I've seen that many bloggers have been drawn into the photography arena as they strive to capture good images of their craft to share. Just look here, here, or here for starters. And those are only the tip of the iceberg!

Trying to hone my skills, I've been having fun exploring some new (to me) photography blogs. One that caught my attention recently is the Noticing Project, a collaborative blog in which two artists post a picture a day of the small, everyday things. Recently they invited readers to participate in a week of noticing, and this was my contribution.

Another great find is Shutter Sisters. The photos are awesome, and the writing is thought provoking. You can hop further down the bunny trail when you start reading the comments and clicking away on the links there. Inspiring.

Are there any photo blogs--or blogs with great photos--that you adore? Please share. I'd love to see what I'm missing!

Labels: Eye Candy Friday, Photography

posted by Leslie @ 5/09/2008 05:18:00 AM 7 comments

I have a confession: I have been knitting, but I haven't been sharing. There's actually a fun project on my needles that I've kept hidden away up until now. Why? Well, it started out rather slowly and I wanted to show more than just a few rows. And, it's a project that will probably take a while for me to complete (given my limited knitting time these days) so I didn't want to bore you with continued updates on the same piece of knitting.

So, it's time to share! I started with this.

This linen (Neptune colorway) is a yarn I've wanted to try for some time, but didn't have a specific project in mind. Surfing the 'net one day I came across this free pattern, and it was decided.

Another confession: I was not a careful reader when I purchased the yarn for this shawl. Somehow I missed the statement that three skeins of yarn were needed; I had it in my head that it was a one-skein project. (Wishful thinking, I suppose.) I bought one skein and started on my merry way. About halfway through that skein it became obvious that one skein was not going to complete the project. When I reread the materials list, I saw that a total of three skeins was required. So, time for more yarn!



Right now I'm at the very end of the first skein, though I'm a little more than one-third of the way through the pattern repeats. The pattern calls for a reverse single crochet border as the finishing touch for the shawl, so that will probably account for the remaining yarn.

I'm interested to see how this yarn responds once laundered, if it softens up as promised. For now, I just need to keep the momentum going and enjoy the process as I go!

Labels: lace shawl

posted by Leslie @ 5/05/2008 08:13:00 AM 6 comments

This cozy little nest is perched in a small evergreen right next to my neighbor's front door. We were standing on the sidewalk, chatting, when the mama suddenly flew out of the tree, squawking frantically, trying to draw our attention away from her treasured eggs.

I was so startled that I actually jumped--her flight path was just inches away from my shoulder--then I peeked into the shrub to see what the fuss was about. This nest was well hidden in the center of the evergreen, but I ran home for my camera and was able to capture several shots. The color of robin's eggs never ceases to amaze me. Isn't it interesting that some things in nature are so beautiful that they seem fake?

Once I snapped these shots we hurried away so mama could return to her duties. Now I'm just waiting for the chance to see the wee ones when they emerge!

Labels: Spring Seasons

posted by Leslie @ 5/02/2008 07:58:00 AM 6 comments

Every year these flowers take me by surprise. The plant dies back completely in the summer and there's no sign of life for months. Then spring arrives and the plant makes up for lost time. One day, just a few inches of green peeking above ground. The next, a mound of leafy fronds and hearts dangling daintily from arched branches.

How I love the surprises of spring!

Labels: ABC-Along 2008, Flowers, Garden, Seasons, Spring

posted by Leslie @ 4/24/2008 05:40:00 AM 14 comments

Not just eye candy for this Friday. Real candy! This confection--chocolate-covered carmelized matzoh crunch--is beyond-words delicious. Do not make this if you're unable to stop yourself from repeatedly dipping into the container for just *one* more piece. I mean it.

If you have lots of self control (do as I say, not as I do) and want to give this a try, the recipe is here. A batch of this candy will make you very happy. Promise.

P.S. Yes, that's a kiss of salt on top. I didn't have sea salt so I used kosher salt instead. Yum.

Labels: Baking, Chocolate, Eye Candy Friday

posted by Leslie @ 4/18/2008 09:22:00 AM 5 comments

The garden is finally coming to life. Blossoms are replacing the green buds and it makes me so hopeful! Many years ago I planted several drifts of daffodils and I've never regretted the time spent doing so.

Their happy little faces put a smile on my face, too. What's blooming in your garden?

Labels: ABC-Along 2008, Garden, Home

posted by Leslie @ 4/15/2008 08:09:00 AM 5 comments

I'm ashamed to say it's been ages since I've posted about knitting. Wow. When I cast on for these socks, I figured they'd fly off the needles in no time. Simple stockinette pattern, easy-peasy. But distractions crept in and these socks paid the price.

As a reminder, here's the lovely yarn that started the project.

That's yummy Yarntini yarn (the first skein I've ever had) and it was a gift from Amy. Pretty, yes?

And here are the finished socks, hot off the needles.



Best of all, my pink All Stars now have socks to match, just in time for spring. Ahhh.

posted by Leslie @ 4/10/2008 09:02:00 AM 9 comments