Making A Daily Practice, the Photo Way...

Hip Pics

Two years ago, I got my first Iphone, and nothing has been the same ever since. No, really, I take this little camera out so fast my husband gets whiplash just trying to turn and not get caught in 18 frames of Hip Pics!

I LOVE photography and this little camera can do quite a number with photos - like REALLY fun stuff with photos! So, I quickly found the Hipstamatic app and haven't stopped playing with it since. You can play with frames and lens, there are so many possibilities. If you're not into vintage or Lomo or Helga, it's not for you, but if you're up for something "old school" this is a great find. Of course, there are a lot of other camera apps that I also use and can't live without! I probably use 5 or 6 of them almost daily. I have a page and folder full of these little treasures - and it's best to literally "play" with them as much as possible and see which ones work for you and your style of work.

Log on to ITunes or take a look and google some of the apps for IPhones, there are SO many. Reading reviews can be very helpful too - prior to making your purchases. It's best to go with apps that have been reviewed and are given 3 1/2-5 stars, they do make a difference.

A few of my Hipsta photos are shown here. There are a few others done with some other Iphone images and apps (Best Camera and PhotoBrush are also quite nice). If you're into decorating and editing your photos try apps like the PhotoShop app or RetroCamera and Photofunia - all of which are a lot of fun. You'll never be bored, that's for sure. You may even start to investigate photography a little more, and find a few new interests... You may even want to pick up the pro edition of PhotoShop for your own computer and expand your love for photos and the arts. Yes, just a little fun can expand your creative thinking in SO many ways!

Daily practice: (If, of course, you have an Iphone) start to play with your camera and a few of the photo apps - take a few shots of your office, your dog, your fish, your new shoes! Edit away. Use the photo with any of your new apps and test out new finishes. Repeat daily. After all, it's always a good idea to put a little "fun & play" into your every day.

A few Etsy finds and items from my Iphone Photo Collection: 

Silverhorse Photos

little landscape

Ewitsoe

Nedavanovaprints

Co-In-Side...

Over the past few months I've played, what feels like, a secret role - creativity coach. It's been an enjoyable "job" and it's brought me into life coaching, an even bigger "job."
Like most starting in this arena, I was a bit nervous about the undertakings, but I KNEW that it was what I needed to do.  Oddly enough, as I coach, I learn. I soak up every book, CD and podcast that I can get my hands, ears and eyes on. I don't even want to sleep.
I write. I take notes. I photograph. I create... and , I love it.
I wake up with, and go to sleep with, jitters in my stomach , just thinking of the possibilities. I can tell that it's "catching" too - from those who surround me every day, as well as those who I work with, and even people at a distance.
"Weird stuff," starts to happen. People love to call it "Coincidence," but I've never been able to use that word well - it doesn't exist. Authors and teachers explain that "co-inside-nce" derives from Latin, "to come together"... oddly enough!
And that's what's happening now - things are just "co-insid-ing" and coming together. It's a journey that will take more and time learning - but it's all about being present. It's about doing, not planning.
There are certificates and courses and books galore - of which I will partake in along my journey. But my past few "clients" have been great models of what creativity and life coaching is all about and they have made me, the teacher, understand my role ever so clearly.
If you're stuck, in a rut, not sure where to go next - remember you can only go where you are, now, and here. Start now. Listen now. Learn now. Life is SO exciting and it's all happening, now.

a few Etsy treasures (and co-in-siders! :) ....

KatieEverAfter

BrillianceFound

Emmalynne

Maechevrette

Geninne

RossellaJayne

Creativity & Life Coaching Site are coming soon! Stay tuned! 

To Market I Go!

