Travel Tuesday: Cultivating New Skills

Ever since Charming bought me my wonderful camera I have been avoiding the manual setting. This is apparently a bad thing. In an effort to improve my knowledge of its inner workings Charming and I are taking a photography class. This is no ordinary photography class as it is being taught by none other than Charming's father who gleefully gave his children homework for the week. This week we were told, among other things, to take pictures in black and white that haven't been photoshopped that way afterwards. 

Now it is fairly common knowledge that I dislike to take photos without people in it. For some reason it feels like I have taken a useless photo when I do. Unfortunately for me, when I finally found the time to pull out the camera there was no one around to model. This hiccough was not enough to hinder my determination to take portraits so I decided to take some selfies!

Behold my studio!

First I needed a tripod to hold the camera at a decent height. Since we don't have one I improvised a tasty tower of boxes from my pantry. 

My too often neglected Swiffer became my focusing double. It did not mind at all to be unceremoniously tossed out of the way as I ran around to take its place.

And finally to add a little extra interest, I borrowed Charming's box fan.

I ran back and forth many times with many failed pictures, some with distracting hands and others out of focus. 

Practice improved my off-centered poses.

 And eventually I came up with a shot worthy of a facebook profile.

I can't wait to see what's next in this adventure!

Travel Tuesday: A Little Idea

Have you ever had one of those great ideas that you think will be a cinch to accomplish and then quickly gets blown out of proportion? Well I had one of those today. I am afraid it might be a hereditary thing that I can do nothing about. Thankfully I have a particularly understanding husband who also doubles as a decent handyman.

Behold the en-suite.

It is a sad neglected room. Void of colour and love.

But no more! I have some plans in the works and a handyman at my side. This room shall soon be conquered.
 

The smaller the room, that faster it will go right? At least that is what Charming is hoping for!

Travel Tuesdays: Coastal Cruising

I introduce Prince Charming's parents, the King and Queen. In 30 years of marriage much knowledge and experience has been gained. Children and a new grandchild are among their vast blessings. However the growing family has spread across western Canada and is not easily brought together. To rectify this issue and to celebrate the special occasion we were invited along on a special holiday.

The plan, prepared by the ever photogenic King, was to spend a week on the Oregon coast. This, being the first extended trip with Charming's family, would prove to be a much different kind of vacation than I usually experience. No poolside lounging, lazy afternoons, and attempted suntanning this time.

We drove along the coast for hours stopping at only the best view points. The windswept and weather worn trees reveal the climate's true nature. I am the only one concerned. My fellow homo sapiens are content to brave the chill to capture lonely rock formations or aviary species in their natural habitat.

In an effort to chronicle the true adventure I captured the professionals in their favourite environment.

The main event, at least in my mind, was having bonding time with this baby dinosaur. The next time we get to see Rorasaurus he will be quite a little man so I took every opportunity to snuggle with him.

It was a pleasure to be able to give his very tired parents a chance to rest. Hopefully I didn't come across as too much of a beggar like the little friend we met along the way. The Queen is quivering off on the side spouting something about the danger of rabies.

When the Tyrannosaurus Rex wasn't spending his time talking to his lost love back home, we spent time enjoying each other's company.

Playing games...

With an intensity not anticipated when I agreed to join in.

Enjoying the attractions.

The enormity of this solid wood hanger is hard to understand until you are standing at the front door.

The hours flew by as all enjoyed antique planes and followed their history.

Throughout the week only Charming seemed willing to wait a moment for me to adjust camera settings, all the while holding a smile.

There will be many more of these to come for him as there is much more practicing to be done.

But Charming wouldn't let the sun set without him having a chance to try his hand at a photo shoot.

 Even if his model was a little unwilling.

It was a tiring yet fun filled week. Certainly an adventure!