a bit of inspiration

As a sequel to my ‘love love loving’ post, similar to how Home Alone 3 was a sequel to Home Alone 1 and 2 (it shared roughly the same concept. That’s it. No Culkin to be found), I wanted to come up with several things that are artistically inspirational. I see this concept on a lot of different blogs and there are even blogs that are dedicated to ONLY this, and I think it is such a great idea! It is a digital record of things I love and things that will keep that part of my brain charging forward into the creative world. AND it’s an excuse to peruse more blogs.

Since my first blog post over a year ago, I have really changed my outlook on Blogging. At that time I think I jumped on the band wagon because it seemed like a good way to spread my name. But now I just really like it! I love reading other’s blogs and have several that when in doubt, I can pull up and read their newest post. Because there is ALWAYS a newest post. I know I don’t exude that sort of dedication on here and honestly, I would really like to. I am inspired by people that make several posts in one day. How do you do it?! Seriously. And even if you don’t post multiple times a day, there are lots that post every day. That is amazing to me as well. Maybe a goal for the coming months? I would say a goal for 2010 but who would I be kidding? I know that is a little steep for this chickadee. But maybe for a month? Hmmm… Stay tuned to see if that idea materializes. But on that same note, here is the first issue of ‘My List of Inspiration.’

1. A blog that I love because she posts every day with oodles of fun things!
Elsie Flannigan – ‘creative, cutie and constantly updating’ are how I would describe her and her blog. When in doubt of fun finds, I go there. Her artistic style is very original and she has some pretty neat tattoos; 2 really neato qualities.

2. In the cooking department, how cute are these?

They are little shortbread cookies that look like buttons! I could have soooo much fun with stuff like this. Seriously. And the process is so easy! I don’t know what I could make them for but really, do I need to have a reason to make cookies? I bet most people reading this would agree with “NO!”

* found here which is the flickr account of this blog … and not only are her photos on the ‘super neat’ side of life, her blog looks really awesome as well!

3. As I believe I mentioned a while back, I tried to pick up crocheting right before the holidays. It went ok. It wasn’t as successful as I hoped and the thing that was most frustrating was that usually I don’t have THAT hard of a time learning things like that. I know how to knit and can do that pretty well …

Ok – excuse the rough photo and the tacky PJs… but DO look at those nifty fingerless gloves that I knit! I haven’t worn them quite as much as I thought I would but I love them nonetheless.

But crocheting is something I really want to get into. Aren’t these cute?

* found here

They make me want to learn to crochet again. And so does this…

* found here and it’s even to purchase which I may have to do. I just think they are so stinkin cute, environmentally friendly and all around awesome. I must learn! And actually part of why this is on my mind is because I have a knitting/crochet date after work with a friend at Caribou. Crafts and coffee at 7pm? Yowsa! Charly, you have an eager student.

And all this reminds me that I think my crocheting library book is overdue. Crap.

4. This is just something I think is really awesome! I’m not really into wood working but I have all the respect in the world for a craft that yields beautiful things like this. And if it wasn’t close to $100, I may have to buy it. Say, Mur… You think you can make something like this for me? Pretty please?

* found here at an awesomely named site: I am dorkas

Well, how was that for a first installment of pretty and creative things? A bit on the small side but it’s a start.

Now… must brush hair, brush teeth, put in contacts, find jeans, find shoes, make lunch and clean off car. Ciao!

Love love loving

I need something fun on here because I feel like that has been lacking. Honestly, posts all together have been what’s lacking. I thought this would be a neato way to bring things back! I decided to create a list of the top 10 things I am really loving right now. From all walks of everything. For a number of reasons. And probably not all for longer than this week. We’ll see.

10. Stamps
An odd topic, yes but wait until you see these! And maybe you have already. And I am the one that is behind on the trends. But as I finally did something about a week long procrastination of not wanting to go get stamps, I found these little guys at the post office. AWESOME! I wish I mailed more cards just so I can use more of these… By golly, I’m a genius.

* image courtesy of USPS

When I was doing my research on this stamp I found a fantastic story about why the artist, Jeanne Greco did this piece. And for the life of me I can not find that again on the world wide web. Shooter. I will repost that when I do because it was a very interesting story, I thought. Or at least I think I thought. Assuming I really did actually see something and didn’t just make it up. I guess we’ll see.

