30 Day Photo Challenge

Today is the last day for the photo challenge.  I'm sad about that.  It has been a great experience for me and has forced me to look a little harder at the photos and subjects that I'm taking.  I've also been experimenting with editing my photos and have really enjoyed learning a little (very little at present) about this process.

For my last photos the subject is In Motion.  One photo I had on file immediately came to mind.  Another photo I took this afternoon of one of my favorite belongings.  I hope you enjoy these and thanks for checking out my blog. Hopefully I'll continue to have people checking me out and see what I'm up to.  My readership has definitely increased in the past weeks!  Thanks also to Sherry at Oh So Lovely for hosting this challenge.  Its been great!  Enjoy!

I shot this picture a few months ago while my nephew was staying with me.  We had so much fun blowing and chasing giant bubbles.  To me they really are movement.  Floating on the breeze, being caught on you bubble wand and at any moment I expect to see Glinda the good witch appear from within.  Fun.

Time, always in motion, never stops for anyone.  I love my watch and can't seem to get through a day without it.  I'm a really 'time' person and lately I've been thinking more about the progression of time.  Deep stuff...

WHAT THE .....Monkey?!!!

Monkey is the word I use when I don't want to swear or say something inappropriate.  The children think it is funny and don't consider the fact that I'm upset, hurt or seriously monkeyed! Today I would say I was all three of those things.

For a Monday the day started out great.  I was up and at work by 6:45 am, got a lot of things done while hanging with Before School (my kids helped me do some coloring for preschool and even made me my own place mat for snack!  Love them.)  Perfect start to the day.

Then Preschool.  Also a breeze.  We only have a few kids so far (some aren't three yet and others are traveling), so Miss Lowrene (my lead teacher) was great by herself and things went EXTREMELY well for a first day.  Since things were good this meant I could get some work done.  Off to the grocery store, nice time shopping, found everything I needed, quick & pleasant check out.  All is right with the world.  At this point I should have guessed that I was screwed...monkeyed.

After unloading and putting away my groceries and supplies I settled into my office to get some work done.  Time sheets, request for leave forms, tons and tons of paperwork anxiously waiting for me.  Not my favorite work, but not too difficult.  So I settled in and got to work.

At about noon, things started to go wrong.  I was hot.  Really hot.  At first I shrugged it off.  Our building is a mess when it comes to temperature regulation and I figured I was being paid back for all the whining I had been doing lately about the icebox that is my office.  Funny thing though, it got worse.  Then I realized the heat was only on my face and neck.  Odd...

At 12:30 I was getting ready to go to lunch.  I went to the restroom quick before I left and then I knew.  Idiot.  I've done this before.  Several times.  My face and neck, chest, and now belly were all covered in large red splotches.  Some you could even call welts. Monkey...hives.  So, I went home quick.  Took a dose of liquid benadryl (the last I had), called the allergist and attempted to eat a little something.  Nope, that wasn't going to happen either.  My normal esophagus problem was worsened with the swelling and eating was pretty much out of the question.  Monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey!  I contemplated staying home.  What good would that do?  I had lots of work to do and frankly if it got worse I was closer to Urgent Care and the ER while at work.

Anyway.  The afternoon was miserable.  I itched everywhere.  Top of my head to the bottom of my feet.  EVERYWHERE.  I probably looked like someone who has fleas or lice since I was itching and wiggling so much.  Hives really stink.  A lot!  The doctor's office called back and confirmed my suspicion.  I'm very sensitive to weed pollen and it is really high right now.  (My allergist likes to remind me that my reactions to weed and grass pollens are 'off the chart!')  Take 2 of my regular antihistamines at bedtime (instead of one and these suckers are STRONG) and start taking Zyrtec to in the morning. 

After finishing work, I went straight to the pharmacy, got some more meds (lovely...I'm going broke for drugs) and went home to drug up.  After taking a Zyrtec and sitting in my air conditioned bedroom a while, things got better.  My face is still a bit red, but the general 'sunburn' appearance to the rest of my skin has faded a bit.  My lips are still slightly swelled and I'll be sleeping with my epi pens on the nightstand, but for now things have slightly improved.  For now....

So, can I say I think I am one tough b**ch?  Its not enough to have major esophageal and stomach problems, to have a stress fracture, to have asthma that is progressively worsening, and so on. But to have such severe allergies I break out in hives just from the air.  Wow.  That's monkey.  And I not only worked a regular full day, I worked over.  I didn't go home early or even on time.  I stayed, did all the things that needed to be done and was pleased with what was happening when I left.  I'm proud of myself.

Now here I am at the end of the day, whining to you, my computer, and praying for an easier day tomorrow.  I honestly have no delusion that it will happen, but I'll still pray for it and hope.  Maybe I'll laugh a bit too as I read this.  It really is kinda funny.  And if I don't laugh I will cry (and have my eventual nervous break down.  Come on folks, we all know its coming...)

Well, here's my photos for tonight.  The first one and last one are pretty nice.  The other two, well they are a statement to my current life.  Our Photo Challenge today was something you purchased and the two middle photos fit that bill. Enjoy!

