karimusBUNCH: a work in progress

transitions

2011-09-27T19:11:00.000-04:00

has it really been almost a full month since i have written anything?
i am so sorry. i have a dozen post ideas, but something keeps stealing my time and attention.
i wonder if it would have something to do with moving, or looking for work, or being pregnant.

oh, that's right! i haven't share my awesomely crazy news here. congrats to me!
besides what can only be called the worst possible timing, i am very excited about another person joining our family. i'm not as excited about the nausea that keeps me down all day, and the lack of energy.
i'd probably be more productive if i wasn't so sick and tired, right?

well, i also wanted to share that we arrived in polk county safely, and found out i was pregnant our second night here! (i puked my guts up and took a test. worst. night. ever.)

we moved into our house a few days later, and have been sitting around for weeks!
in between looking for work and going to church, of course.

things are going pretty well, though we are a little worried about employment. i have a substitute position, which means i'm not guaranteed hours, and danny is currently pursuing a position with the sheriff's department, but until we have our budget nailed down, we are stretched pretty thin.

good thing we know where the cheez-its come from. (just click the link, and watch the video, okay?)

i hope things in your life are a little more stable, though not completely boring, and that you find blessings to be thankful for today.
-karey

leaving miami

2011-08-30T14:07:00.000-04:00

moving.

we are moving.
at the time of posting, we have less than 12 hours until we pull out of the driveway in miami.

it has been a long time in the works, and i have struggled with this decision for a long time. at first, i struggled to understand danny's emotion, his homesickness for polk county and his resistance to settle in miami, and then i struggled with my own emotions, the same longing for familiar turf and faces, and the resounding loneliness that surrounded us in dade county.

it was not an easy decision to make, though we never really planned to be in miami permanently.

i have made a few friends here, with people at church and in the children's home, and i am reluctant to say goodbye. i will miss them dearly, and as much as i will try to maintain connection, i think we all know it won't be the same. i feel disappointed in myself, and fear their disappointment, that maybe we didn't give our full effort to make this work and to stay.

we have worked a difficult job, and we are broken. we are not leaving to escape, but to heal. that, more than anything, should be sufficient to lift any disappointment i might have in myself.

moving home holds a lot of hope for us. there is the promise of family, those people who have known us all our lives and encourage us in our dreams, and there are the friends, who bring joy into every meeting. there is the promise of roots, of building a community and a home. these things quiet my misgivings about leaving, and encourage my heart to dream.

the future is a little uncertain at this point, though we know and trust that our Provider is preparing the way for us. we long for godly community, and to be rebuilt in our faith and our family.

in seeking employment, i have found a position as a substitute teacher at a local christian school, which will allow me plenty of time to pursue my creativity as well. one of my hopes for the future is to build an online shop, and i've gotten started here. i'm hoping to build a unique inventory, and to eventually create my own brand and product line. sometimes it feels like i'm aiming too high, but i don't want to settle for little dreams.

i hope you will continue to follow my blog, as i anticipate having more time and energy to invest here. i really do want to share so many details from my every day life, and i am counting on exciting details in the future.

as we move forward, i'll ask for your prayers and encouragement. i'm sure there's hard work ahead.
-karey

Myrle Medeiros

2011-08-29T16:19:00.000-04:00

as many of you know, i love to thrift. i especially love a good junk store, where i leave feeling the need to wash my hands. my favorite shop is located minutes from my mother's house, and i can spend hours in there, though my hands get covered with grime from the experience.

it's almost always worth it, as i often find beautiful things, left unwanted or unappreciated by their previous owners. one such find was the artwork of Myrle Medeiros, and i feel so lucky to have picked them up accidentally.

i was looking for picture frames to use as trays for Ethan's second birthday party, and i found a matching set of rough, wooden frames, priced at $3 a piece. both had family documents in them; one was a certificate for the World's Greatest Grandfather, dated in the 70s.

"Sugar Bon" and "Huck Finn"

when I took out the glass and certificates (to clean the frames), these prints appeared, and i was instantly enamored. with their bright doe eyes and vibrant colors, i couldn't help but show off the amazing treasure i had unearthed.

as much as i had planned to research the artist, and share them here, i never got around to it, but yesterday, i was reading Thompson Family Life, and found the image below.

Medeiros's Sugar Bon, with the pink ribbon, via Danielle

do you see it? the little girl with the kitten and their matching ribbons? i instantly recognized the style, and asked Danielle if she knew who the artist was. she responded quickly, sharing this link, where a fan has meticulously collected information about the artist and painting style.

i don't know that there is a technical term for the style, but the consensus seems to say "Big-Eyed Waif," and typically includes artwork that features children with large eyes. this trend was popular in the sixties and seventies, and included many artists, including Florence Kroger, and Margaret Keane, who sold the images under her husband's name.

i i was fascinated to find more of Medeiros's work, as well as information on the painting trend, and i'm so thankful that Danielle was able to help. i love my paintings, not because they are popular or well-known, but because of the saturated hues and beautiful faces.

hopefully, i'll be able to purchase a few more prints and start a small collection soon.

so, what do you think of my paintings?

-karey

twenty-five

2011-08-02T10:00:00.009-04:00

today is my birthday, and i am now a quarter-of-a-century old.

it is an odd thing to say, and even stranger to hear, but this birthday seems to be a milestone for me.
maybe it is because i feel myself in a transition, that falls so neatly with this birthday, or maybe it is because the age is changing me, but should i not approach this year differently than all the previous? will it mark a change for the future?

to be honest, i hope this birthday becomes a monument to the positive change i am making.

i want to make better choices, concerning what i eat, and i want to exercise more often, to take care of my physical body. i want to be a better wife and mother, caring wholeheartedly for my husband and son. i want to be more mindful of how i spend my time and money, both are too precious to be wasted. i wish to be kinder in the words i say, presenting the love of my savior to the people around me, and i want to be braver in expressing who i am, that i may never be ashamed of who God made me to be.

with all the wonderful things He has blessed me with, relationships, possessions, even talents and skills, i want to be a wise steward, and bring glory to Him in all things.

i also want this birthday to become a mark of the way i celebrate life.

i hope to continue to be joyful and curious, keeping the best things of youth without the tantrums or selfish impulses. i want to marvel at the world around me, and take pride in the work God has given me to do. i hope to laugh heartily with those around me, and build friendships based on mutual trust and enjoyment. i want every season to be a fresh opportunity to admire God's handiwork and worship Him anew.

as i turn twenty-five, i want to be clay in God's hands, as He shapes me into a person who brings Him glory. i do not want to worry over my bad habits, or question the wisdom in every decision. i want to bring a smile to God's face, that He should rejoice over me with singing.

-karey

whether or not your birthday is near, i hope you take the time to evaluate your life today, and begin reaching for the positive changes you wish to make. feel free to share them with me here, and i will lift you up in prayer as God continues to work in us all.

thrifty:glass jars

2011-06-09T11:19:00.000-04:00

i've been collecting glass jars for a little while now, just keeping ones from our kitchen and buying some from thrift stores, if i like them.

the last time we visited family, my mother-in-law offered me some glass jars, "you know, for canning." i gladly took them, but not because i like making jam or pickles. i don't think i know anyone who does, really.

in all honesty, i like the jars as they are. they're a staple of american culture, and i'd be content just to see them lined up on my shelf, but i'm trying to fight my packrat tendencies, so i have to admit that empty jars occupying valuable space isn't really reasonable.

which means i had to go looking for creative uses, and with all the things these jars can do, i can't wait to find some more. that's not excessive, is it?
-karey
do you have an affinity for glass jars? any good project ideas?

