New Year's Eve

See you next year!!!

I'm on vacation...

Be back tomorrow.

Wishing you and your's the very best in the coming New Year!

-rhondi

Until next time...

"Foto" Shoot Friday...

 

Cottage living

I'm Still in La Grande. We walked again today in spite of the torrential rainfall. As usual my daughter-in-law was johnny on the spot and ready to head out the door... so we did. I didn't want to look like a pansy. We had original planned on doing engagement pictures on Saturday but work schedules changes so we went out into the drizzle. I think we came up with some great shots. Taking the photos is only half the fun. I really like the processing side of things. The current trend seems to be almost cinematic, with a journalistic flair. Lots of tonal values, from soft vintage to dramatic black and white. What fun. We braved the wet, ran into a couple snowflakes and even a little patch of blue sky.

Before and After project 365

Lots of puddles gave us an opportunity to use some reflection shots.

Before

The original shot straight out of camera...

After

I decided to crop the upper section to draw more attention to the reflection. In this version I've used a retro 1970's type process...

In this version I've gone with a version called "Heartland"

Pause for thought

A wedding frame of mind... the fun promo for the "Wedding Singer"

Until next time...

Thursday, take another walk...

Cottage Living

Another day in La Grande. This morning's walk with the Kid's was only about 3 1/2 miles... I was really glad when we rounded the last block and saw "home". This is really good for me I know, so I try not to moan and groan the whole time. The reward built in to the system is that the turn around spot is the uptown Safeway Starbucks. Okay so I probably drink more than half the calories burned with the latte. I don't want to talk about it. It is the carrot at the end of the stick. Actually truth be known, it's the bathroom that I'm looking forward to at midpoint. Today Son came with us. He's a trooper. Jodi kept us both on our toes. Literally.

Saturday is the big "engagement" shoot with Tucker and Nicole. That should be a hoot. The kid's are scouting out locations and "Themes".  I've been checking out samples of other photographer's work and found this cool couple that go by the name "Stonecrandall.com" Amazing, and inspiring photography. Check it out, some unique ideas and great use of post processing.

Before and after project 365

Still in LaGrande... this is where I used to work during my short stint with Union Pacific.

Before

The tracks heading towards Nampa...

After

I added some "art" layers to this one. I love the way it takes your eyes way down the tracks.

 

Pause for thought...

Just for fun... a classic. The "Bearded One" and I once contemplated taking to the road... this will cure you.

Until next time...

Long walk Wednesday

Cottage Living

I'm in LaGrande OR for the week. I'm staying with my son and his family... AKA "fat camp".  I should have suspected something  when my son text'd me "Bring your walking shoes..." The Wallace household has become dedicated to "reaching goal". And that's what has been happening, pounds have been dropping and they are serious about getting into shape.  Well, needless to say, my "put it off until New Year's" plan has been preempted and I have been plunged head first into taking care of business. Good bye sweet treats... so long cranberry scones... If I didn't know better I would think that the Bearded One had a hand in this somehow... hmmmm.

This morning started with a little four mile walk with my daughter-in-law. Of course I had taken along my ten pound camera which I found I needed to move from side to side. It suddenly became quite evident that I have been off work for two months. Egad! Wish me luck and pass the broccoli.

Before and After project 365

Walking briskly across town with Jodi had my camera and noticed the reflections in this alleyway...

Before

After

For 365 I artsed it up a bit.

Used a couple of different filters in layers and a little boost. Dumpsters... they can be art, right?

 

Pause for thought

Until next time

Traveling Tuesday

Union Pacific Sign at Multnomah Falls

Cottage Living

I'm not home. Today I took an impromptu road trip to LaGrande, Ore. My Oldest Grandson got engaged on Christmas Eve. The happy couple would like engagement photos... I decided it would be best to go before the snow flies in the Blue Mts. and while I am still on my Hiatus-unemployedness. I checked the weather this morning, it looked like the coast was clear so I grabbed the camera, jumped in the Cherokee and here I am.

I'm excited. I get to hang with my daughter-in-law, watch big screen TV and drink kurig coffee. The Bearded One was trying not to look too gleeful as I left this morning. I have invaded his quiet space for the last two months while I've been off work so I think he is looking forward to a little respite.

res·pite/ˈrespət/

Noun:

A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant. A short delay permitted before an unpleasant obligation is met or a punishment is carried out.

