Happy Independence Day, July 4th 2009

From For Ellipsis

"What is the essence of America? Finding and maintaining that perfect delicate balance between freedom "to" and freedom "from."

-Marilyn vos Savant

From Our House To Yours...

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!

-Carly

Bored On The 3rd Of July? Sarah Palin Resigns!

"All of 'em, any of 'em that have been in front of me over all these years."

-Sarah Palin, unable to name a single newspaper or magazine she reads, in an interview with Katie Couric

WOW! What a bombshell! Sarah Palin has just resigned as Alaska's governor, effective July 26th! So what do you think? Is she bored with being Alaska's governor? Or is something bigger in the works? Is she eyeing the presidency? Is there a new scandal about to unfold? If she is eyeing the presidency, why wouldn't she continue to work for the people of Alaska so her record can be as strong as possible when she officially throws her hat in the ring?

I don't understand her explanation at all. If she were to seek reelection as Alaska's governor, why would she assume her second term would become ineffectual? It's up to her what gets done... isn't it? Her speech seemed strange to me... what do you think? Do you think she might be taking time off to read a few newspapers, and learn what the Obama doctrine is?

Strange. Resigning the day before Independence Day.

(Tilting My Head)

Opinions, opinions.

Watch the video and tell me what you think is behind the sudden resignation of Sarah Palin.

-Carly

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #44:Travel Brochures

"Just remember, once you are over the hill, you pick up speed."

-Don Marquis







NOW CLOSED!

EMPS #44: TRAVEL BROCHURES
Today I turn 47! Woo Hoo! What do I want? Glad you asked. I want all my Monday Photo Shoot participants to photograph a TRAVEL BROCHURE for me. Rolling hills, the Pacific ocean, the desert, the mountains, the Atlantic ocean, the bustling big city, awesome sunsets, a magnificent fireworks display over your hometown... it's all good. Here's the important part... make your photos as artistic as possible, as if you were shooting the photo specifically for publication in a travel magazine or brochure! This is your chance to shine. We have some outstanding photographers among us!

Extra Credit: Write a one paragraph explanation to go with your photo, which includes information about the area in which your photo is taken. A simple Google search should yield plenty of information. Tell us about the food, the climate, the hiking trails, the dog parks, the attractions, the shopping. You get the idea, but please make the paragraph in your own words... no fair lifting from others work.

**PLEASE READ**
You have until next Sunday evening at 9:00 PM ET to get your photo, add it to your blog, journal or website, and comeback here with the direct link. Please folks, it must be a direct link to the entry specific to this Monday Photo Shoot assignment. I cannot accept hyperlinks. I must have the full link, so I can add you to next week's Linking List.

Linking List for EMPS #43: Seeing Stars 06/22/09

NOW CLOSED!

1. Vicki

2. Suzanne

3. Martha

4. Greg

5. Karen

6. Vicky

7. Jama

8. Mike

9. Terri


Note: I will be super busy this week with birthday plans. I should be in and out all week, so it will probably be Thursday before I can visit your entry. Don't worry, I will visit everyone before next Monday. I promise!

Have a very HAPPY 4th of JULY!!

-Carly

Round Robin Challenge: Wildlife

From For Ellipsis

"I have never been in a natural place and felt it was a waste of time. I never have. And it's a relief. If I am walking around a desert, or whatever, every second is worthwhile."

-Viggo Mortenson

RRC: Wildlife
Suggested by Nancy, of the blog, Nancy Luvs Pix

I wasn't sure I would be playing this round. I haven't been out with the camera as much as I would like to be. The weather has been downright chilly here in the Bay Area, and my arthritis has been bothering me. I didn't want to miss out, so I did some backyard photography and captured a lovely moth and a butterfly or two, and then I pulled out a couple photos from my archives which hadn't been previously posted, including some new photos of my two favorite wildlife representatives, Dylan and Hendrix. Enjoy. :)

The weather will be HOT beginning today. The local meteorologists are calling it "DANGEROUSLY HOT." YUCK. A different reason to stay home. Oh well. Maybe some evening shots are in order this week. Sunsets and neon. Stay tuned. :)




Thanks for the great suggestion Nancy! I am looking forward to seeing every one's wildlife photos!

