This week I'll be participating in Jan's week of autumn colors. I enjoy having an 'assignment' to focus on while taking pictures and blogging; it helps me notice things I might not otherwise. Today's color is YELLOW - regular readers may remember it's my fave...
(at Camp Orkila this past weekend)
(at the Washington Park Arboretum last fall)
The weekend before my birthday, Alexi and I celebrated by having dinner at The Herbfarm. Each week, The Herbfarm Restaurant "chooses the best from farm, forest, and sea to create thematic 9-course dinners show casing the culinary glories of the Pacific Northwest." I'd been curious about this restaurant for a long time, but wasn't sure how it would be to sit for a nine course meal. It was a memorable event that I look forward to repeating; everything I had hoped for and more. Read more about The Herbfarm here.
Recycling via Basil and Borage (and I now really, really want a pet pig):
In the wine cellar:
The library:
View of the dining room from the library:
The tiniest cucumber I've ever seen:
Today is my birthday. Alexi has taken the day off; we plan to go on a bike ride together and have lunch out while the kids are at school. And of course we'll celebrate all together in the evening. I'm so looking forward to the next forty! I'm working on a list of goals for the year to come; what do you hope to accomplish in the next year of your life? xoxo
(Seen on Goat Mountain trail 217 by Alexi a couple of days ago..I have no idea what any of them are. I'd love to hear if you know.)
Last week I attended a day long photography workshop called FoodSnap. I find it challenging taking pictures of still life, so I thought this could be useful.
The morning was spent listening to a lecture and reviewing photos. The best part of the class for me was the instructors' review of participants' previously submitted photos (anonymously). I learned some general principles about composition. The afternoon was spent taking photos of displays set up around the room, with photographers available to help as needed.
I didn't particularly enjoy the picture taking session. As I thought about it afterward, I realized part of my discomfort was with taking photos of things I had no connection to. The cupcakes weren't from a bakery I've ever been to; the objects weren't from a store I frequent; a total disconnect from my life.
I also realized that I simply didn't want to photograph some of the tables. I really should have just done it, it would have been good practice, but I just didn't want to take pictures of things that I wasn't inspired by or that weren't my style. (A nice revelation for me as I was having those thoughts: I have a style!)
Overall, I was glad to have attended. I left with more (new) questions than I came in with - to me, a good sign. And I got to meet a few bloggers and twitter friends in person.