There are some lovely benefits to getting up early.  A beautiful sunrise in Athens County, Ohio.

Photo Challenge: Day 29-Purchased!  I bought this just this afternoon to help stem the tide of hives.

This chain was made by one of my EIGHT YEAR OLD BOYS.  Specifically for me.  Totally blew my mind.  Sometimes they are so sweet.  Wait a minute, what's he up to?

I love Sundays like this one...

Today has been an awesome day.  I like Sundays like this.  No running around doing lots of errands.  No driving for hours to and fro.  Nothing much to do other than what I want to do.  Perfect.

So today I went to church, came home and made a super simple lunch, lazed around a little watching some TV (on the Internet of course), cleaned the closet, worked on PILES of laundry, and went on a walk.  Now I'm back home, a little sore, but not too bad.  I'm going to finish up the laundry, red up the living room and try to get to bed early.  (Fat chance really on that happening.  I'm not an early bed person!) 

Our Photo Challenge for today was Daily Routine.  Hmmmmmm... this could be a lot of things.  Morning habits (no one wants to see that!), medications (how mundane), TV & web surfing (BORING!!!).  So I sat and tried to think of something interesting.  And it hit me.  One of my favorite things to do and definitely a daily task, making lists!!!!  I love making lists.  And one of my favorite ways to make lists for here at home is to write on the mirror.  So, that's my photo for the challenge today. 

I have also included for my photos today a few pictures I took while on my walk (yes it was short, only about 1 mile in 25 minutes) and some photos of my revitalized closet in all its organized wonder.  Enjoy! 

My bathroom mirror.  I always make notes for either the day or week.  This way I know I'm bound to see them at least several times a day!

Late Summer wildflowers still in bloom.

More flowers.

I really liked the way the sun dazzled by the edge of the tree at this angle.

Sycamore Tree.  I really like them.  Big leaves, pealing bark, white trunks.  So pretty.

I liked this leaf.  Not sure why, I just did.

Beautiful oak tree.  I've been wearing one of my favorite necklaces lately that is the Tree of Life.  This oak reminds me of that symbol.

More flowers.  I had to be careful taking this because the wasps seemed to particularly like this patch of flowers.

Another sycamore shot.

The bike path at West State Street Park.

Swimsuits all organized in my closet.  Cool.

Can you see the rainbow effect in the different sections?  I really like organizing things.

More rainbows.  Sorry I'm just really proud of all my hard work today!

A few days past...

I haven't been posting the last few days.  I've been a little lazy, a little off kilter.  I'm going to try to get back in step.  So, tonight, I'm posting 4 pictures for the photo challenge.  1 for today, and the three days I've skipped.  I'm thinking tomorrow of going on a 'short' walk just to stretch and get some air.  I think I'm going to go crazy if I don't get out some.  Lately because of the stupid knee I work, come home and vegetate.  This is not a good thing.  I'm going to change that tomorrow.  For tonight, I'll post and enjoy a little last bit of vegetating.

Enjoy the pics!

Day 24, a smile.  Honestly, I have to say, I have the most adorable niece and nephews anywhere.  Sorry folks, it is the truth.  My baby, Paul, is so stinking cute in this picture, words fail.  I love that face!

Day 25: A sun flare.  This picture, as well as the previous, are photos I had in my files.  I had to dig through to find them, but they are favorites.

Day 26: Something Old.  This is my secretary.  I love this piece of furniture and you might notice that it gets some use.  My Mom let me have it about 2 years ago.  It was originally my great-grandfather's and is now mine.  I love that it has history in my family and I hope someday to pass it down to the next generation.  I was going to clean it off but thought, no, this is what its used for and it shows such endurance to be so old and still be so used and holding its own. 

Day 27: After Dark.  I tried several different settings, and several different modes on my camera.  This shot is from my backyard and I liked it.

Sunset and falling shadows

Another busy day.  First day of school for the big kids.  They did well and we'll hope the Kindergartners do as well on their first day Thursday.  That is always one of my most stressful times. Praying all my little ones get on the right buses and make it to us safely.  Parents have to worry about 1 or maybe 2 kids; with the Kindergartners I have 10 to worry about, plus all the others. 

Anyway, since the photo challenge for today was sunset I decided to take some progression photos.  I went out about every 20 minutes from 7:45 to around 8:30.  Tonight was not as spectacular as last night, but still some nice pics.  Hope you enjoy!

Okay, this was an attempt.  I wanted to get a pretty shot of my skirt because I love it, but I just wasn't satisfied with any of the 20 I took.  I used this one as a make-do and did a little creative editing.  Not the best, but I'm working on improving.

Never stop moving

Today was one of those days when I don't really get to stop moving.  From the time I got up this morning I was composing emails with instructions for employees before I even got out of bed.  Now, I'm back sitting on my bed writing my blog, dreaming about sleep.  But there is laundry drying and things to be done.  But, of course I have to take a few moments to blog, especially for my photo challenge photo. (And to youtube Christina Perry's 'Arms' video.  I love that song and am seriously obsessed with listening to it.  I have it as my current ring tone so I get to listen to a piece of it daily.  I really need to purchase the MP3 but don't want to spend the money.  Oh well, I'll keep you-tubing it instead.  Anyone else love this song?)

