I Heart Fall

Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking,
perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter.
~Carol Bishop Hipps~


My soul is enchanted by this season.
I'm also enchanted by all of that lovely feedback I received on my last post, thank you.

The "I Heart Fall" photo was inspired by my visit to a new blog today.
J.H has a lovely blog with some brilliant photos,
this one included.

Thank you all again for keeping me inspired.
For that very reason this has to be short;
I'm in my motivated-mode again!!

Posted in Love Thursday

Goes by too fast.......

My weekend has consisted of a series of naps.
Today, we were finally roused to action and decided to go for a hike.
The weather was gorgeous, but it was chilly. I don't know if I'm ready for winter?!
Let's not think about that right now......

This week I plan to showcase a myriad of treks that I have yet to share.
I finally had a chance to go through some of those photos that have been piling up.
I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.
Are you ready for Monday!?!?

Posted in Today's Flowers

Imagination Fabrication

You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.
~Mark Twain~

It's been a long time since I shared a before and after shot.
I liked the SOC shot, but I didn't think it was anything special.
However, when I came across the photo later,
I decided to mess with it in photoshop.
Here is the original shot, below.
Click to enlarge.

Re-watching the movie "The Prestige" could have very well put
this thought in my head, but when I looked at these two shots
side-by-side, I thought, "Sometimes, you have to make
your own magic!"

Anyone have anything exciting brewing right now?
Please share :)

Moments : Seasonable

Haiku Friday & One Single Impression

Golden Mosaics
Express Restoration
Bittersweet Harvest


We learn and grow and are transformed not so much
by what we do but why and how we do it.
~Sharon Salzberg~


I was so happy to hear your 'Motivational Moments' commented in the last post,
and even the lack there of offered wonderful insights too.
I might not tell you this enough, but I am so grateful for the
tremendous amount of support you provide.
My life is that much richer as a result.

The weekend weather isn't fairing to well because of an impending storm.
It also happens to be causing panic at the pumps yet again.
I'm wondering if it will have any bearing on the
trip we're planning to take next week for
my birthday?! I sure hope not....
We'll see what happens.

We just had a power outage in the middle of this post!
It went out for a short period of time,
but by the time we hunkered down for the night, it came back on.

This morning it's dark, cloudy and rainy.
I'll just try to keep Autumn (which was the haiku prompt) on my mind,
along with the above photo. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Moments : Reminiscent

haiku friday

Ineffable joy
remaining clear in my mind
treasured memories


Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love,
the things you are, the things
you never want to lose.
~The Wonder Years~


I have done my best to turn around my mood since last week.
Right now, I'm itching to get out and about this weekend;
it can't come quick enough.

Despite the unfavorable weather we continue to have,
I have been a bit more motivated, which is baffling.
But I won't question it.....

In the keep on keepin' on post,
I talked about how Big Sur has been on my mind.
Along with photos of cliff-lined coasts, nothing can conjure
nostalgia of our trip quicker than an orange poppy.
They were a familiar sight along the lovely coast.
Surprisingly, I didn't get any photos of them while we were there.

Cody brought this one home for me the other day,
perfect timing - as usual.

Want to see a beautiful place?

Big Sur Posts with Photos:

• Treebones Resort
• McWay Falls
• Limekiln State Park
  

Moments : Melodrama

haiku friday

I go up and down
Emotions running wild
I can't stop crying

To give vent now and then to his feelings, whether of pleasure or discontent,
is a great ease to a man's heart.
~Francesco Guicciardini~


I hesitated in posting this week's haiku because of it's woeful words.
Yesterday, when I made it, that's how I felt.

I don't always get into a discussion about how I feel here on WW.
Not because I'm afraid, but because this is my happy place.
This is where I post about fun stuff and good times,
albeit, talking about mountain top removal isn't
necessarily a 'happy' subject, but it makes
me happy to know that I
can raise awareness.

This week has
been a struggle for me and has
had me battling some unsavory emotions,
which doesn't help my everyday levels of pain.
To sum it up, I have simply felt encumbered.
I don't know how else to explain it, that's the best I can come up with.
Anything and everything has gotten on my nerves this week.
My hair, my clothes, my messy house....
It's quite clear what the culprit is,
if you catch my drift. Usually
it's not this bad.

