Day 89

In a crazy busy mom life, running kids back and forth, you see things to take pictures of, but sometimes don't have time to stop. 

So I didn't.

This was taken (yes mom) while driving (gasp!) I loved the look of it as I drove by the first time. So when I came back around, I got my camera out, played with the settings, and BAM! There it is. 

They were burning brush and cleaning up a forest preserve area. Must be making more trails or something, but I absolutely love these colors together. (Black/Brown/Blue) The blue smoke just laying barely above the ground was so pretty! 

Day 89

Settings:
ISO 200, f/3.5, ss 1/640, 50 mm

Day 88

My oldest and I just needed a day to ourselves. It's tough enough having a teen, who'd "maybe" rather be with her friends than spending a special day together just mom and daughter, but I think it's priceless. There will be a day we won't have as many of these types of days, it will be another chapter in our lives, but I am thankful for the time we get now.

We went to Molly's Cupcakes because we saw Cupcake Wars one night and we were so excited there was finally someone from Chicago! We had to see the shop for ourselves. It was pretty cool, at the bar were swings that were secured from the floor to the ceiling. We sat there for sure. We could watch the cupcakes come and go, and the station where you could put more sprinkles on your cupcake, and where someone was frosting them custom for each order.

We chose "Chocolate Decadence" and "The Jock" which was so yummy! My favorite photo of the day was my daughter looking down at her almost consumed cupcake, enjoying the last bite, sitting on her swing. I just love how the lighting was coming in.

We came home and watched Tangled since it just came out on DVD. My daughter's favorite. It used to be Sleeping Beauty, (as she was that for about 5 years in a row when she was little), but now Tangled has taken over her heart. If you knew her, you'd understand what a big deal that was for her to switch.

Then we were off to to the art store, picked up some more acrylics, and she is happily singing "I See the Light" from...yes, you guessed it.. Tangled. 

Good day. 

My heart is full.

Day 88

Settings:

ISO 200, f/2, ss 1/15, 50 mm

Day 87

I worked on moving targets. To capture them, to set the focus while they were moving and capture it. I needed several setting changes! Here they are with the final outcome. 

Day 87

Settings:

ISO 200, f/4, ss 1/4000, 50 mm

Day 86

Beautiful today, but I can't believe how cold it is by just looking out the window. A couple degrees over freezing isn't that inviting when you step out.
Here's my photo of the neighbor's crocus. Such a pretty color!

 Day 86

Settings:
ISO 200, f/2, ss 1/4000, 50 mm

Day 85

I know, the moment you've all been waiting for... 

"The fish is still alive!"

Yeah, we can't believe it either. Somehow the bacteria balanced itself out. Even though it is definitely a Koi fish, (and the tank is way to small) we may just have to build it a little pond come late spring! So, for a $5.00 fish, we should give it an amazing habitat, don't you think? 

Day 85

Settings:

ISO 200, f/2, ss 1/30, 50 mm

lightened a bit, brightened a bit

Day 84

Well, let's not think we're the only ones who gain weight in the winter. I thought these little guys are usually scrawny by this time trying to scavenge for almost anything to eat. 

I was wrong.

This little squirrel looks like a bear.

Here is "bear's" nest in the same tree. I think he did really well this year. Good boy! or girl..  ;)

Day 84

Settings:

ISO 100, f/5.6, ss 1/250, 160 mm

Day 83

My daughter made me a little owl in her ceramics class. This was the second one finished as the first one exploded. She forgot to hollow it out inside. :) This is special to me because 1. she made it, 2. it's an owl! I really don't know what happened to me with this owl thing. 

When I was little, my dad was going to build a fire in the basement wood stove. He opened up the door, and started to throw the papers in. He normally didn't look around first, but peeked in there and saw two huge eyes staring at him. Just as he realized there was something in there, this baby owl took off flying over his head. It flew up the stairs, down the hallway, and into my room. We couldn't find him for a while, until I spied him on my dresser with all my stuffed animals! I threw a photo of that in under my photo of the day for you to see. Not the best photo, OH how I wish my mother had been a photographer! What a missed opportunity! ;)

Here's the picture of my owl in my kitchen. Isn't he cute? It's made with lots of love, and I think it's awesome!

Day 83

Settings:

ISO 100, f/1.8, ss 1/8, 50 mm

Day 82

Long, tough, busy day today. Tonight I walked around the house looking for something to catch my eye. Since everyone has such beautiful flowers actually blooming, I thought I'd show off my dead flowers to get me by. :) It actually started snowing again tonight! 

Day 82

Settings:

ISO 400, f/1.8, ss 1/15, 50 mm

added a texture, and voila!

Day 81

Urban - and, I can't decide! Which one do you like for my 365? Most votes on this and my fb wins. :) I really don't know. I like them all for different reasons...and here they are:

1. This one because of the cobblestones. All the streets in Chicago were once covered with this, then paved over at a later time. 

