This Mom's Photo Story

Morning's Work

2011-04-10T12:28:00.003-05:00

ah....progress. I resewed the messed up strip sets this morning and laid out the pattern on my design wall. I love my design wall. No more crawling around in the floor for me.

This afternoon, I sewed the blocks into rows, and the rows then into a top. Finally, I added a 2 1/2 inch blue border and a 4 1/2 inch brown border. Now for the quilting....

New Project

2011-04-09T18:47:00.005-05:00

A fellow teacher at NJHS is expecting his first child. I decided that I would make a Rail Fence quilt for baby. Today, I successfully cut the strips, sewed them together dark, light, medium and cut them back apart to make 6 inch strip sets. Unfortunately, the instruction didn't say to sew only 1/2 of the blocks together so I now get to "unsew" them...... ahhh the joys of sewing.

Tomorrow never came

2011-03-24T12:42:00.002-05:00

So, it has been nearly a year and I am actually surprised that blogger hasn't shut me down due to inactivity.

I have recently started quilting again. All of my hobbies seem to run in fits and spurts and I have learned to just go with it. This time I am completing projects that I started as much as 8 years ago.

April 3, 2010: March's Collage

2010-04-03T22:23:00.001-05:00

I will be posting March's collage tomorrow.

April 2, 2010: View from My Front Porch

2010-04-03T16:55:00.002-05:00

April 2, 2010: View from My Front Porch, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Last year I took a picture every month of my flower bed. I have been shooting this view from my front porch in every season. I will create a collage in December of these images. I hope it shows what I am going for. Wish me luck!

April 1, 2010: Healthcare

2010-04-03T16:53:00.001-05:00

April 1, 2010: Healthcare, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Today's daily shoot assignement was to take a photo that represents what health care in the U.S. means to me.....The picture is of a bull....health care programs in the the U.S. to me are a lot of bull. Supported by the middle class and not worth the material that would come out of the animal. Not sure what to do to fix it but I fear the new program will not even begin to make things better.

March 31, 2010: Natural Light

2010-04-03T16:50:00.001-05:00

March 31, 2010: Natural Light, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Shoot something in its natural light today. My son and I stopped this afternoon and shot this picture of a couple of horses near our home. The light was nice and the horses friendly. I wish I had had an apple for them.....

March 30, 2010: It's Not Easy Being Green

2010-04-03T16:48:00.001-05:00

March 30, 2010: It's Not Easy Being Green, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

A photo dominated by green.....hmmm.....Anthony created this poster of himself to welcome his students to his classroom. And he Andy Warhol-ized it by coloring it green. I love this man; he is a joy to be around; he loves his subject and his students. It has been a pleasure to mentor him and help him to learn the ropes this year. I hope he sticks around in the junior high for a bit longer.

March 29, 2010: AAAOOOOGGGaaaaaaa

2010-04-03T16:45:00.003-05:00

March 29, 2010: AAAOOOOGGGaaaaaaa, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Shoot something that represents a sound! The horns on top of the cab of this 18 wheeler grabbed my attention today. 18 wheelers have a distinctive sounding horn. Remember when you used to pump your arm at the truckers to get them to blow their horns.....

March 29, 2010: AAAOOOOGGGaaaaaaa

2010-04-03T16:45:00.001-05:00

March 29, 2010: AAAOOOOGGGaaaaaaa, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

March 28, 2010: Backlight

2010-04-03T16:43:00.001-05:00

March 28, 2010: Backlight, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Backlighting an object can create drama! Not sure how dramatic the picture is but I love the way the bright white contrasts with the orange in the center of the daffodil.

March 27, 2010: Sidewalk View

2010-04-03T16:42:00.001-05:00

March 27, 2010: Sidewalk View, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

I received my Bachelor's degree some 20 years ago from this university. Many renovations have been done during that time and this is possibly my favorite. They have made the area in front of the lab sciences building a "mall" like area lots of open grass lined with flowering trees. I am not certain what the building is in the background that is currently under construction but you can bet that I will be there for the dedication of it. I love my alma mater! Go Red Wolves!

March 26, 2010: The Letter "D"

2010-03-26T18:59:00.001-05:00

March 26, 2010: The Letter "D", originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Originally I was going to bypass today's assignment and strike out on my own, but upon selecting today's 365 I came across this picture. My husband, my son, and my nephew have places on my
dresser along with my son's almost 2 year old hand print. The assignment for today was to select something starting with the letter "D." "D" for dresser, "D" for dear, and "D" for Daddy, who knew this assgnment would turn out to be so meaningful.

