Labels: Winter, Wordless Wednesday

posted by Leslie @ 2/03/2010 01:00:00 AM 4 comments

January is nearly gone and my poor camera has been left sitting alone more often than not. After finishing my 365 project I felt the need for a little break, a change in the way I spend my creative time. It's been refreshing to make some things with my hands; it's been far too long since I've done that. I've completed a knitting project and have another in the works to donate to a great cause. I made cloverleaf rolls for the first time ever--seriously good! And I even spent time making a special birthday card (using this tutorial), something I used to do all the time.

I must say, it feels good to start off the new year with some new projects. I'm having a blast! What creative endeavors are bringing you joy right now?

Labels: Baking, crafts, Creativity, Knitting

posted by Leslie @ 1/26/2010 06:58:00 AM 3 comments

Christmas has come and gone, but I wanted to share with you what I gave for gifts. Having spent so much time with my camera last year, it seemed fitting to give some of the resulting images to family and friends. I'd been wanting to have some cards printed and some photos framed, so it seemed the right time to do both.

I chose four images for my postcard set and had them printed here. I was very happy with the results! Nice thick cards, blank on the back for jotting a quick thank-you note or other correspondence. My only regret was not printing my name somewhere on the cards; next time I'll spring for the extra dollars to do so.

Selecting shots for framing was a bit trickier. After honing the list to about two dozen images, my husband and I chose what we thought would appeal to each person on our list. Most were digital images, though a couple of my Polaroids made the cut. Opting for non-traditional "framing," I had prints made here and then ordered maple blanks from the folks at Plywerk. The final result was just what I'd hoped for. In fact, it was a little hard to give them all away! My to-do list for 2010 now includes making a set for myself.

Labels: Gifts, Making, Photography

posted by Leslie @ 1/13/2010 07:54:00 AM 10 comments

The view outside my window these days is white. Very white. The snow that gave us a lovely Christmas refuses to leave, and has been topped every few days by new powder. Normally the snow lasts only a few days around here, melting quickly a day or two after the storm. Things are definitely not normal right now!

In addition to the mounds of snow, we have sub-zero wind chills, and public schools have been canceled three days running. I've been busy making warm, comforting meals, shoveling the driveway and patio, and spending lots of time with the family. We're still in holiday mode it seems, at least until next week. I guess those plans for organizing and starting new projects will have to wait just a little longer. Any ideas for keeping cabin fever at bay?

Labels: Home, Seasons, Winter

posted by Leslie @ 1/07/2010 03:43:00 PM 6 comments

I made it! My 365 photo project is complete--all wrapped up, nice and tidy--and I'm pretty pleased. Is every photo perfect? Not even close. But I learned to accept what I was able to do each day, and move on to the next. The process was just as important as the product, maybe even more so, because I learned and improved over time. And those daily photos spark memories for me--events, people, and just ordinary moments of life. I've never been able to keep a written journal, but this collection of images is my journal for 2009.

What's next? I'm not sure, but I know my camera will remain a constant companion. It will be fun to see what lies ahead, don't you think? Here's to a new adventure for all of us in 2010.

P.S. You can see all the images here.

Labels: 2009, Photography, Year in Pictures

posted by Leslie @ 1/02/2010 09:46:00 AM 5 comments

Labels: Snow, Wordless Wednesday

posted by Leslie @ 12/30/2009 12:02:00 AM 7 comments

The gifts are wrapped and under the tree. The errands are done. We'll be packing today for travel tomorrow. It's so nice to be relaxed and just enjoying time at home! The last few days have been spent baking treats to enjoy over the next few days. No new recipes this year, just a few old favorites. If you're looking for some goodies for your family, give one of these a try.

No matter where you are or how you celebrate, I hope you have a relaxed and blessed Christmas! I'll be back after the celebrating to wrap up my 365 project, so check back for the big finish...

Labels: Baking, Christmas, Holidays, Home

posted by Leslie @ 12/23/2009 07:23:00 AM 5 comments