June 29, 2010
i can't help it
I have so many things I need to be doing, but I keep messing around with our camping trip photos. I just can't help myself!
ten on TUESDAY
1. Went camping this last weekend and just got back last night. Had a great time. Went to a campsite in the Sierra National Forest called Dinkey Creek. I really started enjoying myself once I found out there haven't been bears in those parts for years. Internally I breathed a huge sigh of relief and allowed myself to just enjoy the whole experience. I know that might sound strange because I do realize that there are those of you who WANT to see wildlife on a camping trip. But not me. I can deal with all the rest, but please, oh please don't let me see a bear.
2. Yes, my new blog banner was from the trip, on the first day actually. The kids are sitting right next to where our tent was about to go up.
3. So I got some really fantastic shots that I hope to soon share at some point... And I got some really crummy ones due to me just not paying attention to my shutter speed. On the one hand I am really disappointed with myself because I loused up what I hoped would go "big" on the wall maybe in the form of a canvas - there were certain shots that I intentionally set up and prepared for that just didn't come out. Bummer. On the other hand, I got some awesome snapshots that absolutely make my heart sing.
4. My husband says we just need to go back soon for a re-do on all the shots I messed up. Not totally against that idea. I could've stayed a week.
5. Okay, I realize every point involves camping somehow... Sorry. But guess what I did during our four day camping trip?! I read a book! Yes, I actually read a book, something I haven't done in a very long time. I read, and I'm almost embarrassed to say it, but I read Twilight. Okay, why would I be embarrassed? Because number one, I realize that I am the last one on the planet to have gotten into that book/story/movie etc. I feel a little dopey. My sister will be shocked when she finds out I finally read it. Secondly, I haven't really been interested in it. I really and truly felt it was a little teeny-bopperish. Sorry if that offends anyone. Thirdly, apart from being a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan once upon a time, I'm really not that interested in the vampire topic. I wasn't really enticed by that.
6. (Moving on to a sixth point because this is just too long to not break up...)
Why did I take that book? Well, once I realized I was going to be away from the internet, and email, and work for four days... and I was going to be in a really slow-paced environment where I should be able to relax... Well, I decided I should take a book. But what book? I think its kind of comical that my first choice was to buy the new Laura Bush book because I am really interested in reading that. Then I decided maybe I would just see what all the hooplah was about Twilight. I think what really pushed me forward was knowing that other moms from school loved the series too and it was those moms that lent me the first four books.
And what do I think now? Well, I wasn't disappointed and I am hooked. HOOKED. I was able to block out everything else going on around me and read at every chance I got. There I was in my tent at night with my lantern and book, not putting it down until my eyes got too heavy or the cold air became more than I could bear. I finished it this morning. I just couldn't put it down till I finished it.
Wow, I have seriously forgotten how great it is to read a good book, but definitely, having a large amount of time to do it is what I needed. Life is too busy otherwise.
7. So now I have two things that I'm fighting off doing because I seriously shouldn't be taking the time for: Finishing up my Desperate Housewives series - I'm in the middle of season four. And now reading the rest of the Twilight Series. I'm doomed.
8. Backtracking to last week, before the whole camping thing... Emma is officially now a First Grader. She had the best year in Kindergarten. Her teacher was awesome and Emma was like a sponge, just soaking it all in beautifully. Her notable accomplishments: She was given the first Student of the Month award for her Kindergarten class back in September, she completed all thirty-two of the sight word lists (thirty of those lists are first grade sight words), and she was given one of the major roles in their end of the year Kindergarten opera. Oh yes, my daughter had a singing role in the play and it was awesome (if not nail-biting for this mama) to watch. It was just a super terrific year and we are so very proud of how far she has come.
9. My husband has the whole week off this week! What a great way to kick off our summer!
10. I'm happy to be home. I'm anxious to catch up on work stuff so I can work on personal photos. I'm excited to make summer plans with friends, new and old. And hey, my favorite holiday is not even a week away!
2. Yes, my new blog banner was from the trip, on the first day actually. The kids are sitting right next to where our tent was about to go up.
3. So I got some really fantastic shots that I hope to soon share at some point... And I got some really crummy ones due to me just not paying attention to my shutter speed. On the one hand I am really disappointed with myself because I loused up what I hoped would go "big" on the wall maybe in the form of a canvas - there were certain shots that I intentionally set up and prepared for that just didn't come out. Bummer. On the other hand, I got some awesome snapshots that absolutely make my heart sing.
