The Creative Exchange, March 12th - 16th

What a fantastic week I had with my son home last week!  Lots of long talks, time spent together, and lots of laughs, as he is so good at getting me to do.  I have seen him change so much just in the several months he’s been away at school.  He was always quite mature for his age, and still is, but with this I have seen him develop a real sense of self that I feel is so important.  He is beginning to very carefully weigh decisions which he feels will be important to his future and ultimate career plans, and seems willing to accept the sacrifices and changes that come with these plans.  In all, life is very good for him right now; he is in a good place, and therefore so am I!!

I feel there is one thing in life that we can be very sure of, and that is change.  Life is definitely not static; it is dynamic.  With this in mind I have some news to share with you, and it does not come without reservations, and yes, quite a few tears.

I have found myself in a very unexpected position whereby I have to take on additional responsibilities at least until the end of the semester, and possibly beyond.  Yes, I am sure you know what’s coming here.  Some things have to give, and although it makes me sadder than I can tell you, one of those things will be The Creative Exchange.  This will be the last week.

Although I would very much like to tell you that this is a hiatus, I am simply not sure, and to be honest with you is most important to me.  I will be continuing with my photography site, because this is one of the things I do just for me.  I have added a link from the site to a blog (nothing there yet though), as my photography site has very few, if any words, and I still want to be able to “talk” to you. 

Above all, please know just how very important each of you are to me in your own unique, creative, and special ways, and that I am truly sorry to have to make this decision.  I do hope you can understand.

Okay, enough sad.  Now go out there and make it a good week!!!  :-)

The Creative Exchange, March 5th - 9th

Happy Monday to you!

We finally got our first real snowstorm last week.  Unfortunately, it was about 6 inches of the real heavy wet stuff.  I think I shoveled more water and slush than snow.  Not very pretty for sure, and it's almost gone now.

Great week ahead for me, as my son is home for a school break.  I am actually taking a day off from work to have some extra time with him.  Unfortunately our semester breaks don't coincide, as mine begins on the 17th of this month.

I have to tell you just how wonderful it is to be seeing all of your beautiful change of season images.  It does feel like everyone is ahead of NY though!  I saw lots of magnolia photographs last week, and if you've been here for a while you do know just how much I love those!  Ours are doing okay, but I think it's going to be some time before we see flowers.

Speaking of flowers, the paper whites I forced indoors are doing beautifully, and I am sure I owe it to one thing and one thing only.  Vodka!  Okay, now hear me out.  I have tried countless times over the years to force bulbs.  Paper whites are my favorites (although I really dislike their fragrance!).  The same thing always happens.  They get all long and lanky, fall over, and die before the flowers bloom.  I've tried all kinds of light, and anything else I could think of but still the same result.  It just so happened that my husband read something about putting vodka in their water, soooooooo... 2 capfuls to a cup of water.  They are only about half the height they would normally grow; they are standing straight and blooming beautifully!

Finally for today, I recently stumbled upon a wonderful site, and want to share it with you.  It is difficult to describe the theme, but to say it is from the heart is truly an understatement.  The name of the site is "Dear Photograph."  All posts are by submission to the owner of the site, who then selects what will appear.  In short, it is a photograph of a photograph accompanied by a few words, and it is truly a wonderful place to spend time.  If you'd like to take a look, you can visit by clicking here.

Have a fantastic start to your week!

The Creative Exchange, February 27th - March 2nd

It’s an Arts and Crafts Day today at The Creative Exchange!  Smocks are in the closet, so help yourself!

If you’ve ever done any macro work outdoors, then you know that your biggest enemy is the slightest breeze.  Even if you are “being good” and using a tripod, it’s of no help if there’s a breeze, so today we are making a breeze box.  I’ve made a couple of these, and have been meaning to share it here, but just never got around to photographing the process for you.

A couple of things…

First, this is not my “invention.”  There are plenty of how-tos online for various types of these boxes.  Second, I am sorry about the iPhone shots, but it was simply with me when I put this one together.

MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED:

~~Four 16”x16”** pieces of 1/8 inch thick Plexiglas.

~~Sixteen, 17-inch lengths of Gorilla brand tape (duct tape works also, but is not nearly as durable over time).  You may want to cut the lengths of tape before beginning, to make things go quicker.

~~An Exacto knife or scissors.

Place one sheet of Plexiglas on top of another sheet and tape together on one side, by folding tape from one side to the other.  Trim ends of tape with the knife or scissors. 

 

Now open this up and lay it flat to tape the inside (so it won't be sticky).  Trim ends of tape.

You now have one hinge made! 

With the taped side facing AWAY from you, place a third sheet on top of the first two.  Tape all 3 together on the side facing you, and trim the ends of the tape.  Open it up, tape the inside, and trim once again.

With the 3 pieces opened up and lying flat, place the last piece of Plexiglas on top of the middle piece.  Tape in place on the side facing you, and trim tape.  Open up to tape the inside.  Trim tape.  You now have the top completed. 

Tape and trim remaining sides so that you do not cut yourself when handling the box. 

Your box will fold quite flat, which makes it very easy to carry with you.  If is not completely flat, it will come to be over time, as the tape stretches a bit.  If you want to hurry the process, place a heavy book on it for a day or two.

Note that you can and should adjust the front opening so that you can just fit your lens inside.  This will eliminate as much breeze as possible.  You can still use a tripod, but you’d need a tabletop one, or one that can get close to the ground for you.  If using a tabletop tripod, be VERY sure it will support the weight of your camera and lens.  If glare is a problem, you can use a diffuser.  No diffuser, no problem; a piece of white cotton will do!  You do not want any sort of thick material, as this will cause you to lose light.

Yes, it may get scratched over time, but remember macro photography makes use of a very shallow depth of field, so this should not be an issue.  Yes, it may fog up depending on weather conditions, so carry some paper towels with you!

**A 16”x16” is good for low-lying flowers, etc.  For taller ones, I use a 16’x32’.  If you choose to make a 16”x32”, you will need three 16”x32” pieces of Plexiglas, and one 16”x16” piece for the top.  The box you are seeing in the photos is an 8”x8”, simply because it was easier to photograph, and I had some leftover pieces from previous projects.

If you have any questions, just leave them in the comments section here, and I will do my best to answer them in the comments section also.  Happy Monday to you!!

The Creative Exchange, February 20th -24th, and a Giveaway!

This week, I am so very honored to have Steve, from Another Rich Collectible here with us at The Creative Exchange.  I met Steve over a year ago on Flickr.  I remember this very well, because when I happened to come upon his Photostream for the first time, I spent well over an hour there, completely taken by one magnificent image after another.  In addition to being a phenomenal photographer and editor, he is one of the kindest and most willingly helpful people I have met online.  I could go on and on about Steve and his work, but I will let he and his images speak for themselves here today.  Steve, I truly thank you for being here!

About Me:

“I am fun loving, camping, outdoorsy person, who spent 30 years behind a boat waterskiing, jet skiing and anything else you can think of on water. I am the oldest of 5 children. About three years ago, I saw my first HDR (High Dynamic Range) image online.  Since that time I have spent many hours, reading, learning and practicing HDR photography. I use Photoshop Elements, Photoshop CS5, Lightroom with Topaz Plug-ins, Nik Software and OnOne software. Gosh with all this “applicational” firepower, I kinda wonder why I am just getting into photography.  I wanted to have the best tools handy.  I had always been point and shoot with images, and NO post processing.  Why did I wait 52 years to enhance images?  I am a new Grandfather, very happily married 30+ years, with two daughters who are both married, educated, and a huge help when called on. My new grandson was born on 9/11/2009.  He is the reason I took my camera off automatic and began learning something new. I have my second grandchild on the way. Life is very good. I work full time with photography as a hobby.” 

