Project 365 - Day Thirty-Six

Today's photo is brought to you by boredom. I'm having an at home today so I am left to my own devices. Cut the water and food coloring! It's kind of amazing that something beautiful can be made out of a martini glass and a little imagination.

Image taken 30 December 2010

This idea was inspired by one of my Flickr contacts Fear_Through_The_Eyes. I discovered that it's really hard to get a completely accurate focus on the food coloring. You see to get that ribbon-y look you have to focus on clear water, set a self-timer, and drop the coloring just before the shutter goes off. Or at least that's the only way I can think of doing it (I'm yet to get myself a remote). As a result the focus is a little off. But still I think it looks pretty cool. Here's another one I took using different colors.


Until tomorrow I have you have a terrific day!

Project 365 - Day Thirty-Five

As I have been mentioning in my many posts it have been raining fairly consistently in Brisbane. Seriously I don't think I've ever seen it rain quite this much. In fact it is raining so much that some areas are flooding! I never thought I'd see it. Now in my little area is Brisbane we haven't gotten too much flooding but there is water cutting off a few roads.

Because this massive amount of water is somewhat foreign in my area I simply have snap a photo of the water rushing over the road.

Image taken 29 December 2010

I do so love making water get that 'dreamy' look. You've got to love being able to change your shutter speed. Or at least what I think. The think I like about this photo? The depth marker is actually being used! Wow!! There is just so much water in South-East Queensland at the moment. I wonder how much longer this wet weather will last?

I hope that you're having an amazing week!

Quote of the Week

This week's weekly post is by persons unknown. There are simply so many quotes out there that can provide so much knowledge and comfort. They can encourage and inspire. This week's quote, I think, captures the importance of character.

“Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude, and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful.” ~ Unknown

I want to be a woman of fortitude, character and integrity. I think it's so true that beauty is not only about how you look but also how you conduct yourself.

What quote is inspiring you this week? I'd love to hear from you!

Project 365 - Day Thirty-Four

It is still rainy and overcast in Brisbane... And I am loving it!! As a result there are mushrooms popping up all over the place. I always imagine that there are little creatures having tea parties underneath the umbrella of the mushroom. My imagination can wander off into strange places I guess. So in honor of my mythical creatures musings here's a picture of a toad stool growing just outside my house.

Image taken 28 December 2010

Now admittedly this image isn't the best. I would have liked to open the image up a little more so that there was a bit more sharpness. But about 5 seconds after I took this shot it started pouring down rain again and I just had to get out of there... But still I think the mushroom lends itself to tea parties.

Until next time I hope that life is treating you well.

Project 365 - Day Thirty-Three

I think today's picture can otherwise be called 'the cutest fluffy thing in the world'. Today I visited a very good friend of mine (you know they type of friend you can just be comfortable with?). But I digress. My friend owns the cutest dog that has such a charming personality. Everyone I'd like you to meet the ever so cute Charlie:

Image taken 27 December 2010

He is the most charming dog!! Plus he is a dog built for photography. He sat so completely still whenever I set up the shot. In short Charlie is a champion! Every time I come home after a visit I always desperately want a dog. But that isn't practical for someone who loves to travel. I guess I'll just have to dog sit whenever my friend goes out of town.

After my random depression of this morning it was wonderful to spend time with a friend who simply 'gets' you. Life is looking good again people!

May your day be amazing whatever you're going through and wherever you may be. Take care my dear friends.

Fave Photo of the Week!

This week's fave photo of the week was taken by one of my flickr contacts. Welcome Alfi Kelua to the weekly photo post. Now this guy only has three photos so far on his flickr page but I'm hoping for more.

Image found here.

Aren't the colours simply lovely. It's true it's a simple image. But sometimes simple is all you really need. One of the wonderful things about photography is that it allows your mind to travel without leaving your lounge chair.

What's your favorite photo of the week?

Project 365 - Day Thirty-Two

I can't believe it's still raining in Brisbane!! I don't think I've ever seen it this wet. Everything is displaying such a vibrant green and rivers that were barely running are now raging. The river near my house has swollen to almost twice its size. So I had to take a photo of it... for posterity's sake.

Image taken 26 December 2010

Everything is so clean, beautiful, and fresh!! I like it that you can see the raindrops on the river. If I had it my way the rain would never stop

Sometimes I...

Sometimes I am plagued with many a fear and doubt. I name them here in an attempt to take way their sting...

- Sometimes I worry about being forgotten. Like one day I'll simply waste away into nothingness and nobody will even notice that I'm gone.