4. My husband says we just need to go back soon for a re-do on all the shots I messed up. Not totally against that idea. I could've stayed a week.
5. Okay, I realize every point involves camping somehow... Sorry. But guess what I did during our four day camping trip?! I read a book! Yes, I actually read a book, something I haven't done in a very long time. I read, and I'm almost embarrassed to say it, but I read Twilight. Okay, why would I be embarrassed? Because number one, I realize that I am the last one on the planet to have gotten into that book/story/movie etc. I feel a little dopey. My sister will be shocked when she finds out I finally read it. Secondly, I haven't really been interested in it. I really and truly felt it was a little teeny-bopperish. Sorry if that offends anyone. Thirdly, apart from being a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan once upon a time, I'm really not that interested in the vampire topic. I wasn't really enticed by that.
6. (Moving on to a sixth point because this is just too long to not break up...)
Why did I take that book? Well, once I realized I was going to be away from the internet, and email, and work for four days... and I was going to be in a really slow-paced environment where I should be able to relax... Well, I decided I should take a book. But what book? I think its kind of comical that my first choice was to buy the new Laura Bush book because I am really interested in reading that. Then I decided maybe I would just see what all the hooplah was about Twilight. I think what really pushed me forward was knowing that other moms from school loved the series too and it was those moms that lent me the first four books.
And what do I think now? Well, I wasn't disappointed and I am hooked. HOOKED. I was able to block out everything else going on around me and read at every chance I got. There I was in my tent at night with my lantern and book, not putting it down until my eyes got too heavy or the cold air became more than I could bear. I finished it this morning. I just couldn't put it down till I finished it.
Wow, I have seriously forgotten how great it is to read a good book, but definitely, having a large amount of time to do it is what I needed. Life is too busy otherwise.
7. So now I have two things that I'm fighting off doing because I seriously shouldn't be taking the time for: Finishing up my Desperate Housewives series - I'm in the middle of season four. And now reading the rest of the Twilight Series. I'm doomed.
8. Backtracking to last week, before the whole camping thing... Emma is officially now a First Grader. She had the best year in Kindergarten. Her teacher was awesome and Emma was like a sponge, just soaking it all in beautifully. Her notable accomplishments: She was given the first Student of the Month award for her Kindergarten class back in September, she completed all thirty-two of the sight word lists (thirty of those lists are first grade sight words), and she was given one of the major roles in their end of the year Kindergarten opera. Oh yes, my daughter had a singing role in the play and it was awesome (if not nail-biting for this mama) to watch. It was just a super terrific year and we are so very proud of how far she has come.
9. My husband has the whole week off this week! What a great way to kick off our summer!
10. I'm happy to be home. I'm anxious to catch up on work stuff so I can work on personal photos. I'm excited to make summer plans with friends, new and old. And hey, my favorite holiday is not even a week away!
May 26, 2010
today's ten
1. I suck at blogging. I really do. And it makes me sad. It's something I want to do and think about doing all the time, but something holds me back from just letting go and doing it. From making it habit. I found a stack of random lists on my desk of things to blog about that are at least a couple months old. Oh well.
2. But I'm rocking my photo-of-the-day blog and Project Life album! I took that project on at the beginning of the year telling myself that if I do nothing else with my photos this year, but at least keep up with Project Life, I would be happy. Once a month I go to a crop night and I catch up with a month's worth of photos in the album. I am up to date through mid-May and I LOVE it.
3. We are still lost in LOST. There are things, lots of things, we don't understand in the wrap-up. Not everything was explained - there were too many loose ends that I'm sure they didn't know what to do with. My husband and I agonized over the finale for at least two days and we're still talking about it. He has had a harder time than I with letting it go. At first he was mad - mad that they didn't explain everything. Together we have been working out the story, coming to our own conclusions, and beginning to accept the way it ended. Now I think he's mourning it. He keeps bringing up how sad it is that they all died. How it was such a waste that they were on that island, etc. I don't quite feel that way. They found much more on that horrible island then they would have if they had made it back home. They found love and friendship which brought meaning to their lives. It wasn't a waste. Ending this story is like reading a good book that you can't put down but are oh so sad to end once you get to that last page.