“I have had a camera in my hand since I was young enough to remember. All through elementary school, high school and college I can never remember NOT having a camera handy to capture a moment in time. My mother and myself were the family photographers.  Not until recently, did I consider post processing using an application on the computer.  One hundred percent of my photography was “SOOC”, straight out of the camera. Almost three years ago I purchased Photoshop Elements.  This purchase led to Lightroom, Aperture 3 and finally Photoshop CS5. Which one do I use the most?  All of them.  Which one do I just love to post process with?  Photoshop Elements.  I find the application so easy to work with and so fascinating that this inexpensive application can be so powerful. I am a member of Photoshop Elements Techniques. The hard working crew at Techniques post weekly Elements videos, blog entries, tips and tricks. I cannot say enough about the team at Techniques. My technique using Elements has improved greatly since first beginning with Elements 6, three years ago.” 

“Last year I was featured on the cover of Photoshop Elements Techniques Magazine.  Most of my work is HDR (High Dynamic Range Photography).  I try to stay within the bounds of what I see, and try to stay away from surreal images.  I do not care for the overcooked or overdone HDR image.  I always try to help the fellow photographer by posting my workflow.  If you have seen my images on Flickr, you will notice something unique about most of them.  They have my workflow posted below the image.  I love to share and love to help people who ask me questions.”

Shot with a Canon EOS 7D in Camera RAW with Tripod

Camera set to Av mode (Aperture Priority)

Selected 3 Raw Images from Adobe Bridge CS4 to Photomatix , three separate exposures -2/0/+2

Combined images in Photomatix 

Saved as 16 bit Tiff

Imported Tiff image to PSE 8

Resized to 6x4 240

Topaz Adjust and Denoise used

“Around 8:30 pm, the light is very low. The mill is lit up via a huge spotlight to my left out of view."

Tripod used. Camera set to Av mode, three images taken by my Canon 7D.

Photomatix Pro 4.1

Photoshop Elements 9

Topaz Adjust 5 and Denoise. (I am beta testing the new Adjust, awesome plug-in.)

“I want to thank Lisa for asking me to guest blog here at The Creative Exchange.  This is an awesome place Lisa.  So much talent and inspiration to see and learn from.”

Happy shooting!

Steve 
_______________________________________________________
Steve has very generously provided me with 4 access codes to Trey Radcliff's HDR Spotting Website.  This is a wonderful site with a wealth of information on HDR photography.  If you are interested in HDR photography, and would like the opportunity to win one of these codes, simply let me know in the comments section.  I will randomly select 4 winners on Friday evening (about 7:00 p.m. EST), and contact the winners.

The Creative Exchange, February 13th - 17th

If you've been visiting here for a bit, then you know that it has been a very unusual winter here, as it has been across much of the United States.  Very little snow, maybe an inch at a time as opposed to the usual foot at a time.  There have been some very cold days, but none of the week after week of single digit temperatures.  Now it's made a lot of things easier, but oh has it been bad for photography, especially if you like to do most of your photography outside.  Without the snow, everything is just gray, and since we've also had a real lack of sunshine, it's gray and dull.

So when I found myself sadly lacking inspiration just before the holidays last year, I did what I usually do when that happens.  Yes, you've heard it before, "Get out of your comfort zone."  Now there are many ways for me to do that, but the furthest outside of my comfort zone is street photography.  Something I definitely love, but something I have a very difficult time pursuing.  And so it began, week after week.  I thought I might talk to you a bit about what I've learned.  Please know that this is my experience, and one size does not fit all.

Unless you are photographing birds or other wildlife, using a 70-300mm lens is stalking!  In addition, with a lens this size, you don't really blend in very well.  There is also almost no chance of interacting with your subjects, and although that may be comfortable, it becomes old pretty quickly. 

Shooting from the hip is highly overrated.  Unless you are very good at estimating distance to your subject (I am not), a lot of people lose their legs from the knees down, or worse, their heads.

Just when I am feeling fortunate that my camera shutter is relatively quiet, I hit the streets, and I swear its volume increases tenfold!!

I am a very poor liar.  Once, I was asked why I was taking pictures of people.  Taken completely off-guard, I answered, "For a class I am taking."  Three days later, I still felt so horrible for lying, and I know for sure that I will never do it again.

