Something New--Update on Laptop Joys and Tribulations

Yesterday I stumbled on something wonderful called a Netbook. These are little computers have an OS that uses XP. Hooray! They don't cost as much as "regular" laptops and although they don't have a CD/DVD drive, I am thrilled. One can carry the Netbook in a purse, operate wireless if desired, or hook up to cable. And, an external CD/DVD drive can be purchased for installing programs and saving data.

Last night and today my brain has been on overload trying to figure out all the techie things one needs to know when setting up a new computer. I did order a plug in (external) CD/DVD burner and hopefully it will arrive in a couple of days. I am so enthusiastic about this little guy, I am tempted to go and get a few more...LOL! Now, I can go anywhere and do research, or type up a blog entry. The battery supposedly lasts for 8 hours...thud...sure hope this is true...wouldn't that be wonderful?

Drawbacks:

1. You need to have good eyes--the print is small.
2. Currently I am trying to figure out how to edit my photos. This is a dilemma. I can use Picasa, or download Photoshop CS4 as an upgrade. I haven't figured all this out yet, but will. Can't be without a photo editing program.

Took some quick snaps of wild dogwoods yesterday and although at first glance I am not thrilled with what I got, they will work as an experiment. Will be back soon to post the results...if they are worth posting.

DOGWOOD

Cabin Print

Early caves in France contained prehistoric hand paintings. Here is my up-to-date version:

CABIN PRINT

Photograph by Elisabeth Bacon 2009

All Rights Reserved

Pewter

Came across this image and cropped it to accent the pewter's age and tone. Sometimes really nice images are accidentally overlooked. Am so glad I stumbled across this one again.

PEWTER

A Photograph by Elisabeth Bacon

All Rights Reserved

Sky Watch, Dinner Out & Orchard After Rain Again

Magnificent cloud formations made the ride to town exciting.

Outside a favorite antique hunting haunt, sheets of rain could be seen in the distance.

Bob was a good boy and cleaned his plate. :-) (This is NOT an example of good photography...LOL...perspective is off and so is the camera angle, however... I think it is a hoot.)

And the rains came--a downpour arrived (giving this image an impressionistic appearance).

Orchard after the rain (again). Here you can once again see how short the apples trees are in comparison to other trees in the area.

Rogue apple tree on bank behind the cabin.

Round Things-Thematic Photographic 46

Thanks to Carmi for hosting Thematic Photographic. If you would like to enter, or view the work of participants, click HERE.

Round Things

©Elisabeth Bacon 2009--All Rights Reserved

Orchard From A Different Point of View

Was watching the light again as the sun prepared to set. Here is a different angle of the orchard. Strange how the trees in the orchard appeared small the other day. Moving in closer, the trees take on a different perspective. The apple trees are pruned to keep them close to the ground, then short ladders can be used at harvest time.

Apple Orchard at Sunset

Photograph by Elisabeth Bacon 2009

All Rights Reserved

After the Storm--Outdoor Wednesday

Here is my contribution to Outdoor Wednesday. To enter, or view other entries, click here. Thank you Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for hosting Outdoor Wednesday.

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Watching light across the hills and mountains is fascinating. Here the sun came out after a heavy rain. North Carolina in the spring can be awesome.

Photograph by Elisabeth Bacon 2009

All Rights Reserved

Spring In The Great Outdoors

To enter the Blogger's Community Photo Challenge, or to view the entries, click here.

This afternoon spring showers came across the mountains and the cloud cover created the perfect light for color saturation.

THE APPLE ORCHARD

Photograph by Elisabeth Bacon 2009
All Rights Reserved

On Courtesy and Professional Ethics

Years ago a famous photographer (one I admire) called to ask if he could start using sepia in his work since he liked my use of sepia. "Of course, " I said, "Go for it."

The reason I am relating this situation is because I was impressed. He was respecting me and my work. He was being considerate and professional. We knew each other, we competed, and he was, and is, an honorable person. He taught me a valuable lesson.

Suggestion: Remember to ask before emulating a friend's work, or style.

Asking first is the ethical and responsible thing to do. It doesn't matter if the technique, setup, style or whatever is covered in a book. Instead, be inspired by the work of others, then work, shoot and develop your own style--be different whether playing with photography, drawing, sculpting, crafting and painting; or being serious about the art, craft or skill. To take info from someone and use it without giving them credit, is unforgivable. Ask, and the answer will most likely be "yes." If the answer is "no," then you can to go in a different direction saving yourself a ton of time and aggravation. Also, be advised: you can never be as good as the person you copy. They are unique and have worked long and hard to be where they are.

Remember: Ignorance of the rules is no excuse.

After reading a book from the library on photography, which changed my life, I wrote the author. He sent me a copy of his book (then out of print and stored in his attic). After receiving a couple of awards, I sent him copies of the winning photographs and thanked him for his valuable contribution to my work and my life.

Do not underestimate how much you have been given. You may have received much more information and support than you realize, i.e. books, titles and quotations, settings, equipment with settings included, observations, tips and helpful suggestions, etc.

Giving credit to those people who help you along the way is the thing to do. No one succeeds without help from a variety of sources.

Floral--Thematic Photographic #45

Thanks to Carmi's Thematic at Written, Inc. this week, which sent me scrounging around in some old folders. After perusing the past, I decided to post several of my favorite floral images:

Poppy with Dew

Photograph by Elisabeth Bacon © 2005

A Time of Renewal

Dump the albatrosses! Joy comes in when encumbrances and hindrances leave. Major house cleaning going on...Spring is here...out with the old...in with the new...wait, that's for the New Year. Oh well, that saying works for Spring too.

