Day 21 - Photo a Day

Today's assignment for "photo a day" was "favorite picture of yourself." 

I'm sure those of you who know me figured I'd probably skip out on doing this assignment being that you you know how much I loooooooove being in front of the camera. ( <----- snarky comment)

Well HA! You figured wrong!!!! 

Believe it or not, I do have a "few" photographs of myself that I do kinda sorta like. 

9 of them to be exact! 

These images were taking in August of 2008. It was just a simple afternoon that I set up a silly backdrop in my backyard, grabbed my kiddos, a stool, wireless remote, and a tripod and just started clicking away!

I think the process took us 45 minutes from start to finish - but there was SO MUCH LAUGHING throughout! I mean... BELLY laughs. I had such a magical time that day. Every single time I look at these images I smile from ear to ear. Nothing posed going on here. Nothing rehearsed. Just flat out memory makin' pix!

Honestly. These are my most favorite pictures of me. So happy and comfortable with my babies.

{sigh}

Pure, raw, happiness here.

xoxoxoxoxox

Day 21

"favorite photo of yourself"

The image in the dead center is my very favorite. Each one of us was laughing SO hard. I can still hear it!  LOVE IT!

Day 19 - Photo a Day

Another buuuusy day today. 

As excited as I am to be starting some home improvement projects, I am not thrilled with all the cleaning and prepping I need to do. I know it'll be worth it in the end but wow! I'm exhausted, and I've only just started! 

We recently redid our guest bathroom which has now snowballed into wanting to do the master bathroom as well... which has now led to wanting new carpet throughout the house. I cannot WAIT for these projects to be done!!!! There's still painting that needs to be done, replacing base boards, replacing/updating appliances etc. etc. etc. The list goes on and on.

Needless to say, I've been SUPER busy all weekend long trying to get things in order around here. I apologize for running down to the wire with today's post, but... considering all of the new house projects,  I think todays "photo a day" project fits in nicely. :)

Day 19 

"something I hate to do"

Day 17 - Photo a Day

We all say it, "Where does all the time go?" 

Today I really felt each and every tick of the clock. I had several people to meet/visit with today and was limited to how much time I could spend with each of them. It felt a little depressing to have to limit myself in such a way. Especially when I went to visit my Grandparents today. 

I am SO completely lucky to have my Grandparents around still. My children are extra extra lucky to have their GREAT Grandparents. It's so amazing. Grandpa will be 90 in July and Grandma will be 89 in March. I hated the fact that my visit had to be so short with them today. I was expecting the glass company to arrive at my house to fix a broken window so I had to keep an eye on the clock. Of course my Grandparent's understood my situation and felt that any visit was better than none at all. I just couldn't help but to feel this heaviness. This horrible feeling of needing to stop time dead in it's tracks. I don't know how much longer I will have my Grandparent's around and the mere thought of that breaks my heart in to a million pieces. 

Tic.... toc..... tic.... toc.

Each second that passed was one I couldn't get back.

Tic... toc... tic..... toc.

As I sat and visited with my Grandparent's, I stared at my Grandparent's faces in a whole new way today. Taking mental pictures with my eyes so I wouldn't forget. My ears paid close attention to the sound of their laughter and the tones of their voice. Each second mattered and I was careful to not waste a single one.

I try not to spend too much time imagining what my world would be like without them in it. My heart certainly cannot manage nor comprehend that kind of ache. I just know that time cannot be taken for granted. As I've grown and become a woman, a wife, and a mother, it's been easy to get caught up in my own daily life and routine.  For some odd reason it had totally slipped my mind that as I grow older..... so do my parents and my grandparents. Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you like that. How did I ever think I could avoid this part of my life? As if somehow this part of my life would never come. I'd just continue to skip along, Mom and Dad would always be there and so would Grandma and Grandpa. 

Each day is a true blessing. Be sure to take it all in and preserve each day, hour, minute, second you have with your loved ones. 

Tic Toc.... Tic Toc.....