Tuesday is for Pictures

2011-06-07T17:27:00.001-04:00

hello, all!
i have decided that i am going to try a schedule for posting, just to give myself a little more accountability and structure to blog more. hopefully, it will help me to be a little more consistent.

with that, i have decided that i will try to put all my photography in one post for each week on Tuesdays!

this week, i've got some amazing sports images to share. we had some volunteers come play with our kids, and as usual, i pulled out my camera.

some photos just strike me as magical. it's an inspiration and a challenge, because i know i really had the tiniest part in capturing these moments. that's when i remember i'm an amateur, and i'm still learning so much about this craft.
i guess i should lay it out like a goal, that i want to create these images, not just capture them.
i think i'd give my right arm for some models i could shoot for free. ones whose faces i could actually post, that is.

i can't complain too much, i know that i'm blessed to have my camera and an eye for even capturing these shots. and i have the assurance that i'm improving.
see you next tuesday with ~~better~~ more pictures!
-karey

thrifty

2011-06-05T12:58:00.000-04:00

it has been a while since i've posted here, and life has simply been a mess for me lately, but never fear, i am coming back to my crafty ways, and will soon have my camera in hand, like a trusty sidekick once more.

what i have to share today is fairly simple, but i wanted to share it anyway, and its my blog, right? last week, i went thrifting and had a marvelous time. i came back with several treasures, the first of which was a necklace of teal beads. it was a little long, so i un-strung the beads, and stored them in this cute little mason jar, a gift from my mother-in-law. i actually returned with more than a dozen jars, a couple of them are a few odd sizes, but i like them all. (i'm actually building a small collection of glass jars.)

i then took a few pictures, and re-strung the beads on a shorter string, measuring it against my neck to find a length i liked. it was pretty simple, and luckily, the fastener was simple enough to reuse. and now i have a beautiful necklace that i love!

what do you think? i've worn it twice already and i LOVE it!
-karey

Giveaway Winner!

2011-05-22T10:21:00.000-04:00

Congratulations, LERINDA!

I'll be sending you an email today for your mailing address.

-Karey

giveaway:

2011-05-14T22:45:00.000-04:00

i created these coasters for Mother's Day, sending a set to my mom and mother-in-law with tons of love.
they were incredibly fun to make, though i spent a lot of time tweaking the pattern and figuring out which color combinations i liked most. all in all, it took less than a week to make three sets, though there were several extras that got abandoned. wrong colors and all.

while i didn't have enough to make a set for everyone i wanted to, i did make an extra set to give away! if you would like to win a set of four handmade coasters, just leave a comment between with your name and email address, and i will pick a winner at random.

the giveaway will be open until Thursday May 20th at midnight EST, and i will pick a winner on Friday May 21st~
good luck!
-karey

134/365

2011-05-14T21:52:00.000-04:00

isn't this pretty? this was the package i made for mother's day for my mom and mother-in-law.
come back later for a special surprise!
-karey

131/365

2011-05-14T21:45:00.000-04:00

if you saw this riding down the road, wouldn't yo utake a picture too?
unless i'm the only one who does that...
it's very likely that's the case.
-karey

127/365

2011-05-14T21:43:00.000-04:00

i have found that sports photography is not my niche. i'm never comfortable shooting, and i find it takes about one hundred shots to capture the one that really speaks to me. while i think that having a telephoto lens might help, i'm not quite willing to make that investment, especially since i can't even share most of the pictures i do capture. oh well.
i've not been very consistent in taking pictures lately, i blame it all on the month of march. going that long without having a predictable schedule or routine has thrown me for a loop, and i'm just now getting back into the regular swing of things.
hopefully, i can start taking more photographs again.
and blogging them regularly, too.
-karey

115/365

2011-05-05T13:37:00.000-04:00

i've been on a floral kick lately, i think it's probably just the spring weather talking. not that spring in miami is really spring-like. it's too tropical, by which i mean hot and muggy.
anywho, back to the flowers.
i've started the habit of photographing flowers when i go to the grocery store. i take them with my cell phone and then post them to twitter. i absolutely love it, and i hope you do too.
go check it out: twitter.com/karimusBUNCH
these were not taken in a grocery store, nor with a cell phone. ain't they pretty?
-karey

114/365

2011-05-05T12:17:00.000-04:00

this was ethan's first real easter basket. last year, we were living on a shoe-string, just surviving. this year, we're blessed to be able to get him an easter basket, so we did! we didn't want to give him just candy, so it was bubble, elmo, and goldfish. don't worry, he had a chocolate bunny, as well as some jelly beans and peeps, but there wasn't anything beyond that. it was more than enough sugar for a toddler...
-karey

113/365

2011-05-05T12:12:00.000-04:00

i like the shadow these plants make on the outside wall of our apartment. is that silly?
i certainly hope so...
-karey

109/365

2011-05-05T12:02:00.000-04:00

i think i've decided that ethan will have a regular post here about once a month. who doesn't like to see my beautiful boy, right?
this kid astounds me so often. he now knows how to work my phone, finding the application that has a slew of kid-oriented, musical videos, and has somehow fallen in love with squirt guns. luckily, they're usually empty.
i'm so blessed to be able to see him grow up every day.
-karey

106/365

2011-05-05T11:57:00.000-04:00

we came down to key west for the weekend with danny's family, and it was pretty fun. not at all what i expected, but i enjoyed our time there. unfortunately, i didn't do a very good job taking pictures.

i did, however, catch a picture of this beautiful sign.

can you believe this? i found it hilarious.

-karey

100/365

2011-05-05T11:50:00.000-04:00

these paintings were a flea market find. $10 for three, a couple years ago. i have held onto them because i like the paintings, but recently i decided to use the frame for something else. until i find replacement frames, or another purpose for these beautiful paintings, i'm hanging them from pants hangers in my craft closet, newly organized, by the way.
eventually, i'll show you my craft space.
-karey

94/365

2011-05-05T11:36:00.000-04:00

we took all the kids to grapeland water park today, and it is a beautiful place. most of the structures feature artwork by a local artist, Romero Britto. he typically uses bright colors and repetitive patterns, as is shown on this alligator.
i don't know that i'm a fan, it's a little busy for my taste, but it definitely fits the culture and weather of miami, where everything is a little crowded and colorful. it was perfect for the water park, simply because of how cheerful it is. that at least, leaves me looking for more of his work.
-karey

Good Friday

2011-04-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

I do not always reflect on the importance of Good Friday for us, as Christians, but today I am humbly reminded of how much Christ suffered on my behalf.
Today, we celebrate, remember, even mourn Christ's death. The Messiah, promised to set the Israelites free and expected to overthrow Rome, was hung on a cross between two criminals and died a torturous death.
Imagine his disciples and their grief, as the Rabbi they followed for years died.
Remember the passage where Jesus asks them if they are going to leave him, and they say, "Where would we go?" They were not counting on anything other than him, and in his death, they lost the very one for whom they were living.
Today is a day often marked with solemnity, and I believe this is an appropriate response. We understand what Jesus accomplished through his death, that we are free from sin and reunited with God, but it is a stark, painful reminder of what I deserved, because of my rebellious heart.
In two days, I will celebrate the risen Savior, and my freedom from sin, but today, I remember the darkness of my own heart, and the one who chose to take the punishment I deserved.
-Kalrey

