PM1 Week1

     Whew... done with my on-line classes for the night and heading to watch "Voice" that I recorded on my DVR. Completed the first and third projects of Week 1 for Photo Magic. Two to go.

[remember for a larger view, you can click on the photos then click the back button to return]

Week 1, Project 3

selected flower from my original photo, enhanced image,

made a black background with various strokes

Week 1, Project 1

original was from Anchorage cemetery

straightened statue, enhanced image, masked

Usefulness of Techniques Learned in Retouching and Cleaning Up Photos

in reviewing would have done a little more

with the trees/sky above Milena's head...

Devin's BD

     Devin's Birthday Gathering... Daedra, at the last minute, decided to drive up and "surprise" Devin, Alicia, and CJ, bringing Dareena, Milena, and me along. I had planned on driving because Devin asked for his favorite meal -- which he is learning to make. We are now looking forward to "mixed" music because he received a "song mixing turntable and a fab subwoofer earphone set." A future DJ?

Granddaughters' Afternoon

     The granddaughters and I went for a walk to Soldotna Elementary; well, they rode my trike and I walked! Good exercise, regardless. Some fun in the sun... [transferred this video in em resolution which was small at 3MB, so not really very clear; the original out-of-the-camera was 40MB; I also saved it at 58MB HD which is awesome.] 

     The two below were taken with my iPhone4... uploaded to the computer, these were 14MB and 17MB respectively.  I'm not sure yet what the processing is or how it is done and what the final outcome equates to on the Blog. Hope you enjoy seeing the girls in action.

Beading Uploaded

     Some of the beading is now uploaded and on the sub-Page... you are welcome to click on that tab if you wish.  Am sure that I have left off many items, especially those I gave away. Fortunately I had several photos even though they are not in my possession any longer. Hopefully, at some point I will find more hidden in my backup drives, lost to this soul.


     A lovely "depth-of-field" of three of my small beaded vessels and quarter page books in the background.  My cabinet has great lighting; if I can keep the shelving cleared, it looks even better!

Book Arts Page

     Believe it or not! There are photos on my BookArts "sub-page"... Still a ways to go and I am working on the beading photos now.  It is so fun to see what I have accomplished -- I have forgotten many and know I will totally forget others. So, please have a "look" - click the Book Arts tab above.

[Was up at 5am this morning working on this post; must be the Summer Solstice, 

and all of our Alaskan light. Oh, my.]

One of several, on the BookArts Page

Tern Lake

     Always a picturesque spot, Tern Lake, at the turnoff to Seward or Kenai/Soldotna/Homer on the highway from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula... June 17th was a beautiful sunny day; Fish and Wildlife had a table set up with high powered camera/binoculars for tourists and locals to view birds or animals. Another beautiful trip to Anchorage. (06.17 photo)

Stained Glass Evening 2

     What fun we had for the second session!  Three photos of the final evening follow: first is Karen's foiled glass ready to begin anchoring and soldering after "putting on the flux" (gotta be a song in there somewhere). It was a learning process for sure... second, Jaci's and Karen's completed "works of art" after soldering, squaring, putting frames around, adding rings and patina. Third was a "sweep" of the studio with Jaci and Sandy, moving no less - but, thankfully the photo turned out well.

     A special heartfelt "thanks" to Sandy (and, her husband Dick for his support and encouragement) for wonderful conversation, tips from her experience and training, a "vanilla decaf sugar-free blended chai", the warm caring instruction and wonderful final glass pieces we each took home!

(Remember, you can click on any photo; then hit the "back" button.)

Stained Glass Evening 1

     My friend Jaci organized a two evening session with Sandy Stevens, Alaska Custom Stained Glass, to do a piece of our own "stained glass". Oh, my! We picked the same "beginning" lesson. Jaci chose a red theme to go with her home decor; I decided on green and a hint of purple, along with our other textured glasses.  Day one involved setup, cutting, and grinding/sanding. Day two will be the soldering. Should be interesting and fun. It is always exciting to try a different medium once in a while just to know and learn about that particular art form -- there is so much more involved in the making of any art and seeing how it comes to fruition. Below is a photo of one of Sandy's creations, taken in her studio; and, mine and Jaci's efforts, with the help of the instructor. 

Jaci's Beginning Stained Glass, Day 1

Karen's Beginning Stained Glass, Day 1

Jaci and Sandy, Cutting Glass

Sandy's Beautiful Salmon
(be sure to click on this photo; the larger size is amazing)