January 30, 2010

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Monochrome Weekend - Toledo Ice Yacht Club

More difficult than being out in the bitter cold was choosing the shots for the post today.

Ice boating is a hundred-year-old tradition on Lake Erie (and other great lakes). There are not many times during the year that the ice is in the right condition to sail, so the ice boating is a very rare and short-lived winter sport.


This Monochrome concept came from Aileni at The Monochrome Weekend

January 30, 2010

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Toledo Ice Yacht Club

I suffered for my shots today. The bitter cold on the frozen Lake Erie - It was a wonderful day for ice boating if you could stand to be exposed for minutes at a time. This sport is not for the wimpy or the faint of heart. These ice boats move fast, and so does the cold wind in your face. My hands and lenses could only be out for just a few minutes at a time, but admittedly, it was fun to shoot these amazing ice boats. Tim and Jeff in this shot pushing off for a fast run.

Ice boating is a hundred-year-old tradition on Lake Erie (and other great lakes). There are not many times during the year that the ice is in the right condition to sail, so the ice boating is a very rare and short-lived winter sport.

January 28, 2010

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Stuck inside this same old tune...

OK... today was experimental day. I admit - the guitar caught my eye - it was sitting by the window, and the late afternoon sun was casting some great reflections off its shiny body. (Perhaps some of you planted the seed on me over the past few days; you know who you are - Andrew, Steve.. :) somehow the music/guitar inspired theme stuck with my thoughts today (thanks guys). And there it was. Fun with light, shadows, and reflections - using a tripod of course, and experimental settings and a goofy self-portrait. I admit, a full day of treatment, pretty doped up and feeling silly - sitting in front of the window with tripod and guitar seemed to maintain my amusement for at least an hour while the sun went down ;) Now if you guys can get out of my head, maybe I can get out of this guitar!

*This reflection is inspired by Weekend Reflections thanks to James at Newtown Area Photo. Click on the link to see other wonderful reflection shots!

January 27, 2010

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A Trompe L'oeil

Is it really trompe l'oeil, or is it the real thing? If you look closely, the sky above the building is actually blue. That is right... my eye wasn't fooled by this colorful mural, there actually WAS sun and blue sky today for a while.

I must admit that I was inspired to borrow this colorful building mural idea from Don and Krise of Olympia Daily Photo who have been featuring colorful buildings with beautiful murals all around Olympia, WA. I saw the back of this building on my way home, and thought it worthy of a post. This building, of course, is not in the PacNW, but in Toledo, Ohio up the block from home. The back door is that of a BBQ place called City BBQ - which I have yet to try. Until then, I will enjoy my moments of sunshine whenever I can get them!

January 26, 2010

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Finding spring in the market

Today my friend Monica and I went to the market. We went to a few markets... some nice natural foods, organics, specialties. It was nice to explore some local markets that had some different flavors and colors.

I am trying to get my camera out regardless of this awful weather. The days seem to get away from me very quickly, and sometimes it's difficult to get my shots! But as I've said before, sometimes being in the market is the next best thing to being outdoors!

January 24, 2010

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Church in Perrysburg

It's so very difficult to get inspired these days - the weather is horrible and gray. Today it rained - good news is, most of the snow is all gone. The bad news is, apparently I missed the thunderstorm that happened this morning.

Living in the PacNW, thunderstorms are very rare. It was the one thing I missed about the midwest - the wonderful violent thunderstorms. Somehow they are calming - waking to a thunderstorm is a treat - makes you feel like you can sleep all day. It is a comfort - something about the rain and the thunder; like arms around you, surrounds you and keeps you safe.

I'm ready for just a little sunshine :) But if it must rain, I hope I hear the thunder.

January 23, 2010

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"Take a little off the top"

I just couldn't resist - walking past the Pet Spa in Perrysburg, Ohio, this little guy in the window getting his hair cut. He was such a good little boy - and the cutest thing I had seen all day.

