Day 73 : 03-13-12

Day 73 : 03-13-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Lush foliage and abundant berries... 

Clark and I love taking new routes on our walks so that we can find new things to photograph! This plant was just loaded with berries... the light fell on them perfectly to enhance their nice plump shape. 

I got sucked into a demonstration at Costco today... The Vitamix machine! WOW! Pretty amazing! I've heard Harmony sing it's praises a few times but it never really connected for me what it was exactly... Now I understand! (No wonder you love it so much, Harmony!) AWESOME! It now has a place of honor on the counter (and I don't have much space for appliances)! Cami LOVES the smoothies I am making her as an after school snack and occasionally to take to school with her in the morning. I am excited to try making some of the delicious soup I tried at the store and I love that I can make my own little frozen yogurt...  :)

Day 72 : 03-12-12

Day 72 : 03-12-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Leaves appear on the ancient oak...

I LOVE this tree! This is the same tree I've photographed before... the one behind Cami's dance studio. It's fascinating to watch it's progress through the seasons... I'm happy to photograph and capture it's transformations every so often! 

It's a special day today... It's my Dad's birthday! Happy 68th Birthday DAAADDDD!!! 68... it's impossible! He acts and looks more like someone 20 years younger! :) I feel very grateful to sit and think about my dad... to appreciate his thoughtfulness and generosity to all, his strong convictions and faith, his sense of humor, his love of: rat rods, cars, surf culture, good (and stupid) TV shows, and anything fun! I feel very lucky... I love you, Dad! 

Day 71 : 03-11-12

Day 71 : 03-11-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

A simple and delicious Sunday night dinner...

Day 70 : 03-10-12

Day 70 : 03-10-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Dinner out and a spectacular sunset...

Day 69 : 03-09-12

Day 69 : 03-09-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Mommmm... Over here... Take a picture of me!

Day 68 : 03-08-12

Day 68 : 03-08-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Uh oh....

I'm sure this was an accident!? I don't think so!! This little troublemaker loves to throw things in the pool. It's a good thing he's so cute! 

Day 67 : 03-07-12

Day 67 : 03-07-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Pink blossoms fill the tree...

Day 66 : 03-06-12

Day 66 : 03-06-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Spring is in the air...

Today I went to my first CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class. We discussed basic Emergency Preparedness... It was eye opening, especially the realities of how few resources are available to help if something widespread occurs such as an earthquake. The class is definitely putting me out of my comfort zone... That's good. I need to be prepared.

Cami brought something very important to my attention tonight before I went to bed. She wanted me to watch this video:

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

Watch it! It's important!

It was very eye opening and inspiring. Inspiring in a way that makes you want to make a difference as well... Cami has been putting signs up in support of this cause at school as well as telling people about it and asking them to write their senators/governors/congressmen to advise them of the need to do something about this travesty. We can not let this continue... We can not allow more children to be invisible... We can all make a difference!

I am very proud of Cami and her support of causes that are for the greater good. (She is also involved in a few clubs at school that: help the environment, discourage H8/Bullying, and Suicide Prevention Awareness.)

Day 65 : 03-05-12

Day 65 : 03-05-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Seeds scatter

I watch them fall 

catch the breeze

and float off to parts unknown

a prisoner of the wind.

I'm glad my destiny is not controlled by a fickle wind... although sometimes it can feel that way! I guess it's what happens after you've been blown somewhere you didn't plan on going that's what matters... When you set down your roots, make the best of your surroundings, and grow. 

Day 64 : 03-04-12

Day 64 : 03-04-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Dim sum at home... 

This is our ghetto fabulous version of dim sum on pajama Sunday. I love it! I keep a variety of Trader Joe's offerings in the freezer for just this type of day. A day when you're too tired and lazy to leave the house, but you still want a lovely savory breakfast. It was the perfect beginning to a relaxing and wonderful day.

Day 63 : 03-03-12

Day 63 : 03-03-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Family... 