March 25, 2010: B&W Memories

2010-03-25T12:48:00.003-05:00

The little guy got bored during our fishing trip yesterday. I made a comment in yesterday's post about him not touching worms because they were gross. But after a bit his curiosity won out and he spent time playing with them even though they were slimy.

Today's daily shoot assignment was to do a shot in black and white. I used Picasa 3 to edit one of the pictures from yesterday's fishing trip and convert it to B & W.

March 24, 2010: Little Guy's First Fishing Trip

2010-03-24T16:35:00.010-05:00

Today was the little guy's first fishing trip. I hope you enjoy the video for today. My husband was able to take off work and go with us. We fished with worms which the little guy said were "gross", but by the time we were into the 2nd hour of fishing he was playing with them. He never did touch the fish though; they were too yucky. We caught about three different types of Bream.

The little guy crashed on the couch for a power nap and was in the bed by 8 a.m. I am beat as well and will be crashing shortly as well. Today, was a good day and I am thankful we were able to spend the day together. He didn't wake up this morning until 9 a.m. We had two big days in a row.

March 23, 2010: Angles

2010-03-23T20:16:00.001-05:00

March 23, 2010: Angles, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Photo Angles. Hmmmmm! check out how many angles are in this picture! We visited the zoo today and the little guy actually posed cooperatively at least at the beginning of the day!

March 22, 2010: Friends

2010-03-23T20:15:00.001-05:00

March 22, 2010: Friends, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

My son and his friend enjoyed a springlike afternoon at a local playground. I invited myself to join the mom and her son. I am glad I did because the boys had a great time and so did the moms. Gotta remember to leave work early and revisit that park!

March 21, 2010: Spring

2010-03-23T20:12:00.001-05:00

March 21, 2010: Spring, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

American Goldfinches are harbringers of spring in this part of the world. They arrive about the end of February and you can't tell the males from the females in their winter plumage. But as the month progress the males become more and more yellow. In this shot, there is one male on the right and two females on the left. I took this shot through the window which is dirty and the screen is on the window as well. Goldfinches are a bit bashful and will fly away at the least disturbance. Anyway, the image isn't of good quality but it meets today's assignment for a sign of spring.

March 20, 2010: Liquid

2010-03-23T20:08:00.001-05:00

March 20, 2010: Liquid, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

How fortuitous that today's shoot assignment was to take a picture of liquid. I took a bunch of pictures at a local watershed lake and thought I would use one of them but my son took a picture of the deck after it had started to rain. I like the reflections in the water. The guest photographer is only 5 years old but really did a terrific job composing this shot whether it was a conscious effort or not. It doesn't matter, does it?

March 19, 2010: Low to the Ground

2010-03-23T20:04:00.001-05:00

March 19, 2010: Low to the Ground, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Today's assignment for the Daily Shoot is to shoot something a foot off the ground. My art teacher friend thought I meant for someone to jump up off the ground and me take their picture. That would have been cool but by the time I got around to taking the picture I had no subjects to perform the feat. Alas, the story of my life.

March 18, 2010: Something Old

2010-03-23T20:02:00.001-05:00

March 18, 2010: Something Old, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

As soon as I read the assignment for today, I knew what I wanted to take a photo of. This calculator was the first scientific calculator I ever used. It has seen me through undergraduate physics classes, graduate level physics classes, and it still works. I guess it is really like a timex, "It takes a lickin' but keeps on tickin.'" The buttons are incredibly difficult to pusch compared to today's calculators plus it isn't solar powered and it eats batteries like crazy.

2 minute walk

2010-03-17T20:55:00.001-05:00

2 minute walk, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Today, I took a 2 minute walk, turned around and took a picture. I am quite please with the symmetry, the Courage poster, and wow not a kid in the hall. That just might be a record!

3 Amigos

2010-03-17T20:53:00.001-05:00

3 Amigos, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

These 3 kids are something else, especially the boy. They are very witty and fun to be around. Having students like these is quite a treat.

March 15, 2010: A daffodil

2010-03-15T20:11:00.001-05:00

March 15, 2010: A daffodil, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

I wish I knew in advance what the daily shoot assignments were. I think I am double posting some. Anyway, today's assignment was to take a picture of a tree or a plant. So here is another view of the daffodils in my front yard. I plan to attend the daffodil festival either this weekend or next week if the weather holds. I have never been before but I hear it is gorgeous.

