Today is Tomorrow ...

I got all set up to write my blog entry, thinking it was still today. But I wasn't paying attention and it is already tomorrow.

My sister has been busily and productively going through her house, organizing things and throwing away stuff she and Steve no longer need. I'm quite impressed. As I look around my room, it would definitely benefit from such industry and organization. Period. Good goin', Mel!

The main purpose of writing tonight is to right an egregious oversight. I went on and on about the Etsy treasury in which my violin photograph was featured, but I neglected to credit the curator, Laura Conowitch of Fabric Thread. http://www.fabricthread.etsy.com/  Thank you, once again, Laura!

I'm uploading three photographs today. The only thing they have in common is that they were all photographed at the same place.

My eye first went to the yellow on black in the residential driveway, then I noticed the stacks of firewood, and then walking back to my car I saw the cold foliage. Oh, I modify my statement, the other thing they have in common is that all are iPhotos.

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!

Time is a subjective measurement, right?

Okay, so I'm a tad late to have this qualify as yesterday's blog entry. But I've uploaded a new photograph to my Etsy store http://www.kweststudio8.etsy.com/ and I wanted to share it with you folks, too.

Actually, I also edited one of the Greek Orthodox Church photographs I included in day before yesterday's upload and I wanted to show how it transformed, too.

My head cold still rages, so I'm not out and about much of late, so am left to my own devices and gadgets indoors. Anyway, the malady, too, will pass and I'll soon be back out of doors.

Here are today's (yesterday's)



I edited this image of the Greek Orthodox Church
 with a Cutout effect




On this image, too,
I used an effect filter: Crisscross



A Bounty of Bondo Images

Mel knows about my predilection for dilapidated vehicles, so while we were out doing the monthly shopping, she took me by an old vintage truck she had previously noticed out by Airway Heights on the way to the Base.  Thank goodness it was still there. I've had so many instances where I thought I would come back to photograph something, but by the time I did so, the treasure trove was no longer there.

I was in luck! It was there, but since I didn't know I would be doing anything except shopping, I hadn't brought along my camera. What kind of serious photographer am I, anyway? Ah ha! The iPhone comes to the rescue once again!

I'll have to go back and take some better quality images ... hope it will still be there. But in the meantime, here are just a few of the shots I took. I was shooting into a strong, afternoon sun with no way to compensate.

There will never be an end to my Bondo Series of photographs. Hooray!

September 21, 2011

A Sure Sign ...

My son, Owen, sent a photograph to me today of his hairy face, with the caption "Starting the Winter Coat." Yes, a certain sign that summer is coming to a close. Of course, I wouldn't attest to that since Spokane is still sweltering with 90-plus degree days.

But it's coming. Halloween and and Thanksgiving merchandise already in the stores are vying for your dollars.

Today's photographs, however, have nothing to do with seasons, although they are the direct result of weathering. I came across some more Bondo Series candidates, and those are today's uploads. Enjoy!

September 12, 2011 (oh, and it's a full moon, to boot ... all together now 1-2-3-HOOOWWWWLLLLLLL)

These bumps inspired a bumpy treatment
in some sterling jewelry I'm making
One never knows
where one will next find a great idea!



iPhoto



iPhoto



Blinded Orchids

Mel was gifted a lovely orchid back in May, I think, and it is now in its second blooming. It's on the kitchen table and I delight in looking at it as I sit and savor a mug of hot, black coffee or enjoy a meal.

I shot this photograph in the afternoon, with the blinds mostly closed. I enjoyed the straight lines of the blinds contrasting with the sensuous curves of the orchids.

And ... because I'm having a helluva good time working with different effect filters, I applied a watercolor effect on this photograph.

Happy Thursday!

Day 251



Blinded Orchids
iPhoto w/Watercolor effect



Within a few blocks and farther a-field ...



Parasol Drum
iPhoto with Film Grain effect

 Today's photographs are inside and outside; here and there.

But first I have two Etsy treasuries in which my photographs have been featured, as follows:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQ0NzIzODF8NjcyMzk1MjUy/catching-fire

Catching Fire

Curator: Moody at http://www.mylittlethriftstore.etsy.com/

Photo: Harvest of Glass

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzYwNDkxOHw2ODI5NzU5NDI/waiting

Waiting

Curator: Heather at http://www.dylandogleash.etsy.com/

Photo: Beach Love

Okey dokey! The image shown above was photographed at Drop Your Drawers Thrift Shop, maybe 10 blocks away on Garland Avenue. I've shot a number of quirky things at that place. This shellacked paper parasol and big bass drum were on display and I've wanted to photograph them each time I go through the shop. It was difficult to decide how to photograph two large, round shapes and make it work. I think this works. Well, it works for moi! I applied a film grain effect because it was dark in the shop and this effect on this photograph lightened the parasol and added more yellow, and darkened the skin of the drum.

