Day 59

Reflections in the puddle. Is it just me, or is anyone else feeling almost more unsure of their settings? Although I actually did okay on this one, it took a few to get. I guess the whole point is that I got there, right? Maybe day 1 it would've taken me longer. Okay.. let's go with that. 

How's everyone doing? Are we making it? Just a note: Little girl got the callback, so we're off for a 4 hr day in a few.. she's SO excited. Thanks for all the kind words. I read them to her, she grinned from ear to ear, she was thrilled and said, "Thank you!"

Day 59

Settings:
ISO 200, f/5, ss/ 1/2, 30 mm

Day 58

Happy Sunday! More churchy things today. I actually love Sundays. We usually go to church, then grab something to eat. And, let me tell you, for a mom... this is heavenly! I love not having to cook on Sunday, and if I'm lucky, everyone will order MORE than they can eat and take it home! Then, warm it up for dinner. Yes!

Our church has B-E-A-U-tiful stained glass windows. The windows were designed by a student of Tiffany. It was originally 1st Presbyterian church, then bought by our non-denominational Bible church in the 70's. I took photos of one side, while they are beautiful, I think the other side is my favorite. But, the photos of that one didn't seem to come in as clear.. or just didn't give it justice in my own opinion. Those would be of Palm Sunday. I just think it's gorgeous. It shows a lady walking with a huge palm branch, and ivy all around the windows. The photo I took, is the opposite side of the church representing an angel blowing the horn, celebrating Jesus' resurrection. Actually, it's the reason we are saved, so it is very significant!

Day 58

Settings:

ISO 200, f/5.6, ss 1/15, 40 mm

Day 57

Can anyone guess what she was auditioning for by the hairstyle alone? She was all starry eyed as she waited for her name to be called. She was looking over at a friend we knew who came from 2 hours away!

We had a great day, auditioning is great experience. You learn how to prepare, take something serious, and follow directions! So funny as she walked in (being the youngest of 3), the director asked if she was related to our oldest. "Yes!" She said, "She's my sister!" Who knew she had worked with our oldest when she was 10 (6 yrs ago). That was fun.. on our little one sang, and she was happy with her first song anyway. :) The second she messed up a bit, but all in all, a great audition!

Day 57

Settings: WOW I messed these up! But, here goes..

ISO 400, f/1.8, 1/60, 50 mm

above, waiting

below, on deck!

Day 56

Bunny trails!! Well, I got the little foot prints, but not exactly the "trail." When I took photos of the trails, it lost it's cuteness and integrity of the shot. I love the single print!

So, you can humor me a little. Once again, we have SNOW! Oh yes, and expecting more tonight. We don't live in Alaska, people! We live in the midwest! But, this is what I'm faced with lately. I think my husband was a little disappointed in the wow factor. But, (as I'm sure he's preparing to do his own 365 next year..not! LOL) I explained to him it's not about outdoing another photo, it's about doing the photo you take really well! Or attempting to work on something and practice it over and over until you get it right.

Day 56

Settings: Don't really matter, because I had to lighten the lights and darken the darks. I really need some help in the snow department, I think! :)

But, here they are. My failed attempt.

ISO 1oo, f/4, ss 1/1000, 50 mm

any thoughts on what I could have changed?

Day 55

I'm so sick of scrawny trees! I love them, but posting so many photos of them... bring on the spring! Apparently, we are expecting more snow tonight. NOoooo!!!

I took a picture of the back of one the Art Institute's buildings. I liked the reflection getting the park across the street. The way the windows were, it made each pane turn out to look like a different color. Sort of interesting, and too busy to take pictures later on today, so please bear with another picture of naked trees! 

Day 55

Settings:
ISO 200, f/1.8, ss 1/3200, 50 mm

Typical Life of a CFD Wife: More Artists Announced for Girls Get Away Cruise!...

Typical Life of a CFD Wife: More Artists Announced for Girls Get Away Cruise!...: "In addition to Lysa TerKeurst, the following amazing ladies were just confirmed. I'm excited to announce: Chonda Pierce, Shari Braendal, An..."