I am slowing becoming comfortable photographing people without asking first.  I find that when I do ask, people automatically go into "pose mode," and you know, I would do the same.  I do not however, photograph children without asking first.  Many people are quite sensitive about that, and I think rightfully so.  By the way, street photographers in the United States have many more rights than you might realize.  I cannot speak for other countries, but you can read about your rights in the United States by clicking here.  For whatever reason, knowing these rights has made me much more comfortable.

So, have I conquered my fears, moved more inside my comfort zone?  Are you kidding me???  I mean this is more difficult than weaning myself off Auto Mode was!!  I think it may always be, but I love it, and I know it will see me through until the first flowers bloom.

Have I told you lately how wonderful I think each of you are?  You are.  You most definitely are, and if you question that, take a look at the thumbnails from last week!!  A M A Z I N G.

Have a wonderful Monday, and a Happy Valentine’s Day!!   xo

The Creative Exchange, February 6th - 10th

I am an avid reader.  Now I can't remember the last time I read a novel, a self-help book, or even a newspaper from beginning to end, but give me something written on photography, and if it gets my attention, I'll devour it.  Lately, photographic essays have been my "thing."

The most recent one I read was about storytelling through images.  We see something that interests or touches us in some way for some reason, and we photograph it.  But if we had to, could we always describe the story in words?  The author explains that we rarely make images without reason; that there is always a story behind what we record with our cameras.

This photograph was taken last weekend.  I first saw this as we were taking my son to the airport for his flight to Boston after the Thanksgiving break.  I had my camera with me, but the very last thing I was thinking about was using it.  I was too busy already missing him.  Now many weeks later, it was still with me.  Enough so that I drove well over an hour just to photograph it.  Once I arrived, I realized that there was no way I was going to get what I wanted without setting up my tripod on the NYS Thruway, and from experience I can tell you that the state police do not think very much of that!  So I did what I could to simply just get it.

Back at home, I stared at it on my screen, and just kind of asked myself... "Why??"  I mean it's a tree.  A tree with a fence around it.  Okay, so there are a few old gravestones there also, but still, I drove over an hour for this???  For some reason, I remembered the essay.  "We rarely make images without reason."  I however, was convinced that I was in possession of an image that surely proved this wrong, so I used a texture on it, did not like that, converted it to black and white, and sent it to "Neverland" (my external hard drive).

In the midst of a conversation with a friend about my weekend, there it was!  The story behind this seemingly pointless image that for some reason I just had to photograph.  The feeling that this image conveys to me is precisely the way I felt on the way to the airport that morning.  It was the first time my son was flying alone, and I was missing him before he'd even gotten on the plane.  I felt as lonesome as this tree looks.  Now really, is that neat or what???

Anyway, this was such an amazing feeling for me, and I want you to share it too.  Find an image that you’ve made; one that you really cannot seem to find a story for.  Keep it in your mind, and just kind of toss it around there from time to time.  I'll just bet that you'll find your story too.

Some exciting news to share!  The Creative Exchange has been selected as “Blog of the Month,” at Jeanne’s “Butterfly Tales.”  This is truly a testament to each of you, for without you, your talent, and your never-ending kindness, The Creative Exchange simply would not be, and so I congratulate and thank each of you, and a special thank you Jeanne, for this special treat!

Happy Monday to you!

The Creative Exchange, January 30th - February 3rd

When you hear the word "dreams," what do you think of?  If I further defined "dreams" to exclude the dreams you have while sleeping, what do you think of?  We all have dreams.  Some are within our reach, while others realistically, may not be.  I truly feel it is important to do all that we can to realize our dreams, but what about the dreams of others?  If we can help others realize their dreams, is that not equally as  important?

Recently, I made a trip to a butterfly conservatory.  This conservatory is owned and run by an acquaintance of mine.  The conservatory was not her dream per se, but the dream of her partner, a teacher and biologist.  While the idea of this conservatory was still just that, he was killed in a motor vehicle accident one dark rainy night on a local highway.

