tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83105715279075775862024-02-19T06:54:51.522-08:00Ellen's Project 365Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.comBlogger365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-86763636694288207402011-12-31T12:41:00.000-08:002011-12-31T12:41:12.609-08:00365/365 Thank You<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dCROEqHRdYmQIpk3ALSY0zgbH4K6HoX0IxJgRBHb30OvR13wv6gZ2i6j90C5cElITquiu866B0N-LFSXC8lVch4a40iFNCvpedKar664TZa5WssO1jKTEIqv0x2AnSJ26eVVjaZRnbFH/s1600/IMG_8084_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dCROEqHRdYmQIpk3ALSY0zgbH4K6HoX0IxJgRBHb30OvR13wv6gZ2i6j90C5cElITquiu866B0N-LFSXC8lVch4a40iFNCvpedKar664TZa5WssO1jKTEIqv0x2AnSJ26eVVjaZRnbFH/s640/IMG_8084_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Day 365 is finally here. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For my last photo, I thought it would be fun to try a self-portrait. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has been an interesting project and one that was much more difficult than I thought it would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set out to do it for three main reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to have my camera become an extension of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to see more creatively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to become more technically proficient, both in taking the shot and editing it when necessary or for enhancement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe I achieved those goals in small measure, but have so much more to learn. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most days have been fun, especially when I had a shot in mind to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But other days were difficult, especially when it was late in the day and/or I felt uninspired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to take a variety of shots and I'm pretty sure the cat appeared most often. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've learned that I really enjoy still life photography, where I set up the shot and control lighting and will do more of that in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to thank everyone who encouraged me this year. It seemed that whenever I was getting close to throwing in the towel, I would run into someone who would tell me how much they were enjoying my pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those comments truly kept me going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also had a friend doing a 365 project, and we lifted each other up when we thought we could not stand to take another photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband was a great encourager too, and my boys were such good sports when I asked them to pose for me or hold a reflector.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for following my photos all year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'll keep them on my blog, Facebook and Flickr. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people have asked if I'm going to do the project again and I am not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I will do something, maybe a weekly photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will definitely be taking photos and sharing them, although I think I'll take a couple weeks off!