littletheories.com

Although I’ve been doodling for some time, I purchased the Zentangle kit this past fall to see if it would improve my skills. I really love the kit and have been using some of the techniques in the kit and free newsletters on the site.  It’s a great way to keep myself entertained while waiting at the airport. This proved especially helpful when I was in Atlanta during the snow storm in February.

Terminal Concourse  

It’s been a busy time in the Little Theories universe. I haven’t kept up with the site as I should have, but I promise to change my ways!   In the last few months I’ve been on the road a great deal.  From California to Wyoming, Photoshop World to the World’s Largest Tattoo Convention (thanks, Mario!), hooping all over the land,  and being hostess to some of the best friends in the world (with more to come in the coming months culminating in a super duper awesome way to finish off ‘09).  I’ve also been lucky enough to see Seth Rogen shooting “The Green Hornet” outside my hotel room window!  Seth Rogen!  I have some great pictures, but I’m feeling a little stingy about sharing them right now. Maybe later this month, I’ll post them.

I’ve been to some great shows too – Dark Star Orchestra, Lacuna Coil,  Maylene and the Sons of Disasters, All That Remains, Judas Priest, Whitesnake, Pop Evil, Underworld, and so much more.

My new favorite thing has been shooting with my Lensbaby Muse and my Nikon.  If you aren’t familiar with the Lensbaby selective focus lenses and kits for DSLRs and SLRs, then you are missing out.  Visit them here .   I love the dream-like quality that Lensbaby produces.

Here’s a view of a typical weekend night for me in Las Vegas trying to get from point A to B (and C, D, E, and F!).  Paradise Road has been down to two lanes due to construction, and the alternatives aren’t much better.
My Saturday nights through a Nikon and Lensbaby Muse (w/wide angle lens). Hit the companion Flickr site for the large view and so much more…

This was the result of taking several shots using different settings.  I used my little Nikon Coolpix L18 and was pleased with the result.   As usual, go to my companion flickr site to see  a larger version and more pictures.

From a glass art installation (of a fish) at Kona Grill in Summerlin/Las Vegas (yummy food and outstanding service - ask for Karen!)…

This is from the Butterfly house at the Bellagio Hotel’s garden.  See the full view and more garden pictures at my flickr site here

The Nikons and I had an action packed weekend… 3 nighter Kenny Wayne Shepherd show at the Orleans, hanging out with friends, hula hoop class, and a Sunday afternoon visit to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area.  Since moving west, I have the pleasure of seeing much of our country and a few of our national parks.  I always find it interesting that I see more foreign tourists than Americans.  Don’t get me wrong, I think it is fabulous that foreign tourists come and make it a point to visit and take great interest in the natural beauty of our parks.  I challenge you, American or foreign visitor, to get out to visit the great wonders that are contained in our national park system.  Take pictures, enjoy the scenery.  Get out and GO!

A view near Calico Tanks at Red Rock Canyon shot with the Nikon D40.  More pictures and full  views  in both 3008×2008 and 1024×681 can be accessed at the Little Theories Flickr site.

“

Let’s see who is knocking on our door:

Surprise! It’s Green Owl!

What about door #2?

Why, look at that, it’s our little friend, Pink Owl!

Read more

I have been in the middle of an inchies swap at  Craftster but I needed some inspiration to finish up. I picked up “Collage Unleashed” by Traci Bautista. It’s a great book, and Traci’s website and her blog are visually inspiring as well.

The background for the following was inspired by the background techniques in Traci’s book.  I made these inchies with Bazzill Chipboard 1″ squares, Tattoo King stickers, BIC markers, an old brown paper envelope, Jo Ann and Colorbox inks, watercolors, and a variety of wood mounted stamps.

Roll out the barrel of fun at Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas

My friend took me to Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas this afternoon.  It was like walking straight into Beerfest, complete with great German food, live music, dancing on the bench-style seating, paddlings by the waitresses when receiving a shot,  sing-a-longs, and sloshing of monster beer steins in time to the music.  The musician (didn’t catch his name) plays the Ohio State fight song on one of his horns.  The thought alone nearly made me delirious with happiness.  Since I had my trusty camera with me, I snapped a shot of him getting ready to balance his alpenhorn to play one note hands free.  I am happy to report success.  My only regret – we didn’t stay for the polka band.  Highly recommend this place for  when you feel you have to roll out the barrel of fun!!!

This is from a recent trip. I had to change planes in Albequerque, and this was taken from the plane prior to descent and landing.  I have to say, people act a little funny when you whip out a camera on a plane.  I hadn’t had the opportunity to take a plane picture before, but will plan on doing so any time I have a window seat.  This is where keeping a camera on me at all times paid off…

View the full version at www.flickr.com/littletheories