No School Today

2011-04-22T09:58:00.000-04:00

Today is a holiday, which means there's no school. Our boys will be home all day, and we have the opportunity to love them more than a regular school day. I've promised one of the guys that we will watch a movie for him (he's been wanting to watch it for weeks, we ordered it from Netflix especially for him), and I hope that most of the house joins us.
I have to admit that this week has been especially hard on me, and I can't quite pin down the cause. It's really been a normal week, but something has made it a little harder to bear. I had a breakdown last night, and cried myself to sleep, but the release of pent-up stress leaves me better able to function this morning. (I hope.)
One thing that I can say, is that in the very worst moment, with my heart breaking, I cry out to God. He is my anchor, my hope. I know that this job would be impossible on my own, as a selfish person, but when I depend on His strength, and rest in His spirit, I am able to wake up each day, no matter how bad the day before, and prepare myself for His work.
Hoping you enjoy today,
-Karey

93/365

2011-04-09T15:41:00.000-04:00

i cannot remember the last time i dyed eggs for easter, so it must have been a while ago. luckily, we get to revisit a lot of childhood traditions with our boys, and it was so much fun. the first two you see here were done by my wonderful husband. i love that he created an egghead self-portrait. handsome, yes?
mine was a simple sunset, though i couldn't get the blue to color over the purple, i was told it was because i dipped it too many times. it still looks pretty, right?
a group set up all the details for us, so it was really no work at all! that being said, if you wanted to do this in your home, here's what you would need to do:
mix food coloring and vinegar to desired colors and concentration. cover table with newspaper or table cloth. place dye in bowls on table. give spoons and hard-boiled eggs to all participants. go crazy.

i can't imagine that it would be difficult to set up or do, and many of you have experience with this anyway. it's just been too long for me.
-karey

89/365

2011-04-09T14:41:00.000-04:00

the second thing you notice when you visit our backyard is the merry-go-round. the first thing, obviously, is the looming buildings in the backdrop, but the merry-go-round holds a special charm, especially for the young and young at heart. every time we have a group that wants to be outside, someone always jumps on, and it's not long before it's spinning heartily, often accompanied by cries of delight and nausea.
i jumped on this evening, and got some shots of a few of our girls as they held on for their lives. i was so sick, i was off again before it finished spinning, but the pictures i captured were worth every second of nausea.
i can't share the pictures with you here, but ask me the next time you see me with my laptop.
the experience has been logged as an inspiration or concept for future photo-shoots. at least for clients who don't suffer motion sickness.
-karey

88/365

2011-04-09T14:31:00.000-04:00

tonight, i found myself in the worst waiting room ever. there was no receptionist, no tv, just an air of defeat or depression.
it was difficult to capture the emotion with my camera, but i love that you really get a sense of my own curiosity.
have you ever been in a waiting room, and just wondered what was happening down the hall?
or is that just me?
-karey

87/365

2011-04-09T14:15:00.000-04:00

we had a group over tonight and played several "Minute to Win It" games. This one was a lot of fun. The point was to use your breath to blow all the cards off the stack, except for the card on the bottom. Here, you can see Danny contemplating his strategery before he begins.
-Karey

86/365

2011-03-27T21:36:00.000-04:00

our boys love basketball, and i love taking pictures while they play. tonight i got some amazing shots of them hanging in the air, fingertips stretching for a ball just out of reach. unfortunately, i can't post those here, confidentiality and all. so i get to search through shots where faces are hidden or turned, and hope that at least one is blog-worthy.
this one fit the bill. the face you see here was our volunteer tonight, Travis, who was a complete mystery until he showed up. he got along well with our guys, and after a lively dinner conversation, they struck up a game of basketball.
there's almost a magic about sports photography, with a shutter speed fast enough to freeze athletes at the height of performance. it gives them an air of grace and dignity, don't you think?
-karey

84/365

2011-03-27T15:36:00.000-04:00

our last day of vacation warranted some loafing about. it was wonderful fun to lay in bed and play a little. ethan has his daddy's personality, and watching the two of them is so much fun. they are silly and sweet, and i love them to pieces.

do you like this smile? it was a response to "where's mommy?"
i guess he's used to my camera replacing my face.

these last two pictures were actually captured by danny. i've done a little editing, but he got some great moments. i love the graininess of the shots, it gives them a comfortable edge that works. i may employ him more often.

we are back in miami, and back to work, so posting will still be sporadic. hope you guys don't mind.
-karey

81/365

2011-03-27T15:24:00.000-04:00

this lovely clock is located in the chattanooga airport, right by the security checkpoint. i thought i'd snap a quick picture as i prepared to head home. unfortunately, i was stuck in the airport for six hours. sandi and i both joked that we could have slept in, and i still would have made my flight.

there was a mechanical issue before the plane came to chattanooga, so i'm sure the people coming had a worse time than those of us leaving. it was my first delay, and i have to say, i took it like a champ. being naturally cheerful and all.
-karey

80/365

2011-03-27T15:03:00.000-04:00

the chattanooga zoo is a great place to spend a couple hours on a sunny day. especially for eight dollars. right inside the gift shop/entrance is a group of monkey sculptures. i just loved the expression on this one.

it's a small zoo, comparatively, but it was perfect for our three-year-old. we didn't quite get through the whole park, but that's because we were hungry for lunch, and left early.

isn't this guy just so photogenic? i LOVE animals.

i'm always amazed at the colors and textures of animals. i have a lot of respect for designers and artists, but somehow, the handiwork of God just shows us all up. i was so inspired when i left the zoo, i'm glad i got some pictures to come back to, because it would be hard to pull all those colors from my memory!

i would like to introduce my friend, who was so entranced with my camera that he climbed down from his post and followed me across the fence!

i kept moving, trying to get a good shot of his wings, and their colors, but he just moved with me.

there was a separate area for "misunderstood" animals, like lizards and snakes. i like snakes, and these iguanas were beautiful. i wish the color in this photo had been a little richer, because they don't come across as colorful as they really are.

what we have here is a skink, which is just a certain species of lizard. i loved the way he was wrapped around this limb in the top of his cage, like an awesome hideout.

some of the other animals were housed in ways that were hard to get good shots. i don't like to see a lot of bars or glass between my camera and the animal, and i absolutely love when i can get extremely close to my subject. i tried to be respectful, and i only crossed one fence, for the lovely macaw, but it would have been nice to get closer. i might have to see how the metrozoo, here in miami, houses their animals. it'd be a good excuse to get some more pictures.
-karey

78/365

2011-03-27T13:57:00.000-04:00

the footbridge in chattanooga, tennessee.
-karey

77/365

2011-03-27T13:53:00.000-04:00

this is the reason i traveled to Tennessee: my beautiful sister. she has a big heart, a quick wit, and her nose crinkles when she laughs. i love that about her.
life is pretty hectic with two boys, but she is doing well. and our week together was wonderful.
-karey

76/365

2011-03-20T13:34:00.000-04:00

nephew #1 playing with glowsticks.
-karey

75/365

2011-03-20T13:11:00.001-04:00

if you follow my blog, you've already seen this picture, but i wanted to post it again, since it was my favorite shot of the day.
one of the differences that i noticed in my photos, as a result of making a tutorial, is that instead of capturing a shot, i created it. i set up a back drop and arranged all the elements. besides the lighting, every bit of this was composed by me. and i like that thought.
-karey

74/365

2011-03-20T13:00:00.000-04:00

ethan's first time at kelly park, also known as rock springs. he loved looking at the fish in the water, and riding with grammy on her float. not so crazy about the ice-cold water.
-karey

71/365

2011-03-20T12:55:00.000-04:00

went yard-sailing today, and actually found some beautiful things, which is out of the ordinary. i don't remember buying much, but i took my camera, and really enjoyed capturing these images. i almost wish i had bought those teacups!
-karey

70/365

2011-03-20T12:47:00.000-04:00

did you know we sent up a spy satellite on the eleventh?
neither did i, until we saw the smoke trail in the sky and did some research.
i thought it was interesting.
-karey

69/365

2011-03-20T12:45:00.000-04:00

another project started!

