Creativity 101

Here at the Brown household, we make due with what we have. Well.... Most of the time anyway.

 Casidy celebrated her 15th birthday on Thursday. I couldn't believe it. Seems as if she was just 7 years old learning to ride a bicycle last week. Boy, how time flys! Of course candles are a must have for any birthday cake, right? 

So the story....  It was about 15 minutes before the party. We had just finished frosting the cake. I suppose checking the supply of candles would of been a good idea.  The only candles that we seemed to find was for our 7th and 8th birthdays years ago. After searching the cupboards, we finally compromised with using the 7 + 8 to equal 15.  I do have to say, the plastic utensil for the plus sign was pretty funny, but hey, it worked!  Hope you had a great day, Casidy!

 

Bunches of Things

Lately I've been reading the Bible a lot. Amongst all this business I make it a priority to set aside some time. Right now I'm reading Romans. The words of God are so comforting and encouraging. One of my favorites - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Whenever I'm having a really bad day, I think of this verse.  And I know that I can get through anything with God! 

Todays Homework Pile 

Whenever I have spare time I'm always diving into these sort of books 


This week I'm getting ready for my very first Photography Show!!! I am just exhilarated.  I never even dreamed of being in a show until  at least my early 20's. So how it all started.... in case you may be wondering...  My mom was invited to a holiday party a few weeks ago. She wanted me to tag along with her...  The reason?  There was going to be a portrait photographer there. Mom thought it would be nice for me to talk with her. I didn't particularly want to go. I was busy... After some hesitation I finally decided I'd go. It was also a very nice break from my homework.  After a nice long chat with this women, I forgot her name, sorry! She was telling me about this photography show that is happening near the end of November, and that I may be interested in attending to meet some local professional photographers. We exchanged contact info, so that way we could keep in touch. The really amazing part is this! Just as we were walking out the door to leave, the lady in charge of this photography show came in the door.  This was completely unexpected too! The women that I exchanged information with told me to stay.... because  this was the lady I needed to talk too.  After a great conversation --- It turned out that rather then attending the show, I was going to be IN the show!
I suppose you can guess what I've been up to these last few weeks, right? Figuring out which pictures I want to sell, printing pictures, deciding how many of each photo I want, deciding on how many different sizes to order, purchasing mats and frames, signing EACH photograph, ordering business cards... The list just goes on..... I have to say a huge thank you to my wonderful mother! She has helped me tremendously with all this. I couldn't do it without you. Also, thank you grandma and grandpa for helping me with the costs. Here are a few pictures of a work in process. 

By the way, everyone is invited to attend this event. It takes place on November 27th, 2010 in downtown Mount Vernon. If you'd like more information about the show please leave a comment with your contact info. 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

What keeps you busy?

Gibbs Siblings



Aaron in the Tree



Lizzy, Aaron, Nathan and Zachary 

My personal favorite 

Lizzy

Nathan

Zachary

This old truck made for an excellent prop! 

Though, I'm not certain if we were allowed to go inside.... the keys were even there too! 

Zachary

I especially love this girl.....  Lizzy is full of laughter, joy and very sweet.... 

We've named this pond "Brown Pond" Due to the dirty water color... As Zachary quoted, "Hey, we can go fishing here."  It's a new pond that was just put in not to long ago. 

You have such a beautiful smile 

The two youngest 

To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters.  We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time. -- Clara Ortega

Today I had the opportunity to photograph the Gibbs  siblings. It's something I've been wanting to do for a couple of years now..... so today I called them up, and they were here almost right away. Lizzy and Aaron - I loved your hats! :)  Thank you for such a fun day. Let's do it again soon! 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. 

Hello Seattle - Part 2

Sleeping Otter 

This "thing" was SUPER awesome looking. I know this much - it is a fish and was right up against the glass of the tank. 

He/she? ...was waiving good-bye... 

Have a great week! 

Hello Seattle by Owl City - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VlK2BOhmvU

Hello Seattle - Part 1

The different types of sea enenimies were so beautiful -  such vibrant colors were they! 

These were in an area where you could touch them - it was pretty neat. 

This is inspiring me to get back into watercolor painting!

This  looks like a painting to me - I mean nature is SO inspiring. 

My personal favorite

I couldn't believe that all of this is right here, in our own ocean. 

I particularly like the lighting in this shot. 

One of my fish pictures that turned out half-way decent 

No idea what this is, but it certainly is neat. 

Jellyfish 

Water and Buildings 

Today we spent the afternoon in Seattle. I love the city in regards to the arts, architecture, and all the great photography opportunities.... I don't care for the large amount of people, perhaps that is just because I'm so used to living out in the country, but I better get used to the city life...... If I'm going to be going to college in one!  Our family doesn't go to Seattle to often, so when we do I make sure I get a good load of pictures taken. I got about 300 this trip. Heidy, our cousin, lives in Seattle. She took us to the aquarium, as we had never been to one before. One wood describes the experience "JAW - DROPPING!" Okay, that was two words, but you get the point. Ah yes, after visiting the aquarium I'm definitely re-considering majoring in Marine Biology. It's just amazing. All of the creatures that live under and in the water. It's just so fascinating. Have you ever stood there and observed a Sea horse? I did  that today. The behaviour of this little creature is just so cool. (for lack of a better word) They sit, or float actually :-P in one spot and just rock back and forth... So slowly, and are just the most daintiest little things. Jellyfish too. They had this massive tank, well many different massive tanks actually. This particular tank was filled with jellyfish, and you were literally RIGHT THERE within inches away. They to, just like the seahorse have such an interesting behaviour. I can't explain it, you'll have to see it for yourself. All in all, it was such a wonderful day seeing these creatures up so close and watching them as long as you want. At the start of the day I had quite the rough time trying to figure out what the aperture, shutter speed and ISO should be set too. It was extremely dark indoors, so of course a low shutter speed was needed. 'Twas quite the task trying to achieve that without a tripod. So all the 100 beautiful (so I thought) fish pictures didn't turn out so well..... I could stay here all evening telling you about the nice day, but to save your eyes -  I won't bother.