Day 54

Collier Junior Classics! Did anyone have these when they were little? Maybe this is why these are my favorite colors to this day. The only books I grabbed when I was younger, were these. When I got a little older, it was all about Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys..  I still have these books, and have read some of the stories to the kids when they were little. It's amazing how other things have taken over, like more interactive books, DS games, Ipads, and other things to occupy their time. I wish my kids were more readers, but they follow example, right? I don't just sit down and read that often, I am too guilt ridden thinking I am wasting time and run to do laundry, wash dishes, check on what's going on in the world on TV..etc. More often than not, I can't find one that will completely hold my attention. The ones I have, though.. grabbed me, and I couldn't let them go. I could probably count them on one hand.

The books, though, are a great memory of my childhood. If you notice, there is supposed to be 1-10. My mom wasn't into the magical kind of movies, so I'm pretty sure she just got rid of the "Magic in the Air" Book 3. My brother was a history lover, so I'm pretty sure the "Gifts from the Past" Book 10 is with him. That's fine.. I may jump online and grab the other 2 someday.. just to look at.. on the shelf. :) Then, my practical side, is that even worth it? Probably not, but it's in my mind! Maybe that counts.

Day 54

Settings:

ISO 400, f/1.8 (really loving this lately, huh?), ss 1/125, 50 mm, no flash

2 fun textures added, then erased it off the words of the books. Took a quick couple extra seconds..

Day 53

Oh noo... only 32 more minutes until the next day! So.. here we have, the sweetest note a little girl could write. 

Our youngest was told to write an essay in her one day a week classes.. she had to write it about a hero.

This is what she showed her daddy today. I had to document this. Too bad I didn't have the camera out when she gave it to him, but she'd just bumped her little elbow and was crying. Her dad loved it, of course, and it will go to a very special place.

The settings are pretty irrelevant, especially since I took this at night, in our room, and through some interesting textures on it.  :)

 Day 53

Day 52

My SIL came over and we had a blast making bracelets! Correction: WE had fun making them, my poor SIL was crimping each bead on the chain.. and it seems like all the girls made charm bracelets.  She has started to make necklaces, earrings and more.. I think she needs to start an Etsy store!

They turned out SO cute! I am in love with mine.. wanna see it? 

Day 52

Settings: 

ISO 400, f/1.8, ss 1/30, 50 mm, no flash

Day 51

Today was long! Did anyone else have that kind of a day? It rained in Chicago from morning until.. nope.. still hasn't stopped. Went to church, took the kids to their (2 seperate) mission's trip meetings, then the youngest to play practice, to dinner at an awesome friend's house, now waiting for a call to pick up the last kid! WHEW! 

As I walked around the youth group room, it was fun to walk on stage and take photos of the guitars, drums, symbols, and decor. This became my favorite. I loved the symbols, but something about the sound system controls I just liked! 

Thanks all for all the sweet notes, did I tell you guys "You rock!!" ? I just love this group of people. If I somehow seem to miss you on your blog, remind me! I'm trying to put everyone's blogs in my news feed, but notice that some blogs still don't come through. Still working on it! I hope I'm covering everyone's eventually when I get around to it. :)

Day 51

Settings: 

ISO 200, f/1.8, ss 1/8, 50 mm

Day 50

I loved my day today! Did anyone else just have an amazing day? The sun was out, the snow is all melted away, birds are chirping, we raked leaves like it was fall.. It was a gorgeous springtimey day! 

Now let me tell you why I really loved it! Other than working outside (which yes, I love!) My husband told me to go ahead and book the Me Ra Koh Workshop coming to Chicago! OH YES! I am beyond excited, everyone! BEYOND! Has anyone else taken a workshop they've loved? What did you like most about it? What's that one thing you learned, and never forgot? What do you wish you would have learned? Well, if anyone is flying out to Chicago for this awesome event, let me know! 

Something else that happened to me today, was reading about automatic focus. Cameras are different with what they call it, but I found out how to focus more on a moving object, lock it, and take a picture. So here's me: I go outside to take a few action shots of my daughter and her friend. I am ecstatic as I load the pictures and look at them. I'm thinking, WOW! I have never taken a better photo! So crisp and clear and.... what?? AUTOMATIC?!! Oh yes, I had the camera on automatic the entire time outside! How that happened? I'm not quite sure.  So, after my panic mode of losing my integrity with the whole 365 MANUAL focus challenge (because that's the whole point, right?), I scraped my jaw off the ground and looked at my settings. You know what? I learned from that! I hardly ever put my ISO on 250, nor do I know how to put it on an in between number other than the generic 200, 400, 800..etc. Then my shutter speed. I noticed every picture had changed my ISO and shutter speeds. I never ever use 325, or 250... so this taught me to be more creative in the settings I just grab out of habit. Ya still with me? (I hear snoring..) Anyway, I am thankful I messed up, because I wouldn't have learned that, and then I would not have had to actually do something I've wanted to do in a while. And that is....

