Clique

Texture Tuesday 1/31 ~ the Simplicity eDition

2012-01-31T11:33:00.004-09:00

This week's challenge was to use at least one layer of Kim Klassen's "Simplicity" texture on an image of our choice. I shot these sweet love birds on the beach in Waikiki, Feb 2010.

SooC

Formula -

* Cropped to 8 x 10

* Adjustment layer (levels, curves)

* Duplicate original layer; Soft Light @ 25%

* kk_Simplicity; Vivid Light @ 30%

* Removed texture from the birds' faces and upper bodies

* kk_Stained Linen; Soft Light @ 82%

* Merged all layers and added to...

* Clipping mask made with a brush from "Grungey Lines by Meth" (brusheezy.com)

* Added Text - CK-Ali's_Hand_Official font (80% opacity)

* Added personal watermark (Soft Light @ 40%)

Please be sure to check out all the lovely and creative entries this week at Kim Klassen Cafe!

~ klb

My Heart...

2012-01-25T15:07:00.002-09:00

Just a simple edit of my youngest and his two children. Taken at Walmart 12/23/11.

Matthew - 26 yrs
Amelia - 27.5 months
Adrian - 3 months exactly

~ klb

Texture Tuesday 1/24/2012 ~ The Story eDition

2012-01-25T14:26:00.002-09:00

This week's challenge @ Kim Klassen Cafe is to use at least one of her textures on an image that evokes the word, "story." I actually used 1 texture/2 layers on this photo I took in December 2008. I chose this image because the raven appears to be animatedly relating a story to his neighbor. In reality, the black bird was fussing at the raptor and trying to scare it off! The bald eagle never moved, however, and the raven eventually flew away.

SooC

I cropped the image to 8 x 10, 300 ppi; added an adjustment layer for color balance; made a levels adjustment and added two layers of Kim's Waterstained Frame texture; one layer in Multiply @ 25% and one in Overlay @ 65%

Please check out the other creative challenge entries HERE

~ klb

P365 ~ 2012

2012-01-02T00:09:00.000-09:00

So. I've decided to participate in the P365 challenge or project this year. I made a good beginning two years ago, but because of my habit of shooting waaaay more than I need to, the volume of photos became overwhelming for me and I stopped after 3 or 4 months. This year, however, I will use the Instagram app on my iPhone and take at least one photo each day. Each Sunday, I will post the week's photos here on my blog and they will be altered only in their size (re-sized for the web). I won't post-process or anything before uploading - but the Instagram app has several filters you can use on your photo after each one is snapped and I'll be using those from time to time. Well, most of the time, actually!

New Year's Blessings to all who stop by and visit me here at Clique. I appreciate your friendship and your comments!

~ klb

Photo Color Cards

2011-12-30T04:01:00.000-09:00

Thanks to my growing interest in Pinterest, I have begun making what I call "Photo Color Cards" - actually 8 x 8 pages featuring one of my own photos and six color tabs taken from the colors in the photo. Each of the tabs includes the hex code for that color, in case I or anyone else would like to use a specific color in a digital project.

Here are the seven cards I've done so far --

Taken in the Centenial Rose Garden, Anchorage AK - Aug 2007

Taken at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer AK - Aug 2007

Taken in Waikiki HI - Feb 2010

Taken in Maui HI - Feb 2010

I've also been making "Subway Art Prints" -- check them out at my crafty blog Divine Inspirations

~ klb

Texture Tuesday ~ Celebrate eDition

2011-12-05T19:28:00.002-09:00

Because we (here in the US) are in the middle of our Holiday Season (Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year's), the theme for this week's challange is "Celebrate!" The most important reason to celebrate is the birth and life of Jesus Christ, Who was given to us as a Gift from GOD the Father. If we choose to accept this Gift, we will spend eternity with Him and with all those who have died in Christ before us, living forever in a state of joy, satisfaction and love; with no pain, no stress and no sorrow. Truly, a reason to celebrate!

My photo doesn't really reflect that type of celebration, however -- instead, I am sharing this fireworks photo that I took nearly three years ago (January 3, 2009). Alaska was celebrating her 50th year of statehood that day and there were state- and city-wide events happening all that weekend, one of which was this fabulous fireworks show held in downtown Anchorage. Normal low temps for that time of year are in the upper teens Farenheit - you can see in the last photo what the temp was while we were downtown experiencing the festivities!

Straight out of Camera

FORMULA --

* Cropped original image to 8 x 10 300dpi
* Ctrl J to Duplicate layer - Soft Light 55%
* Added Kim Klassen's "Look Upon" texture - Multiply 85%
* Merged layers and clipped to border mask
* Added text: CAC Shishoni Brush (Alaska); Gloucester MT Extra Condensed (50 years of statehood); Bernard MT Condensed (1959-2009)
* Using white type, applied Overlay blending mode @ 100%
* Added my own watermark (Beyond Wonderland & Tekton Pro); applied Soft Light and lowered opacity to 55%

Yes, that's 24 degrees BELOW zero! Just a bit nippy...

Be sure to stop by Kim Klassen Cafe and check out this week's fabulous entries!

~ klb

MCP Actions

2011-12-04T16:24:00.000-09:00

Just wanted to let all my blog followers and browsers know that MCP Actions is a fanTABulous place to visit for tutorials, tips, classes and ACTIONS - lots and lots of creative actions for Photoshop and Lightroom! They are currently giving away a new Canon G12 point & shoot camera - in the next few minutes!

Be sure to stop by their website MCP Actions and also to "Like" them on Facebook :)

Hurry! Hurry!

~ klb

Texture Tuesday ~ The Gratitude eDition Returns

2011-11-28T21:07:00.000-09:00

There are many things I am grateful for this holiday season and one of them is my dear friend and Sister-in-Christ, Jess Jennings. Jess and I first met several years ago when we attnded the same church. We were both avid scrapbookers and our friendship grew from the twice-a-month crops held at the church. Quite often, Jess and I and the hostess of the crops (a mutual dear friend) would remain till the wee hours of the morning - not working on our layouts, but in deep discussion about life, families, the Lord...

Time passed and Jess and I kind of drifted apart for a few years - not due to anything negative, but our lives just took different paths for a season. Just within the past year, Jess and I have reconnected and what a blessing! Though we no long attend the same church, nor do we gather at scrapbooking crops, we are still connected through our relationship with Jesus Christ -- and our love of photography! While I wasn't looking, Jess has really developed her skills and creative talents as a portrait photographer and she is in high demand.

This past Saturday, she invited me to come up to a church camp where she had scheduled several families to get their Christmas portraits done. I have been to this location several times over the last 20 years or so and it's always a lovely place to visit. However, I'd not been there in winter and happily agreed to swing by to visit with my friend, as well as try to get some nice winter landscapes :) The following seven photos were taken that day and the first one shows Jess doing her thing - shooting a lovely family out on the lake at the Birchwood Camp in Chugiak Alaska. **Note - it was the parents' idea to be photographed without coats!

Straight out of Camera

Formula:

* Cropped photo to 8 x 10
* Added layer adjustment
* Duplicated photo and set to SOFT LIGHT
* Added Kim Klassen's MusicLovin - OVERLAY 35%
* Added Kim Klassen's SeriousMagic - LINEAR DODGE 65%
* Added clipping mask I made
* Added text - Hello Sark & Century Gothic fonts

Be sure to visit Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen Cafe to see the lovely and creative images submitted for this week's challenge!

~ klb

Texture Tuesday ~ the "And Then Some" eDition

2011-11-01T02:48:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I've participated in Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday *or* posted here in the blog. Life sometimes gets in the way of doing the things we long to do... The challenge this week was to use at least one layer of Kim's "And Then Some" texture on our photo. I chose the image of a daisy field because winter has finally hit our area and after two days of snow and cold, I felt the need to work on a cheery photo!

Oct 30, 2011 @ 8:57 am

SooC

Formula

* Cropped original photo to 8 x 10, 300dpi

* Did hue/sat and birght/contrast adjustment layers

* Added Kim's "And Then Some" texture - Multiply @ 75%

* Added Kim's two layers of Kim's "Back In" texture - Soft Light @ 75%; Multiply @ 75%

* Added clipping mask using grunge brushes by Meth (brusheezy.com

* Added text using PetraScript and Arial fonts.

