Spring Moment

Spring growth and rebirth is irresistible; I just cannot help getting as close as possible to the flowers and trees that tell me spring has finally rounded the corner and winter has waved it's good-bye. I definitely have spring fever. I cannot wait to plant my veggies and peel off my fleece socks. My toes need some grass time! So, won't you join me in this celebration of nature's cycle? Snap a spring moment and post it.

Israeli Salad

This Israeli salad is so scrumptious. It is light, tangy, crunchy, refreshing and incredibly easy to make. We love it in the summer with fresh garden veggies, but crave it all year. I suppose you can play with the ingredient ratios to suit your taste, as with any recipe. This one was a "hand me down" from a friend who has always somehow, someway been a part of our family. Much thanks to Courtenay.

Israeli Salad

4 large carrots, shredded
1/2 head lettuce, shredded
1/2 cup radishes, shredded
1 small red onion, diced
1 tomato
*1 small jalapeno, diced (optional)
1-2 T. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
juice from one lemon


Mix first five (six) ingredients. Add salt and pepper. Combine olive oil and lemon juice. Toss with other ingredients.

See, I told you it was easy. Mmmmm.

Artwork Blog No More

Well, I deleted my artwork blog. I guess I had one of my spontaneous moments. I do sort-of regret it now, which is a typical "type a" personality (I swear I can hear my mother right this instant saying that). I know that I am fly by the seat of my pants gal, and often act without thinking, which causes me to beg for forgiveness later, so I am doing the best I can do now: dealing with it. So, I'm going to add my "artwork" images on this blog. And, to rationalize this, I am saying that I had too many 'coals' in the fire anyway. :) Farewell to old photos and digital montages. Here's to the new. Cheers~

original

HDR 2

So, here is HDR #2...For those of you that don't know, I have a thing for skies and the color green. Therefore, this green house is scrumptious to me. I shot this sky two weeks ago when I was leaving my evening class. It was one of those gorgeous pre-spring days and I was pretty bummed because I was not outside playing. When it was leaving time, I hurdled down the stairs and swished the door open, much like an elementary school child races time for recess. When I hit the pavement and looked up, my-oh-my, this is what I saw. I stood on top of the cars in the parking lot, which I'm sure didn't make anyone jump for joy, and shot a few images. After playing with the HDR technique, this is the final result. So, if you're interested, I'll keep playing. Happiness~

Bringing home 2nd!

Sam finally has completed another milestone; today he experienced his first Social Studies Fair and 2nd place award! He worked for days and days on his project. He researched, watched documentaries, searched the internet, made video, typed, glued, duct taped, and won his school social studies fair, which entered him in the county fair. Well, after completing his school fair, he was finished. I think he was just sick of the entire process. However, his father, much to my shock, insisted that he compete at the county level. He bucked and belly-ached (as my mom would say), fretting the 4 hour tour, not to mention the fact that he had to wear a dress shirt (aaaaaahhhhhhhhh! the end of the world!). When I walked into the high school gymnasium, I could hardly control my excitement. I very quickly walked the entire length of the presentation tables in search of his project. When I finally spotted it my heart must have skipped a beat. I was so full of motherly pride; of course I began to cry. I collected myself enough to snap some quick photos and scrambled off to the awards ceremony. Sam, at this point, was just as excited. And, finally, he realized that he, too, was proud of himself. During the ceremony, which, by the way, began with high school, then middle school (single and group awards) and ended with the elementary school awards (single and group), Celia was clapping and giggling. I knew that had to be a good sign. When his name was called, I nearly tripped over the stroller and almost beat him to the stage to take his picture. I just wanted to slap a big bear hug on him, but refrained myself for I knew he would have been totally mortified, being a 5th grader and all! Congratulations to Sam! Hip-hip-hooray!

Late Winter Sunset

Lately, I find myself constantly shooting the most incredible skies. March's full moon seemed full for 4 days; with the unseasonably warm weather I simply could not resist trying to capture it. I know that sunset photos are a dime a dozen, but I truly never tire of their beauty, which is so full of color. Wow. I know this image does not portray the epitome of a mesmerizing sunset, but it is my first try at an HDR image. I just quickly snapped a few shots from my car window just after I pulled into the drive. This is the southwest view from my front yard. I think I'm hooked, once again, on this new technique, and hopefully the images will improve. I don't know how my brain finds room for all this constant learning, but I'm sure glad it does!

Green Week: 7

Today, I give you Johnny, holding a leaf that was tortured by our kitten, Hank. Hank is the cat that climbs curtains, digs in house plants, sleeps under the blankets, purrs so incredibly loud, takes a bath (voluntarily), and hangs from the window screens. There is never a dull moment with Hank in the house. So, farewell, Green Week. My favorite color will surely show it's face soon. Ciao~