littletheories.com

It’s the one year anniversary of  Little Theories!

Recent trip to Wyoming

Sorry veg-heads, I love meat. I respect your opinion, but you can’t pry this girl away from a good steak.   If you are offended by that… move on.  If you are still with me, then accept my apologies for lack of posting.  May has been a rough month.

Took a trip to the Grand Canyon a few weekends ago.  I had only seen it from the air.  The scenery, lodging, eats, and people were all amazing. The only bad part of the trip was the controlled burn that took place that weekend, which didn’t sit well with my allergies and caused alot of hazy photos.   Found a small group of elk grazing and got this shot of this elk.  Beautiful to see, but I was hungry and all I could think was YUM!  Mostly that is thanks to the offerings of Kobe, Ostrich, Buffalo, and Elk burgers at  Fuddrucker’s.

The Venetian Ceiling - Las Vegas

This is a shot of the ceiling in the Venetian Hotel and Casino in (fabulous) Las Vegas. This is in the entry between the main casino floor and the doors to Las Vegas Boulevard. I’ve really been fixated on lights and ceillings of late. It’s amazing what you see if you just look up!

Happy 2009.  May it be filled with happiness, peace, prosperity, and love.  2008 was rough for manyof us, and those closest to me know it wasn’t my year.  I have to believe this year will be better and will not shut myself off to opportunites and prospects that are good to me and good for me.

Don’t forget, check out the Version flickr group  http://www.flickr.com/groups/version_challenge/
At this time you must be logged into Flickr to see the group.  I amworking on this.

I made a little list a few months ago of things I would like to do for the coming year.  I have two friends who are of the “think it, speak it, it will happen” schools of thought, and both asked me to make a list during two unrelated conversations.  I don’t believe in resolutions, but  I made the list and threw it in my bag and forgot about it.  I found it again on New Year’s Eve.  Coincidence or fate?   What are your wishes for 2009?

My goofy list… Read more

The life that was so simple is now simply complicated by so many small things. I just want to be left alone with my box of crayons, markers, paper, and paint.

I am not the world’s greatest photographer, but I think these are some pretty good examples of some really nice pictures that were taken with fairly basic cameras.  You don’t have to have the best or most expensive equipment to take outstanding photos as long as you have a good working knowledge of your camera and basic photography and lighting concepts.  Actually that applies to any hobby – you don’t have to spend alot to be creative and have fun.  In fact, some of the best moments of creativity are born out of a lack of super duper tools.   

Don’t be afraid to play with your camera and all of its settings. There’s nothing that can’t be reset!  Now, on to the photos (warning – very large!) Read more

Lately, I find myself looking at photographs (mostly that I have taken) that make me sad.  This is the one that makes me saddest.  I don’t know why it dawned on me until today, but this photograph makes me think “I am so far away from home, except that, for now, this IS home”.  Maybe it’s the shortening of daylight hours, maybe its because the holidays loom upon us, or maybe it is other circumstances in my life right now.  All of it make me feel so alone.  Click on photo for full size.

such a long way from home

In happier news, I have fired up the Quickutz Silhouette and am cutting shapes and words like crazy.  I have entered into a holiday card swap on craftster.org and am making 20 (!) handmade cards for my swap partner.

Kate's mini book

I am forever afraid that nothing I create will be “perfect”.  I am always comparing my crafts, photographs, and art to others.  Instead of trying to learn or do, I just sit in the corner and do nothing.  I decided to conquer my fear and just make something.  Anything.  I was inspired by a magazine about mini books/albums.  I thought taking a small step would be easier, and a mini book was the perfect way to do it.

I used DCWV Rockstar paper cut into 6″x6″ pages with rounded corners, some stickers, and photos of Kate, my friend’s daughter. It was her first rock concert (Maroon 5 in Tampa) and she got to meet Adam Levine.  I wanted her to have something special to remember the occasion, and I got out the supplies and just did it.  Was it perfect? No.  Did it bring me joy to complete a project?  Absolutely.  Did it give me courage to create more? Indeed.  Did Kate notice imperfections?  Absolutely not and she loves the mini book.

So, in addition to using your camera, I challenge you to make something this month.  Anything.  Make a paperclip bracelet.  Paint a mug.  Make a T-Shirt.  Play with digital programs and have fun with your pictures (Have I mentioned that I love Photoshop?).  Just create and enjoy the freedom of being you.  Don’t be afraid.  There are no mistakes.

Little theories need little tools.  Here are some of my favorites.

I am so enamored with Tiny URL.  I think it is just one of the best inventions ever.  It takes a mile long url and turns it into a manageable size within 2 clicks of the mouse.  Try it for yourself.   http://tinyurl.com/

Twitter is much less cumbersome than most other communication pages.  You can even send in reports from your phone or hellotxt http://hellotxt.com  I like Twitter because it is a bite sized way to talk to friends and family.  You can find me at http://twitter.com/aerodelight

For photo and video sharing, Tiny Pic is a great tool.  Several sizes to choose from, and an easy url all in a few clicks.  Try it here http://tinypic.com/   This site also lets you drop photos in other sites such as MySpace and Ebay with no hassle.