Better without edits sometimes

I really enjoy the post-processing side of photography.  A lot of time can go by just sitting at the computer applying different actions or other edits to photos to see all the different outcomes that are possible.  I was at my parents yesterday with the kids and took some pictures in their sunroom.  After doing a few edits I realized, and Eric agreed, that the one SOOC was the best for this shot:

This second one was after applying a watercolor filter and some painting textures on top of that.  On the other hand, for this next photo, I like the edited one better. 

SOOC

Edited with levels, a color-fill layer, a vignette and some textures. 

First day of spring break

Today is already Thursday and spring break is almost over, but I am so grateful for some time away from the normal grind, and we have been enjoying ourselves.  Monday I declared a project day so we (mostly me) got a lot done.

 I painted the base of this lamp the same red from the kitchen island. 

 We took out the living room rug. 

I finally hung a group of frames on a very empty wall space in the living room.  Now to decide which pictures to put in them. :)

The girls painted the black matte on this frame which looks much better than the white.

 

Not a dime was spent on any of these projects which made it even better!

 

More to come...



Happy Easter!

The morning started out gray and dreary, but during Mass the sun came out and it was bright the rest of the day.  Cold, but bright.

We usually split our Easter between both families.  After Mass, we head to Aunt Jill and Uncle Steve's and then on to Grandma C's.  By the time we get to Grandma's we are not that hungry, but somehow we still eat plenty! 

This makes me think of something new I've been trying...whenever I want to complain about something, even the smallest, silliest thing like being too full, or being cold, I think of all the people whom are never full or always cold.  I ask God to bless the people that would be thankful for what I'm complaining about and it has, so far, made me more aware of the many many things I am/should be grateful for. 

There has to be the signature silly-face shot!

 

I'm really enjoying my new lens, but I need a lot of practice too. 

Easter preparations

Before we headed to the park, we colored our eggs and made the traditional Rolled Away Rolls because they remind us of the Resurrection.   ***Note to self:  brown eggs don't color as well as white eggs!!

1 pkg. frozen rolls, thawed
25 large marshmallows
1/4 C. melted butter
6 T. sugar
1 t. cinnamon

Press the rolls into flat circles.
Place a marshmallow in the center of each roll and pinch the dough around it sealing it tightly.
Brush each ball with butter and roll in the cinnamon/sugar mixture.
Let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes. 
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes until they're golden brown.
Just like the tomb on Easter Sunday, these rolls are empty!

First trip to the park

Saturday was a beautiful, sunny day so we got some things done in the morning and then headed to St. Patrick's park for the afternoon.  There were a lot of people out to enjoy the weather - finally! 

I didn't even ask them to do this!

I (heart) sisters :)

 

 

My shot at macro photography

I've been experimenting some more with my new lens today by adding some macro filters that I purchased recently on Amazon.  These were taken indoors on a cloudy day near a north facing window.

I'm really loving how they turned out.  Can't wait to get this lens outside - come on spring!

 



When Eric works second shift, it makes for a whole different family experience, but it's nice to have him around for the first half of the day.  We got a lot done this morning, and he made some wheat free biscuits made with almond meal/flour.  I'm glad we are together on this 'wheat belly' way of life.  We both notice a difference in our general state of well being, and in how our pants are fitting!

Birthday shopping vs. Mass

Well, I did not get both things accomplished last night.  The shopping won out, what a way to put my faith first!  A number of other things factored in as well, and then I found out that the chrism Mass was packed - standing room only, and that Bishop Rhoades gave a wonderful homily.  Oh well, there's always next year. 

My wonderful friend, Teresa, brought me a dozen roses today and perfect timing too because my new lens needed some breaking in. 

I did various edits on each of these, but my favorite I think is the second to last one done with an action called Velvet Truffle...by Rita - thank you, Rita!

Sarah and Josh volunteer every Tuesday and today was the end of this session so they'll have a bit of a break until the next one begins sometime in April.  I love hearing their horse stories.

Good Tuesday night!