Almost Done

Okay, I'm almost done with transferring everything from my old cpu to my new. Technically, this isn't a new cpu. It's about a year old. My wonderful (and I stress wonderful...hahahaha) mother-in-law called me one day and said that her computer broke and so she ordered another. Of course me being the perfect daughter-in-law that I am, I consoled her and told her how sorry I was for her computer breaking like it did. "Oh ma...by the way...you think I can get the old one for parts?" hee hee hee I knew there was nothing wrong with it. I just needed to get her blessing on taking it. lol Well, I have finally gotten the chance to look at it, and just as I thought, there was nothing wrong with it. She did have a LOT of programs on there that I couldn't take off. So I just did a quickie format and reinstall and viola! I was totally shocked that she hadn't even taken the plastic off of the mouse. That shows you how new and unused it was. lol But I love her and thank her soooooo much for letting me have this one. My current one is about 5 years old or so. I ordered a flat panel from Dell so that should be here in a couple of days and I should be good for the next 5 years or so....Or at least until my MIL's new computer breaks! hahahaha

Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty

Gearing Up!

Well, I've gotten some new gear. Can you guess what it is? Hee hee hee. Stay Tuned!

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Betty

I can do more than surf the Internet, ya know?

I do actually sit down and read a book or two. I do sometimes take out time away from the Internet. At this moment these are the two books that I am reading. I have others, but they were in the other room at the time of shooting. :-) lol

The Dale Carnegie is one that the PPA suggested that you read if you are a photographer and trying to run a successful business. The second is one that I picked up at one of the camera stores. I hadn't seen that one before and thought I'd give it a look. So far both have some outstanding advice in them.

Especially the Successful Self-Promotion for Photographers one. It stresses the import qualities of being successful like being true to yourself, knowing what you want and being willing to challenge yourself, to name a few. The last statement I found to be very true especially since we're on day 29 of our 365 challenge. I have found that 24 days (remember I started on 1/5??) of shooting has been very challenging. But I'm hanging in there. So I've got 24 down 336 to go! Woo hoo!

Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty

Sunday's Best

We were all dressed up today to attend our Christian Meetings. My little men were looking mighty sharp today and they knew it. Both asked me to take their picture and they both did their own poses.

Even the little one looking out the door. That's how he wanted me to take his picture! lol I guess they have gotten used to this 365 challenge. lol

Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty

Multi-Tasking Away!

Okay, I was getting frustrated with the fact that I had to put everything down to answer the telephone. So I saw this advertised somewhere. I have head phones, but they hurt my ears and it's really hard to hear in them. I was having to talk too loud in order for the caller to hear me. I was also getting tired of the crooks in my neck while taking credit card numbers, working in PS, etc.

So, this helps me to be able to multi task. I can now hold one of the boys, work in PS, drink my coffee, and talk on the telephone at the same time. This totally rocks! This thing is pretty darn good. I can hear the ppl's heart beat! lol lol Hmmm....I wonder if it has a lie detector feature to it? lol lol

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Betty

Another Beautiful Day

It was another beautiful and sunny day. I took the kiddos to a different park today. I let them have Lunchables while we were there. Let them run and play on the playground. We had a good time. I ended up getting a few phone calls while I was there and didn't take the photos that I had intended on taking. Got a couple of my DD. I'm not too happy with them. In spite of her brown skin, she looks washed out to me. I assume that it's because I have been so used to working with high ISOs during this entire project that I've forgotten to turn that ISO down! I shot these at 400, but I could have easily shot them at 200 or less. It was so bright out there. And I'm not digging that brown that she has on either. Normally that brown would have popped against the grey and dreay backgrounds that I'm used to. Oh well. I'm just not used to having sunny days. lol lol

Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty

Deflating the Inflated

One year ago today I purchased this. I was on this kick that I was going to be healthy. I was going to be around for my kids' kids. I was going to enjoy my late years in life (I'm twenty-sixteen and time is getting short!). It started out really well. I enjoyed the heck out of this thing. Then my DD discovered it. I had to share it with her. Then my boys discovered it. I had to threaten them not to take it outside and bounce it. Eventually, I lost interest in it. At first it was just sitting around and whenever it got in the way, we simply kicked it out of the way. Then I stuck it in my bedroom closet. Then I stuck it in the corner with my photography presentation boxes. Today I had to go in and get a few boxes for my client's photos and it was in the way yet again. So I decided that the best thing to do is deflate it and fold it up and put it back into the box that it came in. Can you believe I still have the box?! How sad.
As I go through with this photo a day challenge and read all of the other blogs I see my behind getting wider than my chair. lol lol I'm going to have to start another challenge for myself. Don't know what just yet, but I'm going to have to do something. Maybe I'll run around the block with my camera gear on my back. lol lol