4. Like I said, we are still lost in LOST... We were really bummed that it wasn't on last night. We miss it already.
5. My aunt Socorro is going to pass away any day now. The kids and I went to see her on Monday to say our good-byes. I feel grateful that I could be there, sharing those last moments with her. This is the first aunt or uncle to go since my mom died 13 years ago. It was hard and I feel for her kids. I've been there. I know how hard it is to watch someone go. Sadly, I know the other side of it too and the worst is yet to come for them. My prayers go to all of them. May they find peace and joy in these last moments with their mom.
6. Emma had her dance recital last weekend and it was really great. She has come a long way even since last year and I am very proud of her. Can't wait to share photos.
7. Speaking of photos, I'm currently backing up our family photos. I always feel so good when I catch up on this task! And I'm not done yet. Unfortunately, I wait too long in between and I need to get on a better schedule because you just never know what might happen. In case anyone is wondering what I do with the thousands upon thousands of photos that I take... I burn two sets of DVDs - one set stays at home and the other set is stored at a friend's house. I also back up to an external harddrive. The external is what I use to easily access my files because its all in one place. But if that is ever stolen, then I have a set on DVD.
8. I can't believe the school year is almost over. I don't want Kindergarten to be over. That means my little girl will be on the big playground next year. It means I have to let go just a little bit more. It means she's growing up. I have a love/hate relationship with that concept.
9. One of my very favorite photographers, Erin Cobb, just announced she will be in SoCal next year. I would LOVE to have her photograph my family, especially at this time in our lives as a young family. And to meet her in person would be awesome.
10. And I can't think of a tenth. How sad. But at least I blogged. I'll be happy about that! :)
2. But I'm rocking my photo-of-the-day blog and Project Life album! I took that project on at the beginning of the year telling myself that if I do nothing else with my photos this year, but at least keep up with Project Life, I would be happy. Once a month I go to a crop night and I catch up with a month's worth of photos in the album. I am up to date through mid-May and I LOVE it.
3. We are still lost in LOST. There are things, lots of things, we don't understand in the wrap-up. Not everything was explained - there were too many loose ends that I'm sure they didn't know what to do with. My husband and I agonized over the finale for at least two days and we're still talking about it. He has had a harder time than I with letting it go. At first he was mad - mad that they didn't explain everything. Together we have been working out the story, coming to our own conclusions, and beginning to accept the way it ended. Now I think he's mourning it. He keeps bringing up how sad it is that they all died. How it was such a waste that they were on that island, etc. I don't quite feel that way. They found much more on that horrible island then they would have if they had made it back home. They found love and friendship which brought meaning to their lives. It wasn't a waste. Ending this story is like reading a good book that you can't put down but are oh so sad to end once you get to that last page.
4. Like I said, we are still lost in LOST... We were really bummed that it wasn't on last night. We miss it already.
5. My aunt Socorro is going to pass away any day now. The kids and I went to see her on Monday to say our good-byes. I feel grateful that I could be there, sharing those last moments with her. This is the first aunt or uncle to go since my mom died 13 years ago. It was hard and I feel for her kids. I've been there. I know how hard it is to watch someone go. Sadly, I know the other side of it too and the worst is yet to come for them. My prayers go to all of them. May they find peace and joy in these last moments with their mom.
6. Emma had her dance recital last weekend and it was really great. She has come a long way even since last year and I am very proud of her. Can't wait to share photos.
7. Speaking of photos, I'm currently backing up our family photos. I always feel so good when I catch up on this task! And I'm not done yet. Unfortunately, I wait too long in between and I need to get on a better schedule because you just never know what might happen. In case anyone is wondering what I do with the thousands upon thousands of photos that I take... I burn two sets of DVDs - one set stays at home and the other set is stored at a friend's house. I also back up to an external harddrive. The external is what I use to easily access my files because its all in one place. But if that is ever stolen, then I have a set on DVD.
8. I can't believe the school year is almost over. I don't want Kindergarten to be over. That means my little girl will be on the big playground next year. It means I have to let go just a little bit more. It means she's growing up. I have a love/hate relationship with that concept.
9. One of my very favorite photographers, Erin Cobb, just announced she will be in SoCal next year. I would LOVE to have her photograph my family, especially at this time in our lives as a young family. And to meet her in person would be awesome.