I haven't seen the sun in what seems to be weeks - every day is more gray than the next, and finding something happy and bright to shoot has been a challenge. But this added a little bit of sunshine to my day!

Lighting in this shop was a challenge, couldn't get fast enough shutter speeds to capture the action, and his sweet little expressions. My 50 mm would have come in handy!

January 22, 2010

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Another threshold

Today is a cheat... {sigh}. I was not feeling very well today, and didn't get out to shoot. A bit of discomfort with pain that I'm not really accustomed to. I'm sure I will be faced with all sorts of side effects during my treatment.

This photo was taken the other day during my outing with toledonative. It was one of my favorite photos of the day, so I thought I'd share - even though from a re-run photo shoot. Sometimes I might have to break my own rules ;) Hopefully I will be able to step through the threshold of this pain, and have more good days than bad days.

January 21, 2010

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Where is the totem pole in this picture?

The answer is... standing behind the camera. Yes, I am the totem pole today. Long story, but my body is pretty marked up after my radiation treatment, with some brilliant colors resembling tribal war paint (sharpies)! I looked in the mirror and thought I looked like a totem pole.

Anyway, first day in battle - I'm still standing, war paint and all. Still strong to fight another day - bring it on. I stopped off at this pond nearby the pharmacy - it made me want to go ice skating. The light was disappearing, and it was getting extremely cold! Maybe I'll be able to practice my triple axles on a nicer day - and when I'm not feeling so much like a totem pole.

January 20, 2010

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Tile shop reflections and Handy Hubby

Today I went shopping with a dear friend of mine that I haven't seen in years. It wasn't regular shopping - it was for fixtures and carpeting for the log cabin in Canada. We were pondering the dilemma of a sink fixture, when I realized that my brother worked right across the street from this tile shop. My brother is a plumber and of all people, he could answer our questions! We went to see him in his shop (Handy Hubby) - but he was out on a job, and wasn't in. I did, however, get to meet his office manager, Debbie. Debbie and I have had an "online" knowledge of each other for years. Whenever I needed to relay a message to my brother, I would e-mail Debbie through Facebook, and she would give him the message (since he doesn't have a computer). She saw my pictures that I had posted from New Year's Eve. One was of my brother and I. She printed out the photo and gave it to him. She told me that he framed it. I burst into tears.

I'm a little sad I didn't get to see my brother today at his shop. Maybe best that I didn't... I start my treatments tomorrow, and I don't want him to see that I'm scared.

January 19, 2010

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Have I gone to heaven?

What? Two of my favorite things in one place - pizza and gyros!? This is J & G pizza in Sylvania, Ohio. And yes. I tried both the pizza and the gyro. Both amazing. The gyros are done right!!! Not the most feminine thing to eat as most of it gets on your face and hands, but it's just not as much fun eating with a knife and fork.

This shot would have been a lot more fun if I had my tripod with me - lots of lights all over this quaint Main Street - a nice neon glow. Instead I shot it hand held, and captured the signs as they were colorful, and pretty much screamed out to me - "DINNER IS READY!"

January 18, 2010

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A meeting in the garden

Today I met fellow daily photo blogger Susan a.k.a. toledonative for a photographic outing. What better way to spend a Monday afternoon doing what we love? Walking around in freezing cold temps until our feet and hands get numb! In any case, not ideal weather for shooting, but perfectly ideal for connecting with a new friend. Thanks, Susan, for hanging out! I can't wait to see what you post!

For me, it was between a few - but this one was one of my favorites by far. I varied it in PP a few different ways, but for this post, I am going with the color version for a bit of warmth. I did use my tripod, and when I took this shot, I was still able to feel my feet and face. (see my Flickr photostream for variations and some other favorites from today).

January 17, 2010

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Today it was all about Holly

A baby shower for my dear friend Holly - she is about to have a little girl, and I can't be happier for her and her husband Dan. A whole new chapter in their lives, with so much excitement and anticipation, they are afraid of being unprepared for such a big change. I think, however, that with all the love, pride and happiness that was showered upon her by her friends and family today, Holly and Dan don't have a thing to worry about!

