Photo Albums of Yesteryear ...

This afternoon the collective family in Spokane held its birthday bash for February-born members. It snowed, we were all bundled inside a small abode, photographs were being snapped by proud grannies amid the chaos and conversations. To which, someone quipped that the photographs would simply end up in some dog-eared old photo album.

It brought to my mind an interesting question. With digital photography and social networking as prevalent as they are, how many people still actually print out their family snapshots and stick them in a photo album, or even a shoe box? And generations from now, who and how will our progeny stumble across these old family photographs?

The times they are a-changin'

Today I was tinkering around with some shell photographs I had taken a couple of years ago. I wanted to see how various effects changed the visual impact of the image.



Watercolor Effect




Dry Brush Effect




Watercolor Effect




Contrast, No Effect Filter Used



Elephant? What elephant?

Still no project in mind; I'll just keep shooting photographs.

However, I was out driving around and parked along the side of the road. When I finished my errand, heading back to the truck, I saw this first photograph. Couldn't pass it up. (click)

The morning was frosty, and there was some frost caught on the woodgrain on the barrier posts. (click)

(click) (click) (click) I'll share those with you later.

But I forgot to mention that as of January 4, 2012 my baby boy, Owen Eugene West, is now 33 years young! What a blessing my sons are to me!

I know, I know! You want photographs not all this family schmaltzy-waltzy.

Photographs du jour:



This photograph and the next one
are of the wood posts to which metal roadside guards
are bolted.
These two posts were butted up one against the other.
In the next photograph the posts were corner to corner.
The frost doesn't show as strongly as I had hoped for.
c'est la vie

 

 and pachyderm ...

(edited with poster edge effect filter)

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



Day 344 or maybe 345 ... is it Sat or Sun?

In any case, my sister was busily decorating her living room Christmas tree today. She asked if I wanted to help, but although I was grateful to be invited, I seem to have become better as an observer. I'm not exactly "bah humbug," just preferred to watch as she carefully arranged the lights, hanging little ornaments that pleased her.

There were some obvious favorites: angels, mice, cows, little houses. She added ornaments gifted to her by friends and relatives. There was even a metal wire star I had made for her years ago.

She had ornaments crocheted by our Mom, which got us to reminiscing about the colorful bubbling oil tree ornaments we once had as kids, the green and red craft paper chains we made, popcorn garlands, used Christmas cards we cut apart, added TONS of glitter and recycled into ornaments. Mom even had discarded wallpaper sample books, from which we cut all sorts of things. Mom launched us early into the joy of crafting, making things with our hands, making re-use of all sorts of materials ... Oh! The crumpled up aluminum foil ball ornaments, with red glitter! Just remembered them.

It was a pleasant time spent. Thank you, Mel. Your tree is splendid and festive!

I'm uploading another ornament. It has no personal significance whatsoever, other than my son Paul's nickname is Ducky. No, I don't know how he came by the name; some things are best left unknown, especially regarding Paul. So, when I saw these ducky ornaments, I thought of Paul. This one's to you, son!



Ducky Santa has been edited with
a Watercolor Sponge effect



Homage to the unknown fountain maker

Today's upload is an edited digital photograph based on some brass fountain art I saw in Sandpoint, ID. I couldn't find the name of the fountain's creator, and I've monkeyed around with the image so much that I wonder if the creator would even recognize it.

But, I must give credit that the original water effect was created by someone and I appreciate their efforts.

Here's my take on it. I've changed shapes around and added color, and applied another effect filter.

Day 252 of  Project 365



Brassy Homage
iPhoto with Accented Edges effect