Looking Back

With the holidays fast approaching, it seems like a good time to look back. I love looking at old photos and remember the good time that we had. This photo was taken in 1977-78. Pictured is my Mom age 38, Me age 21, my sister Jerelyn age 16 and my little sister Alyse age 9. The ages may be up or down by a year. What really hits me first is how young and skinny we all are. We are a pretty good looking group. Mom and Lou lived in Newnan during that time. We all loved that house. It was big and there was lots of room for everyone to visit. Lou collected antique clocks. His favorite thing to do was wind all the clocks in the rooms we were staying in. All night you would hear the clocks timing and chiming. That is until we learned to stop the clocks. There was a lot of fun and laughter in that house. It is fun to look back on your family and smile.

Photoshop Crazy

What is a simple little semi-computer nut to do? Eight months ago I purchased Photoshop CS3. This is a professional piece of software that photographer use. It is also used by graphic design artist. I was going to enter the unknown in the Photoshop world. My good friend and I even took a six week class on how to get started with this software. I do mean get started. It is a great piece of software and you are able to do just about any thing with it. I say this with caution, if I had ten hours a day to play. Like all Photoshop software it takes time and practice. I have it installed on my lap top. I am determined to learn to use it. And I have a little bit. I can tweak pictures with it and that is about all.

Then hits the market Photoshop Elements 7. This is the updated, newer and better Photoshop Elements. Elements is their version of a photo, digital editing software for the everyday user. If you a Elements user do not be offended by this comment. It is just easier to use.

Please someone drag me into the Elements world. Yes, I purchased Elements 7 and love it. You can basically do all the fun stuff from CS3 but in an easier format. I have to say "Hats off to Photoshop Elements". This is truly a wonderful purchase and a great piece of software. If you have never used Photoshop, there is a learning curve. If you are familiar with Photoshop you will be in love with this program.


Have fun playing with Photoshop Elements 7.

“When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator”

I am a collector of sunsets. Okay, how do you collect sunsets? Easy, through photographs. I have pictures of them from everywhere that we have traveled. The ones above were taken in Tucson, AZ. The most beautiful thing about Tucson was the frame of the mountains. It was so nice to have the warm breeze of the desert and the sun setting on my face. I always feel so close to God when watching a sun set. Recently in Fla, I was out taking pictures, it was cloudy and the sun set was just okay. As I was leaving the beach, I turned around and noticed the moon rising. It was so beautiful it took my breath away. Sometimes the sun is so captivating that I forget the moon. Fall and Winter sunsets are the best. It warms you from the inside out. It does not matter where you are, take a few minutes to notice nature's gift of a sun set. You will be glad you did.

Country Girl's Challange

This is the cutest idea. The fourth file, fourth picture brought a smile to my face. Fred and I had the great fortune of going on a 14 day Baltic cruise this summer. This photo was taken as we were leaving the port of Amsterdam. We were on our balcony waving good-by to Holland, when we heard the theme music from the Love Boat. Next came this beautiful wooden boat with these beautiful young people on it. It was a Friday evening, they had food and were drinking Don Peron champagne. The gorgeous young man standing up was singing to everyone on the boat. Oh for a short time, I wanted to be that young again. This was such a good looking, happy group of young people.

Click on the photo above to enjoy some of the sights of the Amsterdam harbor. Holland was such a cool little country. Fred and I would love to go back and spend more time. You will notice how clean and organized everything is. Yes, they do still have some of the old fashion wind mills.

