Marrianna-365-days-photo-project

2009-12-20T17:18:00.000-08:00

I liked thelook of this candle setup in the ladies room at The Brewery at Tlaquepaque, Sedona, AZ. Took this on Thursday and I wasn't feeling too well. Hadn't been to the ER yet to find out what was actually wrong. I think I might try to set up a candle sculpture in my own bathroom.

2009-12-20T17:02:00.000-08:00

I found this fantastic mural in Phoenix on East McDowell. This is only part of the mural.

#100 post - snow, again

2009-12-07T14:57:00.001-08:00

This much snow since this morning and it's 4:00pm. More on the way. I'm looking out my front window at the porch railing, the house across the street, and the pine tree in my front yard. I'm housebound for the next 2 days.

Molly in bed w/me - what's wrong with this picture?

2009-11-22T06:39:00.000-08:00

What has my life come to? I sleep with a doggie who takes over my pillows?

Stained glass window & patterns

2009-11-18T09:59:00.001-08:00

The chapel at Life Care Center of Scottsdale on Becker Lane has this beautiful stained glass window. I took this yesterday when I went to get Mom after her 10 days in skilled nursing. She's back at her assisted living home and seems to be liking it a bit better than she was before she left. In fact she decided that me and Troy should join her for Thanksgiving dinner at Brighton Gardens. And the staff makes great food. It will be a treat to be among lots of people and have someone else doing the cooking and cleaning up.

Waste not, want not

2009-11-13T06:09:00.000-08:00

At a recent Bible study, our fearless leader brought an example of using what we have to make something different and successful. She found these at the local dollar store. The Jelly Belly company had the right idea. I want to remember that when I'm doing my own artwork: see what I already have that I've found at yard sales and thrift shops and make do with only a few new supplies.

Some of the belly flops were huge chunks of the little jelly bellies that didn't separate when being originally made. They were very good.

Still life using cellphone

2009-11-11T05:07:00.001-08:00

Another cellphone picture.

Blog giveaway on Typepad

2009-11-09T14:17:00.000-08:00

I've posted a blog giveaway on my http://www.reddancerstudio.typepad.com/ web site. Please skip over there, take a look, leave a comment, and maybe you will be the lucky winner. Here's what you might win.

The Virgin Mary statue

2009-11-08T07:35:00.000-08:00

Saw this beautiful statue of the Virgin Mother at Our Lady of Perpetual Health Catholic Church in Scottsdale on Saturday.

Fall and the changing colors

2009-09-24T19:46:00.001-07:00

The seasons change in the front yard. Shot these w/my camera phone today. This first one is the Russian Sage in full bloom. This plant spreads by the roots. When it blossoms in the Fall, it is wonderfully showy.

I didn't have any other place to put the laughing Buddha so here he is in the front yard where I had a dead tree cut down last year.
I absolutely love Virginia Creeper, especially when it changes colors in the Fall.

And of course the Day of the Dead marigolds add wonderful collor to the front porch railing. I didn't know they were so fragrant. I think I'll plant them in pots around the porch next year.

Pine, AZ Quilt Shop

2009-09-18T07:31:00.001-07:00

I found a lovely quilt store in Pine, AZ, The Quilt Shop on Highway 87. Pine is a very small mountain community that is mostly made up of second homes. However, it seems more and more people are choosing to live in the Pine/Strawberry, AZ, vicinity year round. Pine is about 10-15 miles North of Payson. The store has been opened about a year and has a wonderful selection of fabrics and accessories. The owner, BJ, does long arm quilting. The store offers quilting classes and quilters from Payson, Prescott, Mesa, Phoenix and Flagstaff drive to attend. Pine is about 1.5 hours South of Flagstaff when I use Lake Mary Road. It's a more scenic route than I-17.

9-11-09 - Flagstaff City Hall

2009-09-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

You can't see the sea of miniature flags on the ground to the left of the flag poles but they were there. I was driving by and luckily got stuck in traffic.

2009-08-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Made this chair for an art chair auction organized by my friendy, Cindy Kovack. More info on her site.

Vintage crocheted lace

2009-08-22T10:44:00.001-07:00

I found some great vintage lace and a piece of cotton that has the little tucks and hand crocheted lace around the edges. The little stack to the right is from a box of the little cards put in flowers from the florist. They looked nice and old and there was a box of about 75 for 50 cents. The lace was in baggies at our local Hospice thrift shop for a grand total of $9 and the cotton piece was $2.50. I'm loving my treasures.

Molly - taken w/new TMobile Mytouch phone

2009-08-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

Sweet Molly - photo taken w/new TMobile Mytouch phone.

Elvis is alive and well in Williams, AZ

2009-08-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

I found this great photo op in Williams, AZ, last evening. Can you believe an Elvis cookie jar? And a whole shelf of Elvis "stuff" to go with it? And today I am being treated to non-stop Elvis movies. That man had a voice and the looks to go with it. I don't care if he got overweight when he got older, and that he probably didn't do all that he should have done to take care of himself; I still love his music.