TFL and be sure to check out all the creative entries at Kim Klassen Cafe :)

~ klb

Texture Tuesday ~ the Gratitude eDition

2011-10-04T02:01:00.003-08:00

This week's theme for TT is "Gratitude." I took this photo of my grandchildren with my iPhone on Oct 2, 2011. Changed the color photo to sepia, cropped it, added Kim Klassen's "Word" texture (Soft Light blend mode @ 100%) and "Stained Linen" texture (Pin Light blend mode @ 30%), created the word art ("Damned Hearts" brush; VT Portable Remington & Tekton Pro fonts); added a border using a corner brush by "Swirls by Kaffaleen" and added the babies' names and the date (Tekton Pro font).

The reason I chose this photo as my entry has two levels... On the surface, I am grateful for these beautiful babies; grateful to be their "gammie." They are sweet, adorable, precious gifts from GOD - my treasures. On a deeper level, due to some challenges in our family during the past 14 months, relations between me and my children have, at times, been strained and time spent together as a family has been few and far-between. On the night I took this photo, my three youngest kids - J, Jenni and Matthew, my son-in-law, Ivory and the grandbabies, Amelia and Adrian, all met together for dinner; for Jenni & Ivory to meet their new nephew, who was 9 days old at the time, and to hand out gifts they had picked up during their recent Caribbean cruise. Unexpectedly (though I firmly believe it was a "GOD thing"), I was in the neighborhood and able to stop in to say "Hi." I only expected to be able to stay for a few minutes, but actually spent an hour and a half with my beloved family -- a blessed gift that truly filled me with GRATITUDE...

Straight out of camera

Please stop by Kim Klassen's Cafe and check out all the lovely creativity to be found in this week's challenge entries!

~ klb

Introducing...

2011-09-26T21:16:00.004-08:00

My first grandson -- Adrian Isaac! He arrived @ 5:23 pm Sept 23, 2011 - exactly one day after his Daddie's 26th birthday and his parents' 2nd wedding anniversary. Adrian is little brother to our precious Amelia Ann, who turned two years old on Sept 7, 2011 - the same day her mother turned 20. September is a big month for birthdays in our family - along with these four, my son-in-law's birthday is Sept 4, my kids' older half-sister's birthday is Sept 1 and my birthday is almost exactly between Amelia's and Adrian's - on Sept 15. Busy, busy month!

Anyway - on to the photos! This first one I took with my iPhone when Adrian was nearly an hour and a half old. I love his chubby little cheeks and the fact that he has HAIR! Amelia, like her Daddie, Matthew, was born with peach fuzz, but my three older kids all had a ton of hair at birth, as did I. It's sweet that little Adrian has followed this "tradition" :) He is a beautiful little boy and a priceless addition to our family.

Oh right - the photos...

The second photo is the "SooC" version of my entry for this week's Texture Tuesday in the theme of "LOVE." This photo was also taken with an iPhone - this time taken Adrian's other grandmother when he was about three hours old. The third photo is my edited/processed entry image.

Straight out of camera

FORMULA --

* Cropped original photo to 8 x 10, 300 dpi

* Levels adjustment layer

* White balance adjustment

* Changed color photo to sepia

* Added Kim Klassen's Canvas Magic texture - Lighten blend mode @ 100%

* Added Kim Klassen's Love texture - Multiply blend mode @ 70%

* Fonts: Angelic War ("Father & Son") and Hello Sark

* Clipping mask made by me, using brushes from brusheezy.

**NOTE** - Edits made to my first image also used the "Canvas Magic" and "Love" textures by Kim Klassen

Be sure to visit Kim Klassen's Cafe to see all the other lovely entries for this week's theme of LOVE!

TFL ~ klb

Autumn Pix and Texture Tuesday

2011-09-19T23:01:00.000-08:00

The other day, we took a drive through Hatcher Pass and on up north to Talkeetna. So much glorious color to see -- it took my breath away... Here are a few of the shots I took that day -- the first image is my entry for this week's TT theme, "Free & Easy - Anything Goes" eDition (Photo must use at least one of Kim Klassen's textures).

Straight out of camera

Unfortunately, I neglected to jot down the various edits I made to these photos -- didn't realize that till just now... I do know that each is cropped to 8 x 10 and each uses the "Autumn Burst" texture from Kim Klassen. The track photo and the Mt McKinley photo both use additional textures, but I cannot tell you which ones or at what blend mode settings. Sorry.

On another note - I'm no poet, but my emotions and spirit were so consumed with the beauty around me, that I wrote this down --

O Wonder!

O Joy!

O Magnificent Creation!

Who could imagine the beauty to be found in a state of decay?

The LORD --- Master --- Creator --- Artiste

He is the Maker of Masterpieces --- in His gallery hang the colors of death

Blues & Greens, Golds & Reds, Copper & Amethyst

Breathtaking Majesty!

In a world that is destined for destruction - that is rotting under the weight of sin

If such beauty and wonder can be seen so clearly in a dying world...

Can you even try to imagine the colors of LIFE that await us in Eternity?

If our Father-GOD will bestow such vibrancy to something that is not intended to last...

What must Heaven be like --- what beauty, what wonder, what joy and splendor will we see and experience in the New Earth?

The richness of color and beauty - even intensified 100-fold in our imaginations -

Is nothing compared to the reality we will experience in that day...

O, Praise HIS Holy Name!

~ klb

Texture Tuesday ~ the "Autumn Burst and/or Do eDition"

2011-09-12T21:26:00.006-08:00

Kim Klassen's original theme for this week's challenge was, "Do." Today, though, she added a texture -- Autumn Burst -- and changed the theme to include using her texture "and/or" the original "Do" challenge. My entry uses both. The text on my image, "Lead me to the CROSS," is something I pray/DO every day. Life has been full of unexpected challenges for the last year and a half. Challenges of the non-photography variety. I cannot imagine getting through them and moving forward without Jesus by my side.

Oh. And I also used Kim's "Autumn Burst" texture on my image.

Straight out of camera

FORMULA --

* Original layer: cropped to 8 x 10; levels adjustment

* Duplicated original layer and levels adjustment; set duplicated layer to SOFT LIGHT @ 36%

* Used a Hue/Sat adjustment layer and reduced saturation

* Added "Scripted Autumn" - MULTIPLY @ 65%

* Using a soft brush @ 25% opacity, erased texture from the cross in the photo.

* Duplicated "Scripted Autumn" - SOFT LIGHT @ 65% - again, erased texture from the cross
* Added "Autumn Burst" - OVERLAY @ 100%

* Used clipping mask made from digital brushes by Anna Aspnes (oscraps.com)
* Added text using VT Portable Remington font

Photo was taken in Happy Valley, Alaska, July 2011

Be sure to visit the other fun and creative entries at Kim Klassen Cafe'

~ klb

We Remember

2011-09-11T13:26:00.001-08:00

Ten years ago today, my Husband and I were sound asleep when we received a phone call from our son, J, who worked at one of our local TV stations in Anchorage. Rog answered the phone and walked back into the bedroom to tell me that J was on the phone with disturbing news -- it appeared the US was under attack - in NYC. I was recovering from a shattered elbow and struggled to get up off the mattress on the floor. Rog had gone back into the living room and turned on the TV. I came out, sat down on the couch and remained glued to the set for the next several hours - watching in wonder and amazement. I don't recall anything else about that day. I do know that our local news reported airport closures and heightened security around our army and air force bases. Anything beyond that is just a blur.

Denali National Park, 7/10/10

Today, I am watching assorted special programs on TV commemorating that surreal tragedy. Some is actual footage taken during that day and others are re-enactments of the days and hours leading up to the attack. I'm not really sure why I am watching. Out of respect for the lives that were lost and for the loved ones left behind - but I did not know anyone personally who lived through or died in NYC, Pennsylvania or Washington DC. Still, as I watch these programs, my heart is touched and my prayers are with those who lost loved ones on that momentous day. My thoughts and prayers are also with those who are fighting in "the war on terror" - Bless them for their courage, determination and sacrifice. Bless their families for their own sacrifice and hardships as they watch their loved ones march off to war for the benefit of many.

Angelus Memorial Cemetery, 5/30/11

~ klb

How Excellent!

2011-09-10T13:37:00.000-08:00

This is a photo I took recently of a HIGHLY TOXIC mushroom in Eagle River Alaska. On it, I used the "Gorton Effect" which gives the image a soft, dreamy look. I got the instructions from Kim Boustany at kimi kreations -- Thanks so much, Kim :) Also used a clipping mask made from digital brushes by Anna Aspnes at Oscraps

Straight out of camera

~ klb

Texture Tuesday ~ the Cracker Jack eDition

2011-09-06T11:07:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge for Kim Klassen's TT group was to use her "Cracker Jack" texture on our photo. This shot was taken last Saturday in Petersville Alaska. I wanted to capture the changing of the seasons and focused on the orange-red leaves of the fireweed and the golden leaves of the aspen behind it. I used two layers of Kim's Cracker Jack texture on this image.

