Camera Struggles

I really like the pictures I took here when my daughter and her family came for a visit. The kids were outside enjoying a morning rain here in Apache Junction. The picture of Joslyn and her Dad I think is charming. It wasn't posed and they aren't looking at the camera. They are watching Hunter catch raindrops. They are very comfortable together and you can sure tell they are related.

Hunter was having a great time catching raindrops. I am glad the camera caught the splash so you know what he is doing.

I think a lot the process is - first be there with camera and second take a lot of pictures. That way you will be sure to catch some great ones.

I am still struggling with photography so I am not sure I have much in the way of useful tips to share for this carnival. Some days I take pictures and am proud and on other days the shots I have taken all get deleted. I think people are easier than products. After all, for me how many ways can a scarf or headband pose? I want good shots that will sell and I know the best way to get there is to practice, practice, and then practice some more. I guess I should be glad that my practicing doesn't include film developing costs.

I have a lot to learn about photography and will keep trying.I am leaving you with the Etsy Minis of 2 of the photographers I admire the most on Etsy. Clicking on a picture or their name will take you to their shops to experience more of their work.

Getting Caught Up

After a week in Kansas I am back home. Being away breaks the routines that are part of daily life. Silly things like what am I needing in the way of groceries? What do I need to replace and what else did Jim use up while I was gone?

Part of catching up was doing some hemstitching for Strawberrylane who has a shop on Etsy.

So cute and so useful! Watch for these burp cloths in her shop once she gets the edges crocheted on them.

If you are a crocheter and especially like to do thread crochet you need to know about hemstitching. I have a machine that will put holes in fabric so that it can easily be crocheted. You can see an example of what the machine does in the picture below.


Hemstitching is not just for flannel or baby things. I have used the machine to hemstitch fleece, quilts, tablerunners, pillowcases and more. You can look at the pictues at the top of this blog and see headbands and bandanas that use hemstiched fabric and a crocheted edge. I think it is a charming way to finish the edges of things and could be very nice way to accent collars, sleeves and hems on skirts as well.

One other new thing here are family links on the left. My son has started a blog about his family that is expecting an addition in early October. The other new link is to my daughter's Avon shop. Selling is new to her and she is excited by it. She is spending time learning all about the products available so that she can be helpful and answer any questions you might have. As a proud mother, if you like Avon products, I ask you to please consider following the link and shopping with my daughter.

For today and the rest of the week be safe, be happy, be well and be cozy.

Another Monday

I try each week to make a plan on what to do as far as home and chores and errands and crafting. Some of it gets done and some doesn't. I am terrible about procrastinating. Living a life without deadlines is not good for me. I try giving myself deadlines but I then ignore myself so that does no good at all.

I came up with a new to me phrase last week that kind of describes this. I thought it was cute and so did my daughter. My son in law wasn't amused and I didn't even say it to my husband because I knew I'd get the "that's great Kath" response. It is "distracted by my brain". What it means to me is that while I'm doing one thing I am thinking of several other things to do at the same time. Some of the ideas will get started right away so they are not forgotten which of course means that what I was doing at the time gets put on hold. Can you tell from this that I have a life full of UFOs (unfinished objects). I mean well - I really do!

As for my New Year Resolutions, I am just doing okay. The exercise is hit and miss. I have been smoke free since the 8th of January however. I wasn't sure I could do it. Each week is getting easier. I still get hit with a strong craving once or twice a day. The cravings come usually when I am feeling my energy levels start to drop. My mind tells me a cigarette and a cup of coffee would help. Much of the rest of the time I feel like a nonsmoker.

Anyway have a happy Monday and a great week with whatever you have planned.