Rainingslushyuckiness: Can Spring be far behind?

Yes, the weather is so sloppy today that I had to come up with a new word for it. It snowed all night, about 4-6 inches, then started raining this morning. It's been pouring all day.

Through the rain on the windshield

But who wants to stay shut in on their day off? Not me. So I took a ride in celebration of all wheel drive. I may have to curtail that activity soon-gas prices are up to $3.30 a gallon this morning!

I love red in the winterscape

These pictures were taken in the pouring rain.  But look! There are buds on these trees.  Can Spring be far behind? I have faith-the sap is flowing. It is starting the big thaw before the ground warms up and sends us daffodils! Dawn of The Feathered Nest already has them!

 

Look closely: Buds!

The last two weeks I've been printing some of my photos and framing them in preparation for hanging an art show. Granted, it's in my office building, but we have real art shows, publicized and everything. Though I showed my collage art a couple of years ago, this is my first show of photography, and it's been fun blowing them up and framing them. It is actually a heady experience, seeing your favorites enlarged BIG! It could become addicting. In that case, I'll have to actively seek more showings. Hmmm. Just remember, when I'm rich and famous, that you saw them first! (see my slideshows)

I just finished reading Inner Excavation by Liz Lamoreux. This is a great book to help unlock the creativity inside of us. She has chapter after chapter laid out to encourage and teach us how to journey inward through photography, poetry and mixed media art. I will never think of my camera in quite the same way now. Just reading this book has got my creative juices squirting away. I think this is what I have been aiming for for a long time.

My photo, with other people's designs applied

I've  been playing around in Photoshop and am starting to understand more and more of the potential it can unlock for me. A class I took a couple of weeks ago showed me that I know more than I think, but I hunger for more-I couldn't get my questions answered. So I play.  Maybe that is the key...

My photo, with someone's design applied, coloration fiddled with

There is so much to learn, though, and I can't seem to find my way. I see digital art in magazines that blows me away and I want to learn how to do these things. But without going back to college for graphic arts, who will teach me? (to quote a commercial I once heard)

My photos, my design

I see some potential, but not enough information!

My photos, my adjustments, my design

I'll keep working on finding my learnin'! I have gotten a lot of help with on-line demonstration videos, etc. and I will keep seeking a local hands-on teacher. I am determined!

I have a lot more thoughts in my head at the moment, but I'll spare you a long ramble. Winter never fails to turn into Spring, and it is starting to happen already.

Have a wonderful week!

Sherry