At this point in time, only the property for the conservatory had been secured.  The entire concept was still in its infancy.  Funding needed to be found, grants needed to be written, and many permits needed to be secured.  It was a daunting task for even two people, but now two people had become just one; one person who ultimately devoted every moment of her life, for several years, to the realization of a dream that was not her own.

The conservatory is host to more than 70 different types of butterflies, many tropical plants, and more than 150 animals.  Everything from lizards to tortoises to exotic birds call this home.  All but a couple of rather aggressive birds roam free.

I don't know how she does it.  It is just she and her daughter who keep it going.  I cannot begin to even imagine the amount of work involved on a daily basis.

Each time I visit, I always spend some time talking with her, and each time I find myself so in awe of a very definite peacefulness about her.  Although she tragically lost a very big part of her life, I am convinced that the wonderful peacefulness I see in her is her realization of a dream that was not initially her own.

Wishing you a fantastic week, and if you have a chance, stop back later this week (probably Wednesday or Thursday) when I will have a tutorial for you on black and white conversion.

The Creative Exchange, January 23rd - 27th

My goodness, I do not know where almost 6 weeks have gone, but on Wednesday, I return to work for the spring semester of classes.  This particular semester will be one of change for me, or maybe better stated, transition. 

I have taught all of my classes, for all of the 13 years that I've been teaching, in the same classroom.  It has been my choice to do so, and luckily I have a wonderful department chairman who does all he can to keep everyone happy.  This will be my last semester in this classroom.  No, I am not leaving my job (not yet anyway!!), but the building is slated to be demolished and reconstructed over the next 3 years.  This will begin in June of this year.

Now, you may be asking, "So what is your attachment to this particular classroom?"

Well you see I am currently teaching at the university from which I graduated.  I spent just under 10 years there getting my degree, and was hired to teach a month before I graduated.  More than half of the mathematics classes I took were taken in this classroom.  I laughed (rarely) in this room, I cried (A LOT) in this room.  Some of my greatest successes as well as failures were experienced in this room, but above all else; it was here where I truly learned to believe in myself.  It is going to feel very strange when I walk out of here for the last time when the semester ends in May. 

And so for today, quick iPhone snaps.  My office and my classroom.  Definitely from the heart.

Please forgive if I am a bit slow in visiting this week as I switch over to "work mode."  Happy Monday to you, and have a beautiful week ahead!

The Creative Exchange, January 16th -20th

Today is a very special day.  I am truly honored to have Anna, from Alchemy of Art, guest-posting for this weeks Creative Exchange.  I “met” Anna last year, and initially was so taken by her beautiful photography.  If many photographs were placed in front of me, I would know which ones were Anna’s.  Over time, through visiting her blog, I also came to know Anna as a wonderful writer.  Her words describe, what her images allow you to feel.  A very special quality indeed.  In addition to writing and photography, Anna is also a talented quilter, and bead artist.  So my friends, I feel very fortunate to have her here today, and Anna, I truly thank you.

Winter

I have a love/hate relationship with winter.  Anyone who lives in the far north, as I do, probably knows what I mean.  Winter can be gorgeous, glittery, clean, and pure.  Winter can also be very dark, colorless, and bitterly cold.

In the northwoods, winter comes packed with super-sized suitcases.  She is one of those guests that intends to stay a good long time!  So, I try to appreciate, and outwit her.

Often, I take my camera out during, or right after, a snowfall.  At these times, our temps aren’t too bad… invariably they drop soon afterwards.

And, I’m sure you guessed it, but I dress very warmly on photo outings.  The list of clothing layers and types is long – do they make me look fat?  Certainly!

Cold fingers on my “clicking” hand seem to be the biggest challenge.  One thing that has helped is the addition of my husband’s fingerless, wool, hunting mitten/gloves.  I wear them over regular thin gloves and flip on the mitten portion when my fingertips get too cold… or numb. 