Straight out of camera

Formula --

* Cropped original photo to 8 x 10

* Duplicated original image - SOFT LIGHT blend mode @ 100%

* Added Cracker Jack Texture - MULTIPLY blend mode @ 75%

* Duplicated Cracker Jack layer and flipped horizontally

* Added processed image to clipping mask

* Added text - CAC Shishoni Brush and Century Gothic fonts

Please be sure to check out all the lovely entries at Kim Klassen Cafe :)

~ klb

Orange eDition, pt 2

2011-08-30T19:58:00.000-08:00

I did this photo last night for a friend and thought it fit very well with this week's TT "Orange" theme. Taken in July 2011 at the historic Kennecott Copper Mine in McCarthy Alaska.

Straight out of camera

Formula --

* Cropped original photo and added levels adjustment

* Added Kim Klassen's texture, "Cracker Jack" - color burn @ 100% - used a layer mask and removed texture from the bolt

* Added another layer of "Cracker Jack" - soft light @ 100%

* Added a 3rd layer of "Cracker Jack" - mulitply @ 100%

* Added Kim Klassen's texture, "Chamomile" - multiply @ 100%

* Clipped edited image to clipping mask made with digital brushes by "meth" (brusheezy.com)

* Added text - "High Tower Text" and "Century Gothic" fonts

TFL ~ klb

Texture Tuesday ~ the Orange eDition

2011-08-29T21:22:00.000-08:00

I skipped last week's TT by Kim Klassen, but am back this week with my ORANGE entry. This toadstool photo was taken three years ago - Aug 2008 - in our yard. August is when all the musrooms and toadstools "bloom" and show their vibrant colors.

Straight out of camera

Formula --

* Cropped original layer and did a levels adjustment

* Duplicated original layer and used MULTIPLY blend mode @ 75%

* Added Kim Klassen's "Cracker Jack" texture and used MULTIPLY blend mode @ 100%

* Added Kim's "Golden" texture and used SOFT LIGHT blend mode @ 100%

* Added Kim's "Chamomile" texture and used PIN LIGHT blend mode @ 65%

* Used a layer mask on the Chamomile texture with eraser brush set at 75% opacity

* Used clipping mask made with brushes by Anna Aspnes (designerdigitals.com)

* Added text using High Tower Text and Century Gothic fonts

Be sure to pop over to Kim Klassen Cafe and check out all the other creative entries for this week's challenge!

TFL ~ klb

Bloom Baby Bloom

2011-08-25T15:52:00.002-08:00

Took this shot of fireweed in front of a dirt-mover down in Anchor Point last month. Loved the vivid pink against the orange-yellow of the tractor. I used the text, "BLOOM Baby BLOOM" because I am entering a new phase of life and felt the need for some encouragement. I think I will print this, frame it and maybe hang it in my bathroom where I can see it every day. What color should the mat or frame be? I'm thinking bright {lime} green - will match my room colors and bring out the leaves in the photo.

Straight out of camera

Processing Formula --

* Cropped and duplicated original photo; set blending mode to Soft Light, 100%

* Added a layer using my "DI Texture 1" - Multiply blending mode @ 85%

* Added a layer using my "DI Texture 9" - Overlay blending mode @ 100%

* Merged all layers and clipped to clipping mask made from a digital brush by Anna Aspnes (designerdigitals.com)

* Added text - Font is KingThings Scrybbledot, reduced opacity to 75%

Print size is 8 x 10, 300 dpi

~ klb

Something To Believe In...

2011-08-17T15:26:00.000-08:00

For the past year or so, our family has been under attack spiritually, resulting in major upheaveals and emotional, spiritual and financial challenges. At times, it seems as though we are nearing the end of this storm - yet at other times, it feels as though we've been sucked into a whirlpool from which we'll never be freed. Yesterday was a "whirlpool day." Thankfully, the Lord did help us rise above it - or begin to, anyway - and we visited a couple of dear brothers- and sister-in-Christ last evening, who prayed for us and spoke blessings over us. Our dear sister, Michelle and her husband, Terry had recently been to visit their daughter and son-in-law in Australia; while there, Michelle was inspired to pick up this sweet little creamer with the encouraging promise that "Nothing is impossible with GOD." During our visit there last night, she brought it out to show us and said, "This is the Lord's gift to you. GOD is bigger than your circumstances - when you look at this, remember that." Well, I may be paraphrasing just a bit, but that was the gist of what she said.

When she gave it to me, I knew I was supposed to take a photo and create something to print and hang, as a daily reminder. Here is the result of that.

Straight out of camera

Texture Formula --

Background Layer: original photo; did a layers adjustment and added "diffuse glow" (1-2-13)
Layer 1: Duplicated background layer; used a Hue/Sat adjustment layer to remove color, then reduced opacity on adjustment layer to 50% to let a little color shine through.
Layer 2: Kim Klassen's "kk_123" texture - vivid light blending mode @ 60%Layer 3: Duplicated the "123" texture - linear burn blending mode @ 50%; used a layer mask and removed a bit of this layer from the creamer to lighten it up some.Layer 4: Kim Klassen's "Golden" texture - vivid light blending mode @ 25%

*Clipping mask was created using grunge edge brushes by "meth," found at brusheezy.com; pink shade was taken from the petals in the photo.

I am so thankful for the body of Christ. They are truly His hands and feet to those in need and through them, the Lord pours out His love, mercy and grace. Blessings on you, Michelle & Terry, Ben & Deanna...

~ klb

Texture Tuesday ~ the Movie eDition

2011-08-16T01:19:00.000-08:00

This week's theme for the Texture Tuesday challenge is "Movie." Kim Klassen opened it up to us participants to select the theme for this week and Olivia was the winner :) Olivia wrote, "...my challenge entry is A MOVIE.. pick any movie, your favorite movie, the photo just has to go along with the the title! you said to think out of the box.. right! how fun is that!" I have quite the list of favorite movies, but for this challenge, I chose Toy Story {although my favorite of the Toy Story movies is #2}

My image is one I shot this past April and is of our little dog Cully's favorite toys. She just loves stuffed animals that squeak, sing, bark or giggle (Elmo) !

My "formula" --
Bottom Layer: Original photo; levels adjustment, diffuse glow filter
Layer 1: copy of orig photo; hue/adjustment layer - first removed all color, then decreased opacity to 78% to bring a little color back in
Layer 2: Kim's "Love in Layers" texture - Linear Burn blending mode @ 66% opacity
Layer 3: Kim's "Just Stitched" texture - Overlay blending mode @ 65% opacity
Layer 4: Kim's "kk_123" texture - Soft Light blending mode @ 85% opacity

Clipping mask was created using a decorative brush by Anna Aspnes (Hipster Plumes Korners & Edges No. 1) and an edge brush "meth" (found at brusheezy.com)

TFL ~ klb

Straight out of Camera

Texture Tuesday ~ "It's the Little Things" eDition

2011-08-08T22:26:00.002-08:00

Kim Klassen's challenge this week is "It's the Little Things" -- Kim left it up to us to determine what that means. So, my entry is a photo I took in April 2008 while visiting one of Anchorage's public greenhouses. In this greenhouse/nursery, there is a section that is filled with thousands upon thousands of ladybugs roaming free over the plants and flowers and... unfortunately... the floor. Eeww.

But I digress.

This pretty little guy-or-gal was a small speck on a big flower, but it got my attention and I snapped this pic. When I later saw the image on my computer monitor and enlarged it, I was so pleased to see how sharp and clear this little bug stood out on the flower - not to mention how color-coordinated they were together!

The quote is my paraphrase of a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson (All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen).

My "formula" -- after cropping the original image from 12 x 9 to 10 x 8 and adjusting the levels, and contrast, I copied the image and used the Overlay blending mode (100%). Next layer up is Kim's "Water Stained Frame" set on Multiply blending mode (100%). Above that is another layer of "Water Stained Frame," this time using Soft Light blending mode (100%) and the top layer is Kim's "Scratched Magic July" using the Screen blending mode (85%)

The clipping mask was made using a brush from Anna Aspnes' "Hipster Plumes Korners & Edges No. 1" (designerdigitals.com) and an edge brush by "meth" and found at Brusheezy.com. Font is "Curlz MT"

Check out the other fab entries for this week's challenge HERE

TFL ~ klb

Straight out of camera

Yay! Converted my TFF images to JPGs :)

2011-08-06T22:06:00.000-08:00

Sooo -- here they are. Taken yesterday at the entrance to Birchwood Monofill. As I said - there is beauty everywhere if one has eyes to see it. The quotes were found at Pinterest.com. Both photos use digital textures by Kim Klassen ("Canvas Magic" and "Start"); the image with the pink flower also uses one of my own digital textures ("DI Texture 1" - last photo shown). Clipping masks made from digital brushes by Anna Aspnes ("Hipster Plumes Korners & Edges No. 1") and "meth" (found at brusheezy.com). Fonts are "CK_Ali's_Hand" and "Maiandra."

