KMP Photography

Fall Special and What is New

2010-09-22T15:21:00.002-06:00

Autumn is my favourite time of year. It must be for many of us as this is the time of year, families love to have their photos taken. To celebrate autumn, I am having a special on Family Moments Session. A Keepsake book is included with your session! This is a great memory keeper for your self or as a gift. Book early, as sessions are limited to ensure you get your book before Christmas.

Pretty in the Prairies Pin up Session is what is new at KMP Photography. I have been having a lot of fun with this. I have some great props that you can use to create your Pin Up look. All you need is some great shoes, whatever you would like to wear and eyelashes. Want to have even more fun, bring along a couple of girlfriends and make it a Pin Up Party. You each get your own session and then a group shot. Call me for more details.

A Family That Huddles Together

2010-09-13T23:37:00.003-06:00

Long over due in the posting department. It seems that I tend to upload more photos to FB. Sorry.

Here is a family that is a football family. All three of the boys played, or are playing football in high school. One of them received a football scholarship to a college in the US. Before mom and dad drove him off to school, I had the pleasure of capturing an evening of family moments.

I took the edited images and put them into a slideshow for mom to see. She cried and I took this as a Thank you.

Here is my first attempt at posting a video here. Enjoy!

Seniors Sessions

2010-08-04T10:35:00.004-06:00

I had the pleasure to do a Seniors Session yesterday. You are probably thinking these beautiful young ladies don't look anything like Seniors but they are. Seniors as in high school seniors not as in retirement.

I went out to a secret small town location and found plenty of places to get some fantastic photos. We only shot in two locations but there were plenty of places. Who knew that small town back alleys and half abandoned buildings, cars would be wonderful back drops to do a photo session at.

Here are a few of the group girlfriend images, followed by an individual of each of the young ladies.

These girls are Friends fans and this replicates their love for the show.

Canada Day Fireworks

2010-07-03T00:19:00.006-06:00

We love fireworks!! I thoroughly enjoy them. I think it has to do with the Wonderful World of Walt Disney. Every Sunday we watched and the opening had fireworks from behind the castle. I remember my dad saying we should take the kids. I did eventually see the fireworks but it was with my kids in the year I turned 40. It was worth the wait to see it with my kids. Did wish my parents were there with me.

I have tried to do firework photos years ago. They turned out ok and I swore I would not do any more photos of fireworks. Just go and enjoy them. Alas, I have improved my photography skills, learned and have finally started using my tripod and guess what? I have been having much fun doing long exposure, night photography and just had to try again to photograph fireworks. This time with success and with me rather pleased with my results.

This year, just as we did last year on Canada Day, we drove out to Dakota Dunes. A casino on Whitecap Reserve about a few minutes drive from Saskatoon. We go to the fireworks every year. A family tradition but have changed the location to where we go to watch. I remember, last year, how great the show was and vowed, that this year, I was taking my camera with me.

I was so pleased with my photos, as I said, that I had a difficult time picking but this is the result of a great show out at Dakota Dunes.

Enjoy and please leave comments. I love to hear feedback. Thanks!

Hide n Seek

2010-07-01T00:05:00.004-06:00

The home free post and where you count.

Waiting to play.

My parents farm.

This has certainly been long overdue. I know I have plenty of work to share but will make this more personal today. Last Friday, my family went out to the farm for my mom's birthday. The summer has been super fantastic weather wise and truly the mosquitoes have not been too terribly bad.

One of the things, or should I say games, I grew up playing was Hide n Seek. I played with siblings, cousins, neighbours and even my hubby when we just started dating. This is a great story. Everyone knows that my parents farm was one of the best places to play. The yard post was in the middle of the yard, a fence which surrounds the yard was our boundary, plenty of trees, some buildings and best of all, great places to hide. Oh, and it was safe to run in the shadows without fear of getting hurt.

We always counted down to see who would be it or the counter. They would count to 100 or modified if there were younger ones playing. Then you go looking for people. If you found some one, you raced them to the post. "1", "2" "3" on ......... If the counter made it there first, then who ever they found was the next counter. If you made there first, you were home free. Very seldom, you counted more than twice in a row.

You always waited until it got dark and you always wore dark clothes so as not to get spotted in the shadows. So this is where the funny part comes in.

Bernie and I had been dating about 3 weeks. It was my parent's 20th anniversary so we had plenty of company. Bernie decides to come over. He shows up in cowboy boots, also not a good choice of footwear, and a white shirt. A white shirt will be spotted even in the darkest of shadows and it will get dirty. Some times you lay on the ground! Off I go to find him a black t-shirt or else I was not going to be hiding with him at all! Remember, we had just started dating.

That evening, I think there was about 29 of us playing, the youngest was my sister at 4 and either Bernie or one of my cousins at 27 years old.

Here are some photos of the kids getting ready to play. There was also a spectacular moon so included a few photos of that.

Photoshop Fun!

2010-06-03T09:13:00.002-06:00

I have been having some fun in photoshop. These were simple and easy to create. The cubes would of been better had they been a square photo but had no time for that when I was playing. This is the result of playing. The second rubik cube is my dad's nuts and bolts shelf, all very neatly organized. I have done a few neat things with that photo. I made it into a kaleidoscope as well. I printed photos and used them to make the kaleidoscope.

The puzzles were fun too! My mom loves puzzles so am thinking I may make some for her. These puzzles she would have done in about 5 minutes but she would think they would be neat to do. She is a wiz at puzzles. I have even picked up some at garage sales for her. The 3-D kind, the 1000 pieces, the all the same piece. Anything for her to enjoy. She enjoys them. So much that when she starts one, she some times stays up into the wee hours of the morning setting them. Addict, I know, but there are worse things to be addicted to.

Saskatoon Chinese Martial Arts School

2010-06-01T10:40:00.005-06:00

This post has long been over due. Here are the photos of our club at the Weyburn competition back in March. It was an extremely long day of waiting and some of the photos definitely depict what you do with time when waiting. Sleep! As I was armed with my camera, I entertained myself taking photos throughout the day. The photos are not clear, nor crisp as I did not use my flash and didn't bring along my tripod either. I was there to watch my kids and occupy my time with do some photos. Many of them have motion blur due to me not using a flash, they are in a gym so terrible lighting and that is an effect I liked. Here they are:

The group all fresh first thing in the morning. They all did very well that day and we are very proud of them and their accomplishments. They do have awesome coaches and a camaraderie in the club that binds them like family.
Some individual shots of them either doing their form or weapons.

Iliajah doing his weapon. He does his form and his weapon with such conviction. A good guy to have on your side.

Kseniah doing her weapon. She did a great job as well. Happy to know that she can take care of herself.

After waiting the whole day, they were finally doing their weapons. This is their "let's re-group" and cheer on the club circle.
Kseniah doing her form.
What happens when you have waiting time, you catch up on sleep.
Waiting on the side lines for your turn to perform.

Waiting and wondering when you will be next.
Coaches and parents also waiting and wondering when their kids will be performing. Yes, it was an extremely long wait due to well, if I say, it is my opinion but may not necessarily be the reason so waiting, ....
Iliajah doing his form.

Warming up the muscles which if you performed at 4 pm did not do a whole lot of good.
There were a whole lot of ipods, game systems and such to either listen to or play while the time was passing.

Even some goofing around for the camera. One had to do something to pass the time.

Disco Diva Birthday Party

2010-05-26T09:31:00.002-06:00

What could be more fun than a Disco Diva Birthday party? When you are a pre-teen and a girl, NOTHING!

Disco has been a running theme in my business and home. Must be that white suit. It brought some "hot stuff" magic into my life. Let's do the "hustle" to what the "Saturday Night Fever" was all about. "Mama Mia" a great time was had by all.

It was all about the clothes. That morning, I went out shopping with the Diva and we got lucky, only spending $12 for an outfit and shoes. Pulled off her quit from her bed, set up a lava lamp, scatter the throw pillows and presto, a cool 70's Disco shag pad. Decorated some candles, ate pizza and had disco down in our basement where the girls danced to Just Dance. When they don't want to go home, you know it was a blast from the past!

The Disco Diva herself.

The white suit even gets in on the action.

Figure Skating

2010-04-08T16:14:00.002-06:00

I had the pleasure for the first time to do some skating portraits. I am not totally unfamiliar with figure skating. I did take it for at least a couple of years when I was a kid. I believe almost every kid in a small community does. The girls take figure skating the boys play hockey.

I also enjoy watching figure skating. For a time, I knew all the Canadian athletes, watched all the competitions and cheered many of them to the podium. With the past Olympics, I once again enjoyed watching figure skating.

This session was similar to any portrait session but I learned that figure skates do not allow the same movement as shoes or being barefoot. We did some with the skates and some without. These girls are sisters so they did individual and together shots.

Enjoy!

A February Wedding

2010-03-05T07:50:00.004-06:00

Last Friday, Bernie and I had the pleasure of capturing Faye & Barry's Wedding. It was an evening wedding and what a great evening it was. Upon my arrival at the hotel, I found a very relaxed Bride along with her daughters and daughter to be. I had some time to take some dress shots, the girls doing their hair, causal and evidence of the golden arches.

Wendy, the matron of honour arrived full of excitement, energy and joy. She brought a spark into the room. A few more snaps and off to the ceremony, where Barry awaited Faye's arrival.

Faye was walked down the aisle by her son to the awaiting Barry. They stood under an arch, not golden but covered in twinkle lights and roses. Faye and Barry were both so happy to be marrying each other and the radiating beam from them both was something I wish I could of captured with my camera.

Following the beautiful ceremony, all kinds of photos of family, and some friends were taken.

Faye and Barry are such wonderful, beautiful and loving people. They show it to their family and friends, no matter how long they know their friends. Their children are also enjoyable young adults. Comes from such great parents. I love being a part of weddings like this and it makes my job one of the best jobs to have.

