Cats In The Window (or I Take Pictures)

My Current Model

2012-02-04T14:07:00.001-04:00

Six months old and still a great model. This month is neutering month for Peppy. The sweetest cat in the house. This was shot with my new lens the standard 50mm. Caught him lying on a black and white bed cover. Will post it below.

Sad part...the bed cover is in focus. I used the 18-55 mm lens. Easy to distort.

This would have worked had I thought to double check my settings.

I See!

2012-01-26T20:37:00.000-04:00

Apparently as we get older a lot of wonderful stuff happens. I complain about this at times. Why did they not tell me about this shit? Well, it seems I would not have listened anyway because I was too busy being immortal.

All that aside. I have a new getting older thing pop up about a week back. I finally made it to the optometrist by way of I noticed something in my eye that was inside and not out. It is a floater. It is in line of vision. A linty dusty looking spec that is brownish in color and in the right light has little octopus looking legs streaming from it. This is not all that uncommon in folks over fifty.

I am learning to ignore it but I think it fun to focus on it and move my eyes back and forth and in the right light watch the little translucent legs trail back and forth. There was flashes in the the beginning but that has subsided. The doc could not find a retinal detachment so I was sent on my way. I was told that if I should notice any new little "floatees" dipping about that I should rush back for further examination. They stay there and float about as I move my eye. Actually it only moves if move my eye.

Until now I never really noticed how much I moved my eyes. It can be distracting but I am keeping an eye out of changes. In the mean time, I wait for my next appointment so they do can a follow up. And, I need new spectacles.

Let this be a warning. Get your eyes checked.

Time Off From the Drudgery

2012-01-25T07:44:00.000-04:00

the weekend edges closer, and closer. inch by inch. just want to get in the car and find spots to photograph. weather permitting. visit a friend and catch up over a coffee. most of all ....swoon to the idleness.

Finding Beauty

2012-01-22T07:51:00.000-04:00

There will likely be times in your life when your soul evolves more quickly than your circumstances. Via the Daily Ohm

Finding My Way or You Are Never to Old to Grow

2012-01-17T07:29:00.000-04:00

Awake and the first thing to move is my brain. The second is the youngest cat in the household colony. I hear proclamations in the form of purring. There is no return to sleep just a buzzing in my thoughts. A short time later the feeding brood is busy at the kitty dishes.

Before I stirred from a comfort of a delayed rise I thought of the exhaustion I was feeling. Was all the work really worth it? In part yes. It is my nature to be helpful to someone. Too much. Outside my work; I still live within a fantasy that my help can really be effective. Once again I have fooled myself. This road grows old.

Amazing how the subconsciousness works against us. I still have so far to go before I can step onto a new path. I have taken a road that leads around the same old boulder. I see graffiti etched there and it reads that there is no gain if I do not feel the pain.

relationships

2012-01-13T20:42:00.001-04:00

people can be like an old shirt with holes; we keep them around because they are comfortable, not because we want to wear them outside the house

New View or I Still Need Glasses

2012-01-12T19:18:00.002-04:00

New year and more photos to be snapped. Two new lenses. A Digital Concepts Fisheye 46 wide angle lens with macro; received as gift. So far a couple of photos. Nothing worth sharing. I have surfed to find information and reviews and so far not much is written about them. They appear to be on the low end of the quality scale just by the few things I have read about them. Time will tell.

My year and a half of longing for a Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II, is now over. I finally purchased this standard lens. NO telephoto on it. Just a basic lens. Another creative tool for the future. I want it for portraiture photography and also want to try it on still life.

Right now I am working a lot. Nothing has changed there. My free time is short. The weather is cold and I don't take many outside adventures with the camera.

Tonight we get snow. Ten centimeters is expected. I prefer inches for my reference. My shoulders are feeling sore in advance of the shoveling I will do in the morning.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-21T08:06:00.000-04:00

The year comes to a close. Lots of history made this year around the world. From A to Z. Technology rules; it makes our lives easier and still we suffer regardless and sometimes because of it.

My childhood was so different from what kids are exposed to in this century. The things they will be witness to by the time they reach my current age are going to be fantastic. And yet, today I see kids still able to find fun in a corrugated box that packed a Christmas gift, and using sticks and string and whatever their minds can create in the act of play. The only thing that makes them different is technology not their inventive imaginations.

I say Merry Christmas even though a lot of folks think it exclusive to do so. But it is not really. I include my wishes for the celebration of life, a year complete, a birth of an idea through some guy a few thousands years back (and other places around the world), and love for everyone. A hope that we can for a brief time forget the differences and share peace. Drink, feast, and do the things that make us feel good once a year.

So MERRY CHRISTMAS! In that I am saying: PEACE, BLESS YOU, MAY YOU FIND HAPPINESS, I HONOR YOU, BE KIND TO YOUR NEIGHBOR, BE KIND TO CHILDREN AND ANIMALS, SHARE YOUR WEALTH OF SPIRIT AND MONEY.

CHEERS

What You See

2011-12-08T21:52:00.001-04:00

This was taken last year in August. A lovely day with a breeze. I would say that August and September are the two best months here. Usually decent temps and moderate rain. My subject sat patiently while I took several shots. This one reserves her anonymity.

Above the edit is light HDRish. The hair is more detailed as well as the clothing.

Below is the original.

Finding Light

2011-11-23T07:34:00.001-04:00

This month I have ended one part time position and increased work on my full time position. There will be no lifting and tugging of human flesh. I can not do this anymore. The weekends in December are two days of three hour shifts in the morning. I think I can handle that. Plus the client is close and the drive is short. That gains me six hours of work inching towards forty. I am loosing twenty-four hours from the part time job but my body says NO and I am listening.

I woke at five this morning. A cat fitted between my feet. My desire to continue in slumber sent me back to rest until about six. The waking time is a place that often allows clarity. Perhaps it is the place that true mediation open doors of epiphany. I wish I could be there more often and retain what I find.

my kitten is climbing

I feel like my cats some days. I gaze out a window in fascination and curiosity. Watching the world about me and yet not in it. I live in a state of caution. I wish my kitten would share his exuberance for life with me.

One recent realization is that as I look back into my life I see myself in and out of depression on a regular basis. With affect upon my life and those close to me. It feels like a heavy bag that I drag about each day. Some days are lighter than others.

I have been taking photos. In a sporadic way. It is the light in my life in my waking hours.

water droplets on potted plant in the park

When I am having a really crappy period I look at my work and think of it as worthless crap. Another day when I am feeling really great I view it as pretty damn good stuff. There is no end to my war.

PS
Woke earlier than the norm this morning on December fifth. Someplace in my brain it said. Get up and leave early and take a walk. This morning I actually listened to my brain. I ended up over at Sullivan's Pond. Still dark but the air was comfortable and there was hardly a chill. When I finally get around to viewing the photos I will see what is worthy. I did indulge in a croissant that was loaded with butter and a black cup of coffee. Lovely morning.

Change to what?

2011-11-11T19:13:00.001-04:00

Thinking of changing the title of the blog. Not firm in that idea. Just thinking. This could take awhile.

Just a thought...

2011-10-30T02:53:00.001-03:00

I find that after two martinis I loose my edit button.

Roaming About One Morning

2011-10-21T12:26:00.001-03:00

This is located in new sub-division away from Halifax. Maybe about 5 miles or more from where I live. A area that is developing. More homes than anything. This is near the top of a hill where the road winds. A rocky driveway is about ten feet the right. A lot of the houses are set way back off the road.