- Sometimes I think what I do have in this life will be taken away from me and I'll be left completely alone

- Sometimes I'm scared that all the pain, grief, and hardship is for nothing

- Sometimes I feel like I'm always left out - like I don't belong anywhere,

- Sometimes I fear I'll never amount to anything

- Sometimes I think I'm too much of a freak - always destined to be on the outside looking in.

- Sometimes I'm completely overwhelmed by feelings of inferiority

- Sometimes I worry I have forgotten too much and remember too little about a person that meant so very much

- Sometimes I'm terrified that I'm so broken that I'll never be set right

- Sometimes I...

- Sometimes I...

- Sometimes I...

Does this ever happen to you? Or am I the only one tormented by my own mind? I know this is 'stinking thinking' and I am desperately trying to change the track. It's just that lately it always seems to be bubbling away under the surface waiting for the perfect moment of weakness to mount its attack.

Sorry to have written a dower, whining post but that's what I'm battling at the moment. Logically I know that there's hope and sunshine. But I can't see it for the clouds are obscuring my view.

How do you change the track?

Quick!! Where's my emergency chocolate?

Project 365 - Day Thirty-One

Woohoo!! I have officially been doing project 365 for a whole month. One down eleven to go. So I was running low on inspiration and time (I did cook a massive Christmas lunch - cut me some slack?)... So I thought I'd spell it out for you.

Image taken 25 December 2010

I love Scrabble tiles. It is quite possible that they show up a few more times during project 365. In the meantime -- MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!!

I hope your festive season was/is fabulous! Stay safe dear ones.

Project 365 - Day Thirty

I have no words tonight... No, that in fact is a lie. For I simply fail to have words of particular cheer. In fact the words swirling around my mind that continually spew forth on to the waiting page are slightly scalding. So instead I hold my pen for a more appropriate time...

Until then I simply say Merry Christmas. I hope you had a safe and wonderful holiday full of fun, fellowship, family (be they by blood or by friendship) and food. This photo is of my sister-in-law's Christmas tree for Christmas Eve was spent at her house watching the carols and wondering what Christmas day may bring.

Image taken 24 December 2010

There is an angel atop the tree standing as centurion over the multitude of gifts gathered beneath the tree. It stands as a reminder of what has passed... and what is to come.

Project 365 - Day Twenty-Nine

I have a little bit of a thing for eyes. They tend to be one of the first things I notice about a person. It's kind of amazing that eyes can be so expressive and hold so much emotion. I have been trying to get a macro close up of my actual eyeball. I didn't manage to get an actual clear focus on the eyeball (something to keep trying for during the rest of the 365 days). But I did get a clear shot of my eyelash.

Image taken 23 December 2010

Aren't eyelashes kind of amazing? I mean they protect your eyes and create such a beautiful frame for your eyes. My eyelashes are short and stumpy but some of my friends have the most amazing long lashes.

I think I'm going to try and make the next two days photos be Christmas themed in honor of the season. In the meantime I hope your having an amazing festive season!!!

Project 365 - Day Twenty-Eight

Another day - another insect in my garden!! This caterpillar type thing looked a little unimpressive just sitting there on the leaf. But I poked it a bit (not a very smart idea given I had no idea if it was poisonous or not) and out popped these bright red feeler things.

Image taken 22 December 2010

One of my main complaints about this image it that the focus is slightly off. But to get those red things to pop out I had to poke it which made it rear up its tiny head which of course completely threw off my focal point. That thing was surprisingly quick!

Whatever you may be doing I hope life is fantastic!

Music That Moves Me

I have noticed that all my music is the same blues, roots, folky, alternative sort of music. I'm okay with that but it's probably a good idea to try and branch out some. Not today though! This week's music is the soulful sounds of Bon Iver. Instead of boring you with why I am such a fan of their music I figured I'd share three clips of their music and let you make up your own mind...

Here's one of their songs called 'Flume':

There is something magical about them. The lyrics and the melody are just wonderful.

Take a look at 'Skinny Love':


My all-time favorite song is 'Blood Bank':

Make sure you look at their MySpace if you like what you hear.

What music are you loving this week?

Project 365 - Day Twenty-Seven

Day twenty-seven is another view from my airplane seat. I love flying!!! I do so wish I could hop a flight whenever I so wished. World travel has become so much easier with the advent of the airplane. If I had the metal know-how I would have loved to be a pilot but instead I am a simply passenger.

Image taken 21 December 2010

The picture is of Sydney's shoreline. Isn't the ocean so very blue? I think that there should be a couple of windows on the plane that are kept incredibly clean specifically for photographers. Impractical maybe but it would make for some fantastic photos.

Taking photos through glass always produces interesting results I find. Plus some planes (like the one I was on) have that double plane thing so it's almost impossible to get crystal clear clarity.

