It's flashing before my eyes.

Day 25-July 25, 2009

Photoshop, my friend.

My brother and his fiance took their engagement photos today. I was obviously not in L.A. to take them, but I sure could play with them once I got them! I love the coloring I did on this one. It is super cool. They look so happy. I think my brother likes her. I like her too. Ingrid, you poor thing, in a few short months you'll be a part of the family. Love my brothers to death, but man it sure is fun to play at having a sister. So, I used a sepia tone first, and then used about 7 layers to smooth skin tone, add a filter overlay, brighten and add contrast, and in an effort to give it a more old timey feel, I made them look magazine ready in some contemporary ad. I'm still figuring it out. But, I actually really like the result. So, world, meet my brother's choice in an eternal companion. Ain't they cute?





Day 26-July 26, 2009

Artwork.

Church art makes me happy. Church art in the primary room makes me teary-eyed. God bless the little children. They truly are angels. They have no idea what is good or bad, they only really understand happy and sad, and don't know why. My little man is perfect. I can say that looking at him, because he really is perfect. He has no inclination toward evil. He just wants to please his momma and daddy. He wants to play and enjoy life. God bless the little children. They are gifts unto us. They help us grow up.

Runner up: A leg to stand on.

Running around with my boy during the last hour of church to get all his wiggles out, we visited our favorite stop in the hallway-the water fountain. Imagine my surprise when he pulled out the stool, climbed up to the spout, and asked for da der. He's grown so quickly. He does something new every day. I know my mother warned me, but daggonne kid. You're too smart for my own good.











Day 27-July 27, 2009

Malcolm's First.

I have to admit, I did not take this picture. But, because he is my son, and therefore a part of me, it counts. This is Mac's first photo. He is too observant and smart for his own good. Silly momma set the camera within arms reach, and when I turned around, he picked it up, pushed the on button, placed that camera right up next to his eye, and clicked a picture. This is eye level with my toddler. My flower pot on the end table in my living room. What a way to give some perspective. Life is what you make it, the world is all in how you see it. I love that the coaster looks huge in this shot compared to the flowerpot. I think it's become obvious that if he knows how to use it, I must take a lot of pictures.



Day 28-July 28, 2009

The Essentials.

Yay for another fun-filled day of going through a garage. I think that I am less motivated, because this time it's my garage. We are trying to get everything out of this "addition to the garage sort of screened in porch", so that we can tear it down. We had a lot of food storage and essentials out there. Well, now they are ever so neatly beginning to accumulate in our garage. So, I took a picture of the essentials. Water, and t.p. What more could a person ask for? Why in the world would that make picture of the day? Because it's toilet paper, people!





Runner up #1 I dubthee, blue paint. I did not notice that my lovely can of blue paint was knocked over before it went squish underfoot. So, I did not paint the roses red... I painted the grass blue.









Runner up #2 Dinner is served. I felt like bleu cheese. We had roast. We had garden fresh tomatoes. Y-Change told us to eat more nuts. Combine those three, and you get a great stuffed steak. I took the toothpicks out before serving... But it looked too cute with them in, so I had to snap a shot before the final presentation.









Day 29-July 29, 2009

When it rains, it pours.

When we went to the Botanical gardens late, after going to Y-change which was scheduled late, after my husband spent his sweet time getting ready, which made us leave the Y late, we went to the cafe for cool beverages, though we were already late, and then we took the long walk around to the W.o.W. for our "playdate". Though we arrived late, we did get to spend a couple minutes talking to our friends as they were packing up to go. Did I take any cute pictures of Malcolm trying to drink from all the water fountains? Yes, I did. Did I take any pictures of the beautiful blue sky? Yes I did. Did you know that in a matter of minutes, something so picturesque could turn into a torrential downpour? Welcome to the summer in Norfolk.

I lost my week, but I got a lot done.

