My Camera's eye-Photos By Aubrey

I admit...

I have been neglecting this site!! Sad

I'm sorry!! I am going to try and do better! Yes

And I'm going to try and get some newer photos up....is anyone even coming here anymore?!?! Hello?? Are you out there??? Come check out my other blog My Camera's Eye Its always new and changing!! And leave a comment here, or there, and let me know if you are still wandering over here...that will help challenge me to keep this one more current!! Wink

Thanks!

WordLess Wednesday--Painful Beauty

Seems I have been a bit lax in my blogging over here....My Blogger blog seems to be getting more attention...sorry! :(

For More wordless Wonders, click the badge below! Thanks for stopping by! :)

SkyWatch Friday-The Hunt

This morning was cool, and beautiful with blue skie and light airy clouds, so my little one and I jumped in the car in search of Wildflowers to photograph. Little did I know, I would get today's Sky Watch photo (I already had one) ;)
Growing up in the Hill Country of Texas, I learned much about the way the world turns, how one thing, is always hunting another. The Circle of Life, if you will. And I've seen road kill on the side of the highway being devoured by Vultures (Buzzards), and I've seen said Buzzards circle their meal before going in, but never have I watched them circle and go in for the taking--Until today! Unfortunately about 10 feet of trees blocked me from whatever they were consuming, but I could hear them dive into the trees, and shake them around. It was fascinating for some strange reason. So, my Sky Watch Friday photos are over my ever closer approach (by car) to this Completely natural, and raw event. (remember to see any image larger, click on it)

Seeing them Circling from afar:

Parallel to their meal:

Two Circling:

Going in:

There you have it!! Just goes to show, keep your mind open to finding a shot, and it will be there!! :) I guess you'll have to see my original shot next week!! Thank for stopping by, would love to know you were! Feel free to comment about anything you've seen on my blog, and have a GREAT weekend!

To see other Skywatch photos, click on the badge below

Ruby Tuesday--DP Museum

Its Tuesday, that can only mean one thing--time for RUBY TUESDAY! This week I am getting around to posting some of the Rubies I captured while at the DR Pepper Museum a few weeks ago. If you live around the Waco, TX area, or if you are planning a trip this way, this Museum is VERY interesting, especially for a DP lover! Its got a little of this and that though, so put it on your to do list next time you are close!

An Old Fire Alarm! My youngest tried to see if it still worked!! Luckily we didn't find out!! LOL

I always knew Coca Cola had it, but never knew DP did...hmmm...no wonder it put a "Pep" in people's step!! ;-)

There are a variety of Bottles in the displays...its quite the history lesson!

Gotta Get Dr Pepper to the people SOMEHOW!! LOL

This seems easier, and more comfortable, but I think I'd still be worried about it falling out the sides on a sharp turn! :)

And last but not least, you have to have a Cigar While having your DP!! LOL Not really....this was in a display case trying to dipict the old corner store where DP Was invented

WOW!! That was a lot more rubies than I realized I had!! Thanks for stopping by! I'd love to know you were here!! Comments are welcome for anything you've seen on my blog! To see more Rubies, click the badge below to head over to Work of the Poet!! Happy Tuesday!

Scavenger Hunt Photo of the Week-Churches

This week's Theme for my Fb Group's Photo Scavenger Hunt is "Churches" I have a couple of more recent church photos, but One church came to mind in an instant when I saw the theme.
A few years ago we lived in Hawaii, and were able to travel through the islands. When we went to the Big Island one of our goals was to see the "Painted Church" (its Formal name is St. Benedict Catholic Church) What a GLORIOUS site! To this day it holds up as one of the most beautiful, and peaceful places I have ever had the privilege of seeing. Located on top of hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the grounds are covered with beautiful trees, tropical plants, and some breathtaking sculptures. On the day we went, it was cloudy and recently stopped raining. But while we were there the afternoon sun showed through the clouds, and glistened on the ocean, and I was able to capture a spectacular silhouette of the church with the water beyond it.

A little back history from the Painted Church website:
This present church was erected in 1899 by Father John Velghe. Without any professional training and using house paint on ordinary wood he beautified the church with his paintings. In those days few Hawaiians could read and so he taught with pictures-most successfully. If you'd like to learn more, here's the church's link Painted Church

If you'd like to join this FB Photo Scavenger Hunt, head over to Sandy's Blog, From the Heart of Texas and learn how!!

Thank you for coming to visit. I'd love to know you were with a simple (or detailed) comment below! :) Have a Wonderful Easter Weekend!

I {heart} faces: Week 13 - “Dramatic B&W” Photo Challenge!

This week's challenge on

Is Dramatic b&W photos. I knew I had the PERFECT photo (lets just hope the judges see it that way! ;-) ) To me, Dramatic photos aren't completely about the lighting, or composition...that's only part of it...the other part is whether the photo SPEAKS to you. Does it convey dramatic feelings and emotions within the viewer?
This is my daughter, a regular photo shoot subject for me. On this day we were taking "fall" photos with our enormous pumpkin, but somehow, in the midst of my shooting spree, I captured this completely non scripted photo (ALWAYS my favorite photos in the bunch) After the day was done, and I went back over the photos, and noticed this one, and the way she seemed to be praying, with the flag slightly over her shoulder, it melted my heart, and made me cry! Not too long before this photo was taken I had read a poem called "I am the Child of a Solider" (as far as I know the Author is unknown) My husband has proudly served his country in the Army for the last 19 years, and we are a VERY proud Army family...this photo fits that poem like a glove! To this day, I have no idea what it was she really WAS doing....but it captured the dramatics of our everyday, Army, life!! The photo also speaks VOLUMES of how it must feel to be the child of a soldier as evident in her eyes, and hands. This photo is one of the most dramatic, and emotional photos I have ever captured, and it was all by chance! They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but every time I see this photo I only think of seven...."I am the Child of a Soldier...."

I am the Child of a Soldier
My Hometown is nowhere,
my friends are everywhere.
I grew up with knowledge
that home is where the heart is
and the family with no independence
on the dwelling.
Mobility is my way of life.
Some would wonder about my roots,
yet they are as deep and strong
as the might oak.
I sink them quickly absorbing all an area offers
and hopefully giving enrichment in retrospect.
Friendships are formed in hours
and kept for decades.
I will never grow up with someone,
but I will mature with many.
Be it inevitable that paths part,
there is constant hope that they will meet again.
Love of country...
respect and pride fill my being
when Old Glory passes in review.
As I stand to honor that flag,
so I also stand in honor of all soldiers and,
most especially,
to the parents whose life created mine.
Because of this...
I have shared in the rich heritage of Army life.

