The Further Ramblings

Things I love about Fall

2009-09-03T06:38:00.001-07:00

Im stealing the Idea from Molly over at http://specsandwings.blogspot.com/ and doing a fall inspiration post. If you haven't checked out her blog you should do so. I love her creativity.

Feels like im falling for Fall, The pumpkin Edition. Because nothing says Fall like that lovely Burnt Orange color of pumpkins and the sweet spicy cinnamon scented goodies made with pumpkin in the Fall.

I love Pumpkin flavored food and beverages. The return of Pumpkin Spice Lattes marks the beginnings of cool crisp mornings at Starbucks.

Pumpkin scone, pumpkin Loaf, pumpkin pie. The smell of baked pumpkin goodies is very comforting.

This ones not fall related, but I liked the way the lamp was being reflected in my latte.

Pumpkins means making Jack O Lanterns. This one is Jacks pumpkin Head From Nightmare Before Christmas. 2005.

Oogie Boogie 2005.

Mortal Combat 2006.

Bark At The Moon 2008.

I burn pumpkin scented candles in my apartment all year long. I look forward to fall because this is viewed as being normal and not eccentric.

What are your favorite things about pumpkins?

When life is hard, you have to change

2009-07-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the countless times you have inspired me to be a better person. Thank you for inspiring creativity. I have started painting again and the photography flows. I know a lot of people love to see me fail, but im going to do something really great one day. Just to spite them.

Fireworks 2009

2009-07-04T23:17:00.000-07:00

Love and Hate

2009-05-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

We all struggle with love and hate. They are mirror images, hand in hand. Love will prevail.

Clouds And Feathers

2009-05-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

I was looking for inspiration when I looked outside and noticed how beautiful the sky was. Sometimes you just have to open your eyes, and the inspiration is right in front of you. Like that Feather. I love that picture. I dont know if it was the red, or the picture perfect nature of the feather but I was instantly smitten with it. I never stage these things. Boot on a fence post, that old brown chair. I just stumble across these things. Maybe its how I look at the world, or just blind luck. Right place, right time. I often wonder if someone else is leading this journey.

Run on......

2009-05-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

When life is hard you have to change, Great song for my state of mind lately. Anita wears black, because she identifies with the downtrodden.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmVAWKfJ4Go link to an amazing cover of NIN Hurt. The video is amazing. Sad but amazing.

Starlight revisited

2009-05-17T01:11:00.000-07:00

I came across the set of pictures of Starlight I call The Mirror series tonight and figured these would be worth a second go over. With a little magic, we get totally different photos.

1. Whos a pretty kitty 2003

2. Hannibal Lector 2003

Lajitas Texas

2009-04-29T11:50:00.001-07:00

If you ever get the chance to visit the great State of Texas, The Big Bend area should be on your list of places to go. Just about 140 miles away from us lies some of the states most beautiful and impressive landscapes. I feel truly blessed for the opportunity to go and see everything that you see below. This is Lajitas and the Big Bend Ranch State Park area. Through my eyes.

Road to Terlingua 2009

Kitchen table 2009

Desert Plants 2009

Crates and Shadows 2009

Untitled 2009

Water Trough 2009

Stain Glass Cross 2009

red Rocks 2009

Untitled 2009

Adobe 2009

Mission Cross 2009

Old Fence 2009

Untitled 2009

Untitled 2009

Open road 2009

Old Lantern 2009

Wagon Wheel 2009

Rocks and Wire 2009
Isolated Table 2009

18th Century Mission 2009

Bell 2009

Broken Wheel 2009

Untitled 2009

Dock Chair 2009

1940's Brickwork 2009

Octello table 2009

River Bed 2009

Lajitas Texas 2009

Texas truly is beautiful. We got just about a little of everything in our state.