Day 19-July 19, 2009

I relish Sundays. I love Sundays not only for the mandated day of rest, but also for Sabbath activities. I love finding myself, week after week in the meditative ritual of the sacrament. I love finding the peace to reflect on my week, and my accomplishments and mistakes. (barring a sleepy toddler) I love the opportunity to serve my church in Sunday School. I love dressing up, with a place to go. It's not the same dressing up you do for work. This dressing up is fun, and meaningful. I love dressing up! This is a picture of me wearing my favorite skirt. I was called a clothes horse today. I must not wear many repeats to church. I do so love dressing up!




I also love naked babies. This was the cutest pic, I am glad I snapped it last minute.







Day 20-July 20, 2009

The time for fun is now! This is the week I lost to my in-laws garage. Monday began the assessment of the damage. I do not know how long it would have taken without my sister-in-law. I will admit, that through all the clutter, I found some amazing treasures. Old photos, negatives, and objects from another life, really put relatives together. These sorts of things help a person know where they've come from. Where their children have come from. Who knew that cleaning would rejuvenate my desire to find out our family tree? Mac was such a sport all week long. He really wants "down" so that he can ride all of the biiiiiies.



Even though this is my picture of the day, I think he received inspiration from our earlier visit to the cycle shop.








Day 21-July 21, 2009

Tim Otis is over 6 feet tall. I am barely over 5 feet tall. Tim Otis is a seasoned marathoner. I have completed one half marathon. What do you get when you combine th two at 5 a.m.? 9.5 miles in the slowest 90 minutes ever! Not the time, I mean me. I felt like the poor man was taking baby steps. I hope he enjoyed the run. I sure enjoyed the conversation. On the split back (which was negative I am proud to say!) the sun began to rise, and I found myself saying, I need to take a picture. Life imitates art every day. I like it!




Day 22-July 22, 2009

Did I mention that I spent much of this week cleaning out my in-laws garage? Amid the humidity and sweat, we did find time to relax. This is a stolen moment. Mac didn't used to like popsicles because of the cold. With 4 teeth coming in at the same time, he savored every lick. So did his danda.



I also got a shot with Mac's favorite "find"













Day 23-July 23, 2009

Phase 2 complete! Mac's new ceiling is done. The mural is being started. All I do is paint and clean, clean and pain.t Am I boring, or what?! My photo of the day is from the painting portion, though my husband got a great deal of pleasure from the cleaning portion. I found some old treasures.














Tim loved it!

So did his son :-)












Day 24-July 24, 2009

Phase 3 complete.

I am so OCD.

Yes, I stayed up until 1 a.m. to complete the mural.

Do you have any idea how hard it is to draw straight lines freehand?

The boat looks very basic, but it took me a lot of time.

A LOT of time.

Edit from my last post

I can't take just one...

Day 16-July 16, 2009

Magenta and Yellow mix to make what? Green! Enter my photo of the day. I have begun to paint, and since I am cheap, I perused the old paint we had in our garage. Imagine my surprise when I found two cans of the exact color I wanted that was left by the previous owner. So excited, I opened up the can, and was yet again surprised by the bright magenta film floating on the top. Now, I knew it had separated after sitting for who knows how many years... But really? So, somewhat trepidatious, I stirred, and stirred, and stirred. So you see the green starting to show through? Who knew? All of those years of art class have led me astray. I read the can label, and indeed it is correct. Magenta and yellow make green.




We are also house sitting for our friends the Haines. Every time I go to pick the beans from their garden, or do any good watering, Mac goes crazy trying to get the hose. So, I tried my best to show him how to water a plant, and then I went to my vegetable harvesting. This was too good a shot to pass up. So, even though I didn't have the good camera on me, if I've learned anything through the years, it's click before you lose the moment. So I pulled out my point and shoot, and low and behold, decent shot. I couldn't get a good macro of the bees on the flowers though. Tragedy.





Day 17-July 17, 2009

Phase one complete. I have been painting like a madwoman trying to get Malcolm's room ready before the end of the summer. You can see that my inspiration is the valance on the left. I love this shot, showing you where the three major colors intersect. I will show you updates as we go. There is much more to come. Sigh, no I am not done painting. Tim walked in and said "Wow, it's dark". *smile* Yes, yes it is. And I get so happy every time I walk in. I love that green. Oh, I love that green.




