Long time

No blog... I'm around, just busy with life and the pursuit of happiness and all that goes with it. Many trips to and from Ohio along with a vacation in the Outer Banks.

I've done a bit of journaling and sketching along with coloring. I've always loved to color and combining coloring with water is even more fun. I'm just a doodler... of both words and color.

I've played with my Polaroid cameras and even purchased The Impossible Project's newest films. Finicky but oh so lovely, this is Silver Shade, FF for the SX70.

Smoke Illusions

I started working on this book a few months back and slowly beginning to think I might publish it as is. Not that my other books have been successful in the shop but those that received my Wild and Scenic Shores as a gift enjoyed it. This book is smaller (40 pages) and won't cost as much. If I could test print with any accuracy, I'd be much more confident. I just want to make sure that it prints with good clarity. Before I can upload and make public, I have to keep an eye on my travel dates and make sure that I will be home to receive it.

I'm also contemplating a book featuring coffee and perhaps a second Polaroid book much smaller but the images will be all new (never published in book form).

It's not easy placing an image for sale let alone a book. So much of who I am goes into each image that it can feel like a personal rejection when the sales are less than stellar (or non-existent). I'm coming to terms with how silly it is to hold that opinion, after all, they are just images and sometimes words and the vastness of the Internet doesn't know me personally. If I don't set them free in some form, for others to perhaps own a piece, the part of me that is in the images will forever stay caged. Life is about taking appropriate risks and setting aside our personal fears to live a full life.

Experts

I had this long entry written about suffering in my head this morning but now I'm sidetracked by earthquakes and tsunami warnings. While my heart goes out to earthquake victims and those in the path of a potential tsunami, I must speak my mind a bit. An earthquake is a geological event, not meteorological. Interviewing a meteorologist is sort of like having an eye doctor extol the virtues of your exercise equipment as an expert. While man can cause an earthquake through explosions and mining, it is still a geological event. The weather has nothing to do with earthquakes. The movement of the earth's tectonic plates has nothing to do with how warm or cold it is. I suppose as a news source, you have a meteorologist on staff but a better person to interview would be a geologist. While there is a kind of meteotsunami caused by a deep depression and atmospheric pressure the sort that creates cyclones (hurricanes), this tsunami is a direct result of a geological event (wikipedia).

Enough said.

My heart goes out to those who are suffering and hurting in Chile, even while the world is still coping with Haiti.

I return you to winter fun.

*edited for spelling

Tipping

The other day, I was walking into the grocery store when I saw a woman bend to pick up a quarter, stopping some traffic along the way. No big deal, right? I've done it many times. But what struck me as odd and selfish, there was a Salvation Army bell ringer standing at the door. She walked right by him, giving the quarter to her husband instead. Can you say Karma? Now that I have seen the bell ringers out and about, I will be sure to carry change and smallish bills to donate. It's the right thing to do, in my heart.

Are your plans to tip more this year or less? Will you give more to charities? I know times are tight everywhere but I also know there are many less fortunate than I. Having said that,* I will continue to give us much as I can afford and quite often, too.

*Reference to last night's Curb Your Enthusiasm and the Seinfeld Reunion episode.

Munising Rear Range Light

Munising Rear Range Lighthouse located in Munising, Michigan (UP). I do have a photo of the front range but it's kind of cluttered. I'll work it up later.

Next week at this time, we will have moved M into her campus apartment, which was supposed to be a two bedroom but became a four bedroom. Not looking forward to the other two roommates as one is a party-girl with a boyfriend and the other, a senior. It's not like we get a break on the rate, either. It's the same for either format.

Not looking forward to dropping her off. Summer has become just way too short for my liking. We've had fun just hanging but this week, she's busy with saying good-bye to a few friends and packing. When I get back, I'll be getting ready to play chauffeur taking my parents to my sister's and on to the Outer Banks. That will be a strange few days without M as my driving buddy. And can I say I'm not looking forward to it? As much as I want to see the OBX, going on Labor Day weekend and dealing with the throngs of people in two cars fills me with dread. I can see it now, after waiting the 2 or so hours to catch a ferry, watching my parents, in my sister's car, leaving on the ferry while I get stuck waiting for the next. Gads, and Kitty Hawk sounds like Pigeon Forge. I think the vision I have of the OBX is from the 1970s or at least the two ends that are still wilderness and require a Jeep Wrangler or similar vehicle.

