Well we have a date for cabinets and now the fun will really start. I can honestly say I am so very ready for the new stuff. It is unfortunate that our furnace is dead and now we are getting a new furnace as well. When it rains it pours. I am happy that we are going to be installing cabinets in January. It looks like our kitchen may be mostly completed by early feb. Which is amazing that is a few weeks ahead of the schedule. This journey has been 2 years plus of work on our home and I know it will be so very worth it in the end. But really it is a long time coming.
On other fronts we have been busy working with the dog on getting her to a better spot. She is doing some training and off leash work. Not that she is a problem but she and us need to have some better control. I truly want to have a dog that we love and enjoy and there are a few habits that need work. So before they become a big issue we are working on them. So we have done off leash a couple of times, she has a blast out there but she is not focused on us. It is really challenging I see others with better control on their dogs and I know we will get there we have just started the recall program so it will come. But I love the fur ball to bits which is probably where it all starts.
With that in mind Christmas approaches. I am trying to get things sorted out for the holidays. I want to get out with the camera, it is not really great for photography when there is nothing but clouds and fog. I am not seeing any great joy in the images. So for now we are looking forward to the coming weeks and days off and maybe some clear nights. I have decided to join twitter and will sign up later this week. Mainly to get the aurora feed that tells me when the sky is going to light up. So with that in mind I am going to go and grab an apple and read my new book.
Take care have a wonderful weekend and please find a way to do something nice for somebody.
Me I am going to give to the food bank this week. That is my first donation of the month of December.
Cheers.
Sunday, 13 December 2015
Monday, 7 December 2015
When friends call
I am trying hard to not start this sentence with "so". I will however reserve the right to use the word within this document a few times.
Our weekend was jammed packed despite having an afternoon and an extra day of vacation in it. I was still able to be so busy I am going did I have a weekend? The best part is that it was a fun time, I managed to get out of the house and put the camera into gear again.
So the first plan was a trip to banff, I have yet to spend time photographing out in banff, that is an area that so many great photos are created and I am not going to try to put myself in that realm. I did however manage to get out there we did a quick hike and a sadly the colours that are so wonderful on those hills failed to show. It turned out to be overcast and grey and at the end of it all it was not that good for photos. Or was it? I guess this is where I change my attitude and say it is always good for photos. That is the challenge to photography, not every moment is perfect it is you the photographer that must capture that moment and create that image. So what did I do? Took some photos, not sure yet if I can manage to make a great image out of them but I am sure it is going to be fun to see what I can do.
So after our afternoon in the park we headed home, I took Traci to the movie, we went to the cheap theatre always good for something. We saw a movie that was definitely different it was not what I expected but good movie in general.
As we are going home my phone buzzes and my coworker, another avid photographer and world traveller. Alerts me to the fact is is an a full alert for aurora's that night. Full on red alert. So in 99% of the moments I would go no thanks it was a long day. I again changed my mindset said screw it lets go. So that turned out to be another drive across the city out to cochrane area and then we had no visibility so we were basically looking for the green glow and had little hope of finding it. At that point we either go home or take pictures. We went with take pictures. The other awesome thing is that Caitlin and Dani have so much fun doing this and Traci came with me it was great. Out of the box moment.
It is great when somebody calls you for something that turns into something fun and exciting. Many times my phone rings for work or for the usual stuff. I loved the fact it was not the usual stuff.
So when friends call you hopefully it is not the usual stuff.
Our weekend was jammed packed despite having an afternoon and an extra day of vacation in it. I was still able to be so busy I am going did I have a weekend? The best part is that it was a fun time, I managed to get out of the house and put the camera into gear again.
So the first plan was a trip to banff, I have yet to spend time photographing out in banff, that is an area that so many great photos are created and I am not going to try to put myself in that realm. I did however manage to get out there we did a quick hike and a sadly the colours that are so wonderful on those hills failed to show. It turned out to be overcast and grey and at the end of it all it was not that good for photos. Or was it? I guess this is where I change my attitude and say it is always good for photos. That is the challenge to photography, not every moment is perfect it is you the photographer that must capture that moment and create that image. So what did I do? Took some photos, not sure yet if I can manage to make a great image out of them but I am sure it is going to be fun to see what I can do.
So after our afternoon in the park we headed home, I took Traci to the movie, we went to the cheap theatre always good for something. We saw a movie that was definitely different it was not what I expected but good movie in general.
As we are going home my phone buzzes and my coworker, another avid photographer and world traveller. Alerts me to the fact is is an a full alert for aurora's that night. Full on red alert. So in 99% of the moments I would go no thanks it was a long day. I again changed my mindset said screw it lets go. So that turned out to be another drive across the city out to cochrane area and then we had no visibility so we were basically looking for the green glow and had little hope of finding it. At that point we either go home or take pictures. We went with take pictures. The other awesome thing is that Caitlin and Dani have so much fun doing this and Traci came with me it was great. Out of the box moment.
It is great when somebody calls you for something that turns into something fun and exciting. Many times my phone rings for work or for the usual stuff. I loved the fact it was not the usual stuff.
So when friends call you hopefully it is not the usual stuff.
Friday, 27 November 2015
The Fighter
I am trying to think of the title for this post. I am struck by the fact that I have no words to state what it is that I am going to write about. It is very challenging to sit here and try to figure how to describe this post.
I have a few Items that I was hoping to write about, success this week, finished some things around the house. Proud of the work and effort and the result. But I was struck by something I saw that made me realize that the success this week was overshadowed by another success.
Not to hold out I am really in a bind as I said I had some wonderful things to put in here. I am looking forward to going out to take pictures on Saturday with Traci. So why not be excited to talk about that. But it is not that significant.
I thought the title might be how to be brave and courageous. Or how to be stronger than anyone in the world. Yeah a lot people had a lot really bad stuff happen in the last two weeks. I will not deny those the opportunity to express their feelings. But I am going to circle back to what I am thinking.
Some time ago Facebook made it possible to reach out and find all those people you know or used to know or thought you knew. It made it possible to show your vacation on the beach and to put up pics of all the cool stuff you have done. So much more interesting than that other persons life. I am better than them, maybe that was what you said to yourself, look at what I have done. Insert beach vacation photo.
In that time I have reconnected via Facebook. I know more about some of the people in my family. Those that actually post anything. I am not really a Facebook posting guy. I share my photos as a way of showing off my photo skills. Yeah, I am using Facebook for the same thing as all those others I guess. I like to think I am not but probably a bit of me is.
So what is this really about? I have watched somebody on Facebook facing something that most of are not going to face in the same way. I am talking about death. I have watched and read all the posts from my cousins. I have looked at the photos. I have seen my aunt slowly disappear as her body gives itself up to the fight that she has been in for the last many years. I see her photos, no embarrassment or pity. I see her smiling at the camera, even posing like she is saying this is me at this moment take my photo. Most of us do not think about how we are doing or what we are doing. Sure I have those aches and pains from things I did years ago. Knees hurt back hurts, but none of that is killing me. I am not looking into a camera going this may be that last photo.
So I am inspired by my Aunt. My wife asked me when was the last time I saw her? I thought long about this and she finally said it was at our wedding. I went yeah you are right. Many years have gone by since that time. To say I know my aunt really well I guess would be misleading. I probably do not know here at all. What does she like or not like. I spent time around her as a kid and young adult. But that was it. Still I have never once not thought of her as person you would not want to be around. Others may have different opinions. She was always nice to me, friendly and so on. I always thought of her as a bit of a rebel really. A bit dark and mysterious. Not sure if that is true or not but I recall as a kid thinking she was pretty cool.
But life is leaving her and she is showing those signs of somebody who has very little time left to be with family and friends. Yes I think we all appreciate that fact that nobody knows for sure what we have. I always think of the phase "how did you spend your time". I think about this more often now, how do you spend your time? Bank account that you are spending but do not know when you are going to hit 0$.
My Aunt V. is tough though, she has put this fight inside and kept it closed off from the world from what I see. She told it to stay out of the way while I enjoy what time I have. I wonder if you put that to some of these people in the world today that this was what they face how would they do? My Aunt V is tough, brave and courageous, beyond words. I see the photos, the smile and sparkle in her eye. I see her girls and grandkids all of them brave. But most of all living. There is no greater gift to give than yourself 100% and I think that is what her family is doing. Unselfish and unquestioned devotion and love.
