Drinking OJ

I have a cold and I am hoping it goes away quickly as if it doesn't - I won't be able to have surgery this week. I just want this over so thinking healing thoughts.

52 Week Photo Project: Week 12

Sending out mail love.

Book Review: Photo Craft

Photo Craft: Creative Mixed Media and Digital Approaches to Transforming Your Photographs by Susan   Tuttle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really love this book. If you are new to digital photography and want to transform your photos into some more artistic - then this book is great place to jump into exploring all the variations you can do to create interesting artistic photographs.

This book gives good basic first time knowledge as well as those of us who have been transforming our photos already. It has in-depth step by step instructions. It gives good break out sections that give other options or tips to help in the process. It includes digital projects using Photoshop Elements as well as mixed media art projects that incorporate your photography.

I like how this book is set up as it is by 2 authors Susan Tuttle and Christy Hydeck.  They alternate, but also add in their own tips to each other's projects. It is great to have both views coming together to create amazing ways to transform your photography.

You will learn to transform your photos by using this book.



View all my reviews

Human

52 Week Photo Project: Week 11

Morning Ritual

I receive Jennifer Louden's newsletter and she talked about Morning Ritual's asking other people what their personal morning ritual is like....and so it made me think about mine.

It is something that I would like to do, but I really don't have one. I would like one grounded in intention instead of just waking up.

Most mornings: I wake up when I wake up. I am lucky that I don't have a job that clocks in so I can just sleep until I wake up.  I then usually sit and just wake up. Usually by going through Instagram because looking at the photos in the morning - help me wake up without the assaults of social media chatter. I then do a quick a check of emails and then get up and make breakfast for myself and sometimes Michael. After breakfast, I unload and load dishwasher.  I plan what I am making for dinner and start household chores.

Slow morning: I wake up when I wake up, make breakfast, some tea,and then read.

I would like the slow morning to be more of a normal everyday ritual. 

Mistake

52 Week Photo Project: Week 10

"We all have a beautiful light within...We just sometimes forget it is there". - John Holland

Using the Diana Photo App. It blends 2 photos together.

Catching Fire

 

Yesterday Michael and I were out to eat. While we were waiting for our food, a woman and a young girl were sat near us. The young girl took out the book Catching Fire to read while waiting for their food.  I saw her and exclaimed to Michael that I thought the DVD for Catching Fire was released. He replied, "No, I think it is next week." I took out my iPhone and went to my Target app to see if it had Catching Fire in the ad.  It did and showed it came out March 7th - that day this happened. Michael sighed and pulled the phone out of my hand and turned it off. He then expressed, he was planning on going to pick it up after his afternoon meeting and Chinese take out as a surprise for me.  Now all because a teenage girl sat down across from us and started reading Catching Fire the surprise was ruined. But the thought was there and we had a nice Friday evening watching Hunger Games and Catching Fire back to back while enjoying Chinese take-out.  Thankful for having such a great guy that thinks of surprising me out of the blue and for no reason, but to see me smile.

Tears

“Tears are words that need to be written.” ~ Paulo Coelho

I have been in pain. I have a new health problem.  Different then my usual back/leg problems. Because of the pain, I haven't been able to do anything. I have been on almost complete bed rest.  Everything is too much. So basically  I am crying and trying to just surrender and let go of what I would like to what is.  What this is...is a time where I need to have help.  Over the last several years - my pain has increased. I thought I had gotten to a place of acceptance of and learning new ways of doing things and letting go of expectations.  But now I have been needing to do it again in a deeper way.  I am thankful for the help from Michael and Wendy - I am blessed to have such amazing people in my life who know what to do to help me through tough situations. Right now is extremely difficult and I hope to handle it with more grace than I have as I wait for what will come - most likely surgery. Right now I cry because my words aren't coming to me as the pain clouds everything.

Photo from a tarot reading I did on my health.

Something Real

52 Week Photo Project: Week 9

At one time I walked the line, then I stood on the line trying to figure out who I was, eventually I tested waters outside the line, and today there is no line - I am just being me.