Linking List **Welcome New Members**

1. Nancy... Nancy Luvs Pix
Posted!

2. Karen... Outpost Mavarin
Posted!

3. Steven... (sometimes)photoblog
Posted!

4. Monica... Shutterly Happy


5. Jama... Sweet Memories
Posted!

6. Molly Mavis... Visual Dialogues
Posted!

7. Peggy... Holmespun Fun
Posted!

8. Vicki... Beach Bum
Posted!

9. Connie... Far Side of Fifty Photos
Posted!

10. Marina... Visual Chronicle


11. Vicki... Maraca


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

13. Alexa... Imagination Pounces
Posted!

14. Irene... Notes From The Lion City
Posted!

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

16. Linda... Linda's Window
Posted!

17. Terri... Ways I See the World


18. Sandra... A Cappuccino a day
Posted!

19. Carly... Ellipsis
Posted!

20. Jen... Phun With Photography


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

22. Vicki... Sea Turtle Mom
Posted!


Be sure to check the official RR blog tomorrow, to find out what our next challenge will be!



-Carly

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #43: Seeing Stars

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."

-Harriet Tubman










EMPS #43: SEEING STARS.
Pretty simple idea... go out and find me some STARS! I am looking for any kind of STARS, so feel free to think outside the box, and yes, archived photos are fine for this one. STARfish, STARS on fabric, STARS in the sky... all good! STARS on a flag would work, as does those glowing plastic STARS you put in a child's bedroom. Know any Hollywood STARS? Tee Hee. If so, take their picture and post them in your entry. Right now, I am off to enjoy a big bowl of Chicken and STARS soup!

Extra Credit: So that we can better understand what photography means to all of us, I want to continue sharing our individual experiences with the camera, so, share a little bit about what it was like to take this week's photo or or photos. Give us all the details. What was the best part? What was the worst part? What settings did you use to accomplish your shot? What were the surrounding conditions? You get the idea!

**PLEASE READ**
You have until next Sunday evening at 9:00 PM ET to get the photo for this week's photo shoot assignment, post it to your blog, journal or website, and comeback here with the direct link back. Remember, it must be the direct link to the entry specific to this week's assignment, not a general link to your blog. No hyperlinks please! Also, please include a link back here to this week's assignment.

Linking List for EMPS #42: Playing In The Water 06/15/09

Now Closed!

1. Vicki

2. Suzanne

3. Karen

4. Martha

5. Jama

6. Terri

7. Greg

8. Connie

9. Mike

10. Terri

Thanks for your participation this week. I really appreciate your input and the effort you all put into these entries. :) I have a special assignment in mind for our next assignment, so be sure to check back in one week!

-Carly

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #42: Playing In The Water

"Don't you realize that the sea is the home of water? All water is off on a journey unless it's in the sea, and it's homesick, and bound to make its way home someday."

-Zora Neale Hurston






EMPS #42: PLAYING IN THE WATER.
It's the middle of June, and time for some fun in the water. Rubber duckies bobbling along. Babies being bathed. Dogs out for a swim. Pelicans catching fish. Teens running a car wash. Children running through the sprinklers. There are lots of places you might find someone, or something, enjoying water. I will also accept a photograph of a beautiful waterfall or some other body of water that is moving, but if possible, please try to include someone or something engaged with the water. And please, rather then tapping into your archives, lets go out and do some photography this week.

Extra Credit: Write a paragraph or two about how you used your senses while you were taking your photos for this assignment. What did you hear? What did you smell? Did you touch the water? Did you find something about the experience uniquely different then when you photograph other subjects? I want to hear about your experiences with the camera during this assignment.

Linking List for EMPS #41: CLOUDS 06/08/09

NOW CLOSED!

1. Vicki

2. Connie

3. Suzanne

4. Karen

5. Mike

6. Nancy

7. Jama

8. Greg

9. Liz

10. Terri

11. Martha

:)


Thanks for another awesome turnout this week! I appreciate your participation so much. See everyone next Monday with an all new photo shoot assignment!

-Carly

Round Robin Challenge: Looking Up!

From For Ellipsis

"When life knocks you down, try to land on your back. Because if you can look up, you can get up. Let your reason get you back up."

-Les Brown

RRC: Looking Up.
Suggested by Robinella, of the blog, Robinella's

It's so funny, I live in California, I am out with my camera, if not every single day, then at least several times a week, and I almost never bother to photograph Palm trees. I am not really sure why. It could be because they aren't really my favorite tree, or it might be because they are so common that I don't really pay much attention to them. Who knows? I just don't. However, last week when Alan and I finally got out to the new Star Trek movie, I noticed a Palm tree on my way into the theater that for whatever reason I found particularly lovely, so I decided to take it's picture. For some reason it reminded me of fireworks. My mind works in mysterious ways at times. Shrug. What do you think? Do you like Palm trees?

Here are some other sights I have seen while LOOKING UP...

LOOKING UP at some gorgeous flowers on the side of a hill

The next couple photos were taken at the Aquarium Of The Bay on Pier 39 in San Francisco.

Alan playing with our silly cow kite. I love that kite so much!
I just had to toss in a Halloween picture. I took this one last year. Don't be surprised if I use it in an upcoming Monday Photo Shoot assignment this coming fall!

