The View From My Window

I've decided to start a new regular item on my blog...The View From My Window.

It'll be just that; random views from my various windows, just to give you an idea of my day-to-day world. Most of the time the windows will be from my home or while in a car, but on my especially cerebral days they may be from the window of my soul. Who knows. I've never been big on self-restriction, so you get what you get.










-- Post From My iPhone

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A New Toy

A couple posts ago I was lamenting about how I just hate when things don't work. In that case it was the new iPhone app that would allow me to blog via my iPhone.

Today as I took a break to do a little app shopping I discovered a new release of an app for blogging.

YAY! This one works!

So the plan is that I'll be updating much more frequently. And since I see a little camera icon it's looking real good for adding lots of cool photos to go along with my posts. If you're a visual type (as I am) that's the frosting on the cake.

Fingers crossed!

B

-- Post From My iPhone

New Picture - Gull Flight

Purchase HERE

B

Evan is Two!

I don't know how many of you remember that I took birthday celebration photos for Evan's first birthday last year. I was so happy to meet his parents, who are really nice, nice people, as well as his grandparents who came from the East Coast to help celebrate his big milestone birthday.

Well, quick as a wink, Evan is now a happy little two-year-old! I was thrilled when his mom, Lillian, contacted me and asked that I photograph his second birthday. I was also looking forward to seeing how much he had changed and grown over the past year. The family was all together again, and this year I got to meet Evan's Uncle Richard, who I thank for helping me out of the quicksand! LOL!

I was NOT disappointed! What a doll he is, and he was loving the beach like only a child can. It's wonderful to see the world through a child's eyes, all fresh and new and terrifically exciting. I also have to admit that I love watching the interaction between Lillian and her son. There is just absolute pure unguarded love there, and it is my pleasure once again to record it.

Here are a few of my favorites from the day...










Happy Birthday, Evan!

B

Exhibit - John Wayne Airport

Well, all good things must come to an end, and that includes my solo exhibit at Orange County Airport (also known as John Wayne Airport). I thank all of you who made it down to see my exhibit, and I really appreciate your effort and support.

To those who weren't able to see it in person, you can see the pictures HERE on my website.

The curator, Jeff Frisch, was great to work with, and it's an experience I'll never forget.

Now let's see what I can get going for the future!

B

More New Orleans Photos

LAISSER LES BONS TEMPS ROULER!

Today is Fat Tuesday, so the crowds are out in droves for Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

I had such a fun time when I was in New Orleans a few years ago. The history of the area is incredible. I made it a point to take as many ghost tours as possible (I love that stuff). The Cajun music took me over completely, and I think it was a good two months or so before I could stop playing my "Hot Cajun" CD's.

Sipping chickory coffee and eating beignets at Cafe Du Monde, watching the riverboats, and enjoying all the street performers.

(Travel Tip 1: IF you take a picture of the street performers, make sure you give them their tip. Trust me on this! LOL!)

(Travel Tip 2: If you find yourself in the vacinity of a voodoo practitioner, DO NOT take pictures. I repeat, DO NOT TAKE PICTURES. Again, trust me on this!)

The above picture is of some masks and beads I got while I was there. (I'll spare you the shot of the gator head I brought back for H). I'll dig up some more pics and post them in the next day or two.

Laisser les bons temps rouler!

B

I Hate When Things Don't Work...

I don't know if you've noticed, but some of my blog postings are missing.

Blogspot is working fine, I deleted them intentionally...like an idiot.

So, long story long - I am completely addicted to my iPhone and the glorious selection of apps that come with. I found this really cool app recently - iBlog, or something like that, which would allow me to blog directly from my iPhone.

Yeah, right.

It has some pretty good reviews, although, I admit I usually only read one or two (ADD-esque). I toss my 99 cents into the mix and download it. I selected my blog host, loaded my blog url and password. All's well.

When I select my blog to actually open it up I get completely bbooted out of the program! Argh!

