Red

Day #26
Mar 31 '18

My beautiful red Amaryllis has bloomed! I have 3 beautiful red blooms. I know that it is the end of March and tomorrow is Easter Sunday, and normally people have started their bulbs so they can have beautiful blooms over Christmas.

I had my bulb prepping for bloom over the fall and forgot about it until after Christmas. I was thrilled that it had started to grow, and coming home after my trip to Nanaimo, my Amaryllis had bloomed!  

 

 

Red 

I recently purchased   0.43 high def AF wide angle macro lens for my canon SX530 camera.  I could take along on holidays instead of packing my larger body camera and lenses. 

I used this lens to take this photo! 

I do have to admit, that I do not use any editing programs. I use whatever basic editing tools that are currently already on my desk top or lap top. 

I guess that is my question... What is the best way to go for editing, Lightroom, photo shop, Gimp??? 

Until tomorrow, 

thank you for stopping by,

Jewels 

Looking Down

Day #25

March 30 '18 

I flew home today, and looking out my window at the scene below ,it was truly amazing! We live in such a beautiful, breath taking country! I needed to get at least one photograph during this flight.It is such a short flight from Nanaimo to Vancouver that I did not have time to take out my camera to get some photos. So, with cell phone in hand I quickly took a few pictures during this 15 min flight! 

Looking Down

It was a gorgeous, spectacular day, flying high, looking down at the coast of British Columbia! 

Play

Day #24

March 29 '18

We played as children, at the beach, the park, at the school ground, with out toys, with our friends, with our siblings. As grown ups we play cards, play games, play music, attend Plays. 

We took the grand kids to 'Departure Bay Beach'. There I had the chance to not only beach comb for unique and odd shells and rocks, but to watch the kids play. 

Play 

I decided to try and edit the photo in Black and White. 

It was difficult to convince the kids it was time to head home… 

Until tomorrow, thank you for taking a peek. 

Jewels 

White & Black

Day #23 

March 28 '18

The photo challenge for today is White & Black. I am thinking that the focus is white with/on black. Looking around the house, lots of combinations seem to appear. 

Using a black sheet, I created a mini studio and using a white fabric rose as my subject.

White & Black

The camera capturing the imperfections of the man made rose, suspended in black. 

White & Black 

I like the effect, one I will use and try again! Maybe with a real live Rose! 

Thank you for taking a peek!

Until tomorrow!

Jewels 

Retro

Day# 22

March 27 '18

Retro seems to be the trend . You can see 'Retro' items in the store, from toys Fisher Price, clothing styles that were popular in the 70's, house wares. 

When I was a teen ager, saving up your hard earned babysitting money to purchase the newest LP of your favourite band or singer was the in thing to do. When my children were teen agers it was CD's…. and  now you down loading your music from different sites on the internet! 

Too my surprise, my son and daughter in law  purchased a record player.. and records.. actual LP's! They are available in stores! You can get music from eras gone by, to current trends. 

So, now I am thinking…. maybe if I wait long enough the Victrola will be back in style…or wait….. 8 tracks! Yes… 8 tracks tapes! 

Retro 

I have a photo setting on my "little sis" camera. It gives me all sorts of fun settings on the camera. Depending on the mood, the shot.. a fun way of expressing your art.  

As the old saying goes;

What is old is New again!  

Thank you for taking a peek. 

See you tomorrow!

Jewels

Filter

Day #21

March 26 '18

The photo challenge for today is 'Filter'. After walking around my daughter in laws house, I decided to use a couple of glasses for filters. The trick is talking a photo and trying not to get my fingers in the shot as well. (I did crop the photo a bit).  I also decided on trying the 'filter' with my Iphone for my Instagram account. I was pleased with my first attempt! 

Coke Glass 'filter'

Drinking Glass Filter 

Coke Glass 'Filter 

I am sharing not one photo, three, with different glasses and subjects. (no Iphone pictures posted) 

If it hadn't started to rain again, I would be out walking around taking a lot more pictures with my new homemade 'filters'! 

Now, I wonder what is in my kitchen cupboards at home?

I am thinking about trying coloured drinking glasses, and maybe trying the home made 'filter' at different locations. 

When I do this, I will share my results. 

Thank you for taking a peek! 

See you tomorrow!

Jewels 

The Walk

Day #20

March 25 '18

Walking along the path with tall trees reaching to the sky! So, tall that it puts a crick in your neck when you look up! 

The birds were chirping up in the trees. We noticed ferns on the ground, moss covering one side of the trunks, and branches of the trees. We felt so small. We felt like we were in a fantasy/fairy tale. 