There was a small shop at the entrance of the area and it was a combination of businesses. A dry cleaner, self laundry, and a tanning salon up stairs. The place was very interesting and as a store front it made for a great photo. I asked inside about taking a photo but the proprietor was not around. Must go back soon.

A small cemetery gave me a photo or two as well.

I fooled around with changing the cemetery photo into
black and white. Did not suite me. So I left it as is.

Glad to have had the morning off. I was going to walk but
instead drove over to my location and took a few photos.

That is all. I have run out of time.

Off to eat shower and go to work.

Testing

2011-10-20T21:43:00.003-03:00

I am trying a new template. Just so you will know.

A Little Pick Me Up

2011-10-19T01:49:00.001-03:00

I have been away. Away from blogger. I have been to work with side steps at Twitter and Facebook. The side steps are really just a waste of my time. I have been lazy and sometimes a bit tired. Monday I was down right crapped out. Tonight I am wired. I waited to long to take my melatonin tablet. If I take it too late in the evening I am groggy the next day. Argh!

I have taken some photos. And here is one. The original and the edited version. Have fun looking.

This old battered pickup was sitting just off the road. I had been by place before but did not stop and this time made a genuine effort to actually stop just to take a photo. It had been a utility truck for a company at some point as the letters were now a rusted imprint on the door. No glass and not much left in the way of interior remained.

Some editing to add effect, or perhaps interest.

I think that is all for now. I may now be sleepy enough to wander off to bed. Feel free to leave a comment.

Oh and, the window/picture frame adventure has hit a stall. Window frame is not square. I have to take the time to match the mats with the window frame. I am somewhat sad but give myself a pat for not feeling totally disgusted.

Using What You Have

2011-09-16T08:27:00.000-03:00

I ran out of coffee. I found instant coffee in the dark recesses of the top cupboard. Desperate times.

Steady Does It

2011-09-06T20:39:00.000-03:00

Sunday was a me day. My afternoon client was cancelled. That left me three to four hours of blissful solitude. I drove my car crazy. I traveled down a road that looked somewhat familiar and saw a couple of things that I want to go back and shoot.

I did get a lecture later about not letting someone know where the heck I was, for safety reasons. No argument there.

I am looking through my photos and attempting to find something that works in the window frame I brought home in a fit of creative energy. Today I purchased a foam board. I am going to use it as backing for the photos when placed in the frame.

My Wednesday morning client has cancelled and I am free to piddle around. We'll see what happens.

There is Magic but You Have to Wave Your Wand to Get it Done

2011-09-03T08:24:00.001-03:00

Work keeps me occupied. My free time consists of coming home, having a meal, looking at the boob tube and playing a games on the internet and checking in on the social net works. This is not constructive.

I think I owe this current situation to the job I perform and home front. I help people and I enjoy being of help. No problem there. In the mean time, I am on a slow burn out. I do my job and I try my best.

Leaving that above I turn to home. This is where things get sticky. Without saying much I can still get into a bit of a tangle. You have two people who care about each other but that is where the paths stop and go in another directions.

I have turned into a very singular being. That is of my own doing and with a bit of response to my environment. Most of me no longer has a desire to be here. The other is a fetal creature who has lots of emotional issues that require some real work. I know where to go but lack the internal courage to traverse the great ravine of help me I have fallen and can not get up. Sigh!

I do a lot of that. The sighing thing. I read that is a symptom of depression, of which there are many.

I know things are wrong when I can not even make the real effort to pick up my camera as often as I once have and take shots. There is no inspiration and I look at my work like it is real crap. Where as before I did see value in my work.

Changing gears, rum rum.

The partner is having a yard sale while I am away at work. Sounds good. Some of the stuff going is never used and is only taking up space in the closets. I have mentioned to price things so that folks will actually buy. The object is to sell it.

About time to close. I am avoiding rambling more than necessary.

Last note. I had a brief moment of creative energy. I picked up a old window frame with three glass panes. It is from an old basement window. Still looks great with peeling and crackling paint. My idea is to place photos there. Yay. That is a start. A small wave of the wand.

Deleting, Again.

2011-08-11T21:25:00.000-03:00

I am deleting more photos. Still. At first it was a bit painful but once I let go of my ego a bit and realized that they were not what I would have shared anyway it became easier. Sigh.

Still storing more photos on my camera. Odd thing is it really is slower with all the photos saved on the card. Oh well.

Off to the bed. A full weekend ahead and more photos to take. I will get rest this weekend.

Retreating

2011-08-02T21:44:00.000-03:00

i am on a retreat. i am spending time alone. this is good for me. i am still working and enjoying luxuries that a real retreat would not offer. this computer and a TV, phone, and Internet. someday, i will do a real retreat and will have to be my only source of entertainment. much like when i was a child.

on my way here i entered lighting and thunder storm. the color of clouds at a distance had a dark blue green hue along with the gray. that all changed as i entered under the storm. it rained and gushed before i could get out the car. the power blinked was out for a bit and then returned to allow me to cook my supper.

i have watched Serena Ryder music videos on YouTube and listened to the weather channel give warnings about the storm passing through. there goes a rumble now.

now i listen to Adele sing her lovely heart out. i wrote in my journal this morning after a walk up the road in the morning mist. i took photos that i can not share. hell, i don't even know what they look like. i could look at them on the camera but they are really to small and this computer does not have the capability to view RAW photos.

i have left off caps because the keyboard is different and i keep hitting the back slash key. i did go back and edit the names or things i felt important.

my boss tried to call me last night but my cell was being charged and i had turned it off. oops! i did get an email from her. she does not know i am in semi-retreat. i am working next weekend again. so that will be actually seven days with half day off again. it helps to have the extra income.

i hope to have more photos deleted so that more can be down loaded from the memory card. i am so easy to distract and a bit on the lazy side so it will take time. i still must get an external hard drive.

A Short

2011-07-27T21:27:00.000-03:00

I love an invitation. I got one today. A fella left a comment for me to follow his blog. I checked it and decided that I would not. We had nothing in common. But thanks anyway.

Gulls taking off at a local beach park in the winter. This was cropped. The other was edited for quality. It is a barg I believe, Halifax Harbour. The view is Halifax. Thought it was time to post something. A little cool for the summer. It was doing it's best that day to snow.

Break from Hiatus or Lighting the Moment

2011-07-08T23:42:00.000-03:00

So far I have viewed the photos I took while house watching and have determined one or two worthy. Post to follow at a later time.

In the mean time I must locate a reasonably priced hard drive so I can transfer my photos and create space for more photos. My poor computer keeps warning me. I hope it doesn't have a data stroke.

Time for bed and another weekend of working. I am filling in on Sunday afternoon plus my 24 hour shift from Saturday AM to Sunday AM. At least I get to sleep fitfully.

That is an odd title I chose.

Hiatus or Photo Interruptus

2011-07-03T21:58:00.002-03:00

As soon as I am feeling energetic I will post something new. I am recouping from running the road.

And so I place this little tid bit for your video pleasure. I first heard this on radio station CBC Radio 2 Drive a few weeks back.

Away

2011-06-24T20:54:00.000-03:00

I am house and pet sitting. This is a paid fun job. Two cats and a very wild beautiful garden. Have taken a few pics but this evening I am relaxing and adding water to the pond. For some reason it was lower this evening went I went to feed the fish. I called the owner and they said to go ahead and add water. Not to worry if the fish did not make it.

If any photos turn out I will post them. Lots of really great stuff that I am not at all familiar.

