Learning photography

I mentioned in an earlier post that I am taking up photography.  This comes as a big surprise to me.  My hubby is a fantastic photographer.  I have always been so very happy with my little TOTALLY AUTOMATIC camera.  But, I am practical for the most part, and I can see that it would fill a need in our photography business to have a second photographer.  So, here I go.  

Hubby got me a camera and tried to show me a few things.  I said "tried".  It's like he was speaking a completely different language.  Argh.  My son, who is also a fantastic photographer, gave me some very helpful advice.  He explained that "Dad" just knows too much about photography.  Hubby is old enough to have learned photography in the days of film and darkrooms.  My son suggested that I just set it to auto and take a bunch of pictures.  

The truth is that the camera intimidates me.  I think that just by holding it, I will be expected to know what I am doing.  It's huge.  And, it has so many buttons and dials.  Just too much.  

I decided that a beginner's class is what I needed.  I found one through the camera store and signed up.  I was really looking forward to it.  

The day before the class, hubby and I went up the mountains and I took these pictures.  I used auto settings except for a few times when hubby changed them.  I had no idea what he changed.  I would learn all of that the next day.  Right?

It was a beautiful day up country and I had a lot of fun taking pictures.

I'm always in hubby's pictures.  Now, he can be in some!

I love this old tree.  It's huge!  

The aspens turn yellow and orange.  We are hoping to go one more time before it's over.

It was so pretty.  Perfect weather.

This trip was not planned.  We were dropping of a rocker at my daughter's house and hubby just wanted to so up the road "a ways" and see if the tree's had changed.  We just kept going farther and farther.

And, the next thing we knew....we were in Lake Tahoe!  Hubby snapped this with my iphone.  He gets as flustered with my Iphone as I do with the camera.

We got there just in time to watch a beautiful sunset.

The next day, when I got to the class, I was the last to show up and the only seat available was right in the center front (intimidating!).  There were about twelve people.  About half had Cannon (like mine) and the other half, Nikon.  We spent the next three hours learning all the technical jargon that is photography.  In the very beginning the teacher told us that his goal was to get us all off the auto settings. Oh darn. 

The teachers were extremely patient and helpful.  They had a very simple booklet to follow and I took diligent notes.  

When I left, instead of feeling confident and knowledgeable, I felt overwhelmed and confused.  How was I going to remember all that stuff?  

Hubby asked me about the class.  I told him the truth.  I wasn't sure if I learned anything or not. (mostly NOT)  The next day, I asked him a question about my camera settings.  He started talking and turning dials as usual.  Only, this time, I knew what he was saying.  He has been saying these things all along.  F stop, shutter speed and so on.  And, now I knew what those words meant!  Hallelujah!  I guess I did learn something after all.

I'm a Creature Of Habit

Yesterday I went to Walmart and as though I was on autopilot, I went to the side of the store where I ALWAYS park my car.  Shock.  It was blocked off with shopping carts.  No cars allowed.  I had a moment of "what do I do now"?  Of course this is just a small side parking lot.  The entire parking lot was open.  As I was trying to figure out what to do next, someone pulled out of a space right in front of me.  Whew.  Problem solved.  When I came out of the store, I walked directly to the side parking lot (still closed).  What?  I had to think for a minute to remember where my car was.  I'm a creature of habit.  I always go to the same grocery store.  I like that I know where everything is.  I like that the clerks know me and we get to visit when I check out.  There is just something comforting in familiarity.

Since I moved my blog.  I have felt lost.  To anyone who may be following my blog, it probably looks pretty much the same as it always did.  But, for me, it's very different.  The entire log in process is different.  The way I enter a blog post...different.  It just feels different.  And, because of that, I have not even attempted to post anything.

I changed for some really good reasons.  I was spread out in several different directions and I wanted to have everything in one place.  And, now, I DO!  It's all on www.stephcentral.com.  Yes, this is what I wanted.  But, now that I have it, I'm lost.  Eventually, this will become my new normal.  I vow to write something ANYTHING everyday until it becomes natural and easy.

And, I have been too busy for decorating and crafting....but I have been working on a few fun projects that I hope to finish and post in the next few days, so check back!

My Online Neighborhood

It's raining.  again.  We really need it, we've hardly even had a winter at all. When it's raining, I just want to stay inside where it's warm and dry.  And, I can do that.  I have the luxury of working from home.  I've got my morning cuppa (not coffee...it's a shake), and my internet.  What more do I need?

I am so happy that I do not have to get up and go to an office.  But, I am a people person, and there is no one here but hubby (who also works from home).  My "watercooler" is the internet.  When you work in an office, you can talk to your co-workers.  When you work from home, you can go on Facebook and see what everyone is up to. 

Can you really make friends on line?  I say YES!  In fact, one of my dearest friends found me through my blog, and now we are in business together.  How fun is that?   

I think of the internet as my neighborhood.  Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, blogging, I enjoy interacting with people in all of these areas!  I like reading about their lives and what they like and don't like.  The internet is a wonderful place indeed.  My daughter even met her wonderful husband on the internet (Match).  