365/85 - Cute pugs

2009-06-14T13:37:00.001-07:00

Chris and Deb Navarro have the cutest pugs. Both are lively and wanted to play with Molly but she would have none of it. If the gate hadn't been in place, Molly would have run back across the street to our house. Chris is one of the fantastic guys who shovel snow and use the other neighbor's snow blower in the winter.

365/84 - Today's yard sale treasures

2009-06-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

Molly standing watch over new yard sale treasures. After I removed the little metal pitcher, she made a nest of the chenille pillow covers.

365/83 - Mama at Wendy's on June 12, 2009

2009-06-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

We had a nice morning. We left her house about 9am and went to the local Sal. Army store to browse around. Then to the Dept. of Motor Vehicles to renew her handicap placard (which is still in my car here in Flagstaff). Then I went to McDonald's for a egg biscuit and their $1 large ice tea (my new favorite vs. diet soda). After that, I drove to the Interior Fabrics store in Scottsdale and got some beaded trim. Then we went to her family doctor for toenail trimming and general maintenance.

The doctor is requesting a home health eval for Mom to see if the insurance will pay for any services after the current home health coverage for the wounds (bed sores) are healed. He is also requesting physical therapy once a week outside the home since the in-home is finished. The last thing I asked for is a referral for a hearing aid for Mom. We'll see what happens. But she is doing pretty well. While I was there we walked to McDonald's and Walgreens one day. We got manicures another day. And we did several things on Friday before the doctor visit. A little at a time.

2009-06-12T08:46:00.002-07:00

Used the cell phone at a fun restaurant in Scottsdale. This is my great long-time friend LouAnn with her daughter, Jamie.

My old friend Rusty and me at the restaurant.
It took Jamie and me using the camera in the cell phone at least 15 times to get a photo of me and Rusty and then of her and her mother - that all 4 of us could agree on. Hum, maybe I should just carry the little mini Canon SureShot with me at all times and not try to always use the cell phone camera. Or, here's another idea: get a new cell phone with better photo taking options. I like the 2nd one way better.

365/79 - Speedy Mama

2009-06-11T16:33:00.000-07:00

Mama wanted to resume her walking to MacDonald's that is about a block away. She had to rest several times but she made it. We went to Walgreen's which is right next door. Then came home where she rested the rest of the day. At the moment, she has rice pilaf cooking on the stove. Troy will BBQ a steak and chicken kabobs for dinner. Can't wait.

365/78 - Annual garage sale

2009-06-06T18:43:00.001-07:00

Three of us participated. Lee brought her puppies. This is Tasha and Pogo. Baxter, her 3 mo. old yorkie/shih tzu mix was in his crate. The little tyke only weighs about 4 lbs.
Just some of the clothes we had for sale. Suzanne and I have made a firm commitment NOT to purchase any more clothes for the rest of 2009. I also have a commitment to only buy glues and mediums for my artwork. Otherwise, I have everything I need.

365/77 - Pottery leftovers

2009-06-04T09:51:00.001-07:00

Took a walk around the college to warm up from the a/c and found a bucket of pottery pieces in a large garbage can.
Mom is doing much better from her bout with the flu. It's a miracle - she's well and I'm at peace. I'll see her next week for a couple of days to visit her family doctor and get a manicure.

365/76 - Troy's swimming pool at Mom's house

2009-06-02T14:51:00.001-07:00

Troy set up a child's pool in their back yard. What a hoot. My son is very creative - a real renaissance man.

Mom was sick over the weekend but is doing better physically. However, it seems she wants to let go and move on. She won't talk about it but the feeling is there when I'm with her. I expect a phone call one of these days but in the meantime, I'm leaning on my faith and prayer to get me through this season.

365/75 - Flagstaff Iris

2009-05-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

While making the rounds of yard sales yesterday, I found some absolutely lovely blooming iris plants in two different gardens. Took this with the Canon 50D zoom lens. I took others with the macro lens, too. Look at the transparent quality of this flower. I promised the lady I would make her some prints. She deserves it. Wish I could capture the entire back garden. Another time.

365/74 - English Bulldog "Yankee"

2009-05-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

When I was taking photos around the lake at El Dorado Park in Scottsdale, I came across a woman walking her 3 English Bulldogs. They were wonderful. This is Yankee and she's going to be 4 years old. Guess what? She was born on the 4th of July. At least the lighting was good for the photo.

365/73 - Cactus flower

2009-05-25T06:25:00.001-07:00

I think this is a nigh blooming cirius but am not sure. Except it is daytime and I just took the picture across the street from Mom's house in Scottsdale, AZ.
It looks like another beautiful day here and will probably be quite warm. I'll be glad to return to Flagstaff this afternoon. Molly has enjoyed the longer morning walks with Rocky (Mom's dog).

