Karin's {amateur} Photography

Mosbarger Eyes

2009-01-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

Jessica was lucky enough to inherit her dad and grandpa's beautiful eyes! The first thing I ever noticed about Brett were his gorgeous peepers, and now I can see the same thing in my daughter.

One For Goober!

2009-01-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

That would be Wendy. I took the girls to Wash Park on Sunday- it was such a beautiful day, and it was nice to get out and enjoy some sun. While the girls were feeding the geese and ducks, I noticed this little guy next to us. I immediately thought of my goober friend in Texas. So, Wen, this one is for you!!!

Hello, Cupcake!

2009-01-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Helen, I have just entered a Project 365 (where you take a picture a day for the entire year)...YAY! I knew I was going to do this, I just didn't know where or how, exactly. So, with that and a few other things I have gotten myself into, I have neglected my poor blog. I can't forget about my blog! After all, my family visits to see new pictures of the girls and Diesel. I am back now, and I hope to update it a little more frequently....I promise, mom!!! Anyway, here is a sweet picture of the girls I took while they were making cupcakes last weekend. It's not the best, as my kitchen lighting in the afternoon is HORRIBLE, but it will do. Thanks to shooting in RAW, I was able to save a nearly deleted photo. I LOVE shooting in RAW...I will never, ever go back to shooting only JPEG!!!! RAW is my new obsession.

Christmas Morning 08

2009-01-22T15:06:00.001-08:00

Amateur Photo Shoot...

2008-12-01T20:46:00.001-08:00

With a crappy lens, very little light, and totally posed! Not exactly my style but when my friend asked me to take Holiday photos of her beautiful girls, I couldn't resist. These angels are perfect subjects. This is Isabella sharing the spotlight with her new baby sister, Mia. Aren't they precious?

(Loco)-Motion

2008-12-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

OK, I *kind 0f* cheated here. I took these pictures a couple of weeks ago and held on to them, knowing that there would be an action/motion challenge. This is my wonder-mastiff, Diesel. He is 115 lbs of..well...hmmm....I don't really know. But I do know that he attacks any little (very little) thing that moves, and leaves are no exception! I really wanted to get Fall pictures of my girls on this particular day but, as you can see, Diesel made my amateur photo shoot darn near

impossible. THIS is the reason my husband has dubbed Diesel "dumb-ass-tiff". Get it? Instead of "the mastiff"? Now, if these leaves were an inch or two bigger, Diesel would NOT have been in these pictures. He would have instead ran under the house. He's just tough like that.

I'm In The Mood....

2008-11-28T14:33:00.000-08:00

for Christmas.....

'Nuff said.

MWA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Weather and Whining!

2008-11-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

Our challenge this week was to capture pictures of our weather. So, here are a few pictures of our first snow of the season....two weekends ago. As you can see, Diesel didn't think it was fair to snap pictures of him while he was outside freezing his tail off, and we were inside cozy and warm. The girls felt a little guilty so they decided to throw on some layers, hats, and mittens and join him in the backyard. It wasn't long before Diesel sought revenge. It also wasn't long before this play episode was over.

Whining, you ask? Oh no, not me. Seems that my music selection for my blog didn't quite suit everyone. I have had ONE complaint. Yes, yes it's true. I guess I will need to accommodate ONE person. Lord knows how many people have access to this blog, and no one has complained before, but now that I have had ONE complaint...from ONE person... I might as well change the tune. I will not mention any names, but her initials are H.E.L.E.N. I am very sorry to have offended this person with the classic sound of Lynyrd Skynyrd. I am hoping that I have found a more suitable tune for this person, with the initials of H.E.L.E.N. So sorry to make everyone else suffer, but it seems that ONE person could not handle anything more powerful than Barney. Again, I sincerely apologize.... to the rest of you who are SUFFERING at this very moment.

Low-Light by Amy

2008-11-17T12:50:00.000-08:00

I was so excited for this challenge!! Some of the most beautiful pictures are those taken with very limited light. They seem to have such a warm and soft glow to them.....that is....unless.....you are stuck at home, caring for a puking child- all weekend!!!!! Nothing soft OR warm about that. Well, maybe warm, but I will stop there. So, my options were minimal for this particular challenge. I thought I was doomed until I walked into my bedroom early last night, and found a spectacular view outside of my window! I just looooooove Colorado! Then, BEHOLD! I was also blessed to have found my five-year-old sleeping smack-dab in front of my lamp. I was saved!!!! This is not what I had in mind- oh no, far from it! BUT, I am satisfied. Thanks for the awesome challenge, Amy!!!! Oh, and just so you know, the picture of our beautiful Colorado sunset is only CROPPED...the colors are straight from the camera. That is just how stunning our sunsets are! Actually, it was even prettier in person.

