can we talk?

Of course we can.

Since you are still here with me.

Reading. Listening. Thinking. Pondering. Blogging. Surfing.

Someone recently asked 

"How many photos does one need of herself?"

uh, me, well, I have hundreds here

You see my passion is to photograph people and I am usually available, so I can count on myself to show up! I use myself to experiment with lighting, settings and editing techniques.

 You Are Your Own Muse led by Vivienne McMaster 

was truly an inspiring, igniting and invigorating course for me

Now I will be Swan Diving with her and my other Muses

When asked why she painted so many self-portraits, 

Frida Kahlo replied: "because I am the subject I know best."

Someday I want to host Art Retreats again for women

Would you come to Texas and romp thru a cow pasture 

with your camera, tripod and remote 

for some Self Portrait Play?

I've got ladders, funky furniture, vintage linens,

orange and turquoise walls, rusty and weathered barns

and lots of playful imagination

Wanna join me someday?

 Here are a couple inspiring links to get you thinking, if I haven't already!

Self Portrait Flickr Groups
So ya wanna take pictures of yourself

No Poo

here's looking at you Deb

As I continue to walk softly, eat healthy, simplify and 

focus on the present moment 

I decided to eliminate bad shampoo/conditioner products. 

I am going No Poo using only baking soda to wash 

and  organic Apple Vinegar to rinse

My hair can be beautiful, but right now it is limp, dry, crunchy 

and falling out alot! 

Some say it is due to my Vegetarian lifestyle. POO!

Maybe it's just what happens to 53 year old girls like me!

 YIKES!

Scary, huh?

Under the plastic bag on my head is olive oil, honey and egg, my weekly conditioner

So while doing it's magic, I masked my face with a mixture of honey, cinnamon and nutmeg 

and after about 10 minutes it was beginning to sting and run down my neck! 

My face felt smooth, rosy and kissable tasting like Apple Pie!!

 I am also making my own Laundry Powders and Dishwasher Soap

I am sick and tired all the shit in our food and
wasteful household products 

we pay way too much money for.

Come on now....even the Healthy Choices are loaded with crap

~READ YOUR LABELS PEOPLE~

(Sorry, some folks get on their soapbox about religion, politics or reality shows...)

My reality is changing AGAIN from consumer to
homegrower-maker-cleaner-healthier.

Nuff said.

If you are interested in recipes/inspiration click the links below.

They work for me!

DISHWASHER DETERGENT

I use Citric Acid, not Koolaide

LAUNDRY SOAP

If you read the comments, it answers your concerns for HE Washers

In the meantime I am having some fun sewing again

making aprons from t-shirts!

Share the Joy Thursday

Today Meri asks 

WHAT GIVES YOU JOY?

JOY was given to me by 

having the opportunity to photograph this family

of beautiful people,
family reunion of Kwaku and Barbara Bediko

Family faces are magic mirrors. 

Looking at people who belong to us, 

we see the past, present and future. 

We make discoveries about ourselves.

Gail Lumet Buckley

Joy Movement

52 Photos Project

52 Photos Project

This weeks prompt : Silhouette or profile

One subject, dark against light

52 Photos Project

Every week Bella has a simple, yet challenging prompt. We are at week 18 

and you are always invited to join in anytime. 

Come on, the more the merrier! 

Won't you come play along with us?

I'm just sayin

read more here

follow me

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

Sunday Scavenger Photo Hunt

~geometry~

~brushstrokes~

~hanging by a thread~

~collage~

~on the dotted line~

just a rockin and a talkin

I spent three hours with my friend Laurence, 

   rocking and talking on his backporch

We swatted flies.

He told stories.

I listened...

and laughed at his clever jokes and salty humor

this was our view

I sipped wine from his grandmas juice glass

and at the end of the day...

                    our hearts were swollen, breezes had quieted, and summer seemed softer

Share the Joy Thursday

I have found that if you love life, 

life will love you back 

~ Arthur Rubinstein~

 

 me & Dawn

Dawn & me

me and Keira

me and Laurie

 Cassie and me

me and Laurie

Joy Movement