Amateur Photag

Since I was a young girl, I have always had an interest in photography. Despite being type A and having obsessive compulsive tendencies that defy the odds of having an "artsty" personality, the creativity still lives in me somewhere. (Thanks, Mom!) I remember taking Photography 101 in High School. Though it seems that it was only a couple years ago, it's been long enough that digital photography wasn't a part of our every day. I used a very old film camera that had belonged to one of my parents. I learned about aperature, shutter speeds, creating pinholes, the rule of thirds and so on. After taking photographs, I was then delighted to work in the dark room to make my images come to life. Looking back, I realize how great of an opportunity this was. As the years roll past, the term "dark room" will be one that is foreign.

Since that class in High School, I had never taken the time to expand on my photography knowledge, yet the interest continued to fester. I have always had a camera with me; catching moments is something that is, and always will be, very important to me. This is something Dustin learned about me very early on in our relationship. He has never smiled for the camera as much in the past 6 years as he had in the 20 years before we met!

Dustin, being the amazing husband he is, has encouraged me to foster the photag inside me. Two Christmases ago, he bought me an Olympus PEN E-PL1. It's a great first camera being that it has all of the options of a big, bulky professional camera, but it also has the features of a point and shoot.

Now that I am done school and have time on my hands that had previously been devoted to research and studying, I am hoping to learn more about photography. Though I still feel that I know nothing, there is no denying that being behind a camera is, by far, one of my favorite places to be.

In March, I set out to do a "March Photo Challenge". I wasn't able to take a picture for every prompt. Some days were busier than others, but I had fun taking the ones I did. Some prompts were quite challenging and required a creative mind! Here is what I captured.

3.1.12 Self Portrait

3..2.12 Today's Outfit - This was probably one of the hardest prompts for me as far as creativity. I tried so many different shots...

3.3.12 Clouds - I love the sun behind the clouds.

3.4.12 Something Green - Lucky Bamboo

3.5.12 From a High Angle

3.6.12 From a Low Angle

3.7.12 Fruit

(Fruit Blooper)

3.8.12 Bad Habit - 'nough said.

3.9.12 Someone You Love - really liked both of these shots.

3.10.12 A Childhood Memory - my birthday party invitations.

3.11.12 Something Blue

3.12.12 Sunset

3.14.12 Eyes

3.17.12 Technology

3.18.12 Your Shoes

3.19.12 Something Orange

3.20.12 Bokeh

3.21.12 Faceless Portrait - this picture makes me laugh. Being silly in my painting clothes.

3.24.12 Animal - obviously my pictures of animals are a dime a dozen. Here's one I took on the 24th.

3.25.12 Something Pink - early spring!

3.26.12 Sommething Close Up

3.28.12 Flowers

So, there you have it. Despite how much I need to learn about taking pictures, I enjoy it none the less. 

A Brief Update

Dustin and Papa John continue to work hard at Green St. day in and day out. They've spent a lot of time updating the outside, from both the front and back entry ways to new siding, it's really in great shape. This morning, the kitchen was on the agenda. For fun, I thought I'd take before and after pictures for the day. I swung by the house after Mass, but low and behold, half the cabinets were already up! Once the day was over, all cabinets were installed and the flooring was tiled. I'm simply amazed!

Below are a few more shots from today...

Kudos to Dustin and Papa John! Their skill is improving more and more with each project. Next will be grouting, counter tops and back splash. Stay tuned!

Time to Paint

About two weeks ago Dustin asked "What are we doing next weekend?" After answering that we were free Sunday, I immediately felt a cringe when he responded with "Good, you can help me paint."

I have mixed feelings about painting. On one hand, it's exciting to reach the point of painting in a flip because it means you're on the other side of the hypothetical "flip hump." It's when you begin to see the project that you have been visualizing materialize into a tangible result. However, on the other hand, I think of painting and my shoulders hurt, my elbows hurt, my neck hurts, my back hurts, and I anticipate paint staying in my hair no matter how many times I wash it.

Last Sunday, we began priming. Fortunately we have a massive roller to help get the job done.

We spent most of the day painting; we got the house primed and we also painted all the ceilings. I feel like I got off easy as Dustin has since been spending his week nights painting the house color. (Pictures to come). Here's what the house looked like last week.

Here is a before and after of the downstairs drywalled (before painting).

This is another view of the downstairs from the kitchen.

This is the front bedroom. The doorway was moved and the closet was added.

This is one of the biggest changes. The wasted space is now a huge bathroom! This was shown in a previous post when it was framed, but the drywall certainly solidifies the floor plan.

The back bedroom hasn't gone through any substantial changes. It has a new closet (not seen in this picture) and is getting a face lift with patching and fresh paint.

The 3rd floor is turning into a functional and appealing space with walls and paint.

Aside from paint, here are some other improvements.

Remember the whole in the cement in the basement? Now there's a toilet.

The two pictures above are the front porch. Certainly, this isn't an improvement.... yet. The improvement is well on its way.

Currently, the second and third floors are painted, the tiling will be going into the bathroom this week, the stairs and second and third floors are going to be carpeted on Wednesday. After that, the first floor will get the final coat the paint, the kitchen will be assembled and flooring will go in. After this, we'll be on the home stretch! Stay tuned....

Meet Riley

You've met Grayson. You've seen how silly Grayson is. Now, let's meet Riley.

As I looked through my pictures of "Where's Grayson," I was unable to ignore the overwhelming amount of pictures I have taken over the years of Riley. A vast majority are of him sleeping. Why would I take so many pictures of a sleeping dog? Let's take a look...

Yes, he put the bear there himself.

Yes, he positioned the pillow himself.

Found this in the middle of the night.



No, he's not allowed on this chair.



No, he's not allowed on the bed in the middle of our pillows.

Yes, he positioned the toy and pillow himself.

"Uh oh, Mommy caught me."

Quick, where's his head?

Riley's version of downward dog.

My poor pillows!

Clearly pictures speak a thousand words. Need I say more?



Other pictures I found were of Riley and Grayson together. Dustin and I are regularly asked "do they get along?" Well...

They were promptly kicked off the bed after this picture was taken!



Grayson believes that these dishes and the dog food are his. He needs gentle "reminders" that he's a cat.

The answer is yes, they get along.

However, they also "play" like brothers.

And, what Riley post would be complete without pictures of his naps with Daddy?

I don't believe Dustin stretching his back was an invitation, but the kids took it as one anyway.

So, there you have it. These pictures depict our sweet puppy in a nutshell. Although, don't let them fool you; he's a very high strung, clumsy dog. Just another reason we love him!