To see more wonderfully Dramatic photos, head over to I {heart} Faces

Ruby Red Tuesday--Past Life

I've always been intrigued by the "Days of Ole" I'm sure if I could time travel, and know what I know now, living in the 1800s, and traveling across country in a covered wagon, eating by camp fire every night, washing and hanging my clothes to dry all by hand, wouldn't be my idea of "fun" But I have always wished I could, briefly, know what it was like to live in the 1800s. Curiosity gets the best of me when it comes to this era. I'm drawn in by the clothes, the inventions--and the minds it took to come up with such big Ideas--the customs, the large Southern Plantations, the morals, and work ethic, etc.
So, when I was at the Zoo this past week and ran across this authentic Covered Wagon, with back open, and dishes sitting there, and the big RUBY wheels, I knew this would be my subject for Ruby Tuesday this week. My daughter didn't think it was REAL...I'm not sure if it is real, or a real good replica, but in either case, you could almost hear the horses around you, the clinking of the metal pot as fire brewed coffee was poured into a metal cup, and the fire as it crackled in the background.

We're all having a "Hootin, Hollarin" of a Time with Ruby Tuesday photos over at Work of The Poet Come join us!

Ruby Tuesday 11/10--Flying High

This weekend my Family and I attended the 82nd Annual Zilker Park Kite Festival in Austin, Texas, and WOW--was it COOL! There were SO.MANY.PEOPLE out there, and that meant SO MANY kites...big ones, little ones, Fancy, simple, homemade, bought, the list goes on! It was a SPECTACULAR day for it too!! All the colors--especially RUBY RED--made this week's Ruby Tuesday challenge so easy!

To see more Rubies, head over to Work of the Poet

FB Scavenger Hunt

Facebook Scavenger Hunt--Signs of Spring

A friend of mine started a FB Photo Scavenger Hunt group. Every Sunday she gives us a "theme" and when interpret it through our photos. We can only have one photo, or one collage of photos. Usually I am a collage photo gal--too much in the world to photograph to just show ONE!! LOL This week's Theme was Signs of Spring. Here's my take on it:

The FB group is open to anyone, so come play along At Oh Shoot! Digital Photo Scavenger Hunt

Fix It Friday # 47

Fix It Friday-#47

Its FRIDAY!!!! WOO HOO!!! That means it's time for some Fix it Fun over on I heart Faces This little girl is so adorable, and before I even read what the owner of the photo said about her little girl, I immediately thought of a "Kid in a "Candy" Store" but with toys...I didn't realize it was a pin pall machine. Here is what Amy says about her photograph:
Amy wrote: "The photo I'm submitting is one of my daughter watching her Grandpa play Pinball. It's very closely cropped to include just her face and arms propped on the machine, which you can only see enough of to know what it is. I'm very interested to see what the I Heart Faces team can do with it!"
Here's the original:

For this photo, I went WAY out of my normal range of fix-its, and did something very unlike me...i WAY over saturated the photo, to give it that "Toy Ad" kind of feel. When I think of kids, I think of bright colors, and she looked like she could be on a billboard for a Toy Store...so that's my thinking with the first one. The second one is a Filtered Black and White, which makes the little girl pop, and it mutes the background.

I thought this was going go be a hard photo at first, but once the inspiration hit me, I ran with it! If you'd like to fix this photo, or just look at other's talented fixes, head over to I Heart Faces

HAPPY FIRDAY!!!

Taken with my Cell Phone Thurs--Recycled Treasure

"One Man's Trash is another Man's Treasure" I LOVE this phrase, and believe it completely. You can look at it as "recycling" even, if you want. Some just call it dumpster diving. I don't much care for that phrase....it seems so ICKY!! ;-) So..I stick with recycling. And so...today's cell phone photo is of the new project I have bestowed upon myself! A RECYCLED desk for my daughter. She Desperately needs one, and we've looked for almost a year for one. I finally found one I thought was adorable, though more money than I wanted to spend for her. It was classic, and white, with a little hutch on the top, with a cork board..ADORABLE! My free spirited 8 year promptly asked "Can I paint it, and decorate it the way *I* want it" Ummm...NOOOOO!!! So, we left the store, and the desk stayed there! ;-)
Within a few days of that conversation, our problems were solved when the couple across the street from us moved, and threw out a TON of stuff...including, and sturdy, 5 drawer desk! A little sanding, and a little painting, it will be PERFECT for my daughter....and YES...she can decorate it until she is blue in the face, cause all this desk cost me was some sandpaper, and paint!!! ;-) We were both happy!

In case you noticed..the far right drawers DO have handles, I had just already taken them off to start sanding when I decided to take a photo for today's challenge!! ;-)
To see what others are snapping away on their cell phones, head on Over to Sandy's blog From the Heart of Texas...while you're there, PLAY ALONG!! :)

Ruby Tuesday--Ruby Red....BOOT

This week I had to go dig through my archives again. I'm glad Spring is just around the corner...I need to get out and take some new Ruby Red Photos!! Today's is of a Ruby Red BOOT...Wonder what Dorothy would have thought about Ruby red BOOTS to get her home!?!? :)
A couple of years ago, on a trip through West Texas, I came across this fence lined with boots, old and new. It was unique, a little shocking, and just plain WEIRD!
The most perplexing (and fitting for today's challenge) was a pair of BRAND NEW red boots. Why would someone put an unused pair of boots out for the weather?!?! I don't know, I never even saw a person drive down the back country road I was on...that's how far out into no where I was. Which begs the question of not only WHY, but WHO????
It certainly ranks up there with strange and unusual things you can find, if you just keep your eyes open! Part of what I love about Texas back roads....you will ALWAYS find SOMETHING to photograph!

Though it doesn't really fit the Ruby Red theme, here's what the whole fence looked like (and went down the other way (behind me) also!

