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Thursday 30 April 2009

We have been evacuated

We were evacuated from our home yesterday afternoon due to forest fires that have been burning out of control since Wednesday. Hopefully we will be able to go home in the AM. to check and see if we have a home to go back to... I'm wishing all who have been affected by this tragedy, Good Luck!

I will keep you posted as to when we will be able to check our home and post some fire photos as well.

Tuesday 28 April 2009

Hi Friends,

I will be away from the blog for a few days -taking a little break to attend to some personal matters. I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Don't forget to seize the day!

Jack

Monday 27 April 2009

Shine!

... this one word pretty much sums up my weekend. How was yours?



Lay me on the ground
Fly me in the sky
Show me where to look
Tell me what will I find ( will I find )
Oh, heaven let your light shine down ~ Collective Soul (Shine)



Sunshine, having you around
You're the light I never found
And darlin', every minute you're away
But it's brighter
And it's easy
Easy lovin' you ~ Nazareth (Sunshine)



Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Ev'ryone come on ~ John Lennon (Instant Karma)



Threatened by shadows at night
And exposed in the light
Shine on you crazy diamond ~ Roger Waters (Crazy Diamond)

ps. lots of bokeh/lens flare in these photos I took over the weekend. I was experimenting with my little Fuji and a magnifying glass :)

Friday 24 April 2009

Friday Foto Fiesta: My Furry Friend


My daughters kitty JiJi having a little siesta
behind a pile of pillows on my bed.Join in the Foto Fiesta by visiting Carrie over at Candid Carrie.

Thursday 23 April 2009

Friday Fill-Ins #121

Click the link below to play along

And...here we go!

1. Apparently there's some sort of malfunction with the sewage treatment plant here in Halifax and raw sewage has been spewing into our harbour since mid January and the public is only just now hearing about this problem. WTF?!?! Happy Earth-day to us!

2. "Kodachrome. They give us those nice bright colors. They give us the greens of summers. Makes you think all the world's a sunny day." -Paul Simon

3. 2009 hasn't been too bad so far.

4. Today I made a blog post, worked on some logo designs, did my grocery shopping and that was it.

5. For too long I've been stagnant and think it really is time for a change.

6. I am not obsessed with shooting with film; I am not! (btw, check out flickr for the photos from my Voigtlander Brillant)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending the evening at home with hubby cuddling and watching a movie, tomorrow my plans include breakfast bright and early then perhaps some yard and garden clean up and Sunday, I want to enjoy more of the great outdoors... weather girl says this weekend is going to be in the 20's!

What good things do you have planned for the weekend? Have a good one! xxoo

Kokology - Circle, Triangle, Square


{Introduction to the game}
(pg. 91) You will need a pen and paper for this one.

Every shape and design may be reduced to the same basic building blocks: points and lines. For some, those words may dredge up painful buried memories of high school geometry class. But they can also take us back to a time when the world was simpler, to grade school art class when a house could be drawn using four squares and a triangle or a face created with a circle, two dots and a wavy line. Our next quiz asks you to assume that innocent perspective and sense of creativity once more.

Using a one circle and any number of triangles and squares, draw a design on the paper or go to artPad to make your design online. If you would like to share your masterpiece with the rest of us, you may click on "Save and Send" then save the link and post it in your comment.

Remember... this is only for fun, there are no right or wrong answers. If you choose to share your answers, you may leave a comment or you can keep your answer to yourself -- it's up to you. So who's up for some Kokology today?

My answer: See photo above

**Reading this in Google reader? Stop here and pick your answer before you continue to scroll down .

» Click to show Key to Circle, Triangle, Square «


Sunday 19 April 2009

Sunny Spring Sunday (Sx3)


Here in Halifax signs of spring are only just beginning, but in in Blomidon Nova Scotia spring has sprung. This is where hubby and I spent a very peaceful Sunday. We talked, explored, listened to the birds, drove up to the cape where we were going to take a stroll on the ocean floor but discovered the stairway leading down to the shore had washed out during the winter months -- the tides and ice of a harsh winter have taken its toll. I took some photos on the new camera of the breathtaking views, hoping they will turn out just as lovely as the shots above that I took with the little Fuji. Hubby and I are planning another trip back soon to see all the apple trees in blossom. I can hardly wait for sights, smells, and sounds (Sx3 again).

nice drive in the country + a sunny spring day + wonderful company = one happy jack!

Tell me all about your weekend?

Friday 17 April 2009

Friday Foto Fiesta: New (to me)


Voigtlander Brillant
uploaded by ghettojack
My new (to me) camera arrived today. I'm looking forward to feeding it some film and seeing what develops from this little gem.

*fingers crossed*

Friday Foto Fiesta is brought to you by the letter "F" and "Candid Carrie". Go on over for a visit and join in the fun!