67/365

2011-03-20T12:00:00.000-04:00

a quick note!

2011-03-19T22:05:00.000-04:00

wanted to let you know, i've not been taking pictures everyday, but i have been taking some. and they will be up soon!
in case you didn't know, i am visiting family in TN, and having a blast!
if you want to keep up with what's going on, feel free to follow me on twitter: @karimusBUNCH

have a good saturday night, y'all.
-karey

St. Patrick's Day Bracelet: A Tutorial

2011-03-16T22:30:00.000-04:00

For Valentine's Day, I used this tutorial to make gumball necklaces for the girls and women at work. It was a lot of fun and they all seemed to enjoy it.
Because it was easy enough, I decided to try it again for St. Patrick's Day, but with a slight twist.
I'm going to be flying on a plane tomorrow, and I didn't want to be wearing a bulky necklace at the airport. So I thought I'd try a bracelet instead.
Here's how I did it:

Materials:
Small green gumballs, available at Michael's for 2.99 a bag, I got the lime and green apple colors.
Thin craft ribbon, also available at Michael's for .50 a spool, I bought four spools in a couple colors
Needle large enough for your ribbon
Awl or Metal Skewer

Sidenote: In the necklace tutorial, she says to use a metal skewer, but because I couldn't find one, I ended up using a small awl. Anything thin, round and pointy should work; this is where my natural curiosity came in handy!

Instructions:

Hold the gumball between your finger and thumb, and pierce one side with your awl. Turn the gumball and pierce opposite the first hole.

Thread the ribbon through your needle and slide through your gumball.
If you want, you can knot the ribbon on both sides of your gumball to keep it from sliding.

Continue until your bracelet is the desired length, and tie in a pretty bow.

Variations:
Use fewer gumballs and braid the sides of the bracelet.
Make a necklace instead of a bracelet, or a matching set.
Use both colors on a bracelet: you can create a pattern, or use a single ball of one color on a strand of the second for a strong contrast.

I ended up making a few different styles, just because it's so simple and makes a pretty bracelet.
Hope you have a Happy St. Patrick's Day tomorrow!
-Karey

about Saint Patrick's Day

2011-03-13T22:27:00.000-04:00

as many of you know, st. patrick's day is quickly arriving, and as happy as i am to celebrate, i wanted to take the opportunity to share the origins of the holiday, because it makes a difference in how you celebrate.

Saint Patrick was not Irish, but British, though he was taken captive to Ireland when he was sixteen. He was a slave there until he was told by God, in a dream, to escape to the shore and take a ship back to Britain.

When he returned to Britain, he joined the church and studied to become a priest. He later returned to Ireland to evangelize, and according to folklore, used the shamrock as a teaching tool: a symbol of the trinity. He taught the Irish people until his death, and he was buried in Ireland.

The celebration of St. Patrick's day began as a feast day in Ireland and Europe by the ninth century, and eventually became a Catholic holiday.

It has long been a celebration of Irish culture, but the secularization of Saint Patrick's holiday began in the industrial revolution, when Irish workers marched on the occasion to make a statement about their working conditions and treatment as a group.

While the holiday remains marked by an overabundance of alcohol and green clothing, I am making an informed decision to celebrate Saint Patrick, for his love of the Irish people and his commitment to the Gospel. I will be wearing a shamrock, and I hope you will be too.
-Karey

64/365

2011-03-08T18:49:00.000-05:00

i'm not counting how many days i've missed, are you?

(i certainly hope not!)

this is my cousin's little man, isn't he handsome?

i offered to take portraits for her, because it's often something that we miss out on.

i absolutely LOVED shooting them!

it was a little uncomfortable, because i've never done this before, but after looking through the pictures with them, i've decided i did really well, and i can't wait to find another subject for portraits.

ethan doesn't even look at the camera anymore, i think he's done for a few years...

i'm still extremely inexperienced, but i know i'm making progress.

one of the things that i really need to work on is the client review appointment.

prices for prints, choosing which ones they want, it's a little much.

i think i need to work on those processes before i do another shoot.

-karey

a short hiatus.

2011-03-08T17:29:00.000-05:00

hey guys, i know that it's been a while since i posted, and i've not been taking pictures everyday.
i am thinking through what i want to do with this blog, and may be changing direction soon.
hope you guys stick around for the changes!
-karey

62/365

2011-03-03T20:44:00.000-05:00

one of the best things about coming to polk county is how we get to sit in on jackson's tae kwon do class.
it's an awesome opportunity for shooting.
the room has a large window facing the sunset, and the lighting is always beautiful.
add to that the simple white uniforms and the beauty of the human body in motion: i get some beautiful shots.
what i like about this one is the bright light and the reflection in the floor.
this space is really big, and i think you can feel that in this shot; we always have to be really quiet because the room echoes.
i hope jackson enjoys his class as much as i do.
-karey

61/365

2011-03-03T20:16:00.000-05:00

at the park, applesauce.

-karey

60/365

2011-03-03T20:13:00.000-05:00

as people like to tell me, ethan is all-boy.
meaning he's a rough-and-tumble kinda kid, who will be bringing home frogs and spiders, who will be scraping his knees and jumping out of trees.
i guess they're trying to prepare me for those scrapes, but i think i know what's coming.
luckily, he's also a happy kid, so unless it really hurts, he's up again pretty quickly.
the hard part is getting him to look at the camera for a picture.
-karey

56/365

2011-03-03T19:53:00.000-05:00

this is my nephew, Sammy, isn't he cute? he's fifteen months old, and he is a ham. i was in jacksonville, nc with my brother and siser-in-law, and ethan loved playing with his cousin. if only the fifteen hour drive up and back had been a little easier. luckily, family is always worth the drive.

i really like this portrait of Sammy, i only wish the shot where he's holding the spoon in a silly grin wouldn't have been blurry. oh well.

hope your night is sweeter than applesauce.