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Betty

Eatin Mor Chiken

Today, hubby didn't feel like cooking and I sure didn't feel like it. So what did that mean? It meant we got to go to Chick-Fil-A. That's about the only fast food that we can eat without getting sick. lol Besides, the kiddos love their playground. This was my first time trying out the Southwest Salad. It was sooooooooooo good. Chased it with a cookies and cream shake. I know...what happened to healthy? Don't they say women need all the milk they can get? It was a milk shake...hellooooo? lol

We met a really nice lady and her 5 year old son while we were there. He was so cute and had the coolest hat on. It was made like a jester's hat with lots of colors. It was so cool. I think she told me her name was Kelly. She was three months pregnant. Of course once I found that out I couldn't resist giving her one of my cards. I just couldn't believe that I had maternity cards left in my wallet. lol So Kelly...the pressure is on...if you're reading this, you HAVE to call me for your session. You don't have too much longer since baby is due in July. It will be here before you know it. :-) lol

Anyway, so here is our healthy fast food dinner. No cows will be haunting me tonight! lol

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Betty

Woo Hooo! We Left the House Today

Yep! Finally, we were able to get outside and enjoy some fresh air without freezing our tushes off! lol DH surprised us today and came home early (whew...glad the man in Brown was already gone...I had plenty of time to hide my packages! lol lol lol). DH made us all get our coats on and get out. He knew I've been griping about the weather and how the kids can't go out and play without catching walking pneumonia! lol

Well, we did it and they had a blast! They rolled, they swung, they slid, they tumbled, they ran and now they sleep! Which was my whole motive anyway. hahahahahaSo today turned out to be a good day. It was still quite chilly, but we survived. I just wish that darn sun would stay out for a while instead of hiding all of the time. Oh well...it will...soon.

Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty

Caution-Reverse Lens

Okay, so today didn't turn out as pretty as I thought it would. It was cold and ugly outside. Not rainy, just ugly.

So I had to stay inside on my hands and knees taking reverse lens shots. It's addicting! If I weren't so afraid of dropping my lens while doing it and getting dirt on my sensor, I would so go outside and do this! lolAnyway, here is one that I liked. It's the inside of my desk lamp. No light bulb was harmed during this shot. Matter of fact, there is no light bulb in the lamp and hasn't been for quite some time. lol lol

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Betty

30 Lashes Less One

Okay, I so deserve 29 lashes! Can you believe I did not pick up my camera not one time today? I feel so ashamed! I feel like a failure. Go ahead, give me my beating. I can take it. :-) I was so freakin busy today I was doing well to even get the post below up. I thought that I would just grab the camera and take a few pics and post them, but it didn't happen.

I promise, tomorrow shall be a new day. There is plenty around here for me to photograph. And if it's not raining, I might actually get an outside picture! Wooo hooo!

Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty

Working With Grown Ups!

I know, I'm late posting, but please forgive me. :-) I was working really hard yesterday and by the time I got home, I went to bed and that was at 7:30 p.m.!!!! lol
I had no idea that I could use a slow shutter speed. I have never even tried. Probably because I'm so used to working with children. On Saturday, I got the chance to work with a couple of grown up girls. They were so much fun to work with. Lauren and Laurie. No, they're not twins, but they worked together like they were attached at birth. lol lol I have so many photos to go through that I'm afraid I'll never get finished. I'm posting a sneak peek for the girls so they know that I am actually working and not spending all of my time bloggin! lol lol

Thanks L & L. You gals Rocked!

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Betty

Who's The Kid Here Anyway?

DH, and our sons made a trip to Costco this evening. We went for one item and came back with...well, let's just say more than one. I planned on spending $18 but ended up spending $70 (there goes my money for WHCC to get the kid's photos printed!).

Anyway, they were wild as usual (including hubby). At times it was funny. At times I was totally embarrassed (you know, when the little one announces to the world "I pooted! Oooo, I stink! Mommy...smell my buns!") Then there were the times that I wanted to walk out and end it all because the little one was screaming because his shoes were untied!

At times you couldn't tell who the kid was and who the adult was. It was a fun family outing. I guess we could have spent $80 as a family and do something more civilized like go to the movies, buy popcorn, drinks and candy and sit there quietly for an hour and half watching a movie. Instead we decided to have a wild night and spend $70 at Costco, get free samples and run holes in those concrete floors! Ahhh...I love that place. :-)

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Betty

I Want More!

I cannot get enough of this candle. I purchased it a few weeks ago and absolutely love it! I never heard of this brand until I went to the Hallmark store to pick up a few cards. I bought it thinking it was going to pretty much be like the rest of the candles that I bought and now only use them when the lights go out. This one is special. I love the smell. Even DH loves the smell. How often does that happen???? This is the Biscotti. Mmmmmmm....it smells so good and it will even go through out the entire house. It's awesome!

