWr3bx1n3w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKlxKGQ_NAT5np2knryqUD01CiFhWezHVcroaWf6iH9CB4raMX7zODi9D3UUGgPUTcAv1lP6rynhRnCAxpnOWdFX2OFnsqXqzy284lGaYStuNFAokfj5ABEvWJTfkQB2OnztNlgRu1iM/s288/IMG_0704.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3O3lCMrirzBTy_Sv9c5bmg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSp2C246bWUYH9A26a3fKqu2Bc_cDYe12Uw2bE4UZjEseC2SogxFHxo5Zq1_wDk4jI3swFf3cUPU0-wQ-xlgFf8JXYQ6tTPXeUa1euMm2ghQzBS_G0ROcfiOBXmzx7i8M-kDWR_jYKa08/s288/IMG_0709.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vOrno1JMc1Lh_yOosQiKiA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdvbaJJrRk2qRmSwf40aEJ6pwZaRs37pEIxvTLOEsPS0jjAIjWOhJA_fMBKXw1xEa0Q9_CDMS5BIzXO8lmV4i9tDMvIfgQ0NxChQqrOOheBdTPx6nTlWPd-lzyKX5FSxngW6s2z3642g/s288/IMG_0741.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zhPzH3eUDdRVRROfw4hXfQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzd9y0I6cLOwgI4jg-3ffXpMedCxAD0X1V6gu3XOlahSk-KhuD5DDZnnDb0eFtQOCAuUlm6laULht6jal52B4cis6L4MlwT-vbBNFUZ9Ffj67QZyN3ljxENdhDX3SFUyOwneOxiVZ3SFI/s288/IMG_0814.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uhwfkZZ3qLHeJGIQNn06Pg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFwFL6-Z0QZgkPN4q7Q5u_DS8cMSBdforv0gJ3eTftKraSRYXlCBGby84VfpDb8tVE35QA3nuao3_NmHqZeUPJ1J7yDwsihpT5tkVVNvv9oAiufvX7ugsq1ywzDSYwi_VsM9Zaq_S6ls/s288/IMG_0817.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2k0ZhHhoHhFScUGjuvAEcQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwjL8Nh9mCyFlPtR6CZSrumYEfa6LRG5hNXISUcU4bEJL1Pv2z8Xb38llSPyBrdpZhc-h9HbKkm5BozcM2VGxlajrgL0SYLW2mVc8PbbjdGOJL5G7uYe5nlKUWNzRKW08xhXLU_F2MF4/s288/IMG_0979.JPG" /></a>Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-82570305029217464732009-10-12T13:47:00.001-04:002009-10-12T13:47:20.906-04:00California FlowersSome more photos from California - flowers, mostly from wineries. As always, click for larger versions if you're interested.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LHfV4CTlsxIHnE7O-dYHfQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwAhbueQuyZsd32NvfNrB47L9wtsNf9Mg-xiag2yfSCwudjy6VrAQoe2r4zIUSAaGR7Apvi2O7uVKJuZIpPawPiVJtC1dkzFM_2awJVcSK3YWhpUmh3q8HO-lS21Xf5w_p8sYES7Vft8/s288/IMG_0595.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zkBtT4ssKC_B3U27JxJzwg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBI8DYiinCzIKxenmDibWw4IRj2Cyv3zzWTlKijwOUAya0k3qhfr4oQvLlCU42nzA39EoSJcU0ogxmsc1ICa0HOXGptM_NlVqF9woC9cXQwymKCfCsmVt3UATu-GtvdxvQHpzKACWyKA/s288/IMG_0597.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bLhEM8Rex902kVIpBXNm_g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOXlD3muPneccYTDAhkJY4hrrOqb9an39_AR9mDWq4mE6E9nmLfhgloBjgmkatJSit1aGwcL5QWGKxiIYnuVPwSN-zEcFVtRifhLUcZrJJbSbXe9-CTo5W4Ctzik-iMnqa16lxMEsvlA/s288/IMG_0657.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ocYjugFjSgKP3JX30h5pdg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rfTBS2UMXfh9lyUknk5D5DWp3aqu16ldt_gghTjzFwcoEiIW2IbBaku3MuVNmqO3XjVS9YiZNoWtifd1rdHAnT37ZaoQJD5Y78Wt-Ik9osBzENTsoi_-nuA8SJGBWZFD_O8kauHdUyg/s288/IMG_0911.JPG" /></a>Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-29077368862126129482009-09-24T10:36:00.001-04:002009-09-24T10:36:31.799-04:00Golden Gate Bridge at SunsetToday, sharing a few more photos from our trip to San Francisco. Here are three sunset shots of the Golden Gate Bridge (click for larger versions). It was cold and the wind was whipping my hair in every direction but it was worth the frozen fingers to see the sun tuck away for the evening on the horizon. Hope you enjoy.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7-2T0ZR5saGqDEemMa-SMw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXcQF0Fd2yLhGb28RuNIEqml5p_xkQrpc4JB6aR2RJ_sVRd-uYVtlvkQdxPfSz36fuyO9IlXr-PwjrVaXnPoaUdfpLVQsBfNz-q_VH_UAxoa3adYKviPRR6cjD1kokXMbI21C4VQMPQo/s144/IMG_1146.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8oTP2z_sBHHJjfIklauYWg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8YxS3C8wXPBl7Ec4D5vj4YUcWvPZa4c7qaY78WZrOSHI17eE2QNaU9ibbXn8BUvJkIEUwBynzUxDtuOYOWKVh8XOb6eLVfjw8iJU4x6RkZtOHQeS7_UBT0LM2kclO6KmuD4ZPIy7rBk/s144/IMG_1166.