More updates soon (got to get on top of the backlog of posts!)

Project 365 - Day Twenty-Six

It was my last full day in Sydney. Sad. But it turned out to be a beautiful day -- except for the wind (hello many a Marylin Munro moment). Unfortunately Miss A had to go back to work but Miss C escorted me around circular quay.

I wandered around the Opera House, marveled at the Harbor Bridge, and eat at a magnificent restaurant overlooking the water. So day twenty-six's photo is a celebration of all things Sydney.

Image taken 20 December 2010

I took so many photos I thought I'd share a couple of my favorites.

My time in Sydney was completely fantastic!! It was amazing to see my friends again. They made my time in Sydney the best time possible. It's kind of amazing that I met such wonderful people who I could really click with. Life is wonderful when you have awesome people to spend it with.

Until next time... I hope you are enjoying the festive season.

Project 365 - Day Twenty-Five

The day dawned on another beautiful day in Sydney. It was completely fantastic to be hanging out with my wonderful friends. There were so many great times that it's hard to boil it down into a few simply sentences.

On day twenty-five we went shopping and back into the city to watch a movie. Side note: We watched 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' and it was simply wonderful. The photo of the day is the view from the parking lot which afforded a lovely city view.Image taken 19 December 2010

There's more still to come...

Project 365 - Day Twenty-Four

Day twenty-four was the start of another lovely day in Sydney. Unfortunantly it was a bit of an overcast sort of day but it didn't ruin my fun. We went adventuring into the city, walked to the Rocks, and wandered around the markets. It was the perfect sort of day.

Day twenty-four's photo is of Sydney's Centrepoint Tower. We were going to ride up to the top but because it was an overcast day and because it was quite expensive ($25 dollars to ride an elevator!) we decided to forgo that experience. I would have gone up to the top if it would have been a clear day. Oh well it's on the list for the next visit.

Image taken 18 December 2010

I love this building!! It at least adds something intersting to the skyline. Doesn't it remind you of a nest thing (I can't for the life of me remember the correct name... Please tell me!) on the top of huge sailing ships. You know what I'm talking about?

Stay tuned for more.

Project 365 - Day Twenty-Three

So to the reason why I was a little late on my postings. I went to Sydney (and there was no internet access)!! Yep that's right another trip for Tafline in 2010. Do you remember how I said I met some fantastic people while on my European tour? Well three of the lovely young ladies live in Sydney.

Since I'm on holidays I thought it was the perfect time to visit these amazing people. I think it's kind of funny that I went all the way to Europe to meet some wonderful Australian people. Life is strange sometime... Anyway I got on really well with Miss A, Miss C, and Miss M while in Europe and I couldn't wait to see them again. It was so fun to reminisce and share our photos. There were good times and giggles a plenty. Life doesn't get much better than hanging out with fantastic people and going adventuring into the wild blue yonder.

After waking up at awful hour of the morning (3:30 am says hello) I boarded the plane for the super Sydney. In honor of the trip day twenty-three's photo is the view from my airplane seat.

Image taken 17 December 2010

Once I landed in Sydney I met up with Miss C and was taken on a fabulous tour of some of the Sydney sights. Miss C's dad knew so much about Sydney!! It was amazing. Then Miss A got home from work and we made our way to Cronulla. I took so many picture so I thought I'd share my favorites.

The failing sun lit up the clouds in such a beautiful way. It was simply magnificent!!

It was the perfect start to my fantastic Sydney adventure.

There is much more still to come. In the meantime I hope you're life is magnificent...

Quote of the Week

I am in desperate need of some more quotes. In actual fact I recently went to a movie that offered quotes to live by at every turn. But because it's just been released I can't find then written out anywhere on the Internet. So stay tuned for more. But this week I will share some words by Eleanor Roosevelt.

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience by which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

That's what I aim to be able to do - to look myself in the mirror and know without a shadow of a doubt that I have the strength and courage to face whatever may come.

I'd love to hear your favorite quotes. I'm in desperate need of some more!

Project 365 - Day Twenty-Two

I actually spent more of this day packing and getting myself organized to go away (I'll tell you where I went in my next project 365 post) so I found myself a little short on interesting subject matter. I figured you didn't want to see inside my suitcase!

So for day twenty-two I took a photo of some beautiful flowers that were given to my mum. I find petals kind of amazing! They look so soft and delicate. One day I'd like to fill a bath tub up to the brim with fresh petals and just wade in amongst them. But then I'd end up smelling like potpourri for weeks and it would exacerbate my allergies... On second thought I think a photo is a much safer option.