Taking my husband's turnout gear photos. I have wanted to do this for some time. He happened to be detailed out next day, so he had his gear in his car. I brought it in, and started snapping my first photo for the (drum roll...) Joy of Love project. Yup.. that's me, 20 days into it and I'm just throwing a couple shots together. This was really about my archiving, I just loved the thought of "What They Wear" so I took that one. I may jump on board for a few more here and there.

Thanks for bearing with me on my long winded blog tonight. Here is my 365 photo, then the much anticipated (from me) Joy of Love #4. Yes, that's right. I don't have 1-3, or 5-20, but I have #4!  :)

And, could this day get any better? HUGE SHOUT OF THANKS to Amanda for helping me with my template and letting me have a super cute header for my blog like her fabulous one! Check out her 365.. she's awesome!
 

Day 50

Settings:

ISO 400, f/2.5, ss 1/40, 50 mm

Day 49

Again with this moon! Did you see it tonight? My husband actually drove around the block as we were going to a party just for me to get my camera. I already had my photo for the day, LOVED it, but swung around to capture this moon. I took several pictures, they were great! I'll add one to see the actual features that looked like a great big panda bear in the sky.. the lights under it are an airplane starting to land. Then the one I chose for my 365 for the day. I chose my 365 because it was a little artistic with the street lights, and all that was going on. It is sort of like a Find Waldo - more like, find the real moon! My youngest helped me choose tonight. ;)

Day 49

Settings:

ISO 400, f/4.5, 1/40, 75 mm, no flash

I want a cool header design!

So.. any of you with the super cool blogger headers for your site.. want to share some ideas? 

I would love one that I can put my own photos in, like a template, then have the option of changing them from time to time. What about the cool ones that are like a slideshow? I am clueless when it comes to designing these. Can anyone help a girl out and steer me in the right direction? I would really appreciate it!

Thanks in advance for whoever can chime in to help.

 

Sincerely, Me! :)

Day 48

Caramelized Apples over Ice Cream! That's what was on the dessert menu tonight. Super easy, and it looks so gourmet! Gourmet, I am not, but every once in a while I'll make something we don't always have. Since I had NO pictures for today, I snapped off a couple over the ice cream, but that made it too melty mushy, so I went for the pan of apples and got bokeh! OH YEAH! ;) So funny, I can't do it if I try, but every once in a while it will kiss my lens with goodness. 

Day 48

Settings: 

ISO 400, f/2.8, ss 1/40, 50 mm, no flash

Day 47

Another sea of roses! Something traditional my husband does for the girls on Valentines Day is get them their own flowers they can put in their own vases. I remember when our oldest was little, receiving a single pink rose and her little eyes lit up like you would not believe! To this day, the girls still get them. Poor son, doesn't get them.. but he sees how a man treats a woman, and that's what's important. 
Here is a beautiful bouquet by the window. They are so brilliant, I had to take a few snaps. This is SOOC. No fun textures or actions.. they were just unique all by themselves.

Day 47

Settings: 100, f/2.5, ss 1/40, 50 mm

Day 46

My son! I love this guy, he is great.. 13 is fine.. when you're a boy. Today he had an appt. downtown and little sister was at a class, so he and I drove around. I loved this blue wall, so I basically stopped and said, "Jump out! I love this background." Again, gotta love boys, he just jumped up and ran.. then asked why? :) I'm pretty sure a girl would have had a million questions before she even got her seatbelt off. This one? Jumped! 

Day 46

Settings:

ISO 200, f/3.2, 1/800, 50 mm 

Day 45

 Happy Valentines Day!

More creative fun! Something about those little chalky hearts that make me excited to eat them. Remember when you were a little kid and you'd pick through all of them just to see what they said? I still like to do that! I wonder if they've changed, I wonder if they used to say, "Groovy" now they say, "So Cool"?  LOL!

Here's a shot of the candy hearts in a glass bowl by the window. I used the generic quadrant action in my photoshop, through some letters up there that spelled L-O-V-E and voila! A cute little valentines day photo! 

Not really an amazing "Photographer Shot," but definitely fun! I especially liked the "YOU GO GIRL" in the front dedicated to all my "girls" that read, comment, and I keep up with on this 365 challenge. And, lots of "XOXO's" to you all! Thanks for all your support.. Day 45... YES!!

