14 in 2014

1. Be braver

2. Better health

3. De-clutter, mentally and physically 

4. Connect with true friends more often

5. Try to be more spiritual 

6. Read more for pleasure

7. Create and process more

8. Catch up and complete classes

9. Create a web gallery

10. Sell through my ETSY Store and hopefully stock photography sites. 

11. Organize my photos

12. Learn more about my camera and lenses

13. Improve my blog 

14. Get back to Art Quilting

Simplicity

In December 2013 I took Kim Ort's December of Simplicity course http://www.365daysofinspiration.com/blog/. It had a very moving effect on me after what had been a challenging year. Not just through photography but in life.

 I decide to choose this very word, Simplicity, as my word for 2014. I was surprised by the immediate response I felt. Relief, rejuvenation , lighter. This was strange for me to feel so much from one little word. I am not usually like that. A wonderful feeling.

I am looking forward to a year of simplicity in all aspects of my world.

One Little Word....NEW

I am taking a class with Ali Edwards called One Little Word http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/classes/onelittleword2013/? The first assignment was to make 12- 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch cards with your intentions/action for the next 12 months. Since I seem to have a problem following the rules I preceded in my own way with two of my favorite mediums...fabric and thread.

I first lightly glued, then sewed the fabric to the card stock.

I then printed words and intentions on  ink jet printer fabric

and randomly placed them on the cards and sewed them down

I glued decorative card stock to the back where in the months to come I will be able to record my actions.

I chose  some photos of my self (part of the assignment) and some hearts...my favorite shape.

I must say at first I was not looking forward to doing this assignment. But I found once I let go and interpreted if in my own way I really enjoyed the processes.

I am looking forward to a year of NEW

LOVE

Beyond Beyond

It is a new year of fun and inspiration  in Kim Klassen's Beyond Beyond Class http://www.beyondlayers.net/registrationoptions/. I learned so much from Kim last year and meet some wonderful online friends, who have so inspired me, that I knew I had to partake again this year.

Kim challenged us to go out and play and to look at things from different angles. Since it was one degree here in northern Michigan I was 'forced' to shoot inside....not my best area of expertise. But, that being said I had fun.

I decided that I want to play with my new Lensbaby Composer Lens. FUN FUN FUN! It does have a bit of a learning curve but OH!... the possibilities..... I am hooked!

LOVE

NEW

 

 

 

I am participating in two online adventures this year ( well, OK many but here are two of them). The first one is One Little Word with  Ali Edwards at Big Picture Classes http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/overview.php . The word you choose is yours for the year. My word....NEW.

Some of my intentions for the next year are New Me, New Adventures, New chapter, New Camera, New Classes, New Priorities, New friendships.

 

The second online endeavor is the 52 in 2013 flickr group http://www.flickr.com/groups/2115564@N20/ . A theme is chosen once a week. You then take a photo that week relating to the theme. Guess what the first week theme was ? Yep NEW !

I had decided on my word before I knew this. What a inspiring sign.

 

 

2013 is going to be a great year full of NEW !

 

Feelings of Light

 

Light has many moods. Strength, peace, happiness, sadness, warmth, cold etc.

 

Light can be very energizing .  The photos above, taken with Intagram, give a strong feeling of power and strength.

 

The first picture was taken on my way to work, East Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan. Nice place to live, right!

 

The second was at sunset on West Grand Traverse Bay. Although it  still feels powerful it conveys a feeling of peace, the end of a beautiful day.

 

The third has a slightly cooler feel to it but still strong. And in the pinks I feel kindness.

 

I hope the light that is surrounding you today is full of warmth and comfort.

 

More Feelings of  Light to come.

 

Thanks for stopping by,

 

XO

Mary

The Color of Old

       Mouse over for before and after


Something old... that was one of the shots to find on our scavanger hunt in my flickr group http://www.flickr.com/groups/kktribe/ . The textures and shapes in the before and after photos do speak to the age of the barn but I believe that the color is what really brings the feelings of time. The dark browns, rusts and grays combined to give a very weathered, dated perception. The red barn in the background adds a nice touch to remind you of the present, of new. 

I always like to take a peak in to old buildings and think of what it was like when it was new. Who worked there? Did they have a family? Was it a lonely life or a blessedly simple one? Who stood where I am standing? The thoughts go on.

The mouse over effect was taught to me by Kim Klassen and Xanthey Berkeley in The Behind The Sceens class.Grab the button on the right and check out their awseome class. The effect I used on the after photo was from the Euphoira Collection by Isabella LaFrance http://ilafrancephotography.com/blog/

Thanks for stopping by,

xo Mary