Image taken 16 December 2010

I was wondering... What's your favorite photo so far in project 365?

Thanks for reading my little blog. May your day be wonderful!

Project 365 - Day Twenty-One

Okay get yourself ready... For the worst photo of project 365. I had had a pretty bad pain day and confined myself to my room. The way I imagined this photo in my mind was much better than it actually turned out. Disappointing. But I choose to see it as a prompt to strive for better.

You see I wanted to make the perfume bottle seem all shiny and beautiful. Instead the bottle was all smeary and disgusting. So here it is. I cropped the image to focus on the top. It's a really pretty bottle and it's such a shame I couldn't capture it in a more flattering light.

Image taken 15 December 2010

So it's not the best photo... But there will be better photos in the future... Hopefully!

More updating to come!

Project 365 - Day Twenty

So day twenty was a road trip day!! It was kind of fantastic. I picked up my sister-in-law (lets call her Mrs H) and headed up to the Sunshine Coast. Okay so it's not the longest road trip in the world -- it's only really two hours from my house. But it was great to get away from my normal surroundings and spend some quality time with Mrs H.

Now I'm not the biggest fan of Queensland in summer -- it is simply too hot for my tastes. But one of the great things about Queensland is it's multitude of wonderful beaches. So day twenty's picture is my attempt to capture the essence of a Queensland summer. To me it's a complete celebration of all things summer.

Image taken 14 December 2010

The only complaint I have against this photo is I wish it had have been a cloudless sky because that would have made the water splash stand out even more. But that's the thing with nature photography you have to work with what you've got. I had such a great time checking out the sunny coast, chatting to my wonderful sister-in-law, and taking a multitude of photos. It was just a fantastic and relaxing day. I took so many photos I thought I'd share a couple more.

Aren't photos of water movement fantastic? One of the things I love about photography it that you can capture one single moment of absolute beauty and if you're really lucky it turns out just right. I'm really happy with how day twenty's photos turned out. They simply scream out 'summer' to me...

Until next time... I hope you're having a wonderful time no matter what the weather.

Fave Photo of the Week!

As a person who naturally tends towards a depressive mode (think Eeyore people!) I'm in a pretty weird place at the moment... Wait for it...

I'm actually happy!! Who would have thought? I'm on a bit of a journey at the moment (truth be told we all are) where I'm slowly feeling more and more comfortable in my own skin and less and less concerned about how I measure up. Now I don't know how long this will hold (tomorrow I may well be stuffing my face with rocky road ice cream) but I'm going to try and remember how I feel right now, right this second... I'm going to try and remember this peace.

All of this links in to the picture. I promise. Because I am a visual person I like to have pictures that link in to my random thoughts and feelings. This picture is how I am. Right now.

Image found here.

I admit it's not the greatest photo on the Earth. But the model just looks so happy, free, and at peace. Like she loves life and is ready for whatever may come her way. That's where I am... And that's why it's the photo of the week.

It's Been A While... Music That Moves Me

I'm so sorry I took a little unplanned break there!! A week gap is not acceptable... But once you hear the reason all may be forgiven. All will be revealed in up-coming posts.

For now though I must get on top of my weekly postings. Last week's music of the week (can you follow that logic? Not sure if I can) is someone who I have talked about previously in my blog. But I simply had to mention him again because something WONDERFUL has happened!!!

City and Colour is coming to Australia and I have managed to score some tickets!!!! -- And the crowd in my head goes wild!! -- I am super excited!!! In fact I am so excited I seem to be going overboard with exclamation points!

I just adore City and Colour... It's my type of music. I have wanted to see him/them live for so long and it's really a dream come true that I'm going to be able to cross it off the life list.

Here's a song called 'Comin' Home':


For any alternative music fans out there 'City and Colour' is Dallas Green from Alexisonfire... Get it? City (Dallas) and Colour (Green). Isn't that the most fantastic band name?? It's witty and clever and appeals to my ideas of symmetry... Or at least that's what I think.

Take a look at 'Happiness By The Kilowatt':


Ahh... His voice, his sound, his melody, his thick guitar licks take me away to far off places. Where I can float, be free, and follow my dreams.

I can't wait to see him live. I think I could watch him play forever. The amount of times I have drifted off to a peaceful sleep on the dulcet tones of his voice... And all his video clips are amazing!! They are exactly how I like to imagine the world.

This is one of my all time favorite songs 'The Girl':


I'd love to meet him, to interview him, find out his views on the world, and take many pretty pictures... Maybe if I wish really hard he'll look down from the stage, see me, and be like 'now there's a girl I'd like to talk to'... Hey!! A girl's got to dream right!!??!!