March 14, 2010

2010-03-14T18:20:00.001-05:00

March 14, 2010, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Catchlight in the eyes was today's assignment. Guess whose eyes these are. Yep, those baby blues belong to my now 5 year old son. He was very cooperative when I was trying to get this shot.

March 13, 2010

2010-03-14T18:18:00.001-05:00

March 13, 2010, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Curves are very pleasing to the eye. When we put this retaining wall in the men, my husband and the contractor, wanted to make the wall straight. But I was not working and stayed after the installers to make this curve. I am glad I stuck to my guns!

March 12, 2010

2010-03-14T18:16:00.001-05:00

March 12, 2010, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

The purple ramient symbolizes the King of the Jews that was hung on the cross. This symbol stands outside the 1st United Methodist church. A very powerful symbol. Don't you agree?

march 11 Breaking Rules 2

2010-03-14T18:15:00.002-05:00

march 11 Breaking Rules 2, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

I changed the aperture setting to cause this image to be dark. The second image was taken with me standing in the dark garage and the cat sitting in the glaring sunlight on the driveway.

March 10, 2010 Downtown

2010-03-14T18:13:00.001-05:00

March 10, 2010 Downtown, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Downtowns across the country have deteriorated as urban sprawl has pulled customers to the bigger flashier malls. In my town there is a concentrated area to bring the young professionals to town and with the surgence of liquor/private club licenses that have been handed out, the movement seems to be working. Plus, there are a number of loft apartments above the businesses. All in all, I think it a good thing seeing the old buildings with new life but there has been an increase of crime in the area as well.

I guess with anything good there is always the element of negativity that must rear its ugly head.

March 9, 2010

2010-03-14T18:06:00.001-05:00

March 9, 2010, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Boots posed for this shot. She couldn't be bothered to look at the camera. She is truly a cat in her attitude, though sometimes I think she thinks she is a person.

March 8, 2010: Blues

2010-03-14T18:04:00.001-05:00

March 8, 2010, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

The blues.....

March 7, 2010: My Favorite Flower

2010-03-14T18:03:00.001-05:00

March 7, 2010, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

My favorite flower is the daffodil. Around here we call it the Easter flower because it blooms reliably at Easter. I love the vibrant yellow color, its cheeriness, and its unmistakeable odor. Plus, it is a harbringer of spring, my favorite season.

March 6, 2010

2010-03-06T18:46:00.001-06:00

March 6, 2010, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Regional Science Fair Results: My student, won 2nd overall and as such is eligible to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering fair in San Jose, California. I am very proud of her. Her project was a statistical analysis of three gambling games, Keno, Rouellette, and Craps.

On another note, all 4 of the top projects were my current students and my former students. The kids rocked!

March 5, 2010

2010-03-06T18:40:00.001-06:00

March 5, 2010, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

My students and I took a tour of the Biosciences building today as part of the science fair. We visited a class that was preparing birds for taxidermy specimens. On the bench is a female redwinged blackbird (foreground) and an American Kestrel.

My students were astounded that people know how to do this. And the girls thought the college guys were hot! I think they missed the point of the tour.

March 4, 2010

2010-03-06T18:36:00.001-06:00

March 4, 2010, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

WOW! My just turned 5 year old is reading. He can take random flashcards, find the letters he wants and spell about 15 three letter words. I am amazed and frightened at the same time.

March 3, 2010: Nearly Full Moon

2010-03-03T18:03:00.001-06:00

March 3, 2010: Nearly Full Moon, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

I love driving to work with the man in the moon following me. The moon was so big but by the time I got to where I could take the picture the luminosity had faded. I know the people behind me thought I was crazy pulling to the shoulder of the road to take a picture. Any other morning no one would have been around! Geez!!!!

I guess I need a bumper sticker that says "this vehicle makes frequent stops for photo shoots."

March 2, 2010: Weird Fingers

2010-03-02T20:08:00.001-06:00

March 2, 2010: Weird Fingers, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

After the test today, the students were showing each other crazy, sickening things they can do with their fingers. This kid won. He says his dad can bend his thumb so that it touches the top part of the joint. EWWW!