Hopefully,
Cody and I can do something
this weekend to refresh my weary spirit.
Something outdoors perhaps.....


What do you do to console your soul during a crisis such as this?

Moments : Ambiance

haiku friday

lingering in ways
that penetrate deep inside
where is my sunshine


I like to think of thoughts as living blossoms borne by the human tree.
~James Douglas~

The rain has stayed for days, finally, I woke up with sun shining through my bedroom window.
I wasn't sure that I could take another day of this dreadful weather.
I didn't complain, because I knew we needed it......I'm glad it's over!

In other new:

• Although you showed concern in my last post, I am slightly disappointed that most of the people didn't follow through.
• I feel as though the important parts of the "I Heart Mountains" post may have been skipped over.
  
• I would love for all of you to join me in this very important campaign to end mountaintop removal.
• All I ask is that you pledge by signing up in the first widget on my sidebar.
  
• Also, I am willing to donate one dollar on your behalf to the cause mentioned in the last post if you pledge. At the end of one week, I plan to match the pledges.
• And so I know who joined in, please leave a comment in the last post stating, I LOVE MOUNTAINS!

Moments : Flight

Inspired by: Robin @ Bird Tweets

Haiku Friday

Once you learn to fly
standing, walking, or running
Will no longer do...

Although every man believes that his decisions and resolutions involve the most multifarious factors, in reality they are mere oscillation between flight and longing.
~Herman Broch~


In Robin's post, she asked that we "ponder be-wingedment".
I did, and the haiku above was my appraisal of flight.
In my comment, I told Robin that my task would be to find a photo that
fit my haiku her post inspired.

Update:

It seems as though my everlasting energy has caught up with me,
or maybe it's the weather - I don't know.
All I know is that I feel baaaaad.
Yesterday I stayed home on account of how yucky I felt.
Today is really no exception, but I dragged myself in.
Alright, enough whining from me....

Moments : Abyssal

Haiku Friday

Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it.
The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.

~Earl Nightingale~





My mind and spirit thank you all for the wonderful support,
I truly am grateful.

Have a lovely weekend, and go do something!

Degree of Inclination

wordless wednesday

Closer than I was yesterday......

Moments : Tranquilize

Haiku Friday


Sian planted a seed a few posts ago, which in turn, prompted this haiku.
Although it really started when Lydia posted a quote from Mother Teresa.

I constructed my Wordless Wednesday post around that lovely thought.
Inadvertently, I had created my interpretation of Mother Teresa's sage declaration.

I really enjoyed the chain reaction of inspiration that spawned from one simple concept.......
S I L E N C E.


Care to say your "peace" in the form of a haiku?

White Reveals, Black Conceals

{Let's Learn Photoshop Together}




This is what I did with the concrete texture from last weeks exercise.
See what Liss & Elizabeth did with the concrete texture and layers.


Last week we touched base on the basics of how to use layers. A handful of you expressed interest in following along, although I only received 2 links to pictures where you used the texture. If you're not ready to share I understand, but I strongly encourage you to participate when you get a chance. If you did happen to post a photo, but forgot to send your link, you are more than welcome to include it in the comment section of this post.

It takes very little time to sit down and discover what will open many doors for you when processing a photo. I know it sounds cliché, but really, the possibilities will become endless! Once you begin to understand the basics of layers and how they interact with one another, finding different ways to manipulate them is where the real fun begins.



There are other useful tools to be aware of when using layers that weren't addressed in those last two tutorials - this is what we will go over today.
Layer masks are a handy way of applying a certain effect to a particular area of a photo.
Sour Cherries (pictured below) was an instance where I used a layer mask.
I applied a texture to the photo, but I didn't want it to cover the cherries themselves, so I used a layer mask.



The video below is a pretty basic, but comprehensive tutorial on how to use layer masks.

This one is a useful tip on using quick masks, and is very short.

Below is a longer tutorial that will teach you various ways of using layer masks.
It may help to clear up a few things not discussed in the first video.
If you have more time, take a peek...

Don't forget, if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. Also, if you have something that you would like to learn, but don't want to spend the time digging around, send me your suggestions.

A good tip to remember from this weeks Layer Mask exercise is "White Reveals, and Black Conceals".

