Alphabet- as in ABC not Google

The last Gimmie Your Best Shot for CCoH theme is “alphabet”.  Here are the 3 I sent in. I did the Cheerwine because it’s a NC company and 2017 celebrates 100 years.

Slamming the pause button on life

I’ve had ribs go out before. It seems like if I am working extremely hard, over my ability my ribs stay where they’re supposed to.

In the past, the chiropractor could put them back in and I’d be fine in a day or two. This last one had me contemplating an ER visit when muscle spasms kicked in on top of the rib head being out.

October 23rd I did something so strenuous it sent me into immediate pain… I reached for the mouse.

Topaz labs Plugin Collection 75% off

Topaz 17 products one price on sale -use code BLACKFRIDAY17 to get 75% off.

My last CCoH field trip for 2017

I again spent the field trip drive making new friends with CCoH members. I’ve spoken with all of them but it was nice to learn a little more about Diane, Allison & David.

The first photos I shot were of the cool looking sky before we ever left the parking lot.

The making of Through The Brown Mountain Lights book covers for CC Tillery

The sister duo CC Tillery hired me to make or remake the covers for their Appalachian Journey series. I’m honored to be chosen again for their Brown Mountain Lights series.

Topaz on a barn quilt square

I usually use Topaz Impressions so I wanted to try something I use less often. I took my barn square photo into Topaz black and white, and another layer into Topaz Simplify. I used layers mask to select and blend. Topaz Impressions is still my favorite but there are several of Topaz products I like to play with.

To check out Topaz – here is my referral link  to a great photo editing tool-   http://www.topazlabs.com/?hr=mQDP4 

Topaz 17 products one price on sale -use code BLACKFRIDAY17 to get 75% off.

I hate sitting at my computer editing and this simple edit took less than 15 minutes. I would’ve been quicker if I made my mind up on what filter to use but I kept clicking between a few of them. It’s nice to have such a powerful tool to make fast changes.

I love your hair… said no one ever.

That is just something I don’t hear unless someone who has straight hair thinks they’d love to have naturally curly hair with a mind of its own.

Guys- you can pretty much quit reading this post as it will probably bore you, in fact, if you’re a lucky female with beautiful thick full straight hair this isn’t for you either 🙂

On top of being curly, it’s also fine, thin, absurdly slow-growing and the back resembles a skunk stripe because it is turning gray at a completely different rate from the front. I don’t mind salt and pepper, or all white but the skunk look just isn’t going to work.

My Pinterest board on hair is here. 

I’ve been letting my hair grown out for years and now, November 2017, after the third cut by a new person it is right back to where it was two years ago.

 

November 2015

Dec 2015

I’m mad and I’m sad but I’m not surprised.

Sofia turns 8!

We have received two letters from Sofia. In the latest one from September, she told us she is learning to wash her hands, brush her teeth and shower each day. All things we take for granted here.

She said they are justifying themselves for the entrance to the jungle. I asked what that was but haven’t heard back yet. There is such a language, age and culture difference on top of the fact that we’re not great with kids.

They are doing balloon games and sports. I wonder if Ecuador celebrates anything like our Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Got my fall color fix on our Virginia road trip

I’ve been wanting to see Mabry Mill in Virginia for about a year when I first heard about it. It is hard for me to leave my cats overnight and I considered just waiting (hopefully many many years until we were petless) and going with an overnight or two stays to see more in the area. Although it was a long day in the car (over 11 hours) I’m still glad we stole away a day because you never know what tomorrow may bring. I think before we go again I’ll get a newer BRP book. 

New litter box follow up.

Original post on the boxes I looked at can be found here

I ordered two, tested both with water and went with the Catit Jumbo.