10. And I can't think of a tenth. How sad. But at least I blogged. I'll be happy about that! :)
March 24, 2010
our favorite people
To say that we like our almost weekly lunch dates with Jerrie and Dennis is an understatement. We LOVE our lunch dates. We look forward to and cherish every moment we can get with two of our very favorite people in the whole wide world.
Obviously, not just speaking for myself.
I definitely said "we".
Jerrie IS Wonder Woman, by the way. Just in case you were wondering.
I think its safe to say that the feeling is mutual, not to be presumptuous or anything...
January 26, 2010
Project Life Tuesday [week three]
I know, I know, again with the Project Life? The idea behind Project Life is so very cool. And simple. And do-able. It feels very satisfying to be accomplishing something with my photos... It has been years since I have not only scrapbooked in a consistent way with my photos, but probably the first time I've been able to tell a story with them that is in the here and now. Half the time I scrapbook without completing the journaling because "I'll go back and do it later". Sadly, I rarely do.
(I am caught up on my Photo of the Day blog through last Saturday - this is where I post my photos that I'm using in this project, along with the journaling.)
I took some shots today of the first five pages in our 2010 album - I've done 2.5 spreads so far. I wanted each spread to run Sunday to Saturday, so the first page was a single page and only covers the first two days of 2010, Friday and Saturday.
I first want to say that I am so far pleased with the results. It was so great to just put my photos in for the week, journal and essentially be done. I also want to say that I'm still figuring out how I want to do things. For instance, I haven't labeled the title cards - I'm not sure if I want to use the included date stamp or if I want to use my own date stamps. There are other things which I'll point out as I share what I've done so far...
January, week one:
I used one of the decorative cards meant for the front and back pages of the book because I don't plan on using them for that purpose. Not sure if this one will stay, but its fine for now.
January, week two:
Page left ~ The bottom left slot is not complete - The bottom corner photo actually goes with the middle left photo directly above it. What I plan on doing is adding a filler paper or card where the white hole is.
Page right ~ I'm missing a photo on the top because the photo was taken with a friend's camera on the fly. I want to see that photo before journaling it. The bottom 4x6 slot will actually list our hopes and goals for 2010 as a family. Again, not sure how to put it there, but leaning towards printing something out on the computer instead of handwriting it. Not sure yet...
January, week three:
My most complete spread so far. I actually really love looking at this spread because its the most pleasing to the eye. Got in all my photos and journaling. I love the photos and how they came together. By this time I also was in the groove of writing out the journaling cards and figured out how I preferred to set the journaling cards up.
Some thoughts on the process... Still trying to figure things out. Still trying to figure out what I like, what's working for me and what's not. ~
I know some people choose their cards randomly and don't worry about colors going together. That's not me. Coordinating in color is less distracting to my eye. I so far have purposely coordinated the elements in each spread to match. Just my preference.
I haven't yet had a week where there is a photo for every single day. And I am totally cool with that. And this sort of lets me add more photos for the days where more is going on, like on the weekends. Also, its hard only choosing one photo on some days so you'll notice that sometimes I split the space to accomodate more that one photo for a single day or I put an extra photo in the smaller middle spots.
I'll be honest, I hate having to handwrite. Before actually putting my first pages together, I decided that I was going to force myself to handwrite because it would be important for my children to see it later in life. That it would be more meaningful. But it is a very painful process for me. And besides that, it is very distracting for me when I look at my pages. It looks too busy. I also find that the designs on the cards are distracting. I wish Becky had included some plain cards (grid pattern only) instead of all of them having a design. So that combined with my handwriting bothers me. Oh, and handwriting doesn't allow me to tell the whole story in many cases which also bothers me. Not enough room.
I found this blog post by Ali Edwards last night and I loved reading and looking at how she is doing her Project Life. She's just brilliant. She's typing her cards out, which I LOVE. So clean. She's also adding "stuff" like receipts, clothing tags, lists, etc. I save all that "stuff" too! I save it with the intention of incorporating them on my layouts. Maybe this is where I start doing that too...
I wanted to share one more thing that I've been doing... This is my next layout which was last week ~
I created a template of a spread in Photoshop with clipping masks. The template starts out with black boxes where the title card, photos, journaling cards, and filler cards will go. I place my photos in the spread, along with mock title cards and so forth, play around with placement, and then the page is set up for me.