My Peeps

2009-04-06T01:49:00.000-07:00

These are my Peeps. There are many like them, but these are mine. Without them I am nothing, with me they are nothing. (no one is going to get that reference. Im like a Family Guy episode)

Waiting for the Sun

2009-03-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up early, and couldn't go back to bed. So I got up and around, went to Starbucks then went driving around looking for somewhere to catch a sunrise. I don't plan these things out. I usually just let it happen. Which sometimes works out for me because it does give me the element of random. So I put my Doors Cd in and somehow found myself in Stanton and then Big Spring chasing a good spot for the great sunrise this morning. I couldnt settle on a spot. Next time I scout a spot before hand then go out in the dark and wait for the sun. Things like this should be planned out. I suppose you shouldnt just be stumbling around aimlessly in rural areas in the dark. I couldn't pull off the shots I wanted. But it was great. Early this morning a line of clouds was in front of the sunrise giving the effect of a glowing halo all around the edge of the clouds. It was stunning. Here's some from this morning that I did like.

Black Sand 2009

Graffeti Helmet 2009

Morning Tracks 2009

Dirt Road 2009

R & R 2009 (note this is when I got sand in my shoe.)

Gardening Experiments

2009-03-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

Its the first day of spring. Yea spring! I have been loving all the fruit trees in bloom. I also like Red Bud trees. I think they are my favorite. At least I think. That's what my Father said they were. Those Bright purple trees. Who doesn't love to look at those?

Our friends over a http://www.doubledanger.com/ are busy this time of year. If you enjoy gardening you should check them out. They have lots of great Gardening and Barbecue tips, and its worth it just for the pretty pictures of what growing in the garden. I believe they were also recently featured on Newswest 9 but I don't have that link. They did a great piece about gardening in these hard economic times we are having. If you Twitter you can find them at http://twitter.com/DoubleDanger.

So they have been generous enough to offer to donate some of their tomato plants to our little patio, And I wanted to post pictures of the area I had been discussing with them.

This is where it happened. The great flower massacre of 2008. Last year I attempted to turn this into a nice little flower garden, but alas I failed. I guess if it was Attack of the show it might even have been an EPIC FAIL. As you can see I have some weeds growing in my patch of dirt. Lets just agree not to discuss those as I will be handling up on is soon. I was donated those concreate blocks by a previous renter. How nice where they? I used them to put two small flower pots on last year. We all know what happened to the flowers. I was real sad.

I also killed some flowers in these last year. I am hoping to keep a tomato plant alive in the big one for awhile. Hopefully long enough to get to eat some.

Just another one for reference on the size of them. I am going to see about maybe some flowers in the small ones. Obviously I am going to need to change to dirt out, looks as if Chris or someone was using it as an ashtray. And I also managed to grow weeds in these containers, but I cant grow some flowers. Whats up with that?

Anyway. Might be fun to follow the progress and see if someone like myself can manage to grow something. It could be hit or miss, but best case scenario is we have fresh tomatoes this year.

Cant you just see it? Me. Gardening. I guess its kind of funny if you knew me. Like a Christopher Walkin Joke.

Hair Peace, Bed Peace, Ice Cream Peace

2009-03-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

I am given the duty of going to get the late night snacks. Although I was sent to get Chocolate Brownie, I strayed from the path when I saw a new flavor. Imagine Whirled Peace. Carmel Ice cream with toffee cookies and fudge peace signs. But thats not important. It had John Lennon on it, so sorry Justin. I think that all my ice cream is sayin, is give peace a chance. Another in the line of ice creams from Ben And Jerry'd named after the grate ones. Cherry Garcia, Phish Food, now get your John Lennon flavor.

As we started to scoop out our ice cream we got a surpise, some of my favorite John Lennon quotes were printed on the inside of the carton. So I promplty washed it out so I could photograph it later, how great is that little carton. I am so easy to please.

"Get out there and GET peace, THINK peace, LIVE peace, and BREATHE peace, and you'll get it as soon as you like."

Give Peace a Chance.

In the Carton 2009.

"A dream you dream alone is only a dream, a dream you dream together is a reality"

Dont make it ONLY a dream

Words By John Lennon.