I also wanted to show you Malcolm sporting his converse shoes. He was being so helpful, because I "dropped" the lens cap. Thank you Mac!












Day 18-July 18, 2009

Bird Man. So, I am driving to the Y, on my way for some pool time with the family. There is a tow truck blocking the entire end of my street, blocking my normal exit. So, I cut down an alley to get one street over. I passed the funniest thing! There was an old man, parceling out bread crumbs on his sidewalk, with the pigeons eagerly awaiting their meal. As, I was laughing to myself, at the end of the alley I was thinking that would be a funny picture. A picture! So, I reversed most of the way back, and asked him if he minded me taking his picture. He of course asked why. I told him that I saw what he was doing, and it made me smile. He then smiled. He said he thinks the birds recognize him. Apparently he does this often. So, this is your view of said gentleman, if you look closely you will see the pigeons still waiting, with a trail of breadcrumbs on the sidewalk below. This picture totally beats any painting pictures, or pool pictures. This is the whole purpose of this great project. What an awesome stolen moment! Now, I will never forget.

Don't miss this chance to see my beautiful face!

Day 11-July 11, 2009

Occasionally, there is a U.F. C. fight that we just can't miss. I tend to be so exhausted that I can't manage to stay awake through the whole fight... Now, we share this love of gladiatoresque debauchery with just a few close people. So, I had to snap a picture of some of the regulars. Saturday fight nights include yelling, groaning, soda, oh, and deep fried goodness. To me this is a classic see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil picture. Tim sees nothing wrong with the blood and gore, Joe can't hear anything he's so focused on the fight, and I think you understand why Dave can't speak from this pic.



Day 12-July 12, 2009

Here's my shot of myself. I am supposed to take a few of myself throughout this project so that you can see my transformation through the year. This day was a Sunday. It was also one of the rare Sundays when Tim has to work. This left me with a sleepy one year old, my normal primary class, plus an additional Sunday school class whose teacher just couldn't make it. This made life fun. Luckily my bambino is easily entertained with crayons and a sheet of paper. Sacrament meeting was actually great! Mac loves singing, and hymnals. He was reverent during the actual sacrament. But, when Joe (Debauchery regular #2) and Tim Otis were called into the bishopric, Mac wanted to go sit up there with him on the stand.

Oh, and I must include in here, though not my photo of the day, merely for parent laughter, because I know every one goes through it... Amidst my going back and forth with cleaning and playing with my son, I discovered that he discovered the joys of wall art. I love that I just painted these walls bright white a couple weeks ago. What I love even more is that he found the black crayon to begin his masterpiece. What I am grateful for is that I caught him before it got much bigger. A couple days later there was a big orange scribble while on his daddy's watch.







Day 13-July 13, 2009

Raindrops keep falling on my head! Today was supposed to be a pool day, or maybe even the beach. Obviously it didn't happen. I love a good summer rainstorm, I must admit. So, we spent some quality time after Y-Change, at my sister-in-laws. I enjoy this photo of rain through her blinds. This is most definitely my photo of the day. I like the way it almost looks backlit in the darkness. So, after my moments obsessing over my brother's wedding, we watched some aimless television, and then got icecream at McDonalds.






As we were eating and driving, at was no surprise that we heard an eager "More!" from the backseat. How could we resist those pleas?











Day 14-July 14, 2009

Tuesday was rather unremarkable. I am spending more of my time organizing Malcolm's new bedroom so that I can paint this week. That means tat the actual highlight of my day was this. I went to feed Malcolm, then went into the back room for more glorious cleaning. When I came to check on him, not only had he eaten a good deal, but he had pulled our table runner toward him, and gotten into the salt bowl. I think his food was too bland.

He was so hungry that day, and could not stay out of the refrigerator. So, I have to include one more picture, although it didn't make my photo of the day. Yes, he can lift the milk out of the fridge, and yes, he tries to pour it himself.