Simple Pleasures

2011-06-12T19:19:00.000-03:00

The sun feels good upon my forearms. Slightly hot. I watch the breeze wander up the hill from the Bedford Basin in passing sweeps through the trees. Glinting autos travel up or down the steep hill and a mother with a stroller and other folks are on foot. Manicured lawns rich in early summer green nurtured with heavy spring rain feed my hungry for color eyes.

This is a one of a few without a down pour or overcast sky. The birds sing for me as I do feel pleasure sitting here on the brightly lit steps. I have no desire to rush to the shade of the maple tree or to the dark interior of the house.

I am at work and my infirm client sits quietly in her chair chatting with someone in the air. She is happy and that is all that matters. We all should be this lucky when we reach the decline of years.

We will eat our fish and chips for supper and have a cup of tea with an ice-cream. At our location on the globe the summer sun will dip not far from where it peeked in the morning rise. To bad the day like this has to end.

I Call Him Max

2011-06-07T19:57:00.000-03:00

A visitor where I work on the weekend. Sweet young male. He lives up the street. Not really sure what his name is but Max works for me. This time I finally got something that worked. Frequently I miss shots because these guys move like crazy. I put the ISO on 1600 and opened up the aperture. I took a few but this one I like a lot. I edited another and placed it on Redbubble.

Running for the Seat or How To Get Two Days Off Without Asking

2011-05-29T01:48:00.002-03:00

I remarked on Thursday afternoon, upon my arrival home, that I had been feeling kind of tired and over all run down. Something I could not quite put my finger on. I spent my late night and early morning hours doing sit ups in the bed and traversing into the latrine. It was indescribable and I can not say enough about the tenderness of my tookus. I received help the next morning. Imodium and water; over and over. The odor of ill body fluids is nothing I want to smell again. I was spared from any vomiting but there was a glimmer of indigestion.

All day Friday I kept to the bed. Not a bit of energy, no real desire to consume any nourishment and my body ached. I had hoped to go to work but called in early. What can I say? I have this built in guilt factor for missing work. I rarely miss work. My boss will fore give me.

As the day wore on I slowly traveled less to the seat of power. A good application of baby bum salve was my relief on that end of my discomfort. I was in an extreme state of lethargy and actually slept in increments throughout the day. My joints ached and the feeling meandered around to the rest of me. I was reminded to drink and be hydrated or a scolding would be forth coming.

My part time job had to be called as I really saw no hope in performing my duties there either on Saturday. They too were forgiving. The loss of income from this one really hurts. But it is what it is. God/Universe will provide.

I had two and half days off with sickness. While today showed great improvement I kept having minor set backs that required a wash and change. I am now feeling human, almost. I figure by tomorrow I will be a newer woman but still cautious.

I don't recall being this crappy (no pun intended) in some time. And I don't recall having this ever before. Except maybe when I was a kid and they called it "stomach flu".

It is late and I had to put this down. Sorry no photos. Though I did get some of the outside through the front window.

Good Golly What a Crappy Mood This Weather Has Me In

2011-05-25T11:19:00.002-03:00

I just looked at my posts. OMG! Theme is? This too shall pass.

And I just realized my sensor needs cleaning. There are two recurring spots in my photos. Shit!

Whatever Works and I Wish I Had a Very Large Lens

2011-05-25T07:54:00.002-03:00

My paying work time continues to fill space in my free time. This is a choice that I have had to make in order to maintain the house I share. I also know that "if" I wanted to get out of the house in the evenings and gander about the neighborhood I would. By the time the day ends all I really want to do is park my ass and become a green growing plant. Gotta lot on my plate right now and my edges feel craggy.

In the middle of yesterday I managed a mosey. A place where the path does not challenge my unwillingness to exert myself. I took the faithful Canon Kiss 300D and started my unobstructed one foot in front of the other. I had a discussion with myself about which lens to take and opted for 18-55 in stead of the 55-200 zoom lens. My first thought was to take the zoom but I had reasoned otherwise.

This time of year can have some really nice shoots of green breaking through the gray. Yet, in this place it all felt like a jumble of messy busy unorganized crap. The universe did not display things for me. I was feeling very unconnected. I took photos in hopes that maybe something would end up looking viewable.

I cut through to the other side heading near the lake. This is a neat gravel path that rises well above the water's edge. Tree lines and on either side and the flora varies from birch, spruce and a pine or two with other low shrubs and ground flora shooting through dead leaves with urgent green promise. None of this worked for me. I found a spot to take photos of ferns in fiddlehead stage. The thousand sprouts of wild lilies did not even garner my attention. Nothing was working.

I strolled without urgency and listened to a few birds. I don't recall why I looked to the sky but I did and I noted a bird thinking it a Seagull as they frequent the lakes around here. Or a wily Crow. I realized soon that it was larger and by golly is was an Osprey.

I took three quick photos and kept watching it fly and as it did it got closer. It soon was right overhead and seemed to float in position over me while looking down. I believe it was really looking for little critters to feed the young it had over in a pole nest nearby. Or it was checking me out to see if I were any kind of threat. I move on here and say that I got so rapped up in watching it I just stopped taking photos. But, ya know the lens I had with me was not suited for this anyway. So I just enjoyed the thrill of seeing the mated pair fly over me and move on to other places for some food.

Last night I loaded the photos I took and I was pretty disappointed with the results but edited one this morning. With a focal sepia and added tint I think it more interesting now.

Ya gotta really look to see it. This is photo is technically all wrong but hey I do this for the experience as well. This over laps the page but I wanted to see the Osprey.

I guess this photo expresses my overall mood as of late; things worked out anyway.

I have a shot of one on Redbubble but again it does not do the bird justice. Here is a LINK with lots of photos by different photographers.

A Walk with My Client

2011-05-20T00:51:00.002-03:00

The fog clung to us as we walked along the Salt Marsh Trail. I hid my camera beneath my warm poly fleece hoodie to keep it dry. As we headed closer to the middle of the marsh the air cooled and the right hand lens of my glasses collected moisture. I had hoped for a longer walk but both of us were out of shape and agreed to turn around.

We could hear the birds in the forest along the path. The cooing of the Mourning Doves and other unsighted birds. It was a very uneventful walk but invigorating in that we have had a lot of the rain in the last three to four weeks. Being out in the fresh air and nature was great.

We were the only two going out but coming back we passed a few people heading out. I thanked the City for having the for sight of an outhouse.

We drove back to her house and enjoyed our lunches before I headed on to my afternoon assignment.

I see myself as lucky to have one client who can get out for a good walk.

The bird in the tree has been cropped.

Perspective and Vanishing Point

2011-05-14T09:06:00.000-03:00

Cropped a bit. Things moving away are interesting. A pier at a friends home. Great view and a great spot to sit in the summer. The wind blows a lot here. The last tinted one could have used a human in the shot. Would have been a more interesting perspective. In doing this post I am actually having to study my work. So this is good for me. Yay!

Always In My Memories Before and After Mother's Day

2011-05-04T20:32:00.000-03:00

Mom was an interesting person. I did not know this until late in both our lives. I came to know her past sorrow and difficulties of her life. Things that I loved about her was her creative side, her love of gardening, her intelligence, her stoic pride. While she was not a person for public display of affection; she managed to show it other ways. We had very little time together but the last years I was with her I came to understand her a little better.

As I get closer to a crone sage I realize how much of her I carry around with me. We are our mothers.

At her request, she fertilizes the flora along the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina.

