Buttoning things up before I go back to work

Buttons for sale at Churchmouse Yarns and Teas

Cottage Life

Beginning to get some things done that I've been putting off for the last couple of months. Maybe spring is in the air... or not. Either way I've begun the arduous task of cleaning up my file system on the Mac. The mac has been very forgiving. It hasn't slowed down, or choked up. I have decided that I need to be more a little organized when it comes to filing and throwing things in the trash. The picture below shows about 1/10 of the files scattered throughout  my download files alone.

So I trudge on... I now have my desktop nice and clean with file folders  properly labeled. It's only Tuesday.... I will stay on task, I will stay on task...

 

Before and After

I had a picture of the State Capitol that I had taken while out shooting something else. As you can see it's a little crooked, not a really good angle and a gray sky. I thought it would be a good photo to turn into a "vintage" postcard.

Before

WA State Capitol

After

I had a lot of fun with this. I used a "Graphic pen" layer, a sketch layer, a simplified layer and some curve adjustments. I then layered it with a crumpled paper layer and added the "old typewriter" font at the bottom to mimic the old postcards I've seen.

Then I got a little carried away and added a little well worn "essence" in the form of stains and postage marks.

Lowcarb livin'

Somedays are just not really inspiring as far as what to eat goes. The thing about not eating sugar, flour, and starchy veggies is that soon the craving's for those things seem to disappear but then so does the thought of creative cooking. It turns into more of "I guess I should eat" and "what can I have that won't take a lot of effort". Something fairly easy to have around is a mixture of cranberries and blueberries. These fruits are pretty carb friendly, and have lots of fiber. I take a bag of cranberries, 1 cup of water. Bring that to a boil and simmer until the cranberries begin to pop open. Then add the add enough sweetener to equal a little less than a cup of sugar. Stir that around and then add  blueberries, fresh or frozen as many as you like. I use the large fresh container size. Stir the berries together. Let cool and put in a container in the fridge. This little compote is excellent on cottage cheese, with chicken or turkey, on top of almond pancakes etc. It doesn't take a whole lot to get a lot of flavor and so very good for you too.

Hmmm... Pause for Thought

Feeling like I'd like to get organized... Spring must be in the air. This self proclaimed "Average goddess" is fun and sassy. I think I'll go clean out my closet.

 

Until next time...

 

 

 

Monday and moving on...vegetables are involved.

 

Today's 365 photo "rusty bits"

Cottage Life

Getting into gear this week to de-tox from my vacation schedule. The reality is that staying up until midnight is not conducive to getting up bright eyed and bushy tailed at 5:00 in the morning. This means that I will be posting (hopefully) first thing in the morning rather than in the wee hours of the night. I know that most of you won't notice. A few fellow night owls will however note my absence. You know who you are. Anyway I'm in the process of getting things turned right side up again before I return to work next week. I am really looking forward to the variety of images I can shoot when I'm out and about in the real world. I've been looking at the same ferns and winter leaves decaying for the last three months, the change will do me good.

Before and After

Yesterday I went around with camera in hand taking shots of "textures". Shingles with moss, muslin curtains, wood grain, and anything else that I  thought could be useful for adding dimension to some artwork. The following is one of those photos. It is a shot of a small rag rug that I have sitting on top of an end table.

Before

I thought it would be interesting to see if I could come up with something interesting using it on its own, Complete with threads and knot.

After

I ran it through a "topaz" filter called clean, then bumped up the color and added a canvas texture. At full size you can see the brightness of the colors.

