Thankful Thursday

Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.

With all the tragedies of the last few months,  it's only natural to examine your life and realize what is important.   Life can change in the blink of an eye.  Everything you have can be gone in an instant.  Today I'm thankful for the life I have, but more importantly I'm thankful for the people I love and the those who love me.    

What are you thankful for today?

xo Annette xo

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!

xo Annette xo

Thankful Thursday

Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.

This is one of those silly, kind of trivial things, but I'm thankful that sometimes I actually get the shot of a critter while he's standing still!  Seriously, I usually end up with a blur because they move right when I click!

I'm also thankful for
     *  my children and the privilege to be their Mom
     *  my Mom
     *  birthday cake and ice cream
     *  Shylee telling everyone they should make me a birthday cake so I could sit and relax. We bought a cake!
     

What are you thankful for today?

Have a great day!

xo Annette xo

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!

xo Annette xo

The Redo Has Started

Finally, after three years, my sewing room is getting a redo.  I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!!  I'll be showing you bits and pieces until it's finished and then I'll do a full reveal with before and after photos.  This past weekend the room was painted pink!  I love the color during the day, but it's a little overpowering at night.  I'm counting on it being less so when the furniture is in place!  Michael and Shylee started putting together the furniture from Ikea.  I got a drop leaf table and three bookcases.  Two of them have glass doors and one of them is open on top with drawers on the bottom.  I hope by next week I can start the organizing and decorating.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

xo Annette xo

Thankful Thursday

Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.

I'm thankful for perfect weekends and for getting the containers planted.  For giggles, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, water sprayers, and umbrellas!
 I'm thankful for happy endings and people who help.
I'm thankful for family near and far.
I'm thankful for my little piece of the world.

What are you thankful for today?

I hope you have a fantastic Thursday!

xo Annette xo

Wordless Wednesday

Sometimes, we just need to stop and blow bubbles!

Happy Wednesday!

xo Annette xo

Focus On Life~Week 18~Abstract

What is abstract?  The use of a visual language of form, color, and line to create a composition which may exist with a degree of independence from visual references in the world.

All things have form, color, and lines.  We just need to step back and step away from the literal image you see  through the lens.  Take into account the lines, color, or form and look for a more figurative composition.  Take this week and step out of reality and change your view of things.

This was difficult for me to understand at first.  I understand abstract art, but I just couldn't figure out what it meant in photography.  After googling 'abstract photography' and looking at hundreds of photos, I finally got it.  I couldn't wait to go out with my camera and see what I could come up with.  Between the rain and other things that had to be done, I wasn't able to get out, but I did find a couple of pictures I took before. I played with them in PicMonkey and really like the results.

This is the before picture of a bicycle tire.

And here is the after.

Here is the before of weeds in the yard.

And here is the after.

To see more abstract photography, visit Sally at The Studio Sublime.

Have a fabulous weekend!

xo Annette xo

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!

xo Annette xo

Focus On Life~Week 17~Color

Did you ever notice the way color can affect our mood and perception of the environment around us?
Colors can elevate our mood or change our perception of an object.  Bright vivid colors can make us feel positive where a darker color can evoke a heaviness.  Florescent color not only can grab attention, florescent literally screams at you to pay attention and that can cause a feeling of anxiety.  Whether photographing a full shot of amazing colors or small pops of color against a muted background, this week break out your camera and capture some color.  Think about how the colors of the shot affect your mood, feelings, perception of your surroundings.  Focus on how the colors impact your decision to take a particular shot.

I think I've thought more about color this week than I ever have before!   I love bright cheery colors because they make me happy.  They make me feel alive.  One of my favorite bloggers, Maureen, at Maureen Cracknell Handmade, uses the most colorful fabric in her sewing and quilting projects.  Visiting her blog and looking at the pictures can lift my spirits every time.  My home is mostly decorated in reds, golds and greens.  They're warm and inviting, comfortable and comforting.

My real love is pastel colors.  I'm drawn to pastels like a moth to a flame.  Pink is my favorite but all the other colors are my second favorite!  I had not been to a fabric store since last fall, so I decided to visit JoAnn's, where there is color in every direction you look.  I wasn't looking for anything in particular and didn't have a project in mind.  I was just enjoying the colors, patterns, and textures of the fabrics when I spotted these.  They made my heart sing and I may have audibly gasped!

These colors not only make me happy, they make me feel less stressed and more calm.  They're pretty and feminine and yummy looking!  These are the kinds of colors I plan to use in decorating my sewing room.  I'm definitely inspired by them!

To see more color, visit The Studio Sublime.

What is your favorite color?

xo Annette xo

Thankful Thursday

Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.

In light of everything that has happened recently, I'm thankful that my family is safe.  I'm thankful for first responders and people who don't have to think about it before rushing to help someone in need.  And while our country is in turmoil over many issues, I'm thankful for America and the freedoms we still have.  

I'm also thankful for:
     *  the first ice cream cone of the season
     *  my physical mobility even if it isn't what it used to be
     *  my washer and dryer so I don't have to go to the laundromat
     

What are you thankful for today?

I hope you're having a wonderful Thursday!

xo Annette xo

Wordless Wednesday

On the grounds at Sotterly Plantation, St. Mary's County, Maryland

Happy Wednesday!

xo Annette xo

Focus On Life~Week 16~Take A Walk

Grab your camera, open the door and step outside into the fresh air.  Take a walk!  Whether you walk to your favorite chair on the porch, walk a few miles down a rural road or a busy city street, take a moment to be aware of the beauty of the world and let it's grandeur energize your soul, inspire your mind and jump start your creativity.  Step back and look at the wide world around you and capture a shot of the landscape in front of you.  