Happy Mother's Day Mom

Deleting, Again.

2011-05-03T21:56:00.000-03:00

I actually took time to view some 2008 photos in storage on my computer. I put things off and this has been one of them. I cringe at deleting photos. My little creations. Yet, as I go through these I see where I have improved on my composition. Some are really crappy and some are better than crappy with a minor few of good. Would I buy them? Maybe. I read some place that is what you do when critiquing your own work. I also ask, would you hang that on your wall?

There were several which I deleted. I am running out of storage and figure I have learned a little more to know where I was a few years ago in my work and feel comfortable pressing DELETE and YES for "are you sure"? Yes I know that I can store them CD/DVD but why keep crap. That is the other part of my do list that I keep putting off. I am sure there would be an argument to save and store all. Yet, I keep enough of everything else in my life, so why keep my creative garbage. I would rather keep my best.

And now a photo from 2008.

June, Buttercups in the background and grass with Chives (purple). Taken in the back yard of a client. His yard had pretty much gone wild but it had character.

Now if I can only feel as inspired to clean out my closets. A whole other blog.

Last note. I have not gotten around to finding a free playlist to add to this blog. I have a video list that must be clicked upon to hear/see it. This really does nothing for me. There is no hurry. Oh, and life is better slow anyway. Well, at least when it comes to simple things and the ones that give me joy.

Visiting

2011-04-27T09:19:00.000-03:00

The rain has moved east in our direction from the states. Sharing the wealth of water is fine with me but I surely miss the sunshine. Life has slowed down. I have lost a morning client for Tuesdays and my Wednesday client has cancelled today for personal reasons. I loose six hours. I may have to dip into my savings again. I hate doing that. Everything is going way up again. Folks in the States are cathing up with us on gas prices. It does pinch the pocket.

Not long ago I found a young male cat on the street. I was on my way to work but I picked him up anyway. See, a man had been trying to get him out of the middle of street but he continued to go there. Being the sucker I am, I offered to take him. I took him inside. I let him sleep and gave him a bite to eat. I let him out but he returned. ( I know why.) He spent the night and I let him out early in the morning. Woke me by peeing on me. I had to wash everything in vinegar. Silly me. I forgot about outdoor cats. None of mine go outside. Anyway, he stayed a day more and left. He was sweet, affectionate and liked to sit on your lap. At my shift change my fellow worker agreed to look after him for a few days to see if we could find the owner. He was let out the next morning and never came back. Just a stop over. He was a nice break to an otherwise boring overnight job.

He took an interst in the clicking bathroom clock and the second hand moving around. I caught him looking up and a few times evening reaching up. But did not capture the later.

Pay to Play, I Guess

2011-04-22T17:22:00.000-03:00

Regulations, restrictions and laws took care of my playlist. I had to get creative and add my Utube playlist as a replacement. I just enjoy the music. I hope folks obtain their own copies for their own listening pleasure.

The Beach and What You Find There

2011-04-12T08:22:00.000-03:00

Friday was sunny and mild. As usual it was windy. I wandered about near the shore between Dartmouth and Eastern Passage in an area of the auto port. Container ships with automobile deliver those lovely imports. Interesting deposits scatter about the shore line. Glass, tires, rusty metal, tampon plastics, and those natural shells. I took some shots and only one, at this point, that worked for me. I edited and added lots of grain, extreme sharp, and yellow filter it looks like this.

Still reading my photography book a bit at a time as my attention span allows. My ideal time seems to be in the morning before work and the influx of the day's demands and daily gray matter garbage.

I have free time this morning. Yippee! No clients until after the noon time. I view out the window and see that it is in fact Nova Scotia weather again. That usually means overcast, rain, fog or all in unison. (This does not include inland weather.) This does not stop the happy chirping of the birds. There are feeders fifteen feet from the house and they have an open invitation. We are not without our sunny days. When that happens folks get out like little bees on new flowers. And when Spring really shows up the garden centres become focal points of activity. In fact, last week was very sunny and cool. The moment it threatens to be a wee bit warmer the air pressure brings in moisture and we have a day like this. I am not a weather pro but I think I have that one right. Enough of my whining. It is still a good day to shoot something with my Granny Canon 300D.

Studious

2011-04-06T07:35:00.000-03:00

Reading more of the how to photography book. We are beginning lighting. I actually got up this morning and did more reading. I suppose since I have "desire" there is a chance that I may even learn and retain what I am reading.

It really looks like I must acquire or figure out creative ways for lighting and other things that will help me out.

Over the weekend I took time to use myself as a model. The book suggests this. I have tried this before (you can find it on Redbubble) and it can be very enlightening in many ways. Here is a sample. I am hiding behind my elbow and forearm. Ha Ha. I edited using the Filtered Black and White feature in Picasa. Filtered with red. Other colors were not as "dramatic." Perhaps I can re-edit and show the comparison.

Edited with a green filter. It is a little brighter. Now if I can only get from behind that arm. Ha!

Try a little Sepia. Down the road I will attempt better poses. Pick your photo and order a autographed fan photo of Murr Stevens. Not really, but I thought I would toss that one out there.

About time to move on to the job that pays. Have a good day and pax.

Books of How To

2011-04-05T07:56:00.000-03:00

Friday is my long lunch break and I went to Chapters book seller to check out something in photography. What else? The gift card my bozz gave me covered seventy-five percent.

I have read some and realize why I never did well in school. I have a very short attention span for tech books. If there is a strong story then I can follow it. It is very informative and I am finding it very readable for a tech book. (sigh)

So far I have learned about crop factors. But I went on line to find another explanation. It helped even more. Wooo Hooo. Do not ask me to explain it. Yes I realize that if I can explain it I will understand it better. Oh no. Not right now anyway.

One of the things they pointed out was to photograph the self. Other people are very difficult to convince to pose. I am too, but I know that unless you are a professional model there is nothing that you can do to change how the camera sees you. But I also know that are tricks I must learn and know that all faces and people are interesting in their own way. You just have to find it.

Yes, the photo is out of focus. My hands are OK. :) Shit, gotta get ready for the real job. Rush rush.

Mentor Wanted

2011-03-27T21:21:00.000-03:00

That is all. Plain and simple.

Full Moon Eqinox

2011-03-20T21:08:00.001-03:00

I was told there was a full moon last night while I was at work. I took a peek out the front window and this is what I captured. I took this with my basic lens. The camera did most of the work. I opened up the aperture and did my best to rest the camera on something solid to avoid shake. I still have my granny Canon Rebel there are no real great features on it. I think you could get this with a newer point and shoot. If I had really been thinking about what I was doing I would have taken a better shot.

Happy Spring! It was really cold last night with a crisp cold breeze. I really don't do well in the cold so I was inside for this one.

Waiting

2011-03-20T15:13:00.000-03:00

This critter was focused on the front door of the
grocery store. I parked next too it and it barely
gave me notice. It was a cool day so there was
no concern for extreme cold nor heat.

Some editing...

Cropping My Work

2011-03-19T09:10:00.001-03:00

Road shots are interesting in that you get to see perspective. I always like the feel of the road in front of me. That feeling of travel. This one was originally a portrait. A bright day with clouds wandering about the sky. Clouds offer me a problem. The extreme white and then the ground of dark. I cropped this one and added sepia. I should put the original on to show what I just mentioned.

By cutting out the sky it really changed the view. I find that I am less likely to squint at the brightness. The focus is now on the road and not on the sky. Woo Hoo!

Off to work.