To see more of their wedding photos head over to my flickr site. Thanks!

Garden Fairies and Princess

2010-02-22T08:12:00.008-06:00

Last week I was working on creating a session Garden Fairies and Garden Princess. I had two very excited little girls who had a lot of fun dressing up as a Fairy and a Princess. I do have a few dress selections. It would be best if you come with your own dress. Don't worry about shoes or tights because I think bare feet are the better choice.

I did create two different sets. White with a minimal of props and then a dark with a forest feel, plenty of flowers and a few animals. These are only a few poses to chose from. Your session will have 3 poses and several snaps from each pose. You will then have a variety of print choices and option to purchase a disc of your images.

Here is a sample of some images that I created with the two little cute girls.

Good Morning, Angels!

2010-02-11T11:32:00.002-06:00

Here is our version of Charlie's Angels. They carried guns, we carry cameras. We carry them both to capture people. I am not sure if we can do some of those wild swing your feet at them moves but we have a great time when together.

Last weekend, the fog rolled in and I organized do you want to come out on field trip with me trip. These were my takers but I know there were a few more who wanted to go along. The challenge with hoar frost is this. You don't have a whole lot of lead time. You take what you can when you can. This winter has been great with it's display of frost. It makes the winter so much more enjoyable when the out doors looks like this.

I am going to share some of the other Angel photos.

This is Dawn. She is a Tattered Angel which means, she is an educator for the company Tattered Angel. She is super talented scrapbooker. One day, I would love to do a page like hers. She also has a great talent for writing. I am super excited for her and what this next year has in store for her. She fights a whole more than crime.

Sheryl, this angel could make you do some wild things because she is a wild angel. Laughing is a part of her everyday vocabulary. She is also a super creative scrapbooker and can make the most amazing ordinary things into extraordinary. I love her kid's names which are not the most popular like mine. We are kindred spirits and some days that could mean, watch out when we are together. I had two favs of her and had to share.

This is Cheryl as well. The newest Angel. I don't know Cheryl as well as the other girls but sure glad she agrees to join us when we scrap and go out on field trips. I love this photo of her as I feel it captures Cheryl as a calm, gentle soul. She will be the one keeping us from jumping. She is a doting grandmother and that is what I like about her. One day, that is the kind of grandmother I want to be.

Not by any means the last Angel, Andrea. Another laughing angel who keeps the party going. A scrapper too. Not that kind, the kind who scraps with photos and pretty things. She is also a published scrapper just as some of the other angels. I discovered that Andrea has great taste in music. Why? Because we like the same kind, rock!!

It is nice to have ladies to go out on a field trip with. To have other people around me who are obsessive about taking photos. Who understand what it means to set up a great shot, just so we can scrap it. I know most of us have great husbands who totally get us and just as soon, let us out together than have to endure our passion with them. They don't mind a few minutes of our chatter but in the end, they rather we share that with our Angels!

Let Them Be Who They Are!

2010-01-06T15:15:00.002-06:00

Here is the photo challenge today as I will be out at the farm celebrating Christmas with my family. Can you possibly guess what kind of challenge this is from looking at these photos?

How does wild, crazy, have fun, let them be who they are. From these photos, I have very hairy children, however, these photos were taken so I could document the time when we all had long hair except Bernie. He had already cut his. Iliajah cut his that afternoon and donated it for a second time to Wigs for Kids.

Izaiah went in for a trim and the hairdresser cut off inches. It was very sad as he wanted it long for grad. I still have not gotten over that. He also cut it quite short in the fall.

I too have since cut my hair. Kseniah is the only one still with long hair.

So it may sound like hair is the challenge. Well it could be what the challenge is, let your kids or who ever, be them selves. Capture the real moment, the real them, them having fun. I have long come to accept that family photos don't always have to be posed, symmetrically, colour coordinated, dressed in their best, looking and smiling their best. A few, yes, at the very least decent looking family photos but not too artificial.

Izaiah always make sure we have some fun and some stop fooling around photos.

You can email them to me and will post the photos I get. Thanks and have fun set up your kids purposefully not cooperating.

Welcome to a New Year!!

2010-01-04T14:41:00.006-06:00

I found out that Chinese New Year is on my birthday this year so decided that would be the beginning of my New Year. Resolutions, some goals and hoping an announcement for my business. Yes, I have some work cut out for me in the next few weeks.

However, the rest of the world is functioning on January 1st being the beginning of the New Year so I will tally along with some routine I would like to see me do here. This is what I have come up with:

Monday is blog photography business. This means sharing some photos from sessions with you.

Tuesday could be the same especially if Monday was the long weekend.

Wednesday will be post my fun assignment photos. I have always enjoyed photography for the fun that it could and can be. When there have been contests or assignments on scrapbooking sites, I loved participating in them. I loved to push myself, challenge myself and have a reason to go shooting. Well, I never need a reason but some days I feel justified carrying around my camera.

Thursday will be assignment announcement. It is not just for you to read but to participate in. I love to see what other photographers do with the same given assignment or photography task. I am asking you to go out and shooting too and then share them with me. I will give you more information about how to do this on Wednesday.

Friday, will be to share a favorite photo of mine with you.

Weekends are for playing with friends and family. We all want to have fun.

One of the tasks I need to do this month is re-arrange my office. Ya!! I am still liking the paint but definitely don't like the orientation. Will do a before and after photo.

Now on to sharing some food with you. I am Ukrainian, my family is Ukrainian, I married a Ukrainian and off course have Ukrainian children. What this means is we celebrate Christmas with certain traditions from our culture. Every family will adaptations of the menu and I most certainly do as well. Pickled herring has been abolished from my menu and replaced with shrimp. Personally, hate pickled herring and my guests have as well. I have thrown it out for years because no one ate it so decided to substitute it with shrimp.

Christmas Eve has been at my house for years. I love it, never think it is extra work and my children just don't feel like Christmas is Christmas unless, we have a house full of family. Supper is eaten as soon as the first star is seen in the sky which is around 5 pm. The family has grown so much that we have two sittings. The children and some times the grandparents eat first. They go play, dishes/silverware is washed, the adults sit down.

We begin by praying and singing Ukrainian Christmas carols. After the adults eat, I put away all the food while the dishes, pots, glasses and whatever gets washed by several rotations of women. Pretty soon, the children are old enough to take a shift.

After the dishes are done, the sweets come out. In a while, we open some gifts. We got to church that evening and then when we come home, we open the rest of our gifts. We stay up late, sleep in, eat left overs, play games, dig into our Christmas socks, visit and just be together.

So here is the food. Please remember, I am taking photos after we prayed and sneaking in as many as I can before the kids started eating.

This the table for Svyat Vechir or also known as Holy Supper. There are twelve meatless dishes to represent the 12 apostles.

This is kutia (boiled wheat with honey and poppyseed). It is the first dish eaten. For many it is also their dessert. I like to add nuts to my kutia and either fruit cocktail or mandarin oranges. Yum!

There are three kolachi placed in the middle of the table. It is braided bread. Three to represent both the trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit and the 3 Wise Men.

Borscht, beet soup, one of my favorites.

Jellied fish, there are a few of us who love this.

Phyrohy, varenky or also known as to the rest of the world as perogies. We have several different kind. These are made with saurkrat and are in a shape like a purse, cottage cheese are squaure, potatoe are triangles, plum are like a a wonton. Believe it or not, everyone haves a favorite kind.

Poppyseed roll. Nothing like fresh sweet, bread. For a number of years I was not able to have this as I could not eat poppyseed. Mellowed with age and am glad I can make this again for Christmas.

Salamachka, mashed beans with garlic. You either love this or hate it. Most don't enjoy this. I still find this amazing that my boys will eat beans right out of a can but won't eat this. I like it!

This is not quite all twelve of them individually but they are all on the table. In a few days, we are off to my parents farm and will be having the same 12 dishes with my family. My kids usually miss school and we play board games. We don't do presents this time around.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

2009-12-23T07:14:00.002-06:00

Twice this year, we have had hoar frost, which is not only amazing but great! Great for photo opportunity and makes a great family photo. It was also timed to happen on the weekend which is lucky for me to do this timely hoar frost photo with my family. Would Bernie miss work? Not sure, but sure was glad when it was foggy Friday night with no wind.

I at least gave everyone the warning on Friday that if it still looks like this tomorrow morning, we are waking up and heading out to do photos. They all cheered and were praying along with me for the weather to hold. NOT! Not because, they wanted to sleep in. They did have a bit of a reprieve as I ended up doing another family before them, so they did not rush around and even got some thing to eat before we went out.

Here are some of the results of our photo session, well the best looking ones at least. I took plenty as you never know when there will be hoar frost again, on a weekend, with every one being home.

My kids, you just can't have a photo, or two or many looking too posed. You just need to have fun and that is exactly what they did, have fun!

I love the pop of colour with Kseniah's hat. Girls can get away with that.

Iliajah looking pretty cool with his new hat. Love his curly hair.

Izaiah's blue eyes just pop with the black and white.

Deck the Halls

2009-11-13T09:32:00.004-06:00

with a Christmas Photo card this season!

Personalize your Christmas cards this year and send your self to family, friends and clients in photo card.

Your photo session includes

*one of three locations: my studio, from your home/office or outdoors

*20 card styles

You get

*50 cards & envelopes

*your images on a cd

Book your session today!

Call or email for session cost

Here are some samples of the sets in my studio you can choose to have in your Christmas card

A self portrait by candlelight

The following photos are a few of the photos I took with my kids. Enjoy!

The set lit up

You can juggle with the snow balls

The Santa suit looking more Grinch like

There is a musical surprise when you open these presents!

Frosty has been through about 17 winters, soon to be his 18th

Sending you a cup of cheer!

Hot chocolate and elves

Disco Diva Ball

2009-10-19T09:23:00.003-06:00

Ladies, Tony Morano is in the house!