Try, try again..and again, and again (just keep repeating this for about a day - that's how many tries I made)

I contact the app writers and I get a response in a reasonable amount of time. They suggested a couple of solutions (disable Feedburner, fix any errors, blah, blah, blah). Okay. Feedburner disabled. No luck.

I check the validity of my blog feed. It says it's okay, but offers a few suggestions for "fixes" that might optimize my feed.

Fixing the suggested "errors" (suggestions) is an endless loop of bait and switch. I fix one, and then another is listed. Most of these errors involve any posts with images.

Hello?! I'm a photographer!

So that is why there are some posts missing. I deleted them.

My blog is still in the exact same condition it always was, and the app still does not work.

That sucks.

B

DID YOU KNOW???

Think about it...

B

Exhibit - John Wayne Airport

I am so excited to be exhibiting my series, Coastal Access: The Beaches of Orange County, at John Wayne Airport!

You can read the press release on the airport website HERE

This is my first solo exhibition, and it has been a really great experience for me, from jurying through the completed installation. Having my artwork displayed in such a prestigious location is so inspiring, and has really boosted my artistic confidence.

I must give thanks to Tom Lamb, who is an extremely talented photographer, a guiding force for many, and an all around great guy. It's because of his guidance that I was able to take my work to a higher level (Thanks, Tom!)

Also, Jeff Frisch, the arts coordinator at the airport was so kind and helpful to me while I was getting this exhibition together that it made it a very smooth process. He is a very kind and patient man, and I was lucky to be able to work with him.

I hope some of you will be able to stop by and see the exhibit. It runs through March 3, 2009. I really believe Orange County has the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it would be my absolute pleasure to share them with you.

A Very Happy

B

Inauguration Day!

Today we will have a new president...

Whether or not you voted for Barack Obama, let us all wish him -

Health,
Wisdom,
Compassion

and show him respect as our president.

God bless the president, and the United States.

B

Making a Small Adjustment in Support of the U.S. Economy

I had a minor epiphany the other day.

While I work on something creative, I usually have the television in the background - not really paying attention to it, but just keeping away the deafening silence. Somehow the channel ended up on some travel item featuring Michigan. That grabbed my attention, because I have a trip planned for next autumn to go visit a really good friend of mine from waaaaayyyyy back, who just happens to live in Michigan. We're going on a photography extravaganza together - but more on that another time.

AAAnnnnyyywaaayyy...

So, I while I was watching this brief bit about Michigan, and all the scenic landscapes and fun activities to do, my interest was even more piqued when they moved along to Mackinac Island. For anyone who is a fan of the movie,Somewhere in Time you will immediately recognize the beautiful Grand Hotel, which just happens to be located there. (H and I are crazy for that movie and have watched it a ridiculous number of times)

Also, there is an ordinance banning cars on the island. The WHOLE island. No cars. Anywhere. None. I mean, HOW COOL IS THAT??!!

So, after mentally jotting down on my internal "to do" list, I've decided that I'll extend my trip by a day or two to include Mackinac Island. I mean, since I'm in the neighborhood anyway...

Okay, long story, long... ( As you can tell, I'm a back-story kind of girl).

GET TO THE POINT ALREADY!

My epiphany was that since our economy is in the dumpster, I am going to focus my travel adventures within the U.S. only. It seems that either I don't go anywhere out of a 50-mile radius, or I'm as far across the globe as I can actually manage at the moment. Watching that little travel piece, however, reminded me that there are so very many places in my own country that I have yet to see.

And let's certainly not forget the benefits of traveling within the U.S.

-- I can use my cell phone without mortgaging my life to pay the tab (YAY!!!)

-- I can use my laptop (awesome!)

-- I can use my own health insurance, should, God forbid, something go wrong.
-- I'm in my own country.

-- I can use my own currency. (Checked the exchange rates lately???)

-- Air miles go twice as far when flying in the U.S. and Canada (again, awesome!)

