tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66067662120237334982024-03-13T22:06:19.853-07:00Mama MutteringsHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.comBlogger218125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-81422918436836462122011-08-16T07:17:00.000-07:002011-08-16T07:17:21.056-07:00Beautiful Eyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WY_lnx-OhQ0/Tkp6YhCyO8I/AAAAAAAABOE/zUaKdm66bTQ/s1600/14a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WY_lnx-OhQ0/Tkp6YhCyO8I/AAAAAAAABOE/zUaKdm66bTQ/s400/14a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Participating today in the photography challenge at <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/08/photo-challenge-beautiful-eyes/">iheartfaces</a>. The prompt is "Beautiful Eyes." Everywhere I go with my children, people comment on their eyes. They are beautiful -- blue, clear, vibrant. I can be a little bias, however.<br />
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I, also, have blue eyes. Growing up this was a singular and unusual trait . . . both of my parents and my sibling had brown eyes. It felt special to be unique in this way. It created some amusement; however, when I began to repeat as a toddler the facetious story that I "got my blue eyes form the mail man." :)Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-87775153396745241582011-08-14T08:07:00.000-07:002011-08-14T08:07:44.900-07:00Love Affair with Queen Anne's Lace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yjq3F54lz1E/TkfjmAO0nkI/AAAAAAAABNk/nJBToQ2EpH4/s1600/2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yjq3F54lz1E/TkfjmAO0nkI/AAAAAAAABNk/nJBToQ2EpH4/s400/2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Love, love, love the delicate, mysterious beauty of these "weeds." I love the shape of this flower, and the delicate, graceful stems. And how it curls in on itself, like long fingers, to hold the seeds, ready to be blown by the wind.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SuAmm8BXRh8/TkfjnRyOt3I/AAAAAAAABNo/KBhqysAZNBU/s1600/3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SuAmm8BXRh8/TkfjnRyOt3I/AAAAAAAABNo/KBhqysAZNBU/s400/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DgBwxT5wsNY/TkfjoEeONmI/AAAAAAAABNs/0puCPFCU4nk/s1600/4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DgBwxT5wsNY/TkfjoEeONmI/AAAAAAAABNs/0puCPFCU4nk/s400/4a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ETXx0BRGAak/TkfjpHgMp7I/AAAAAAAABNw/9GWwWgWFtBc/s1600/5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ETXx0BRGAak/TkfjpHgMp7I/AAAAAAAABNw/9GWwWgWFtBc/s400/5a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mum7x2qM394/TkfjqjEYlMI/AAAAAAAABN0/rcC_YBfr5vA/s1600/6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mum7x2qM394/TkfjqjEYlMI/AAAAAAAABN0/rcC_YBfr5vA/s400/6a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DEpmmS5fIIE/TkfjsakM0UI/AAAAAAAABN4/3niJ8QqWTLk/s1600/7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DEpmmS5fIIE/TkfjsakM0UI/AAAAAAAABN4/3niJ8QqWTLk/s400/7a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g01amLzkDkc/Tkfjtk172uI/AAAAAAAABN8/hm7Wq_rOGtg/s1600/8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g01amLzkDkc/Tkfjtk172uI/AAAAAAAABN8/hm7Wq_rOGtg/s400/8a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-wrdzNHok4/Tkfju2YCqoI/AAAAAAAABOA/w4nb3yPjmaw/s1600/9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-wrdzNHok4/Tkfju2YCqoI/AAAAAAAABOA/w4nb3yPjmaw/s400/9a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>We took the kiddos for a bike ride on a railroad converted to paved path. These are what caught and held my attention. What has captured yours recently?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-38048594892349480352011-08-10T07:23:00.000-07:002011-08-10T07:23:03.927-07:00Yellowstone Park -- Further Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XsCvVgglDv0/TkKO-tX3OeI/AAAAAAAABMY/rEO5aj1BwvM/s1600/2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XsCvVgglDv0/TkKO-tX3OeI/AAAAAAAABMY/rEO5aj1BwvM/s400/2a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div> There's so much to tell in trying to recount our family adventure of two weeks . . . it's a little overwhelming! My intention is to create a photo book of the trip and blogging is my dry run in telling the story. I'm so glad that before we left, I created a separate photo file for the trip and then organized my photos by the day taken. It has created a timeline that I can refer to when I begin to get a little fuzzy on the details.<br />
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We met up with my parents, Nana and Papa, at the West Entrance to Yellowstone Park. We had thought we wouldn't meet until we arrived at the camp site so it was a pleasant surprise to share lunch at Buffalo Bill's and then drive in together. Big D had already been on the look out for Buffalo and he was gravely disappointed when they didn't magically appear immediately upon entering the park. He had to wait a whole day before his first siting. And we had to hear much talk, winging and whining about it until he did!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M4Cjk_Bp-Y0/TkKPP5eTtoI/AAAAAAAABMc/KzF-R9ysw2I/s1600/1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M4Cjk_Bp-Y0/TkKPP5eTtoI/AAAAAAAABMc/KzF-R9ysw2I/s400/1a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDwp3K5_FN4/TkKPRfVKLII/AAAAAAAABMg/1IlpmnFE54A/s1600/2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDwp3K5_FN4/TkKPRfVKLII/AAAAAAAABMg/1IlpmnFE54A/s400/2a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>The first evening was perfect! Sunny, warm and dry. We set up camp and the kids ran around collecting and making stuff. Big D made a bow and arrow that actually worked. It was his pride and joy. We learned all about bears. Two quite recent news stories about attacks/encounters in the park had us adults on high alert. We were advised that all food, cosmetics, food containers and water bottles would need to be secured in our vehicles unless immediately in use. This made meal prep and our daily treks into the park an adventure. That and the mosquitoes were the only downside to a truly lovely camping experience.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aO3u7Ci7FzI/TkKPSs-y0ZI/AAAAAAAABMk/99ZHsXD0bdM/s1600/3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aO3u7Ci7FzI/TkKPSs-y0ZI/AAAAAAAABMk/99ZHsXD0bdM/s400/3a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrLXF1-XpZQ/TkKPT9pWAUI/AAAAAAAABMo/w9yyGVAq8SI/s1600/5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrLXF1-XpZQ/TkKPT9pWAUI/AAAAAAAABMo/w9yyGVAq8SI/s400/5a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MevgKatwVbc/TkKPVG2NedI/AAAAAAAABMs/4rQ-Kjx0tlA/s1600/6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MevgKatwVbc/TkKPVG2NedI/AAAAAAAABMs/4rQ-Kjx0tlA/s400/6a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2t5U7eO9RQ/TkKPW57j3NI/AAAAAAAABMw/lUa24S9Ndfo/s1600/7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2t5U7eO9RQ/TkKPW57j3NI/AAAAAAAABMw/lUa24S9Ndfo/s400/7a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div> Just as we were preparing to make smores that first night, we had a doozy of a thunder and lightening storm. It was truly impressive! We laid in our tens and listened to the thunder roll around the mountain tops. Powerful. Fortunately, we stayed dry and by noon the next day, we had sun again. In the above pics you can see the tent drying out and the family huddled around the fire waiting for the sun to warm the camp.