I wish I could have actually taken a walk, but I had to settle for going through my garage onto the driveway.  I'm thankful I could walk at least that much!  These pictures are looking at my back yard and the last one is looking across the street from my driveway.  

I look forward each spring to the blooming cherry tree.  I hope to go out in a couple of days and take some close up shots of the gorgeous pink blossoms.  The yellow forsythia is fading now, but I love seeing the yellow flowers and pink blossoms together.  Nature is always inspiring, but I'm especially inspired in the spring when color starts popping up everywhere.

Visit Sally at The Studio Sublime to see what others saw when they took a walk!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

xo Annette xo

Thankful Thursday

Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.

Our granddaughter, Shylee, came to spend the weekend with us.  She was so excited to show me her camera t-shirt.   A few weeks ago, Michael took her to pick out some flower seeds so she would have her own flowers to take care of when she comes to visit.  She was eager to help and take care of the seedlings.   I'm so thankful for any amount of time I can spend with her.  She turned five this month and I can't believe the time has gone by so fast.  I'm thankful she enjoys and even asks to come stay with us.

I'm also thankful for:
     *  a husband who leaves work to rescue me from a salamander in the house
     *  the spring breeze through open windows
     *  silly knock knock jokes that make me and Erin laugh til we cry
     *  getting everything I need at one grocery store

What are you thankful for today?

Have a wonderful Thursday!

xo Annette xo

Wordless Wednesday

I'm missing my sewing time.  I told everyone involved in my sewing room redo that I want it finished for Mother's Day and my birthday.  We'll see what happens!

Happy Wednesday!

xo Annette xo

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Spring!!

xo Annette xo

Focus On Life~Week 14~Up Close

Start exploring the details of the ordinary up close and glimpse a world that you may never have noticed until you observed it magnified!  Get up close and personal with the subject of your choice and snap a macro shot!

I was so excited to see this week's prompt.  I LOVE up close and macro photography.  If I was going to be a photographer, I would specialize in macro!  Anyone who follows my blog has probably noticed I use a lot of up close pictures.  I especially enjoy taking pictures in my sewing room.

I took some regular shots and then up close.

To see other up close photography, visit Sally at The Studio Sublime.

I hope you have a really wonderful weekend!

xo Annette xo

Thankful Thursday

Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.

I can't imagine what it would be like to be truly color blind.  To only see black and white is hard to comprehend.  One of the reasons I love spring is because color comes back, pushing away the gray gloominess of winter.   Today, I'm thankful for color and how it makes me feel alive and happy.  

I'm also thankful for 
     *  a box of new crayons
     *  my hairdresser
     *  inspiration at unexpected times or from unexpected places
     *  aha moments

     What are you thankful for today?

Have a wonderful Thursday!

xo Annette xo

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!

xo Annette xo

Happy Easter

Have a Happy and Joyous Easter!

xo Annette xo

Focus On Life~Week 13~Have Faith

There are many of us who are religious and there are many of us who are not, but most of us, religious or not, have faith in someone or something.  A faith that gets us through our day, a sickness or even a death.  Faith is held by each of us, it is what keeps us believing that there will always be a positive outcome even if we can't see it at the time.

My faith is very important to me although I don't talk about it much here on my blog.  It is very much a part of who I am.  I believe in God and Jesus as His son.  I believe in the power of prayer and worship and God's Word.

My faith would not be what it is without the Bible.  Throughout my life I have found comfort, strength, encouragement, peace and guidance through this book.  There are parts I don't understand and parts that make no sense.  My faith in God is what gives me understanding a little at a time as I need it.  

My faith is made stronger when I read God's word and apply it to my everyday life.  I wouldn't want to be without it.  

To see what others have to say about faith, visit Sally at The Studio Sublime.

I hope you have a blessed Easter weekend!

xo Annette xo

Thankful Thursday

Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always.

Do you know anyone who always has drama going on in their life?  Or someone who it seems just can't catch a break?  Or someone who is so busy going in so many different directions from sunup to sundown, that you wonder when they sleep?   When I encounter people like this, I'm very grateful for my quiet, ordinary life.  I've had the drama and the extreme busyness and I'm much happier without it!

I'm also thankful for
     *  new recipes to try
     *  my tea in the morning
     *  Sunday afternoon drives
     *  Cadbury creme eggs!
     

What are you thankful for today?

Have a great Thursday!

xo Annette xo

Wordless Wednesday

My yard is full of weeds.  It's such a pretty purple though!

Happy Wednesday!

xo Annette xo

Focus On Life~Week 12~Observe The Curve

We move, live and love in curves.  Arms, legs, and bodies curve to propel us into the life around us.  Branches of trees curve to embrace the breeze.  Letters curve and form words.  Curves can keep things apart, hold things together or create a path.  This week take a moment to focus on all the different kinds of curves that surround you every day.

I got excited when I read this week's prompt.  I'm a curve girl!  I've always preferred curves over straight lines and it shows all through my house.  I chose to focus on this antique ink well my husband gave me many many years ago for my birthday.  I'm so in love with the graceful curves!

To see more curves, visit Sally at The Studio Sublime.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

xo Annette xo