The Stroll October 30, 2011 - Celebrating One Year

Here is the October 30, 2011 issue of The Stroll: Observations While Out Walking (and sometimes driving).

The is a very special edition of The Stroll — the first anniversary edition.

First, I want to thank you, all my readers, for continuing to peruse my adventures around Colorado. Taking pictures has been my motivation to get out and walk and document what I see so you can see too. I hear from some of you regularly and others intermittently. It’s wonderful to know my efforts bring you pleasure.

http://www.theelementalpress.com/The_Stroll_103011.pdf

Thanks so much for taking time to smell the roses and part the herd of cows with me. ;->

Kobi and a Bone

Yummeeee! This is really good. I don't get bones very often 'cause I have allergies, but I stole this from Torrey, the big Golden girl at my mama's office. Mama took me in with her on Friday. Then my mama got down on the floor, right at my level, to take this picture. See me eyeballin' her? Not gonna let her get this big boy.

Textures thanks to Shadowhouse Creations (Square 159, 162) and Kim Klassen (andthensome)

The Story of the First Snow - 2011

We went from 80º on Sunday, to 6" of snow today. It was a heavy, wet snow and fortunately because the roads were still warm from the weekend the drive to work was not too bad. But, it was sad to see the beauty of the autumn leaves weighed down and broken by this first snow fall.

Before I left the house, after shoveling the driveway, I captured the frozen drop on the red leaf of a burning bush in my front yard.

And on the way, I couldn't help myself. I actually pulled off the road to shoot the chain linked fence that reminded me more of a sheet of Quilted Northern!

But, here you can actually see the context of the fence and the two lines of barbed wire along the top that also caught the snow. I've never seen a chain linked fence so nicely defined.

When I got to work, I couldn't seem to get over the wonder. I continued to take some photos outside. My favorite is the red berry with its green and white cloak. Is that a frozen tear shed for the heavy weight on its back?

When I arrived home, I banged the snow off my lilac, the rose bushes, and the burning bush. The webbed branch caught my eye; then the rusty leaf; and I couldn't overlook the pink rose peeking out as it hangs on in the cold.

As I took these photos, I was struck by the silence that always accompanies snow. There is something so peaceful about it, but a bit eerie sometimes too. It's grand to take time to be observant. It's also grand to relive it in telling the story for others. I hope you enjoy the journey.

It's supposed to be really cold tonight, but no more snow.

The Stroll October 23, 2011

Here is the October 23, 2011 issue of The Stroll: Observations While Out Walking (and sometimes driving).

There always seem to be new walking paths to stumble upon in Boulder County. I took the winding path through a Niwot an upper-class residential area. It was a place to dream, to discover. Afterward, I went to see the movie, The Way. It’s about a pilgrimage in Spain, the Camino de Santiago. I loved the movie and upon contemplation believe The Stroll has been my own Camino.

http://www.theelementalpress.com/The_Stroll_102311.pdf

Thanks so much for taking time to smell the roses and discover new vistas.

A bright spot

During my stroll yesterday, I happened upon this one of many bright spots with all the colorful foliage. This one stood out for me though. A single leaf transitioning from its full life nestled in the crack of a fence.

An Orchid Remembrance

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The original image is not mine, but it is most beautiful and I've been given permission to post it here since I did the enhancement.

It started when my new Flickr friend "Fernbrook," said his family had experienced a tender loss. He shared this with me even though we'd only "met" on Flickr because he liked what I had done with my Aspen Leaf with superimposed text and he'd hoped to create something similar in remembrance. He found he was having trouble coming up with the right words.

I began to ponder what words might be appropriate as I took my strolls. But, when he posted his already exquisite Phalaenopsis Orchid it all came together for me, so I offered this textured image as my gift to him and his family.

Textures thanks to Shadowhouse Creations. Textures used are Raised-Effect-2-Texture, Square 68, Stained 5.

Zareba In-line Strainer ... what? who?

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You might think I'm a little crazy that I spent time texuring this Zareba In-line Strainer. And what is it anyway? Well, that's the ratchet thingy that tightens the wire fencing that keeps the cows and horses in their fields.

When I was walking Kobi last weekend, there was something about the sun shining on what appeared to be a brand new one. I couldn't resist texturing it to make it look rustic as I imagine these things should look after years of wear.