Friday Fill Ins #120

Want to play along? Click the image below.

And...here we go!

1. Join me in death. ~ HIM (Resident Evil: Apocalypse soundtrack)

2. Put a little laughter in your day!

3. Happiness is a warm gun. ~ The Beatles

4. Dazed and confused. ~ Led Zeppelin

5. I'm waiting for something that does not come, for something to crack, for something to go wrong . ~ The War Is Over - Matthew Good

6. All this Easter chocolate is hard to resist!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to fabric shopping with Baby girl, tomorrow my plans include some shopping and Sunday, I want to go for a drive!

Wishing you all lots of sunshine for the weekend! xxoo

Thursday 16 April 2009

Kokology - The Greatest Mystery


{Introduction to the game}
(pg. 125) Nobody really likes to dwell on the subject, but take just a moment now to think about what happens to us after we die. Does the soul move on to another world, or is death the absolute and final extinction of the self? Do you believe in heaven and hell or that the soul is reborn in a new body on earth? People have been wondering about these same questions for thousands of years, but in the end we have to admit that we just don't know. In this life, death remains the greatest mystery of all.

In this scenario, imagine that the soul survives after death. What form do you imagine it takes once it is freed from the body?

1. The soul is the same size and shape as its body was in life.
2. The soul retains its human form but expands in size.
3. The soul is tiny and human shaped, like a fairy.
4. The soul is a like a ball of flame or a cloud, without definite form

My Answer: I imagine that the soul would look like a flame or cloud but I was thinking more along the lines of a ball of light (energy).

*Reading this in Google Reader? Answer the questions before you continue to scroll to see the Key to "The Greatest Mystery".

-->Click to show Key - The Greatest Mystery<--



Monday 13 April 2009

Weekend Update - Old Man Winter Vs. Lady Spring

How was your long weekend? Did you all get lots of R&R or were you all busy little beavers?

My weekend was pretty laid back for the most part. We went to hubby's Aunties house on Friday for a potluck - baked beans, fish cakes, salads and yummy goodies. Saturday was spent running around for some last minute bunny treats. Sunday the family was up bright and early, we met my parents at a restaurant for breakfast, then back home the kids and hubby vegged out while I prepared a ham with all the trimmings (yummy).

+++++++++++++Monday+++++++++++++
Today I have the day off and so does Baby Girl but Hubby, Priss and The Boy had to work today. I had planned to use this day to do some yard work but there seems to be a battle raging outside between Old Man Winter and Lady Spring. The sun was shining earlier this morning and it looked like the day would be nice, but Old Man Winter had a few tricks up his sleeve... Lady Spring fought back hard bringing on sun then showers, then Old Winter would get a few punches in -- the sky goes black and the snow and ice start falling. What a wierd weather day we are having here in Hali.

These two photos were taken 15 minutes apart.
Battle of Winter Vs. Spring

Friday 10 April 2009

Friday Fill Ins #119

Janet, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for the time and effort you put into these Fill Ins each week. You provide all participants with fun Friday blog content, all we have to do is fill in the blanks... how great is that!

Now on with the game.
Want to play?

Last week, Anonymous left this comment: "*sighs* The last two of these have sucked royally...I love this thing, but now I'm having to go back in the archives and find ones that aren't totally ridiculous and moronic...". This week, I'm dedicating #1 to Anonymous :-)
1. Anonymous...It's not like anyone is twisting your arm forcing you to play along each week. It's quite simple, if you don't like playing then DON'T.

2. Anonymous is a a coward for not leaving a real ID!

3. Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course. ~William Shakespeare.

4. Beautiful flowers, budding leaves, warmer temperatures, return of the birds and hanging my clothes out on the line is what I look forward to most about Spring.

5. Who needs therapy when you write a blog.

6. Reese Peanut Butter Cups MUST go into the Easter Basket!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to a Good Friday pot luck and filling my belly with seafood chowder and fish cakes (yummy!), tomorrow my plans include groceries and some last minute Easter Bunny errands and Sunday, I want to have a relaxing Easter Sunday with the kids and hubby!

Happy Easter to those that celebrate it!
Hope you all have a smashing weekend xxoo

Thursday 9 April 2009

Under a Clear Blue Sky


{Introduction to the game}
(pg. 60) Imagine a clear blue sky without a cloud in sight. Just thinking about it should give your spirits a little lift. Now turn your minds eye down to survey the landscape. Which of the following scenes feels the most calming and relaxing to you?


A] a white snowy plain
B] a blue seascape
C] a green mountain
D] a field of yellow flowers


*Reading this in Google Reader? Answer the questions before you continue to scroll to see the
Key to "Under a Clear Blue Sky".

