Day 362 and it's raining

At least it's not raining cats and dogs. Just rain; better than snow. Last time I let Suki out back to do her thing, it appeared as though the rain and warmer temperature was melting the last of the snow.

However, I'm including a "snowflake" in one of the photographs. This kind of snowflake I can handle, thank you very much!

I stopped in Rocket Bakery on Garland for a medium mocha, extra shot, a day or so before Christmas. I love established neighborhood coffee shops, where regulars pop in and use their laptops in the back, while sipping their "regular." I don't know names yet. I don't stop in regularly enough to recognize or be recognized. However, I did ask the name of the manager so I can approach her after the holidays about the chance to display my photographs on the coffee shop walls.

Whilst there, I whipped out my trusty iPhone and clicked a shot or two, one of which includes the snowflake.

Well, get on with it, Kay! Quit your dilly dallying! Yes, ma'am.



Paper snowflake in front door
iPhoto Rough Chalk effect




The angles worked for me on this photo.
I loved the distressed paint on the handrail
iPhoto




I enjoyed how the light caught in the
carved details of the old buffet or sideboard.
I can envision my photographs
displayed on these
marigold color walls!
iPhoto



Day 358 AND the Day Before Christmas ...

Let me tell ya, I will be so glad when the holidays are over. I attempt to put some brakes on the mania, evoke some detachment, maintain some breathing space. Nonetheless, I get swept along with the take no prisoners momentum. My children are grown, although now I'm reluctantly guilt-ridden by not doing something special for my grandchildren who live at a distance. The days leading up to Christmas were fun when my family was young--and I was younger. The holidays still provides enjoyable experiences, but with less emphasis on the gift-giving, perhaps more enjoyment of the memories of traditions past. But, why fight it, eh? It's here, and it's almost over.

About a week ago, I went to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and did a little gallery hopping. Mel and I had lunch at Bonsai Bistro, which had been recommended by one of the gallery owners. I loved the shadows cast by the condiments, and was equally attracted to the angles and lines of the ceiling and lighting at the Spirit Gallery. The artwork there was well-executed, thoughtful, and provocative, so much of my attention was on the artwork. But then I looked up and started taking photographs.

Feast for the palate and feast for my eye!



Edited with an effect filter



Making Choices ...

I like mailing out a holiday greeting card implementing one of my own photographs. In all regards, I seem to have dragged my feet, or my butt, or both, this year. I suppose because it has been a regrouping, re-characterizing, trying to get a grip sort of year. (By the way, I've rather given up on trying to get a grip, as my hand gets so tired and it hardly seems worth the effort. So, I'm trying out going with the flooooooow. At times, it too is rather tiring. But I'm doing the best I can with what I have.)

And what I have right now are five or six different images I'm considering for The Holiday Card.

Because I'm lagging behind the tick-tock clock, I made a hard right into the World Market on Division in North Spokane. It struck me that they might have some interesting tree ornaments. I had a ball clicking away with my iPhone camera--of course, I hadn't given it forethought so didn't have my Canon--at all the traditional and non-traditional ornamentation.

I'll share with you the ones that did NOT get chosen. I want my family and friends to be the first to see The Winning Photograph. You understand, I'm sure. Yes?

Because I've been on an effects tangent, these images are no exception. They are all edited with one effect or another.

I have so much fun playing with such simple tools. I wonder what would happen if I expanded my meager knowledge and REALLY got serious about creating with my digital images. Oh La La!

But, I know have printed out my cards and am busily addressing and adding personal notes.

'Tis the Season!