I always look at the old cobblestones. I just love them. Plus it just started to rain, 

and I liked the look of that.

2. This one because I just thought it looked cool, but then I've done a lot of gadgety things lately.

3. This one because it just is typical Chicago. Newspaper vending machines 

on every other corner.

4. This one because we pass it twice a week going downtown. It's in Greektown and I 

just love the outside of it. So much character.

 5. And this one just because there's a church everywhere, it's kind of cool sticking 

out among the high rise buildings.

Day 80

Hello my fellow 365'ers! Bless our little hearts we're 80 days in! 

I was off to my daughter's first softball game of the season today, but as I was walking to the car, I got the call that it was canceled. From my daughter, mind you.. not the actual school, or coach. Isn't that odd? Anyway, off to chase those darting robins all over my yard trying to get a shot (as I love Robins!). 

Didn't get a good one.

So here is my neighbor's cute weather vane. I've decided I really like them. I shall be off to find more! 

Day 80

Settings:

ISO 200, f/5.6, ss 1/500, 135 mm

edited with Florabella Luxe II actions (Envy)

Day 79

Alrighty, things are better today. Thanks for your encouragement yesterday! Or.. this morning. It was a little late last night..

This morning my son's jr. high group missions team was prayed for in church for safety and God's blessing over their upcoming trip. They went to all 3 services, and it was very nice. They all went in their green missions trip shirts, and it looks like a couple girls dressed it up a bit. :) Cute. 

This was about half the group, I think. Since I opted for service #1 to take photos, some showed up to the 2nd and 3rd only. It's ok. I got the general feel in this. 

The photo is of one of the very eloquently spoken jr highers (no, I didn't think those adjectives fit all together with "jr. high" either, as I was not that way..still aren't). He was just talking about prayer for safety in travel, and cooking their own meals, and their good health (as they cook their own meals). It was really funny. 

 Day 79

Settings:

ISO 400, f/2.5, ss 1/60, 50 mm
(processed with Florabella actions)

(My son is directly behind the girl in white skirt, and in front of the floral arrangement looking up at the speaker.)

Day 78

Well, this is how terrible tonight went. I have total photographer deflation! I thought I'd wait until after my son's baseball banquet and wow you all with some really cool photo. 

Like one with flashing lights..

or closeup of some amazing.. nnnnnapkin or something

beautiful lined up baskets...

balloons..

Truth is? I completely flubbed. The lights were so dim in some areas, and so bright in others. Even the photos I took with the ex-major league baseball players who help out each week.. were horrible! 

I SO should have taken a photo of the rude, miserable, mean people that kicked us out of their spots..twice. TWO tables had literally a shirt draped over a chair, and who knew? Apparently that meant.. the whole table is saved! ERRGHH!! Yep, that's right. Shoulda plastered their mugs across my facebook.. AND tagged them! Can you tell I'm a bit aggravated tonight? This is what happens when I save a photo until the last minute. Never again.

So, I'm back to basics. No. Literally. I walked around outside today taking more photos, and took a picture of our hose bib. Downspout. Whatever you want to call it. This is what I got, this is what I'm proudly proclaiming tonight. LOL!

You don't need to comment, unless you have something that you can complain about with me.  :) 

Day 78

Settings:

whatever

Day 77

Thanks, all for the kind words yesterday! Good news..fish is still alive! But, with the impending doom that may be on our house, little one and daddy are out at the pet store even as I speak. I'm secretly hoping for a puppy instead! (fingers crossed!) 

I try to reply every once in a while to your comments from my email. But, if you've never had a reply from me, it's because you don't have your email listed with your blogs. A lot of sweet comments or questions I want to answer to - when I go to hit reply, it says "no-reply google account" so I cannot. Just to update that little note. ;)

Today was eye doctor day! I had to take my daughter in as the group that came around to the schools the other day said she failed her eye test. So.. off to the eye doctor! Since she had surgery when she was younger, I figured it was probably time for glasses. But, yeay her, 20/20 vision! I asked about why he thinks she didn't pass the test at the school, and he gave me that look..and said a lot of times they are looking to find something wrong. Hmm... makes sense. So, mommies beware! Take the kids to a doctor you trust if you get the failed vision report.

Lots of fun things to look at, and yes.. I took my camera everywhere today so as not to have to take a photo at 11:55pm tonight again! hah

Here is the whole eye looking measuring machine thingy doo-dad. I'm sure it has an official name, and there was certainly more to it than just this. But, I liked the corner of it. Looks antique or something..

Note: This was done while I was waiting for the doctor to come in to look at my youngest. :) It was just her and I in there, and wouldn't have asked. :) I actually heard someone walk by and threw it back into the bag.