The Saskatoon Women's Network is hosting their annual vacation dinner and this year's theme is "Disco Diva Ball". The event will be taking place this Thursday, October 22 at Prairieland Park. It is still not too late to get tickets, but you will not be entered into the draws except the vacation prize. Which is a trip to Hutalco Mexico

Yes, what you see, this very hot looking Disco guy could be posing with you Thursday night. I will be doing the photography this evening and I will be doing it in style, Disco Style that is.

There will be a dance floor, some funky chairs, a disco ball, a bean bag chair, lava lamp and Tony Morano from the Saturday Night Fever movie.

Ya, Baby! It will be a groovy time!

Scrap n Camp

2009-10-18T23:05:00.002-06:00

This weekend is Scrap N Camp. It is hosted by one of my BFF's, and two other wonderful ladies. These three have created, in my opinion, one of the best Scrappin Getaways in this neck of the woods. I think this is year #5 and I have attended every year, single year since Scrap n Camp has been on.

This year, I am giving away a photo package to be used at camp by one of their registrants. I am so excited about this. Who ever the lucky scrapper will be, will have a photos session of her self some time during the weekend. I will then down load them onto my laptop, and burn them unto a cd for her to take home with her. She can then continue on with her therapy after Scrap n Camp.

Here is the give away.

KMP Photography Prescription

Dr. Karen has just the thing for your Scrap Therapy while at Scrap n Camp. A Photo Session Prescription.

Must be taken during the weekend of Scrap n Camp. Will require a bit of hair primping, clothes you look like a diva in, smiles and possibly a sexy look or two.

Side effects may include some laughing and having fun. A walk around the grounds.

Long lasting results of prescription will be a CD of your photo session, that you can continue your scrap therapy after you leave Scrap n Camp and finish off your book of "Me" album.

To pick up your Photo Session Prescription, please call, Dr. Karen Pidskalny @ 664-0045 to make your appointment for the weekend.

Looking forward to this weekend and filling out the prescription!

What has diverted my time

2009-10-14T12:21:00.002-06:00

The creation of this book!

Our parish celebrated it's 50th Anniversary this past weekend. I ended up on the committee and was responsible for the production of the book. I scanned the old photos, typed out old exerts from the archives, took photos of the inside of the church and then did the layout of the book. Another member did the history research and wrote it up.

This project took me a minimum of about 200 hours to do. When you do a project such as this, you start to live and breath the contents of its pages. What happens to the rest of your life? Well,......

*Your laundry piles up, clean and dirty.

*Your house does not look clean, presentable yes, but not tidy.

*You stop cooking any kind of nutritional meals.

*Your kids must take over the kitchen duties of keeping it clean, doing some housework and living the life of two working parents.

*You sleep less than 5 hours a night, average, and you work into the wee hours of the morning after you have worked all day.

= 1 crazy life!

I am not sure if I will ever do a production such as this again, unless, ......

#1 I am paid by the hour

#2 paid by the hour

#3 it is the production of my own book

I am glad the project is completed. It does look great and I can claim a bit of my life back.

In the mean time, I have done several photo sessions. I am presently working on some of them so will share through out the week.

Autumn for some reason is not happening in its burst of colour this year but it is rather odd to see green leaves and the snow falling. I have some of those photos to share to for another day.

Yes, I am teasing.

Have a good one!

Camera Club - Song Titles

2009-10-07T08:22:00.004-06:00

Camera Club has started and it 's beginning has been quite memorable. I am on the executive as the nature digital chair. That means, at the nature clinic, I collect the digital images, sort them, present them to the judges, record the marks & comments and present them on results night. What work begins at the next clinic.

I have done a presentation on the judging workshop, which went well and was well received. I will be heading up to PA in January with Pat, our president and Valerie, our secretary for me to do this presentation for their club. I created a powerpoint presentation and this was the first time I have ever done that. Easy, fun and it kept me organized. Excited about heading up there.

Last night was results night for the clinic song titles. The two club judges did a fantastic job. They were both at the judging workshop and I saw and heard what we were taught there. I was impressed with them.

The outside judge, in my opinion was not impartial and was personal. He definitely judged from what he likes to do. He shared some of his work at the end and he is a sports photographer. He is very technical, as he amazingly remembered information about a photograph. On our website, the photograph information is there and he popped in for a visit after judging night.

However, I do feel, he totally missed the creative element in the song title clinic. He showed us a shot of his baby in the tub. It was amazing exposure and I am sure he was experimenting with bouncing flash and off camera flash. Say that. He gave the impression that this was more than just a snapshot. Every parent has bathtub photos of their kid. Nothing new here. My point is, he is a niche photographer, which is good to be a successful photographer but limiting if he is not willing to step out side his spectrum to objectively judge a photograph.

Here are my submissions, along with some surprises for me.

Baby, It's Cold Outside, by Colin James (digital submission)

I have to say, I was sooo excited when I took these photos. Here it is spring, the daffodils are blooming and it is snowing. Have you ever seen daffodils in the snow. They are a sign of spring is here, winter is over, YA!!! Comment, not sure what the focus is. Really, seriously, you don't get the message first off from the photo and the title does not make it a bit more clear? I still like my photo and can you see that it is actually snowing. Those are flakes not dust marks!

It's All Behind Me Now by Martin Mull (digital submission)

I really do love this photo of Rockstar. This was the day before graduation. School was a long haul for him. I had a lot of fun taking out some of his friends and doing a photo session at the school and at the university. We did some fun stuff and some serious stuff. I intentionally set up this shot to capture a mood and an emotion. For me, the photo speaks more volume than to other people but I think the glance backward, the lines leading away from him are rather descriptive. This one was received well.

Rusted From the Rain, by Billy Talent (digital submission)

I got a few of creative shots with a rusted iron cross. I asked my kids for their opinion and didn't go with my instinct. Didn't score as high as I expected but I also feel I did choose the wrong image. Still like the perspective and great capture. I know, I need to step back and make a decision more objectively to for my own stuff.

Ringfinger, by Nine Inch Nails (print)

I had this image and another to choose from for this song title. I did choose this one for the reason their fingers are linked, the diagonal, their hands are on the bride's dress, their fingers mimic the detail zig zag on the dress. One comment was the black dot was distracting. Is it not obvious her nails are done, the dot was only on her ringfinger. The bride did that to bring attention to the ringfinger.

I did get print of the evening so I received a ribbon for this one. Ya!

Skater Boy, by Avril Lavinge (print)

I love a good action shot! So do I and that is why I took this. He is not a fan of on camera flash. but if I did not use a flash, his face would of been to dark. I love this photo. He is caught in mid air, you can see the board, it is where he spends much of his time skateboarding, the light is complimentary, not harsh. I want to do a 12 x 36 print of this one. I think it would look super cool on a wall.

School's Out, by Alice Cooper (print)

Either I or the judge missed the boat on the creative aspect of this, because he hates processed stuff. It is creative, which means go wild, have fun with it, break the rules, totally. What does this tell me, that being creative can either win you big or totally give you a kick in the pants. It is subjective.

There is one more print I need to mention, and it is "The Cover of the Rolling Stone" by Dr. Hook. I LOVED this print. The author, my neighbour as a matter of fact, is so talented with photoshop and his talent spilled out into his print. He took a self portrait of himself, grabbing a snack out of the fridge. Cool! Put himself on the cover of a Rolling Stone magazine, added all the headline grabbers on the cover some of which were lyrics from the song. Surrounded his cover with a whole whack of other Rolling Stone magazines. It was awesome!!

He did not get the recognition he should have for this print.

Palliate

2009-09-28T09:26:00.002-06:00

Palliate is the name of Rockstar's band. Their first official gig was out at Vonda at a street dance. To say the least, it was an interesting evening. Carpenter and I adopted many children that night, it was bloody cold and we waited until after midnight to see them play. What did we learn? Parents will wait in the cold to watch their kid perform, heading back to the vicinity of the stomping grounds can lead you running into the least expected people and you take each experience and learn from it.

Here are the night's highlights. Once I can figure out how to do video, I will share that to with you. We have been listening to them for a couple of weeks, as they practise in our garage. I really love their music and not just because I am the mom. Looking forward to being at many more gigs.

Here they are on their enclosed stage, rocking out the town of Vonda.

The drummer. Hard to get a great photo of him tucked way in the back.

This is Rockstar, pumping out the bass. He also does back up vocals and is their front man. So not shy on stage or in front of a microphone. Wonder where he gets that from?

The second guitarist. Rather quiet guy from what I have seen.

The lead singer and off course, plays guitar. I am assuming he was the musician who wrote the music and lyrics to all their songs. A very talented guy.

My favorite most creative capture of the evening.

I look forward to sharing some video in the soon. I also hope that you will get to share my experience and hear them play to. They are neo-pop rock, so rock with a re-freshing edge.

The Speed of Lighting

2009-09-17T10:50:00.003-06:00

93,000 miles per second. Roughly

That is fast. I also read that there are several charges of electric currents discharged but occur in one flash which we see. As amazing as this fact is, I am now even more impressed with images I have seen taken of lighting.

This has not been my first attempt to photograph lightning but my first serious one. I mean serious as I used my tripod and a long shutter speed. I have tried hand held and well, feeble attempt at a whole lot of nothingness. I did try setting my camera on the sports mode and was able to catch a flash but still not quite the impact I was looking for.

The other night coming home from a meeting the sky was electrified. Went home, chatted with family just a bit too long, grabbed my camera and headed a bit out of town. Much of the storm was dissipating so still did not get what I was after. None the less, a few great shots.

As I was standing in the dark, by myself, thinking I should of taken some one with me for at least the sake of imaginary sanity, I hear some creeping in the distance. What kind of animal is awake at 11 pm and creeping through the grass?

First thought, a mouse!! Made a bit too much noise for that and caught a glimpse so could not have been a mouse. I start making some noise and telling what ever it is to stay awake as I do have the capability of blood curdling scream. Yep, that did it! It sulked off in a different direction from me.

