January in a...

...nutshell

I feel a sense of urgency to write this post today or the end of February will rolling around and I'll be left scratching my head wondering where the time has gone.
 I had birthday #51 on the 14th. I happen to be the nerd that likes my birthday but something rather profound has happened on this birthday. I've been cleansed and feel I've done my time to arrive at this place where a feeling of confidence and security in my life has empowered me. I no longer feel like I need to validate or need validation on anything I say or do. So much so that when the subject came up on date night, Frankie said he noticed the shift. There is a learning curve to put feelings and words into their rightful compartment, but my 2015 word, BALANCE, seems to be coming into play in an unexpected way. I like the change.
 Have any of you had similar experiences? I'd love to hear about it.

Friends who give me wine for presents...are MY kinda friends!

I flew up to the Oakland area to visit Jamie and help celebrate Erik's first birthday.

 Erik is a great eater. He might not like everything you put in front of him, but he tries everything.

He really, REALLY likes cake !

I brought back some amazing treasures gifted to me from Jamie. I haven't even had time to photograph everything. She nabbed, grabbed, claimed this scale as hers...to give to me. She had a recent visit to my SIL's grandmother's house. Antique items were being given away and the grand-daughters were allowed to come and take what they wanted before everything else was given away. Lucky for me, Jamie is like Quick-draw Mcgraw! I love that she knows my taste.

My oldest son, Justin, turned 30...yikes and Frankie turned 60 this month. We got Ms. Kitty to sleep in the garage at night. That's huge. It's nice that we don't have to wonder and worry about her when we hear the coyotes having a party on the golf course at 2 a.m.-Come to think of it, I've been sleeping better knowing she's safe in my garage. Today, I managed to slip a thin collar on her so she'll get use to having one on because Frankie ordered a kitty door, he'll install, that opens electronically by a chip in a special kitty collar. She was NOT happy but hopefully by tomorrow, she won't be giving us the cold shoulder. This weekend I'll be going to a French Flea Market. I'm so excited to see what's for sale.
If you follow Kim Klassen on IG, you know she has a weekly competition-Sat-Tues @ #mystillsundaycompetition
On Wednesday she posts her favorites.

I'm excited to be featured this week as one of 6 artists.
That's my photo up on the top (R) with my new/old scissors. (photos to come)
 Kim is like a blog guru and it's an honor to be included among these great photos. There are some amazing artists and photography going on over there. I'm blown away by what is being posted.
I'll be by your blog this weekend to say hi...
Until then,
Happy (come on February) snapping!
xo
Kelly

Je suis...

...Charlie

I am not a political person~and I promise you my blog will never be a platform on worldy affairs. In all honesty, I barely scan the newspaper headings somedays for fear that my urban bubble might pop. I am usually listening with one ear open while busing myself in other activities as Frankie watches CNN, so I am full aware of what's going on in the world. But sometimes, certain events stick in my craw, and I  just feel compelled to say what I'm thinking.

Except...

kk blackcanvas

I don't always agree with what people put in print, and there are plenty of times I'm bothered over articles or cartoons-but I get to decide whether something deserves my time or to even give something a second thought...that is after all, the beauty of freedom of speech and loss of life over that right saddens me. I am feeling especially blessed today, to freely write my thoughts in this entry. 

As a blogger, photographer & dabbler of the arts,
I've put my say out into the universe...for whatever it is worth. 

kkorganic

"The pen is mightier than the sword"

Sharing over at Kim's

xo

Kelly

Postcards from...

...the edge

LIBERATE YOUR ART
is in full swing & I wanted to get the word out early in case any of you are interested in participating in this incredible postcard swap.
 Kat has all the details HERE  and while you're there, take a look at the number of artists and countries & how this event has grown. It's not just about photography-digital art, mixed media, acrylics, pen & ink, it's all amazing and really fun way to connect with other like minded artists. There are a few videos to watch and just wait...you'll see what I'm talking about. There is so much eye candy that flashes before your eyes... to witness everyones work...well, it's just inspiring to see.

This is the 5th year of the swap and my 3rd year to float my art into the universe. The above shot is a sampling of the fun cards I've received. I'm starting now so I'm not late and miss the March deadline. (not that it ever happened to me(snort)).
 In case you are thinking about sharing in this experience, I use MOO for printing my postcards. They come out beautiful, very professional on hard card stock and the website is pretty easy & straight forward. If you are interested in seeing the quality, leave me your full name & snail mail addy-and I'll be happy to send you a piece of happy mail.
I've connected with several photographers & now we're "friends" over on IG. I say go take a peek & if you have any questions you can always ask Kat,  and there are LOTS of resources to help you get started. If you pop over-tell her I sent you!
Happy (snail-mail) snapping!
xo
Kelly

Good news...

