70 - Fox Tails

I need to work on my vision of this photo. I'm only posting because I spent an inordinate amount of time setting this up, all for a mediocre result. But, I have more days and time and I'll maybe get back to it. Some other day.

69 - Squash Blossoms

I just want to eat them just like they are. Or well rather in some recipe. But, I never do. It seems like one should wait until the fruit or veggie is ripe to reap the most benefits from them. One day though, I'll get all wild and crazy and just pluck them like they are. Not today though.

68 - Bottle Tops

All manner of teas and lemonades and other 'healthful' concoctions at our local market. I really do want to drink them all. What stops me? Price and practicality. I'm usually disappointed by bottled drinks. I almost always just prefer water. (bubbly, effervescent water....mmmmm)

Fonts

I'm trying out new stuff. It includes fun new cute fonts from a site called Free Fonts from Kevin and Amanda. Check out my sidebar for the clickable button which will link you out at any time.

The second time I came across the site was on KimKlassen's site (see also sidebar). KimKlassen is where I've joined up a couple times for Texture Tuesdays. She has all manner of tutorials, which you can pay for, but occasionally she also has free tutorials. I watched one of those free ones (can you tell I'm all about the free...) for how to make your own watermarks in Photoshop and she was using a font called "Pea-Noodles Girlfriend" from the site. I liked the font (took note it was free), browsed for it and voila! lots of free fonts. As I perused the site, I realized I had been to it before. It was referenced/linked on the Bake at 350 site a while back. They had made a font of Bridget's (of Bake at 350) handwriting and I had downloaded it, and a few others, at that time.

There is a place where you can even submit your own handwriting and they'll create a font from it. How cool is that?! Let me tell you, its cool. If I thought my handwriting was cutesy or even legible in any way, I would totally submit mine. I think mine would end up being like a graffiti font, and not a good one.

They weren't kidding when they made us insane with their tune said "Its a small world after all."

That's what I'm all about these days. Well, really only for the next 10 minutes. Its just my span of focus time these days.

Texture Tuesday - Dream

Before: After The Formula:

A copy of the photo - Gaussian Blur - Layer Mask to reveal portions

Dream - Normal 100% - Layer Mask to reveal portions

Dream - Soft Light 100% - Lettering dodged - Layer Mask to reveal portions

ShadowHouse - Art Grunge04 - Layer Mask to reveal portions

I chose this particular photo because I dream of being in the crystal blue ocean, hanging with friends and family with no thoughts about responsibilities.

Just Read: The Girl Who Played with Fire

Second in the Stieg Larsson series. The firs of which is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Couldn't put this one down.

In this second book, you learn more about Lisbeth's past and why she is who she is. I liked her in the first book, but this book solidified my understanding of her (as much as one person can understand another person - especially when one of those persons is fictional) and while I don't believe she would be someone who was in my personal circle of influence, she is someone I would willingly invite in, given the opportunity. I found the book interesting, fun, suspenseful and intriguing.

I've already picked up the third (and final) book in the series.

Just Watched: Rango

Mister so very much wanted to see this in the theater. Alas, we don't go to theaters all that often so by the time we got around to making the time to go see it, it was gone from all the local places. So, we waited until it showed up on Netflix and Voila! Date night movie.

When we finally got around to watching this movie, I was personally disappointed. I am pretty certain Mister was also. It may just be one of those movies that I need to watch a couple times to 'get' all the references, but I don't think that is the case here.

I may have been turned off by what I consider the main message of the movie, "Water is the most important natural resource on this planet and wars will be fought over it." I think it annoyed me, mostly because I am (I think) pretty aware of this already. Mister and I conserve as much as possible (only large loads of laundry, rain barrels, short showers, saving they grey water in the kitchen sink when washing veggies.... there might be more, can't think of them) so - for me - it was sort of an adventure in the ABCs. My guess is that for most of the population, it won't even make much sense, nor will they 'get' the message. But I suppose the message has to start somewhere for the population who are in the dark about what water really means for humans and the planet.

Ok, that will be the end of my rant about that.... for now. Here is the other thing that turned me off about the movie, (don't judge - my blog, my thoughts) but the characters weren't cutesy and fuzzy and sweet and well, cute. I understand why they weren't those things, but I still want that in an animated film. Just my opinion.

So, go out, rent it, let me know what you think. I may watch it again and re-post if I change my mind on any of this.

It could happen.

PS - Alison: (you there?) Thoughts?

Two Tarts

I came upon this blog, Two Tarts, and in scanning it quickly, I am in love. Both with the photography and the recipes.

I started reading this blog, Going Slowly, oh, quite a while ago. Its a blog / website created by two people, Tara and Tyler, who decided one day to embark on an epic bike ride across Europe and Asia. They sold most of their belongings, spent more than a year preparing and then set off on their bikes. I think the journey was something like two years. I can not tell you how envious I am of their moxie. I've always had a bit (well a large bit) of wanderlust in my soul. I want to travel everywhere and see everything and talk to everyone who will stop long enough to tell me their story and experience all manner of different and crazy food and sleep under the stars and not have to be anywhere at any particular time for any particular reason. I want to wander and ruminate and breathe deeply of what this planet has to offer.