March 1, 2010: Trophies

2010-03-02T20:06:00.001-06:00

March 1, 2010: Trophies, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Falling down on my promise to myself to keep up this month with blogging daily. Oh well, my life is so very hectic right now, I will just have to blog about images when I can squeeze in some time.

This photo is in response to the daily challenge of "athletic equipment/gear". The dance team at my school has an entire trophy case and then some devoted to the trophies the girls win at various meets. They are awesome and have a terrific coach that strives for perfection in herself and her "girls."

Collage Feb 28th

2010-02-28T18:40:00.001-06:00

Collage Feb 28th, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

And the month is over! I can't believe how quickly it flew by! I am ready for spring....and I promise to do a better job of blogging daily instead of rushing through on the last day of the month!

Feb27

2010-02-28T18:39:00.001-06:00

Feb27, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Crayoloa themed birthday party was a HUGE hit with the 5 year old crowd that was present. The C-man received lots of nice presents and enjoyed his cake immensely!

Feb 26

2010-02-28T18:37:00.001-06:00

Feb 26, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

The 5 year old's birthday cake.....I wish I had taken a little more time to get the green smoother.

Feb25

2010-02-28T18:36:00.001-06:00

Feb25, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Birthday cake preparations have begun...cutting ice cream cones in half is tricky business. I used a serrated knife and sawed them on the mold seam and that seemed to work well. Tomorrow I will decorate the cake.

Feb 24

2010-02-28T18:35:00.001-06:00

Feb 24, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Our school celebrated cultural diversity on the 24th as a part of Black History month. Speakers from assorted countries came and spoke to the students. This gentleman was my classes favorite. He is Pakistani and spent the majority of his time discussing arrangend marriages in his country and the rebellions that occur. He even said that "dating" as we understand it in the US is frowned upon by the older generation. He also spoke a bit on the rights of women in his part of the country as far as being advanced from the rest of his country.

Monochrome

2010-02-28T18:23:00.001-06:00

Monochrome, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Blue is my son's favorite color. And wow look at the intensity of the blue shades....I did not use a filter of any type to capture this image.

Squares

2010-02-28T18:22:00.001-06:00

Squares, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Today's assignment was to shoot squares....I think you get the point. How many can you name?

Feb21

2010-02-28T18:21:00.003-06:00

Feb21, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Where would the world be without music? Yes I was grasping for picture ideas.

Feb20

2010-02-28T18:21:00.001-06:00

Feb20, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Just a random picture of one of the little guys creations...he called it a tomb because Optimus Prime killed his Power Ranger. LOL what an imagination the kid has.

Visitor

2010-02-28T17:53:00.001-06:00

Visitor, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

The little guy was so excited to see this visitor in the pasture land next to our house. He calls the cows his "friends".

Boots

2010-02-28T17:52:00.001-06:00

Boots, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

So, she was wanting in badly. But she is an outside cat and the weather is lovely. I think she will adjust.

Science Fair Winners

2010-02-28T17:50:00.001-06:00

Science Fair Winners, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

And the winners are.....31 of these young people are eligible to compete in the regional science fair.

Science Fair

2010-02-28T17:49:00.001-06:00

Science Fair, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Today was my 20th science fair. I have this down to a science. (no pun intended) People often ask about the amount of work that goes into the fair and they question if I get paid extra. I take that as a compliment.

President's Day

2010-02-28T17:47:00.001-06:00

President's Day, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

This is the flag outside the school building where I teach. The western sky showed the most beautiful colors from the sunrise....

Feb 14

2010-02-28T17:45:00.001-06:00

Feb 14, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

The little guy's favorite Loon Toons character is Tweety...I love the card. Plus he signed it himself. He is growing so fast....

Leaning Snowman

2010-02-23T20:57:00.001-06:00

Leaning Snowman, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Help I am melting....

Make-A-Wish Fundraiser

2010-02-23T20:56:00.001-06:00

Make-A-Wish Fundraiser, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

My son's pre-school raised over $5,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Some of the children were allowed to take their donations to the local radio station. My son's class raised $1100, a bunch of budding entrepeneurs.

Robin:

2010-02-23T20:53:00.001-06:00

Robin, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

A sing of spring? With a snowman in still in my backyard? doubtful

Log Cabin in the Woods

2010-02-10T19:47:00.001-06:00

Log Cabin in the Woods, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Today's assignment was to photograph something I like to do....hmmmm!

