Whispers From The Woods
Musings from magikal folk…..
Outside My Window
Outside My Window ~ 2.19.2012
Outside my window…is a fairly nasty day….cold, wet, wind. Currently at 3:00 p.m. we are at 39°F with sleet and 13mph winds from the north north-east….gusts up to 22mph. Our forecast is calling for rain/snow this evening and a low of 34°F. No one seems to know if we are going to get any type of accumulation from this storm ~ everyone has a different story to tell. I suppose these types of storms are hard to forecast, but “it may or may not snow”…really, I could tell you that. I actually wouldn’t mind a storm like we had in the photograph above…the day after Christmas in 2010….snow everywhere with a pretty good guarantee there would be no work tomorrow. 
As it is, it doesn’t appear as if we will get even a fourth of this tonight.
I am thinking…about lighting a fire today. I have gone from a t-shirt to sweatshirt….bare feet to feet nicely encased in cozy socks….next up will be a nice fire in the fireplace to keep the front of the house warm. I don’t mind a chill in the back of the house, in fact I prefer to sleep in a cool room at night…but cozy and warm in the front of the house on a nasty day makes me happy.
From my kitchen…will be an attempt at Southern style macaroni salad today. We can buy it on occasion at The Fresh Market but they haven’t had it in stock the last few times I have been….they consider it a summer item. Well, my cravings don’t care if it is summer or winter, it wants macaroni salad. If I am successful and like the taste, I will share a recipe with you. I do believe I have found a remedy to the hum drum turkey sausage recipe….but I want to try it out again before sharing.
I am currently working on…updating and adding pages to my business Facebook page. I revamped the welcome page, changed the profile image and added two more pages for Seniors and Maternity. I am in the process of creating pages for small events/weddings and families as well as more samples to preview. I’m also working the HTML skills….adding links to those pages that will take you to the web site. Yea, I know, not a boat load of code involved here but I’m learning….even if it is a little at a time. I’m planning on adding some more digital freebies on the business page in the very near future {yes, yes…I know I have said this before but it is becoming a reality now }. Like my page and receive updates each time I add something. According to a good friend of mine, you will be able to use these in a Creative Memory program….I don’t recall the name but perhaps she will leave a comment and let you all know. {Thanks Carole! } And of course I’m thinking about the upcoming March desktop calendar…I’m narrowing down the themes that are running through my head.
I am glad…the Walking Dead is back on television. Grant you, this show may not be for everyone, but the old school horror film lover in me loves this show…the story….the characters….the suspense.
I am going…to get my spring vacation plans together. I received an official approval on my requested days off so now I need to figure out my plans.
I am hoping…that the roads are not a sheet of ice tomorrow just in case the snow doesn’t materialize and I do have to go in to work at my normal time. If they are, I will more than likely hang back until I can safely drive in later. I would rather not get mixed up with a mass of traffic on icy roads.
I am hearing…the pitter patter of sleet outside….a commercial on television that I’m ignoring….the ticking of my many clocks….a neighbor starting their car….my wind chimes singing quite loudly and quite often to me.
A recap of last week…includes a free, digital valentine texture/overlay/background page ~ basically to use as you would like….my permanent bridge installed ~ I lived to tell the tale and include a photograph of my sweet girl. One of best things to happen last week was seeing Pop’s first time sitting at the table with mom for dinner since his accident….and finally a preview of one of my new Facebook pages. One thing I did miss last week was posting this column.
Plans for the week include…working from home on Tuesday….taking my daughter’s car to the shop for repairs….hair appointment this coming Saturday….working on my new project when the time allows….details below.
One of life’s little pleasures…remembering how to do something just like it was yesterday, even though it has been way too many years since you last tried. On a whim, I picked up a ball of yarn and a crochet needle earlier this week and I began to crochet. It was as if no time had passed…the familiar rhythm…yarn over, pull through…yarn over ~ well, it was a little ragged at first but it did get better. I can’t remember the last time I crocheted anything. It makes me smile inside as I work with the yarn. I remember all those years ago when my right handed Grandma figured out a way to teach her left handed grand-daughter how to crochet…..you did it Grandma, I still remember.
From my camera…is a shot of something I’m working on ~ the stitches aren’t perfect, but that makes it unique…..
