Wednesday, February 29, 2012

60/305 + 1

After a full night sleep (expect for one potty call), "Yellow Girl" spent the morning sniffing, chasing, and exploring the world in which she will work. She is presently recharging her batteries for more exploration later in the day. "Papa" promised to take her out in fields when he gets home from work.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

59/306 + 1

Shelley ♥ 
Born: January 8, 2012
Arrived: Febuary 27, 2012
female yellow labrador retriever

Monday, February 27, 2012

58/307 + 1

although I miss the bright color of summer, there is much beauty to be found in the cold of winter ~

Sunday, February 26, 2012

57/308 + 1

I really have to give B credit for his endless patience. He has been incredibly supportive of my hobby and traveling. Although, to his advantage, he truly enjoys visiting all the different places and looks forward to our next trip. Heck, he’s seen more of New Jersey this last year than he had it past 12 years. Now, this year, I am subjecting him to portraits. Everywhere we go the poor guy has to stand still and “pose”. I owe you, B. XOXO

Saturday, February 25, 2012

56/309 + 1

Willow seems to understand the new puppy is arriving on Monday.
She's catching up on her rest as she knows she'll have her work cut for her.
It will be her job to keep the pup inline or she thinks it is!


lots of adorable critters are meeting up over @ Camera Critters Saturday

Friday, February 24, 2012

55/310 + 1

Atlantic City’s Steel Pier ~

What a delightful day, here we are in the middle of which is normally one of the harshest months of winter and we reached temperatures in the upper 60s. It would have been a waste to spend a day like this inside, so B and I packed up and drove to Atlantic City.

I can hear the rhythmic sound of the ocean waves. I can hear the sound of children and adults screaming from both delight and fear. I can hear the music blasting and I in my mind I can hear the sound of the horses galloping up the 60 foot ramp before diving into a pool of water.


view skies from around the world over @ SkyWatch Friday

Thursday, February 23, 2012

54/311 + 1

Before you start getting excited, this is NOT my puppy.
My puppy arrives next week and I was able to find out she is a lab, most likely a yellow and her names begins with the letter "S".

Tonight I attended the bi-monthly puppy meeting and this precious little boy, who goes by the name of RJ made his debute.
Isn't he just the cutest?

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

53/312 + 1

basking in the midday sun ~

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

52/313 + 1

Yes, I do suffer from empty nest syndrome. I loved being a "stay @ home" mom. I enjoyed going to school functions, running kids from soccer games to CCD.  I was thrilled to plan and throw a good birthday party and sleep awake overs were always a blast.  I would do it again in a heart beat if given the chance. 

For now our home is filled with dogs and soon a new puppy.  Yup, we was recently assigned a new puppy for training.  She/he arrives next week. We are not certain of the breed, sex, color or name.  It does not matter cause soon our home will be filled the sounds of little puppy patters, the smell of puppy breath and the warmth of a fuzzy cuddle. 

Monday, February 20, 2012

51/314 + 1


go join the marco monday fun over @ Lisa's Chaos

Sunday, February 19, 2012

50/315 + 1

This winter has been mild resulting very little snow.  I heard on the weather forcast, last year we had 71 days below the freezing point, this year we've only had 21.  Quite the contrast to last winter with three blizzards adding to over 60" of the white powder. So I have little to complain about but I've really had enough of all the rain. Looking forward to some sunny summer days.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

49/316

Murf looking out across the fields as Willy runs and jumps through the tall grasses. He seems to wonder why he can no longer be off leash, getting a good run and sniff. Sorry Murf, the day you injuried your leg last year was your last day to enjoy such freedom.


hey there more cute photos over @ Camera Critters

Friday, February 17, 2012

48/317 + 1

During my recent visit to Mom & Dad’s, I borrowed my mom’s antique coffee grinder. “What are you going to do with that old thing?” she asked.

