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Monthly Archives: July 2010

weekly photo challenge #13: water

I have so many memories of summer vacations while growing up in Northern California. Whether they were at Santa Cruz, Lake Tahoe, or Guerneville – they were all spent outdoors along the “water”. When I saw this photo opportunity on Sunday while lounging around at the concert in the park along Portland’s Willamette River, it immediately hit me that this would be the perfect photo for “water”. And, I was overwhelmed with memories of summer vacations along the waterfronts as a kid. I remember all the days we’d spend basking in the sun at the beach in frotn of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Of course, after laying out on my beach towel for hours at a time I’d feel the sun penetrating my back (The thought of this now – YIKES!) and quickly jump up to run into the pacific ocean to cool off. Ahhhhhhhh… Or, I remember the summer days of staying in South Lake Tahoe. The best part was lounging along the shore or going to for boat ride on the lake. Oh how I can feel the mist and wind in my face right now. Ahhhhhhhh…. And, how could I ever forget the summer days of vacationing in Guerneville along the Russian River. We’d either sit out by the hotel pool all day or down at the river. one of my favorite memories on the Russian River is renting canoes and paddling up the river. Ahhhhhhhh….

So, my friends… I’m happy to share with you my pick for this week’s photo challenge – water as well as the flood of memories from my childhood summer vacations.What vacations did you take when you were a child?

 
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Posted by on July 30, 2010 in photography

 

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shadow of a doubt

 
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Posted by on July 29, 2010 in photography

 

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what keeps you up at night?

I have experienced insomnia for about 8 years now. I’m not sure why I ever started this nasty habit of waking up around 1:30 in the morning and falling asleep again around 3:58a.m. ARGGHHHH! think it started when I began taking on more responsibilities as a manager in my career. But it seems like the thoughts or emotions that actually do wake me up at night are the smaller worries that become monsters at night like, “I forgot to order the food for that party”, “I have to remember to return those boxes back to the storage closet”, or “when am I ever going to have time to clean my office?” I mean… why can’t I simply make a note to self that these things will all get done in the morning and GO BACK TO SLEEP!!!!!!! Oh, and the last few nights I haven’t been sleeping because the poison oak I got from the hike along the Gorge has been keeping me awake from itching like MAD!!!!!! These are all moments of pure frustration – in the middle of the night. You know those moments when you just want to scream out loud like Susan Powder, “STOP. THE. INSANITY!”

So, I’m curious… what keeps YOU up at night?

 
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Posted by on July 28, 2010 in photography

 

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the balloon

I thoroughly enjoyed watching all the children run free tonight during the concert in the park featuring Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside. They were playing just as hard as the band was….barefeet running through the cool grass with the evening’s golden sunset on their sunshiney faces. What joy! :)

 
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Posted by on July 27, 2010 in photography

 

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improving on the room for improvement

Alas, a day off. As I sit here on my day off – my brain is flat-lining from working all weekend on my feet in the hot sun, I’m trying to unwind by leafing through some old photos I took 2 summers ago. Well, maybe not old, but leafing through them the thought process I had at the time for capturing composition, lighting, and patterns seem so far away from me. You see, I bought my first-ever-camera just 2 years ago. With much excitement and enthusiasm for finally discovering a hobby or craft that I never knew before, I quickly leaped into the hobby of digital photography. I immediately got into the habit of clicking away on a daily basis. I learned a few tips and techniques from reading Jim Krause’s “Photo Index Idea”. Jim says that in order to get a few good photos that you’ve got to take as many – like hundreds of photos within one photo shoot.  So, off I went. :)

It tickles me to look back through these beginner photos that I took. I remember feeling so proud of the content I captured. I thought that they could be prize winners in like the North Carolina state fair or something. Ha! I do have to say that 2 years later I’m still keeping up on the daily practice of click click clicking at that silver button. I feel much more confident with what makes for a good photograph (compared to my state of mind when I first started), how to use my little ol’ Canon Powershot SX100 camera, and a pat on the old back – I’ve had a photography show at a local Portland cafe already.

Looking forward into my future as a gifted digital photographer, I know that I still have a lot to learn. I’m very eager to take the photography class I’ve signed up for in August at the Newspace Center for Photography. I am still waiting for the day that I can afford to purchase an upgraded camera – Canon d-SLR :) in order to bring myself up to the next level for photography. We shall see where this new level shall take me. I’d love for you to follow along.

Thanks.

 
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Posted by on July 26, 2010 in photography

 

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thirst quencher

I’ve been working all weekend! Feeling sorry for myself since the weather is brilliant outside and I’m stuck working for the man. Tonight, I came home and dragged Kari out for sushi. She had the eye for the camera. I was sipping my cucumber water when she said, “Woah, photo opp!” It was a TOTAL thirst quencher!!!!!

Enjoy!

 
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Posted by on July 25, 2010 in photography

 

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spoiled…

I am so spoiled, cuz Kari is sooo dang good to me. There. That’s all I have to say. Thank you.