Graditude

2011-03-13T22:12:00.001-03:00

The temperature was great and a brief spanking of sun followed me on a joyful walk with friends today. It felt good to be in the presence of positive energy. Now at a little past ten on Sunday night I can hear the rain again. Yay, Spring is hopping steady up the road. I spotted the first spurt of color called Coltsfoot.

and

A day last week I had this unusual experience. I was standing in line at the grocery store and a woman in line before me mentioned how quiet and calm the store was this early in the morning, then saying it was very Zen. I responded yes it was. I kind laughed but I did understand what she was saying. Normally, groceries stores are ripe with really crappy energy of people rushing about the isles but this morning is was calm. I want this woman to know that I was not laughing at her observation but at the fact it felt nice to feel good in the store for a change. I wanted to talk to her and ask her if she was a Buddhist but was just too shy.

Living Journey Patience and Peace

2011-03-04T07:29:00.001-04:00

I am briefly reminded of a few things this morning. That I am living life as I was meant to for part of my journey, that being in peace is being in the moment. Being patient with others and myself is not always as easy as I would have it be.

My memories sometime shoot out in the middle of my sleep and I wake for no real reason and then the brain churns forcing me to get out of bed and sit till my eye lids droop at the appropriate level. The feral cat watched me in the dark from the other end of our shared chesterfield and I did my best to let him know that I was not out to get him; so he stayed. I followed my body ques and went back to bed and actually slept upon the second of my magic waking hour of six before day light. My best experience of insomnia to date.

It is especially cold this week with a minus 16 Celsius this morning. I see a predicted up scale climb in a day or two. It will be nice to get out for a walk. I really miss it.

I am more at peace this morning.

I miss and love my family. And thank you techs for inventing spell check.

2011-02-26T05:40:00.000-04:00

I lost a follower. Musta been something I said way back someplace before they joined and realized that perhaps they had nothing in common with me. Ya win some and ya loose some.

My Brain Hurts From the Cold

2011-02-12T08:15:00.000-04:00

I am posting because I feel like I should. I have been absent a lot and I feel that the page misses me. I had a chance to read a few blogs this morning, and as I prone to do, I start thinking about this and the that of life.

I think about my age,
I think about my job and working six days a week,
I think about my photography,
I think about not ever growing up but still growing,
I think about my regrets,
I think about accepting myself,
I think about how starting over gets old but so does not starting anything or even finishing,
I think too damn much,
I think that I will be the thinker forever,
But I think that I get being in the moment is a good thing.

Time for a shower, pack my over night bag, step out in the frigging cold of February Nova Scotia (8F. or -13C.) , go do the 24 hr care.

I think the good thing about winter is that you realllllly appreciate that bit of warm sun and air of summer. Yet, I do love the crisp blue winter skies, floating gulls dropping shells on ice, the repeated piss trails of dogs walked (I know, that is an odd one) and waddling kids in snow suits and big boots and Ice crystal formations on metal fences, the contrast of the blue and white on a sunny day, driving about looking at the scenery with someone who still sees it as something new and beautiful too.

Oh hell gotta go to work.
There is no rest for the wicked.

Litter

2011-02-11T22:31:00.001-04:00

They were thirsty.
Come Spring time and this and many many other trash items make an appearance. Not something that I look forward to seeing but I find it interesting and believe it to be a product of humanity's lack of respect for the environment.

Past my bedtime. I was going to write something but it seems to have passed through to the other side of my brain that I am not able to access. ;) Oh yeah and I am slowly giving up meat. The more I learn about how the animal/product is treated before and after death I just feel it is wrong and not healthy. There I think that just came back over from the other side of my brain.

Night

Hartlen Point

2011-02-08T21:33:00.000-04:00

Facing west, north-west. The road dead ends onto the Hartlen Point Forces Golf Club; at my back. I am facing Eastern Passage and beyond that is Dartmouth. This shot was cropped to block out the edge of my car frame. I took it from the car. But as it turns the photo is actually better this way. Or I like to think so. I set the camera on AUTO. I let it do the work. My success rate with snow photos is low so I focused on framing the shot and composition. I posted another copy on Redbubble that has added effects (AKA treatment).

See if you can see the flaws.

Finally, I have seen folks actually out on the ice!

2011-02-08T07:37:00.000-04:00

The last time I really saw anyone on the ice (and that means I don't go out in the cold a lot or I avoid it) was 2000, I think. I have not been by at the right time, apparently. A person was ice fishing while sitting on a bucket. The other day I was on my way home and the sun was dipping at 5:15 PM. I had stopped to put twenty bucks in the gas tank and noticed a small group playing a game of hockey. I pulled over the nearby road next the small lake and pulled out my Canon Grandma Rebel. Put on the zoom lens, and set it at 1600 ISO. It is supposed to work better in low light and great for movement. The photo was actually bigger but I cropped in off in Picasa.

The folks walking on the ice are wearing snow shoes. Kinda cool. I also took a shot or two of the folks playing hockey. Not great ones for sure but it was good practice. Plus, I was sitting in the car with the window down and the heater way up.

As most photography goes for me, it is a moment you happen upon. Having the camera handy is a plus. I must admit I was pretty happy to actually be around to capture a few shots. Now if I could only get myself out more often. Cheers.

Post for the Evening

2011-02-06T21:53:00.000-04:00

I am in the process of redoing this blog. I can never quite make up my mind and then I get impatient with all the details. I suppose I should just toss out the unnesscary stuff. Less is more.

Snow Shots

2011-02-06T21:20:00.000-04:00

I call the first three "Drive By Shooting" , every now
and then I drive and shoot the camera. Now I know
this not the most sensible thing to do but it is fun.
Not many good shots but it is interesing.

These two are from Shubie Park. The ice coats the canal lock. And the other is part of the nature trail. We have had lots of snow in Nova Scotia this last few weeks.

Editing Tools

2011-02-06T16:45:00.001-04:00

I generally use Picasa 3 to edit photos on my computer. A new up date on Picasa 3 has another online tool called Picnik. This has a lot more tools to fool around with and change photos to suit my mood(s).

I had a little time yesterday to shoot some photos. Winter, for me, can be rather difficult to take photos. So far this year I have taken a few but I am sad to say they are not as I would like. I guess winter is just my time to get decent shots.

Anyway, back to yesterday, I stopped into the local cemetery to see if the dramatic light of the day would give me some results. The photo on the left is actually a edited version of a portrait sized photo taken at some distance with my 55- 200 mm zoom lens. The light comes from the obvious left and is low in the winter sky. The weather was cold and the light very bright. This can be great to shoot in or very hard. In my case it is usually hard. I always manage to get the glint reflection showing very intense. I guess that is one of the things that happens when shooting in this type of situation. I am no expect. Just a lover of photography.

Picnik has a edit called Cinematic, or is it CinemaScope? Regardless, this is the result. Cropped and altered. I liked enough to put it here. Not sure a Redbubble placement would be a good idea. Not everyone wants a photo of headstones. More to come.

Work and No Play Equals Stress

2011-01-08T06:59:00.000-04:00

I woke from a violent dream earlier. It is barley twelve past the hour of six ante meridiem. (AM) I was puzzled and concerned. I was not violent but a person in the dream was violent to other people. I finally worked up the courage to help them out and I told them - run. It took some coaxing but I managed to convince them. Then I woke.

My effort to return to sleep was useless. Dreams that strong do that to me. I gave up and here I sit with a cup of tea and a bottle of liquid yogurt. The more I ponder the dream the more I do realize my brain was working through a dilemma.