Thanks to Bonnie5378 and EleanorT67 (Flickr friends) for directions on making the framing. I finally got it and doesn't this look like a beautiful flower? Just a little?

Textures thanks to Shadowhouse Creations. Textures used are Square 39, 59, 61, 75.

Milkweed Seeds Renewing

 

There's a beauty in the milkweed going to seed. Last weekend a breeze was blowing and the milkweed silk glistened in the Colorado sun.

Kobi wandered the path as I took a "roll" of pictures with my Nikon D5000. The temperature was glorious. I passed bikers, runners, and horseback riders along the way. Open fields stretched forever with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. Tis truly magnificent country here in Colorado and my favorite place to be is out in the open air with my puppy dog.

Kobi and the Red Ball

This is Kobi's favorite toy. Every evening when I get home from work we play soccer. I kick the ball and he plays goalie. And he's REALLY good at it!

Then he settles in for the evening often snuggling up next to me as I watch TV and play with pictures.

The Stroll October 16, 2011

Here is the October 16, 2011 issue of The Stroll: Observations While Out Walking (and sometimes driving). 

Sometimes a leisurely stroll through the local pumpkin patch is just what the soul needs to bring us back to earth. The smell of dirt, bright colors, and the joy of little children.

http://www.theelementalpress.com/The_Stroll_101611.pdf

Thanks so much for taking time to smell the roses and enjoy a breeze and laughter.

Blue Maple

mouse over for before pic

Still having fun manipulating photos ... took this changing leaf in my back yard this morning.

Textures thanks to Shadowhouse Creations and Karen at Vintage Findings.

See Karen's new blog too! Lots of creative talent there.

Option key reminds me ...

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I dropped my camera on the kitchen floor this morning. I discovered that one of the three seating guides broke off my new 20mm extension tube, but everything else appeared to be in good shape still. Whew! Testing the focus on my Macbook keyboard, I found all was okay.

In shooting the option key, I was reminded that we always have options in life; there are alwasy alternatives. It may be changing our surroundings, our attitude, our focus. Sometimes it's difficult to do, but nevertheless important to know it's possible.

Textures thanks to Shadowhouse Creations

Kobi waiting ...

I spend so much time playing with pictures once I get home from work that Kobi has found a spot overseeing my photoshopping. He lies upon the pillows on the couch, waiting, ever so patiently. Occasionally, he will jump down and sit with is red Kong ball, staring at me. If I don't respond he makes a bit of a whining sound saying, "Mom, it's time to play with me." I do. Then I get back to my photo-manipulation. And we do it all again.

Textures thanks to Shadowhouse Creations.

Strawberry Aspen Leaf 2

It's fun playing with angles, perspective, focus, and composition.
The possibilities are endless.

Textures thanks to Shadowhouse Creations.

Film and Canisters

As I looked for things obsolete to capture for Flickr group Macro Mondays, I was inspired to put this composition together. Four left-over film rolls from ten years ago when I was shooting film. As I shot this image, I began to wonder what the shelf life is of film. I'm guessing these rolls are, in fact, obsolete.

Then I decided to research the subject. I seen mixed reviews on Google. Some say if refrigerated or frozen, the chemicals could hold up. If not, there could be some color shifting, but that could be rectified in Photoshop. It appears it's a gamble. I suppose maybe one day if I have nothing better to do and money to burn on the developing, I'll experiment.

Textures thanks to Shadowhouse Creations

Strawberry Aspen Leaf

Took the strawberries to work for lunch. Found the fallen aspen leaf on the sidewalk. Made sense to me to put them together.

The inspiration was Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday theme "red." It amazes me sometimes how little it takes to be inspired to create. I am learning to put together things that I wouldn't normally consider. I'm also learning to seize the moment and capture images when the idea strikes me.

Textures thanks to Kim Klassen and Shadowhouse Creations

The Stroll October 9, 2011

Here is the October 9, 2011 issue of The Stroll: Observations While Out Walking (and sometimes driving). 

I went on a mission today to take pictures of barns and silos. Along the way I found that sometimes in dark and cloudy, sparkles can be found.

http://www.theelementalpress.com/The_Stroll_100911.pdf

Thanks so much for taking time to smell the roses and discover the beauty in country structures.

