Enchanted Mama

Behind the Camera::

This past weekend I took an amazing photography class, with the ever talented Alessandra Cave, at The Makerie Retreat.  The goal of the class was to push your comfort zone with your camera.  Get the camera out of the auto setting and well, experiment.  

I'm a big fan of Alessandra's work creating photos with a mystical, magical feel--Lots of light, sun flare and bokeh.  All techniques I dream of becoming more proficient at.  I believe the light is what calls to me in photography.  Maybe that's universal, I don't know.  

What I do know is that I can be overwhelmed by the beauty of the afternoon light.  That must mean something. Right?   

 

Throughout the class we were encouraged to use each other as the subjects.  To shoot numerous photos using all types of different camera settings. And, to find images to photograph that represented our experience thoughout the weekend.  

Imagine for a moment though, a room full of people who are much more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. Yeah... 

So, we ended up with alot of this.

 

And, this.

 

And photos of our shoes. And yarn, of course.  Oh, and hoopers!  

I brought my hula hoops to try some action shots with the super-secret-motive of getting more people hula hooping...my evil plan..ha.ha.ha.  

It worked!  

You should have seen all the hooping creatives twirling around the park.  Plus lots of laughing!  

All in the name of creating and learning and expanding and trying something new. 

 

So there you have it.  

The weekend itself was full of inspiring people, many intriguing classes and creative whim happening at all times.  If you've ever thought of doing something for yourself creatively, take a look at The Makerie.

Plus, you get to meet all types of incredible people and maybe, just maybe, you find someone who happens to love Xanadu as much as you.  

Just a thought.

Happy Monday to you all.  

May the light find you today.  

 

 

 

The Light::

This began as a very different post.  

The plan was to talk about the stretching we do as "creatives" to learn new things.  Try new techniques.  Experience new processes.  

Then, it was about this sweater and how it started in a flurry last January after I had finished "the sweater that took forever".  To prove to myself that I could do it again.

Then, I planned to spend time talking to you about steeking and how it involves scissors and the knit project you lovingly knit on for months which normally would send any knitter huddling into a corner.  The process both terrifying and thrilling and after months of plotting "how to" steek it was over in about thirty seconds.  I'd planned on talking about that, shaky hands and all.  

Then, I thought of the long months of knitting away, secretly mind you, finalized the night before christmas.  The project then wrapped and tucked under the tree.  The fact that I somehow ended up drawing my honey's name in the family handmade venture well, pure luck I tell you.  I thought I'd talk about that.  

 

Instead I'm just loving that the light finally gave me what I wanted.  No, not the true color of this sweater, as that seems to be truly elusive but rather back-lighting and camera flare.  Two of my very favorite things in photography.  Yup.  That's really all I wanted to say after all.   

 

Oh, and even without the light, I'm pleased to see that this cardigan looks pretty good with some baby on it too!  

Happy Wednesday to you all.   

 

*For those of you interested...the full set of photos and knitting details will be on Ravelry next week.*  

 

 

 

The last drop::

Is it me or are the peonies this year exceptionally beautiful?  

Are they like this every year?  Or did Mother Nature out do herself again? 

I've always loved peonies.  I've marked time by these flowers knowing what to expect at "the time of the peonies".  

Summer.  School ending.  Swimming.  Hammock playing.  Water parties.  Evening watering while the children scream and play.  Buds and blooms bursting everywhere.  The intoxicating smell as you walk by. 

I have to say, they are incredible.  If I were an ode writer or a poet I might have to write about their complexity and amazing strength to hold up such a large flower.  The way they catch the light, just so.  

From the beginning....  

 

...to the very last drop.

 

How is your summer progressing?  Anything bringing out the poet in you?  

I'd love to know.  

 

 

 

The happenings::

:: I was greeted by this as I went out to water the yard yesterday evening. 

:: My peonies are knocking themselves out competing for "the most incredibly beautiful flower" award.  

:: I've planted more this year which makes me think that competition will be even more fierce next year!

:: My children played hard yesterday and ALL fell into bed exhausted = good summer so far.  

 

:: I've spent two full days in the storeroom organizing and feel that sore feet must mean progress.  

:: I received an amazing credit toward new books for summer reading by clearing out some old ones.  

:: I finished the kitchner stitch on my beaded bliss and blocked it last night.  

:: Now the transformed wool is lying demurely on my couch waiting to be photographed.

:: I'm preparing for the big daddy's birthday on Sunday and it all appears to be going smoothly.

 

:: I attended my second hula hooping class yesterday and still haven't stopped smiling.  

:: Mostly smiling because I'm such a beginner and the thump of my dropped hula hoop is heard around the room.  And, I don't mind.   

:: The visit with my brother was lovely and my children already miss him so.   

:: I'm spending time in my storeroom again today and I'm excited...whoa.

:: I want to cast on for this and this and this but will wait until these are done.  

 

What's the news in your world today?  

 

 

Rainy day::

 

Rainy day greetings to you all today.  More rain, puddle stomping, new plants settling into the ground and quiet time indoors.  Hope I accomplish more this afternoon than I have this morning...I suppose there is always knitting if all else fails.

By the way, I know that April showers bring May flowers but what do May showers bring?  

Just wondering...

 

 

 

 

Seriously::

Seriously?  

Really?  

Mother Nature are you trying to take our breath away?

Well, it's working...

 

Happy Mother's Day to all you mama's out there.  

Happy a delightful Spring Weekend.

A Winter Morning::

We spent the weekend with family in the mountains.  After a small bit of snow on Saturday night we awoke to this.  Bright blue sky.  Wispy clouds.  Trees decorated with fluff.  Sunshine everywhere.  Breath taking.  

 

Does anyone else see the figure in the cloud blowing snow onto the tree?  

Or is it just me?  

 

 

 

 

 

Mother Nature::

Mother nature has outdone herself this year.  I continue to think that it can't possibly get any more beautiful and then?  It does!  

I'm amazed.  

I'm in awe.  

I'm so grateful to be seeing this everyday.  

 

I knew I loved Fall but this is ridiculous.  

 

How is Fall where you are?  

 

Light::

I love the light in the late afternoon.  Just so you know.  

Kellen

 

Inspired by Color::

 

I've been noticing colors again lately.  Colors that inspire and make me want to paint rooms and find matching fabric.  Colors that are vivid.  Though it seems that this time of year I would be noticing yellows, oranges, and reds...I guess not.  At least not today. Maybe tomorrow.  

 

 

Anyone else finding irresistable colors?