I'm sure I'll have moments where I enjoy myself and maybe even be able to snap a photo of a lighthouse that I like but thinking, people will be in the way. Can you tell, I don't really like people. I don't like crowds, especially.

And I won't hold my breath that the mister will follow through on a rental car for me. In case you wonder why I don't make it myself, he as a frequent card that earns discounts and such. And in case you wonder, I did ask if he wanted to come with us but was told no, can't take the time off work.

With that, think I'll make a coffee and clean up my kitchen.

Nothing Much

Just dropping in with a photo. I couldn't resist purchasing this figurine. It looks so much like the character and I've become a bit obsessed with the movie (Twilight).

I do read all your blogs but it's usually through Google Reader. I'm sorry for not commenting more often. Stay warm.

Neglectful

 

It is true, I am a brat. Just ask my siblings. ;-) And I've been neglectful of this blog and myself. I can't promise that I won't continue to neglect both this blog and myself but I do want to do better. Most especially when dealing with myself. I want to strive to be the person I know I can be and that might mean neglecting this blog.

'Tis the Season

I love listening to Christmas songs and as I age, I find myself preferring songs performed in a more traditional manner. These three fill the bill nicely, even when being silly.

*Now playing: Sleigh Ride / Marshmallow World (With John Pizzarelli) by Kristin Chenoweth - A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas

Bad Things

*Now playing: Bad Things by Jace Everett - Jace Everett

I can't believe I already had this song from the HBO series True Blood!! When I heard the artist's name, I had a sneaking suspicion that it was an iTunes freebie. Sure enough, it's in my library and I'm listening to it now. The HBO series is based on the books pictured above.  The wine, will it kind of reminds me of New Orleans and Louisiana, where the series takes place. Just a snippet of how I passed the time at my parents house. Fun books and fun wine!!

Heard on the way out the door..... that alcohol makes you fat, you know. That among other things. Gonna go finish Dead as a Doornail while I wait to watch this week's episode of True Blood. Stay warm.

Wichita Mountains

A beautiful sundog over the Wichita Mountains (Oklahoma) and National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to a large herd of Longhorn cattle, buffalo, elk and plenty of prairie dogs.

Sometimes, life isn't about words. It's about experiencing the moment in silence. That's me lately. Silent. Some would say to enjoy the silence while you can. ;)

Enjoy your week, stay warm and dry.

The Sky Is Falling

literally. Yesterday's sky as a storm front moved into the area. Like so many, it was all smoke and mirrors and no substance passing with nary a drop of rain.

Speaking of Twilight, the actor portraying Edward has a song on the soundtrack and it's good. For those of you used to my normal country-mellow type music, the bulk of this CD is anything but mellow. That said, this song is more what you'd expect from me, although not country, it speaks.

*Now playing: Never Think by Rob Pattinson - Twilight Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

twilight

Is it very pathetic of me that I bought the CD even before the movie is released? Is it pathetic of me that I wanted it just so I could hear Bella's Lullaby? Is it pathetic that I used precious Polaroid film to capture the moment? I can't wait to see the movie. At first, I couldn't picture Edward looking quite like the actor portraying him, but I'm coming around mostly because of this cover.

*Now playing: Bella's Lullaby by Carter Burwell - Twilight Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Comforts

It seems that I have been drawn toward images of home and comfort lately. I must confess, though, that I did not like that wine. I have learned that dusty tannins are bitter and well, dusty. I prefer sweet, fruity wines.

Another Polaroid week is scheduled to being on flickr-- Fall 'Roid Week 2008. What that means for readers of this blog is simply more photos taken with a Polaroid camera including Polaroid transfers.

It's turned into a rather nice autumn day with brisk winds (high wind advisory for tomorrow). Thinking I should take this opportunity to venture out for a few leaf photos before the winds carry them away.  Maybe I'll take The Wonderdog for a walk in the woods.

*Now playing: Have You Ever by Brandi Carlile - The Story

More Like It

After yesterday's soy milk experiment and an encounter with a red wine that was not pleasant, I decided relaxing with a nice white wine with a fire warming the air would be perfect. It's so difficult to build a fire, let me tell you. Walk over, turn the gas on, point lighter and instant fire in the fireplace. I have been so happy that we bought the gas logs all those years ago. 