It felt like there was really little doors to another world, hidden at

the base of the tall trees. Yes, we felt like we were in a fairy tale, but, we met up with other people walking on the path, and we could hear the travel on the road near by. 

The Walk

The walk took us to The Colliery Dam Park in Nanaimo BC. With its many walking paths and trails, the dam sites. A beautiful place to go and enjoy!

Thank you to my grandson Donnie (age nearly 8 years old) with the help of my blog!

See you tomorrow!

Jewels 

Favorite Book

Day #19

March 24 '18

I love to read, I usually have troubles walking past a book store. I almost always have to go in and search for a new book. It is hard for me to leave with just one book! 

My father when he immigrated to Canada he had 60 books in his trunk. I think my second son, when he went to college packed up his books too. The love of books is in our DNA.

 A few years ago, our family discovered that we are related to the Grimm Brothers. Maybe a reason why some of my family has a love of reading and telling stories. 

We made a trip to Coombs BC, and  there we found a Used Book Store. So instead of taking a picture of my favorite book, I took a photo of the store! 

Favorite Book  (my photo choice) 

My Grand daughter (6 years old ) did the editing for this picture! 

Which photograph do you prefer, mine or my grand daughters?

I did manage to find a new book to read! 

So until tomorrow, thank you for taking a peek!

Jewels and Audrey! 

Beach

Day#18

March 23 '18

Today we had a break in the weather, and we headed to the Beach, from the house is only a 15 min. walk. As we walked to the beach, my almost 8 year old grandson was explaining high tide and low tide to me. 

We walked along the beach, taking photos of Departure Bay, my grand daughter collecting shells,  and grandson throwing rocks and walking on the logs that drifted on the beach. There was some interesting drift wood, but, how to bring them home on a plane? 

Beach 

We ended walk at the beach with much earned and welcomed hot chocolate!

Thank you for taking a peek!

See you tomorrow!

Jewels 

Signs of Spring

Day# 17

March 22 '18

Signs of Spring, in Prince George right now, there is about 2 feet of snow! I am so glad I am here in Nanaimo because I look around me and I see 'Signs of Spring'. 

From, leaves sprouting on the trees, daffodils ready to bloom. Another 'sign of spring' is the children wearing short sleeves, shorts, runners… no winter boots or woollen underwear here at the coast. 

Signs of Spring 

 It will be a couple of months before I see Crocuses blooming in Prince George. While I am here in Nanaimo, I will enjoy every moment, even in the rain! 



Thank you for taking a peek at my photo and blog,

See you tomorrow!


Jewels 

Kiddlets

Day#16
March 21'18

I heard the door bell ring, and my brother went and answered the door. Too his surprise he saw our Grandma Julie standing there with a big smile on her face.

 She said, 'I was in the neighbourhood , and I thought I would stop in for coffee". You see, my grandma lives in Prince George BC and we live in Nanaimo BC.

I told my grandma, that I knew she was coming for a visit, because I had dreamt that she would be here. ( giggle, giggle, I heard mom and dad talking about it last night) 

It was a good day, because Grandma and I we cleaned off the deck and had hot chocolate and coffee outside. 

Kiddlets 

The best thing about Grandma Julie being here, is …. all the hugs and snuggles we get! 

told to Grandma Julie by Audrey! (Age 6)

 Thank you for taking a peek, 

See you tomorrow! 

Jewels 

Ice

Day#15
March 20'18

We have melting snow, which excites us because, of spring. With the melting snow during the day, we have colder temp. at night which makes all the puddles freeze. 

While going for a walk I noticed the puddles have a layer of ice. As kids we use to stomp on the ice! Now today, I take photos of ice on the puddles! 

Ice 

I love the patterns in the ice! Mother Nature and Old Man Winter are fabulous artists. 

Thank you for taking a peek!

Until tomorrow,

Jewels 

White

Day#14

March 19'18

Today is the last day of Winter.

To celebrate that fact, we went for a walk at Wilson Park. This park, which I may have mentioned earlier, is only 5 min. from home. It runs along Nechako River. My last walk about 10 days ago was just after a snow fall, and it was a winter wonderland. Now the snow is melting, soft in places, so it was better to stay on the well walked paths than to venture off and make your own.  During a snow melt a good many surprises surface such as: bottles, cans, trash plus 'doggy droppings'! Which makes photo taking of something 'White' and walking in the park a challenge. (I do not have a dog and a good reason to stay on the path)

Walking along the river, we saw Mallards, swimming in the river, and to my surprise, Snow Geese! I was thrilled. I am equally pleased to capture some photos of them walking on the ice in the  middle of the river! It was not easy, like I said, the snow is soft and I sunk in to my knees! All worth the photos and a chance to watch 14 geese! 