I’ve read that condensation is a concern with winter photography.  Thus, my camera goes out of the house in a camera bag and comes back in that way, too.  Once inside, I leave my camera in its bag for 3 – 4 hours to warm up slowly.  Honestly though, it does make me a bit nervous as I only have one camera body.

Past that, I enjoy the magic of winter’s wonderland.  It’s a minimalist’s dream!  I’ve written that winter reminds me of haiku – it’s poignant, to the point, stripped to the core.  In this season, I am especially aware of pattern, values, and abstract design.  I revel in the bare bones architecture of the landscape and the cleansing shroud that snow provides.

And, sometimes… I dream of spring!

Have a beautiful start to your week!

The Creative Exchange, January 9th - 13th

Happy Monday to you!

Everything here is almost back to normal after the holidays.  It’s taken a little longer than usual this year because I wanted to leave everything decorated until my son left for school.  That day is today, so I will be spending the day putting everything away for another year.

I have a question for you, and as always you need not feel you have to answer.  Do you find that what you like to photograph, and how you choose to photograph it, changes with the seasons?  Over the past few years, I have noticed that this is the case for me, but it’s never been more evident than this season.  Lately it’s been all about black and white.  This is interesting, because as much as I love to view a beautiful black and white photograph, I’ve just never spent much time creating them myself.  So last week, I spent time online reading about black and white photography, and finished what I thought was a really good book on the same (Black and White Digital Photography, Chris Bucher).  Of course, I spent some time practicing too, but did not get very many that I was happy with.  One of the most important things I have learned is that you really have to start looking at your subjects/compositions very differently for black and white images.  I think this is going to be a long process, but I’m excited about it, as it will allow me to change things up some from time to time.

As I was out walking over the weekend, I happened to pass by one of my favorite magnolia trees, and I was completely struck by how visible the buds were.  Normally at this time of year, we have 2 feet or more of snow on the ground, and the trees are usually covered by it, but there is no snow and the tree buds are very visible.  Of course I could not resist photographing this one.  It’s been a very, very strange winter so far, but I’ll take it!

Have a great start to your week!

The Creative Exchange, January 2nd - 6th

Sharing with "Show Off Your Shot," at And Then She Snapped

Welcome back Dear Friends, and Happy New Year!  It seems like I've been away from here for a long time.  My Christmas was wonderful, with my very favorite people around me.  I am continually reminded of just how very lucky I am.  I spent much of last week just kind of taking it easy, and one of the absolute highlights of the week was being able to visit each blog in my blogroll/reader at least once, and some twice.  I used to be able to do this on a regular basis but the list has grown, quite simply because all of you have such wonderful blogs, and I love to visit you.  I just wish I could go through the entire list more often.

Now begins a brand new year.  I see the beginning of each New Year much the same as I see a beautiful new journal full of blank pages just waiting to be filled.  I am not, and never have been one to make New Years resolutions, so I cannot tell you anything exciting about that.  You see for me, I seem to make resolutions as each day passes.  For example, as Daryl so hilariously stated on her blog, I too consumed way too much sugar over the Holidays, so I decide to stop doing that (for awhile!!), and that's what I do.  I may handle a situation in a way that retrospectively I know I could have handled differently/better, so the next time it occurs, I try to do so, and of course the list goes on.

You see if you stop to think about it, I think many of us probably do much the same thing.  We are always trying to "better" ourselves, and for me, if I do this as I go along in life, I am rarely disappointed, and when I am, I find that I can always change that too, since most of my disappointment is of my own doing.  I like it this way, and in all honesty if I were to begin making a list of my "resolutions," I would not know where to begin, and I am sure it would never end!  And so as we begin a new year, I find myself most grateful for the ability to make the changes I may want to make, but most of all for not knowing what these changes might be!  It is definitely an exciting time.

I hope you are beginning 2012 with a sense of wonder and excitement, and I wish for each of you, all you might wish for yourself in the coming year.