I am wondering if this above photo was the one I took right after my episode and I was still a bit shaken.

Then while the shutter is deployed at 30 sec, I start thinking, skunks are nocturnal and this is prime time for them to be out and about. What if it is a skunk. Do I scream and leave. I mean get in my van and leave my camera stuck on the tripod. Hope I can save the camera and myself with out damaging the camera while trying to escape into the van. Would it get me so fast that I would have no time to figure any plan except that my family would probably make me sleep in the garage until I smelled better.

Next time take a buddy.

Drive By Shooting

2009-09-16T08:56:00.002-06:00

I used to work in a photo lab back in the day to support my habit of photography. You would see all kinds of photos and I mean topics of what were they thinking.

The ones I would chuckle and be quite critical of were the photos taken from a vehicle while they were driving highway speed. I always wondered, "What were they thinking?" and "Did they really think these photos would look good?" They don't usually look good and I don't know what they were thinking but I can tell what I was.

Boredom while driving which would of caused me to fall asleep. I don't like to sleep while on a long road trip. To keep me from nodding off, I figured I would entertain myself with taking photos while we drove. Insanity, I know but here are my, what I call, "Drive By Shooting" photos.

The one above actually does not look too bad. We did end up stopping at Roger's Pass and the van was about to over heat so I did manage to bet some better standing planted on the ground photos. Those I am not sharing today.

The tunnels between Revelstoke and Golden made for a great opportunity to have some photography fun. This was one of my favs. You can even see the dashboard.

The side of the mountain was glistening, which you can not see in the photo but you can see the bugs on the windshield. I thought it was funny and Carpenter did mention that he should of cleaned the windshield. I think it is all a part of the aesthetics of the Drive By Shooting.

This bridge is just past Golden and I must say, for a drive by shooting turned out pretty good. Who would of knew? Certainly not I as I laughed at people who have done this in the past.

A mountain is a mountain but this one was taken at probably 90 - 100 km traveling speed so good thing they are big and don't move.

Enjoy! I now will encourage "Drive By Shooting". Why? Because with digital, you don't have to keep the absolutely horrible ones and you never know what you may capture.

Book Club, Rednecks & Apple Bloosoms

2009-09-14T11:04:00.003-06:00

Last night, I meant with a newly organized Book Club. The ladies in the club are the moms from the organizing committee from either the Chem Free After Grad or the Fashion Show of 2009. We had gotten together after our wonderful children bought us a gift certificate to a local restaurant. We started chatting about the book The Shack. I suggested we perhaps could get together as a book club.

After doing the Chem Free After Grad stuff, I met some great moms and did want to continue to have our paths cross is some way. We may run into each other in the grocery store, but I guess I did want to have more of a conversation than how is life going? What is your son/daughter up to? Have a great day!

Did we end up talking about our kids? Absolutely! All moms do, that is just who we are. We did have some interesting discussion about the book as well and off course good conversation should be accompanied by wine. I did not want to run out so bought large bottles. I think I have enough for another evening of book club!

I am happy to have spent the evening with Debby, my co-chair, Cindy and Dale, two of the Fashion Show chairs. I enjoyed hearing about their religious upbringing and their views of spirituality. Each of us came from different religious backgrounds and yet, we have similar views on faith, God and the greater good of humanity.

Feel good moment was when Debby talked about her son and prayer, Dale and her daughter's view of her relationship with God and Cindy and her family connection in church. Debby's story made me smile inside at how we know the power of prayer. Dale's story made me admire her relationship an wonder why I stopped mine. and Cindy's story made me realize how strong family bonds can be when it comes to being a part of a church.

Looking forward to our next book club evening.

The Redneck game. Found this board game for really a Redneck price, $5.00. We played it with the kids one evening and the then we played it with our friends Rose & John on our anniversary. Well, you may be a Redneck if, you can pick out the answer immediately before the answers are even read because you have visions of it in your head.

We had a lot of fun. You must collect a satellite dish, fly swatter, a dog, a comfy chair, beef jerky and a tv for your trailer. There is some dumb luck and coin tossing too. For $5 bucks, you just can't get much cheaper entertainment than this. Suggestions: get it, play it and laugh a lot.

This is my apple tree. Nothing unusual about it blooming except that it is September!! What is it thinking? Really!!

Makes me wonder what the weather is up to and if it continues to be nice, will I have apples for Christmas pie.

Inviting any theories, folklore and tales of your own.

Needing financial direction

2009-09-11T00:47:00.002-06:00

Some time in the middle of August, I did a photography session with Wayne Kiryk. He was on the eve of launching his career in a new direction. He is a financial advisor and made the choice to start his own business.

I enjoyed my morning with Wayne and helping him create the look he was looking for on his website. I just visited his site and it looks fantastic! I read through a few of the blog messages and he offers some wonderful advice.

I am including the link to his site and encourage you to stop by for a visit. Here are a few of the photos from our session.

http://www.kirykfinancial.com

The First Day of School, again

2009-09-08T11:42:00.003-06:00

The first day of school which was not the first day. note mode of transportation.

The first day of school which was not the first day. Note mode of transportation.

Looking very fine the real first day of school.

Looking good the first real first day of school.

Our Anniversary.

As we seemed to have two first days of school last week, we have two sets of photos too. Remember I got them up and ready for school last Monday, well could not head down the street without a photo.

When it turned out to be the wrong day, and the right day arrived to actually go to school, then we had to take photos again. Why? Because their ensemble was totally different, that is why.

Did you notice Skateboarders skateboard? He wanted to have an ethnic connection. It is more Russian than Ukrainian the matushka dolls but still Slavic. They are found every where in Ukraine too.

Yesterday was Carpenter's and my anniversary. It has been a few years. So Rockstar took some photos of us. I am so critical of photos taken of me. I wonder why? Carpenter just has an issue of smiling. Not sure why, because he does have an awesome smile but I think it has more to do with being a man. Men, and the older they get, just don't let themselves smile naturally.

Is a short one today, as I have tons to finish up today.

It is also Camera Club tonight. Registration, intro of what happens and last year's entries or is just winners. Not sure but some how, I have managed to be presenting this to the group. Last year, I finally joined, became a regular member and this year on the executive, doing the slideshow, and next week will be doing the presentation for the judging workshop. Wow! I moved up fast. It helps, that I am not very shy or afraid to step up to the plate either.

Looking forward to a great year and seeing some of my new and re-newed recruits in the club.

ROOTS continued

2009-09-05T10:35:00.003-06:00

This is me, making butter at Babas's house. I was probably about 1 1/2 ish. I remember helping churn the butter many times. For my 40th birthday, my parents gave me that butter churn. I have yet to make butter with my kids.

This is my great-grandfather on my father 's side and his sons, one of whom is my grandfather.

This photo has my grandparents, my father, his sisters, my grandparent's siblings with their spouses and children and my great-grandmother. Very recently, I heard the reason the photo was taken. One of my grandfather's sisters, went to Ontario to work to make some money. Before she left, she was married. At least thought she was. She found out her husband had a wife in Ukraine and children. Their marriage was not legal. She finally made enough money to bring her daughter to Ontario with her. This was a family gathering and photo opportunity.

Same time as above but the moms with their children.

These photos are actually negatives. Years ago, I asked my Baba if I could have the negatives. That was what I wanted was the negatives. Not the china, jewelry, other momentos in the house and of her, but the negatives. When she passed away, that is what I inherited.

Last night Carpenter and I started watching ROOTS. We got through half, which is 3 of the 6 episodes. Enjoying this while conjuring up plenty of questions. Such as, if the British were so keen on having slaves, why did they not enslave the aboriginal people. Not that this choice is better, by no means, is the enslavement of any people a good choice but was wondering why they traveled across the ocean. They thought so little of Black people, I can't imagine they thought any better of aboriginal people when they first saw them.

It is really so sad, that they lost so much with such little regard.

This book is really making me realize how much of my own family history I know. It has been passed down to me but I do wonder if I am passing on enough of it to my own children. I do think that I have not been Ukrainian enough in raising my children. They have lost a great deal of where they have come from living in a technological world. A great debate. I guess that it is never too late to pass on the history.

Do this with family stories, explaining connections, telling where family lived, how they lived, the difficulties they encountered, prejudices they dealt with, sharing old treasured photos.

I guess that is the reason some of us scrapbook.

Roots

2009-09-04T08:25:00.003-06:00

A fallen tree with the ROOTS exposed. YOu can see you the dirt and stones tangled in the ROOTS. Tangled or gathered by the roots to be held together, binding together to grow.

Large cedars in BC. Just to think the history these trees could talk about being hundreds of years old.

The big old roots, the young ones. It is like you can see the generations here.

You can see the roots tangled together like family woven to each other in our family history.

Do any of you remember the tv movie series ROOTS?

I was a kid when it played on TV. I only watched bits and pieces of it because my parents didn't get the channel it played on and saw some of it when we visited my aunt's house. There was something then that made me want to watch it all. So I am not really sure why when I was able to get the book and read it but never have until now.

First, back to the movie series. A few years ago, I found the movie in the library in VHS. I finally got to watch it and while I did, I would my ribbon and put it neatly in a ribbon boxes. My kids also sat with me and watched with me. They were totally intrigued the story, the history of what was going on at the time and the story of the slaves. We broke into discussion about that many times.

Skateboarder has mentioned that we have not seen ROOTS for a while and that perhaps it is time to watch it again. Off to the library I go and this time will be watching it on DVD.

What has this got to do with photography?