Daughter-in-law is on a heavy duty walking regime so maybe she can whip me into shape while I'm here or at least get me moving in the right direction. A great way to head into the New Year.

Before and After Project 365

I'm on the road so stopped by Multnomah falls to take few pics

Before

 

This is as shot...

After

Not a whole lot of difference here. Really subtle. I did a boost, added a little contrast with layers. Just a general bump to bring out a little more depth in the water.... get it? Depth? Water?  :-)

Pause for thought

What an amazing coincidence... Tuesday's tips.  Which just happen to be Engagement photo tips. Synchronicity in action.

Until Next Time...

Getting to the end Monday...

 

 

Cottage Living

The Bearded One brought the Christmas totes back from the V-Star garage so that I can De-frock the cottage. I will miss gazing up at the gilded splendor that is the view from my side of the desk. I am contemplating leaving the tree, with it's lights, just taking off the Christmas bits and adding a few winter birds and berries and calling it a seasonal "Winter Tree". I like having the sparkle up there... it gives off such a cheerful glow on these dreary evenings.

We, or I should say I, am preparing for the annual New Year, new improved me mantra that usually shows up right about now. I think that I have just about scarfed up all the things that "won't be allowed" next week in preparation. This is such an absurd behavior I know but it's one that I cling to with great zeal. As I've said before. I love the planning times. The "I will do such and such" and "I will achieve this and that" affirmations that I repeat to myself as I approach a new "do-over" or mulligan phase. My followup has a little to be desired but I think I make up for that with my enthusiastic beginnings. As I've gotten older I seem to have come to grips with the ya-da, ya-da, ya-da. I know the routine. I just go through it now more as an amused spectator, watching myself but not quite having the gumption to actually jump in and change the course.

Before and After Project 365

Before

Was finding it a little difficult to figure out a shot for 365 today. Outside everything looked the same to me. Damp, mossy, dark, and gloomy. that left me with finding something "in house". I love old bottles so my original thought was to shoot a trio of blue bottles. It turned out okay, but was just a typical shot and I found it a little boring...

 

I then tried it in Black and white. It gave it a little different feel but still wasn't what I was looking for.

I finally decided to do something a little abstract. I started with this shot below of an ink bottle and a marble in a poor composition on a cork hot pad. I was actually just playing with my settings and not really setting up the shot. Pretty obvious when viewing this photo... :-)

After

Here's what I ended up with.

I cropped the shot really tight using the meeting of the cork and bottle as a kind of "horizon", and placed my marble on the "third" (the famous rule of thirds in composition) I then used a "topaz" simplify layer, added a little boost, and made a little mini composition out of it. I love the shine on the marble. Sometimes making little things big makes for interesting art...

Pause for thought

New Years Resolutions! -- powered by flowgo.com

Until next time...

Merry Christmas... Movin' on

 

Cottage living

The Black and white photo does not depict my mood whatsoever. I am working on a composition study. Shooting in black and white is a suggested method of getting a better idea of tonal values, lines, geometry, and simplicity, all of which play a big part in "composition". It was really hard to do with this particular photo because I love the color of the grey-green lichen against the wet wood of the old birdcage.

I couldn't help myself. I had to post the original.

The Bearded One and I quietly celebrated Christmas day and dined on a fine plump local chicken that the Neighbor so generously gave us. It came brightly wrapped with a tousle of brightly colored curling ribbon. It was almost small turkey size. We roasted it on the grill along with sourdough dressing and plump beets that had been halved and rubbed with olive oil, salt, and pepper. We topped it off with fresh cranberry sauce and felt mighty blessed indeed.

It feels a little strange not counting off the days till Christmas and the New Year will start soon enough. I hope that you all were surrounded with family, friends, and oodles of goodness. Here's to a new year full of adventure, wonder, and abounding grace.

Before and After Project 365

After working in black and white I longed for some amazing color. This is my current "beret" in the making.

Before

 

The original shot. I intended to do this...

I wanted an artsy feel to it and got that but I think the better composition is the final cropped version, done on "canvas"

 

After

The Artsy effect here was achieved by using a combination of photoshop layers, and a Topaz filter called "simplify"

Pause for thought

I was feeling a little full after all of the Holiday feasting. I came across this painting by Ludwig Knaus called the "Glutton"... Made me laugh. She certainly is enjoying her little paper full of treats. By the look on her face I might venture to guess that she is sucking on a "lemon drop" or perchance a sweet "gherkin".

