Camera Curiosity

Sounds of the NTIF

2012-03-05T08:44:00.001-08:00

The first band we heard was Killavil. The guy on the far left, and the girl are brother and sister. They play traditional Irish music, and came here from Florida. They were really good. These pictures aren't the best quality. I was usually too far away, and the lighting wasn't the best. There was also so much more music that we didn't listen to because we were too busy browsing the merchandise.

This band was Tullamore. Listened to them briefly while browsing a table of CDs.

Flashpoint. Very lively trio. They were cool.

Heartstrings. Loved the harp. Another brief listen as we were on our way out.

More from the NTIF

2012-03-04T21:27:00.003-08:00

I'm going to split my pictures up into sections. Some of the prettiest things I spotted weren't even part of the festival. These are some random shots I took while walking around on the fair grounds itself. Sounds from the festival coming tomorrow!

KeyRawr told me she thought these were lilacs. I had no idea what they were other than they smelled really nice.

Pretty, shiny red berries that were beside those lilacs.

No idea what these pink pretties were. Anybody?

North Texas Irish Festival

2012-03-03T22:56:00.003-08:00

Crazy, fun, busy day. I'd been waiting for this since I found out about it in January. Here's one picture from the festival for now. Will share more tomorrow. It's late and I'm tired. Finally winding down. Off to sleep...with visions of the day and the sounds of Irish music in my head.

Two Hearts

2012-03-02T12:59:00.002-08:00

Heart-Shaped Leaf 2

2012-03-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

Heart-Shaped Leaf

2012-02-29T20:45:00.000-08:00

There was a lot of heart-shaped leaves in and around the trail at the park. I tried to capture as many as I could, depending on light and angles. Some were just too hard to get to or looked too dull. This particular heart-shaped leaf was on a tree branch about a foot above my head. It was really windy, so I had to pull the branch down to steady it some. I liked the little curly things coming off of it, and the sunlight.

Signing

2012-02-28T09:46:00.011-08:00

I've been dying to post about this! Now that KeyRawr and Oldest got the goodie package I sent them over the weekend, I wanted to post the pictures I took at a recent book signing. There was a couple surprises I wanted KeyRawr to find before I posted about everything. Of course, because I have a big mouth, and shared a few of the pictures, she knew about some of it already. :)

Barnes & Noble hosted the Breathless Reads Tour which included YA authors Andrea Cremer, Marie Lu, Jessica Spotswood, and Beth Revis. I'd never been to a signing that had more than one author. There was a discussion panel and then the signing. It was a lot of fun. The ladies were all so funny, and very enthusiastic about their books, each other, and writing in general.

The cafe had a drink menu for the event. Each drink had to do with each of the books. I had the Bloodrose Blended Lemonade in honor of Andrea Cremer's "Bloodrose" since that was the book I was having signed for KeyRawr. I can't remember the names of the other drinks since I also sent her the menu.

Andrea Cremer!

They had these lanyards at the event that has a unique code where you can enter to win cool prizes. Fun stuff, good times!

Simple

2012-02-27T18:30:00.000-08:00

I'd hoped to have this posted earlier, but most of my day was spent at the Apple store trying to fix the problem I'd been having with my iphone. The quick version? The thing cratered, a restore didn't work, and I got a replacement phone. My car also decided to be a little tempermental today.

I took this picture as we were leaving the park on Saturday. It was as if the bike was just there waiting for me to come along and find it. I liked the original, and I also liked the edited version with textures, so I'll show both here. You can be the judge and see which one you like better.

Some days, like today, it's easy to lose sight of the simple things that bring us joy. Like maybe hopping on a bicycle and riding with the sun in your face and wind in your hair. Not a care in the world. I can almost feel the innocence and playful energy when I look at this picture. It makes the crazy day not so bad.

Bees in Bloom

2012-02-26T17:54:00.004-08:00

Here's another photo from my outing at the park yesterday.

Not sure what kind of tree or little flowers those are, but it caught my eye as I was on my way to look at ducks on the pond. I didn't notice the bees until I just about had my head right in the tree to get close enough. I thought they added that little something extra so I carefully snapped away. Luckily, I didn't get stung, and got a pretty good picture in the process.

Lemons

2012-02-25T20:10:00.002-08:00

I mentioned wanting to try a new macro idea that I saw in a video, and I got the chance to do that today. Although, I think I placed the lemon improperly (outside instead of inside a glass vase), it turned out okay for what it is. My sparkling seltzer water wasn't very bubbly either so I didn't get the bubbly effect I wanted. Trial and error I guess. I also had a hard time finding any green wrapping paper that I liked, so I went with this green gift bag for the background.

Had a picnic in the park today where I took these. Will share more of those photos tomorrow.

Barrel of Fun

2012-02-24T22:52:00.001-08:00

Cheesy?

2012-02-23T20:51:00.000-08:00

Can you guess why I titled this one 'Cheesy'?

Silver Seashell

2012-02-22T20:29:00.000-08:00

Macro Misfits

2012-02-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

Another day of searching for inspiration. I watched a cool macro video this morning, and I want to try the idea. It would involve being outdoors and a few props. This week would be perfect since it's sunny and warm. For now, here's my less than perfect attempt at more macro photography.

