Storyteller

Napier = Art Deco

2012-02-26T08:37:00.000-08:00

Seems there was a fire that burned most of the town to the ground in the 30's. Rebuilding was done in the art deco style of the time. It was funny to see an Office Depot with this facade. The architecture was colorful and delightful though we felt as if we had stepped into the past.

This city also had a lot of public art which was fun to look at and photograph. On this particular day, there was a protest. Moms and tots were decrying cutbacks in preschool programs. They marched down Main Street and on to the public square at oceanside. I guess governments the world over have fewer bucks than needs.

All in all, the town and day were perfect.

Golf High on the Cliffs at Cape Kidnappers

2012-02-23T21:42:00.002-08:00

This is golf at it's finest. Getting here was a bit challenging as the gate was locked and rather hidden. Once we found it and were buzzed through, the drive to the top was about 8 miles long through wineries and sheep farms. How delightful is that!

Check out the views. Turquoise water lapping against rock cliffs. Sometimes the putting seemed as if we were putting off the cliffs. Sort of like an infinity pool. I am not sure what I paid more attention to--the golf or the photo opps. Unlike American golf course club houses, this one was very unobtrusive. It had what it needed and nothing more.

All in all, this was indeed a spectacular day!

Napier and the Wine Tours

2012-02-04T12:21:00.002-08:00

After leaving Jan And Dave's place, we wandered up the road toward the seaside town of Napier. Rick is always willing to stop where ever so that I can snap photos. I kept noticing the California poppies (I wonder if they call them New Zealand poppies here) and loved the intense orange among so much green. We stopped. Rick kept noticing the utility poles made from plastic and we had to stop so that he could send an image to his buddy, Phil, who deals in wooden ones. And don't you just love the rolling hills of various green colors. Have you ever seen different shades of green that don't look just fabulous together?

And atlasta, we arrive in Napier and not to disappointment. Our hotel is right across from the beach and after exploring this a bit, Roland sohws up for our wine tour. He is a Brit who learned the wine trade in France but followed his girl to New Zealand. It was nice to have a guide who knew the wineries and was also our designated driver. We sampled all that we wanted.

He took us to five wineries, each different from the last. I love the decor and the displays as much as the wine. I learned that a rose bush is often planted at the end of each row because it will be the first indication of a pesticide problem. All in all, this was just a grand day!

Jan and Dave

2012-01-23T23:36:00.000-08:00

Jan met us at the door with a bottle of wine and some snacks. Dave joined us and we chatted for a long while. They are such an interesting couple. Jan is the "Pioneer Woman" of New Zealand. Not only does she run a wonderful B&B, she is also a great cook and has cooking schools at her lodge with notable chefs. She prepared our dinner and then breakfast the next day. We totally loved this couple.

Dave is quite the gentleman rancher. Progressive in his thinking, he is returning the land to it's native state. First sheep and now dairy cows are a source of income. He treated us to a tour of his ranch. The cows were curious and marvelous.

Hiwinui Country Estate

2012-01-09T18:43:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights of this trip was a stay at Dave and Jan Stewarts B&B. This couple is amazing. Jan's breakfast and dinners were delish and their hospitality second to none. We loved their place and had we known, would have stayed on.

We had a chance to walk the place and what fun was that. Sheep and ducks all waiting for mom and pop to bring on the goods. It is New Zealand at it's finest.

Paraparaumu--Easy for You to Say!

2012-01-06T22:27:00.000-08:00

This was our first golf outing and for me it would prove to be the toughest. NZ courses are different than here. There was no driving range to speak of. We took a long drive out back and hit balls off of mats into a net. You had no idea how far you were hitting or even if you were accurate. At least we warmed up our golf muscles.

It was so windy that sometimes I felt like my drive landed behind the tee. Not really but sure seemed so. The locals knew to keep the ball low. It was men's day and I am pretty certain I was the only female at the course. Our hosts, Richard and Brian, were nice and friendly. Rick overwhelmed them with his game but they were underwhelmed by mine.

After lunch, we headed north east toward a town called Palmerston North. Rick is awesome about stopping along the way for me to snap photos. I love wind turbines andI share some with you here.

The New Zealand Government Hub

2011-12-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

Wellington is the seat of the country's government and the Parliament complex was close by. The cabinet offices are located in a building whose architectural features and functionality give it the name "The Beehive". We located this oh-so-fun pub restaurant called 'Backbenchers', whose claim to fame, besides all of the politicians who frequent it, is the caricatures hanging on the wall throughout. Gives a new meaning to "Big brother watching over you".

Loved the green cabs throughout Wellington. They were electirc and very quiet.