365/72 - Duck @ Vista Del Camino

2009-05-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

Only had the cell phone this morning. The ducks like to bathe early in the morning. This one was swimming over to meet up with a white swan, I think. Anyway, the white feathered swimmer/bather, was hanging out, too. I really think these ducks pose for the camera.

365/71 - Mama lifting weights

2009-05-23T08:33:00.001-07:00

Saw Mom yesterday at the SNF while whe was in occupational and physical therapy. She's a dynamo. I know she enjoys the attention of the therapists but doesn't like being away from home. She's doing great and goes home on Monday the day before she turns 87.

365/70 - smaller airplane to Phoenix

2009-05-22T05:49:00.001-07:00

This was the smaller plane that took me from Flagstaff to Phoenix for my connecting flight to Los Gatos on May 3, 2009. Excellent flight and quick. I think we were in the air for 30 minutes. Better than driving.

365/69 - California chandelier - Los Gatos trip

2009-05-19T06:54:00.001-07:00

Took this photo while waiting for Stephanie when we shopped at an antique store in CA. Just sat and looked up with the camera and shot some pictures. Fun time.

365/68 - Cindy O'Leary, An Artful Journey

2009-05-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

Cindy O'Leary organized our Artful Journey with DJ Pettitt. What a fantastic woman and a great organizer.

365/67 - Los Gatos Marachi Band

2009-05-12T07:02:00.001-07:00

Nellie Wortman, Rene Chock (Ashes2Beauty) and I walked around downtown Los Gatos after dinner on May 5, Cinco de Mayo. What a treat to suddenly hear the sounds of wonderful Marachi music as we came out of a shop. These guys were dressed for the event and played great music. There's nothing like good Marachi music to make me want to step lively and dance.

365/66 - DJ Pettitt workshop

2009-05-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

Los Gatos, CA, May 4-5, 2009, DJ Pettitt workshop organized by Cindy O'Leary. It was fantastic, Los Gatos was gorgeous, my classmates were wonderful, Cindy and her assistants were marvelous. I recommend taking a workshop at the http://www.anartfuljourney.com/index.html. You will love the setting and Cindy does the best job ever.
This is Stephanie Thiel. She graciously picked me up on Wednesday after the workshop was finished and took me to the beach and an antique store before hauling me to the San Jose airport. A delightful lady and a very accomplished artist. She attends the Art and Soul retreats in WA.

365/65 - Me and my big toe

2009-04-29T11:44:00.001-07:00

Went to the oh so kind podiatrist this morning for an ingrown toenail. Little did I know what we would decide to do. To make a permanent correction, we decided to numb the toe (pretty painless procedure), then cut out the right side of the nail, apply a chemical that would kill the root so the nail would grow out flat instead of curving into the side of the nail bed. I took the photo before he started with the needle.

I could have taken a picture of the nail after the procedure but before the bandage but I couldn't get close enough with my little camera. So here I am with a big toe bandage.
I'm still going to be able to travel to Los Gatos on Sunday for a 2-day workshop with DJ Pettitt.

365/64 - piano

2009-04-28T07:14:00.000-07:00

I decided to take an abstract photo under the piano cover.

365/63 - The Piano Man

2009-04-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

Jared is one of our best IT guys at the college. He is also a marvelous pianist. He was practicing on the school's piano as he gets ready to play for commencement on May 8. I could listen to him play all day long. I once asked him why did he go into the IT field. He said it was because he wanted to keep his music as a LOVE and not a profession - a profession wouldn't be as fulfilling as it is now. The man is a genius.

365/62 - Baxter

2009-04-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

Baxter is a friends new puppy. He's a shih tzu/yorkie mix and weighs a whopping 1.5 lbs. What a little sweetie. He got sick last week and even stopped breathing. His lungs got filled with fluid, probably from a liquid/food hurling that he might have then inhaled. Lee revived him by putting his little body under the water faucet and giving mouth to mouth before rushing to the vet. Baxter seems to be doing fine and the vet really doesn't know what caused the problem.

365/61 - Macro pansy

2009-04-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

365/60 - Molly in macro lens

2009-04-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

365/59 - Macro flowers

2009-04-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

365/58 - macro flowers - 4/19/09

2009-04-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

Bromelaid bloom at Warner's Nursery

Had a fun trip to Warner's Nursery in Flagstaff after my trip for some gluten free cupcakes and before Ace Hardware and the grocery store. Way fun.

365/57 - Glass & macro photography

2009-04-19T07:42:00.001-07:00

Now that I have this posted, I think I should have taken a photo of the glass bottle to show as a comparison. I'm really liking the new macro lens. I'm taking it with me to the DJ Pettitt Artful Journey workship on May 4-5, 2009.

365/56 - new macro lens

2009-04-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

I finally got a new macro lens for the Canon 50D. It is the EF100mm f/2.8 lens. This first image was shot last night as I tried to make sure the lens worked. When it stops snowing (again), I'll get out to the nursery and take flower pics. In the meantime, enjoy.