I'd bought these glass figures at Toys 'R Us a while back. Usually they sit on my bookshelf, but I took them into the kitchen and set them in some soapy water. This was the first one.

I didn't like the lighting, so I turned off the light that was overhead. That made it too dark, so I got my "assistant" to shine his new fancy flashlight on the pair, and got the resulting picture below. Maybe not worse, and maybe not better. I like the darker blue if nothing else. It all continues to be a work in progress.

Framed

2012-02-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

Outside the movie theater yesterday, I spotted a pair of black, plastic frames minus any lenses in the grass, and snapped a picture. They looked like they might've been kids' sunglass frames.

Texture adds life
to ordinary things that may
otherwise go unnoticed.

Lunch and a movie

2012-02-19T20:36:00.000-08:00

Had lunch at Blue Goose today. Cheese enchiladas with refried beans. Yum.

After lunch, we went to see Safe House. I was so full and tired from lunch that I fell asleep before the movie even started. Yeah, I know. I'm a fun date. Woke up somewhere in the action. There was lots of that. Good movie.

Art

2012-02-18T20:40:00.001-08:00

It's been a fairly quiet weekend. I got caught up on e-mails and chapter edits on a friend's book. It rained most of today, so there was no chance to get out for photos. When I was trying to decide what to take a picture of, I knew it was going to have to be something inside, but different for me. This is a candle wall sconce that I used a texture effect on. Everyday things as art? I liked it, anyway.

Magazine

2012-02-17T23:11:00.000-08:00

Not much as far as subject matter, but I received this in the mail today. My new favorite magazine. Inspiration and a simple pleasure all wrapped up in one.

Love In Bloom

2012-02-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

A true love blossoms
and endures,
prickly thorns and all.

Back when I participated in the April poem-a-day challenge, I learned about different poetry forms I'd never heard of. Lately, I'm obsessed with the Lune (either version - Kelly or Collom), which is similar to the haiku. The shortness suits me when I lack a lot of time to write anything more.

Rose In Bloom

2012-02-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

The sweet, delicate

fragrance of the red rose

plays in shadows.

Happy Valetine's Day

2012-02-14T21:13:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a Happy Valentine's Day!

Red Roses

2012-02-13T21:40:00.000-08:00

Flowers. Twice in two weeks. Tonight, I got pretty red roses as an early Valentine's Day gift.

Snow

2012-02-12T20:45:00.000-08:00

We had our first snow of the year tonight. Big, huge flakes but they didn't stick around long. It's raining now. My snowflake pics didn't turn out very well, and by the time I tried again, it was just rain that you couldn't really see in the dark.

Am I wrong to wish it gets ugly enough out there to have school cancelled tomorrow?

Stones

2012-02-11T21:41:00.000-08:00

A small stone

held tightly in the palm

of your hand.

You run your

fingers over the jagged edges,

the smooth corners.

Taking in every

detail, until its polished perfection;

you pay attention.

Old Train Station

2012-02-10T22:59:00.000-08:00

Signs

2012-02-09T20:23:00.000-08:00

Two days ago, I noticed this bush with what looked like a perfect square cut out of the center. I'd only seen it at a distance from the main road when driving through town, so, as my interest grew, I decided to go over today and check it out. Well, as you can see, it isn't as interesting as I thought it was. Should've known. But instead of being completely disappointed, I thought it was almost funny. I mean, really?

Ratty Shoes

2012-02-08T17:32:00.000-08:00

I've wanted to take a picture of these shoes hanging on a telephone wire for some time now, but didn't want to use it because of their potential meaning. Finally decided it was another opportunity to take a picture and play with effects, so I did.

Windmill

2012-02-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

In the Backyard

2012-02-06T21:52:00.000-08:00

I've been sticking close to home for photos lately. The progression seems to be lacking, if only to me. Not to mention I'll have to really search for new locations/ideas since I've just about exhausted all the ones I know of in and around the area, but, yesterday, when I was in the backyard hoping to find something of interest, I spotted this fat little bird sitting in the neighbor's tree. I must've taken 20 pictures, hoping he'd do something more interesting than look off to the side and back at me. He was fun to watch, and made a pretty good subject.

Lunch

2012-02-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

I'd been craving Chuy's for a while - they have the best chips and dip, specifically the Creamy Jalapeno dip that's mainly Ranch (I think) with tiny pieces of jalapeno in it. Yum! So, we went there for lunch last weekend. I didn't have my camera with me, but I did take this picture of hubcaps on the ceiling with my iphone.

Empty Nest

2012-02-04T22:47:00.000-08:00

Reach for the Sky

2012-02-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

Small Stone:
The tree's skinny, bare branches look like a pencil sketch on a bluish-gray canvas.

Tethered

2012-02-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

Tethered to yesterday,

as I search for today
in tomorrow's chokehold.

Tulips

2012-02-01T10:18:00.000-08:00

My tulips that the husband brought home yesterday.

Small Stone:
A red, bell-shaped vase with four tiny water drops on its side is home to a burgundy and yellow sunburst cradled by petals of pink and white satin.

One Man's Trash...

2012-01-31T21:40:00.000-08:00

You know what they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure. Okay, so I'm not a man, and neither was the woman who set this grill near the curb for trash pick up, but I certainly thought it was a treasure (however a small one), as far as finding inspiration goes.

