Round Robin Challenge: Growing!

From For Ellipsis

"A grownup is a child with layers on."

-Woody Harrelson

RRC: Growing
Suggested by Wammy, of the blog, The Ellis Family Cincinnati



My little man Hendrix has finally grown into his own body! LOL. My goodness, the there are so many differences between my two little men. Dylan has grown at a steady rate, while his brother Hendrix has grown in little spurts over the last 9 months. He started off small and fuzzy, then he kind of became this round ball of energy, and now he has long legs and seems to fit quite nicely, and evenly proportioned, into his body. He is a wonderful boy, who is quick and happy, and very affectionate. I am never lonely with him by my side. I am so impressed with his maturity and his ability to learn.

Last night Hendrix wasn't feeling well. He was a bit arffffy. I was worried sick. It brought back a lot of memories of Elvis when he was ill. I tried my best to ignore them, held Hendrix for a while and rubbed his belly. They are my babies, and so when they aren't feeling well, the mommy in me comes out in force. Hendrix slept next to me all night, and this morning he woke up all better. He was playing with his favorite stuffed toy and he was chasing little caps around on the floor, and just being a little delight.

Dylan is my little constant. He is thoughtful and cuddly. He loves to talk. Alan and I always laugh as Dylan walks around the house mewing to himself in definite kitty words. I am not too sure about what he is on about, but he seems to know and that is the important thing I guess. Hendrix just stares at him when he is talking to himself, lol, but rarely speaks back. It's Dylan's monologue... it's what's on his mind at the time. Sometimes he sings. That really makes us laugh! Well, we did name him after Bob Dylan after all. LOL.

Thank you Wammy for suggesting such a fun and versatile subject to challenge us with!

One last thing in my life that's GROWING, my new baby Japanese Maple tree. At least now that we aren't moving, we will get to see it grow up!

:)









Now, be sure to visit all the participating Robins. Just following the links below...

Linking List
**Welcome New Members**

1. Wammy... The Ellis Family Cincinnati
Posted!

2. Karen... Outpost Mavarin
Posted!

3. Carly... Ellipsis
Posted!

4. Terri... Ways I See The World
Posted!

5. Jama... Sweet Memories
Posted!

6. Peggy... Holmespun Fun
Posted!

7. boliyou... Endomental


8. Mojo... Why? What Have I Heard?
Posted!

9. Suzanne R... SuzyQ421's Photo Blog
Posted!

10. Linda... Mommy's Treasures
Posted! 05/31/09

11. Sherrie... Sherrie's Stuff
Posted!

12. Alexa... Imagination Pounces
Posted!

13. Monica... How I See It
Posted!

14. Molly Mavis... Visual Dialogues
Posted!

15. Vicki... Maraca
Posted!

16. Marina... Visual Chronicle
Posted!

17. Linda... Linda's Window
Posted!

18. Butch and Angie... Snippets of Memories
Posted!

19. Teena... It's all about me!
Posted!

20. Fhaye... Photodito
Posted!

21. ellenb... The Happy Wonderer
Posted!

22. Connie...Far Side Of Fifty Photos
Posted!

23. Vicki... Maraca
Posted!

24. Rita... Cashjocky and the Old Salt
Posted!

25. Jen... Phun with Photography
Posted!

26. Betty... A Corgi in Southern California
Posted!

27. Ourhomeschool... Through the Eye of My Camera
Posted!

Be sure to check the official Round Robin blog on Sunday, to find out what our next challenge will be. It is my week to choose a topic, so it should be up and ready for viewing at midnight!

-Carly

The Facts As They Are

From For Ellipsis

"Bad planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part."

-Proverb

Life happens. I remember a conversation I had once with someone that brought both of us to the same conclusion that life moves you through doors whether you want to go or not. It just does. Why am I contemplating this right now? Well, you see a few days ago I posted an entry about big changes coming to my life. A new bed, a possible new move to a bigger apartment. You know... life changes. Well, the bed is written in stone. Alan and I are getting the new bed, but the new apartment upgrade is something that will just have to wait. I was sitting on the fence about it because there is just too much going on to feel secure in a move, you see, Governor Schwarzenegger is proposing yet another pay cut for state workers. If it is approved, it will mean that Alan will be losing another 5% from each month's check, which will mean that we are making 15% less then we were a year ago.

Sigh.

I don't have the same worries I did year ago. No cat dying of cancer. No trying to beat the cancer with expensive chemotherapy. No worries about losing my current apartment, as I know that the owner of the property will work with us. She likes us a lot. A fact I found out this week. It makes me smile to think there is one more person who likes me. It's a good feeling. And a secure one. I do have two new little mouths to feed, but we considered all that when we got them, after Elvis's death. We will be ok, but we will be cutting things really close.