I apparently inherited the gift of quilting from my paternal grandmother. I can remember sorting scraps for her while waiting on the school bus and "helping" her cut out pieces for her quilts. I was never allowed to actually quilt though. My stitches weren't small enough. Another fond memory is of me and a couple of cousins lying in the floor looking up at the ceiling light through a quilt still in a frame. What a kalediscope of colors!

This particular quilt is a sampler because it has log cabin blocks, pine tree blocks, and bear paw blocks(not pictured).

February 9, 2010: Beauty

2010-02-09T09:55:00.001-06:00

February 9, 2010: Beauty, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

The Daily Shoot assignment for today is beauty. I have chosen an atypical version as I am sick of snow pictures. My little guy is learning to read and write and is soooo excited. In this picture he is reading "Put Me in the Zoo" by Robert Lopshire. He can pick out sight words and sound out many others. Learning is beautiful, don't you think?

February 8, 2010: Stopping by the Woods

2010-02-08T14:16:00.013-06:00

The views today remind me of my favorite poem. Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost is my all time favorite poem. I first memorized it in 5th grade, when I tried to pass it off as one of my own. Yes, I learned my lesson. Enjoy the poem and the photo.

Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening

by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know

His house is in the village though

He will not seem stopping here
To watch his woods fill with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near.

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

February 7, 2010: SuperBowl Sunday

2010-02-07T21:40:00.001-06:00

February 7, 2010: SuperBowl Sunday, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

There's my kid watching his first Super Bowl Game. We aren't big football fans at my house but I took the little guy to a friend's super bowl party. He made friends with the man in the ball cap and ate with him. When he finished eating, he was bored by the game and joined the older kids upstairs for some sword fighting, some Wii, and some time on the drumset. I am proud of him for how quickly he made friends.

February 6, 2010: Crows

2010-02-07T21:37:00.001-06:00

February 6, 2010: Crows, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

I don't know what the crows were scolding about this morning but they were certainly loud! About 7 of them in the oaks in the front yard outside my bedroom window were cawing very loudly. I noticed the buds on the oak silhoutted against the blue blue sky. Please let spring get here quickly!

February 5, 2010: Me

2010-02-07T21:35:00.001-06:00

February 5, 2010: Me, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

Guest photographer today, my 4 year old. Yep, this is me. And the little guy didn't do a bad job composing this.

February 4, 2010: Best Snowman

2010-02-07T21:33:00.001-06:00

February 4, 2010: Best Snowman, originally uploaded by arholder2003.

WOW! How much time do you think they put into this creation!

February 3, 2010: Two pictures

2010-02-07T21:25:00.003-06:00

I have two pictures for today. This one is of the moss on the rocks in the front of my house. I actually took the photo for the spring/winter groundhog assignment for yesterday. I love the contrast between the spring green of the moss reminding of us what is yet to come and the resilance of the snow that is hanging on for all it is worth, avoiding melting for as long as it can. Something to be said for perservance.

The second is a picture of the kids playing basketball. This was my son's very first basketball game and he was totally captivated. The only negative reaction he had was "those guys in the striped shirt blow the whistle too loud." I agree.

February 2, 2010: Groundhog Day

2010-02-02T18:24:00.001-06:00

February 2, 2010: Groundhog Day
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

The groundhog saw his shadow today which here in America means there will be 6 more weeks of winter. Had he not seen his shadow then spring would be just around the corner. (whatever that means.) I have never understood this celebration/tradition because if I look at my calendar it is always 6 more weeks until spring and really 6 weeks isn't that long a time.

Though this year I think I have come to the realization that if I had to live with all the white stuff in the photo to the left and deal with the temperatures that go with it. I would be looking for something, anything to indicate that spring is "around the corner." But alas, that is probably wishful thinking as the "Farmer's Almanac" indicates more snow and cold for us during the month of February.

February 1, 2010: 1st snowman

2010-02-01T14:16:00.001-06:00

February 1, 2010: 1st snowman
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

Just the other day I was commenting about how a child's firsts get farther and farther apart. The abundant snow fall we received Jan 28th and 29th was not good for building snowmen until today. After the snow had begun melting, it packed together nicely to build a snowman, my little guy's very first. Grapes for eyes, a strawberry for a nose, and mango for a mouth, some tree branches for arms and other head appendages makes this a true original; none like it for miles around. I need to remember to ask the snowman's name. I wonder what the little guy will call it.

End of the Month Slide Show

2010-01-31T16:55:00.001-06:00

I plan to do either a slideshow or collage of my images from the 365 project. I hope you enjoy this month's slide show.