Outside My Window ~ 2.5.2012
Outside my window…is a chilly end to our weekend. We are currently at 31°F ~ very close to our forecast low of 30°F. Tomorrow will be a nice day….sunny and the mid 50′s ~ it looks as if that will be the norm for the week, average temps during the day, chilly nights. Rain was the word for the weekend…no storming or pouring rain, occasional showers and light rain for the most part. My youngest requested a fire this evening after running an errand with her friend…she was freezing. I didn’t venture out today….I was content to stay in to do a few things around the house.
I am thinking about…the upcoming week. I have quite a few things I would like to accomplish so I need to put together a plan.
I am glad…that I was able to knock out quite a bit of work this past week. There is still plenty to keep me busy, the pile on my desk is just not quite as intimidating as it was last week. Many would say that is job security.
From the kitchen…was a dinner of a small steak, baked potato and asparagus. I really needed a nice dinner after a weekend of junk food. It began Friday evening ~ movie night with my youngest and continued on in to the weekend. Apparently when you have movie night, junk food is a requirement because when I suggested next time we have movie night we need to have a healthy one, I was informed that wasn’t happening nor allowed. I had hoped to have a new recipe today but I didn’t get the opportunity to test it out first….maybe next week.
I am going…to wish my niece a Happy 19th Birthday…I hope you had a wonderful day Danielle.
I am hearing…an episode of Friends on television ~ and my laughter at the same….I had forgotten how funny some of these were ….the water running while my youngest takes a shower…the ticking of my many clocks.
Plans for the week include…working from home on Tuesday….and the rest of the week is wide open as far as scheduled events. I like these kind of weeks.
One of life’s little pleasures…rainy days that happen during the weekend. I know, some people may not like that but I actually don’t mind it sometimes. Rainy, cool and more importantly…you don’t have to go anywhere if you don’t want to. Sometimes I don’t like it when it rains during the week and I have to drive to/from work in it….walk to/from the car in it….but when I don’t have to go anywhere, rainy days aren’t bad.
From my camera…I was back in my room early this afternoon, looking out at the bird feeders outside and thinking how it has been awhile since I have seen the birds at the feeders. Not too long after that I looked out to see quite a few birds….including a couple of Downy Woodpeckers and a Dark Eye/Slate Colored Junco. There were others but these birds were the two I was able to photograph through the glass door. Here is a preview of what I shot….
Outside My Window ~ 1.30.12
Outside my window…is a chilly 41°F at close to 11:00 in the evening. I’m constantly amazed at how time flies when you are at home…crawls when you are at work. I was doing some work at home this evening ~ photography related ~ but time doesn’t crawl when I doing that type of work. Sigh. We have had one of the strangest winters I can remember in a long time…but I got snow from Colorado in the mail the other day. Yes, snow….in the mail…I’ll show you one day soon.
I am thinking about…what made me believe that I could eat chicken wings and work on this post this evening. Could be another reason this post is so late tonight.
I am glad…I am working at home tomorrow. I have a lot to do and I will be able to focus better here.
I am going…to head to bed once I get this published…..up a little later than I wanted tonight but I do get to sleep in a little later than normal tomorrow. One of my favorite things about working at home…rise and shine about 5 minutes before you have to log in. I can even work in PJ’s and fuzzy slippers if I wanted. Saweet.
From the kitchen…above mentioned chicken wings from Costco. Mesquite flavored chicken wings…with blue cheese dressing for dipping. They sang to me as I walked by the cooler…how could I resist? They were very good…just saying, you know…in case they happen to sing to you if you are in the store one day.
Plans for the week include…not going to the dentist for a change….working at home Tuesday….see if I can schedule upcoming maintenance on our cars so we can all still get around as necessary.
One of life’s little pleasures…is a surprise in the mail from a good friend.
From my camera…sugar and spice and everything nice…..
Outside My Window ~ 1.22.2012
Outside my window…is a cold and cloudy night. Currently at about 9:30 this evening we are at 37°F….our forecast low tonight is one degree colder than the current temperature. I have a nice little fire burning in the fireplace to take the chill off the house. My youngest daughter would like me to crank up the heat however I would rather have a nice fire than pay the power company that much more each month.
