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  2. Daily Photos

My Best Daily Shots

Thanks for stopping by to view my daily photo! I will post a new photo each day to this gallery. Typically, I will post early morning, and the photo will have been taken the day before. Sometimes the photo may be from sometime earlier in the week, but all the pictures posted will be relatively new. I hope you see something that makes you smile. Feel free to leave professionally appropriate comments. Here's a link to the SmugMug Daily Community.
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10/26/09 - Beauty Can't Be Hidden<br /> Yesterday turned out to be 100% cloudy in our area. I was so terribly bummed. I'm still bummed. I tried to take fall foliage shots anyway, and they just aren't what I'd hoped for at all. One of the first pictures I took of the day was this morning glory around 9:30AM in a soy bean field. That's right, not only have I been in the middle of a tobacco field this week, I've been in the middle of a soy bean field too:-) I thought it was a really nice contrast to have the beauty of summer and the end of summer ready to be harvested yucky brown soybeans occupying the same spot. As a bonus, when I got home on the computer, I spotted the Halloween colored bug. For those of you without flowers now, I hope you enjoy.<br /> <br /> The boys and I did make it to Lake Wheeler where they had a super time on the playground equipment and over to Yates Mill Pond where we walked the Mill Pond Loop. I enjoyed the smell of the air, the color of the leaves, my pictures, and of course the boys. They enjoyed roll acting different Mario and Luigi scenes down the trail using trail markers as power ups, etc. Butcha know what? Everyone was happy...<br /> <br /> The rescue bird is doing so much better. He can fly up to the bar in the bird cage or even to just the grate on the side of the cage now and is able to hang on as long as he wants. At first he couldn't do that at all and then he'd do it and fall right back down. His balance seems so much better. Maybe I could release him now, but I think I'll give him a few more days. <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
2005 / 2142

10/26/09 - Beauty Can't Be Hidden
Yesterday turned out to be 100% cloudy in our area. I was so terribly bummed. I'm still bummed. I tried to take fall foliage shots anyway, and they just aren't what I'd hoped for at all. One of the first pictures I took of the day was this morning glory around 9:30AM in a soy bean field. That's right, not only have I been in the middle of a tobacco field this week, I've been in the middle of a soy bean field too:-) I thought it was a really nice contrast to have the beauty of summer and the end of summer ready to be harvested yucky brown soybeans occupying the same spot. As a bonus, when I got home on the computer, I spotted the Halloween colored bug. For those of you without flowers now, I hope you enjoy.

The boys and I did make it to Lake Wheeler where they had a super time on the playground equipment and over to Yates Mill Pond where we walked the Mill Pond Loop. I enjoyed the smell of the air, the color of the leaves, my pictures, and of course the boys. They enjoyed roll acting different Mario and Luigi scenes down the trail using trail markers as power ups, etc. Butcha know what? Everyone was happy...

The rescue bird is doing so much better. He can fly up to the bar in the bird cage or even to just the grate on the side of the cage now and is able to hang on as long as he wants. At first he couldn't do that at all and then he'd do it and fall right back down. His balance seems so much better. Maybe I could release him now, but I think I'll give him a few more days.
HAGD,
Maryann

