My daughter, the Dance Teacher!

Daughter L teaches modern dance. She wanted me to take pics at one of her rehearsals for the big earthdancers show**. First time I've used the Pentax in this situation. Really had to bump up the ISO to 800 & 1600 for some. Ran them through Noiseware, but I'm generally pleased. All of them hand held, natural light, Av mode around f 4-5. No signed releases, so the faces are blocked.

A faster lens would have been SO much nicer! Perhaps a fixed aperture one or a variable? I'm so lens-challenged! Any suggestions?
Tell me what you think!


**p.s. Those are my pics on the earthdancers website!

The Games we Play

I love GAMES. Board games, card games, action games, any games [except Checkers...hate Checkers!!] :) Some of my favs are Scrabble, Cribbage, Rummy-Q, Balderdash, Scattergories, Pit....ah, the list is endless!
Unfortunately, it takes a LOT to convince my family to play anything with me. :(
Here's a pic from last month when my girls had friends over to play Crokinole.
SURE - play with the friends but not with Mamma!

Things that Make my Life Easier!

The POTD theme this week is to post objects of things that make your life easier. I'm gonna blog about how much I don't LIKE the new products that are out there that are SUPPOSED to make your life easier. I say, meh.

A lot of people have posted dishwashers, washers, dryers and appliances! Sure, I'm glad that I don't have to scrub my clothes on a washboard, or put them through a ringer like the 'olden days', but I love to hang my clothes out on the line. It does take a little longer, but at least I'm outside in the fresh air instead of my cold, dark laundry room! I can't wait to start doing that again once the temps go above freezing! The clothes not only smell better to hang them outside, but I find it much easier to fold them from the line than from out of a dryer!

As for dishwashers, some of you might be shocked to hear that I DON'T WANT ONE. My mom had one at our house when I was a teen. I remember the pain in the neck it was to roll out the washer [ours wasn't built-in], hook it up to the kitchen tap, then wait for the noisy cycle to be over, roll it back, empty the dishes, yadda, yadda, yadda. You call that easy? I'd rather wash dishes by hand while chatting with my family as they help dry and put away. Our first two houses had dishwashers and it was the first item that I got rid of. Nope, no dishwasher for me. Ever.

What's up with all those Swiffer products? It upsets me that with the state our world is in regarding waste and pollution that manufacturers are still making garbage-producing products!! I refuse to buy items that create more trash and waste. Each one of those little Swiffer wipe thingys have to be thrown away. And the bag that they come in. A broom, dustpan and cloth is what I use... and a bagless vacuum cleaner for my carpet.

I haven't bought a single bottle of Pledge or Fantastik or any other cleaning product in over 25 years. Most of the over-the-counter products are mostly water and few other ingredients. Some are extremely toxic. I make my own cleaner. It's all purpose and much safer... and cheaper, than the bought ones. My cleaner, a piece of newspaper, or a rag is all I need to make my house shine!

Convenience foods are supposed to make our life easier, give us more time for our families. That's all fine and dandy, but our children's lives won't be very easy if they have to live in a world full of health related problems from too many over-processed foods that are full of trans-fats, too much sugar and zero nutrition. Sure, that single-wrapped weiner is handy and cooks fast - but yuk! Pre-packaged everything, single-wrapped weiners, pre-cooked bacon, pre-cut/diced/sliced/chopped foods! I prefer natural foods that cook on the stove in the natural amount of time. I like to buy whole foods and foods without additives and junk. Sure, I love the odd chocolate bar or bag of chips, but I like to think that I'm a wise consumer when it comes to healthy eating... and recycling! I recycle EVERYTHING I possibly can.

I'll get off my soap-box now. I just couldn't for the life of me think of anything to take a picture of that makes my life easier. That's not to say that I don't appreciate having a vehicle to get me where I have to go, or a TV that entertains me, or a washing machine that cleans my clothes. It's just that all those items are a part of my life. I chose to have them. And I choose what NOT to have too!
I'll stop now before I get too carried away!! ha ha

The End!

p.s. Is there anybody else out there like me??