All in all it's ok. We don't eat out much, and we grow a lot of our own veggies in the summer and autumn. We do love our Starbuck's, but I can make my favorite drink here at home. Just as good. In fact, if we have to give up our favorite guilty pleasure, Starbuck's, then maybe I will use the time to create some new sinful beverage that Starbuck's doesn't even serve! LOL. Take that bad times... YOU CAN'T STOP ME! LOL. It's times like these that I try to keep the words to the Sheryl Crow song, "Soak Up The Sun" in my brain, especially the part about "It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you have."

Sing it with me...

Soak Up The Sun
By Sheryl Crow

My friend the communist
Holds meetings in his RV
I can't afford his gas
So I'm stuck here watching TV
I don't have digital
I don't have diddly squat
It's not having what you want
It's wanting what you've got

[CHORUS:]
I'm gonna soak up the sun
Gonna tell everyone
To lighten up (I'm gonna tell 'em that)
I've got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame
I'm looking up o I'm gonna soak up the sun
I'm gonna soak up the sun
I've got a crummy job
It don't pay near enough
To buy the things it takes
To win me some of your love
Every time I turn around
I'm looking up, you're looking down
Maybe something's wrong with you
That makes you act the way you do
Maybe i am crazy too

[CHORUS]

I'm gonna soak up the sun
While it's still free
I'm gonna soak up the sun
Before it goes out on me
Don't have no master suite
I'm still the king of me
You have a fancy ride, but baby
I'm the one who has the key
Every time I turn around
I'm looking up, you're looking down
Maybe something's wrong with you
That makes you act the way you do
Maybe I am crazy too

[CHORUS]

I'm gonna soak up the sun
Got my 45 on
So I can rock on.

Earlier this week the governor proposed closing 80% of California's parks! 80%! California is broke, the cutbacks that are happening are affecting everyone, but things are getting really bad. What is life, without the open spaces to enjoy nature and get away from the harsh realities of things. I can't imagine the parks closing, and more folks out of work in one of the states with the highest unemployment rates. It's so sad, but, whenever I start feeling sorry for myself, I remember those who have it so much worse then I do.

Even with all the uncertainty... I am a happy person.

-Carly

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #39: Memorial Day

"The whole inspiration of our life as a nation flows out from the waving folds of this banner."

-Unknown









Note: Before we begin, some folks are still saying they are having difficulty with Internet Explorer loading multiple pages when they click on my blog. The bug is in the IE browser, not my blog. There is nothing I can do on my end. Please, if you are still having difficulty, only view Ellipsis in the Firefox browser. I will add a link at the bottom of this page, so you can read about how the bug is affecting other IE users. One possible fix is to download the latest version of IE. I did it and it fixed the problem for me.

EMPS #39: MEMORIAL DAY. NOW CLOSED!
It has been a three day weekend for most folks in the United States, and today is MEMORIAL DAY. Show me how you observed the day. A picnic with family, the day spent in quiet reflection, the raising and lowering of the flag, MEMORIAL DAY parades, anything related to the holiday is fine.

Extra Credit: Write a little about what MEMORIAL DAY means to you personally.

EMPS #39a. FLAGS.
I know some of you are not from America, and I don't want to leave you out, so for your assignment, show me the FLAG of your country.

Extra Credit: Put a frame around your FLAG photo, using your photo editing software.

**PLEASE READ**
You have until next Sunday evening at 9:00 PM ET to get your photo, submit it to your blog, journal or website and comeback here with the direct link back. Please remember, it must be a direct link to an entry specific to this Monday Photo Shoot assignment, not a general link to your blog. Also, please include a link back here, so others can join in the fun!

:)

Linking List for EMPS #38: Night Photography. 05/18/09

Now Closed!

1. Karen

2. Jama

3. Greg

4. Liz


Ok everyone, thanks for playing this week. See you next Monday with an all new photo shoot assignment!

-Carly


Internet Explorer Opens Multiple Pages Automatically Over 40! (Discussion article)

Probably, Maybe, Almost Certainly Big Changes

From For Ellipsis

"I ran up the door, closed the stairs, said my pajamas, put on my prayers, turned off the bed and hopped in the light, all because you kissed me goodnight."

-Unknown

It's time. Alan and I have been married nearly 19 years, and it is time for a change. It's time for a new bed, and maybe, a new apartment. But let's discuss the bed first. When we got married, we bought a really gorgeous frame and headboard in a cherry wood traditional style and finish. It was a gorgeous piece of furniture, and it came with a beautiful dresser and mirror with pretty scroll work along the top and sides. Beautiful. The set has served us well, but it's time for something new. Something different. But it will have to be something on a budget. Enter IKEA.

Yesterday, in an effort to get new ideas for decorating on a budget, Alan and I drove down to Emeryville, to our local IKEA and we came out with a lot of plans for the future, beginning with the bed frame you see above, it's called Leirvik. It's very pretty, and I am already getting ideas for how it will look with my existing knickknacks. Fun. As we shopped, we also checked out the chairs and sofas and futons, just in case we move to the cute little apartment/house we have had our eyes on for a while.

