What Happened to my 365 Day photos?

(At Chuck E. Cheese last May)

I'm still taking pictures everyday, I was just getting uninspired with some of the pictures I was taking.  Case in point, three days in a row I took a picture of my rooms ceiling, then the wall, and then the floor.  I didn't want to post those pictures here. 

I have missed a couple days, so the 365 goal is a failure, but I feel I haven't failed.  This has been a really good experience, and I now have a happy, healthy habit.  Everywhere I go my camera fallows, and I've taken pictures I never would have.

It's been fun . . . and it's nice not stressing over what I'm going to take a picture of.  Now I whip out the camera whenever I feel moved.   

365 Day Photo challenge: Days 41-44

(Day 41 of the 365 day photo challenge 02-12-2012) 

The day before this photo was taken the temperature was in the comfortable 50's, and then the sky decided to have a sense of humor, thinking it would be awfully fun to snow on us mere mortals.  I don't know who did this, but sometime that morning a group of people got 3 giant cube ice-blocks, a little off the side of this picture, and pushed them every which way.

 (Random bonus 02-12-2012 photo)

There's something about the birds in this area I don't get, why do they always come out, in mass herds, when it's cold and snowing?? But they were everywhere, enjoying the cold, chirping in a chorus of chatter.

 (Day 42 of the 365 day photo challenge 02-13-2012)

One thing I've been doing to connect with other sellers on Etsy is build treasury lists.  It's working, and I'm finding it a lot of fun.  I've made six lists thus far, and if you want to see them you can find the link Here.

(Day 43 of the 365 day photo challenge 02-14-2012) 

Can someone please explain this photo to me?  The pink bottle has pink lettering, with a picture of a man, and at the bottom it reads "woman."  The blue bottle has blue lettering, with a picture of a woman, and at the bottom of that it reads "men."  So are girls supposed to get the pink bottle to attract men?  Or are men supposed to get the pink bottle to attract women?  I don't get it.

 (Day 44 of the 365 day photo challenge 02-15-2012)

This is the day I posted "Two Quarreling Knights," and these are the scrap papers I used to write the poem. 

Have a great day!!

Sarah  

365 Day Photo challenge: Days 37-40

(Day 37 of the 365 day photo challenge 02-08-2012) 

This is the very first Dummies book I've gotten, though I do have to add that I got it with my Mom.  We've had an Etsy shop since November, and not a whole lot of sales sense.  There are those that sale big, those that are well established, but for newcomers it's hard to get noticed.  So we got this book to help us see through the murky waters.  There's a lot of information, good information, though I'm still pouring over it.  Mainly networking is the key, and we're still learning how that works.  No one said it would be easy.

     (Day 38 of the 365 day photo challenge)

There was a former post I made about my postcrossing habit.  A few weeks ago I discovered that the post office raised prices again.  Instead of international postage costing $0.98, it now costs $1.05, and they don't have a stamp yet that matching the change.  So for fun, and because I love getting stamps myself, a $0.20+$0.45+$0.45 stamp=$1.10, only 5 cents over.  Not that bad.  I went to the USPS website and discovered all these amazing stamps, and that first day issue envelopes are not that expensive.  Back in High School I used to collect stamps, and it's something I've missed, so I got a nice little selection of canceled stamps.  This is one of the new Year of the Dragon stamp, which I think is incredibly cool. 

  (Day 39 of the 365 day photo challenge)

Admittedly, my last few pictures haven't been that exciting, so on this day I took my camera everywhere.  Here I was in the Walmart parking lot, not the most thrilling of locations, but then I saw this cute bird on the shopping cart, and had to take the shot.

(Day 40 of the 365 day photo challenge)

When I first took this picture, I totally know why I was taking it, but now it's nothing but torture!!  I'm on a no sugar diet with my sister-in-law, but we've allowed ourselves treats we can have on occasions to help with our cravings.  One of my allowances is frozen yogurt, and nobody makes it better then Red Mango.  The nice thing is that they're constantly getting new flavors to replace old ones.  The bad thing is that they're constantly losing great flavors for new ones.  Right now they have a Caribbean Cocoanut yogurt that's simply Epic.  Okay, I'm driving myself crazy.  You can find out how my sister-in-law is dealing with this goal of ours on her blog at k.stuff.