365/55 - Me & the Easter Bunny

2009-04-05T15:21:00.001-07:00

After church today, I went to Barnes & Noble to look for a new Bible because I couldn't find my most recent one. Couldn't find one that suited me so I went to Wal-Mart to check their selection. Didn't find one that suited. But I found the Easter Bunny all ready for a photo op. Glad I carry my little Canon PowerShot SD1000 with me all the time.

365/54 - Another lemon

2009-04-04T19:43:00.001-07:00

Took another photo of the lemon. Imported into PhotoShop and adjusted levels to get more detail. Still resembles one of my favorite painters - Georgia O'Keefe.

365/53 - Lemons/Georgia O'Keefe Imagination

2009-04-02T06:22:00.000-07:00

Someone brought in a grocery bag of lemons from the Valley. I took some home and squeezed them for lemonade yesterday morning. A few had some spots that were spoiling/growing wierd things. I tried a photo w/the Nikon Coolpix 950 macro but they were too blury. So I reshot w/the Canon D50 to see if I could do better. Sure makes me want to invest in a macro lens.

365/51 - Good Golly Miss Molly

2009-03-29T11:36:00.001-07:00

I have a plastic tub just below the low window in the computer room that is Molly's spot to rest in the sun as well as play watch dog. I've had this spot for her for the 7+ years she's been a part of my life. At first, I guess I had something not as high because she was a little puppy. But as I watched her stand up at the window to check the neighborhood, I moved up to the tub. There is fabric in the tub in case I ever want to make blankies. Nice cotton flannel. The computer room is in the front of the house and faces South.

365/50 - Greer, AZ - 2005

2009-03-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

I'm the recruiter for Coconino Community College until July 30, 2009, when I retire from full time employment. One of my jobs has been to travel to communitys in the Northern part of Arizona to visit high school students and promote CCC. In 2005, I decided to take a turn off the road between Show Low and Springerville to visit Greer, AZ. It is a very small community but you can see how gorgeous this little valley of beauty reall is. In the winter when it snows, they can get snowed in. I ate lunch at a lovely lodge on their deck. Took this picture at that time.
This morning I've been looking for pictures from my old computer and came across this image. Wanted to share it with my wonderful reading audience. Hope you all have a great day.

365/49 - Randall House Restaurant, Pine, AZ

2009-03-26T06:19:00.001-07:00

There's a small mountain community outside Payson, AZ, named Pine. They have a lovely little house that has been converted into a very nice dining establishment. I stopped there a few weeks ago and had lunch. I fell in love with this room where I ate. Can you picture sitting in this room on nice summer days and enjoying all the light coming through the windows. The floors are all hardwood and nicely aged through the years. Randall House serves breakfast and lunch plus does cattering. The owner even makes her own pies and pastries. Lovely spot to relax. If you go between Wed. and Sat., the Pine Senior Center Thrift Shop is open from 10am to 4pm. A nice little place to find one or two treasures.

365/48 - Cracker Barrell Fireplace

2009-03-26T06:16:00.001-07:00

I always enjoy eating at Cracker Barrel restaurants. We have one in Flagstaff right off I-40. A few weeks ago, I had dinner with friends and it was cold enough that the staff had the fire going in the humongous fireplace. When all else fails for photo ops, take what's there. I'll try to use the flames in a combo image at a later date when I have more time to play in PhotoShop.

365/47 - Glass Art

2009-03-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

I thought it was about time I posted a photo. I haven't taken any new pictures recently. This is a combo in PhotoShop of the top of a bottle and the bottom half. I then played with the layers options and chose "difference" and got this fun image. I'll be posting more of these on my Typepad blog later.

365/46 - Cactus at Mom's

2009-03-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

I love the contrast of the tops of this cactus plant at Mom's house in Scottsdale. I'm going to use the image in my upcoming DJ Pettitt workshop on May 4-5, 2009, in Los Gatos, CA. The tallest portion of this cactus is 3 ft.

365/45 - Sandra, me and Mom

2009-03-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

My friend, Sandra Luck, was visiting the Valley and we met at McDonalds in Chandler/Mesa. We like the picture on the wall of the young man relaxing on the lawn. We got a very nice man sitting at a table next to ours to take pictures. Mom and I grey hair and Sandra is blond. Plus Sandra is taller than me. That was her first remark when we met: "You're shorter than I thought." Sandra and I met online in our Chapbook Cronicles Yahoo Group. Sandra is a very talented artist and the co-owner of http://qwikart.com. You can also see some of her lovely artwork on her personal website: http://ardnasluck.com and her blog http://blog.ardnasluck.com.

365/44 - The tax man

2009-03-20T08:26:00.001-07:00

The man on the left is the CPA that has 3 offices in the Valley and is a whiz at taxes. He looks much younger in person except for the grey hair mixed in with his light brown hair. Mom and I drove all the way to Gilbert for her taxes. Believe it or not, most people don't take advantage of the solar energy tax incentives. These guys had to look for it in their online form. Mom had a solar hot water system installed last April. She didn't have to pay any taxes this year because of this.