There is a lot to consider. The yard is not nearly as big as the one we have now. The cats wouldn't have as much area outside to play in, but there is a sizable, fenced in patio area and a big area we could put a nice garden in. Growing our own vegetables is important to both our budget and our health, so that has to be taken into consideration. The new place is slightly bigger then where we are now, which would be fabulous, and the bonus is that the rent is only a little more then we are paying now. If we give up a few bad habits, like Starbuck's, we could swing the cost... probably. Hopefully. Fingers crossed.

I am ready for a change. It's feels strange to say that, but it's true. I am a stubborn person, who when she finds something, usually digs her heels in and waits for roots to form, but I have been here 8 years, and I have done my best with my little cottage, and now it's time to move on methinks. Can you tell I am still mulling it over a bit? We'll see. In the meantime I have a new bed coming pretty soon, and then it will be time to talk dressers. Jeepers... all this shopping and planning is a little like playing the SIMS only without the repetitive music and diamond indicator above my head.

:)

Although, it there was a diamond indicator above my head, it would be white!

I'm Happy.

-Carly

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #38: Night Shots!

"Phooey! The porch light is burned out, and I cannot see if it is dark or not."

-Dave Beard








Time to stretch our wings a bit. :) NOW CLOSED!

EMPS #38: NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY.
Okay everyone, grab yourselves an afternoon nap, until the sun goes down, then grab your cameras and show me some NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY! A porch bulb. A group of fireflies. Your car's dashboard all lit up. Neon lights. The Moon. A Tiki Torch. A Bonfire. It's really up to you. Lets be imaginative, but let's also stay on topic with this one. I am specifically looking for NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY. The subject is up to you, as long as it is taken at night. Anything after dusk is fine.

Extra Credit: Write a little about what NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY is like for you. Love it? Hate it? Tell us all about it!

**Please Read**
You have until next Sunday evening at 9:00 PM ET to get your photo, post it to your blog, journal or website, and comeback here with the direct link. Please, NO HYPERLINKS. It must be a link, specific to this week's photo shoot assignment. Also, please remember to link back here, so other folks will be able to find the assignment and play along.

Linking List for EMPS #37: Theaters. 05/11/09

Now Closed!

Karen (1.) and (2.)

Martha

Liz (1. ) and (2.)

Mike


Ok, well done everyone. Tune in next week for an all new EMPS assignment!

-Carly

I Couldn't Agree More

From For Ellipsis

"There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle."

-Alexis de Tocqueville

Dick Cheney Needs To Shut The HELL Up...

Does anyone else remember when facts counted for something? I am so sick of Dick Cheney making the claim that the Bush administration kept us safe for 7 1/2 years! The thing is... The Bush administration was in power for 8 years! They didn't keep us safe, in fact, George Bush didn't read a key intelligence report titled, "Bin Laden Determined To Attack", in August of 2001. Does anyone else remember how surprised he was when 9/11 happened? Dick Cheney, apparently, not only authorized torture, but indeed, suggested it! The Bush administration with their many crimes and misdeeds, have set the stage for Americans to be in harms way for many, many years to come.

Now, let's discuss Nancy Pelosi...

You know, I wondered why she took Impeachment off the table when she became Speaker of the House. Sigh. I have to admit, I don't want to think it's true that she might have turned her back on the fact that America was torturing detainees, but I am losing my faith in the democrats more and more. I see Obama changing his mind on key issues, and I wonder, will we ever see a day like September 10th, 2001 again? I want my faith in my country back.

They Can Melt Bars Using Only The Power Of Their Minds...

Does anyone else think its kind of silly that folks are getting all worried about the due process of political detainees in American courts? "Colorado doesn't want terrorists in their communities!" LOL. Are the republicans trying to say, that our military and our security forces are too inept to keep these people from harming us? If so, how would these possible terrorists do it? Can they melt bars using only the power of their mind? It's absurd. Guantanamo needs to close just as Obama promised, and these people need to have trials, fair ones, you know like America is famous for. I don't know about you, but I would feel perfectly safe if they transferred them to California for detention.

From Now on Your Name Is Fred...

There is a resolution, by the RNC, to ask the Democratic party to change it's name to the "Democrat Socialist Party."

ROFLMAO... Tee Heeeeee. Snicker, snort, snicker, snorttt. (Hold on, can't breathe)

Tee Hee... Roflmao! Sheesh! Just when I think the republican party can't be anymore exasperating, they make me laugh, and I love them again.

:)

They're nothing if not entertaining!

-Carly

Round Robin Challenge: Floating!

From For Ellipsis

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time."

-John Lubbock

RRC: Floating.
Suggested by Vicki, of the blog, Maraca.

