Photo Story Friday and 3-6-5

I admit it. I was seriously nervous about starting it. I was wishy-washy and worried about commitment and consistency. I'm still worried about consistency. It's only been five weeks, after all.

But so far, I have to say, this 3-6-5 Project has really been good for me. It's stretched me creatively and made me think about different things to shoot (there are only so many pictures of my kids I can inflict on you people) and better ways to shoot them.

The project has forced me to get out and at least try to capture something of value (though, admittedly the value part doesn't always happen) even when I am feeling as uncreative as a lump of leftover oatmeal.

So last night, when I realized I hadn't taken a picture and it was dark, I figured it was as good a time as any to try some night photography. My idea was to take a quick, spontaneous stroll around my neighborhood and clickclickclick. Just to see what I came up with.

Shockingly, that approach didn't really work. I did finally get a shot of the funky tree in our front yard that I can use for Day 34, but it isn't anything to write home about. A last ditch effort at shooting in the dark.

However. For this week's PSF, while on my nearly fruitless jaunt by moonlight, I grabbed a picture of this:
Remember how I said the walk was spontaneous? Well it was. So spontaneous in fact, that those bad boys were the only shoes I could find on the fly.

The things I sacrifice for art. Like style. And dignity.


Hosted by Cecily and Robyn

To play Photo Story Friday, check this. Copy this code into your post and sign the link list:
<center><a href="http://mychaosmybliss.blogspot.com/2007/06/photo-story-friday-and-rules.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4235120634_71d9399b5f_o.jpg" border="0" alt="PhotoStory Friday" /></a><br/>Hosted by <a href="http://mychaosmybliss.com/" target="_blank">Cecily</a> and <a href="http://wheresjelly.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Robyn</a><p/></center>

P.S. This week's co-host is Robyn from Where's Jelly?. A long time PSFer and someone I consider a real life friend even if we haven't met in real life, Robyn's blog is always a good read. Rad.

P.P.S. If you're interested in starting your own 3-6-5 project (it doesn't have to start at the first of the year, you can start anytime) and want some tips, tricks and insights check THIS. Double rad. And thanks Chris!

P.P.P.S. I have a confession. I totally painted my toenails AFTER I took that picture. And cleared up some dry skin issues on my foot. Photo editing at its best, I tell you!! Triple rad.

Wordful Wednesday and 365 Week 5

Day 27January 27th: Fudging It

I have a confession. I missed Day 27. Technically, anyway. I took this picture at 12:37 AM. 37 minutes late. Shhhh.

Now. Let's play the "What Is It?" game. Any guesses?

Day 28January 28th: Over The Moon

I've looked at this shot over and over again and I still can't figure out if I like it. It's one of those that looked so different in my head and through my viewfinder than the reality.

There's a metaphor in there somewhere. Or something.

Day 29January 29th: Busted

I've decided that I like crayons. With crayons, The Toddler can't write on her legs when she's colororing. At least, not as easily.

Day 30January 30th: Eight IS Great

In our church, the age of eight is important. A big milestone. Of all the pictures I took of Gracie in her special dress that day, THIS one is hands down my favorite.

The composition and the colors make me happy. More than that though, it is just so...her. Bright, wide open and joyful.

Day 31January 31st: Bliss

Watching the two of them together makes me smile all over myself.

Day 32February 1st: The Antidote For Cabin Fever

For a few minutes, Mother Nature forgot it was still Winter. For that few minutes, sliding down a plastic slide was just about pure heaven.

Day 33February 2nd: I Wanna Be In The Club

Every time I see this sign next to the front door of the kids' school, the storyteller in me comes out and I start thinking about clandestine meetings and secret clubs. Now, I know what a fallout shelter is. I know they aren't as secret and romantic as I imagine this one to be.

Thing is, I've been all over that school and I've never actually seen WHERE the door to this fallout shelter is.

Jon spent 3rd through 6th grade at the same school and according to him, he hunted for the door then and never found it. As grown up people, he and I even asked about it at our last parent/teacher conference and no one knows--or no one will tell us--where it is. We asked the Principal AND the custodian.

I know. I'm weird and have issues with blowing things out of proportion. Still...I wonder...


Hosted by Chris

Photo Story Friday and Six Words

I got an email this morning. In it was a challenge to write about 2009 in six words.

Six words.

Can I summarize a year like that? Will six words do it justice? I've been thinking about it ever since.

Six Words:

Messy. Simple.




Joyful. Unexpected.



Capturing. Moments.



I don't know if they do it justice or not. But I think those six words fit. Fit the year, fit us.



