While I don’t specialize in macro photography, it truly is something I consider WAY cool.  The curves and textures of different objects go completely unnoticed until you’re able to get up close.  The most boring subject can turn into something abstract and beautiful!

I’ve had my 100 mm macro lens for about 2 years now and I admittedly don’t get it out as often as I should.  It also makes a great portrait lens too though so I really have no excuse.  I’m trying harder.  Ideally you should have fancy light setups, tripods, backgrounds, etc.  but for these I just used the window in my studio.  Sure there is vignetting and shadowing but I don’t really mind.

My husband used to bring me flowers quite a bit until I told him I was too practical for that.  Now he brings me camera equipment. lol  Every once in awhile, I will get a wild hair and pick up a beautiful bouquet at Costco though.  Then I’ll call him and thank him for the gorgeous flowers he bought me. lol

Shooting for myself is something I’m making time for lately.  Even if it’s not specifically macro – just doing something beyond the norm.  Getting out of my usual surroundings.  Even if it’s just once a month, I highly recommend it.

You can find more macro inspiration here:

Macro on Flickr

Originally my way cool thing to blog about was going to be the iPad.  YES it is more than an oversized iPod Touch!  I haven’t quite figured it out yet though since my husband is holding it hostage and not sharing.  Instead, I’ve found some way cooler stuff  that didn’t even come from a store.  They came from our own Grandma Rosie’s farm house in the Ozarks and they will make you way more jealous than a lousy iPad.  Grandma Rosie is my husband’s grandmother and my six year old’s great grandmother and we were able to visit her this past weekend.

There is so much to photograph at Grandma’s.  From the beautiful mountains, unique barns, wildflowers galore, and the greenest grass you’ve ever seen.  Exhibit 1:  and proof I was there.  (Enjoy it – I hate being in front of the camera.)  By the way, I got major shin splints from this hike.

Hey mom.  This is called a C-O-W.  We don’t pet these. (That’s another blog.)

Photographers, look at that moss.  How’d you like that as a background?  Gorgeous huh?

But even more than the beauty of the environment are the stories.  There is so much history in that land and Rosie has done such a wonderful job archiving it.  Her home is covered in pictures and relics some over 100 years old and each has a tale to go with it.  She has stories of ghosts and previous owners and family history that could easily make best sellers.

Note the date on this wedding photograph.  They look so young and scared to death!

Rosie’s craft room is so cool.  The light through the windows streams out over everything – old paperbacks, plants and flowers, built ins full of bobbles, pin cushions, and quilt squares.  My macro and I had a good time.

I will have to show off some of the beautiful quilts she has created here.   Absolutely amazing.   Until then, happy Wednesday and don’t forget to appreciate your loved ones, your family, and all of the history that has happened before you!

This is a little bit “way cool” and a little bit of a confession.  I hesitated to write about this because I never ever want to admit to wasting time on anything!  Sometimes though, a girl just has to veg!  So pull up a Diet Coke and put your feet up while I enlighten you and MAYBE I can drag you into my obsession as well.

Here ya go:

I’m sure some of you know what this is.  Especially some of my photographer friends who love to obliterate me and make me feel dumb (like I need any help).  It’s an iPhone app called Words With Friends.   It’s sort of like laid back Scrabble I guess.  The best part about it is you can have multiple games – like 15 or something – going on at the same time.  You can also just play whenever you want!  I haven’t moved in about 3 days with some of my games… mainly because I’m losing but that’s a whole other personal issue.

By the way, notice I’m beating my husband in this game.  Just saying.

While I’m waiting for an oil change, at the orthodontist, sitting in the carpool lane at school, etc. I have a nifty little game to pass the time.  Yep – that’s the only time I play!  I am not wasting any time!!!!  :D  Oh there is a chat feature as well so you can say, “Ooo nice one.” Or, “Dang! Ouch!”  ”No way!!  Quey is not a word!”  Really fun!  Incidentally, “quey” IS a word, my friends.  Oh yes indeedy.

SO indulge me and add the app (it’s FREE) and add me!  I’m eptexy on there.  That’s E for Erin, P for Potter and T for Tex… ok not so sophisticated.  DO EET!