</div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-35422966221560383112011-12-30T20:52:00.000-08:002011-12-30T20:52:23.443-08:00364/365 Neon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwa9IHRSv6q8D8NfQfvTfhVb-1Qmu3ga5JN78-DC9BhkoaIt2yKpgxMYzP51UrQHokGOeH87axrz3JerXxNkztDsB2lSh3kY1JALUs7kvhuMkPsuk5CneUDMlwIw499OC39PJ5xIB_KrN1/s1600/IMG_7958_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwa9IHRSv6q8D8NfQfvTfhVb-1Qmu3ga5JN78-DC9BhkoaIt2yKpgxMYzP51UrQHokGOeH87axrz3JerXxNkztDsB2lSh3kY1JALUs7kvhuMkPsuk5CneUDMlwIw499OC39PJ5xIB_KrN1/s640/IMG_7958_edited-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Gary and I went to a movie tonight and walked around afterward. I really like neon.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-51613292144151979452011-12-29T21:23:00.000-08:002011-12-29T21:23:57.498-08:00363/365 I Found Something New<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTgxcYxsBUL1zczPCSTFIJJjozbJSQHWodRQWJ-2vIs8YhudCQUvS_I88QiZoHNjH5f26h3nZKUtg2af0Hfw_murH0ZwRi8MCjO7FTGBOzXace_-glxMgPoT2j3rfYSWlfMFTcfoiU2l8/s1600/IMG_7945_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTgxcYxsBUL1zczPCSTFIJJjozbJSQHWodRQWJ-2vIs8YhudCQUvS_I88QiZoHNjH5f26h3nZKUtg2af0Hfw_murH0ZwRi8MCjO7FTGBOzXace_-glxMgPoT2j3rfYSWlfMFTcfoiU2l8/s640/IMG_7945_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I found something new in my house to photograph in the eleventh hour! You'd think I'd have learned, by day 363, that I shouldn't wait until 10:30 pm to take a photo!Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-4934599098331698262011-12-28T20:59:00.000-08:002011-12-28T20:59:12.799-08:00362/365 Three More to Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon73QyGgS9ETX3JPPcpuamHaUWeTnzxq04hCtMxRfMO_vLxku811spuqzLWAHvc0BHV0Cktr0Q3JD6tawzzoHgcuwaN5ASLE9P9TK87DqBsY8Tv32W1colvpTqr5bvddsYaHEdg9MQUn5/s1600/IMG_7939_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon73QyGgS9ETX3JPPcpuamHaUWeTnzxq04hCtMxRfMO_vLxku811spuqzLWAHvc0BHV0Cktr0Q3JD6tawzzoHgcuwaN5ASLE9P9TK87DqBsY8Tv32W1colvpTqr5bvddsYaHEdg9MQUn5/s640/IMG_7939_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Today 362. Then 363, 364, 365 Ding.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-84372336241050821342011-12-27T16:41:00.000-08:002011-12-27T16:41:39.012-08:00361/365 Oil and Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvS7zwwIEeawyj4T5JtyC-OyqdxBSL2zl3VAl7YKB-fl4jNHvUwvyGF5zd3I6maAxO156WXftdecRvtnhsqCMGfO46ACIx2wzkNMdjsfinlO3f94I8d8yiLWYLl-89OhuDlQBsCjI2Q7v/s1600/IMG_7892_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvS7zwwIEeawyj4T5JtyC-OyqdxBSL2zl3VAl7YKB-fl4jNHvUwvyGF5zd3I6maAxO156WXftdecRvtnhsqCMGfO46ACIx2wzkNMdjsfinlO3f94I8d8yiLWYLl-89OhuDlQBsCjI2Q7v/s640/IMG_7892_edited-2.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>I've been wanting to try this for some time. I definitely want to do it again. I need to 1. get a pan that is scratch free. 2. focus better and 3. get all debris out of water. I also need to have more light. Bright sunshine would be great. But for my first attempt, I think it's rather neat!!Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-71520701926963639082011-12-26T18:27:00.001-08:002011-12-26T18:28:01.653-08:00360/365 I Love Glass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPX6vEh7gxCRE5MzKosUzG_kI6SARsEHIkUjDPNgKjpxvr8icCraFf7rjHX5GUV3Sla4K9t2uffvq8MGVeUwm4tFlFc6SQ1PkKSuMZHQGxdXrukQaRDMUpBDdz53oqXo3nB0akMGUcxWU/s1600/IMG_7858_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPX6vEh7gxCRE5MzKosUzG_kI6SARsEHIkUjDPNgKjpxvr8icCraFf7rjHX5GUV3Sla4K9t2uffvq8MGVeUwm4tFlFc6SQ1PkKSuMZHQGxdXrukQaRDMUpBDdz53oqXo3nB0akMGUcxWU/s640/IMG_7858_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm looking forward to getting back into the mosaic studio (aka garage) and playing with some glass.