I saw this slightly faded pink grill earlier in the day, and just had to snap a picture.

Tunnel Vision

2012-01-30T20:40:00.000-08:00

Looking through a hole in the fence into the backyard.

A weed is no more than a flower in disguise... - James Russell Lowell

Beauty

2012-01-29T08:30:00.000-08:00

A little randomness as far as my pictures have been going, but I bought this Barbie doll at a nearby Dollar General recently to practice using the close-up mode on my camera, and wanted to use the pictures I took of her.

And a Small Stone:

Youth, effortless beauty, captured in its exuberant light.

Empty

2012-01-28T14:54:00.000-08:00

A biting chill whips through

the already fragile emptiness,

cracking the once occupied

space in my heart, shattering

it into a thousand

tiny splinters.

100 Posts!

2012-01-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

Today is my 100th post! I've had a lot of fun taking photos and sharing them on here every day over the past few months. Since today is my 100th post, I thought I'd do a photo collage of some of my favorites.

Red Berries

2012-01-26T20:53:00.000-08:00

Water droplets glisten on red berries nestled against leaves of emerald green.

I've been writing Small Stones in a daily journal since discovering the Writing Our Way Home site a couple of weeks ago now, but decided to put one up on here to go with the picture I took this morning of red berries on the bushes against the side of the house.

Sit a Spell

2012-01-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

Old Tractor

2012-01-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

Another picture from outside Babe's, and I still have more to go. As far as the variety, and the amount of pictures I came away pleased with, I'd have to say this might've been the most successful outing.

Old School Bell

2012-01-23T16:09:00.000-08:00

Signs

2012-01-22T20:14:00.001-08:00

signs from outside Babe's Chicken Dinner House.

School Daze

2012-01-21T18:13:00.000-08:00

Afternoon at the Park

2012-01-20T20:30:00.000-08:00

Another nice day today. A picnic in the park, playing frisbee, watching the ducks on a pond, and walking the trail around the park, all with two of my favorite people. In January! Gotta love this crazy weather.

Old School

2012-01-19T22:06:00.000-08:00

The initials, carved in old wood,
the same in the tree where we stood.
Encircled by a crooked heart
we proclaim our love to the school.
Staring across the room like fools
we couldn't bear to be apart.
With my finger on yesterday
I trace the memories and say,
where do I start?

Which Direction

2012-01-18T09:12:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those moments where you seem to be going in every direction, but not really going anywhere? Where you're doing so many different things that you can't pin one particular thing down? Then you wonder why you think you have to pin only one thing down. You're a well-rounded person with varied interests, and what's wrong with that? Well, nothing, other than feeling like you're always just searching for that next thing that will consume you rather than grabbing a hold and soaring with the potential that bubbles just beneath the surface.

The phrase 'going nowhere fast' comes to mind. I feel like this a lot, and other times I realize I have to slow down and just be. It's a product of my willingness to learn, and impatience at achieving goals.

It hit me yesterday when I discovered I might've been doing something the wrong way after I'd enjoyed the process for days, when, actually, there is no right or wrong way. That pesky inner critic just wants me to believe I'd done it wrong. So, I push Pesky Inner Critic aside and move on. One small step at a time.

Locked Doors

2012-01-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

I climb and

scratch at the locked door,

splinters push

underneath

tender flesh that bleeds into

the dark crevices.

Light

2012-01-16T19:04:00.000-08:00

The light shown

brightly against the darkness,

casting shadows.

Finding Bits of History

2012-01-15T22:30:00.000-08:00

Today, KeyRawr and I went to take pictures of a gazebo outside the Frisco Heritage Museum, but ended up finding much, much more. Next to the museum is a restaurant called Babe's Chicken. Apparently, this is a popular place to eat and also take photos. There were two other people taking photos at various spots that lent great backgrounds, and there seemed to be a steady parade of people going into and out of the restaurant.

Here are a couple of photos from today. Nothing to do with the restaurant or the heritage museum, but these were some favorites that I tried using macro mode on my camera. Will share more from the outing tomorrow!

Sunset at the Lake

2012-01-14T20:07:00.000-08:00

Photography Tips Friday

2012-01-13T20:28:00.000-08:00

A friend shared a few links with me the other day, and I wanted to pass them along here. These two were my favorite. The guy in the first series is very easy to understand, and has lots of information. After watching his first two tutorials, I pulled my owner's manual out of the closet, dusted it off, and actually looked through it for the first time. I've basically figured out most of the settings on the camera on my own, but having the book, and these videos, is helpful.

I'm thinking about taking the free photography course that Karl Taylor offers. I liked his video on YouTube about lighting because that's something I seem to have a lot of trouble with.

And today's photo is of my baby, Mia. I was planning to do some macro photography, and did attempt some, but they didn't turn out so well. Practice, practice!

So, before the macro session, Mia was sitting on the ledge over the tub in the bathroom, her tongue flicked out, and I caught it at just the right time.

Do a Little Dance

2012-01-12T09:14:00.000-08:00

They're looking again.
Let's give them a show,
do a dance.

Park Bench

2012-01-11T09:48:00.000-08:00

A whisper in the wind carries
memories not to be buried,
but cherished close to a varied
heart overflowing with
curious wonder at fairy
tale dreams that seem a myth.