Plenty! ROOTS is the not only the story of Kunta Kinti and his family line in the US but in Africa as well. Alex Hayley grew up with a strong upbringing of his family history. The griots in an African village are the keepers of the village history. They name the family lines and pass down this information to the generations. It was this piece of who Kunta was and refused to be forgotten when he was captured as a slave. He told his family what his real name was and what he was doing when he got captured. His daughters passed on the story and so forth. Alex remembers when his aunts would sit on the porch at family gatherings and talk about the family line down to Kunta Kinti. They were a rare family that could trace back their history to their arrival in the US and actually find a connection in Africa.

Yesterday, when skateboarder was home for lunch, a friend joined him and we started talking about when we will begin watching ROOTS. His friend had never heard of it nor was he really aware of the story of slaves. That rather surprised me. I guess surprised as in how so many people are not interested in their family history, their ROOTS.

I have a huge family and know the history, know where family is, what they are doing, a real sense of what my ancestors endured to come to Canada and survive here. I want my kids to know this to.

So today's photos are about roots and trees. The metaphor for family history. If you get the chance, go watch ROOTS, even better, read the book. I finally am.

Tis the Season

2009-09-02T10:38:00.003-06:00

This the night before Halloween. That is what this reminds me of. It was an awesome photo opportunity evening.

Could Saskatchewan look any better.

My front yard maple tree.

It is the season for some many things. First, absolutely gorgeous weather. Summer has arrived and it is HOT! Who would of thought we would have to wait until September for this to happen.

Kids are back in school. This means when I clean my kitchen before I go to be, there are only a few dishes from breakfast, which is a quick clean. This then means my kitchen stays cleaner longer. No more kids wandering in and out of the kitchen all day long eating and snacking and leaving dirty dishes and a mess on the counter. However, I must acknowledge the fact they do most of the clean up. I cook so they should clean.

They will also be going to bed at more normal hours and definitely waking at more normal hours. The grouchiness should be hitting by tomorrow with full force from the lack of sleep and change of sleeping patterns. Ah, the craziness of this.

Who can not forget that we start back on the routine, scheduled events of rat race. Swimming, wushu, art, guides, spanish, camera club and bellydancing (for me of course). The kids have been doing wushu for a while. Iliajah has been competing and doing very well. Kseniah will start competing. They both got their new outfits yesterday. Will take some photos on the weekend.

Camera club starts next week and I am so not ready for the clinics. I have done a lot of shooting this summer but not too much just have fun stuff. Looking forward to taking bellydancing. Bought a video but just not as much fun as with a group.

The guys will be taking Spanish. They can converse with our students.

Oh, and the greatest reason of all for this season. Photo opps!! This is one of the best seasons to do photography in. The sun is warm, the light is inviting and the colours are amazing so if you are in need of a family photo update or would like to do a Christmas photo, now is a great time to do this. Call me!

Not the First Day

2009-08-31T09:44:00.003-06:00

Please note the muscle and flesh damage to this child. Honestly, it looks way better than it did.

A very cool action shot. It amazes me the coordination, skill, timing and persistence that is required to do this. Must not forget the craziness and a bit of wild in him to.

Skateboarding is very hard on shoes. This was his third pair since spring and with school a month away, I was not buying a new pair. The solution, duct tape! These shoes lasted about another few more weeks before they did get replaced.

Love this action shot, mid air, two other skateboards in the frame, one which is flipped in midair too.

I woke the kids up early to get them off for registration to only discover that it was for new kids to the school. I honestly don't remember registering them but I guess they assume mine and many others will be back. Oh, well, reality kicked in one day sooner for them.

I did decide to do their back to school first day photos today as they were all ready, we had time and in twenty years, we won't really care that it was done today or tomorrow.

I will have to sneak out and get some skateboarding photos of my skateboarder today. I think we will head to the skate park which he has not been at so should enjoy that.

I will be finishing the one set of wedding photos today and will start working on the book. Excited about the books I will be creating. Once they are finished, I will have an exciting announcement about my wedding packages. I think I will make this announcement on my anniversary which is next Monday.

Vancouver Trip

2009-08-13T23:32:00.002-06:00

Rockstar and I jetted off to Vancouver last week for the weekend. He is checking out film schools there. Why did he not go alone? Well, honestly, the big city scared the hegebies out of him so mom went with him.

Honestly, I think every parent should do this. Go away with your child for a few days to another city, be a tourist, eat, sleep in the same room, and talk together. We had many great conversations, while we were touring, have a meal, walking, in the hotel room and on the plane.

We saw four schools and two are contenders. One stands in first place. After touring Vancouver, riding public transit, the place is not near so ominous for Rockstar. I really try not to worry.

So we visited Gastown, Chinatown, Canada Place, Granville Island, Londale Market and Metrotown (huge mall). We talked to some homeless guys, were right across the street from where the Saskatchewan Roughriders were playing, around the corner from the Rod Stewart concert (where we could of bought scalloped tickets) and were serenaded twice by a bagpiping busker.

Almost had Fatburgers for breakfast, but the power went out so they could not finish cooking our burgers, had awesome asian food around the corner from our hotel, not so tasty asian food in Chinatown, Starbucks every few corners, fresh fruit at the market, a lobster grilled cheese sandwich and gross airport food. Surprise on that one.

Out of all the photos I took, I am in only one. Enjoy!

The Hip

2009-08-05T12:43:00.002-06:00

The Tragically Hip that is! Last night, we went to the Ex. It has been a long time since we have been there. We only really wanted to see the Hip. The guys went to get seats while us girls went to check out the photo display. There were so many great photos and I really liked a whole lot of them. The theme photos were amazing. Liked the creative ones. It is neat what photographers do to their photos and how you can manipulate them.

I got caught! Taking in my camera into the concert. I really have issues with this. My camera is legal. I am aware of the copyright of one's image. Totally get that. But as a photographer, you view a concert as a photo experience. You re-live the concert through your photos.

Now, if I take the photos and sell them, or post them publicly, now that is illegal. Then I would be no different than the people sneaking in other illegal substances. Issue. Done. On with life.

When we were heading home, the fireworks started. Having my camera back, photo op! The bright and colourful lights of the rides with the fireworks going off in the background. Well, I have never had this happen to me, but people jumped in front of my camera or waved their hands. Weird! After this happened three times, I figured let's go.

Out of the park we stepped. Looked back, and a photo op presented itself again. Here is what I captured. The rest of my day, will consist of editing the executive session I did this morning and continuing with the wedding.

Enjoy!

Kimmers & Jamezers Wedding

2009-08-04T10:05:00.002-06:00

This past weekend, I was out of town capturing a wedding. The whole weekend lent itself to plenty of opportunities to get some amazing wedding details which allowed me to capture literally 1000's of photos.

This was a family wedding and my cousin has a beautiful yard to do wedding photos in. Rambling flower beds, two ponds, curved road, huge trees, a playhouse in the back and a few steps away from a wheat field. What more could a photographer ask for? A beautiful bride, which she had and a handsome groom, which he definitely was.

This is only a sneak peak of the wedding.

Graduation

2009-08-04T09:45:00.003-06:00

Well, my Rockstar has graduated!! Yeah!! I am very thrilled for him. He is off to great places now and off to create great things. His graduation was fantastic. Enjoyed the whole day.

We went out the night before and did a photo session with him, his girlfriend and a couple of friends. We had a great time, snapping memories in front of the school, in the school around the school and on campus. Running in the school, sitting in the staff room and even going into washrooms you have never been in before. OH!!!

Here are a few of our crazy snaps!

Blogging Again!

2009-08-04T09:39:00.004-06:00

I am blogging again. After months of popping into people I know who blog, I am feeling better about blogging about me and what I am doing. This will be short so I can go onto the good stuff.

So long that I even forgot about taking these photos at Easter. Off I go to update my life a bit.

I had the opportunity to,...

2009-02-02T13:46:00.003-06:00

scrap with Ralna from Just Scrap It on Saturday! The Use Your Stash ABBA crop was a lot of fun. We were a small group but because we were, we had a whole 8 foot table to our selves. It was great to spread our stuff and use our stash while having so much space.

I did for the first time scrap with Gayle. She is a card maker but did have a mini FAMILY album that she brought and finished on Saturday. We introduced her to the cricut and cuttlebug so I am hoping this has enticed Gayle to keep on coming out.

Lori, the cuttlebug embossing folder queen joined us as well. There are things she knows about me and I think she was the only one to truly appreciate Chris de Burgh with me. But I do think, my Patricia the Stripper was on the entertaining side. I know that Lori and I have been showing up in the same places a lot lately and look forward to this continuing trend.

Corinne, Corinne, the card diva! She made like 40 absolutely, gorgeous, stunning cards. She just amazes me with her talent and creativity. Do I have a great time laughing with Corinne? Yes!!! I almost forgot, she made one layout about Tim Holtz from her travels down south in Arizona.

Tracy, one of the scrappin sisters, whom is re-organizing and get her new space in order. She was with us for the day because she went out on a date with her hubby. They celebrated hubby's new job. Yah!! She too, gets my humour and odd behaviour and loves me for it. Tracy, finds the most amazing scrapbooking stuff. The queen of scrappin treasure finds, she is.

Melina a talented photographer, scrapper and so much fun person to spend a day with. She did a make n take with us, a hanging LOVE mobil. This lady is so amazingly talented and I love her layouts. One day, I want her to teach me. Speaking of teaching, she said she is still teaching which I want to know more about and will share. She is also starting a kit club which is going to be totally awesome. Her launch date is March the 1st and I am glad that February is a short month so we don't have too long to wait. I also have to add that I LOVE laughing with her because she share much the same humour, snorting fun!

Dawn, my scrappin sister and sister in so many ways. She was dressed very fashionably in one of her design original toques. I am not sure if she is taking orders for her fashion line of toques but it did keep her warm for the day. Another talented scrappin lady and someone who totally gets my humour, craziness and has heard more than enough snorts from me. We really need to get this girl back into the scrappin action. Well, at least keep her here. She has been busy and I am recommending much more scrappin therapy for her.