-- The most time spent in the uncomfy little airplane seats with bad air to breathe is 5 hours (as opposed to the last trip which was 14!) Although, business class on long flights RULES! (Oh, crap. I forgot to do that blog entry...)

-- I speak the language and know all the local customs. And if I make a faux paus, no one makes any rude "American" remarks (gotta love that)

So, all my travel dollars are staying in the U.S. for the foreseeable future. The tourism industry is hurting as much as any other industry in the world, so why not help out our own "family" first?

Be American, Buy American.

B

Music Brings the World Together - Playing for Change: Stand By Me

This video starts out simply, but as it continues you will be amazed at how many voices can become one beautiful musical experience.

This is from the YouTube website:

(playingforchange.com)

From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music", comes the first of many "songs around the world" being released independently. Featured is a cover of the Ben E. King classic by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it travelled the globe. This and other songs such as "One Love" will be released as digital downloads soon; followed by the film soundtrack and DVD early next year.

Sign up at www.playingforchange.com for updates and exclusive content available only to those who...

Join the Movement to help build schools, connect students, and inspire communities in need through music

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas

Moonlight Dreams

I have a new Etsy shop for all my non-photography handcrafted items. Drop by for a visit and see what's new! The address is: MoonlightDreams.etsy.com

I'm currently loading in items and I have a lot more to go, so please check back often.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade MoonlightDreams.etsy.com

McCain or Obama - either way, you'll like this!

It's been a long, tough presidential campaign, and it's good to see a different side of the candidates.

McCAIN ROASTS OBAMA:




OBAMA ROASTS McCAIN:




Make sure to vote.

B

I had some good news :-)

Someone bought an extended license of one of my stock pictures! That was a very happy surprise for me yesterday, and I just wanted to share.

(Yay!)

B

New Picture - "Los Rios Reverie"

Christian, the Hugging Lion : Full Ending

Enjoy.



PLEASE SUPPORT PROP. 2 WHICH GIVES ANIMALS SOME HUMANE TREATMENT.

Thank you,

B

New Picture - "Make a Wish"

I found this lovely fountain in the center of a peaceful autumn garden, and had to toss in a coin to make my wish.



Yes. It came true...

B

(All images are available in my Etsy shop)


xo

New Picture - "Epiphany"

My beautiful orchid in full bloom, against a cobalt background.

B

There's a NEW presidential candidate in town!!!

Just wanted you all to see why I haven't been blogging regularly - I've been VERY busy doing this...

I know it's a long shot - but I think I can win! :-D

Vote for me.

B

New Pictures - Laguna Beach

Some more views of beautiful Laguna Beach.

Thalia Street Mural
The Ruins and the Island
Laguna 10
Sun, Waves and a Grass Umbrella
Laguna Pier Memory
Laguna Tide Pools
Dolphin Mural

All are available in my Etsy shop or email me for direct sales.

Happy Looking!

B

Christian, the Hugging Lion : UPDATE

Apparently I was not the only one touched by the story of Christian, the hugging lion. There is a movie in the works.

Read about it HERE

Hugs,

B

Christian, the Hugging Lion

If you think animals aren't capable of love, and deserving of compassion, then watch this and think again.

Maybe the Solution is Aqua Globes

This past weekend we redecorated the bedroom (it's awesome, by the way!) and along with new bedding and drapes, we bought some really cool plants. I've had mixed luck with plants in the past - I do great with outdoor plants, but for some reason, my indoor plant luck has been a little less than stellar. I am a classic over-waterer, and that is probably more fatal than under-watering.

So, not wanting my new plants to die, but wanting large plants in my bedroom, I decided to give these Aqua Globes that I've seen on TV a try.

Before I bought them I poked around the Internet for some opinions, and the one that really convinced me was some nursery owner who experimented on six identical plants; two were not watered, two were watered when staff felt it was appropriate, and two had the Aqua Globes inserted.


The two that were not watered were, not surprisingly, dead after two weeks. The two that were watered by nursery staff were limp. The two with the Aqua Globes were in perfect condition.

