February 28/11

I thought in my blog I would take at least one picture of myself every month.  Just to keep a picture diary of myself for the year.  Being that it is the last day of February, here it is... Not the greatest picture but nonetheless, me....

February 27/11

Winter has been soooooo long this year.  This picture reminded me of that...a lone swing waiting for a child to swing on it...waiting for spring...
I took this picture at a park that I used to play at as a kid.  Funny how some things never change...

Winter Swing

February 26/11

I was at my mom's this morning and took this picture of her peace lily plant.  Set against the colour of her wall, the flower just pops out. This is a new flower, which has not turned a white colour yet, thus the lime green.

Being inquisitive, I thought what is the origin of this plant?  The peace lily's Latin name is Spathiphyllum. Peace lilies are actually a tribe of flowers that are a part of the philodendron family. They are tropical plants that originated in Central America and the northern part of South America.  The white flowers on the Spathiphyllum, which may have called to mind the white flag of truce, are said to have inspired this plant's common name, peace lily. Environmentalists have celebrated the peace lily for its ability to clean the air, removing chemicals like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air. NASA conducted a study on houseplants and named the peace lily among the top ten plants for removing indoor chemicals and keeping the air “greener.”  You do have to be careful though because it can be toxic both to children and animals.

February 25/11

We had more snow last night, so today is just a simple picture of how pretty the snow makes the evergreens look.  That is why we have so many evergreens planted in our yard.  They stay a nice green colour all year round and the snow looks amazing on them.

Snow on Tree

February 24/11

It's that time of year again!! ROLL UP THE RIM...and this is definitely a good part of living in Canada.

#1  I love Tim Hortons coffee
#2  Getting to possibly win something while drinking Tim Horton's coffee is awesome
#3  Actually winning something is stupendous!!  (I am drinking my free coffee as I write this, with Bailey's of course) :))
So to those of my family who no longer live in Canada, I apologize for today's post and for enjoying it so much.  Next time we come and visit we'll bring Timmy's with us!!  p.s.  I'm really looking forward to winning the Toyota Matrix...I'll let you know tomorrow if I win anything today...
UPDATE:  I DIDN'T WIN TODAY :((  ...but there is always tomorrow :))



Timmy's 



February 23/11

It was gorgeous out today...sunny and bright!  I called Ashley (my daughter) and we went for a walk.  We passed by this doorway and I had to take the picture!!  Not only the colour but the hardware on it is amazing.  I really think a lot of thought goes into some entryways...you want them to feel welcoming and inviting.  Next time you are driving or walking, really take a look at some of the doors you pass.  You will be drawn to those with colour and character.

Yellow Door

February 22/11

This is Toby...my sister's bird.  He was so colourful I just had to take a picture of him!  And they are so smart.  He is only about 6 months old so he has a very long time to learn how to talk.  I didn't realize how tame they can actually become.  A very cool bird.

TOBY

February 21/11

So...the past couple of days I have posted pictures with green grass, succulents, etc.  Mother Nature is just teasing us with spring like weather.  Well, I have to remind myself that I do live in Canada, and the weather is unpredictable at times.  As you can tell by my picture today, we had more snow last night...another reminder that winter is not over!! However, I do love the contrast of the primary colours in this picture.

More Snow

February 20/11

Mark & I went for a drive this afternoon looking for a new house or lot to build one.  We were on a country road and passed by this old ornamental bike just resting against a pole at the side of the road.  I loved it.  I'm sure it looks much better in the summer when it has fresh flowers in it, but I still found it interesting.  And...we actually saw a building lot we are going to call about...

Bike

February 19/11

Today I went to a park that I have been going to since I was a kid.  We always went to feed the geese.  There are also swans there...Cindy you would know that considering we got chased in a canoe by them!! I was too scared to get close to one of those for a picture.  Maybe in the summer when I can make a fast escape!  Today the geese were just trying to keep warm as the temperatures have dropped and there are high winds. No matter what, you can see the geese here all year long. A familiar sight :)

Canadian Geese

February 18/11

It has been warm the past couple of days. So warm that most of the snow has melted.  Which is a relief considering how much we have had this year.  It made me want to go outside and take some pictures.  The fact that you can even see the ground and the colour green is great.  Forecast for this weekend...up to 15 cm of snow... :((

February 17/11

Today was an experiment with textures and colour.  I put a few things together...what do you think?  I like the blues, greens and creams together.

This & That

February 16/11

The only thing I can say today is that it was a beautiful sunrise today!! I stopped by the side of the road on my way to work to take this at approximately 7:15 am.  BEAUTIFUL

February 15/11

I stopped this morning to take a picture of this horse.  I drive by him every morning...he is a familiar sight. This farm had a fire a couple of years ago and people actually stopped and posted signs "Is the horse OK?". It made me ask, why do we get so attached to things we become familiar with?  There is actually something in social psychology called "the familiarity principle".  In studies of interpersonal attraction, the more often a person or thing is seen by someone, the more pleasing and likeable that person appears to be. The earliest known research on the exposure effect was conducted by Gustav Fechner in 1876.  Edward B. Titchener also documented the effect and described the "glow of warmth" one feels when in the presence of something that is familiar.  That's why I feel such a connection to this horse that I have never even touched before.  