The edited version of the pink flower is on here twice because I can't decide if I prefer the white text or the brown, better. What are your thoughts?

TFL

~ klb

Straight out of camera

DI Texture 1 - low res

It's been awhile...

2011-08-06T16:42:00.000-08:00

...Since I've posted any "non-Texture Tuesday" images here on Clique, so I thought I'd share a couple of new edited photos, plus some of my own digital textures I've created. The flower photos were taken yesterday, Aug 5, at the entrance to the landfill yard in Birchwood. Just goes to show that one can find beauty anywhere, if one knows how to see...

Anyway, I will post the original photo first, then the edited version and also some samples of the homemade texture I used. I have 14 tetxures total and if anyone is interested in trying them out, let me know and I'll email you the full size.

Hmmm... Ok. Apparently, I cannot upload my photos in tff format and since I cannot figure out how to save them in jpg in my CS4 program, I'll have to share those another time and just let you see the next textures I've created. Sorry about that :( All of the texture pix are shots taken of painted concrete - various shades of pinks, oranges, reds and browns. The last image is unpainted, but has a lot of colorful pebbles ad such embedded in the concrete that I thought would make an interesting texture.

I'll see what I can do about posting the edited photos. I might have to use my PSE6 on the desktop and resave as jpgs that way. Will try to get them done later this evening, as we are heading out again tomorrow and not sure when I'll have the opportunity to do so in the next week.

~ klb

Texture Tuesday ~ "Anything Goes" eDition

2011-08-02T00:20:00.000-08:00

Took these floral images at the Centenial Rose Garden in downtown Anchorage on July 30th. Kim Klassen's requirement for this week's TT was to usse at least one of her textures on one of our favorite photos. I'm not sure any of these photos are my "favorite," but they're my favorite of the 50 or so shots I took at the garden!

Each photo uses three of Kim's textures: Granny's Cupboard, Canvasback and Canvas Back Magic. I hope you enjoy these shots and will also pop over to Kim's blog and check out all of the other lovely, creative entries from this week's participants :) KK Texture Tuesday

~ klb

Texture Tuesday (a day early) ~ The Dream eDition

2011-07-25T20:22:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge at Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday is "Dream." She made a lovely new texture to go with the theme and I've used it on my entry photo. I'm submitting it tonight, as we are heading back down to the Kenai Peninsula early tomorrow morning - like, 5:00 am - and I might not get a chance to submit in a timely manner once we're down there, so...

To explain my photo a bit, one of my "dreams" is to have a home overlooking the ocean. In my mind's eye, I have fond memories of - and can clearly picture - a small, wooden cabin on the side of a mountain, overlooking the wonderous vista of the sea before me; listening to the trill of birdsong in the tall pines and aspens and cottonwood trees that border my home along the sides and back... I can feel the cool breeze and taste the salty air and see the gulls and eagles flying over the shoreline... I am homesick for this place -- but in reality, I've never been there. It exists only in my mind... in my heart...

This week's photo is a representation of that dream. It was taken at 11:33 pm along the Homer Spit in southcentral Alaska on July 14, 2011. The body of water is part of the Cook Inlet, called Kachemak Bay -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kachemak_Bay -- This part of the state - the Kenai Peninsula - is my favorite part of all Alaska. Someday I hope to have a home there, but only as the Lord wills.

Hope you enjoy my photo this week -- thanks for looking!

~ klb

Straight out of camera

Two layers of the "Dream" texture -
Vivid Light @ 75%
Color Burn @ 50%
and one layer of Kim's "Stained Linen"
Soft light @ 100%
Clipping mask was made using brushes by -
"Kaffaleen" (corner brushes)
and "Meth" (border brushes) -
both found @ Brusheezy.com

Texture Tuesday ~ the Aurora eDition

2011-07-19T01:42:00.000-08:00

Kim Klassen's challenge for this week was to use her texture, "Aurora" on one of our images. Here's my submission -- I used Aurora twice (pin light blending mode @ 60% and color burn blending mode @ 65%); also used Kim's Stained Linen texture (overlay blending mode @ 60%) and a texture found at Flickr by "groundfloor" (soft light blending mode @ 75%). Clipping mask made using a brush from Anna Aspnes' "Hipster Plume Korners N Edges, No. 1" found @ www.designerdigitals.com. Quote found in the "Pea Soup" section at www.twopeasinabucket.com; fonts used are Angelic War ("Gratitude"), Carpenter ICG ("blossom") and Century Gothic.

SooC

~ klb

Texture Tuesday - "The Pink eDition"

2011-07-12T22:03:00.000-08:00

The challenge for TT at Kim Klassen Cafe' this week is... PINK! I chose to feature one of my favorite PINK things -- the lovely fireweed. Although Alaska's official state flower is the Forget-me-not, this prolific plant is just as beautiful and - IMHO - would also be a sweet contender for state flower.

Photo was processed using Kim's "Love in Layers" (color burn, 75%) and "Aurora" (multiply, 100%) textures, as well as a texture I made myself using a photo I snapped yesterday of the hood of our burgundy-colored HHR (soft light, 25%). Clipping mask made from a brush in Anna Aspnes' "Hipster Plumes Korners N Edges No. 1" digital brush kit. Fonts are Lithos Pro ("Fireweed") and Rage Italic ("copper river alaska").

First image is SooC, but re-sized for the web. TFL :)

~ klb

Scenes from Anchor Point Beach

2011-07-11T00:39:00.000-08:00

Have been down on the Kenai Peninsula for the past few days while Hubby is doing some outdoor work here. I have always loved this part of the state and am glad we are getting to spend time here. Today we spent a little time down at the Anchor Point Beach and I took several shots of the gulls and eagles that were in the area.

Hope you enjoy :)

All of these photos were processed using textures by Kim Klassen (kimklassencafe.com) and "groundfloor" (on Flickr). Clipping mask made from a digital brush by "96 grungey lines by meth" (brusheezy.com)

~ klb

McCarthy Photos

2011-07-08T20:54:00.003-08:00

Here are a few edited photos from the 500 or so pix we took during our recent two-day trip to McCarthy, Alaska. We were there July 4-6 and had a lovely time visiting with friends who were already there on vacation. They gave us a fun tour of McCarthy itself, along with an informative tour of the old Kennecott copper mine a few miles away. I am sharing a photo of the mine in this post, but will have a separate post for just photos and info about the mine; a lot of history and even a newsworthy incident from contemporary times.

For now though, here are some taken on the drive up from Anchorage. Oh - and here's a link for you to use if you'd like to learn more about McCarthy itself :) - McCarthy, Alaska

All photos were edited using one or more of the following digital textures by Kim Klassen: Mayzee, Love in Layers, Stained Linen, Just Cause and Nature's Beauty. Clipping masks were made using digital brushes from "96 grungey lines by meth" and found at brusheezy.com and "Hipster Plume Korners N Edges No. 1" by Anna Aspnes from designerdigitals.com. Font used is CK_Alis_Hand.

~ klb

Texture Tuesday - "The Number Three eDition"

2011-07-07T00:14:00.001-08:00

This week's challenge at Kim Klassen Cafe' was to use the number three in our photo, somehow. Hubby and I spent the past two days in McCarthy Alaska and while there, I spotted these daisies -- just perfect for the challenge!

I have more photos from our McCarthy trip to share, but will post them in a few days -- heading off on another road trip in the morning and will be back in a day or two!

~ klb

KK textures used are: "Love in Layers," linear burn @ 50%; "Golden," color burn @ 71% and "Silence," soft light @ 100%
Mask made by a brush found at brusheezy.com and one by Anna Aspnes (designerdigitals.com)

"Industrial Strength"

2011-07-03T01:16:00.000-08:00

Just recently, I felt the Lord was giving me ideas for several series of photos to take/edit/share. As I understand it, He wants to use these photos to impart His love, His direction, His wisdom and His Word into those whom He loves. Which is all of us. Included in the series' topics are "Garden Presence," "Track me Down," "Peace Like a River" and this series I am sharing today, "Industrial Strength." There are only three photos in this set at present, but I will be adding to it from time-to-time. For now, I hope you enjoy what I've done so far; may the Truth of GOD's heart speak to your spirit and fill you with joy.