Camera in Hand

2012-01-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

When we were at the park over in Allen this past weekend, KeyRawr took some pictures of me doing what I love doing. I think she and Oldest were on the bridge above me or somewhere to the side, and I didn't know she was taking these. It was a nice surprise. This is one of my favorites.

Rainy Monday

2012-01-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

It's cold, wet, and gloomy today. At least I still have a little bit of sunshine to share with you - ducks and geese at a park in Allen.

The ducks didn't seem as friendly as the ones we've encountered in the lake and pond near where we live. I'm guessing the ones in Allen don't get a lot of bread tossed to them. And the geese, big honking geese, will walk closer to you, but they're kinda scary with all the noise they make, and territorial attitudes. Still, fun to watch.

Over the Bridge and Through the Woods

2012-01-08T19:34:00.000-08:00

Here's a few more photos from yesterday's outing. More still to come tomorrow.

Enchanted Forest

2012-01-07T22:33:00.001-08:00

This is from a park KeyRawr, Oldest and I went to today. I call this part of it the enchanted forest because that's what it reminded me of. All the greenery and tall, crooked trees. A creek under a bridge (pictures of that to come). A peaceful, quiet little place away from all the noise of the city. I had a lot of fun exploring there today and taking tons of photos.

A Green Shed

2012-01-06T22:09:00.000-08:00

Tucked away, hidden behind dark shadows,
I search blindly and reach out for that dream.
The one that torments me and gives me joy.

How soon it comes, sometimes without warning,
and I'm left with nothing but tiny parts
tucked away, hidden behind dark shadows.

I grasp those glittery shards in my hands.
Hold tight to their sharp-edged reality.
I search blindly and reach out for that dream.

Spinning in circles, I let the jewels fall
with me in an imaginary dream.
The one that torments me and gives me joy.

Mia

2012-01-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

I think Mia has the right idea. I'm going to take myself and my headache to bed. Good night.

Short and Sweet

2012-01-04T21:10:00.000-08:00

The desire,
wrapped in its shiny
foil paper,
melts the ice
along the path to your heart
peeling off layers.

Birthday

2012-01-03T22:02:00.000-08:00

It's my birthday today. Almost over now. I've been a little busy. I received a lot of goodies and we all went out to eat at my favorite seafood restaurant (Red Lobster) tonight. Mmm...stuffed mushrooms and mozzarella sticks for an appetizer. Popcorn shrimp, baked potato with salad and iced tea for dinner. Yum! After we got back home, the husband made me a red velvet cake with cream cheese icing.

This morning, I found two CDs on my bedside table (the latest from Maroon 5, and Nickelback). When I came into the study, I found another gift - the complete Irish Born trilogy by Nora Roberts (Born in Fire, Born in Ice, and Born in Shame) all in one big book. Those were from the husband. He also gave me a very pretty ring while we were out to eat. It's from the open heart collection which I really like.

Oldest and KeyRawr got me "The Secrets of Ireland" by Kevin Eyres. It has beautiful photos and text detailing Ireland's history, famous landmarks and present day villages and modern cities. I can't even begin to do this book justice in all that it encompasses. It's just awesome. What a thoughtful, thoughtful gift! Thanks guys!

Current

2012-01-02T18:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I posted about all the things that stood out for me in the past year. Today, I want to take the time to list some current things (e.g., currently into, currently doing, current favorites).

Favorite song: Moves like Jagger by Maroon 5
Currently listening to the Cars Shake it Up

Drink: Dr Pepper (this never seems to change)
Currently drinking, you guessed it, a Dr Pepper

Unhealthy snack from 7/11: m&m candies cookies
Currently eating the m&m candies cookies I bought tonight.

Book series: In Death series by J.D. Robb
Currently reading "Holiday in Death" by J.D. Robb

Iphone game(s): The Story series (Bakery Story, Restaurant Story, Farm Story). Not currently playing because I'm typing, but I go back and forth between these and Word games (Wordfeud, Words with Friends and Hanging with Friends)

Iphone music app: Pandora
Currently listening to the Cars on Pandora

Color : Black, purple
Currently wearing both colors

Dream place to visit: Ireland
Currently in love with all things Irish. Hope to visit someday.

Season: Summer
Currently freezing. Wish it was summer now!

Passion(s): Photography, writing (always)
Currently leaning toward taking a photography workshop/class. Currently catching up on journaling, and working toward writing goals.

What are you currently doing/into?

2011 Recap

2012-01-01T22:58:00.000-08:00

There were lots of memorable moments in 2011, and I wanted to do a kind of recap of some of my favorites.

I'd always wanted to go ice skating, and finally did. Not at all like the roller skating I used to do when I was younger. But totally fun.

Discovering a new passion for photography, and trying to teach myself all about it.

Meeting KeyRawr, and welcoming her into our home and hearts.

Seeing my first balloon glow (however small; only three balloons). Still looking forward to seeing the big festival that Plano does every year.

Meeting Nikki Sixx at his Barnes & Noble booksigning. Unfortunately, all of my pictures of him were blurry.

Finally picking up J.D. Robb's In Death series (not pictured here), and falling in love with Ireland because of it.

Summer vacation to New Mexico (Carlsbad Caverns) and different parts of Texas. My first time out of Texas in over 25 years.