Like my duck? I was in Golden Gate Park this past week, and saw this guy floating in the pond at the DeYoung Museum and just knew he would be perfect for this challenge. Alan thinks this would make a great painting, so, wish me luck, I think I will give this one a try!

I received an email this past week, asking if it was okay to use archived photos for the challenges. The answer is that we really want to encourage you to get out with your cameras during the 2 weeks in between challenges, and get something new, but archived photos are perfectly acceptable as well. It is best, however, if the photos used are ones that haven't been posted for a while. About 6 months or so. I have used archived photos many times, in fact the ones below are archived. I first showed the one titled "Autumn Duck" a couple years ago, while the photograph of the "Jeremiah O'Brian" was taken back in March, but has not been previously published.


"Pink Water Lily"
"White Water Lily"
"Autumn Duck"
"Great Egret"

"Jeremiah O'Brian"

My father worked on the restoration of the Jeremiah O'Brian after he retired. It was very special to him. I enjoy going to see it when I am in San Francisco. I can feel his spirit right with me every time I look at it. :)

So, there you have it! Now, let's go see what everyone else saw "FLOATING."

Linking List
**Welcome New Members!**

1. Vicki... Maracas
Posted! 05/17/09

2. Carly... Ellipsis
Posted!

3. Karen... Outpost Mavarin
Posted!

4. Sherrie... Sherrie's Stuff
Posted!

5. Jen... Phun With Photography


6. Linda... Linda's Window
Posted!

7. Linda... Mommy's Treasures
Posted!

8. Monica... Click Shots
Posted!

9. Butch and Angie... Snippets of Memories
Posted!

10. Molly Mavis... Visual Dialogues
Posted!

11. boliyou... endomental
Posted!

12. Alexa... Imagination Pounces
Posted!

13. Robinella... Robinella's
Posted!

14. Jama... Sweet Memories
Posted!

15. Jennifer... My Muskoka
Posted!

16. Mojo... Why? What Have You Heard?
Posted!

17. The Explorer... Las Islas Filipinas


18. Marina... Visual Chronicle
Posted!

19. ellenb... The Happy Wonderer
Posted!

20. Sandra... A Cappuccino a Day
Posted!

21. Peggy... Holmspun Fun
Posted!

22. Gattina... Keyhole Pictures
Posted!

23. Teena... It's all about me!
Posted!


"When the tides of life turn against you and the current upsets your boat, don't waste those tears on what might have been, just life on your back and float."

-Unknown

-Carly
"Impressionist Duck"
DeYoung Museum
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
May, 2009

Bless Their Soft Paws And Pointed Faces!

From For Ellipsis

"Cats often devise their own sets of rules that they think we should live by, and they may be quick to chastise us if we fail to adhere to these rules!"

-Margaret Reister, D.V.M.

It's time for an update about my rascals! And what rascals they are. When we first started allowing the boys to play in the backyard, Dylan would have none of it! I had to pick him up and deposit him in the yard, otherwise he would sit at the door and cry. I am sure he was still a bit traumatized from what had happened to him him early in life. When I brought him home, he was content to be inside the rest of his life, but one day he came out of his shell and discovered that that his backyard was not only safe, but held all kinds of adventure. Suddenly he was hooked on exploring with his brother, playing the "Chase Me, Chase You" game and that life is just about perfect under mommy's lemon tree. Sometimes, however, Dylan decides to go a little too far with his exploring... he wants to know what is beyond the fence.








Hendrix is a very different cat. He likes the outdoors too, but he is very happy to check in with Mom every half hour or so, and always comes when he is called. He has become the responsible one. He watches out for his brother, and if he begins to stray too far, like he did that one day, Hendrix comes to the back door, and whines in a particular way to let us know that his brother is being a rascal. When Alan, Dylan and I are asleep, Hendrix plays with his stuffed animals, very quietly, as to not disturb us. I know this because many times I have opened my eyes in the middle of the night, to see him doing just that. He is learning to be considerate of others, just like Elvis did. That makes me very happy.

Life couldn't be more fun then it is right now with my boys. They will be 9 months old on June 2nd, and I am already looking forward to celebrating their birthdays. I am thinking it will be a Winnie The Pooh theme, or maybe Micky Mouse. We'll see. I also have to think about their costumes for Halloween. Maybe Dylan will be the clown this year, and Hendrix can be a Vampire. Don't tell Alan, but I bought Hendrix a costume last year... it's just waiting for him! LOL. I love these cats to an unreasonable level!!!

-Carly

I Have Found The One!

From For Ellipsis

"A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints."

-Wilfred Peterson

Photography is my adventure. But you know that... right? I have been a little lost since my beloved Konica Minolta Dimage Z1 met with an untimely near death on New Year's Day, at the paws of two flying monkeys known as Dylan and Hendrix. Sigh.