The photograph from farther a-field is a field farther away in the foothills east above Spokane. I could not resist the dark-light-dark-light and the red barn was a no brainer! Get that shot! Got it! This image, too, has benefited from the film grain effect, as it lightens the light area and effectively manages the darks.




Red Barn
iPhoto with Film Grain effect



Aloha!

No, I'm not in Hawaii, not headed to Hawaii, didn't think about Hawaii until just this moment. But, today's photograph is of pineapples I came across in the produce section of the grocery store, about as far away from Hawaii as one can be. Well, I suppose Spokane IS a lot closer to Hawaii than a good many other locations I could mention, or you could think about. But, enough with Hawaii already!

Pineapple, yes, that's the subject matter du jour! I found a whole slew of new effect filters, and I finally just had to chose one, and here it is.

But first, I have to share a little bit of humor--very little humor--about an e-mail notification I received today. It was from Etsy notifying me I had sold a photograph! Hip Hip Hallelujah, right? Wrong. Almost immediately I received an email from the Etsy buyer, begging my forgiveness. She thought she was buying some vintage bottles, NOT a photograph of vintage bottles. She asked me to cancel the purchase and refund her money. It would have been sad, if it weren't so gosh darn funny.  Well, it was sort of funny. So, I assured her I would do as she bid, although it is a very nice photograph.

But, such is the nature of sales.

Oh, PINEAPPLES!!!!!

Pineapples
iPhoto/Poster Edges Effect

Insomnia ...

Can't sleep, so what's a gal to do, eh? Pick up a camera, lie back, and click a photo or two.

Today's photographs are two shots of the lamp next to my bed. Surprised, huh? You thought they were zebras, right?

Well, some days are better than others ...

However, two of my photographs are included in new Etsy Treasuries.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTIzNzI0Mnw2NjEyMjM0ODk/kaleidoscope-chicken-toaster
Kaleidoscope Chicken Toaster
Curator: knme.etsy.com
Photograph: Burnt Truck 4 (Bondo Series)

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTYxMDA1NTV8NjY1Mzc0MDI5/just-some-of-my-personal-favorites
Just a Few of My Personal Favorites
Curator: Carol at http://www.oldiesshoppe.etsy.com/
Photograph:"Hobbit Chair"

and now back to today's upload ...

September 3, 2011


iPhoto




Effect Filter: Embossed
iPhoto



Rocket Bakery Garland

I love popping into small local coffee shops when I have the chance. I've driven by this little place on Garland every time I go check my post office box. I stopped in finally and found that it may have been very narrow across the front, but was long inside all the way to the back.

It was quiet and I practically had the place to myself as I sat and enjoyed my cup of coffee and a scone. All alone but for the man in the Hawaiian print shirt waiting for his wife to get back from looking at the Tinman Gallery just down the block, and the two folks at the counter who couldn't decide which baked good they wanted to order.

As I sat there, two elderly couples came into the place together and I overheard them talk with the barrista. The older man had once owned the bakery in that location decades earlier. He had helped build the place. One could tell he was quite proud of his accomplishment and it was an emotional moment for him to go through the establishment once again. He even wanted to go see the back of the building in the alley. Apparently he had a very prominent sign back there. It was gone, and he wasn't surprised.

It was so much fun vicariously enjoying the ex-baker's reminiscing. I also appreciated that the young barrista was very accommodating and encouraged the oldster's tale of long before she was born.

I felt very comfortable in this "little" neighborhood bakery. I took a number of iPhotos. Rocket Bakery on Garland in Spokane is one of about eight Rocket Bakery locations in Spokane.

Day 244



Front Window Seating




Regulars




Table I occupied. Don't you love the table surface?
Film grain effect



Color My World Vibrant ...

The landscapes I've been uploading are lovely and ... okay ... rather dull and lacklustre. We all need a little color in our lives. Today I craved color! AND something a little silly or out-of-my-ordinary ...

Day 240 of Project 365



Damsel Flies
Film Grain Effect




Window Garden




Orchids and Oriental Paper Lanterns




White Wicker Bouquet




The Purple People Eater
(Garland Day Vintage Car Show)



Marks of destruction

I frequently find my camera lens focusing on something that was bruised, dented, marred, defaced. I think perhaps it is the unexpectedness of it that attracts me. Yes, I admire and value smooth, polished perfection. BUT, there's an almost "Hey! Look at that! It's damaged, but it's so cool!"