Wellington from the Air

2011-12-24T08:29:00.000-08:00

Search for the cable car, we did. It took awhile as the sign was quite small and the entrance tucked between two buildings. A rather nondescript beginning. But oh the ride was fun. Rising up from the waterfront to the hills above, added a whole new dimension to the beauty of the view.

And then to find that a wander downhill through the Botanical garden brought us right back to our hotel. Just in time for a wine cocktail. Whoa, what a day!

The North Island begins...

2011-12-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

We flew north to Wellington, picked up a rental and drove into the heart of the city. That was scary. After much angst, we found our hotel which was beautiful and over looked the water and the Botanical garden. Wandering along the waterfront called to us so off we went to see what we could see. Here it is folks.

Many diverse activities are happening here. We located a brew pub named Mac's and people watched while we ate. After, we found our way to the Te Papa Museum, which is the newest. It was amazing.

The day was grand, sunny and barely a cloud in the sky. The right way to begin our trek on the North Island.

Not Another...

2011-12-23T23:00:00.000-08:00

I so loved this church. It is Gothic but in a stately way and elegant in every way. I simply loved it. It is sad to hear that they will deconsecrate it because it is too badly damaged to continue as a place of worship. My hope is that the Anglo church will find a way to help New Zealanders restore its beauty and functionality. Though I hear NZ had yet another earthquake today. This image is as the sun was setting and a portion of it is covered in sunlight and another in the shadows. The steeple stand sno more and I hear that the rose window fell in last June. Oh my!

Art in the Gallery; Art in the Park

2011-12-21T22:42:00.000-08:00

I walked down to the gallery by myself. Rick and Caite were tired of museums. I'm glad I did as one of the exhibits was "Blue" and the pieces were all different mediums but in the color blue. It was very cool!

Later I found these fountains in a park. There were a lot of them and they looked like dandelions. Totally fun! Totally fascinating. Couldn't get enough pictures.

I think that I shall never see...

2011-12-21T22:32:00.000-08:00

Botanical Gardens often fascinate us. This one was no exception. The weather was grand here in Christchurch and this 160 acre park seemed to be the bridge to everywhere we needed or wanted to go. So we walked through it a lot and enjoyed it more each time. I have a lot of pictures and share them with you here.

The Long and Winding Avon

2011-12-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

I first discovered the Avon while waiting for lunch. It was just across the street from the outdoor restaurant. Then I found the Avon again while wandering through the Botanical garden. And then I found the activity Punting on the Avon, which is Christchurch's response to Venice gondoliers. Notice the image of Rick and his I-Phone in the old red phone booth. So British, it is and so American, the I-phone. How do you get game scores in the red thing.

Christchurch was the town from which many Antartic exhibitions hailed. The Canterbury Museum has an excellent exhibition tracing the quest to reach Antartica. This museum was free to enter as were many museums in Christchurch. It was a morning well spent.

My Kind of Place

2011-12-18T23:52:00.000-08:00

Of all the cities in New Zealand, Christchurch was my favorite. Our hotel was tucked in the back corn of the square which made everything accessible. We walked or took public transportation every where.

The Cathedral is the center of this city and square. I so love this centerpiece and it has fallen on hard times. I hope the people of Christchurch find the ability to rebuild it.

The square reminds me of Portland, perhaps Pioneer Square. All sorts of activities by all sorts of people, take place here. The All Black countdown was on. As was Mr. Leftwing.

There is art and games and the trolley and fun and friendly people. I loved it here.

Just Do It

2011-12-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

We hiked in the afternoon and then at the crack of cold dawn (don't take Caite's shorts as an indication that it was warm, it wasn't...

But it is amazing what sights you see when you get off the beaten track.

Who would know this stuff exists unless you go to it.

You gotta love these swaying bridges

and jumping on command

and the blue lakes

and the wildflowers

and the etched rocks

and the fact that I was warm if no one else was...

It was a good day.

2011-12-16T12:59:00.000-08:00

Seriously, this was the view from our room. All room views faced this mountain. How zen is this!

We tramped (Kiwi word for hiked) here and I was able to get mountain views from every angle. Sir Edmund Hillary practiced here before taking on Everest.

More fascinating rock piles. ET was here.

Does it get any better than this?

2011-12-15T12:43:00.000-08:00

Lake Pukaki at the foot of Mt Cook...

We lingered here a long time both coming and going. Caite talked about getting in the lake and then just finally did. I was delighted to find roadside Columbine so far from home. And then my stack of rocks to confuse the ETs.

At Lasta

2011-12-14T23:16:00.000-08:00

New Zealand Resumed...

about time, don't ya think

Yes this color is the real deal. Gorgeous , right.

This most amazing shade of blue is from the so-called glacier flour, which is dust ground off the mountains by glaciers. Suspended particles in combination with sunlight create this fabulous color.

I found the land formations intriguing. Cliff-like barren hills with a row of trees on top. Looks like a mohawk and it doesn't look much like they held the topsoil.