My Daughters

I had a little mini-shoot with my girls. The weather was warm and I wanted to practice with my camera outdoors. I set the White Balance which really made a huge difference. I don't shoot in RAW, so I still had to do a little PPing, but just a slight colour and curves adjustment. I took about 65 pics and these are a few of my favs.

L - Daughter #1








M - Daughter #2







Gracie - Daughter #3, 3 yrs. old.

My Collection

I love retro stuff. Perhaps it's because I'm still a hippy at heart, but I always seem to be drawn to retro decor and retro items! Since my house isn't really suited for retro decor, I have one room where I display my collection of old stuff. My office. I also want to decorate our cottage with retro stuff - especially RED things!



Some of the things are hand-me-downs from my family, like the bowling shoes. They were my dad's. I also have his personalized bowling ball.



This shirt was a favourite of mine when I was a young teenager! I LOVED that shirt and wore it all the time. I couldn't bear to part with it when I grew out of it. It's hanging on a hangar that was made for me when I was a baby.

This cooler and thermos will likely find a new home when the addition is finished at the cottage. I want to bring my 1930's Hoosier cabinet there and it will nicely display my retro stuff!

Snow Day

We had wicked winds and blizzard conditions today. We are still well below the normal amount of snowfall this year, but I hated to see the storm. I am just so anxious for spring! I really can't complain though because it has been such a mild winter with very little snow! I usually love to shovel the driveway. I can remember some winters where I was out there shoveling practically every day. It gave me a bit of fresh air and some exercise too since it usually takes me about 20-40 minutes to do the whole driveway plus two walkways. Today though there was too much heavy snow, so D took out the snowblower!
It's stopped for now, but the forecast calls for another possible 10 cms. Ugh.

My Morning Latté

My morning latté is definitely all about me!

I can't remember when it was when I first tasted a true latté. Not those oversweetened packaged things or the ones from the machine at Timmie's...I mean the real espresso ones. Mmmmmmm-mmmm-mmmm.

I think the first specialty coffee I tried was in Toronto at a Second Cup Café. I ordered a medium cappuccino, not really knowing what to expect. It was good, but there was too much foam for my taste. Not knowing any better, I continued to order caps like that. I was an espresso newbie back in the day.

Fast forward several years....... I experimented with caps and lattés, [I sound like some sort of addict don't I?!] By this time we had a few Second Cup Cafés here in town and they enlightened me to the fact that I could request my lattés without foam! Now, that was better! So, each time I was in the mall, I would treat myself to a delicious latté.





After a few years of that I realized that I sure would enjoy a latté every morning...in my own house! DH bought me an espresso machine for Christmas one year. It was the steam operated type. Well, after a few near burns and explosions, I realized that the steam machine was an accident waiting to happen. I returned it and bought a Pump driven espresso machine. I still have that machine today. It's about 15 years old. I have replaced only one part in all these years.





I even became a certified Barrista when I went to work at Second Cup! I worked there for over four years and because we were allowed as many free drinks as we wanted, I got to learn how to make my lattés just the way I like them. Double shot, non fat, no foam, extra-extra hot!




Now that the Second Cups in town have closed down [BOO to Tim Horton's for being such a bully] we treat ourselves to Starbucks once in a while, but I still use my trusty Briel espresso machine every day!!!

My Weekend at the Cottage

I guess if I'm to stick to the POTD theme, I would say that my cottage says a lot about me. Outdoors, peace, fresh air and contentment surround me when I'm there. And of course, my family!!

Both daughters and their boyfriends spent the day with us. We had a campfire outside and roasted weiners and Kolbassa. Did a little ice fishing - no bites. The best event was our annual Ski-bogging fun. We hook up the water-ski rope to the back of the snowmobile, hop on the toboggan and go for a ride! WHEEEEEEeeeeee! Too fun. Safety is always at the top of the priority list, so helmets are worn by all and speed is kept to a comfortable pace.

