Oh Shoot Week 2! Aperture!!

Oh Shoot! This class is great. I have learned more in two weeks taking this online class, than one year reading my "books". Goes to show I just learn better having someone walk me through it, whether on line video or in person.

So, week two was all about apertures... this is what I wanted to learn most! How to get the bokeh I desire (bokeh is photo slang for background fuzziness). :) see, I am even speaking the language!!!

Here is my homework!!

Closed Aperture

Open Aperture

Some practice shots!!!

Oh, Shoot!!!

I have started a new photography class, and am super excited. Yes, in my spare time, I will be doing homework once again. But luckily, this homework is fun and will only make my life more enjoyable... It drives me crazy to not understand why some photos turn out well, and others not.. and I know I have a great camera, I am just not using all its great features.. but in 8 weeks, that will not be the case.

Week one: Shutter speed. Here are my attempts at shutter speed..... Our homework was to take pictures of moving things at a fast and slow shutter speed....

slow:

fast:

this last one was a bit dark because my ISO needed to be increased... oh well, gotta learn some how. ;)

slow:

fast:

Also, we learned about panning and were supposed to practice this.. I actually thought these turned out pretty cool..

I am super excited to see what the next week brings...

Dear Abby....

I just returned from a long trip... My family went to Ohio and then to Texas.

Ohio is where my mom and my brother live. I have not been there to visit in a very long time, and it was the first time we had gone for more than a night. So, it was way overdue. I had avoided going for a long time, for many reasons that seem to long and complicated to list. Mostly it comes down my own feelings and trying to find ways to be there, enjoy our time, and not get wrapped up in issues of the past.

And, while I feel that was accomplished, I have come home with a heavy heart. Actually, with an ache in my heart. Not even sure I know what to say about it. Just that my heart hurts.

Pike Place Market

I.Heart.PikePlaceMarket!

Flowers....

So big, a little girl can barely carry them...

Pasta... Check out all the kinds of Orzo.... So many to choose from....

And the veggies and fruits.. Fresh, local, beautiful (and yes, my nieces are beautiful too).

What do I love more than Pike Place Market? Fresh Halibut from Pike Place Fish Market!! I didn't get any pictures of them throwing those babies, but boy, they are so yummy.

35 years...

So, today is my 35th birthday. Now, I must be honest, I am not one to get all worked up over the years nor really that excited about birthdays. I mean, after 16 and 21, they all started to run together.. :) I was not bothered by the big 3-0, nor am I bothered by 3-5..... At the same time, I am at a point to reflect on where I have been, where I am now, and were I see myself going.

I thought about listing 35 blessings I have or have had.. but really, there are so many I am not sure where to begin.

You see, I am living a very different life than I grew up experiencing, I am doing things I never thought I would do (firstly being a stay at home mom, among others), and am pondering what comes next for us... (no, I am not talking about baby number 3). I am not always content, but I am always happy. I am not the picture perfect mom, but I do my best and I love my children with everything I have. I know I am not always as patient with them or Kyle as I would like to be (a constant source of prayer...), but I know when to step back and breathe. Compared to others, I probably lead a boring life, but it is mine and I love it.

But I am not comparing myself to others. Life isn't about comparison (that is how we get into conflicts).

In 35 years, I have seen a lot, accomplished many things that I am proud of, and made many friends. I know my journey is not over and that there is a lot more left to do. I know that each day I need to be thankful for the moments and blessings. I plan to live a lot, laugh more and love mostest!!! :) Really, what else can we do?

Card Making

So, I was hoping to put these photos into a collage, but as you may have seen on my previous post, I am PSE illiterate..so, here are some pics of my recent card making adventures thanks to my Cricut Cutter....

Annoyed.

OK, so I bought PSE 8, figuring it would not be that hard to learn.... Now, I do not consider myself a computer wiz, but I feel pretty confident using most common programs. However, I am unable to figure out even the most basic things in this silly program. I even have a hard time getting photos to open. Seriously, am I getting too old? Thats it. I need a class. I know, a lot of friends have told me they can help me.. but there never seems to be the time to just sit down and play. AND, i dont even know what to ask or where to begin. So, now it is the time to take a class.

anyone know of a good class locally or online?