Who'd Have Known

52 Week Photo Project: Week 8

Mail Love

Mail love from a good friend. Just what I needed a book and chocolate because those are the ideal gifts for me. Thank you Tammy! So sweet of you to send me this package.

something good can work out

52 Week Photo Project: Week 7

I am someone who lives with pain. Standing like I am in this photo took a lot for me actually do, but it was important to me as I knew the majority of my photos for the Be Your Own Beloved class is face selfies.

You'll Be Mine

52 Week Photo Project: Week 6

Standing in snow. We had a lot of snow and one photo that I decided I wanted to do is standing barefoot in the snow. Braved it just for a few seconds to take this photo.

The Truth About Aging

“Aging is not ‘lost youth,’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength. It’s a different stage of life, and if you are going to pretend it’s youth, you are going to miss it. You are going to miss the surprises, the possibilities, and the evolution that we are just beginning to know about because there are no role models, no guideposts, and no signs.”~ Betty Friedan

Susannah Conway posted that quote above and asked a group of women to write about getting older on her blog. As it is something that I struggle with and accept at the same time.  

The posts are beautiful, touching, thought provoking, connecting, honest, vulnerable, soul-baring, simple, accepting, sensual, courageous and a complex mixture of amazing stories.

My Moon My Man

52 Week Photo Project: Week 5

My first photo for Be Your Own Beloved. It is the first step in seeing myself with more compassion. Here I am standing in snow. It is ice cold and that is how it feels - it feels like when I look into the mirror my feelings for myself are cold and insensitive. It is also me wearing black and standing in the white snow - representing again my thoughts on myself very black and white. Sometimes very good thoughts, but mostly dark thoughts.

11 Years

Many years ago a dear friend suggested that Michael and I would make a good pair. I am continually grateful to her as Michael is an amazing man - smart, kind-hearted, funny, creative, hard-working, and loving. Every day we do this thing called life together and I can't imagine walking the path without him. We have had ups and downs, but we always know we will make it as we are in it together. I love you Michael and look forward to celebrating 11 years together today, but also each day with you!

Trip to Dead Horse Point State Park

Michael and I had a chance to go to Moab for a couple of days for work, but on Friday afternoon we were able to take some time to go to Dead Horse Point State Park. Neither of us had been there so we were glad for the chance to be able to go.  It was beautiful. The weather was cool, but not cold so that we could walk around without coats until the sun went down. 

Be Your Own Beloved

When I got my iPhone last year, I started following Vivienne McMaster on instagram.  She is the creator and teacher of the e-course Be Your Own Beloved. From the first moments of seeing her photos and hearing about her class - I knew I wanted to take it at some point. I have learned so much as just by following her and reading her blog - I have learned to start seeing myself differently.  I knew I had much more to learn. So when the chance came up that I could take her class - I jumped on it.  Starting February 1st I will be taking Be Your Own Beloved. I am looking forward to it and can't wait to learn and grow. I need to talk to myself with kindness and see myself with compassion.



Be Your Own Beloved from Vivienne McMaster on Vimeo.

Jar of Hearts

52 Week Photo Project: Week 4

From Dead Horse Point State Park

Be Me

I am a big Liz Lamoreux fan. I have her book Inner Excavation and feel it helped me get unstuck in creating again.  I get her newseltter and often it says just what I am needing to hear in that moment. Her newsletter of January 22nd was one of those. 

Quote from it...."We all need a space where we can just be us. A space where we aren't in charge. Where we feel safe enough to unearth this true essence inside us. A space to be the quiet one or the one who gives the biggest hugs or the one who invites others to dance or the one who simply nods and listens murmuring "yes." A space where we can connect with other like-minded souls." ~ Liz Lamoreux

That space often is just with me inside me - quite, taking deep breathes and doing what feels right in the moment. But also it is with a group of friends. Twenty thirteen brought me a circle of friends that I haven't had since moving to Grand Junction.  It is the first time I have felt like I have a space to be me.  It is a space to be me in art, be me in laughter, be me in silliness, be me in deep discussions, be me in connection and vulnerability.  I am truly thankful for the great group of friends that came together in 2013 and grow closer in 2014.