Hope you've had better luck getting out and getting some Ruby Red Photos! To play along, or just to check out others Rubies, head over to Work of the Poet

Fix it Friday #46

Here it is again, Friday!!! WOO HOO!! I'm glad it's the weekend, but it also means it's Fix It Friday over on I heart Faces This week's photo is a cutie pie little boy with a serious face, and serious eyes! I loved the blue in his sweater, and the blue in the sky..so that is what I rolled with. Here's the Original

First I put it over in Lightroom2 and did the Cold tone. That made those blue POP, and from there I played with Exposure, Saturation, Clarity, and I lightened his face. I LOVED it...

and was going to stay there, but decided to then take it over into my iPhoto, and played with the Antique, and Faded options, and got the last two versions

Head on over to I heart Faces to see some other Amazing Edits!

Taken with my Cell Phone Thurs--Daddy's Got your Back

Got Your Back
Author: Unknown
I am a small and precious child, my dad's been sent to fight.
The only place I'll see his face, is in my dreams at night.
He will be gone too many days for my young mind to keep track
I may be sad, but I am proud... My daddy's got your back.

I am a caring mother. My son has gone to war.
My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before.
Everyday I try to keep my thoughts from turning black.
I may be scared, but I am proud... My son has got your back..

I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband soon to go.
There are times I'm terrified in a way most never know.
I bite my lip, and force a smile as I watch my husband pack.
My heart may break, but I am proud... My husband's got your back.

I am a Soldier ..Serving Proudly, standing tall.
I fight for freedom, yours and mine by answering this call.
I do my job while knowing, the thanks it sometimes lacks.
Say a prayer that I'll come home... It's me who's got your back

This was the scene in my youngest's bed when I went to wake her up this morning! I'm so glad my cell phone was in my pocket! If you have a cell phone with a camera and want to play along, or just want to check out some other cell phone photos, head on over to Sandy's blog From the Heart of Texas

Too much?!?!??!

I've taken the plunge...for good or for bad! I've started a REAL Blog! Everything over there, will be the same as here....and I am keeping this one up as a way to show off my photos...I can't think of what else to do for the moment....so for now....come visit me at My Camera's Eye (the web address is itsmycameraseye.blogspot.com)

Not sure if I am going to like this more, less, the same, etc. Seems like a lot of work to keep up...but I think this way I'll be able to reach more people, as shutterfly is weird for some. Come join me!!! Yes

Taken with my Cell Phone Thurs--Thought Provoking

Its that Time again....THURSDAY....that must mean its time for "Taken with my Cell phone Thurs" a Challenge my Friend Sandy created over on her blog "From the Heart of Texas"

Today, while on the Highway, I noticed a sign on the back of an 18 wheeler. It provoked a strong feeling in me, and I instantly grabbed my cell phone and took a photo of it.

God blessed by meandmine831, on Flickr

Hmmm..makes you stop and think, doesn't it? It did me. Whether you are a religious person or not, it is quite thought provoking!

To play along with this photo challenge, grab your cell phone, snap a shot, and head on over to "From the Heart of Texas" to post it! Can't wait to see you there! Wink

I Heart Faces-"Hands On"

This week's photo Challenge over on I Heart Faces is called "Hands On" I knew the photo I wanted to use almost immediately!! When our second daughter was born, she was a bit of a miracle (all babies are, but she was even more so) because I had a difficult pregnancy with her, and a miscarriage before her. I wasn't sure we would see the days of having 2 children. But the moment she came into our life, it was sweeter than ever before. My photo is a moment forever held in time, of just how sweet, and precious life was again. "Daddy's hands" represents the love of a Father and his Daughter. Our daughter was only 3 days old in this photo, and already had Daddy wrapped around her little finger! Wink

WM Daddy's Hands by meandmine831, on Flickr

Thanks for stopping by Smiling

To see more "Hands On" photos, head over to I Heart Faces and check em out!

Fix It Friday #44

YAY!!! I finally did another Fix it Friday! Life's been hectic, and I haven't done one of these in weeks (Sadly, I think its been close to TEN weeks since i have participated!) I love Fix it Fridays over at I <3 Faces, because it challenges my skills in enhancing photos--something I haven't been very comfortable with until recently, and I still try to keep to the original as much as possible. After all, we take photos to capture moments, and if we alter those moments too much from the original, what was the point?!?! Just my opinion, not that I don't love some of the artsy stuff out there!! Yes

Here's the Original:
Fix it 44 by meandmine831, on Flickr

And here is my fix:
Fix it 44 (1 of 1) by meandmine831, on Flickr

I used Lightroom2, aged the photo, played with the exposure a bit, Changed the lights and darks just slightly with the Tone Curve, then I lighted her face using the brush. I also played with the hues and luminance of her jacket and pants. She's such a cutie--this was a really fun photo to play with!

Thanks for stopping by, if you'd like To play along, or just to see some other creative fixes, head over to I {Heart} Faces Happy Friday!!! Smiling

Taken with my Cell Phone Thurs--Date Night

taken-with-badge by meandmine831, on Flickr

Ok...well, I tried to take an different photo with my cell phone yesterday, I won't tell you what it is, because I am still going to try and take it Wink

But, my phone's memory was full...so, I had this one on my phone, and Really wanted to use it anyway...I guess it all worked out! Smiling

My hubby and I went on a much needed, rare date, and had such a nice night at our favorite dining place! So...for this Taken with my Cell phone Thurs, its me (a another Rare occasion...usually I'm behind the camera Yes

) and my Best friend! Embarrassed

To see more Cell phone photos, head on over to Sandy's Blog From the Heart of Texas.

I {Heart} Faces: We {Heart} Kisses Photo challenge

This week's photo challenge over on I {heart} faces is: We {heart} Kisses. Right away I knew the photo I wanted to use! This is my youngest daughter giving my Husband kisses on New Year's Eve. Here are the reasons I {heart} this photo:
1) I {heart} these two people
2) Who doesn't {heart} kisses???
3) This will be a {heart}warming photo for my young daughter to cherish through the next 12 months while Daddy is bravely serving our Country!

New Years Kisses by meandmine831, on Flickr

New Years Kisses by meandmine831, on Flickr

Cropped NYE kisses by meandmine831, on Flickr

To see More {heart}warming Kissy moments, head on over to I {Heart} Photos!