Very interesting...



CLYDE



February 14/11

Photography isn't my only interest.  I love cardmaking and scrapbooking.  I thought I would take a picture of my craft workspace and utilize "depth of field" in the photo.  As you can see the background is blurry while the stamp and my punch are clear.  I also changed my lens.  I have been using my longer lens for quite a few of my pictures and thought I would go back to my 18-55mm.  I love being crafty!!

February 13/11

I had a 3 hour drive home today and I took a lot of back roads to see if I could find something interesting to photograph.  I actually turned around to take this photo.  Something about the tree and vines out front and the peeling paint...all combined I thought it was eerily cool.

Old House

February 12/11

Guess what I've been doing today....Painting!!!  I'm at Tyler (my son) & Dayna's helping them paint a few rooms. I don't love painting, but there is some instant gratification when you look at what you've accomplished.  The rooms look great!!

Painting

February 11/11

I'm at my son's this weekend (Tyler & Dayna's) and I can't get my pictures from today to download on his computer...so...this is actually a picture I took the other day.  I just liked how the red birdhouse stood out against the blue...and the leaves behind.  Hopefully I can figure out the computer glitch and have a new picture tomorrow.  Til then...keep warm!!

February 10/11

I was driving home late and I was thinking "what am I going to take a picture of today?" I turned down my street and this is what I saw...how could I not photograph this?  An absolutely beautiful sky.  And I was worried about colour in the wintertime!!

Blue Sky

February 9/11

I finally put some bird seed out yesterday and wow..I have a lot of hungry birds.  I had to take this picture through my back window as every time I tried to open the door they all flew away.  So, this is my first bird picture...I'm hoping to see a cardinal or blue jay soon.

February 8/11

I snapped this photo on my way home from work.  I love the look of horses outside with their blankets on.
They look so warm and content...which is exactly how I feel now that I'm home from work!!

Red Blanket

February 7/11

I said yesterday that I am getting tired of the snow and that's because it lacks colour.  So I came home today and tried to find something that had some colour to it.  These are my very old "carpet bowls".  Properly called a "carpet bowl" for the game of carpet bowling, the game is a variation of the more popular lawn bowling. While lawn bowling can be traced back to at least the 13th Century, carpet bowling was developed during the reign of Queen Victoria--1832-1901--as a more genteel form of outdoor bowls to be played in the parlor.  Very interesting.  These were found in my husband's grandmothers barn.  I just love the way they look and their history.

Anybody wanna go bowling?

February 6/11

I have not seen this much snow in years, and frankly, I'm tired of shoveling it!  We got another dumping of it last night.  Our neighbour was nice enough to use his snowblower on our driveway, but I had to do our walkway...again.  Took some pictures around the house of the snow.  I can't wait to take photos in the spring...all that colour that appears.  Til then...more snow :))

Too much snow...

February 5/11

I took this picture today of some trees and decided to have fun with the photo!  Because that's what photography is all about.  Experimenting with the pictures you take.  I did an "invert" of colours...makes for a completely different picture than what I took.  So another thing learned.  Have fun with your pictures!!

February 4/11

Now, I would like you to meet MY cat Gizzmo.  We got him when his previous family moved to England and couldn't take him.  That was about 12 years ago.  He loves the sun, and I love this picture of him sunbathing!!  Which makes me think...I want to be somewhere sunbathing!!

Enjoying the Sun

February 3/11

I know this picture could be perceived as "just a leaf".  But I loved the contrast between the blue sky and the colour of this leaf.  I took this at work today on my walk and what a bright sunny day!!  And I love the way the sun is hitting the leaf, it gives it so much dimension and shadows.  Again taken with my 55-300 mm lens.

February 2/11

Well, this picture basically sums it up...it is cold out!!  These icicles are hanging off my house and I just loved the way they look.  When you crop your photos it can make them look even more interesting. Post photo processing is also a way to really make your photos stand out.  Not that you want to do it for every picture, but it can enhance certain photos. Hopefully in the next couple of days I can post some sunny pictures again! Til then, stay warm...

Icicles

February 1/11

I have this statue in my garden.  Have had him for years and he always looks content, no matter what the weather.  I on the other hand want spring to come...I've had enough of winter!! We are supposed to possibly get 25-30 cm of snow tonight.  Come on spring!!!!

January 31/11

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day so I went for a walk on my daughter and son in law's property.  They have 11 acres, a majority of it being wooded lot.  It was just what I needed. I'm posting 2 pictures today beause I couldn't decide.  The first is of my daughter catching a snowball that just exploded when she caught it.  Very cool.  And the other of some grasses I thought looked awesome as well.  Both taken with my longer lens.  And again, the only way I got the shot of the snowball was to keep taking pictures!! You never know what you'll capture...

January 30/11

There is nothing as innocent as a baby.  My new nephew proved that today while he was "sleeping like a baby".  The picture of innocence.