My awesome little camera served me well, but I had been thinking about an upgrade for years. Then, along came my Type 2 Diabetes, and Elvis's cancer, and the loss of a family member and a good friend, and it all seemed to be putting the weight of the world on my creativity. I am doing a lot better. I can think about Elvis without crying, and I can almost hear my brother-in-law Darryl saying, "Girl, get back into life, go take some pictures!"

Yeah Darryl, I know.

Yesterday, Alan and I started our garden this year, and began planning what we are both looking forward to this summer and autumn. We bought some tomato plants and some pepper plants for the vegetable garden, and I got some seed packets for my ZIN garden witch included some flower packets and some hot peppers, but the star of my garden is the beautiful Japanese Maple tree we found at Home Depot. Alan said he wanted me to always be able to have a little bit of autumn around to make me smile.

My garden is in the very early stages, I will do some updating as it takes shape.

But back to the camera.

I have found the new one for me. The Panasonic DMC FZ28. I have done my research and it has some really good user ratings, as well as CNET reviews. Costco has it for around $350.00 but Amazon has it for $75.00 less. Here is where the big decisions are made. I can get it cheaper if I want to wait for it to arrive. I can do that, but in the past, I have had some trouble returning things to Amazon. Is it worth paying the extra $75.00 in order to have a simpler return in case of a problem?

Tricky... very tricky.

The next really big photography opportunity will be in mid-October, when Alan and I are finally going to make it up to Plumas county to see the amazing turning of the leaves. It's just amazing color everywhere you look. It's far enough off, that I can do as much shopping around as I want. I don't want to run into this decision. Until I am able to make the purchase, I have my Dimage working again, thanks to a couple of rubber bands! LOL. It looks dorky as hell, but it is still taking amazing photos!

The photo you see above, was taken in 2005 with my little injured camera. It was/is a nifty little camera, but it was only 3.2 mega pixels and a 10x optical zoom. The Panasonic features 10.0 mega pixels and an 18x optical zoom. It's definitely the step up I have been longing for! I keep thinking about how much better that photo would have been with less noise in it.

It gives me something to really look forward to, but the waiting is hell!


-Carly

But Is It Art?

From For Ellipsis

"My wife is always trying to get rid of me. The other day she told me to put the garbage out. I said to her I already did. She told me to go keep an eye on it."

-Rodney Dangerfield

I was out with the camera one day, looking to find something out of the ordinary to photograph. This pile of garbage looked particularly interesting to me. It just caught my interest. What do you think? Is it artistic... or not so much?

Tell me what you think!

If so, why? If not, why not?

What's your first impression?

This is your chance to play art critic.

Feel free to leave a caption. I call it, "After Lunch" but I am open to other captions. If you are feeling creative, feel free to leave your own caption for this photo in the comment thread. I will be looking forward to seeing what you come with!

UPDATE: Martha has started a new meme. I am playing along, here is the addy so you can too!

Menagerie


-Carly

Fun At The Museum

From For Ellipsis

"I went to the museum where they had all their heads and arms from the statues that are in all the other museums."

-Steven Wright

I took this picture with my camera's cell phone. Not too bad for a 2.1. mega pixels. LOL. Sheesh. I got up early, cleaned my camera, added some new batteries, and placed it gingerly in the camera bag. I was all set. Too bad I forgot my camera case when I left the house! Jeepers! Sheesh! It's true... after 21 you pretty much go down hill losing your memory along with your car keys. LOL. Whoever added cameras to cell phones is a brilliant, brilliant person! Anyway, the first Tuesday of each month, the DeYoung museum and the Legion of Honor are both free to the public, and last week Alan and I went. It's a great way to spend an afternoon in San Francisco! Look at what I saw...

"Minuteman"

By Robert Arneson
















"Corridor Pin, Blue"

by Claes Oldenburg









:)

Do you have a favorite museum? How about a favorite work of art? Do you take photos with your cell phone? Do you have a backup camera that you always have with you? Tell me everything!

-Carly

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #37: Theaters

"There is a hunger to see the human presence acted out. As long as that remains, people will find a way to do theater."

-Zelda Fichandler









EMPS #37: THEATERS. NOW CLOSED!
There are a couple of big movies out this week and next, so I thought it might just be a good time to focus on one of the coolest things about the upcoming season of summer... going to the THEATER! If you are going to the movies this week, grab your camera and show me your favorite movie house. Maybe you prefer stage productions to movies... ok... show me where go to see a good play! Be it community THEATER or Broadway, it's all good! Do you have a historic THEATER in your town, if so, show it to us! Playbills are good. Children's stage productions are just super. If it is THEATER related, I will be thrilled to see it! THEATERS tend to have rich, wonderful pasts, do a little Google search, you never know what tidbit you might find out about your local THEATER.

Extra Credit: Show me a movie or play poster from outside the THEATER.

**Please Read**
You have until next Sunday evening at 9:00 PM ET to get your photo, post it to your blog, journal or website, and comeback here with the direct link. Please remember, it must be the direct link, specific to this week's photo shoot assignment. No hyperlinks will be added to the Linking List. Also, it would be super if you could add a link back here to this entry, so other folks can find the assignment and play along!