~Day 17 - Photo a Day~

"TIME"

**By the way, just a little info about my images for "TIME" - They are not tack sharp for a reason. I do not own a macro lens, but I'd LOVE to. In the meantime, I make do with a little trick. I take my 50 mm 1.4 lens, take it OFF of my camera, open up the aperture all the way (1.4) turn it around BACKWARDS and hold it up to my camera. (being that you can't thread it onto your mount in this position, it'll take some getting used to holding it up to your camera as steadily as you can) The camera will not be able to function or read certain settings or commands, but I play with the meter, hold the camera as steady as I can, move my camera/lens towards/away from subject until I get the focus I'm looking for and then I take the picture. Again... it does take some getting used to, but if you play around with it enough, you'll get the hang of it. I think it really creates some interesting images! What do you think? If you have any trouble when trying this technique, just shoot me an email and I'll help you out!** 

Day 16 - Photo a Day

You know that moment when you finally come to that fork in the road when a decision needs to be made? You ponder the situation, wonder if you can postpone it any longer than you already have, until finally you just know ya gotta face the bare bone facts.

YUP!

It happened to me today. Oh sure, I knew this day would come. I saw all the tell tale signs... although, they were a bit blurry. 

{sigh}

I need reading glasses. There! I said it. All those times when I excitedly went to start to read a new book all to find myself asleep half way through page 2. What? I was wide awake one minute and out the next. What was wrong with me? I totally felt like I had narcolepsy! It only happened when I read or sat in front of my computer for long periods of time editing (which is like..... pretty much my entire existence!!!) 

Finally the bells and whistles started to go off in my head. Secretly I'd fumble with the reading glasses at Barnes & Noble and then jokingly laugh and pose as though I was playing around when I noticed my husband looking at me. I started to catch myself extending my arm further and further away from my face when I'd read the small print on a label or magazine. Although my eyes are not HORRIBLE, they are fuzzy enough up close that I need a very low magnification pair of glasses. 

H.E.L.L.O!!!

Changed my little world they did!!!! Seriously, looking at my iPhone while I'm in bed got SO much nicer, reading the morning newspaper, and reading the microscopic print on IKEA packaging/instructions is now a breeze (not the actual assembly part..... just the print.)

Anyway. I'm not sure if these glasses make me look goofy or not. They sure do make me feel smarter though! I feel rather sassy sporting my new "librarian" look. (Ha. I'm not sure why most of us associate glasses to a librarian... but.. I'm going with it) 

Bottom line is that I needed a little help with stuff up close and I only need them for reading. Sure beats straining my eyeballs! Geez. No wonder I get so many headaches! Maybe now they will be less frequent!

Yeah!

Day 16 - Photo a Day

"something new"

(ok.. my eyes really aren't THIS bad w/o glasses. It's just a dramatization. LOL)

Bedtime stories with the kids just got a whole lot easier!!!! I can get waaaaay passed page 2 now! ;)

Day 15 - Photo a Day ~ Phone

Remember the good old days? These babies were on every single corner and outside of every local grocery store, mall, gas station, & school. I remember having to walk down the block to use a pay phone because my teenage sister was ALWAYS on our home phone and would NEVER let me use it! 

It's funny to see one of these artifacts still in use. (or at least I assumed it was still in use!) As I walked by this pay phone, my son says to me "what's it for?" LOL 

Geez! I feel old!

It's a scrappy picture..... but you get the gist!

xo 

Day 15

Day 14 - Photo a Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

Was it a success? Did cupid do his/her job well? Eat a lot of chocolate? Get any roses?

Well, I must admit that my hubby and I don't really participate on this day. NOT because we aren't romantic! No no no! We just believe in showing up with flowers or going out to a spontaneous dinner because it's a Thursday night - NOT just because the calendar tells us we have to. Know what I mean?

Again. I'm not being a naysayer. It's a fun little holiday that I enjoy with my kiddos. 

It's another opportunity to show my love for them in fun little ways. Like heart shaped pancakes for instance. Simple little gesture that pays out big dividends in hugs and kisses from sweet little syrupy faces!!!

Mmmm mmm mmm! Now that's what I'm talkin' about! That's what Valentine's day is all about for me!