Peaches anyone?

Oh baby!

2011-11-28T23:14:00.000-08:00

This one includes extractions and blending modes galore. I am having so much fun looking at all of these old photos. i am sure PS didn't even exist and for sure I didn't have these kind of skills.

Comments are oh so free!

Thanksgivings Remembered

2011-11-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving stories...
Always a good laugh.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate. I am thankful for you in my cyber world.

Celebrating 4 at the Magic House - Spilling over Blending Techniques

2011-11-23T23:07:00.000-08:00

Another example using blending modes and spilling a photo into multiple layers. The framing brings focus to both the main photo and Drew's face on the back image. This technique is rather easy to do, in the end and I think, produces a special look.

If you are viewing, thank you. Let me know you stopped by.

This Chick Is A Hottie

2011-11-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Check out this chick...
And my new skills in post processing...

We work well together.

2011-10-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

So this is my baby, 20 years ago, on her first birthday. Where has that time gone.

I am loving the new blending techniques I am learning. Four photos here all different sizes. Cool HUH!

Leave a comment to let me know you have visited.

Life Is A Beach

2011-10-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

Marcy, Mike, Dave and Nick came out for the weekend. We went to Canon Beach and had a perfect beach day. It was deligtfully wonderful for October. The boys actually went into the Pacific Ocean and stayed there for at least an hour. It made me cold just watching. Oh to be a kid!

Here are several images I captured and montaged together.

Been traveling...

2011-09-12T22:56:00.000-07:00

I was in Scotland and London for most of August and so no posts here. I did get a significant portion of our New Zealand trip scrapped so look for some more on that. In the mean time, over the weekend, one of my favorite shops, Designer Degitials, had a quarterly sale and challenge. I made this page during one of those challenges. What fun!

2011-07-25T22:28:00.000-07:00

Milford Sound took my breath away. Being a part of this place, if just for an moment in time, for me, was another instance of not just believing in the divine but knowing it to be true. We captured so many wonderful images which I wanted to hold in my memory forever and so I share them here.

Milford Sound - part 1

2011-07-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite photo of all however there were so many it was difficult to decide...

We arrived to rainfall and a bit of disappointment because of it. Our guides assured us that rain in the sound is spectacular because of the waterfalls it creates. Our home for one night was the Milford Wanderer. We ate two meals on board and slept on bunks in tiny little cabins. It felt like camp and it captivated me. No cell service, no cable, no laptops...just the three of us. Conversation was our entertainment. I highly recommend it.

After putting away our things and generally getting our bearings, we had the choice of a boat ride in Harrison Cove and history tour or kayaking. The water was 40F and so we chose the boat. Our Maori guide was a delightful storyteller and so we learned the history of Milford. He spotted penguins on the shore and quickly took us to the sighting. Totally FUN!

The next morning I got up just before sunrise (and the sun did rise on this magnificent day) and took a load of wonderful pictures. After breakfast, we sailed to the Tasman sea. It was choppy and would have been better done before breakfast. haha. The slow ride home took us past all the waterfalls we had been promised the day before as well as seals and dolphins that watched our every move.

A Liberal Allowance of Time

2011-07-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Building the Homer Tunnel was begun by 5 men with pick and shovels as a Depression era project. It took nearly 20 years. The story is pretty amazing. Like every mountain passage world wide, crossing the ridge to the other side always holds great anticipation. This was no exception. In spite of and perhaps because of the rainy day, the views were all misty and spectacular.

Our final stop before Milford was the Chasm. Here the Cleddau River cuts through both hard and soft stone to carve the river bed up in new ways, creating some amazing waterfalls. On a plaque there reads this quote:

The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools,

but the gentle touches of air and water

working at their leisure

with a liberal allowance of time.

David Henry Thoreau

I am not sure who David Henry Thoreau is and wondered if it should have read Henry David Thoreau. Whatever!

2011-07-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Te Anau was the lunch stop on our way. It is the starting point for those tramping (hiking) to Milford Sound. Supposedly, this is an easy hike but takes 3-4 days. Too little time, to much to see! We horsed around in Te Anau, snapped some photos of the horsing around and then we were on our way.

Mirror Lakes was a scenic stop along the drive. It gets its name because the water is so clear that it reflects the Earl Mountains. On this particular day, it was raining, not an unusual thing for this region, and so we simply saw beautiful pristine lakes. Too bad :)

The sign noting the Mirror Lakes location is upside down, reflecting the name. Someone had a sense of humor..