So to my Aunt V a toast, a hug and a smile.
Most do not know the strength and will it has taken you to fight the way you have.
To the rest of us, maybe that problem or argument or what ever wrong was done is not the worst thing in the world. I know 2 girls that are supporting their mother through a battle, one that everyone knows has only one outcome. I know a mother who through her strength has fought as hard as any one can, but also was humble enough to accept the help of her daughters. I know a couple of families that would trade everything for 1 more day. Those are the people that we should aspire to. Those are the ones that we should want to be more like.
I was never great at interpreting poetry but when I think of my Aunt I think of this poem. Maybe it means something different than what I think it does. But to me it symbolizes that determination and fight.
Do not go gentle into that good night
I have a few Items that I was hoping to write about, success this week, finished some things around the house. Proud of the work and effort and the result. But I was struck by something I saw that made me realize that the success this week was overshadowed by another success.
Not to hold out I am really in a bind as I said I had some wonderful things to put in here. I am looking forward to going out to take pictures on Saturday with Traci. So why not be excited to talk about that. But it is not that significant.
I thought the title might be how to be brave and courageous. Or how to be stronger than anyone in the world. Yeah a lot people had a lot really bad stuff happen in the last two weeks. I will not deny those the opportunity to express their feelings. But I am going to circle back to what I am thinking.
Some time ago Facebook made it possible to reach out and find all those people you know or used to know or thought you knew. It made it possible to show your vacation on the beach and to put up pics of all the cool stuff you have done. So much more interesting than that other persons life. I am better than them, maybe that was what you said to yourself, look at what I have done. Insert beach vacation photo.
In that time I have reconnected via Facebook. I know more about some of the people in my family. Those that actually post anything. I am not really a Facebook posting guy. I share my photos as a way of showing off my photo skills. Yeah, I am using Facebook for the same thing as all those others I guess. I like to think I am not but probably a bit of me is.
So what is this really about? I have watched somebody on Facebook facing something that most of are not going to face in the same way. I am talking about death. I have watched and read all the posts from my cousins. I have looked at the photos. I have seen my aunt slowly disappear as her body gives itself up to the fight that she has been in for the last many years. I see her photos, no embarrassment or pity. I see her smiling at the camera, even posing like she is saying this is me at this moment take my photo. Most of us do not think about how we are doing or what we are doing. Sure I have those aches and pains from things I did years ago. Knees hurt back hurts, but none of that is killing me. I am not looking into a camera going this may be that last photo.
So I am inspired by my Aunt. My wife asked me when was the last time I saw her? I thought long about this and she finally said it was at our wedding. I went yeah you are right. Many years have gone by since that time. To say I know my aunt really well I guess would be misleading. I probably do not know here at all. What does she like or not like. I spent time around her as a kid and young adult. But that was it. Still I have never once not thought of her as person you would not want to be around. Others may have different opinions. She was always nice to me, friendly and so on. I always thought of her as a bit of a rebel really. A bit dark and mysterious. Not sure if that is true or not but I recall as a kid thinking she was pretty cool.
But life is leaving her and she is showing those signs of somebody who has very little time left to be with family and friends. Yes I think we all appreciate that fact that nobody knows for sure what we have. I always think of the phase "how did you spend your time". I think about this more often now, how do you spend your time? Bank account that you are spending but do not know when you are going to hit 0$.
My Aunt V. is tough though, she has put this fight inside and kept it closed off from the world from what I see. She told it to stay out of the way while I enjoy what time I have. I wonder if you put that to some of these people in the world today that this was what they face how would they do? My Aunt V is tough, brave and courageous, beyond words. I see the photos, the smile and sparkle in her eye. I see her girls and grandkids all of them brave. But most of all living. There is no greater gift to give than yourself 100% and I think that is what her family is doing. Unselfish and unquestioned devotion and love.
So to my Aunt V a toast, a hug and a smile.
Most do not know the strength and will it has taken you to fight the way you have.
To the rest of us, maybe that problem or argument or what ever wrong was done is not the worst thing in the world. I know 2 girls that are supporting their mother through a battle, one that everyone knows has only one outcome. I know a mother who through her strength has fought as hard as any one can, but also was humble enough to accept the help of her daughters. I know a couple of families that would trade everything for 1 more day. Those are the people that we should aspire to. Those are the ones that we should want to be more like.
I was never great at interpreting poetry but when I think of my Aunt I think of this poem. Maybe it means something different than what I think it does. But to me it symbolizes that determination and fight.
Do not go gentle into that good night
Sunday, 22 November 2015
I now know why I do what I do....
Yes it is time for that post about renovations. The long of it is that we are still in the middle of these changes to our home. But these changes are all slowly showing signs of being done. We are starting the final processes if you will. That is where I think we are at currently. The kitchen is a patch work of cabinets, 2x4 tables and so on. But it works. We have all the stuff we want or need on order and that is the big thing. To have the cabinets and counters ordered we are just a short distance from the finish line. So when this is all said and done we are hopefully going to be in a position to say that we are done for a while.
So let me do the recap for you. Half the main floor is done. we ripped out the kitchen and opened it up. Ripped out a bathroom upstairs and have been working on that. In the grand scheme of things there is a lot left to do and a short period to do it in. This week is finish the bathroom. it has the new tub and shower unit installed. New plumbing installed. Removed the old drywall from the walls and ceiling was recovered. New ceiling fan installed. Drywalling in mudded and taped, walls and ceiling is primed. Ceiling also was replaced. New paint is done. Tile was in this weekend. We are just waiting for the mortar to set. So Monday is grout day. Then the floor is done. Next step is to get the toilet and new vanity installed. Then the bathroom is done.
Next in line is remove baseboards from the main floor. Get the walls and window casing painted. Follow that with new window treatments and then we are hoping to see what happens for the cabinets. About 2 weeks prior to the cabinets we have to remove the old kitchen entirely. No sink no nothing. Move the electrical outlets and do some drywall repair. Remove the old flooring entirely and then it is down to waiting for the cabinet installers.
So Kitchen completion around January or February time. Which means that by spring our house rents are maybe going to be done.
But just for fun our furnace has chosen to act up so on Friday this week we get to have that priced out. Which could put a bit of a damper on the renovations we are doing or should I say some of the stuff we had on our wish list to complete.
Back to the title, I do not want to be a professional tiler ever!!! my knees and back are done after this weekend of tiling. That is why I am a sit at a desk computer guy.
Oh yeah, window, forgot about the new kitchen window we put in. Love it to bits. large and bright makes a huge difference to the space. So pictures will be coming once we have some completed work to show in the kitchen area.
So let me do the recap for you. Half the main floor is done. we ripped out the kitchen and opened it up. Ripped out a bathroom upstairs and have been working on that. In the grand scheme of things there is a lot left to do and a short period to do it in. This week is finish the bathroom. it has the new tub and shower unit installed. New plumbing installed. Removed the old drywall from the walls and ceiling was recovered. New ceiling fan installed. Drywalling in mudded and taped, walls and ceiling is primed. Ceiling also was replaced. New paint is done. Tile was in this weekend. We are just waiting for the mortar to set. So Monday is grout day. Then the floor is done. Next step is to get the toilet and new vanity installed. Then the bathroom is done.
Next in line is remove baseboards from the main floor. Get the walls and window casing painted. Follow that with new window treatments and then we are hoping to see what happens for the cabinets. About 2 weeks prior to the cabinets we have to remove the old kitchen entirely. No sink no nothing. Move the electrical outlets and do some drywall repair. Remove the old flooring entirely and then it is down to waiting for the cabinet installers.
So Kitchen completion around January or February time. Which means that by spring our house rents are maybe going to be done.
But just for fun our furnace has chosen to act up so on Friday this week we get to have that priced out. Which could put a bit of a damper on the renovations we are doing or should I say some of the stuff we had on our wish list to complete.
Back to the title, I do not want to be a professional tiler ever!!! my knees and back are done after this weekend of tiling. That is why I am a sit at a desk computer guy.
Oh yeah, window, forgot about the new kitchen window we put in. Love it to bits. large and bright makes a huge difference to the space. So pictures will be coming once we have some completed work to show in the kitchen area.
