Quote of the Month - December

There are two people in every photograph: the photographer and the viewer. - Ansel Adams

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Day 364

Jeanine - "New Year's Resolution"
My New Year's Resolution - slow down...take it one day at a time...embrace the moment...breathe...
I think somehow I have messed up the numbering of the days somewhere along the way.  This is my last post.  I can't believe the year is over.  I can't believe I took a photo every day (really didn't think I would make it).  I can't believe how much I love photography.  I can't believe how much I love blogging.  I am going to miss this blog so much.  I loved doing it with Em...it was amazing to watch her grow as a photographer too.  I know it was hard to do...so much going on in a teenager's life...but I think she did great.  I will always remember this journey we took together.  I love her wholeheartedly.
There has been much speculation about what my last photo ought to be...I'm not sure what the perfect shot would be in this situation...but I thought a simple shot of something beautiful that incorporated some of the things I have learned about photography this year (like depth of field, light, composition, RadLab, and adding text) might just be the right note to end on.  So here it is...simple flowers (a gift that arrived today from a friend to Ian and me wishing us a Happy New Year as we each begin the next phase of our lives)...reminding us to bloom where we are planted.  Wishing you a year filled with beauty, peace and joy.  Thank you for sharing this year with us.  Jeanine
PS - I suspect I may get back to the blogging thing with a new blog sometime this year...I will keep you posted.  Thanks again.
Emily "The Last photo"
For those of you who might still check here every once in a while, here it goes. I've been inspired to write this by the recent realization that my BFFLAAT has a blog. I wanted to write but didn't want to start a blog just so i could write one post and have no one see it. So really, here it goes

I didn't finish, I know that. So for this past month as everyone's been saying "where are your photos" and "are you gonna post anymore?" I've been getting sad and angry at myself. I went into this year thinking about how hard could this be ? I do things everyday I can take a photo everyday. Well it's waayyy harder than you think so when people asked me where my photos were u would want to snap at them thinking I'd like to see you try! But I didn't, don't worry. But after being sad for a while I realized that although I didnt take one EVERYDAY I took photos for about 300 day which is more than most people can say and that I grew a skill that I love and I got a new camera and I got a job and worked with a real photographer and my photos were posted in the grand theatre. And I did all of this before I was even sixteen, so I must be doing something right  and someday I can try again if I want to because I still have years and years and I'm still gonna take great photos but without the pressure because it lets you have the creative freedom to do what you want and to focus on your photos, I mean I had no ideas some day so I took a photo of a couch.., yup a couch. So even though it is a little bitter to not have finished it was still great to do this with my mom and I know that I can do something like this someday too. So I didn't take a photo the last day, but I talked about going to europe so here are some of the photos, they wouldn't have been this good without the skills I have achieved. 




So I don't have too much more to say, I'm not even sure people will read this. But thank you all for checking in on the blog and actually caring about the small mediocre things we do in out day to day lives. And even though I didn't finish I took over 12,000 photos last year, so take that! haha










Friday, December 30, 2011

Ian's Last Day

Jeanine - "Ian's Last Day"































Day 363


Jeanine - "My Wish For You"

Took down the girly-girl Christmas tree this morning, but took some time out to photograph some of the ornaments and the tree topper.  Other tree is already down and resting out on the back deck.  Today is Ian's last day of work so may post another photo about that later...








Day 362

Jeanine - "A Toast to the New Year"

I took these two shots this morning for my class...a little ahead of new years eve, but I'm sure we are all contemplating what 2012 will bring to our lives.  It is a year of change for us...retirement for Ian, new career for me...and Em will learn to drive, begin her last year of high school, and apply to university in 2012.  It will be exciting.  Bring it on!




"Here's to New Adventures in 2012"

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Day 361

Jeanine - "Through the Looking Glass"

I've been wanting to try something like this ever since  I saw something similar (and better) in my on-line photography class.  The photographer in my class took the shot through another of her lenses.  This is a magnifier for looking at slides.  Her photo had a better view.  This is the view from my dining room window.




Another shot I've wanted to try - a selfie - that's me reflected in the ornament embedded in a flower arrangement that was the centre piece for Christmas -- a congratulatory gift from a friend who is a judge.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Day 360 - only 5 days to go!

Jeanine - "It's Snowing!

I know it isn't the first snow of the season - but I like it whenever it snows!  I hope I always do.  This was shot in a friend's backyard today...during a scrapbook session!  Trying to keep up on my scrapbook about this blog as the year goes along.  Can't believe the year is almost finished.  Only 5 more photos to take...because I'm running out of time - let me share the other two I took today...snow on hydrangea and rose of sharon.