Well, I am going to set it up with some of the Valentine flowers I received from Dad, then HDR it, lower contrast, brighten, apply one of Kim's wonderful textures, and then soften it. Moms! geez!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

47/318 + 1

You all know by now how much I enjoy the ocean and walking along the boardwalk.
Doesn't matter what the weather, rain or shine.
Thought the bright color would brighten up this, yet another, rainy day.


to view others @ SkyWatch Friday

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

46/319 + 1

February being the month of love and with yesterday's celebration of Valentine's day,
I was happy to find these unexpected XOXOs.


~ trying to get back on track with 365 + 1 ~

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Graduation Day ~

Time passes way to quickly. It seems like just yesterday that “my” little Shyla was going potty on the kitchen floor, chewing the sofa and everything else within reach. I can smell her puppy breath and feel the softness of little puppy paws. Those which hadn’t yet walked on pavement, toughing them up.

Today she graduated from her formal harness training and will soon be guiding a blind man or women. She will be helping them to gain independence and the freedom to travel about in ways many of us take for granted. Today she became a Seeing Eye Dog.

Happy Valentine's Day ♥

Saturday, February 11, 2012

♥ is in the air ~

it's February and love is in the air ~


Friday, February 10, 2012

happy to come home to ~

Let me preface this by saying, I am happiest when I come home to B. Unfortunately, we work vastly different schedules and all to often he is not home when I arrive after a long day at work.

At the sound of the garage door opening and the car pulling in the “official” welcome committee jumps to attention and all is focused on the newest arrival. As I approach the door, I can hear the sound of the happy tap dancer on the other side. When I open the door, I am greeted by the wag of a tail, a good sniff over and a lick on the hand. On the occasion when I decide to lay down for a bit, I am always joined by my friend.

I am happy to come home to the welcome committee.


Thursday, February 9, 2012

a flickr selfie prompt

It always surprises me how many photographers don’t like to be in front of the camera. I was among them. Last year while participating in a Project 365 and often took photos of my husband and I. Having him in the shot made me relax and offered someone (something) to look at and set my focus on prior to running into the frame. On occasion, I would practice selfies, I always felt vain.

As the year continued, and I learned more about photography and editing, I became more comfortable. I enjoy portrait photography but had no one upon which to practice (other than my husband and he can only take so much!)

Searching the net, I came across a young women’s blog. She was expecting and documented her pregnancy by taking tons of selfies. (what a wonderful gift for her baby girl to have) She offered fabulous tutorials and tips.

I have come to the point where I don’t mind being out front, and I actually like have complete editorial control over a photo of myself.



Tuesday, February 7, 2012

April in February ~

Several times last year, while faithfully participating in Project 365, I often wondered why I wasn’t able to stick to a diet or exercise program as easily. As the new year approached, I decided I was going to get back to taking better care of myself by spend time planning meals and preparing them ahead, if needed. I am happy to report, I have been sticking to this plan and I am currently 10 pounds less than I was at the start of the year. With the loss of another 10, I will be happy, with another 20 I will be thrilled.

I have been spending, most evenings looking for new recipes, planning meals, shopping for needed items, and preparing meals ahead. So with good intentions of continuing on with 365 + 1, disappointingly I missed a few days.

Today I had the opportunity to practice some portrait photography and editing. A co-worker, April, and I both having the day off made plans, she would model, I would shoot. The weather cooperated with only a slight breeze and the air temperatures in the 50s. Heading off to bay with my camera and a terrific model, we spent the morning playing around and having lots of laughs.

Since I missed a few days and I am happy with the results of the day, I share several photos from today’s shoot.




Monday, February 6, 2012

~

We are currently in the depths of winter’s frost, with the sight of any green foliage still in the distance future.
So our dried, brown, withered leaves will have to serve for today’s photo.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

32/333 + 1

The other day I found this pretty purse shaped box, including a small leather handle. Knowing it would come in handy for a photography prop, I purchased it. Not a day later, it serves as a backdrop for my plastic pearls. Prompted by the challenge ~ "letter P".