She is a beautiful and happy mother-to-be, and it's also her birthday today - Happy Birthday Holly!

January 16, 2010

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A bridge over frozen water

A monochrome, and a reflection! Hey, I believe that might kill two birds... :) Went over to the Toledo Botanical Gardens today. Great things to photograph in here - macro to scenic, they have it all. It was a bit cold, but I tend not to notice the cold when I am inspired.

Unfortunately, I ran out of space on my card... Ooops! It's all okay - today wasn't a very nice day; too many clouds. I am definitely going to return here on a sunnier day!

This Monochrome concept came from Aileni at The Monochrome Weekend

*This reflection is inspired by Weekend Reflections thanks to James at Newtown Area Photo

January 15, 2010

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Continuing on my path...

Yes, today's post is an extension of yesterday's post. Turns out the weather was awful today, and I was feeling very much under the weather myself, and I didn't get a chance to get out and shoot today. So since I got a number of decent shots yesterday in the outdoors, I thought I'd continue the thought for today.

Today I met with a lovely doctor and made a big decision about my treatment plan. And today I finally feel like I can see the light at the end of the..... bridge :)

January 14, 2010

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A walk in the park

Today's photo was inspired by a fellow photo-blogger toledonative and the beautiful black and white taken at Wildwood MetroPark in Toledo, Ohio.

I went to Wildwood today - the sun was out for a little while, but by the time I got there, the clouds came in. There are wonderful photo opportunities in this metropark - especially on a day like today, when not too much of a crowd. It was very peaceful, and full of wildlife. I believe that coming here after a fresh snowfall would make for some beautiful scenery!

My stock lens 18-55 came out with me today. Light was a little flat, so I spent a little time in PP to warm up this shot.

January 13, 2010

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The inevitable haircut

Today was the day that I cut my hair. I've had long hair most of my life - sometimes almost to my waist. I don't think I've ever cut my hair this short. Since I will probably lose my hair, I didn't want the loss to be too traumatic. Little did I know that I would love this short style so much! I should have done it years ago!

The salon was a little difficult - not a lot of light, so I had to boost ISO. I also had my stock 18-55mm today. I thought that it needed a day out since I've been favoring the 50 :) So here's the new me. Nothing is as it was, nor will it ever be; so why not change everything?

January 12, 2010

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Happy birthday to me...

Yes, today I celebrated my 44th. I never get excited about celebrating birthdays, especially after 40, but here it is, another year. My husband took me to a restaurant called Encore, run by chef John Wesley.

This swan is filled with leftovers of an entree I could not finish. At least, I thought I was full, until Chef sent over a dessert with a little candle on it for my birthday. It was called the chocolate sac du bon bon. (If only I had my camera at dinner because it was worthy of a photograph). It was a large cube made of chocolate, topped with whipped cream and a raspberry sauce; and hiding inside the cube shell (that has to be cracked open) was a ridiculously delicious chocolate mousse. I believe it was probably one of the most decadent things I've ever tasted. Paired with a little port wine, somehow I managed to put a good dent in it. I just wonder how I had room? Excuse me while I slip into a sugar coma now...

January 11, 2010

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Indoor waterfalls

I guess the shower was the closest I could get to a waterfall today - water... gravity... a camera... time to get creative when stuck indoors! :)

It was snowing and too cold to be outdoors today, not to mention I am without a car for the time being. I spent much of the day installing software on my laptop, and I am happy to say that I am back in the game with Lightroom, and can now edit to my heart's content. Time did waste away, and it was probably 4:00 by the time I actually got into this waterfall!

January 10, 2010

The brass sculpture of a tree

Another cheat today - yes, another cheat. I am admitting it. For those who have been following, I have been having difficulty lately because I broke my laptop, and haven't had my tools or my ability to post effectively.