KER--PLUNK,

There is an evil spirit lurking in the backyard of the Mortensen's in Fayetteville,Georgia. As most of you know, I am the proud owner of a chocolate and white cocker spaniel. Her nick name is "Miss McNasty". She is a magnet for any thing smelley, wet,rotten or dirty. I have pick her up from the groomers only to come home and have her:
1. roll in red mud (during backyard revonattion)
2. slide in a big pile of fresh Katie poop (chasing ball)
3. run across the street and play in the neighbors sprinkler.
Keep in mind that all of this has happened after coming home from the groomers all clean, dryed, brushed, fluffy, smelling good and I have spent 45.00 to get her this way. Hence the name "Miss McNasty.
Now we have a mobile groomer. This is a great thing but it cost more money. The little princess pictured above is Marlee's Molly. This little sweet heart hates to be outside. She has always lived in an apartment and only goes out to use the bathroom. Last Wednesday, after the groomer left our house, she decided to come outside and join the fun. I was standing by the pool throwing the ball for Dixie and Katie. I heard the "KER-PLUNK" sound of something heavy falling in the pool. You guessed it, Molly fell in! How? I do not know. This nice, clean, fluffy dog was soaking wet. There goes $50.00. All of Molly's fluffy hair was now wet and would be curlie when she dried. Oh well, she was still happy but happier in the house.

Puppies of the Heart

My puppies of my heart have not appeared on my blog in a long time. They like the attention. This photo of Dixie is my new wallpaper on my lap top. How can you not look at her and smile. She is one happy little girl. The merry little cocker spaniel. That is what is always used to describe a cocker spaniel.

Beautiful and sweet Katie. Katie will be nine years old this January. Where has the time gone? Dusty was 13 when Katie came to live with us. She is such a sweet heart. Loyal and faithful is the trademark of a Lab. That is our Katie.

Little Molly is a true War Eagle, college dog. She is happy with everyone and everything. She just goes with the flow. She is a good little cocker who loves life. Molly will never turn down a car ride or a dog cookie. Come to think of it, she will not turn down any food at all.

What can I say about Bella. A lot, let me tell you. She is a pit bull on a short leash. It has been said of Bella "She makes everyone feel special". That is so true of her. Look at the confident little face, regal, queen and in charge. Bella is the boss of our house hold and the love of our lives. All six pounds of her. Well, maybe more like eight pounds.

Today in my rut, I am going to think of these four little happy faces. Even though two of those little happy faces are traders. They are at the Chateau Bow-Wow. They love to go home with Nana and Papaw. They say the food is better there. Traders!!!!

Which Way Do I Go ?

“If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.

Lewis Carroll

This little quote is so my life today. Like a chicken with my head cut off. I seem to be running in circles. At the end of a day, I pause and say "What have I done today?" absolutely nothing! What is wrong with me?

I have such a wonderful life. Yes, there are bumps in the road. But all in all life is good. Fred and I have spent the past year traveling. We have visited 7 countries and 8 different states. Two of those states twice. So what is my deal.

I am in a rut. How do I get out? What do I do? Please help. Have you ever been at the bottom of your rut? Oh yeah, the holidays are coming and I am not in the mood. My brother and sisters, with families will be here for Christmas. I have to force myself to get ready. Not in the mood!

Help! Help! Help! Even my blog family has abandoned me. Help! Help!

Sneakie Little Bee

While practing with my lens this morning, I came across this sweet little guy enjoying the sun shine and a wonderful breakfast. All was well with my little bee and the world.

In sneaks lazy bee. He is to lazy to find his own flower and dot of sun shine. There has to be at least 200 blooms on my encore azaleas.

My sweet little bee and the lazy bee exchange some words. Of course they were talking in bee talk. Does anyone speak this language? Let me know if you do.

Sorry to say that lazy bee won. Sweet little bee had had enough.

It was a lot of fun to watch these two little bee through the lens of my camera.

New Lens

You have read about my recent trip to CT for a three day Photography seminar. One of the workshops I was able to attend was a Macro class. I have been looking at them for some time. The class was sponsored by Canon. My camera company, lucky for me. I was able to test shoot the 60mm, the 100mm and the 180mm. I love all three. My budget would only allow for one and I chose the Canon 100mm Macro.

Off to the back yard today to try out my new lens. It is going to take some practice but I am really looking forward to the learning curve. I have shot close up before but notice the veins in the rose. I love how the sun shines through the petals. It looks like you could reach out and touch this flower. Enjoy.