I am thinking about…how spoiled we have been this past winter. Today my youngest daughter and I went out to run errands…we complained about how cold it was as if we had been experiencing this kind of weather for days on end. We haven’t….we have had an extremely mild winter this year…it hasn’t even snowed. Well….take that back, I think it did flurry snow one day but that didn’t even make it to the ground. This reminds me of the winter I bought my snow shovel. The year before I purchased it we had several snow storms with one particularly heavy one. Each time it snowed, I had to shovel the sidewalks and parking area with a standard shovel. Needless to say it worked me nearly to death! The following year the forecast called for yet another powerful storm headed our way. I left work that day and went directly to the store and purchased the snow shovel. That forecast storm did not materialize, nor did any other storm the entire winter. Of course I have gotten my moneys worth since that season….but the first one, not a single drop of snow that winter…and a brand new snow shovel sitting in the shed that never did get used. I do realize I may have just jinxed myself too….but I don’t think that will happen any time soon, we will be in the low to mid 60′s tomorrow.
I am glad…our new Director at work is a people person. I like her personality and so far I’m a lot more comfortable and optimistic with her than I was the previous one. I hope she lasts longer than three months!
I am going…to sit back and relax because I have finished and filed my taxes for the 2011. I know…mad early!
I am working on…finishing up the baby shower images from last Sunday. I had quite a few to edit….probably more than normal because I had a hard time selecting just a few. I’m also pondering a redesign of some things….and I need to continue to ponder because I have a tendency to take on too many projects at one time. I’m trying to stop doing that….it is harder than I expected but I’m fighting the urge.
I am hearing…the ticking of my many clocks…..my daughter’s and their friend laughing occasionally and making comments while watching the movie “Eclipse” ~ and yes, if you are wondering….we did watch the same movie not so long ago. A different friend that had not seen the movie was here for dinner so the DVD is getting another work out tonight. It is funny to listen…we have Team Jacob and Team Edward and the comments are hysterical during particular scenes.
Plans for the week include…working from home tomorrow and then the dentist later in the afternoon ~ this time is prep work for a bridge and crown that I must have…..a meeting with our new Director on Tuesday that I’m looking forward to, will be nice to see what direction she is moving towards.
One of life’s little pleasures…biscuits that come out of the oven light, fluffy and tasty. I made garlic and cheese herb biscuits with dinner tonight and they were quite tasty….always a plus when they are edible.
From my camera…playing around with some free layer masks by Shadowhouse Creations. If you like working with textures, Jerry has many different kinds and styles to choose from…free of charge too.
Outside My Window ~ 1.15.2012
Outside my window…is a pretty chilly night. Right now…about 9:00 in the evening….we are at 27°F….chilly. No wind to speak of and clear skies….part of the reason we are so cold is because there is no cloud cover. Today was clear, blue skies and sunshine….and chilly. I decided to have a fire this evening…one of the things that attracted me to my house was the fireplace with an insert….the old school kind that requires wood. I can close the doors, flip a switch and the heat generated will drive you straight out of the room. I would rather leave the doors open with the screen closed though….I like to gaze into the fire sometimes. I’m wishing my desk was a little closer to it….but right now…..
I’m thinking about…how nice and toasty said fire is.
I am glad…tomorrow is a day off. I missed a couple of days last week because I wasn’t feeling well. I’m grateful for this extra day to catch up on some things around the house that were neglected last week.
From my kitchen…is an old favorite, Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap for dinner. I wasn’t able to try anything new this week…wait, I take that back….I did try one new recipe but it is back to the drawing board on that one. It is a good idea…but not the way it is currently written.
I am going…to work on editing baby shower photographs that were taken today….and in the not too distant future we will be getting together for a maternity session. I looked around their house today ~ not like a creeper or anything….and noticed in the main rooms there was lots of windows which equal plenty of natural light, a beautiful deck….and a motorcycle. We could really make it interesting….not to mention a warm house and hot chocolate would be within darting distance. I’m not sure what she has in mind but I did let her know that her house could definitely be an option. A lot of people have beautiful light in their homes and may not even realize it…..that is the first thing I notice when I walk in to a place.
I am working on…rearranging a few things in the house. I have my new work area rearranged and set up. I think I may have finally hit on a very workable solution. Still a bit of this and that to sort through but for the most part it is set. Big plus as a result of this move ~ my monitor is now at eye level. It hasn’t been this way for very long but I can already feel an improvement in neck/shoulder stress and posture….I am more comfortable working on my photographs.