 

Here I've turned it sideways added a "posterize" layer and added an antler button just because. I know I'm obsessed. :-)

Green Lowcarb livin'

When eating low carb, green veggies become the main attraction and what adds variety to meal planning. They are fairly low carb, good for you and they become the "side dish" of choice rather than starchy potatoes, pasta, or rice. This being said I take a little more effort in preparing them. Oven roasted brussels sprouts with olive oil, sea salt, a little garlic and pine nuts. Steamed broccoli with butter and fresh grated parmesan, sometimes a squeeze of lemon. One of my favorites is kale finely chopped, saute'd in butter or olive oil, with bacon, garlic, onion, and whatever leftover chopped veggies that are lurking in the fridge. Add a few pine nuts at the last minute. Perfection. I like to blanch and drain the kale before chopping. Another nice way to do broccoli is to make a nice broccoli salad. I chop my broccoli, add a half an apple.. (watch the carbs here... but by the time it's portioned out it's not bad) some chopped onion, chopped walnuts, a couple of tablespoons of good vinegar, (I use my sister's homemade cranberry vinegar) a dollop of best foods mayo, and salt and pepper to taste. I then carefully toss in about 15 raisins. Raisins are a low carb eaters mortal enemy. Through the roof in carbohydrates. I figure the three or four that will end up in my serving is well worth the cost. :-)

Hmmm... Pause for Thought

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until next time...

Saturday's post... I know it's Sunday.

Licorice ferns in the maple trees along the driveway

Cottage Life

This evening the "Bearded One" and I babysat two of our grandchildren while their parents went out and celebrated their anniversary. It's always nice to take "interactive grandpa" along. The kids adore him and he is really good at giving complete attention to the interaction at hand.  He reads aloud, colors, watches cartoons and is often being towed around to "come see" this or that. He balances out my sort of "I'm here if you need me" attitude. I'm the one in charge of the "I'm hungry" and "could I have a glass of milk" requests.

The trio watching cartoons...

We Love "interactive Grandpa... Happy anniversary Karl and Carey!

Before and After

I am using my oldest grandson who just turned 19 as my "subject" de jour'.

Before

Here is the cropped original version. He is wearing one of his father's signature expressions.

After

The  first  one is the birthday "face book" version done in what I refer to as a Rockwell version... This is one of my favorite styles for using on "snap shots" because it accentuates expressions and has a smoothed out illustration look.

This one was I did using Adobe Illustrator... a fun little cartoony version... it gives his expression a whole different look, but adorable just the same. :-)

Low Carb livin'

Was able to mind my p's and q's even at the Kids' house. The grandkids had tacos, I had the inside of tacos and "The Bearded One" brought a sack lunch. He is really into his program which consists of weight training and eating 5 carefully planned meals a day. Did I mention that is favorite mantra is "self discipline" ? He thrives on making himself stay on task. I can't say that it's rubbed off on me. I rarely use the phrase let alone practice it. Hmmm... I could be missing an obvious key to success when it comes to Healthy lifestyle...

Hmmm... Pause for Thought

Here is a gem that I just found... It's a little under ten minutes. Might take a little self-discipline to push the play button. Go ahead I think you will like it. Wisdom can come from unexpected places.

 

Until next time...

 

 

 

Final week of vacation begins...

Lichen down at the waters edge this morning

Cottage living

It's official, I go back to work a week from Monday. Both the "Bearded One", and our budget, will appreciate the dawning of that glorious day. In the meantime I'm on Vacation. Whooty Whoo! Somehow it feels a little different than being on my "temporary unemployment" hiatus. I will head into this next week with a bounce in my step that only a "real" vacation can give. I'm pretty sure I won't be getting a tan on the outside, but on the inside I will be a lovely golden brown. Several things that I had intended have not been accomplished during my hiatus. I haven't completely reorganized my crafty stash. I haven't developed the habit of rising early each day and trooping up and down the long driveway. I haven't faithfully gone to the gym three days a week. I haven't sewed, anything beyond putting a button back on, and my photo file is still bloated and out of control. I have however managed to get back on track eating-wise these past few weeks. I have also come to grips with the fact that I have a nineteen year old grandson, middle aged children, and a bladder that will not allow me to sleep through a whole night. I have also discovered that life is pretty good. Small "disasters" that sometimes come along are actually opportunities, and if I can look towards where I am going, instead of where I am coming from, things seem to fall into place much more easily. So here's to a lovely week and Bon Voyage'  even if only in my imagination.