Ahhhh...it's the simple things that make me happy. :-)

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Betty

Exit Here

Well, my Internet service went down yesterday and I was unable to post my photos. It finally came back up today...so here I am.

I wanted to share what I see every time I come out of my kitchen. I always thought that this was a pretty neat view. It looks better in the summer with the green leaves almost touching the ground and my neighbor's yard across the street being the perfect green. Notice I said neighbor's yard and not my own. lol lol It's another Honey Do list item.

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Betty

Macro Rocks

A friend of mine from another challenge presented this challenge to me. At first it didn’t make sense. So I thought about it and finally got around to doing it. She told me to reverse my lens and take photos that way. It’s the poor man’s way of taking macro photographs. Hahahaha

It was pretty darn cool. Of course what was confusing me was how to set the aperture. Well…there is no aperture. You only set the shutter speed.

Here are a couple of items that I took macros of. The first are the berries from my holly bush out front and the second is red curry powder. Don’t tell hubby I was playing in his spices!

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Betty

Honey Does!

Okay, hubby said that he was “shocked and appalled” that I would post such things about him. Lol He watches waay too much television. Lol

It was another rainy day so hubby couldn’t go to work. Instead he listened to music and surfed the internet for recipes. Tonight he made a special dinner for no reason other than the fact that he likes doing this kind of stuff. You’ll have to read his blog to know what it is because I didn’t. But I can say that it was awesome! I took a few pics, but you’ll have to check his to see what it was. He wants them exclusively for his site. Lol

He did say that I could post the dessert that we had. They were steamed pears with dates, walnuts, honey and butter. Mmmmmmmmmm…everything was all natural and delicious! DD thought the little doohickies that the Asian pears were wrapped in would be cute to wear around her arm. They give her super powers. Lol

So, I feel really bad about the “honey do” list especially after this candle lit dinner. :-) So, I’m off to go and put on my tool belt and find all of the light switch covers. Lol

Thingamajig

Went and visited with my m-i-l and f-i-l and had a great time. She has a room in her home dedicated to the grandchildren. So my kids always have fun when we go there. My middle son brought this doohickey out and tried to show me how to play it. Of course, he only being 4 knew EXACTLY how to play it. Got it in every time. Me on the other hand couldn't. Matter of fact I hit myself in the head a few times. I even thought that maybe if I used my left hand instead, I could get it. It didn't work. Probably because I'm right handed. lol lol I eventually gave up and put it down, but for some reason it kept calling my name. I hate defeat! lol lol I tried to do it a couple more times, but still couldn't get that little ball in the hole. I gave up and decided I'd be better at taking a photo of it. :-) MIL had these really bright track lights that's making the harsh shadows and what not. But I still think it came out pretty good.

Anyway, we're just now getting back and I have to get the kiddos to bed and check all of their pockets to see what toys they took from Grandma's house. lol lol

Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty

It's a Rainy Day

It’s a rainy day
It’s a rainy day
I want to go outside
But I can’t go out today
Why do we need the rain
Anyway

Those of you that grew up on Sesame Street back in the 70's will know that song. Today made me think of that song. I sat around singing it to my kids. Of course they have never heard it. Sesame Street has changed so much. It's still a great show, but looking at it now with my kiddos makes me remember the very first time that Maria came to the show. She was like a size -00 with hair down to her butt. lol I've always thought she was so pretty. When Mr. Hooper died, I didn't think I'd ever stop crying. I think I called in sick to work that day. lol lol

There used to be so many shows on PBS that I loved to watch. Anyone remember Ripples or was it Getting to Know Me? The show that was about an African-American family with preteens growing up. The original Degrassi Jr. High/High. That show was sooo good. And Dr. Who! I love that show. I wished they still showed it here. I think the kids here in the U.S. would laugh at that show right now. lol lol

Anyway, it's amazing what type of memories a few drops of rain will bring on.

Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty

Honey Doesn't

Hubby has been painting the inside of our home for the past 6 months. We figured that we'd tackle an area at a time. We live in a classic late 60's split level home. So we figured we'd start at the top level with painting the hallway and trim. Finished. Paint the middle level hall way, living room and trim. Finished (well, almost, we still have to paint the doors, but I think I want new doors instead). For some reason, I can't get him to finish the bottom level which is where our bedroom and den are. It's gotten to the point that it's depressing down here now. I have resorted to calling it the dungeon. We have no carpet because we wanted to paint prior to putting carpet in. I have no furniture in the den because I wanted to get carpet and as I’ve already mentioned we can’t get carpet until we paint. See where I’m going with this? You can image how cold and dreary it is down here.