~ klb

All images were processed the same using digital textures by Kim Klassen:

* Chamomile, Color Burn blending mode @ 51%

* Warmsun, Soft Light blending mode @ 100%

* kk_Pourvous, Soft Light blending mode @ 100%

* Lifesgood, Linear Burn blending mode @ 50%
Clipping mask made by me using a digital brush by "96 Grungy Lines by METH" found at Brusheezy.com
Font is VT Portable Remington
Scriptures are from the New King James Version

"Turn, Turn, Turn"

2011-06-30T22:41:00.001-08:00

Latest textured photo - this is a dandelion puff I took yesterday near Point Woronzof in Anchorage. I used three of Kim Klassen's digital textures on this:

Golden - soft light @ 100%

Love in Layers - overlay @ 100%

Granny's Cupboard - multiply @ 100%

The font is VT Portable Remington (@ 58% opacity) and the clipping mask was made using a digital brush by Anna Aspnes at designerdigitals.com

~ klb

Texture Tuesday - "Golden Edition"

2011-06-27T22:16:00.000-08:00

This week, Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday challenge was to use her new texture, "Golden," on one of our photos. I actually used 2 layers of Golden on this image -- bottom layer uses the soft light blend mode @ 75% and the layer above uses the overlay blend mode @ 42%. Font for the Scripture verse is VT Portable Remington. I took the photo over the weekend of some scraggly flowers in our neighbor's yard.

~ klb

Straight out of the camera

With textures and text

Sleeping Beauty

2011-06-25T21:38:00.001-08:00

Took this one of Amelia when she spent the night last week. She's such a precious blessing...

Used the hand-painted technique by Jessica Sprague and added a texture - Stained Linen - by Kim Klassen. Also has a clipping mask made from a digital brush by Anna Aspnes @ designerdigitals.com

~ klb

~ Sketched Florals ~

2011-06-25T21:29:00.000-08:00

Took some shots today of the flowers in our yard and in the neighboring yard. One set is done using the sketch technique on the images and the other set has the regular photos. Both sets use the clipping mask made with a brush by Anna Aspnes (designerdigitals.com)

~ klb

Texture Tuesday, People Edition

2011-06-23T23:26:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge in Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday group, was to use a photo with a person - or people - in it. I chose this photo of granddaughter Amelia, taken last week with my iPhone.

Straight out of the camera -- err, iPhone!
Taken 6/17/11 - 21 months, 1 week old

After: cropped, "Hand-tinted" technique (Jessica Sprague)
Texture: kk Luminous, Overlay blending mode @ 37%

~ klb

Alaska Botanical Garden {new photo added}

2011-06-13T21:54:00.003-08:00

Stained Linen - Soft Light, 100%
Warm Sun - Overlay, 83%
Fonts: Beyond Wonderland, Century Gothic

Visited the ABG twice this weekend; first visit of the year. So much loveliness there - not only the flowers and plants, but the birdsong, the springtime scents and the vivid greens of the leafy trees. Took a total of 231 pix - ~~three~~ four of which I've edited so far and am sharing here :)

Mayzee - Soft Light @ 100%
Subtly Yours - Overlay @ 50%
Stained Linen - Soft Light @ 100%
Fonts: PetraScript, Century Gothic

Mayzee - Pin Light @ 100%
Fonts: PetraScript, Beyond Wonderland, Century Gothic

Yesteryear - Luminosity @ 15%
Yesteryear - Multiply @ 100%
Yesteryear - Soft Light @ 62%
Stained Linen - Overlay @ 45%
Fonts: Porcelain, PetraScript, Century Gothic

All textures by Kim Klassen. Decorative brushwork for clipping mask by Anna Aspnes.

~ klb

Texture Tuesday on Thursday

2011-06-09T09:42:00.001-08:00

Kim Klassen's theme for this week is "Word Inspiration." My entry - "Bee-atitudes" was done for a challenge layout at another site, but the photo works so perfectly for this week that I am also using it here :) Along with the original photo, I'm also including the LO that was created for the photo.

Straight out of camera ~ unedited

Kim Klassen Textures:
Just Cause - soft light @ 40%
Silence - multiply @ 62%

~ klb

My Beautiful Mia

2011-06-01T23:23:00.000-08:00

Our precious granddaughter, nearly 21 months old. This photo was taken by one of her parents on a family outing over Memorial Day weekend.

Layer 1: Just Cause, soft light blending mode @ 47%

Layer 2: Silence, overlay blending mode @ 48%

Layer 3: Stained Linen, overlay blending mode @ 64%

All textures by Kim Klassen

Clipping mask made by me using brushes found at Brusheezy.com

~ klb

Apple Blossom Buds

2011-06-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

Took this shot over the weekend at our place in Eagle River. As usual, first you'll see the original image, then the textured version. TFL :)

Straight out of the Camera

Edited, with textures, clipping mask & text

Layer 1/bottom layer: Stained Linen - color burn blending mode @ 52%

Layer 2: Silence - soft light blending mode @ 39%

Layer 3: Sweet Tart - multiply blending mode @ 21%

Layer 4: kimi-Lost in the Woods - soft light blending mode @ 55%

Layers 1-3 are by Kim Klassen; layer 4 is by Kim Boustany

Clipping mask is my own design, using grungy-edge brushes found at Brusheezy.com

Fonts: Aquiline Two and Century Gothic

~ klb

New Textured Photo

2011-05-30T13:40:00.001-08:00

This isn't "Texture Tuesday," but I edited this photo today using Kim Klassen's newest texture, "stainedLinen" and a second texture by Kim Boustany called "kimi - Lost in the Woods." The photo of the blossoms on our apple tree at our Eagle River house was taken two days ago. The tree is not yet in full bloom - these beauties are towards the top of the tree; the lower branches are still barely budding out, as is our second apple tree.

Straight out of the camera - only resized for web

Cropped and textured

Layer Formula --
Bottom/1st Layer: stainedLinen, soft light blending mode @ 69%
2nd Layer: stainedLinen (turned 90 degrees), soft light @ 50%
3rd Layer: stainedLinen, overlay @ 55%
4th Layer: kimi-Lost in the Woods, soft light, 75%

Clipping mask was made by me using brushes by Anna Aspnes

Quote by Anne Bradstreet - "If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."

~ klb

Come play with the Texture Tuesday group here:

Tonight's Textured Photos

2011-05-27T23:36:00.000-08:00

Here are two pix I took tonight for the "7 Days in May" challenge LO at the Jessica Sprague site...

The theme of the challenge is "This is Love" - I thought this Scripture verse was perfect, so I arranged this dying bloom on my Bible and snapped away. These were the two best shots of the bunch. I did the same editing treatment for both photos and did a little desaturation in the top photo, but not in the bottom. Used three of Kim Klassen's textures, as well.

Bottom Layer:Chamomile, color blend @ 48%

Middle Layer: Silence, overlay @ 38%

Top Layer: Yesteryear, darken @ 37%

The verse I focused on is 2 John 1:6 - "And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it."

At first I thought of the widely-known John 3:16, "For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." -- a wonderful verse, as it demonstrates the undeserved love we received from the Father, but I really wanted to show what it means to GOD when we love Him.

~ klb

Texture Tuesday Photo on Friday!

2011-05-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

Kim Klassen's free texture this week is called "Yesteryear." Here it is on a photo I took of this one remaining flower in my Mother's Day bouquet. First is the original photo, SoC, followed by the cropped image layered with three Yesteryear textures in three different blending modes and ending with the same image using only one layer of the Yesteryear texture. I can't decide which of the two textured photos I like better, so I'm sharing them both :)

Original image, SoC

Cropped image using three layers of texture

The first/bottom texture layer uses the multiply blending mode @ 55%, the middle layer is color burn @ 74% and the top layer is soft light @ 100%

Cropped image using one layer of texture

For this image, I used the Yesteryear texture with the color burn blending mode @ 74%

~ klb

Two New Favorites --

2011-05-23T01:21:00.001-08:00

Both of these shots were taken at the Alaska Zoo during a Mother's Day visit with my family. Both shots have two added textures -- "Love" and "Warm Sun" by Kim Klassen.

‎"But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere."
(James 3:17)

~ klb

Woo~Hoo! It's that time again!

2011-05-22T21:16:00.000-08:00

I've taken part in this week of challenges since the first one in May 2009 and am soooo looking forward to playing along this year, as well! Hope YOU will want to join in, too and share in the fun and excitement :)

Below are some of my 7DiM challenge entries from the past two years...