9. To Do lists
Still love them. Not much else to say. They are fantastic. They get me to do things. They help me stay organized. And honestly, they help me sleep at night. I don’t run my life with to-do lists but it does make me happier to have them. So shoot me

8. Harry Potter on Wii
This was a gift from Amazon to me. Nice, huh? Ok – they didn’t actually gift me the game but their record keeping did award me a $50 gift to use with them because of some of my holiday purchases. And with that I purchased this game and a charger for the Wii. Said charger has not arrived yet but is also not really included in this top 10 list for various reasons. You can’t play with a charger. You can’t watch a charger – unless you are one of those people that likes to watch paint dry and grass grow. The charger doesn’t have a magical wand. I won’t be creatively inspired by the charger. And I close my case with the fact that the charger will not make me a better human. But THIS game? Awesome! It probably hasn’t made me a better person but most of the other points are true. Coming from a huge Harry Potter fan who has all the books and movies and even a game on PSP (which I’m pretty sure seals the deal to me being a nerd) this is well done. I am not going to go into geeky details but it is challenging and entertaining at the same time which makes a video game a success in my eye. The force is strong with you, Harry

* game play image from ign.com … i only wish i had awesome Harry Potter game shots. Something to work towards.  

7. Walker Art Museum
…One of my favorite museums of all times. And I would say ‘one of’ because I have actually been to the Louvre. That is my favorite. But the Walker is only second to that experience so I’d say it is pretty darn amazing!

This weekend as a part of my birthday celebration, Mur and I went to the walker to mosey around. It was lovely but a bit disappointing, to be honest. They were between installments. And to anyone who likes art, you probably know what that means. Most of the gallery’s have signs saying, “sorry – closed” and they have just the bare minimum available to view. But that is the extend of my negativity because I love art museums. And even if there isn’t a ton of things to look at, it is pretty much always fantastic to go and it was a superb thing to do for my birthday!

This is one of the pieces at the museum. Actually, I spose the image includes a few different pieces including the green umbrella I was debating if people would notice if I left with. But the big silver disk? That is called ‘Convex/Concave’. It has a pump below it that turns this mirror from convex to concave. It was especially neato when there was no one else in the space so I could take this fun photo! I always get worried taking pictures in museums unless I see tons of others or signs posted that I can. I don’t want to get in trouble. I’m timid like that. But that topic is for a different discussion.

The views from the Walker windows have always impressed me. I remember going here as a wee school kid and just staring out the windows at the roads and people and buildings and life out there. I think Minneapolis has an amazing skyline and especially as the light gets low, this is a very beautiful area.

 Happy Birthday to me! 

6. HDR
…Otherwise known as High Dynamic Range. I have talked about it on here before but the reason it has made my top 10 right now is because these HDR images are what my display at Vinaigrette is composed of. They are some of my images from my Europe trip almost 2 years ago. And the neatest thing? I am STILL making images using this process.

It looks like a painting, right? I just love that!! That was my goal when I started this project and I am just now starting to understand how to accomplish that. I have so many more images that I can work that I am thrilled to keep on! And I am also looking forward to another trip somewhere at sometime where my main photo goals are to do more of this. I know I couldn’t be more vague, but the specifics right now are not real important. Just that I can dream about it. Ahhhh… Travel. It will be so much fun, I can’t wait! Here is another one to whet your whistle until the display at the store… Come on down!

5. Scrapbooking
A hobby of mine that I can’t really get away from and honestly don’t want to. It may be lame and very ‘soccer mom’ of me but I love it! It is so creatively invigorating. I get to play with images on the computer and in my camera and then showcase the ones that do turn into my works of art within a fancy book that includes paper, thoughts and buttons. What could be better? I’ll tell you what’s not better. Storing them in their dark digital terabyte home. Too cold for them, is what I think.

These are a few of my more recent layouts. I haven’t done anything in large quantities in quite some time. But I spose, for me to be able to do scrapbooking in large quantities would mean I would have to dedicate an entire few days to doing this. Hmm – maybe on the horizon. Rene? Nicole? You free soon? Call me…

I

really enjoy this layout and the image, which I think is quite typical of my scrapbook pages. I have started to discover that if I’m not crazy about the photos but just feel obligated to do something with them because it was a memorable day, it will be an ishy crafty mess. The photos need to inspire me.

4. Cookbooks…Cooking…Superbowl…Bon Appetit
Crazy huge category! This could take up it’s own post. And probably should, one of these days. I’ve got enough to say about such topic. But for now – it is just an element in my Top 10.