Remember that for this week only, we have a theme of sorts:  “Your Favorite Photograph of 2011.”  Also, remember that this is not mandatory.  It is just something I thought you might like to do.  So, my favorite photograph of 2011?  Yup, definitely this one.  Taken with my iPhone, technically pretty bad, but I am quite sure that driving through a rainbow is a once-in-lifetime thing, so there you have it, my favorite for 2011!

Have a wonderful start to your week!

The Creative Exchange, December 19th - 23rd

Are you just about set for the holidays?  You know, I actually think that I am.  I keep telling myself that I must be forgetting something because right up until Christmas Eve, I never feel like I am quite ready, but this year is different for some reason.  No complaints.  I’m good with that!  It does indeed look like it will be a green Christmas, but the cold has definitely arrived.  Yesterday morning when I got up, it was 7 below 0.

I promised you cookie photos, but believe it or not, I have not had my camera out in almost 2 weeks, so these are just quick snaps from my iPhone.  This was the first set of 10 trays that I put together.  Throughout this week, I will do about 20 more, and that will be it for this year!

Remember, there will be no Creative Exchange next week, and when The Creative Exchange returns on January 2nd, you can link up with your favorite photograph of 2011, if you’d like.

I wish each of you a holiday filled with all of the happiness and love that your heart can hold.

The Creative Exchange, December 12th - 16th

The tree is up, and the stockings are hung.  My regular class schedule has ended, and I now begin a week giving final exams.

I cannot believe that I am actually saying this, but I sure was glad to see the snow we got here at the end of last week.  We have had some truly unseasonably warm weather for this time of year, and it’s made me realize that I really need snow and cold to feel “Christmassy.”  Oh I know it is all a matter of what you are used to, but I have lived in the cold snowy northeast for my entire life.  I NEED snow at Christmastime!!  Now, when it gets to be January/February, and I am moaning and complaining about all the snow and cold, do remind me of this post!!

For those of you who asked about a photograph of the cookies, I will most definitely post one here when they come out of the freezers and the cookie trays are being put together, which will be the middle of next week.  So far, there are 12 different kinds, and just about 1,500 cookies, with about one more week of baking to go.  I LOVE it!!!




Each year at Christmas, Canada-based Paul Mattson gives visitors to his light displays something to marvel at.  The Christmas lights and synchronized music are completely computer-controlled.  Last year, the over $4000 raised from visitor’s fees, was donated to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.  There is no display this year, but if you wish to see more than the one video I have here (from 2010), you can do so just by clicking here.  It truly is amazing, and definitely something not to be missed.  If you would like to take a peek at what it takes to do this, just click here.

If you have a moment while you are here, scroll through the thumbnails from last weeks Creative Exchange.  Are you beautiful or what???  Oh, yes you are, and I thank you for making my Mondays the same!

The Creative Exchange, December 5th - 9th

Happy Monday to you, and I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  I spent most of my weekend elbow-deep in cookie dough.  Each year it begins right after Halloween, and ends a week or so before Christmas.  I am pleased to say that I am right on schedule!  So what do I do with all these cookies?  All but the enormous tray we have on the table for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are given away.  A lot of work?  You bet, but it is one of my favorite holiday traditions.

Okay you Heart Diagrammers, I promised you one question; so here it is…”How much space did the section with your name on it, take up?”  If your results are like mine were, you are asking, “My name???”  I am not sure why I ever did this little exercise to begin with.  I was just doodling on a piece of paper as I so often do, and it ended up being a heart “divided-up” with the things I most love.  My name never appeared there.  Interesting isn’t it?  Definitely something to spend some serious thinking time on.  As I said in last Wednesday’s post, you do not need to discuss your results here at The Creative Exchange.  Of course if you choose to do so, you are most welcome.

Pairing has ended for Sharing My Holiday, and I want to thank everyone who participated.  I hope you enjoy receiving that special photograph from your sharemate!