If you are new to Lulus Cottage, please feel free to look around.  And, I would love it if you would leave a comment, I would like to come visit you too!

I want these curtains I found on Pinterest!

I've been hearing about Pinterest for a while.  But, what I kept hearing people say is how much time they were spending on Pinterest.  Well, I certainly don't need one more time stealer!  But, I finally took a look at it.  

First you have to request an invitation and they make you wait a few days before they will accept you.  I guess that is supposed to make it seem exclusive.  Smart marketing.  

Well, I love Pinerest!!  All these years, whenever I liked something on the internet, I saved a picture to my computer or tried to bookmark it.  But, when I want to find said photo, I can hardly ever figure out where I put it!  Now, with Pinterest, it's saved in one place.  It's an online bulletin board of all your favorite things.

And....you can look at other people's Pinterest boards and see what their favorite things are and save those on your own boards too (it's called "repinning").

I found this great picture on Pinterest by searching for home offices in aqua blue.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE these curtains.  I wish I could find them!  I'm on a mission!  I want something bold and fun, just like these.

How fun it is to look at all the wonderful pictures that people have "pinned".  I can see what a great tool it can be too.  I can ask my daughter to pin her favorite pictures as she starts to plan her baby nursery and I will know what she has in mind.  The uses are endless!

They even have an ap for Pinterest for the Iphone.  I got it on mine and I haven't used it yet.  Maybe today!

There has been some talk in the news about copy right infringement on these boards and I can see how that can be a problem.  I'm married to a professional photographer and I know that he would not want to have his work shared without permission.  But, how do you police something like that?  It's so big.  

For myself, I learned how to watermark my own pictures and that way people can see that I am ok with them sharing my pictures.  After all, if they see my watermark, it will take them here to Lulu's Cottage.  If everyone would watermark their images, it would be easier for us to know if they mind if we share.  The following photo has my watermark on it.  (it's really hubby's picture, he is welcome to sue me for copyright infringement if he wants to! )

One thing I like about Pinterest is that you can pin something from the internet and it will retain the original link that it came from.  So, that protects the image owner and sends them more traffic to their website.  The copyright problems come in where someone like me has saved an image to my computer and can't remember where it came from.  I'm trying to avoid doing that.  

If you would like to connect with me on Pinterest, I would love that!  I'm just getting started.  I have a new link to my account on the right side of my blog.  If you are not already on Pinterest, get your account and start pinning!  You will love it!!  It's a great idea.

Should I tell the truth?

I had a really crazy weekend.  And, I'm so glad that it is over.  My new band has been a real challenge and we had our first gig (show) on Saturday.  I wasn't sure what was going to happen and I was completely nervous.   We have practiced a lot, but we've hit several (understatement) bumps in the road.  The result is that we made it through.  We got some compliments and people danced.  They stayed to the end of the evening.  So, a success.  

But, behind the scenes it was hard.  I don't really want to go in to the details....maybe another day I will do that.  Which makes me wonder....how much Truth should one tell on a blog, facebook, twitter? As much as I like to blabber on my blog, I'm really actually a private person.  And, I think twice about talking about anyone else too.  I want to tell ALL.  But, how much is OKAY to tell?  When does it become TMI (too much information).  

I was on Facebook once when my son's good friend posted on his wall about sleeping too much or not waking up, or something like that.  I said something pretty tame in agreement with her or maybe I just "liked" it and he was NOT happy with me.  It was OK for her to say this, but his Mother...well that was too much.  From then on I stopped commenting on any posts to do with him.  Playing it safe.

One of the things I like about reality tv is how they let it ALL hang out for all to see and hear.  How can they do that?  How do they all go from telling things about each other that can really hurt and just make up after?  

I, myself, would not want to have anyone tell anything about me in public (unless it's nice of course!).  And, online IS public after all.  Facebook, Twitter, even email can be shared.  And, yet so many people, specifically the younger generation, tells EVERYTHING, even embarrassing or compromising things where anyone can see.  

Some things that shouldn't be shared are obvious.  But, where is that line exactly?

I've always avoided the controversial things like politics, religion and so many personal views.  But, I don't mind reading some else's opinions on those things.  Even if I don't agree, I don't care that they wrote it.  I can choose to read it or not.  

It gets harder and harder to keep our secrets to ourselves these days, don't you think?

Finding my way back....

I miss my sewing room, I miss my blog.  I got sidetracked and all my fun crafts went to the back burner.  

what it should look like

For the past two years I played in a band, and we had shows every single Friday and Saturday and sometimes more!  (stephaniesbandblog.blogspot.com)

I left the band on Jan 1 and I am in the process of starting a new band (wildkatzband.com).  We won't play as often as before, I want some of my life back!  

current reality

And that includes, Lulu's Cottage and my crafts!

I've been crafting all along, I call it "emergency crafting".  When I need something I go in and make it leaving behind a terrible mess!

I need to just go in and straighten everything back to normal so I can enjoy it again.  Maybe today!