I am hearing…the ticking of my many clocks….my daughter’s radio in her car ~ which is odd because I’m in the house and the front door is closed ~ and she wonders why I don’t want to ride with her….Resident Evil ~ Apocalypse on television…you definitely want Alice on your team if your planning a trip to Raccoon City. I do enjoy the zombie movies and shows….they have come a long way since I saw my first one.
Plans for the week include…back to work on Tuesday….finish the baby shower images….finish my little rearrangement project…deliver some calendars I promised to family.
One of life’s little pleasures…holding sweet babies as much as you want and when they cry ~ you can give them back to their mothers, go home and sleep undisturbed all night.
From my camera…a wonderful discovery! I have several photographs in the box where I had neglected to write the dates on them. That was the case with this image…{some of you may recognize a much younger version of yourselves }….I was so disappointed I did not write the date when this was taken. But you will also notice if you visit the link, I did an update because of this little box of negatives. Once I “found” it again, I discovered negatives filed neatly away with dates written on the envelopes! Who knew when I was being so anal and writing all the info down on the negative envelopes it would come in handy all these years later. And yes, I do wear the gloves when I handle the film negatives….
Outside My Window ~ 1.8.2012
Outside my window…is the sun setting on another winter afternoon…..wait is it really winter? Let’s see, yesterday we had a high of around 67°F…today we reached 53°F….looks like tomorrow will be about 50°F {with rain} and then back to 60°F on Tuesday. The weather has been like a roller coaster with fair days and cold nights…but it still doesn’t feel like winter to me. The nor’easters have not come like normal….there has been no snow….no chilly rains…kind of weird. Add to the fact that most of the lower 48 is snow free makes it feel even less like winter. I know there is still plenty of winter left so I’m not ready to take out the swim suits yet….but definitely a mild winter so far this year.
I am thinking about…how I hope I don’t catch the cold my youngest daughter has right now. So far I have been cold free this year….and now why do I feel like I just jinxed myself?
From my kitchen…was a dinner of cornbread, chicken and a pot of pinto beans this evening….I’m eating my winter comfort foods even if it doesn’t feel like it outside. I have a few new recipes I want to try so I may have something to share next time. I’m still on a quest to find the perfect sausage seasoning….I found another recipe and tweaked it to my liking but it is still falling a little flat for my taste. I’m beginning to think my taste borders on the very spicy side when it comes to breakfast sausages. I haven’t given up totally….I still have a few more recipes to try.
I am going…to be sending out our new year photo cards to family and close friends hopefully by the end of the week. Yes folks, I got the elusive family photograph this year….the problem now, getting everyone to agree on one we all like. I’m pretty flexible but the other two….not so much. I foresee some PhotoShop head swapping in my future….could be interesting. Hmmm, maybe I will put different heads on different bodies without telling anyone. I’m betting that wouldn’t go over so well…but it would be a good laugh while I was doing it.
I am working on…some album layouts and other designs. I have also been compiling a nice little stack of textures. I have been photographing a lot of different types of textures to use on my photographs. I have used textures in the past but I have been experimenting with them a lot more recently. A couple of my recent experiments are here and here….and the image I’m posting today. These were not my textures but others I have obtained over time from Shadowhouse Creations and Sarah Gardner.
I am hearing…the ticking of my many clocks….my youngest and her friend talking and laughing quietly….”New Moon” DVD on television….dirty dishes mocking and laughing at me in the kitchen. 
Plans for the week include…working from home Tuesday and Thursday….dentist on Thursday….and continue to tackle that mountain of work that was waiting for me at work after my vacation. I always seem to get a lot of things completed when I work from home ~ less distractions and interruptions ~ so I’m hoping to knock a big hole in that pile this week.
One of life’s little pleasures…chocolate chip cookies minutes after they come out of the oven. They can burn your mouth if you are not careful…but a little bit of heaven in every bit.
From my camera…is an image taken during the departmental Christmas party in Trinkle Hall in the Campus Center at the College. This is the Royal Coat of Arms for the United Kingdom…the words “Dieu Et Mon Droit” is the motto for the British Monarch in England. This work is huge….huge! It is mounted high on the wall in the large hall that is commonly used for large gatherings on campus.