Anxiety can be a killer. But so can too much work. I have been steady at work for over three months at having a weekend job and it is starting to weigh a bit. The additional income has been a great help. We are paying the bills and there is money for real food. I do add, that I believe that my positive outlook is helping in some way.

This week my partner was let go from her job. She has an a low thyroid which robs her of energy and there are other issues of health. This was a new job and the probation period does not allow for this type of thing. Though they did know that she had issues and hired her anyway.

As is the usual procedure, she fills-out forms. (red tape) Claims employment insurance and any other help that we can think to cover. Wait and see. In the mean time I am tired. I can say a bit stressed. I do not feel rested even though I slept reasonably well.

I am considering changing the extra job to alternate weekends. This would give me time to really relax and rest. No play time means cranky pants.

Walking is back on track this week. I have joined an online challenge to walk 26.2 miles (standard marathon distance) in a month. A doable goal. I will feel refreshed after I get back from a walk this morning. Then off to work for a twenty-four hour stay. I really want to stay home but there is no one else for now.

Since winter is here I have posted this photograph. I took this last year not far from here. The location is a museum. An old stagecoach stop and inn. I wandered about the property taking photos. This one about the only one I think is presentable.

2010-12-25T14:28:00.000-04:00

Christmas clean up is crappy. Getting to the day of Christmas is stressful. I still ask myself why I continue to participate in something that aggravates me so much.

The food was good and there was little or no drama. Yay! Relief. Only a minor irritant here and there.

I felt distant from it all this morning. No real excitement. It was a calm experience. I think I like it better this way.

It's Coming on Christmas

2010-12-20T06:42:00.000-04:00

I think of Jonie Mitchell's song River. Skating up a river, or down it. They don't skate
on the lakes here much anymore. Least wise the large ones that are close to or in the city. Too much heat generated from the buildings and such.

Soon, Christmas will pass and we will go on into 2011 to wait out the coming of the festival of lights. I will miss the LED strings hanging about. It certainly makes winter easier for a short time.

January and February are long in the cold tooth. Just as we start to get used them being around they make a weary exit. March and April hint at being as cold but keep the threat of snow close at hand to keep us in line. Wear those boots!

I work part of Christmas day. That is fine. Someone needs care. We all dont have loved ones still able to be there. If you do, keep them close for a few days.

Sipping Away

2010-12-05T23:35:00.001-04:00

The electric kettle boils to a stop. I prepare my single cup maker of coffee without the caffeine. Not a cure for insomnia but my pacifier for my stress. I have been away from the blogging and really miss placing thoughts and ramblings about on this kitty page.

I am burnt out. I have three very difficult clients who now stress me beyond my control. I am not sure what to do. I have asked for relief from one and am patient to wait for sixty days for my employer to fine another person who can cope better than I.

One of the trails at Shubie Park

I have placed some photos on there because I can not stand to just write and not share my work. They have been edited.

PS - finally at twelve thirty something I am now getting droopy eyesd. GN

Still Passionate at Being a Picture Taker

2010-12-04T08:15:00.001-04:00

I have been asked to take some photos of a wedding. (Sigh) I had originally said no. So as I am prone to do, I slept on it and said OK. Then I think again and realise that I do not have the equipment of an expert. I am still an amateur. I know the word amateur means for the love of something. Therefore I don't feel bad at being one. My concern is the quality of my work. I don't work with people as much as I would like. And, weddings are not my idea of a good time. The bride and I are going to sit down and have a chat after the holidays. I want clarification on her needs and wants; and what I can offer the couple in photographing them.

I will post again later about this adventure.

I have been very busy working on my other life. I walk as often as time, weather and energy allow. I also have a partime job on the weekend and this also takes more so called free time. I admit I don't manage my time very well. That will change.

That is all. Time to get ready for work and get in a walk before then.

Whatever you believe in regard to spirituality; have a great December and may it be peaceful and stress free.

What works?

2010-11-15T21:07:00.000-04:00

I like this photo but the guy and the dog do not show up well at all. I think perhaps a little editing would work. I will have to go into Corel and see if I can change the color of his jacket to bring him out more.

Late Summer

2010-10-24T21:22:00.000-03:00

I sometimes get a chance to photograph some landscape outside my space of travel. This was one day not so long ago. A late day in summer on a country road. The silence only broken by the crickets last opera. A sky filled with floating clouds and a few birds. The quiet was intense, the same as the silence of a waking snow in winter. There is this intense peace that stays under my skin. I am glad that it remains. I am reminded of my connection to earth and sky and the water that treads through both. So now autumn is here and I am filled with the same feeling. Connected to more than the physical but more to the energy of it all. It is a good change.

Today a long walk with a friend that was to be for exercise but it was not entirely the result. We chatted and noticed the changes of the landscape and the new homes since my last walk through there. Again, change. Some was a sad; in that the trees were left to lay from the storms in the past and they lay rotting and are future fodder for new growth. I am left with my fond memories and that must be enough.

New views. I am not seeing life as I once have. Or is it just a little clearer?

red and gold

2010-10-10T19:11:00.000-03:00

a glimpse of autumn

Die

2010-10-03T19:44:00.000-03:00

Die painted rock sits between Dartmouth and Porter Lake on Highway 107. This is the return trip view to Dartmouth. The other side has been repainted recently. There are also other rocks painted along the way but this one is truly a landmark. I recall seeing it back in 1999. Cheers! Taken from a moving car. Drive by shooting as it were. :)

Cole Harbour

2010-09-25T07:08:00.000-03:00

Cole Harbour ...before Igor passed by. Great windy day for wind surfing.
This harbour is mostly salt marsh. There is a great beach and lots of folks
live near the shores.

Insulators

2010-09-12T20:12:00.000-03:00

Old lines that run along the rail road tracks.

Scene from Cole Harbour

2010-09-05T21:23:00.001-03:00

The plackard on the trail.

One of many photos I took over a week ago while on a morning walk. Minor editing with a shading across the sky so the blue would not be bleached out.

This is a protected area. The place where I am standing is on a path that was converted from a train track. There are many throughout Nova Scotia. They are readily used by the public.

On the Salt Marsh Trail

2010-08-26T06:55:00.001-03:00

Gulls are territorial. So this is their rock.

Legging It and Cleaning It

2010-08-23T21:43:00.000-03:00

OK, so my recent posts have not been that interesting. My blog is not the flavor of the month and I post when the urge has hit me. Tonight I am hit with instant urge to share. This is my second week of full time walking and I am really UP for this adventure. You see, I am heading towards sixty and I think that when I go I would like to leave a corpse of interest. I have asked for and received help from two friends. I am committed to walk till me legs drop off and am also doing simple at home work outs (starting this week). I will also slowly add in running. It is the only cardio that I do not find COMPLETELY BORING and that does not require a major investment.
I still take photos. But I am horrible at multitasking and my shooting has taken a back seat. For now, anyway.

I have found specks on my photos and I must figure out to do cleaning maintenance on my camera and lenses. I usually keep them cleaned but as lately I have some issues going with the mirror and or sensor. In the mean time I am viewing YOUTUBE sights for information.

Cropping Out

2010-08-09T07:50:00.012-03:00

ducklings

Nothing better than ducks and flowers. The little ones were especially wobbly on the shore but fully able on the water. This was cropped because in the larger version the little wobblies were camophlaged within the rocky area. I found them easier to see in the cropped version.

After looking at this cropping of the flower I can see that it is not working.