Click to show Key to - Under a Clear Blue Sky


Tuesday 7 April 2009

Untitled

Today I am just going through the motions [sigh]. I usually thrive on routine; routine empowers me, it makes me feel like I'm in control somehow... but every now and again I feel like going against the grain, stepping outside my tidy little box. Have you ever felt that way?
Yesterday evening I snapped this photo through the viewfinder of my old pal Brownie. I added some layers and brushes to the shot - gives the photo a moody feel that almost represents my mood today.

Monday 6 April 2009

Weekend Update - eBay bidding, TLR Cameras, TtV

Happy Monday...What's new with you?
I spent the weekend surfing though eBay, bidding on cameras only to get outbid at the very last seconds. I really don't have a clue how eBay works so if you do a lot of shopping on eBay, and can offer any helpful tips, I will gladly take them.

Anyway, I was looking to get my hands on one or two of these babies...

The name of the camera doesn't matter, just as long as the camera is a TLR (twin lens reflex). And because I'm cheap frugal these days - it has to be fairly inexpensive. I'm looking to alter the camera a little by duct taping it to one of these contraptions...
It's a viewfinder contraption needed to take TtV (through the viewfinder) photography. It means taking a picture of any subject through the viewfinder of any camera with another camera.

Here are some of my favs of TtV from Flickr users I admire...
Sky TTV (Catherine)/ Seeing faces (Marko Kosovcevic)
Welcome to the past ( Marko Kosovcevic)/ savoy (lowrevolution)
ttv1 cottonwood (bob merco)/ Wood (Russ Morris)

Ps: Remember to drop me a note if you have any eBay tips for bidding on items :)

Friday 3 April 2009

March Mood Board

A peek at the March Mood Board. The theme was quotes and inspiration.

March Mood Board

April theme - Lyrics.

Friday Fill-Ins #118

Click to play along

And...here we go!

1. "Angel or not, I will
stab you in the face." ~ Dean from Supernatural

2.
"Put your hand in my pocket, Grab onto my rocket, Feels so good to see you Lucille
Baby got to know, Do do you want to go, How you gonna make me feel?
I said go baby, you make me feel ah, ah, ah, ah yeah
Oh, baby, you make me feel ah, ah, ah, ah yeah
So take me any way you want me." ~ KISS - Take Me {I have tickets to see KISS in July}

3. As my mother used to say, you're full of
piss and vinegar (meaning: full of youthful energy).

4.
I get a rush of endorphins and adrenaline after I'm done working out or doing something strenuous.

5. Even in the most crowded of rooms,
an inexplicable silence will invariably strike conversationalists at twenty past the hour. (not sure where this comes from)

6.
For soldiers overseas and their families, everyday is a day fraught with peril.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to
a movie with hubby, tomorrow my plans include groceries and the usual running around and Sunday, I want to go to my niece Ella's 1st birthday!

What are your plans for this first weekend of April?

Thursday 2 April 2009

Kokology - Adrift On The Breeze

{Introduction to the game}
pg. 94) Can you still remember those long summer days when school was out, you had no responsibilities, and there was nothing but time from when you woke up till the sun finally went down? Time for play and adventure, time to daydream and roam. Hours to spend on childhood diversions...flying kites...watching clouds...blowing bubbles...

Imagine you are out again on a childhood summer's day, blowing bubbles in an open field. Which of the following best describes the scene you imagine?

1. The bubbles you blow float away high into the sky.
2. You are blowing hundreds of tiny bubbles through your plastic ring.
3. You're concentrating on blowing a single enormous bubble.
4. The bubble you make are carried behind you on the breeze.

My answer:

I still love blowing bubbles on a summers day and sometimes can be caught in the act even when there aren't any children in sight. I love watching the bubbles dance all around me then drift off high into the sky [#1], but I also like to to blow one huge bubble and then set it adrift [#2].

What did you get?
Remember, there are no right or wrong answers; you may share your answers by leaving a comment.

*Reading this in Google Reader? Answer the questions before you continue to scroll to see the Key to "Adrift On The Breeze".

{ Click to reveal the Key to Adrift On The Breeze}


{photo courtesy of Getty Images}

Wednesday 1 April 2009

Wordless #35 - The Man From Harold Wood

Visit Wordless Wednesday

¡slooɟ lıɹdɐ

April Fools' Day is observed throughout the Western world. According to tradition, people can pull pranks before noon today in the name of April Fools' Day but become the fool if they do it in the afternoon.

I've played many tricks on my family over the years. Here are some oldies but goodies:
  • Saran wrap the toilet seat
  • Superglue some coins to the sidewalk
  • Whoopee cushions
  • Fake turds
  • Tape the trigger on your sink sprayer down

What are some April Fool's jokes you have played on people? or were played on you?