57/365 Me

Of course this is not an image I took with my camera, but it was created (to some extent) in photoshop and it is an image. So it counts as my photo of the day. These are just some of the words I would use to describe me and a few words that are important to me.

You can create your own word cloud by going here.

Lesson: Learn to love all of the parts that make you...you!

Tomorrow: water

56/365 Color

It rained here all day. I had an idea that I wanted to try outside with one of my pinwheels, but it never stopped raining long enough for me to set up. So Plan B.

The first image is one I see every night and every morning because I taped it to the door of my bedroom. My youngest son drew it for me after I asked him to draw something for me a few months ago. I was beyond pleased to see this masterpiece and I was especially impressed with the way he decided to deal with the clouds and the sky! I love the awesome colors and the huge sun setting the sky ablaze.

I wanted to see the pinwheels alone in the grass, but it was too wet for me to get really down on their level and still be protected from the rain. I wasn't willing to sit the camera on the wet ground either. Now that the time has passed, I have all sorts of ideas regarding how I could have handled this situation. Ah well, tomorrow is another day!

The sun energizes me and these colors were the closest I could get to that sun today.

Lesson: Without the rain, you couldn't very well look forward to the sunny days.

Tomorrow: Me

55/365 Kitty

I love the freedom that goes along with childhood. Freedom to choose your own clothes without caring what other people may think about your really cool outfit. Freedom to pimp your headband with a gorgeous polka dotted bow. Freedom to don the Hello Kitty boots and to strike a pose--any pose!

My Thursday assignment was to find something square to photograph, however, I could not pass up the opportunity to capture this cutey in her adorable outfit.

Lesson: When working with children, follow their lead. They have amazing ideas about what makes a great image. Also, work quickly because things can change with them in minutes. I missed her beautiful smile by a couple of seconds, but I'm still pleased with what she gave me.

Tomorrow: I'm not sure...

54/365 Wet

This is another example of just looking around the house and making something happen. It was too cold this morning to go out with friends as we planned and I just could not get it together to get out. Ever have one of those days?? So, I walked out the door wanting a red berry and settled for these dark ones. I added the water with a spray bottle, moved to the right so I could utilize the rule of thirds. Click, click, click, click. Done.

Lesson: If you need rain, create your own. Turn on a sprinkler, pull out a spray bottle and ask your kid to pump. Get used to thinking on your feet and improvise!

Tomorrow: Something square.

53/365 Woollyhead

Craspedia. Craspedia is a genus of daisies commonly known as billy buttons or woollyheads.

I always believed that I love what I do, however, it has come to my attention lately that I truly do enjoy the relationship I have with my camera. When I'm feeling especially tense, I've noticed that I start to calm down and disconnect from my cares when my camera is in my hands.

Lesson: Give into your passion. You may discover that you truly do love what you do. You may discover that you are beginning to bloom and to effect those around you positively.

Tomorrow: People.

52/365 Untitled

I couldn't think of a name for these images so I went with the default name that pops up when saving things in Photoshop! I'm so clever. :-) I loved this old rusty car next to the rusting structure right beside it. I just happened to notice the sign as I was shooting and pulled it into the frame for some "humor".

The office buildings you see on the right are just minutes away from the old car. I initially thought they had lots of interesting symmetry going on, but once I got home and really examined the image, I wasn't so happy. Personally I think there's way too much going on here. Too many different patterns, too many different lines, too many bushes and trees that don't really add to the architecture at all. To top it all off the 5 connected buildings are all different colors. I converted it to black and white to "calm" the image down some, but it's still rather busy, imo.

Lesson: Try to find the angles that will bring out the best in your image. How can you shoot your subject so that the mundane is interesting? How will you process the image to add even more interest? Just a few things to think about AS you are shooting... try to keep the final image in mind.

Tomorrow: Macro. Really!

52/365 Medicine

I have finally realized that the one thing that works best for my moods is exercise! I discovered exercise in college and haven't stopped since that time (more than 20 years ago--shhhh). I've been off the wagon for about a year and have just recently started back again. I've already lost 5 pounds with 8 more to go! My reward after I've reached my goal? A visit to a spa in Mexico! I must say it's the perfect incentive to help me roll out of bed and into the gym.

My other favorite medicine? My books and my journal! I usually read 3-4 at a time and always have at least one with me. If I forget to pack my seat with books, I have a book bag that's always in the car and holds 1 or two books. I also listen to books on CD or tape when I drive. I learned this lesson from hubby who always has his trusty book bag of books with him.

Lesson: Always make time to take care of yourself, especially if you're a mom!

Tomorrow: I can't seem to stay on track with my assignments, so we'll just see what life blows my way.