If you missed last weeks "Let's Learn Photoshop Together" videos, click here.

Moments : Lost in Reverie

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.
~Walt Disney~

I've been on this haiku kick ever since Jo invited us to write one to accompany some morning photos she took one day.
I was inspired to write this one after I read and contemplated the Walt Disney quote shown above.

When life gets in the way we can become overwhelmed, and discouraged.
Staying focused isn't always an easy task.

What has helped you to keep the dream alive?!

Moments : Stormy Weather

Today was sticky, rainy, and dreary.....
It's no surprise that I got sidetracked, and......
No excuses....

But I got the urge to work on some new stuff.......
The photo above was one thing I came up with.....
You could say, "It's Fresh"....haha....or not!
I also made an ArtCard and played with it in photoshop.....
I don't like it yet......
So I'll wait before sharing it with you :o)

Anyone have any "Moments" they want to share?

~Dainty White~

A flower's appeal is in its contradictions - so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance, so small in size yet big in beauty, so short in life yet long on effect.
~Adabella Radici~




It seems like it's been far too long since I've taken any TtV photos.
This is one I took a couple weeks ago with the Enigma shot.
As you can tell, some texture effects were added.
The flowers remind me of vintage lace, which is how I got around to adding those particular style of layers.
Dainty White was the magnet that Liss won in the contest - I think she'll like it!

Speaking of magnets, you six lucky winners will be happy to know I mailed the prizes to you today. Please let me know once you receive them. To those of you who weren't so lucky, bear with me, a BIGGER and BETTER prize giveaway is in the works. I don't have all my ducks in a row, yet, but soon! I know, I know, promises.....promises.

Oh yeah, and before I forget (since it's waaaay past my bedtime), I wrote an article about TtV that was published on the blog Words:Irrational. Alright, who am I kidding.....I have been working on this piece for Mr. A Marques for sometime now.....I can't help it, I'm slow! If you're interested in the technique you may want to have a read, I worked pretty diligently on this article.....so please do let me know what you think.
Be creative with old cameras - Through the Viewfinder

Sweet Treats

I bought cherries a week or so ago for the sole purpose of photographing them.
I have what you would call a 'thing' for cherries, particularly cherry related kitchen items.
For some time, I have said to myself that I needed to take some photos of the fruit to hang in my kitchen.
I finally did, and this one, in its TtV fashion happened to be my favorite.
Of course I put my newfound photoshop spin on it.

The name "Sour Cherries" comes from a song by one of my most favorite bands, The Kills.
How about I dedicate this photo to my most favorite girl, B. I can't wait for October!

Here is a very different cherry shot I posted over at the {366} blog.



Now, about the upcoming festivities......
I'm a little disappointed that I didn't get more of a fuss when mentioning a GIVE-A-WAY!
I mean, show a little excitement people?!?! haha
I suppose that I'm a little more excitable since I know what's in store.
I am feeling pretty darn generous too - just so you know!
Let's create some pandemonium here,
especially since the word FREEBIE is involved.
That is, unless you're not at all interested?!
And if that's the case......
that just means there is more for everyone else!!!
(insert evil laugh from The Count here)

~ E N I G M A ~

The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.
~Henry Miller~

Ever since my new photoshop layer obsession began a few short weeks ago,
I have gained a keener eye.
I have been on an endless hunt for textures, and have been pleasantly surprised with what I have found.


After Cody and I left the ASU library yesterday, to get some photoshop books (I know, it's bad),
I found myself looking at the seemingly unsightly concrete walls for the uneven crackles and colored splotches peppered throughout.
Heck, I was even taking photos of the rust, and drippy juice lines on the dumpster near by. Ewe, gross.....haha


On a regular basis I stop and take the time to see that which would normally go unnoticed.
But my newfangled fascination has me delving that much deeper.
I really needed this boost in creativity.
I hate to say it but I was beginning to get a little bored with what I was producing,
which might explain why my posts were getting a little sparse?!
I'm glad that I am more excited to share what I've been doing with my free time :o)

Think less....