Ralna, our scrappin fix lady, joined us for the day too. She had just got back from CHA the night before so she shared some stories about the show, not the happiest place on earth and the princess autographs. She did say that this was her first crop. I have wondered if the store owner did ever get the chance to go out and scrap. I know I asked her if she had a scrap space at home. In retro spec, funny question. Hello! She owns a store, why would you need a space at home. But I was wondering. It was great to be scrappin with you, laughing (suicide joke, doing some *%$#@)(, releasing some stress, drinking coffee and getting some stuff done. Hoping to see you out scrappin with us again.

Now for the sparkles story. For the life of me, I seem to have a difficult time remembering the name of the glitter glue stuff called stickles. In my mind the sparkly stuff, called sparkles seem to make more sense than the sticking, stickles name. I think at some point in time, I did have every one saying sparkles instead of stickles. Ralna just says that sparkles is Ukrainian for stickles. Speaking of which, I do need to get me some. I have finally decided on which layout I want to use it on. Ralna, was there for my Tim Holtz ink loss of virginity, sure am hoping she will be there for the sparkle one to!

Looking forward to plenty of more good laughs with these wonderful ladies. Thank you so much for coming out to play, dance and scrap with me on Saturday.

Wozers! I'v been busy

2009-01-21T15:06:00.002-06:00

Okay, I have been busy. Last week, I shot a clothing line. Very cool. Will do a separate post specifically on that. I also did the display of BOM at Cdn figure skating championships, finishing up another order and Chem Free After Grad stuff this week. We had a meeting last night and a great turnout of parents and volunteers. So thrilled with how CFAG is turning out. The grade 12's are such a wonderful group of young adults. Their parents are so willing to help. Definitely a connection.

Tonight, I begin my digital imagery class and bought myself a laptop for it. I just may get some of my photos ready to take to class. I am such a bad student already wanting to do her own thing even before I get to class.

I need to switch gears to the ABBA Use Your Stash Crop.

I would like to Thank Linda, owner of Yesterday's Memories for making an announcement at her crop this past weekend. Thank you!! I appreciate you doing this and look forward to you scrappin with us that day.

I seem to be having problems yet with the links in my post and will get a link to her store asap.

Here are my other entries

2009-01-15T09:54:00.002-06:00

Needles which I like but not one of my wow, Twas the Night Before Halloween was not well received, Looking Up well sometimes I think being creative in a shot is not well received, Moonlite Maples, was commented on over manipulated. Funny, I only adjusted the colours. This was a hand held shot.

I enjoy many of the photos which are submitted and will continue to let my wild, creative side enjoy snapping away.

Can you tell I am new at this?

2009-01-15T09:48:00.002-06:00

This whole blogging thing is new to me. Hence why I am not here everyday nor post every day and not up on how to do things here. The more I visit myself the better my blog will become.

Some news, I did get the results from my last camera club clinic. I got two honourable mentions, three photos got scored at 20 and over and one at 19.3. I figure that is pretty good for a first timer there. I admit, I really push the creative envelope for what can be acceptable. This time any way. Still very happy with my results.

Sketches and more sketches

2009-01-15T09:23:00.002-06:00

I enjoy using sketches. They seem to be a good place to start and create. Some days I wonder how much they resemble the orgininal sketch but I guess that is the point to take what you want or can and go create!

I am going to share my favorite sketch sites that I visit and yes print off to keep very neatly in a binder.

Becky Fleck has a great site. So neatly organized and you can go back to when she started. I liked her site so much, I bought her book. Love it by the way! All the sketches in the book came in a card pack which I keep in my tool pouch. I have it with me when I go out to scrap. She has single los, double los, circles, 8 1/2 X 11, cards tags and more. Enjoy your visit there.

Another site I enjoy is Pencil Lines. I don't visit there as often but I enjoy their sketches.

The third link is a list of sketch sites. Will be checking it out later as I only just happened upon it.

Enjoy!

Please bring your sketches along to the ABBA crop. Would love to see what you create!

Use Your Stash ABBA Theme Crop

2009-01-06T14:38:00.001-06:00

I have been tossing, kicking and brewing this idea for quite some time of hosting a theme crop. I really miss having some crazy fun at crops where I did do some dancing maybe a bit of singing and feeling some energy in the room.

Imagine the gigantor crops of where there are hundreds of scrappers in a room. Somehow dancing and singing is better played out in your hotel room. With a glass of wine in hand off course, but in your hotel room.

For those of you who do know me rather well, know I can dance a mean Ukrainian dance step still. As for the singing part, I sing, not your Canadian Idol contestant sing, well maybe some of those who don't get a gold ticket, but surely not one of the finalists either. Far from a finalist.

Back to ABBA,.......

Who does not know at least one ABBA song? My hubby will deny this but in his record collection he does have an album or two. I, myself had one of their albums as well but on 8-track!! ACK! Remember those?? Sign of the times.

They have so many catchy songs and honestly, many of us can sing along. I have always thought that they are great background scrappin music. As I was going through the song titles, I realized that many of them can either make great page titles or be an inspiration for a page.

Here are some details:

Saturday January 31st, 2009

9 - midnight

120 - 105th Street

$30.00, lunch included

Gimme, Gimme, Gimme some time until midnight because Knowing Me, Knowing You, we have plenty of stash to scrap until then

Honey, Honey, find some sketches, I Have a Dream to put together some kits, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do have some unfinished projects

The Name of the Game is not to S.O.S. (save our stash) but the Take A Chance on Me and is The Winner Takes is All home as the Dancing Queen using up your stash

Be a Super Trouper and check me out, which is where you are, for more details, links and ABBA inspirational page ideas

Mamma Mia you can register by email kmpfoto@sasktel.net or Ring, Ring me @ 664-0045

Does Your Mother Know how much fun this will be?

Here are some links to lyrics so you can start checking them out too!

The first is video and photos, second is 109 of their songs and the third is broken down into their albums and release dates.

www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/a/abba

www.elyrics.net/song/a/abba-lyrics.html

www.lyricsmania.com/lyrics.abba_lyrics_2920/

Enjoy your time checking out the lyric sites!

Looking forward to scrappin with you at the

Use Your Stash ABBA Theme Crop

Happy New Year's!

2009-01-01T19:48:00.001-06:00

Guilty as charged, I do make resolutions. However, I have yet to write them out this year. Our family jive is a bit out of sync at the moment so I am having a hard time finding a moment to do this today. One of the things that I have wanted to do is challenge my photography. Whether it be a photo of the day, a theme month, our daily lives, ......

Still pondering on exactly what it is I want to do.

I did get outside and do some snaps of our house and street. We had a few inches of snow that fell yesterday so I thought that perhaps this could be a great place to start. But I did not down load these photos yet. Like I said, out of sync.

I will leave you with a photo I took last year when we had the most amazing hoar frost I had ever seen. I am anxiously awaiting the hoar frost this year. Ready and waiting to go.

I can afford

2008-12-30T13:28:00.000-06:00

30 minutes a day for myself for exercise. We have a Wii in our house. Iliajah bought this with his flyer route earnings. We have some games. This Christmas, we bought the kids the snowboarding game, celebrity sports, the great outdoors and managed to get a Wii fit.

Bernie and I have been playing a bit of Wii with the two younger ones. It has been a lot of fun to play and to watch each other. Today, I finally got the chance to make a file on the fit for myself. I logged in 30 minutes of various activities. Still planning to play some more later but that will be the fun, playing part.

I am challenging myself to do 30 minutes a day for at least during the week, Monday to Friday. We will see what results there will be. I would love to go again on the hike we did this past summer, which we have done one other time but this time without dying or complaining that I will die doing this. I do have about seven or eight months to get myself in shape for this hike.

Will she do it?? I don't know but I am sure going to give it a try!

This is a photo from our hike which is at the end of the trail. It takes you up to an alpine meadow with a view of a waterfall. The view is gorgeous!!

Where has my inspiration gone?

2008-11-17T07:49:00.000-06:00

I mean inspiration of creatively writing with words. I have this little quote box, which was a gift and think I should bring it back to my work desk. I could pull a quote out and just go off, and chat away.

Life has continued to be busy for me. In the work department and with the kids, home and life in general. I am happy my photography business is starting to take off. I am thinking of ways to stay connected and networking.

I am so glad I have joined the camera club. I am enjoying thinking about photography in so many different ways. Also connecting with other photographers. I love to see their photos. As much I as I think and know I am a fantastic photographer, it is humbling to me too. This month's clinic is back alleys. I only got out once to shoot so do not have much to choose from. I may only submit one or two submissions. Unless I get a chance to head out tomorrow. Why rush, just enjoy the perspective of others this time around.

The photos today are the ones I got honourable mention for at camera club. I scored high on all my photo, which I am proud of. Enjoy!

Off to the Camera Club tonight

2008-11-04T11:33:00.000-06:00

I have made appearances at the Saskatoon Camera Club in the past. This year, I joined and have committed my Tuesday evenings. Thus far, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I LOVE to look at other photographer's work. I enjoy finding what I like in their capture, reading the story behind their photo, feeling the mood they evoke.

I have also made the commitment to enter each clinic to the best of my ability or choice of photos I have taken. This has been a great exercise for me. Sifting through my images to decide which I should enter or perhaps, I have gone out to intentionally capture a specific topic. I know I need the practise to step away from what my eye sees and try to view it from another person's perspective. I do have Izaiah to comment or give perspective to my photos. I like it when he comments because often he sees something greater than I saw when I did take the photo. I also like it when he confirms what I enjoy in my photo.

I don't always agree on what the judges comment on and not only for my photos however, I know what I like. I look at photos with emotion and story not always with the technicality or rules of photography. That being said, I still enjoy the critique my photos go through. I enjoy the learning process.

I thought I would share a few of my photos that I have selected to enter for this past clinic which was open nature. Enjoy!