Hosted by Cecily

To play Photo Story Friday, check this. Copy this code into your post and sign the link list:
<center><a href="http://mychaosmybliss.blogspot.com/2007/06/photo-story-friday-and-rules.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4235120634_71d9399b5f_o.jpg" border="0" alt="PhotoStory Friday" /></a><br/>Hosted by <a href="http://mychaosmybliss.com/" target="_blank">Cecily</a><p/></center>





P.S. This week REALLY snuck up on me. I'm exhausted. Tired of dealing with germs and coughing and clean up. Forgive the lack of co-host. At this point, I'm lucky I got that email when I did or I may have chucked the idea of a new post all together.

Truth? I seriously toyed with idea of changing the date and title on my Wednesday post. Which, I know, is blogging blasphemy. Here's hoping next week is better.

And cleaner. And less icky.

P.P.S. The email was actually a lot more detailed than just writing out your year in 6 words. If you'd like more information on the family activity it suggested and about getting activities like it sent to your email, check THIS out.

WordFUL Wednesday and 365 Week 4

Day 20January 20: Victory

You may not see it in this shot, but he is laughing so hard he snorted a little. Can I just tell you how much I LOVE that I can make him laugh that hard? It's a little personal victory every time it happens.

P.S. That day we were celebrating his report card...which was a fraction away from perfection this term. Rad.

Day 21January 21: Waiting

For some reason, that swing has a personality to me. In the winter, it always looks like it's waiting for Spring and the day when little bodies will sit and shriek and laugh in it again.

I think I will name it Bob. Bob and I are both waiting for March.

Day 22January 22: An Irresponsible Snow Explosion

If we were responsible trampoline owners, we'd tear ours down and store it in the winter. I'm sure the springs will rust before they should because we don't. Then again, because we don't, the kids get to think of new ways to clear it during a snow storm.

Day 23January 23: The One I Stopped Traffic To Get

Generally speaking, I am not a landscape lover. I'd rather take pictures of people and old windows. This landscape however, I kind of love. Mostly because it took me a few minutes to figure out exactly what I was looking at.

That, and the way the sunlight is coming out of the clouds. Can you hear the violin music too?

Day 24January 24: Gracie's Tree

Remember when I took a picture of the Christmas decoration thinking it was the last of all that stuff to put away? Remember when I found more?

Well. I found more. Two more ornaments (under the couch), Christmas ribbon and Gracie's Christmas Tree In Watercolors. I like the painting so much I think I might leave it out until next December.

Day 25January 25: The Pink Brings Out Her Eyes

She's outdone herself. Again. And yes, I left a marker in her reach. Again.

Be nice. There's been one or more people sick in this house for the last two weeks. Between cleaning up after it all and not sleeping and being one of those sick people, my brain is fried. As Evie would say (with her awesome Toddler drawl), "I'm pooped out."

I'm just glad all I left out was a pink Sharpie.

Day 26January 26: Kitchen Bigfoot

If I live with someone who actually shuts the cupboard doors in the kitchen, I've never seen them.

For more WordFUL Wednesday posters, check out Angie and her Seven Clown Circus.


Hosted by Chris

Photo Story Friday and Evie's Bedtime Story

"One more book, Mama."

"Nope. Time for bed, Sweets."

"One more."

"Uh-uh. Sleep."

"I tell you a preecess story istead."

I didn't even blink before I caved.

"Okay. You tell me a princess story."

"Once a time, dere was a preecess.

An her name was Lolla. An one day her saw a mean dragon in her palace.

She say STOP to the dragon. But he trapped her (big breath) in a trap (bigger breath) and freezed her (biggest breath)!! Aww no!

An den a nice 'pider came and got her out.

An was she happy or sad? Sad or happy?

She was bery happy.

Daaaaaa End."

For a two year old, it's a pretty smart little story. There's a beginning, a middle, and an end. There's a climax, a clear villain, and a clear hero (even if it WAS a spider).

See? Smart.

Now. If only I could get her to stop using markers as lipstick.


Hosted by Cecily and Michelle

To play Photo Story Friday, check this. Copy this code into your post and sign the link list:
<center><a href="http://mychaosmybliss.blogspot.com/2007/06/photo-story-friday-and-rules.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4235120634_71d9399b5f_o.jpg" border="0" alt="PhotoStory Friday" /></a><br/>Hosted by <a href="http://mychaosmybliss.com/" target="_blank">Cecily</a> and <a href="http://michelle-onecraftymama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Michelle</a><p/></center>



P.S. Our co-host for the week is Michelle from One Crafy Mama! A fellow Three-Six-Fiver AND PSFer, Michelle has an ENVIABLE talent for making ordinary things look extraordinary in photographs. Rad.