January 31, 2010: The Edge

2010-01-31T16:09:00.001-06:00

January 31, 2010: The Edge
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

This is probably not what was meant by the edge, but the roads were still too icy to drive out so that I would have a good horizon to shoot. May have to revisit this idea later in the year.

We have rock walls terracing areas of our front yard. I like the affect with the shadows on the snow.

January 30, 2010: My Frontyard

2010-01-31T16:07:00.001-06:00

January 30, 2010: My Frontyard
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

This one is a blantant cheat. I actually took this picture yesterday, but wanted to use this one because by the morning of the 30th we had received 7 inches of snow. A nearly of unheard of amount of snow, we also received about an inch of sleet.

January 29, 2010 Architecture

2010-01-31T16:05:00.001-06:00

January 29, 2010 Architecture
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

I drive by this building on my way to work on most days. It is a strip mall but doesn't have the cookie cutter appearance of most of the strip malls in town.

January 28, 2010: Sweetness

2010-01-31T16:03:00.001-06:00

January 28, 2010: Sweetness
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

Sweet takes on many meanings. What could be sweeter than crafts done with handprints and hanging in a gallery on the refrigerator?

January 27, 2010: Abstract

2010-01-31T16:02:00.001-06:00

January 27, 2010: Abstract
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

The assignment today was to shoot something in the abstract. My little point and shoot camera doesn't do super macro so this is as close as I could get. What do you think it is?

January 26, 2010: Anniversary

2010-01-26T17:58:00.001-06:00

January 26, 2010: Anniversary
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

One year ago today my part of the world was struck by a devestating ice storm. Some people were out of power for nearly three weeks. My street was out of power for only a week. Things I learned from this, never take hot water for granted, life does go on even if you are miserable, and people (strangers) can be very nice.

The photograph, I chose for today, is of a tree that still shows the after affects of the storm. Thousands of trees were mangled under the weight of the ice and serve as a reminder to many.

January 26, 2010: Sunset Landing

2010-01-25T20:47:00.001-06:00

January 26, 2010: Sunset Landing
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

As usual I left something at work that I really needed. On the return trip home I saw this Cessna landing at the local airport. I love the colors of the sky and the brightness of the sunlight off the plane.

January 25, 2010: Shutter Speed

2010-01-25T20:44:00.001-06:00

January 25, 2010: Shutter Speed
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

Today, I learned how to manipulate the shutter speed on my camera as well as the apperture settings. Check out the drop of water....REALLY COOL!

January 23, 2010: Collection

2010-01-23T16:47:00.001-06:00

January 23, 2010: Collection
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

I have already posted a bit about this collection previously on January 16th. Wow that was just last week. But I only collect milk glass and only this pattern. It is called Old Quilt pattern and is made by Westmoreland. Those of you in the NE United States may find it in your local antique stores and flea markets. I have quite a collection but still need several pieces.

January 22, 2010: Song Title

2010-01-23T13:52:00.003-06:00

Today's daily shoot, song title. I grew up in the 80's and have many favorites from various genres, but one of my favorites was Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings." So, when I was driving home worrying about a picture for a song title or lyric I was totally pumped to see this sentinel of the the skies. The red tailed hawk is very common here in the winter. I am not certain that they migrate during warmer months but they aren't as visible if they are still here.

Bette Midler's song was released at the time I began to face the mortality of my parents and as such learned what true heroes they are/were. I have been fortunate to have many individuals throughout my life give me support and love and thus they are "the wind beneath my wings."

January 21, 2010: Quirky

2010-01-23T13:48:00.002-06:00

Since having a child, my home decor has changed...The little guy drew mom some get well pictures and hung them on the wall in the living room. Thank goodness for low tack painter's tape......

January 20, 2010: Kingfisher

2010-01-20T18:19:00.002-06:00

January 20, 2010: Kingfisher
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

Monday afternoon I spotted this Kingfisher near our city's new mall. He was singing; I think because he was happy not to be dealing with freezing temperatures any longer. His food was more accessible.

January 19, 2010: Transportation

2010-01-20T18:17:00.001-06:00

January 19, 2010: Transportation
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

Modes of transportation....much of my early life was spent on school buses. Now I do my best not to have to ride one at all. They are just not comfortable, too hot or too cold and often too loud. Plus, they bounce too much.

January 18, 2010: Simplicity?