~ klb

Texture Tuesday ~ Vintage

2011-05-18T09:37:00.000-08:00

This week at KimKlassenCafe, the theme was "Vintage." I first thought of taking a shot of my Dad's old Underwood typewriter (which I believe originally belonged to my grandfather), but then I remembered taking these detail shots of a gorgeous old Chevrolet outside my mother-in-law's home a few years ago. My dream car is a 1957 Chevy convertible in this vivid shade of turquoise, so imagine my delight when I spotted this baby!

All of these images use the following textures and blending modes:

Yesteryear - overlay blending mode @ 67%
Yesteryear - multiply blending mode @ 73%
KK Trust - multiply blending mode @ 14%
Chamomile - multiply blending mode @ 14%

All textures by Kim Klassen and can be found at www.kimklassencafe.com

~klb

Amelia Ann

2011-05-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

Some recent photos of my adorable granddaughter!

Easter 2011

Alaska Zoo, Mother's Day 2011

Mother's Day 2011, 20 months old

~ klb

Boomer

2011-05-11T08:31:00.000-08:00

This handsome cat is a resident pet at the Chugiak Senior Center in Chugiak, Alaska. I was a volunteer there for about four years, co-hosting a paper-crafting class for a group of seniors and disabled adults. Boomer is a bright orange tabby with piercing eyes the color of green grapes. I cropped the photo, changed it to B&W and used four textures, including "Love" and "Warm Sun" by Kim Klassen.

~ klb

Texture Tuesday Photo

2011-05-10T23:59:00.000-08:00

Here is my entry for this week -- a budding lilac bush in our yard. I used two textures by Kim Klassen: "Love" (multiply blending mode @ 73%) and "Warm Sun" (soft light blending mode @ 65%).

~ klb

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T22:27:00.000-08:00

Had an absolutely wonderful day with my three youngest kids, their spouses and children, both sets of in-laws and dear friends who are as close as family... We went to the Alaska Zoo, had lunch at IHOP and went through the Alaska Big Game Park out near Portage Glacier. A long and blessed day :) I took close to 400 photos and a few video clips, but am waaay too tired to process them tonight!

Here's one of my favorites, though -- a lovely bouquet of flowers from my daughter Jenni's dear girlfriend, Cinnamon. All I did to this was crop a little, brighten it up some, added a little diffuse glow (filter) and clip it to a photo mask (which I made from a couple digital brushes).

TFL ~ klb

New Textured Photos

2011-05-07T23:42:00.000-08:00

All three of these use Kim Klassen's "Love" and "Sweet Treat" textures - along with a couple other textures from Flickr contributors. I made the clipping masks using a variety of digital brushes.

~ klb

Texture Tuesday Photo

2011-05-06T21:56:00.001-08:00

Okay, I'm a few days late, but hope you all like my submission :) About a month ago, when we still had quite a bit of snow and temps below freezing, I spotted these cute little buggers growing along the top of the fence that separates our condo building from the one next door. It's hard to tell from this photo, but they are extremely tiny - the round white spots are actually regular-sized nail heads - and the first thing that popped into my mind when I saw them was... "Shrek Ears!"

Credits:
I used a variety of textures, but the two of Kim Klassen's that I used were "Sweet Treat" and "Silence." Both were "soft light" blending mode at 100%. The clipping mask/frame is one I made using a few digital brushes. Fonts are "Beyond Wonderland" (Shrek Ears!) and "CK Footnote" (date).

~ klb

Texture Tuesday Challenge ~ April 19, 2011

2011-04-19T23:43:00.000-08:00

I'm a member of this really fun and creative site called Kim Klassen Cafe'. Kim is an amazing artist, specializing in creating and using digital textures for photos. She has classes, tutorials, designer texture sets one can purchase and even has free textures for those who subscribe to her "Texture Lovin' List." Each Tuesday, Kim has a challenge using one or more of her textures. Today, we are to use two of her textures on one of our photos and share the link on her site so all can visit and applaud our efforts!

Here is my photo for this week's challenge --

I used Kim's "Slience" texture - multiply blending mode @ 100% opacity and "Sweettreat" texture - multiply blending mode @ 70%. I used the "High Pass" filter to sharpen the branch and ice drop a bit and lightened up the background a bit, as well (Kim shared a tutorial today explaining how to do these steps). Clipping mask was made from corner brushes ("brushes_by_Affaleen") and border brushes (designer unknown). Fonts are CAC Shishoni Brush and Century Gothic.

Here's the original - SoC - image --

~ klb

Newest Textured Photos

2011-04-13T00:53:00.000-08:00

"Bed on a Workday Morning"
Textures: Kim Klassen - "Warm Texture" & Jerry Jones/Skeletal Mess
Brushes: brushes_by_kaffaleen
Fonts: Arabian Typesetting, Mistral, Century Gothic

"Spring Blooms in my Kitchen"
Textures: Kim Klassen - "Sweettreat" & "Chamomile"
Brushes: brushes-by-kaffaleen; border brushes unknown

Textured Photos

2011-04-03T14:48:00.001-08:00

My current digital interest is adding textures to my photos. Some of these images are duplicated, but if you look closely, you'll see they are not identical, due to the variety of textures and blending modes used. It is my hope that I might find a market for this type of artistic style and bring in a little income while sharing the beauty and majesty of GOD's creation.

The Neptune ~ Prince William Sound

The Neptune in sepia

Prince William Sound

WWII Bunker, Whittier AK

Outside Alamosa Colorado

Mt. Rushmore

Tree in D.C. ~ taken by my daughter, Jenni

Another D.C. tree taken by daughter, Jenni

3rd and Final D.C. tree

Moose in my backyard

Alaska Botanical Garden

Wooden Bridge, South Dakota

Life is a Highway ~ South Dakota

South Dakota

Cook Inlet, Turnagain Arm

South Dakota

Tatonka ~ The Badlands

Beauty in the Badlands

Seward Hwy, Southcentral AK

The Big Island of Hawai'i

Reflections Lake, pt 2

2010-09-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

Pioneer Peak

~ klb

Reflections Lake

2010-09-19T01:18:00.000-08:00

This spot is right off the Knik River Access Rd. I didn't even know it was there. My new friend Nicky spotted it, so we stopped - glad we did!

My eyes are crossing... Off to bed for now, but will try to get more pix edited and posted tomorrow. TFL :)

~ klb

More photos from Knik River

2010-09-18T23:34:00.000-08:00

Taken Sept 17, 2010. Yes, I realize my watermark thingy is crooked. At least it's in my own handwriting!

~ klb

Shall we try again?!

2010-09-18T22:00:00.003-08:00

So. Now, it's been nearly six months since my last post on this blog and 18 months since I last uploaded photos. You've missed the wedding of our youngest son. The birth (through first birthday) of our granddaughter. Trips to Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Hawaii, Cordova AK and the Alaska Zoo, among other places.

So, shall we try again?

As a show of good faith, here is an image from a photo-shoot I was on yesterday with a new local friend (who's been an online acquaintance for more than a year):

This was taken at the Knik River Access on the Glenn Hwy. Although we've had clear, sunny skies the past week or so, we've also been plagued with heavy fog at times -- you can see a bit of that here. I love to visit this site any time of year - it's especially beautiful in winter!

I'll be back to post more photos soon.

Truly.

~ klb

Hello. Again.

2010-03-30T14:53:00.002-08:00

O my goodness -- can't believe I haven't updated this blog in more than a year... So much has happened in that time and I have so many wonderful photos to share. I think what I'll do is a month-by-month LO of favorites and include some journaling to share the various events and experiences we've had.

I can't begin right now, though -- I'm at the office and won't have access until later this evening. If you can be patient with me, I will do my best to post my first LO in the next day or two.

Thanks and may your day be Blessed --

- klb

Favorite Photos From December 2008

2009-01-02T00:06:00.024-09:00

There are 99 new photos here...Have fun!