Day 45

Settings: (don't really matter since I really used photoshop on the finished product)

ISO 400, f/1.8, 1/4000, 50 mm

Day 44

Happy Valentines Day Eve! Are you excited? Had to take a photo of the beautiful vase of flowers my husband brought home tonight. I took the whole thing, then focused on one flower. I am extremely happy that I am finally starting to understand shooting at night, with artificial lighting, and they actually turn out! Instead of the same old flower photo, I added an action to it that my 9 yr old and I liked best. So, here's a bright rose for you tonight, and hold strong knowing that SOOC photos DO turn out at night! (the added action just for fun) ;)

Day 44

ISO 400, f/2.8, ss 1/20, 50 mm, no flash

 

Day 43

When did she grow up? 

Did I notice her getting older when she was 3 and put my lipstick on all over her face, saw me coming and said, "Mo, mo, mo! Baa baa Ashee!"

Maybe when she cleaned the entire house at age 11 when I was so sick I couldn't get out of bed for 2 days?

Was it when she knew how to call a teacher without being asked, and explain an assignment she did and why she did it a certain way?

Why do these years go by so fast? Will I still have my little girl a few years from now?

As easy as it is to bash heads with (as I'm reminded over and over) an "almost 16" yr old, a mom just cannot forget the memories of not so long ago. The things they did that will still make me laugh just thinking about them... I love this (not so) little (anymore) girl!

Here she is tonight.. walking out the door to a dance. Don't know how it happened, but she's sure growing up fast!

Day 43

Settings:

ISO 200, f/1.8, ss 1/125, 50 mm

 

 

Day 42

Hooray for winter! It's snowing again! Gotta rejoice in what you have, huh? 

This is our Rose of Sharon tree. I thought it completely fitting for today and Egypt's events that have played out over the past few weeks. Today, Egypt made history. What will happen next? Only God knows.. I pray for the people to make smart decisions and be peaceful with Israel! 
Look at the little snowflake that made a perfect descent and landing on the little pod at the bottom. It is perfect in every way!

Day 42

Settings:

ISO 200, f/1.8, ss 1/2000, 50 mm, no flash

Day 41

I had a newborn shoot today! A friend let me take photos of her little one with some hats my friend made for her business 4sisterscreations on Etsy.  And, since I needed a baby for my portfolio, it's a win-win-win! I absolutely love babies! I could hold them all day long.. since this is all I got to today, I'm posting one that I've finished. 

Samuel was such a good baby! Isn't he so sweet? Mom and dad were so generous and laid back which made it a wonderful first newborn shoot. Then dad is actually a professional videographer, and I thought I'd be intimidated, but he was really kind and showed me a lot of cool tricks and tips. I absolutely loved it!

Day 41

Settings:

ISO 200, f/4.5, ss 1/25, 50 mm, no flash

Day 40

Happy 40th!! Are we "Over the Hill" yet? :) I was out and about tonight and got some night shots. Again, a beautiful church in the area. We do not lack for gorgeous stone buildings in Chicago!

Day 40

Settings:

ISO 400, f/2, ss 1/4, 50 mm, no flash

lightened up a tad with levels

Day 39

I am messing up my days! 39 already? I almost saved my picture under 38 thinking that was getting far. Wow.. we're doing great, you guys! I honestly wanted to do this and stick with it, and I am pleasantly surprised that it is getting done.
The hardest part, I've realized, is keeping up with comments on other people's sites. I want to SO bad! I spend a lot of time hunting down the ones I follow. The only problem, is the commenting board itself. I'm so sick of typing in a code! I wondered if I had it too, after some searching, I found.. I can turn that stupid thing off! 

If you go to DESIGN, SETTINGS, COMMENTS, scroll down, then it asks you
Show word verification for comments? check NO


I am crossing my fingers hoping others will do this too. That will make commenting more pleasant for all! :) *hint, hint*

I do need to read my manual more, but it's getting boring. Am I alone in this department? There are several things I am looking forward to trying out, but oh yeah.. there cannot be a blizzard outside! 

This is bascially SOOC only added a vignette to it (darkened the sides a little bit to focus on those ploomy guys).I loved how they were dancing in the wind. Looked a bit like it could be underwater to me. You know, all those sea anemones? 

