Ten on Ten: February

I'm happy to be playing along at a Bit of Sunshine for the Ten on Ten this month. 

It's been too long.  

My first time using phone pics only (the big camera is a little sad) but it was a busy day on the go and too hard to lug the DSL around. 

- Blueish skies after days of much needed rain - 

 - No School today so we made a trip to the donut shop for the sleepover girls - 

 - Fabric shopping. Didn't get these cuties but wish I did. Working on a different kind of project - 

 - Stop at the mailbox revealed more than just spring blooms - 

 - Is it bad that we purchased a painting just for inspiration for her Birthday Party? -

 - My daily commute to Little K's Ballet Class -  

 - Cotton Candy Frappe Bliss -  

 - The drive home - 

I'm sorry to say (in case you are counting) I didn't manage to get all 10 shots.  I'm a little rusty.  Hoping to do better next time.

How was your day?

A Year In Song

I am participating in a Weekly Photo Challenge Group at The Photographer Within this year.  

The Challenge is to take a photo every week prompted by the Lyrics of a Song. 

 (The song prompts are chosen by TPW team) 

WEEK 1/52

"Turn the clock to zero, honey.  We're starting up a brand new day."  

~ Sting

WEEK 2/52

"And when you smile the whole world stops and stares for awhile."  

~ Bruno Mars

WEEK 3/52

"it's like you're my mirror, my mirror staring back at me."

~ Justin Timberlake

WEEK 4/52

"Black as night, black as coal."

~ The Rolling Stones

WEEK 5/52

"I live for the applause."

~ Lady Gaga

I love the idea of spending more time with my camera again, but the members/participants of this group are hard core professional photogs - so it's pretty intimidating.  

Trying to remind myself:

"the only photographer I need to compare myself to is the  one I was yesterday". 

I Got Paid....For My Photo Prints

I have a tendency to dabble in way to many things at once (hence the name of my blog).

Sometimes that means I don't spend as much time (as I used to) indulging my passions.  

This week I was reminded of how much I enjoy taking Still Life Photos.  

Have you heard of Society6?  

A while back I set up a few of my favorite Still Life Photos for sale on their site.

They offer a great collection of all kinds of Artists Images.  The images are available in high quality products (like iPhone cases, pillows, stationary cards) and of course - PRINTS.  

 Much to my surprise - I received a notification this week that Society6 had deposited into my PayPal account for the SALE of my photographic products.

How cool is that?

Somewhere in the world - someone has one of my photographs hanging on their wall.  

 

 Someone else has 2 of my photographs - made into Throw Pillows - tossed onto their sofa.  

No matter how much I listen to my "inner voice" and allow my personal vision to guide my creative output.  It's still just a little thrilling to think that someone else might like my creations too.  

You can see more of my favorite Still Life Photos on my Society6 Profile HERE.

I'm feeling the urge gather up my favorite things, create a sweet vignette, dust off my SLR camera and get photographing again. 

 

Back to {Middle} School

We are in the second week of school here in California.  

So Far....So Good
(although I don't want to jinx it)

The transition to Middle School has been a good one - for Both of Us!

~ In Years Past ~

~ Like So Many Families Across America ~

The First Day of School was filled with Mom rushing to get the Perfect Picture (followed by child grumbling and groaning)

Last year I finally got Smart - and started doing a Dry Run Sunday.

Little K get's to try out her First Day of School Outfit - and I get to take all the pictures I want.

No Rush

No Hassle

Everybody is Happy

This year - Little K actually asked ME first - if we were going to do a photo shoot before school started.

Aaah - after years of training - I've finally got her requesting that pictures be taken. 

There is One downside to my plan.  I ended up with over 200 shots.  Many of them were really good.

How will I ever choose my favorites

What a difference it makes when my child is relaxed and happy (and mama too).

She was willing to pose anywhere I suggested - and I was willing to try HER  suggestions too.

This shot was on a wall about 12 feet off the ground.  She had to climb on my shoulders just to get into position. 

Oh what the neighbors must think of us.

Time to be a little Goofy

And a little more Serious

And maybe a little Cheeky

So how was the First Day of School in your house?

I have a feeling this is going to be a Great Year.