The learning Process

Do you remember when you first learned to use the computer? We forget how scary it can be - you think that you're going to 'break' the computer if you do something wrong. I've been helping Joy learn how to load her photos onto the computer, organize and file them, and some minor photo editing. Anyone younger than about 28 doesn't remember it - they grew up with it....so imagine how intimidating it must be for someone 80 years old to learn about the computer. My mom, 82, has become a wizard. It still scares her sometimes but she's an ace for her age. And she still learns lots of new things every day. She said that she'd never use a digital camera. Now I get photos almost every week.

I've been working on taxes and financial junk. Yuck! Like my friend said - it's like having to write a thesis. Every year. Here's what Georgie thinks of the whole thing:

Although it was cold and there was lots of snow, it was nice to be back in the midwest during winter, even if it was for a funeral. I can't believe that I would ever say that but I also knew that we were coming back to Portland, where it's 40-something degrees....and I don't have to put up with the never-ending grey day, the dirty slush when the snow starts to melt and all the other difficulties of snow. Chicago has changed so much since I lived in Illinois - but guess all cities have. 

                                                                                         

 

Millinium Park was very interesting - I want to go back to hear an under the stars (is there stars in the middle of the city?) concert.  Outside Chicago, there is field stubble and vast stretches of snow that is beautiful. I took my little point and shoot camera and shot from the back seat of a moving car, with a really dirty window. That's about the worst way to shoot and I wish I could go back and take some time with my real camera. The snow on the tree limbs was especially beautiful.

And the potholes!! Wow! I forgot about potholes that are as big as VW buses! I do miss the midwest though. It felt like home even though I haven't lived there in 30 years. 

Church luncheons. Snowball fights. Fire flies.

Marshall Fields (now Macies, much to the chagrin of Chicagoans)

Having a return flight that was at the same time as the Super Bowl was tough - especially when they loaded everyone on the plane and then they closed the airport because it was snowing so hard. It was the third quarter and fans on the plane were getting restless. Finally they let everyone off the plane to watch the end of the game and then loaded everyone back on the plane, de-iced and took off. I imagine that SW Airlines made some loyal customers that night. Even the Pats fans.

The Midwest in February

There was 11 inches of new snow the night before we arrived. Not having to live here, we think it's great. More photos to follow - it's cold too.

And Even More Animation

Ha ha! - even more animation has been suggested....

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

There's never enough hours in the day before leaving for a trip. Maybe that's because I'm not the ultimate planner (shut-up!) but at least the sun is shining today after the last WEEK of rain. The pups love laying in the sun. There's also so many distractions. If I had been born 20 years later they probably would have labeled me with Attention Deficit Disorder.

So here's the latest really really cool distraction: an animation by deviantART. Did someone get paid to do this? Says it took three months to create.

Check it out:http://alanbecker.deviantart.com/art/Animator-vs-Animation-34244097

Pug Shoot

On Sunday, we had the first (annual?) Christmas pug shoot. It was a riot and some (pugs) were more cooperative than others. In any case, Georgie had the best time of all as he loved having all the company in HIS home. Gus, our paraplegic pug, was especially calm -quite unexpected. What seemed to work best is having 1 person per pug when trying to get them to cooperate although if someone had tried putting some of those hats and decorate me with bells and collars and Christmas tree lights - I probably wouldn't have been nearly as calm. We decided however, that it's a definitely benefit if one understands the meaning of 'SIT!'.

A friend had the idea of photographing Gus in his wheel cart (wheel chair like cart) decorated with Christmas lights or garland. But it's going to have to wait until after Thanksgiving.

This was fun and I've left the backdrop and lights up so that we can shoot more after the Thanksgiving Holidays. I think we may even include some of the other dogs in the neighborhood....



Also have to do something about this red background. Sheesh! It almost exceeds the range of my EOS magenta color range. Maybe spray paint it a little?

Check out some of the other photos on my website at jamzphoto.com Enter through 'Weddings and Portraits' and the photos are under 'Featured'.

Frugs

I have a friend who owns, breeds and loves Pugs and French Bulldogs. She nurtures these dogs and loves every one of them like a proud grandparent. After waiting for two years for one of her prized Frenchies to come into heat - the time had finally come. Unfortunately (or fortunately) Genghis Kahn, the prized, proud, Pug father of many of her pugs, got out and guess what? She now has some adorable FRUGs! They are just adorable and ready for adoption. Their names are Bilbo and Frodo - fits, don't you think? Let me know if you're interested or know of any adoring wannabe pup parents of Frugs.....