Photo from Amy Brown Fairy Cards - a tarot reading done on the 19th.

Sweet Dreams

52 Week Photo Project: Week 3

Frozen waterfall outside Idaho Springs.  Michael upgraded his iPhone so I got his old one which is faster and bigger memory then my old one.  I was needing it as many photos as I snap - I was running out of room. With my old iPhone - the iPhone 4 I wouldn't have been able to get this photo.  With his old 4s - I was. This was in a moving car along I-70 outside of Idaho Springs. So I was thrilled it took such a good photo.

Light

52 Week Photo Project: Week 2

Art Community

Stepping out of my comfort zone....joining Grand Valley Art Student League. My friend Sara asked me to join the GVASL so I took a step outside of my comfort zone to nourish myself with art. I know I like being around a community of like minded people - artists.  It nourishes me and helps push me to create.

Hibernate

My friend Kathie gifted me an e-course: Hibernate.  First Thank You Kathie for being so kind and giving.  It is just what I needed right now. The Hibernate e-course is about taking rest in the winter to nourish, gather, renew, create and rest.  I am looking forward to taking it.

It is odd that it has taken me so long to be okay being me. Really it started when I was 40.  I am now 46 and still not quite where I am comfortable being me completely.  I want to take this time in this class to do all the things it suggest - nourish, gather, renew, create and rest so that I can create a clear vision of what work I need to do next.

Someday's it is easy to fall back into old habits and old ways of thinking.  But I know I feel better about myself and life when I keep walking the path I started on at 40 and hope to see more solid and clear in the years to come. I am hoping my 50's seem more completely in myself.

Royals

52 Week Photo Project: Week 1

Breakfast on New Years Day

This is an easy, versatile breakfast that has many names. I grew up with my Grandma and Dad calling them Toad in the Hole. But I have heard them called, Eggs in a Nest. It is simply an egg in a hole in bread.

The normal way is to do this in a frying pan, but then that means cooking them almost one at a time. If you are doing several, I find baking them much easier. Plus it allows me to walk away and do other things while they are cooking.

We like even having these for a quick dinner when things have been so busy during the day.

Ingredients
serves 4

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for sheet
4 slices sandwich bread
4 large eggs
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: grated cheese, finely chopped green onion, crumbled bacon, ham, chopped parsley, sliced avocado, hot sauce, and chopped tomatoes

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously butter (or use coat with cooking spray) a rimmed baking sheet.

Butter bread on both sides. With a cookie cutter or drinking glass, cut a 2 1/2-inch round from center of each bread slice. Place slices and rounds on sheet and bake until golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from oven and flip bread.

Carefully crack 1 egg into center of each slice. Season with salt and pepper. Bake until egg whites are set, but yolks are still slightly runny or cooked hard, 8 to 10 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through (sprinkle with cheese, bacon, ham, onion, if using, during last minute of baking). Serve with desired toppings.

NOTES:
During the holidays - I used heart, star, snowflake shaped cookie cutters. With Valentine's approaching, I will be doing these for breakfast with crumbled bacon and cheese on top and using a heart cookie cutter on the bread.

Chrsitmas 2013

New Christmas tree ornaments we got for our tree this year. If anyone knows where I can get a Unicorn Christmas tree ornament please tell me. Wendy loves Unicorns so we want to get one for her.

This year we traveled so much that I didn't get the tree up until 8 days before Christmas. So I didn't get to mail out cards, gifts or really do anything special like bake. I made 2 things and those were for parties we went to and that is it.

But even though it wasn't our usual Christmas - it was one of the best. I really can't imagine having a better one. 