-karey

55/365

2011-03-03T19:46:00.001-05:00

photography is capturing light. and it's not always the expected light either. i've mentioned before that i love nighttime shots. they really are my favorite, because the absence of sunlight makes us create our own, and that makes an interesting photograph.

i love that these lights look like graffiti. it's not a difficult thing to do in a moving vehicle, but until you review the photographs, you never know if the results are beautiful or not.
i think this is beautiful.
-karey

53/365

2011-03-03T19:41:00.000-05:00

it's another self-portrait whose only purpose is to show off my curly hair. i found a simple tutorial online involving an elastic headband, and the results have lasted longer than any curling iron or rollers i've ever used. it was exciting.

i've been struggling with posting lately, and a part of me is no longer interested in blogging or taking pictures. i don't know if it's simply the season or what, but i'm trying to re-evaluate why i do what i do, and whether or not it's worth doing. keep me in your prayers.

-karey

50/365

2011-02-20T15:47:00.000-05:00

there are times where i wish i had the freedom to display pictures of our boys.
i take my camera everywhere, and even though they complain when i take photographs, i often capture them in beautiful shots.
unfortunately, my job requires confidentiality, so i can't share their beautiful faces.
it's a short-lived sadness, because i have big plans.
most of my pictures are going up on the walls here at the house. we have many frames already, and i'm excited to fill them and purchase more.
as much as they complain, i've found that they love to see the pictures i've taken, and they often let me know which ones they want displayed.
fickle boys. :)
-karey

49/365

2011-02-18T21:52:00.000-05:00

-karey

48/365

2011-02-18T10:13:00.000-05:00

any idea who is at our door?
i'm not really sure either. :)
being at fbch has begun to feel like community. preparing for the valentine's party really made me feel connected with the staff here, and the kids have always had a special place in my heart. it seems like the two cottages are closer than ever, and there's almost always someone at the door or on the couch.
i love my job.
it is a challenge, but it is also a blessing.
where else could i live on 6 acres in Miami?
where else could Danny and I be home 24/7 with our son?
this project started because i wanted to develop as a photographer, and i feel that happening, but it's also become a window into my everyday life, making me re-evaluate how i spend my time and seeing blessings instead of obligations.
thank you, Lord, for changing my perspective.
-karey

47/365

2011-02-18T10:01:00.000-05:00

i'm still not a morning person, but there is something about having a toddler in your bed that can only make you smile. i usually hate the graininess of 800 ISO, but in this shot, it just feels right. like laying in bed long past when you should get up.
we need to call the babysitter, because mommy wants to sleep in.
-karey

46/365

2011-02-18T09:51:00.000-05:00

this was a late-night shot, yes, but it also shows some creative effort from the day.
it took a total of fifteen minutes, but at least i finished. (which is more than i can say for most everything else)
this used to be a t-shirt, and is now a fabric necklace. the internet is full of tutorials and examples, if you want to know how. here's the one i used.
not necessarily expanding my skills, but i worked my crafting muscle.
(twenty-nine, thirty. okay, done for the day)
-karey

45/365

2011-02-18T09:39:00.000-05:00

one of the disadvantages of postponing blogging is that holidays and such are celebrated in retrospect, but valentine's day was crazy around here. i woke up early to finish my valentine's goodies for the girls on campus, and then everyone was busy preparing for a valentine's party that we do every year. it was so fun, and so much work.
when i finally made it to bed, i think i collapsed!
but it was a blast, and i can't wait for next year. hopefully, i'll be more prepared and can actually send out goodies to family and friends, in addition to the party planning.
sending love your way, only four days late!
-karey

44/365

2011-02-18T09:31:00.000-05:00

ethan's first time in a play-place. it was an interesting adventure, because he's not really big enough to climb up the tunnels by himself, and i'm definitely too old to be there alone. nevertheless, we scurried through the turns together, and it was an opportunity to see things from a different angle. i will probably be crawling after him again, because i want to explore the possibilities inside the tubing. claustrophobia, here i come!
-karey

43/365

2011-02-12T22:11:00.000-05:00

when we headed to church this evening, i was struck by the colors of the sunset. i'm not talented enough, nor
have the right software, to make all those colors appear in my photos, but this one is pretty lovely.
hope you have a lovely evening.
-karey

42/365

2011-02-12T22:08:00.001-05:00

i have been waiting to take this shot for a long time, though i may revisit it to play with the angles and framing of this shot.
this was taken at dadeland station, on the fourth floor of the parking garage.
the way the wires, parking spot and ramps line up really makes me happy, and i think it would be a beautiful setting for portraits or fashion photography.
any volunteers for modeling?
-karey

41/365

2011-02-12T22:02:00.000-05:00

days full of crafting mean i have no time or energy to take good pictures. this is a last-minute shot, and i am only partially sorry for it. i have more to post, and then you will be proud.
-karey

40/365

2011-02-12T21:55:00.000-05:00

this is one of my favorite possessions.
and i wanted to share him with you today.
he was made in mexico, purchased in georgia, and transported to miami, where he sits in a place of honor above the sink.
luckily, we don't make him hold the soapy sponges or anything gross. instead, his mouth is full of seashells.
that's nicer than a soapy sponge, right?
-karey

39/365

2011-02-12T21:46:00.000-05:00

i pulled out some crafting supplies to make a mess.

if you know me, you know that's what i do best.

making messes.

there is something about having all my supplies or ingredients spread all over the available counter and sometimes floor space, and just diving in to the creative process that really satisfies my need to make.

danny, of course, is like one of the horsemen of the apocalypse, as he comes in and announces, (not specifically to me, but definitely in my general direction), "this place is a mess."

by which, he typically means, "karey, we only have a few minutes before the boys get home/dinner needs to be served/someone important is coming over, and it would be wise for you to evaluate your priorities for the next few moments and consider putting these supplies in a less conspicuous location."

i hope that comes across as humorous, that's how i meant it.

i can see us fifty years from now, like the plot of an evening sitcom: i am surrounded by craft supplies, paint up to my elbows, and danny comes in, somewhat dismayed at the mess i always make, announcing that our children will be arriving soon. i know he loves me, and i am grateful that he puts up with me and my messy ways.

i've been making messes a lot this week, which may be part of the reason why i haven't been blogging (this is an apology), but my need to create has been quenched somewhat.

i'm hoping to find a little more balance in the future.

-karey

38/365

2011-02-12T21:33:00.000-05:00

today was a beautiful, foggy day. my absolute favorite weather.
and i took a few pictures on lake elbert, in winter haven.

for some reason, misty days remind me of story-books, and wonderful fairy tales. it just always seems like a magical day when everything is softened like this. here's another picture for free.