2010-01-18T13:47:00.001-06:00

January 18, 2010: Simplicity?
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

As I was thinking of simplicity and the simple things in life, I had difficulty thinking of something to photograph that would enable me to write about it. I settled on this piece of jewelry.

I love brooches. I wear them on the lapel of my blazers. Brooches are probably my favoite piece of jewelry. This one is extra special as it is the first Mother's Day gift I ever received. The diamond represents my birthday month, my husband's is emerald, and my son's is aquamarine. All set in the tree of life....family tree. Something so simple but yet so meaningful. I am blessed with a creative thoughtful husband who understands me.

January 17, 2010: Man working

2010-01-18T13:41:00.001-06:00

January 17, 2010: Man working
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

This man works at a department store supercenter. His primary job responsibility is to bring the carts back into the store. On this day when the temperatures reached 60F I bet he was pleased it wasn't 10F any longer.

I respect the people who work this type of job. The outdoor workers in extreme temperatures. And some days I long for a job like this in which I have to make no decisions. Just do what my boss tells me. While that sounds really simple, I bet I would be bored to tears in just a few hours.

January 11, 2010: Scale

2010-01-16T10:40:00.001-06:00

January 11, 2010
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

So, I totally missed this assignment and noticed it when updating my photo blog by looking at other peoples. Can you tell what the scale is? Son is wearing Dad's coat and catching snowflakes on his tongue.

January 16, 2010: Trash or Treasure

2010-01-16T10:38:00.001-06:00

IMG_1423edited
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

Trash or Treasure? The saying goes "one man's trash is another man's treasure" When my dad was sick with cancer and taking treatments in my state's capital city, we spent many hours in flea markets when he was up to it. I began collecting Westmoreland old quilt pattern milk glass and Blue Willow china during that time. These pieces were considered expendable by someone who put them up for sale and I bought them. I have continued adding to the collection since my father's passing, but don't get out much to search for rare pieces anymore. Perhaps, this will be the year?

January 15, 2010

2010-01-16T08:15:00.001-06:00

January 15, 2010
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

Today's daily shoot was all about lines...I was tickled to find a candy cane in the bottom of my purse while looking for my keys. The stripes on the candy cane just make me happy!

January 14, 2010

2010-01-16T08:13:00.001-06:00

January 14, 2010
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

Today's daily shoot theme was to shoot something that keeps you warm. Alas, I am straying from the assignment today because of something unique that happened.

My family and I have lived in our house for nine years. During that time it has never been cold enough nor wet enough for the french drain from the basement to freeze up. Check out this block of ice that came from the drain...I hope no damage was done.

January 13, 2010

2010-01-16T08:10:00.001-06:00

January 13, 2010
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

This week was extremely busy and I am behind on my 365. Oh well, life happens.

So the daily shoot challenge for today was music. I did get my picture taken just not blogged. One of my life long dreams is to be able to read and play music. I don't know what instrument I want to learn to play I just feel like I want to play something.

Favorite color

2010-01-11T20:13:00.001-06:00

Favorite color
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

Today's daily shoot challenge was to photograph your favorite color. My favorite color is yellow. The soft yellow shade of a pale daffodil. Unfortunately for me daffodils are not in bloom in this part of the world in January. My kitchen is yellow, it took 6 trips to the paint store to get the perfect shade of yellow, the undercabinet lighting has a yellow hue to it, and of course the bananas are yellow. Plus, the tea box is yellow but in the shadows it looks more brown. Funny how light affects color so much.

Silhouettes and a Bonus Picture

2010-01-10T18:20:00.004-06:00

Today's challenge was to photograph a silhouette. Last year during the 365 challenge I photographed my son's shadows on the upstairs wall. He volunteered to do it again and posed quite nicely for several shots. He is such a HAM!!

Newspaper?

2010-01-09T11:50:00.002-06:00

Newspaper?
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

So today's Daily Shoot challenge was to take a picture of a newspaper. It was snowing today and there is no way this southern gal is going to brave the road conditions and the other southerners to get a pic of a newspaper. So I opted for NSTA Reports. There is some interesting reading in here. But does it count as a newspaper?

Brrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-08T15:02:00.001-06:00

brrrr
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

We in the southern U.S. do not like cold weather at all. I know those of you in the more northern parts of the world are thinking "What wimps" yeah when it comes to near zero temperatures we are. This is the coldest day of the season and tomorrow is supposed to be worse. Thankfully, Sunday will see us returning to more normal temps...Balmy 40's are forcasted for next week; until then, fireplace, dress in layers, or just stay at home. I am opting for the third someone else can run errands and such nonsense. I HATE being cold.