Before and After Project 365

I went out to take a photo for today's 365. I was wearing my slippers and hadn't intended to go to the beach but the tide was out so down I went. These are our neighbor's sea going vessels tied up to the bank to keep them from floating away. I had just watched some tutorials on textures so I decided to have a little fun. It was kind of a dreary, foggy morning but the boats were colorful.

Before

After

I ended up "grunging" the image and now it looks as though we had been through a tsunami of mud, much to the "Bearded One's" chagrin but it was fun and I kind of like the depressing, distressed look.

A little blur, some filters, and a sepia tone added with a mask to reveal the colors of the boats just a bit.

Lowcarb Livin'

Not a whole lot to report, no new experimental recipes. I did have blueberry almond cakes for breakfast and salmon for dinner, and some lovely french green beans with peppers and onions. I think for dessert that I will dish up a little cottage cheese with cinnamon and a sprinkle of sweetener. A nice way to end the day.

Pause for thought...

Until next time...

Thursday....

My laptop "desktop"

Cottage Living

I've been really busy working on a lot of projects. I seems I replicate file after file, after file. In working in photoshop I always want to be able to go back to some point or another. My file naming system gets really wacky. It will start as... the file such and such. then it becomes, the new file such and such. Then there's the new file such and such with add ons, the really new file such and such. You get the idea.  If I'm working on them they always end up on my desktop. I tell myself that I wouldn't want to accidentally delete anything important. It's a good thing the Mac's "finder" is so good at finding other wise I would be in serious trouble. Then there are my photo files. I shoot in camera raw and jpeg, and I can shoot well over a hundred shots a day. I'm not saying these are good shots. Most are "test' shots. Me wandering around looking through my lens and snapping at different settings, etc. Now a smart person would go through the images quickly using the camera's lcd screen, deleting the obvious schluppy shots. I can't see that tiny screen clearly enough so I just upload them all onto the Mac. I swear I hear it groaning when ever I come near it with my usb cord in hand. Now that I've caught up with myself for a moment or two, I'm thinking that it would be a good time to unload a lot of extra files, starting with my desktop. I really need to set up a filing "system" so that I can easily group same with same. No more of "the really really final redone such and such file. We will see.

On a "knitty" note, this frisbee shaped object leaning on my lamp base is in fact a beret that I've just finished for my sister Sandy. I actually "finished" it several times in the dark when the power was off. I would have to frog it in the morning when I could actually see. I'm blocking it on a large dinner plate. This is the third hat that I've made from this pattern. It's easy to knit and despite it's "Tam" like appearance on the plate, it really looks good when worn.

Before and after

This is a photo I took next door in the cabin. I wanted to try a muted, watercolor look.

Before

After

Lowcarb Livin'

An artistic tribute to the lowly "peanut butter ball". I had originally photographed it all by itself. Wasn't very inspiring so I got the bright idea of adding a glass of "Trader Joe's" finest Cabernet ($2.49) to boost the artistic impact. I didn't go so far as to add a canvas texture but looking at it now I think it would've worked very well.

This small morsel of protein filled delight has been a life line in my low carb journey. If you've missed the recipe go Here. I find that I really like it using the vanilla whey protein rather than the chocolate. and I roll my in unsweetened coconut. I whipped up some more faux tortillas (see yesterday's post) this time I tried a variation. I sprinkled on some red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese and a little garlic salt before cooking...

Before going into the "ovenette"

It turned out really well. I think that I will be able to use them to make "Wraps" for my lunches when I return to work. The experiments will continue. It's nice that food no longer "talks" to me... It might whisper now and then, but at least it's not screaming. What a difference cutting back on the carbs and eliminating the sugar has made.

Pause for thought...