Monday, 9 November 2015
For the dogs.....
Hi and welcome back. I am going to get things going on the dogs, not too obvious from the title. Molly our new fuzz ball is a lakeland terrier. Not really what I thought we would be going for in a dog but she is wonderful. Full of energy and playful as every puppy is. The transition from dog owner to a family with no dog was tough. Cole was very much part of the fabric and he to this day has managed to leave clumps of dog hair around the house. I cleaned some out of the corner of a closet this past weekend. Maybe that is more a comment on my vacuuming skills? Anyway, we said we would go without and not leap into another dog/pet take the summer and see. Well we lasted about 4 weeks. It was so strange to have no dog around. My biggest concern was getting another lab. I love the breed and the temperament is so people friendly. But there is the hair and other things that come with labs, such as the desire to roll in stuff and swim all the time even in the cold weather. But to be honest if I got another lab I would be looking for Cole and that is not fair to any dog or to our family. So along comes the debate. Smaller, non-shedding, nothing to fluffy, something with some spunk. The list went on. We had started to investigate wire hair fox terriers, but they were not ready for ownership when we contacted the breeder, in fact they were not born yet. Then we were told about the lakeland terrier, I am not a terrier guy so I use google and look them up. Seems possible they would work. I contacted a breeder who is currently holding 2 puppies that are almost 6 months. Murphy and Molly.
Lets skip ahead a smidge. I am not the best person to pick dogs. I tend to be more of a give me that one and lets go, so no real process. But this time I came with a list of things. We met Murphy first, he was in and out and done with us in 2 seconds, he has more important things then the people in the room. Which is ok but he also was having some teeth issues which may have been a trip to the vet to have some baby teeth pulled. That said I am not big on vet bills. Molly was next and there was that immediate charm, she was sitting with Traci and by sitting it was just at her feet, but she came in the room full of energy and said hello and then boom she was calm checking us all out and then sitting. Loved that part of her, still love that part of her. She is a people dog and that is great by us.
Back to contact with the breeder, I am wondering why these 2 dogs are still there. Well murphy is a male and he is very dominant personality according to the breeder she had never seen a pup with that much personality at such a young age. Already lifting the leg and so on. So why is Molly still there. Well it is simple she has a little kink in her tail. it was probably broken at birth or some place along the way and the conformation is not right for a show dog. We not needing a show dog don't mind the twist in the tail. So Molly would be coming home with us.
Now when thing work out or come together like this I am always amazed. Sort of a seek and ye shall find attitude. It is like looking for that one specific gift for a person and you find it right away. You go yeah! that is it!. Well it all just kind of works. We get Molly and we have a slightly older pup and life is good.
We are back to dog people again. The space that our pets fill in our hearts is a unique one. I know Molly is not Cole and Cole was not Coco our first lab. Coco was a rescue with many issues mostly due to abuse. She was a loving dog, we have pictures of Sinclaire at about 2 reading leaning back against Coco. She loved us and we loved her. Sadly here hips and knees gave out at 10 and she did not make it to old age. Cole he was ours from a pup. All the good and bad that he brought as he had his moments. But now we have Molly, again the special place that animals take in our home and hearts is really a unique space. They make you think about things. They take your mind off your troubles, they make you go for walks when it is cold or raining. They even make you go for walks when you head is full of work related garbage. But when you are out there with them that garbage gets sorted out and thrown away.
I hold all the dogs in my life in special places. I have favourites for sure. I hope I have given them something that resembles a happy and fulfilled life. As is always the case they give more to us humans unconditionally than we realize. I am for that reason thankful that we choose to have these four legged family members.
One thing I did when I had taken Cole in to the vet, this was a few month's before he died. I sat down on the floor and got really close to him. I thanked him. I told him what he meant to us as a family. I told him I was not ready to see him go. I wanted him to stay with us for a very long time. I told him I would not let him suffer and I would be there when it was time. I looked into his eyes and I know I saw his response it was warmth and love.
I look into Molly's eyes and I see energy, love and warmth.
Lets skip ahead a smidge. I am not the best person to pick dogs. I tend to be more of a give me that one and lets go, so no real process. But this time I came with a list of things. We met Murphy first, he was in and out and done with us in 2 seconds, he has more important things then the people in the room. Which is ok but he also was having some teeth issues which may have been a trip to the vet to have some baby teeth pulled. That said I am not big on vet bills. Molly was next and there was that immediate charm, she was sitting with Traci and by sitting it was just at her feet, but she came in the room full of energy and said hello and then boom she was calm checking us all out and then sitting. Loved that part of her, still love that part of her. She is a people dog and that is great by us.
Back to contact with the breeder, I am wondering why these 2 dogs are still there. Well murphy is a male and he is very dominant personality according to the breeder she had never seen a pup with that much personality at such a young age. Already lifting the leg and so on. So why is Molly still there. Well it is simple she has a little kink in her tail. it was probably broken at birth or some place along the way and the conformation is not right for a show dog. We not needing a show dog don't mind the twist in the tail. So Molly would be coming home with us.
Now when thing work out or come together like this I am always amazed. Sort of a seek and ye shall find attitude. It is like looking for that one specific gift for a person and you find it right away. You go yeah! that is it!. Well it all just kind of works. We get Molly and we have a slightly older pup and life is good.
We are back to dog people again. The space that our pets fill in our hearts is a unique one. I know Molly is not Cole and Cole was not Coco our first lab. Coco was a rescue with many issues mostly due to abuse. She was a loving dog, we have pictures of Sinclaire at about 2 reading leaning back against Coco. She loved us and we loved her. Sadly here hips and knees gave out at 10 and she did not make it to old age. Cole he was ours from a pup. All the good and bad that he brought as he had his moments. But now we have Molly, again the special place that animals take in our home and hearts is really a unique space. They make you think about things. They take your mind off your troubles, they make you go for walks when it is cold or raining. They even make you go for walks when you head is full of work related garbage. But when you are out there with them that garbage gets sorted out and thrown away.
I hold all the dogs in my life in special places. I have favourites for sure. I hope I have given them something that resembles a happy and fulfilled life. As is always the case they give more to us humans unconditionally than we realize. I am for that reason thankful that we choose to have these four legged family members.
One thing I did when I had taken Cole in to the vet, this was a few month's before he died. I sat down on the floor and got really close to him. I thanked him. I told him what he meant to us as a family. I told him I was not ready to see him go. I wanted him to stay with us for a very long time. I told him I would not let him suffer and I would be there when it was time. I looked into his eyes and I know I saw his response it was warmth and love.
I look into Molly's eyes and I see energy, love and warmth.
Friday, 6 November 2015
East Coast to home and then some
I am back. Finished the St John's tour with a day at the museum. It was terrific. I wonder why as kids the stuff never sinks in how amazing this country is? I am amazed at the people and the country on the coast. Very much a different place. I saw colour and vibrant life out there. Not too sure what inspires the art but it is everywhere. They have a bunch of stuff going on. Then you put the history of the area and wow truly a unique place in our country.
So let me see what I am owing the readership. Photos, updates on kitchen renos, details on Molly, and some tidbits on St. John's.
So let me give you the tidbits. Trip was a quick one with little time to plan but thanks to some former coworkers I know that live out in ST. John's I am able to say we saw things. I toured the first 2 days with Traci, we did the usual, signal hill and cape spear. Cape spear is the furthest east point in North America. I think I have a lot photos very interesting area. Light houses, rocky terrain, ocean, and of course wind.
After the first couple of days I was on my own and that was ok but not as fun when I know Traci is working. I went down to Maddox Cove, Fort Amherst, Quidi Vidi and lots of little stops in between.
Spent a couple nights trying to get some night photos. I have to admit I got the idea from the web but hey that is what the web is for, giving you ideas right.
So onto some photos. Here is a quick sample of what is to come. Some of these are unedited, so I hope they are decent enough to give you a glimpse. I think I took around 800 plus photos and I am hoping to probably edit 40 to 50 of them from what I am seeing in my pile of really likes. Again just a sample so I will make some more available as they become ready for public eyes.
To summarize if you have been out to the east coast you are probably thinking meh, but for me it was a great time, I would love to go back with maybe a couple of weeks to cruise around and see more of the place and maybe get out to Gros Morne national park.