Last night I pulled out all my favorite bright colored, festive, educational and down right fabulous cookbooks that are filled with nothing but the best images and tasty treats. I typically won’t buy one unless the photos pull me into the meal at hand. Some may say I am a cookbook snob. Ok. I’ll accept that. I am a bit choosey. But I bet it is just my creative bones needing sources of inspiration. Have you seen the food photography in these books? Now THAT is a job I would love to do some time!

The point of getting all my cookbooks out was to decide on a menu for the Super Bowl party this weekend. And what materialized last night was instead an impromptu photo shoot with my cookbooks. Funny how these things can happen.

But as of this morning, I do have a plan for the good eats. And it does include this:

* courtesy of here

Yeah – doesn’t that look fantastic? The theme for this year is ‘anti-game’ game food. Things you could still eat at a game but really wouldn’t ever for fear of getting beat up by the dude next to you sloshing his light beer on your meal. It will also include roasted tomatoes for the sandwiches, an artichoke dip because I never leave home without them. Artichokes, that is. Quesadillas and possibly a ‘savory palmier.’ That one is courtesy of Barefoot Contessa.  I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. I really can’t wait. Superbowl to me is better than Halloween. I love football but don’t really like committing my fall/winter weekends to watching the games so I cheat and skip to the end. It’s like reading the last line in a book. I do that too. But what is even better than watching football I don’t passionately follow is cooking all day. It’s like a more fun and relaxed Thanksgiving, if you ask me.

And on a related yet unrelated note… Does anyone know how I got a subscription of Bon Appetit coming to my apartment with my name on it? Because I don’t. And all of the likely candidates claim to not know. SOMEONE knows… I just want to give you a proper thank you because the magazine is fantastic! I mean just look at that cover!!!

3. Sunshine

It seems obvious but at this time of year, it is a no brainer for me to have sunshine on my top 10 list. It has been so bleak and ishy here that I am ready to explode! I just want to see some grass! Some grass that is peaking through giving me hope that spring is around the corner. It is February. That’s a start. But we still have so much winter left that it makes me a bit sad to think about it. I love winter for a little while, but only like I love cleaning the apartment; it has to happen and is really enjoyable sometimes, but other times, it is just a pain in the neck to scrub the sink!

So in conclusion, this has made it on my top 10 just so I can look at pictures of sunshine and know that it will be back again some day.

2. Animal Photography

Yep – I’m still in love with playing with animals and taking their pictures. I didn’t loose that oomf over the holidays. Not at all. I can’t wait for the aforementioned sunshine to surface so I can do more with animals outside!  I also can’t wait to have my kitties (since that is still on my oh so loved to-do list) so I can take photos of them non-stop. I’m sure everyone here can’t wait for that either. Ha!

1. I am super excited about my display going up at Vinaigrette (see last post) so that was a shoe-in for my list!!! And it even made it to number one! I got 2 of the pieces back from my lab today and they look great. I mean really great! If I didn’t have a display to put them in, they would go right on my wall. The display should start this weekend, February 6th. They are having a harvest fest the following weekend (Feb 13th) which I plan to attend quite a bit of. If you are thinking about swinging by either weekend, just let me know and if I’m not already there, I will do what I can to get down there pronto.

And because I can’t REALLY rank birthdays, I want to say that my birthday was awesome. Thank you for all the Happy Birthday wishes from so many people! It was a great WEEKEND. Food. Food. Food. Story of my life.

… Goodness, if you made it this far, you are a blog reading trooper! And I appreciate you!

Vinaigrette

I love to cook! And in addition to loving to cook, I love taking pictures! “But how are they related?” you ask. Good question!

There is a fantastic store in town here called Vinaigrette which specializes in olive oils and vinegars from all over the world. There are varieties that are infused with all kinds of flavors making them amazing to use in all sorts of cooking. There are so many different nummy choices, I would be thrilled to stock my cupboard with all of them! Because that description comes more from my taste buds and my belly than my brain, let me post a little blurb from their website to describe what they do:

“Vinaigrette is a retailer of specialty, imported olive oils and vinegars, as well as olive based skin and hair care products. We have brought the finest, freshest and most unique olive oils and vinegars from around the world to the Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota market. We have a commitment to the consumer to provide an exceptional product with exceptional service.”