Monday, December 26, 2011

Day 359

Jeanine - "Boxing Day"

I love "Boxing Day" !!!

For me it means a time to relax, read and contemplate the new year (and see the new Mission Impossible movie).  This morning as we drove home from the Peer Family Christmas in Owen Sound, Ian pulled the car over along the way and said, "I think you will find a good shot here."  He was right.

As we continued home, he proceeded to tell me that he had been watching for Canon Flashes to go on sale, and he found a good deal for me at Future Shop this week.  Gotta love my enabler!!














Day 358

Jeanine - "Merry Christmas"

This shot was taken as we gathered in the family to open presents Christmas morning.  For me this photo captures the anticipation and happiness of the moment and the spirit of the season.  May we all carry it with us in 2012!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Day 357

Jeanine - "Enchanted with Light"

The first thing I said this Christmas Eve morning when I stumbled toward the coffee machine was, "Look at that light!" and then I started snapping!!!  It was magical and enchanting...I only enhanced it a touch in processing.  What a great way to start such a special day.  Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Day 356

Jeanine - "Life is Sweet"

Every Christmas my mom and I (and my siblings) made and decorated cookie cutter sugar cookies.  Now it is a tradition I share with my daughter and one she will someday pass down to her children.  We actually had to schedule this in our calendar this year because our schedules were so hectic.  I hope we always make time to share this moment together.






















Thursday, December 22, 2011

Day 355

Jeanine - "Not a Creature Was Stirring"

Yes - that's my build-a-bear!  She's holding a London Police Service teddy bear.  So cute.  They are doing exactly what we intend to do a lot of over the holidays!!!  SLEEP!!!

Day 354

Jeanine - "Sweet Sixteen"

My favourite Christmas gift ever was the birth of my daughter...sixteen years ago today (December 21, 1995).  This is an ornament I gave her several years ago.  It used to hang on her bedroom doorknob at Christmas time but now it hangs in her room every day of the year.  Last night at her birthday dinner she said "I still believe".   I hope she always has the spirit of a child at Christmastime.  I will always be grateful for the opportunity to be and the privilege of being her mom.  I love you Emily.  Happy Birthday!!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Day 353

Jeanine - "Countdown"

Amidst the hustle and bustle of all the good things happening this month we could almost forget that Christmas is coming.  Tonight, at a family dinner celebrating Ian's retirement, his niece showed me the Christmas Countdown on her iphone.  It was a couple of minutes away from all 4's...so we waited and took this shot.  She even took a screen shot on the phone.  She has another app that show's how many sleeps are left...only 5 more sleeps...and 100 hours!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Day 352

Jeanine - "It's Official"

They released it to the press today - so it's official.  I have been appointed a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice.  I will hear mostly criminal cases but also some family law cases.  I am so grateful for the opportunity and very excited for the change!!  I am working on the guest list for the swearing in ceremony taking place near the end of January.  Still can't believe it!!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Day 351

Jeanine - "Dinner Party"

We have much to celebrate in our household this December.  Jen turned 25 and just finished the school part of her 2 year nursing course - here comes the practicum.  Em is turning 16 and about to drive.  Ian is retiring, and I'm changing gears.  We are so thankful for all of our blessings.  On top of all that - two of Jen's friends got engaged this week - so we had a dinner party tonight to celebrate all the good stuff that is happening.  What a month.  We are blessed.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Day 350

Jeanine - "Warm Glow"

Some of you may remember this candle from the showing of The Glow Movie Project at a One Good Turn fundraiser.  The Bible is my grandmother's, and it is opened to the birth of Jesus in Luke's gospel.  They combine here in a special way don't ya think?  I will be using this bible at a special ceremony in the new year.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Day 349

Jeanine - "Season of Lights"

I love this time of year when you see homes decorated for the holidays and the warm glow of twinkling Christmas tree lights in the windows. This is a shot of our front door and the Christmas tree in the foyer.  The quote says "Where the lovelight gleams..." - from the song...I'll Be Home for Christmas.  We will have our now traditional lobster dinner on Christmas Eve with Emily and Jen and then all open Christmas gifts in the morning before heading up to Owen Sound for the Peer Family Christmas.  I am especially looking forward to relaxing during the week between Christmas and New Years.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Day 348

Jeanine - "Untie the Ribbons"

The quote says "Everyday comes bearing gifts.  Untie the ribbons."  Yesterday I was given a gift...an opportunity to try something new and perhaps be an agent for change.  I am excited and nervous.  I can't reveal it yet, but I will share it here soon.

