Cute Photo Valentines

Every now and then I come across a great photo idea that I just can't help but share. And I love this one.

I saw this yesterday in my blog reader and also posted in on my Facebook page, but thought I would include the instructions here.

Settings and camera mode aren't as important for taking this photo as getting really close to his fist to achieve the fun distortion.

1. Grab your widest lens (smallest mm # on the lens). I used my Canon 17-40mm L.
2. Shoot in whatever mode you like, even Auto will work for this!
3. If you choose a wide aperture (small f/ number) his face will blur.
4. If you choose a narrow aperture (large f/number) more of his face will be in focus.
5. Have your Valentine outstretch his fist, a bit to the side so his face isn't blocked.
6. Get as close to the fist as you can while still maintaining focus.
7. Shoot.
8. Shoot again, just in case!

This one was resized to 4x6" and added Jesse Edwards Doodles Hearts Brushes and a little text. You can also use online photo editors to achieve the same look, like Piknik or a free download like Picasa. Print them at your favorite retail photo center and let your child write his name and the date on the back with a felt tip marker..

A quick two cuts along his hand, the addition of a Tootsie Roll Lollipop and Valentine's Day cards are done! Love them. And I've completely re-thought the whole my-kids-are-too-old-for-this thing... while they don't have classmates to give these to, they will still be fun to give to friends and family.

Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet

It's raining. 100%. And I'm sick and it's probably the flu since everyone in my family and a few friends either have it or have had it.

Yay. And since it's raining, I don't mind being sick. It's a good reason to stay inside, curled up in front of the heater, and tucked in my quilts watching the America's Next Top Model marathon on Bravo.

Except. Yeah, there's always an exception to just about everything around here.

The dog. Who becomes so FULL of anxiety when it rains that he will NOT go outside. He stands on the inside of the screen door on the back porch and stares.

And if I force him to go out, he just stands in one place in the muddiest part of the yard and stares, getting all wet, and hoping I will open the door so he can run in the house with his muddy feet and jump in my chair. Every time. You would think that one of us would have learned from this by now.

I'm glad you stopped by... Happy Monday!

Lazy Sunday with a small dose of adrenaline

It all began very innocently. I was able to get most of the photos from the concert on Friday processed and uploaded yesterday, so I was looking forward to hanging out in front of my computer screen and reading all the interesting stuff I've bookmarked this week. I do that a lot... bookmark pages for later... it's kinda like my version of TIVO for the internet. And the subject matter is as wide as it is long. I'm an eclectic internet reader. 

Chance had a few things to do this morning and then he was off to spend the afternoon with his dad. I knew I would have about 6 hours of uninterrupted quiet time to myself. Bliss. 

Then I heard it.

About 2 hours in, I heard a noise around the side of the house. I immediately jumped up, unwound myself from the various computer wires that had become wrapped around my feet and looked out the open blinds to see two teenage boys riding off on our bikes. The bikes that have only been here for 8 days.

Yep. That's right.

I ran around to the side door, but by the time I could get there, they had already gone through a patch of trees across the street and were casually strolling down the street. On our bikes. In broad daylight. On a Sunday afternoon.

I called 911 and said, very calmly. There's been a robbery at my house. 

That's when the dog got out because I had run out of the house and left the doors open. Perfect.

An officer showed up about 4 minutes later and after getting a brief description of the bikes, took off to search the surrounding neighborhoods. I live on a very busy street corner with lots of foot traffic. And lots of cookie cutter houses. It reminds me of the theme song to Weeds:

Little boxes on the hillside, Little boxes made of ticky tacky
Little boxes on the hillside, little boxes all the same
There’s a green one and a pink one and a blue one and a yellow one
And they’re all made out of ticky tacky and they all look just the same.

So the officer didn't have any luck finding our bikes or the two lovely boys who took them. So if you see a teenage boy about 14 riding around on a purple beach cruiser with big white flowers on the frame and a gel seat, give me a call. My only hope is that his friends make fun of him for riding an old lady bike. And I'm pretty sure that Chance's bike needs brake work and has a warped wheel. Good luck with that, buddy.

Six bands, one night

Last night, Chance and I went to Floyd's Music Store (not a real store) to watch some friends (and my son) play in the Local Showcase.

Amazing.
WARNING: heavy photo post ahead. :)

Forever and Always were the headliners and are also working on their CD this weekend in the studio. Other bands that rocked on Friday...

• Tourist (Alternative/Indie powerful live set)
• Hooray For Autumn (Debut Show!)
• Here For Today (Formerly Mayhem Drive)
• Alive At Last (New local rock music)
• Silver Diner Kids Club (Chill-Pop)

Today's sweet snaps:

This is Dave. He's beast.

The crowd was like a Leon Band reunion.

Tyler playing with Silver Diner Kids Club.

My life is average

If average is spending an entire week driving your kid to SEVEN various doctor's appointments for his multiple ailments.

And if average is dinner and a movie night where you actually spend more time watching YOUTUBE videos than the actually movie.

And if average is a dog that likes to be swaddled in a fleece blanket

and drink straight from the bottle.

TGIF! Happy weekend! Looking for something to do? 

Join us at Floyd's TONIGHT at 7:00pm...

Forever & Always (Playing 2 new songs!)
Tourist (Alternative/Indie powerful live set)
Hooray For Autumn (Debut Show!)
Here For Today (Formerly Mayhem Drive)
Alive At Last (New local rock music)
Silver Diner Kids Club (Chill-Pop) (Tyler playing drums)

More details HERE.