I am very excited this week to be hosting a giveaway for Kat from Kat Eye Studio.  Kat contacted me several weeks ago about hosting a giveaway for not one, but TWO spots in her upcoming Find Your Eye:  Starting the Journey, course.  The course runs for 2 weeks, and from one who has taken it, I can tell you that as is the case with all Kat does, it is fantastic!!  If you would like, you can read all about it here.  So, what do you need to do?  Just leave a comment here saying that you would like a chance to win one of the spots.  You do not need to link up at The Creative Exchange, and you do not need to be a follower.  On Friday evening (about 7:00 pm EST, give or take), with the help of Random.org, the winners will be chosen and I will post the names here.

Over the next 2+ weeks, I will be writing and giving final exams, so if I am slow in visiting, please know that this is why.  Once this is behind me, I have almost a whole month off!!  So excited.

Have a wonderful Monday, and I’ll see you soon.

The Creative Exchange, November 28th - December 2nd

Texture by Pixel Dust Photo Art
Sharing with "I Heart Macro," at Studio Waterstone

It feels so good to be sitting down and speaking with you for a bit!  I had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and for those of you who celebrated the day, I hope you did too.  It was a whirlwind of cooking, eating, and activity though, so this down time is definitely needed.  Fortunately, with 4 days of truly unseasonable temperatures in the 60s, and lots of brilliant sunshine, I was able to work off all of that pumpkin pie I ate, with lots of time outside.  Little secret?  I am not real fond of turkey, but I wait all year for my pumpkin pie.  Soooooo love it!!

Today’s post is for the most part informative, so if you don’t like informative, I apologize in advance, but it is needed from time to time.

First of all, MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

1.  I will be hosting a giveaway for Kat from Kat Eye Studio in The Creative Exchange post next Monday, December 5^th.  You do not need to link up at The Creative Exchange, or be a follower, etc. to take part in the giveaway, but you will have to stop by next week to let me know you’d like to take part.

2.  The Creative Exchange will be taking a Christmas Break during the week of December 26^th.

3.  On Monday, January 2^nd, when The Creative Exchange resumes, it will be a bit different for that week only.  During that week, I would love it if you linked up with your favorite photograph of 2011.  This is not by any means mandatory.  You may simply link up as you usually do, with your photographs taken with your hearts.  I know it may seem like a long way away, but I wanted you to have plenty of time to think about it, and to select a photograph if you chose to do so.  I think I already know what mine will be, and it’s not a flower!!

Finally, you may have noticed the “Photo Tech” page here at the top.  At some point soon (I hope!), it will be joined by a “Photo Edit” page.  As my time permits, I will periodically post information here at The Creative Exchange that may be of interest and/or help to you.  The initial post will be on the homepage here.  Once it scrolls off the homepage, it will be “retired” to either “Photo Tech,” or “Photo Edit,” and you will then be able to find it there.  In the “Photo Tech” section, you will find posts related to the technical side of photography, and in “Photo Edit” you will find posts related to photo editing and Photoshop/Elements/Lightroom, etc.

Once again, if you would like to guest post to either of the pages, or if you have another topic that you wish to write about (no restrictions, other than family friendly), simply e-mail me your ideas, and we’ll make it happen.

Have a wonderful Monday, and I’ll see you soon!

The Creative Exchange, November 21st - 24th

From time to time I have a fascination with doors.  This happens for me most often in the fall, when people unveil their finest wreaths and patio decorations as Thanksgiving approaches.  The decorations make houses look like homes.  I have lived here for quite some time, and I can definitely say that the decorations on the doors of the houses of people I know are direct reflections of the people themselves.   Most are cozy and inviting, all ready to welcome family and friends, because it is a time for good food, good company, and just being together.  Although these are not the best of times, most of us live with a sense of security on a daily basis.  We have a place we call “home.”

But there are other doors too; doors that no longer provide a sense of security.  Doors that have been opened and closed by countless little hands that never really have a place to call home.  This particular house had new families in it monthly, until it was suddenly declared unfit to live in, and therefore was condemned.  As I stared at these doors through the lens of my camera, I could not help but wonder about those that had lived here.  If they were able to do so, how would they decorate their doors?

To my American friends, I wish you a blessed Thanksgiving, and let us all be grateful for that place we call “home.”