  • 10/30/09 - Nightmare on My Street <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-56CNh5S7GU" target="_blank">Nightmare on My Street Song</a> A popular song around the house this time of year because a very similar version is on our Kidz Bop Halloween CD. That and Ghostbusters! First, thank you so much for the response to my leaf photo from yesterday. Wow! That shot is now in my top 10 most popular pictures. Thank you again. Second, I have another leaf shot that I think you would really like, but the picture I'm showing just had to trump it. If you'd like to see a 'real' photo today, it's here: http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/October-2009/9831230_NeVMB#696214517_TMXoC Pictured in this shot left to right is Joey, Johnny, Madi, and Madi's mom Christine. I had some help putting out some of my other Halloween decorations yesterday afternoon. This is dead center (pun intende) in the middle of my front yard. Christine came up with the idea for the picture, and I was as quick with the camera as I could be! Johnny's preschool Halloween party was a ton of fun. The jack-o-lantern painting station that ran was a success...cute pictures produced and no paint messes. The rest of the stations went well too. The clouds are back here. At least on Wednesday for 5 hours we had sun and I got 3 pictures I really liked of the fall color. HAGD, Maryann
  • 10/29/09 - Walking on Sunshine<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmxSL6H2QEg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmxSL6H2QEg</a><br /> The sun came out yesterday, and it was glorious. This is a sooc shot taken in the parking lot at work around 10:30AM just after the storm clouds cleared. <br /> <br /> Thank you so much for the comments and enouragement with the mummy shot:-)<br /> <br /> I'm off for a 4 day weekend. Can you tell I am so happy I am about skipping across the house this morning? I'll be in Johnny's classroom today for their Halloween party. He's going to be Mr. Incredible today then back to Mario Saturday night. Then, after the party, we'll kick into high gear here finishing up our spooky decorations and doing party prep for the party we're having here at the house for the kids Saturday. When do I get to sit down again? Oh, maybe when Monday rolls around;-) But, I like it like that!<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 10/28/09 - The Mummy Awaits<br /> This was taken at the NC State Fair last week. She? was standing out in front of one of the fun houses. I guess I should tell you, if you can't tell, that it's a mannequin. For processing, I pulled her off the horrid background she was on. Then, I created a textured black background. Then I went through several filters to try to enhance the gauze fiber feeling of the photo. Then I used Photoframe to put on a canvas frame. Then I spot healed a few white or black spots that weren't where they were supposed to be. After all that, you know the usual couple of hours later, here she is:-)<br /> <br /> She looks rather bland without the frame I think, and for Dgrin which I might consider entering her or some of my other creations from this month, frames aren't allowed. Bummer. <br /> <br /> The original picture:<br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/Halloween-Fun-2009/9845761_KK5Lt#695182962_b7VJb">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/Halloween-Fun-2009/9845761_KK5Lt#695182962_b7VJb</a><br /> The updated picture minus the frame:<br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/Halloween-Fun-2009/9845761_KK5Lt#695201153_XVsjx">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/Halloween-Fun-2009/9845761_KK5Lt#695201153_XVsjx</a><br /> Another really creepy guy I'm considering:<br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/Halloween-Fun-2009/9845761_KK5Lt#695178647_caAGu">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/Halloween-Fun-2009/9845761_KK5Lt#695178647_caAGu</a><br /> <br /> I can't believe I'm posting a B&W photo two days in a row!<br /> <br /> Thank you all for your comments on the cookie photo. If it inspired you to go bake some cookies or get cooking in the kitchen with someone you love, then the photo worked it's magic.<br /> <br /> I hear we might see sun this afternoon. Seriously, it's been a solid 6 days of total overcast skies and rain. I was up briefly at 2AM, and it was pouring here. We need the rain because we're too dry this fall, but I'm ready for the just drizzle days to leave. <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 10/27/09 - Watching Our Cookies Bake<br /> I have very fond memories of baking cookies with my father when I was a little girl.