Looking forward to all that 2012 has to bring! What are you looking forward to?

New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T22:50:00.001-08:00

Today, KeyRawr, Oldest and I went to the beach part of the lake. It was unseasonably warm (70 degrees), so we took advantage of the opportunity to explore the area of the lake that we'd tried to take pictures before, but was too cold and windy at the time.

A couple on a blanket was flying a kite, the cutest little dog was running up and down the sand, ducks were bobbing up and down in the water. I could sit and watch the ducks all day long.

Happy New Year!

Goals

2011-12-30T22:48:00.000-08:00

I haven't thought much about New Year's Resolutions. I rarely keep them. Eating healthier and exercising aren't met with real enthusiasm, so they'd be pretty easy to blow off. I think I'll just take baby steps towards these goals, and try to do better every day.

As for other resolutions/goals, I plan to write more. I want to get a book of poetry published, and hopefully finish writing a novel, maybe even take a photography workshop.

My birthday is in a few days, and while we were out shopping today, I picked up one of the books on my wish list. It's the second book in Nora Roberts' Gallaghers of Ardmore trilogy. I've had the first and third books for some time, and now that I have the complete trilogy, I can read them in order.

Reading is another goal/challenge/resolution/whatever you want to call it. I read every day, but not as much as I'd like to. I've been reading the In Death series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). I'm on the 7th book now. I think there's 32 books so far. My goal is to finish these.

What are some of your goals/resolutions for the new year?

Bird On a Wire

2011-12-29T21:32:00.000-08:00

Another bird picture from a walk KeyRawr and I went on back when the weather had cooled off enough for us to enjoy a walk, and wasn't too cold yet.

I seem to have a thing for capturing birds. Just something about the surprise, having one land in the right spot at the right time, and their simple beauty.

Relaxing

2011-12-28T19:54:00.000-08:00

I don't recall when I took this picture, but I do know it was at a park in Frisco, and it was still warm out! Probably some time in September or October. I suppose I shouldn't complain about our weather. It hasn't even gotten as cold as it can get, but I really miss being able to go outside without at least two or three layers of clothes on!

And the bird...he just looks so peaceful there.

Peaceful was what today was. I stayed in my jammies all day, read one of my favorite authors, and watched funnies on TV Land (Everybody Loves Raymond, The King of Queens, and Friends). I normally don't watch a lot of TV, but today was just one of those veg-out-on-the-couch days, and I blame Joey (Friends) for my reaching for the bland microwaveable mac and cheese I had as a snack. If you watch Friends, then you know the "Mac and Cheese" I'm talking about. But yeah, that's how lively my day was. TV characters actually encouraging unhealthy eating habits. As if I needed any help there.

Random Outdoor Photo

2011-12-27T20:19:00.000-08:00

Day After Christmas

2011-12-26T14:36:00.000-08:00

I was either too busy before our Christmas dinner, or too full and tired afterward to post anything yesterday. By the time I crawled into bed some time after midnight, I didn't even mind that I'd missed another day (twice now, but who's counting?). It was Christmas. I deserve a little break, right?

Even though I didn't post, I did take a photo of all the goodies I received - three angry birds, two bracelets (one says 'Mom', the other has wintery charms), two fragrance sets (Sweet Pea and Love Spell), a sock monkey, and a necklace with a key pendant that I don't have pictured here because I had to remove a knot upon opening it, and once I fixed that and put it on, I didn't want to take it off.

I opened these cute socks on Christmas Eve.

I hope everyone enjoyed their day!

Favorites

2011-12-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

Day 12: Gather everything you've written over the previous 11 days. Pick your favorite. Edit it, polish it and either try to get it published or post it on the web to share with the world. Be proud of yourself and your work.

Well, it's the last day of the 12-day plan of simple writing exercises from WD. This has been fun, and kept me busily writing. I'll put up my favorite piece later today or sometime before Monday.

My photo for today is a pile of leaves in the front yard. I've been wanting to rake them into a pile and take a picture since they all fell off the tree a couple weeks ago. I took that opportunity this morning.

Acknowledgments

2011-12-23T20:14:00.000-08:00

Day 11: Write the acknowledgments page that will be in your first (next?) published book, thanking all the people who have helped you along the way.

This prompt might be the easiest one yet, although I haven't written it yet. Most of the day, I was curled up in the recliner with my iphone playing those darn addicting games, or reading. I gave up the book I was reading to return to "Holiday in Death" by Nora Roberts. I'll leave out titles and author names, but the book I was reading literally pained me to be away from Eve and Roarke (talk about addicted), so I'm going to continue with "Holiday in Death." I'd tried to read something else to catch up with a different series, and found it to be a little slow. I never have that problem with Nora Roberts' books. In fact, I think it was the last book I read, "Vengeance in Death" that gave me my fascination with Ireland.

The day wasn't completely spent being lazy. I made fudge and strawberry bread for holiday treats, and snapped a picture of Mia under the tree for my photo of the day. I tried to get Mia and Dee together under the tree, but the pictures kept turning out blurry, and then the two of them started fighting, so I've added a picture of Dee that I took recently with Mia's favorite krinkle toy on her head.
They are the two cutest presents.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday! Merry Christmas! May all your hopes and dreams come true now and always.