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Dq3I9rmVqT_8Mt-mgAUFkQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fnnzboFVtjTyFhR_D6Z0yNyh0j9daybAQCjl34Ptw2IGGBqjlMl2T2OjgA3yKZI-xTBgsIYlbL6uz6p0LIdebQRLg1Ue6LVjQO0qQKsjO4mEx7VwyaRgCoJ7GGNTBhaU80Dymfq5GBI/s144/IMG_1199.JPG" /></a>Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-14311504460780737832009-09-17T12:59:00.000-04:002009-09-17T22:21:18.715-04:00Orange Bouquet<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/nfa/orangebouquet.jpg" align="left">I've been following <a href="http://soulbrush.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">soulbrush</a> for quite awhile. She's a kind and lovely woman and her blog is absolutely beautiful. She's an artist working with many different materials and palettes and subjects; you never know exactly what you're going to find when you visit her blog but it's always vibrant and always a treat. Also, she posts photos of her adorable granddaughter, Maggie, in the sidebar. Come for the art, stay for the baby!<br />
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This is why I was so excited when she announced she was opening an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5498236" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>! I rushed there and immediately placed my order for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=18939401" target="_blank"><em>Orange Bouquet</em></a>.<br />
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It's odd that this is the piece that caught my eye. I'm not a flowery girl and orange is one of my least favorite colors. But something about the flow of the lines and the brightness against the darker background really grabbed my attention.<br />
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The picture at left is of the framed piece resting on a shelf in my dining room. I haven't quite decided where it will live permanently but for now I'm trying it out against my deep red walls. What do you think?Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-46115476176538738862009-09-15T13:16:00.000-04:002009-09-15T13:16:33.837-04:00San Francisco - Street ShotsAs promised, I'll start posting a few of my photos from San Francisco. As I go along, I'll be adding them to <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/showmyface/SanFranciscoTrip?feat=directlink" target="_blank">this album</a> as I feature the newest photos individually in the blog. You can click each thumbnail for an enlarged version of the photo.<br />
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This first shot was a man making jewelry to sell on the side of the street. He was near Ghiardelli Square at the cable car turnaround. <br />
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The next photo is an extended exposure of the carousel on Pier 39.<br />
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And finally, a view of Chinatown. Everything felt very "in your face" there, from the bright lanterns to the interesting people. Even their streetlights (towards the right of the photo) were unique.<br />
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Plenty more to come!Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-9868623509874849242009-09-02T08:00:00.000-04:002009-09-02T08:00:04.803-04:00Geotracking<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/nfa/083009trees.jpg" align="right">My husband is obsessed with all things map-related. And I have a really lousy memory for where/when photos were taken. Sure, the date and time properties on the file help but what if it's just a photo of random trees or a butterfly?<br />
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That's where my anniversary present, the <a href="http://www.gisteq.com/PhotoTrackr/PhotoTrackrCD111.php" target="_blank">GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr</a>, comes in. <br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/nfa/gisteq.jpg" align="left">It's a small GPS device, roughly the size of a garage door opener. Once you power it on, it locates the satellites to obtain a position. I have to say I'm rather impressed with this as it's done remarkably well even from inside my house. I installed the software to my laptop and then set about syncing up the time between the PhotoTrackr and my camera. This is an important step to remember for later.<br />