...other news

The good news is, Frankie got my little girl to work. The other news is that at some point as the camera was being worked on, the film had been exposed. I shot off the last 4 photos fully accepting the fact that most likely none would turn out. (but secretly hoping one would) Polaroid film has changed over the years. Frankie remembers when a photo came out to keep it in light to develop. Now-a-days the first 10 seconds are critical to not expose the picture to light. It must immediately be turned over or put in a dark place to full develop....30-40 minutes later. Film isn't cheap either...8 photos in a cartridge sells for $24-There is no wiggle room to experiment-especically with the camera's exposure disc. Despite all of that, I promptly ordered another pack and I'll try it again...and again! But there's just something about that frame that is reminiscent of a simpler life and time that makes me swoon. 

This story isn't over yet!

Happy (polaroid) shooting!

xo

Kelly

A Polaroid SX-70...

...journey

Have you ever received one of those gifts that you've been dreaming of owning and really...REALLY want? Just...to have it not work?
Then you revert to a kicking, screaming child pouting adult that wishes they could kick and scream? 

This little beauty above is what all the fuss is about today.

 Needless to say, NOT having her work is especially upsetting when Frankie spent ALOT of time looking...and listening to me repeat, "Is it tested?"...often, as we researched the web for one.
I opened her on Chanukah & decided yesterday was a good day when I was shooting this vignette .

THIS is what I got...

INK BLOT

For those of you, like me, in the 50 something club, you'll know who The Coneheads are. If you are in the younger crowd and have never heard of SNL or The Coneheads...check them out HERE
The photo also reminds me of 2 women & a child(probably dragged) enjoying the theater (you have to say theater with a European accent) with 18th century pouf style coiffures.
  I inserted the film pack & the film cover didn't come out when I closed the film door. (My first inkling that things weren't going well) When I snapped the 1st pic, I got the film cover...hmmm ok...point, aim, shoot...wait...40 minutes. Originally, all I got was the 3 blue humps. 
(insert kicking & screaming) 
Long story short...it wasn't until Frankie woke up this morning and pulled the camera apart did he know what was wrong. 
In the meantime, "ink blot" photo kept going through the rollers...thus...The Coneheads...or poufs.

So...as of right now, a contact pin on the door that wasn't pressing the electrical contact when the film door snaps shut was made and is drying in a vice. Frankie had to leave for a 2 day trip and I have strict instructions to release the door from its grips tomorrow. Can you stand it yet? Don't you just want to know how it all turns out? Well I guess we'll all just have to wait and see how it all ends!
(I wonder if a Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 is my future?)
Stay tuned...
Happy (what does the ink blot say to you) snapping!
xo
Kelly

Finding inspiration...

...when you weren't even looking

I love it when I'm minding my own business & inspiration hits me. This post was completely made possible because of Austin's girlfriend, Amanda. She was knitting on the couch, minding her own business while she & Austin were plowing through Harry Potter movies on New Year's Eve. I'm not a knitter but couldn't get over how pretty the yarn was.
That's all it took.
 The next day, I was laying on the couch trying to take a nap, cause lets face it, I hate staying up past 10 and omg I stayed up to midnight the night before!
I just kept envisioning the yarn and needles and a vignette grew in my head. 

Amanda was sweet enough to indulge me, and left her knitting goodies with me. This morning, I went to Joannes as soon as they opened, bought yarn and BOOYA...25% off! I knew I wanted a wooden bowl & really wasn't in the mood to hunt for one or even spend money on one. I went 'house hunting' in my head as I was driving home and already had the perfect bowl the whole time. It's one I brought  back from Costa Rica years ago.

 My visions included trying low lights, something I'm not familiar with or even comfortable doing. But I figured it's a new year, try something new...as I'm telling myself there's no right or wrong...just do it.

So I did.

Truth be told...I also found & had to buy the scissors too. They're just too adorable and I've pretty much determined my passion lies in still life photography, so fun props are an absolute must. If my memory serves me right, my mom had a pair like this & I'm going to ask my SIL if by any chance they're still in my mom's sewing kit. That would an amazing find.

On a completely different subject, there's something about the words CARTE POSTALE that I adore.  And just in case you didn't know, useless fact #14 about me... I love anything French!

I'm playing over at Kim Klassen's sharing what I've found.

I hope inspiration finds all of you in 2015 whether looking for it or not.

Happy (creative) snapping!

xo

Kelly