Conversation

2011-12-22T15:59:00.000-08:00

Day 10: Go sit in a public place and eavesdrop on a conversation. Turn what you hear into a love story (no matter how you have to twist what they say).

Today's plan was to sit and relax, catch up on some reading, until I remembered we still needed a few things for our Christmas dinner.

I suppose it was a good thing that I got out or I wouldn't have anything to use for today's prompt. And let me tell you, it's pretty good. I didn't sit and eavesdrop, but while I was in line waiting to check out at the store, the lady in front of me flipped out because the bag of sugar she wanted rang up for .20 more than the sticker price. Ah, it must be the holidays!

Anyway, today's photo was supposed to go up yesterday but by the time my days end some time after 10pm lately, I just don't have the energy. And I'd actually forgotten about the idea.

This is my new 2012 calendar. Not a Christmas present, I just needed a new one. It may be the closest I ever get to seeing Ireland, although I'd love to visit. The photos in the calendar are beautiful.

Here's the back that shows the rest of the photos within.

Television

2011-12-21T20:52:00.000-08:00

Day 9: Turn on your TV. Write down the first line that you hear and write a story based on it.

I was gone most of the afternoon, running around as I have been lately. I'm glad Christmas is almost here. And thank goodness for DVR or I'd probably never remember what line it was I heard when I do this prompt, which will most likely have to be tomorrow.

One of my favorite photos from when we went to the state fair. Can't wait for it to be this sunny and warm again.

Fairy Tales

2011-12-20T21:21:00.000-08:00

Day 8: Rewrite a fairy tale from the bad guy's point of view.

Will have to give this one some thought. Too tired to even think right now.

A photo from just last month when the sun was still bright and warmed the skin. Dandelions in the backyard.

Another Letter

2011-12-19T20:52:00.000-08:00

Day 7: Write a letter to yourself telling you what you need to improve in the coming 6 months.

I've had no time to even think about today's prompt either. And, letter? I could write a book about what I need to improve on. Will get to this shortly.

It rained most of the day, and, unfortunately, we were out in it. Had to run errands (another Christmas gift bought, and packages mailed), but I'm winding down the shopping, so that's a plus.

Rewriting Christmas

2011-12-18T22:10:00.000-08:00

Day 6: Select a book on your shelf and pick two chapters at random. Take the first line of one chapter and the last line of the other chapter and write a short story (no more than 1,000 words) using those as bookends to your story.

I've been excited about this 'prompt' since the first time I saw the list. I already have the book I want to use picked out, so this should be fun. As with most of my TBR shelf, I've had this book for a while. My dear friend Gina sent it to me. I thought it was perfect for the writing exercise, and also to inspire me to finally read it.

Poem

2011-12-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

Day 5: Write a 20-line poem about a memorable moment in your life.

There's lots of these I can choose from, too. So which one will I choose? Today was another busy day, and I hadn't even given today's writing prompt much thought, other than when I glanced at it earlier this morning. I will come up with something.

Tonight, Oldest, KeyRawr and I went to the balloon glow in Frisco Square. I've always wanted to attend the big balloon festival that Plano does every year, but have yet to make it, so, tonight, even as small as it was (only three balloons), I got a taste of how beautiful these things really are up close.

Here's one of my favorite shots that I got.

And when I turned around earlier in the evening, there were all these birds on the court house in the square, and I just couldn't resist. I shared my photos with the husband. He said this looked like a creepy old building you'd see in a scary movie. I was like, 'Yes!'

We also went on a carriage ride which was fun, but no pictures of that. It was too hard to focus because of the lighting and movements of the horse.

Letter

2011-12-16T21:35:00.000-08:00

Day 4: Write a letter to an agent telling her how wonderful you are.

Well, this one should be fun and funny to write.

I'll make this post short but sweet. Long, busy day. I'm in the process of relaxing by a warm fireplace while catching up on older DVRed CSI: Vegas from this season, and I stopped so I could get my photo up for the day.

One of my faves from my broken yet beautiful series. While the window itself isn't actually broken, I think of it that way with all the chipped paint around it.

Setting

2011-12-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

Day 3 is to write a setting based on the most beautiful place you've ever seen.

I can think of several, but the one place I haven't actually seen in person is the one that sticks out in my mind the most. It's my current obsession. Nothing says you can't have seen it in pictures, right?

As for pictures, here's today's. We've had rain and high winds the past two days, and yesterday morning there were leaves all over the place, so I took this picture of the leaves hugging the curb.

Characters

2011-12-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

Day 2: Create a character with personality traits of someone you love, but the physical characteristics of someone you don't care for.

I made some notes on this yesterday, so I'd be prepared for today's writing. I also thought, what if it was flipped around a bit? Say, create a character with physical characteristics of someone you love, but with personality traits of someone you don't care for. Both ways seem interesting to me.

Creating characters is one of my favorite parts of writing. To flesh them out, make them believable with a vulnerability and strength that makes you want to cheer for them.

Maybe cheering for me is what Dee was doing when I snapped these pictures of her yesterday behind the monitor.

Dee: I see you! You're supposed to be writing, not taking pictures of me.

Dee: Are you working? You don't look like you're working to me.

Dee: Keep writing, human!

