Photo Editing

I've been learning a lot about photo editing recently; just picking up the colour a bit, making eyes sparkle, skin a little softer or doing complete overhauls and adding textures and turning the photo into art.

Here's a quick example of what I did with the picture of the kids jumping. Not a total do-over, just a few little things (including covering up Brent's Belly Button! (which he is so ashamed to have showing))

In discussing the possibilities of photo editing with a friend yesterday, she said they had discussed it back in university (before this even became a possibility to the average Joe) and their prof asked the question: "Is altering a photo a little like altering history, and not leaving the true story behind for future generations?" Hmmmm.

So here is the original Straight Out Of the Camera (SOOC)



And here is the touch up...



I think history will be OK with that.

Catching up...

This year I will try to update more often. Promise. To start off, let's go back to December to get caught up...

For those that aren't on Facebook, or didn't receive one in the mail, here is our Christmas card for this (past) year.

I loved this layout, but the photo of the kids originally showed Brent's belly (as in the blog header picture...will have to change that too!), and he didn't want that being 'publicized,' so we went with the other picture. Now that I've had more time to play with the photo (and a great tip from my sister-in-law on what technique to use) I was able to photoshop it! Don't believe anything you see in a photo any more!

The Week WE Painted

...well, I actually only played a tiny part in the painting, but certainly was right in the midst of the upheaval that painting your whole living area brings.

You see, I have an AMAZING, talented, energetic, giving Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Peter who have always loved to renovate, paint, decorate etc.

So when we built our home 8 years ago, this dynamic duo, volunteered to come down and help us out. They installed all our hardwood floors and ceramic tile upstairs; all the window trim, and hung the doors; painted the bathroom and installed the wainscoting, and painted our bedroom. I also sent down a box of fabric with my mom (they live in the Niagara area) and she made curtains for the living room, valences, and coverings for 2 closets. (I'm not a big fan of doors on closets so I've hung curtains in front of them).

While chatting at a family function earlier this year, Aunt Evelyn came up with the idea that our house should probably be ready for a paint job, and offered to come up and freshen things up for us!

Well, I wasn't sure what I was getting into but yikes! painting really upsets things.

Our house is very open, and it was all getting painted, so everything had to go. This is our living and dining room. The wall on the right normally houses 2 floor to ceiling, 4 foot wide, bookcases.


Good thing it was a sunny week! Bookshelves and the contents of the front closet were stored on the porch.


They not only tear things up, but they also, won't leave until things are pretty much back in order...hanging the last curtain in it's place!



I'm not sure this is the best representation of the colour, but it is quite a chameleon colour, that changes with the different light projected on it throughout the day. In normal daylight it is a soft straw colour. Note the empty shelf on the book case...major purging!


Yes, we let our dog sleep on the couch (but he's supposed to be on the blanket). He's 86 in people years...he gets a few perks.

And we need a new coffee table.

This picture is especially for Uncle Pete. He'll know why. You are amazing!


This is our desk area. Of course as you put things back into place it all gets a fresh look. Do I really like this here? Do I really like this at all? Many things got the old heave ho; including the random piece of lumber that was being used for a desk, replaced by a custom built (by my amazing husband) desk and pantry. Doors to follow.


Blessed indeed!!!