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FokeW2cRXjU/TkKPYBoyf3I/AAAAAAAABM0/KCK-vCjgSjw/s1600/8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FokeW2cRXjU/TkKPYBoyf3I/AAAAAAAABM0/KCK-vCjgSjw/s400/8a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div> Before we left on our trip, the kids and I decided that they would keep journals of their adventures. As we traveled, we collected stickers and they took pictures with their own cameras so that they could add them to the notebooks. They kids also worked on their Junior Ranger badges -- as Big D is in the picture above. They were given a newspaper with activities and assignments. When finished, they were to talk to a Ranger, take a pledge and the receive their badge. Serious business, folks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XKZNe_QKZE/TkKPZZNr6_I/AAAAAAAABM4/kdVvRWfBj64/s1600/9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XKZNe_QKZE/TkKPZZNr6_I/AAAAAAAABM4/kdVvRWfBj64/s400/9a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp9dxBgQ6yk/TkKPa3TLGsI/AAAAAAAABM8/Y8VYLr6r7gc/s1600/10a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp9dxBgQ6yk/TkKPa3TLGsI/AAAAAAAABM8/Y8VYLr6r7gc/s400/10a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BU4l_I_rrc0/TkKPcbbFpEI/AAAAAAAABNA/Ai74NJc9ccw/s1600/11a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BU4l_I_rrc0/TkKPcbbFpEI/AAAAAAAABNA/Ai74NJc9ccw/s400/11a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> A drippy start to the day as we checked out the Paint Pots. Kids were good sports and, like I said above, by noon it was warm and sunny. Just in time for Old Faithful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HqbJecRCak/TkKPdYj8IMI/AAAAAAAABNE/9FpctfuDpRA/s1600/12a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HqbJecRCak/TkKPdYj8IMI/AAAAAAAABNE/9FpctfuDpRA/s400/12a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_whx7kHtdk/TkKPeqvJ97I/AAAAAAAABNI/klOrySm2f1Q/s1600/13a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_whx7kHtdk/TkKPeqvJ97I/AAAAAAAABNI/klOrySm2f1Q/s400/13a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g73L4jRGSU0/TkKPgHpUDNI/AAAAAAAABNM/iWuvLZ_Ax9w/s1600/14a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g73L4jRGSU0/TkKPgHpUDNI/AAAAAAAABNM/iWuvLZ_Ax9w/s400/14a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div> Big D was determined to get a shot just as Old Faithful erupted. He stayed poised and ready for 15 minutes before hand. Then when it "blew," he was upset that maybe he wasn't getting the "just right" picture. Poor little man. Mama tried to tell him to relax and enjoy the moment. Plenty of pictures were being taken and I promised we'd share!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwbpB9o92ck/TkKPhSpWQjI/AAAAAAAABNQ/2_-EH0ENRQs/s1600/16a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwbpB9o92ck/TkKPhSpWQjI/AAAAAAAABNQ/2_-EH0ENRQs/s400/16a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bCOuWWgfY4/TkKPjOCPbcI/AAAAAAAABNU/4COJ1jtkyuY/s1600/17a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bCOuWWgfY4/TkKPjOCPbcI/AAAAAAAABNU/4COJ1jtkyuY/s400/17a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The landscape is so unusual and frankly, stark at times and lush at others. I can only imagine what it would have been like to stumble into this valley years ago. We were respectful of the wildness of the place and horrified to see other visitors rather carelessly move through the park. My dad had been reading a book about the accidents and deaths that have occurred in the park -- the vast majority out of a lack of respect and understanding of both the animals that live here and the natural phenomenon. Falling through the thin crust into boiling hot springs, approaching wildly unpredictable buffalo . . .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0uykegKU5fo/TkKPkr8O8xI/AAAAAAAABNY/960eF3RYNO8/s1600/22a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0uykegKU5fo/TkKPkr8O8xI/AAAAAAAABNY/960eF3RYNO8/s400/22a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfw842wVMKI/TkKPm-nJ1mI/AAAAAAAABNc/7FDmYO6JQTo/s1600/24a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfw842wVMKI/TkKPm-nJ1mI/AAAAAAAABNc/7FDmYO6JQTo/s400/24a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Photos make look like close ups be trust me, respectful distance maintained! My uncle lent me his super huge telephoto which was an adventure in itself! We saw a staggering array of wildlife throughout the trip: buffalo, grizzlies, elk, prong horn, beaver, bald eagle, osprey -- to name a few.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgYCON3iF6w/TkKPoYNp8uI/AAAAAAAABNg/1VGBKPR-iVE/s1600/26a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgYCON3iF6w/TkKPoYNp8uI/AAAAAAAABNg/1VGBKPR-iVE/s400/26a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>Big D chilling in the rockers in front of the General Store -- already fantasizing about that evening's smores and campfire. Good times!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-9181185125227963192011-08-07T09:13:00.000-07:002011-08-07T09:13:26.343-07:00Epic Road Trip -- The beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhWL-JjnNTk/Tj61YoUWMbI/AAAAAAAABLk/HbS0nJFlhnQ/s1600/1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhWL-JjnNTk/Tj61YoUWMbI/AAAAAAAABLk/HbS0nJFlhnQ/s400/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our trip actually started, as all mommies know, with weeks of planning and days of packing. This was made even more memorable by losing my voice completely in the 24 hours before departure. Relying heavily on whistling and sign language, the kids and I finished up the grocery shopping, laundry and packing before daddy got home from work. His forte is loading the car. A feat requiring fantastic spatial skills and patience if every last inch of cargo space is to be utilized! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Day 1 of actual travel dawned bright and sunny . . . as evidenced by the pained expressions in the above picture! You'd think they hadn't seen sun in days and were in danger of going up in a poof of smoke. What truly sealed the deal was that just as I was setting up the tripod for the below pictures, the sprinklers went off. Wish I'd caught the kiddos shocked and injured expressions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-um3h5Jfi6vI/Tj61bgQHjMI/AAAAAAAABLo/JfeXuvaVwqA/s1600/2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-um3h5Jfi6vI/Tj61bgQHjMI/AAAAAAAABLo/JfeXuvaVwqA/s400/2a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YdCfocdbwJk/Tj61dej794I/AAAAAAAABLs/sHGDHmxfrpw/s1600/3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YdCfocdbwJk/Tj61dej794I/AAAAAAAABLs/sHGDHmxfrpw/s400/3a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> After our "before" pictures, we hit the road, making tracks for Kettle Falls, WA, a mere 10 hours drive. Kids were fantastic as they were for most of the 3,000+ miles. Big D read, Little Sis was primarily self-entertained and on occasion, we were called upon to redirect their restless energy. Rest stops were mandatory opportunities to try the toilet and stretch your legs. Little Sis cracked me up. Never failed that she would energetically deny the need to use the bathroom, fume all the way into the stall and then whisper that, turns out, she really needs to go. It was a revelation to her each time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wLAmJd8xdf0/Tj61eTN30oI/AAAAAAAABLw/tc1NRNIVwoM/s1600/4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wLAmJd8xdf0/Tj61eTN30oI/AAAAAAAABLw/tc1NRNIVwoM/s400/4a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> We made such fantastic time that we arrived at Great Grandma's house in the mid afternoon. It was frustrating to not be able to talk with her and I relied heavily on hubby to "translate" my whispers into communication she could hear. She has not been well for some time and this may be the last visit we have with her. It is so hard to see loved ones grow old and tired. She clearly enjoyed the children and treating them to Drumstick ice-cream cones.