Day 15-July 15, 2009

A day for errands. There is absolutely nothing interesting about this day, short of it being pay day. Payday=spending money=driving around. So, the shot of the day you ask? A great photo of my unorganized, and in need of a cleaning out purse.

If you look closely, you will see diapers, my wallet, some swimming goggles, peanut butter crackers, bills I still need to pay, a book of receipts and coupons, a pen, a hairtie, running socks, and housekeys. My cell phone was in my pocket, so it didn't make the photo debut. I thing that this photo pretty well lets you see who I am. Maybe now you'll know a little too much.

They will never be the same again.

My photos, that is.

Do you have a favorite? Because, I do.

Every once in a great while...

Day 8-July 8, 2009

Every one in a great while I feel the need to expound on my life in my writing, more than to merely let the pictures do the talking. I am such a horrible writer, that I let my art (be it music or photography) do the talking. But I am so appreciative of the insight I receive on a daily basis, that I have to say some things here and there.

This shot of the day is in Botanical Gardens, which is now one of my favorite places. I took a ton of great shots, but this was my final one on the walk back to the car, and it took my breath away. Not in that scary heart failure way, but in that "Thank you God that I am alive for this" way.

I can barely make a sandwich, let alone a dragonfly. I don't know how He did it. Oh, how much there is so much to learn. I am so grateful for this inspiration around me to create... Even all of my friends who are having their next round of babies. I look at my little one and think, I am glad my body knew what it was doing, because if it had been left up to me and my almighty brainpower, I don't think his eyes would be quite so symmetrical as they are.

Which has also made me think about how my little brother is working up the courage to propose to his girlfriend (which means cousins, right?!). Hurry up already so I can plan your wedding! My little brother. You know, boy genius, Doctorate in plasma physics, Mr. Intensity, little brother. No, the other one that doesn't look anything like me. Thank goodness he found someone desperate enough... I mean, understanding and loving enough to get his eccentricities. I hear L.A. is kind of cold in the winter for a wedding... oh wait, no I forgot, California is cold all year long. I'm gone for a few months, and already I've begun to forget.

(Runners up for the day)

Day 9-July 9, 2009

Keep climbing that mountain. We went to Mount Trashmore, and watched the kids roll down the hill. Mac climbed up to the top with no help from momma. He's amazing.

This first photo is my photo of the day, the clarity to fuzziness ratio with puffy clouds in the background makes for the perfect unaltered shot.



So... I've found myself saying "After I got sick..." alot this week.


I guess it's sinking in that for the first time in my life, I think I've changed. I've always been pretty mature, and self-evauluative, able to take criticism for what it is, and all that. But, I think that I have really changed.

Before, I was just growing, and adding on to my personality. Learning, and experiencing, and taking things in stride.

After I got sick... well, I changed. Near death experiences can do that to a person, I hear. I have decluttered my personality... figured out what's important... let go a little more so I can enjoy the sweeter things... understood that people don't always mean things the way they sound... and understood that MOST people, have good intentions. Things are just not as big a deal. But my drive for perfection has boundlessly increased. You only get one shot, so you better do the best with what you've got. If you want to see the top, you'd better climb that mountain.

It's a tragedy, but I found out that I like a pop song by Mylie Cyrus. "The Climb" puts me in my happy place. Please don't make fun of me. I know it's not some obscure tribal song from the middle of nowhere, like I tend to love, but it goes in my mix with "Damaged" by Danity KAne, and"Fighter" by Christina A. Whatever. A girl needs her inspirational running music.

Regardless of my music choices, I have decided that life is about conquering those hurdles, and it's about willpower and controlling what you can in your sphere. So, as living proof, I can tell you that no chocolate in the world is sweeter that finishing a half marathon in just over 2 hours with your best friend, after having barely been able to walk the year before. There are accomplishments that make the sacrifice more than worth it. Really, it's not a sacrifice... I love the feeling of emerging victorious.





Day 10-July 10, 2009

So, now we come to the cause of my great moment of introspection. My reason for words, and or the culminating event. The straw, if you will. The passed few years I have developed some tact. While I used to be one huge tactless blunder, and though I still have absolutely no secrets, my filter has grown a great deal. Apparently people have feelings, and boundaries, and expectations of human behavior. I am usually still very clueless about such things... but since my pregnancy, I have become very sensitive.