Lately, my evening walks (more like night) have been brisk. Last night, the walk that during the summer took 40 minutes, recently 30 minutes and last night, I did it in just over 20 minutes. Ha!! It was cold. What am I ever going to do when these autumn temperatures turn to winter? I'm ready to migrate, seriously. I can be a snowbird.

Speaking of which, I must run along. Things to do today, places to go, people to see.

*Now playing: I Want Something That I Want (Duet) by Grace Potter & Bethany Joy Galeotti - The One Tree Hill Sessions - Single

New Tastes

The music is not for me but the latte was and is mine. I decided to try to convince myself to, if not like soy milk, to at least drink it. The health benefits of soy are clear. So far, I can't convince my taste buds that it tastes the same as regular milk. I even added a bunch of chocolate after snapping this photo and still, it tastes like, well soy. I was going to be a bit more crude with my description but changed my mind. Maybe, the next time I get the urge to try something new, the mister will stop me. Or at least recommend the vanilla. Vanilla, maybe that's the ticket. Vanilla flavored soy.

The husband said so, you're not going to be healthy. Like when am I ever healthy!!

October Moon

While out walking The Wonderdog, I'm often privileged to witness things I would otherwise miss. I've seen beautiful sunsets, the moon in various stages, a coyote (scared the crap out of me), shooting stars and even the Northern Lights.

The moon this past weekend was particularly beautiful. A gorgeous double halo/corona encircled the nearly full moon. The night was warm, the owls were screeching, the leaves were rustling in the breeze and the moon soon had some wispy clouds swirl around, shrouding it in a cloak of mystery. It must be October as my mind conjured up visions of witches on broomsticks zipping across that mysterious orb, partially hidden by the ghostly clouds.

I hurried home in hopes of capturing the moon with both the halos/coronas but those clouds moved in and this is what I was able to immortalize in pixels. If only that witch had come out from hiding or avoided ramming into that tree. Or at the least, the owl had the courtesy to fly by just for me. Instead, screech..... At least the howls were kept to a minimum (werewolves are particularly fond of spooky moons in October). I snapped a couple of photos and settled in to watch True Blood, this years guilty pleasure. What more fitting way to end a spooky walk--vampires.

Night Beverages

It's an unusually warm evening for October stirring memories of summer fun. I check the clock and return to reality as night has fallen and it is just 7pm. The owl has been hunting and screeching. Traffic is heavy but moving. Once, all I heard were the leaves rustling in the trees and insects. Now, it's the screeching of the owl and traffic. Traffic all night long.

Ordinary sounds and sights become eerie when walking alone at night. Lost in my thoughts, as I have taken to leaving the iPod at home, a runner's steps are upon me before I hear them. Startled, I jump a bit. Walking the Wonderdog, enjoying the warm air... and out of nowhere, screech. It makes us both tense and puts her on edge until I release the breath I didn't know I was holding.

My mind wanders to places and books I've read and of those things that go bump in the night. Screech.... walking under the trees, something seems to jump from the shadows. I swallow nervously, straining to see what it is. Yes, it's that time of year, when bats and ghosts dangle from the trees and lurk in the shadows. It's not like I need any encouragement, you know. My imagination is far scarier than your huge spider, skeletons and creepy monsters. Well, maybe not those gruesome, creepy monsters.

I come home to a relaxing latte and later, when the caffeine and my imagination bring those creepy monsters to life,  and I find myself unable to sleep, a glass of wine. It's for medicinal purposes, you know.

Quiet

It probably doesn't come as a surprise to those of you visiting my little corner of the web, but I have nothing to say. My mental state is quiet. Not that my brain doesn't have a steady stream of noise but it's just noise. Nothing of consequence to write about. At least I'm keeping politics from my fingertips. 

Lazy Sunday

I'm planning on a lazy Sunday nursing a sick headache.

*Now playing: Raining On Sunday by Keith Urban - Golden Road

Uncorked

While I was at my parents' house and knowing what was to come... I thought a bottle of wine would be in order. Only thing, I normally bring wine from home along with my own corkscrew. Not this time, the purchase was a whim while wandering the isles at Sam's Club. I was forced to use one of these.

Resulting in.....

A floating cork. The screw part was just too big and I barely had the chance to twist before the cork went into the bottle resulting in a string of words that I cannot repeat here!! I can say that a floating cork makes pouring that last glass rather interesting. Think I'll buy a corkscrew for their house! But come to think about it, maybe it was just me and my brute strength.

Sorry for the harshness of the lighting. It was too dark and I used the flash.