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojWnAbVa6Ro/Tj61f4YfjWI/AAAAAAAABL0/58VWDNQVw4U/s1600/5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojWnAbVa6Ro/Tj61f4YfjWI/AAAAAAAABL0/58VWDNQVw4U/s400/5a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4UpZSMOy98/Tj61hYyoLOI/AAAAAAAABL4/Ahu2lktX1OM/s1600/6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4UpZSMOy98/Tj61hYyoLOI/AAAAAAAABL4/Ahu2lktX1OM/s400/6a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1A54Brwcy4/Tj61ib0Dp4I/AAAAAAAABL8/y_LBus8sMWg/s1600/7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1A54Brwcy4/Tj61ib0Dp4I/AAAAAAAABL8/y_LBus8sMWg/s400/7a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tupKm8mUbYE/Tj61jKuFIWI/AAAAAAAABMA/_E3CW2jvOTI/s1600/8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tupKm8mUbYE/Tj61jKuFIWI/AAAAAAAABMA/_E3CW2jvOTI/s400/8a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> We took the ice-creams outside in order to spare the house and to get some photos. The kids and daddy had a great time followed by some running around in the yard, playing tag. Grandma sat at the front window and most certainly enjoyed the spectacle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A8mv85JOBRY/Tj61keXiIoI/AAAAAAAABME/W0I3cWVs_xc/s1600/9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A8mv85JOBRY/Tj61keXiIoI/AAAAAAAABME/W0I3cWVs_xc/s400/9a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUEEXmC9Lzc/Tj61lin7SwI/AAAAAAAABMI/5dMOe_mLdoI/s1600/10a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUEEXmC9Lzc/Tj61lin7SwI/AAAAAAAABMI/5dMOe_mLdoI/s400/10a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div> Kettle Falls is a rural community located about 40 miles south of the Canadian border. Such beautiful country and it holds a great deal of memories for me. I've been traveling to grandma's house since I was Little Sis's age. I know the roads and landmarks well. It'll be heartbreaking when there is no longer a reason to travel those roads again . . .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWqZo9ysd20/Tj61m5zLglI/AAAAAAAABMM/IJCMeljXRvE/s1600/11a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWqZo9ysd20/Tj61m5zLglI/AAAAAAAABMM/IJCMeljXRvE/s400/11a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4copwfqSBl0/Tj61oRpuocI/AAAAAAAABMQ/k_V6DnNUPpY/s1600/12a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4copwfqSBl0/Tj61oRpuocI/AAAAAAAABMQ/k_V6DnNUPpY/s400/12a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4oYfeFUGKg/Tj61qOUw_bI/AAAAAAAABMU/K1gQr2LNwCg/s1600/13a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4oYfeFUGKg/Tj61qOUw_bI/AAAAAAAABMU/K1gQr2LNwCg/s400/13a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The children were sweet and attentive to grandma and she so enjoyed them. It was a good start to our adventure, setting the tone for creating family memories and togetherness.<br />
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Next stop, Yellow Stone! We're just getting started . . .Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-70745916122760808172011-08-05T07:15:00.000-07:002011-08-05T07:15:20.752-07:00Every Day Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0HmSEdIXDs/Tjv5FFQp9RI/AAAAAAAABLY/E7ojvMsH7Io/s1600/13a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0HmSEdIXDs/Tjv5FFQp9RI/AAAAAAAABLY/E7ojvMsH7Io/s400/13a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div> Thank goodness for <a href="http://shuttersisters.com/home/2011/8/5/everyday-things.html">Shutter Sisters</a>! I'm not sure I'd ever get the pics from our trip blogged without their prompts the last two days. Today's theme is "every day things." Certainly the expected highlights of our trip were the wildlife but while "hunting" the elusive creatures of the wild, I found my eye drawn to these images. I imagine they are "weeds" and "pests" to most but since they don't live in my backyard, they are beautiful!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BUSva5Q38ec/Tjv5G3wCHiI/AAAAAAAABLc/mH271oAyVw4/s1600/14a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BUSva5Q38ec/Tjv5G3wCHiI/AAAAAAAABLc/mH271oAyVw4/s400/14a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> I love the delicate curling lines and the feather softness of the "fluff." Wish I was more well-versed in plant parts so I can better describe what I find so alluring!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qb4LF8eqP48/Tjv5TYofz3I/AAAAAAAABLg/q_7jp9QACEg/s1600/9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qb4LF8eqP48/Tjv5TYofz3I/AAAAAAAABLg/q_7jp9QACEg/s400/9a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This last was a capture on the side of the road at Custer State Park in Montana. We stopped just for this flower . . . if you've been to such a place where people expect to see some amazing animal around each bend, you'll remember how people pull over just to see what you might be seeing! Kinda made me giggle. :)<br />
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I hope to tell the story of the "epic road trip" in the next couple of days. It was such a amazing experience as only a family trip across five states and 3,000 miles can be!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-3873240323634880862011-08-03T07:13:00.000-07:002011-08-03T07:14:26.571-07:00Golden Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CAofT-AyqLA/TjlWVJ0MYnI/AAAAAAAABLU/k3D8e4ZHBXQ/s1600/22a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CAofT-AyqLA/TjlWVJ0MYnI/AAAAAAAABLU/k3D8e4ZHBXQ/s400/22a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We're home! Two weeks and over 3,000 miles later, we have safely returned and begun to settle into our routines. I have so much to share but in response to today's <a href="http://shuttersisters.com/home/2011/8/3/lingering-light.html">Shutter Sister's</a> prompt, I had to share perhaps my favorite pic of the trip. It was taken on Flat Head Lake, Montana while riding in my Uncle's boat. It was certainly a new photographic challenge to try to capture birds in flight while standing in a bobbing boat! This is a beautiful bald eagle that we first spotted perched on a snag. As we got closer and the angle of the lens changed, I was thrilled to see how the light changed, the flare, the color. It makes my heart happy!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-51452325434705073592011-07-05T07:55:00.000-07:002011-07-05T07:55:41.966-07:004th Festivities and Excitement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J76Lsv7QBTs/ThMfPRt21nI/AAAAAAAABKg/jNtHX9Ob6Kk/s1600/2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J76Lsv7QBTs/ThMfPRt21nI/AAAAAAAABKg/jNtHX9Ob6Kk/s400/2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We had quite the day yesterday! Began by attending a local parade with one of Big D's friend's families. The parade was excellent. The drama wasn't. But first, let me tell you how beautiful the day was! Sunny, warm and a light breeze. Couldn't have custom ordered better weather. Now the drama . . .