HomeAlaskaPhotographyMixed MediaDaily Life

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

     The winter had me recuperating from an injury and physical therapy for a while and trying to still get settled (downsizing) in my apartment. True to form, though making some progress, I am still downsizing. I am excited in that I have gotten a lot done.

     Mother's Day forward this year (2016) found me hiking with the family (grown kiddos age 42, 39, 38 and their respective families) and with the Kenai Seniors for the last two/three months. I will post some photos here of the latest and most current adventure.

     Hope you enjoy. Hugs to all. 



Bodenburg Butte
my gps wrist tracker says 2500 altitude at the top;
the steps were a portion of the north face hike with
the photo at about 300 steps.
The kids sure challenged me this time; of course,
it was the hottest part of the day!






Friday, August 21, 2015

August 7 Birthday Weekend

     My "birthday weekend" began with a drive on Friday afternoon the 6th; a hot and tiring ride because the sun was bright and of course shining on my side of the car... so, when I reached Anchorage, I pulled over to view the Potter Marsh sightings and to walk the Boardwalk. The kids weren't off work yet and it was perfect timing. 
     The photos are not retouched and all done with my iPhone6. But they give you a perspective of the view with the "Hillside" in the background dotted with homes, the birdlife, and spawning of salmon. Enjoy.












     Alicia treated me to a "fermentation" class at Zucchini's Cooking Store Saturday evening and Lynette joined us. We had so much fun. The first photo is the "final product that I transferred to green storing jars that will reside in my frig over the next several weeks." The transfer occurred two weeks after the process began and the vegetables are delicious. It was a simple salt/water brine and I reserved about another cup that I will use in soup this weekend. 
     Dae and I will begin another jar tomorrow for her family. The girls love them, too. When we were in Anchorage last weekend for school shopping, we tried Alicia's gallon jar and Jason/Lynette also dug into their jar. My kitchen is cooler and therefore fermentation slower. I am totally happy with the outcome and looking forward to the "eats."











Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Books, Books, Books

     I truly do not believe I have a lot of books after moving from a huge oversized two car garage home four years ago. That's when I really got rid of a tremendous amount of "stuff." Woah, what we choose to retain - way too much, even now!

     So, here I am with what I believe is "not too much" and the need to simplify more. Marie Kondo says her initial book reduction was to retain about 100 books. There are only 40 books in her current collection. I am not sure my "spark of joy" can retain so few; however, I am taking all of this from the shelves and putting on tables in the middle of my livingroom to begin the selection. Quite the task.





Saturday, June 6, 2015

Clothes Sorted - Continued

     Here are final photos; finished with clothes "tidying up." Woah; two days in and "fun" turned into "work" - LOL. Had to continue since I had such a mess. Is definitely worth it! Imagine that I "sparked joy" in more pieces than necessary, but I only have a 637 sqft apartment with a small bedroom and only 1/2 closet space - the other half houses mixed media art supplies. Am sure more items will be discarded as time passes.


     Books are next, then documents, then the "komono" (miscellaneous), and mementos. Once I have completed I will be giving away the "book" that explains how to do this method. Hugs.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Tidying Up - Kondo Method

     The last couple months have seen me getting my health in order. Kidney stones (after sonogram and CT, thinking a blast would be needed) are clear for six more months when another x-ray is due; dermatology biopsy came back as psoriasis so continuing treatment and will see the doctor in six weeks; and, sciatica improving with exercises though I still can't lift as I used to... However, "with that said" (ha) I am moving forward with downsizing and "tidying up." The ultimate goal is to get this done so I can focus on some art projects. This is so exciting!

     Lynette did an FB post on a book by Marie Kondo, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing:


     I went to YouTube and watched a couple videos, one with a Marie Kondo interview and a couple others showing her method in use. Here are pics from today's initial start. One works at selection by categories - first is clothing. So, I am to take ALL of my clothing wherever it might be and put it in one place. Next, I eliminate by keeping what brings a "spark of joy," handling each item. 

     The book says that everyone is amazed at the amount of clothing (indeed); but, I am having fun and finding clothes that I really like and forgot I had - hidden somewhere back in a drawer or in my half closet. 

     So, a "wee bit" embarrassed at the amount of this pile; I still have to bring the clothes on hangers out, and the shoes (but I got rid of some of those last summer). 

And, the pile keeps growing:



Actually have "empty" drawers. Soon, "empty" closet.
Then, to choose what to keep and "sparks joy." 

Stay tuned - will post pics of the "folding" and outcome!

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Sony Nex7 Practice

     Using macro extensions with my e-mount lenses for the Nex7 that I bought almost two years ago.

     There is so much to learn about adjustment of the focal point and lighting, but will keep trying. The first two pics are from a 3-hour macro class Mark Pierson teaches that I took a couple of weeks ago; and, the last (pink Easter cactus bloom) was shot on my own last week.



Monday, March 2, 2015

Tooting My Horn

     I am really excited to say that before I left on my holiday to Palm Springs, I leased the marketing and advertising rights to one of my photos that I took of the Kenai River in Cooper Landing, Alaska.
     Friends have collaborated in a coffee roasting business, called Kenai River Coffee Company. 
     My "Alaska Blue Moose" is reserved with the State of Alaska and so my business license should arrive soon! I am not 100% sure yet how I will go about marketing some of my other prints and/or photo-acrylic art pieces, but suffice it to say I may get something in the works - or may not. But, at least the option will be available.
     The website for the roasted coffee beans should be "live" soon and I am putting the link below for your perusal. 
     Thanks for celebrating with me! Hugs.