Now for the orginal. I am sure that if I had more time to fart around with this before going to work I would have...maybe later.

Hartlen Point Forces Golf Course

2010-07-30T20:45:00.001-03:00

An easy view from the side of the road...looks like a nice course. "Now where did that ball land."

Dreaming Connections

2010-07-21T07:39:00.001-03:00

Dreamed I took a trip aboard an old ocean freighter. (They used to take passengers.) I was so excited. While they were being fitted for something I was roaming around the dock and ran into Sandra Bullock we chatted about my trip. She was even excited for me. I think I woke up then. Probably in shock that I was talking to her.

As the sleep fog and the oh you are not dreaming still feelings came through a hot flash started to climb the desert sands of hormone hill. Sweat slowly and deliberately rolled down the sides of my face as I lay face down into the bed. Middle Aged Hormonal Angst. The fan doing little to really cool me off. How much further north do I have to move?

I woke also thinking of the word Isthmus. I laid there thinking and wondering in what way could I use this word. A title to something perhaps? Time will tell.

My Morning Walk About

2010-07-17T22:15:00.001-03:00

I took this photo with my old A101 Finepix with 1.3 pixels. Very small compared to the point and shoots of today. But it still takes a good photo and I was really not on spot with the settings. I like this one.

Tonight I am tired. I think this is a good thing. Oh no a Martha Stewart moment of expression.

2010-07-11T19:21:00.000-03:00

While working on the street where I live these workmen toss their discarded paper cups and what not into the hole. Think way into the far far future when perhaps the archaeologists digging around then find these things attempt to explain why they are there.

More Shubie Canal

2010-07-11T12:53:00.000-03:00

I know I have been to this spot a couple of years ago. And, I may have taken a shot or two. I think now perhaps that it is better editing.

Another Fog and Water

2010-07-03T21:24:00.001-03:00

Today was stunning. Bright and breezy with the right humidity. I worked for three hours in the afternoon and in that time got a chance to take a drive and be by the water for a short time. Today I add a photo with water and fog.

Scratching My Creative Itch

2010-06-25T22:44:00.020-03:00

Mall shots. As it turns out I am not allowed to take photos in a mall. But I did manage a few for artistic reasons. I am so tired to taking photos of flowers. I do love them but I wanted something more interesting. I shot manikins in the store fronts. After about thirty minutes of wandering about I was asked to stop taking photos. I really was not aware of their policy and apologised. I was on my way out anyway. The fella really looked like he was expecting a fat and middle-aged woman to give him shit. Christ Sakes! But I have added photos here in not particular order and I wanted to share them as a fun project.

Lawrencetown Beach and Marsh

2010-06-19T09:48:00.000-03:00

This day was blustery and bright day with clouds floating in formation. We sat and sipped our Tim's and watched fresh water whitecaps in the distant marsh.

Earlier we drove through Chezzetcook. I stopped and took shots of a decorated barn that sat close to the road. I doubt I was the first Shutterbug to shoot this building. The flag is the Acadian Flag. Cajun foreparents.

Spring Shot

2010-06-07T17:09:00.000-03:00

Flowers and a fly,
these are common in rock gardens around here.

Slow Down

2010-05-14T06:30:00.001-03:00

I've been at this for a few years now. This blogging thing. I don't own a cell phone so I don't twitter diddle. I do face book and have become modertly addicted to a game in the 'ville' arena. I will always blog. Why? Because it reminds me of a slower relaxed way. There is less immediacy to the feel of blogging. I don't feel as rushed. And I can save and edit and publish when I am really ready.

Yesterday was so gorgeous. My client and I took a break at this place and had a coffee and a slice of life and cream cheese cake. What more could I have wanted?

Lesson Again

2010-05-10T21:27:00.000-03:00

At the left is some work where I had the recent opportunity to photograph some one's business. They are just starting out and wanted to use them on a web sight. Simple nothing fancy. It worked out well in that I gained experience. If I had to redo it I would do the photographs differently and would have focused more on the product as well. Perhaps I can revisit.

Back Side of the Church

2010-05-02T20:49:00.000-03:00

Just trying to take shots of buildings and gain more experience.

The Crow

2010-05-02T09:08:00.000-03:00

The crow was my intentioned focus...however the camera would not cooperate. Sheesh! When will I learn? Dang!

Wound Photography

2010-05-01T22:04:00.000-03:00

A photo of my hand (cropped) I took it while I was waiting for the doc to look at it. The larger would is showing the fat tissue. A yellowish looking bubble. That is all the excitement.

Personal Metaphor

2010-04-29T06:56:00.000-03:00

I have taken a few photos the past few weeks. No people, just places and things, and yes the ducks. I am beginning to see ducks as a personal metaphor.

I walked last night. A mile. It tuckered me out. I came home took my pills , piddled on the computer a bit and then got ready for bed and was asleep in no time. Loved the sleeping thing. I woke stiff and every more aware of my body and the weight that surrounds it.

Age Old Questions

2010-04-11T09:13:00.000-03:00

I am testing the new posting screen. Looks like intertesting stuff to learn. Where the heck is the spell check? I am spell checker dependent.

I read something and I got to thinking: Ya know, we all are busy surviving. We get caught up in day to day drudgery with the promise of paying for the shelter, food and clothing we need. I think it is our nature to want more. I wonder, are we like the crow who is attracted to the shiny worthless thing? Like I gotta have the shiny new toy of right now syndrome. Anything come by easy is not worth having. Maybe we are too material (great consumers) and not spiritual enough. Would it help to lean closer to a religious practice of some kind? Sometimes I think yes and sometimes I just don't know. With the extremeism that exists I am repelled. Oh the fun of thinking.

Shots That Won't Make a Show

2010-04-02T11:33:00.004-03:00

First photo is what I would ask myself, What were you thinking? I was thinking that vertical is eye catching and that rock in the water was interesting. I have my doubts now.

The moose shot? I was thinking it might be an interesting shot and it turns out I am not sure. Almost a postcard. The truck in the foreground and the fence to the right gives the moose size comparison. I have no idea what material was used in the construction of the moose.

A shot of my reflection. How exciting. I hate smiling for a photo. It seems so unnatural. I thought it was time for an update of me to show that I am aging gracefully. (smirk)

A couple of shots that I would want to show have privacy issues. They will not be here. I have some ideas for a few shots. This will require a model. Preferably a female in a lovely summer dress with a wonderful landscape. But I think I can work with a ten year old friend of mine and get a very different take on the idea.
I will post that down the road no matter the outcome.

Where Was My ISO?

2010-03-31T21:16:00.000-03:00

This should have been made in ISO 100 but I had a brain collapse and it was taken in 1600. When I realized that I had not had the setting I thought I had a minor hissy and set about editing. What type you ask? Damned if I can tell you. But the finished product is on Redbubble.

To Landscape or to Portrait

2010-03-27T11:55:00.004-03:00

I took this from the car in between swipes of the wipers. Timing is everything.

These are edited with treatments. Tinted etc. The landscape version was first and for some reason I thought I should take a portrait version to see if it worked better. Ever the doubting artist at heart.

Looking at the portrait I see edging in on the left side the lamp post light. I should have edited this out. I do like the reflection of the tree in both versions.

The sky in the portrait has form and depth where the landscape version is blank and flat. I wonder if I can work on that?