No matter if you take part in V-day or not, I hope you had a fantastic day sharing warm and fuzzy thoughts with someone you love!

xoxoxoxoxoxox

Day 14

Day 13 - Photo a Day

"BLUE"

Day 12 - Photo a Day

Here we are at day 12 of my photo project. I try not to look ahead too far on the list so that I can really try to be creative with my photos... but after I saw today's topic I was like.... WOOOOOAH! Wait a second! I really should have prepped for this one. 

I'll admit it - My closet is not always that tidy. It's not because I'm a slob or anything, it's just that my husband has more clothes than I do so he uses (hogs) more of the space in there. Ok, that and I hold on to clothes with fierce hope of either the garment will come back in style, or I can fit my butt into jeans I wore in high Jr. High. (ok.. not really jr. high... but perhaps college) I know I'd have more space if I just purged the stuff I'll never wear again. Anyone else know what I'm talking about? I also have an obsession with shoes! I have more shoes than outfits to coordinate with. Let's face it. Whether I gain or lose weight, my feet still remain the same size so it's much easier to buy shoes than clothes. (aaaand, it's just the total chick in me that can't resist a hot pair of shoes!)

Man! Taking pix of my closet made me really want to start focussing on adding in more color to my wardrobe and more variety of styles. I think I need to go on TLC's program "What Not To Wear" or something. As humiliating as it'd be, I really think I need someone to teach me how to dress!!! It's been forever since I've actually spent any considerable amount of time updating my clothes. It's just become such a daunting task. I hate everything on me, things fit funky, etc. etc. etc. I've lost my passion to clothes shop! 

I know, I  know! Many women (and some men I know) just gasped at that very comment, but it's true. SO, I'm all open to pointers on how to update my look on a budget. :) Any takers??????

So here's my closet. Yep. Pretty much a dark colored collection of clothing. Black is just my color. (or is it  a lack of color?)

Day 11 - Photo a Day

He's all boy.

There is no doubt in my mind my son will be just like his father. Charming, sweet, funny, good lookin', and athletic! We just signed my son up for T-ball for this Spring. I-can't-wait! My husband is going to be the coach too. Can I just say that watching my little "iron mouse" dressed in his little baseball pants, glove and hat absolutely melt me? Yah... can't help it. He just makes me so dang proud!

PLAY BALL!

(here's some quick snaps I took at the park today)

Day 11 Photo a Day

"makes me happy"

Day 10 - Photo a Day

uuuugh!

I cringed when I noticed that today's assignment was "self portrait." I can take YOUR picture juuuust fine, but myself? Holy moly! Not only do I NOT like being photographed, I have such a hard time actually taking my own picture. It's awkward. My lens is too dang heavy and when I turn the camera around to face me I have to try to strategically hold the camera while pushing the shutter release button down, try not to look cheesy, try not to wear my "painful" face, and try not to look miserable, etc. etc. I know some photographers that are SO good at this task... but I do not share the same talent.

Sooooooo, please forgive me for having to use my handy dandy iphone for this assignment today. C'mon! Cut me some slack you guys!!! You don't even know how lucky you are that I'm even completing this "self portrait" assignment today! But because I love you all sooo much and I don't want to let anyone down and flake on my Day 10 assignment - 

THIS is what you get.

Don't judge

xo ox xo

Day 9 - Photo A Day

My sister and my brother in law bought an older home so that they could fix it up. It's a sweeeet little pad. My brother in law is a contractor so you can imagine with his skills, what he can do to fix up the place. They've done a dynamite job adding their personal touches to their home.

The one thing my sister keeps saying she's DYING to change and update about her home is her front door. WHAT?? I totally dig this front door! Look at it! I mean what's not to love!? It's so retro from the 60'-70's. No way! That door is a keeper I tell ya! 

Anyway.... When I saw that today's assignment for Photo a Day was "front door", I knew I'd be blogging this door. My front door is... well. It's very unexciting.

But not THIS door!!!! 