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R5sOhPJKOQw/ThMfQT-svSI/AAAAAAAABKk/3zbIINTCSjU/s1600/3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R5sOhPJKOQw/ThMfQT-svSI/AAAAAAAABKk/3zbIINTCSjU/s400/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Like most parades, no doubt, folks had "reserved" prime sidewalk turf the day before with tape and chalk. We knew this and weren't concerned. We figured that we'd find a place to stand and watch as we hadn't planned any further ahead. When we arrived, the other family had set up chairs on the sidewalk and we joined them on the curb. Little did we know that they had taken over part of another family's spot . . . a large, aggressive family, it turns out. This woman approached us and began swearing and insisting we had to leave. The mom responded that she would go find a police officer to solve the conflict at which point the other woman said she'd "assault" her in front of the officer. Hmm. I decided that this kind of language and animosity was not part of our family's parade plans and we quickly moved to the back. We watched from our perch on a lovely embankment (we had a great view, by the way) as the two women and the police officer "discussed" the difficulty. Once he left, the other woman's family essentially surrounded our acquaintances and made all manner of snide comments. They scared the children. Clearly their goal was intimidation. It felt unsafe to me and unnecessary.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pACYwW4Eh04/ThMfR1sTqGI/AAAAAAAABKo/y5Qysl2cq7g/s1600/4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pACYwW4Eh04/ThMfR1sTqGI/AAAAAAAABKo/y5Qysl2cq7g/s400/4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Our little family made the best of it, enjoying the parade. Big D was tearful as he wanted to hang out with his buddy but eventually the other family joined us. I don't know why they didn't do it sooner! No point in "saving face" when you are in the wrong and your children are scared!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQlEMqG_16M/ThMfTvylyiI/AAAAAAAABKs/HTiUJeMVF6o/s1600/5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQlEMqG_16M/ThMfTvylyiI/AAAAAAAABKs/HTiUJeMVF6o/s400/5a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>After a lovely lunch at home and a nap, the kiddos played in the sprinklers in the backyard. It was a little chilly in the breeze so that didn't last too long . . . but long enough to snap some fun pics!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LMAgMxsWBfQ/ThMfVbqcNDI/AAAAAAAABKw/8yJfbdsNgKQ/s1600/6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LMAgMxsWBfQ/ThMfVbqcNDI/AAAAAAAABKw/8yJfbdsNgKQ/s400/6a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-pqpE-m3VE/ThMfZM8cgvI/AAAAAAAABK4/D0ay_8Ap4jg/s1600/8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-pqpE-m3VE/ThMfZM8cgvI/AAAAAAAABK4/D0ay_8Ap4jg/s400/8a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>We barbecued lots of veggies -- butternut squash, peppers, beets, onions and tofu. Yum! We ate them with millet and a homemade dressing. Then we had our own little fireworks show in the driveway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C20x7Rko2sw/ThMfcX1n89I/AAAAAAAABLA/TLq3cjbMP-o/s1600/10a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C20x7Rko2sw/ThMfcX1n89I/AAAAAAAABLA/TLq3cjbMP-o/s400/10a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkvMEV3CrwE/ThMfdu9cWCI/AAAAAAAABLE/B7RlR3j8t0w/s1600/11a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkvMEV3CrwE/ThMfdu9cWCI/AAAAAAAABLE/B7RlR3j8t0w/s400/11a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uv0k_JCbjlU/ThMfejZZYLI/AAAAAAAABLI/QW2aaEfo5YM/s1600/12a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uv0k_JCbjlU/ThMfejZZYLI/AAAAAAAABLI/QW2aaEfo5YM/s400/12a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RBBD_1ZDDU/ThMffjwJ2TI/AAAAAAAABLM/FafgMSwtN3w/s1600/13a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RBBD_1ZDDU/ThMffjwJ2TI/AAAAAAAABLM/FafgMSwtN3w/s400/13a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>The kiddos were super jazzed. Lots of oohs and ahs . . . our neighbors went crazy with massive firecrackers that went on until 11:00pm. Little Sis fell right asleep and wasn't bothered at all by the noise. Big D, on the other hand, had a tough time and ended up in our bed until it quieted down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igB1-HBQuYE/ThMfg6DqxII/AAAAAAAABLQ/Dr0j_w_VlRk/s1600/14a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igB1-HBQuYE/ThMfg6DqxII/AAAAAAAABLQ/Dr0j_w_VlRk/s400/14a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It was a wonderful day. Full of variety and fun. Each year gets better and better, as the children are able to enjoy more of the festivities.<br />
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How was your day?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-90627627659168105622011-07-02T19:42:00.000-07:002011-07-02T19:42:34.113-07:00Day 3 "ish" of the Summer Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7-OuNORu34/Tg_U1ySgPAI/AAAAAAAABKA/AmjcZ-YryVk/s1600/1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7-OuNORu34/Tg_U1ySgPAI/AAAAAAAABKA/AmjcZ-YryVk/s400/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Hi again. Twice in one day. Must be a Mama Mutterings record! Today marks the first canoe adventure of the season. And what a wonderful day it's been! We had a wee portage to our launching site. Don't I sound knowledgeable and sea worthy? As you can see below, we essentially carved a trail by dragging our canoe through thick and tall grasses.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4LOmCR_lFzk/Tg_U4NY48EI/AAAAAAAABKE/SG8ngnTkXno/s1600/2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4LOmCR_lFzk/Tg_U4NY48EI/AAAAAAAABKE/SG8ngnTkXno/s400/2a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Quick before I forget, let me tell you about all the amazing wildlife we say -- a baby raccoon at the side of the road. So wished we'd pulled over so that I could snap a picture. Small, fluffy and very, very cute. Unfortunately, it was a narrow road with no shoulder. Bah:( We also saw a Bald Eagle nest perched on top of a telephone pole with what looked like babies. Are they called chicks? Finally, an Osprey dove and caught a fish while we were watching from our canoe. Awesome!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R9SboGwnloI/Tg_U5dXxTAI/AAAAAAAABKI/JJommY3P-SE/s1600/3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R9SboGwnloI/Tg_U5dXxTAI/AAAAAAAABKI/JJommY3P-SE/s400/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Kids did reasonably well. They both seemed to think there was nothing new to see because we had been in the lake before and yet . . . note all the above wildlife features we saw! Silly nillies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrHOwuJ7yb0/Tg_U6aWMldI/AAAAAAAABKM/iUw_5rX5OYc/s1600/4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrHOwuJ7yb0/Tg_U6aWMldI/AAAAAAAABKM/iUw_5rX5OYc/s400/4a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div> The man aka propeller at the back of the canoe. I sat in the front, lounged and took pictures, paddling occasionally.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wadeje2tgSY/Tg_U711niyI/AAAAAAAABKQ/wbGW-eZs2pc/s1600/5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wadeje2tgSY/Tg_U711niyI/AAAAAAAABKQ/wbGW-eZs2pc/s400/5a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1R7Bz9L_6lU/Tg_U88DcFHI/AAAAAAAABKU/iJXDhrCSB9U/s1600/6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1R7Bz9L_6lU/Tg_U88DcFHI/AAAAAAAABKU/iJXDhrCSB9U/s400/6a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Where we were we could see three mountains -- St. Helens, Hood and an unidentified third. Hubby has all sorts of guesses but we're relatively clueless. Adams?