<br /> We'd always make lemon sugar cookies or Toll House chocolate chip cookies or maybe even<br /> peanut butter cookies. Dad was so patient when I'd press the lemon cookies too thin<br /> or press the tines of the fork into the peanut butter cookies too far. He didn't seem to<br /> care if flour got spilled on the floor and promised my mother he'd clean up the kitchen<br /> when we were done so she'd stay calm. On Thanksgiving we'd get up extra early to stuff<br /> the bird and make pumpkin pies. One year for Christmas Dad and I even churned out<br /> 25 fruitcakes as gifts (I promise they were good!). I'll always cherish those times, and <br /> sometimes when Dad comes to visit we still get to cooking something good.<br /> <br /> Today's POTD is Johnny left and Joey right watching chocolate chip cookies that<br /> they helped make to bake in the oven. I have a potluck at work today, and I promised<br /> to bring something sweet. The boys were all too eager to help me. You see, I've<br /> started a similar tradition with them. I think cooking is a great way to spend time<br /> with kids. It teaches teamwork, math, and pride for a job well done plus many <br /> other things. We often work on dinner together and bake and decorate cakes. Besides,<br /> I want them to be helpful to their spouses when they grow up, and knowing their way<br /> around a kitchen is a very valuable life skill. <br /> <br /> Saturday I'm hosting a Halloween party for the boys' closest friends...about 10 kids total.<br /> One of the things we always do is...bake sugar cookies. I can't wait!<br /> <br /> This was a hard shot. The boys were too silly to sit very still, I didn't grab the <br /> tripod, and the light was low with no flash. And, of course, the window on the oven<br /> is not what I'd call spic and span. Still, this photo spoke to me in a way that <br /> I wanted to share it. Hopefully the convert to B&W and the soft focus help to take away<br /> the impurities and just leave the children's delight at watching the cookies melt and bake.<br /> <br /> This image describes the weather at my house again yesterday:<br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/October-2009/9831230_NeVMB#694006061_kzMmu">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Nature/October-2009/9831230_NeVMB#694006061_kzMmu</a><br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 10/26/09 - Beauty Can't Be Hidden<br /> Yesterday turned out to be 100% cloudy in our area. I was so terribly bummed. I'm still bummed. I tried to take fall foliage shots anyway, and they just aren't what I'd hoped for at all. One of the first pictures I took of the day was this morning glory around 9:30AM in a soy bean field. That's right, not only have I been in the middle of a tobacco field this week, I've been in the middle of a soy bean field too:-) I thought it was a really nice contrast to have the beauty of summer and the end of summer ready to be harvested yucky brown soybeans occupying the same spot. As a bonus, when I got home on the computer, I spotted the Halloween colored bug. For those of you without flowers now, I hope you enjoy.<br /> <br /> The boys and I did make it to Lake Wheeler where they had a super time on the playground equipment and over to Yates Mill Pond where we walked the Mill Pond Loop. I enjoyed the smell of the air, the color of the leaves, my pictures, and of course the boys. They enjoyed roll acting different Mario and Luigi scenes down the trail using trail markers as power ups, etc. Butcha know what? Everyone was happy...<br /> <br /> The rescue bird is doing so much better. He can fly up to the bar in the bird cage or even to just the grate on the side of the cage now and is able to hang on as long as he wants. At first he couldn't do that at all and then he'd do it and fall right back down. His balance seems so much better. Maybe I could release him now, but I think I'll give him a few more days. <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 10/25/09 - Halloween Butterfly Well, it's not really a Halloween butterfly, but it sure does fit in nicely with Joey's orange shirt and the Halloween colors of black and orange (and green and purple). This picture was taken at the butterfly house at the <a href="http://www.ncmls.org">Museum of Life and Science in Durham</a>. The Halloween Spooktacular event that they held yesterday was a real blast. If you'd like to see and know more, check out my <a href="http://maryanng.blogspot.com">blog post</a>. I put together a nice collage that shows the best pics of the day and have posted it there. The chemistry labs that they put on for the kids were really cool. Joey learned about fluorescent and phosphoescent. Very heat stuff! We saw the magician Joshua Lozoff. And, the kids got to make a face mask and visit with some 'creepy' insects and animals. Glad you guys got a kick out of the tobacco school bus. It was rain nonstop yesterday, but the sun it out today and temps are forecast for near 70. I think we've hit peak color on our leaves here based on my hour drive both directions yesterday, so my plans are to be out taking fall color pics pretty much ALL DAY:-) Lake Wheeler and Yates Mill Pond and everything in between...here we come! Have a great Sunday! Maryann