Hope you guys are having a great day!

Sarah

  

365 Day Photo challenge: Days 33-36

(Day 33 of the 365 day photo challenge 02-04-2012)

This restaurant is next to the dollar theater, and has been through many incarnations.  When we first moved here it was a fabulous Mexican restaurant, hence the style of the building, but now it's a Japanese and Chinese buffet.  It's quite funny how the theme and look of the place doesn't match, but I did go with my Dad and brother when they first opened and the food was really quite good.

(Day 34 of the 365 day photo challenge) 

My two Grandma's!!  I love them so!  I took this the day my little niece got her baby blessing.  She was absolutely adorable, but unfortunately I wasn't able to get her in her beautiful dress.   

 (Day 35 of the 365 day photo challenge) 

For fun I started working on piano versions of songs I like, as an ear training practice.  All those dreaded days I spent in music dictation; that subject was nearly the death of me, literally.  I think at BYU I experienced every single emotion in that class, in the dreaded E wing of the HFAC.  You're either good at it or your not, and I'm not, but with some help and coaching I survived.  This song is "All About Your Heart" by Mindy Gledhill, and I'm in love with it, mainly because someone did a Hunger Games fanvideo, where I discovered the song, and I can't help but think of Peeta when I listen to it.  The song fits him perfectly.

(Day 36 of the 365 day photo challenge) 

My cousin Heather gave this to me.  She got it the very last week Roberts Crafts closed, getting a few as a fun cousin token.  I love the style.  Very girlie chic.     

Hope your week was awesome,

Sarah

365 Day Photo challenge: Days 29 -32

(Day 29 of the 365 day photo challenge 01-31-2012) 

I can't remember when I got this, but my Mom picked it up for me once, as a nice reminder to believe.  It's so easy to doubt, especially when chasing dreams that feel impossible at times, so this is my daily reminder of hope and faith.   

(Day 30 of the 365 day photo challenge 02-01-2012) 

This is me Au Natural.  No make up or glasses.  It's how I see myself when I look in the mirror, and one of the reasons I don't like seeing myself in photos.  It's interesting how we never see ourselves the way others do, because, besides photos and video, we see ourselves 2D and flipped.  When I was first looking into doing a 365 day photo challenge, they recommended taking a picture of yourself once a month to see the changes a year can bring.  I kinda procrastinated. 

(Day 31 of the 365 day photo challenge 02-02-2012) 

This is my moto!  It's how I'm surviving all the Valentine goodness that is abundant and everywhere!  I heard it once at ward prayer one Sunday night, and found it so brilliant that I chanted it through my mind until I got home and was able to write it down.  Now, whenever I'm wanting something other then 70%+ Dark chocolate or frozen yogurt, I still chant this through my mind.  I want to be strong and healthy.

    (Day 32 of the 365 day photo challenge 02-03-2012)

It's Dio!  Several years ago I discovered a super fun anime called "Last Exile."  It's the first anime my Dad willingly sat through, probably because of all the air battles and flying, and several months after that he snuck my copy of the series to watch it again.  A few months ago I found out they're doing a second series called "Last Exile: Fam of the Silver Wing."  It's on Hulu, and showing immediately after it's broadcasted in Japan.  I'm all caught up now, and loving it, though sad because, when it comes to anime, I'm used to getting the complete season box sets, and I've never had to wait week by week to find out what happens.  I'm eager for the next episode to come out. 