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYpBb67EIxc/Tg_U9nmaz_I/AAAAAAAABKY/_rKxvKNbOyw/s1600/7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYpBb67EIxc/Tg_U9nmaz_I/AAAAAAAABKY/_rKxvKNbOyw/s400/7a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fU8xJio6Y8Q/Tg_U_KeM-qI/AAAAAAAABKc/k1afriiAK0A/s1600/8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fU8xJio6Y8Q/Tg_U_KeM-qI/AAAAAAAABKc/k1afriiAK0A/s400/8a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here's the photographic evidence of my presence on this trip. Relaxed toes, cool shoes and a beautiful sunny day!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-62155685296101185362011-07-02T07:33:00.000-07:002011-07-02T07:33:14.859-07:00Off to a "Rock'n" Start!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_5nX0mhLdU/Tg8qD5jBG_I/AAAAAAAABJ0/KjBFraa05HQ/s1600/2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_5nX0mhLdU/Tg8qD5jBG_I/AAAAAAAABJ0/KjBFraa05HQ/s400/2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Alright, so I haven exactly managed to take and post a picture each day . . . I maybe should have set the bar a little lower. Or in incremental steps! Like a photo every "couple of days" to be determined by the photographer :) I dashed outdoors one morning (not telling when exactly these delinquent pics were taken!) before getting showered for work and snapped these pics. I'm sure the neighbors enjoy the spectacle -- pj's, flip flops, and camera in hand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3H7Ro53NPiM/Tg8qL2JbbKI/AAAAAAAABJ8/UQB8Rpf3td8/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3H7Ro53NPiM/Tg8qL2JbbKI/AAAAAAAABJ8/UQB8Rpf3td8/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I may be cheating a bit. I fixed all manner of errors in PS proving how badly I need to practice, practice, practice. I say that not in the frustrated manner of a young child told to sit at the piano for 30 min every day whether they like it or not. Truly. I love the process and tinkering and, more than anything, the beauty of seeing and creating.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dV_YuGtUBIU/Tg8qC3Vt8uI/AAAAAAAABJw/spjW86NjaU8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dV_YuGtUBIU/Tg8qC3Vt8uI/AAAAAAAABJw/spjW86NjaU8/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Don't you love the way this bird seems surprised mid-bite? It might be that he is startled to find a humanoid out and about at the ungodly hour of 6:30am . . .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xPy-xXS3qM/Tg8qJQR26KI/AAAAAAAABJ4/U2XNmuDTVRY/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xPy-xXS3qM/Tg8qJQR26KI/AAAAAAAABJ4/U2XNmuDTVRY/s400/3.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>These last two are in their unprocessed glory. My sweet muffin and her daddy playing before he leaves for work. Of course they were coached to repeat this playful act a couple of times while mama remembered to change her menu settings for florescent lighting!<br />
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So looking forward to the long weekend! Time with family, watching a parade, a few fireworks. And getting ready for the "big trip."<br />
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How will you be celebrating?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-32443111080086972232011-06-29T07:18:00.000-07:002011-06-29T07:18:34.166-07:00New Resolution for Summer Time Photography Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a new resolution . . . I want to recapture the fun and enjoyment of taking and sharing pictures! No "bad" thing has happened to prevent my doing that -- just a full and busy life. A life that I want to capture and hold on to. Just look what I would have missed if I hadn't deliberately brought my camera to this fun play date with friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1tdFPMVsSg/TgsxjXRrBmI/AAAAAAAABJk/c3ai0LbNX00/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1tdFPMVsSg/TgsxjXRrBmI/AAAAAAAABJk/c3ai0LbNX00/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_X5FR2luFs/TgsxrX9vYBI/AAAAAAAABJo/Sj2fPHlW52U/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_X5FR2luFs/TgsxrX9vYBI/AAAAAAAABJo/Sj2fPHlW52U/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxHR_DizDWU/TgsxxoYnezI/AAAAAAAABJs/jegIjqNUjxw/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxHR_DizDWU/TgsxxoYnezI/AAAAAAAABJs/jegIjqNUjxw/s320/11.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>My resolution is to take and post a picture most every day . . . in a couple of weeks, we'll be taking a massive road trip across the country with stops at Yellowstone and the Black Hills. I want to be well in practice with my camera so that I can document our adventures!<br />
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No pressure. No expectations for these daily opportunities for practice. I used to say in college when I'd drag my cold self to the pool at 6:00am that I was "forming a habit." Just had to go through the actions so that it became more natural and fluid . . . so, I'm forming habit of creating images and sharing. It's one I've fallen out of but I'm banking on "muscle memory"and the desire to create!<br />
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Love to have some tips on "documentary" kinds of photography. I find that I rarely get the results I want when I shoot candids of my kiddos. Posed or stills are one thing but actions when it is happening. Help!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-24281470202039325172011-04-25T13:10:00.000-07:002011-04-25T13:10:47.872-07:00Tulip Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My creative juices are just barely sputtering . . . at least as far as they pertain to photography! Their energy is being reallocated to other endeavors and life is full and busy. I know that I need to create and so, I almost reluctantly pick up the camera but I fear there's been a serious regression! What I see and what I capture aren't quite the same thing. I'm a wee bit out of practice!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvKQhBAZn5Y/TbWK4KH-hmI/AAAAAAAABI8/VDqcn0ObXGw/s1600/4web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvKQhBAZn5Y/TbWK4KH-hmI/AAAAAAAABI8/VDqcn0ObXGw/s400/4web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31FGesu4-tI/TbWK7eZM1aI/AAAAAAAABJE/ooQbCjpYt_A/s1600/7web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31FGesu4-tI/TbWK7eZM1aI/AAAAAAAABJE/ooQbCjpYt_A/s400/7web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TlwSvIM0YI/TbWK9aNH-KI/AAAAAAAABJI/Yu0Cw4zVNbY/s1600/8web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TlwSvIM0YI/TbWK9aNH-KI/AAAAAAAABJI/Yu0Cw4zVNbY/s400/8web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e96YN0tWVac/TbWK6Ii0_OI/AAAAAAAABJA/_XW5_biozII/s1600/5web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e96YN0tWVac/TbWK6Ii0_OI/AAAAAAAABJA/_XW5_biozII/s400/5web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I have several adventures to share. They've been safely "stored" away on my camera for weeks, perhaps months. Now at least they have made it to my computer and may yet be posted!<br />
