Learn, learn , learn...that's all I ever do

Ok This is NOT a video.. It is an example of time lapse photography. I have always wanted to try and today I thought it would be a good day as the breeze was blowing quite briskly and I thought you would be able to see fall in action. Well as it turned out there was not too much action unless you count the surprise appearance by Diva dog .. Bear. This is my first ever attempt at this so bear (no pun intended) with me please. If nothing else enjoy James Blunt music that I added. Although I feel that this has been a lukewarm success I am inspired and now that I have tried the technique I am sure I am going to do more.

The colours of fall

Last night I took a quick trip to Dunvegan. I have always wanted to photograph the suspension bridge about an hours drive from here. I was rushing to catch the light. I just barely had to time to find a good place to snap this photo before it was too dark. Scouting out the place you plan to photograph before hand is a good idea. Well now I know that the sun sets earlier in the valley of the Peace River and I found a very nice little park. I will be going back.

Enjoy the view

Yesterday we went on a road trip with another couple. I had a wonderful time and we saw some beautiful scenery. Although I kept my camera near, I really tried to just have a good time and not worry about capturing all the scenery... just enjoying it. This house looks out over the Peace river . They have a spectacular view every day of the year.

The fall season is truly upon us here in Northern Alberta. The scenery changes so much every day. This morning I was drawn outdoors by the golden glow created by the early morning sun on the aspen trees. I realized that I have been living for days overwhelmed buy all the glory. Hard to know what to shoot. I just want to get it all. Everywhere I look is splendor. We are going on a road trip today with another couple. We will be going through some of the most scenic country in Alberta. I am bringing my camera and I hope they are willing to let me take some photos. Looking forward to a great drive.

Brrrr

During the night the cold moves in and this kind of frozen scene can be found in the morning. Thankfuly the days have been warm, sunny and beautiful.

Lyle Lovett, Al Green - Funny How Time Slips Away

Last day of Summer

Yesterday was the last day of Summer. I went for a short drive to see what how the neighbourhood was taking the news. The sheep were escaping, the old barn was holding up, and the lane by my house was golden and welcoming. If you click on the photos you will see an enlarged view

Key

I have always collected keys. As a youngster my Granny would give me the keys from the canned ham and I would pretend to lock and unlock the old fashioned doors in her house. As an adult they hold so much symbolism for me. One of my artist friends did a painting of a man in a cage, the door was locked and the key was hanging inside the cage... Wow.. talk about symbolism! Maybe we all have the key to unlock our prisons.

Magic time

It took a long time for the mercury to rise today. Freezing temps create some lovely effects on the fall leaves. I have always enjoyed taking photos of water drops. But I had to wait till afternoon before the frost started to melt. I guess we are running towards winter. Sigh

Blue

This is photo is one that I am thinking of including in a series of art cards with a floral theme. These works remind me of slightly abstract paintings. And I love doing them.

Hand of Love

When someone you love goes through heartache, you ache for them. You recall the times that you went through crushing sadness and loss. And even though you know from experience that it will pass, you also know that the only way out is through. And all you can do is offer a hand of love.

You better watch out , you better not pout

We really do live a long way up north. In fact Santa dropped in today for a visit. We had bbq a lot of laughs and a very good visit. I told him that I have been a very good girl, to which he raised one eyebrow and cocked his head at me. I guess he knows the truth.

Life is like a song

I think it's kind of funny how my life seems to be defined in snatches of songs. Take this old house, for example. It is about two miles from my house , an old log building , abandoned with the hops growing right in through the upstairs window. After taking this photo I was on my way home and Norah Jones was singing "Creep on in" in my head.

Fall is here

Yup it's here in full living colour. Fall is a just a way to distract us from the fact that winter is following close behind. I know it but I love it anyway. Fall makes me feel like creating, nesting, cooking, building something. I wonder if my cavewoman ancestors felt the same way... time to pick the berries , dry the meat, and make the fur booties.

Linocut Prints

These two works are as the title suggests linocut prints. The first one is "Puss" I did him a few years ago . The bottom print is "Dream a little dream" and she is more recent.

Iron butt

While I was running errands in town today I saw this beautiful Goldwing. I couldnt help but strike up a conversation with this guy. He is on his way from Texas to Alaska and back in two weeks. He has a device that sends a message (to a satillite I'm guessing) and his progress is logged on the internet. He gave me the address so I can follow along if I want to. We got into quite a discussion about his one of a kind hand tooled leather seat It is the most impressive thing I have seen on a bike. He tells me that the guy who made it makes boots for celebs. Apparently Melissa Gilbert saw the seat while it was being made and said she really wanted to ride on it... hmmm I wonder if he will post the ride with Laura Ingles on the interweb?

Golden mounds

I can still vividly recall watching in awe as my Granny made the buns. Quickly and deftly she formed each blob of dough into a smooth round ball, almost identical to the last. It seemed like Granny magic . I felt honoured to know the secret when she slowed down so I could see the method to her slight of hand. I vowed to learn ... someday when I grew up. The cooler days of fall are perfect for making bread. The warm yeasty smell takes me back to simpler days. And as I form the buns, smooth and uniform, I am filled with pride that I was able to keep the art of making bread alive in our family. I know that if any of my grandkids ever ask I will feel just as honoured to teach as I was to learn.

Catch Me Gwamma!

Today I started out with a a cleaning fervor. Going to get some long overlooked jobs done, Yessiree. Dishwasher whooshing , vacuum growling, music going , and phone ringing.. Wait what's that ? My brown-eyed beauties are coming for a visit. To heck with the cleaning, let's play!

Tapas

No, not the appetizer! Lyle explained to me that Tapas is a sandscrit word for the heat and energy generated by practising yoga. I must say there was some heat in the room where we took these photos. I loved the lines of this pose when he did it. Look at the way your body has Developed Lyle.. now that's hot.

Party line

I always wanted my answering machine to sing.... Hello , I love you won't you tell me your name.

One word..... Tweezers

Yesterday my granddaughter and I went to one of the neighbours to spend time with some really great horses. I am usually a little timid around horses but these guys were so polite that I didnt feel an apprehension at all. Thanks Clare , big hug!!

Evening storms

Every evening for the last week or two the clouds have come at night and filled the evening sky.

Rusty

Still trying to get a handle on the RAW thing.

Who's counting?

I am thinking of changing my photography workflow. I know that shooting all my photos in RAW will allow me greater image control, but I also know it will make some major differences in the way I do things. I have been reading and researching .... endlessly. I am beginning to feel a bit nerdy. But fortunatly there is hope for nerds to.

Destruction

Last night I stopped in Sexsmith to take some pictures of this quaint old church... I was so disappointed to find that it had been vandalized. Not just vandalized but destroyed. The real irony for me came when I noticed that it was right accross from the fire dept.