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.

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!

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 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.

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 «

How did your artwork turn out? Is it suitable for hanging on the refrigerator door? The real meaning of the design you drew can be found in your use of the three basic shapes. In this exercise the triangles represent work and study, the squares stand for society and its rules, and the lone circle is a symbol of yourself.

If you drew a very large circle, you possess and equally great sense of self. That can be a good thing when it leads to positive self-regard, but for some people it signifies a distorted notion of their place in the world - in other words, at its center. If you drew a very small circle, you see yourself as insignificant or dwarfed by the world around you. Don't let yourself be overwhelmed by all those triangles and squares; they're made of the same points and lines as you are!

The number and size of triangles you used represents your work or school responsibilities. Large triangles denote your sense of the importance of your work and the fulfillment you find in it, while a large number of triangles means you're working on several projects at once. Be careful if you have too many triangles; it may mean you need to cut down on your workload before it wears you out.

The squares in your design stand for how you feel about society and other people. If you used very large squares, it indicates you're under pressure to conform or fit in. If you put many squares in your design, it shows that you tend to feel lost in the crowd or burdened by too many rules.

If the shapes in your design connect, overlap and share borders, it means you're enjoying a degree of integration and harmony between those aspects of your life. If all the shapes occupy separate spaces, it's likely you'll see signs of isolation and lack of connection in your life as well.

Wordless #37 - Through My Viewfinder

TreesTtv 1  TreesTtv 2  TreesTtv 3  TreesTtv 4

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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 Foto Fiesta: New (to me)

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

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<--

Answer:
The image you have of the soul is a direct reflection of your own self-image. The nature of he soul you pictured shows how you feel about yourself.

1. The soul is the same size and shape as its body was in life.

You have one of the most valuable things in the world --self-esteem. You accept yourself, faults and all, and love yourself for what you are. Always keep that same attitude as you go through life, and keep discovering how much about you there is to love.

2. The soul retains its human form but expands in size.

You are not satisfied with yourself as things stand today. You feel there are so many things you've yet to experience and achieve, which makes you see the true self as much bigger than it is now. that dissatisfaction can be a source of inspiration if you learn to control it. Otherwise it will only haunt you as a sense of incompleteness.

3. The soul is tiny and human shaped, like a fairy.

Despite all your good qualities, you still have not discovered what it is within you that makes you great. It's not so much a feeling of dissatisfaction as it is of self-doubt. You tend to wonder, "What's wrong with me?" but you never seem to be able to put your finger on the answer. What's wrong with you is you're human, just like the rest of us, and that means imperfect. Accept that, and you'll begin to see that being human has its good points, too.

4. The soul is like a ball or flame or a cloud, without definite form.

You aren't upset by your shortcoming or proud of your strengths, and you can't be bothered in comparing yourself with others. In fact, you aren't very interested in issues of the self at all. That may be because you're incredibly shallow or because you're profoundly wise. But even that doesn't seem very important to you.

Wordless #36 - Twilight

Screen shot from Halifax live web cams
Tuesday, April 14 @ 8:03 pm


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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 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

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

Answers:
The scene you pictured contrasted against the clear sky reveals a hidden talent that resides in the depths of your untroubled mind.

A] If you answered A you are blessed with a special sensitivity that allows you to comprehend situations at a glance and decipher complex problems without needing any proof or explanation. You have what it takes to be a clear sighted decision maker and even something of a visionary. Always trust your first intuitions; they will guide you well.

B] You have a natural talent for interpersonal relations. People respect your ability to communicate with others and the way you help bring diverse groups together. Just by being around, you help others work more smoothly and efficiently, making you an invaluable member of any project or team. When you say, nice job, keep up the good work," people know you mean it. So it means that much more to them.

C] Your gift is for expressive communication. You always seem to be able to find the words to express the way you feel, and people soon realize its exactly how they were feeling,too. They say that joy shared is multiplied, while shared grief is divided. You always seem able to help others find the right side of that equation.

D] You are a storehouse of knowledge and creativity, bursting with ideas and almost infinite potential. Keep attuned to the feelings of others and never stop working on building your dreams, and there is nothing that you cannot achieve.

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.

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 :)

March Mood Board

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

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?

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}

The shimmering bubbles you blow in your imagination are symbols of your hopes and dreams. The scene you described reveals how you think about the dreams you hope someday will come true.

1. The bubbles you blow float away into the sky.

You see your own dreams as elusive and unattainable, flying away from you like soap bubbles on the wind. Maybe you're wishing for too much, too soon or are caught up in an impossible fantasy. Whatever the case may be, the gap between your dreams and reality is wide. As much as you may like to tell others of your grand schemes and plans for the future, somewhere inside yourself is a voice telling you just how fragile and fleeting those dreams are.

2. You are blowing hundreds of tiny bubbles through your plastic ring.

You've set your sights on the immediate attainables-new clothes, a car, a boyfriend or girlfriend. Your dreams are sensible and always within your reach. Decide what it is you want most in the world and work for it. If you chase after everything at once, you stand a good chance of ending up empty-handed.

3. You're concentrating on blowing a single enormous bubble.

You have a single, all-important dream or ambition that drives you entire life. Hold on to that desire and keep striving toward your goal. Given time, you'll see that it's not so far from your grasp.

4. The bubbles you make are carried behind you on the breeze.

Your disappointing experience with unfulfilled hopes and dreams in the past shapes how you think today. But the experience of chasing after and losing a few dreams along the way was all just training for you as you make new goals for the future. Don't be afraid to keep dreaming-the only people who never fail are those who never try.

{photo courtesy of Getty Images}

Wordless #35 - The Man From Harold Wood

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¡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?