Linking List for EMPS#36: A WALK IN THE PARK 05/04/09

NOW CLOSED!

1. Suzanne takes us on a visit of Wait Park, in Oregon. Cool name for a park methinks. :)

2. Karen shows us Reid Park, "The Central Park of Tucson."

3. Jama's favorite park is Bishan park in Singapore. Go look. It's amazing!

4. Greg photographed a beautiful sunset along the Blue Ridge Beltway. It's a stunning, rich landscape.

5. Connie shows us a park that was purchased by a local Lion's Club in recent years. Plenty of space for fun and frolic!

Very nice pictures of parks! I am all set to get on my walking shoes and head up to Tilden park here in Berkeley! Thanks folks, for the inspiration!

:)

Go be photographers. I will see you next Monday with a brand photo shoot assignment!

-Carly

Scenes From A Very Long Weekend...

From For Ellipsis

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

-Oprah Winfrey

I am really tired. :) It has been a very long, very enjoyable weekend. :) Alan and I take the second weekend in May off each year, not so much for Mother's Day, but for all the fun things to do around the Bay Area. Starting with the annual Chili Cook-off at the Rowell Ranch in Castro Valley, which takes place the night before the Rodeo parade on Saturday. On Saturday evening we grab something yummy, like a pizza or chicken, and head across the bay into Marin County to get a front row seat for the fireworks at the end of the KFOG Kaboom concert! It's a fun weekend. I look forward to it each year, and I know Alan enjoys having a little time to just take a deep breath and relax a bit. He deserves it!

:)

Take a look a what we have been up to...

Alan liked the chili made by Eden Medical Center the best. They got all his votes!
Miss Rowell Ranch Rodeo, Brittany Voss.

Yummy Eats!
Alameda County Supervisor, Nate Miley.
Silly Clown! :)
Cowboys!
The theme of this year's parade was, "Back To The Future." It was interesting to see not one, not two, but 5 Deloreans!

And there is more planned for this week! Right now I am off to make a pitcher of lemonade, and gather the picnic basket together. We are going bike riding later. Fun, fun, fun! Staycations ROCK!

This our official kickoff to the summer. How about you? When does summer officially begin for you? Is it when the season begins on the calendar? Is it Memorial Day weekend? What regional festivals do you enjoy attending?

-Carly

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #36: A Walk In The Park

"All I need to make a comedy is a park, a policeman and a pretty girl."

-Charlie Chaplin







EMPS #36: A WALK IN THE PARK. NOW CLOSED!
We are in May, and with April showers come May flowers! Let's take A WALK IN THE PARK this week and see what we find. No archived photos for this one! Flora. Fauna. Children. Old folks on benches. Wee folk on swings. Hot Dog carts. Artists. Public Art. Street Performers. It's all good. Mostly I want to see what your favorite park looks like from your artistic perspective. Look for cool angles, interesting shapes, and unusual sights. Show me what you see on your WALK IN THE PARK!

Extra Credit: Give me a little history of your favorite park. :) Just Google it and see what you come up with!

**PLEASE READ**
You have until next Sunday, at 9:00 PM ET to complete your photo assignment, post it to your blog, website or journal, and comeback here with the direct link. Remember, the link you leave must be a link back to the entry specific to this week's photo shoot assignment.

Linking List for EMPS#35: Government Buildings. 04/27/09

NOW CLOSED!

1. Karen

2. Suzanne

3. Jama


Question Of The Week: How often do you add special effects from your photo editing program to your photos?

Ok, see you in one week. Now go be photographers!

-Carly

The Week In Review...

"In all matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane."

-Oscar Wilde











Which is Cheesier?

A plate of assorted cheeses and pecans?

Or



















Miss California, Carrie Prejean?


Ok, here's the thing. Everyone is entitled to live their life as they see fit. Just as everyone is entitled to their own opinion. We can all agree on those points... right? With that being said, I am having a great deal of difficulty understanding some opinions. Like the idea that marriage has to somehow be protected. I am in favor of marriage. Period. Man and a woman, woman and a woman, man and a man. Marriage is a lifelong commitment to the one you love. How is that a bad thing? To date, I have never heard a clear and concise explanation as to how Gay marriage endangers the institution of marriage, but I am open to opinions, so, if you feel differently then I do, feel free to leave your opinion in the comment thread, but be forewarned, messages of hate will be deleted, so be respectful of others. Fair enough?

Opinions, opinions. What do you think?

-Carly

Round Robin Challenge: See The Music

From For Ellipsis

"A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence."

-Leopold Stokowski

RRC: See The Music
Suggested by Karen, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin

Barefoot In The Park...