Anyway, since I had to work late today, my photos were taken after 8 pm, while the sun was setting.  It was a beautiful sunset.  I actually took pictures while driving home because the sky was so beautiful.  The theme for the photo challenge today was Trees.  Of course I love trees and have a lot of great shots of some beautiful trees.  But, I generally try to stay true to the rules (well, my rules) and take an original photo daily.  So, while these may not be the best shots of trees I've ever produced, they are today's and I like them.  (You will notice my favorite 'tree' shot includes a lot of sky and sunset, hmmmm... coincidence?)  My sky photos are at the bottom and I've included some other photos.  Be sure to read the caption on the last shot!

Enjoy!

Last week watching Kayla and Nicholas try to climb trees made me jealous.  Do you think it would be bad to ask the Orthopedist at my next appointment when will I be healed enough to climb a tree?

I have always really like my Ginkgo tree in the front yard.  This leaf looks like a butterfly!

I adore this shot.  I think it may be my new desktop.  The tree, the clouds, the color and contrast; love it!

Yeah, I took this while driving.  Its pretty darn good for a moving shot!

More pretty sky, with a little tree.

This is what I think heaven looks like.

Cotton clouds.

A new project I'm working on.  Any guesses as to what I'm creating?

Day 21 Photo Challenge: Pretty Pattern

This is a bit of a challenge.  I have a lot of pretty patterns.  We may be talking about some of my clothing, bedding, drapes, towels, fabrics, etc!  There's so much to choose from.  So, to make this slightly more manageable, I chose to concentrate on Fabrics.  Thus my photos for this particular blog will revolve around favorite fabric patterns I currently have in my stash.  They may not be my all time favorites, but this is what I have on hand (which I have A LOT) that I like the most and have used a great deal, or am planning to use a great deal.  Enjoy!

When I found this fabric over 4 years ago, I knew I had to have it.  Lilacs and hydrangea-what could be better!  This is currently my curtain on the kitchen door.  I love it.

I had a lot of this fabric to start with.  I think around 2 yards.  I'm now down to less than a yard.  I've had it for about 2 years and have made several bags and wristlets and other things using this.  It coordinates with the frog pattern you'll see below.  I think my favorite thing about it is the way the bright flowers stand out on the black background.

This is actually a brand new fabric.  I bought 1/2 a yard and have a specific purpose in mind for it.  I hope to have the intended project done in the next few days so I can get it out in the mail for the recipient.

This fabric was bought in a fat quarter for lining.  However, as I've used it for the projects (for other people) I've come to really like it.  I may have to get a yard for myself!

Love, love, love this fabric.  I have made a laptop case, at least 2 bags, Kayla's shorts and so much more with this.  I love Jim Shore's designs and this is a truly gorgeous fabric.

I bought this for a very specific purpose and used almost all of it for said purpose.  Since Jenn loves elephants this seemed perfect for baby Henry's gifts.  I hope he likes it too.  (BTW this is a Debbie Mumm fabric and I love her designs!)

A very April fabric.  This will soon be a skirt or a part of a dress.  Can't decide which, yet.  But, I'll have to decide soon as I'd like to have it done for myself in the next week or 2.  It's going to be so pretty!

This fabric is so much fun.  Again, I've used this for a lot of projects and have a bit left.  So many things I'd like to make with this. 

I've had this fabric for about 4 months and love to look at it, but haven't been overly inspired on what to make.  Its one of those fabrics that is so pretty, its almost to hard to start cutting and creating!

Just used this to make something for someone.  I know they like daisies and when I saw it I knew if was for them.  I don't think they read my blog, but if they do they might know this is intended for a gift for them.  Now the only question remaining is, what?  You'll find out soon!

When I purchased this I bought 2 yards.  I have used this as a lining, accessory piece, for bags, purses, in simple outfits, etc.  I adore this fabric and am sad to see I only have a tad left.  I really need to try to remember where I got it and see if they have more.

I got this a few weeks ago and have just used it Thursday to make myself a new wristlet.  It has a coordinating striped fabric I used for the interior and strap.  I love these colors.  Its a little bit fall-esque, while still bringing some brightness to show the end of summer.  Love, love, love and am so going to be making more with the rest of the yard of I have left.

This is a sampling of a charm pack I bought several years ago.  I pieced them together and quilted this for a wall hanging.  Now I need to add loops to hang and decide if I'm going to keep it for myself or give it away.

I love the geometric shapes here.  This is a little different from what I usually buy, but the blue and pink just screamed out to me.  I'm working on a bag with this.  Maybe...

The pattern with the hats, hat boxes and shoes was a fat quarter I bought and am using it to make another wall hanging.  I love black and red and this is so much fun.  If I can get a little better at quilting this will be pretty.  The piecing part I'm getting down, the quilting bit is still a challenge for me.