Be sure to swing by his website and myspace if you like what you hear.

I'll be seeing you soon Dallas!!

Quote of the Week

I find in my constant search for quotes that some just jump out at me. I don't really know what it is about them or why they speak to my spirit so... All I know is that they're there and they mean something to me. Some quotes just wrap me up in a blanket of warmth that soothes my sometimes weary spirit. This is one of those quotes. Spoken by a woman I had never heard of and know nothing about...

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow." ~Mary Anne Radmacher

So there it is... Sometimes you just have to get up, dust yourself off, and try again tomorrow.

If you'd like to know more about her you should check out Mary's website. Or you could just hold the quote tightly in your mind for whenever it may seem useful.

Project 365 - Day Nineteen

Okay major confession time... I used to have a bit of a shoe addiction. Such is the nature of my addiction I used to buy shoes that weren't exactly my size (with the idea my feet might suddenly shrink). Why I even have shoes taking up room in my closet that I have never even worn!

Now you may be asking yourself why this is such a problem especially as it's quite a common problem. The thing of it is due to my particular me-ness I can only really wear one make of shoe with any degree success. And most of my shoe collection are defiantly not this make.

So I've decided that instead of my beautiful shoes just sitting in my closet taking up space and gathering dust I'll put them to use. Why not photograph them? Not one after the other of course but spaced out over the year might make project 365 more interesting. So here's a shot of some shoes that I've never worn and are actually a size and a half too small for me:

Image taken 13 December 2010

I adore this quote!! J.R.R Tolkin sure knew how to turn a beautiful phrase. Sometimes I feel like I'm on a little wander off the beaten path - making my own way in life - and it's nice to be reminded that it doesn't mean I'm lost I'm just on a different path.

I must confess I like the imagery of 'not all those who wander are lost' being written on a pair of shoes It's kind of like it gives it context and meaning. Plus I think the purple shoes on the green grass really makes the image pop. I'm not the happiest with is the handwriting on the shoes. But I'm stuck with my awful penmanship. Ah well, things could be worse.

Who knows what tomorrow may bring... Until then stay safe blogger buddies!

Fave Photo of the Week!

This week I'm going to share one of my all time favorite photographers. Foster Huntington have an amazing eye for fantastic photos. Somehow he manages to capture emotion, motion, and the imagination. His blog is always on the 'must read list'. (Seriously click on the blog link the very second you finish reading this post). Foster's images are extraordinarily simple but somehow manage to convey so much. Here's my current favorite Foster photo:

Image found here.

His photos celebrate simplicity, nature, and detail. Foster is quite simply amazing. His images take me away on the wings of a dream. I think the mark of a wonderful photograph is when it captures your attention. This image made me catch my breath as it stole my heart. He is selling prints of his amazing photos and I intend to get one for sure.

May your day be made a little brighter by the world around you or by amazing photos....

Project 365 - Day Eighteen

In an effort to take more than just indoor, close-up shots I went to a local paddock on my way home from a family Christmas do. By doing this I got a little more clarity about what I may (or may not as the case may be) do as a career. I can defiantly cross off 'Horse Whisperer' off my list of career choices.

After spending half an hour saying 'here horsey horsey' the animal finally came close enough for me to get a decent photograph. At which time I told it politely to 'stay' so I could change lenses and add my external flash. Needless to say I only manage to get one half way decent shot (before the lens change) and this is it:

Image taken 12 December 2010

Not the best shot I admit. But there's a reason why they say never work with children or animals (but they are just so cute!) Why oh why can't animals just stay still? It would certainly make my task a whole lot easier.

Anyway I hope you have a lovely week!! Stay tuned for more...

The War

I've been of two minds about this subject for quite a while so I thought I'd ask my blogger buddies. You see I have been wondering whether or not to buy myself a Kindle (or an e-reader of sorts). A person who knows me pretty well thinks I would like it and get a whole lot of use out of it. As an avid reader it kind of makes sense.

My problem? I like the feel of books. I like that they're tactile and that I can snuggle up to them. Plus they aren't that breakable - trust me the amount of times I have fallen asleep on top of a book. The added bonus? Old books smell old. You can just tell there is a heap of history there. The feel of pages between your fingers is pretty amazing if you ask me. I really like counting down the pages feeling a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that I'm getting closer to the conclusion (and maybe sneaking a peak at the end when it gets too intense!). All in all there is just something completely magical about books.