It's a guy thing...

Until next time...

Wet Wednesday

Red berries in the rain

Cottage Life

It's been a pretty good day albeit a little rainy. I should've had this posted a long while ago. I was going along quite smoothly and the next thing I knew I was chasing rabbits down a variety of trails. My mission today was to come up with a great tasting low carb chicken enchilada. It took most of my morning but I think I came up with a winner and you'll find the results in the low-carb section below. I know I've been busy all day I just don't know where the time has gone. It seems that the closer it gets for me to go back to work the faster time seems to be flying. So much I want to get done before my little vacation ends. Well I see I am rambling and it's now past midnight so wednesday's post will be posted on Thursday. Sigh.

Before and After

Yet another great Arizona shot by Robin. What a great time I've been having with these.

Before

A neat old wagon dropped where it stopped. Love the parking brake, which is more evident in the cropped version.

After

I chose to crop this and focus on the right hand side so that I could play up all the details and textures. A little boost, and sharpening. Punched up the saturation a bit, added a sketch layer,  a simplify filter, and a canvas texture on top.

Thanks again Robin for the photos.

LowCarb livin'

Success! Last night I was having a hankering for some chicken enchiladas. I wanted to use my almond meal but wasn't sure how it would work for "tortillas". I came up with a fairly low carb compromise which turned out surprisingly well. I wanted the taste of a corn tortilla, but not all of the carbs. I was able to make my faux tortillas by mixing just two tablespoons of masa flour with 1/2 cup of almond meal, one egg (to help hold it together), a pinch of salt and enough water to make a fairly runny batter, which I poured onto a silicon mat lined baking sheet. This made 4 good sized tortillas. I cooked them one at a time in my "ovenette" (toaster oven) only because it is very small. You could cook them all at once on a regular cookie sheet.

 

They don't take very long to cook. Using the silicone liner really helps. you can just peel them off. My first one came out a little thick. Added a little more water to the batter and it worked fine. Now for my enchiladas I like a good mole' sauce but any enchilada sauce would work. You can find lots of recipes on line but here's what I threw in mine. A little olive oil in the pan, some chopped onions, garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, chilli powder, saute that together. Add a tablespoon of Cocoa or dark chocolate if you have some then stir in a chicken bouillon cube and some water and simmer. I had some leftover cooked chicken that I cubed. I mixed in half of my mole' sauce, some chopped olives,  jalapenos and some grated cheese. I rolled up the mixture in my tortillas, covered them with the remaining sauce, sprinkled some more chedder and baked until hot and bubbly.

Sauteing my onions, garlic and spices for my mole' sauce.

My faux tortillas

The chicken, olives and jalapenos... oh and cheese with some of the sauce

 

My naked chicken enchiladas

The finished wonder of wonders

I have to say they were amazing. That small bit of masa flour did the trick. The taste and texture was that of a corn tortilla. and for a lot less carbs and gluten free. A dollop of sour cream and I was a happy camper.

Hmmm... Pause for Thought

I was looking for a little "mexican" music to accompany my enchiladas when I ran across this amazing talent.

 

Until next time...

 

Tranquil Tuesday...

 

I know... it's an odd picture. What does it mean? Who knows it just called to me.

Cottage Life

I've been out and about today and got to see first hand a lot of the damage done by the ice storm. There is nothing quite so sad as to have a cherished tree split in half, broken, or tipped over.

After many "I'm sorry due to the high volume of calls we are not able to take your call at this time... good-bye" tries I was finally able to get through to the unemployment office. I was sitting in the Target parking lot hoping that my cell phone wouldn't die. The recording when I finally got through said that the average wait was 35-45 minutes. I turned off the speaker phone to save power, and waited.... patiently.... sort of. At last I heard the sound of my call being put through. I had rehearsed in my mind how I would handle the snafu of missing the check. I was as contrite as I could be, making it known to the the voice on the other end of the line that somehow I had messed up in my reporting on the old claim and starting the new. The voice on the other end of the line was at first doubtful of being able to fix my dilemma but then she said "just one minute"... apparently she was able to do the impossible because when she came back she helped me "re file" for that old claim week. The whole process is so confusing. When weeks end, when weeks start. I thanked her profusely, At least I think it's fixed... She was rattling off a bunch of different scenarios. My phone was fading fast. I am relieved. I think. I should know in a day or two or three or so.