Outside My Window ~ 1.2.2012
Outside my window…is on the way to a chilly night. We are currently at 35°F at about 10:30 this evening with a forecast low of 28°F. Tomorrow the forecast calls for winds at 19 mph and a forecast high of 38°F ~ which I’m betting it won’t feel that warm if the winds are blowing that hard. It was quite chilly and windy today as I took down the outside Christmas lights. All decorations are down now and up in the attic with the exception of the tree. I still have to get that put away but decided enough was enough this evening. Our temperature this week will gradually build up to a high of 60°F on Friday. While the day will be mild, night will bring back mid 30 degree temps.
I am thinking about…how I have been moving pretty much non stop all day today. No one will have to rock me to sleep tonight. I have also been thinking about the pile of work that will be waiting for me tomorrow morning…groan.
I am glad…me and mine all had a safe and happy new year. My daughters had plans with their friends on New Years Eve and I wasn’t shy about preaching about being careful and watching out for the nut jobs that always seem to be out on the roads during holiday celebrations. I’m happy to report no problems and all are safe and sound. I wasn’t feeling very well myself so I took it easy. I’m doing all I can this season to stay healthy.
I am going…back to work tomorrow after a total of 17 days off….I’m really not looking forward to the alarm clock so early tomorrow morning. I believe I could get use to a life of leisure but pretty certain I would get hungry and a bit tired of living out of my car after some time had passed.
I am working on…a new desktop calendar for January. It was my intent to have it ready by the 1st but to be honest, I haven’t been on the computer all that much this past week. Most of my time has been spent cleaning out closets….rearranging my work area {which seems to be working out nicely I might add}….and getting rid of some things I really don’t need to hold on to any longer.
I am hoping…that you all had a safe and happy holiday. I hope this new year brings exciting, new adventures for me. I am working on a few things that I will be highlighting soon.
I am hearing…the ticking of my many clocks minus one that needs new batteries….the “Return of the King” on television….my bed whispering my name.
Plans for the week include…wading through a mountain of work on my desk….getting the last of the Christmas decorations up in the attic….finishing up a few projects I have started.
One of life’s little pleasures…tucking another holiday away in the memory banks of your mind. This one was a little rougher than others since my step-father is not doing well, but we were fortunate he was with us to celebrate this year.
From my camera…I guess it is actually from my computer ~ a composite I put together a couple of years ago, but the meaning is still the same. 
Outside My Window ~ 12.26.2011
Outside my window…the day after Christmas is bright sunshine, blue skies and chilly. Right now we are at 49°F with winds at 15 mph ~ gusting to 24 mph. It is a beautiful day. The picture above was taken a year ago today. Last year we woke up to snow….lots of it too. It was fabulous….no place to go, snuggled inside with a nice fire going….I kind of miss it this year. Last year was a different season for a lot of us in regards to snow on the ground. It appears as if we won’t be approaching average snow levels in many parts of the country unless the winter snow machine ramps up power in the next couple of months. I will also be looking around to discover a new winter “window” for 2012. The rest of our week includes rain and wind tomorrow but sunny skies and average temperatures for the next five days or so.
I am thinking about…what a good day it was yesterday. I spent the morning with my daughters…then we spent the afternoon with my family that lives in the area…and the evening relaxing quietly at home. It was a very good birthday.
I am glad…that I finally got my work area reorganized and it seems to be working. Sorry, no photographs though ~ there was too much chaos as I moved everything, rearranged furniture….rearranged it again….until I finally got a set up I can work with. Tiny houses are challenging when it comes to finding space to create in.
From my kitchen…is a sweet and simple recipe/procedure for homemade applesauce. I don’t like applesauce you purchase in the store…but I like this. The spices can be mixed up to your taste. Right now I’m enjoying a French dip sandwich for lunch…yum! I haven’t decided what will be for dinner this evening, maybe something simple and easy. I have a few recipes I would like to try this week….and I have a new binder to store my printed recipes in thanks to a gift from my brother and his family.
I am going…to see if I can work on my budget this week before the start of the new year. I would like to begin with a fine tuned plan on what I would like to accomplish this next year. I have some ideas I think will be helpful so I’m willing to give it a try.