Taken with my Cell Phone Thurs-Reading Rover

Ok, its a little late, but I didn't get my photo until almost 8pm last night....but I have it!! Smiling

Our Local Library does a program every first Thurs of the Month called "Reading Rover Club". We had never participated in it, so this was our first try.
My oldest loved it, and got to "Read to the 'Rover'" (a Great Pyrenees named Duchess, who is a Rehabilitation dog) My youngest however, wasn't too interested, and played with puzzles and such all night! It was nice to get out of the house either way. Not sure we will make a habit out of it, but I am sure glad I had my cell phone with me to capture the moment!! Wink

reading Rover-2 by meandmine831, on Flickr

If you'd like to see other moments captured by Cell phones, click on over to Sandy's blog From the Heart of Texas

Taken With my (Blackberry) iPhone Thursday Photo Challenge

WOW--What a Title!! Surprised

My Friend Sandy over at From the Heart of Texas has started her VERY OWN PHOTO BLOG Challenge...or is that Blog photo Challenge?!?!? Confused

Either way, what a GREAT idea! We ALL use our cell phones to take pictures these days, but most of us don't do much with those photos--this is a way for us to SHARE THEM WITH THE WORLD!! Wink

And no, Thankfully, you don't have to have an iphone to participate (I have a blackberry, hence my journal title! Laughing

). Any cell phone photo will do, as long as its YOUR OWN Work!! Click on over (here) To read all the rules.

Thanks Sandy for starting this, its unlike Any other I have seen on the internet, and will give me a chance to actually show some of those Cute, Unscripted life photos stuck on my phone!! Smiling

My Photo this week is of my girls Greeting their daddy as he got off the plane which carried him back home after being gone for just over 2 weeks! I {heart} this photo so!! Embarrassed

Make sure to Click on over to "From the Heart Of Texas" to see more iPhone Thursday Photos! Smiling

And then go post a photo on your blog from your phone and participate!! Yes

Ruby Tuesday-Montage of Red

I've been falling behind in posting my photo challenges, but I HAVE been taking the photos for them! This week it is a montage of photos I took the first week of Jan. We have a small town not far from us called Salado, and it is a Very "Artsy" community. You know the type; streets lined with small shops with local artistry works, cute and quaint. I love those kinds of places, and Central Texas has a few. I went looking specifically for a Statue which I had read about online, I found SO much more that day! All of my photos are from that day, and not only are they a montage of various objects, they are a montage of various reds. Smiling

I know...I said I was done with Cmas photos!! Whistling

But I LOVED these Metal Angels which lined the streets. I couldn't resist sharing--especially with its perfectly Ruby Bow, and the Rustic Red Roof in the background! Wink

I will admit, I do not know a SINGLE THING about this wagon. I took it from across the street while I was photographing the ruins of an old 1890 schoolhouse. I had meant to go over and look at it, but it was in the 30s with 30 mph winds the day I took these photos. I was shooting the schoolhouse for a good 10+ min....I just wanted to get back in my truck!! TurningEyes

Lastly are these barn doors. I Loved the doors--I have a thing for Doors anyway TurningEyes

But these were on an old Feed Store turned Theater!! And they POPPED from the rest of the old building, as if they had been repainted recently.

There we go, three Very different photos, with very different reds! It feels good to complete a photo challenge again!! Smiling

If you'd like to see some more RUBY Tuesday photos...head over to Work of the Poet! Have a Wonderful Tuesday, and thanks for stopping by! Smiling

Ruby Tuesday-Last of Christmas

A New Year has begun, and that means the holidays are over. NOOOO...you can't make me let go!!! Pleased

For all the chaos of the holidays, I do dearly love them, and HATED having to pack away my Christmas stuff this past weekend.

So, in Honor of the holidays, my First Ruby Tuesday of 2010 is one Final Christmas photo. My grandmother received a gorgeous bouquet for Christmas, and it it were some very pretty Red Carnations, sprinkled with Glitter. Perfect for playing with my new macro lens!

IMG_0260 by meandmine831, on Flickr

Enjoy, and if you'd like to see any more Ruby Tuesday photos, head on over to Work of the Poet. Happy First Ruby Tuesday of 2010!

Shadow Shot Sunday--Christmas shadows

Cmastree Shadow by meandmine831, on Flickr

Christmas is less than a week away! I can not believe how fast it is approaching! Its my favorite time of the year, and every year I wonder how the last 11 months got by me so quickly! I love the smells--cookies baking, spices from the kitchen, Real Pine trees; and the sounds--Anxious Children, Santa bellowing "Ho Ho, Ho", Classic Christmas Carols........every bit of it is exciting to me. One of my absolute favorites of the holiday season is Christmas lights at night...especially on a tree. The glow of the soft colors, the twinkle of the tinsel, the faint outlines of family ornaments from all the years that have come before!! It was this love of trees at night that inspired my Shadow shot sunday photo this week. I loved the shadows that were cast on my wall from my tree, and how the seemed to dance if the tree was barely touched (or if the heater came on!)
Thank you for looking, and I hope you have a Very Merry, and Blessed Christmas (if you celebrate) To see other wonderful Shadow Shots go to Hey Harriet

Ruby Tuesday-Christmas Christmas time is Here!

I tried to do this last week, but something happened with my post, and I didn't have time to retype it all. I'm sure I thought of something witty to say too, but today....I'm at a loss. So, I'll let the photos speak for themselves!! These are some of the decorations I have around my house. I LOVE CHRISTMAS, and I LOVE RED!!!! Happy Holidays! And Happy Ruby Tuesday!

Red Trees by meandmine831, on Flickr

I {heart} Faces "Pets Only" Challenge

Once again, I <3 Faces has a Photo Challenge (contest) that instantly invoked a feeling in me! This week's challenge, "Pet's Only", immediately brought forward my all time favorite image of our Dustee in my mind's eye. Dustee was as gorgeous on the inside as she was on the outside. I can remember when we got her, everyone questioned us getting a Cocker Spaniel, but I was determined for her to prove their misconceptions about these types of dogs wrong! And she did!! She was well behaved, loveable, loyal, SMART, and all around the best dog. She put up with so much from us, being a Military Family. She moved, she went through the necessary steps to be shipped overseas (a lengthy process if you haven't had to do it) and then endured 30 days in a 15x4 kenneling cage in quarantine!! Sad

When she was 5 she was diagnosed with Mammary Cancer (Breast Cancer) It broke our hearts, and ultimately our wallets. We couldn't bare the thought of losing her so young though. She became a survivor thanks to modern Canine Medicine!! Smiling