-karey

37/365

2011-02-12T21:23:00.000-05:00

subtitle: happy birthday, grammy!
we went to lunch for kathy's birthday, and she mentioned she wanted a picture with her grandsons.
do you know how hard it is to get a nine- and one-year-old to smile nicely for a picture? it's pretty dang difficult!
but that's part of the charm, right?
a few more shots will be on facebook, if you want to see them. if you don't know me on facebook, just look me up, first & last name, cuz i'm a normal person these days.
-karey

36/365

2011-02-12T21:17:00.000-05:00

this is my big, beautiful painting. that i paid fifteen dollars for.
yes, you read that right.

i absolutely love this painting. the colors are vivid, and once i find enough space for it in our apartment, i will display it proudly.
it's pretty dirty, and there's one spot where the acrylic is chipping, i think it got hit pretty hard. i don't consider either of those to be serious issues. i mean, it was fifteen dollars!
the only real issue: the frame has to go. i'm not a fan of faux bamboo, as it reads too beach hotel-ish. but i'm hoping the canvas (gallery wrapped) is in good enough condition to hang it without a frame.
i got this at a thrift store a few miles from my mom's house. it's a giant, blue warehouse, and i spent two hours drifting through the shelves. it's really quite dingy, but junk stores are my favorite! i haven't found any in miami that i absolutely love, but i keep looking.
-karey

update

2011-02-11T15:49:00.000-05:00

yes, i've been gone for a while. no, i haven given up or failed in my YIP 365.
so yes, i'm still taking pictures, and yes, i'll be blogging them soon.
i've just kind of logged off for the past week. for the first part, danny and i were off work and visiting family.
then we came back to work and i was busy making valentine's cards for strangers.
i'll be writing soon. keep your eyes open!

how you know your weekend will be swell

2011-02-04T20:50:00.000-05:00

1. you do something new (like ride a train)
2. you stay up late, looking at beautiful things on the internet (pinterest.com)
3. you have a yard-sailing map/list for early saturday morning (community sales are the best!)
4. you will be seeing your mom, instead of watching the superbowl (can't wait!)
-karey

35/365

2011-02-04T19:41:00.000-05:00

today, i went on my very first train ride. and it was pretty cool.
besides the nap-skipping toddler who refused to sit still...
just a lesson learned on that point. i really enjoyed the trip, simply because neither danny or i had to drive!

i've not been doing very well with any type of goal or personal responsibility lately, and that's something that really needs to change. i've felt very irresponsible and hopeless as well, but i know that by God's grace, i am able to become who i was created to be, and i am on my way towards that goal. amen?
i don't know if anyone else has felt discouraged lately, but i hope you hear me when i say that if Jesus is your Lord and Savior, what He says about you is more important that how you feel.
Zephaniah 3:17 says that He rejoices over you with singing. i love the idea that the Creator of the universe, this all-powerful God, loves each of us so much that He bursts into song. if you can separate the idea from the cheesy, musical connotation, it becomes a powerful image of joy.
i'm hoping you know your worth in the eyes of your Creator.
-karey

34/365

2011-02-04T19:29:00.001-05:00

this is a sketch i did for the art team at church... ain't it pretty?
it got rejected, but i'm okay with that. i kinda gave it the boot myself.
i don't want to talk about that, i want to talk about how it was created. someone mentioned the idea of having cupped hands for a logo image, so i wrote that down and decided to try it. i had one of the guys cup his hands, and i took a picture. then i printed out the picture in black and white, and drew the hands, using the image as a reference, no tracing at all. i then simplified my drawing, and traced the words from a sketch i made earlier that day.
i absolutely love this sketch, and i've considered using it to make some fine art prints, though probably with a different phrase. whatcha think?
-karey

33/365

2011-02-04T19:22:00.000-05:00

i don't think this is a good picture at all, but i did want to show you one of the things i love about driving in miami at night: the bus-stops. they have these bright, blue lights illuminating the bus-stops, and i just love the way they look. maybe one day, i can do a portrait at the bus-stop and really show you why i like them so much.
-karey

a goal

2011-02-01T20:39:00.000-05:00

i'm not very good about making and keeping goals, but i'm going to try and make a little progress on my 24 before 25.
i'm taking one of my goals, my ripple afghan, and being a little more specific this month.
my specific goals are to complete one row per day, for a total of twenty-eight rows this month.
whether or not i finish this, i will make progress. and that's the true goal, right?
-karey

32/365

2011-02-01T19:18:00.000-05:00

i was taking pictures to show you how i finally filled my teal frame, when a toddler crept onto the set. which is totally fine with me. it keepts the photos from being too lifeless.

it seems he really likes this frame/artwork, which is pretty cool. the canvas in the frame was a dollar find at target. i had planned on adding more color to the black and white print, but it looks good for now. it may get a paint job later.
i can't believe it's february first already. anyone else feeling time fly?
-karey

31/365

2011-02-01T18:34:00.001-05:00

this is the face of a toddler stuck at the dmv.
actually, this is the face of anyone stuck at the dmv.
we were only there for two hours, i mean, it could have been worse, right?
and now, we are officially florida residents!
it's hard to believe i've made it a whole month with blogging and photography.
i'm not a pessimist by any chance, but i know myself well enough to know that my biggest flaw is lack of discipline. but here i am, making progress.
one day at a time.
-karey

30/365

2011-01-31T16:55:00.000-05:00

meet marley, our chicken. i'm not sure how long he'll be staying with us(the boys hope its forever), but he's really made himself at home. i have no experience whatsoever raising chickens, but danny says this little guy should be fine just roaming outside. thank goodness for a low-maintenance pet!
technically, we have no clue what the gender of this chicken is, and we won't until "it" matures completely, but it's just easier to say "him."
i think i've decided that i need photoshop(or lightroom), and the plan is to compare specifics and then start saving. i think it will really help me develop as a photographer, at least in my post-editing. there are so many styles of editing, and they all change the feel of a photograph. i can't wait to play and really find my niche.
-karey

29/365

2011-01-30T10:18:00.000-05:00

this is another late-night shot, which means that i wasn't trying today. another wasted opportunity to really learn my craft.
this is one of my treasure from when kathy and i went yard-sailing. i actually got it at an estate sale, which is completely different. it is strange to rifle through someone's possessions, all the stuff that creates a time-line of their existence. i found it disconcerting, and it changed the way i viewed the things that i own.
i really love this painting, the texture of the acrylic, the moody colors., the lines.

-karey

28/365

2011-01-29T11:52:00.000-05:00

i would have posted this last night, but we were out until eleven, and being the parent of a toddler and teenagers, i needed to get to bed at that point.
we were invited to the homestead rodeo with our boys last night (thanks jenn & jeff!), and it was a lot of fun. it was the first rodeo i've ever been to, and an excellent opportunity to take some pictures. wanna see some more?

-karey

27/365

2011-01-27T16:55:00.001-05:00

almost forgot

2011-01-26T22:28:00.000-05:00

please keep me in your prayers, as i am considering opening a small online shop to sell my images. i'm looking into the details, and it seems doable, but i need to know that God will be honored in this.
thanks,
-karey

26/365

2011-01-26T22:01:00.001-05:00

these night-time driving portraits are fun. they may become a weekly thing. this was actually a difficult shot to pull off, mostly because you have to guess where your view finder is aimed; that or crane your neck into an unnatural position and then guess where your head should be. but this one worked out, and i love it.

i've got another one to share, hope you don't mind.

have a good evening,
-karey

25/365

2011-01-25T22:33:00.000-05:00

one of the groups i've entered on flickr does a weekly assignment, and this week, it was floral. luckily, i live in miami, where it's unbelievably warm, even in january. there are several types of flowers in our front yard, and i took over fifty shots this morning. this pretty one made it inside.
i like this shot because it's closer than i ever thought i could get with this camera/lens. technically, this shot would be considered macro, because the printed image would be larger than the subject in real life. interesting thought, right?
i was very pleased with many of the shots i took, and that boosted my confidence. anyway, i've stayed up too late, tune in tomorrow to see what i did with my paper towel inspiration.
-karey

24/365

2011-01-24T21:54:00.000-05:00

it's funny how often the smallest details pass you by. so many people talk about the little things that matter, the small things that make life worth living. but how often do we really notice them?

this is one of the small details. it's the texture on our paper towels. it's not going to make any difference to anyone in this house but me. it's made a big impact on me.

it's probably just because valentine's day is looming, but i find the fact that our paper towels are patterned with hearts incredible. i'm planning on using this for inspiration for something, i'll have to see how it manifests, and then show it off.

by the way, do you know the texture of your paper towels?