365/43 - Spring in Tlaquepaque/Sedona, AZ

2009-03-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

Spring blossoms in Tlaquepaque/Sedona, Arizona. All I did was point the camera up towards the blossoms, focus and shoot. It was a glorious day.

365/42 - Spring has sprung in Sedona

2009-03-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

Daffodils are so delicate and pretty. And they smell nice. Ours won't even break the ground for another few weeks. So I took this photo in Sedona on Sunday.

365/41 - Kara's Cake

2009-03-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

Our sign language interpreter coordinator at CCC has been taking a cake decorating class. This is her latest creation. I don't eat gluten flour so I didn't eat any of it. But it sure is pretty.

365/40 - Last graduation check at CCC

2009-03-09T09:31:00.001-07:00

I met Jonathan when he first enrolled at Coconino Community College over 2 years ago. Last week, I completed his graduation application before he moves on to a university in Idaho. He looks a lot like my middle son, Troy, and that's why I remembered him so well.

365/39 - Psychedelic Impatiens

2009-03-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

I found these beautiful Impatiens in the local nursery. I won't even try to grow them at my house. I do well with must the natural flowers that keep coming back year after year. So I visit Impatiens at the local nursery and capture their beauty with my camera lens.

But then I had to play with the image in Photoshop. This time, I forgot to note the Layer screen I chose. Oh, well, it's pretty.

365/38 - Christmas Cactus on Speed

2009-03-08T14:58:00.001-07:00

I have several photos of my Christmas Cactus in bloom and decided to play with this image. I cropped the original image and rotated it to the vertical that you see here. This is the original.

This is what happened when I played in Photoshop. This is the "hard mix" screen from the layers panel. Iwas surprised when this was the result. I have Photoshop CS4 and I still don't know how to use all the creative tools. So far, I've kept the playing simple. Works for me.

365/37 - Finally got the photo I want

2009-03-01T18:57:00.001-08:00

LouAnn and I went to the 50th wedding anniversary party for our old friends, Jim and Lavon Smith, Phoenix, AZ. It was so great being in their lovely home again. It's been years since I stood with other friends around Jim's piano at their annual Christmas party. The table set for the Mexican food buffet was planned by their sons and included a lovely floral arrangement. Between taking pictures of the crystal chandelier and this iris, I don't know which was more fun - using the Canon for photos or eating great food and talking to good friends.

I am very pleased with the way this flower photography turned out. The little details are exactly what I was hoping for. It looks like I'm getting the hang of the camera, finally. What happened that is different? I didn't use the auto focus on the lens.

365/36 - Bodacious Bottle Class

2009-02-28T15:18:00.001-08:00

This is one of the bodacious bottles created in Cindy Kovack's class at Frenzy Stamper today. Such a beautiful French feel to it. Look at that hat. Gorgeous. I'll post mine bottles after I return to Flagstaff tomorrow.

365/35 - Wedding Hat

2009-02-26T19:41:00.001-08:00

I have had this wedding hat, or Spring hat, for several years ago. I probably bought it at a thrift store just to use for photo opportunities. I finally took the time to stop and take a picture. This is a cropped image. I wanted to see how sharp I could get the image by cropping vs. getting too close. The next time, I'll use the tripod, a cable release, and a smaller apperture. For now, I'm pleased with the results. Man, gotta love the DSLR.

365/34 - What is this flower?

2009-02-23T19:22:00.000-08:00

Does anybody know the name of this lovely flower? I found it in the greenhouse at the Sedona nursery but failed to look at the tag for a name.

365/33 - Manzanita Blooms

2009-02-23T12:12:00.001-08:00

Another beautiful in the high desert of No. Arizona. These are manzanita blooms. There I was crawling around in the dirt just to get pictures to post on my blog. Oh, well, what we won't or don't do for art.

365/32 - Blessing

2009-02-22T06:55:00.000-08:00

The gardens and pathways in Tlaquepaque are home to a number of statues. I thought this was particularly meaningful. Blessings to all.

365/31 - White Lace Lady

2009-02-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

One of the lovely shops in Tlaquepaque has an assortment of these delicate figures and perfume bottles. I've longed for one of the gracious ladies for several years. When I was there last week, I found some that were on sale for 50% off. I just couldn't walk away without taking two of them home with me.

365/30 - Ballerina Tilly

2009-02-22T06:47:00.000-08:00

I have an extensive collection of ladies - divas if you will. Or goddesses. I found Ballerina Tilly at Marshal's a couple of weeks ago and fell in love with her. I rescued her for a mere $7 plus tax. She reminds me of the summer several years ago when Suzanne and I decided to take a beginning ballet class at the college where we worked (she's now at NAU and I'm still at CCC). So here is a gracious and not-so-delicate ballerina posing in her all her glory with a beautific smile on her face. Actually, she is built like my mother used to be - lovely curves and the family thunder thighs.