Our new "Blog" Dog

This is our new doggie, Pepper:

We lost our precious Zula, last spring.   She was the PERFECT dog for us.  

She was sweet and calm, but also big and black and scary to strangers.  She really barked and protected us.  She also played and took care of our little Pookie.  

 We called her the "babysitter".  When we brought Pookie home as a puppy, Zula adoped him right away.  He slept with her, played with her and she would even let him steal a treat right out of her mouth.  Zula was perfect.  She can't be replaced.

But, we do need a big dog.  We live in the country and I just feel safer with an outside dog watching over us and our place.  Ever since last spring, we talked and talked about getting a new dog.  We even went to the pound to get one, but they had this crazy policy that just wouldn't work for us.  You choose the dog you want and then you show up on a certain day and they do a lottery for the dog with anyone and everyone who is interested in that dog.  We did this one time and did not get the dog.  Who has time to go down over and over hoping to get a dog?  So, we just gave up.

Then a couple weeks ago, I was looking at my favorite blogs and while I was on Donna's blog, anenchantedcottage, she had a button on the right that said "adopt a dog".  I clicked on it and found the animal shelter in my county with lots of pictures.  The animal shelter I went to before is in the next county over where I spend most of my time.  I decided to try the one here in my own area and we found Pepper on the first visit.   We had to wait a few days to pick her up, but she was ours the minute we made the committment!

That was easy!

Turns out, she is a really sweet dog.  She is 7 months, so still a puppy.  She thinks that Pookie is a toy and he liked playing with her at first, but now it's a bit much for him.  I saw her grab his harness by the mouth and swing him around....fun for her...for him...not so much!  

And, now, she has a "crate":

We got it yesterday and already, she is already comfortable with it.  What a good doggie.  

She cries a little and then stops.  

This is my daughter with Pepper.  She lets Pepper and her dog, Foxy run in the fenced in garden.  They are a really good match and it's fun to watch them go.  Can you see Foxy hiding up the stairs?

We are so happy to have Pepper.  And, she is one lucky dog.  This place where we live, is truly dog Heaven!  

A special thank you to Donna, this wouldn't have happened without you!!  You are Pepper's fairy godmother!

My New Pin Cushion

She told me that it was on it's way and I was watching for it....you see, I won a beautiful prize on Betty's blog shessewpretty ! I could hardly wait to open the package:


I hope they didn't "smoosh" it!!



Mmmmm, doesn't this look fabulous? All wrapped up with a pretty bow!


Ta Da! This is so lovely!! Oops, I should have waited for Pink Saturday to share it...but NO, how could I possibly wait?


So many pretty details, delicate flowers and a lovely pink rose in the middle. I can't imagine sticking it with pins!


Thank you SO MUCH Betty! (...or should I say "SEW MUCH"?)
I am so happy and delighted that I won your pretty prize.
My daughter wants one too, so I will share your website with her!


There was even a wonderful little bonus in the package, some crochet trim and a pretty card. How fun to get such a terrific package in the mail!



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Blogging Idenity Crisis

I love reading blogs. It's so fun to take a peak in to someone's life. I enjoy finding people that I have so much in common with. The problem is MY blog. I can't seem to find "myself" in blogland. I tried putting on a new background, that was waaaaayy cool, and here I am only a day or 2 later, changing it again, back to my pretty flowers.

It's funny. It's just a blog. But, it has made me think about myself. Who am I? What do I want to portray? What do I want to attract in to my life?

So far, I think: Happy, bright, fun....with interests that include: All Things Cottage, Tea, WHITE, definitely flowers!, and hobbies: sewing, beading, knitting, crochet and decorating...and maybe photography. And, of course...family.

I'm sure the answers will come....for now, it's tea time!

New Background! & Work out room before & after

Wow. I stumbled on to For the Love of Cottage blog (which I adore!) and she had a link to the creator of her fabulous background, Aqua Poppy Designs and I have been wandering through her many creative backgrounds. I simply could not choose, there were so many! Here is my choice for now, it's called "summertime". I want to try them ALL!! It was easy, SO easy to do, and her instructions were written with all the details. If you use one of her backgrounds, let me know, so I can take a look!

Okay. I have played on the computer TOO long! I have a new goal to exercise every day, this is day 2, lol. Why do I avoid it? I want to be in that place where I WANT to exercise. I have the equipment that I like, and a space that I enjoy being in, I have lots of loud music to inspire me. Now, I just need the will power and stick-tu-it-tive-ness!

This is my downstairs room, we will call it the "workout room". Last weekend we purchased a new (to us) exercise bike at a yard sale. I didn't think it would fit and after moving things around, it seems like there is actually more room than before. So, enjoy the photos and imagine me HAPPILY exercising to my favorite tunes!


Exercise area before adding the bike:


And, after:



View from the other side before:



And, after adding the bike:



See what I mean? It looks (and feels) bigger. See that door on the right? That's my sewing room/closet. I'll show that space on a future post.

Okay, I'm going, I'm going.