When I was in Quidi Vidi there was a group of artist that I went to see, they do all types of art, but mainly they do traditional stuff, I bought a couple of pictures from the folks again because they are unique and they are hand made and to me they speak about the place I was at. I like that idea a lot.
But the one artist saw my camera and we started talking I showed them some of the images I had from the other day and so on. Then they showed me Gros Morne on their laptop. Amazing place so now that is on the list of things to explore in the future. But for now enjoy the samples of ST. John's and I will try and get those other things I owe the readers onto the blog soon.
So let me see what I am owing the readership. Photos, updates on kitchen renos, details on Molly, and some tidbits on St. John's.
So let me give you the tidbits. Trip was a quick one with little time to plan but thanks to some former coworkers I know that live out in ST. John's I am able to say we saw things. I toured the first 2 days with Traci, we did the usual, signal hill and cape spear. Cape spear is the furthest east point in North America. I think I have a lot photos very interesting area. Light houses, rocky terrain, ocean, and of course wind.
After the first couple of days I was on my own and that was ok but not as fun when I know Traci is working. I went down to Maddox Cove, Fort Amherst, Quidi Vidi and lots of little stops in between.
Spent a couple nights trying to get some night photos. I have to admit I got the idea from the web but hey that is what the web is for, giving you ideas right.
So onto some photos. Here is a quick sample of what is to come. Some of these are unedited, so I hope they are decent enough to give you a glimpse. I think I took around 800 plus photos and I am hoping to probably edit 40 to 50 of them from what I am seeing in my pile of really likes. Again just a sample so I will make some more available as they become ready for public eyes.
To summarize if you have been out to the east coast you are probably thinking meh, but for me it was a great time, I would love to go back with maybe a couple of weeks to cruise around and see more of the place and maybe get out to Gros Morne national park.
When I was in Quidi Vidi there was a group of artist that I went to see, they do all types of art, but mainly they do traditional stuff, I bought a couple of pictures from the folks again because they are unique and they are hand made and to me they speak about the place I was at. I like that idea a lot.
But the one artist saw my camera and we started talking I showed them some of the images I had from the other day and so on. Then they showed me Gros Morne on their laptop. Amazing place so now that is on the list of things to explore in the future. But for now enjoy the samples of ST. John's and I will try and get those other things I owe the readers onto the blog soon.
Monday, 2 November 2015
time for a little update
So if this blog is supposed to be about me or at least about what I am up to. Maybe not people really do not care that much if I change my socks or underwear on a daily basis. Anyway, I have remained quite for some time. I think now is a good opportunity as the wind is ripping outside. Drizzle is sort of happening and I must say that my day was awesome. It started with a downpour, yep the wind was blowing the rain sideways. I was not concerned as it was an option in my plans that if this happens I would be able to do something indoors. No biggie. Well, maybe I am leaving out a big part of the information for my readers. I am currently doing something fun, I am in St John's NL, east coast of Canada. This wonderful country amazes me. So how did I get here you ask? Lets wind the clock back a bit shall we?
First in spring when cole passed away in our home I was crushed, I did not feel much like posting so I took a break. As you can see that break was an extended time. So with that I think some catching up is in order. Introduce Molly. Our new gal, I will probably have to do a bunch of updating on her, she has brought the wonderful back in to our world. Definitely a challenge having a young dog again, also a breed that has a different attitude and temperament. More on Molly later.
So kitchen stuff, yes the reno's continue. But the light is coming and we have updates I will do that as well.
Finally summer and all the fun photo stuff I have done. It was amazing I truly enjoy the photo stuff. My bank and CFO probably not so much.
Then fall happens, the girl is back at University, year 3, the kid he is in 12 and well it is high school and pressure and so on. Not sure how he is handling all of it but he is a great kid and will figure out life when he is ready to take things on.
Then hey my better half needs to go to St John's, say what? I am right there, booked days off work, used airmiles and said lets go early and enjoy the sights. Yep never been here before but I am impressed. Now St John's is not under 10 feet of wet snow right now, but I am impressed this is a beautiful city with may beautiful things in it and around it. Photography abounds, I keep seeing things that make go yep coming back later when the lights are on for a night shot or that would be a great shot from across the bay. Just never ending. So I have taken a bunch of photos. Traci and I spent two wonderful days exploring as much as you can. I even heard Traci say this is how I see us when we are older, exploring and doing....So love this gal she amazes me.
So St John's small city, small city things, like closed on sunday, closed on Monday. Not cool when I am looking for things to do. But since today is a bit wet and definitely windy I am game for anything. Walked to an old battery on the side of the coast, went up to signal hill in fog and rain, just endless adventure. I will put some photos up once I get my stuff together which is 1. get back to calgary and 2. have a minute to edit and post photos.
Anyway, thanks for holding on and waiting me out. I know this is not maybe the detailed post you were looking for but maybe it is enough to let you know I am here. Loving Canada on the East Coast and looking forward to getting home and maybe back to reno's and photo editing....maybe.
cheers.
First in spring when cole passed away in our home I was crushed, I did not feel much like posting so I took a break. As you can see that break was an extended time. So with that I think some catching up is in order. Introduce Molly. Our new gal, I will probably have to do a bunch of updating on her, she has brought the wonderful back in to our world. Definitely a challenge having a young dog again, also a breed that has a different attitude and temperament. More on Molly later.
So kitchen stuff, yes the reno's continue. But the light is coming and we have updates I will do that as well.
Finally summer and all the fun photo stuff I have done. It was amazing I truly enjoy the photo stuff. My bank and CFO probably not so much.
Then fall happens, the girl is back at University, year 3, the kid he is in 12 and well it is high school and pressure and so on. Not sure how he is handling all of it but he is a great kid and will figure out life when he is ready to take things on.
Then hey my better half needs to go to St John's, say what? I am right there, booked days off work, used airmiles and said lets go early and enjoy the sights. Yep never been here before but I am impressed. Now St John's is not under 10 feet of wet snow right now, but I am impressed this is a beautiful city with may beautiful things in it and around it. Photography abounds, I keep seeing things that make go yep coming back later when the lights are on for a night shot or that would be a great shot from across the bay. Just never ending. So I have taken a bunch of photos. Traci and I spent two wonderful days exploring as much as you can. I even heard Traci say this is how I see us when we are older, exploring and doing....So love this gal she amazes me.
So St John's small city, small city things, like closed on sunday, closed on Monday. Not cool when I am looking for things to do. But since today is a bit wet and definitely windy I am game for anything. Walked to an old battery on the side of the coast, went up to signal hill in fog and rain, just endless adventure. I will put some photos up once I get my stuff together which is 1. get back to calgary and 2. have a minute to edit and post photos.
Anyway, thanks for holding on and waiting me out. I know this is not maybe the detailed post you were looking for but maybe it is enough to let you know I am here. Loving Canada on the East Coast and looking forward to getting home and maybe back to reno's and photo editing....maybe.
cheers.
Monday, 26 October 2015
I will be back!
Sorry for the delay but I will be back shortly. I have plans and they include some much needed updates. Photos perhaps and a summary of the quick to trip to St John's NL. Never been to the east coast but will be there soon.
Friday, 20 March 2015
Therapy
I have in the past taken to putting my thoughts on loss onto this site. I am again finding myself in the position of having to open myself up to this medium as a way of grieving. For those that have read some of the earlier posts I have been shouldering the issue that all pet owners have and that is how to deal with their aging pals. In our case Sparky aka Cole. Sparky was for me that never wavering pal that was always there. I have found in the last 24 hours that so many motions in my house involved interacting with him. I find myself constantly reaching to touch him even though he is no longer there. Sadly he collapsed yesterday morning and his eyes dimmed in a final moment. I was so in shock at what was happening I failed to move immediately. I stood there until I was able to move my feet again. I offered him a final touch and love that he so willingly shared with us.
I am both sad and relieved at this moment as I have once again learned that watching this beloved fellow age has been a large amount of stress for me. Constantly worried about him slipping on ice and falling down stairs. But to be honest the seen that plays out in mind as he collapsed still haunts me a little. I know there is no saving him, there is no 911 or heroics that will bring him back for a few more days. I can't explain it well enough here but it was that moment and it took me a long time to reach clarity yesterday.