I am currently reading…a new book I received from my parents ~ Lighting Notebook by Kevin Kubota. There isn’t an abundance of reading involved as much as lighting details for different looks for photographic shoots. So far I like what I have seen….I may even try a few of the set ups.
I am hoping…that everyone had a wonderful holiday ~ and that Santa brought you your hearts desire.
I am hearing…the dryer tumbling my clothes dry….the ticking of my many clocks….the wind chimes singing to me every so often….an otherwise quiet house and neighborhood. It really seems like a Sunday today…not a lot of activity outside.
Plans for the week include…I haven’t made any solid plans to tell the truth. I have a lot I would like to accomplish, just don’t know the order in which it will happen.
One of life’s little pleasures…making it through the holidays relatively stress free. I think I managed to do that this year….I think I would like to make it a holiday tradition. There were some things that didn’t want to cooperate {like why my wireless printer won’t work without a wire} but I managed through them….relatively stress free. My only wish is that my step-father was doing better but I believe even he had a better day yesterday than he has in a while.
From my camera…a couple of images from yesterday….a gift to my parents from wonderful neighbors….and looking through a doorway at my mother’s tree at the end of the day….
Outside My Window ~ 12.18.2011
Outside my window…is nightfall in Hampton Roads. We are currently at 31°F with clear skies…forecast low is 30°F. Cold. Tomorrow is another story with a forecast high of 56°F and sunshine but it will get cold again tomorrow evening. There is no snow in the forecast…chance of rain on Christmas day, but no snow. It appears as if we are not the only ones who won’t have a white Christmas. So maybe the mountains of snow received last year were actually some of this years snow? Would seem so…places that usually have received quite a bit by this time of the season have received only a trace so far this year.
I am thinking about…everything I have to do this next week after a not so productive weekend. One thing I will not be worrying about next week….work! Yes, I’m officially off until the 3rd of January and couldn’t be more pleased. I have been looking forward to this since I went back to work last year after the holidays. Seriously, it is something I do look forward to each year….a nice long stretch of time. No getting up at the crack o’dawn unless I want to….no drive to work ~ which is going to save dollars in gas money….just time. Of course that doesn’t mean I won’t have anything to do because I do have a list of things I want to get accomplished during this time off.
From my kitchen…is not so much at the moment but I will be making a few things this next week. I have a couple of new recipes I want to try while I’m off, including some bread recipes. I think I will get a bunch of recipes together while I’m off to share with you after the holidays….perfect time to do so I think. I would much rather take photographs of the finished products in natural light rather than the harsh fluorescent kitchen light and time off allows me the opportunity to do so.
I am currently working on…Christmas gifts….playing with some templates for album layouts…changing the profile image for Magikal Folk Photography on Facebook. And speaking of profile images ~ did you know the new time line layout is suppose to go live very soon? I have already changed mine over the the new look….and created my new cover photograph. The cover photograph fills the large white space at the top. You can add any type of cover image from either your photographs on Facebook or create one like I did using a template. I used a template from Florabella Collection which she offered for free for a limited time. I should note, you do have to have either PhotoShop Elements or PhotoShop to use the templates and have knowledge of layers and clipping masks. If you visit her site, click on the Facebook freebies and it should take you to it.
I am going to…work on my business plan for next year. I have some ideas that I need to work out….some creations percolating in my mind that I would like to try. First order of business before I do any of that is to redesign my work area. I have spent the past year reorganizing this area and cleaning up clutter….it works for a while and before I know it I’m doing it again. There must be a better way and I believe that means a redesign of how I have things laid out ~ furniture and equipment. The first thing I need to change…my space moved around. There are plans….it might require moving furniture from one room to another…and maybe back again…but I’m going to give it a go. I will let you know what comes of this….there could be photographs.
I am currently reading…PhotoShop Compositing Secrets by Matt Kloskowski. It has been a while since I worked on composites and after working on my mirror composite, I realized it was something I enjoyed doing. This book is full of tips and tricks to make your composites stand out. Some things I knew…a lot I did not! I’m sure you will be seeing more from me in the coming year. I use to dabble with them now and again but not for a while now. I have another one I’m working on now….it is so me….and many, many layers involved. Perhaps I will unveil it for you next week here on Outside My Window.