And the reason this is related to me taking pictures is because the store has kindly agreed to let me put up a display of some of my images in the store! Starting next weekend, February 6th/7th, I will have some lovely images on display (and for sale) at the store and would love for people to come out and visit. Just think, while you are there you can try all kinds of fantastic oils and vinegars as well as see me and my art! One of the neatest aspects of the store is that you get to try all of the different vinegars and oils right there so you know what you like and want to take home. For more information about them visit Vinaigrette’s website. Their hours are: Monday to Saturday – 11:00 Am – 7:00 PM and Sunday – 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. If you plan to stop by, either give me a jingle or send me an email and I can make sure to be there when you are!

And because I have a rule that no post is complete without some photos, here are a few sample images of what will be on display:

  

Can’t wait!!

cutie pie

I never get sick of taking pictures of this little guy! I figured new lil Barrett photos would be a nice way to break back into the blogging world after my long absence. These photos were taken over New Years weekend which marked the 1 year anniversary to my first session with the little man.

Yes, he is quite a bit bigger. He can walk and boy can he blend but he hasn’t changed at all in the tractor department. He still can’t get enough of them!

 

… or his reflection in my camera lens.

And I can’t get enough of those PJs! My pair of footy pajamas was bright pink and had no flair like these. Yes, I have footy pajama envy. I think I may add some to my next Target list.

And this one sums up the weekend pretty well. Up late with adorable ‘jammies (see previous comment), in mom’s arms and the catch phrase in hand.

I’m looking forward to next time to see what other fantastic things you are into!

samples samples samples

This is one of my recent time consuming projects…

I finally pulled everything together to make a fantastically awesome book of my work to show as a sample to those interested in just that – my work. I really love it and currently am treating it similar to how I would treat a child; it sleeps on a wonderful pillow of bubble wrap, it’s not allowed near hazardous materials and only comes out to play when it’s safe. Ok – a little over protective, I know, but it is so beautiful I don’t want to ding/dent/damage it before it really has it’s time to shine.

Here are some of the detail photos of the book:

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I am in love. It is tall and sleek and pretty and full of MY pictures. It’s like a very cleanly designed scrapbook of my work over the last year + 1/2. Most pets I’ve worked with have been featured on a page (or even 2) using my favorite images from each session. Maybe your little one can be in the next installment? Just an idea…

On another note, as I’m able I will post more about the other projects that have been keeping me busy and away this last month (or 2, I guess it’s been). Exciting stuff to come!  Not really great to talk about unless I have photos to supplement with.

oh for goodness sakes…

I can’t believe how quickly we are approaching Christmas and 2010! Time always seems to fly (unless, of course, you happen to find yourself sitting at a desk) but I think the month of December goes the fastest. August is probably a close second when you are a student or a teacher, but I would still make the argument that December goes faster.

I don’t have any really great excuses for why I haven’t made a post in a while. I could claim it’s because the ‘P’ key on my computer seems to be on the fritz. That might be part of it, but not the whole reason. I could claim that it’s because Murray and I celebrated Christmas last week by opening up this baby …

That also may be part of it but not the whole reason.

I do think that a large culprit as to why I have been so absent on here is because I have had other goals and things on my mind. Designing a bit of this. Editing a bit of that. More of which I will show in (lets hope) the coming weeks.

But most of all I have also been doing a lot of this…

This is my desk at work. Nice screen but utterly boring! With the holidays just around the corner, we are more busy than ever which means my hours have gone THROUGH the roof. It’s nice for the bank account but sad for my creative state of mind.  The list of “Things I’d rather be doing than sitting at a desk for 11 hours a day…” is so huge I can’t even start to recount it.

As a conclusion to my post that is as equally sad as some of my high Wii scores, let me leave you with some deliciousness.

Mint M&Ms so delicious and minty you will eat the entire bag. In one sitting. Not that I know from personal experience. I’m just guessing.

… I promise, I will be back. Arnold style.

… and a happy thanksgiving to all

yikes. so long since a post. and you know why? so much going on!

With the weather being nice on the weekends, I have been riddled with guilt at the idea of not venturing outside for at least a little while. And my room where I do all my crafting/editing/creative montages is in the back of the apartment where it’s dark. And gloomy. Also not a good combination for sunny fabulous November weather. But today the flakes are supposed to fly up here. Maybe I’ll get more interesting posts started (or better yet, done) over the holiday. And since I have a weekend with very little to do it just might happen! Crazy, I know. It’s Thanksgiving and the day AFTER Thanksgiving, how do I not have a anything to do? Well, you see, I am only on for desserts at the annual family festivities and then have to return to my desk the day after. No shopping for me at 4 am. Nope. I will be tucked in bed just awaiting the sweet sound of my alarm clock. I do wish we had that day off as well, but it’s just not in the cards. And that’s how I get through it.