These are my Sisters & Me

2008-10-30T08:19:00.000-06:00

I am starting to do this on a regular basis, blogging. I am getting out into the world. I am dropping names of my friends, whom I affectionately call my Sisters. They are my Scrappin Sisters. One has moved away and I know she no longer even thinks of scrappin. One has fallen of the wagon, gotten back on, fallen off, etc. One scraps when the mood strikes her, about once a year. The other is a total addict like me however, she is way more up on the scrappin guru stuff than me.

Here they are.

Kim, the sister who has moved. She is a party lite regional VP. She likes the photography end of things more than creating a story book from your photos. She is married to a guy I have known since I was a little girl. We were the flower girl and ringbearer for our cousin. Her hubby was in the military and they moved around a bit. I always think that it was meant to be friendship as they ended up living around the corner from us. Our children were all in the same grades and our hubbys have a lot in common too. Weird!! When we connect, we can talk to hours.

Josie, the band wagon faller. She started out to be a fellow employee at Blacks, then my photofinisher, boss for a short time and now just band wagon friend. She has seen my kids grow up both in photos and in real life. She is the most generous person I know. One of her most generous gifts is her time. She will come over to your house clean, do laundry, feed your kids, cook for you and accept a hug as payment for her days work. Miss Josie has become a jet setter these last few years. She regularly visits her family down east, has travelled across the pond to visit her parents and vacations in her home way down south. Hence the band wagon falling issues.

Wanda, the annual scrapper. She scraps more often than that. Wanda came into my life via another sister, Dawn. Our connection is being educators and aquarian's. We too can rip up the phone line. She has also been a shooting partner with me. We have gone out and about to do some photography. We have also done some workshop teaching sessions. This lady is all about self improvement, power within, think and be positive. She is not a conventional person and has taken her teaching career and done far more than just be in a classroom. She is a phenomenal teacher and any student that does cross her path has to take something value from what she has taught them.

Dawn, the scrappin guru. We have known each other for over 17 years. Neighbours by chance who became friends. We are so much alike, we are like sisters. We both enjoy gardening (in our former yards), crafting, unpainted village pieces, amazing hubbys, children who look way to much alike as babies, photography, same cameras, and off course scrappin. We know almost every one in our extended families and understand. We are lucky to be living in the same neighbourhood, not next door but still close. We don't have to finish sentences to know what we are talking about. We can jump from topic to topic, come back again, leave, re-address a topic and still totally know what has been said. People around may think we are speaking code however, the busier we get, the harder it is to keep up talking like this. Talk, we do. We have seen quite a number of sunsets and sunrises while either just chatting or scrappin. Never with any rum.

In a nutshell, these are my Sisters.

What is a good way to NOT to start your morning

2008-10-29T09:06:00.000-06:00

How about not shuffling things in your pantry, close to the edge with the possibility of them falling to the floor. Better yet, if they are not in a glass jar. Fantastic if it was not liquid.

So, looking for my favorite pumpkin, flax, something, something cereal to sprinkle on my fruit with yogurt, hemp hearts and extra flax. It was hidden in the panty. Let us go back a few days. Did some groceries late last week. The cereal was sitting in the boxes waiting to be put into the pantry. After this said weekend, of which I was busy cereal is put away but for some reason plenty of other things made it out of the pantry and onto my countertop. I was too tired to care on Sunday but hubby shared that he washed the kitchen floor and the vacuum was not put away.

So back to this morning. Looking for this cereal in the pantry to notice, things were moved around. I have a system you know. I create the system, I maintain the system and I expect everyone else who lives here to follow the system. In my opinion, my system does not need improving unless I do it.

Shuffle, shuffle, worschirshire sauce, shuffle, drop, crack, shatter, splatter, leak out way too full bottle of contents on the floor and under the fridge. I calmly clean this up and decide we are having beef for supper tonight.

By the way, my breakfast is great. It is peaches & mangos unthawed, sprinkled with hemp hearts & flax seeds, a dolop of raw yogurt (nothing added to it) and my something something cereal (pumpkin seeds, flax and ???? purchased at Costco)

Off to do a whole lot of editing today. Later.... Have a great day!

What has been happening?

2008-10-28T11:07:00.000-06:00

There has been a lot going on with me and my photography business. I will recap the last week. Thursday evening was the Saskatoon Women's Network Vacation Dinner. Their theme was "A Night at the Academy Awards". Huge stretch for me as I as so not star struck, probably not recognize a celebrity if I saw one and if I did, I would be too scared to say a word to them.

I did the group and single photos that night. I had a huge clapper, a director's chair and a bullhorn (which works, sirens and all). These ladies looked amazing. They either came as celebrities or dressed for a night on the red carpet.

I am a new member and I am so glad that I ran into Tracy that day in Dollarama who recommended I contact them. That per chance run in has been a open door to a wonderful network of women. Thanks, Tracy!!

Friday night, I headed out to Scrap n Camp. A scrappin getaway weekend organized by one of my best friends. I also do an annual photo session of my sister-in-law and her scrappin friends of who have become my friends too. I love to see how their friendship has grown over the last few years.

Saturday I was off to another scrappin gathering promoting Crop n Cruise by a local scrappin celebrity who is one of the instructors on the cruise, Leica Forrest. I am not sure why I brought my scrappin stuff because I did not sit very long to do much scrappin as I was the event's photographer. By the day's end, I shot around 650 photos that day alone.

Sunday morning, I was driving back out to visit with the girls at Scrap n Camp, my right index finger was sore. I thought, great, in grown nail. Nope! It was sore from all the shutter release I was doing. Ha! Ha! I had shutter release tenderness. By the end of the weekend, I shot just shy of 1000 photos.

This week is dedicated to sorting, watermarking, uploading and doing some bookkeeping.

Off to switch screens and start my job on editing my photos. Have a good one!!

Need to Blog More Often

2008-10-28T11:05:00.001-06:00

So it looks like I am a horrible blogger. Not sure why? Perhaps because I don't feel like I do have an audience yet or is it still too scared to share. What ever the reason, I will just have to just do it. Here goes another start.

It has been busy!

2008-08-31T22:54:00.000-06:00

Aren't all mother's lives!! August came, we did, it went and tomorrow it will be September. Wow!

We did spend the long weekend up at Jackfish Lake, Aquadeo to be more specific. I then headed up north to visit my brother, sis in law and their kiddos. I did do a whole lot of scrappin there. It was truly a scrappin retreat for me. Weather was great. We went to Greenwater Lake and went tubing which was so totally fun to watch the kids. What a beautiful lake.

I think the next stretch at home may have been the longest yet before we headed to Waterton to go camping. We ended up buying a tent trailer which was great. Could put a lot of stuff in there and have more room in the van. It was also great when it did rain. Rain and camping in a tent so do not mix well in our world of enjoying a vacation.

We had a great time filled with a ton of action and me not walking well by the time we came home. Back is still not totally up to where it should be. Sign of age perhaps.

Here are some photo highlights of the last few weeks.

It's a Boy!!

2008-08-06T12:11:00.000-06:00

Well, I know I kind of left you hanging. I guess just me but Nadine had a baby boy, Ethan Mitchell. Very cute and tiny. Every thing went well and the family are all doing awesome.

Since then, I have been to the lake with Josie where we watched all but the last 3 episodes of Big Love, season 1 &2. Did do a bit of scrappin, some reading and some photos. Off course!

The kids went to the farm and Bernie and Izaiah went to Edmonton to Nine Inch Nails concert. We scattered.

The following weekend, we headed to Jackfish Lake to Acquadeo where the Giesbrecht's have a cabin. We definetely eased into the fun starting with mojtas, setting a puzzle and finishing with a splash while tubing!

Here are a few pics of the highlights.

Goddess Photos

2008-07-24T13:36:00.000-06:00

This last week, my niece Nadine calls me and tells me that the baby is going to be here quicker than first expected. That translate into she has a doc appointment on Thursday and we need to do the Goddess photos then.

She shows up Thursday after her appointment and says she is city quarantined. Ultimate craziness in my house. We have supper and off we go to capture her Goddessness. We have so much fun and capture some amazing shots.

We also have some fun and get her on the trampoline. I wanted her on the black background but she decides to jump. Jump for baby, jump for baby!

After we decide we have enough photos, we down load and get on with our evening. We end our evening with Nadine picking her favorites. She does mention that she thinks this baby is on it's way.

We go to sleep, .........

Tomorrow or perhaps later, the rest of the story will appear. Yes, baby has arrived!!

Having Fun!

2008-07-24T13:17:00.000-06:00

Here it is, photos of me, having fun! Blowing bubble gum and playing a kazoo. I am part of a scrapbooking class called Let's Have Fun, or something like that. I am not obessing about my favorite pass time or what a class is called. It is about enjoying what I do.

As a part of this class, I was sent a surprise package. There was bubble gum, a kazoo, curly stuff and a postcard reminding us we should have FUN scrapbooking. So on Saturday, I put my hair in pig tails and had fun all day at what ever I did. Kseniah took the photos of me and I must say she did a fantastic job.

Girls Weekend

2008-07-20T20:05:00.000-06:00

This past weekend has been a girl's weekend, sort of. It seems that the last few years that when Bernie has had his Kozak camp out, I do not totally have the weekend to my self. However, that being said, Kseniah was with me and we did have a great weekend together.

We went to Diane's music theatre camp show Friday night. I was not totally feeling great but really enjoyed the musical number "Matchmaker, matchmaker". I did end my day with a nightcap. Perhaps that is why I was feeling better Saturday morning.

I did try to catch Diane before she headed with her family to more family Saturday morning but alas, we seemed to be close to each other, thinking about each other but did not connect.

Kseniah and I did some shopping and came home to a frenzied Izaiah who was to be leaving to the lake. Off he went on his way, after we exchanged some words some of which I said, it was my vehicle and he should not speak to me that way.

Then us girls just had fun. Bar-b-q ing in the rain, pouring rain, watching movies, listening to ABBA and playing in the scrap room. To the tune of 3:30 am for me and around 1:30 am for Miss Kseniah.