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Shooting is easy - turn on the PhotoTrackr and then carry it with you (I threw mine in the camera bag). Take photos like you normally would. When you're finished, turn off the PhotoTrackr until you're ready to load the log onto your computer via USB. Again, very simple.<br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/nfa/083009bfly.jpg" align="right">Finally, upload your photos to the computer and load them into the GiSTEQ software. The software will match the timestamps on the files with the corresponding locations in the log and load it all nicely into Google Maps allowing you to retrace your steps and see exactly where you took each photo.<br />
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Unless you are a moron, like me, and somehow sync the time but not the date. So no matter how many times I loaded the photos, nothing showed up on my route. It only took me thirty minutes to discover the error and another twenty to find a way to change the data in the photo files so it would finally match up.<br />
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Now, it works like a champ. I can't wait to use it on our trip to San Francisco!Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-49886841997750824942009-08-10T12:38:00.004-04:002009-08-10T12:47:27.312-04:00Some "Hot" PhotosIt's been a bit since I've posted here. We made a specific stop at a cemetery as part of our anniversary getaway this past weekend just so I could snap some photos there. Unfortunately the weather was so miserable that I wasn't particularly inspired.<br /><br /><b>Lesson Learned</b>: Taking photos from the back seat of the car is lazy and results in unimaginative images. Put forth a little more effort next time instead of wasting the opportunity.<br /><br />I wasn't going to post any of these but since <a href="http://twitter.com/dpringle/status/3226595927" target="_blank">@dpringle asked so nicely</a> I'm posting what I would consider to be the top three because at least I a) climbed out of the car for them and b) spent 2 seconds thinking about the shot.<br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-GSVCYc5ARoyO6nQlm2WnBGKNOhF_HEj9od_-6PzU7DXPIRfPZEgI2TrI7G3jlITDyKD05Z_X9KyWceqN0RTQ2PE-4kET4PzB1ALP__fEuzbyuc0hzye0TPukaUOUmRDrzIS5z_dyAA/s800/IMG_0074.JPG"><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdL-3GRIZUe03pGWGMR_q6R-MEJC7AzVYeiydLVSD1JlmRPoG9V6Sv0Bn8sk5-qWaEEdHzlUbeHz0OwBO4HkrO353azbvJjTVHV1EwULNP4jncK6kjPKwReQJPxbfxxdAAYiDLaIFvxxA/s800/IMG_0084.JPG"><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflyZph9hv5Btb6PuGCY0LnAgY-IGbzWbhX74i2-KLw1ilfbQn15aC1iD6Sp0rfGNUnS-iVRXomTpEfRIzzmwPpB9JhCBE_3ddpoiYtSqve7Hgq3jWP3j6YD4BfBCbNpe4Utj-m0vLzcI/s800/IMG_0113.JPG"><br /><br />The weather is killing me. I really want to go wander with the camera but it's just still too miserable. Go away, summer!Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-36566912941388061322009-07-29T14:45:00.003-04:002009-07-29T14:52:35.832-04:00Listening to a house<em>(inspired by <a href="http://cbethblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/listening-to-house.html" target="_blank">C. Beth</a>)</em><br /><br />The hum of the refrigerator,<br />Whoosh of air conditioning, <br />Passing cars on the way somewhere important,<br />The tick-tock of a clock marking the passing of the day.<br /><br />My house is quiet.<br /><br />No gossiping of neighbors,<br />No conspiring of sisters, <br />No laughter of friends planning dinner,<br />The tick-tock of the clock marking the passing of time.<br /><br />My house is lonely.<br /><br />No baby giggles signaling delight,<br />No toddler screams expressing frustration,<br />No persistent “why?” from a curious child,<br />The tick-tock of a clock marking the passing of life.<br /><br />My house is empty.<br />__________________________________________________________<br /><br />I rarely write anything in poem form but Beth's poem today set off a bit of reflection and a nagging need to respond. By no means do I think this is any good and I debated about posting it but that's what this blog is about - somewhere to let out whatever creative urges I feel, missteps and all.Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-86605685401947911212009-07-27T15:55:00.004-04:002009-07-27T16:07:17.114-04:00First PhotosJust a couple of photos from my first trip out with the new g10. The first three are the same image, manipulated a bit in Photoshop. And the last one is a random tree I liked. Everything was taken in auto-mode because I haven't had a chance to even begin figuring out the intricacies of the camera yet but it still performed pretty well.<br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOA8U1dUWqwwKj3kJVDtntJ3OHBFEwleCJvX1HS7kS1tvTjzORRB_j5D2GhpHF1ZDnqtVnjRlUvH4MhApDwOHwgd9DrkULopzaSunj6P_lOgz65I9KNoe2wmjA4ZSbQ6DuvC50inDwFE/s800/072509flowers.JPG" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhTZsCPR7YPEW6Kk_1CThJY3vAu2ShUCfBcrGzaU1zBWodO4hsw_NuBHRbqx2GvQRCSbV1B_NY2Mxz79R_nhMFp2BmeIHNZXtgqxn6ssS3_bVk5rWz0_EmuerEkgrGta1CZDDQE463hY/s800/072509bw.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMNgcgM44R36CFEIP00z_azwxG07EPTVTVgA50-Oa-xFZaITPQANEmoFuBMVDtcvV0CTCqYU3_fUww8Z17AhtOBBNlZc-hzuZtc4fCEs4ubAQPrP_Ha3qDqJ4BKrYjEg6vkTxJ6NkwUc/s800/072509sc.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDKOTNsUBX7gjYCfZkME5oV7z5ynCisXvejC2BIY9hMlmoIKPuJlyASKjIEj-GUE3UoKdPq6R2Oe2Vvfvn645URX-Lyuy-1ytPND65KwPSevDdCELhRnl9SkZnCZorAquW4S3avPAekA/s800/072509tree.JPG" />Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-30267100443990620522009-07-24T08:35:00.002-04:002009-07-24T08:41:04.866-04:00On FedEx vehicle for deliveryThose are words that make me quite happy. My camera will be here today (Joe even stayed home to sign for it) and we're going away this weekend to visit a winery and do some hiking. Perfect timing!<br /><br /><b>Canon g10</b><br /><br /><img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/showmyface/nfa/g10.jpg">Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-55659810654633495482009-07-20T15:01:00.004-04:002009-07-20T15:25:58.386-04:00Learning CurveWe've just booked an awesome trip to San Francisco, featuring Napa and Lake Tahoe.<br /><br />I love to travel, when I can keep my anxiety in check. And one of my favorite things to do is capture the places we've been so we can "visit" them over and over.<br /><br />To aid in this, I've been feverishly working to learn the manual controls on my camera, a Canon g5. It's several years old but takes decent photos. However, I've been considering buying an entry level digital SLR so I can really take advantage of manual focus and lenses.<br /><br />In the end, I chose the Canon g10 (much newer version of my g5) over the T1i d-slr. The cost of lenses really overwhelmed me. And the g10 offers great flexibility for macro, automatic controls, manual controls, etc.<br /><br />In the meantime, as I await the arrival of my new toy (as well as a new sd card and backup battery), I've been shooting a lot of shots with the g5. I figure they're similar so it can't hurt.<br /><br />The first two sets are all basically the same subjects (shoes and turtles) but using different manual settings. I share these so you can see how much I'm failing. The third set is from a garden we drove out to yesterday - some of these are actually not too bad.<br /><br />I'm hoping one day I can look back at these starter sets and laugh about how far I've come. Or at how much I still have no idea what I'm doing.<br /><table><tbody> <tr> <td align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/showmyface/AStudyInShoes?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kNVjgShqWrY/SmSkuRnZD1E/AAAAAAAAAIU/T14HL2NUCH0/s160-c/AStudyInShoes.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;" /></a></td> <td align="center" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/showmyface/TurtlesInAHalfShell?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_kNVjgShqWrY/SmSqdeB3n9E/AAAAAAAAAKI/Zfjfx0txkbg/s160-c/TurtlesInAHalfShell.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;" /></a></td> <td align="center" ><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/showmyface/SundayInTheGarden?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kNVjgShqWrY/SmSvDumTDyE/AAAAAAAAALo/EehzI1XFJyE/s160-c/SundayInTheGarden.