Day 77

Settings:

ISO 400, f/1.8, ss 1/13, 50 mm

lightened levels

Day 76

Well, last night we had to tell the little one that she didn't get the Marta roll for Sound of Music. It went okay, but she was a little sad. Rumor has it she was up against the Marta that was on the national tour. 

Oh.

Luckily for her, daddy felt really bad and went out ahead of time to buy her a new fish. Her last fish died last year as we went on vacation, and the move to a friend's house was too much for it. So, here we have a new Koi fish. 

*screaches to a halt*

Koi Fish?
Yes.

My husband loves them, he thought it was so cute, and they live for...get this.. up to 226 years! (longest recorded)

Here he is peeking at himself in the side wall in his makeshift "pond." Notice how clean it is? Well, they like to be dirty..
He's in a perfectly new and clean tank.
He's struggling today, not sure if "Captain Billy Bob" will make it. Dad feels sad, little one is pretty sad and hoping for the best. 

Apparently, we needed a KOI POND to put him in.. go figure! ;)

I actually had him out by the pool tarp cover, and contemplated throwing him in there until we clean the pool out for the summer.

Here I am at the VERY end of the day. 2 min. late to be exact, but I had to get in a photo! This is why I opted for Captain Billy Bob (courtesy of my husband's suggestion).

Day 76

Settings:

ISO 400, f/1.8, ss 1/20, 50 mm

moved levels lighter

Day 75

Panning! I'm trying.. and, now that it's nicer outside, I can work hard at it. I even laid on my stomach out in front of my house just to get the rollerblade only shots. My neighbors must love me.

I must admit, it wasn't easy at first. I tried with my aperture the priority.

wrong.

Tried with manual priority.

wrong.

Tried with shutter priority, and it seemed to be the ticket. I started with 1/30, then worked up to 1/60. It was mostly okay, just trying with a steadier hand, and laying on your front side isn't so easy to get the arm flow going with the action. 

Here are some final shots.. I will rest with these, but "Panning, my friend, we are not finished yet!"

 Day 75

Settings:

ISO 400, f/32, ss 1/60, 75 mm
mini fusion action from MCP Actions on both photos

Day 74

A walk outside checking on my spring plants budding was just up my alley. Lots of growth! Especially when you've been watching every day, you notice when things start to take a bit of a turn in the right direction. Soon they should be busting open.. I'll add a couple that have showed improvement from last posts.

Day 74

Settings:

ISO 400, f/2.5, ss 1/2000, 50 mm

moss in the backyard

lilac buds starting to show a difference

daffodils getting taller

sedum rosettes

maple tree buds showing signs of wanting to bust open

tulips getting taller, and the tippy tops eaten by bunnies

Day 73

It's just before sunset, but I just had to take photos of this. My neighbor has this tree. I have to tell you, it's one of the most breathtaking sites to behold when it blooms. Her magnolia tree has people stopping to take pictures, people on walks just stop and stare. It takes up her entire front yard, and once it blooms, it stays for a quick time, and is gone again. We really take advantage of the beauty it possesses when we drive around the corner each day. 

Every year I keep telling myself, I'm going to get each step of the process with that thing. And, every year, I forget! Not this year. I will start adding these photos to my buds at the bottom when I get them. Eventually I will have a cool collection of these things we rarely have time to notice whether big or small.

I visited with our neighbor, she's such a sweet lady, and she wasn't aware of any changes as of yet. I walked her up to the branches and showed her that the buds looked just like velvet. They also reminded me of a huge tear drop, christmas lights, or a soft artist's brush. 

I cannot wait to show you when they open, plus the massive tree from which it will bloom. All in all, there is beauty in everything. I'm actually glad spring seems to be taking it's own sweet time. So much to look at that we would forget to appreciate. So from one photographer's mindset to another, we can enjoy each step of the process from God's amazing creation!

Day 73

Settings:

ISO 400, f/1.8, ss 1/500, 50 mm

Day 72

Happy Sunday! My oldest found this shot. She is pretty creative, and a lot more aware than I realize at times. Since we were jeans shopping after church, this tree about hit us in the face when we parked. I did some searching, and I believe this is called a Ponderosa Pine. That has a nice ring to it anyway. The needles are long, and the pinecone buds were like little flowers. 

Day 72

Settings:

ISO  100, f/6.3, ss 1/30, 50 mm

Day 71

Today's post should be titled "Lame", "Boring", "At My Fingertips" or "Got Nothin'!" I have been running from one end of the earth to the other today, BUT, I still picked up my camera..so, yay me!