On the side of getting a Kindle: books take up an amazing amount of space in my home. Imagine what I could do with all that room currently taken up by my beloved books. Another fantastic thing about the Kindle? I can buy and download a book whenever I want. No more waiting for the shops to open to get the next book in the series (I simply have to finish a series once I start). Plus big points for having heaps of books on one little device - completely useful for traveling. Having my heavy uni textbooks vanish in favor of a streamlined device would certainly save my spine. Being able to change font size and such is also a mark in the plus column. Are Kindles really that cool? (Sorry had to go there for alliteration purposes). Decisions, decisions, decisions!

I'm just not sure if I can give up the romance of books... So the question remains: to Kindle or not to Kindle? I want to hear from you! Do you have a Kindle or similar? What do you think of it?

Project 365 - Day Seventeen

I've spoken about my dad's old Nikons in a previous post. So I shall not bore you by repeating it. In fact I have even taken photos of the beautiful things before. But I haven't taken this particular shot. I'll probably end up repeating subject matter along the 365 days. I will try to take the shots in a different way though.

Given that I am so in love with all things photography I simply couldn't pass up the chance to photograph these wonderful bits of memorabilia. Isn't it amazing that while photography has moved ahead in leaps and bounds the general shape has stayed the same?

Image taken 11 December 2010

I wonder if anyone will be looking at my camera years from now marveling at it and holding it in the same esteem as I hold my dad's? The passage of life is kind of strange isn't it? Perspective is a funny thing that's for sure.

Until next time...

Project 365 - Day Sixteen

Do you ever feel like there's different parts of you... that sometimes even contradict each other? Well you see I am a city/country kind of girl. When I was growing up in a smallish town I used to think I was such a city chick. I longed to be in amongst the hustle bustle of the city. But when I moved to the city after the shiny newness had warn off I found myself wanting to be in the country.

I am drawn to the open spaces of the country with the promise of fresh air and freedom. In the country nature surrounds you and (to me at least) life seems simpler. But I like the ease of the city - having many shops, doctors and whatever certainly makes my life run more smoothly. Constantly drawn in two different directions...

So in order to satisfy my 'country cravings' I have taken to making day trips to wide open spaces. Here's day sixteen's photo taken on a recent day trip:

Image taken 10 December 2010

I think rusty barbed wire just scream 'country' don't you? Since I had trouble deciding which photo I liked from my journeying on day sixteen I thought I'd share my two favorites. Which do you like best?

I hope your weekend has been wonderful!

Music That Moves Me

Another week is drawing to a close so it must be time for 'Music that Moves Me'. Please welcome Electric President to the weekly music post! These guys are a bit different from my usual musical tastes but there is simply something about them. Their use of melody and interesting lyrics never fails to disappoint. In fact in place of my waxing lyrical about their pure amazing-ness I'll just leave you to have a listen three of their songs.

Take a look at 'Monsters' and see what you think:


Here's another one of their songs called 'The Violent Blue':


This is my favorite song by Electric President entitled 'Insomnia':


Can I just say that I love the name 'Electric President'? I am completely drawn to interesting band names. The more unique the better in my opinion (although I may be slightly bias given my unusual name). Be sure to swing by their myspace if you like what you hear.

So that's my music pick of the week. What do you think of them?

Project 365 - Day Fifteen

When I was in Europe I brought myself something I've wanted for a long time. A quill and ink set!! I am besotted by the idea of writing amazing poetry with a quill and parchment (Shakespeare eat your heart out!). So we all know that that probably won't happen - not with a lovely netbook forever at my fingertips.

But I think it's a simply lovely item to have in my home as a reminder of things past. Plus it represents the history of Literature (something so very close to my heart). I like the small splash of black ink on the page to give it context.

Image taken 09 December 2010

I want to buy myself a wax seal and write letters sent via pony post sealed with my insignia... Aaahh!! Those were the good old days. Of course it could be that I've read 'The Scarlett Pimpernel' and watched 'Pride and Prejudice' a few too many times.

Until next time stay safe...

Project 365 - Day Fourteen

Happy two week mark!! A year will be over before we know it. I discovered during the course of day fourteen that I'm not a very good gardener. In fact it seems the only thing I do with any degree of success is to attract a plethora of bugs and insects into my yard.

Day fourteen's subject matter? A grasshopper that was steadily eating its way through my lemon tree. It's eyes are so huge!

Image taken 08 December 2010

Okay so it's not the most beautiful grasshopper I have ever seen. Plus it's a green brown insect surround by even more green and brown. This one was so big!! I think it will eat the whole tree given half a chance. The thing I love about grasshoppers is that they stay pretty still so it's not as hard as other insect photography!

I hope your week has been great!