Sadly, 4 years later, it returned. She was 9 1/2. She showed us what love can accomplish, and that you can still have Bright days in your Darkest hours. A couple of weeks before her 11th birthday she took a horrible turn for the worse. She wouldn't eat, or drink, each time she tried, she threw up, and she barely moved. We were in such denial about what we had to do, and were concerned not only about us, but our 6 year old.
It's been 11 mths now, and we still miss those big sappy brown eyes, that wagging numb that greeted us at the door, the wanting mouth when we would get into the ice cubes, but mostly, the way she loved us, no matter what. Thank you Dustee, for everything! Embarrassed

b&W-Dustee0302 by meandmine831, on Flickr

Best Shot 12/13

I've been SO busy lately, that I haven't really had the time to take photos...so my choices were slim today. I ended up choosing this photo of my youngest daughter while she was playing with a sticker. Her curiosity was adorable, and with her little "pigtails" and dress, she just looked so cute sitting by the light of the lamp. I didn't use the flash, in hopes of catching that light on her face, and I did a pretty good job. However, because I didn't have a tripod, and she IS a toddler after all, it isn't as sharp as I would like it...but I'll go with it!!! Wink

Hope everyone had wonderful weekend, and that you are ready for Christmas! 12 days and counting! I keep hearing the phrase "ready or not it's coming!" Pleased

So true! But hopefully you are ready!!

Sweet Dreams-I <3 Faces Photo Challenge

I've never participated in an I<3 Faces weekly photo challenges, but when I clicked over and saw "Sweet Dreams" was this week's challenge, I couldn't help but go fishing through my photos. Like All mommies (and photographers who work with babies) I have a ton of sleepy time photos. It was a hard choice, I have the cutesy baby photos, the funny ones of my older daughter and all the silly ways she sleeps...and the most precious one of the two of them sleeping together. Ultimately I decided, that even though many will have baby sleeping photos, that this one was the best example of sweet and technique. Even sweeter to me, this is the perfect example of my youngest (at 3mths)--who's nickname happens to be "Bai-Bear", and her very first bear!
Bai-Bearsleeping by meandmine831, on Flickr

Bai-Bearsleeping by meandmine831, on Flickr

Thanks for looking!
To see other sweet dreams photos, click on over to I <3 Faces this week

Another Friday--Another Fix It

Happy Friday!! I don't know about you, but my life has been wonderfully busy with the Holiday season upon us, and this is the first photo challenge, or ANYTHING I have done this week--not very good, seeing as though the week is over!! Pleased

But I did decide to do something FUN, and participate in another of I <3 Faces' Fix It Fridays!! There are always the most adorable faces in the photos we get to play with...so though the photos might techniqually be challenging at times, the faces staring back at us are always a joy to work with (at least for me)

This week's is an adorable baby boy, with beautiful sparkling eyes! Here is the Original:

Fix #38 by meandmine831, on Flickr

And here's my first Fix:
Fix it 38-glow by meandmine831, on Flickr

First I imported the photo into my iPhoto, then I cropped it a bit, and then I turned it a bit to put him more on an angle. Next I upped the exposure to lighten the photo a bit, lighted the shadows, sharpened the photo, which brought his cute little face more into focus, but also helped make his eyes sparkle more, then I retouched his chin and between his eyes just a bit, to get rid of those little baby bumps. Then I used Picasa and added the glow feature, played with the fill light a bit more, and the shadows a little more.

My next fix:
Fix it 38 filtered B&W by meandmine831, on Flickr

Fix it 38 filtered B&W by meandmine831, on Flickr

I took my fixed photo, glow and all, and added a Filtered B&W to it.

Such a cute photo. If you'd like to see other great Fix-Its, go to I<3 Fridays
Happy Friday!

Ruby Tuesday--Budding in Different Colors

This past week my youngest and I have been enjoying the beautiful "Fall" (More like Spring ) weather we have been having here in Texas. As I have stated before, apparently the flowers, and the insects, and everyone think it's Spring. We planted a "Texas Wildflower" mix in our flower beds this past March, and everything is still blooming! I tend to take photos over and over again, of the same flowers, but this time, I captured an unusual site. I noticed some of our little blue flowers (which are smaller than a dime) had RED and yellow buds on them. I don't know what kind of flower this is.....do you?? If so, please let me know! But I find it strange that the bud "pods" are red and yellow, but the blooms are blue?!?!? Surprised

I took many photos of them, on a Sunny day, at Sunset, on a cloudy day....I only got a few that I REALLY like, but due to time, I can only upload one right now.

Today is a BUSY Tuesday in my house. I'm only sitting at the computer to do this! Smiling

So, if you'd like to see others, come back later in the week, and look under my "Texas Flowers" album! Yes

Until then Happy Ruby Tuesday, and Thanks for the stopping by! If you'd like to see more Ruby photos, head over to Work of the Poet or click on the Link on the Right Side of my of my home page!!!

Best Shot Monday 11/16--Flying and Ruby Tuesday 11/17 Red Sky

For My Best Shot this past week I have chosen a photo I took over the weekend. I love capturing emotions of the time through my photography, and of all the photos I took last week, this one is the most expressive. I adore the sheer delight in her face, and the motion--stopped in time, that the photo captures! Both (emotion, and motion) are sometimes hard to TRULY grasp through photography, so when I am able to accomplish either one, minus BOTH together, I am a giddy school girl!!! Pleased

Here's to continuing to not only tell moments, but showing them, in our photographs!

And for my Ruby Tuesday, I have a photo of a recent Sunset I took. You know the old Saying "Red Sky at Night, Sailors Delight". Well, being in a boat on the open water is about the only thing that could have made that sunset more spectacular. I haven't seen color like that in the sky in a VERY long time, and it was breathtaking, and stopped me in my tracks! I immediately grabbed my camera and started snapping away. It amazes me how fast the sun goes down, changing the surrounding colors. The moving clouds also changes the scene. Whether or day was a good one, or you wish you could have a re-do, with a sunset like that, it seems to make everything better, and settles the soul.

Happy Ruby Tuesday! To see more talent from other bloggers, go to Work of the Poet blog and click on any of the links!