-karey

23/365

2011-01-23T21:05:00.002-05:00

for the first time in a long time, i went roller skating. (technically, i was roller blading. whatever.)
it was so fun. it has been a long time since i felt so euphoric, so free.
if you've known me since i turned eleven, you may know about my roller blading phase. i pretended to be a famous ice skater in the parking lot across the street from my parents house, where i attempted jumps and twirls, lifting my leg behind me in what i hoped was a graceful position.
i fell a lot, scraping knees and elbows, busting my bum a million times, but i learned.
and tonight, it all came back to me. i felt graceful, as i glided over the smooth wood, feeling the wheels spin beneath my feet. i was fast, weaving in between all the wobbly skaters, smiling at our kids lined up on the walls. i zoomed around the rink, feeling so much lighter than i have in years.
when we first walked in, i asked danny if he had ever seen me skate. it used to be such a big part of my life, and i never realized when it fell from my priorities. it's sad, because danny had never seen me skate before. i wonder how i looked, as i raced around, a silly grin plastered to my face.
i think i looked happy, probably a little silly, hopefully a bit whimsical.
-karey

22/365

2011-01-22T21:50:00.000-05:00

i've been hoping to capture a good traffic picture for a week or so, and this one is pretty close to perfect. it could use a little more post-editing, but i'm still not ready to get too crazy with that. i would have taken a picture earlier in the day, but i kept myself busy with housework. not that you mind my nighttime shots, right?
-karey

21/365

2011-01-21T20:04:00.000-05:00

this is ethan's wagon, but i love it just as much as he does. it was the only thing i really wanted for him for christmas, and we got it. the straps are pretty flimsy, and i think they've all been pulled out now, but it sure is pretty.
i love the lighting on this photo. it was an overcast day today, and the grey skies just make for softer lighting than direct sunlight. there aren't any harsh shadows or glares. i think it's beautiful.
-karey

20/365

2011-01-21T10:24:00.000-05:00

taking a picture everyday is becoming increasingly difficult, and i'm becoming less satisfied with the pictures i'm taking. i haven't used an inspiration resources lately, and that may make a difference. i am becoming more familiar and comfortable shooting in manual, so there's a positive side to my struggle. i'm still fairly new to many of the details of photography, so hopefully, i will be able to see improvement and increased satisfaction in the pictures i take.

-karey

19/365

2011-01-19T20:51:00.000-05:00

this is our backyard. it really is spectacular. if you've been here, you know. if you haven't, shame on you! come visit sometime, will ya?

this is also my yard-sale frame, all finished. i'm not sure if i want to hang it up, but i might use it to play with some photos for a while. i think it will make a good prop, so we'll see what turns up!

here's what happened when i told ethan to pick it up. i think this shot is fun, though i'm glad he hasn't taken possession of my frame. i like it too much to let him have it permanently.

-karey

18/365

2011-01-18T14:49:00.001-05:00

my brother always had a fascination with taking things apart, and i never really understood it, until today.
one of our boys left this iPod at the house after he took it with him in the pool. from what we heard, it hasn't worked since then.
i found it today and decided to see if i could get it to do anything.
i plugged it into my laptop, and it lit up, as it began to charge the battery and open itunes.
however, the click wheel and command buttons would not work, meaning we could store music and other files on the iPod, but we couldn't access them unless it was plugged in to a computer.
after looking at a few sites, which mostly said apple wouldn't repair water damage, i decided to open it up and have a little fun.
when i went to disconnect the cable between the click wheel and the ipod software, it was broken, either by my efforts or some other damage.
probably my fault, oops.
either way, the click wheel needed to be replaced.
so, now, i have a deconstructed ipod that's waiting for a replacement clickwheel.
hopefully, it will work once that's fixed.
-karey

17/365

2011-01-17T21:14:00.000-05:00

this is one the treasures i picked up while yard-sailing saturday. it started with a gold/brown finish and was quite dirty. the floral painting it housed was cracking badly, so i didn't feel too badly about removing it from the frame, which was fated for my nefarious crafting. (insert evil laugh)
i meant to get a before shot, because here, the frame has been gesso-ed, but i forgot. oh well.
i've seen so many upcycling posts about repainting decorative frames, that i've kind of had them on my radar for a while. finally seeing one that was perfect for this project was somewhat surprising. i usually feel like all the thrifty finds that people use for crafting are missing from wherever i live, but i guess that's not true, i just don't look in the right places.
the goal for this piece is a nice, light turquoise, but it may change, depending on my mood when i paint it tomorrow. hope your week started well.
-karey

16/365

2011-01-17T21:00:00.000-05:00

if you looked at my "24 before 25" post, this is a work-in-progress that i hope to finish by my birthday, approximately eight and a half months from now. i've only made a small bit of progress lately, but i absolutely love this pattern, as well as the colors i chose. if you happen to be a crocheter(is that even a word?!), you can find the pattern here.
one of the amazing websites that i frequent regularly is Ravelry. it requires you to create a log-in account, but this site is worth it. once you create an account, you have access to tons of knitting and crochet patterns by designers all over the world. many are for sale, but there are many more that are free. you can create a personal record of finished projects, works in progress, and a queue of designs you hope to work through. it even has information and purchasing contacts for many brands and fibers of yarn. phew.
well, that may be more than you wanted to know.
-karey

15/365

2011-01-16T09:58:00.000-05:00

in the middle of coral gables, away from the hustle and bustle of dixie highway, there is a fountain in the middle of a roundabout. while yard-sailing saturday morning with kathy, we decided to take a detour towards the biltmore hotel and passed this fountain. from the passenger seat, i noticed just a hint of foam sliding over the top bowl, and decided to investigate. when i walked up to the fountain, i noticed the whole bottom bowl of the fountain covered in foam. it was such a fun discovery, and to think, if i hadn't gotten up at 6:15 to go yard-sailing, and if we hadn't taken our detour, i never would've laughed at the fountain that got soaped.
i don't know who did it, and i don't know how much it costs to clean a fountain of dish soap, but i am pleased at the golden opportunity for a unique photo and a bonding moment with my mother-in-law.
we did eventually make it to the biltmore, but i wasn't really inspired. i was a little cowed, wondering how many people have taken pictures of this gorgeous hotel, and a little nervous, wondering how close i could get without security coming to move me off the lawn. the fountain was easier to photograph, if only because of the soap.
-karey