Quote of the Week

I am seriously in need of some more quotes!! But this week I'm going to share a quote from one of my favorite authors Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (did I tell you that I got to see where he lived while I was in Europe?). Now this guy seems to be slightly mentally unbalanced - if you don't believe me try reading 'Sorrows of Young Werther' (seriously one of my favorite books). But if nothing else he is at least interesting and attempts to look at life from a different point of view. Here are two of his more mainstream quotes:

'Be generous with kindly words, especially about those who are absent' ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

'Every day we should hear at least one little song, read one good poem, see one exquisite picture, and, if possible, speak a few sensible words.'~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I especially like the first quote. It's so easy to turn into a gossip but this quote reminds me to only speak good things about a person because that's how I'd like to be treated. Isn't amazing that such truth can be spoken by another human being.

Can you suggest any quotes for me to add to my quote bank?

Project 365 - Day Thirteen

Well what do you know! Yet another wet day in Brisbane. Day thirteen's shot is inspired by 'The Sound of Music'. More specifically 'Raindrops on Roses'. Except I don't have any roses in my garden so it's more accurately raindrops on geraniums.

Image taken 07 December 2010

Okay so it's not the best shot - it's kind 0f gaining and the depth of field and focus aren't as spot on as they could have been. But I think the color is lovely - so vividly bright. The bokeh is so smooth and creamy. Gotta love that 2.8 lens!

May your day be bright no matter what the weather...

Project 365 - Day Twelve

About that rain hanging around Brisbane? Well it was still there when I went out to take my photograph for day twelve. But I was determine to go outside to get the shot. I went for a wandering in a local park and found this fantastic bridge in the middle of a shrubby area.

I adore the idea of boots that have been worn into the ground. A friend of mine had exactly those sort of boots - with scuffs, and wear and tear. In fact he worn them so much that they eventually broke so I inherited them. They are completely fantastic!! I just love taking photos of them. They're sure to feature in project 365 in the future. Don't you just love them?

Image taken 06 December 2010

I have started trying to limit how many images I take each day. This is an attempt to pre-visualize the shot before I take it rather that randomly taking a million shots and keeping just a few. It's all on the journey of trying to be a better photographer. We'll see how it goes.

Have a fantastic Wednesday!

Fave Photo of the Week!

This week's favorite photo is taken by one of my 'friends' on Flickr. Ben (Fear_Through_The_Eyes) is quite a talented photographer. Be sure to check out his photostream. I tend to like his natural landscapes the best - he defiantly has the eye.

One of my favorite shots he's taken so far is a set up on Nudge Beach Brisbane. The cool blue shades are simply stunning. Isn't it lovely?

Image found here.

I can't wait to take my camera down to that stop and try to capture a scene just like this one. In fact I am such a fan that I can't think of a single thing I'd change. Fantastic work Ben!

All I Want For Christmas...

I'm actually not that big a fan of Christmas. Don't get me wrong... I love all that it stands for in my faith. I just don't like how super commercialized it has all gotten. With the millions of dollars being spent over the season somewhere along the way the true meaning of Christmas has been lost. I'm not just talking about Jesus and faith either. To me Christmas should be about togetherness, support, joy, and celebration.

But let's face it we all like receiving gifts!! So this is what I'm hoping to find under the tree on Christmas morning. (And if not then this is what I'll be saving up for in the new year!)

I would really like to get my hands on a Fujifilm Instax Mini 25 instant camera!

Why do I want this especially since I already have a lovely DSLR? Well as part of my 365 project I'd love to take some instax window shots. I really like the idea of a photo within a photo. Who knows why. I just adore the composition of it. Kind of like this one:

I really like the idea of having an actual photo in your hand straight after you take the shot. Plus I adore its simplicity - no fiddling around with ISO settings or whatever else with this camera!

I am really drawn to the truth of film like this. With my DSLR I can take a shot upload it to my computer and if I wanted to tweak it until it's nothing like the actual scene. Side note: I don't actually do this - I like to keep my images as close to the truth as possible. But with the instax you get what you shot - no post-processing possible. I'm kind of in love with the idea.

So that's what I'd like for Christmas... What's on your Christmas wishlist? Whatever the case I hope you have an enjoyable festive season!

Project 365 - Day Eleven

Like almost every girl on the planet I quite like flowers. My all time favorite flower would have to be the day lily. They're so delicate and have the most beautiful smell. If I could afford it I would buy myself a bunch every day and scatter them around my house.

But that's somewhat impractical so instead I thought I'd take a photo of one. I always find it awfully sad when they die. Happily a photo will last longer. I just love it that something as simple as a flower has the ability to bring so much joy.

Image taken 05 December 2010

Today's blind item is super easy to figure out... In fact it's barely a blind item. I just really like this picture for some reason so I thought I'd add it in. So bright, so white, so much detail. What do you think?