So with another little crisis averted for today, I wish you well on your Journey.

 

Before and After Project 365

Another one of Robin's great photos from Arizona. I am loving the contrast of her "dry and warm" to our "wet and cold"

Before

I love the old brick and chipped plaster...

After

A little color boost, simplify, and sketch with a canvas texture to finish.

Here's a snippet to show the texture and "paint"

Healthy Choices

Have not been home. Made sure I had a low carb bar with me in the wrangler to get me through. I'm thinking that I need to make a low carb chicken enchilada without the tortilla. There must be a way. I will work on that. I love my almond flour but I don't know if it's tortilla worthy. Hmmm. Faux enchiladas with sour cream and a little salsa and avocado. I'd better go eat something. I'm hallucinating.

Hmmm... Pause for Thought

This is just one of those mellow guitar strumming, hum along songs that's been circling in my head this afternoon.

Now I'm really in a mellow mood... come on along. The gentle strum of a guitar can do wonders.. reminds me of a good old fashioned slow dance... Where is the "Bearded One" when I need him? Yoo hoo........

Until next time...

Must be Monday

 

 

 

 

 

The aftermath...

 

Cottage Living

We've survived. The house is now warm again. The driveway is drivable. My internet is up and running. Whew I said, then as usual life dished up some new "challenges". The Cherokee that I used to charge my phone, now has need of a new radiator. Oh maybe I didn't mention that while charging my phone and running said jeep it overheated unbeknownst to me filling the interior with smoke. Only charged my phone partially too, I might add. So Jeep is off to the shop. The unemployment office has miscalculated giving me two waiting weeks without pay instead of one. Sigh... will tend to that tomorrow. In figuring my taxes it looks like my refund will be an I owe. You get my drift. Life happens. And not usually in a slow metered pace. Things tend to pile on top of each other, wait for you to exhale then here we go again. I'm not complaining by any means. Well I guess I am complaining now that I think about it. Hmmm. Anyway as I was intending to say...we have it pretty good most of the time and in a few weeks these tragedies will be just a faint discomfort in our memory. We have great friends and family who if ever we were really in a bind would help us out. I need to remember that things do work themselves out. The mechanic is holding off fixing the jeep for a bit, we have the wrangler to get back and forth in the meantime. The landlord is understanding, we're warm, dry, and well fed. I hope this post finds you the same.

 

Before and After project 365

This morning before I got up I was lying in bed thinking about Nephew's wife Robin and her jewelry making, thinking it would be fun to do some jewelry photography in my light tent. What a surprise when I checked my email and found that Robin had sent me some pictures to play with that she'd taken in Arizona. My kind of photos. Texture, rust, and ambience.

Before

After

I gave it a boost, ran it through a topaz filter "simplify", added a pen sketch layer, textured canvas, and bumped up the "warm" a bit. Below is a closeup of the "painted canvas"

 

Thanks Robin... I will have fun with these. I can send you the large size "after files" if you'd like. I think they would make some great prints..

Lowcarb livin'

Yeah, yeah. Still doing okay. Just not in the mood to talk about it. Well maybe just a little bit. Had a great omelet with avocado this morning with a piece of the now staple "Almond meal blueberry not muffin, muffin" Fish and Brussels sprouts for dinner. So see I am doing well even in a crisis. Again I must state that the fact that there are no "illegal" eats here helps tremendously.

Pause for thought

Things are gonna get better...

 

 

Until next time...