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-12084646685655418772011-12-25T17:55:00.000-08:002011-12-25T17:55:16.780-08:00359/365 Tradition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpzrAvt1Gv7W9ho6n6mEXBk-ZrHIAoQkPc5DPQBTDhqmJp4piHEpiH8eAlR9tZ3SMXCWqqQjFZGWsu6fmSmpOLQBl9a4LebQ0Vgu7_gAcioACOLNSECRyMwUk1XDdpOSKEX6bbYH9dW77/s1600/IMG_7822_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpzrAvt1Gv7W9ho6n6mEXBk-ZrHIAoQkPc5DPQBTDhqmJp4piHEpiH8eAlR9tZ3SMXCWqqQjFZGWsu6fmSmpOLQBl9a4LebQ0Vgu7_gAcioACOLNSECRyMwUk1XDdpOSKEX6bbYH9dW77/s640/IMG_7822_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>For Christmas dinner, we have Swedish Meatballs. Gary's grandmother used to make them, so now we do. And we serve them in her covered dish.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-54357535409517013462011-12-24T21:16:00.000-08:002011-12-24T21:16:41.038-08:00358/365 I'm Like a Little Kid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxkPyOgrwUkT4jJDUOsdBQg9yPiGhmkoCFH7N60lK2n8SPJJCYwGnJkeT5-A4niZ6jomu1pySL3JwZCPDq94iJ2e8nJEaKJtlqQ6uBT3vpwXUKB1lsW5uhmuNF-XTWQmZOlII7AVujwXn/s1600/IMG_7814_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxkPyOgrwUkT4jJDUOsdBQg9yPiGhmkoCFH7N60lK2n8SPJJCYwGnJkeT5-A4niZ6jomu1pySL3JwZCPDq94iJ2e8nJEaKJtlqQ6uBT3vpwXUKB1lsW5uhmuNF-XTWQmZOlII7AVujwXn/s640/IMG_7814_edited-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Don't y'all get a little excited, wondering what your gift will be?Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-14501002028502561812011-12-24T21:04:00.000-08:002011-12-24T21:06:14.420-08:00357/365 Heading Home Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianZLlMmAX9B3M3dhkQQoP5oVDVfWCOJWnMJokOHVfxPpdtyH1GMj8hZK_7PUKx5XRH7ImziqDrelk3QxUQLlbrmKRl7tb5cVuTeMeoYE6g0eK0d6MAduXpZ4PrceI8_pc8BqgbrvXt1vu/s1600/IMG_4704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianZLlMmAX9B3M3dhkQQoP5oVDVfWCOJWnMJokOHVfxPpdtyH1GMj8hZK_7PUKx5XRH7ImziqDrelk3QxUQLlbrmKRl7tb5cVuTeMeoYE6g0eK0d6MAduXpZ4PrceI8_pc8BqgbrvXt1vu/s640/IMG_4704.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The LAX airport was decked out for the holidays. I allowed plenty of time at the airport, since it was only 2 days before Christmas. It was crowded, but not as crowded as I thought it would be. This counter wasn't even open!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-24174402391223962772011-12-24T21:01:00.000-08:002011-12-24T21:01:48.911-08:00356/365 In Loving Memory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyai-EecIIoKwP4b90_6lmedoU9C8pt9Q_Kdtc8aT_sqhtndPuO5wGSFmZPblLaZSfG4GZpYxqGdJt-R2VrjHbuhYY0CC1fmdXUENK2eXtJWrwu6pAt6pfc4MG7lDpeNMRfE2l1-fHRzQc/s1600/IMG_4703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyai-EecIIoKwP4b90_6lmedoU9C8pt9Q_Kdtc8aT_sqhtndPuO5wGSFmZPblLaZSfG4GZpYxqGdJt-R2VrjHbuhYY0CC1fmdXUENK2eXtJWrwu6pAt6pfc4MG7lDpeNMRfE2l1-fHRzQc/s640/IMG_4703.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Thankful that I could get to California to spend this time with my sister and her family. <br />
<br />