Daft Punk

52 Week Photo Project: Week 52

So I did 52 weeks of photography. Most of the time I just wanted them to little moments in my life. I think for the most part looking back on them they did. February 2013, Michael upgraded our phones to iphones and in doing so it opened my eyes to life differently.  Paying more attention to just the moments around me. Feeling my joy in those moments. All of them have just little stories with them. Some I won't remember next year and some I will. But all were my life. I love that I see it unfolding like this now.

I look forward to 2014. I know it is going to be a fabulous year!

Christmas

We had a marvelous day celebrating Christmas. Wendy was with us and we really had a fun, relaxing day. We ate, unwrapped gifts, played games, acted goofy, napped, and watched movies.  We went to church with her for Midnight service on Christmas Eve/Christmas. It was just a really beautiful Christmas full of love, laughter and joy!

Light a Light

Wonderful Christmastime

52 Week Photo Project: Week 51

A pink sunrise in Grand Junction.

Coventry Carol

52 Week Photo Project: Week 50

We have been traveling a lot and also in Denver a lot so this view is becoming common for us.  But this day we went down it - it was stunning with the snow and water. This is Glenwood Springs Canyon.

Wintersong

52 Week Photo Project: Week 49

Late night drive back to Denver again. Trees and moon in Edwards.

Little Drummer Boy

52 Week Photo Project: Week 48

Every Thanksgiving Michael and I watch The Polar Express after having our feast.  From the first time we watched many years ago, I wanted to find the silver bell. This year  I found one at Hallmark so picked it up and surprised Michael with it right after watching it. He loved it. 

River

52 Week Photo Project: Week 47

I love the Denver Public Library building. We were in Denver for work and I noticed the lights and the colors in the windows...so snapped a photo.

Here It Goes Again

52 Week Photo Project: Week 46

My love surprised me with a rose out of the blue.  I am a lucky girl.

No Homemade Noodles

I haven't made homemade chicken noodle for years. I haven't made homemade noodles ever, but watched my Mom do them growing up so thought I am going to make homemade chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles. Well - our garbage disposal had different plans. Thank goodness I had a package of frozen egg noodles up in the freezer. I was making the soup. I sauteed veggies and then added stock and the chicken. Just as I was going to start making noodles, I went to turn the garbage disposal on and water came rushing out from the cabinet doors. The garbage disposal split in 3 places so now I am out of a garbage disposal for a bit.  So maybe one day I will brave enough to try homemade noodles and try this again. It turned out fine with the frozen noodles. I just really want to try homemade noodles sometime.

I Won't Give Up

52 Week Photo Project: Week 45

Strange

"I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me too. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it’s true I’m here, and I’m just as strange as you." Frida Kahlo in The Diary of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self-Portrait

Mercy

52 Week Photo Project: Week 44

Michael, myself and our friend Wendy went to OutFest here in Grand Junction to support the local GLBT Community. The theme was Western so I pulled out a pair of Michael's old cowboy boots and a jean skirt and went to OutFest.

Keep Breathing

52 Week Photo Project: Week 43

Counting Stars

52 Week Photo Project: Week 42

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. friends helping Michael out with his work
2. having a great weekend with a friend
3. Downton Abbey
4. candle light dinner
5. gorgeous flowers
6. a beautiful birthday spent with lovely friends and family

From the Ground Up

52 Week Photo Project: Week 41

Gratitude Friday

 

I am thankful for...
1. time with a good friend
2. sitting watching the rain and seeing beautiful autumn colors
3. being silly with Michael
4. going on an adventure with a friend
5. clean house

Here With Me

52 Week Photo Project: Week 40

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. being able to help a friend out during a rough time
2. art time with friends
3.chai latte's at home
4. laundry is done (until tomorrow at least)
5. autumn colors
6. being able to celebrate an important birthday - Michael's Dad turned 80 years old today! Happy Birthday!

Nobody is perfect

"Drifting off to sleep, I thought about her. How nobody is perfect. How you just have to close your eyes and breathe out and let the puzzle of the human heart be what it is". - Sue Monk Kidd in The Secret Life of Bees