 
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Posted by on July 24, 2010 in photography

 

weekly photo challenge #12: zipper

I get told to zip it – A LOT. I’ve been recently told at work that I’m “LOUD” and that I need to lower my voice. This is a true challenge for me! My own innate nature is loud, charismatic, and sometimes people find me – obnoxious. I’m working on all of this. It’s quite a challenge. I feel more like  “me” when I’m of a louder volume. I try to be quiet and speak with a soft voice, but it doesn’t feel – natural. Ebb and flow. Ebb and flow. I’m working on it, grasshopper.

The thought of working long hours over this warm and sunny weekend doesn’t make for a happy camper. I really need a ZIPPER for my mouth. Happy Friday, everyone!

 
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Posted by on July 23, 2010 in photography

 

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Home

Home is the place your heart resides
Home is the place that you decide
Home is the womb that holds the soul
Home is the place where one is whole

Home is the glow you hold in your eye
Home is the emotion that makes you cry
Home is safe and a place of peace
Home is where all strivings cease

Home is protective against the others
Home is full of sisters and brothers
Home is where you find your rest
Home is where you feel your best

Home is a memory that follows your being
Home is a dream for those agreeing
Home is the place where reserves fall
Home is the place you yearn to call

Home is where the family meets
Home is a place of restful retreats
Home is the place you know you’ll be heard
Home is the pace where nothing blurs

Home is all these wonderful things
Home is the place you develop wings
Home is the place that you’ll find one day
Home is the place where your heart will stay

by Aisha Patterson

 
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Posted by on July 22, 2010 in photography

 

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the letter “D”

D stands for Vitamin D in my world.

Vitamin D is found in many dietary sources such as fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod liver oil. The sun also contributes significantly to the daily production of vitamin D, and as little as 10 minutes of exposure is thought to be enough to prevent deficiencies. The term “vitamin D” refers to several different forms of this vitamin. Two forms are important in humans: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D2 is synthesized by plants. Vitamin D3 is synthesized by humans in the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight. Foods may be fortified with vitamin D2 or D3.

The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Recently, research also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases.”

Rickets and osteomalacia are classic vitamin D deficiency diseases. In children, vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, which results in skeletal deformities. In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, which results in muscular weakness in addition to weak bones. Populations who may be at a high risk for vitamin D deficiencies include the elderly, obese individuals, exclusively breastfed infants, and those who have limited sun exposure. Also, individuals who have fat malabsorption syndromes (e.g., cystic fibrosis) or inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease) are at risk. -Mayo Clinic

 
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Posted by on July 22, 2010 in photography

 

lucky duck on a Columbia Gorge Trail

I’m so dang lucky that I can drive less than 40 minutes from my house and be here.

This is the view about 5 miles east of Multnomah Falls along the Elowah Falls Trailhead. The Multnomah Falls are a beautiful sight to see, however I’m not a fan of the disneyland-type tourists. So, when I’m in the mood for a power hike along the Gorge I skip the Multnomah trail and head out on one of the many dozens of other options for trailheads.

Besides, there is much more to see and explore on the other trailheads. There are plenty of switchbacks, uphill and downhill, plant life like ferns and tall grasses. The views are breathtaking from vistas overlooking the Colubmia River Gorge into the lower part of Washington State, to tall trees blanketing the trails with their golden green leaves.

The best part about the hikes is discovering the most amazing waterfalls towards to end of the trail. They’re wet. They’re windy. They’re misty. They’re oh so refreshing for the soul.

YEP, YEP!!! This is my *home*!!! \ m /  \ m /

 
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Posted by on July 21, 2010 in photography

 

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introducing the letter X

drum roll. red carpet. trumpets sound.

“Introducing the letter X!”

 
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Posted by on July 20, 2010 in photography

 

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lens vs lenses

I want to see everything through your eyes. But if only the camera would have a better optical zoom. I’m determined to capture the best shot…. I will make this work.

 
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Posted by on July 20, 2010 in photography

 

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hangin’ in the hood

When the weather is right in Portland, the locals (and tourists) know how to have fun! Every street corner was filled with tunes by musicians performing for passerbys.

The waterfront was full of commotion with four-wheely-dealies, pedi-cabs with wings, and skaters in skirts.

~ ~ ~

My favorite way to spend time on a gorgeous Portland summer day is along Gorge hiking trails. How sweet it is!

 
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Posted by on July 19, 2010 in photography

 

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sandbox mania 2010

Yoshida’s ” Portland Sand in the City” event held at Pioneer Courthouse Square seemed to be quite the hit and draw for Portlanders and tourists alike.

In just six hours, sand teams and architects transform over 450 tons of sand and 4500 gallons of water into magnificent sand sculptures.

~ I think my favorite was the airplane. I loved the steady attention to detail and simplicity of the plane. Awesome.

 
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Posted by on July 18, 2010 in photography

 

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