  • 10/24/09 - The Second Life of a School Bus<br /> I headed into Fuquay-Varina yesterday to go back to the water spot that I took yesterday's sky illusion shot out. (Yes, that's a very funny town name, but that's really what it is.) On the way, I drove past this old school bus with the roof chopped off and filled with tobacco leaves. I knew I had to turn around and go take a picture! Just a ways further back were 4 other buses and a field of migratory works. If I'd been really brave, I would have tried to go back and take a shot of them sortof like the one Norm took and posted of the workers in the fields down in FL a few weeks ago. But, I wasn't that brave. As it turns out, it was right at noon and and most of the crew drove past me on one of the buses headed to lunch. They waved and hollared with their big smiles that some woman was in the middle of their field taking a picture. I turned and waved back figuring it was best to stay on their good side and be friendly too.<br /> <br /> Anyway, isn't this quite the contradiction when we're trying to teach our kids that tobacco is bad for them but then we tote it around in a school bus? <br /> <br /> Thank you all for the response to the sky illusion shot yesterday. It gave me something to smile about all day:-)<br /> <br /> I'm off to the museum in Durham with the kids today for their Halloween Spooktacular. I can't wait!<br /> <br /> For those of you that enjoy kid stuff, you might like to go the links below. The kids and I were painting jack-o-lantern pictures last night. The green/black one is Joey's. The other is Johnny's.<br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/Halloween-Fun-2009/9845761_KK5Lt#690411587_E6p53">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/Halloween-Fun-2009/9845761_KK5Lt#690411587_E6p53</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/Halloween-Fun-2009/9845761_KK5Lt#690413592_eLyTx">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/Halloween-Fun-2009/9845761_KK5Lt#690413592_eLyTx</a><br /> <br /> So far so good with the rescue bird I talked about yesterday. I'm no longer worried that he won't survive. The question is just will he fly again. I hope so.<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 10/23/09 - Sky Illusion<br /> What you see may not be exactly what you see:-) There is no real sky in this picture...just reflection of the sky in the water. This picture was taken near 6PM yesterday at a different water area than I usually go to but also not too far from my house. I stopped to get a shot of the changing color (red) lily pads, but the lighting was all wrong for that. Instead, I came away with this neat shot and a few others. I do not know what the tree/shrub is, but the red color against the blues in the sky reflection is pretty I think.<br /> <br /> Thanks for all your comments about Joey and kids and trees:-)<br /> <br /> On my way in to work yesterday, I ran an errand into a craft store. As I was walking into the store, I spotted a disabled bird on the ground. I don't know what happened to him for sure, but either he hit a car or another animal got ahold of him. He was hopping around but stunned and unable to fly. I'm the type of person that has a dog leash and a critter carrier in my car at all times. So.... He's at my house now hopefully recuperating enough to fly off soon. I think it's a finch or sparrow. I warned the boys that he might not make it and might never fly again. I think they understand. Hopefully it's a good lesson in compassion for them and how sometimes even making just a small difference is a big thing in this fast paced world. <br /> <br /> TGIF!<br /> Maryann