Have yourself a fantastic Sunday!

Project 365 - Day Ten

Isn't it wonderful that beauty can be found in your own backyard? I went for a wander in my garden and found the most amazing insects. I have no idea what this insect is but it has such bright, vivid coloring.

I find insect photography quite difficult -- especially this shot. Everything moves. The wind blows the leaves and the insects are constantly scurrying about. It was almost impossible for me to get a fixed focus. But I perceived and I finally got a half decent shot.

Image taken 04 December 2010

I wish I could have gotten a clearer shot but the rest of my images were only blurs of green. But I suppose that's what the 365 project is all about - learning how to take better photos! Hopefully by the end of 365 days I'll be able to take amazing insect shots.

Have a fantastic rest of the weekend...

Project 365 - Day Nine

It had been a string of gloomy, rainy days in Brisbane. As a result most of my photos are indoor shots. But I think I managed to capture a few interesting photos.

In case you didn't know I'm a big fan of colour!! I think it's amazing how many shades and variations of colour that can convey so much depth and feeling. It's simply wonderful to live in a world full of colour. I recently brought some bottles in various hues and had such fun playing with different ways to capture their beauty. This is the best one that I came up with... What do you think?

Image taken 03 December 2010

I like the way the light fills the bottle and shines out of it. It produces such a stunning glow. It's kind of beautiful in my opinion.

Until next time... I hope you manage to find something beautiful in every day.

Music That Moves Me

There's some music that I love no matter what mood I'm in. I thought I'd share one of my go-to music favorites. The always amazing Ben Harper!!

I would love, love, love to see him live. He sometimes plays at the Byron Bay Blues Fest and one day I intend to get tickets.

Here's my all-time favorite Ben Harper song 'Forever':

Isn't his voice something magical? I can close my eyes and drift on the perfect melody. Don't even get me started on his amazing lyrics... It's pure poetry set to amazing music. I like everything about Ben Harper. He must appeal to my inner hippy. This is his song called 'Walk Away':

Ahhh... Ben Harper. You can sing me to sleep whenever you like. Be sure to check out his myspace page as well.

Are you a Ben Harper fan?

Project 365 - Day Eight

Want to know something about me? I love owls. I think they're kind of beautiful. Now my love isn't passing or limited to one sort of owl. I like all species. I like drawing, tattoos and any pictures of owls. I have a special spot for owl themed jewelry.

Such is my love for all things hooty that I thought one of my 365 had to be a picture of my favorite owl jewelry. In the picture you can't see that it's an owl but trust me it's an owl and he's (I've decided it's a he on a whim) gorgeous!

Image taken 2nd December 2010

This picture is fairly average. But I'd spent the day in my house cooking up dinner for my family and I completely forgot to take a photo until I was almost settling down to sleep. So I basically took a photo of the first thing that I could reach. I'll have to start planning out my photos better or else they'll start to get boring really quick.

Any suggestions of what I should try to capture next?

Project 365 - Day Seven

I have officially been doing my photo project for one week. One week down fifty-one left to go. Day seven saw the start of December and Brisbane welcomed with a traditional summer shower. It was fantastic!

I adore the rain!! I love walking in it, running through it and splashing in puddles. Rain is wonderful!! So I set up me tripod and umbrella and set about trying to capture some of the glorious wet stuff. This is what I came up with. What do you think?

Image taken 1st December 2010

Did you have a good start to the last month of the year. I hope that your December has started off great. What are your plans for the festive month?

Quote of the Week

So I'm a little (okay a lot) behind on my Wednesday weekly post... I choose to blame it on my WiFi connection doing strange things... Such as dropping out unexpectedly when I'm in the middle of an email or uploading photos. But I will persist.

Without further ado I give you this week's quote from your friend and mine Oscar Wilde

'What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise' ~ Oscar Wilde

Sometimes I shift my focus to everything I see as 'wrong' in my life. I don't have this, I'm going through that, I can't believe that this is my life, nothing's going 'right'. In fact I get myself so caught up in this stinking thinking (as a person I know calls it) that I allow bitterness, complaint and sorrow to rule my life.

That's no way to live!! This quote reminds me to look at my life and acknowledge that sure some things in my life have been tough. And sure n-o-t-h-i-n-g in my life has gone according to plan. But I can look back on past trials and see the hidden sweetness in situations. It's hard to find sometimes and at times it's nearly impossible to locate. But trust me it's there.

Even in the darkest situations where you can't see any light there is simply one thing you must remember.

There is always HOPE.

Is there any particular quote that helps you out in tough times? I'd love to hear it!