Richard Ray Couch, June 22, 1959 - December 18, 2011Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-36051285527448428012011-12-24T20:50:00.000-08:002011-12-24T20:50:49.233-08:00355/365 FunRunner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcVkBDoBoqvgz92RrOPPDlccAewfL5ykBeRuGnybkfd3-X1ANse4A6j4Ue16ePkit5zG83FOTejKOIZilrPb4hfbo4Q4F18QdCXmFXBoggocLptfO29z6PI3Xdg593zZU-wcAMcCt3uPm/s1600/IMG_4688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcVkBDoBoqvgz92RrOPPDlccAewfL5ykBeRuGnybkfd3-X1ANse4A6j4Ue16ePkit5zG83FOTejKOIZilrPb4hfbo4Q4F18QdCXmFXBoggocLptfO29z6PI3Xdg593zZU-wcAMcCt3uPm/s640/IMG_4688.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I came to California, because my brother-in-law, Richard, passed away. He was my sister Pam's husband. On this day, we went by his business, Fun Runner. Dune buggies and sand sports - they were his passion. I wanted to take a picture of something in his shop. I had lots of things to choose from and I chose his family dune buggy. This is not the one that he took me for a ride in, when I went with him to Glamis, in the desert dunes. That was a two-seater. It was the ride of my life, so exciting and fun - and FAST! Richard liked to go fast. He raced his buggies and won. Then in later years, he supplied others through his business. This buggy though, is the four-seater that he built so he could take more than just one person with him. He and Pam have four children and they all love the dunes. With this buggy, he could ride with Pam and two of the kids at a time. I remember when he built it. He was so happy.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-47631010712631591492011-12-24T20:30:00.000-08:002011-12-24T20:30:54.311-08:00354/365 Airport Security<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52cYlw0cO5zs10tPcANZ2tI6tcfLgFHSXcc10Nth1Q2Kou0qc3Dp0OEKHu70Esty21I83v2L_ni7KqSHESOleNhcW5Xdc1375b2cf0m1VIwl3cGHb6DDDOfnSAXolNCZTv0LNw_Cr6hCx/s1600/IMG_4682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52cYlw0cO5zs10tPcANZ2tI6tcfLgFHSXcc10Nth1Q2Kou0qc3Dp0OEKHu70Esty21I83v2L_ni7KqSHESOleNhcW5Xdc1375b2cf0m1VIwl3cGHb6DDDOfnSAXolNCZTv0LNw_Cr6hCx/s640/IMG_4682.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I flew to LAX today. I got off the plane and was headed out of the terminal, when I heard music coming from a particular area. I had to follow the sound. I found where it was coming from - it was the TSA Choir! Yes, the Transportation Security Administration - the guys and gals that inspect your baggage and perhaps pat you down! They have members who make up a choir and they are wonderful - the most beautiful voices! I stood and listened for a little while. A gate agent told me they also do a show for Veteran's Day that she said is a real tearjerker. I was using a point and shoot and couldn't get in the entire group.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-63028664110944041252011-12-19T20:46:00.000-08:002011-12-19T20:46:20.584-08:00353/365 Vintage Horse and a Little Bokeh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUZ2BYkSrTLX6eUJkMa6gPNidB5GwHjRZRRxjLKqgqeKiGXFMicjlrUScm5gnfr8pRTeAXBrfYO13IoqF23PAFtGvWE5FubI231SiklmXAaZgfp1g-zX5LTlKNCeXewZR2nb48G0hXzjn/s1600/IMG_7800_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUZ2BYkSrTLX6eUJkMa6gPNidB5GwHjRZRRxjLKqgqeKiGXFMicjlrUScm5gnfr8pRTeAXBrfYO13IoqF23PAFtGvWE5FubI231SiklmXAaZgfp1g-zX5LTlKNCeXewZR2nb48G0hXzjn/s640/IMG_7800_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Just a little Christmas bokeh...Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-38715863721347443672011-12-18T16:39:00.000-08:002011-12-18T16:39:04.374-08:00352/365 Rare Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFLJA4xLbUXVPfSkWk4e3TNB7TIdmddl6WLJ31FYORXPxgqeLKclJ4isT3eEZh4FwZDSXJTebVKKvyC26qCVjyMDtW_HEZYUS8bGEL6FEoMBv3OO-4Ic2YF71d48Gi4oXih4_wf4kwEr5/s1600/IMG_7790_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFLJA4xLbUXVPfSkWk4e3TNB7TIdmddl6WLJ31FYORXPxgqeLKclJ4isT3eEZh4FwZDSXJTebVKKvyC26qCVjyMDtW_HEZYUS8bGEL6FEoMBv3OO-4Ic2YF71d48Gi4oXih4_wf4kwEr5/s640/IMG_7790_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Both boys are sitting in the same room at the same time, and my husband and I are in it too! Of course, pizza was involved. I might even get them to watch a movie with us. Just didn't feel like taking pictures today, so it's not the best quality photo. But I think they are cute anyway!Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-23886943326768977772011-12-17T17:42:00.000-08:002011-12-17T17:44:39.599-08:00351/365 Shining Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCFYKz8DRf5cva6uGmzFk153PvYjX4isQURgZYXrLlvC6KqAJd1FD_e_70gPDIKYtxhs-gDlTey4hjdsBEPbsf9hzSCzgI7qcmyOvityZXoXl-5kC9UpPN4NRF3JhllpYFOBPpXHB0A_F/s1600/IMG_7757_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCFYKz8DRf5cva6uGmzFk153PvYjX4isQURgZYXrLlvC6KqAJd1FD_e_70gPDIKYtxhs-gDlTey4hjdsBEPbsf9hzSCzgI7qcmyOvityZXoXl-5kC9UpPN4NRF3JhllpYFOBPpXHB0A_F/s640/IMG_7757_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This is an oak tree that is lit up each year at Christmas. It stands alone in a field and is quite a sight. It is said that the people whose tree it is, have it lit in memory of a family member. I wish I knew the whole story. Is there something special about this particular tree? Why did they choose this lighting over another type of memorial? The tree is enjoyed by many, as it can be seen from the road. I specifically wanted to take the photo in twilight, so that I could get some of the beautiful sky with the tree.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-73656515446305197162011-12-16T19:33:00.000-08:002011-12-16T19:33:24.032-08:00350/365 Christmas Village<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSOZZ3vlCDpi4MVVo7OMfYyAPnxZLR8QvrgNHCoWNMtdfRYNCUcBeaEBnM6d-4MHWDS5mh7czrGP0-hLkrLvhdGDGD1OMQGIfaId3Sr5f0aZlyrxQTtM3N8OjziFyMPjDgL8JQk83yMGq/s1600/IMG_7688_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="495" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSOZZ3vlCDpi4MVVo7OMfYyAPnxZLR8QvrgNHCoWNMtdfRYNCUcBeaEBnM6d-4MHWDS5mh7czrGP0-hLkrLvhdGDGD1OMQGIfaId3Sr5f0aZlyrxQTtM3N8OjziFyMPjDgL8JQk83yMGq/s640/IMG_7688_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Tonight my husband and I went to the high school choir's madrigal dinner. I had every intention of getting my daily photo there, but I actually walked off and left my camera at home! So again, I searched around home for a last minute shot. I ended up under the Christmas tree. Gary has a Christmas village that he sets up under the tree. He has a few houses and a bunch of figures to go with it. The presents go around the village and the train goes around all of it!Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-70191657379369878392011-12-15T19:47:00.000-08:002011-12-15T19:53:46.615-08:00349/365 Pickup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJQz2urM13AmVRhfxsGgOnLflyHZDRJulUS97Jp66aTL9Uz6KtiOXhKy0v9a6uIOqEjCyoeRC1wesUEIYCGmvdZCwSXosRMFckuEjIBo4ggejXTBf8Y9TnPma4lKKa2eHfgicuCcDag8T/s1600/IMG_7679_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJQz2urM13AmVRhfxsGgOnLflyHZDRJulUS97Jp66aTL9Uz6KtiOXhKy0v9a6uIOqEjCyoeRC1wesUEIYCGmvdZCwSXosRMFckuEjIBo4ggejXTBf8Y9TnPma4lKKa2eHfgicuCcDag8T/s640/IMG_7679_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This week I have been picking up my son from school. This was my view today, as I waited for him to come out of the building. I like how this photo came out. I think it has an impressionistic feel to it.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-20116974359249718772011-12-14T19:30:00.000-08:002011-12-14T19:31:50.321-08:00348/365 One of My First<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXcR0gxFowx40BRkGYLpeaikim5GtAq2mn2X5CcIhhFCvwaldUithP-ibmMxQdV5z674fSLmfmWWO0_hhV1Adt-fmm8MiDZW7MpwzNywbe4Oe_gr_GJQJ58zhafdu8TjWFTqVBs_S_H8T/s1600/IMG_7676_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXcR0gxFowx40BRkGYLpeaikim5GtAq2mn2X5CcIhhFCvwaldUithP-ibmMxQdV5z674fSLmfmWWO0_hhV1Adt-fmm8MiDZW7MpwzNywbe4Oe_gr_GJQJ58zhafdu8TjWFTqVBs_S_H8T/s640/IMG_7676_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>In 1979, I got my first Christmas tree, in my own place. I bought several new ornaments for it and this is one of them. It's handpainted and is one of my favorites.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-2963210826512300252011-12-13T20:08:00.000-08:002011-12-13T20:11:15.181-08:00347/365 Cookie Dough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduGoD_151EwUH4H0eMK-yTFg59SkkL80vDo-cL8VWvhZMF-9pwlz2jR3g6fkJcxlSy7Nsi0lFnZQ-fy1YiwbRowiGIaw2QTP_zoJ4G7kIBPP9IFXyqv9aHr_IgAgiEwGicfUVo2FI0gcQ/s1600/IMG_7631_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduGoD_151EwUH4H0eMK-yTFg59SkkL80vDo-cL8VWvhZMF-9pwlz2jR3g6fkJcxlSy7Nsi0lFnZQ-fy1YiwbRowiGIaw2QTP_zoJ4G7kIBPP9IFXyqv9aHr_IgAgiEwGicfUVo2FI0gcQ/s640/IMG_7631_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>It was 9:30 p.m. and I still didn't have a photo for today. Rather than think about that, I made cookies instead, well, dough to bake tomorrow. While I was mixing, I was kind of liking the swirling together of the cream cheese and butter. And sometimes that's how my photos happen!Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-14006487999301310542011-12-12T19:38:00.000-08:002011-12-12T19:38:09.714-08:00346/365 Winter Concert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMz5CVz6HvElPjuj1kcx4hNSz3O46tY1J-1Bakdgg3B64_0B-cBTGzwt-m_iUFSylZhTapybMjFqOSSkDqGNGHPWsuHKWu92e5qMJ04EsQySf7vXB4NEV8I-lklFVOBVGuZvtLdk9cX1J/s1600/IMG_7623_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMz5CVz6HvElPjuj1kcx4hNSz3O46tY1J-1Bakdgg3B64_0B-cBTGzwt-m_iUFSylZhTapybMjFqOSSkDqGNGHPWsuHKWu92e5qMJ04EsQySf7vXB4NEV8I-lklFVOBVGuZvtLdk9cX1J/s640/IMG_7623_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kevin and Eric after tonight's Winter Concert at FMHS. Eric plays trumpet and Kevin is a percussionist. It was a great concert.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-6546300990535288292011-12-11T20:04:00.000-08:002011-12-11T20:04:22.477-08:00345/365 Downtown Dallas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YqtABv6gSHP47HebkMTE26zClraIsK_7pwbRS6Uby3iXRvLCpeV1yvq1i9ldSHkaWgZL-7o-mWmj5cwnhiOaPwkfeLtmJKzf-1mLws6hqlCjEh-MoEWqFc0yhBHbVvXQ6rocXqNpTqJh/s1600/IMG_7569_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YqtABv6gSHP47HebkMTE26zClraIsK_7pwbRS6Uby3iXRvLCpeV1yvq1i9ldSHkaWgZL-7o-mWmj5cwnhiOaPwkfeLtmJKzf-1mLws6hqlCjEh-MoEWqFc0yhBHbVvXQ6rocXqNpTqJh/s640/IMG_7569_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We went to a concert in Dallas this afternoon. Then afterward we went downtown Dallas to see Christmas lights and the window displays at the Neiman-Marcus store. This is the Neiman-Marcus building.