  • 10/22/09 - Joey<br /> This shot was taken in my yard yesterday afternoon. This tree is a good part of the reason we bought this yard and moved in 15 years ago. I think it's a red oak. It has 7 trunks. At least a few times a year, the kids climb inside, and I take some pics:-) I was so relieved when they dug the origianl septic system around it that it survived. I watch over this tree as carefully as I can hoping it will be with us for years to come and maybe someday I'll be taking pictures of grandkids playing in it.<br /> <br /> With a temp near 80, full sun, beautiful fall colors, and a slight breeze, I just had to take my lunch outside yesterday. Our flowers missed the frost last week too, so things are still pretty. <br /> <br /> I had created a really spooky shot to post today and then decided that I needed a bright post today. However, if you'd like to see Mr. Vamp's Ms. Witchy, she and several variations of her with a cloud frame are here:<br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/Halloween-Fun-2009/9845761_KK5Lt#688937424_bRDmD">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/Halloween-Fun-2009/9845761_KK5Lt#688937424_bRDmD</a><br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 10/21/09 - NC State Fair Swing Ride<br /> We made it to the state fair as planned yesterday afternoon/evening. As you can see, we had sunny skies and warm temps for our visit. We stayed about 5 hours covering the afternoon and evening hours. That way I got some nice sunny daytime shots and some lights and action night shots too. The boys remember going the past two years, and were very excited to redo some of the fun things they remembered. The Caterpillar roller coaster and fun houses were their favorites. They particularly liked the spinning drum at the exit of the fun houses. They were so cute! For the first time, they were able to do almost everything by themselves after I rode with them on the initial roller coaster ride. That saved us some money. The fair is expensive! But, I did go on the log flume ride with them. Every year the ride operator makes me sit in the front, and every year I get wet:-)<br /> <br /> I link to the album with my bets fair shots is here:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/NC-State-Fair-102109/10040322_CYKMW#687930829_84cdm">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/NC-State-Fair-102109/10040322_CYKMW#687930829_84cdm</a><br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> M
  • 10/20/09 - Smiling Vampire<br /> Serious, look at those puffy cheeks:-) The next Dgrin challenge is to shoot something Creppy and Spooky. I didn't have time to take any pictures during the day yesterday, so after I put the kids in bed, I went out on my front porch with my camera/tripod and took a few pictures of the spooks that we have hanging up there. This guy is about 2 feet tall, and he's more cute than anything if you ask me since it's not really my intention to scare anyone. Several layers of texture and a PhotoFrame acid burn frame layer, and this is what you get...<br /> <br /> I also did a nifty Frankenstein with a green brick type frame here:<br /> <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/Halloween-Fun-2009/9845761_KK5Lt#686581873_x9Tub">http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Children/Halloween-Fun-2009/9845761_KK5Lt#686581873_x9Tub</a><br /> <br /> This afternoon we're going to the state fair. I am so excited. I hope to have a really cool fair picture for tomorrow!<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 10/19/09 - Pink Sasanqua Camelia<br /> This variety of camelia (vs. Japonica) flowers in NC in the fall each year. This image, taken in my yard, pretty much sums up how things have been here over the last week...rain, clouds, low light, and wet flowers. We've had a hint of sun here and there, but mostly overcast or worse. <br /> <br /> I softened the outside of the picture a bit using Picasa. I reduced the radius to less than the default but left the amount of blur at the default level. <br /> <br /> Sun and slightly warmer weather are in the forecast. My fingers are crossed. It's 38 and still dark out, so I don't know if we got hit by the frost yet or not. However, the our dog Blaze is pushing me to go find out:-)<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 10/18/09 - Bowling Birthday Party for Joey and Madi<br /> We celebrated Joey's 7th and Madi's 6th birthday party at Buffaloe Lanes bowling alley yesterday. All of the kids had a great time. They let the kids bowl for an hour with gutters blocked and a metal ramp to help them get the ball down the alley. Lots of laughter. A few strikes. Tons of cuteness. Great to see the adults in on the action too.<br /> <br /> Afterward, we were in the party room for pizza, cake, and presents. Lower right in the collage is some of the party kids throwing up the torn off wrapping pater and hollaring HAPPY BIRTHDAY! <br /> <br /> Bakugons were the presents of the day for both kids. We have a few of them now. Now if I could only figure out what we actually do with them.<br /> <br /> Each of the birthday kids got a bowling pin with balloons signed by everyone at the party. It's heavy too! What a nice gift.