Well, that's it for me. Did you play this time around? There's still time. Just pop over to the official RR blog to get all the details.

Now, follow the links below to see some very creative photography.

Linking List **WELCOME NEW MEMBERS**

1. Robinella... Robinella's


2. Carly... Ellipsis
Posted!

3. Betty... A corgi in Southern California
Posted!

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

5. Karen... Outpost Mavarin
Posted!

6. Peggy... Holmespun Fun
Posted!

7. Martha... Menagerie
Posted!

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

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

10. Monica... Frame of Mind
Posted!

11. Vicki... Maraca
Posted!

12. Steven... (sometimes)photoblog
Posted!

13. Marina...Visual Chronical
Posted!

14. Jama... Sweet Memories
Posted!

15. Linda... Linda's Window
Posted!

16. Molly Mavis... Visual Dialogues
Posted!

17. Sherrie... Sherrie's Stuff
Posted!

18. Salina... Mountain Blossom Photo Blog


19. Irene... Notes From The Lion City
Posted!

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

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

22. Sandra... A Cappuccino a day


23. Fhaye... Crown Imperial


24. ellen b... The Happy Wonderer
Posted!

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

26. Lana G. ... Above The Clouds
Posted!

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

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

29. Gattina... Keyhole Pictures
Posted!

30. Joanna... Up on Haliburton Hill
Posted!

31. Margaret... Margaret's Maniacal Musings
Posted!

32. Vicki... Sea Turtle Mom
Posted!


Thank you Robinella, I enjoyed your theme very much!

-Carly

Things I Think About While Photographing Ducks...

From For Ellipsis

"I know that I've got big ears and a big forehead and my hair sticks up. But I am happy with myself. I am not necessarily trying to win a beauty pageant here."

-Clay Aiken

1. Carry Prejean (former Miss California) was fired yesterday for failing to honor her contract. BIG SURPRISE! Good riddance.

2. The King Tut exhibit is coming to San Francisco in the fall. I am really looking forward to seeing it. I was 16 the last time it came here, and I enjoyed it immensely.

3. I am looking forward to reading the book, "The Physick Book Of Deliverance Dane" by author, Katherine Howe.

4. I have $61.45 in my checking account. Sigh.

5. My rent went up $26.00. Sigh.

6. I have been looking for, and been unable to find, pink peppercorns.

7. I think I will make meatloaf for dinner.

8. But not just any meatloaf, my famous gourmet meatloaf.

9. Keith Olbermann is HOT!

10. Joy Behar is getting her own talk show this fall on HLN. Good luck Joy! :)

11. My favorite daydream is about this wonderful apartment I found on Central Park West.

12. When am I going to hit the lottery?

13. My babies are almost full grown cats. Sigh.

14. It's June 11th, and I am wearing a sweater, and it's not enough.

15. The temperature is 59 degrees, and it might rain tomorrow.

16. David Letterman made a misstep with a joke earlier this week regarding Sarah Palin's daughter... he went too far... he apologized... time to move on.

17. My birthday is coming up in a few weeks. I will be 47. Weird. Wasn't I just celebrating my 24th birthday?

18. I need to pick up some cat food at Walmart. They have the best prices for cat supplies.

19. I got a $2 Subway gift card in the mail the other day. I could really go for a BMT, no lettuce.

20. Hendrix gave me a big kiss this morning, then he bit my toe.

21. I really like the new show Kendra on E! It made me laugh so hard.

22. Yes, I am still hopelessly hooked on Denise Richards: It's Complicated.

23. The sad events yesterday at the Holocaust museum in Washington D.C., made me cry. So much hate.

24. It's cold outside today.

25. Dylan is in the bathroom singing the Dilly song.

26. Hate is growing.

27. Could it be because we dared to vote in America's first black president?

28. I think I will make sugar-free apple turnovers tonight.

29. Just before the election last November, I was in the supermarket one evening and heard a man, who was well dressed, and seemed quite educated, spouting some sad, evil, angry anti-Semitic, and anti-African American sentiments. It made me sad then too.

30. Hendrix is asleep in the bathtub, next to his favorite stuffed toy, a bear named Whitman. He carries that thing everywhere.

31. This weather is making me want to bake goodies.

32. I am in pain because of all this cold. My hands, right shoulder, and both knees are all hurting today. Hurting bad.

33. I think I might ask Alan for the new $99 iPhone for Christmas.

34. Don't forget... There is a Round Robin Challenge this weekend. The topic is "Looking Up." I hope it will help folks find the positive side of things.

35. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Euna Lee and Laura Ling, and those who love them.

-Carly

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #41: Clouds!

"I may have my head in the clouds, but my feet are planted firmly on the ground."

