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...