I have become much more aware of the expectations of others. My expectations are always set very high, because why expect less than the best? Who wants to live a mediocre life? You only have one chance, so live the best way you can. I do not understand why you would want less for yourself, but there are people out there who do. How do I know this you ask? If you want to really know someone, talk to his children. As a teacher, I find the laziest and most driven of people. Our children become the way they are because of us. So many of my school children don't fall far from the tree. Now, while I have high expectations, sometimes I screw up. (sometimes?!)

In becoming more sensitive about others, many questions have cropped up.
1. Does it take a village to raise a child, or do I keep my "help" to myself?
2. Do you tell the person at the gym you noticed they haven't lost weight in an attempt to help (not realizing how it may come out of your mouth), or do you mind your business and not insinuate that they're fat?
3. Do you try to help a family member by telling her you know there is some sibling rivalry between her kids (though you can offer no solution), or keep your big mouth shut?!
4. You you ask when more children are coming to the family, or is it really none of your business?
5. Do you shove a sign-in sheet in a neighbors face at the pool because they didn't follow procedure, or is it not your place?

Here are some of my conclusions:
1. It does take a village to raise a child. Help when you're asked, offer assistance directly to the parents, but do not interfere in parenting even if your friend looks frazzled. The child is his to discipline or not. DO NOT jump in and play mom unless the child is on your watch, and mom isn't there.
2. No matter if you're a personal trainer, if you work at that gym, or if you have the best of intentions... Do not ask someone how her nutrition is, because with all that working out, you haven't seen a change. I'm sorry, but you can't know someone that well that you say hi to now and again. You don't know if they might be pregnant, have a thyroid problem, not be concerned about weightloss, or worst yet, are struggling with it so don't bring up such a sore subject thankyouverymuch.
3. Don't say anything to people about raising their children. Family or not. No one has all the answers. Everyone's situation is different. Pointing out the problem is likely just going to make it a sore spot, and everyone does the best they can, right?
4. Family planning is up to the parents. Unless the topic is freely disclosed in conversation, don't go prying into others personal decisions. Like in my case, there may be doubt that any more can come.
5. If it's not your job, why are you worried who is doing what at the pool anyway? Shouldn't you be enjoying yourself, and relaxing like everyone else? Who cares if everyone has signed in or not, when no one checks on it anyway? Who cares if the baby who is in the pool for 5 minutes is wearing an EXTRA set of plastic pants or not? Are you getting paid to police the pool? Isn't it posted that no glass is allowed to be in the area? So why do you feel the need to ask if the wine glass is plastic or glass? It is not your job. Relax. Enjoy Your Summer.


My conclusion...

As much as I hate to say it, my mom was right. "If you can't say nothin' nice. Don't say nothin' at all." Oh, and the timeless classic "It's not our business honey, let people screw up on their own." So, my tact seems to be improving, as my mouth flaps less. The photo of the day you ask? I actually really love how this one turned out. As you can see, the plastic wine glass is drained. I think it's owner was more than a little peeved at the feeling of being policed about the rules, when poolside is supposed to be a place to put your feet up and relax!

It's a jungle out there

Day 6-July 6, 2009

Mondays are days that I teach swimming lessons privately.

This Monday NO ONE was at the pool except us because it was FREEZING COLD. The pool is right off the bay, so that breeze from the ocean was great. Not to mention that it rained the previous two days, so that outdoor pool water was spring rain cool.

Did I mention it was cold? Mac was such a good sport.










Day 7, July 7, 2009

Today we did yard work!

It feels so good to have a backyard to play in, and to get some plants planted, and beds weeded. It would feel better if we had food to pick, but we plan on having that next year. With a little effort, there will be vegetables a plenty.

What I forgot about was the side yard. Every summer it turns into a jungle. This picture is with it whacked half to death. I need to get in there, rip it all up, and pave the sucker.

But, I am afraid. Very afraid.