So I have cleaned up a little of Sparky's stuff. His disk is gone and an old collar that was smelly and such. I broke down as picked up a clump of fur from the carpet. Go figure years of shedding fur and I am crushed by a clump of fur. I rolled it in my fingers feeling that familiar touch that came from him.
I walked up stairs to bed last night looking back I said "bed time" and realized that there was nobody that was coming behind me at that moment I collapsed with the harsh reality of not having that comfort again. It was my moment to truly come to grieve over my pal.
So for all those wonderful moments we shared. When we first brought you home and how you slept under our bed as pup. To walks, swims and adventures, the porcupine quills, how you rolled in the cow pies at the farm, the cats you chased both real and in your sleep. To how you would bounce at the door, always finding a shoe to present me with. To those moments of laying on the floor just being close to you. To those later moments where we dealt with your toe and cancer. To those last days. I am so glad we took that last walk that night. We moved at your pace letting you sniff all the smells.
For what you taught me Sparky. That unconditional love. That never ending warmth and friendship. I will miss you terribly.
I love you pal.
Bedtime old fella, come on.....
I am both sad and relieved at this moment as I have once again learned that watching this beloved fellow age has been a large amount of stress for me. Constantly worried about him slipping on ice and falling down stairs. But to be honest the seen that plays out in mind as he collapsed still haunts me a little. I know there is no saving him, there is no 911 or heroics that will bring him back for a few more days. I can't explain it well enough here but it was that moment and it took me a long time to reach clarity yesterday.
So I have cleaned up a little of Sparky's stuff. His disk is gone and an old collar that was smelly and such. I broke down as picked up a clump of fur from the carpet. Go figure years of shedding fur and I am crushed by a clump of fur. I rolled it in my fingers feeling that familiar touch that came from him.
I walked up stairs to bed last night looking back I said "bed time" and realized that there was nobody that was coming behind me at that moment I collapsed with the harsh reality of not having that comfort again. It was my moment to truly come to grieve over my pal.
So for all those wonderful moments we shared. When we first brought you home and how you slept under our bed as pup. To walks, swims and adventures, the porcupine quills, how you rolled in the cow pies at the farm, the cats you chased both real and in your sleep. To how you would bounce at the door, always finding a shoe to present me with. To those moments of laying on the floor just being close to you. To those later moments where we dealt with your toe and cancer. To those last days. I am so glad we took that last walk that night. We moved at your pace letting you sniff all the smells.
For what you taught me Sparky. That unconditional love. That never ending warmth and friendship. I will miss you terribly.
I love you pal.
Bedtime old fella, come on.....
Thursday, 19 February 2015
Time
Well it is time, something that we never consider until we are much older I think. That bank that we are constantly withdrawing from. Never depositing into. Something we all will run out of at some point. I look around at how much idiocy there is in the world people are so screwed up and yet they do not choose to realize that time is precious and that there is no need to do stupid stuff. That is what worries me most about the future. My children and the crazy world they have to deal with. People going off just because. Religious idiots that stand for nothing and would do anything to hurt people in the name of their religion. Harmony and peace is said to come from faith, what ever your faith. But then there is that small group of people that take it that extra yard and you get the idiots. That is also true of non religious idiots. Trust me they are available in both camps. Many colours and stripes. I will generalize it and say that the idiots are ruining the world. You know who you are.
Back to time. What I really want to say is how I have seen time slipping away with our wonderful fella. Sparky, aka cole. We had a point in the weekend where I thought I was going to have to take him to the vet for that last moment. I was totally crushed, tears and anger that he was at this last stage so quickly. He has bounced back again seems to be better and not so messed up. But as with all things older be it people or dogs. He did not bounce quite as high this time. He is still showing some signs of favouring his one leg a little. Once he is moving it is ok and he does not show any issues. But it was that thought that I was going to be taking him in for the moment I fear is coming too soon. I will walk that last mile with him because he would do the same for me with no questions. It is that simple thought that has made me think about how wonderful he has been to have in our family. I miss him and his youthfulness that has slowly slipped away over the last number of months. 10 months ago he as taking full walks around the park. 5 months ago he was taking shorter walks. This past week no walks as we are just letting him rest his shoulder and leg a bit.
So again our pets, these small or big furry family members teach us how precious time is. More so to those that only get a handful of years. It teaches us to look at the senior animal as you would a senior family member. Pets always helping to learn the lessons we need to learn.
So I have taken time this past weekend to lay on the floor with sparky get covered in dog hair, tell him my thoughts and to reassure him we will never let him suffer. We have been feeding him ibuprofen for the past 2 weeks to help his aches. Seems to be working. But you and I know you can't stop time. It will march on and it will one day catch up to us all.
So for those that fail to understand the value of life and the precious time we have. Maybe they would benefit by having a pet.
I miss my guy already and he is still here but he is not the same he is older and we all know it. It is so heartbreaking and I can only think what I would do to take time from one of those idiots and give it back to our guy. An inter bank transfer so to speak.
As a footnote to this rambling comment. I was up in Edmonton for work this past week and we have been discussing the fact we want to have another dog in our home. Timing is whatever no rush but it can happen organically. I have been talking to some people about a rescue dog so I went to see here as she is in Edmonton this said rescue dog. She did not like me period over an hour she tried to attack me repeatedly and would not come near me at all. In fairness to both the dog and my family she is not the right girl for our house. So we will continue to look and see what we find. When we are ready it will happen I am sure. I could think that it would be hard to introduce another dog into our home as I am immediately expecting sparky and his mannerisms. Another tough transition to allow a new pet to become themselves much like my kids you want to give them the ability to develop into who they are but with a dog you want to also help it understand the boundaries. Yeah enough on that.
Love your pets they are only here for a short time but they give you everything everyday without question.
Cheers
Back to time. What I really want to say is how I have seen time slipping away with our wonderful fella. Sparky, aka cole. We had a point in the weekend where I thought I was going to have to take him to the vet for that last moment. I was totally crushed, tears and anger that he was at this last stage so quickly. He has bounced back again seems to be better and not so messed up. But as with all things older be it people or dogs. He did not bounce quite as high this time. He is still showing some signs of favouring his one leg a little. Once he is moving it is ok and he does not show any issues. But it was that thought that I was going to be taking him in for the moment I fear is coming too soon. I will walk that last mile with him because he would do the same for me with no questions. It is that simple thought that has made me think about how wonderful he has been to have in our family. I miss him and his youthfulness that has slowly slipped away over the last number of months. 10 months ago he as taking full walks around the park. 5 months ago he was taking shorter walks. This past week no walks as we are just letting him rest his shoulder and leg a bit.
So again our pets, these small or big furry family members teach us how precious time is. More so to those that only get a handful of years. It teaches us to look at the senior animal as you would a senior family member. Pets always helping to learn the lessons we need to learn.
So I have taken time this past weekend to lay on the floor with sparky get covered in dog hair, tell him my thoughts and to reassure him we will never let him suffer. We have been feeding him ibuprofen for the past 2 weeks to help his aches. Seems to be working. But you and I know you can't stop time. It will march on and it will one day catch up to us all.
So for those that fail to understand the value of life and the precious time we have. Maybe they would benefit by having a pet.
I miss my guy already and he is still here but he is not the same he is older and we all know it. It is so heartbreaking and I can only think what I would do to take time from one of those idiots and give it back to our guy. An inter bank transfer so to speak.
As a footnote to this rambling comment. I was up in Edmonton for work this past week and we have been discussing the fact we want to have another dog in our home. Timing is whatever no rush but it can happen organically. I have been talking to some people about a rescue dog so I went to see here as she is in Edmonton this said rescue dog. She did not like me period over an hour she tried to attack me repeatedly and would not come near me at all. In fairness to both the dog and my family she is not the right girl for our house. So we will continue to look and see what we find. When we are ready it will happen I am sure. I could think that it would be hard to introduce another dog into our home as I am immediately expecting sparky and his mannerisms. Another tough transition to allow a new pet to become themselves much like my kids you want to give them the ability to develop into who they are but with a dog you want to also help it understand the boundaries. Yeah enough on that.
Love your pets they are only here for a short time but they give you everything everyday without question.