Music... what would life be like if there were no music? Boring and sad I think. I took this photograph way back in 2005, just a few months after Alan gave me my digital camera. I was in Golden Gate Park, just soaking up all of the spring beauty of the tulip garden, when this lady walked past me, strumming on a guitar. Street performers are pretty common place in San Francisco, but this lady was so pretty, and her guitar playing was so soft, that it caught me off guard. It was a cloudy day, and her music was soft and ethereal. It was one of those moments that I found myself thanking God for the invention of the camera, because it was one of those moments you want to be able to visit again and again.

Thanks Karen. This challenge reminded me of a really nice day. :)

Linking List
**Welcome New Members

1. Karen... Outpost Mavarin
Posted!

2. Carly... Ellipsis
Posted!

3. Jama... Sweet Memories
Posted!

4. Monica... Click Shots
Posted!

5. Gattina... Keyhole Pictures
Posted!

6. Valerie... Soulfully Blonde


7. Wammy... The Ellis Family Cincinnati


8. Sherrie... Sherrie's Stuff
Posted!

9. Nancy... Nancy Luvs Pix
Posted!

10. Jen... Phun With Photography
Posted!

11. Suzanne R... SuzyQ421's Photo Blog
Posted!

12. Linda... Mommy's Treasures


13. Chris... Camera Obscura RRPC
Posted!

14. Robinella... Robinella's


15. Sandra... A Cappuccino a Day
Posted!

16. Mojo... Why? What Have You Heard?
Posted!

17. Molly Mavis... Visual Dialogues
Posted!

18. boliyou...endomental
Posted!

19. ChryseisViviennne... CV Photographs


20. Rita... Cashjocky and the Old Salt


21. Amanda... Amanda's Weekly Zen


22. Martha... Menagerie
Posted!

23. Alexa... Imagination Pounces
Posted!

24. Terri...Ways I See The World
Posted!

25. ellenb... The Happy Wonderer
Posted!

26. Connie...Far Side Of Fifty Photos
Posted!

27. Marina...Visual Chronicle
Posted!

28. Peggy... Holmespun Fun
Posted!

Remember, there is still time to play along with our current challenge. If you have never played before, and want to, just jump on in. This challenge will remain open until next weekend, if you can't play today. If you just can't make it this time, for any reason, but you would like to join us sometime, check the official Round Robin blog the day after each challenge to find out what we will be doing next!

-Carly

Scary Things

From For Ellipsis

"In Witchcraft, each of us must reveal our own truth."

-Starhawk, Spiral Dance

Happy Walpurgis Night...

Tonight we will carve a pumpkin, make some hot spiced apple cider, and pray a wayward ghostie or goblin doesn't visit our door. It's not Halloween, but it is Walpugis Night! April 30th, sits exactly opposite October 31st on the calendar, which means the veil between this world and the next is at it's most slight. It is also, according to About.com, "the last chance for witches and their nefarious cohorts to stir up trouble, before spring reawakened the land."

Are you scared?

Does this frighten you?

Bwahahahahahaha!

If you have known me any length of time, you know how much I love spooky, scary stuff. Autumn is my favorite time of year, and I embrace it fully! It has been cold in the Bay Area this spring, so it feels really nice to have something fun to blame the chills on. I still have a pumpkin sitting on the window seat from last autumn, so I will carve it and place it by the back door tonight. Why do I still have a pumpkin on my window seat? I always buy several extra pumpkins for cooking, and decoration and, of course, protection, through the long dark winter months!

A Little Too Scary...

Another confirmed case of Swine Flu was just announced in San Mateo County this morning. San Mateo county is just across the bay from where I am, on the peninsula. I suppose it's just a matter of time until a case has been diagnosed in Alameda County. I hope not. Sigh. I don't believe it is a forgone conclusion that I will get it, but it's a little scary anyway. The thing that worries me the most is that the CDC knows so little about it. Hospitals in the area have just been inundated with folks who believe they have flu-like symptoms. So much so, that tented triage units have been erected, at some hospitals, to handle all the folks coming to emergency rooms.

I don't know. I don't feel particularly worried. I carry hand sanitizer with me all the time. I have to, being a diabetic, I check my blood glucose several times a day and having a bottle of sanitizer in my purse is just apart of my life. I always wash my hands before and after I touch food. That's just been a lifelong habit. Does doing any of those things make me any safer? Maybe from some things, but this is airborne, so what's a girl to do? I know one thing, as much as I like spooky movies, I won't be watching Steven King's, The Stand, tonight!

What do you think?

Will things get much worse?

Should we all be panicking?

Is it a forgone conclusion that all of us will get Swine Flu?

How did it get so big, so quick?

Opinions, opinions. Tell me what you think. Will you be celebrating Walpurgis Night along with me? Does the Swine Flu worry you? Are you taking any special steps to protect yourself? Do you get annual flu shots?

Tell me what you think.

Walpurgis Night

Hospitals Inundated with Panicked People

-Carly

Welcome To The Light!

"Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved so far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans.