It was also M's 24th birthday on Saturday, which made it an even more special day!

Gracie couldn't sleep in her usual spot, so we let her sleep on the lazyboy on her doggie bed. What a lazy a$$ dog!!...and SPOILED!

And that's ME in the fur hat [from the thrift shop -- I would NOT, EVER buy fur new - ONLY used] and the retro 1970's Skidoo suit!

I am really pleased with the shots I got this weekend. It's the first time I've really been able to snap away while outdoors because it's been so cold.

What do you think of these? HHCC always appreciated, or just leave a comment!

Signs

Here's a sign that is right next to STARBUCKS. I snapped this while DH went in to get his coffee on our way on our road trip the other day.

Hmmm. No snow that day, but there sure is now! We're in the middle of our 2nd blizzard of the WHOLE season. Not much accumulation, but very blustery.

Ciao La!

My Backyard Critter

This little critter makes my dog's day. If she sees it while she's outside, you know she has because of her happy bark! Her tail wags to beat the band and you can even see a smile on her face!

When I walked into the kitchen today, the squirrel AND a Mourning Dove were sharing the feeder. Of course, as soon as I picked up the camera, the Dove flew away. That would have made a great shot. Maybe next time!

My OPINION

PRO or not to PRO - the ongoing debate!

To start, I want to say that I strongly believe that nobody should falsely say that they are a Pro and charge Pro prices if they are not.

I have to agree with some Peas that said the following:

-[“Can someone please explain to me why this seems to be such a huge issue on this board? I'm not being snarky, I'm being serious. I just do not understand why someone here would care about what someone else was doing in their PRIVATE life when it doesn't affect anyone on this MB."] --
["I have noticed a bitter tone to anyone who is trying to learn or maybe to those who are not quite where they should be and are trying to start a business already……but in my VERY humble opinion, if that's what they want to do and people actually PAY them to do it, then each to their own…"]

-[ think the title “Pro” gets everybody messed up. I agree with Chris on what would make up a “Pro” photographer. But I think somewhere along the line people automatically assume that because someone has gone into business and is providing that service that they are claiming to be “Pros”.]

["You may be talented, you may excell at a certain kind of work, but if you aren't ready for anything and everything, you really have no business calling yourself a pro. To do so is disrespectful to those who ARE ready for the whatever happens scenario."]

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However, all that being said, I honestly don’t understand what the big deal is about ARGUING over pros v.s. non-pros.

It is unfortunate that some of these prowannabes don’t have a clue, but as the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” No one wants to be scammed and we don’t want to be outdone by our competitors, however, regardless of how good the photographer is, or what kind of camera they have – they should be able to sell their services if they wish.
You may not agree with me, but hey... that's okay! This is MY opinion afterall.


Since I’m a huge fan of analogies…..[drives my daughters NUTS]

1. Group 1. There are oodles and oodles of musical artists out there. Some are professional artists who are signed with a huge, recognizable label. They are famous and have a huge fan base. Their CDs are bought up by the millions and their tunes are sung by every Tom, Dick and Harry. Perhaps these 'pros' have been trained professionally, perhaps some not.
2. Group 2. There are some awesomely great artists with an independent label. Some of them might not be as popular or be as good as the others. Some can’t afford the expense of managers, labels and fancy advertising. Perhaps the sound quality on their CDs isn’t quite as top notch. Maybe they are as talented as Group 1, maybe not!
3. Group 3. Some artists are just starting out and make and record their own CDs. Then there are some artists who truly suck. They might have a one-hit wonder or they make one album and are never seen or heard from again. Once again, some of these artists could be as talented as Group 1 or Group 2!