Sarah

365 Day Photo challenge: Days 20 - 22. Remembering the Great Porterville Snow Fall of 1999

(Day 20 of the 365 day photo challenge) 

Starting January 22, 2012 we had a series of snow storms come through, which was actually a pleasant surprise.  I grew up in central California where all the orange trees grow, so just going below freezing was enough to freak the community out.  I heard that's how Porterville earned the "All American City" award, because one winter, when the trees were in danger of being destroyed by the cold, everyone got together to save them by pumping warm water and what not, and the crops were saved.  Nothing beats getting an orange straight from the tree.

 

(Day 21 of the 365 day photo challenge) 

I would fantasize how amazing it would be to have a snow day and for school to be canceled.  Every once in a while we would get snow flurries, but they would melt before hitting the ground.  Then January 25, 1999 something freaky happened.  Growing up LDS outside of Utah, I attended 6:30 a.m. seminary, but around 5:30 in the morning I got a call from my teacher saying class was canceled because it was snowing.  Snowing!?  Yeah, right, and I think I even laughed, because my teacher told me to look outside.  I did, swinging the door open, and gasping.  It was still dark, but there was at least half a foot of snow on the ground, and giant white snow flakes falling to the ground in glorious puffs. 

 

(Day 22 of the 365 day photo challenge) 

School was canceled, and I spent the day with my brother and friend Jeff, a neighbor, playing in snow fights and walking to other streets.  Everyone was out that day.  The whole city seemed to be at a stand still.  Here in Utah if there was snow like that, we wouldn't give it another thought, business would resume as normal.  But in California with braking tree branches taking out power lines and cars skidding everywhere causing accidents, most people seemed to stay home.  

It was such a novelty that the Weather Channel did a segment on it, featuring footage of the snow in Visalia.  

It's sad, reflecting, because I've forgotten that magic.  When it snows the first thing I think of is hoping the plow trucks are out and that the snow needs to be shoveled.  I hate driving in it.  These last few winters have been nasty and very wet.  But this year there hasn't really been much snow at all.  And so when we finally got a little, I couldn't help but be reminded how beautiful it is.

Have a great week!

Sarah 

365 Day Photo challenge: Days 14 - 18

(Day 14 of the 365 day photo challenge) 

My brother was having a party, and of course, with most parties in our family, games are always involved, though I was super hooked on the Hunger Games at this time, having started the second book.  Reading was pretty much all I did.

(Day 15 of the 365 day photo challenge) 

I had just finished doing a 5k training workout, when I looked up and was reminded of something.  Back when I attended UVU, before transferring to BYU, I had the most fabulous Geology 101 teacher who said the most amusing thing.  If Lindon put an "L" over their city, the Wasatch Mountains would spell UGLY, thanks to U of U placing a "U" above their school, Pleasant Grove placing a "G," and BYU placing a "Y."  Unfortunately Lindon has yet to put an "L" up, so Wasatch still reads "UGY."

(Day 16 of the 365 day photo challenge) 

I spent all day in the Studio.  I love these lights; they give off the most wonderful glow, in a fun modern way.  They're probably the hippest thing in our work room.

(Day 17 of the 365 day photo challenge) 

The debate!  Which one are we on?  Anyway, I've watched most of them, and I was hoping that a question about SOPA or PIPA would be asked, and it was.  This debate took place just after several website, including Google and Wikipedia, took a stand against these bills, pushing to maintain internet freedom.  Google blacked out their name, whereas Wikipedia went all out and took down their site for a day.

(Day 18 of the 365 day photo challenge) 

My sister-in-law just became a Self Reliance consultant, and this was her first party.  It's a freeze dried food storage system.  Most items are good for up to 25 years unopened, and one year after opening.  This was the first time I ever tried the food, and it was super good, and I've had it a few times since.  What's amazing is how easy it is to use in everyday cooking.  The yogurt bites are addicting.  

Have an awesome day!

Sarah

365 Day Photo challenge: Days 4-8

 (Day 4 of the 365 day photo challenge 01-06-2012)

This photo was taken at Jordan Commons, a movie theater, and anyone who knows me knows how much I love all things Japanese, skip the sushi, especially if it's cute.  The top Japanese line reads "rirakkuma" which means "relaxing bear."  And the bit under that translates to "gently relaxing everyday."  (Steven translated; I'm still learning).       