Renewal is a time of moving forward with fresh eyes and ears (and a clean home).

Good Morning!

Pink clouds at first light...morning breaks as the sun comes over the mountains.

Photographs by Elisabeth Bacon 2009

All Rights Reserved

Kreativ Blogger Award

In response to receiving the Kreativ Blogger Award, here are seven things I love:

1. My Honey

2. Family

3. Photography (Painting with Light)--my main love, my life's purpose and an obsession that is not only satisfying and challenging, but meaningful.

4. Art--primarily Renaissance paintings, i.e. Vermeer, altered art and altered books, graphic design, layout, printing, publishing. reading, journaling, drawing and painting

5. Antiquing and Researching Rare Finds

6. Miss Kitty--a sweet, delightful, velvety-gray ball of fluff.

7. Rain on a Tin Roof, Thunderstorms, Sunrises and Sunsets

And, although it goes without saying, I'm going to say it anyway...I LOVE LIFE!

The recipient of the Kreativ Blogger Award is asked to pass the award along to others. This will involve thoughtful consideration. As I find outstanding blogs, I will give the award to them.

Thank you again DB at Vagabond Journeys for visiting and sharing this award with me. Your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated.

The Kreativ Blogger Award

Thank you DB at Vagabond Journeys for honoring this journal with the Kreativ Blogger Award. As soon as I can, I will write more about this. Today has been a busy day...tommorow will be fresh and new. See you all in the morning.

Fabulous Day

What a fabulous day! There is nothing like Spring. Spring is liberating. Freedom...All cares have fallen away. Hooray...I'm free. Can hardly wait to go barefoot and dig into the dark, rich soil.

Photograph by Elisabeth Bacon 2009--All Rights Reserved

Credit Where Credit Is Due

Thanks goes out to my friend, Joyce, who got me excited about carrying a tiny point and shoot in my purse. What fun! Was able to catch local shots easily and unnoticed the other day (see Saturday's post). The shot that gives me the most pleasure and brings a smile to my face is the one of hydrangeas taken at a stoplight near Chicken Filet. What a hoot that was...stopped for the light, saw all those bright green floral balls, said "wow," rolled down the window and click...got it. The light changed and we went not missing a beat. The weather shots were taken in Walmart's parking lot...LOL...that breaks me up.

Another credit: to Sean Kernan whose blog and work makes me think...thank you Sean.

Surprise, surprise photography requires thinking...thinking and planning.

Thanks too to Eaglesbrother, whose creations keep me pushing forward...hopefully growing and learning.

A special thanks goes to Jack Flynn who taught me watercolor eons ago...back in the Dark Ages...his advice and instructions stay with me always.

Shapes and Shadows

Drum Made By Robert D. Spencer

(Published with Permission from Artist/Craftsman)

Photographic Goal: capture the essence of tradition and old ways.

Happy Easter!

Went to town two days ago and found a bed of bright tulips and the church steeple. Yesterday while waiting at a red light saw these hydrangeas. Spring is filled with a variety of greens...I love the bright chartreuse of this season.

WEATHER

A Time of Reflection

Easter is the thirty-ninth anniversary of a gift of life--my life. Thirty-nine years of living that almost didn't happen. A second chance. During this time, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter; I look back and am thankful. How much we miss day to day. This time of reflection is a time of gratitude and hope--of silent meditation, observation and renewal.

REFLECTION

Photograph by Elisabeth Bacon 2009--All Rights Reserved

Outdoor Wednesday

Please click on the Outdoor Wednesday logo above to view Outdoor Wednesday entries at A Southern Daydreamer on blogspot.

New camera arrived today and I have been doing a quick learning thing. The reason I got the camera is for shots like this...quick and spontaneous. Went outside and caught this reflection in our pink, blown-glass garden ball. Sorry I am so late with my entry, however am relying on the old adage, "Better late than never."

A TOUCH OF SURREALISM

Photograph by Elisabeth Bacon 2009--All Rights Reserved

Thank you Susan for hosting Outdoor Wednesday. Hope you all have a lovely day.

First Signs of Spring

Here is my entry for First Signs of Spring at the Community Blogger's Photo Challenge. Click on Spring banner above to view entries or to enter an image.

First Sign of Spring--Early Morning Robin (in Fog)

Photograph by Elisabeth Bacon 2009

All Rights Reserved

The Bath

Was able to play today and this is the result:

Photograph, Layout and Design

by Elisabeth Bacon 2009

All Rights Reserved

Explanation: We do not have a bathtub in the cabin and I miss that luxury. So, in honor of the tub, this image was created. When you all are stepping into soothing, warm, wonderful water and soaking in bubbles up to your ears; please know you are truly blessed!

Which Way Is The Wind Blowing?

Check it out! This little weather vane will tell us which way the wind is blowing. Wouldn't it be great if we could monitor other areas of our lives this way?

WEATHER VANE

Photographs by Elisabeth Bacon 2009

All Rights Reserved

Dragon Day

Went to an outdoor flea market and this Tibetan Ceremonial Dragon Horn was my first purchase.

Silver Tibetan Dragon Horn

Photographs by Elisabeth Bacon 2009

All Rights Reserved

Shoot using different backgrounds to enhance details.

Remember: light/dark, light/dark.

Then, saw a dragon in the sky.

Friday Finds

Check out Friday Finds. You are cordially invited to contribute.

Click on icon above or this link: http://fridayfinds.blogspot.com/