-Senator Arlen Spector

WOW! I don't know about you, but I was shocked to hear Senator Arlen Specter's announcement this morning regarding his switch to the Democratic Party. It makes me wonder, will we be seeing more and more defections as time goes by? Has the GOP become an entity that is unrecognizable to it's own members? Is it really a clash of ideals that caused Sen. Specter to change sides, or is it due to the lack of clear and consistent leadership? Whatever the reason, Senator Specter, welcome to the light! Come on in, it's good to have you with us!

Opinions, opinions! What do you think? Will more republican senators follow Senator Specter's lead? Do you think he will be reelected in the 2010 election? And while we are on the subject of elections, do you believe that Al Frankin will ever be sworn in as the junior senator from Minnesota?

Arlen Specter



-Carly

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot # 35: Government Buildings

"We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us."

-Winston Churchill








EMPS #35: GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS. NOW CLOSED!
For this week's photography assignment, I thought it might be fun to shoot some GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS! LOL. With a camera of course! Silly persons! Now, grab your camera, and show me what your local City Hall looks like, or if you live near the capitol of the state you live in, show me your capitol. Courthouses are good too. Any local GOVERNMENT BUILDING will do.

Extra Credit: Many times there are lovely gardens or public art on display in and around GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, so, show me what special feature you find in the area around the building you photograph! Statues, murals, Rose gardens... it's all good!

**PLEASE READ**
You have until next Sunday evening at 9:00 PM ET, to get your photo, post it to your blog, website or journal, and then comeback here with the direct link to your entry. Please remember, it must be a link specific to this week's photo shoot assignment. No hyperlinks accepted. Also, it would be just nifty if you linked back here to this entry, so other folks can play along with this week's assignment.

Linking List for EMPS #34: Earth Day. 04/20/09

NOW CLOSED!

1. Wammy

2. Suzanne

3. Karen
And a bonus entry here.

4. Liz

5. Terri

6. Jama

7. Greg

8. Mike

Question of the Week: As a photographer, which do you prefer, indoor or outdoor photography?

NOTE: There seems to have been a problem with Ellipsis last week, some folks indicated that at times when they tried to access my blog, multiple IE windows opened unexpectedly. I have done some research, and found out that there is a bug in IE which can cause this to happen, regardless of what website you are at, but just to be sure I have done some template tweaking to try and resolve the problem. Everything seems to be working ok for now, but I want to know if it happens again. Please send me an email if you notice anything like that happening again.

Ok, go be photographers, I will see you in one week with an all new assignment.

-Carly

At The End Of The Day...

From For Ellipsis

"Every time you wake up and ask yourself, "What good things am I going to do today", remember that when the sun goes down at sunset, it will take a part of your life with it."

-Indian Proverb

Torture. When it comes to a subject as serious as this, I ask you, is there really such a thing as right or left, indeed, shouldn't it be right and wrong? I do not understand how anyone, regardless of political affiliation can say, "let's just move on," when it comes to this issue. An awful lot of bad things have been done in the name of each and every American. With equally bad results. It has been proven that torturing prisoners usually results in very little, if any, solid information. The tactic of torture does NOT keep us safe, indeed, it puts us in greater danger. Have we been safe since 9/11? Well, I don't think that we can say that just because there hasn't been a day like 9/11 since then that we are safe. I think we have been lucky, but not necessarily safe. You have to remember, the enemies we have now are a patient lot. Walking around with a cocky attitude, bragging about how safe we are, will eventually comeback to bite us... BIG.

Here is what I really don't get about the Bush administration authorizing "harsh interrogations"... why? Why resort to that? Why let Osama bin Laden win in his effort to change who we are, or were? Can you just imagine the moral victory we handed him? Not only did we never bring to justice those who attacked us that day, but we have given them a solid moral victory in knowing they have divided us as a nation. Sigh. Will prosecuting the Bush administration for war crimes divide us further? I hope not. I hope that regardless of what we have all been through, we can still see and know the difference between right and wrong.

I remember when the Bush administration tried to erase the word hunger, by calling it "pantry challenged." Sheesh. It was still hunger. It didn't work. And it is my hope that changing the name of torture to enhanced interrogations, won't work either.

It's Obama's first 100 days. So far he has given me a lot of hope. He has reversed many of the Bush administrations policies, and with each reversal, I can feel another brick being lifted off of me. Hope. It's a good thing. Are things perfect? Far from it. Do I agree with everything he is doing. NOPE. But at least I can see a future again. Life is getting better. Nothing really profound happens in the first 100 days of any administration, it's what happens from now on that really matters. I just HOPE he does the right thing.

Opinions, opinions...

If you are a republican, or a democrat for that matter, feel free to chime in. If you have known me for any length of time you know I welcome opinions, even if you don't agree with my point of view. So, tell me what's on your mind. Go ahead. Don't be shy.

Opinions anyone?

-Carly