Day 9 - Photo a Day

"Front Door"

xo ox xo

Day 8 - Photo a Day

Ok.. tonight's picture kinda makes me laugh a little bit. My hubby was driving and I had my camera bag in the back seat. I saw this amazing sunset and wanted to try to capture it being that I knew tonight's project was "sun." I stuck my 70-300mm lens on my camera and just started snapping away out the window, through the windshield, leaning over my husband so I could shoot out his driver's side window.... I tried it all. Windows up and all. Nevermind stopping the vehicle! That would've been too easy!!! ;) This image was taken while moving. (hence the slight blur)

Even though this image lacks some clarity, I kinda like it! The power lines just suck me into it. Might not be technically perfect, but I like the way it makes me feel!!!! And hey... it completes my assignment for today's Photo A Day project! 

Day 8

"sun"

xo xo xo

Day 7 - Photo a Day

Holy Moly! What a day! 

My day was filled with errands..... lots and lots of errands. I don't care how much I prep myself or psych myself up to go grocery shopping, it's always one of those tasks that seem to go on and on and on and takes up most of my darn day! 

If you are anything like me, you find yourself going to MULTIPLE stores just to get everything you need. I mean, I love the idea of going to Costco for all of our grocery needs, but I cannot seem to justify all of my household needs being purchased there. I can't/won't do without Costco's fresh produce and veggies and organic meats/poultry/fish, big boxes of cereal, eggs and milk, but let's be realistic here. Do I really need 5,000 hamburger buns or do I really only need 6 or 8? Do I really need 200 rolls of paper towels or maybe just 3 or 4? Do I really need 85 lbs. of carrots or will a 3-5 lb. bag suffice? It's things like that that keep me running to other stores for those "little" items. Those little ingredients or snack items that you just simply don't need in mass quantity. 

So, after making my way through the busy warehouse of Costco, then off to places like Trader Joe's, Target, Safeway.... I am still smacked in the face with the lovely task of unloading everything and finding a place for it all in the cabinets and refrigerator. Then off to pick up Sophia from school, help with homework, clean and tidy the house, make dinner, do dishes, get kids ready for bed.... yah. It's 11 o'clock at night and I find myself in a mad dash to get to the photo project that I signed myself up for! Doh!

Well, it's nothing fancy folks, but today's topic on the Photo A Day project for February is 

"Buttons"

Here's what I came up with on the fly!

It's just SO convenient that my initials are right next to one another on the keyboard! ;)

This little chick is off to bed

Until tomorrow

Sweet dreams everyone!

xoxox

Day 6 - Photo a Day

There is no question about it.... I am 100% Italian. Yes.. I enjoy my carbs and I love a good homemade batch of marinara sauce slurped up with a good crusty piece of bread. YUM!

However, I must admit that if not for my Italian roots and love for Italian food, I'd most certainly be mistaken for being Japanese. Why you ask? Because I could seriously eat sushi 3 meals a day - 7 days a week!!! Uuuuh! I love it so much. Because sushi tends to be on the pricey side, it becomes a real TREAT when I do allow myself to indulge.

Tonight was one of those nights. Each bite was savored and enjoyed with pure bliss. I'm tellin' ya, I could practically feel my eyeballs roll back into my head it was so good!!! 

Mmm mmm mm mm mm!

Feast your eyes!!!!

Day 6 

Oyasuminasai! (Oi!-ya-sue-me-naa-sa-eye) 

グッドナイト

(goodnight)

By the way, I've been lucky enough to do a bit of a trade with a local Japanese restaurant here in Chico CA. I do a lot of their pictures of their sushi rolls for their menus etc. If you need a recommendation for a great sushi bar Japanese Blossoms is the place to go! Just tell Yuka Jeanette sent ya! ;)

Day 5 - Photo a Day

So! How was everyone's Super Bowl Sunday? Any favorite commercials? Did your team win? Did you eat or drink too much? Stay at home or have a party? Go to a party?

Well, we spent out day with our amazing neighbors and friends and watched the game, ate some yummy food, and had a lot of laughs. It wasn't really about the game for me though. I was just happy and content hanging out with our friends socializing. Good times!

Being that I'm just now getting home, I'm super glad I did my "photo a day" project this morning so that I can post it at a decent hour. (for once! lol)

Today's assignment was "10 a.m"

Here's a little peek as to what I was doing at 10 a.m this morning. 

Nothing fancy or glamorous. Just breakfast. 

xoxox