Our time consumes like smoke, and posts away;
Nor can we treasure up a month or day:
The sand within the transitory glass
Doth haste, and so our silent minutes pass.
~Rowland Watkyns~






*I'm still practicing with photoshop a little.
Worrying too much.
Working on the next big thing?!
Looking forward to.
Getting further behind on, but
taking steps.....

~Love Notes~

Here is the first photo I told you about in the last post, which talked about me experimenting with photoshop.
The idea spawned from the background I used for the ArtCard shown below in this post.
The paper reads Je t'aime, which as some of you may know, means "I Love You" in French.

I knew I wanted those words merged with a photo.
Although I didn't know which photo they would work with, but after a little searching, I found one.
By itself, the photo was uninteresting.
After the additions, or let me rephrase that in photoshop talk, the layers really added a lot of interest to the TtV photo - in my opinion.
I really am in love with this photo now........hence the title "Love Notes".....

Update: This week has been somewhat of a blur........
I'll go ahead and confess now, instead of waiting until the end of the month......not just one, but two days this week went by without me taking a photo.
My first excuse being, I reminded myself before I started getting ready for bed, but somewhere during the brush my teeth, hair, yada yada drill......I forgot :(

The second excuse........yesterday was very rough and stressful for me......I'll spare you the details, but when I got home, I had a headache and was just exhausted! I passed out on the couch as I was resting my eyes around 6:30........I woke up somewhere around 7:30 and moved to the bed.......Cody woke me up at 9:45 to eat dinner......I stayed up till 11, then went back to bed.........Strangely enough......I woke up tired!?!?! I very rarely come home and go to sleep, my problem is usually going to bed too late. Last night was probably my body's way of saying, "Slow down, take it easy!".......

I'm so happy that tomorrow is Friday!! And am looking forward to some quality R & R this weekend. Sleeping out in the woods would be ideal.......we've been thinking about going camping. Who knows, we'll see, maybe the forecast will cooperate?






There is a pretty clear theme running through this post.
I'll let you decide what it may mean to you.
But I'll tell you how it started for me........
Do you remember me telling you about my new prompt for making ArtCards?
The Fortune Cookie Affirmation?
Maybe?!
Well, on top of amassing the cookie fortunes, I started saving the tabs from my yogi tea bags to put in the pot as well.
So that's why the piece of paper on the back of the card, is not rectangular like a fortune cookie fortune - in case you were wondering.
So this was my interpretation of the affirmation I pulled.
I know it's very Valentine's Day-ish, but that's just how it all came together in the end.





Shall we compare our hearts to a garden -
with beautiful blooms, straggling weeds,
swooping birds and sunshine, rain -
and most importantly, seeds.

~Grey Livingston~

Experimentation.......

It all started when I had an idea?!
I'll let you in on a little secret, I really suck at properly utilizing Photoshop.
That is until I get it in my head that I need to learn how to do ______.

View Large On White
*I thought I had this done so that the white border wouldn't show, I'll fix that as soon as I figure out how!!!

This is a package that is long overdue for some mention.
I received it in April before we left to go on vacation.
Johanna sent some of the most wonderful bits for collage and other 'mixed media fun'.

Last week, I pulled out a piece of paper to make a new Artcard (I'll post it this week).
Although I couldn't bare to cut away at the original piece of paper, so I scanned it in & printed a copy of it. As I made the card, the words on the page cried out to become more.






I thought, wouldn't it be great if I could incorporate these words into a photo?
And I know that layers exist, and I know that there are a lot of talented people who know how to use them. But I simply wasn't one of them.
I guess I just never really had the desire to learn - until now.
It was positively maddening for me to figure out how to do what I envisioned.
I googled, and googled......and after a few hours finally found a tutorial that I could wrap my head around.


I rushed over to photoshop, and proceeded to try out what I learned.
In the end I was satisfied with the finished project. Now, this is not the first picture from that night of discovery. I plan to post that one with the Artcard. However, this is my second experiment with layers, which included another photoshop trick I painstakingly had to figure out. I googled, and googled........but failed to find anything! I was very frustrated.....



(Original Shot)


I finally figured it out for myself.
But that was only after I had a headache and a huge knot in my right shoulder.
Otherwise, I was still beaming at what I accomplished.
What really surprises me is, that I stuck through long enough to learn what I needed.

It also reminds me: I have a lot to learn!