-Unknown





EMPS #41: Clouds. NOW CLOSED!
CLOUDS. Simple... right? Show me CLOUDS. As always, feel free to think outside the box or the CLOUDS. CLOUDS in your coffee. CLOUDS out your airplane window. CLOUDS above you, or CLOUDS below you if you live in the hills. CLOUDS at sunset. CLOUDS in the morning. CLOUDS in the distance. You know... CLOUDS.

Extra Credit: Show me some colored CLOUDS.

**PLEASE READ**
You have until next Sunday evening, at 9:00 PM ET to get your photo, upload it to your blog, journal or website, and comeback here with the direct link. Please remember, it must be a direct link to an entry specific to this week's Monday Photo Shoot assignment. Please, NO HYPERLINKS! Also, it would be great if you could also add a link back here so others can find the EMPS and play along!

Linking List for EMPS #40: Rainbows. 06/01/09

Now Closed!

1. Jama

2. Suzanne

3. Martha

4. Greg

5. Karen

6. Terri

7. Mike

8. Liz
(Corrected Link)

See you next week with photo shoot assignment #42! :)

-Carly

My Thoughts Are With Them

"Justice denied anywhere, diminishes justice everywhere."

-Martin Luther King

The two female journalists, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, of San Francisco's, Current TV, will stand trial in North Korea in less then one hour from now, 11:00 pm PT. I am so worried about these two ladies. If convicted, they could face 10 years of hard labor. I can only imagine the fear and pain they must be feeling. There was a candlelight vigil earlier tonight, however I wasn't able to attend, so, I am thinking of them right now, and keeping them in my prayers. Please keep them in your thoughts today.

-Carly

While Out For A Walk...

From For Ellipsis

"A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change."

-Unknown

I went out for a walk today at Lake Anza, in Tilden Park. It's so pretty up here in the hills, and the weather the last couple days has been something else. Tonight, through the next few days, calls for possible thunderstorms. It's damp and sticky. Not at all like the usual weather we have this time of year. I am enjoying the change. There is electricity in the air, and everything smells really nice after those quick, brief rain showers. While out enjoying the feel of the air, this guy walked passed me. He didn't mind that I took his picture, in fact he kindly posed for me, then went on his way. It was a nice moment, one that I am glad I had. I am so happy that I didn't just sit at home today, I wouldn't have wanted to have missed this moment.

:)

-Carly

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #40: Rainbows

"Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simple consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow."

-Douglas Pagels








EMPS #40: RAINBOWS.
Inspired by my pal Martha's new meme, Color Carnival, I thought it would be fun to explore color this week. And where can you find a lot of color? Why in RAINBOWS of course! Grab your cameras, and show me some RAINBOWS. Now if you happen to be in an area where RAINBOWS occurring naturally are hard to come by, recreate one or simply use one from somewhere else, such as a RAINBOW on some fabric or maybe created with ribbons or paint. However you choose to photograph a RAINBOW is fine.

Extra Credit: Write a little about which colors gives you the most problems with your photography, and which colors are the easiest for you to photograph.

**Please Read**
You have until next Sunday evening, at 9:00 PM ET, to find your RAINBOW, photograph it, and add it to your blog, journal or website. After you do, comeback here with the direct link to your entry. REMEMBER it must be a link to the entry specific to this week's Monday Photo Shoot assignment. Also, please include a link back here to this entry so others can play along.

Linking List for EMPS #39: Memorial Day. 05/25/09

NOW CLOSED!

Sherrie

Suzanne

Karen

Liz

Greg

Mike

Jama

Connie

Nice turnout this week! It was good to see so many players! Now, GO BE PHOTOGRAPHERS! I will see you back here in one week, with an all new Monday Photo Shoot assignment!

-Carly

Color Carnival #4

From For Ellipsis

"In our lifetime there is a single color, ans on artists pallet, which provides the meaning of art and life. It is the color of love."

-Marc Chagall

This is my entry for Martha's new meme... Color Carnival. Be sure to play along, it's just fun!

-Carly

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
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7. Linda... Mommy's Treasures
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8. Monica... Click Shots
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9. Butch and Angie... Snippets of Memories
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10. Molly Mavis... Visual Dialogues
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11. boliyou... endomental
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12. Alexa... Imagination Pounces
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13. Robinella... Robinella's
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14. Jama... Sweet Memories
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15. Jennifer... My Muskoka
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16. Mojo... Why? What Have You Heard?
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17. The Explorer... Las Islas Filipinas


18. Marina... Visual Chronicle
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19. ellenb... The Happy Wonderer
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20. Sandra... A Cappuccino a Day
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21. Peggy... Holmspun Fun
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22. Gattina... Keyhole Pictures
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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