365/29 - The Fading Camillas

2009-02-22T06:42:00.000-08:00

As you can tell if you've followed this blog, I'm not getting the photo a day that I had hoped for. Instead, I'm still committed to posting photos of my experiences. With the new camera, I'm playing more than I have in many years and enjoying every minute of it all.

These are some of the fallen flowers from last Sunday at the nursery in Sedona. I have them in a shallow container w/water. I wanted to try ISO experiments and aperture settings. I still love the wilting process of these flowers.

365/28 - Feb. 20 2009

2009-02-20T09:17:00.000-08:00

Went to see the good Dr. Lundstrom on Thurs., for a 90 day follow-up to the surgery I had in Oct. 2008. Well, a skin tag had to be removed. So the only items used were the syringe for numing and the forceps. The knife, or whatever he used, is somewhere else. You don't want to know any more than what you see and read here. It ain't a pretty story.
The numming injections were painful, however, he said it would be worse if he didn't do that. Again, sitz baths were/are my friend. Doing fine today.

365/27 - Feb. 15, 2009 - Sedona

2009-02-16T08:29:00.000-08:00

As you can tell, I'm not getting a photo each day. When I'm working or doing something else I need to do, I don't get the photos taken or posted. I hope that changes later in August when I retire from f/t employment. In the meantime, I'm still committed to shooting and posting photos. We will all get to see how my skills improve with the new camera. And I do love the new camera. I just lose myself when I'm shooting.
There's a great thrift store in Sedona that is even open on Sundays. This Sunday, instead of buying any treasures, I took photos. I love this hat and it was $25. Couldn't see spending $25 for a hat I would never wear and only use for photo ops. So I got the mannequin head off the display and took maybe 20 pictures. Deleted some of them already in Bridge. Oh, it was fun, fun, fun. I love the click of the shutter. And the capture rate of the digital image is so quick. Geez, why did I wait so long to get a digital SLR!

365/26 - Feb. 15, 2009 - Sedona

2009-02-16T08:24:00.001-08:00

Another gorgeous image taken in Sedona. I found this wonderful amarylis plant in the greenhouse at the nursery. It was only $20, however, I didn't figure I could get it back to Flagstaff in the same condition in which it was discovered. It had 2 large stalks and each stalk had multiple flowers. I'll look for something like this during the Holidays at a nursery vs. Wal-Mart. I love these flowers because they are so showy.

BTW, with all the snow we've had this winter, my front yard will be real showy with wildflowers. I have a gravel yard so I don't have to mow. Each year, seeds blow off blooms and reseed the whole yard. It's fantastic. And the sun is shining today. WooHoo!!!

365/25 - Feb. 15, 2009 - Sedona

2009-02-16T08:20:00.001-08:00

Went with Suzanne and Gary to Sedona to shoot photos. Used the new Canon 50D and played mostly with getting in close. More practice needed. Oh, but I had a great time. And I didn't spend as much money on stuff I didn't need as I've done in the past. This is one of the red camillas that fell off a plant. I then floated it in the fountain outside the wonder plant nursery in West Sedona.

365/24 - Feb. 12 2009 - Ice Cycles

2009-02-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

Finally brought the new camera to school to get a photo of some fantastic ice cycles on steel wire on the corner of the patio. Slipped in the frozen water but protected the camera. Thank goodness I had some exercise pants in my office. That water was darn cold.

365/23 - Tues., Feb. 10, 2009

2009-02-11T05:30:00.001-08:00

Zooming in with 300 mm lens on Canon 50D. Had to use automatic setting to get the flash to work because I don't know, yet, how to set the flash on the camera. Oh, well. More work to do. I'm posting the other macro shots on my typepad blog. Just playing as I wait until 7am to call the man to use his snowplow to get me out of my driveway today.

Day 22 - Feb. 9 2009 - Ice Cycles in the Wind

2009-02-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

I have never seen ice cycles hanging at an angle. Truly a wind blowing event in Flagstaff. Hard to believe so I took Monday's photograph looking outside from the hall at my office building. No, I did not set the camera to take a B&W image. This is just how it looked. Besides, the baby canon (I call her that since I got the new mama canon) doesn't have those kinds of settings. When it brightens up in my front room/computer/office room, I plan to play w/the zoom/macro lens on the mama canon.

Day 21 ~ Feb 7 2009 ~ Sedona Soda Ice Glass

2009-02-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

The melting ice in a glass of Diet Soda makes for an interesting photo. Took this with my original digital camera, a Nikon Coolpix 950. It still works great. But I got the new Canon because I wanted to be able to do more than I can with the smaller camera. I also own a little pocket Canon that I carry in my purse. It works, great too. And for those of you who were with me in prayer, thanks again. I am still overwhelmingly grateful for the test results and answered prayer.

Day 20 ~ Feb 6 2009 ~ Test was negative!!!