 

Until next time...

Now this is a little closer to what I've been feeling...

Christmas Eve

 

 

Cottage Living

I am writing this post early Christmas Eve afternoon. I have been to town already this morning and picked up the coconut shrimp and the Peanut Thai sauce for dipping. I also have joined those ranks of those that before I would have scoffed at and purchased and I do repeat purchased a 10" marion berry pie. Store bought pies at christmas time is throwing all good things ever learned right out the window, but as I stared at it's pre-baked artificially tender crust with the berry juice seeping ever so slightly through the sliced baking vents I thought what the hey and put it into my cart. Boy has my life style changed. In my defense however our oven here at the cottage is of the "toaster" variety. I bake pizzas on the gas grill but didn't think the smokey part would enhance a sweet treat so store bought it is.

I am including photos of the white elephant gifts that the Bearded One and I will be taking to tonight's festivities. No spoiler here since I intend to actually post this post party.

 

Ahh, what a deal. A genuine Colman pumper upper. Brand new but with some "Box issues". What's not to like right? $4 at the Goodwill. And then there is this two-fer special...

 

A brand new kite made of the good stuff and a brand new made in taiwan Hose stand with spigot. I know. You are absolutely amazed at my gift giving prowess. And also, the by the way, the use of such a fine word describing said attributes. As stated in the previous blog post, the object is to entice the wary recipient with lovely wrapping assuring him or her of a great prize.

Here are the wrapped versions of the exquisite compilations.

My disguised "elephants"

Pause for Thought...

Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!!!

 

Until next Time...

What I'm giving my family and friends... I will either be considered very cheap or very generous, depending on the outcome. Note that scratcher-off'er is included.

Friday getting close

 

The neighbor's IKEA star

 

Cottage Living

Tomorrow is our family Christmas Eve get together. Well at least those of us that are in the area will be gathered. The Holiday tradition used to consist of a whole house full of people opening their presents one by one by one by one. As The family grew it became evident that that plan was no longer working. Now we open presents in our respective houses, most of us on Christmas morning. Our Christmas Eve gathering has now become a food fest with Clam Chowder as the centerpiece with huge amounts of snacks and treats flanking on every side. There is usually hot cider, a little wine, and a sophisticated selection of beer to quench one's thirst. The Gift exchange that we do now is the time honored tradition of "White Elephant" or "Greed" game. We encourage the stealing of presents. Niceness is frowned upon. We like the frenzy of the "you have something I want" mantra. We also like really awful gifts wrapped really well so as to entice the unsuspecting recipient. Although it beats me how anybody could possibly be unsuspecting since we so this same ritual every year. Today I went and  procured the "elephants" we will be taking and I will be wrapping them in the morning with as much flair as I possibly can. Participants be for-warned this family has been known to give everything from giant potatoes to potato launchers. Let the games begin...

Here's wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and don't be fooled by fancy wrapping paper. I'm just sayin'...

 

Before and After project 365

It was late and I couldn't decide on what photo to use. I was in a funk. The Bearded One helped me out and chose this one. It's sort of a "white elephant" photo.

Before

Blue bottles on a wooden chair... leaves, needles, wet. Typical NorthWest lawn decor.

After

I liked the bright blue of the bottles, the texture of the wet wood, the needles, and even the debris. Not your typical photo but I thought I would try to make a composition that would work to move the eye around the picture. The shallow depth of field on the before picture left the arm of the chair really soft so I knew I would need to crop it. I wanted an "artsy" feel to it so I simplified it, and treated it like a watercolor by removing some of the detail. Then I bumped it up a notch and played off the reflected light. A little different that's for sure but I think anything can become art. Not necessarily good art, but "art" none the less.

Pause for thought

This is really quite ridiculous.  I can't promise that it will change your life, and it really is a total waste of time, but it made me smile and it fits with my "White Elephant" Theme... Indulge me.

Until next time...

Thursday.....