2008-11-13T07:27:00.000-08:00

Macro Eye And Weed!

2008-11-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

So, I took out my handy dandy micro lens this weekend, thinking I would have all of these wonderful pictures to post.....NOT! I have now learned that I need an awesome external flash unit and a better tripod. Oh, and a professional model...who can sit still for more than 30 seconds and not complain! That, Leah, is why I can not "pursue" my photography...NO patience!!! Yikes. Anyway, here's my humble (and frustrating!) attempt at something...well...I don't know.

Sraight From The Camera

2008-10-28T06:49:00.000-07:00

So, Wendy decides to pull a no editing allowed challenge this week. For many months it was in my head that all of my pictures needed to come straight from the camera..NO EDITING....until....WENDY reassured me that it was "OK" to edit. Remember, Wen? I do. You sent me the link to Pioneer Woman's blog, and I read about how it is "OK" to edit your photos in PS...after all, didn't photographers, in the past, do something similar in the dark room? Yes, THEY DID. I then realized it was OK to play with my pictures.......until this week!!!! Thanks, Wendy!!!!

Whining aside, I do try to get the best pictures straight from the body of my camera. Sorry, Wen, I had to give you a hard time. I feel much better now. Thank you.

Here's my best shot.

Zen...I think?

2008-10-20T11:18:00.001-07:00

This was fun, but a bit challenging. It's hard to find zen in my house...I have a 115 lb. puppy and two wild kids..sometimes four. Also, as a couple of you know, I have been losing my hair and sanity over our crazy election. Ssooo...this is what I have come up with. Thanks for the challenge, Helen!!! It was a very nice break from my daily grind!!!!!

Colors Of the Season

2008-10-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

And this is why Fall has always been my favorite Season. Thanks for the challenge, Wen!!! It was a good one!!!!

Portraits

2008-10-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

I don't think I really need to explain this...Helen! Remember, I promised that I would haunt you with this forever!!!!! Oh, and look....it's my only picture to add to the collage! Uh oh..looks like you will HAVE to add this!!!! Obviously, I am not hoping to win this week's challenge. LOL!! BUT, ohhhhh, this is so WORTH losing!!!!!!

MWA!!!!!

Eyes That Sparkle, Soul That Shines

2008-09-30T18:25:00.001-07:00

I had to do a layout of Jessi's gorgeous blue eyes because they are turning hazel-ish green. I sure will miss them. So, this is her...and her beautiful eyes....that I will miss.....dearly. And, as the journaling states, her eyes are also the reason why she is never in trouble for very long. I just love them.

I messed with this darn layout for almost two days. It's time to walk away......

Another layout by Lizzy!

2008-09-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

And this one is PAPER!!!!! Lizzy is just an amazing scrapper- with digi or paper, she never ceases to amaze me!! I am so jealous! I used to scrap with paper, until I found the dark side, and now I can't work with my hands to save my life. I really wish I could, though. Anyway, thanks again, SR, this is a beauty!!!!!

Bridge To Suburbia

2008-09-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

This is as good as it gets this week. I live deep in the suburbs (as you can tell by the amateur graffiti!), and I just didn't have the time to travel to where the really cool bridges are here in Colorado. If I had more time, I would have made a visit to The Royal Gorge. Now, THAT is a 'bridge'. I do love bridges, and I can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with.

A Gift!

2008-09-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

I just received this beautiful page from Lizzy, and I LOVE it!!!!!! Thank you, SR!!!!! I am still in awe of your work!!!!!! As to the picture...I had it coming. I look like I am falling asleep and Jessi looks strange, but after stealing yours...FINE!

Again, thanks and you are very welcome....anytime!!!!!

Cadillac Ranch 2007

2008-09-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

Motivated by a layout done by Lizzy, which will be PUBLISHED in Digital Scrapbooking Magazine in February (?), I attempted to create a modern, artsy fartsy type layout of my little family at The Cadillac Ranch last Summer. Of course, it's nothing like hers, but it's unlike any of my others. All in all, I am satisfied.

Thanks for the motivation, SR.

Signed~ Still "JR"!!!!

My Morning

2008-09-22T17:16:00.001-07:00

This is my typical Saturday morning, not a hectic weekday morning. I would have liked to photograph the 'typical' morning, but the with a cold and stomach bug on top of Teacher Inservice on Friday, I haven't had a 'typical' morning....until this morning, but my camera battery was D-E-A-D, dead. Anyway, here's a Saturday morning at the Mosbarger's.

I open my bedroom blinds. Hmm, Fall photo opp? YES!

Indeed, the leaves are changing. I hope no one sees me in the trees!

Beautiful light and colors!!! Uh-oh. I hear a stumpy.

Crap. I have been spotted. Time to make breakfast.