I am hoping…that we are finally able to get our photograph taken this coming Tuesday! Yes, I don’t have one yet but honestly it is not for lack of trying. We were all set last Monday….everyone was dressed, everyone was ready….and I couldn’t find the damn part to attach the camera to the tripod. I looked in my camera backpack…my camera bag….my lighting bag…my room….the kitchen…the living room…my purse. It was beyond frustrating because I had just used it a few days earlier. Where did I put it? This was not something I just laid down anywhere because I know it is important. The girls got impatient {I can’t blame them for that} so I let them go on with their plans for the evening. My oldest daughter’s comment was I would find it as soon as they left….well, she was close ~ 20 minutes after they left I checked my camera backpack again and lo and behold, there it was….in the one pocket I don’t believe I stuck my hand in. Sigh. Another date set….not working for anyone when that day rolled around so now we have Tuesday as the deadline…and I do believe I will be working on New Year’s cards this year. Stay tuned…..
I am hearing…clothes tumbling in the dryer….the ticking of my many clocks….a Supernatural DVD on television…and my stomach growling ~ I need a snack.
Plans for the week include…not going to work ….getting my hair done tomorrow….Christmas shopping for my girls….grocery shopping….making a few gifts for my family….enjoying my time off.
One of life’s little pleasures…relaxing time. Need I say more.
From my camera…sharing a little holiday bokeh with you. If you would like this image, feel free to download it here. You know the drill…..click on the link, once the image opens up you will right click on it and “save image as”. You may use for both commercial or personal work, no restrictions except please do not claim as your own. The download does not have a logo watermark. It is a large file so it will take a few to open. Enjoy!
Outside My Window ~ 12.11.2011
Outside my window…is a pretty frosty evening as we are closing in on 9:00 p.m.. We are currently at 33°F, which is also our forecast low for the evening. Today was sunshine and blue skies but fairly cool with only a high of 45°F. We will gradually build our way up to a high of 60°F by Thursday. I noticed on the weather channel the past couple of days that a lot of places that normally have plenty of snow have barely seen any this year….you wonder if they are going to have a mild winter….or if the worst is yet to come. We generally don’t see snow this early….we have gotten some around the middle of the month and some monster storms right around the holidays or in early January, but usually not a whole lot this early. I wonder if the folks that haven’t gotten all their normal snow yet misses it…or if they are relieved they don’t have to deal with it yet. I love it when it snows a lot here as long as I don’t have to drive in it….I can drive in the snow, I lived in Denver for quite a few years so I have some experience in that arena. However many of the folks that live around here do not….nor is the city equipped to handle significant snow falls because it is not that common place.
I am thinking about…nothing in particular and everything all at once. My mind is switching between over drive of things I want and need to accomplish, family, work….and then sometimes just quiet, relaxing, letting the stress go. It could be the holidays….could be a plethora of things actually.
I am glad…this will be my last week of work until after the first of the year. This is the time I look forward to all year long….I take a few days off right before the college closes down for the holiday. A combination of the days I take and the days we are closed results in a nice break from work….and usually by this time, I am ready for it.
I am going…to keep this a little shorter than normal this evening…still a few things I would like to get accomplished before going to bed….miles to go before I sleep.
I am hearing…the dryer tumbling Cailin’s clothes dry….the ticking of my many clocks….part one of the Stephen King movie “Bag of Bones” on television {this has gotten delayed just because of that ~ I keep watching more than typing here }
Plans for the week include…dentist appointment for my youngest on Monday…..working from home on Tuesday….finalizing an order so I can upload it to my print lab by Tuesday….maybe spending some time playing with a new composite I have in mind. I really enjoyed the learning process when I created my Halloween post ~ if you missed it you can check it out here. I think that composite had close to 50 layers…that is a lot! This new one may surpass that one.
One of life’s little moments…looking forward to Christmas vacation. It is almost like I’m a kid again.
From my camera…sadly I missed the eclipse this past Saturday. Very cloudy and rain Friday with cloudy skies Saturday morning….just enough to ruin the show. Denied once again….but I did get a nice moon shot Thursday evening so I’m happy. I was thinking about snow and went back into the archives…..this is from December 16, 2010.
Images by Magikal Folk Photography are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License