Colleen and I decided to go out for pictures today. The sun actually popped through the clouds for about 2 hours. We figured today was the best day for the next few days because we’re expecting a couple of snow storms. We trucked over the bridge that crosses the brook behind their house and through 3 foot of snow (man was that cold) to take some of the pictures because the woods made for a perfect background. We had so much fun. Not just me.. WE. We’re going to do more tomorrow, though indoors.

Here’s one of the silly shots. That’s snow on her sleeve by the way. The wind picked up as we got out there and we happened to be standing under a tree just as a big gust whipped through. Needless to say we both wound up with snow on our heads. LOL

PS; Happy New Year everyone!

Let’s make a list:

Well, my in laws’ computer is at it again. It seems like every time you turn around it’s starting to lag, crashing or just not loading things properly. Today is no different than any other day I suppose. They’re in their computer area talking about all the troubles they’re having again. It really is becoming “usual” and honestly, I would be drove up a wall if I had to deal with the issues they deal with. Jo and I keep telling them to install a good popup blocker, stop using certain programs that are known for viruses / trojans and stop opening attachments on emails. Of course it seems to be falling on deaf ears every time because the next time you turn around, they’re having the same issues. It’s really sad though because if something happens to it to the point where it can’t be fixed, they’ll be without a computer. I’m certainly not loaning them mine to use and I surely can’t see Jo letting them use his (his cost way more than mine). I’m not going to risk having the same thing happen to my computer or Jo’s, so they’d just be out of luck.

They’ll listen someday.. hopefully it won’t be too late.

It’s not what you think…

I was trying to come up with some ideas for something. My sister in law and I are planning on working up some handbags (gasp, yes I can actually sew.. though it’s been a long time since I’ve done it) and possibly some jewelry (mostly her doings). We were brainstorming earlier and trying to figure out a way to sort of get our “names” out there, like most new businesses do and need. I started thinking about the advertising pens that the financial company I used to work for had done up and it finally hit me, we should consider having some kind of promotional apparel, whether it be the pens, t-shirts, caps and so on. Just a little something to help spread the word, you know?

You know though, it’ll actually be really nice to start making my own handbags. Maybe then I won’t spend so much. Oh who am I kidding? It’ll probably send my handbag fetish to new heights. LOL

I have a few new recipes coming your way soon. One includes a recipe for homemade bread, which is a “loan” from my mother in law. She made the most delicious loaves of bread tonight. Way better than anything you’ll buy in the grocery store and fresh… oohhh wee, yeah, it’s fresh! I’m also going to share Jo’s concoction (aka his recipe for cornbread dressing), as well as a really yummy way to eat a hamburger and a breakfast sandwich (ham, egg, cheese, onions, bacon and sausage) and here’s a hint: it’s stuffed! I’m hoping to have these typed up and ready for posting by the end of the weekend, at the latest of course. Heck, I may even be kind enough to share a recipe for holiday snowballs. I know the holidays are almost over but they’re so good you’ll want them all year long!

Now I’m going to try and figure out how to work “self portraits” on my camera. I made some attempts earlier while the internet was down but I’m not happy with many of them. I’ll share the one I was most happy with though, it’s “OK” I guess!

PS; My AIM isn’t working tonight for some reason. Actually, our internet is acting really weird tonight in general. Facebook keeps spazzing out on me, as does one of the blogging companies I work with. Pffth.

I was sort of out of the loop of this whole photography thing for a few months. That was because I didn’t have a decent camera to work with. Now that I’ve gotten my Olympus E500, I plan on diving right on back into.. and have. That’s not the point of this entry, however. A few days ago I found out about a really fun photography website that provides resources and allows you to browse galleries, forums and interact with other members. It’s called PhotographyCorner. This is a great place for beginners and seasoned pros. While browsing around, I also learned of their 2007 Photograph of the Year contest. This is their second year holding this contest, which features 12 sponsors (like SmugMug, PsPrint, ScanCafe and more). This part though, there are over $20,000 in prizes available (like gift certificates to sponsor sites, Visa gift card, camera bag and Lensbaby 3G, to name a few). Anyone can enter, which also means that anyone has a chance at winning.

If you would like to learn more about the contest, prizes, their sponsors, participate in other contests, interact in the forums or even read the Photography Corner Blog then you will just have to pay them a visit.

I’ve already bookmarked the site myself and plan on becoming a member myself, perhaps participating in the contests and just enjoying a fun new photography niche on the web!

I went out to take some more test shots with my camera. I’m finally getting a handle on the macro lens..thank goodness. I guess I was making everything more complicated than it really was or something because for the first day or so, I had some serious frustrations with not being able to focus properly. I guess most of that deals with the fact that you can’t use the LCD screen to take the photos, you have to use the viewfinder. I’d grown accustomed to using the LCD screen which sort of spoiled me. It’s taking some getting use to, that’s for sure but I’ve noticed that my focusing is becoming better with each shot. That’s a plus!

Here are a few more sample shots taken with the Zuiko 35mm macro lens today. These were taken just prior to me busting my butt on the black ice that’s formed on the driveway. Actually, it was more of a splitting motion than anything and while I was worried I’d hurt myself, when I realized I hadn’t I couldn’t stop laughing at myself. HAHA

My dad recently had to upgrade his life insurance plan. As some of you may recall that at the age of 62, he began scuba diving earlier this year and because that activity is considered “dangerous”, his insurance agent recommended he purchase a high risk life insurance plan. I’m really glad he did this because even though he’s been through the training courses, gotten certification and has become experienced through several dives, you just never know when an accident may happen. You hear about these kinds of accidents all the time, so for anyone who’s involved in that kind of thing, it’s important to insure yourself in the event something goes wrong.

It’s a good thing too, he’s recently started talking about skydiving -eep!

I was browsing the web earlier today, just thumbing through some photography galleries when I stumbled onto a gallery that featured some pin-up style portraits. This is something I’ve always wanted to try - photographing someone dressed in that style. I love that style, especially when there are corsets involved. Corsets are really feminine and sexy and make for great photographs. I don’t know of anyone in this area that would be interested in letting me shoot them with this type of attire though. As much as I love the people here, they’re definitely not the most open minded folks I’ve ever met.

I’d say I’d just do self portraits like this but I just don’t think they’d turn out the same, plus I’m not sure I’d even look right in that style. lol

Hopefully I’ll have better luck when we move to a more populated area.

Before I took a 5 hour nap, which I just woke up from about 40 minutes ago, I decided to play around a bit with my camera. I knew it would take some time to learn the new camera, especially considering I’ve never used an Olympus before and never had THIS many options to tinker with but eep, I think it’s an understatement to say I’m a little intimidated at this point. LOL I’m uploading a second round of test photos but figured while I’m waiting for that, I’d share another test from first thing this morning. This is with the 35mm macro lens again, where I was focusing on a small golden colored flower on the bottom of a jewel on the Christmas wreath on the French door leading into the living room.

As frustrating as it may get when trying to learn to work this camera, I LOVE it. I can’t wait to learn other features and experiment with different lighting and subjects!