Cheers
Saturday, 7 February 2015
What is it all about
I have spent a few days looking around at my photos. I ended up thinking a lot about how skilled I am as a photographer. By no means do I have the professional skills of some people. I think what it boils down to is how do I feel about my photos. I look at some of the other work out there that is truly amazing. Tones are awesome and composition is flawless or so it seems. I have spent many hours looking at videos on photography, I have seen some hard core individuals that go on and on about you should study this persons work or that persons work. I started to realize that there is really no right or wrong. If you look out there in the vast pit of photos on the web there is one of everything. I looked a photo the other day and it was blurry, but you know what there is photographer that shoots his images that way. They call him inspiring and genius. So what? My photos are not as good as his blurry images? Seems odd. I take a bad shot and it is off to the trash this guy intentionally does this and it is a masterpiece.
So I am come to two points in this muse of mine. Aaron Nace, phlearnvangalist (phlearn.com). He said in one blog post, you spend a lot of time reading and watching and probably looking at photos. You are scratching your head about this that or the other thing as you look at the awesome images. He final comment was stop looking at them and go take pictures. The best way to get better is to go and take photos. So in the previous post I was spurred on and went downstairs and took photos. Not a brilliant sunset or anything. But something that made me think. Credit to Dale for giving me the idea of just going and taking a photos. Have fun with it. I sometimes feel my photos totally suck and yes not everyone is a keeper, 90% are probably a waste of 1's and 0's but there are some that you can work with. Which leads me to the next point. Neil Young does an interview with Howard Stern, his comment about making art was interesting. I will paraphrase it "make art however you feel you want to make art or however you are inspired. If you like it then who cares what anyone else thinks". In my mind this coming from an artist that succeeded at making his money and fame and can now say whatever. But it is totally true. I am an artist of some kind. I choose to share my work with those I want and not the entire world wide web. In the end what I get is art that I like or love. I guess what I am saying is if you are waiting for somebody to say yeah that is it man you have it. Well you may be waiting a very long time. Create something, if you have inspiration I believe it will reflect in who you are and what you create. Which leads me back to the first point, get out there and take photos big or small good or not so good. Try and do and be inspired on whatever level you are at. That will create passion and passion will result in something amazing.
So what is it all about for me? I think I have started to figure it out. we will see but I am looking forward to see what I can create.
cheers.
So I am come to two points in this muse of mine. Aaron Nace, phlearnvangalist (phlearn.com). He said in one blog post, you spend a lot of time reading and watching and probably looking at photos. You are scratching your head about this that or the other thing as you look at the awesome images. He final comment was stop looking at them and go take pictures. The best way to get better is to go and take photos. So in the previous post I was spurred on and went downstairs and took photos. Not a brilliant sunset or anything. But something that made me think. Credit to Dale for giving me the idea of just going and taking a photos. Have fun with it. I sometimes feel my photos totally suck and yes not everyone is a keeper, 90% are probably a waste of 1's and 0's but there are some that you can work with. Which leads me to the next point. Neil Young does an interview with Howard Stern, his comment about making art was interesting. I will paraphrase it "make art however you feel you want to make art or however you are inspired. If you like it then who cares what anyone else thinks". In my mind this coming from an artist that succeeded at making his money and fame and can now say whatever. But it is totally true. I am an artist of some kind. I choose to share my work with those I want and not the entire world wide web. In the end what I get is art that I like or love. I guess what I am saying is if you are waiting for somebody to say yeah that is it man you have it. Well you may be waiting a very long time. Create something, if you have inspiration I believe it will reflect in who you are and what you create. Which leads me back to the first point, get out there and take photos big or small good or not so good. Try and do and be inspired on whatever level you are at. That will create passion and passion will result in something amazing.
So what is it all about for me? I think I have started to figure it out. we will see but I am looking forward to see what I can create.
cheers.
Sunday, 1 February 2015
Buttons!!!!
Can you say buttons?
So here they are my buttons, well not my buttons but buttons none the less. Had a bit of fun putting these together played with some actions and also some black and white. But mainly just fun.
Did anyone get the plate of that car that just went past me? I think it was the weekend?
Yep the weekend has packed it in on us again. Jammed full of do this do that sort of things. The biggest event was probably serving the breakfast for Sinclaire's friends as they came in to Calgary for a birthday event. Anyway enough about University kids and the fun they get to have.
Weekend. Over. I am not sure where the time went but I am again facing that little winter blah. I am not sure if I want to really do much beyond sit around and relax. I am not finding very much all that interesting. I am going to try and motivate myself to get after some other photos, something that needs to happen is take some pictures. I will be hopefully getting these old black and white negatives which I am very curious to see, I plan to spend some hours on those. Maybe I will get a chance to work on them in Feb or March. Not sure I have a bunch of work related travel so I am sure there will be a few nights of boredom.
I have been hard at work doing some painting on Friday, again bored so figured it was something that needed to be done so went ahead and did that. Colour is great and the room looks very fresh and new again. Now if we could just get rolling on the kitchen. We are going to get the quotes in Feb or March for the ceiling work. I am away too much in Feb so it may be March but we really need to get the drywalling done. The plan is laid out and I think a go for the most part.
Enough on the home renos I am going to get back to my photos. I have found a bunch of new concepts on how to edit my work, this expose for the highlights and then recover the shadows. Works great. I have started to use this more often so that I actually remembered to do this the last time I picked up my camera it was funny I shot a couple of pictures and then went back and shot again as I said need to try exposing this a little differently.
Well camera stuff is on my mind as I am really thinking of what to do, I want to maybe update my camera to a newer body. I see some things in the d750 that I really like lots more brackets of exposure that I could use to elevate my HDR shots. Tilt screen, I know who uses that but I know I would. Anyway tough to justify the money right now but I have been looking at selling a few items and then I would sell my d600 and hopefully cover the expense a bit. So if anyone is in the market for a nice camera nikon d600 full frame sensor, keep me in mind.
I got into a discussion on Facebook about buttons. I know some of you may know this already as you are in that discussions so I am going to go and find some buttons to photograph. I think this a great thing. The challenge, find a way to put buttons into your image, make a few pics and see what we come up with. Anyway I am going to maybe work on that tonight. Button photos. Sounds like a good indoor picture opportunity. Going to try and get creative. So come on back and see if I get my motivation going and post the pictures......one has to have a little fire every once in a while
Cheers
Weekend. Over. I am not sure where the time went but I am again facing that little winter blah. I am not sure if I want to really do much beyond sit around and relax. I am not finding very much all that interesting. I am going to try and motivate myself to get after some other photos, something that needs to happen is take some pictures. I will be hopefully getting these old black and white negatives which I am very curious to see, I plan to spend some hours on those. Maybe I will get a chance to work on them in Feb or March. Not sure I have a bunch of work related travel so I am sure there will be a few nights of boredom.
I have been hard at work doing some painting on Friday, again bored so figured it was something that needed to be done so went ahead and did that. Colour is great and the room looks very fresh and new again. Now if we could just get rolling on the kitchen. We are going to get the quotes in Feb or March for the ceiling work. I am away too much in Feb so it may be March but we really need to get the drywalling done. The plan is laid out and I think a go for the most part.
Enough on the home renos I am going to get back to my photos. I have found a bunch of new concepts on how to edit my work, this expose for the highlights and then recover the shadows. Works great. I have started to use this more often so that I actually remembered to do this the last time I picked up my camera it was funny I shot a couple of pictures and then went back and shot again as I said need to try exposing this a little differently.
Well camera stuff is on my mind as I am really thinking of what to do, I want to maybe update my camera to a newer body. I see some things in the d750 that I really like lots more brackets of exposure that I could use to elevate my HDR shots. Tilt screen, I know who uses that but I know I would. Anyway tough to justify the money right now but I have been looking at selling a few items and then I would sell my d600 and hopefully cover the expense a bit. So if anyone is in the market for a nice camera nikon d600 full frame sensor, keep me in mind.
I got into a discussion on Facebook about buttons. I know some of you may know this already as you are in that discussions so I am going to go and find some buttons to photograph. I think this a great thing. The challenge, find a way to put buttons into your image, make a few pics and see what we come up with. Anyway I am going to maybe work on that tonight. Button photos. Sounds like a good indoor picture opportunity. Going to try and get creative. So come on back and see if I get my motivation going and post the pictures......one has to have a little fire every once in a while
Cheers
Tuesday, 27 January 2015
Your Day?