But wait! I see a 'morning reflection' in my steamer!!! PERFECT!

Family is fed. Time for make-up and hair. Hey, it takes a lot to look 'natural'!

Helen, I guess I will enter either picture no. 2 (the leaves) or no. 4 (the skillet and time). If the leaves aren't really morning-ish, then go for the skillet and time one. I don't know..YOU pick!! LOL!! I love having you do all of my work for me....layouts, word art, challenge choices, etc.
MWA!!!

Animals

2008-09-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

Because I am such a sucker for animals, this week's challenge was kind of easy...thanks Wendy!!!

Here are a some pictures from the Denver Zoo and, of course, how could I forget my own 'zoo' at home? So, once again, here are a couple of Diesel. Yes, more.

Honestly, I do have two beautiful daughters...really! Maybe they will be included in next week's challenge.

Queen Scarlett

2008-09-15T13:11:00.001-07:00

And this one is for my sweet friend, Wendy. Did you hear that, SR? SWEET! No threats, name calling, or stealing needed!!!!!

This adorable canine is Wendy's girl, Scarlett. Scarlett is having a rough time as she is getting old, and I want Wendy to have something funny and sweet to look back on when Scarlett's time comes. I know Wendy will have lots of precious memories and pictures of her beloved friend, but here's one from me. Hope you like it, Wen!!!! Hugs to you and Scarlett!!!!

Happiness is a.......

2008-09-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

Oh my. If you only knew what it has taken to post this DAMN layout....good Gawd!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have had to BEG, PLEAD, YELL, and STEAL to get this finished and posted!!!! Has anyone ever argued with a Chilean woman before....like my dear, sweet, elegant, well-mannered friend, Lizzy??? I have been called every name in the Chilean slang book, and some in English too. Lizzy hates this picture of her, but I love it!!! I think she looks absolutely beautiful. I stole this as soon as I saw it, with every intention of scrapping this for her. Well, in the midst of *trying* to come up with something very SWEET and thoughtful to journal, I kept getting horrible, threatening emails from her. Needless to say, I couldn't come up with a sweet thing to write for her. Instead, I opted for a few of the choice Chilean words she has used on me NUMEROUS times!!!! If you only knew..... She isn't as sweet as she looks. Oh no, far from it.

Thank you, SR, for ALLOWING me to post this beautiful picture of you!!!!! It truly is breathtaking!!!!!

Huevona!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nope, didn't learn that on my OWN!!!!!

Mia Katherine

2008-09-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

Here she is, finally. Mia Katherine, who her older sis has named "Violet", was born on Sunday to my very sweet friend, Amanda. Mia weighed in at 7'11 oz. and she was 20" long. She is absolutely B*E*A*U*T*I*F*U*L... just like her four year old sister, Isabella. I am so excited to watch her grow.

So here she is today, with her very first SLR lens up her nose. She'll get used to it. Someday she may even thank me for it. Poor baby.

Digi supplies: "Pretty Primavera" kit by Scrap Girls; "Lush Textures vol. 2" overlays by Vicki Stegall (Oscraps); Silver Bead alpha by Jen U.; Beautiful baby girl- borrowed; photo by yours truly.......prepare for many, many more.

Abstract

2008-09-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Lotti, this week's challenge was "Abstract". Hmmm. I have never tried or thought of that before, but it was such fun trying to take pictures with that in mind. So, here are a few attempts. Great idea, Lotti!!! I am definitely going to keep this in mind.

Clematis, an old gate (Abstract Decay!), crayons, french fries (hush, Fred), and bullmastiff nose/wrinkles/eye.

Symmetrical Decay for Helen

2008-09-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

I forgot to add this one to the entry below. I took it with our PITA Aussie friend in mind. So, after laying my head in God knows what, I was able to take this shot "Helen" style. I have never taken shots with this kind of angle...like Helen does so well, but I really like this!! Den, I think she's on to something....shhhhhh!!!!!!

This was the edge of a huge pool we guess was built in the 40s or 50s. It's amazing how no one has tampered with it...until now!!!! I can't wait to go back. It really was spectacular. Wen, maybe we could meet there??? LOL!! Fred permitting......

Symmetry

2008-09-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

Coming from someone whose life is anything but symmetrical, this challenge was difficult for

me. I do much better with challenges like "decay"...LOL!!!! Anyway, I think I may have pulled it off.. just in the nick of time. I am resubmitting the first one of the dock, since I missed the deadline for "lines". I thought it would be perfect. Then there are a couple of shots of an old country club that we stumbled across off of old Route 66 in New Mexico. There were so many cool things here, like an old lifeguard chair, decrepit playground equipment, sheds, and a beautiful adobe looking building. I fell in love with this place!! Like I said, I do better with "Decay"!!!