2009-02-06T12:56:00.000-08:00

This has been a very long week. This morning was grueling as I waited for the appointment and during the actually imaging. The imaging itself wasn't too bad. At least I didn't have to be squeezed tight. Charlotte, the tech, took 4 views. It was a nuclear test to look at the cellular activity of both breasts. When the radiologist came in and told me the test was negative and I was fine, I almost cried. I had been wrapped really tight. I am very, very grateful for all the support and prayer. Today's picture was taken in the waiting room BEFORE the test. Thank you everyone.

Day 19 ~ Feb 6 2009 ~ First image w/new camera

2009-02-05T16:39:00.000-08:00

Played with the new camera and got at least one cool picture. Lots more questions to ask at Best Buy on Saturday when I attend their monthly D-SLR camera class. The macro gets me as close as 1.6 ft. Close enough since I have Photoshop to get more in-depth photos later. But I wanted to get this up on the 365 Blog.

For those of you who are following the mammogram saga, I called Silent Unity this afternoon and received very comforting words of prayer. Thanks to everyone. Tomorrow's photo(s) will be taken at the lab. Maybe I'll even see the handsome radiologist again.

Day 18 ~ Feb 4 2009 ~ Molly & the new camera

2009-02-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

She doesn't think much of the new camera. Probably because it doesn't jump and play with her. She is still my favorite model.

Day 17 ~ Feb 3 2009 ~ Lunch

2009-02-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

After a business meeting in North Phoenix, I stopped for lunch at a wonderful Mexican grill at the Desert Ridge Mall. Decided that between stuffing my face and reading my current novel, I could take a photo for the 365 Project. I ate spinach & mushroom enchiladas with white sauce plus rice and beans, chips and dip. Stuffed myself.

Day 16 ~ Feb 2 2009 ~ No new pictures

2009-02-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

I traveled to Scottsdale & Phoenix for 2 days and just didn't take any photos. My mind was elsewhere. I'll make up for it another day.

Day 15 ~ Feb 1 2009 ~ New Camera

2009-02-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

Went shopping on Jan. 31 and ended up with a new Canon D-SLR. Haven't learned all the tricks yet but I will. My college major for my BA was photography. I love the feel of the camera and the sound when the shutter clicks, it's music to my ears. Lots to learn yet. That's part of Molly's tail next to the camera.

Day 14 ~ January 31 2009 ~ Mammogram

2009-02-01T08:08:00.000-08:00

I debated whether or not to post this picture. It is very personal. I told the radiology tech that I was documenting my daily life and she might have thought it was a little strange. Anyway, I got this image of my right breast being squashed. Geez. Anyway, after this follow up mammogram, the radiologist ordered an ultrasound. Still no difinitive results. So he came and talked to me about doing a special test called Molecular Breast Imaging. He said he was 98% sure that what was showing up was scar tissue from a biopsy done in 2001 but to make sure, the test would be the best and easiest to do. I am scheduled for Friday, 11:00am MST. He preferred this type of test vs. an MRI. I'll have the results at the end of the 1 hr. test. He was pretty sure I did not have breast cancer and I can only hope he is right. In the meantime, God has given me the gift of peaceful acceptance as I wait until Friday. I imagine I'll get anxious on Thursday night and Friday morning. However, I'm thanking God for scar tissue. When I talk to the radiologist, I'll ask why it didn't show up the last time. Oh, well. Maybe I'll even get his picture. He is the best looking radiologist I have ever met.

Day 13 ~ Jan 30 2009 ~ Cell phone drama

2009-01-30T07:43:00.000-08:00

I was almost ready to toss/break my camera phone but decided to give it one more chance to redeem itself. Lucky phone. Anyway, I found that the little darlin stored ALL my text and photo messages and was using up all the memory. I couldn't send pictures because the phone was jammed with MBs of my messages. So I played with buttons and finally found out how to delete all the sent messages. I didn't know the phone stored them. Live and learn. This was my test photo which I sent to my email account. I actually like it. But never fear, I'm still thinking about getting a digital SLR (DSLR).

Day 12 ~ Jan 29 2009 ~ Radiology Room

2009-01-29T14:43:00.000-08:00

Since I'm somewhat documenting my daily life, I decided to keep today's entry simple. I went for my regular mammogram and didn't have my little Canon camera - only the cell phone. Hence, the grainy pictures. But here is the room and here is me and here is the wall art in the little changing room. I haven't gotten the results yet and am praying that all is well. I saw the digital images and they looked okay to me. Fascinating stuff.

Day 11 ~ January 28 2009 ~ Mornings with Molly

2009-01-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

My little porkchop, Molly, actually decided she would let me take her picture without use of a flash. It's the only way I can get her picture without green eyes (yes, I said green eyes - not red). As I type this entry, she's laying across my lap here in my office/computer room. It's 24 degrees outside and it's only 8:50pm. The skies are clear and the humidity is very low. Beautiful sunshine today which makes up for this cold.

