There’s no way around it. I spend tooons of time on the internet. Somedays not so much, but some … it spans for a solid 8-10 hours. Editing and editing, emailing and more. But, I have to take my breaks. I truly can’t focus on one thing for long periods of time. And, when those breaks come a calling I am always on the hunt for something new and fresh and fun that will grab my attention and give my brain the break it needs. Sometimes on the internet, sometimes elsewhere. As of recent here are a few things that have filled those holes in perfectly.
Gardening
{Google image}Man, I never knew it would be quite this fun! Even Corey is totally into it, checking on our greens like they’re our babies. We have eaten some delicious cucumbers as of late (they’re totally different than what you get in the stores … crunchier, seedless and the skin is edible … yum!) and are patiently waiting on our tomatoes and green peppers to ripen. Watering and loving on them has become a hobby I have thoroughly enjoyed.
You can do it, too! I bought 3 large pots from Big Lots for $7 each. Then bought the baby vegetable plants from a nursery nearby. Filled them with all sorts of delicious soil and water lots at least once a day. They sit on our back deck where the sun shines the most and wahlah! Yummy, fresh-as-can-be vegetables straight from the backyard.
Whale Wars
I so appreciate when a television network can produce a show that is truly captivating to watch. From beginning to end I am 100% captivated. There aren’t many shows (maybe just this one and The Biggest Loser) that leave me counting down the days until the next one. I am obsessed!
Exceptional Art
1. Florabella – gorgeous photographs for sale, along with a blog that explains how to use her amazing texture overlays to create photos just the same yourself! I might be a bit too lazy myself, not to mention her specific work is stunning. I would love a print of hers, framed nice and large on a wall all by itself.
2. Queen of Capture – I love her distinctive work, her simple approach to the art and her blog which is so clean and fresh it left me just staring all over the page and leaving refreshed.
3. Jen Gotch Photography – if she hosted a workshop titled “turning wannabes into me” I’d be the first to sign-up. Her work, all made with a standard polaroid, is to die for. She is the type of artist that makes me drool and consider ditching it all and just copying every move she makes.
4. Anna Wolf - So, she’s practically a celebrity photographer … okay, maybe she is. Either way, her work is inspiring in all the right ways. You will recognize most of her work from many of your favorite magazines. I love her simple, cleanliness, perfect exposure and coloring. Her photos are just simple, but delicious. And, her ‘little books’ section is so creative and fun. I think I’ll add her to my dream interviewee list. 
My Students
There is so much talent it leaves me feeling so incredibly humbled. I mean I spend hours on end each week critiquing work – encouraging, but also saying “I would have done this” and then I go back to my editing and screech at all the things I should be critiqued for doing! They just remind me that there is so much art out there. Art that lives in us all. If only we will give it room and air to breath it will manifest itself in the way only God created it to do. For my students, their chosen avenue is photography and the art they are creating is magnificent. I am so thrilled and ever humbled to call myself a teacher to so many wonderful artists. They are always thanking me, but really I teach it for myself because I’m pretty sure I get more out of it then they could possibly ever.
Case in point:
From Stephanie … written this week along with her lesson 4 homework (which shows how a little knowledge in composition can give you confidence to think outside the box and create memorable photos):
I can’t thank you enough for your willingness to encourage us and critique us. There are so many times when I have felt like giving up photography altogether (part of my personality, I always try new things and if I’m not an expert at it right away, I give up, not a great trait to have). I have loved photography for a while and in the past year or so since I’ve really started “researching” it, I have fallen in love even more. It can be so frustrating though to want to be sooo good at it, but fall sooo short. Again, bad to compare yourself or your art to someone else’s art. This is something I have learned recently. Since taking this workshop and learning so much, I have really started enjoying it, instead of just getting frustrated. And I know I have a ton more to learn, not to mention really get a handle on what you have taught us. It is such a great way to express yourself and when I really think about this and what it could mean for me it kinda makes my head spin. I don’t know if that will make sense to you or not. Like dig into your soul, but the process feels a little overwhelming?? I don’t know how to put it into words, maybe I should take a photo Anyways, thank you for encouraging me….us.
And, finally Trader Joes
As soon as I win the lottery the first way I’m going to spend my money is to pay someone to do my grocery shopping. Maybe this will change with kids in the house, but I could *not* care less about going to the grocery store. Except for Trader Joes. It’s unique and fun and friendly and the food is delicious!
If you have one, make sure to try these …
1. Their boxed Indian food
2. Naan bread (found in their freezer section)
3. Thai bowls (also found in the freezer section)
4. Chicken sausage (meat section) … they have all kinds and so far every one we’ve tried we have *loved*. On the menu this week: smoked apple, chardonnay.
5. And, the newest and most favorite find: Korean BBQ (also in the meat section) It’s a bit expensive (at about $10 per package), but it is to die for.
