Playing Around With Photos

There are different types of free image editing software available online--specifically, I've heard a lot about GIMP and finally decided to download it this week after reading yet another positive review.

So I've been playing around with the GIMP filters. I especially like one application called "Cubism." It reminds me of pictures we made in grade school by glueing a bunch of colored tissue paper squares on a larger piece of paper--in a face shape or nature picture or even just a cool pattern.

See what you think:

Here's another photo taken at Salmon Creek this week with the fall berries and seasonal colors:

Let me know--what types of image editing software do you use, if any?

Murphy of the Living Dead

After seeing Dooce's recent photo of Chuck, I knew my Halloween picture of Murphy would include multiple rolls of ace bandages. Meet Murphy of the Living Dead, just in time for October 31st.

p.s. Murphy only looks mournful because he wants his treat NOW. I promise no pain was involved--just much cajoling.

Happy end of October!

Twenty-Four Hours in Newport

Just returned from time at the Oregon coast with my Dad & Mary, Beth, and the Odells. As you can see, the rain cleared for awhile and we even got to stroll down the beach.

I can't resist taking photos of the tide pools and especially sea anemones!

We hopped around giant rocks and tried not to step on too many barnacles in the process.

Me and my shadows.

A Spider Poem

A noiseless, patient spider,
I mark'd, where, on a little promontory, it stood, isolated;
Mark'd how, to explore the vacant, vast surrounding,
It launch'd forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself;
Ever unreeling them--ever tirelessly speeding them.

And you, O my Soul, where you stand,
Surrounded, surrounded, in measureless oceans of space,
Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing,--seeking the spheres, to
connect them;
Till the bridge you will need, be form'd--till the ductile anchor
hold;
Till the gossamer thread you fling, catch somewhere, O my Soul.

--Walt Whitman

Bring a Moleskine Next Time

Visiting with an eighty-ish missionary man I knew from early years in Burundi, I mentioned my nephew's recent wedding, complete with DJ and lots of dancing afterwards.

Mr Wheeler smiled and told me, "I grew up in an age where a Quaker wouldn't dance unless someone dropped an ice cube down his pants."

He also said many other funny things I wish I'd written down. Lots of raw material for an interesting character.

jónsi

jónsi: Concert Timelapse at The Wiltern Theatre from Henry Jun Wah Lee on Vimeo.

One of the most beautiful music videos I've seen.

Bless Your Heart & Gizzard!

This phrase popped into my mind yesterday. I can almost hear Mom's lilting voice telling me, "Laurie, bless your heart and gizzard!" when she was especially tickled about something I'd done or said.

I wonder where this saying originated. Any thoughts?