Good enough for me.

So, next step - scour the Internet for the best prices. After searching the biggest and most obvious shopping sites, I was surprised to find that the official Aqua Globe site had the cheapest prices. However, once you added in shipping ($7.95) and tax in my state (California) the price began to climb. Still cheaper than any others I found online. Then I stumbled onto the fact that they are sold at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Bingo.

So, I trotted down to my local BB&B and there they were. A set of two for $9.99. So, even though that is a hair more than the official site price, once you exclude the cost of shipping the price becomes a couple dollars less.

I bought three sets, filled up three and put them in my new houseplants. And did I mention how cool looking they are? Well, if not - they are.

I did run into a minor snag right away. One of my plants had some really large potting material, apparently for extra-good drainage. My Aqua Globe placed into this plant pot slowly emptied all the way. I'm not worried or disappointed about that. My remedy is to re-pot the plant into denser soil. The drainage should be a non-issue because I won't be hand-watering, and I trust the Aqua Globes to do their job of dispensing only as much water as the plant needs.

My other two plants are doing what they're supposed to. A couple of air bubbles, a little water dispensed, and the globes worked like a charm.

So, the experiment is on...

More on this in two weeks.

B

Something to Reflect On

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Psalm 139:13-16 NLT

And We're Off!

Happy Labor Day!

We are now officially into the 2008 Holiday Season.

This is my favorite time of year because from now through January there are major holidays every month. I love that!

So, happy holiday season everyone :-)

B

My Gift from the Islands

I love tropical flowers and plants, and being in Hawaii is like heaven on earth when it comes to beautiful plants. Wild orchids grow along the sides of roads, and the high-end / high-dollar plants you might be lucky enough to find in some nurseries and florists are yours for the picking there.

I can't resist stocking up on the (legally) exportable cuttings you can bring home, and have done so on every trip. I'm also lucky enough that my friends and family who travel to Hawaii usually bring a little something home for me.

My Hawaiian White Ginger plant, which was a small cutting when I received it as a gift from Hawaii, is blooming like crazy. (Yay!) Not only are the flowers delicately beautiful, but they are so highly fragranced that one small flower can perfume a small backyard.

This morning I couldn't resist picking a couple to bring inside. I don't know how these blossoms will do once picked, but I will within the next day or so.

Here is a photograph of my morning bounty of Hawaiian White Ginger...

Aloha...

Back to School

Yep, it's that time of year again, folks. Everyone back to school.

Hub is on the last leg of his Master's - which is finishing up his thesis. The soccer moms are not quite ready to rock the roads, but we're waiting for the local elementary school grand prix to begin any day now. (Is that the sound of SUV engines revving in the distance??) And I have managed to commit the negative time I have into a little more negative time by signing up for a portrait class.

I haven't taken classes for awhile now, and I really kind of miss it. I also miss having access to the darkroom, so that was a big plus in my decision to go back to school.

Why a portrait class?

I want to learn some new lighting techniques, and I love having assignments that force me out of my comfort zone.

Off I go...

The Student

New Picture - "The Secret Door"

While walking to the beach I stumbled upon this secret door, almost totally hidden from view by foliage.

Seal Beach Boogie!

Took a little mini-adventure up to Seal Beach yesterday - mostly, because I realized a few weeks ago that I did not have any pictures of the Seal Beach Pier.

Problem solved.

I'll be adding these pictures to my website shortly, but I wanted to share them on my blog first.

Australia - Yeah, baby!

Finally...a vacation! I'm so looking forward to seeing this awesome place. I've been scouring the Internet to make sure I get pictures of as many places as I can.

Wait, is it still a vacation when I plan on taking a gabillion pictures?

Hmm...

G'day!

B

New Picture - "Star & Moon"

Very Scary - The Schapelle Corby Story

Sometimes we forget that each decision and action in our lives, whether by choice or chance, takes us on very specific paths in our life journey. Sometimes we don't know the outcome for decades, if ever, but sometimes the results are hard, fast and vivid.