Decay

2008-08-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge, created by Jorinde, was Decay. What an AWESOME challenge!!! Thanks, Jorinde!! Here are a couple of pictures from my stash that have something to do with decay...I think? I am going to work harder on finding more photo opps..I just haven't had the time with the girls going back to school this week. This would have been the perfect challenge to play with in New Mexico, as the entire TOWN my husband works in is decaying!!!! It's so nice to be home. Oh, Helen and Wendy, I already know I am a Dag...how could I resist a cemetery photo??? I thought it would be perfect! LOL!!!! Also, here's a picture of our rotting fence that needs to be replaced, a shot of my drowning house plant, our tree that 'looks' like decay, and the seriously decrepit Cadillacs at the Cadillac Ranch in Texas.

Lines

2008-08-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

I know I am posting these late, but I did take the pictures on time. I couldn't find the time to post these for the challenge when we were on vacation. No, Wen, I didn't get to the Grand Canyon...Brett thought that would be the ultimate "Griswold" trip ("Vacation" with Chevy Chase). So, here are a few shots from Ute Lake in New Mexico. While the rest of the family was trying to catch a fish, I was snapping like crazy. I also took some pictures of my parent's palm trees. I found myself surrounded by lines.

Early Evening

2008-08-11T23:45:00.001-07:00

These are some pictures I took in the late afternoon and early evening hours. They don't necessarily focus on the natural light, but I do like them. Here, I like the artificial light that "popped" as soon as the natural light faded.

Blah

Much better

B O R I N G (uhhh.. not you, Amanda!)

A little more pizazz

Morning, Noon, and Night

2008-08-11T23:04:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was to take pictures that capture natural light as it differs throughout the day. I prefer the early evening hours, so this was quite a challenge for me. I did, however, learn that I do like the early morning "glow" that my front room creates. I have lived in my house for seven years and had no idea that the front room/office could be so pretty. So, here are some shots taken yesterday in my front room.

The Morning Glow..........

Approaching noon.........

Winding Down.......

The Calm Before the Storm

2008-08-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

OK, I just had to post this picture of Jessi sleeping yesterday, minutes before she threw a major fit and was grounded for two days. Anyway, I really like how this turned out. I saw a gorgeous picture on one of Nikon's sites of a bride's lashes, where only her lashes on one eye were in focus. Since I saw that picture, I have been searching for a photo opp similar to that. Sorry, no brides, only my sleeping daughter. The calm before the storm. Yeesh.

BTW, Wendy, I am NOT bragging!!!!! LOL!!!!! YOU don't need a macro!!!!!!!!! I DO!

Signs

2008-08-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

OK, this challenge was much more difficult than I expected. When I read that this week's challenge was to take pictures of weird, funny signs, I immediately thought of a couple here in my neck of the woods. So, I got up this morning, threw the girls and Diesel in the car, and headed out to snap a picture of the "Newcomer Mortuary" sign and a couple of others. Well, none of those signs exist today. Damn! And after almost causing a couple of accidents ( I realllllly wanted a picture of the "Dam Road Closed" sign), I had to opt for these easy, lame signs.

These lovelies can be found in my garage. The second drives me CRAZY- how illiterate was this person?? But, Brett loves it......figures.

Here are two signs that I absolutely despise!!! I do like the bouncing balls added to "Dick's"..what a creative touch. And, "Wahoo's FISH Taco"??? That's just not right. It may be a great place to dine, but the sign keeps me away. Oh, and have you ever tried googling "Dick's"? My nephew did, trying to find a tennis racket. Let's just say he found A LOT more than he ever expected!!!! I say they should change their name to "Dan's" or "Dave's". Anything but "Dick's".

Tales From the Suburbs

2008-07-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was to take some pictures of our "hood". So, here are a few pictures I took of my neighborhood. My favorite park, where I practically grew up. In the distance you will see the Denver Technical Center aka DTC; The little spot (Southlands) where we like to hang out with friends, where there are great water fountains for the kids to play in....and one of my favorite places to eat-Tokyo Joes; And, the street signs and light post in my yard....we are on the very corner.

I can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with!!!!

Negative Space

2008-07-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

And for this week's challenge we have "negative space". Boy, do I have the lens for that!! LOL!! The complete opposite of last week's challenge, which was to "fill the frame". Here are some very recent pictures I took that I thought would be appropriate for this theme, and the one of the kids in the lake was taken today. I think I'm liking this challenge, so I am sure I will have more to post. Thanks, Helen and Wendy!!!

Filling The Frame

2008-07-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge is to "fill the frame". It's something that I always do, without even thinking twice. But, for some reason it is more difficult when I am suppose to. Hmmm? So, here are a couple of shots I took, attempting to fill the frame.