Cully barks at the neighbor's husky pup, Myah; New Year's Eve Day

Our neighbor's pretty husky, Myah; 12/31/08

Three Watchers on Frontage Road; 12/31/08

Alpenglow; 12/29/08

Be it ever so humble... 12/27/08

Skookum Lane; 12/27/08

Looking south, Glenn Hwy; 12/27/08

Cully & me; 12/26/08

Abandoned Dog House; 12/26/08

Little Snow Face; 12/26/08

Day-after-Christmas Snow; 12/26/08

My gorgeous new ring from Rog; Christmas 2008

Rog & Ivory compete on the Wii Fit; Christmas 2008

Matt & Sarah with her new engagement ring; Christmas 2008

Christmas Dinner, 2008

L to R: J, Larry, Matt, Sarah, Jen, Ivory & Rog

Rog, Matt & Sarah with their candles;

Christmas Eve service @ PCCC, 2008

Afternoon shadows in our front yard; Christmas Eve Day 2008

Sarah watches Jen prepare her yummy Pumpkin Squares;

Christmas Eve 2008

Christmas lights in West Anchorage; 12/21/08

Sarah & I pose with cute hats at The Vibe in the 5th Ave Mall, Anchorage

12/17/08

Gorgeous cloud formations, Eagle River; 12/17/08

Fallen Bohemian Waxwing; he had flown into our window and took awhile to collect himself;

12/17/08

My dear friend Rhonda's Chrstmas village, "Snowmoria"

This shows only a quarter or so of the village! 12/15/08

Beautiful church in Snowmoria Village; 12/15/08

Stunning moon, taken on the Old Glenn Hwy near Arctic Valley; 12/14/08

Frosted Berries outside the Anchorage Museum of History & Art; 12/14/08

Same as above

Rog under the frosty trees, Anchorage; 12/14/08

Lovely mosaic of a Barn Owl; Anchorage Museum of History & Art

12/14/08

"Earth, Sea & Sky - Cycle of Alaska Seasons"

Outside the Anchorage Museum of History & Art; 12/14/08

Reflections; Federal Courthouse, Anchorage; 12/14/08

Part of the Anitque Toy Collection @ the AMHA; 12/14/08

Anchorage Museum of History & Art; 12/14/08

Shirley Temple Collection; AMHA 12/14/08

Rog reads the info on this model ship; AMHA 12/14/08

Rog admires "Mt McKinley," painted by Sydney Laurence in 1929

AMHA, 12/14/08

Atrium at the AMHA; 12/14/08

The Anchorage Concert Chorus performs @ AMHA; 12/14/08

Lovely Christmas tree in the Atrium of AMHA; 12/14/08

Five Watchers observe the VFW parking lot in Eagle River; 12/13/08

Eagle in tree @ VFW in Eagle River; 12/13/08

Unique shot of an eagle cleaning his talons; 12/13/08

Fluffing the feathers - VFW, Eagle River; 12/13/08

Beautiful frosted trees and the Chugach Range; Chugiak AK; 12/13/08

My favorite tree @ Beach Lake, Chugiak; 12/13/08

Frosty trees @ Beach Lake; 12/13/08

Beach Lake, Chugiak AK; 12/13/08

Knik River Access Road blends in with the shoreline; Palmer Flats area along the Glenn Hwy

12/13/08

Lacey Trees @ Knik River; 12/13/08

Knik River looking SW; 12/13/08

Magnificent Pioneer Peak, Palmer AK; 12/13/08

Regal Eagle @ the VFW in Eagle River; 12/13/08

Frosted Eagle @ the VFW in Eagle River; 12/13/08

Watcher, across the street from the VFW parking lot; 12/13/08

Cully looks back to see if I'm watching; 12/12/08

"Are you watching me, mommie?!" 12/12/08

Hangin' on by a thread; 12/12/08

Faux stained glass window hanging, Bell's Nursery & Gifts

Anchorage; 12/11/08

Eskimo Girl ornament; Bell's Nursery & Gifts

Mrs Frosty ornament; Bell's Nursery & Gifts

Pretty cross ornament - I brought this one home :) Bell's Nursery & Gifts

Metallic poinsettia ornament; Bell's Nursery & Gifts

Fun moose ornament; Bell's Nursey & Gifts

White tree w/ornaments; Bell's Nursery & Gifts

Rows of live poinsettia plants; Bell's Nursery & Gifts

Gorgeous live pink poinsettia; Bell's Nursery & Gifts

Caroler w/basket of ornaments; Bell's Nursery & Gifts

"Flamingo Motel;" Bell's Nursery & Gifts

"Santa's Paper Snowflake Studio;" Bell's Nursery & Gifts

"Happy Holidays Barn;" Bell's Nursery & Gifts

"Mickey Mouse Watch Factory;" Bell's Nursery & Gifts

"Bears on Ice;" Bell's Nursery & Gifts

"And His Name shall be called Emmanuel..."

Bell's Nursery & Gifts

Life-sized Nativity scene; Bell's Nursery & Gifts

Green ornaments; Bell's Nursery & Gifts

Purple ornaments; Bell's Nursery & Gifts

Silver ornament; Bell's Nursery & Gifts

Poinsettia display @ Carrs-Safeway grocery store in Eagle River; 12/10/08

Fun Christmas display @ Carrs-Safeway; 12/10/08

Lovely lillies @ Carrs-Safeway; 12/10/08

Christmas lights in Powder Ridge, Eagle River; 12/8/08

Raven fussing at Eagle, VFW parking lot; 12/8/08

Stunning Christmas tree @ our SU! consultant's home; 12/8/08

Neighborhood Nativity scene; 12/8/08

"Leaf Stains," our yard; 12/8/08

I've never seen a leaf "bleed" before... 12/8/08

Gorgeous golden leaves on our lilac bush; 12/7/08

Icicles, as seen from my computer desk; 12/7/08

Cully, posing in new antlers from my internet friend, Lynn; 12/7/08

Half-moon, from our house; 12/6/08

Moon through the trees; 12/6/08

"Scamper," with some fluff for his nest; 12/6/08

"Scamper" pops up through the snow! 12/5/08

Morning Sky @ 9:51 am; 12/4/08

Teeny snowman globe @ Fred Meyer. I went back and bought him a few days later; 12/3/08

Lovely "Joy" ornament; Fred Meyer 12/3/08

Watchers on Frontage Road, Eagle River; 12/2/08

Snow on Poppy Lane; 12/2/08

Fresh Snow; 12/1/08

TFL ~ klb

Recent Winter Photos

2008-11-20T14:40:00.006-09:00

Earlier this week, we had a couple of days of ice fog, which made for a rather dreary setting. Two days ago, however, the skies were clear and bright blue -- and the trees were glistening white and fluffy with ice crystals! The following 18 photos were taken that day; the final 14 at Mirror Lake recreational park in Peters Creek, Alaska.

I was so moved and humbled and honored that GOD would choose to share His majesty and beauty with me that day. These photos demonstrate that even in our times of stark coldness and winter darkness, His love, mercy, grace and faithfulness shine through and give us beauty and hope and joy.

I hope these photos will bless your spirit as much as they have my own...

"Sunlight & Shadow on Poppy Lane" ~ Eagle River

"Cruising North on the Glenn Highway"

"Sunlight on the Trail" ~ Peters Creek

"Mirror Lake Recreational Park" ~ Peters Creek

"Winter Crocs Keep My Tootsies Warm!"

TFL ~ klb

Hi There...Remember Me?!

2008-07-29T10:06:00.004-08:00

It's been a loooooong time since I've posted anything and for those of you faithful friends and family members who've been checking, I do apologize and thank you for your patience!

Since my last posting, I have entered the world of Photshop and - as my sis-in-law, Linda, puts it - I think I've "found my calling!" Most of you know that I cannot and will not share any photos which I have not first "tweaked" in some way. That still holds true, but now, because of the things I've been learning in the Photoshop lessons I've been taking (http://www.jessicasprague.com/), the photos I choose to share are more creative than ever before. Yes, there are still those pics I just make small adjustments to without all the "decoration" - I use those for my layouts - and I will share those here on this blog as well.

For now, though, here are three of my favorites - all done within the last month or so. Info and credits below each photo.

TFL ~ klb

Credits: pattern paper: Christine Nash; brushes: Brusheezy.com; fonts: Papyrus, Honey Script ("Remember" and "Memories") and Century Gothic (place and date). Photo taken by me, July 4, 2008

Credits: Fonts: Century Gothic (Scripture verse and reference) and Dali (place and date). Photo taken by me at the Alaska Zoo, June 5, 2008

Credits: Brush: Katie Pertiet; fonts: French Script (Scripture verse) and Century Gothic (reference). Photo taken by me - detail of the apple blossoms on our tree, June 2008

Jan 16, 2008 ~ PSB/Photography 101 (Group 2) - PORTRAIT MODE

2008-01-16T05:45:00.000-09:00

Well, these photos are kind of the opposite of what was listed for lesson 2 (sharp subject/blurred background), but these were both taken in portrait mode nonetheless.

I took these from my bedroom window; zoomed in on the birds through the snow-covered branches of our apple tree. Details listed under each photo.