<br /> <br /> Clearly the picture of Madi with the bowling pin or of her by her cake are the best shots of the day, but I couldn't leave Joey out now could I:-)<br /> <br /> Cloudy, cold, and there's a frost advisory for tonight. Say what?!? We don't get frost here before Halloween usually. I guess I'm bringing my orchids in today... The poor NC State fair is not having good weather so far. I hope it's not hurting business too much. We go Tuesday...should be 60-70 during the ours we're there. Whew...<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 10/17/09 - Beside the road...<br /> Joey, his friend Eli, and I were in the van yesterday on our way to get Johnny from preschool when I spotted these really pretty flowers along the side of the road. No surprise to Joey, I found a safe spot to pull over and started taking pictures. I need a bumper sticker that says, "I brake for pictures." <br /> <br /> I've seen these aster type wildflowers in other dailies this fall, but I thought this one was different enough with the other white flowers behind it to post. I just love the purple/blue flower color. A favorite of mine. <br /> <br /> I had the hardest time trying to decide which picture to post today almost tormenting myself. My dad is in town visiting for Joey and Madi's birthday party today. There's a picture of him and Joey that I like. There's a picture of Joey at the Outback in ambient light blowing out a candle on his birthday ice cream fudge brownie dessert. There's one of Joey and Eli by a trail marker at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve where we hiked yesterday, and they have an aweseom smile. There's a picture of all 3 boys running on a trail where there's motion blur that I turned B&W and very dark and thought turned out pretty cool. Oh well. Tomorrow is another day, right?!?<br /> <br /> Off to the bowling alley in a while. Joey is so excited I can hardly contain him.<br /> <br /> I'm very glad you guys got a good laught at my Blue Man picture from yesterday:-) Laughing is good.<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> M
  • 10/16/09 - The Next Generation Blue Man Group<br /> I had an idea, and my kids are good sports. After a blue day and a green day this week, I was thinking today should be a red day. But, instead you get this shot of blue little boys cutting up and having a hilariously funny time. I have no skills in putting on make-up and no real flash equipment, so this surely not as good as it could be. It's just my dining room with a sheet thrown up over the French doors coming in from the garage area. Trying to get two kids to pose and stand reasonably still after basically giving them a license to cut up was, um, not easy:-) I did try some non flash shots, but that was a no go due to them not being able to not squirm. However, they had fun and were as cooperative as they could be. And, most important, the blue came off easily in the tub!<br /> <br /> I'm trying some different stuff this week. Thanks for hanging in there with me. Hopefully the sun will be out soon and I can get back to some of my normal POTDs.<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 10/15/09 - If yesterday was blue, today is green... Yes, this started out as a photo. The original is <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Art/Glass-Appeal-23/9948970_GrDEj#681352305_57h2c">here</a>. This is made from a candle holder that has an etched glass hummer in front and a mirror in the back. I walked past it last night and thought I'd try to take a picture of the real front glass and grab the reflection behind. 40 minutes later, tripod out, after hunting down a green Christmas light bulb and a cord to attach it to, I had some shots that still weren't that great sooc. So, I went into PSE and used the magic laso tool to try to grab the hummer and then I played around with the eraser and spot healing tool and came up with this. There's a single black layer that the bird is on and then PhotoFrame to put on the weathered wood bright green outer frame. 2 hours later.............. Now, this also tints nicely to <a href="http://fotomom.smugmug.com/Art/Glass-Appeal-23/9948970_GrDEj#681371576_v54BC">blue</a>, but I really don't think blue works for a hummer shot. I mean, what would I title it?!? I'd really be better if the sun would come out, but it's another cool day with drizzle. Oh well. HAGD, Maryann