Might be totally overboard for other people, but this is how my brain works. This helps me figure out how to size my photos for printing. I can place the cards exactly how I want them while waiting for my photos. Really I should also write out my journaling at this point.
Becky Higgins is also offering a digital book version of this product. The plan is that this book will be my hardcopy and then I will create a digital book version for each of the kids. I am so excited about this idea!
Oh my goodness, can't believe I did a whole post on this. I'm loving it. Truly truly loving it. And I know my family will too.
(I am caught up on my Photo of the Day blog through last Saturday - this is where I post my photos that I'm using in this project, along with the journaling.)
I took some shots today of the first five pages in our 2010 album - I've done 2.5 spreads so far. I wanted each spread to run Sunday to Saturday, so the first page was a single page and only covers the first two days of 2010, Friday and Saturday.
I first want to say that I am so far pleased with the results. It was so great to just put my photos in for the week, journal and essentially be done. I also want to say that I'm still figuring out how I want to do things. For instance, I haven't labeled the title cards - I'm not sure if I want to use the included date stamp or if I want to use my own date stamps. There are other things which I'll point out as I share what I've done so far...
January, week one:
I used one of the decorative cards meant for the front and back pages of the book because I don't plan on using them for that purpose. Not sure if this one will stay, but its fine for now.
January, week two:
Page left ~ The bottom left slot is not complete - The bottom corner photo actually goes with the middle left photo directly above it. What I plan on doing is adding a filler paper or card where the white hole is.
Page right ~ I'm missing a photo on the top because the photo was taken with a friend's camera on the fly. I want to see that photo before journaling it. The bottom 4x6 slot will actually list our hopes and goals for 2010 as a family. Again, not sure how to put it there, but leaning towards printing something out on the computer instead of handwriting it. Not sure yet...
January, week three:
My most complete spread so far. I actually really love looking at this spread because its the most pleasing to the eye. Got in all my photos and journaling. I love the photos and how they came together. By this time I also was in the groove of writing out the journaling cards and figured out how I preferred to set the journaling cards up.
Some thoughts on the process... Still trying to figure things out. Still trying to figure out what I like, what's working for me and what's not. ~
I know some people choose their cards randomly and don't worry about colors going together. That's not me. Coordinating in color is less distracting to my eye. I so far have purposely coordinated the elements in each spread to match. Just my preference.
I haven't yet had a week where there is a photo for every single day. And I am totally cool with that. And this sort of lets me add more photos for the days where more is going on, like on the weekends. Also, its hard only choosing one photo on some days so you'll notice that sometimes I split the space to accomodate more that one photo for a single day or I put an extra photo in the smaller middle spots.
I'll be honest, I hate having to handwrite. Before actually putting my first pages together, I decided that I was going to force myself to handwrite because it would be important for my children to see it later in life. That it would be more meaningful. But it is a very painful process for me. And besides that, it is very distracting for me when I look at my pages. It looks too busy. I also find that the designs on the cards are distracting. I wish Becky had included some plain cards (grid pattern only) instead of all of them having a design. So that combined with my handwriting bothers me. Oh, and handwriting doesn't allow me to tell the whole story in many cases which also bothers me. Not enough room.
I found this blog post by Ali Edwards last night and I loved reading and looking at how she is doing her Project Life. She's just brilliant. She's typing her cards out, which I LOVE. So clean. She's also adding "stuff" like receipts, clothing tags, lists, etc. I save all that "stuff" too! I save it with the intention of incorporating them on my layouts. Maybe this is where I start doing that too...
I wanted to share one more thing that I've been doing... This is my next layout which was last week ~
I created a template of a spread in Photoshop with clipping masks. The template starts out with black boxes where the title card, photos, journaling cards, and filler cards will go. I place my photos in the spread, along with mock title cards and so forth, play around with placement, and then the page is set up for me.
Might be totally overboard for other people, but this is how my brain works. This helps me figure out how to size my photos for printing. I can place the cards exactly how I want them while waiting for my photos. Really I should also write out my journaling at this point.
Becky Higgins is also offering a digital book version of this product. The plan is that this book will be my hardcopy and then I will create a digital book version for each of the kids. I am so excited about this idea!
Oh my goodness, can't believe I did a whole post on this. I'm loving it. Truly truly loving it. And I know my family will too.
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