Touched.

I have come across a photographer/humanitarian/explorer/blogger who has just affected me beyond words. His work, both photographic and otherwise, is so incredibly inspiring. I just read a blog post of his that I don't think I will soon forget. You should give it a read. Then you should check out the rest of his blog/site.

Jeffrey Chapman













(Photo by Jeffrey Chapman)

Playing with the new camera...

Knitting Tote for the MIL

I made a knitting tote for my mother-in-law this Christmas. She has been so supportive of learning arts and crafts - taking a jewelry class with me, teaching me some knitting, sewing with me..... and I felt horrible for having made items for my mom and sis-in-law, and haven't made her anything yet. I just couldn't seem to find the right project. Then I saw the pattern for this bag. It's one of my favorite projects to date. :)








**Please ignore the stray threads I hadn't trimmed off yet**



I, of course, didn't start it until the week of Christmas. My husband asked if I "like" to sew, because I seem flustered/stressed when I do it. I told him I love to sew, just not when I'm on a time crunch. He said, "But you're always on a time crunch when you sew." Point taken. But time crunch and all, I loved making this pattern. It was straight forward and relatively easy for me to understand. I'm new to sewing, and had to look up a few terms and techniques, but I got through it relatively unscathed - short of cutting my fabric pieces out in the wrong layout and having to go buy more fabric. Twice.

I was proud of the little details like the velcro tab, velcro strap handle, and pleated pockets. I was so excited to give it to her, and so touched by her reaction. She really really loved it. :)




If you're interested in trying it, the pattern was Butterick B5006. It also includes patterns for some accessories like a knitting needle roll, round needle case, sewing pouch and a pincushion. These will be great follow-up gifts (mother's day, birthday) for me to give my mohter-in-law to go with her new tote!

I Finally Got My SLR!!

I have waited so long for this. I have done my research. I have saved my money, but each time I had enough to buy it there were more important things to take care of than having a new camera. But now, it's mine!! All mine!! Bwahhahahahahahahaaa!


I have to admit - when I first got it out of the box and started playing with the functions, I was thinking "what did I get myself into? I can't even work this thing!". But, I'm starting to get the hang of it and really enjoying the learning process. I feel as though doors have been opened for my love of photography. :)

I originally only purchased a 100mm f/2.8 lens, but having not understood which lenses do what, I immediately purchased a 50mm f/1.8 as I couldn't so much as take a photo of family in the same room with the 100mm. I thought that would settle it. But there are now three other lenses I want to get, then I'll be satisfied. Maybe. Probably not. I can see this being an expensive hobby.

Here are some of my first shots (of course, they're the best of what I've done so far).........

Yes, Perhaps, I Am A "Weirdo"

I came across this comic today and got a kick out of it. Myself, and several of my friends, can find ourselves on this chart. ;)

Tattoo

I saw this tattoo online today and just LOVE it. I've been wanting another tattoo for a while now - I already have one on my hip and one on my lower back. I haven't been able to figure out where to put another. As much as I love them and think they're beautiful, and that some girls can pull off a pretty tattoo with a nice dress, I'm too chicken to get anything that is too visible at a time when I may not want it to be.
I think I've decided to get a henna pattern done on the inside of my left ankle. I'd have it inked in an auburn hue to look like a naturally faded henna. Now I just have to find the perfect henna pattern....

Incubus at DTE - 2011

My friend Amber and I are huge Incubus fans (more their old stuff than the new stuff). We were hoping to get seats somewhere in the first 10 rows or so this year, but ended up halfway back under the pavillion, dead center. Still great seats, and still an AWESOME night. :)