Well, I am happy to say that I am writing this from my new computer. I got me an HP - all the bells and whistles, great processor, lots o' RAM and pretty big hdd, I know... you're probably thinking, well, why didn't she get a Mac? I just can't bring myself to the mac book. God knows I've tried... I've been a Microsoft gal for a long long time and I can't seem to break myself of the habit. The fact that I know Microsoft inside and out has put bread on my table for many years. So here I am, doing what I do best.

It's late, and I'm a few glasses of wine in, but I will continue tomorrow. I didn't get a chance to shoot today. I'm hoping that my apps are compatible with this 64 bit windows 7. But for now, it's good to have my own window to the world, a mouse, and tomorrow - my camera in hand.

January 9, 2010

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Another reflection (cheat)

OK, so it was a long drive from Minnesota to Ohio, and I didn't have a chance to take any photographs today - so here is another reflection shot from yesterday. It's the inside of the Gonda building of the Mayo Clinic. The architecture here was beautiful, and so I picked a few lines and curves that I liked, and included a reflection of the outside on the glass wall.

It's been a very long week, and I am ready to chill! Not to mention, I am having a lot of difficulty without my computer, and it's very frustrating not having the tools that I need (including a mouse). I hope to get back in the game here soon with a new computer!

January 8, 2010

1/60s

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ISO: 100

TGIF - my weekend reflection

OK, I am completely lost now without my computer. I've been trying to pick out a daily photo from my camera for over 2 hours now. I was focusing on a reflection theme today - since it is weekend reflection time.... Lots of great reflection photos. HOWEVER, since I am without a computer, I am limited to what I can work with - and how. Now I am frustrated, so this is what I picked for today.

My last day here at the Mayo Clinic. While it was a physically uncomfortable time for me, I am almost sad to go. I had a phenomal experience - It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for world-renound healthcare, and I got to consult with some of the best doctors in the world, and was exposed to some of the most cutting edge technology in medical research and education.

Today was the first day that the wind and snow wasn't blowing sideways and the sun came out to allow for some beautiful reflection shots. I have some great reflections, however, I don't have the patience or the means to get them on my page. They say that tonight it will be 15 below zero. I don't know if the car will start tomorrow... but I am staying warm in my habitrail, and will be hitting the road with a new direction first thing in the morning.

*This reflection is inspired by Weekend Reflections thanks to James at Newtown Area Photo

January 7, 2010

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ISO: 200

A place of worship - inside the labyrinth

The labyrinth is a metaphor for the journey to your deepest self and back out into the world with a better understanding of who you are. This place of worship exists in one of the buildings of the Mayo Clinic. I stopped in for a prayer and to follow the labyrinth after my second day here. It's going to be a long journey. One more day here at the clinic, and then it's decision time.

Again, today's shoot was edited slightly by cooling down the color tone using Picassa (and this time cropped a bit). Still limping along without a computer. But there are some wonderful photographic opportunities that exist within these buildings - the habitrail, the common areas, the art, scultpures, architecture of the buildings - it's truly a labyrinth in and of itself. Now to find my way back out to the world.

January 6, 2010

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ISO: 200

I broke my laptop

My laptop has finally kicked the bucket. It's been touch and go for a few weeks now, but it just won't boot any longer. I am having to use my husband's laptop for the time being - which does not have any of my photo edit software, hence I can't use RAW, or do any quality PP. So here we are forced to SOOC, jpg.

Of the few shots I got today, I liked this one. It's a partition wall in one of the Mayo Clinic buildings. I liked the pattern and the metal. I shot at this just once, very quickly. DoF is a bit narrow, but I did like the perspective lines and the pattern. And a bit of bokeh too! So it's a design for today, as not even the world renowned Mayo Clinic could save my beloved IBM.