At the exact same time, and in just slightly incrementally more strength, I have a need to be settled and in a groove with routine and security (whatever THAT means these days). I need to have my furry Harley to snuggle and to see my family and closest friends on a regular basis and feel the connection of love that comes from knowing each other deeply.

Its an internal struggle for me nearly daily and hourly of late. I've run across THIS BLOG about a guy who is currently hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (something that has always, always intrigued me). The BFF of one of my bestest's daughter has THIS BLOG while she travels Europe. I drool every time she posts something new or updates her "hometown" on Facebook to wherever she happens to land.

I know that most people aren't independently wealthy or have won the lottery, they just make a decision about what they want from this life and act upon it. I seem to have concrete encasing my feet and legs as I feel powerless (too wussy) to act on that half (two-fifths?) of my pshche that feels the pull of the open road/forest/ocean.

Yes, I digressed, way off the beaten path (which I'm ok with - see above). Two Tarts, the blog, it was a link inside the Going Slowly blog I happened to click on and found what looks to be (upon a quick scan) abounding deliciousness and pretty photos and food ideas that I just would never have (i.e. freezing a mint leaf in your ice cubes for pretty cocktails or lemonade). I've printed out several recipes to try out already. Homemade almond paste and the accompanying coffee cake; Mint Gin Ricky; and Lemon Thyme Dressing; just to name a few.

So, check out Two Tarts and let me know if you find something delightful to your eyes or palate.

67 - Wild Flower with Green

Again, must get out more.

With my camera.

With time to wander and relax mentally.

And not have to look at a clock, or have to be anywhere, or do anything, or have any sort of responsibility.

I think I need a vacation.

Yep.

Vacation.

66 - Birch Flowers

I've been less than creative of late. Rather, I feel like I've got too many directions I'm trying to focus and none of them are actually getting my full attention. My photography and current project 365 as case in point. Two crappy photos above blended into one still crappy photo. I've got to get out of my yard and find something other than flowers to photograph. My soul needs it.

65 - George

More yard art - Sonoma, CA

64 - LSD

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, that is.

My friend in Sonoma has such great yard art, a lot of which is metal. This is one little girl from a family of metal people. I love her heart necklace.

The Beatles - Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

YouTube - check it out - just for fun - I did - no regrets - btw. Separate post for the link.

And, lets' just finish this off with the lyrics.

Picture yourself in a boat on a river,

With tangerine trees and marmalade skies.

Somebody calls you, you answer quite slowly,

A girl with kaleidoscope eyes.

Cellophane flowers of yellow and green,

Towering over your head.

Look for the girl with the sun in her eyes,

And she's gone.

{CHORUS}

Lucy in the sky with diamonds,

Lucy in the sky with diamonds,

Lucy in the sky with diamonds,

Ah... Ah...

{VERSE 2}

Follow her down to a bridge by a fountain,

Where rocking horse people eat marshmallow pies.

Everyone smiles as you drift past the flowers,

That grow so incredibly high.

Newspaper taxis appear on the shore,

Waiting to take you away.

Climb in the back with your head in the clouds,

And you're gone.

{CHORUS}

Picture yourself on a train in a station,

With plasticine porters with looking glass ties.

Suddenly someone is there at the turnstile,

The girl with kaleidoscope eyes.

{CHORUS}

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (The Beatles)

63 - Malbec

Desperately working on catching up on my 'daily' (I use that term loosely) postings.

Spent last weekend in wine country, Sonoma County, CA.

Love it there.

I don't spend nearly enough time there these days. My bestest lives there and in my 'single' days, I would travel there several times each year. Now, in my 'married' days, it just doesn't happen nearly as often. Life gets in the way like that. At least mine does.

Mister and I rectified the situation, a bit, last weekend. When we arrived Friday, our friends were there to pick us up and whisk us away to several wineries where we tasted, tasted, tasted. The above might not actually be a Malbec, but, we tasted so much wine, I have no idea even which winery this was at, much less what was in the glass.

62 - Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

I - think - I totally get that. I feel like I try to see the positive aspect of most things and situations. I have been accused of wearing rose-colored glasses. I - most of the time - look at a situation (or a rose or dandelion) and see (or at least look for) the silver lining or the good side of it. I feel like while all that is who I am, I also am a realist. Some may consider that being pessimistic its just that I know reality can be different for each person. Just ask someone who is schizophrenic, they honestly and truly experience life very differently that most of us. I believe just because their reality isn't mine, doesn't make their reality any less real to them.

I think I may have digressed. My point, I believe, was something more along the lines of, seeing beauty is very different for each person. That being said, Why is it such a difficult concept for me to grasp when I need to turn it around or face it in the mirror?

I guess I just have more things to learn in this life. I saw this quote recently and liked the way it felt.

"When you're comfortable in your own skin, you look beautiful, regardless of any flaws." Emily Deschanel

I hope any of this made sense. If not, well, check back again another time. I may be back on track then.

61 - Blueberries

Oh how I love thee.

Thank you for also providing me anti-oxidants...

Though, I would relish your textures and taste

even if you didn't.

