decay*
Decaying leaves from my abandoned garden... waiting for a warm spring day to clean up... an old abandoned toy truck.
I am ready for this brown, dead decaying earth to pop with greens, yellows, pinks and other spring-time colors. I am in need of warm sunshine and warm air. I can't wait for the weather to understand that it's SPRING!
How is life treating you? I'd love to hear.
I am glad that this week is over. It was stressful. My favorite auditor showed up Tuesday. I had to take the kids to an appointment in the morning and I was a nervous wreck. I've been through this plenty of times and each time I'm so nervous. She even asked me when I was going to calm down. After a few minutes of friendly conversation I began to relax. I tell you, it was not relaxed inside. She was there for 3 days. Friday wasn't any better. It's over now. I can sort of breathe easy. At least until April 5, when I find out my results. Until then....
Saturday, March 26, 2011
twelve / 52
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
eleven / 52
texture*
This is a globe that my brother had when we were kids. I remember how cool this globe was. I would sit for periods of time looking at all the countries. I could feel the different elevations and mountains. So my shot for the week is of this "textured" globe. I know that's not the technical term.
My heart goes out to the people in Japan. They are facing such turmoil and despair. I can't put it all together and understand all the pain and hurt they must be feeling. And the sense of worry and unknowing with the nuclear plants.
I have a cousin (and I'm not telling you this so you can feel sorry) that works for Toyota. He's there right now, in Japan. He won't be home for another few months. He says everything is ok where he is. He is much further south of the disaster. I am very worried about him right now.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
ten / 52
vanishing point*
...taken at Taylor's Heritage Park. This fence is part of the Petting Farm.
I realize, now that it's too late, that I came very close to chopping off this fence. Not what I wanted to do to demonstrate "Vanishing Point". Oh well....
Saturday, March 5, 2011
nine / 52
Shot for Week 9 of my “52 of Twenty Eleven” flickr group given the theme of “Diptych” which is a collaboration project where two photographers make separate images and then they are combined into one image in post processing.
Joe Gazzarato was kind enough to collaborate with me. We debated a few concepts and settled on this. I shot my hands and he shot the ice cream.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
eight / 52
This is a view of my patio looking through my patio doors. All of this white stuff melted this past week. We even had some 50° (F) days. I had a feeling we wouldn't be seeing the grass for long. Oh well... it does make for a pretty view. The snow adds a layer of freshness to a grungy winter's day. Just as I am posting this, there was a big crack of thunder! wow!!
I felt that this photo was lacking something. Not one of my best, or what I had in mind, as usual. I took the photo for the sake of "getting this done". I felt that it wasn't creative. That is why I went with this texture. Not to say that this texture is creative. I played with different tools in Gimp, unapplied them, and then decided to go with this one. I wanted to "make" something, and this is what I came up with.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
seven / 52
Sunday, February 6, 2011
six / 52
shadow*
We were baking cookies tonight, when I saw this shadow. I knew I had to use this for this week's theme.
Monday, January 31, 2011
five / 52
water*
I think a lot of contemplation happens in bathtubs. It does for me. Nothing like a hot bath to ease the tension and think about what's going to happen next.
~Sarah McLachlan
For me, there's nothing like a nice, hot bath at the end of a long day.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
four / 52
It was bitterly cold today, but lots of sunshine. I decided to head to the conservatory for some winter shots. I didn't find much inspiration. There was a lot of brown and bare. I found this empty nest. I wonder if the bird family will be back this spring?
I know it's winter and that I live in Michigan. It's supposed to be cold and snowy. But I'm ready for a thaw!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
three / 52
Does a certain smell trigger memories for you? It does me. Original scent Palmolive reminds me of my Grandpa. He used to do the dishes all the time. He was particular about having an empty sink. If someone placed a dirty bowl or glass in the sink, he'd happily wash it. He always kept busy tinkering around in the garage or yard. He liked to keep busy and doing the dishes was one of those things.
Both of my Grandparents have passed on now. My Grandpa died in the spring of 1995, just before my daughter was born. I was hoping that he'd make it until her birth in August. But his heart failed him. He did visit her, in my dreams after she was born, however. I truly believe he was with us for the first few months of her life (or it could have been my crazy hormones getting the best of me). I'm sure he still is "here" I just don't notice as much now.
So now, when I tackle the most dreadful chore, I ponder two of the most wonderful Grandparents I could have had.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
two / 52
two / 52 this is me*, originally uploaded by Jen likes to snap pics*.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
one / 52
I wish*
"When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are"
*
I wish you Health...
So you may enjoy each day in comfort.
I wish you the Love of friends and family...
And Peace within your heart.
I wish you the Beauty of nature...
That you may enjoy the work of God.
I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities...
For those things that really matter in life.
I wish you Generousity so you may share...