We both slept on the sofa in the basement and continued to have a lazy Sunday. Indeed, it was a great weekend with just us girls.

Photos of at least my craziness to come later.

Burning the midnight oil

2008-07-18T00:03:00.000-06:00

It has been a week. I have tried to clean, organize, work on photos, in my office. I have done all of them, not finished any of them but some how feel way too inspired to be here working after the sun has set. Why? I am not sure but I do know that I have accomplished more this evening in the watermarking department than all day.

That being said, I have finally linked my blog to flickr. Will have to see if I can link back to here. Next week, I will need to finish my webpage for the photo business.

It is really time for bed. Even midnight photographers need their beauty sleep.

Very Photo filled weekend

2008-07-14T14:11:00.000-06:00

This weekend was filled with photo opportunities, however, we would not have made it to Drumheller with time to spare if I stopped every time I saw a great landscape photo opportunity. Sad, truly sad, I know. The Passion Play was awesome!! Amazing, it brought me to tears several times. To see the scriptures come to life was very moving and spiritually rejuvenating. It some how did not prompt me to go to church the next morning, however, I was the only one who did say I was not going while the rest did say they were going. I guess I was one of the people with keys to a vehicle but that doesn't mean if I don't go, no one goes. Oh, well, in the end we did go to church. A tiny one where we could all sit together and fill the church.

Here are a few photo teasers. Will have to check out flickr to see more. I also want to post just about the play.

Nature's cleaning house

2008-07-11T19:08:00.000-06:00

Today is very windy. I am wondering what the heck is blowing in. Or blowing out for that matter. I am hearing all sorts of noises or things being blown against the house.

Today, I finally finished my book. On to the next one, after the weekend. I also finally got to watch two episodes of Six Feet Under, season one. I was hoping to have maybe two seasons done before the Giesbrecht's came back, alas, it will not happen.

Did a little of this and a little of that today. Heading to Drumheller tomorrow with Rose, John, Freddie and Klarissa. We are going to see the Passion play there, spend the night, do some touristy things maybe and head back home.

Monday, Kseniah and Iliajah will still be away so I will have Monday and Tuesday to finish doing some work.

Any who, the vacuum is calling my name or is the dirt on the floor. Either one, needs to be done. Nothing too exciting except the strong wind.

Lake Manitoba

2008-07-10T12:00:00.000-06:00

I thought I would share a few photos of Lake Manitoba. I should be in my office working but my children are still here so I am not working until they leave. A quick post will not hurt.

Lake Manitoba was way warmer than I thought it would be for a lake. Actually warmer than the ocean is in the tropics. It was very r

ocky and there were

huge rocks sticking out of the water by the beach where the Kramchynsky's frequent. That was where we were, Kseniah, Iliajah and I at the Kramchynsky's cottage.

Kseniah was in her glory picking shells and rocks. Iliajah enjoyed swimming or actually playing in the water or smashing shells with the rocks.

We did go for an adventure and go up to a place called Steep Rock. It was an old quary. Let's all sing it now,

"Flintstones, meet the Flintstones,...."

It was very cool place. The shoreline looked like the shores of the ocean and the beach was covered in small, smooth, rounded rocks. I off course, got some fantastic photos which a few are here but more on my flickr site.

The other thing that surprised me was all the red prairie lilies growing in the ditches there. Isn't that Saskatchewan's provincial flower? Yes, but it was every where there around the lake. I even happened upon some lady slippers which was an added bonus for me.

We also spotted two fox pups which were rather cute. For someone who is not much of an animal enthusiast, I sure do have the beginnings of

some great animal and bird photo shots. Always loved flowers and the natural beauty of plants but am warming up animals. Yes, even dogs and cats. Back to the lake stuff.

Here are some treasured shots.

Probability of getting a bird in your vehicle

2008-07-08T11:24:00.000-06:00

Well, I just got back from Lake Manitoba on Saturday. The air is not working in the van and of course the weather is hot! Driving with the windows open so we all don't sufficate from the heat.

Here is the scenario:

Temperature is about 30 C, driving against the wind and it is windy. I am listening to tunes on my ipod and the kids are watching A Bug's Life with their headphones on.

I see two black birds on the highway, which are not moving too quickly out of my way. They finally take flight and one just a bit too late. I know I am going to hit it. Which I did. It was way to close to the driver's side.

Pfoof!!! Feathers are flying around in front of me. I slow down and think man that was weird to have the feathers fly into the van. Imagine, a mini pillow explode inside the van. Okay, get over the shock of feathers, pick up speed and then......

"AWWWWWW! Mom, there is a dead bird in the van! There are bird guts on the window!" from Kseniah.

This is being screamed over and over which I could hear over the ipod and the noise from the wind in the van.

Then, Mom, mom, there is a bird in here from Iliajah.

I slow down, find an approach and go to rescue the kids from the blood, guts and feathers in the back of the van. I am not to keen on the fact that there is a dead bird but poor Kseniah is huddled into a ball, crying and shaking and scared to move. She said, the bird hit her and fell in front of her.

Can not imagine if it landed on her or near her but thank goodness on the floor.

So, here I am saying to myself, you are the adult, you need to throw this bird out! I do, wash up the flip flop, Iliajah washes the window.

I make a frantic phone call home and end up talking to Izaiah. I tell him, leave a note for Dad to get the air FIXED!!!

After we calm down, and every one is okay to keep driving, I get back in. Iliajah then says to me, ummm Mom, look up and turn around. Behind me on the ceiling, more bird guts.

Never in a million years could this happen again. Every once in a while, feathers get stirred up while driving. We even still had some scattered about while unloading the van when we got home.

What is the probability? Any body care to guess?

Water marking day!

2008-04-23T18:12:00.000-06:00

Today, I was water marking the photos from my Sunday shoot. I actually shot 467 photos, edited them down to just over 200 and today, I was marking and uploading them. After a while, I was starting to think that I did this photo already. My shoot was of the Rushnychok dance group. Some kids did costume changes so it was their faces I recognized. It did confuse me.

Bernie was home today too. He was finishing off the trip and baseboards in the basement. He also started pulling off the carpet on the stairs. He is home tomorrow and will keep working on these projects.

I am going over to Dawn's tonight to meet with her and Carol. Carol was the one who got us all fired up about going to Calgary to Camp Croppin and then was not able to come with us. We have a goody bag for her and a bottle of wine to consume.

I have to say, my week is going well with plenty of things getting done. Still doing laundry and domestic duties. Not supper today. Izaiah and Bernie took care of that. Thanks guys!!

I have had a good one!!

Snow and Wind!!

2008-04-22T10:01:00.000-06:00

What is up with the weather? It is totally gross out there. You would think, that spring and summer passed us by and winter started all over again.

Today is an office day right after I shower!!

Yep, didn't get to it yesterday. Terrible headache by the end of the day, so had a nap and went to my meeting. Came home, made my bed and read until I fell asleep. I also never got around to any office things on my list. Sort of. Did do the flicker account.

Today will be about editing photos for Rushnychok. I will take some breaks from my wonderful iMac and do some spot cleaning.

Not feeling all to inspirational today but feeling hungry so off to get me some breakfast and a shower. Who knows? I may be back later today!

Have a good one!

It felt good to get some cleaning done yesterday. I may not have done everything on my list but I did do some that were not on it either. Domestic Goddessish!!!!

Making a list and scratching them off!

2008-04-21T14:57:00.001-06:00

Well, this is certainly a habit I have been challenged with, blogging that is! So as I was cleaning in the basement, and reflecting on a comment I made earlier today to Kim from Porcupine, a revelation came to me.

First the title. I decided today to make my self a list and was feeling rather domestic. Do you want to know what my list looks like? Here it is:

-dishes in the kitchen. They are clean, just need to put them away

-basement: vacuum, tidy kids books & game shelf, put away bucket of toys (taken out weeks ago)

-laundry: our bedding, extra quilts and blankets. I have had sick children and just to freshen them up.

-straighten up the shelves in the bathroom.

-put away my photo props

-some photography accounting

-download photos

-coffee with Dawn

-shower

-Yevshen meeting

-tidy the desk surface in office

I will let you know tomorrow what I accomplished and what has been deferred to tomorrow!

The reflecting on my comment. I said to Kim that I have been spending less time on the scrapbooking forums and am planning to spend more time connecting to family and friends on facebook. Really, I feel quite embarrassed that I was more connected to people I really did not know but connected so little with those I do know. That led me to thinking about my blog. Spend that few minutes here blogging instead of posting.

There you go. My reflection has drifted my butt up to my computer to blog about my day.

The Eve of the Birthday

2008-03-19T18:27:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is Bernie's birthday so I have been busy planning an awesome supper for all of us. We will have escargot, clam chowder soup, shrimp & scallop pasta. Yes, a lot of seafood because it is still lent and we are not eating meat at all this week.

I should have some additional time tomorrow to put up a few more of my favorite photos to share with all of you. I will try to figure out how to get one of those slide show things for here. Slowly working away at launching my photography business.

I am hitting the net!

2008-03-17T16:06:00.000-06:00

Well, once again, I have started a blog but this time it is for my photography. I have been a professional and hobbyist photographer for years. The time has come for me to totally focus on my photography and my love for it.

This blogging is new to me in the creation department so I will be spending the next few days adding some favorite shots. That is going to be so difficult for me because there are so many that I love. I will first focus on my digitally shot material and as time goes on, I will add some of my film shot material.

I am very excited about me going ahead and starting my own business in photography. I am working on a website, have some business cards printed up and making a few mental lists of what I need to do yet.

I chose this photo because it represents spring, the bursting of new life, a regenerating energy after winter. When you live where there is a noticeable change in the seasons, one looks forward to the freshness of spring. So, .......

With out further a due, today is the official launch of my photography blog!