On Fire

2011-12-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

For day 1 of the 12-day plan of simple writing exercises, the 'prompt' is to write 10 potential book titles of books you'd like to write. Fun stuff!

Here is my list and a little explanation of each:
The Other Side (paranormal ghost story)
In Bloom (contemporary romance)
Emerald Eyes (contemporary romance)
Heather's Harp (children's story)
Sullivan's Shamrock (children's story)
Claire's Castle (children's story)
Maggie and the Magical Faerie (children's story)
Finn's Fiddle (children's story)
Reunion (contemporary romance)
Lucky in Love (contemporary romance)

I had fun with my list. If these were to come to fruition, the titles with names would be a children's book series. They totally feed my current obsession with all things Irish. Even a couple of the romance titles have that angle.

Writing this list also brought me back to ideas that I'd had and let fade. Also, when talking with a writer friend recently, I had to admit that I'd missed the lulu contest deadline. In three short sentences, they had me inspired and ready to stop missing out.

FC: There will be other deadlines.
Me: Missing deadlines, story of my life.
FC: You gotta lot more life left, change the story.

Smart words from a smart friend. And my photo for today. The desire to write burns as bright and hot as this fire.

Twelve Days of Christmas

2011-12-12T21:03:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the 12-day plan of simple writing exercises from Writer's Digest. When I found out about this earlier in the month, I quickly copied down the list on my own paper so I wouldn't forget about it. I'm starting tomorrow and going until December 24. That will cover 12 days and give me Christmas day free to do other things like, enjoy giving and receiving gifts, eating lots of food and being thankful that I can share those things with my family.

With my favorite pen ready to bleed purple, and my mind already thinking up ideas, I'm excited to start this version of the 12 days of Christmas.

Angry Birds

2011-12-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I like Angry Birds. The games, the merchandise. I normally don't get into things that are popular, simply for that very reason. Because they're popular. But ever since I got my iphone earlier this year for my birthday (and believe me, I tried to dismiss that, too, telling the husband that it was "too much phone, and I don't need all that fancy stuff"), somehow I became addicted to the apps like Angry Birds.

So, I was excited when KeyRawr informed me of the Angry Birds event that a nearby Barnes & Noble was hosting today. They were doing a scavenger hunt of the Mighty Eagle and a raffle. KeyRawr, Oldest and I went over there and I got more details from a store employee. It had started at 11:00 and we got there a few minutes after.

The goal was to find the Mighty Eagle "token" hidden within the store, take it to Customer Service and then enter for the raffle that would take place at 3:00. Well, I found the "token" (more like a square piece of cardboard) with an angry bird on it with the words "Happy Angry Birds day. Congratulations! You've found the Mighty Eagle." I wasn't sure that was even it at first because when the employee kept saying "token", I'd imagined a small gold coin, and that's what I'd been looking for.

I took my win up to customer service, and entered my name for the raffle. We left soon after since you didn't have to be present to win. Oh, and the prize for winning the raffle (which I guess I didn't win since they haven't called me) was an Angry Birds t-shirt. There was two tokens hidden throughout the store, and as they were both turned in, employees would rehide them again. A little girl found the second one right after I found the first one.

Okay, all of that just to find the Mighty Eagle, enter a raffle and leave with nothing? They could've at least given me a t-shirt for finding the thing, and then I could enter the raffle for other merchandise. Sounds reasonable, right?

Oh well, if nothing else, I found some other Christmas gift ideas while I was looking around the store in search of the Mighty Eagle.

Maybe that was their evil plan all along. A ploy to get people into the store to buy other things. As if they need a ploy to get me in there, or anyone else, for that matter.

I was all excited about finding the Mighty Eagle token that I forgot to get a picture of it, so here's the next best thing...a spiral I bought a while back to use for a writing contest. Not the Mighty Eagle, but it is an angry bird.

Broken

2011-12-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

Not a Christmasy photo today, but one I took a couple weeks ago at the park. I love this picture. I like to think it's broken yet beautiful. Something slightly mysterious about it.

If I tell you what it is, would it give away the mystery? It's actually part of the door from the original, one room post office in town. Not sure how old it is, but it's definitely a piece of history that's been here for a long time.

Kitty Christmas

2011-12-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, when KeyRawr and I did a lot of our Christmas shopping, Mia was excited about getting something too -- a bag. Once I removed all of the unessentials, as I'm sure she would deem them, she hopped right into the Dillard's bag and made herself at home, peeking out with all her kitty cuteness.

Making a List, Checking It Twice

2011-12-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

I got this idea to make a "fake" Christmas list from KeyRawr. It's fun to think about all the outrageous things you want and may or may not ever get. I suppose my list is a little tame, and even some of it attainble (e.g., better photography skills), at least I hope so.

What's on your Christmas list, "fake" or otherwise?

Frosty

2011-12-07T07:21:00.000-08:00

Okay, so we have blue skies today. That's a plus, but where is that warmth I asked about? It's currently 25 degrees. Twenty five! Brrr...

White Christmas

2011-12-06T21:50:00.000-08:00

I don't know if we'll have a white Christmas, but I looked out the window this morning and saw this white stuff on the ground, so I grabbed my camera and went into the backyard where I found more of it on the husband's grill, and on the back fence.

More like sleet than snow, and way earlier than usual for this time of year, but it was fun to see, and even more fun to capture the moment.