A Mash Up Of Some Recent Compositions

2009-03-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

I Have been a little slow on the posts lately, and I am sorry for that. In turn you guys get a bunch of new things to look at for being patient and understanding. Yea for you!

A simple but beautiful shot. It has a comical story behind it. I was just leaving my mother in laws house with my sleeping son, when I noticed the sky. I put my car in park, with the engine running and stepped out to take this picture. The door closed behind me, and I had locked myself out! Engine running, sleeping son. Luckily my window was down about an inch, and with the help of a coat hanger and my mother in law I was able to gain entry. I had a mini panic attack though.

I stopped into the 42nd st Bucks and saw a Barista wearing this. Needless to say it rocks pretty hard.

I hear this is how you can tell it spring in Midland. A Bradford pear in bloom. I have pictures of the pink ones too.

At the Car Wash the extra two dollars for the protectant coating is worth it. Just look at the neet colors and patters it makes as it drips down.

Who doesn't like the way water beads up on a clean car.

Taking time to fully observe the Museum of the southwest is recommended. Caught this lovely little number.

To me the architecture and little details of the museum are almost is good as the art it holds inside

Always take time to fully observe your soundings and see how lovely the world really is.

I just loved that Chandelier in the pink room.

How lovely is this little hall?

Thank you for stopping by and looking. Welcome to the world through my eyes. Im glad you can see now. I know your scared. Dont be, 'cause the world really is a beautiful place. Keep checking back, more to come.

Here comes the sun.

2009-03-05T09:28:00.000-08:00

I woke up earl;y this morning to watch the sun rise. I forgot how beautiful it is. I usually miss that because of my affinity for sleeping in. I went out to find a good spot to watch it rise, and I found this old leather chair someone had dumped. I found it strangely appealing, That old chair. It is so obviously out of place, but oddly at home nestled in with the grass where it had been cast aside. To sit in that chair would have the best view of the sun rising, as it was facing that way when I found it. I like to imagine that someone lovingly discarded it where it could have the best seat in the house for the sun rise every morning. Pun completely intended.

Second shot is just a yucca with the sunrise behind it.

Third shot is a green daisy. Im a flower photographer I guess?

I was looking at some daisies.

2009-02-28T22:35:00.000-08:00

Leaves 2009

Texas Gate 2009

Boot On A Fence Post 2009

Spiral Staircase 2009

"2" 2009

No Fishing 2009

Daisy Chains And Rust 2009

A Portrait Of Vietnam 2009

The inspiration came from the Gerber daisies, but found that my favorite shots dont involve them. All the above photos were taken in or around Odessa Texas. The first three shot were taken a few weeks back and the last five shots were taken today. Vast improvements are apparent. I guess all those photography books, magazines and web sites are teaching me things after all.

Exploring composition

2009-02-27T22:43:00.000-08:00

Today I was exploring the idea of a flower as that bit of random in the urban setting. To me the contrast of natural to man made in these photos gives it that extra bit of visual interest that's needed to turn the ordinary into art. I bought the flowers to use in children's shots, which turned out lovely but I will not be sharing here. Flowers aren't just for vases anymore.

The last thing I want to do is turn into a "flower" photographer, but they do look pretty against some of my normal subjects. As an artist I prefer photographing things that people walk or drive by everyday and miss. The subtle beauty in this world. I would consider flowers as straight forward beauty, because they are beautiful and anyone can photograph them and make them look that way. Although I think I may just take a bunch of pictures of flowers next week just for the experience of it. Do it, get it in the portfolio and move on.

Its a great learning experience especially in an outdoor setting where you have to be careful not to cast a shadow on your subject while photographing it. It also is a great way to learn how to adjust the white balance on your camera because of all the bright colors reflecting the light. And being that Im not a Professional, and have taken no classes as of yet......I am taking everything as leaning experience. A way to make my normal subjects look as good as possible.