So what is your day? I was pondering this during lunch today. I know that a lot of people have difficult or bad days and some people have good maybe even the odd great day. But what is your day? I got this email today about a person that was apparently already arrived. That is to say they knew what they had and it was what they had wanted or desired but they had the ability to realize it. That is the key here to know that where you is ok and it is not necessary to go chasing after something else just have and to try to get back to the place you started. This is maybe getting a little deep for Tuesday. But what I am asking is what is your day? Is it long and boring filled with unhappy things or is it warm and full of wonderful things. I think a lot of people that make it successfully and by that I am saying know they have what they desire can make their days seem effortless. This takes me into another bigger item which knowing where you are going, I have been focusing on getting our somewhat idealistic thought of retirement closer to a reality. I can't think too hard on retirement as it seems a long way off but I guess knowing that you want to retire and that you want to enjoy life is great thing helps you focus.
So my day is this, wake up usually after the better half is up and roaming around. Shower and shave, brush the teeth. try to get out the door by 6:40ish. Now in bike season this is not the case. I am up and rolling on the pathway by 6am so keep that in mind as there is really two different events that may happen in my day. Work, I am in the office and looking for issues what worked what did not and then fix it. Then it is broader, get looking at things like projects and deadlines, server builds and storage systems. Meetings, never ending meetings some days. Then there is management documentation as managers need you to tell them what you are doing so they can tell other management how much you are doing so they can tell other people who knows what. Then lunch. Love lunch. Next we move onto the better part of the day, the issues are ironed out or hopefully in a good position and then you can focus on what needs to be addressed pushing for feedback from other coworkers on project items getting data together to defend our need for a piece of infrastructure. Home time. C-train, sometimes fun sometimes not so fun. In bike season it is on the pedals and loving it all the way home. Home, dinner, relax or not, walk the dog, in the winter ride the bike in the basement, yoga, maybe some weights. Summer it is walk the dog rehydrate for the next day. Now things vary but sometimes it is watch a bunch of videos or edit photos or simply just relax. But maybe it is renovations or go shopping for something. Then snack maybe, read, lights out, next day.
Now this does not cover the weekends but hey they are a little more personal and nobody likes to here that I might be sleeping in or something boring.
Anyway, look around you may already be where you need to be. Your day may not be that exciting sometimes but maybe that is ok.....
cheers
So my day is this, wake up usually after the better half is up and roaming around. Shower and shave, brush the teeth. try to get out the door by 6:40ish. Now in bike season this is not the case. I am up and rolling on the pathway by 6am so keep that in mind as there is really two different events that may happen in my day. Work, I am in the office and looking for issues what worked what did not and then fix it. Then it is broader, get looking at things like projects and deadlines, server builds and storage systems. Meetings, never ending meetings some days. Then there is management documentation as managers need you to tell them what you are doing so they can tell other management how much you are doing so they can tell other people who knows what. Then lunch. Love lunch. Next we move onto the better part of the day, the issues are ironed out or hopefully in a good position and then you can focus on what needs to be addressed pushing for feedback from other coworkers on project items getting data together to defend our need for a piece of infrastructure. Home time. C-train, sometimes fun sometimes not so fun. In bike season it is on the pedals and loving it all the way home. Home, dinner, relax or not, walk the dog, in the winter ride the bike in the basement, yoga, maybe some weights. Summer it is walk the dog rehydrate for the next day. Now things vary but sometimes it is watch a bunch of videos or edit photos or simply just relax. But maybe it is renovations or go shopping for something. Then snack maybe, read, lights out, next day.
Now this does not cover the weekends but hey they are a little more personal and nobody likes to here that I might be sleeping in or something boring.
Anyway, look around you may already be where you need to be. Your day may not be that exciting sometimes but maybe that is ok.....
cheers
Thursday, 22 January 2015
What is new!?
So spent a bunch of time in the holidays working on things specifically my negative to positive conversions. Found that taking pics of negatives is really time consuming but it is quite nice to see the old pictures, gives me a chance to go through them again and relive the moment so to speak. I have since been out to elbow falls and start to experiment more with the exposure techniques I learned over the holidays. This concept of exposing for high lights. Seems a bit odd at first but I have programmed the camera now and it works pretty easy. Can't say I am disappointed in the images but there is really a bit of art that you need to learn here. It has also changed the post processing a bit for me which is the hard part as it gets too easy to blow up the pictures with contrast and such. Beyond that I finally had a chance to use my ND filter. It is an ND 400 so it is about 8 stops of light I think. I have considered an ND 1000 which is 10 but I figured lets try the 400 first. So I did a bunch of longer exposure, 6 seconds or so. Wow I loved it. I enjoyed the energy it created for me the anticipation as the time went and the challenge of shooting and shooting again with a few adjustments to get it right or maybe a bit wrong. So with that there is this thing when I was shooting these shots. It felt so awesome. I really feel like it is what I love of my photos. It is the process the opportunity to create. The chance to get it wrong or right but to try and do something creative.
So this is the one image that I fell in love with. it is a crop of the bigger shot and it is obviously black and white. But I keep looking at it and going, I created this, never thought I would make something I enjoyed like this. Now it is not the best photo ever taken but it is in my books awesome. That to me is the reason I love my creative side it is the expression, I love it when I create something I like/love.
Here are a couple more example from the shoot, these are exposed for the highlights and then processed based on a method I am trying to follow.
So again it is not really the best shot or the most interesting shot but I am just trying things out and in the end that is the best part of Photography in my opinion. I really think that maybe a couple of these will make the wall in the frame but you never know. It is challenging to put pictures into print it seems. We decided that we are going to do a photo book this year for 2014 as it is great way to get the pictures out and in the place where you can enjoy them.
Now that we have the pictures out of the way and creative stuff I am thinking a lot about cameras and lenses again. Seems never ending. I think I mentioned an old macro lens there are a couple out there the old vivitar 1 series look for those Kiron made vivitar lenses they are really good stuff. I have seen one that my father in law shoots with and they are very sharp lenses fully manual but great images coming out them.
I am however concerned about my camera as it is a d600 which for those that know the history on this model it suffers from an issue with oil getting on the sensor. Nikon did a warranty replacement on the shutter causing the issue which I can attest to seeing in some of my images from back in spring 2014. I know it was there and I did send the camera in and get it repaired but I am seeing some spots on the images again so I will be trying out some tests to determine where are they coming from hopefully it is not on the sensor if it is then I know what is happening to the camera it will go up on the block and I will find a new one. Some may say that is bit harsh but I am not interested in suffering from issues and having spots on images that mean a lot to me.
Anyway that is about it for now enjoy the pictures please. I enjoyed creating them and had fun playing with them in photoshop. They are not 100% done yet on the editing side I usually take a break and come back to them after a few days just to get a fresh look and make minor adjustments. But hey there are always photos to take..... :)
So this is the one image that I fell in love with. it is a crop of the bigger shot and it is obviously black and white. But I keep looking at it and going, I created this, never thought I would make something I enjoyed like this. Now it is not the best photo ever taken but it is in my books awesome. That to me is the reason I love my creative side it is the expression, I love it when I create something I like/love.
Here are a couple more example from the shoot, these are exposed for the highlights and then processed based on a method I am trying to follow.
So again it is not really the best shot or the most interesting shot but I am just trying things out and in the end that is the best part of Photography in my opinion. I really think that maybe a couple of these will make the wall in the frame but you never know. It is challenging to put pictures into print it seems. We decided that we are going to do a photo book this year for 2014 as it is great way to get the pictures out and in the place where you can enjoy them.
Now that we have the pictures out of the way and creative stuff I am thinking a lot about cameras and lenses again. Seems never ending. I think I mentioned an old macro lens there are a couple out there the old vivitar 1 series look for those Kiron made vivitar lenses they are really good stuff. I have seen one that my father in law shoots with and they are very sharp lenses fully manual but great images coming out them.