Heather and Todd made a detour on their trip to spend a few hours with us today. It was sooo nice to sit and visit! I love every minute we're able to spend with family. Each moment is treasured... I never take it for granted.

Day 62 : 03-02-12

Day 62 : 03-02-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Driving into the sunset...

Day 61 : 03-01-12

Day 61 : 03-01-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Blooms pop...

It reminds me of the "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree," song. You can't help but be amazed by all the beautiful blossoms that one day just open all at once! 

Day 60 : 02-29-12

Day 60 : 02-29-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Leap!!!

My sweetie was a good sport about leaping for my picture of the day today... It didn't seem that anything else would be appropriate for leap day!

Day 59 : 02-28-12

Day 59 : 02-28-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

The tree dreams of fruit...

Sometimes it feels as if the hours just fly by... I have so much I want to accomplish and then suddenly it's time to go to bed. Where does the time go?

Day 58 : 02-27-12

Day 58 : 02-27-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Restraint... That's what I had to work on when I saw this cute decorative bunny in a crate. I saw it at the grocery store this morning and I put it in the cart as I did my shopping. The whole way I debated with myself... Should I? Or not? I was really good at telling myself how it would look so cute for a spring/Easter decoration. Then my logical side would kick in and I'd wonder what I would do with it AFTER the holiday. Did I really want to store another thing? The answer is no... Especially considering we just spent a good part of the weekend going though boxes in the garage and getting rid of things. So... The cute little bunny stayed at the store. I tried to satisy myself with taking a picture. Super cute, isn't it?!

Day 57 : 02-26-12

Day 57 : 02-26-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Celebrating a freshly painted car...

We took the plunge and had our daughter's car repainted, trunk lid replaced, as well as front and rear bumpers replaced. It looks like a brand new car! Hopefully it will look like this for years to come! :)

Day 56 : 02-25-12

Day 56 : 02-25-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Sushi for dinner...

Day 55 : 02-24-12

Day 55 : 02-24-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Shades of purple...

Day 54 : 02-23-12

Day 54 : 02-23-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

A hairy cactus!

I was amazed at how the "thorns" on this cactus so resemble hair. I found it fascinating! It's interesting to me how I am so much more observant on my daily walks with Clark since I started this photography challenge. I hope it trains me to be more observant in general. 

Day 53 : 02-22-12

Day 53 : 02-22-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

A view from below...

It's funny... I got this photo on my one and only take of the flower! I was on my way to an appointment and saw these pretty flowers near the office building door. I took out my phone and quickly took a photo. It was bright outside and I was in a hurry so I didn't stop to look to see if I captured the shot. Later that evening when I looked I was sooo happy! It turned out great! :)

Day 52 : 02-21-12

Day 52 : 02-21-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

A busy bee... Look at how much pollen it's collected already! 

I wish I had as productive a day as the bee did! I didn't get as much done as I had planned... So I'll try again tomorrow! 

Day 51 : 02-20-12

Day 51 : 02-20-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Norm's BBQ Ribs... They are THE BEST!!

Pancake Breakfast

Another lovely weekend breakfast... My family loves pancakes, and especially Oatmeal Pancakes! They have a wonderful texture and are just plain YUMMY! We always have different variations depending on what fruit and nuts I have on hand. A favorite addition is always chocolate chips! 

Today I had bananas, blueberries, pecans, and of course the chocolate. It made for a beautiful AND delicious pancake! (Here's the pancake on the griddle prior to flipping! I love how they look... that's why it ended up being my photo of the day today too!)

Now for the recipe!

Pin It

Oatmeal Pancakes

ha! designs, adapted from Cooking Light

Yield : 12 pancakes

1/4 cup flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 large egg
cooking spray

1. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine the first 7 ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. 

2. Combine buttermilk, butter, and egg in a small bowl. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Let sit a few minutes.