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-35300759949880620752011-12-10T18:55:00.000-08:002011-12-10T18:55:32.962-08:00344/365 Minty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBB0JDj760TkldgAJza4lNhmmC0Qe_wDzDgBa5ZjNzDftHhr6OzB6VYc7c27BIPjEwS7QKbuBugVJcZTXx3gKSVhs7Y2r5ZsEz4qCrgpeVqgt1mh3b_9ZiwfD_pKd-Z2LoIuQ-pPnjGds1/s1600/IMG_7538_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBB0JDj760TkldgAJza4lNhmmC0Qe_wDzDgBa5ZjNzDftHhr6OzB6VYc7c27BIPjEwS7QKbuBugVJcZTXx3gKSVhs7Y2r5ZsEz4qCrgpeVqgt1mh3b_9ZiwfD_pKd-Z2LoIuQ-pPnjGds1/s640/IMG_7538_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Made some chocolate mint cupcakes today...yum.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-15719644803356471832011-12-09T19:59:00.001-08:002011-12-09T19:59:48.139-08:00343/365 Happy Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEO9k0D0mEW_qczmvaZNsygfgVmLq3RuWB9W_h8isUPDIw93ylG-yNWj0_Fuxv5YhJWsQW70uvFIAmwX4NuqpbCIwX-Fl17KRTValq44ikezaQ_GEyZZuArjsCsKWae8NFIPhuHU4x-U2E/s1600/IMG_7509_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEO9k0D0mEW_qczmvaZNsygfgVmLq3RuWB9W_h8isUPDIw93ylG-yNWj0_Fuxv5YhJWsQW70uvFIAmwX4NuqpbCIwX-Fl17KRTValq44ikezaQ_GEyZZuArjsCsKWae8NFIPhuHU4x-U2E/s640/IMG_7509_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Gary's grandmother made these. They go over doorknobs. The last two years they have been without many of their sequins. So I took care of that and they are smiling again.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-2079132159900915532011-12-08T18:14:00.000-08:002011-12-08T18:14:23.228-08:00342/365 Glimmer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iy_RgY-QkwGeY-fJAS5pZLcTkt7jZGAPgNNfPjZWhtoCftCpjrEZDLG7Ro_kh-_Vi6rTSBAOAbavs6O2VZXLEhIfHcTQEAERyGjGbC6HqERIHSbV4nMXM3x5caRTSKYpOg57IZfmUOG5/s1600/IMG_7492_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iy_RgY-QkwGeY-fJAS5pZLcTkt7jZGAPgNNfPjZWhtoCftCpjrEZDLG7Ro_kh-_Vi6rTSBAOAbavs6O2VZXLEhIfHcTQEAERyGjGbC6HqERIHSbV4nMXM3x5caRTSKYpOg57IZfmUOG5/s640/IMG_7492_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The Christmas tree provides lots of photo opportunities, but I admit, I was a little lazy with my camera tonight. I should have worked a little harder on the exposure and focus on this one.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310571527907577586.post-63872302472253257352011-12-07T17:41:00.000-08:002011-12-07T17:41:41.629-08:00341/365 My Kitchen Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCCJyVPJDxmJdbLPlUGyF842rngapoZeqY1_mSeBGNZWDJmDwu99riKEpYGrabXM4OCYH1jnWrrULXJDD8KuMg4y5k3NrB60RXSxUFRYE8d9w26jfnN9-V5-j915D5xGRLjMAKKiC7Zcs/s1600/IMG_7453_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCCJyVPJDxmJdbLPlUGyF842rngapoZeqY1_mSeBGNZWDJmDwu99riKEpYGrabXM4OCYH1jnWrrULXJDD8KuMg4y5k3NrB60RXSxUFRYE8d9w26jfnN9-V5-j915D5xGRLjMAKKiC7Zcs/s640/IMG_7453_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>My Kitchen Aid and I are getting ready to be real busy, making Christmas cookies. You can still see some flour dust from the homemade rolls I made for dinner tonight. Oh, and those lines in the round silver thingie - reflection from the wood cutting board that was on the counter.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02821927014202532838noreply@blogger.com0