I am still using that Kodak V570. Believe it or not. All that with 5 megapixels. Imagine what I can do with 12.5. Next week will be a whole new experience of learning a new camera. Bear with me.....it may get ugly before it gets better. LOL.

1. Spigot 2009

2. Meter Maid 2009

Stonehenge Revisited

2009-02-25T11:11:00.000-08:00

I was back over at the henge with the kids the other day. I got some great shots of them that day. I was late in the afternoon and I found the light to be quite pleasing. As you can see we were having a gorgeous day in West Texas and the sky looks stunning. These are some of my favorite non children shots from that day.

Inside the schoolhouse

2009-02-25T10:51:00.000-08:00

It seems I fancy myself s school teacher, judging by the compositions I have been working with as of late. I am not sure why I am finding apples so aesthetically pleasing lately. I think its just the color aspect of them. Or maybe its that bit of random that makes a good photograph. I am wanting to so some things with different colored Orchids and Gerber Daisies as well. H.E.B floral department has so many things that are begging to come home with me and be photographed.

The Twilight inspired photos

2009-02-22T11:45:00.001-08:00

Now I have just resorted to taking pictures of things I have lying around the house. It all started with that book cover sitting on my nightstand. I started thinking about all the things I could do with an apple and photoshop. I changed things up a bit to avoid copyright infringement. Also I am wishing I had more of what I would consider "Photo" quality apples in the house. I dont inspect every piece of fruit like I am going to photograph it when I shop for groceries. Although its becoming apparent that maybe I should. The red apple was a little small for what I was wanting to do with it, and I found the only green apple I had to be lop sided and asymmetric. From now on I only buy the symmetrical fruit. The asymmetric quality of that apple was causing problems with the green side of the apple not casting the shadow I wanted on the ground when it was faced to the camera. So we are left looking at the slightly yellowish side. I also wish that little apple had a longer stem. I am also hating that linear shadow on the ground. And that black speck of paint. Needless to say I will be revisiting the idea of the green apple again. With a better apple. I am calling those photographs in order.

Poisoned apple
Revisited
Heart
Sour Apple Afternoon.

Lets go Vintage!

2009-02-22T11:06:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been pouring over http://www.etsy.com/. I am absolutely in love with that site. For a few reasons. Heres some things you dont know about me.

I love vintage. I always have. In my youth I spent a lot of time in thrift shops. Not because I was poor, but because I like the cloths. To me there's something elegant about dresses from the 40's and 50's. I also cant get enough of Page Boy Pants. And dont get me started on vintage shoes. Well shoes of any type really. Although it weirds me out to actually buy someones old shoes, I do look at them for style reference and buy vintage inspired shoes. In my heavy days (Post baby) I have gotten into this rut of jeans and a t-shirt but unbeknownst to everyone I am actually very interested in fashion.
I love Handmade. Anything that someone took the time to create themselves is cool to me. Be it a painting, photograph, Article of clothing, Tooth Pocket.....you get the idea. If you made it yourself you automatically get points in my book. Anita- Supporter of things you made yourself.

So those things being said. I am in Love, Love, Love with Etsy. I shop through there for paintings, and cloths, and the purses there are great. But its the little unexpected things that draw me to the site. Handmade reusable coffee sleeves, and unique jewelry. Its kind of fun, like an online treasure hunt. I am so inspired by alot of the craft ideas. It gives me things to add to the list of things I want to make. Overall it leaves me wanting to get out and do art again. To unleash that whole creative side of my personality. Lets go vintage shopping!

Spinal Tap be Jealous

2009-02-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

I have always held this fascination with Stone Henge. And being that I have not had the opportunity to travel and see the real one, I did the next best thing. I took the short drive over to UTPB yesterday for the sole purpose of taking pictures of the Mini Stonehenge they have. Ok not Mini In the Spinal Tap terms. Its only about 4 feet shy of the original. Other than that it is a complete replica. Those are some of the better shots from one of my memory cards. I had to switch half way, and havent had time to get the other pictures transferred over.

