Just a week away

This week was the last week of classes, which I've probably mentioned plenty. It was surprisingly busy, but then the weekend hit and things just got surprisingly bad instead. In any case, pictures were taken and now they are to be posted.

Wednesday:
I attended an Honors Luncheon and then went to the sleep specialist to get a prescription for my narcolepsy. Spent that entire evening shopping for much-needed things we'd run out of, and pretty much just crashed once I got home. Snapped this photo as I rushed to the luncheon.

Barking up the wrong tree

Thursday:
Started my new medication and had my final drawing class that day, so I finished up any work I had left. Then went to yet another doctor's appointment and more shopping. Took this during a quick stint at home.

Friday:
My aunt Julie came to visit for the weekend. That day, our water heater exploded (just before she got here, too), but it didn't stop us from having a little fun.

All hail King Apulu Pulu!

Saturday:
Spent the day cleaning and then we went to one of our favorite restaurants. The minute we stepped out, a terrible thunderstorm began. Two of us gals were wearing white shirts... LOL  Anyhow, took this one during a break from cleaning. You know, when the weather SEEMED wonderful.

My fire pit.

This photo made me realize that if we were to ever have a draught and that fire ring got out of control, we'd be screwwwwed...

Finally, Sunday:
I couldn't sleep, so I hung out in my poolhouse until after 3 AM and sang my heart out like I typically do on nights like that. I was horrified to find a little present in my half-empty pool. (I apologize if you have a weak stomach.)

Needless to say, the pool that was already out of order is going to stay that way until it can be thoroughly scrubbed. -gag- Poor baby mouse.

On to finals week!

A Gift for You

I found an old template I made a couple of years ago and thought I'd share it with you guys, so here it is: Ye Olde Template

Also, check out my awesome friend Natalie's new inspirational blog, Don't Hide Yourself in Regret. She's a real sweetie who managed to go from newbie member of Purdue University's student organization Los Latinos to president of said club in less than a full year. Love her to pieces.

Anyway, I'm feeling pretty down today because my distant cousin and childhood friend, Jose, passed away at the tender age of 23, so I haven't felt like doing much. Decided to just take some photos of the birds from my sofa.

Brunching Finch

Both shots were taken from behind a screen, but it's most visible in the bottom one. I love what the screen did to the bokeh. Kind of fun!

Originally titled "When in Rome" because she happened to match the foliage perfectly, but the computer brought out more yellows than were visually present. Ah well. She's still a cutie.

Poolhouse Paparazza

It started out with my noticing this...

But once I took the shot, I looked to my right and saw this...

Then, I looked to my left and saw this.

So I climbed out of the empty pool and took these.

But I'm feeling too tired to give them the edits that they deserve-- I didn't even put my stamp on them--, so you get to see them with basic crop and contrast adjustments. Goodnight!

Fore!

The Daily Shoot challenge was to take a photo from a low point of view. I was feeling all over the map so my photos are completely different. First up, we have... the blinds. Yes, the blinds. I get bored.

I was lying on my sofa playing with the settings on my camera when I shot this for the heck of it. I know it's really strange, but I like it for some odd reason.

Next, we have the bird. The cardinal, to be exact.

Definitely not a prize-winning creative masterpiece, but the reason I am posting this one is because it was almost completely unedited. I added a vignette and used the Unsharp Mask, but that was all. The contrast, the color, the framing, everything is right out of the camera. I've finally learned how to tweak my shooting mode settings so that there's more contrast and sharper edges without having to use the not-so-great Retouch Menu. I love learning things! Thank you, Manual.

Also, I spent hours today printing some of my negatives from the Minolta x-700. For the record, I am AWFUL at printing. One particular picture took me more than 9 tries just to get the contrast I wanted. What a waste of expensive Ilford paper!!! Luckily, we were able to get some more, but I have a feeling these boxes are going to go quickly. -sigh- Hopefully I can scan some of my decent prints and post them here for you guys to see my progress. :-)

Anyhow, enough rambling. Have a good night!

Why So Serious?

How was your day? Mine was great. My friend Renee is visiting for the week! I decided to photograph her today. The challenge was to illustrate coldness, but I didn't exactly go for that. On the other hand, it actually sort of works despite the warming filter I used. What do you think?

On another note, Sandra has requested that I revisit my cruddy image from a couple of days ago, so I used all her suggestions about it and this is what I came out with:

I do like the edit better-- the texture is a metal one I downloaded years ago-- but I'm still none too thrilled with this photo. I guess I'll have to try again someday!

Inspiration was a no-show

:( Sorry. I spent today cleaning and sleeping my pain away. Wasn't doing a very good job on my photography. Maybe tomorrow?

The view from my window.

Heavenly Peeeeace

Merry Christmas, y'all! I hope it was a great one. :)

Today's challenge was to illustrate peace and harmony (or just plain peace and quiet!) so I went outside once it began to snow. Here's my shot.

And a few more for the road. :)

Mother Nature loves you.

Tis the Season to be Silly

Well, I really didn't feel like following today's challenge, SO I decided to be silly and head to the Christmas tree. I'm hoping tomorrow brings me a little more inspiration. Until then, enjoy!