When you see what has happened to this poor girl it will probably terrify you, like it has me. What started out as a great vacation, ends up being the nightmare to end all nightmares.

For more info check these links:

http://www.freeschapelle.com.au/forum

Schapelle's book - No More Tomorrows

New Pictures :-)

CAMBRIA COAST SUNSET
SUNSET SKIMBOARDER
TEMPTRESS
BESO (KISS)

New Picture - "Above the Crowds"

New Pictures - Pacific Sunsets Collages

Here's a little something different. Three different collages made up of my Pacific Sunsets series of images.

You can see larger versions on my website

New Pictures - Ruby Lady Slipper Orchid

"Grandeur" Wins First Place!

I just got back from the Orange County Fairgrounds to get my picture taken with my winning entry, and I found out that my winning picture is Grandeur!



:-D

New Pictures :-)

LAGUNA COAST

CRASH

WHITE WATER

CRESCENT BAY SUNSET

LAGUNA GLOW

WE THREE


Cool water and peaceful sunsets!

B

I WON!

Remember I told you a few postings ago that I had two pictures juried into the 2008 Orange County Fair?

Well, yesterday I was lucky enought to get a phone call from a very nice lady from the Visual Arts Department telling me I had won FIRST PLACE!

Whoo-hoo!

I'm not sure which of my entries won (she didn't know either), but I'll find out on Monday and you'll be the second to know, after me!

It's one of these two...






I'M...SOOO....HAPPY!!!!

:-D

July News...

HAPPY JULY, EVERYONE!

I hope you all have lots of fun plans coming up, including the many art walks and street fairs in the area.

June was a wonderful month for me, with great sales and meeting some really nice people. The new coordinator of the Village Art Fair in San Clemente is an absolute "dream" to work with, and, as always, the ladies of the Newport Beach Arts Foundation put on a great Art in the Park. I feel very fortunate to be able to work with these fine people.

JUNE WINNERS

Congrats to

CINNAMON STANLOW
of Cinnamon Jewelry

She was the 10,000th hit on my blog and won a print of her choice from my website. She chose this one:



ANNIE GATES, DOMINIC GALPIN and ANNE COLEMAN

for winning this month's drawing for a gallery print of MOM'S MOTEL



JULY GIVEAWAY

In honor of meeting a SUPER nice lady named Sandy Miller, who is the new owner of my large canvas of Tower Window, July's print giveaway will be for a print of Tower Window!



If you'd like to be entered in my monthly drawings, and have not signed my official guestbook at an event, simply leave a comment or send me an email and you'll be entered!

Good luck, everyone!

Remember, to purchase any of my work simply contact me by email or phone, and we'll work together to create something you'll love and be proud to display in your home or office.

NO RISK!

Last, but not least, ask me about NO FEE commission work! Ever wanted a particular piece of photographic art, but never quite found what you were looking for? I take the risk out of commissioning custom imaging. ~ Ask me how ~

That's it for this month. I hope to see you at one of my July events. Make sure you come up and say hi!

Memento Vivere!

Barbara

WHERE I’LL BE IN JULY

JULY 3, 2008 (Thurs)
1st THURSDAY ART WALK - LAGUNA BEACH
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Artist Eye Laguna Gallery
1294 S. Coast Hwy. #A, Laguna Beach
(949) 497-5898
(PCH @ Cress)

CHECK THIS SITE FOR FREE ENTRY TO SAWDUST FESTIVAL
AND FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS:

JULY 6, 2008 (Sunday)
VILLAGE ART FAIR - SAN CLEMENTE
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
111 Del Mar Street, San Clemente
(In front of Billy's Deli)

JULY 12, 2008 (Saturday)
2nd SATURDAY ART WALK, LONG BEACH
4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(Find me in Space 22)
East Village Arts District, Long Beach
(Linden Street between First and Broadway)