Texture Tuesday - Aurora

Before: After:

The Formula:

ShadowHouse - Bokeh1 - Soft Light 100% - Layer mask to reveal portions

Color Fill - White - Soft Light - 100%

Aurora - Multiply - 100%

Its a photo of my silly cat who likes to sit on the edge of the tub if someone is in the shower/tub. The idea in my head was cute and simple and the photo turned out, blah. I do like it with the textures though. My Harley, saved by the texture.

60 - Directions

I've always said, and feel I truly embody the notion, that I've never really been lost. I don't believe in it. Let's face it, I've never been to the Sahara Desert or dropped blindfolded in the jungles of South America. I may not know the exact direction of where my destination may be, but to me, everywhere I am is where I'm supposed to be and I want to embrace each and every place (slash) moment. I mean, someone lives there (probably) and loves where they live and knows how to get around. I want to experience everything I possibly can while I am here on planet earth. I have plans for specific exploration, but I also feel I should embrace those accidental side trips down paths I would never have chosen but which may be so delightful and enlightening.

There you go. I have me some wanderlust and I don't believe it will ever be sated. And I'm good with that.

59 - Roses

Pretty, soft, delicate, pink roses.

How can you not sigh and smile a bit.

58 - Vine

Invasive ivy. The scourge of forests and suburban areas alike.

But, close up, it twines around, in and among and decorates everything it comes in contact with like the best placed twinkle lights on a Christmas tree.

It reminds me to stop and see the small beauties which exist even in those places where we think only annihilation is the best answer.

Keeping Up

Went on a mini-vacation last weekend. Mister and I spent almost three days in Northern California (Sonoma Valley to be exact) with my BFF and her beau. We were relaxed and stress free and drank lovely wine and ate lovely food prepared by our lovely friends. The days lasted seemingly forever. I think its because we had no timeline, no time pressures, no real reason to look at our watches. We didn't even think about when we needed to be at the airport because our friends just knew when we needed to be there and took care of it. We did things as they came to us and moved on to the next thing when it happened. Without care or thought about what came next.

I really, really needed that. I am writing the bare minimums here because I want to remember that super-relaxed and easy feeling we had while there and also to remember that we did it and it was actually possible. Not sure how to explain that, only really able to write the bones of it.

That's really all. I might have a photo or two in a day or so. Maybe.

57 - Landing

...as in... the aliens have...or, rather will if you want the correct verb tense. This is the ceiling of a bird cage at the zoo. I just love, love, love the possibilities with this. Spent about 5 hours (ish) at the PDX Zoo last weekend with our bests from Eugene and their 10-yr old daughter. We all actually had a great time. Exhausted by the end of it, but the weather was perfect, the company was amazing and the atmosphere was just delightful. (for a zoo that is. i'm conflicted. another story for another time. maybe.)

56 - Orange

Not much time for actually taking photos lately and even less for processing then posting. I think I've spread myself too thin "like... butter scraped over too much bread" - name that quote!

55 - Mugged

My little bear's mug.

Love him more than candy.

Texture Tuesday - Pink

Before...

and After ... (one of these days I'll take the time to learn the whole "scroll over to see before and after") Until then. Old School works too.

The formula:

Canvas Back - Soft Light - 100%

Believe - Overlay - 40%

Love - Multiply - 100%

I am liking these Texture Tuesdays.

54 - Moody Blue

This little flower has captured my mood, spirit, heart, soul. This version is slightly textured, giving it just a smidge more ethereal feel. The original (not avail to me right at the moment - come back later and I may remember to post it too) isn't that far off.

My blue mood of late isn't all encompassing, but there, floating in the background. There, but oft silent.

53 - Beginning and the End

Poppies! Oh how I adore them. They are oddly shaped when they start out in life, beyond beautiful as they bloom to maturity and then turn into strange globes containing their future which crack open disperse with nary a complaint. All the while sporting a fuzz that you might think is intimidating, but, really isn't.

Texture Tuesday - Canvas Back

Here is the original photo. And here is the texturized. Doesn't look like a whole lot of change. Felt like it while I was creating. Canvas Back Magic - Overlay - 42%

Canvas Back Magic - Screen - 100%

Canvas Back - Overlay - 80%

I really wanted these beautiful frilly roses to look antiqued. I think I'll also play around with some coffee staining or sepia tones to help it out a bit.

52 - Flag

Obligatory flag photo for the 4th.

In my head it was much more interesting.

In reality, sort of sucks, but, eh, there you go.

51 - Wild Flower

And here's me trying to recreate the wheel.

Not my fav, but I worked on it so much, I had to post it.

50 - Daisies Three

This may be my favorite textured piece so far.

It turned out like I envisioned it.

That doesn't happen all that often.

49 - Cherub

Enjoying so very much playing with textures.

This was a display on the sidewalk outside a cute little shop near our home.

I wish I was more artsy.

48 - Poppy

This is my current desktop.

47 - On the Water

46 - Chime

Also a bit of a study in whites.

Why?

I don't know.

Calendar - July 2011

July's Calendar - download the full size image HERE.

Have a groovy long weekend my friends.