White

It was hard to leave the park, but my battery in my camera had died, and my feet were soggy! Will they be there tomorrow to celebrate the first day of spring? I shall see!

Thank you for taking a peek. 

Until tomorrow

Jewels

PS: we collected $2.00 worth of bottles and cans. All to go into 'travel piggy bank' Hmm maybe coffee somewhere exotic? 

New Life

Day#13

Mar.18'18 

During the winter I had forgotten to water my English Ivy and she died. I was disheartened, it was so beautiful at Christmas time!  Sadly I clipped her back, and hoped that she will sprout new growth and we could start again. 

Two and a half months later while watering my plants and to my delight, I see some tiny green sprouts! She lives! Using my 55-250mm lens I took a picture, a close up New Life! 

 

New Life

I love the fact I can see tiny hairs! I promise to watch over you and not let you die.

 Thank you for the second chance! 

 Thank you for peeking!

Until tomorrow!

Jewels 

Surprise

Day #12
March 17’18

Do we all like surprises? I do! Surprises at your birthday, or just because! Gifts, flowers, money, parcel in the mail!
 I like giving surprises and I love watching and hearing about the reactions! When a person spends a lot of time on the surprises you hope for a great outcome.
I made sweaters for my grand kids and I dreamed about their reactions. There is always one or two who do not react how you think they would. Disappointing for me, with all the hard work I have done to knit, wrap, mail out. Disappointing for the recipient who expects something else. Such is life!

Yesterday, the man I love so much, surprised me with dinner! He loves to cook and not afraid of trying new things! He made this creation we laughingly call it “meatball with spaghetti! Topped with a sauce and a salad a very tasty unique delicious meal! The inside was filled with spaghetti, smoked bacon, mozzarella cheese! Makes my mouth water!  A very tasty surprise indeed!

Surprise 

 I think surprises are good. They are generally fun, kind, loving, a special treat, a special meaning for the recipient as well as the giver!

 Even though one didn't get too exited about the surprise..means I will not stop making and giving of surprises.  Giving surprises from my heart makes me happy! Just like Robert did for me... made him happy, and I was thrilled that he went out of his way! 
You can surprise me anytime!

Until tomorrow! Thank you for taking a peek!

Jewels 

Ruffles

Day#11

March 16'18

One of my favorite flowers,(I just love flowers) is the Carnation. They come in a variety of colors, always smelling fragrant, and compared to some other flower bouquets they last for a longer period of time. Another reason they are one of my favorite flowers is because, on my parents wedding day, my dad gave my mom a large bouquet of white carnations to carry! So, when I was given the word, Ruffles, I thought of the Carnation flower with its ruffles for petals. 

Ruffles

The Carnation flower is Mother Natures way of making those Kleenex Tissue flowers we all made in Grade School! 

Thank you for taking a peek, leave a comment if you wish, or give me a word and see if I can take a photo! 

Until tomorrow, 

Jewels 

Abstract

Day#10

March 15'18

 

 

Abstract Photography

 Abstract photography, like all abstract art, focuses on the simplest elements of artistic expression. The viewer is often unable to see the whole subject within the photo. In an abstract, the subject is often only a small part of the idea of the image.

Viewers may only know the essence of the subject, or understand it, by what is implied. Instead the viewer is drawn into the image by the beauty, interest or uniqueness of the visual experience.

I walked around the house, looking through my view finder, seeing if I could find some Abstract photo art. 

I like this photo, a simple kitchen utensil, and even with it being edited in Black and White you can feel the cold steel. 

Abstract

I will continue to read and study more about Abstract photography and post my results!

Thank you for peeking in!

Until tomorrow, 

Jewels

Circles

Day#9
March 14'18

Circles, there are many circles in our world. We could not function with out circles. In my own life, I have my favorite circles for example; wheels on my car, so I can go places; the sun, the moon, but cookies, pies, cakes, muffins, chocolate are my delicious tasty favorite kind of circle

  The circle I chose, you wouldn't think its an actual circle...but it is.. and it was the first thing that come to my mind! 

Circles

Hanging out in the yarn shop.... finding all kinds of circles.. and the colors, everything under the rainbow. Now what could I make with these?? 

Thank you for taking time to view my blog. 

Have a great rest of your day! 

Until tomorrow!

Jewels 

 

Brown

Day# 8

March 13'18

Brown paper  packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things! 

Yes, they are! Packages for me, whether I purchased something on-line or if a parcel/gift  is intended for me....it is fun to imagine 'what is inside'. Even lined up at the post office, I wonder what other people are sending and to whom!