In Memory of the Apple Genius: Steve Jobs

Thanks to Steve Jobs for bringing innovation in the computer industry that changed the world. In how we work, how we think, and how we create everything we do from the written word to photo manipulation to basic communication. Of course, others are responsible for the software with which we do these things and deserve their own credit, but for the creatives especially Steve Jobs brought us a system that works the way we think.

I was very late to the Mac world, only joining the club in 2006, but once I did it changed my life and how I do my work. I swear my Macbook is my best friend, probably even before my sweet Kobi in some ways.

About the image: I started with a simple photo of the illuminated logo on my Macbook. I manipulated Jonathan Mak's* image with Steve Jobs' profile in the Apple that is going viral. Then I added Pixel Dust textures Impressionist Music and Drops of Jupiter. Quite appropriate I think.

I think we should all write to Apple and request that Jonathan's original image be the new Apple logo.

A golden life (leaf)

Sometimes I must remind myself ...

that regardless of the dark side and the shadows, life is golden and sweet. Much like the aspen leaf and its shadow. Much like the sun disappears at night, but always rises again in the morning. There is always reason to have hope.

Life is golden ... what's the alternative to living life at its fullest, every day?


Textures thanks to Kim Klassen
Used nutmeg, magicscript, and manuscript

56 Years of Devotion - Mom's Wedding Rings

For Macro Monday: "favorite smallest thing"
www.flickr.com/groups/macromonday/

The wear on these rings is obvious.

The engagement ring was a miniature of Dad's West Point class ring. He was class of 1940. Mom and Dad were married in December after Dad graduated. Those rings went everywhere her hands went: scrubbed sinks and toilets, played golf, stirred sauces and gravy, held hands, tied shoes, carried children, wrote letters, smoked cigarettes, gardened, and more.

There used to be an eagle on each side, barely perceptible now. The name of the school and year of graduation almost completely worn away.

Mom died in 1996. Dad in 2008. I hold these rings dear as a reminder not only of them, but of the true meaning of the word commitment and how when fully engaged for the long haul our rough edges are smoothed.

Textures:
Kim Klassen - seriousmagic
French Kiss - Paris Papers
Paper Textures by Hibbary - bg013 and bg014

The Stroll October 2, 2011

Here is the October 2, 2011 issue of The Stroll: Observations While Out Walking (and sometimes driving). 

Join me in viewing the spectacular colors in the mountains south of Colorado Springs. I don't think I've ever taken the time to really visit the beautiful blanket of color before. This was worth it.

http://www.theelementalpress.com/The_Stroll_100211.pdf

Thanks so much for taking time to smell the roses and ooo and ahhhh over the views.

It's pie now!

Ok, at the urging of some of my Flickr friends, it's pie now!

I put a dash of cloves in it--not the usual recipe. Yummeee!!!

I actually think the ingredients pictures are more interesting.
Hmmm ....

Textures thanks to French Kiss.

Apple pie in an egg cup

I'm still having fun with my apply pie ingredients. There are so many ways of looking at things. Hmmm … is that a metaphor for life? I love how these ingredients look different from different angles.

I started out filling the egg cup with the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Piled some sugar on the counter. I liked it that way, but somehow it all came alive when I dumped the egg cup over and let the ingredients spill out.

No, I still haven't made the pie!

Textures thanks to French Kiss

is it pie yet?

I imagined making apple pie ... set out the ingredients on a fine china plate. The sugar sparkles, sweet as it flavors the pie. Nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves. Hmmm, I don't put cloves in my apple pie. Well, they do make the picture more interesting. Maybe I should try a bit of clove in my apple pie. I wonder what that would taste like.

The season is coming for this tasty treat ... Thanksgiving, Christmas. But why must I wait? Well, with recent changes in my diet for health reasons, apply pie is a delicacy, not a staple. I will have to find someone to share it with. Treats like this required the orange cones to be placed around it to warn me of danger lest I eat the entire thing in a couple of days! Oh, silly me, I could make a mini pie. Or a few and give the excess away. That could fit the bill.

An option might be to make it for a shelter and not eat it at all. I could enjoy the benefit of the sweet aroma of the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and apples co-mingling as they bubble to perfection in the oven. Mmmm, makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

In the meantime, I just love looking at the ingredients and imagining ...

Textures thanks to Kim Klassen; fall_in on the first; lightpaper3 on the second