Shadow Shot Sunday--Budding Shadows

This week's Shadow Shot Sunday is a photo I took a couple of weeks ago, of a wild flower growing in our front flower bed. I initially was fearful that afternoon sun would be too intense and bright, but amazingly it made for some GORGEOUS flower shots!
I started out taking this shot for the macro shot, but when I downloaded it to my computer, and saw that awesome shadow cast from the center, I KNEW this would be a SSS photo! There are lots lovely shadow shots, just Visit Hey Harriet's Blog to view them, or play yourself!
Hope you had a Great Shadow Shot Sunday! Smiling

Scavenger Hunt Photo of the Week--Water

I have photographed water in so many ways....from so many angles....because I **LOVE** Water!!! In pools, in lakes, from the sky, in Rivers, as waterfalls, as dew, from Sprinklers, as the great big Ocean......And many of my water photos I love. So, this week's scavenger hunt was hard for me. I couldn't decide if I should go with the Fun Family photos....because I bet I took 100s in water this summer between sprinklers, the pool, and the splash park. Or did I use recent ones I took on my Sunday Drive in the form of Dew and fog....or the many beautiful waterfalls, and ocean shots I got while living in Hawaii?!?!?!

I finally decided this: This is a scavenger hunt....you are to HUNT for the photo, and take it....it does state in the rules that you can go back and use an older photo, but I try hard not to...I feel like it is cheating or something! TurningEyes

So...I decided to go with some photos I took this past Sunday, on my drive through the fog...I think I have dubbed that photo shoot "Dragonflies in the Mist" even though I took more than just Dragonflies Pleased

And a couple of photos I took not long ago of my oldest that instantly popped in my head when I read the word "Water" for our Challenge.

Its an odd mix I know, but that's me...eclectic! Wink

Enjoy!

Fix It Friday on I <3 Faces #36

Every Friday on the Photo Blog I <3 Faces they have a photo contributed from one of the blog followers, and the rest of us can choose to "Fix it" however the Creative Mood Strikes us!
Today's photo is a darling little boy who looks truly happy. An easy photo to work with! Smiling

Here's the Original: (I don't know why...but even after being re-sized the whole photo isn't showing up.....the right side is cut off....sorry! If you want to see the whole original look in my Fix It Friday album on the Right Hand side of my Home page!)

My first fix:

I put the photo in my iPhoto, Cropped it to focus on his face, Antiqued to 4, then faded it once. Then I saturated it, upped the Contrast, lowered the highlights, lightened the shadows, sharpened it just a bit and de-noised it.

My Second Fix:

For this one I Faded the Original Once, and cropped it just a little--enough to get rid of that brown pole on the left. Then I increased the Contrast and lowered the saturation to 9%. Lighted the shadows a bit, dimmed the highlights, de-noised it a little, retouched some of the Red Spots on his face and neck, and ever so slightly changed the temperature. I liked it that way, but decided to take it a step further. I put it in Picasa, and did a soft focus on the whole photo (other than his cute face!) And then did a slight glow on him. He looks so angelic!!

There you have it!! Happy Friday all!! Smiling

And if you'd like to see more great fixes got to I <3 Faces!

Ruby Tuesday 11/10--Change in Progress

Its seems we are getting a REAL "Fall" in Texas this year. I've seen more color here then I ever remember before, and it seems really late to me, but I've lived on the East Coast for the last 6 years...so maybe my memory just isn't serving me correctly. This weekend I found the changing of the leaves in progress, when I wasn't even looking for it.
Sunday Morning we had a heavy fog settle in our neck of the woods. We were even under a Dense Fog advisory. We live in on the outskirts of the hill country, and have some farm land around us, so I wanted to go out and do some shooting, just see what I could find. My destination, a piece of land that has two falling down farm houses, and the cattle that are usually across the road. When I left my house, the fog was much thicker than I had realized from my backyard. I could barely see 50 feet in front of me. I was afraid my shooting adventure was doomed. I got to the falling down shack (house, "thing") and started clicking away. I wasn't happy with my angles, or my lighting.....so I moved on down the road. About 200 there they were!! The Cattle were RIGHT by the road, I felt like things were looking up. I got the attention of a momma and her calf, and the momma came right up to me. I was Delighted. After a few minutes, they tired of my presence, and the fact that I didn't have any goods to offer them, and they wandered off. As I started the trek back to my truck, I noticed a spider web on the Barbed wire. It was covered in dew....and beautiful. Then I found a beautiful purple weed...also covered in dew. My discoveries continued one after another. Its truly amazing the photos ops that are out there, if you just walk around and look.
By the time I made it back to the car, my shoes, socks, feet, and pants were SOAKED, and cover in grass, stickers, all kinds of things. I decided to head back home. When a farm caught my eye. I pulled back over a ways down the road, and had to hike my way back up to where the farm was, when I noticed DRAGONFLIES everywhere. I LOVE Dragonflies, and ended up spending at least 45 min capturing these guys. I have many photos that I will be using as my Monochrome Weekly photos in the coming weeks....if I can hold onto them and not share before that!!! Smiling

But I also found my Ruby Tuesday photos for today (kind of a long story to get to the jist of today...but the back story sometimes makes the photos!! And This way...I won't have to tell it for future photos!! Yes

) I found this beautiful baby oak tree in the process of changing. It was GORGEOUS!! My favorite leaves in the fall are the ones that still have green mixed in with all the other colors. And I found a number of those. I couldn't believe the rich, vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. I've seen Fall Foliage in the North East, NOTHING compares to it....but I found my own little Fall paradise in this little oak tree, and a couple of other little trees next to it. By the time I decided to head home, my was hungry, out of coffee, tired of being soaked from the shines down, and my memory card was full (I forgot to put in my big one!! Sad

) But I was happy with my photos, and couldn't wait to get home to view them.
This is where the discovery in photography is REALLY at for me. After uploading my photos, I couldn't believe some of the amazing things I had captured. If you've ever read my Welcome statement on my home page it says that I believe the camera captures what the eye passes over...and Sunday's photos were one of those times my own words rang in my ears! I noticed all kinds of details I didn't while I was in the throws of shooting!! I'm excited to share my photos, with you all.
In the meantime, check out my Ruby Tuesday album to see some of my favorite red shots, and then check out my Fall album to see some other shots I got this weekend!
Happy Ruby Tuesday!

I <3 Faces Story in Photos: "Thankfullness"

This weeks Story in Photos challenge on I <3 Faces is "Thankfullness" I've never participated in this before, but thought it fitting after the recent tragedy at FT. Hood (our current Duty Station) to say just how Thankful I am, for my husband, and all Military, and what they do for me, and for all of America.

I am Thankful for my husband--my friend, my love, my Life, my HERO

I am thankful for the sacrifice he and many others face for our Country

I am Thankful that I live in the United States of America, Land of the Free, and Home of the Brave!!!!!!

And I am thankful for my Children, who are part of the next Generation to carry on Pride and the Support our Service Men and Women Need!!