Aside from the weather, I’ve been doing extra projects. Most of which I can’t mention as of yet for the simple reason that these extra projects mean I have my Christmas presents (almost.mostly.nearly) done. Sweet! I love crafting

I’ve also been doing a bit of designing for myself and a friend. So lovely when people think of me for projects! I will post some of those projects as soon as they are complete.

But for now, at 6:30 in the morning, I must just leave you with a photo. That way I can complete the rest of my morning routine to be able to get to my desk early. We are so busy I am very confident people have realized Christmas is just 4 weeks away.

But I will just sit back. And enjoy my pies.

Have a good one!

Fred Astaire…

in feline form.

I love the idea of naming ‘sets’ of animals names that are pairs. Micky and Minnie. Bonnie and Clyde. Thelma and Louise. Chocolate and Moose. So, why not Fred and Ginger? Perfect!

Fred started his life out as Diesel. That’s a cute and somewhat manly name, but Carol really wanted a set of names that were ‘partners in crime.’ She said she was given the suggestions of Fred and Wilma, Abby and Costello  and Cleo and Tony. But the set that fit the duo the best was Fred and Ginger.

And this is Fred. What a joy to take photos of! It was a very impromptu shoot and in just a few minutes I had raddled off almost nearly 100 frames. He has claws which makes playing with him a bit more interesting {otherwise known as dangerous}. But he is a buddy! We were fast friends.

In fact, in the middle of the night, I woke up to this little guy walking all over me trying to find a new cozy spot to hunker down. I couldn’t have been more thrilled! And that, my friends, is why I need cats A.S.A.P.

A recent discovery of mine has been textures. I love textures when I’m taking photos so I figured I might as well give it a try after the photo has been taken. I know they can have their place and can otherwise be overwhelming but, I. LOVE. THIS. PHOTO.

 
anyone else want to scratch that chin?

K – I advertise myself as a dog photographer and I do love dogs. A lot. I find them to have so much great personality that is without a doubt important to capture, but cats? They are my weakness.

blast from the past

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon these images…

  

This little Peanut’s name is Guthrie – as in Arlo Guthrie. Cute, no? The Hulse family was the first family to let me take their photos and chase them around a park. They were so great to work with and when I found these photos I decided to do some ‘re-working’ with my new found Photoshop knowledge and familiarity. Hulse family, if you can hear me, I’d love to see an update on Guthrie! She was such a ball of energy I can only imagine the fun she is getting into.

early morning to do’s

This morning I was able to rouse myself from my sleepy slumber a bit earlier than usual. I am loving the extra light in my bedroom in the mornings. It has reinforced the idea that I’m not incredibly lazy, I just hate getting up when it’s dark out. And that, folks, does not make me lazy. Regardless, I got up this morning and started ticking off things on my to do list…

1. I went and checked on the ebay status of my computer listing. ‘And?’ you ask? Well, for the second time in 3 days, someone has purchased my computer and then closed their eBay account. Irritating, to say the least. I think this might be a sign that I shouldn’t sell my computer. And I am hoping that eBay will refund all of the stupid fees associated with this.

2. I went to the kitchen to make some b-fast only to find out/realize/remember that I finished the last of the milk yesterday morning with waffles. Bummer. To do? Make grocery list.

3. Shower. Dry hair. Find tshirt/sweatshirt/jeans for work. The usual work attire.

4. Do dishes from baking cookies last night (LOVING my new baking pans. Here’s to going a little crazy at Sur La Table last weekend. Hooray!) and of course, my random breakfast of odds and ends.

5. Take a long overdue package to the UPS store to mail. Thanks Josh, that coffee you had this morning made the shipping process go way faster than usual.

6. Pack a lunch. Hmm. Ramen again?

7. Start an Ahni post… And that, my friends, brings me to this.

My favorite thing about Ahni is that she is quite old but she is still so spunky and even a bit demanding. But in a good way. She loves attention (like most pets) and will give you some serious puppy dog eyes until you give in and give her some good scratches. Everything about Ahni is what I would like in a dog – floppy ears, soft curly hair, short little legs and a medium size body. Not too big, not too small, just right!

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I’ve posted photos of Mrs. Ahni before and honestly, I bet I will again. She is my aunts dog and is just so cute I love taking photos of her. Which reminds me that my pup hasn’t graced the pages of my blog in a while. Another thing to add to my to do list.

Happy Monday!