The first one, though old, is one of my favorites of Jess. That girl is the reason I tend to fill the frame. I can't help myself. She has her daddy's beautiful eyes. Then there's Diesel and his "baby". How could I resist?

Picking Pumpkins 2007

2008-07-14T19:45:00.001-07:00

Here are more old pictures that needed to be scrapped. I literally have a "to do" list of scrapping. These pics were taken at Berry Patch Farms last Fall, while the girls and I went pumpkin picking with Krissy, Ashli, and Mason. It was so much fun, and we are looking forward to it (and their roasted green chiles!) again this year. Let's just hope it's a little warmer! By the way, SR, I am now addicted to overlays. I can't get enough of them. Beware.

First Day of Kindergarten

2008-07-13T21:47:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am about a year behind, but I am on a mission to get caught up with my scrapping. My computer is SO bogged down with pictures and digi supplies. It's time to get to work and get all of this crap out of my PC....before I take a hammer to it! It takes me about five minutes to open a file. Have I ever mentioned how impatient I am? So, here is Lexi starting Kindergarten last year. She was so nervous when I dropped her off, but when I picked her up, she came running out the door with the biggest smile ever. Pheew. One year down......how many more to go? Yeesh.

Imprison

2008-07-12T23:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a layout I made tonight of Diesel, as usual, getting in trouble. His favorite thing in the world to do is hang out in the backyard with the kids, digging in the grass and eating trees. And every day, he is immediately brought inside for a canine "time-out". He knows the drill. He walks inside, heads straight to the back window, and gazes out at the kids, hoping that one of them will slip up and let him back out. And, of course, one of the kids always gives in, and Diesel is searching and destroying once again. He is half beast, half earth mover.

Happy Girls

2008-07-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

Isn't this layout gorgeous? My dear friend, Lizzy aka "SR", created this little masterpiece. She always amazes me with her talent. She just has a way of making pretty pictures beautiful!!!! Thanks, SR, I love this!!!!!!!!!!

Fence Textures

2008-07-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots of my fence right after it rained on Sunday. Yes, Wendy, these are the ones I got in trouble over. *I* didn't see any harm in "disappearing" for a half an hour, right after we ate dinner, while we were suppose to be celebrating my MIL's birthday. Hey, I spent the afternoon in the kitchen cooking the damn meal- isn't that enough? AND I was in our backyard!!! I couldn't resist these shots, as the lighting was just right!! So, here's the second and last batch of textures. I also took a couple of cool ones of our tree, but I was told they were a little "obscene"! Oh well. It was fun.

Fire Starter

2008-07-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

These pictures crack me up!!!! This is our friend, Bill, lighting all of the fireworks. He was blowing things up two days before the fourth- he's just like a typical little boy, waiting for things to blow up!! I get such a kick out these pictures because he's RIGHT there, in each one, next to his potato gun. If it wasn't for Bill, we wouldn't have had the big celebration that we did. Thank goodness ONE of us played the "dumb @$$"!!!!!!!!!! For that, Bill, we thank you!!!!!!!

Lazy Fireworks

2008-07-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

Nope, we didn't go out and see one of the many amazing fireworks shows they have here in Colorado. Instead, we got together with the neighbors and put on a little show of our own. I'm sure the other neighbors hate us now, but who cares? Obviously, not us. We had a rent-a-cop car circle us a few times, eyeing our stuff...and the potato launcher, but he decided to leave us alone. Maybe he felt outnumbered.. or the silhouette of the potato gun scared him off. Who knows, but we sure had a good time!!!! These pictures could have been a little better, had I walked across the street to grab my tripod, but I didn't feel like messing with it- and there were lots of short stumpies running around in the dark, not watching where they were going..yikes! My camera was much safer around my neck! I can safely say, after taking these pictures without a tripod, with a VR lens, I will ONLY buy lenses with VR (vibration reduction)!!! If this lens didn't have it, these pictures would have been a horrible, blurry mess. VR...or IS...is definitely worth every extra penny!!!!

Sweet James

2008-07-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

This precious boy is my friend's son, James. Christy and Tim adopted him from China last year. He had been in an orphanage for four years. His family gave him up because he is hearing impaired. He has learned sign language from his parents, as his new mom is also hearing impaired. In addition to learning to communicate, he has also learned that it is OK for boys to be shirtless and play in water!! I am serious. When he first arrived to the U.S. he was used to wearing long sleeved shirts, buttoned all the way up. He was also afraid of water. Now, here he is, shirtless and water-logged!!! He loved my camera too. After each picture, he ran over to make me show him on the LCD. By the end of the day, he had learned what buttons to push to show himself. This kid has come a loooong way in the past year, and he just continues to improve.