Day 39

Settings:

ISO 400, f/5.6, ss 1/1600, 210 mm, no flash 

Day 38

Well, folks.. it is what it is! There is snow. Everywhere! We get the 22" of snow off the streets, then it comes down in buckets again. Today, it is really quite beautiful. I will have to find out how to master taking pictures of snowflakes, but here's what it looked like from a distance. A lonely car going down the street, with ginormous snowflakes everywhere! 

More trees.. I know, but it's what I've got. Every other plant, and things of interest, are buried underneath! 

Day 38

Settings:

ISO 400, f/4.5, ss 1/320, 75 mm, no flash

(silly ISO, that's why I had to lighten a little with the levels)

Day 37

The outside structure of our church is made of beautiful stone. They are all different, so I could take 50 different pictures, and have 50 different looks. This is a view as we walk out of the lobby area. I adore these birch trees, and the looked so beautiful in the snow. Especially from the lobby walkways. I did wait until church was over to take my photos. Everyone was talking and the 2nd service group had left and 3rd service had already started.. so off I went! 

I hope you all have a wonderful day today! Go ________!!! I do enjoy the commercials and half time. I really could care less who wins today. Although, since live in Chicago, we hear enough about the Packers. I may be secrectly hoping for the Steelers...

Day 37

Settings:

ISO 200, f/5.6, ss 1/250, 30 mm, no flash

Day 36

There's something very Norman Rockwell about this picture. I love his paintings, seeing the kids playing out in the towns, on hillsides..etc. This reminded me of his settings.

Here are "The Boys" sledding today. All the kids had a blast, but we figured it was time to wrap it up when kids started appearing with no supervision. 

Day 36

Settings:

ISO 200, f/4.5, ss 1/4000, 75 mm, no flash

edited with Denim from Coffee Shop Actions. LOVE this action!

Day 35

I DID IT! I finally did it! I made it! I did it right!! Yahooo WAHOOO Yipeee!!!!! I cannot contain myself.. I have been trying to get that sun glare just right. Every time = Fail! Not today, with all the adorable pictures I got of the kids sledding, bright colored hats, rosy cheeks, perfect lighting and cute faces, this is the one I am most proud of! :) 

Day 35

Settings:
ISO 100, f/5.6, ss 1/3200, 26 mm, no flash! :)

Day 34

This morning I woke up early. I wanted to make sure my hubby was getting home okay after having to ditch the car, and take an alternative ride to the firehouse. And what a site to see.. the sunrise! You know how long it's been since we've seen that bad boy? :) 

Just looking at the photo, it created it's own texture as I was freezing and too lazy to open the window to get a clear shot. It's through the screen, but I like it!  


Thank you for all your encouraging notes! You guys truly are sweethearts. I enjoy every word you say, I love hearing your personal stories, and I promise I will get better about getting back to you. We're still warm..we're still alive, only a pinched nerve in my back from all the shoveling yesterday. It's actually quite funny, because what can ya do about it?

Day 34

Settings:
ISO 400, f/5.6, ss 1/4000, 300 mm, no flash

Day 33

Crazy CRAZY night and day! I blogged about it here at Typical Life of a CFD Wife, but to abbreviate it, we had 18-20 inches of snow with 45 mph winds! We actually had thunder and lightening mixed in.. who's heard of that with snowy blizzards? Iconic Chicago's Lake Shore Drive was shut down completely as 900 people waited for 12 hours! People stuck everywhere, just leaving their cars, made for a very memorable and exciting last 24 hours.

Then, the only photo I could come up with is this one? I know what you're thinking.. but, in my defense, we're snowbound, people! I did help the kids build and dig out an igloo today. I was going to take a photo, but 2.5 hours into it, it caved! So much for the "perfect Chicago Blizzard 2011 photo!" So, here I sit, mulling over the photos I took in my pajamas in the 7 freezing minutes outside this morning.

Hope you are all staying warm and toasty. What was your weather like today?

Day 33

Settings: 

ISO 100, f/5.6, ss 1/250, 30 mm, no flash

Day 32

Winds blowing up to 45 mph today, expecting 18-20 inches of snow by morning, and I'm happily walking around my house finishing off my dining photos.

I wanted these "as seen on tv" Aqua Globes SO bad, got them, they look beautiful, but they don't really work. Anyone else have them? I haven't had a lot of success, only now I like them for decoration. I just pretend like they're working. :)

Day 32

Settings: 

ISO 100, f/1.8, ss 1/2, 50 mm, no flash