Wordless Wednesday

Just having fun playing with my new toy.

What's new at your place?

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For more Wednesday fun, be sure to visit these fabulous blogs:
5 Minutes for Mom
Wordless Wednesday HQ

-Melissa

I'm a Lucky Girl

I got something very exciting for my birthday. Well, technically my birthday isn't until Thursday. But, since hubs will be working and going to school Thursday, I was treated to an early birthday gift yesterday. Wow! Am I excited!! I got a new lens and flash for my Nikon. I'm so thrilled I can hardly stand it!  I also got a subscription to some camera lessons at Love That Shot (much needed, I must say).

This, after I mentioned wanting to hone my photography skills, and make a concerted effort to become a better photographer. Check it out:

Is he a great guy or what? Woo hoo! I'm in love.  Maybe turning 38 isn't so bad after all ;)

One of my first shots with the new gear:

~Melissa

SOOC Saturday

PhotoStory Friday: Random

I'm on a mission to really learn my camera and improve my photography skills. I've been reading tutorials and scanning photo blogs. Boy, do I have a lot to learn! I'm a total novice, but I hope to make great strides in the next few months. Please bear with me. You are bound to see lots of bad shots along the way, but hopefully a few great ones too. I'm still learning my camera settings, and have hardly begun to understand my Photoshop software. One click at a time right?

I came across a photo meme today and decided to join in. This is what I need: more practice! Which means I'll be participating in a lot more photo memes. This week I'm posting a few random recent favorite shots. If you'd like to join in the photo-fun check out the blog hop hostesses at Better in Bulk and My Chaos, My Bliss.

Photostory Friday - Give Me Your Best Shot with Better in Bulk and My Chaos, My Bliss

Love this face..the shadows are a little dark though.

Colors need more pop.

Would benefit from a tripod.

This one makes me say, "ahhh." Needs to be tighter though. Not enough zoom to focus on the chairs.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli


Thanks for stopping by! Your comments make my day. Constructive criticism welcome. I'm a work in progress!

Aloha Friday #101

 

Greetings friends, and happy Friday ;) Wow, did this week whiz by or what? How is it that summer is nearly half-way over and it seems like it has just begun? I love the summer months full of bright flowers, long sunny days, cool splashes in the water, fireflies and evening bike rides. I was a little sad when I noticed this week that the stores are already filling up with back to school specials. Slow down summer! I love Fall, but do you have to fly by in such a hurry?

My question for today is simply: Name 5 things, big or small, that you are grateful for right now.


Thanks for stopping by! I love hearing from you ;) Be sure to visit An Island Life for more Aloha Friday fun.
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Wordless Wednesday

Unfortunately, the fireworks in these parts were rained out this year. That was quite a disappointment, especially for the kids. The 4th of July just isn't the same without the grand finale of "boom boom lights" as we like to call them. We ended up watching them on TV instead.

We did have a great weekend though, and enjoyed a fun-filled day at Badin Lake.  Here are some pics from our trip:

How was your holiday weekend?