"Gross"? NOT

2008-07-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here is my sweet, beautiful friend, Amanda. She is seven months pregnant with her second daughter, Mia, and she complains..daily...about how "gross" she looks. So this weekend, as she started in on how "disgusting" she looks, and about how she is worried about getting back in to shape after the baby is born, I took a picture of her- to show her (or try to!) just how pretty she is right now. I swear, she is the most beautiful, glowing pregnant woman I have ever seen, and it drives me up the wall when she rambles pure nonsense. Be prepared for more pictures of Amanda and Mia- I will be taking many more this weekend, during our pretend maternity photo shoot. Yikes- I am NOT good with posed shots, so let's keep our fingers crossed...for their sake!

Textures? Maybe?

2008-07-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

The next photo challenge for us is "textures". I still don't have a macro lens, so here a some pictures I took this morning with my mediocre kit lens. I should have a macro lens, hopefully, by this afternoon. So, here is the first batch of my textures. Since I am already loving this week's challenge, you can bet that there will be many more pictures that follow!!!! Oh, and I am submitting the picture I posted last night of the water drops on the web. I had to crop it to a blurry mess (although, I haven't had to adjust the saturation or brightness/contrast in weeks!! WOOHOO!), but I do like how it turned out.

Not Quite Macro But...

2008-07-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots I took today of a spiderweb in our bushes. The girls were playing in the sprinklers, and I thought it would be cool to spray the web with some water. I still don't have a macro lens, so I had to use the 18-55mm VR that came with the camera- it's very restricting, but I do kind of like how these turned out. I came very close to buying a macro today, but thought it would be best to wait a couple of weeks. Though, after cropping the crap out of the first one, I don't know if I can wait that long!!!!

Lean On Me

2008-07-01T15:39:00.001-07:00

Here are my three Summer Beauties- Bella, Lexi, and Jessi. It has been cloudy all afternoon, but that didn't stop these close friends from pretending my backyard is a swimming pool. Funny thing is, they have been playing this little "swimming" game together since they were 2 and 3 years old. Even in the dead of Winter, these girls will strip down to their swim suits and "swim". I just love this picture of the three of them, happy and leaning on each other. I could only hope that they will continue this special friendship in the years to come.

I Might As Well Eat Worms

2008-07-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

I am learning that Jess is becoming very possessive of her older sister. During a visit to a local park today, Lex, being as social as can be, quickly made friends with another little girl. Jess sat next to me, pouting. She told me she thought Lexi didn't like her anymore. Oh, the drama! What is a mother to do in this situation? Take pictures, of course! I did tell her to introduce herself to the girl, and ask if she could play with them. She told me that she wouldn't- she would only swing by herself and play with her ball.....alone. And I took more pictures.

Playing

2008-07-01T13:16:00.001-07:00

The girls had such a great time at Wash Park, that I have had to promise them a weekly visit. (Ooops! We missed last week...sshhhh!) I don't mind- it is gorgeous there, and we all get to play. To think, twenty years ago, I began hanging out there with friends...sans kids and cameras, and spent hours roller blading, watching all the men run by in their jog shorts. Now, here I am, with kids and camera, no roller blades (the jiggle in butt will prove it!), and feeling too old to even glance at a young man! Oh well. My life is a little...OK, a lot...different, but just as good. These are some more pictures of our outing.

More Wash Park Pics

2008-07-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures from our trip to Wash Park a couple of weekends ago. I wanted to post these earlier, but I had to take our computer in to be serviced shortly after this. So, here are some more.

Turkey Burger and Flames

2008-06-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Here's my take on this week's "food" photo challenge. Have I mentioned how much I love, love, love my camera? I really do. Oh, and I love turkey burgers too! While Brett was grilling steaks for himself and the girls- and a turkey burger for me, I took these cool pics of my burger. I would like to take full credit for this idea, but I can't. Brett walked in on me today snapping pictures of my dead birthday cake (the girls attacked it!), and he asked me what the heck I was doing. I told him I was taking pictures for the challenge. He then he reminded me that he was grilling....hellllloooooo! Earth to Karin!!!! Leave it to Brett to finally take interest in anything I do, when I have to take pictures of FOOD!!!!! So off I went, to stick my head and camera in the BBQ. Oh, the things I will do for this challenge......

One More Reflection- I promise!!!

2008-06-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

FYI: I have been known to break promises. Right, SR? LOL! Anyway, I am having way too much fun with this week's photo challenge, which is to photograph something to do, or with, a reflection. Reflections are now all I see, and I can't stop. I swear, I am surrounded. Here is a picture I caught while I was *attempting* to clean my car. I was doing a great job on the Jeep UNTIL I caught a glimpse of the girls walking down the street. Once again, I ran to grab my camera, went back outside, and made the girls walk down the street one more time. I wanted them to hold hands, but they opted for throwing their arms around each other. They really are that close. *Sigh* I just love that about them. I am going to have to do a scrap page on this one...I think? Hush, SR! Yes, more huevadas!!!!!