I am however concerned about my camera as it is a d600 which for those that know the history on this model it suffers from an issue with oil getting on the sensor. Nikon did a warranty replacement on the shutter causing the issue which I can attest to seeing in some of my images from back in spring 2014. I know it was there and I did send the camera in and get it repaired but I am seeing some spots on the images again so I will be trying out some tests to determine where are they coming from hopefully it is not on the sensor if it is then I know what is happening to the camera it will go up on the block and I will find a new one. Some may say that is bit harsh but I am not interested in suffering from issues and having spots on images that mean a lot to me.
Anyway that is about it for now enjoy the pictures please. I enjoyed creating them and had fun playing with them in photoshop. They are not 100% done yet on the editing side I usually take a break and come back to them after a few days just to get a fresh look and make minor adjustments. But hey there are always photos to take..... :)
Wednesday, 14 January 2015
Tuesday, 13 January 2015
I am back!
Yep back to work, back to not photoshopping all day, not photo taking, just back. I am sure you all feel this sense of loss. The vacation is over and we are all through the holiday period and what do you look forward to now? Spring break on the beach? No me. I am actually fascinated with taking photos right now. As much as I can't fit it in to my day I am constantly looking for opportunities. Just ask Traci, driving home I spend most of the time looking at the sunlight and clouds trying to figure out if I have time to get home and get a few shots. But most of the days not. So I let it go and hope to find some time to work on my pictures. At this point I feel like work has taken over my life and it is funny how you get home and there is not enough time to get things together that you want. But I am going to make time. This weekend is a photography opportunity and I plan to take it.
So moving on in the photo line, I am back to working on negatives. The conversion is slow and the process is slow. But I think that this will be one of those processes that I will keep working on when I can't get out and shoot photos. I can definitely get some time taking pictures from negative to digital. What I am really hoping for is the old negatives. My dad told me he has some really old stuff that he is going to give me. I am so excited about these. It is all I can think of right now. How to deal with them it is like how do you give your heritage a boost into the modern day. Well I am going to try. I am also hoping to try and do some colouring of the photos. That is again a very long process. I am no master painter but I will try. In the long run it is one of those things I am extremely excited about trying this process on those old negatives.
That said I am hanging out on eBay looking at other old lenses. I am not sure I will buy any but I am thinking an old lens for using on the macros. i want a little longer focal length. Something in the 200 range. I found these old vivitar lenses that are a 70-210 mm with macro. Search them up you can pic them up reasonable about 90 bucks off eBay with an f mount for the nikon. I am looking at the 67mm front lens diameter (this gets confusing) if they are not 67 they are 62 but look for the f3.5 model. so if you find a vivitar 1 70-210 macro on eBay with f3.5 and look for the front lens diameter of 67mm or check for kiron in the name as these I think are really great macro lenses or lens period. But look at the price 90 bucks or so and bam you have an awesome lens that should keep you away from subject should be a critter that may fly away. Anyhow, have a look and see. I will keep you posted on the negative conversion stuff. I am very excited about that.
cheers!
So moving on in the photo line, I am back to working on negatives. The conversion is slow and the process is slow. But I think that this will be one of those processes that I will keep working on when I can't get out and shoot photos. I can definitely get some time taking pictures from negative to digital. What I am really hoping for is the old negatives. My dad told me he has some really old stuff that he is going to give me. I am so excited about these. It is all I can think of right now. How to deal with them it is like how do you give your heritage a boost into the modern day. Well I am going to try. I am also hoping to try and do some colouring of the photos. That is again a very long process. I am no master painter but I will try. In the long run it is one of those things I am extremely excited about trying this process on those old negatives.
That said I am hanging out on eBay looking at other old lenses. I am not sure I will buy any but I am thinking an old lens for using on the macros. i want a little longer focal length. Something in the 200 range. I found these old vivitar lenses that are a 70-210 mm with macro. Search them up you can pic them up reasonable about 90 bucks off eBay with an f mount for the nikon. I am looking at the 67mm front lens diameter (this gets confusing) if they are not 67 they are 62 but look for the f3.5 model. so if you find a vivitar 1 70-210 macro on eBay with f3.5 and look for the front lens diameter of 67mm or check for kiron in the name as these I think are really great macro lenses or lens period. But look at the price 90 bucks or so and bam you have an awesome lens that should keep you away from subject should be a critter that may fly away. Anyhow, have a look and see. I will keep you posted on the negative conversion stuff. I am very excited about that.
cheers!
Wednesday, 7 January 2015
Start Me Up!
Welcome back. Seems like last year. Yeah the jokes do not improve as we go so get used to it. I am back at work and happy to say have made it to the halfway point of another week. Yeah! I had a great break, two weeks to enjoy myself and do whatever I wanted for the most part. I must say despite the sinus cold I managed to get things moving in lot of areas. I had a really great time with my better half, we sat around talked, she read and really just flat out decompressed and relaxed. I managed a few slurpee's on the holidays as a treat. I love them so much and it was sort my reward for getting to the break. Have a slurpee in the middle of the week.
So what did I manage to get done or do? I spent a lot of time looking into converting negatives into digital images. I am quite happy at this point with the first results. I think there is still a little fine tuning to get things where I want them. I have learned a few tricks and such to get the colours looking good. See my earlier posts if you are interested in the setup of the camera and such. I also took a bunch of photos of the kids. Very happy with what I got out of the photos. There are some really great pics and have begun doing some editing on them to create a few different photos for the frame. The kids are so good about it. I would have been a real pain if it was me. Probably why my parents refrained from taking my picture a lot.
I expanded some areas that I was working on in photoshop. I spent a lot time learning composition techniques and also post production. Predominately I ended up with some great actions from Phlearn. If you are interested check them out, they have the phlearn method actions which I find to be a great help. I also started to watch some videos by Serge Ramelli a french photographer, he gets to photograph the types of stuff I enjoy. I have since gone back and started to edit some of my NYC photos using his processes. Let me say I am amazed at the finishes I get despite not really photographing the images quite in the right way. I have learned about exposing for the highlights and have since made a minor change to setup on my camera. I think it has made a big change in the images I take and how I post process. Finally I have also started looking at luminosity masks and frequency separation these are much more challenging for me to work through but I will probably put them into use a little more as I work through my photos. I think luminosity masks may come in handy as I try and convert negatives into digital.
That is about it a great time had by all at Christmas and I learned a bunch did a bunch with my camera. Oh speaking of that, I almost went and got a new camera. I think I posted about it the other week, but later decided to wait a little longer and save up a few more pennies. We have some other stuff to look after first around the house and I think we should keep that going in the right direction.
So as a bit of a treat the photo I took out the front door on New Years Eve, if you saw the original it was very bland but using some of the things I learned on my vacation you get the image below!
So what did I manage to get done or do? I spent a lot of time looking into converting negatives into digital images. I am quite happy at this point with the first results. I think there is still a little fine tuning to get things where I want them. I have learned a few tricks and such to get the colours looking good. See my earlier posts if you are interested in the setup of the camera and such. I also took a bunch of photos of the kids. Very happy with what I got out of the photos. There are some really great pics and have begun doing some editing on them to create a few different photos for the frame. The kids are so good about it. I would have been a real pain if it was me. Probably why my parents refrained from taking my picture a lot.
I expanded some areas that I was working on in photoshop. I spent a lot time learning composition techniques and also post production. Predominately I ended up with some great actions from Phlearn. If you are interested check them out, they have the phlearn method actions which I find to be a great help. I also started to watch some videos by Serge Ramelli a french photographer, he gets to photograph the types of stuff I enjoy. I have since gone back and started to edit some of my NYC photos using his processes. Let me say I am amazed at the finishes I get despite not really photographing the images quite in the right way. I have learned about exposing for the highlights and have since made a minor change to setup on my camera. I think it has made a big change in the images I take and how I post process. Finally I have also started looking at luminosity masks and frequency separation these are much more challenging for me to work through but I will probably put them into use a little more as I work through my photos. I think luminosity masks may come in handy as I try and convert negatives into digital.
That is about it a great time had by all at Christmas and I learned a bunch did a bunch with my camera. Oh speaking of that, I almost went and got a new camera. I think I posted about it the other week, but later decided to wait a little longer and save up a few more pennies. We have some other stuff to look after first around the house and I think we should keep that going in the right direction.
So as a bit of a treat the photo I took out the front door on New Years Eve, if you saw the original it was very bland but using some of the things I learned on my vacation you get the image below!
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