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/showmyface/AStudyInShoes?feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none; "target="_blank">A Study in Shoes</a></td> <td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/showmyface/TurtlesInAHalfShell?feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">Turtles in a Half Shell</a></td> <td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/showmyface/SundayInTheGarden?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Sunday in the Garden</a></td> <br /></tr></tbody></table>Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-12558631632382320952009-07-17T14:09:00.002-04:002009-07-17T14:14:21.943-04:00Running<a href="http://oneminutewriter.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr226/cbethblog/OneMinuteWriterButton2.jpg" align="right"/></a>This is a recent submission to <a href="http://oneminutewriter.blogspot.com/2009/07/friday-fiction-running.html" target="_blank">The One Minute Writer</a> If you're unfamiliar, the site provides a daily prompt to spend just sixty seconds writing about. I don't participate every day but probably a few times a week. <br /><br />This piece was a response to a Friday Fiction prompt:<br /><blockquote>Write a brief bit of fiction involving running.</blockquote><br />It's nothing astounding but I kinda liked it and didn't want to lose track of it.<br /><blockquote>I could hear him behind me. I didn't dare look back but I could sense him gaining ground. Not sure how much longer I could keep up this pace, my eyes constantly scanned ahead of me. I was searching for a hiding place, assistance, some sort of escape from my relentless assailant. <br /><br />As I rounded the corner, I spotted my salvation. Daddy! I jumped into his arms, giggling as our new puppy bounced at Daddy's legs, unable to reach me. My pudgy little toddler legs may not be that fast but as long as Daddy was there to save me, no way would that puppy steal my ball!</blockquote>Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8858630626430382378.post-87149260944611853152009-07-15T11:03:00.005-04:002009-07-17T10:07:54.723-04:00Never Fall Away<b>Letters From the Sky</b><br /><em>Civil Twilight</em><br /><blockquote>one of these days the sky's gonna break and everything will escape <br />and I'll know<br />one of these days the mountains are gonna fall into the sea <br />and they'll know<br />that you and I were made for this<br />I was made to taste your kiss<br />we were made to never fall away<br />never fall away<br /><br />one of these days letters are gonna fall from the sky <br />telling us all to go free<br />but until that day I'll find a way to let everybody know that you're coming back, <br />you're coming back for me<br />'cause even though you left me here <br />I have nothing left to fear<br />these are only walls that hold me here<br />hold me here, hold me here<br /><br />one day soon I'll hold you like the sun holds the moon<br />and we will hear those planes overhead<br />and we won't have to be scared<br />we won't have to be scared, <br />we won't have to be scared<br /><br />you're coming back for me<br />you're coming back for me<br />you're coming back to me</blockquote><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-uREQbFYhJ8&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-uREQbFYhJ8&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I first became aware of this song while watching <b>Harper's Island</b> on television and the song was used in a very powerful scene. These lyrics have really stuck in my mind and I can't clear it from my head. <br /><br />The lyrics seem to be about two lovers but I think they can also be applied to an idea, a feeling, anything that stirs emotion inside you. So when trying to think up an idea for the blog where I plan to capture some of my creative urges, I kept coming back to these lyrics.<br /><br />As for what I plan to post here, it's going to vary a lot. Works from others. Bits that inspire me (like this song, a photo, a movie). Works of my own (photos, graphics, stories). <br /><br />No guarantees for how often I'll post - this blog is all about when and where and how the mood strikes.Call Me Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144735845209334875noreply@blogger.com1