More Reflections, More Playing!

2008-06-21T13:13:00.001-07:00

I couldn't have entered a photo challenge at a better time; this is doing wonders for learning my new camera. The girls and I woke up this morning at went to one of my very, very favorite parks. They were able to feed the ducks, geese, and squirrels while I played with the D80. The sun was torture, so I boosted the colors in the camera with the "vivid" and "more vivid" features, as not to wash out the pictures. I learned that this does the exact same thing that a polarizer does. Pretty cool. Not so cool for skin tones though. Oh well, I will get there...someday....when I get the D300!!!!! Oh yeah, and I WILL be buying a new lens; this 18-55 is just not making the cut!!!!! Remember, Wendy, what they don't know won't kill them!!! LOL!!!!!! Poor, poor husbands......

I Am Such A Flake!

2008-06-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

Last night, I swore that I was going to keep the Canon. I love the thing- the clarity of each picture is unbeatable...without a doubt. BUT, Brett made me promise to spend one more day with the Nikon. Just one day? OK. No problem. I could just ship it back this afternoon, and be done with it. No problem? My butt! I fell in love with it. I was once again enamoured with Nikon's rich saturation!!! That is what I loved about my D40x, and I love it even more with the D80!!! The search is over (until I upgrade to the D300!)- I am keeping the Nikon. Anyway, here are a couple of UNALTERED pictures I snapped, once again in my mysterious fruit tree, out in the backyard. By the way, Wendy, it's not a plum tree. It's some kind of a crab apple like tree...but not a crab apple tree. Get it? Me either.

Reflection of Pregnancy

2008-06-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

So, tonight while having dinner with my pregnant friend, Amanda, I caught a glimpse of her belly in her curio cabinet. She was throwing a movie on for our girls, and after catching this reflection, I ran (literally) home to grab my camera!!!! Seems that I am suddenly surrounded by REFLECTIONS, FEET, and FRAMES!!! Yikes!!!! I really love how this turned out, though, and all that was edited was a little cropping. I am finally getting the hang of this camera!! Which camera, Krissy? Well, that would be the........*drumroll*........REBEL! Brett is trying to make me keep the Nikon, but.......... What does HE know??? LOL!!!!! He's just afraid that I will upgrade again soon, and he doesn't want me to have a bunch of Canon lenses when I buy my D300. OK, he has a point, but...I'm not listening. I will sell them all, and be stuck with the D300 body. Stupid, YES! But, I am not going to make any sense of this....too boring, right now.

Old Reflections

2008-06-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots taken about a year ago. I do like these, and since they have a reflection in them, I thought I would add them. Gosh, I will even add old pictures....I would just hate to be late again.......better to add a ton, early, instead of posting LATE.......! Mwa!!!! Soooo, here are a couple of shots taken at the lake in New Mexico- just before our truck sank, and two precious ones of my dear, Mason, chatting with a new friend...in my TV.

Reflections part 1

2008-06-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

As not to be tardy on the photo challenge, Helen!, I *quickly* snapped a few pics for the new challenge, which is about reflections. I didn't realize how many reflections there are in a day- I guess I have never paid attention. Now, there is NO way I can come close to creating shots like Wendy's, but I do like a couple that I took today!!! And, Wendy, thank you for giving me permission to play in PS!!! Pheew!!! I will add more reflection pictures as I take them- I just didn't want to be LATE again!!!!!!

My Shadow at Sunset

2008-06-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

Here's my little/big shadow. Diesel constantly follows me wherever I roam. While snapping pictures of five thing-a-ma-jigs growing in my mysterious fruit tree last night, my little/big man, waiting ever so patiently for me to get the heck out of the tree, was right at my feet. I just love the way the sun is gently kissing his coat. By the way, absolutely NO editing was used here- I LOVE THAT!!!!! So, with the help of Mother Nature, I was able to get this cute shot of him.

Five Things

2008-06-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

Uh-Oh~ I think I am late? Here are a couple of shots I took for the "five things" challenge. Five things growing and five things dying. Thanks for looking!!!!!

Lexi's Buddy

2008-06-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I took the girls to the Zoo for some "mommy" time. Just the three of us- which is rare, but so much fun. Of course, Lexi loved the monkeys- especially this little black guy. She watched him for the longest time, and then asked if she could have one. Some girls want ponies, and some would prefer a monkey. By the way, these pictures really make me miss my old 18-135 lens!!!! Gina, I hope you are enjoying it!!!!!!! Loser.