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What do you do to jump start your creative energy?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-70631450621226176182011-01-31T06:50:00.000-08:002011-01-31T06:50:47.768-08:00City Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUbJhs17g6I/AAAAAAAABIk/inCF1xSWv40/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUbJhs17g6I/AAAAAAAABIk/inCF1xSWv40/s400/1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div> Had wonderful day yesterday! Enjoyed yummy coffee and a good conversation with a friend and then strolled along the streets with her, looking for photo subjects. I really want to take more urban pictures but get a little "stage fright" when out on my own. Isn't that silly? My friend has no such hang ups and helped me be a braver gal!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUbJlHAXlfI/AAAAAAAABIo/CDgfRL5gksA/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUbJlHAXlfI/AAAAAAAABIo/CDgfRL5gksA/s400/2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> We both agreed that we should have begun our photo-walk earlier in our visit and snapped more pictures. Most of mine were disappointing. It was a cloudy day and I struggled with the right balance of shutter speed and aperture. Blur, blur, blur. I've been away from my camera too long . . .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUbJtjdr9LI/AAAAAAAABIs/0axsJrWFyx4/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUbJtjdr9LI/AAAAAAAABIs/0axsJrWFyx4/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> I'm happiest with this pictures of a telephone (power?) pole that has succumbed to years of stapled adverts and flyers. Layers and layers of multicolored papers and rusted staples. The texture was just so interesting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUbJ8kWQORI/AAAAAAAABIw/QEKnHrqh93w/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUbJ8kWQORI/AAAAAAAABIw/QEKnHrqh93w/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUbKFEu8fEI/AAAAAAAABI0/BqvJVOOJxGs/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUbKFEu8fEI/AAAAAAAABI0/BqvJVOOJxGs/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Today is a big day at our house. Big D has a report on an Asian country to give in class. May I ask, since when to 7 year olds do research and write reports? Hmm. Anywho. Sis has kindergarten Round Up. Not sure she'll appreciate a photo-happy mommy so pictures may not be forthcoming!<br />
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What's coming up in your week?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-18704227540013093322011-01-30T08:00:00.000-08:002011-01-30T08:00:48.488-08:00Close to Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUWKOBjaL7I/AAAAAAAABIg/UjeM_hJ3JJY/s1600/faucet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUWKOBjaL7I/AAAAAAAABIg/UjeM_hJ3JJY/s400/faucet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>How fortuitous that the Shutter Sisters prompt for today is to look <a href="http://shuttersisters.com/home/2011/1/30/close-to-home.html">Close to Home</a> for photo inspiration . . . I think this is the first photo I've taken in at least two weeks. Just busy life, busy brain and busy children to keep me otherwise occupied. As I was cleaning up in the kitchen, I was struck by how pretty my faucet seemed. There was a bit of rare winter light coming in through the window. Much to Sis's amusement, I got out the tripod and fiddled around with a few pictures before returning to stove cleaning.<br />
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This morning, I am meeting a friend for chocolate and a camera talk and walk. I hope to have pictures to share or at the very least, bring home a little dose of inspiration to get me snapping this week!!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-33691769404098422002011-01-28T10:14:00.000-08:002011-01-28T10:14:11.263-08:00Fix it Friday #84<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUME3GFzeiI/AAAAAAAABIY/A6bC0k-QQfA/s1600/5384402097_5a85d51aea_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUME3GFzeiI/AAAAAAAABIY/A6bC0k-QQfA/s400/5384402097_5a85d51aea_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's been awhile since I've played along with Fix it Friday at <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/01/photo-editing-fun-fix-it-friday-84/">i heart faces</a>! So let's see . . . I used photoshop and here are my steps as best I can remember:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Threshold to identify highlight and lowlight and skin tone</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Adjusted using curves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Used the highlight/lowlight tool</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Cropped to remove the light</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. Added a layer with multiple, "erased" to create darker edges. There's a fancy name for that, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. Used burn tool to bring out highlights in eyes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. Added a bit of color to the blown out bits of the chair</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8. Added a Totally Rad filter -- can't remember which!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUME7WUxDJI/AAAAAAAABIc/fEZNOLIQIYM/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TUME7WUxDJI/AAAAAAAABIc/fEZNOLIQIYM/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Life is full and busy. But I'm determined to continue finding ways to include creativity and play. Took some fun pics this morning while cleaning the kitchen sink . . . I'm going to get back to the housework and grocery shopping but with an eye to other images to share later in the day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-64364079651787239592011-01-06T07:14:00.000-08:002011-01-06T07:14:57.419-08:00Perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TSXYSJ2qh-I/AAAAAAAABIA/ZyDorOLK3Cg/s1600/3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TSXYSJ2qh-I/AAAAAAAABIA/ZyDorOLK3Cg/s400/3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TSXYTj3oB6I/AAAAAAAABIE/5AGl4ZxlNo8/s1600/4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TSXYTj3oB6I/AAAAAAAABIE/5AGl4ZxlNo8/s400/4a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TSXYU-nPiQI/AAAAAAAABII/PrZadkZO3iU/s1600/5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TSXYU-nPiQI/AAAAAAAABII/PrZadkZO3iU/s400/5a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TSXYWaRQULI/AAAAAAAABIM/bBHrhGDY6y8/s1600/6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TSXYWaRQULI/AAAAAAAABIM/bBHrhGDY6y8/s400/6a.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>Oh, I'm not sure I have many words to share. Just pictures snapped after school one day this week. I love that I got to pick up both of my children because I'm my own boss and take them to the park to play -- and then home for homework and dinner and night time routines. I love that we've eaten together as a family every day this week. My perspective has shifted . . .<br />
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A part of me worries that without the structure of a job, I won't be as driven. Maybe I need the pressure and demands in order to be effective in my role. Then I realize that is the voice of fear speaking. Of course I'm motivated and though this building up time is slow, the pace will accelerate. Now is the time to establish the balance I and my family need so that I can hold that line as the business grows.<br />