Making Digital Art

2009-02-10T14:44:00.001-08:00

The trip out to the sand hills did yield some great photos. I turned my favorite into poster Art. Cant wait to get this one framed.

Sunday Secrets

2009-02-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

As some of you know I am a fan of Postsecret. I eagerly await the secrets every Sunday, and I have even made my own secrets and mailed them off to Frank. He has not used any of them, but I look every week anyway. I am guilty of thumbing threw the books looking for my own secret.

Sometimes I see a secret and it stays with me. Like this one. I havent been able to stop thinking about it since yesterday. I can understand being embarrassed to use medicaid. I too have had to be on medicaid at times. When your a low income family, you have to do what it takes to care for your children. However not taking your child to the doctor because you dont want them to see the medicaid? To me that is a bad parenting decision. Maybe borderline child abuse? It makes me sad to think about a child in need to medical care, but the parents pride is stopping them from seeing a doctor. Thanks Frank. That secret scared me for life.

I am including the link for those who havent already picked up of the post secret phenomena. http://postsecret.blogspot.com/

New things.

2009-02-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

I am currently in the market for a new camera. I am wanting to get a SLR and im leaning towards a Nikon. Any thoughts or suggestions about this subject? anyone currently using a SLR? Got a Good/Bad product review? Send them my way.

Photoshop

2009-02-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

Photoshop can be a lot of fun. Lately I have been working on Adjustment layers, And making everything Monochromatic except certain bits of color here and there. Its quite addicting. I am left going through my pictures saying "What else can I do?" All the Above photos were shot in Downtown Midland. All of them are photoshopped with the exception of The Bank Of America Building. That one is As Is.

Downtown Midland

2009-02-03T10:29:00.000-08:00

Above are some of the things I encountered on my way to The New Ground floor.

The Ground Floor is still located on Wall St, but it in now located at 203 Wall St, which is before you get to the Hilton. Its about a block from the old location. The La Marzocco is the same, and I have to admit they make a good coffee. Their specialty drink is the granida, which is kind of like a frappuccino but better. The ice is more like the ice in a slush puppy. A tasty drink that is almost better enjoyed with a spoon. They have a wonderful selection of pastries, some you will not find anywhere else in Midland. I find the cafe to be large, and more roomy than the old place. Tucked neatly into a corner is a rather large stage, which would be great for those local bands on a Friday night. The walls are a bit bare right now, but I am sure given time it will regain its charm and local artwork. Overall, I am glad to see them back downtown.

http://livemidlandtexas.com/what-to-do/

50th Anniversary

2009-02-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

Hobbies Are Good

2009-01-31T17:04:00.000-08:00

One of My Art Hobbies is Photography. I am far from being a pro, however I am surprised at many of the shots I get with my camera. I Am Currently using a Kodak V570. Its nothing fancy, just your average pocket digital camera. The Pictures above are some of the better shots from today's shot.

Texas Ice Storm

2009-01-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

In the works.

2009-01-23T09:14:00.001-08:00

I am still in the process of figuring out what I want to do with this blog. I already have one blog that follows the excessive whining and complaining in my life. You can view it here www.myspace.com/starlightkitty.

I think what I would like to do with this is use it as my creative outlet. Look forward to paintings, drawings, arts and crafts, A smidgen of poetry, short stories, good eats and some of my better constructed thoughts and Ideas.

I am hoping to have a painting for you to look at real soon. Its just waiting on me to get the money needed to buy canvas and paints. In my head it is beautiful.

Also I thought it might be fun to drag out that out portfolio and scan in some of my drawings and previous works of art. So I hope your all looking forward to that.

This is the Blog of the Anita you never knew.

Going Professional

2008-11-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

I have had this little Myspace blog for about three years now. Nothing fancy just a girl talking about how she feels. I never really had any direction to it. Just a bunch of thoughts coherent and incoherent. I have come to realise maybe its time to go professional with a real blog. And so this page was born.

I am still unsure which direction I am going to take it, but for those who are reading please sit back and enjoy the ride.