"Sleeping like a Baby"

January 29/11

There is tons of snow falling today...a really pretty day.  I was driving down the road and passed by some trees where these red berries stood out like crazy.  I just had to take their picture.  They are struggling to remain on their vine even in the harshest of climates.  Reminds me of life sometimes...we do the best we can to hang on even in the hardest of times...and if we can just hang on...things will get better.

Hanging on

January 28/11

Today at work we welcomed our last Friday in January!  People brought in home made soups, we all got a pair of warm fuzzy socks, there was shuffleboard (with hockey sticks) and draws for some beautiful gift baskets.  Good end to a very cold, long January at work...

On to February

January 27/11

Lately I have taken a liking to vintage jewelry.  When I wear it I often think, who wore this before me and where has it been?  I love thinking of the stories that could be behind every piece.  And then I think, am I considered vintage now??

Vintage

January 26/11

Went to my first "tanning & eyelashes" party today! What fun...  Amy, who is my hairdresser and friend, had us over to cure the wintertime blues.  Lots of fun!  Made a mistake and forgot to take my smaller lens so couldn't get the shots I wanted tonite.  Another lesson learned - always take your camera bag when you take your camera!

January 25/11

I'd like you to meet Jet.  He is my daughters cat that I am watching/feeding for a couple of days.  This cat has more attitude than any other I have seen (except maybe Steve, that's another picture, another day)... I had to take this with my zoom lens as he kept wanting to eat the camera.

Whatch you lookin at??

January 24/11

Since I have been a kid, this has been my favourite country road.  Every time I drive down it, I feel like the trees are wrapping their arms around me.  I'd love to show you all of it, but this picture captures some of the feeling. Even at this time of year it makes me feel the same way... :)

January 23/11

A sunny winter day...love it!  Went for a drive today and found this wonderful little creek.

Sunny Winter Day

January 22/11

I LOVE, LOVE LOVE black & white photos.  So...here is my attempt.  No one home but me, so I'm the subject but I can't wait to take some pictures of my new little nephew next weekend.  I used my external flash for this as I couldn't get the pictures bright or vivid enough without it.  I also thought a lot of texture would be good, thus the curled hair, sweater and striped pillow..Any suggestions would be great as far as camera settings for the perfect B&W photo.

Black & White

January 21/11

I love close ups...they put things in such a new, different perspective.  I have winter arrangements on my front porch and this is a small part of them.  I love how the snow makes them look.  I took this with my 18-55 mm lens.

Winter Arrangement

January 20/11

I have decided my new favourite colour for spring (yes... I said spring!) is this cotton candy pink.
That doesn't mean I can't start wearing it now!!  Love it!

Cotton Candy Pink

January 19/11

My reason for starting this blog was to learn more about my camera.  One thing I have learned already is when you think you have a shot...take another picture!!  I used to be overly concerned about how my shot would look.  I would look at it right after snapping the photo.  But as my picture of the woodpecker shows, if I had of snapped more I would have gotten a better shot.  He was gone before I could take another one.  So..tonight I went around town and just kept taking pictures.  I like this one...

January 18/11

One of my new hobbies is card making...quite fun, but once I looked at this card so close up, I can see changes I would make next time.  Isn't photography wonderful?

Changes

By now, anyone who has looked at my blog has come to the conclusion that I can't make up my mind.  I keep changing the layout and design of my blog.  I just thought the previous versions were too busy when what I really want is for my pictures to stand out.  So...for now I think I have it...for now.
Oh I also changed the setting so anyone can make comments!!

January 17/11

I have had these succulent plants since my daughters wedding in September /10.  I'm amazed they are still living as I definitely don't have a green thumb.  Yet I am a certified floral arranger...hmmm...I'll let you know how they are doing in a couple of months....
Picture taken with my 18-55 mm lens.

Succulents

January 16/11

I got a new zoom lens, so just playing with it.  A Nikkor 55-300 mm.  Took this picture at a neighbour's bird feeder.  Wish I could have gotten closer.  So much to learn...



Red Headed Woodpecker



January 15/11

So cold out today and more snow!  What's more Canadian than playing pond hockey?




Pond Hockey

 

January 14/11

I took a photo course when I got my new camera.  I can't say it was the best course I ever took, but there was one thing I've been wanting to try.  Light painting!!  Here is my first attempt at it.  I'm sure my room could have been darker, but again, my first try.  Once practiced a bit more, I can see this becoming a fun thing to do in so many more applications.

January 13/11

It's that time of year again when I'm thinking "I really should get back on the treadmill."  After all the rum & eggnog and food I've eaten in the past month it's probably a really good idea.
We'll see how it goes :)


The Dreaded Treadmill



January 12, 2011

Ashley my daughter, and her husband Braden, brought me flowers, a bottle of wine and a homemade card that Ashley made.  Nice!!  Took the picture today!

First Picture Jan 11, 2011

Well, I thought what a better way to start than to put a picture of me the day I turned 50!!  On to a great year!!