Snowy Lashes

2010-01-07T20:08:00.001-06:00

Snowy Lashes
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

I had a snow day today. Yeah not too happy about that because we are likely to be going to school into June again.

Though in keeping with tradition, my 4 yo and I went out into the frigid temperatures to enjoy the snow. Now for those of you in the north country you are probably laughing about our tinsy little bit of snow. But the little guy and I enjoyed having snow ball fights. I got him good one or two time right in the face, thus the snow on his lashes. Of course he downed me and put snow down the back of my coat and rolled me in the snow.....We had such fun.

Data

2010-01-06T20:45:00.001-06:00

Data
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

Today was a lab day. Students investigated the change in potential energy as the height of a ramp was increased. I am fortunate to have a laptop, projector, and Promethean board in my room to display class data. The kids look for outliers and have learned to question "numbers that don't look right." I am quite proud of how far they have come when analyzing data. Now, if they would just write about the things they talk about! I love lab day!

Invasion of the Toys

2010-01-05T18:17:00.001-06:00

Invasion of the Toys
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

My son's figures took over my husband's laptop recently. I think he thought Dad would fuss at him and tell him to get those off this computer. But my husband simply worked around the mess. What a guy!

Boots

2010-01-04T17:47:00.001-06:00

Boots
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

Boots is an outside cat that adopted us the year my son was born actually a month after. She started coming up on the deck and of course my husband started feeding her. Next thing we knew, she had a litter of kittens under the steps of the deck. Needless to say we became the proud owners of a cat. I said all that but missed the entire point of this post. It is stinking COLD here (low teens at night) so Miss Boots gets to come inside part of the evening and then retires to the garage.

Day 3: January 3, 2010

2010-01-03T15:47:00.001-06:00

transitions
Originally uploaded by arholder2003

Originally, I thought the idea of a theme for the daily photos was not going to be beneficial but I now see some value in doing the 365 challenge this way. Plus, I can always go astray if the mood hits. So here is transition #2

After some thought and braving 20 F weather along with overcast skies, I looked at my flower garden. The "surprise" lillies are already beginning to transition to spring but I fear these young plants will freeze in the upcoming weeks as winter progresses. These lillies were passed from my grandmother to my mom to me and I hope to someday pass them on to my son.

Day 2: January 2, 2010

2010-01-02T16:06:00.002-06:00

One of the suggestions for participating in the 365 challenge is to look for themes. The suggested theme for the first week in January is transition. Since transition can take on many forms, I decided to look at the obvious first and probably will not take 29 other shots of transition but will definitely keep the suggestion in mind.

We have a 4 year old son and we have a very steep driveway. Something like a 7 foot drop over the course of about 100 feet. Our son wanted a bicycle for Christmas but Mom's nerves and heart couldn't stand the thought of him getting out of control and going headfirst into the street, thus, the transition. The photo is a picture of the area we have started prepping for asphalt. The retaining walls have been redone and the mud and muck have been moved around. Hopefully by March, the process will be completed and the little guy can get his bicycle for his birthday.

Day 1: January 1, 2010

2010-01-01T16:03:00.005-06:00

I made it, honestly, until summer with the last 365 photo challenge. I had a lot of fun and enjoyed reading others blogs as well. Many of my Plurk friends are accepting the challenge and I will as well, though I will probably just do a weekly post. I loved looking back through my photos and reading my thoughts again.

Below is a slide show of last year's 365 photo challenge that I managed to do and a description of today's photo.

My mom and her youngest grandson. She only has two. =)

Her birthday is on Dec. 30 but we have always celebrated her birthday on Jan. 1st, at least we have since I have been married. She loves to eat fried catfish as do I so we all went to the local Catfish Buffett and chowed down. Pretty low key after a busy Holiday season but it means a lot to her that we do this.

July 31: Collage

2009-09-09T21:03:00.001-05:00

I love collages.

July 30

2009-09-09T20:54:00.004-05:00

One of my all time favorite photos....We were so unprepared to go to the beach this day. But the little guy had never experienced the ocean. His first attempt with the waves ended him up on his bum and a wave washing over him. He came up sputtering laughed and went back in. How fun was this trip!