Day 10 ~ January 27 2009 ~ Mornings with Molly

2009-01-27T18:38:00.000-08:00

Here's what I get to see every morning - Molly all curled up on a little down throw. She loves to next and burrow in the covers. Sometimes, she decides to get under the covers next to me. This is all fine and good in the Winter. In the summer, it's another story. Good thing it's just Molly and me.

Bloody cold in Flagstaff this morning. We had a small snow shower last night - maybe 3" of the powder over what was trying to dry out. Streets were very slick on the way to work. But the sun was shining all day so most streets and highways are clear and dry. Yesterday, 11:00am, I almost slid into a parked car as I was turning into the parking lot at the dentist's office. Glad nobody was around. I've got enough dents in my car already.

Day 9 ~ January 26 2009 ~ Bodacious bottles in waiting

2009-01-26T17:37:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready to take a class with Cindy Kovack on Feb. 28 at Frenzy Stamper in Scottsdale. I have extra bottles for her Bodacious Bottles creations. I figured the best way to show her what I have that can be used in the class for others who don't have bottles is to take a photo, one of my 365 photos, and get it posted. I'm lazy today. It's cold and lightly snowing, again. I slid into the parking lot at the dentist's office this morning. Oh, the joys of living in Flagstaff, AZ.

You'll see the finished product(s) in March. Oh, here's the link to Cindy's blog where you'll find out more info about her classes at Frenzy Stamper as well as Art Unraveled in August.

Day 8 ~ January 25 2009 ~ Viva de Mexico charm necklace

2009-01-25T11:36:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd compare my two digital cameras for today's posting. This one was taken with the Nikon Coolpix 950 using the macro setting. I can see the difference. This is taken with the Canon PowerShot point and shoot. I usually carry the Canon in my purse so I can get a shot whenever and wherever. The Nikon is a little heavier. When I get around to getting the Nikon D90 DSLR, it will be a much heavier camera and do much more than I can do now.

Day 7 ~ January 24 2009 ~ Oil painting

2009-01-25T11:33:00.000-08:00

I have a little Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera that is great for quick point and shoot stuff. Here's my very first actual oil painting. Since I'm doing my best to document my year, this is what I did that I feel is important. I got the small easel from a friend who was putting it in our boxes for the Spring 2009 garage sale. Here in Flagstaff, we have to wait for warm and dry weather.

Day 6 ~ Jan 23 2009 ~ Oil Painting class

2009-01-23T11:54:00.000-08:00

We finally got around to mixing colors in my oil painting class. I quickly lost interest in seeing what would happen so I started outlining the squares w/paint, just to see what happened. Well, I finally have a clue as to what happens when one paints with oil colors. Not really too bad how things blend. This weekend, I hope to actually do more of this playing. After all, it's only canvas paper and paint, right?

Day 5 ~ January 22 2009 ~ Ornaments

2009-01-22T17:30:00.001-08:00

I haven't put up a Christmas tree in a few years but I love to get fun and funky ornaments. These beauties hang from little nails on the top edge of the TV cabinet. I am so tired today that I couldn't get more creative. But I took the photos, chose one to post, and posted it. I'm grateful.

Day 4 ~ January 21 2009 ~ 2 Shells layered in Photoshop

2009-01-21T17:13:00.000-08:00

This is a Photoshop combo of two shell images. They I used the layers menu and wish to heck I had made notes as I went along. I was playing with layers and got something really cool and decided to save it as is. I got out the tripod to get a show with no camera movement. Had to use the self-timer because even the pressure of my finger would jiggle the camera. Back in the day, with my film camera, I used a cable release.

Day 3 ~ Jan 20 2009 ~ Louise Hay Power Thought Card

2009-01-20T15:46:00.000-08:00

I got this fantastic lamp at the Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store, Restore, in Flagstaff in 2008. I just love things of whimsy. On my desk is a box of Power Thought cards by Louise Hay. So colorful and right on for the day. I've told a number of people that I'm committed to this project and I hope I can keep it up. Today, I had to charge my pocket camera battery. It's hard to take just one picture, isn't it?

Day 2 ~ January 19 2009 ~ Pier 1 Orny

2009-01-19T13:03:00.000-08:00

I couldn't take just one photo today. I think I took 25 or more. Most didn't come out the way I wanted. Need to use the tripod for sharper images. This one came out great. Pier 1 had a 75% off sale on Jan. 2, 2009, and I got a few ornaments just for photos.

Day 1 ~ January 18 2009 ~ Sedona water glass

2009-01-19T07:45:00.000-08:00

Oh my God! I just committed to taking a photo a day, and post it, for 365 consecutive days. The photo taking is easy but the downloading and resizing and posting might be a challenge. However, this is something I really believe will get me going in the right direction for my photography and Photoshop with Painter X.

Ice melting in a water glass at lunch in Sedona on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009. Got out the old trusted Nikon Coolpix 950 and used the macro setting. Love macro. Took about 100 photos yesterday. Will take something new today for Day 2.