Support our Troops, and Honor those who have paid the Ultimate Sacrifice. Veteran's Day is This Wed, please don't forget to Thank a Vet, and BE THANKFUL for all you have!

Forever Changed

I am an Army wife, stationed at Ft Hood Texas. If you aren't in the military, you probably didn't know where that was, before Thurs Nov 5th. And now, The WHOLE WORLD knows. I wish it was because of some wonderfully uplifting reason, but sadly, its quite the opposite. Though I can thankfully say I didn't lose a loved one on that day, life will still never be the same for me. When an event happens like that in your community, it always stays with you to some capacity. The best way most will understand how I feel right now, is that feeling that we all had after 9/11/01. We as Americans felt the horror and pain of that day, even if we didn't lose someone personally. That is how I feel. This is our home, this is where we as an Army community should feel, and be, safe.
My heart goes out to those who did lose a loved one on that terrible day. My prayer is that you can find peace, and comfort once again. And know that your loved one was a Hero!!!
I likened 9/11/01 to being the "JFK Moment" of my generation, I never really thought I would have another one. I never thought I would be one of "those people" I saw on the news during the sniper shootings in D.C., or Columbine. But having a horrific event such as this, in my community, has forever changed me. I pray we can all find peace, and once again feel safe.

Ruby Tuesday--The last bit of Blooms

A week ago I went out the this quaint family farm to enjoy some fall festivities with friends. They had this cute display of flowers in an old tractor tire. I'm sure during their "hay day" they were beautiful, but when I happened on them, they were beginning to look bleak, wilted, and losing their color. I did happen to find one, very pretty Red Flower in the mix though. The afternoon sun highlighted it nicely, and I knew it was bound to be a Ruby Tuesday photo. I'm not sure what I will do once Winter actually sets in, and there are no more flowers or leaves to photograph!!! Pleased

Monochrome Weekly Challenge for 11/1

This week's Monochromatic photo is a vine growing up the side of my Aunt and Uncle's new home. I was intrigued by the single vine growing so perfectly up the shutter of the one of their windows. I also loved how the Sun peaked through a hole in the tree to my right, just enough to highlight the top of the vine. I instantly knew this would make a great B&W!! The Different textures from the Brick, and wood shutters also drew me in!
Thanks for visiting, and if you'd like to participate yourself, or just to see other fabulous photos go to Monochrome Weekly Theme. Have a Great week!

Best shot Monday-Spring in the Fall

If you live anywhere around Central Texas, then I know you had GORGEOUS weather this weekend!! Its as though Spring was here, rather than Fall. There were butterflies flitting about , spiders out for tasty munches, caterpillars roaming around......a Macro shooters DREAM! Wink

And I took FULL advantage. New photos will be in my Butterfly, Truly Misc, and Other Flower albums today or tomorrow!!

My Best Shot this week was of a caterpillar I found inside of a flower. I wish I could have thought to put my finger next to him. He was SO TINY....though he doesn't look it in the photo (gotta LOVE Super Macro!) I love the way I captured his body curved over the inside of the flower, and the light (which at the time I thought was too intense) worked well for me too.

I got many of nature's creations doing what they do this weekend....and I guess with the warm weather they are just as confused about which season it is as the rest of us!! Smiling

Happy Monday!!

Shadow Shot Sunday

I found another photo challenge online. Its over at a Blog called Hey Harriet Smiling

Now..I really am going to have to make sure I shoot everyday (or take lots of photos in one day to keep me good for a while! Wink

) I've got a challenge for almost every day now!! Whistling

This one is called Shadow Shot Sunday.
Its all about the dance of light and dark. Shadows are an every day part of life, but how often do most of us take notice to them? As children we are fascinated by shadows...mostly our own. Embarrassed

But as we grow we tend to not notice. Shadows can be beautiful, scary, thought provoking or just plain silly (who doesn't like "shadow puppets" Laughing

). Trees blowing in the a breeze, can make a ballet across a yard on a bright day, a child laughs at the site of how "big they are" in their shadows, and if your house is position right, you probably have shadows dancing across your home most of the day.

Today, while cleaning up our Halloween Decorations, my husband (being the supportive assistant to my photography that he is) started playing with his shadow, and together, we came up with a couple of silly, shadow shots. I couldn't pick just one, so please, view my photo album under "Challenges" on the right hand side of the home page entitled "Shadow Shot Sunday" to view all of my photos! And if you'd like to play along, or to see other great shadow shots, click the "badge" for Shadow Shot Sunday on the Right side of the page as well Thanks for visiting!

Fix It Friday (I <3 Faces)

This week's Fix it Friday is an adorable little girl with so much expression in her face, and eyes. I looked at some of the other "Fixes" on I <3 Faces and loved them all. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make anything too different...but Mine stands out to me, because I cropped it. I love Full on Face Shots....especially with such an expressive face as this little beauty. After Cropping I used in iPhoto and and Antiqued it 3 times, then Saturated it to 100, and used Edge Blur to 5. I love the photo...it just beautiful. I also sharpened it a bit, and lowered some of the highlights on her cheek. But...originally I was thinking about making the whole photo Black and White, with just her bow pink. So I went over into Picasa, and ended up doing something completely different, and LOVING it!! I used my altered photo, and Used the Focal B&W, and just had the color remain on her face. From there I did a Glow on it, and played with the Radius and Intensity until I was happy with it!! What a fun photo!!

If you'd like to see other talented fixes, or to participate yourself, click here Fix It Fridays

Monochrome Weekly Challenge

Happy Halloween Week all!! I'm excited about Halloween only being a few days away! My whole family loves this holiday, and we all tend to dress up!!!

I've been thinking for a couple of weeks of joining the Monochrome Weekly Challenge
and this week I'm finally going to do it!! Wink

In the Spirit of Halloween I have a photo of a yard decoration I have. I love the lighting on this photo, and how it accents all the right parts.

Hope everyone has a Safe and Happy Halloween!! And if you'd like to join in the fun, or see the works of other talented photographers, just click on the link above, or under my Favs on the Right Hand side!!!

Scavenger Hunt Photo of the Week

This week's Prompt:Looks Like Halloween

I chose a few photos from around my house and made a collage!! My whole house looks like Halloween. The outside is spooky, and "dark" the inside is pumpkins, and lamps, and Whimsical!! I love all things halloween....so the two "sides" to Halloween fit my personality! Wink

To view the photo larger, just click on the "Scavenger Hunt" album under challenges, and you'll see it, along with past photos.