3. Heat a nonstick griddle over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Stir batter. Spoon about 2 1/2 tablespoons batter per pancake onto griddle. (Stud pancakes with any extras you’d like: banana slices, blueberries, pecans, chocolate chips.) Turn pancakes over when tops are covered with bubbles; cook until bottoms are lightly browned.

Easy Print HERE!!!

I hope you enjoy these as much as my family does! 

Day 50 : 02-19-12

Day 50 : 02-19-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

Oatmeal pancakes studded with bananas, blueberries, chocolate chips, and pecans.... Just about ready to flip!

Post with recipe, here!

Day 49 : 02-18-12

Day 49 : 02-18-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

There's always time to play...

I played with Clark in the backyard while Norm and Cami went to watch a scary movie together. I'm not one for scary movies and I think it's really nice for them to have their own time. It was a very exciting day. We ordered my new car!! It will arrive late May/early June. I'm thrilled and nervous at the same time! Did I choose the right color? Right options? You can make yourself crazy!

Day 48 : 02-17-12

Day 48 : 02-17-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

The oak captured the sun in it's branches...

Day 47 : 02-16-12

Day 47 : 02-16-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

A new hat... 

Walter sure loves his girl! He's going to be sad tonight because Cami shut her door so he couldn't get in. He's been really bothering her the last couple nights and she wants uninterrupted sleep. Poor Walter!

Day 46 : 02-15-12

Day 46 : 02-15-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

My heart... In a little blue box...

Norm surprised we with this beautiful bracelet yesterday. He had it sized for me and brought it back home this afternoon. It's soooo shiny and I love the style! He knows me so well! I gave it it's own little photoshoot this afternoon. I think it enjoyed it! (Look at it pose for the camera!) *smile*

A special Valentine bonus: He also took my other Tiffany bracelet in to be repaired. (I ruined it by changing the clasp many years ago... I should have never messed with it!) It will be nice to have that one back in a few weeks. Yay!

Thanks again, babe!!! It's AMAZING!

Day 45 : 02-14-12

Day 45 : 02-14-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.

A gift for my sweetheart... in progress.

My sweetheart didn't want me to use this photo for my photo of the day... He was voting for me to use the photo I took of the individual Double Stuff Oreo Cookies & Cream Cheesecakes I made. {Post and recipe coming soon!} Or maybe the photo of the "little blue box" he gave me today. He didn't want me to take his "soul." {He always balks at getting his photo taken, and uses this reasoning... I think it's really to make me crazy!} Well... at first I was going to listen to him and then I thought... that dessert and "little blue box" {although EXTREMELY thoughtful AND lovely} doesn't represent the love I feel and the celebration of it on this day. I also figured that since these are photos already taken I am not doing any further damage to his soul... {hopefully!}

A little about the project:

I selected photos of us from when we first started dating {22 plus years ago!} to one within the last few months... It stirred my heart to look at them and remember the times and experiences we've had together over this life we share. We've been through lots of challenges and some triumphs... I wouldn't change a moment, it's who we are. It's just something you can't take for granted. I love my husband and family with my whole being. 

The next thing I did was to create a little plaque with my handwritten (my handwriting font!) thought on photoshop. I printed out all the elements on to tissue paper. I did this by cutting tissue paper to letter size paper and using tape to attach it to the copy paper at the leading edge going into the printer. This makes it easier for the printer to load the tissue paper and print. 

Now this is where it got a little tricky for me... I have an inkjet printer... I think this project would be much more successful with a laser printer. {I am going to try another technique though to see if it works better! If so, I'll update with a tutorial post!} I used a foam brush and "painted" the canvas with mod podge and carefully began placing my images. My images ran slightly. It still looks ok... but not nearly as clear as I'd like. I painted around mine and added embellishments to hide this a little... Although the project didn't end up quite as nicely as I wanted it to, it was the thought that counted... and Norm LOVED it! :) He REALLY does love me!  {I will be trying this technique again, hopefully with better luck if I make a couple adjustments... Keep posted!}

Here is the, less than perfect, finished canvas:

I hope you had a wonderful celebration of your loved ones too!