These packages were sent out today to some little people I love! Something for each child that were made by my hands (see my first post Mar 6th!) Now that the packages are safe in the hands of the post office, I can day dream about the children's reaction when they get to open their gift from Grandma Julie! 

Yes, Brown paper packages all tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things. 

Brown

 I remember receiving parcels from my Oma....it was exciting to wonder what she found for us! My best memory was the sweaters my Oma sent to us from Germany! They were unique and one of a kind, no one else in school had anything like them....yes that is a hint of what is inside these packages!

Thank you for taking a peek! 

Until tomorrow, 

Jewels

Cat

Day # 7

March 12 2018

Cat

Love me, love my cat. The man I love came with a cat. I came with children, grand kids! Robert, has a  Siamese cat named Mao. Mao, has his own distinct personality, and also has an extra toe on each paw. If he wants attention, he head butts you, or he tries to take away your pen, sit in front of the computer screen, he has even attempted to take away my knitting needle.

 He likes to share by drinking water out of my glass. Mao knows when something is up, when I put my suit case on the bed. His behavior changes. He becomes ever so watchful and follows me while I pack.

 I am sure that he understands everything when I talk to the cat. When Robert comes in from work, Mao really tries to have a meowing conversation about his own day!

 

 

 

Cat    

Mao has his routine, and lets you know when he wants to be fed, or when its time for 'you' to get up. He then curls up in your warm spot and has his morning nap!

 Mao can hear a bag crinkle from a deep sleep or from the back of the house! He is right there thinking its treat time!

I wonder if Daylight Savings Time has an effect on cats, dogs etc? 

Hope your day is wonderful. Thank you for taking time to peek at my Blog!

Until tomorrow, 

Jewels

 

Macro-Close Up

Day #6

March 11 2018

Macro-Close Up

Today is the first day of Daylight Savings Time. That means we are getting closer to the first day of spring! 

I love using my Macro lens when trying to get close up photos of flowers, plants and insects in the garden. With 3 feet of snow still outside, it may be awhile until we see growing plant life outside!

For my birthday I received a bouquet of flowers, so this gives me time to play with my lens and get extremely close up while patiently waiting for the snow to  melt.

 

Macro-Close Up

 The Stigma and Anther of my pink Lily in my birthday bouquet. 

Until tomorrow, Happy Daily Light Savings Day! 

Jewels 

Follow

Day # 5

March 10 2018

I will follow you, 

my love,

to the edge of all our days,

to our very last

tomorrows. 

(author unknown)

Follow                       Day #5             March 10 2018

 

 A walk through one of our local parks.... the picnic tables, benches are still covered up by 2 1/2 feet of snow. 

Thank you for letting me share this photograph!

. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Until tomorrow. 

Jewels

  

J is for ......

March 9th 2018

Day # 4 

J is for.....

Jewels, my nick name.... otherwise I was born Julia, and a lot of people call me Jewels, Julie, Jewel, Julius, Jul. The one I love calls me Julia. I am also called, Mom, auntie, and Grandma Julie. 

A little about me. 

I wear my heart on my sleeve. I care deeply about the people in my life. I am a dreamer, and I ponder about the 'would of's', the' should of's' and the 'might of been's' in life.  

I like to think that I have many talents from needle crafts, baking, cooking, gardening, the outdoors for example; walks, hikes, swimming, kayaking, as well as traveling and photography. 

I also like to think that I am pretty good at most things I try and love to do. I like to think that I am somewhat creative with the pen....I write a journal (another great J word), I do that so I can share my story, whether I have written it down or told my story with my camera. 

J is for ... Jewels.

 I decided to do a photo shoot of myself. It is a gorgeous location. This park is only 5 min. from my house!  I don't know about you, but doing a 'Selfie'/  Self portrait, is a real challenge for me let alone posing for the camera with someone else taking the pictures! Between you and me, I would rather stay behind the lens... yes even behind my sunglasses! 

 

J is for..... Julie

I put the camera on a tripod and used a timer for this shot.

 

 

J is for .... Jewels 

I did learn a couple of small pointers. Take a shot, and check to make sure hair is the way you like it. You may not have the chance to go back to your location. Check your lens often, you may get a spot of water, esp. if you are dealing with Mother Nature.You may notice in the middle photo,  there is a sun flare in my hair near my sunglasses... or it could of been a drop of water.

 After my walk today, I feel confident that I could take more self portraits of myself in different locations! 

Most importantly just go and have fun! 

Until tomorrow....

Thank you for reading my post! 

Jewels