About a year or so ago, an Asian food market opened in town. I didn't think much of it, only that I had never really been to one, and wasn't sure if it was something I could see myself "using," but, hey, it was nice to have something different in town.
After a few months, I got intrigued, it was snowy out, there wasn't much to do - why not try out the Asian market?! My daughter loved it. There were big fish heads to stare at, lots of pretty green veggies and beautiful packages of just about anything and everything. Of course, I couldn't understand a word , or, well, a character, but I just looked and wandered. It was fascinating. And, I did find some wonderful things - after all, pictures do tell great stories - or, at least give me an idea of what is in the package.
I'm now addicted to aloe juice - it's amazing how it cures my stomach ailments. I love the coconut oils and gels, they do wonders for my skin and hair. I can't live with a REAL Asian pink lady apple - yum! My daughter goes nuts for the giant peas and BIG funny-fruits that I never knew existed! Amazing.
I took another trip there just today. Walking in, on yet, another snowy day, I was greeted by these big, golden and cherry-red paper lanterns, flowers of brilliant colors and beautiful music. I wandered through the veggies and fruits aisles, still trying to figure out what the heck I'm looking at, but, again, no idea. There were the usual perfectly packaged little goodies covered in the most beautiful papers. (And, I have to say, after having resided in Italy for a few years, and knowing all about "goodies in pretty packing," these were stunning!). Then I came across a man who was on a mission. He KNEW what he wanted and he was scanning the aisle with a fierce look. He took his tiny hat in his hand while he pointed to each package. I got curious too, it was almost "catchy" how he was SO determined. "What the heck are these things?!," I asked myself once again. Squinting, with, and without my glasses, I wasn't far, but I had no clue what this little Asian Buddha was admiring. I moved in. It was small, they were small. They were... fish. Dried, refrigerated fish. Little guys. Little eyes. All packed in a little box with clear wrapping and pretty Asian characters all over them. Tons of them. All sizes and shapes, a whole aisle full. Now, in Italy, we used sardines to make lots of sauces and salads, but there was pretty much one version ... not here. The Asian market has lots more options. Of course, I still don't know what to do with tiny, dead, refrigerated fish, but, well, they were packaged so nicely.
I got to the check out line with my regular 5 items. I'm surrounded by a lovely group of Asian men, women and children, speaking in a language that sounds quite pretty. (I only speak English and Italian, but my curiosity for languages is always with me...) The cashier checked out the box of green beans I was purchasing and smiled. I smiled and nodded, thanking her for her approval of my purchase. I didn't get smiles for my other items... Well, one out of four is ok.
After I left I felt a profound sense of gratitude. I had always taken for granted that this market was simply here, in town. Now, however, I am thankful, grateful. I get to learn about an amazing culture, right in my own backyard.


A few Etsy finds... reminders of today's visit:

honeytree

luclieskitchen

Auryndesign

Snow Paintings...

More snow... Good thing I got some REALLY awesome snow boots this winter! I also feel as thought I've been able to be home a little "extra," for a reason... like getting to do more of what I enjoy doing....hmmm???
I was never a snow-bunny. Never enjoyed ski trips with friends, but did love lodge-living! Never loved snow-mobiling, but zoomed off anyway, and prayed for dear life as we flew across the snow-bound farms. But now that I'm a mom, I love the snow! Or, maybe, I've decided to just flow with the snow, why not?! I love wearing my really awesome snow boots. I love pulling my daughter on the sled. I love watching our dogs frolic. I love taking photos of the snow covered trees and lakes and ocean. I love looking at the contrast on the branches. I love knowing that every one of those flakes is unique, yet they form some of the most breath-taking, picturesque scenery.
This morning I went down to the bay and took some photos. They didn't come out that great since I didn't have my "good" camera with me, but it doesn't matter- I got to do what I love. I watching the seagulls swarm and the Canadian geese continue to form their perfect formations as the giant flakes fell. The bay was iced over, but beautiful. The quiet was amazing, and meditative.
Snow and cold don't always make everyone happy. But, why fight mother nature? She will ALWAYS win. She's painted a beautiful picture for us, again. Why not enjoy her artwork and do what you love?!

and some "snow-like" finds from my Etsy friends :

                                                      Molliecarey

PrettyThingsGalore

Raceytay

Silverbohemian

RossellaJayne

Polestar

Life's Lessons #121

Things to ponder:

1. Am I doing what I do best? 

2. Is worry REALLY a necessity?

3. Why do I like red velvet cupcakes so darn much?!

4. Do I listen to what my body tells me?

5. Did I laugh today? 

6. Where can I not follow the "rules"?

7. Believe in miracles, always.

8. Know grace and gratitude.

9. Do I know how to go into child's pose? 

10. How do I make the best asparagus risotto?

11. Where DO all of the socks REALLY go in the dryer?

12. Did I pet my dog or cat today?

13. Thirteen IS a lucky number.

                                  

No resolutions...

A few years ago I decided that making resolutions was sort of "old fashioned." Then, I decided that it really didn't do much for me in the long run. It would basically go something like:
make a few goals
complete and accomplish them
then what?
Why be stuck to a few goals? Why not just go out there and do what it is that I do!?
And so, there are no resolutions, but now, I look here and see that I haven't been able to get to my blog for over 3 months. That's wrong. Just wrong.
I have a dear friend who is traveling the globe for 8 months - everywhere  - places in India, the Amazon... places where  I don't even know how or where she gets internet access - BUT she does. I get to follow her and her amazing travels through her blog - it's wonderful. It's also a sign that I need to get my butt in gear! I'm in the US, with all of the basics and then some - there's no reason I can't get back here and blog more often!
And so, I am. And that "I am" phrase has been doing A LOT for me lately. I'll share more on that later.
For now, it's back to sharing and doing what I enjoy.
Photo moments!
For the holidays my husband and I got ourselves a new puppy - Thurman. He's now 7 mos and getting BIG. He's an old English Bulldogge . He's wonderful. He's fit into our family so quickly and so well.
And so, here are a few quick pics of our new addition (he's black and white and brown).. .and I shall return soon! :)    Here's to zero resolutions!

our other "babies" are learning to adjust too... takes some time...