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31 days of thankful {1.12}

AshleyAnn — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:51 +0000

I started a new project this year. I am taking one photo day on Instagram to mark something I am thankful for that day. At the end of the year I am going to order a 366 page (leap year) square photo book from the year. Every year is a big year, but this year feels especially exciting. There is so much anticipation and anxious joy in our family. This is going to be a big year. Some people have a hard time with photo challenges remembering to do them. My struggle is limiting myself to one thing a day. Of course, I take much more than one photo a day….but I’m limiting myself to one selection for this project. I thought I’d share my “January 31 thankfuls”…

a new year & the 40 little toes that gather under my kitchen table * cookies for firefighters * exercise * thankful for a dirty ole’ puppy that goes everywhere he goes * my dentist * 70s & ice cream in January * having a daughter * thankful the x-ray didn’t show a broken thumb * vikings who like Star Wars * calculator cell phones * brief moments of stillness * dusting of snow * my son’s fortune * a son who shops for orphans * warm enough to sit on the porch, but cold enough I need a blanket * warm sand at the playground * snuggling days * getting ready for Chinese New Year * afternoon coffee breaks * fun socks * demo derbies * cowgirl boots * Chinese New Year * being a mom * godly women like Katie Davis * cousins * crafting * story time with big brother * donuts with my grandparents

popcorn, painting & paper valentines

AshleyAnn — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:11 +0000

So, I went nearly three weeks without using my camera. Crazy. That is the longest we’ve ever been apart. When I went to pick it up, I was informed how incredibly dirty it was inside and out. I felt embarrassed and a bit ashamed. It was like someone coming to my house and telling me it was nasty dirty. I know it is dirty…that is why I brought it be cleaned. She took my camera completely apart and cleaned everything. When I took it in in January 2011, the shutter button was broke. This time, I found out I had broken the back focus button. It was still working, it wasn’t until she got it out that she saw it was in two pieces. She told me I take too many pictures

For those that asked, my most used indoor lens is my 24-70mm f/2.8 (it is a very expensive lens, just fyi before you gasp at the price). My favorite lens is my 85mm. You can find out more on my equipment by clicking on the FAQ tab on the top of the blog. Well, my 24-70mm auto-focus isn’t working and I have to send it in to Canon. Yuck.

Anywhoooo, after the laundry explosion from the weekend was taken care of, the kids had places to sit and enjoy popcorn & a show. While they rested….I got to play with my camera again! It felt good.

Some of you asked about my canvas. There is no tutorial. Not much to it. Meg had some great Heather Bailey fabric. I used a bit in my bunting (the green floral), and really liked it. She had an un-cut piece I used as reference to make a painting. I sketched a bit of it on a canvas and then painted it. It isn’t exactly like the fabric, but close enough for me to enjoy. Sorry there’s not much more for me to share…draw design from fabric inspiration and paint. Nothing fancy.

It is next to a Katie Daisy card and a China cut-out from Jess in my pencil frame. Love. China. Love Little One.

Hip Hip Hooray for having my camera in my hands. I missed it.

My monthly post over on Design*Sponge is up today….

I want my camera back…

AshleyAnn — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:34 +0000

Okay so I know there is a HUGE difference between “want” and “need”. I need food, water, shelter. I want to live on a beach. Though I feel like I ‘need’ my camera back…really I just want it back. I do have a back up camera, but it is on loan to my sister. She offered right away to let me have it back, but I told her to keep it. I want MY camera. The one that feels just right in my hands. The one that has all my little settings just the way I like them. I’d just get frustrated with the back up and resort to my phone anyway.

I’ve been asked why I don’t send my camera into Canon. Well, it is pretty old in camera years (a first version Canon 5D). Out of warranty. It just needed a good cleaning and some tune ups on a few parts. Last year, I took it to the same place and was very happy with her work and prices. She is a one lady shop. I called Monday and there was one camera ahead of mine. Hopefully, she calls today to tell me I can come get my camera. If not, I will just remind myself that I can live without a camera. It is a want, not a need

I’ve just been snapping things with the hipstamatic app……

This is one of my favorite tea cups. I usually fill it with frozen M&Ms, not tea. My kids have been tornadoes everywhere they go lately. I keep trying to remind myself to be thankful for the mess because it means healthy kids are running crazy.

These two boys are looking more alike everyday. My middle boy is his daddy with blond hair.

He basically grins and I cave in to whatever he wants.

Katie Daisy posted a peek of this print on her facebook wall last week. It is one of my favorites, I went to her etsy store and ordered it immediately. For those new to the blog, Katie designed my header and graphics. I’m thinking of starting an online campaign to get her to design some wallpaper. Anyone want to join me?

My pile by the front door for craft weekend keeps getting bigger. DecoArt sent me a BIG box of canvases and paint. Opening a big box of blank canvases is happiness all around. I’ve got a few more projects to finish up before I head to Meg’s….

This was my “thankful picture” for yesterday. Day 24: Thankful to be a mom. I think at the end of each month I’ll do a post with all of them from that month.

And just a few tidbits:

Sponsor Giveaway Day is this Friday
There are still a few February sponsors spots available. Email me if you would like more information.