January 5, 2010

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Inside the Habitrail

I'm not in Kansas anymore... or maybe I am? No, I am in Minnesota. I am visiting the Mayo Clinic for some of the best-of-the-best healthcare in the world. I am staying in a hotel at the moment, and will be visiting the clinic for the next few days. Everything in this town is connected by indoor walkways - above ground, and under ground - a virtual habitrail for people! The weather here is about 2 degrees F, but you would never know because if you are visiting the clinic, you never have to step foot outdoors! It's like the city of the future.

Inside the habitrail are restaurants and stores - like in a mall. This was the most interesting Barnes and Nobles bookstore I've ever seen! A bit tricky shooting indoors, with unusual lighting - I used a wide aperature, and should have upped my ISO. These did not come out sharp like I had hoped.

January 4, 2010

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My Lollipop

Another fun trip to yet another doctor today. Not exactly pleasant. Afterward it felt like I deserved a lollipop... I called my friend Diane and she and I went out for a late lunch. I wanted my "lollipop" to be an authentic Lebanese gyro. I have been craving gyros - they don't make them in the PacNW like they do here, so I went and got my lollipop - and then some. Made another stop at Anderson's general store and grabbed something to wash down the lollipop!

I think that wine bottles make for interesting subjects - they are richly colorful, sometimes shiny, with interesting designs, etc. I liked this shot because of the rich red color, the repetitiveness and pattern of the bottles in this display. I shot with a narrow DoF - because I am STILL loving my 50mm 1.4 lens and it's just so much fun to shoot with. Most of all I loved the bokeh at the bottom. Thanks to Martin, the sommelier at the Anderson's for helping me - he even almost seemed flattered when I asked if I could photograph him. Thank's Martin for being a sport and for enjoying your work!

January 3, 2010

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ISO Speed 200

"The Finger"

There was a beautiful tree in the yard - at one time it was beautiful, I remember. I looked out the window the other day and asked why this tree had been reduced to this tall... stump... is this a stump? Why wasn't it cut down like stumps generally are? I mean, if someone had gone through all the trouble to cut off the branches and get it down with this much left, why not go all the way?

Then I got the story... Tim explained that he was actually the owner of the tree and was responsible for the unfinished stump. The neighbor, who shares the view of this tree sent a letter to him a few months ago expressing concern that the tree was dying, and some of the neighborhood kids could get hurt. (Really? Does this happen? Do branches spontaneously fall on people?) Tim and some friends with a chainsaw (and some beer) started cutting branches off the tree to comply with the neighbor's concern and request to cut it. They decided that it would be fun to leave a very tall message instead of cutting it down to the ground. The neighbor is now greeted with a nice big "finger" each day.

The stump will eventually be removed, but for now, it's just known as "the finger." I had a good chuckle over it and made it my photo story for today. ;)

January 2, 2010

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ISO Speed 100

Monroe Stacks

It was a very cold day today on the frozen shore of Lake Erie. I miss the mild weather of the Northwest, but Ohio/Michigan has its merits and beauty, and I'll just have to endure the cold for a while on my journey.

This is Detroit Edison power plant. Have no fear, this is not pollution that you see - just water vapor - reminding us all of their modern emissions control. I've sailed this lake for many years, and this power plant always served as a landmark and a beacon as you can see it from miles away!

I took this shot from a friend's house - a beautiful home right on the shore of Lake Erie in LaSalle, Michigan. Looking a bit north, the billowing vapor cloud is blowing east with the icy cold wind!

**This reflection is inspired by Weekend Reflections thanks to James at Newtown Area Photo

January 1, 2010

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ISO Speed 400

A New Year's toast

Okay, I know, here is the cliche; overdone festive, and totally played out by now, but I'm posting this today. Mainly because the shot was technically taken right after midnight and was the first image my camera collected in 2010.

Not a good shot, and horrible composition - but my very first of the year. One of my photography instructors once told me that if you get one good shot out of every 100-200 you take, you are doing well! I guess I couldn't expect the first one out of the 2010 gate to be the money shot, but here it is. A little bubbly to kick off the year. Besides, I'm too hungover and lazy to wander around with the camera today ;)