Happy Hunting!

Ruby Red Tuesday

Ruby red is a gorgeous color, especially if found on a car! I always said I was going to get a red sports car---I still haven't!! Smiling

So, no, this photo isn't of MY car...I found it in a Lowe's parking lot Whistling

I couldn't resist!!

And the other photo for today...well, in the South (or at least Texas) during Homecoming time we make "Mums" Being Military and living all over I have found many people don't know what these are, nor do they understand the concept. Mums first and foremost represent SCHOOL SPIRIT!!! They are made with the colors of your school...and a Mum (real or silk) as the center piece...after that, they are as varied as the colors in the spectrum!! For girls they pin on your clothes, and look similar to my photo. For boys they are a smaller version, and glued onto a garter for the arm. Like many other things "high school" they also were somewhat of a status symbol, and a tool for gossip. Everyone wants to know who gave you your mums, and the more "popular" clicks would be clanking down the halls with shirts falling off due to all the weight hanging from them (from the numerous mums they were wearing)!!! Laughing

Mums can be given by anyone, to anyone, but mostly they are given between "Boyfriend/girlfriends" and "best friends" (parents and "big or lil" sisters in organizations also gave them") Mums can be purchased pre-done at a grocery store, or craft store, or they can be made yourself (I always made the ones I gave away. Less expensive and more custom that way Wink

) In High school I loved receiving my mums, and still have them TurningEyes

I felt like a (high) school girl again when I walked into my local store and saw these. We left the south 10 years ago, and I've missed it...and its traditions, ever since!! But seeing these was a sure sign I was "home" again! Smiling

As always if you would like to participate, or just see other wonderful Ruby Tuesday photos click here

Best Shot Monday 10/26

Today's photo is of a gorgeous butterfly that was hanging out on a Holly Bush at my Uncle's house. He was so "tame" and let me get super close to him. When he did finally fly off, because of me or another reason, I'm not sure, he simply flitted off, graceful, slow, and quiet. I watched him fly all over the yard, land briefly on another plant, and then continue on under trees, up and down, across the street, and on until I lost site of him. He was a gorgeous specimen.

Fix It Friday on I <3 Faces

I've been frequenting photo blogs a lot lately...and trying decide just how many challenges I am going to get myself into!! Laughing

Today I couldn't resist trying out the Fix It Friday (#33) on I <3 Faces! This challenge involves one of the members of the blog posting a photo, and then any other member can fix the photo, and then re-post their fixed versions. What an Interestingly wonderful idea! There are so many ways to enhance/fix a photo, that you get to see many different people's perspectives on the Original.
I choose to focus on the boys expression. His face has one of those completely happy, down to the core looks on it, and I didn't want anything else in the photo to distract from that. I used my iphoto to first lighten the shadows, and saturate the photo a bit. Oh--I also "Denoised" it in iPhoto! Then I put it into my Picasa, "Warmify-ed" it, and then I used the Soft Focus element to blur everything but his face. And Voila! I have highlighted my fixed version to the Right, but if you'd like to see the Original, and the Fixed next to each other, just click on the album titled "Friday Fix its" under the Challenges tab on the Right hand side. Happy Friday! Smiling

Scavenger Hunt Photo of the Week

This week's prompt for our Scavenger Hunt is Creepy! To me, our yard decorations this year are pretty creepy--therefore they this week's subject matter!

Ruby Tuesday Oct 20th

Fall is a wonderful time of the year to find RED photos! Red leaves, red berries, you never know what you will find! While driving down the road the other day I noticed a bush with some bright red berries on it. Before I left my house the next time, I grabbed my camera with the intent to photograph that little bush....little did I know, there were TREES of berries galore that I hadn't noticed while driving! The sun was in a great spot too, so I am very pleased with all my red berry photos. There is a little shed tucked behind some of those trees too...with RED Brick! What luck! I made a photo collage of my photos, but to see them individually click on the album titled Ruby Tuesday! And to see other talented photographers, and their Ruby Tuesday photos, or to join in the fun yourself just click here (Ruby Tuesday) Happy Tuesday!

Best Shot Monday

Another week, another photo! This week's Best Shot is of my girls. They love jumping together, and though the lighting is a bit off, I love that I captured both their feet off the ground, and the joy in the little one's face!! To see other Best Shot Monday photos see the album to the left with the same title!

Happy Monday, and here's to a great week!

Scavenger Hunt Photo of the Week

I FINALLY decided on this week's Scavenger Hunt Photo!! The Admin of the group I am on permitted us to make a collage photo if we wanted, as long as we save it as one jpg. What a RELIEF! Its always so hard for me to pick OnE photo--for any subject, and this one was especially difficult, as this week's Scavenger Hunt was something "Orange"
I enjoy these challenges, they force me to really look at the details of my world, and its amazing the things I see every day, that I look right past.
I DID make a photo collage for this weeks challenge, and its all with stuff that was in my garage! I could have added so much more, but it started having a "child's theme" to it, so I didn't veer from that. Smiling

Scavenger Hunt Photo of the Week

This week's "prompt"--something Yummy.
My husband has been making these food creations for our oldest daughter since she was about 3. He started making them as a way to hide food she didn't like. It then became a regular weekend treat for her. It does make eating more fun. He's even made a few for me!! Its the sweetest gesture, and no matter what it is (even a hot dog, which I dispise!) the food always looks YUMMIER! Smiling

Ruby Tuesday

Thanks to a friend, I have gotten myself into another challenge!! Smiling

If you'd like to follow along, click on the bookmark to the right titled Ruby Tuesday, and there you will find the origin of this challenge!
I will try my best to keep this up weekly, I don't like feeling like I've started something, and not kept up on it, but I can't guarentee anything!!
I have one Ruby Tuesday photo featured. Its a beautiful tree changing colors in my neighbors backyard, but it creeps over my fence! Wink

There is another photo of it in the "Plants" album under Misc. I also have two photos of my Fire Hydrant (yes, you read correctly, MY hydrant! Confused

, in the Truly Misc album. Thank you for looking, and have a Happy Tuesday! Smiling

Bare with me

This site is slow in coming. Between losing my other computer, and having to start all over with photos from CDs, websites, etc. this site is slower in coming together than I thought it would be. None the less, I hope you enjoy seeing the world I see, through my camera!!