Winter Chill

2011-12-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

One question: Can we just bypass winter and go straight to spring?

It was a Cold and Dreary Day

2011-12-04T11:22:00.000-08:00

Today's blog title was inspired by the infamous phrase used in the Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, but with a little change.

It was definitely a stormy night, and today it's, well...cold and dreary. It's rained all weekend and I need some of this--

Oh, sunshine and blue skies, come back. How I miss your warmth.

Fall leaves taken almost a week ago at the park.

Gone Shopping

2011-12-03T21:03:00.000-08:00

I hate that I wasn't able to post a photo yesterday! My first miss since I started this blog almost two months ago. I don't plan to make a habit of that, it was just one of those days. Busy, busy, busy. The title of this blog post says it all. You know, like those 'out to lunch' signs? I should've had one that said 'Gone Shopping'.

The day started with breakfast at McDonalds with KeyRawr. Then it was non stop shopping for most of the day, with other business in between (stopping to eat lunch, picking up Youngest from school and chauffering him to a skate park, a side trip to the mall in the evening, eating dinner, getting groceries, and finally wrapping presents).

It was after midnight when I was finally done with everything. My head was killing me, and there just wasn't any steam left to even post a picture.

I'm glad to say it's still early in the month and I've pretty much taken care of gifts for everyone on my list, and only need to get a few more things.

Today, KeyRawr and I did some more shopping. A security tag got left on an item she bought yesterday, so we took that in to have it removed. I wanted to use the gift card my m-i-l had given me for this past Mother's Day, so we went to Dillard's and I got a cute sweater and shirt to go with it. I'd tried to use the card at another time, but don't normally shop in that store (too expensive), so I couldn't decide on what to get. With KeyRawr's help this evening, I think I really lucked out with some good finds.

Oh, and those cute boots I bought a while back? Not the most comfortable thing to go shopping in. My toes hurt!

Here's a glimpse under our tree with some of the presents from last night.

Christmas Lights

2011-12-01T20:21:00.000-08:00

Time flies! Can't believe it's already December 1. Plans for the weekend include getting a start on some Christmas shopping. I already have a few things in mind for the special people on my list. I hope I can find just the perfect gift for each of them. I also hope the rain holds out, because I want to go ice skating again.

December 1 also means that NaNoWriMo is over, and we don't even want to talk about my spectacularly low word count. I won't dwell, just focus on getting more words down from now on.

Christmas Comes to the Park

2011-11-30T20:08:00.000-08:00

Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store. - Dr. Seuss

Gingerbread People

2011-11-29T17:59:00.000-08:00

We headed over to the park today since they've finally displayed their holiday scene. Here's some gingerbread people sitting on a swing in a tree. They were too cute. I think I'll save some of the other pictures to stretch out the holiday theme here at the blog.

A fibonacci

Wind
stirs
scented
gingerbread
men and women to
invite the holiday spirit

Random Bike

2011-11-28T21:47:00.000-08:00

This is from when we took pictures of the horses last week. The bike was just there, leaning against the fence, and I had to take a picture.

Christmas Penguin

2011-11-27T20:07:00.000-08:00

Chilly temperatures
Hurdling along
Right on
Into the
Season
Though it seems
Mighty soon for
All this wind and
Snapping photos of
Penguins lit up to
Engage smiles and
Neatly capture hearts; sitting in the
Grass among bushes
Under colorful bulbs
In the twinkling
Night

Christmas Tree

2011-11-26T21:40:00.000-08:00

Oldest, KeyRawr and I went out shopping today to see if there were any deals to be had after the Black Friday madness. First, I wanted a new book but that wasn't a deal. I bought "Vengeance in Death" by J.D. Robb because I'd just finished the book before it in the series, and I can't stop reading them! They're that good.

After that, we went to Ulta to check out their sales. I got five different nail colors, 5 for $5; Bam-Blue-Zled, Pink Cloud, Fuchsiamania, Sweet Nothing, and Encore Pink. Love all the girly stuff.

We also went to Target to look for jeans so I can actually wear the new black boots I bought last week. No luck yet. Then to GameStop.

The husband had put up the Christmas tree while we were gone, and KeyRawr and Oldest helped me decorate. Many of our ornaments are special for different reasons, but this ball with snowmen on it is one of my favorites that I bought last year at Pier 1 simply because I love snowmen. I have my eye on a black and silver shiny camera ornament that we saw at Target.

On Ice

2011-11-25T22:12:00.000-08:00

Tonight started all the holiday fun that is Christmas in the Square. They'd already had their blue lights up, but tonight the light show programmed to a radio station was going on, and we got to see that right after we ice skated.

This is the first time Frisco has had an outdoor ice skating rink, and the first time either KeyRawr or I had ice skated. Oldest sat back and watched. I had a lot of fun, even though I fell twice. Ouch! I'm sure my knee will be killing me tomorrow, but I'm also ready to go back!

I've always wanted to ice skate. It's one of the things on my life list, so now I guess I can cross that off. Here's a picture of the ice skates I'd used after I took them off.

We also stopped at this candy and popcorn shop called Poparella's as we were leaving. We didn't get anything, but it all smelled and looked so yummy. Here's a picture I snapped from inside the shop.

Tonight definitely put me in the holiday spirit.