Some of these Groups might do cover tunes from some of the other groups. BUT, all of these artists sell their CDs in the same music store. Some really bad artists have their CD sitting on the shelf right next to the Celine Dion’s or Bon Jovi’s of the music scene. [gasp!!] Some people download tunes from these artists for free off the internet or they are borrowed and recorded. [gasp gasp]

I can’t play guitar very well and my voice cracks if I sing anything higher than an A#, but if wanted to record a CD – who can tell me that I can’t? I can even go so far as making dozens of copies of that CD and distributing them. I can sell them for ½ the price of the most popular artists because I choose to, because I can. I might know nothing about the recording business or how to market my CD. I might suck, but SO WHAT?? If I want to record and sell my CD, don’t I have the right? My peers might laugh at me or cringe when they hear my voice. Oh well!!

To all this I say, SO WHAT?? It’s a competitive world out there. Always has been and I don’t see that changing any time soon. You see dozens of restaurants on one street but you don’t see ALL the people going to just ONE of those restaurants do you? [oops sorry, another analogy!]

I guess the term PRO is just too vague. It means different things to different people. For me it TOTALLY comes down to one thing and one thing only. Don't sell yourself as a PRO if you're not, but if you're not a Pro but you still want to sell your wares... I say, go for it.
Okay, I’m done now.


Please feel free to comment here. I won't bash you or insult you. I appreciate OPINIONS.

I need three hands -- Part II !!

Finally had enough energy to go out for a walk. Took the dog in the bush again. Oh geez. My face was freezing, my fingers were freezing. I had the camera tucked into my jacket and pulled it out for the shots. The dog was bouncing all over the place {so happy to finally be outside!] I couldn't wait to get back home. I thought I had learned my lessons the last time:
1. don't bring camera when walking alone with the dog
2. bring hubby on walks so he can hold the leash
3. get warmer gloves
4. wear a cap to stop the glaring sun from my eyes
5. have newly charged batteries in the camera [THIS I remembered!]
6. find third hand

These last two shots are of the skating path on Lake Ramsey. Not too many people out on it this day, too cold I guess. Gracie stood on the cliff and barked and barked and barked at everyone across the lake. On the left, you can see the Boardwalk. First winter ever that I've not seen snow on the path. It's so weird. We only have about 6" of snow. We usually have several FEET by this time! Forecast calls for a few centimetres today. Hope it blows over. I'm loving this snowless winter -- not the COLD, but the lack of snow.
What I have to figure out is how come my camera chose an ISO of 800 [too cold to use Manual, so I had it set on Auto] for these shots! It was SUNNY outside!! ?????

My love of technology

I am a gadget geek - a tech junkie! I love, love, love technology! I don't have a clue how things work deep down to the bare bones of it, but I know how to operate things! I have a PDA, a cool camera/mP3 cell phone, a laptop, a desktop PC, two VCRs, a DVD player, a portable DVD player, a portable CD/mP3 player, etc! I can work a remote control device like it's nobody's business! I can program a VCR in 7 seconds flat.

I am totally self-taught on all things electronic. Even family members call me if they can't figure out their TV or VCR or computer!

I see new gadgets in stores like Radio Shack or Future Shop and I just want them so bad - just because they're cool! Good thing I have restraint - or lack of funds which is the main reason I don't give in to impulse!

What really confuses me though is the hookups to these things. Sometimes I just can't figure out what wire goes where. I bought this device, called a GameBridge that allows me to record video or TV programs through through the VCR onto my laptop. It took me EIGHT hours to figure out how to set it up. After all that, it was such a simple solution. I was plugging it into the OUT jacks instead of the IN jacks - or was it the other way around? ha ha


And oh how I L-O-V-E my laptop! It stays in the living room where I can surf/play/watch/plan/edit to my heart's content while DH is watching TV -- or should I say flip TV. Why is it that men get a remote in their hands and feel the urge to flip, flip, flip.....?

Maybe the reason hubby flips is because he is totally cluless when it comes to these gadgets. He couldn't even set the time on the TV or VCR if his life depended on it! I even have to set the alarm on his watch!! Once in awhile, the VCR might be on [and to change channels you would need the remote in VCR mode] and DH would try to change channels in TV mode. Of course it won't work that way and DH goes into panic mode and yells, "De-e-e-e-b-b-b-b-b". If I wasn't there to fix things - he would likely just turn off the TV and give up!