TFL - kimB

Bohemian Waxwings in Flight

F4.9, Portrait Mode, ISO 200, 1/159 sec

Bohemian Waxwings in our Mountain Ash Tree

F4.9, Portrait Mode, ISO 200, 1/189 sec

PSB ~ My Town

2007-12-22T23:05:00.000-09:00

I'm a bit late with last week's challenge - My Town - and I don't have a lot of "town" type of shots to post... However, I do have a lot of scenics (surprise, surprise) taken in our community, along with several shots of the interior of the Chugiak Senior Center which, although 9 miles away from us here in Eagle River, is still part of our community. The photos have captions, but I don't have the technical details handy; if you have a question about the settings or what-not of any of the photos, just ask and I'll look it up for you :)

TFL - kimB

"Mountains in the Mist"

Actually, this is fog, but "mist" sounded better - took this while riding through Eagle River in my friend's car on our way to the Chugiak Senior Center.

Inside the Christmas section at the Eagle River Fred Meyer

Eagle River Fred Meyer Christmas section

"Christmas Stocking Quilt"

Chugiak Senior Center

"Tony, the Tour Guide"

One of our friends and paper-crafting "students," Tony, took us on a little tour of the assisted living part of the center. He wanted us to see all the various Christmas decorations put up by the residents.

Residents' Stockings hanging in the Hallway

A happy Tony, posing with the cards he made during our paper-crafting session

The decorated door of the Day-Service unit (where we hold our paper-crafting sessions)

Close up of the Day Service's Christmas Tree

Rhonda and several of our paper-crafters working on Christmas cards

"Elf - Robert"

He was actually pretty happy this day, even though you can't tell it by this photo!

Majestic Eagle, taken in - guess where? - Eagle River!

"Lone Eagle on Eagle River Road"

Nativity scene outside the First Baptist Church of Eagle River

Sign outside the First Baptist Church of Eagle River

Decorated pavilion at the Eagle River Town Square. I didn't adjust the color - the yellow tint comes from the surrounding streetlight.

Eagle River Town Square and the "People Mover" bus stop in the background

"Moonrise over the Alaska Range"

Taken from Beach Lake Rd in Chugiak

"Beach Lake"

"Moose Tracks"

Beach Lake, Chugiak

"Sunset Glow on the Alaska Range"

Beach Lake, Chugiak

Chanukah Arts Festival Family Expo ~ Dec 9, 2007

2007-12-15T11:17:00.000-09:00

Last Sunday, I attended my first ever Chanukah celebration with my friend, Rhonda. It was held in Anchorage at the Egan Convention Center and was open to the public. Rhonda had never attended one of these festivals before either, but had wanted to for a long time, so she called me up and we went together.

I admit that at times, I felt like a party-crasher, as everything was foreign to me and other than Rhonda, I knew no one else there. However, no one made us feel unwelcomed and we were even able to share a table with a Hebrew family. The event was free, but food, games and activities took tickets ($1 per ticket) and I spent $10 on refreshments for Rhonda and myself. We both had potato latkes with applesauce - my first time - and they were very tasty!

Hope you enjoy these photos -- kimB

One of many antique menorahs on display - some were hundreds of years old!

Display table of Antique Menorahs

Giant dreidel pinata and a net full of balloons. The pinata was broken at the end of the event (we left before then) and the balloons were dropped at the end of a skit put on by the children

"Jerusalem of Gold" - menorah under glass

Cups, Mugs & Goblets under glass

Menorahs for sale - there was such a wide variety!

Dude!

Groovy little VW Menorah for sale! Faaaaar Out :) ! Shalom, y'all!

" Synogogues of the World"

Egan Center ballroom - all decked out for Festival & Family Expo

Food Line

Hebrew Youth Club, Gan Yeladim Preshool and Toddler Program students at the end of the Chanukah Light Parade

Jack and Jordan Green give the Menorah Blessings (yes, in Hebrew!)

Rabbi Yosef Greenberg and Jerry Green (father of the two little boys) kindle the Ice Menorah

Larry Tallman and David Grashin light the antique menorah - it's more than 400 years old! - as Rabbi Greenberg looks on

~ Basking in the Light of GOD's Love ~

This beautiful young lady was one of our table mates, along with her family, who kept speaking to one another in - I think, Yiddish. Lovely :)

Musical performance by Alex Zlatovski and Jack & Jordan Green

A portion of the menorah on our table.

Love the glow from this - was surprised it turned out so well! I used macro mode; no flash

The menorah at our table was crafted by children at the festival

A Reflection of the Lord's Provision

"My Giant Birthday Latke" - a theatrical performance by the Talmud Torah After-School students. Very cute play :)

Yarmulkes and programs on our table at the festival

Carved Ice Menorah - This was sooooo much prettier IRL!

Ice Menorah Detail

The original of this photo had a yellowish tinge, so I added the "cool 1" filter to give it a more natural appearance.

Native Alaskan artwork in the lobby of the Egan Convention Center in Anchorage

Christmas Village

2007-12-15T10:50:00.000-09:00

This amazing Christmas Village belongs to my dear friend, Rhonda. She has been collecting pieces for several years. Photos taken Dec 11, 2007 with my Fuji S6000fd - all handheld, no flash. I used macro mode, also.

TFL - kim

PSB - December 10 ~ Night Photography

2007-12-10T20:33:00.000-09:00

These were taken Saturday night, Dec 8th. I had spent part of the day cleaning out my Dad's place and after leaving, decided to check out some of the nearby neighborhood for Christmas lights. I found this glorious street just a block or so away and was blown away, as the whole block - with the exception of one or two homes - was covered in lights. So pretty!

**Taken in West Anchorage; all shots, hand-held**

TFL ~ kimB

8:24 pm; F2.8; Landscape mode; ISO 800; 14 sec

8:25 pm; F3.7; Landscape mode; ISO 800; 1/4 sec

8:27 pm; F3.1; Landscape Mode; ISO 800; 1/4 sec

8:29 pm; F4.8; Landscape Mode; ISO 800; 1/27 sec

8:30 pm; F3.6; Landscape Mode; ISO 800; 1/20 sec

8:30 pm; F3.2; Landscape Mode; ISO 800; 1/4 sec

8:31 pm; F3; Landscape Mode; ISO 800; 1/4 sec

Clique

Texture Tuesday 1/31 ~ the Simplicity eDition

My Heart...

Texture Tuesday 1/24/2012 ~ The Story eDition

P365 ~ 2012

Photo Color Cards

Texture Tuesday ~ Celebrate eDition

MCP Actions

Texture Tuesday ~ The Gratitude eDition Returns

Texture Tuesday ~ the "And Then Some" eDition

Texture Tuesday ~ the Gratitude eDition

Introducing...

Autumn Pix and Texture Tuesday

Texture Tuesday ~ the "Autumn Burst and/or Do eDition"

We Remember

How Excellent!

Texture Tuesday ~ the Cracker Jack eDition

Orange eDition, pt 2

Texture Tuesday ~ the Orange eDition

Bloom Baby Bloom

Something To Believe In...

Texture Tuesday ~ the Movie eDition

Texture Tuesday ~ "It's the Little Things" eDition

Yay! Converted my TFF images to JPGs :)

It's been awhile...

Texture Tuesday ~ "Anything Goes" eDition

Texture Tuesday (a day early) ~ The Dream eDition

Texture Tuesday ~ the Aurora eDition

Texture Tuesday - "The Pink eDition"

Scenes from Anchor Point Beach

McCarthy Photos

Texture Tuesday - "The Number Three eDition"

"Industrial Strength"

"Turn, Turn, Turn"

Texture Tuesday - "Golden Edition"

Sleeping Beauty

~ Sketched Florals ~

Texture Tuesday, People Edition

Alaska Botanical Garden {new photo added}

Texture Tuesday on Thursday

My Beautiful Mia

Apple Blossom Buds

New Textured Photo

Tonight's Textured Photos

Texture Tuesday Photo on Friday!

Two New Favorites --

Woo~Hoo! It's that time again!

Texture Tuesday ~ Vintage

Amelia Ann

Boomer

Texture Tuesday Photo

Mother's Day

New Textured Photos

Texture Tuesday Photo

Texture Tuesday Challenge ~ April 19, 2011

Newest Textured Photos

Textured Photos

Reflections Lake, pt 2

Reflections Lake

More photos from Knik River

Shall we try again?!

Hello. Again.

Favorite Photos From December 2008

Recent Winter Photos

Hi There...Remember Me?!

Jan 16, 2008 ~ P*S*B/Photography 101 (Group 2) - PORTRAIT MODE

P*S*B ~ My Town

Chanukah Arts Festival Family Expo ~ Dec 9, 2007

Christmas Village

P*S*B - December 10 ~ Night Photography

Jan 16, 2008 ~ PSB/Photography 101 (Group 2) - PORTRAIT MODE

PSB ~ My Town

PSB - December 10 ~ Night Photography