Today...

Today was a really great day. I feel like I actually accomplished something. I feel like it was a well rounded day.

I have been spinning my wheels for quite some time, since probably before the holidays. Being sick for so long just took my spirit away. I got a little... lost. I still don't feel 100% and really need some inspiration to look after myself better. Today was that inspiration. To be able to see the things I can accomplish when I have that energy, that drive- can give me that push in the backside I so desperately needed.

So what started out as a pretty hum-drum Monday, ended up being a brand new day for me. And I think the self portrait session (can find on my Flickr) was the outward evaluation of what was sitting just below the surface and ready to come out. A little corny- but authentic. Trust me.

To chop or not to chop?

This is my head of hair on a GOOD day.

And if it stayed like this, I wouldn't have a problem with it. But it is the fuzziest and most stubborn hair I can possibly imagine. I have fought it my entire life. Currently the worst thing about it and the best thing about it are the same: it lives in a clip and off my face. Style-less (and full of grey!!!), I am really wondering if it would just be better short. The only reason it's getting a post here and hasn't just been cut already- is my age. I'm 31. Will I ever have long hair again? Besides growing it out for my wedding (and cutting it off right after) I have not had long hair since I was 16.

Ugh. I'm not good at these decisions. But hey- it made me take a self-portrait which I said I would take some of to experiment and I haven't. So there you go.

Some cuteness here too

This is posted on the blog about my kiddos but I wanted to post it here as well. Mostly to show off my cuties but also to show off my new skills! I have been dying to learn how to do these photo groupings!

My husband is great with Photoshop but it frustrates me. So in turn, any time I have the program open... it frustrates him too! LOL!

Thanks for teaching me some new tricks, Honey!

Where is my subject?

I have been really starting to pay attention to the photographs I like and dislike. I'm trying to find some aim in my still point and shoot attitude towards photography. I have a million or more photos of my little darlings which are great for what they are but they are not the direction I want my skills to take. At least not more than half let's say for arguments sake. I want to document these fleeting times with my young kids but I also wanted to take up photography as a hobby because I needed an outlet.

So far my subjects have bored me. Both in real life and in photos. I have to admit that winter has not been offering me very many opportunities or good subjects!

So I am up for a few challenges, should you extend them. I know to look at an old item a new way- but our house is so small and so taken over toys that it makes it very hard to take a picture of anything without showing my mess too! There are a few signs of life in the gardens around our home and I am hoping they offer me some new perspectives but until it warms up outside I am not inspired! LOL!

I need to figure out what it is that I like to photograph. What and where is my favorite subject?

10 things I like that start with N

This is on my other blog as well but I thought it deserved a spot here too.

1. Nature- can't beat the fresh smell of forest when you wake up in a tent.

2. Nasturtiums- there's something almost comical about this edible flower in its shades of yellow, red and orange.

3. Nuts- all the best recipes seem to have nuts in them. Something about that satisfying crunch.

4. Nerdiness- I am a self proclaimed nerd and darn proud of it!

5. New- I need something new every once in a while to keep me fresh. I bore easily.

6. Natural- I like to keep my home and my life on the natural side. I use alternatives whenever possible.

7. No-no-no- my daughters newest expression. It's darling, but I know it won't be in a few weeks ;)

8. Newport beach, Oregon- Haven't been there? Put it on your list. I'm obsessed with Oregon's beaches.

9. Nice people- wouldn't every day be better if we encountered more nice people?

10. Note cards- I love fancy paper goods. Not that I write many letters, I just like the fanciness.

Thanks Sheri, this was fun. If anyone else wants to play just leave a message and I'll send you a letter.

Creativity Outreach

The first 5 people who respond to this post will get something made by me: it will be my choice, but will, hopefully, be something you can use or enjoy for its aesthetic merits. This offer does have some restrictions & limitations...

*I make no guarantees that you will like it...but I hope you do!
*You will receive this item before the end of the year (December 31, 2009) or sooner.
*You will have no idea what the item will be, or when you will receive it.
*To participate, you must re-post this meme on your blog and put together something to be sent out as 5 surprises of your own. These surprises can be anything....a piece of art, a photo, a poem...whatever you choose.

If you're one of the first five commenters, please e-mail me your mailing address (sarahsilver AT gmail DOT com), and those will go in the mail sometime in the next 9 months!

The above idea was taken from Frenchy's finds and I am participating with East Coast Sarah

A good start

I have started working on Mady & Owen's lifebooks! Here's the first page so far. Been putting this off far too long!

This was actually a really relaxing time for me. Arts and Crafts hour isn't just for the kiddos!