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There has been a tension between what I believe families need and how I help families in my work and how I've managed my own family . . . now I get to bring these two things more in line. Attend to my own children's needs before I turn to those of other families. Ah. This is good. This is right!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-75546884229733782702011-01-05T07:11:00.000-08:002011-01-05T07:11:32.472-08:00Grow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ok. Moment of truth. Shutter Sisters posted a challenge for the New Year of picking <a href="http://shuttersisters.com/home/2011/1/1/what-will-you-focus-on.html">ONE word</a> to "influence" and "shape" the entire year. Picking the word was easy -- grow. I want and intend to grow in so many ways! Of course there is the new practice that I want to grow. And there are friendships and community that I want to grow. And I want to grow my skills in creating balance for myself and my family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TSSFvMjc0AI/AAAAAAAABH4/MbKpxI9MqYk/s1600/scarymama1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TSSFvMjc0AI/AAAAAAAABH4/MbKpxI9MqYk/s320/scarymama1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Now that all sounds well and good, you say, but what's with the pictures? Well, there was this other <a href="http://shuttersisters.com/home/2011/1/2/what-i-see-when-i-see-myself.html">Shutter Sisters entry</a> about allowing yourself in front of the lens rather than always being the safe and invisible photographer in the scenes you shoot. Guilty. I have a love/hate relationship with my body. Don't we all? Some lucky gals are comfortable in their skin and have a certain confidence that makes them beautiful and sensual. I want that! I want to grow into loving myself and <a href="http://www.ordinarycourage.com/my-blog/2008/5/21/oh-the-audacity-of-authenticity.html">living whole hearted</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TSSFzUliclI/AAAAAAAABH8/xcfcDIwYhrU/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TSSFzUliclI/AAAAAAAABH8/xcfcDIwYhrU/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So the first photo was my not-so-courageous self-portrait. And then I took a day or two to work on my nerve and tried again. I like it. It makes me nervous that I like this second photo. And more than a little nervous to share it. This is what it feels like to grow. Uncomfortable. Nervous. Wanting to go back to safety and the known.<br />
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In what ways do you want to grow and stretch this year? I'd love to hear :)Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-51317367443606518212011-01-01T07:59:00.000-08:002011-01-01T07:59:17.123-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TR9PIi95BZI/AAAAAAAABHs/5RlWSI2gRLA/s1600/1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TR9PIi95BZI/AAAAAAAABHs/5RlWSI2gRLA/s320/1a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TR9PJ-isN2I/AAAAAAAABHw/ePiuCkaQgr4/s1600/2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TR9PJ-isN2I/AAAAAAAABHw/ePiuCkaQgr4/s320/2a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Wishing you a bright and beautiful start to 2011!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-71500263707376517772010-12-30T23:19:00.000-08:002010-12-30T23:19:24.444-08:00Need for Speed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TR2DM2ipGZI/AAAAAAAABHo/U9ROVUuraCI/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TR2DM2ipGZI/AAAAAAAABHo/U9ROVUuraCI/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Playing with motion and shutter speed today. Amazing how much more willing my subjects are when they can play!! Doesn't hurt that mama has the ability to use the remaining holiday cookies as bribes . . .Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-68742640035663303922010-12-29T13:40:00.000-08:002010-12-29T13:40:17.986-08:00New Beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TRuorDtlQeI/AAAAAAAABHk/DQyAPX5JZW0/s1600/1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TRuorDtlQeI/AAAAAAAABHk/DQyAPX5JZW0/s320/1a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I've been away from this blog and photography for quite some time. So many distractions. Good ones! Exciting changes and new beginnings under way!<br />
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I've begun my own private practice and just before the holidays, I left my job so that I could concentrate on my own enterprise full time. It is exhilarating and terrifying. Inspiring and exhausting. For several months, the details of finding an appropriate space, establishing the business part of the practice and beginning to develop referral sources was all-consuming. And now I can feel the energy building and the practice is growing, bit by bit.<br />
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One of the many reasons that I took this step was to nurture balance in my life. Already I've attended field trips with my children that previously I would not have been able to! I look forward to actually sticking to the weekly menu I outline and family dinners at the table. Oh, and photography and creativity! So much to look forward to. An adventure to be sure!<br />
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What have you been up to while I've been away? New adventures of your own?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-11557332441266263002010-08-25T07:49:00.000-07:002010-08-25T07:49:43.698-07:00Summer CrazinessI have been absent most (ok, all) of the summer . . . it's just been CRAZY. So much that I don't know even where to begin! I'll gloss over the last two months, saving it up for a future entry and instead tell you about yesterday. It was a "pinkalicious" day with Little Sis.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/THUrmfq_itI/AAAAAAAABHI/gdsoYb2vjjg/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/THUrmfq_itI/AAAAAAAABHI/gdsoYb2vjjg/s400/IMG_0024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday was a mom and daughter event, featuring lots of pink. Here's our list of accomplishments:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>painted pink toe and finger nails</li>
<li>made pink-frosted cupcakes</li>
<li>bought new pink undies</li>
<li>watched Dora who I think was wearing pink</li>
<li>made some pink jewelry</li>
<li>and of course, we wore pink</li>
</ul></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/THUrjA6vrkI/AAAAAAAABHA/CUleh5gaWQQ/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/THUrjA6vrkI/AAAAAAAABHA/CUleh5gaWQQ/s400/IMG_0022.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">We picked up Big D early and headed to a local fountain to play and cool off. I got to experiment with my iphone and a polaroid ap. Very fun! In all the busy-ness this summer, I have missed creating beautiful photos and sharing them. </div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/THUrhTH36kI/AAAAAAAABG4/sYvk5sJpnao/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/THUrhTH36kI/AAAAAAAABG4/sYvk5sJpnao/s400/IMG_0020.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today is Big D's day with mama. We will do his school shopping, get him a haircut and then do some sort of project. He's excited about the prospect of helping me sand two little tables I'm rejuvenating for my office. </div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/THUrpdu9tZI/AAAAAAAABHQ/fnQ7AcACgO8/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/THUrpdu9tZI/AAAAAAAABHQ/fnQ7AcACgO8/s400/IMG_0026.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