First Canon Pictures

2008-06-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

Today, my new toy arrived. The brand spankin' new Canon Rebel XSi!!!! Yeah, that's great and all, but I am having a terrible time letting go of my Nikon. I truly love Nikon, but after a couple of months of research and hands-on playing, I decided to upgrade to the Rebel. It made more sense- financially. To upgrade with Nikon, it would have cost me LOTS more. With the Rebel, I was able to get some new features that my D40x didn't have. Someday, I will own the Nikon D300, but until then, and that may be never, this little gem will do.....I think! So far, I can say I prefer the saturation and color of the Nikon, but I like the clarity of the Canon. But, that may change-after I learn how to use this thing!!! Wendy and Krissy, I need help. Ohhh, and I LOOOVE the added extra focal points...as opposed to my three with the D40x. Now, THAT is FUN!!!! Ohhhhhhh, and I have to mention the independent buttons for the ISO and WB!!!! With my Nikon, I had to scroll through the menus to change those, and I change them a lot. And, the action shots will be better too; Nikon neglected to add an extra AF motor to the D40s...to save some $, I assume....and it has been really hard to get great action shots. Of course, I learned this way after I bought the camera!!! That was when I decided to upgrade. So, my firstborn is being sent to a new, loving home tomorrow morning. I will miss it dearly, but I am OK knowing that it will be used all over Europe this Summer. I hate my sister. Just kidding!!!! Kind of.

BTW, that picture of Jessica explains why we call her, "Messy Jessi".

Old "Framed" Pictures

2008-06-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of shots that look framed to me. I took these a few months ago for a dSLR class at Better Photo. The assignment was to shoot in low light. These are two of my favorite shots from that assignment- maybe because they are "framed"? Hmmmm........

Happy Birthday, Mason!!!!!!

2008-06-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

Today is my adorable nephew's birthday!! Mason is 2 today- I can't even believe it!!! I took these pictures of him last Fall at the cemetery. Yes, at the cemetery...it really is beautiful, and my camera and I spend lots of time there. This was also my first experience using back-light in a photo....that would be the sunset. Since these pictures, it has become one of my favorite forms of photography-especially for portraits!!! So, anyway, happy birthday, little man, we love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See you next Saturday!!!!

Challenge #2 Frame Your Picture

2008-06-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

The second challenge from Wendy and Helen is to frame our pictures. I have never done this before, well, not intentionally, so this was quite challenging for me. Guess that's why they call it a "challenge", eh? So, after a trip to the Zoo today, I was able to come up with a few shots. I also snapped one of myself in the mirror...an idea that came to me just as I was putting my precious (camera!) to sleep for the day. That's just about as far as this girl's imagination goes! Anyway, here are a couple of shots I took today. Not real impressed with most here- I think I need more practice. Or, maybe, that damn grasshopper shot of Wendy's has totally screwed me up on framing my pictures for LIFE?!?! I mean, who on Earth can come close to framing a shot like THAT?!!?!? Yeesh! And, sorry, Wendy for the doctoring in PS..I know you aren't real crazy about it, but I can't help it. The only picture I doctored was the one of me in my mirror. So, just for you, I have included the original too. You pick.

Not Feet, Just Lexi

2008-06-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

OK, I do like this picture of Lexi, but I really just want to add something above the last post in hopes that FEET aren't the FIRST thing I see when I bring this blog up! Yes, Helen, I am whining!!!!

Pheew- I Did It!!!

2008-06-01T09:04:00.001-07:00

First of all, I would like to sincerely thank...yes, THANK...Wendy and Helen for this challenge of all challenges. You see, I despise feet, and I think this first challenge *may* have helped me overcome my intense fear of these nasty things. I would have NEVER thought I would have my precious firstborn (no, not Lexi; my Nikon!) anywhere near something of this nature. But, I did it, and guess what? I enjoyed it!!! So, again, thanks Wendy and Helen!!!! Here is what I have come up with, so far.

Just a little story behind the tree climbing toes: While I was cleaning up breakfast (brekky ? for you, Helen), I saw something moving in my young tree out back. I looked a little closer, and realized that it was Lexi. This girl can't stay out of trees, and she KNOWS she isn't suppose to even think about climbing this one- it's too fragile. So, while stomping to the back door to send her to her room, it struck me! FEET!!!!!! I opened the door, told her to stay put for a few minutes, and THEN she would go to her room!!!!! I know, I know, but this was perfect timing.

Dandelion Wishes

2008-05-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

While I was snapping shots of Alexia enjoying her field day yesterday, I quickly snapped this shot of Jessica blowing on a dandelion. When asked what she wished for, she plainly said, "To go home...I am hot." I just love pictures of children blowing on weeds such as these. I am sure most angels wish for much more than to just go home!!!!! Oh well, welcome to my world.

Helen and Wendy~ I am working on the toes, feet, or hooves photo. It's REALLY hard for me!!!! LOL!!!!! I don't care whose feet they are...human or not...they are still FEET!!!