So I created this “honey do” list. Lol We talked about it. We went and got more supplies. We even started a new wall! I’m sure he’ll get it all finished…as soon as that Japanese anime marathon goes off. Sigh……….

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Betty

I Saved a Ton of Money For My Insurance Co.

Well, DD had another appointment scheduled for the dentist to have one of her teeth pulled out to allow the baby tooth to come in correctly. I guess she was afraid of the whole procedure so she ended up pulling it out herself. Lol So I saved some money for my dental insurance. I wonder if they will reward me for this. Possibly a free pink toothbrush? Yeah right!

Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty

My Lips Are Sealed

Well, once a month I actually get the chance to go out with no children, no husband, a tank of gas in the car and a wallet full of money ($20 to be exact. Lol). I get to go and hang out with some of the local photographers in Memphis and the surrounding areas. We normally meet up and eat at the family restaurant called Perkins.

Tonight we went for something different. All I can say is whoooooooooooa mama! This place was in Midtown Memphis and is famous for their Margaritas. Need I say more? Hee hee hiccup hee hee

Anyway, I did manage to get a couple of almost crisp photos. Of course I can’t show you who was there. It could actually incriminate them. Lol lol lol lol.

Sad that this photo is of a group of photographers. Where's the cameras?????? lol lol Believe it or not, this place was so dark. All of these were shot with my 50mm at 1.8 and 3200 ISO. I did a little of Neat Image on them, but didn't like the effect so I toned it down to like 10%, but they still didn't come out too bad.

Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty

Say Ahhhhhhh

Nothing special today. I had to take our daughter to the dentist. The other two have their appointments next week. My nerves couldn't bear taking all three of them at the same time. lol The dentist office was pretty neat. They were totally paperless, which was something new for me. DD ended up having three cavities. There was one in a permanent tooth and the other two in a baby tooth. One has been there for a while, but the filling fell out. Dr. suggested that we chill out on the fruit juices and sweet drinks. I told him that he needs to visit my blog and view my fridge. He would see that there is none! lol lol Anyway, these are the freebies that they give you. DD was upset because they didn’t have pink. She couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t stock pink toothbrushes and pink baggies and pink floss. I’ve been trying to teach her to voice her opinion as long as it’s appropriate. Well, you bet she voiced her opinion on this one. Lol lol I just hope that when my boys have their visit next week, they don’t end up with a pink baggie, pink floss and a pink toothbrush! hahahaha

Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty

Back 2 School

Whew, I didn't think I'd make it for my post today. I have two minutes to spare (at least at the time of me writing this). So here we go. My kids (again) doing their homework this morning. Our two year old, four year old and eleven year old daughter. We're a homeschooling family and this is our set up on a good day. Other days we're layed across the floor working upside down. hahahaha

I was able to get so many great captures I couldn't choose which ones to post. These are my best attempt at creating a story board. I ran out of time for the top photo, but the bottom photo I created myself. Didn't even use a template. I'm not an extremely talented person when it comes to the story board stuff, but hey! I tried. lol I must say, this whole, Photo a Day has already been a great experience for me. So maybe it will help bring out that creative beast that's inside me. :-P

Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty

It's a Movie Day

Today has been a really lazy day. It’s rainy, cloudy and just plain dreary. Today is one of those days where you go to Starbucks and buy $50 worth of coffee (two 16oz. lol lol), rent movies and lay around and watch them all day. Instead, hubby thought he’d go outside and blow the wet leaves away. The thought worked well on the driveway and sidewalk, but he ended up having to do manual labor for the yard. LolThe boys wanted to go out and join him, but dad said they had to stay inside since everyone just got over having a bad cold and they both still have that annoying lingering cough. I thought the fresh air would do them some good. I think that was dad’s excuse because he knew the boys would have the leaves all over the place and he’d never get finished. Lol
Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty

The 5 Seconds Rule

I’m a firm believer in the 5 seconds rule. If you drop your food on the floor, you have 5 seconds to pick it up and still be able to eat it. Otherwise, germs have taken over it and it will more than likely kill you. Hahahahaha

For some reason my boys think that having their food on the floor makes it taste better. Am I a bad mom because I sat there and watched them do this horrible deed? Lol lol The worst part is the fact that I watched them pick it up and put it back into the box. What’s so bad about that you may ask? Well, as soon as dad got home, what’s the first thing he grabs for a snack?!?

Big Brother, the instigator of the whole operation!

Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty

What’s for Breakfast?

Hmmm…I guess it’s time to go grocery shopping. Otherwise my children are going to have to eat a Dollop of Daisy on some Sara Lee with Heineken, but it’s only because I have already claimed the grapefruit. Lol lol lol

Anyway, this is my first entry on my Project 365 (a.k.a. 360). Enjoy. :-P

Have you had your portrait created today?

Betty