Something fun until I return....

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I am leaving for Montana on Tuesday morning and will not be back until late on Friday the 4th. I am hoping to go back to my regular updates when I return. But for now I wanted to share something fun with you I found one of the sites I am subscribed to. Hope you enjoy....

Outside my window..I am loving this fall like weather and am hoping it will stay that way.
I am thankful for...my family
From the kitchen...Carmel Machiato Ice Cream from Starbucks (got it for free with a coupon)
I am wearing...Pink Top and Jeans
I am creating...this post
I am going...to the State Fair Tomorrow
I am reading..."Holy Discontent" by Bill Hybels
I am hoping...my one day of week this week goes by fast and that the Windsheild repair specialist comes way before 5 on Monday (on the way to Apple Picking today a rock hit my windshield). Since the crack is only dime sized, the insurance with take care of it with no deductible.
I am hearing...My husband rearranging furniture around the office.
Around the house...is the sound of silence that we were seriously lacking at our last apartment.
One of my favorite things...hitting the snooze 1 or 2 times because I actually like my apartment and want to stay in bed longer.
A few plans for the rest of the week...Law and Order tonight (I already went apple picking today), State Fair on Sunday, Work and Packing on Monday then I will be out in Montana spending time with my Grandmother as well as my Aunt, Uncle and Cousins who live there.

A few pictures to share---There was a car show in our city last wknd so here are a couple of photos of that for you. Also a picture of my new hair color. You can't see it as well as you can in my photos on my other camera but I do not have a USB port for that one. I am hoping to have a lot of photos to share with you when I return from Montana.

-Jackie

On a Personal Note (and a small sample)

I am not sure how many people are left reading this but I just wanted to let you know that I found out this week my Grandmother has stage 4 cancer and has less than 6 months left to live. I will be flying out to see her in Montana the first week in September. I have learned 2 things this week 1) Cancer sucks---it tears apart families and breaks hearts. My father also died from cancer in Feb of 2008. 2) You really find out who the supportive people are in your life. I have had some really wonderful family members, co-workers and friends come around me in support during this difficult time. On the same note I have been also hurt be some people who have found out via e-mail or Facebook about the news and have said nothing--not even an "I'll pray for you and your family". My husband reminds me that they just might not know what to say but it's still hard. I am just trying to focus on the time i have left with my Grandma right now and having people to support me.

Having the photo editing software has been a good distraction during this hard time. The first picture is of Pretzel trying to get water off of the ac unit after a rainstorm. The second photo is of The Cheese Cave in one of the small towns I had to go to for work. Photo #3 illustrates one of my central locations in my job (besides my office) which would be my car. I added a black and white background with a photo booth frame. The last photo is of Mike and Pretzel taking a nap. I added a Green toned background.

Until next time,

Jackie

Photos amidst Chaos!

Without sounding conceited, I am proud of myself right now for two reasons. The first one is because I found a way to make this challenge even more exciting (and learn more about photography) by trying the photo editing. Some of my pictures have no need for editing but it's fun to take others and make them all the more appealing. I am giving my Facebook audience somewhat of a sneak peek by showing a Photo or two each week, but I am continuing to post all of them on here.

The second reason is because this has been a crazy month and still I have been able to get the photo a day challenge in. I have not been feeling well because of my stomach (I think it's stress related), changes at work due to the budget cuts and people leaving the office for other jobs and because of some personal things that went on over the last week (nothing marriage related). But without further adieu I present: This week's photos!

Top: I Obamaized this photo showing off my tan line from my Flip Flops. I just had to retire the pair I have been wearing all summer but I got a new pair; I like to wear flip flops until it snows!

Photo #2--We babysat our friend's daughter. This is my husband eating my Chicken Enchilladas and "L" having a small sample. I like how Pretzel is peeking out from under the table and how our kitchen has such a home feeling to it now!

Photo #3---This is my hubby biking to his contract job. I would have liked to crop this more but I think it looks okay.

Photo #4--Driving to the small town I go to (to get my oil changed). I go there because they know my name and are always honest with me. I did nothing to edit this photo. I love it the way it is!

Photo #5--"L" brought over Pretzel a treat today. I love the Vingette around it as it really softens the photo.

In two weeks I am on vacation for a week--except some fun "MN Vacation photos that week." I will back way before then but just something to look forward to.

-Jackie

Playing Around

Hi All,

Here are the photos I have for you today. For those of you on Facebook you may see one or two of these each week. I am doing this to give the people who don't visit this blog a small taste of what I am up to (but not the whole Enchillada--they need to come to this site if they want to see that. I am also playing a bit with phone editing on some of the photos. Not all but I feel that part of a photographers work is working on photo enhancement. It's a skill I have been wanting to learn for a long time.

Onto my photos

1. The first photo is from Baja Sol (and inspired by Jeannie). This is my favorite place to eat and only tend to on special occasions. Tonight before book club I took the money I saved on shoes (I got two pairs for $13) and got a Shrimp Enchilada.
2. The second photo is of our neighbors cat Morrie. He likes to lay outside in the afternoon and get some sunlight. I am going to make a copy of this one and give it to our neighbor. She said he is getting old so it will be nice for her.
3. I took this one in the park where Mike and I like to take our dog Pretzel. I added a Vignette effect to it.
4. This is my favorite donut shop. I went there on the first day of my current job and it has been a fun occasional stop ever since. This photo is dedicated to my friend Dan, who is a Meteorologist. It was raining that day and we had had tornado's come through the Twin Cities the night before so I added the lightning effect just for him!

Hope you enjoyed. Good night!

-Jackie

Week 2 of Photo Challenge

Have you ever felt that with each passing day you knew more and more you needed time off? That's the way I have been feeling lately. I have been so stressed and distracted I have forgotten to take my camera with me when I go out. But have no fear: I still have some good Photos of the day to share with you! The first photo on the top left is Pretzel and I walking down the long street that runs on the side of our complex. It's nice to live in a neighborhood without constuction and with sidewalks and trees!

The photo on the top right was actually taken today! It's the picture frame I got for my desk at work and it says "Who's your doggy!" I got it at one of the outlet stores here for $2.00! Good deal! =) Pretzel is wondering why his photo is not in the frame yet!

Photo #3 represents the fact I am looking forward to having the ENTIRE first week of September off! Part of that will be going to a Twins Game as they are playing their last season in the Dome. I am very much looking forward to it.

Our fourth picture was taken on a late night this week where my husband was doing one of his contracting jobs. This is Pretzel waiting rather impatiently for his daddy to come home.

Picture #5 repsents Sunday the 2nd where I had a grueling migraine as well as some drama via Facebook which many of you know about.

Our last picture repesents the happiness that comes with being in our new place. I love being able to be at home now where it's quiet and whip up my infamous cookies!

Until next time,

Jackie