So cheers to all things electronic! You make my life easier. You make my life happier.

There is ONE electronic machine that I will NEVER own. I have never had one, never wanted one and likely will never ever buy. Actually, I did have one, but I got rid of it! Can you guess what it is??
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ETA - It's a DISHWASHER. I like the fact that doing dishes is a wind-down after dinner. It's especially nice when DH helps. I got rid of the dishwasher that came with both of the houses we lived in. I wanted my daughters to grow up knowing what the 'real' doing dishes was all about. I have never wanted one, don't miss it and I don't think I'll ever get one. Besides, I don't have enough dishes. I'm too much of a conservationist waste the water or to run the dish cycle on a daily basis, so after 2-3 days, I'd have no clean dishes left!!!

My Trip

We're going to North Bay today to pick up M. She's done school for now and will be coming back home for 4 weeks to do another placement. This time she'll be at Lockerby High School. She has a lot of stuff to bring back home and it would have been too difficult for her to take the bus. Her boyfriend, J and two other friends will be joining us for the weekend. Another full house! I enjoy having company, but I've been so darn sick lately with a relentless upset stomach that I hope I feel up to it.

Last time we took a ride to North Bay, I brought the new camera and took a few shots. After getting back home, I realized I had the ISO on 800+ the whole time! Aggh. So right now, I'm going to check all the camera settings before I pack up my bag. And I have to put new batteries in too. The other day at my Photography Club meeting, I was trying an experiment with my camera and the batteries dies. Duh.

So my goal is to take at least one picture today worth posting. Stay tuned.

ETA - Well, easier said than done. I counted at least 20 fine photo ops, but I just wasn't able to capture them. Whizzing down the highway at 100km/hr isn't the best for shooting. Auto focus is fast, but not that fast! If I had asked DH to stop every time I saw something I wanted to shoot would have had us pulling off the highway every 4 minutes! Couldn't do that either because: 1. We didn't have all day. 2. It wouldn't have been safe screeching to a halt when I yelled, "STOP NOW!"
Add to that I still feel like crap, so I really didn't want to get out of the car to move around.
So with that said, I have come to the conclusion that:
I can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can get outside and take more pics.
I can't wait for spring so I can get outside and take more pics.
I can't wait till I feel better so I can get outside and take more pics.
I can't wait till I'm out of this photo slump so I can get outside and take more pics.

DH stopped at a few motorcycle shops so while I waited in the car, I took a few shots. Here's the best of a dozen or so - all taken from the front seat of the van!!!

My Weirdness

6 Weird Things About Me:

1. I secretly hoard chocolate.
2. Since I was a wee kid, I've never liked the crust on white bread. BUT, I was taught that I had to eat it. So, I eat the crust all the way around my sandwich first, then eat the middle after!
3. I like to peek into people's medicine cabinets! Once, at a party I hosted, I posted a sign inside my medicine cabinet that said, "I just caught you peeking inside my medicine cabinet. If you are reading this, you have WON - come to see me for a prize." Nobody claimed the prize!!!
4. I don't think it's so weird, but my family does - how I am so obsessed with waste reduction and recycling. I will literally pick a fight and argue with anyone who balks me!
5. When I was younger, I ate dog biscuits.
6. I MUST stop the microwave when the seconds are either :07, :09 or :13 !!

I tag anyone reading this to post YOUR 6 weird things. Leave me a comment with a link to your list, or post it here!!

My Song!

I don't know what made me think of this. Perhaps it was from listening to some oldies tunes that were playing in the restaurant today. I wondered what song was the number one song on the day I was born. [January 01, 1958]
So, I looked it up on THIS PopCulture site. Ahhh, April Love, by Pat Boone! Now if that doesn't say 'cool tune', I don't know what does! ha ha
I wanted to post a photo from my birthday too, but after looking back at the photos of January, and there wasn't one single pic of ME!!! [I guess because I'm usually the one 'behind' the camera!
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What was YOUR song???