Water Sky Sand

2010-03-22T08:04:00.001-03:00

Seascape or is that Beach scape. As you can see this one is low tide.
A very bright day and it was windy. There are auto adjustments to
improve the photo. The foreground was lighter but Corel darkened it
just a tad. The reflection is stronger than in the original as well.
I suppose I could have put both in here but I am too lazy and time
is ticking. I have clients this morning who need my expert care. ;)
I used my trusty 18-55 lens (canon). I find that when I am on time constraints I tend to leave the bag and take just one lens and hope I don't see a shot that requires a telephoto lens.

I did try to get close to the birds but they expertly scurried away
every time I edged closer. Gulls only get close when they think you
have food. I think the next time I do this I will take along a friend so
that they can toss food and I get to snap photos. An idea I think.

I took more but this one seems pretty good. Though not super fab. One in a 1,000 would be that. That seems to be the rule in this hobby. Now if I could only get someone to sit for me again. That would be ab fab.

Thawing of Lake Banook

2010-03-12T06:48:00.000-04:00

This is my quick morning post. I took this yesterday between clients. It was not warm but it was not as cold and I was comfortable enough to shoot away. I tried to take my time a bit and not rush. This is always a challenge with me. I guess I am a point and shooter at heart. There are interesting shots to be made in that method but it really leaves no room for conciously setting up the shot.

That board walk runs about half way along the lake then changes to a paved path. You could almost go completely around if it were not for the housing along the other side. But you can walk completely around in some manner or another.

I've had my cereal and am sipping on my coffee. The cat has come and gone and my brew of coffee great. The birds can be heard chattering and singing.

Eating Meat

2010-03-06T14:09:00.000-04:00

The food was good. Really good. Tried my first bison short ribs. The Press Gang is the name of the place. You can find the reference on Wikipedia. While outside waiting for my companions I encountered a city rat and a fella looking for hand outs. I managed to avoid both. The building is old. 1700's old. Said their were ghosts there. Could be. Nice experience.

My List of Shoulds

2010-03-06T13:10:00.005-04:00

I should be:
Sorting through drawers and things hidden away in closets.
Putting my office in order.
Stop procrastinating.
Stop forgetting to do things.
Enjoying life more.
Tossing out useless things.
Tossing out meaningless things.
Out taking photos if I am not doing any of the above.
(I have been working on my stored data of photos on my computer. That is progress.)
Stop worrying about it.

Spring is on the way. Oh what a relief.
Yada yada yada.

The Joy of Being

2010-03-02T21:50:00.003-04:00

Thanks for the food and drink, but most of all the great company with crazy laughter. My spirit is filled until we can do this again.

Beer on Ice in Canada

2010-02-27T00:11:00.003-04:00

Leave those girls alone. I am cool with the party on the ice. Go grrls.

OK and now for picture takin'. Over the last several days I have taken a few photos here and there. No rush to load them on the computer and gaze through them. I am more interested in getting through what I have here now. Amazing how some of them are really worth tossing out into electronic refuse. I am like any artist I suppose, I find it hard to delete my creations. But it gets easier with time. I get older and so do the photos. I loose my appeal and so do they. Oh a match made in heaven.

Matches of people are another story.

Well the eyes water and my face stretches into a yawn. Nod Nod.
Good night.

Wanted,

2010-02-22T06:48:00.002-04:00

one more day of leisure

expected preciptation is a mix of snow and rain at 40% and no sun yuck

CPAP Review

2010-02-20T23:07:00.003-04:00

I have a breathing machine to wear while I sleep. I notice a real change. It is as if my brain is actually starting to work again and better. A dark cloud is slowly lifting. Now all I have to do is get one after I take this one back to the sleep clinic.

Sayings that Carry Weight

2010-02-13T10:29:00.004-04:00

I have heard this expression more than once. "You made your bed, now lie in it." Cultural Dictionary quote: You made a decision and now must accept it's consequences. And adds a note that: This expression is commonly used as a response to people who have been complaining about problems that have brought on themselves.

Which has got me to thinking...
I heard my mother use this one more than once. And after thinking about her history, I have no doubt that she heard it from her own mother. I believe that her own mother had said this to her. Mom did not talk much about her mom and their relationship. Those few things she did mention were of growing up mostly and family stories. I always had the impression that her mother was stiff and gruff. That most of her affection was towards her sons. We had no relations with her family while I was growing up. I had no first hand experience of her only a sibling's word that their experience was positive. Her marriage to my father and his behavior saw to it we had little contact. I suppose that her mother was disappointed and most likely expressed as much. Back then, women had no place to go, so they stayed. This brings me to wonder how isolated she must have felt raising eight children on her own. I think she found support in small ways and from the local small community we lived in as a small child. I really think she struggled a lot but managed supporting us by hook and crook.

I think of these things because parents pass on, pointedly and or indirectly, to their children the ways, beliefs and layman philosophy that trails along with them. A presence that is either cast aside or carried along in continuance. You really have got to be aware to avoid the affect.

I realize that I haven't mentioned this type of stuff lately but it popped up and it needed a place to pour out upon.

Messing Around in Corel Paint Shop 12 (X2)

2010-02-13T09:29:00.006-04:00

I took some photos of the construction site where they are building a new community sport centre. (ice rink, indoor pool, running track, and work out rooms) I really like the design and have enjoyed the progress. It involves a lot of glass. I took some shots yesterday and this morning started messing around in Corel Paint Shop, my new handy dandy photo editing/digital dark room. The first two photos are from the same photo.

With features that distort, fold or bend, and add artist media, like the pencil above, a crappy photo can look a lot more interesting. That is my fun for the day. I really have to start cleaning up my photo files and deleting photos and folders. Yes delete. It is sometime painful to delete but it must be done. Should I keep the pencil edit?

Hey Zeus

2010-02-07T19:55:00.001-04:00

Last year sometime in March I took a series of shots of statues in a cemetary. Here ya go. Not sure this will be going into the bubble. I was messing around with the HDR in my new COREL PAINT SHOP software. Getting to know the stuff slowly. Any comments are welcome.

Relating

2010-02-05T23:13:00.008-04:00

I have this M.C. Escher print titled Relativity that my sister gave to me back in the mid seventies. I think I recall her saying that it made her think of my life. Looking at it now as it hangs in my living room, yes I could certainly agree. It moves in directions that are all connected. You can sit and stare at it for a long time and not know where it starts or ends. It makes sense and it does not.

This moves me to mention that I have framed a couple of my photos. Both are gifts. I have one on the wall and the other a sitting up where I can see it. Seeing it there is one of those feel good things.

I have watched all the episodes to the "United States of Tara". A serious subject and journey for a woman with DID. A sometimes painful life for Tara and her family. But there are those light moments and at times belly lifters that makes this show very watchable. We are following Tara's journey to find the cause of her DID. Can't wait for the next season. Creator and excutive producer Diabol Cody (Juno).

Short Notes or Note Shorts

2010-01-30T01:03:00.003-04:00

When my routine gets sidelined I tend to make for lost time by staying up late on Friday night. Being on duty for more than eight hours a day tends to wear on me a bit. I have to stay on good behavior and that is taxing for me. smirk

Where is my spiritual mentor?

Where to Begin

2010-01-29T06:28:00.005-04:00

Winter and dark days play with my mood. No, winter is only a time when the view is altered enough to notice that I have time to improve the wires of Deity communication.

This so called mood is a desire to create through spirituality. To connect through the universe or that place that you feel deep inside. A cushion of safety and soft landing. A connection to the energy. A question remains on how to get there.

I am the only barrier between me and the creator. Where is my mentor and guide? I think, I know.