I don't really need practice on DOF, I actually like to shoot at night, or inside now, so this isn't really a challenge for today. I guess when we get closer to spring/summer sports, other "challenges" will arise. For now, I'm twiddling my thumbs inside. I guess that's better than taking photos of innocent bystanders while I'm driving. It's that...or this. :) (The other might have been funnier)

I do want to take a minute to say that I LOVE your comments! I also love how you relate to my photos. I love hearing about your lives! I really enjoy getting to know you all a little more. Blessings out there to my 365er land!

 Day 71

Settings:

ISO 800, f/1.8, ss 1/25, 50 mm

Day 70

Childhood Toys Project - This was fun! I only have one childhood toy. But, this isn't the actual castle I had. While it's missing the flag that stood tall about proud, and made a very fun sound when you pulled it, it is from Fisher Price from 1974 and in decent shape. My SIL and I found it on our annual drive through her neighborhood in on spring clean-up day. I screeched to a halt and said, "I've got to have that!" My brother and I would play with this for hours. We would drop everything we could find down the dungeon drop at the top of the castle. Many toys would endure their fate for days and months on end in that little gated jail. We would also hide anything that would fit behind the secret staircase. My mom still has our original castle back and home, and it's held strong through the ages of it's knights and queens, to Barbies, Strawberry Shortcakes, and Spiderman figures.

This was fun to photograph, and also fun to make look a little erie and scary. Great project! 

 Day 70

Settings:

ISO 100, f/2, ss 1/160, 50 mm

lots of textures! creating the smoky effect

Day 69

Who loves fresh PEAS?? I do!! It goes way back to my mom having the biggest, most beautiful garden in the world. I loved peas, and my brother hated them. So we devised a plan. He would shell them, and I would eat 'em! Great idea, huh? He's even older than me, but hates them so much he must have been amused at me consuming whatever he threw my way. He also made me sip some dandelion "milk" from the stem. Ooohh I can still taste it to this day. Of course, I tattled and he got in trouble, so I was avenged.

I took this because my youngest and I were devouring this fresh pack we got from Costco. I should really own stock in that place...or just move in there. She suggested a photo, and I went for it. A. I love peas (we established that) and B. Green is my favorite color. Go figure! So to me, this is the most beautifulest picture in the world. I can't believe spellcheck didn't underline "beautifulest" it underlined spellcheck. LOL! Must be spell check. 

There. A little trivia for you today. 

You're welcome.

Oh, one more thing. While uploading, it said I was out of space. I purchased $5.00 to add more, and still can't upload. Anyone else? I guess maybe I have to wait a while? 

Day 69

Settings: 

ISO 200, f/2.2, ss 1/125, 50 mm

daffodils

 tulips

sedum

maple tree.. it's going to bust wide open any day, I'm sure of it!

Day 68

I would not be showing you my true, honest self if I were not to post a Starbucks picture at some point! Here's my Venti Carmel Macchiato! Thanks to my SIL several years ago, I haven't wavered on my order. I am very loyal. So, this little green logo is something I very much love, and had to add it. I took some giggly girls and a not so amused boy that entertained himself with his ipad tonight. It was lovely.

Added late: Too funny, because when I posted this to my facebook 365 album, it focused on the girl's face and asked me to tag it! 

 Day 68

Settings:

ISO 400, f/2.2, ss 1/6, 50 mm

Day 67

I love antiques! I love old scales, clocks, keys, old boxes.. you get the point. I also love garage sales. I love the excitement of hopping out of the car, digging through an old box of people's old junk, to find treasures that I will display proudly! Here is a recent summer garage sale find, an old scale, and it sits beside my stove for me to enjoy every day.

I didn't chart my budding outside, I just wasn't home. My day pretty much went like my day on Saturday, so lots of running kids everywhere. 

 Day 67

Settings:

ISO 800, f/1.8, ss 1/100, 50 mm

Day 66

Slacked off in the photo department today. No buds to track their growth, but instead relaxed, did laundry and ran the kids to where they needed to go. Painted the youngest one's toenails, since she lovingly rubbed lotion on my feet last night. That's love, because I run the garbage out in my bear feet, and the concrete LOVES that!

She suggested my 365 photo be her purple polka dotted toenails. Well, here they are! Since the composition was horrible, I added a texture, and just had a little fun with it. 

Day 66

Settings:

ISO 400, f/1.8, 1/40, 50 mm

Day 65

After yesterday's surprise dumping of snow, I was happy to see some of it melting away again quickly so I could go check on my little buds. :) Walking around my backyard, as another photographer suggested, I found these sweet little berries on a prickly bush. One perfect little red one. I opened it up on the computer and the youngest says, "It looks too fake, mom!" haha That's SOOC so what can I tell ya? I said, "Take it up with God, because he made it!" hah

Day 65

Settings:

ISO 100, f/1.8, ss 1/500, 50

Sedum

 Daffodils

 Tulips

 Maple buds. I zoomed and you can see them start to open!