   

It costs $2 to play, and Steven actually had a go with it, though he ultimately failed.  We spent a good few minutes debating if it was even possible to win one, which we decided it wasn't.  All the stuffed bears were squished together in just the right way to make it impossible to retrieve any, and we weren't going to spend $10 to see if one can be dislodged, only to spend another $2 to then "try" and get it.  I'm probably being too fair in assuming it would only take $12.  It's impossible to play any game of this sort and remain relaxed in the process, unless you're a ninja, which I'm not.

  (Day 5 of the 365 day photo challenge 01-07-2012)

 I was out on a morning stroll when I took this.  It had snowed the night before, and the ground was dusted in the most wonderful way.  Plus, regardless of the snow, it was warm enough that I didn't need a jacket and could get away with a hoodie.  As I came to the park the most startling, loud, musical sound greeted me.  It seemed like there were hundreds of robin birds, flying about, chattering up a storm.

     (Day 6 of the 365 day photo challenge 01-08-2012)

This is a reprint edition of the 1830's Book of Mormon.  It was sold back in 2007, and just like the first, this edition was limited to only 5000, and was printed, pressed, and bound exactly the same way.  I got this when I graduated from BYU that same year from the bookstore as a momento.  Several times I tried reading through this copy, once getting lost in Alma only to start again, and then switching to a recent edition.  Several months ago I sat down determined to read this edition cover to cover.  Last Sunday I finally finished it.

I highly recommend any Later Day Saint to read an 1830's edition, where it's read without verses and columns.  It's a wonderful experience.  On top of the book rests a small bundle of Lavender I picked at the end of Summer and hung to dry.

(Day 7 of the 365 day photo challenge 01-09-2012)

Another tree photo!  No, this wasn't intentional.  My Mom found this book all about Vinegar at Barnes and Nobles the other day, and she decided that having Apple Cider Vinegar everyday would be greatly beneficial.  So after a bought of studying with myself poring over internet health pages, we hopped in the car to go to the Health store.  But before that I noticed how absolutely exquisite the moon looked and had to capture it.   

(Day 8 of the 365 day photo challenge 01-10-2012)

 

Yes, this was taken this morning, and yes, the Christmas Tree is still up.  I think one of the hardest things about Christmas ending is taking down the tree.  The lights are soothing.  But there is a point when it gets pathetic, so today the tree finally comes down!  And in less then 11 months it goes up again, just before the schedualed end of the World, because we all believe the Mayans.  (Though I personally believe they just got tired of writing out their calender, and realized 2012 was a great place to stop.  Try writing to a trillion; you'd have to be super engaged at the task to not get bored.)

Always,

Sarah

Launching Dream Maze and Cerulean Jade

 

 (Day 2 of the 365 day photo challenge)

My brother Steven and I are launching a new musical duo called Cerulean Jade.  For the last several months we've been working on our new song, Dream Maze, to go online.  It's been quite a process.  Many ups and downs and learning curves, trying to figure out what works and trying not to bite off more then we can chew, which we have from time to time.  

Yesterday we took our song on the road to hear how the final master sounds in my Dad's car.  It was an important test, because when we tried to master my two Christmas songs back in 2010, the arrangement completely disappeared on his system, and we could not figure out how to fix the problem.  But this time the master worked!  And the arrangement was easy to hear.

(Day 3 of the 365 day photo challenge)

Today was the next step:  Getting it entered on CD Baby.  The song is still being proccesed on their site, and it's going to take a few more days, likely the middle of next week or so, for the song to appear on iTunes.  It's a huge step, because we've decided to mass distribute the song, and we have no idea how people are going to like it.  We're being true to ourselves musically, and as an artist that's very important.  Hoping for the best!  And I can't wait to get started on the next song.  It's fun and upbeat, and I get to sing with sass.

Always,

Sarah