There is so much to share! Good things are afoot.<br />
<br />
What has kept you busy this summer?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-5297836799279920932010-06-06T07:31:00.000-07:002010-06-06T07:31:11.671-07:00Beach Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TAuu9JigczI/AAAAAAAABGg/LqSnjaDfcEM/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TAuu9JigczI/AAAAAAAABGg/LqSnjaDfcEM/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last weekend we loaded into the car for a quick, nearly spontaneous trip (I'm not real good with <i>spontaneous</i> -- it was a personal growth opportunity:) to the beach. We met friends and while the daddies played with the children, the mamas went running. We ran, on the beach no less, for nearly an hour. Oh my. Good for training, casual girl talk and appreciating several miles of a lovely beach!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TAuvAmz-i-I/AAAAAAAABGo/qJpgAN6HYC0/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TAuvAmz-i-I/AAAAAAAABGo/qJpgAN6HYC0/s400/2.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All done and sweaty and cooling rapidly, I grabbed just a very few pictures of my sweet children in the evening light. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TAuvDN2049I/AAAAAAAABGw/VqVP1SNQx8I/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TAuvDN2049I/AAAAAAAABGw/VqVP1SNQx8I/s400/3.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We live so close -- just an hour and some change, yet we rarely make the trip. Hubby and I said repeatedly that we will take the kids to the beach more often this summer. It is often <i>gorgeous</i> and just right when things are steamy at home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today is meant to be hubby's and my introduction to windsurfing . . . it's raining, of course. It seems as if the rain will never stop her in the Northwest! Oh. My. Goodness. Crossing our fingers for a fun and productive day on the river. And that the kids don't lose their ever-livin' minds in the back of the van. They certainly have a enough toys and games stashed away to entertain them while their parents flop about in the water. Expect a full report and potentially embarrassing photos to come!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-13204290463894107222010-06-05T16:08:00.000-07:002010-06-05T16:08:12.811-07:00Shadow Self<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TArV7Yst5GI/AAAAAAAABGY/tyfTRpAKdGA/s1600/flower_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TArV7Yst5GI/AAAAAAAABGY/tyfTRpAKdGA/s400/flower_2.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been working away, learning Photoshop CS5 . . . among other things! Wouldn't it be fabulous if we could completely turn our attention to one thing until we feel its been given its due or we are <i>done</i>! Laundry doesn't count! Repeatedly I'm reminded that with everything one thing we choose, another thing is not chosen. Photography, though near and dear to my heart, has not been chosen as often as I'd like in recent weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TArTg3D3GJI/AAAAAAAABGQ/WItki9lLGqA/s1600/flower_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/TArTg3D3GJI/AAAAAAAABGQ/WItki9lLGqA/s400/flower_1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mind has not been inactive even if my camera has gathered a bit of dust. On my heart has been this shrieking, unpleasant child that lives inside of me. All needy and grasping and embarrassing as heck. She's well hidden, tucked away from view, but oh-so-vocal in my mind's ear. My traditional mode of dealing with this unattractive waif, has been to chastise her and tell her that her wants and demands are selfish, unkind, immature. I've had a revelation in the last couple of days. This child requires special care and tending. And I know just the person for the job. Me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How odd for a therapist to come lately to the idea that the compassion and kindness extended to those in her care can be extended to herself. That she knows from a deep-down place what is needed. She knows how to sooth unsettled and frightened children. Why not the child that rages within her own rib cage? It was a powerful thought that I could turn to this child and say, "It's ok. I will make sure your needs are met. I will look after you." Mothering myself, able to accept this place as part of my own personal development. This, too, shall pass. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How have you become friends with your own shadow self? </div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-91609188120843672322010-05-23T19:54:00.000-07:002010-05-23T19:54:51.290-07:00Yellow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/S_npQMWMrcI/AAAAAAAABGE/tc_WH12vAVY/s1600/1web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/S_npQMWMrcI/AAAAAAAABGE/tc_WH12vAVY/s400/1web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All we've had for a week is rain, rain, rain. So happens we have a yellow rain coat and a very willing subject when it comes to mud, rain boots and flopping about in the clover field! As we walked hand in hand through the field, getting ready to take some pictures, he said, "I like being alone with you, mama." Oh, me too. Me too. . . </div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-72640529431354798062010-05-21T10:05:00.000-07:002010-05-21T10:05:46.249-07:00Lazy Rainy Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/S_a8KfuY3wI/AAAAAAAABF8/83FnIE01vlY/s1600/5web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/S_a8KfuY3wI/AAAAAAAABF8/83FnIE01vlY/s400/5web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>I'm sitting at the kitchen table listening to Little Sis tell herself stories and play contentedly in the other room. There is a light rain and a chill in the air. Dramatic shift from the sun and warmth this past weekend. Spring in the Northwest. It has been a long couple of weeks with sick kiddos, prep to give a two-day training and general upkeep and maintenance. I'm plum tuckered out and am having a heck of a time motivating to do the Friday chores. Perhaps I won't fight it. Perhaps I'll sit down with the stack of magazines that have accumulated over the last few weeks, a cozy blanket and drift in and out of a lazy afternoon. This assumes, of course, that the wee one will cooperate and that I can tolerate the dust bunnies! In all likelihood, it'll be the dust bunnies and empty fridge that will motivate me out of this chair. Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6606766212023733498.post-56297323898838552912010-05-17T16:50:00.000-07:002010-05-17T16:50:05.874-07:00Faces and Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/S_HU0oSGJPI/AAAAAAAABF0/V_2CjWZdVB4/s1600/hannah-bday" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiVKH38IFxU/S_HU0oSGJPI/AAAAAAAABF0/V_2CjWZdVB4/s400/hannah-bday" width="400" /></a></div>This week's challenge at I Heart Faces is <i><a href="http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/2010/05/week-20-faces-flowers-photo-challenge.html">Faces and Flowers</a></i>. This a photo of my daughter celebrating her 4th Birthday. Everything was pink and fluffy and very fancy!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053023115664628555noreply@blogger.com6