Today's, er ...  yesterday's ... uploads are examples of those photographic subjects that I thought were cool, even though scored or scratched or such. 

You be the judge.

August 26, 2011 ... I'll add more for Saturday later in the day



Damaged metal guardrail




Same metal guardrail




Rockface scored to make room for a road




Bicycle tire marks on sidewalk
my favorite!



Spokane Landscapes NE

I wanted to drive to Sandpoint, Idaho and see what there was to see there. It's about a 90-minute drive from Spokane. I knew my sister had a day off, so Mel and Steve accompanied me. They hadn't been up there in years and we decided to make an afternoon of it and have a picnic at the lake.

My photo opportunities are different when I'm traveling with others, and I was in their car. I feel awkward shouting out, "Stop here! Immediately!" and then jumping out to snap some photographs. I like to take my time and mull it over if I have that luxury. Mel kept telling me to just let them know when I wanted to stop, but it just isn't a comfortable position to be in. If all three of us were photographers that would be a different situation, but only one of us was a photographer.

So, this trip to Sandpoint was strictly as a passenger in the backseat. I'm not complaining, it was interesting and I didn't have to drive ... although I love to drive. Sandpoint was interesting, although not much there other than the lake. We were just sightseeing, not fishing, swimming or boating, or attending any event.

My camera battery again pooped out on me, but I did manage to snap a few shots with my iPhone.

So, today's upload is of some landscapes I snapped with my iPhone from the backseat on the way back from Sandpoint, just northeast of Spokane.

August 23, 2011




Evergreens on a Hill
iPhoto




I rather liked the horizontal of the window
and the asphalt
iPhoto




Film Grain effect
iPhoto




This one I did crop off the road and car interior
iPhoto with Film Grain effect




 Photo was intentionally taken at a slant
to enhance that rolling impression
iPhoto with Film Grain effect



Fumus (genitive fumi) ablative fumo

Eh? Fumus ... Latin for smoke. Today's upload are things having to do with fumus.

I don't happen to be one who smokes, but there was a very short time as a young woman that I smoked a dainty little pipe. I stopped almost as soon as I started, as it didn't taste as good as it smelled.

I came across some objects lately that reminded me of a time long ago when my ex-husband smoked beautiful pipes. My sister, Joan, and her husband, Dale, are avid fans of a good cigar. I enjoy the aroma of pipe tobacco. Sometimes I like the aroma of a cigar. But I love all the accouterments and the rituals of smoking.

I still remember the sound of my parents clicking open their metal lighters with their thumbs, and the little flint producing a spark to light their Lucky Strike cigarettes. My son, Owen, has one of Dad's old lighters, a memento of the grandfather who died before Owen was born.

That first lighting of a cigarette smells familiar, comforting. After that first whiff, I have no use for smoking. Smoking is bad for your health, and second hand smoke is unhealthy for me.

But ...

Smoking is intertwined throughout our history. As an example, look at the old movies where everyone smoked, bad boys rolled a pack of cigarettes in their t-shirt sleeve, romantic leading men lit a cigarette for their love interest, soldiers lit a last cig for their dying buddy.

But ...

I'm not here to give a lesson in history. These were just thoughts that flit through my head when I saw and photographed the following images.

August 20, 2011



Thrift Store Pipes ... love the carved bear (?)




Cigar Boxes
iPhoto




Tobacco Shoppe Carved Indian
iPhoto




More Cigar Boxes
iPhoto



Cinder blocks a building make ...

Finished a neckpiece, finally, and went out for a little ride and change of scenery this afternoon. Ran some errands, checked my post office box, washed Hi Ho Silverado. Enjoyed my little roll through the Garland district. Don't know why those few city blocks beckon to me. But it was fun driving through today.

It will be closed off tomorrow for their annual parade and fun nonsense. I think I'll check it out.

One of the old brick buildings there has a rather fresh painting along the wall in the alley. I asked one of the folks about it and was told someone didn't quite make the turn and crashed into the building. I'll have to find out more details, but the building owner, if I understood correctly, decided to have a local artist adorn his reconstructed wall with a painting. I liked how the utility pole lines added a diagonal to the composition, and the cinder blocks also added more geometry.

Because I took a photo of this Garland building, I'm also uploading three other buildings I came across over on Market, which were vacant and falling into disrepair. Again, the repetitive pattern, the strong color fields, and their abandonment appealed to me.

I'm having a devil of a time with faltering camera and unreliable computer. I need to find another computer to see how these images appear on stable equipment. Bear with me as I wing it here, folks!

In any case, today's photographs are all four iPhotos:

August 12, 2011