All good things that come to you.
I wish you Happiness and Joy...
And Blessings for the New Year.
I wish you the best of everything...
That you so well deserve.
****
I didn't realize last week that I had posted my last photo for 2010. Thank you for reminding me Brenda. If I would have planned better I would have chosen a more significant photo.
Thank you for following the posts and commenting.
As you see.... I've decided to continue again in 2011. This is like therapy for me. lol
Sunday, December 26, 2010
52/52
An uninspiring night street photo. Took this from inside of my car.... too cold to get out and set up a tripod. The dashboard makes a good one in a pinch.
Christmas came and went. I was unprepared but got through it. I guess I had these ideas in mind and not all of them were accomplished so I felt that I was unprepared. We spent Christmas Eve at my cousin's house. We had a yummy dinner, kielbasa, sauerkraut, potatoes. Mmmm... On Christmas Day, we opened gifts in the morning. David's big gift was a Varsity Jacket. He also got a bowling ball, shoes, and a bag. Emily got an ipod touch, and a slew of clothes. After all of that. We went to my parents. She made a lasagna dinner. Emily got a mini fridge from them. lol She has been wanting that forever. David got lots of shirts and hoodies from them. He was difficult to buy for this year. He didn't want anything.
Today we spent time relaxing. My brother and his family will be here tomorrow evening. I'm so excited!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
51/52
These are the cranberries just before they were stabbed and threaded to make a pretty little garland for the Birds of Winter. So far they have yet to find it. I'm going to have to move it to a quieter area out of my backyard. I don't think the birds like that obnoxious puppy or being watched by a very fat cat, even though he is behind glass.
The theme is red this week. I had so many photos this week that were red. I ended up using this one because it's just different, not so Christmasy. I'm really not in the Spirit yet. I'm trying though. I have my Christmas music playing and the scents of the season in the air (thanks to my Wallflowers from Bath and Bodyworks). I'm even doing a Count-Down-to-Christmas photo project. That's already getting old and I've only done 4 photos. This weekend we have 2 different family Christmas parties to attend. I'm not ready. I can't get motivated. It will feel like Christmas on Christmas Day.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
50/52
.....an ornament from our Christmas tree. Emily plays the flute and we got this for her one year. Each year the kids get a special ornament. When they are on their own my plans are to give them their ornaments.
Monday, December 6, 2010
49/52
window*
... looking out my window. Pondering the times past.
Today was David's birthday. I cannot believe he is 17! Seriously, where did my "little boy" go?
We enjoyed dinner at Texas Roadhouse with my parents. They surprised all of us by telling them that it was David's birthday. Of course, the staff embarrassed him. They made him stand on the booth, all 6' 2" of him. They clapped and yelled and shouted that he was 17 and for everyone to give him a big birthday "yeeha!" It was funny! He was sure red when he sat back down. =D
Monday, November 29, 2010
sweet*
The recipe can be found here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon Spice Island® Pure Vanilla Extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1-1/2 pounds dark chocolate candy coating, coarsely chopped
Directions
In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add flour, alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Shape into 1-in. balls; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Loosely cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm.
In a microwave bowl, melt candy coating; stir until smooth. Dip balls in coating; allow excess to drip off; Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes. If desired, remelt remaining candy coating and drizzle over candies. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 5-1/2 dozen.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (2 each) equals 240 calories, 12 g fat (8 g saturated fat), 12 mg cholesterol, 46 mg sodium, 33 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein.
Cookie Dough Truffles published in Taste of Home December/January 2005, p28
Sunday, November 28, 2010
48/52
stripes*
It's after Thanksgiving so we can officially start getting ready for the Christmas season.
We had a nice Thanksgiving over my parents house. My mom always goes above and beyond with cooking. We had so much delicious food. My aunt and uncle and grandma were there, also.
This week is the week leading up to David's birthday. I can't believe it. I'm getting so old. Let's see... 17 years ago Mike and I were in our apartment. We decorated early because we knew our little bundle of joy would soon be here. We had an ornament party. All of our family members came over and brought us an ornament to symbolize our new life together. We still have many of them and I remember that day when I decorate our tree. Over the years we save the decorations for after David's birthday. It's my way of keeping his birthday and Christmas separate.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
47/52
body*
The body of a pumpkin pie!! I can't wait to get my hands on some this week for our Thanksgiving Holiday. Yummy!
"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving."
~W. T. Purkiser
Monday, November 15, 2010
46/52
untitled*
I did not follow the theme this week. Instead, I procrastinated and decided to shoot these Fizzle Skittles in a shot glass. So very random. Have you ever had these? I found them at Halloween. They are similar to PopRocks by the way they fizzle in your mouth. They are addicting. They are kind of gross. But they are kind of good. lol But be careful, they will make the roof of your mouth sore.
