Friday, April 17, 2009

a special day...

Happy Birthday Mum...

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned....That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned.... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned....That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned....That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned....That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned....That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned....That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned....That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

join me at a garden party...


And the Garden Party at Zinnia's is not all. Join the festivities as South Pasadena's Mission Street is transformed into an eclectic celebration of art and culture, food and wine, and more! Featuring four main stages with free entertainment, eight art galleries and studio openings, plus wonderful food, wine and craftsman beer--all in a charming shopping district. Plus, on this night, everyone is open late so you won't have to miss a minute of the fun.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

easter finery...

This was me at Easter...yep...I used to dress like this...Big taffeta bow in the back of my dress...which was two tiers and the softest mint green if I remember correctly. I wonder if those purses will ever make a comeback, pretty impractical in that cone shape...But the headband is cool...kinda "Gossip Girl'.
Anyway...Easter is different now...no little kids around...no melting chocolate eggs and spongy bunnies that stuck to your fingers. No Easter egg hunt with baskets filled to the brim plastic eggs ... No squeals as the treasure hunt took place. It's not sad...just different...it's a beautiful day...the sun is out...and the flowers are blooming...and hayfever is abound. My sister is cooking us an Easter feast...and it will be family...just less chocolate...and hopefully less sneezing...
Here's a flower for you...hope its a good day for you too...

Friday, April 10, 2009

this is spring...

New buds...new growth...for those of you who still have snow...here's some garden images to appease your spring fever...

I have been so bad about blogging...there just hasn't been time. I am leaving soon for several weeks...and there is a lot to be done before I go.
But today...on the heels of an April shower I walked through my garden to see what was showing its colors.


Recently I bought some new camera equipment for my Canon 5D digital camera and these shots were taken with my 50 mm F/1.4 lens. It's a prime lens (not a zoom).


One of my favorite things is bokeh...
Definition: a Japanese term for the subjective aesthetic quality of out-of-focus areas of a photographic image



Do you have spring fever yet?

I wanted to let you know if you are wanting to improve your digital photography there's a couple of really good books written by photographer Scott Kelby. He's easy to read...his books are easy to comprehend...his digital photography is awesome and he's funny...So if you or someone you know is interested in becoming a better digital photographer and learning some really interesting stuff in plain English without all the technical doodah...check it out. He's got 2 books out and another one out soon...
Here's links to his books...
The Digital Photography Book
The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2
The Digital Photography Book, Volume 3

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

one little song...

people are telling me this makes them smile!...
you might want to pause my Playlist music in the sidebar at the bottom of the page before starting the video...and then sit back and smile...