Day 347

Jeanine - "Good News"

I received some good news yesterday...and then I received 6 (that's right 6) dozen roses from Ian.  Details to follow...

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Day 346

Jeanine - "Christmas Angels"

Tomorrow I make my closing submissions in a trial that involves the death of a 33 day old baby who was born just before Christmas two years ago. I know so many grieve at this time of year...and I hope we remember to reach out to them. Tonight I put these angel wings on the Build-a-Bear I made when my daughter made hers several years ago, and placed him next to a Christmas pillow, to remind me how lucky I am to have my Christmas baby reach the age of 16 in a few days and to represent the babes and others already angels.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Day 345

Jeanine - "Happy Christmas"

The reason for the holiday theme of my recent posts is another on-line photography class called Picture the Holidays.  At the end of the month I will be creating a book of all the photos from December.  The prompt today was "A Whole Lot of Happy" - which is my wish for my girlfriend who celebrated her birthday with me at lunch today even though she doesn't really feel like celebrating this year.  This card and clothespin sit on my office desk every day reminding me how much I have to smile about.  I brought it home today to incorporate into a photo and I added the words on the pin in processing.  Happy Christmas Everyone!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Day 344

Jeanine - "Star of Wonder"

Finally getting around to decorating the house for Christmas.  Put up the black artificial tree in the foyer (shown here).  It is waiting for Emily and I to decorate it tomorrow.  We call it the girly girl tree cuz it is so pretty dressed in white, silver and turqoise blue ornaments.  The real balsam fir is up in the family room and smells so good!  Ian and I will decorate it with more traditional colours and rustic ornaments.  I love the white lights on both trees...and I love love love that I know how to make them blurry and lovely for photographs.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Day 343

Jeanine - "Winter Bright"

This morning - while enjoying a coffee and reading the paper - I noticed that the sun was sparkling on the ice that now covers our pool - I absolutely had to go out and try to capture some of that sparkle!  This is a Christmas tree ornament that I placed on the ice...I just love the sun flares under the blades and all that marvelous bokeh!   BBbbrrrrrrr!  It was cold!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Day 342

Jeanine - "Be Merry"

Falling snow and a latte -- it doesn't get much better than this.  Life's simple pleasures.  Woke up this morning to a blanket of the white stuff.  Enjoyed a latte and the message of this cheery cup.  Love Starbucks!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Day 341

Jeanine - "Christmas Decorations"

No time yet to decorate for Christmas...hope to get to that this weekend...but I dug out these words that call the dining room mirror home for the season.  Our house wishes yours a very merry Christmas.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Day 340

Jeanine - "Express Yourself"

I'm happy.

I spotted this smiley face driving home from work this afternoon.  I was already happy to be off work early, but catching sight of this really made me smile.  I just had to turn around and go back to take a few shots.  I know not everyone is happy at this time of year...so I am very grateful for this feeling now...and all year long.   

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Day 339

Jeanine - "Turning 25"

Ian's baby - Jen - turned 25 today and celebrated with friends at our place.  This was the hug dad received after she opened her gift...a snowboard!  They share a very special bond...it is wonderful to see.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Day 338


Emily - Hey there, missed me? Anyways, there are these houses.... they're hard to explain, lets just take a house plus santa and have him throw up all over the house. That's what these two houses look like. So after the horrible rain that has brought me down these past few days it actually left a pretty cool photo with the awesome reflection on the driveway.





Jeanine - "Let It Snow"

After a dreary, rainy weekend...finally some snow tonight!!  Em is hoping for a snow day - ha!  I'm just hoping for a white Christmas!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Day 337

Jeanine - "Christmas Ornaments"

A sweet friend gave me these lovely Christmas ornaments as a hostess gift at book club last night.  They are beautiful and I appreciate her thoughtfulness...

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Day 336

Jeanine - "All You Need is Love"

I am blessed each Christmas to spend time relishing the love of family and friends ... where would I be without all of you?  Thank you!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Day 335

Jeanine - "Picture the Holidays"

This month I have joined an on-line class called Picture the Holidays.  The daily prompts obviously focus on the season, and I hope they will help me get through this hectic season keeping calm and help me to capture it in a special way.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Day 334 - The First Day of the Last Month

Jeanine - "Brown Paper Packages"

This is one of my favourite times of year...the Christmas season.  I love everything about it...the shopping, the tree, the decorations, the carols, the baking, the gathering together of family and friends and, of course, the reason for the season.  I even like the snow.  I have almost completed my shopping and will soon move on to the decorating phase.  I am grateful this year to have the means to celebrate this holiday and family and friends to celebrate with.