  • 10/14/09 - Feeling Blue<br /> I tried something different yesterday. I think I like the idea, but I'm not sure I like exactly how this turned out. Maybe I should have zoomed out a bit and captured some of my arm to connect my hand to my body more? I tinted the photograph blue and added the soft focus to the outer edges to give it a more dreamy look. Picasa for both. And, yes, for better or worse that's me. I used the self timer. <br /> <br /> I have been feeling a bit blue lately, so I guess I needed to express it. Most of that has to do with work. Obviously when I'm with the kids life is GREAT.<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 10/13/09 - Dancing Bubbles of Light<br /> No sun in central NC yesterday...just clouds and a light drizzle. After I put the kids in bed last night, I experimented with my beads and glass. This piece of glass is a small rectanguler snack tray that on one side has a raised notch were a little tea cup can sit. I saw it at the thrift store about a week ago and thought it was really pretty to bring home. <br /> <br /> I've adjusted the color curves on this one in PSE. The original colors were more pastel. I also spent a good half an hour using the spot healing tool to remoe some tiny dots/imperfections. The finished photo has bolder, darker colors and hopefully has a nice smooth finish. <br /> <br /> If you missed the details before, I take these by placing a light source over a glass object that has some sort of beads/marbles on it and shooting the picture from underneath back up through the glass. The light shining through the beads and pattern in the glass makes the picture. <br /> <br /> My original plan with this was to get a 'blue' shot for the current dgrin challenge going on, but I ended up with too many colors that aren't blue. I'll keep trying. I need to buy a few blue beads I think. And, I keep studying the cobalt blue glass collection that I have trying to figure out if I could do something neat with it.<br /> <br /> There are so many great shots on the dailies each day. I love participating in this group!<br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 10/12/09 - The Maze<br /> This is one of the mazes the kids traversed at Hill Ridge Farm. There's a picture of them in it in yesterday's collage. While they were running around, I started looking at the pretty colors and angles of the wood panels. <br /> <br /> I drove down the road to the swamp yesterday, and all the pretty yellow flowers have been replaced by small white daisy type flowers and of course ragweed. I took some pics...just nothing I thought worthy of sharing today. <br /> <br /> Does it have to be Monday? Joey has one more week tracked out, and it's even harder than usual to go back to work today.<br /> <br /> I didn't say before, but we're having his b'day party this coming weekend at the local bowling alley. Madi's birthday is in a couple of weeks, and it will be a joint party for both of them. Should be lots of fun and provide lots of photo ops. <br /> <br /> HAGD,<br /> Maryann
  • 10/11/09 - Hill Ridge Farm<br /> When I went to bed last night, I felt sure I was going to post the picture of Madi throwing straw at me (and the camera) as my picture of the day (upper right shot), but then this morning my heart strings tugged on me a bit, and you're getting the collage with all the kids doing their cute things. <br /> <br /> It was cloudy most of the day yesterday, so the shots are missing that warm feeling to them. Still, we had a great time, and I got some fun ones. We were at Hill Ridge Farm from about 12-6. I had content, happy, and tired kids in the van on the way home:-) We went for a hay ride where we got to pick pumpkins out of a field. We went on a train ride. The kids got to play in a straw house and a corn house. Many signs to pose by. Playground equipment. Several kid type fun mazes. A 60' potato sack mountain slide. Many, many things to enjoy.<br /> <br /> My nose is running today from inhaling all the hay yesterday:-) Maybe mom will rest today before work tomorrow, but I doubt it. The kids are up and ready to go!<br /> <br /> Have a great Sunday, and I hope you can smile and laugh this hard today with someone you love too.<br /> Maryann

  • Boobaby

    on October 27, 2009

    this is so cool and so very beautiful!!

  • Ed Spadoni

    on October 27, 2009

    Lovely shot.

  • Chuck Beehner

    on October 27, 2009

    wow....a lot going on here...very cool! (paula)

  • Eric Lammers

    on October 27, 2009

    Great find! Like the colorful contrast with the soy beans!

  • Ty

    on October 27, 2009

    Cool, love the stinkbug under the flower

  • Sam (tylwydd)

    on October 26, 2009

    Nice colors !

  • Andrea Kaus (ChaosGraphics)

    on October 26, 2009

    lovely spot of color

  • 349390pitchingwedge33

    on October 26, 2009

    excellent use of contrast...

  • gpssue

    on October 26, 2009

    Very cool...

  • agilitypics

    on October 26, 2009

    Perfect flower shot... a splash of color!

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