 

Cottage Living

This will be a short post. Come to think of it most of them are. This week is really flying by. My to do list isn't very long. Taking photos for project 365 keeps me busy. I keep trying to come up with different shots. A little harder to do when I hang around home all day. Working had it's advantages, I could come across all sorts of stuff to photograph while doing my day's route. Today I took a hike down the road and got some fun stuff. the trouble with 365 is that I need a fresh shot everyday. That means that even if I got ten good one's today I can only use one and have to reshoot tomorrow. Really makes you keep your eyes open for fresh ideas.

Before and After Project 365

Today's pick. One of the old gates across the way. I love rust and texture. This has both...

Before

Here's the shot right out of camera. It's okay but I always have to tweak just a bit. I wanted the rusty chain to pop a bit more since it was my focus.

After

The changes are pretty subtle. First I cropped it to put the focal point more in line with the rule of thirds. I then added a little boost, ran it through a topaz filter, then warmed it up just a bit.

 

I also did a black and white version which I liked really well. In the end I chose to use the colored one in the project. Someday I would like to do a whole series in monochrome. It's amazing how much variety and detail you can get without "color".

Pause for thought

“To the complaint, 'There are no people in these photographs,' I respond, There are always two people: the photographer and the viewer.”
― Ansel Adams

Wonky Wednesday and End of the Dark Age

Cottage Life

Lovin' the life. Not accomplishing a whole lot but tomorrow's a do-over. We Made it through the darkest day now we will begin to lighten up a bit slowly in ten second intervals but it shall be noticed. I've been reading a lot about light boxes or "happy lights". there's a lot to be aid for a burst of sunshine natural or plugin. The Bearded One and I might actually spring for one. We could use a little sunshine living in the deep dark woods this time of year. Oh we get light in through our sky lights but it's just not enough of the "good stuff". I will keep you posted and let you know how it affects us.

I hope your to do list is going well. We still have to procure our "white elephants" a great deal of thought must go into the ugliness that we wrap with such enticing glitz. There is something about snaring your friends and family with a beautifully wrapped piece of hideousness that makes my world just a little brighter.

Before and After for project 365...

Other Project 365 photos can be seen Here.

A little pot, a twisted stick, and a dusty shelf. Still hanging out around the house so looking for handy things to shoot.

Before

This is the out of camera shot...

Ho hum but has potential... Nice light coming in through the window.

After

A little cropping for composition, layering curves adjustments, to darken background and to bring out the highlights. I call this one " A touch of Red" Note to self... "Dust the shelf before photographing objects on said shelf."

Hmmm... Pause for Thought

The REAL Night Before Christmas
(By Parents)

Twas the night before Christmas
when all through the house
I searched for the tools
to hand to my spouse.

Instructions were studied
and we were inspired,
in hopes we could manage
"Some Assembly Required."

The children were quiet (not asleep) in their beds,
while Dad and I faced the evening with dread:
a kitchen, two bikes, Barbie's townhouse to boot!
And now, thanks to Grandpa, a train with a toot!

We opened the boxes,
my heart skipped a beat—
let no parts be missing
or parts incomplete!

Too late for last-minute returns or replacement;
if we can't get it right, it goes straight to the basement!
When what to my worrying eyes should appear
but 50 sheets of directions, concise, but not clear,

With each part numbered and every slot named,
so if we failed, only we could be blamed.
More rapid than eagles the parts then fell out,
all over the carpet they were scattered about.

"Now bolt it! Now twist it! Attach it right there!
Slide on the seats, and staple the stair!
Hammer the shelves, and nail to the stand."
"Honey," said hubby, "you just glued my hand."

And then in a twinkling, I knew for a fact
that all the toy dealers had indeed made a pact
to keep parents busy all Christmas Eve night
with "assembly required" till morning's first light.

We spoke not a word, but kept bent at our work,
till our eyes, they went blurry; our fingers all hurt.
The coffee went cold and the night, it wore thin
before we attached the last rod and last pin.

Then laying the tools away in the chest,
we fell into bed for a well-deserved rest.
But I said to my husband just before I passed out,
"This will be the best Christmas, without any doubt.

Tomorrow we'll cheer, let the holiday ring,
and not run to the store for one single thing!
We did it! We did it! The toys are all set
for the perfect, most magical, Christmas, I bet!"

Then off to dreamland and sweet repose
I gratefully went, though I suppose
there's something to say for those self-deluded—
I'd forgotten that BATTERIES are never included!

Until next time...