14/365

2011-01-14T20:41:00.000-05:00

you know the best thing about payday? you usually don't have to cook dinner. at least, i didn't tonight and boy, was that wonderful.
this wasn't my burger, i'm not really fond of eating vegetables (it's something like a revolving resolution for me), but isn't it pretty? one of these days, i'll try some of them funny-colored things, i almost did today (i was at subway, contemplating the tomatoes).
when i look at this picture, i get the same reaction as when i see a woman with too much makeup on. it's just a little overdone in the editing, right? it's still my best burger shot of the year, though, so up it stays. obviously, learning to edit my pictures is a process, and i'm still fairly new. so, i'm giving myself a little leeway on this one.
-karey

two weeks

2011-01-13T22:07:00.000-05:00

i've been taking daily pictures for two weeks now, and blogging almost daily as well. it's an intimidating thing, to think that my words are out there, with readers forming opinions somewhat haphazardly. i don't quite know what's driven me to blog regularly, except for a need to speak to the world, at least the people i know in this world.
i don't know if there is any eventual goal for this blog, or myself, really, but i hope to keep at it, maybe develop some plans as to what i want to do here. i've always felt that part of my purpose is to create, and to be creative in all things. maybe that's what's driven me here. maybe it will drive me crazy
that being said, i've thought about opening an etsy store. don't know what that is? click the link, i think you'll like it. the only thing is, i have no products, demographic, or business plan in mind. i don't even have much time to consider any of these things. but it's a desire i have, and i would like to consider it.
keep me in your thoughts and prayers as you read. i don't know where this blog is headed, but i hope you'll come along for the ride.
-karey

13/365

2011-01-13T21:48:00.000-05:00

i actually made it outside before the sun set today, with my camera in tow. isn't this gorgeous? one of the things i love about miami is how rare the rainy days are. there is always sunshine pouring in the windows, glaring off the buildings, filling up every open space. sometimes, it's overwhelming, but i do love it. and i love this shot.
it's an interesting puzzle, trying to adjust all the settings of a camera to capture an image the way it appears to your eye. recently, i have been shooting in manual, meaning i decide the mechanical aspects of taking a picture. it's frustrating at moments, because i can't always tell this machine what it needs to pick up, but at the same time, it's enthralling to know that i lined up all the details to capture some very beautiful images, like this one.
all the pictures taken up to this point in the year have been shot with my 18-50mm lens. i recently switched from my 50-200mm lens, and i'm thinking of pulling it out again. i just like the images it produces, and i can't explain the technical in a way that makes sense, even to me. i'm also hoping to buy some new lenses, don't quite know what i'm looking for yet, but there are plenty of resources to peruse. hopefully, i can experiment and grow as a photographer.
-karey

12/365

2011-01-12T20:44:00.001-05:00

have you read the lemony snicket books? i loved them, they are untraditional in their use of vocabulary and narration, and not a one has a 'safe' ending. i read these in high school, buying them one at a time, and i enjoyed them immensely. i may have to re-read them now, thanks!
i really took this picture to show off the new paint color. i'm in love, and i can't wait to begin adding decor peices to the room. when i first looked at the books next to the paint, i wondered how many of these colors i could include. most of our furniture is black, with all the trim work in white, so i could get away with many of these. my current favorite for color: number 8, "the hostile hospital."
-karey

11/365

2011-01-11T21:15:00.000-05:00

because he made such a mess of his dinner, the boy got an early bath. we then decided to let him roam in his diaper, but he asked, by putting them in my face, if he could wear his shoes and socks. we can always tell his emotional state by his relationship to his shoes. if he's in a good mood, he loves wearing them; if he's in a bad mood, off they come! this was a fun, silly moment in an otherwise long day, but we have survived and are looking forward to tomorrow. (hopefully we'll be painting!)
it always astounds me how big this boy is getting. and as often as i think that, i still can't wrap my head around it. here's an example: in three and a half years, he will be in kindergarten. it makes me realize that my time with him is precious, and i'm going to make an effort to savor every moment.
-karey

10/365

2011-01-10T19:15:00.000-05:00

if you ever need to procrastinate in the middle of washing dishes, this may be the most fun way to do so. it was quite peculiar, actually, to look over from scrubbing silverware to see a massive bubble growing in the other sink. it was so pretty, i couldn't help but take a picture, and when it burst, i grew another one!
it was fairly easy, just swipe your hand or sponge over the drain with a little mix of dish-soap and soap until it makes a film, and then blow a little hot air into the other drain. voila, the bubble grows.
i must have done it at least five times, and it never got boring. then i noticed my dishes still sitting there, so i got back to work.
it was a lovely distraction, and i got a few beautiful pictures for memory's sake.
-karey

9/365

2011-01-10T18:49:00.000-05:00

this is my to-do list for monday. because sunday was mostly wasted, on the couch. i don't know what it is about the first day off, but it always seems like we just sit around, and then i just feel terrible. seriously.
i know that we're entitled to relax on our first day off, and that working for sixteen days straight makes this more than likely, but i honestly felt like i should have been doing something productive.
then you can add in the fact that i am struggling with loneliness, and i'm a complete wreck by bedtime. yikes.
so i wrote a long journal entry, basically laying out all the terrible things i'm experiencing, and then my inner counselor took over, letting me know why i was wrong.
not really, but i did point out (to myself) what i could do about feeling lazy, hence the list for monday. there were a few work-related things, but mostly, it consisted of tasks around the apartment, and my highest priority was taking ethan to a park. so there you have it. i'm not exactly pleased with the photo for today, but it does have an back-story, and that makes it important.
i've got another post or two in me tonight, so keep your eyes open.

-karey

8/365

2011-01-08T21:03:00.000-05:00

who's having problems taking her pictures before the sun goes down? me. if you follow me on twitter (hint hint), you would have seen a post about a shot that i missed because i'm not taking my camera everywhere, which i should be doing. however, i am looking to correct that mistake.
anyway, today's subject is a balloon that one of our guys brought home for ethan. it was an awesome, free toy and he loved it. he's been hitting it around all afternoon. it's deflated some since he got it, it's actually a red balloon inside a frosted white one. wish i had gotten a shot before the outside balloon tightened up. oh well.
add that to the list of regrets from today. not that there are many....
-karey

7/365

2011-01-07T21:54:00.000-05:00

so, i downloaded picasa 3, free software for photos, and so far, i'm still confused. luckily, this photo started out pretty good, and picasa just made it better. self-portraits are tricky, and i usually feel awkward taking them, as if taking a picture of myself makes me vain. let me just say, danny has me beat on self-portraits.
hands down.
this is our messy room, and it's about to change. drastically.
okay, we're just moving the bed and getting a new sheet set. i'm still excited.
anything else to report tonight?
nope.
-karey

6/365

2011-01-06T21:49:00.000-05:00

this is the man, and his current favorite hobby/toy; i'm glad i caught him in the sunlight. during my busy day today, i snapped this quick shot in-between errands. i've really missed natural light in my photos lately, so i love what it does in this picture. maybe that means it's time to get some sunshine myself!

i don't own any editing software, though i've got a copy of adobe lightroom saved in my amazon wishlist. all i did was adjust the exposure histogram through windows live picture gallery. it's not even that complicated, and i like the result.

i'm glad that danny has really gotten back into reading, i just wish i had a little more time to pick up a good book every now and then. sheesh! i've got a short list started on amazon (same wishlist as lightroom), and if i ever get a kindle of my own, i'm sure i'll have a headstart on my reading list.
my bedtime has come and gone, hope you enjoy your evening!
-karey

snowflake update

2011-01-06T21:26:00.000-05:00

well, it didn't work out. this is what i woke up to this morning. it made an incredible mess, and wasn't nearly as photogenic as i wanted. oh well, it was adventurous and slightly whimsical. okay, really silly, whatever.
in other news, danny and i are off starting sunday, only 2 full days left in this shift! it's been a pretty relaxed rotation, but sixteen days still wears me down. thankfully, our boys have been in school all week, so we've had some personal time while they're away.
today's photo will be online soon!
-karey