The Road to Milford Sound

2011-07-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

Leaving Queenstown on a southerly path, we caught our last glimpses of Lake Wakapitu. We all found the landscape to be amazing, especially Caite. First there were rolling hills like I have never seen. They looked as if they were carved, they were so smooth. Others had ridges of green grass. We passed cattle ranches and grazing sheep. Rumor has it that there are more sheep than people in New Zealand. However, the best was a reindeer farm. HUH! As we entered the Fiordland National Park, which is a World Heritage area, the terrain began to change.

Our first stopping point was Lake Manapouri, which still exists because New Zealanders took up the campaign to save the lake and surrounding communities. Political powers wanted to raise the water significantly and install a hydroelectric facility. Yeah for the little guy.

Queenstown

2011-07-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

Queenstown is a charming place. Laid back in feel but the surrounding area is full of high adventure activities. It is near here that Caite did a bungy jump over a canyon. OMG! Glad I was not there to witness it. I love how the town is set into the hills and a short walk downhill brings you to waters edge. Coffee or tea, Wakapitu side, is pure delight. Note the enormous Fergburgers we found. Large enough to feed a family of four, we discovered only after they arrived at our table. Queenstown is truly the town with a view.

Day 2: St Clair Beach

2011-07-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

It is hard to imagine when stepping into the Pacific Ocean at St Clair Beach that this is the same body of water that laps our home state shores. Some 7500 miles have been traveled and November 1 went MIA. This place is truly magnificent, a bit wild and oh so moody.. Caite tells that early in her stay in Dunedin, in the winter months, they camped on this beach to watch for migrating seals. I love the colors of the water juxtaposed against the beige sand. Oh my!

Day 2: The University of Otago

2011-07-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

The campus is beautiful. We took a walking tour and found the landscape and architecture to be a wonderful blend of old and new. The clock tower is the famous centerfold and so we snapped some photos there. When I spotted this bench, I just had to have my daughter pose.

Since it is November and moving toward summer down under, the students are sunning on the lawn. Rick and I are in polar fleece and leather while Caite is in shorts. What a hoot.

New Zealand Beginnings

2011-07-11T15:42:00.000-07:00

This is the beginnings of the New Zealand trip Rick and I took last November. Our daughter studied in Dunedin, NZ for a semester and we took the opportunity to see her and the land.

Follow me as I build this photo book of our trip. The scrap booking style I prefer is a large photo on the left side and a collage of my favorite photos on the right.

This first image is of Rick sitting on the right side of the car, preparing to drive on the left side of the road. I think this was possibly the scariest thing I have ever participated in. Much worse than teaching three teenagers how to drive.

Thank God my daughter knew where all the pubs were in Dunedin. We needed something rather strong to calm our nerves. Ha Ha

Kia ora is a Māori language greeting which has entered New Zealand English. It means literally "be well/healthy" and is translated as an informal "hi".

Kia Ora!

Buss Baby

2011-07-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

One of the things I miss most about living in St Louis is it's close proximity to Chicagoland and family. The Buss's would trek down the highway a couple of times a year for a weekend visit. Always a chance for the cousins to get to know each other and for the adults to compare notes about many things. These are great memories.

Another Trip from the Past

2011-06-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

This is home to the Anheuser-Busch family. I am not sure who the real owners are anymore but for years, when I was a little girl and then for my kids, we visited this wonderful place. It was always a fun day and the best part was that it was totally free. Not too many like that anymore.

Hare and Hound

2011-06-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

St Louis hosts one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the country. On a Saturday afternoon in September, it draws upwards of 100,000 people each year to witness the "Hare and Hound" race. Spectators can watch "up front and personally" the filling of these balloons and the launch. The race is held in Forest park, which is the home of the 1904 World's Fair. It is just a good time mingling with the masses over picnic lunches and music and plenty of hot air.

The bacground was created with a sky photo of mine
and a texture from Kim Klassen
with a soft light blending mode and reduced opacity.

Boys and Bears Squared

2011-06-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

I am reliving all of these memories form preschool days ...way back in the day.

How much fun to see these babes and bears. So many mantle pictures. It always seemed like such a good perch.

Calliope Template by Tracy Stroud

Summertime and the Living is Easy

2011-05-31T21:19:00.000-07:00

I have that song stuck in my head...

And I am remembering the heat and humidity of St Louis on those summer days.

If I sing it enough, I'm thinking that it just might show up here.

We are totally sick of all this rain.

Songs Remembered

2011-05-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

Remembering how important music was to you, even before you could talk. If you heard one of your favorites,it stopped you in your tracks. This was an instant replay of one such moment.

A Funny Story Remembered

2011-04-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

I was reminiscing with my son today about my favorite Easter tale. It involved him and is told here.

Happy Easter, one and all.

And, may the sun shine!

More Chihuly...

2011-04-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

I have so many wonderful images of this exhibit. This is one of my favs.

Chihuly Revisited

2011-04-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Missouri Botanical Garden when the Chihuly glass was mingled with the garden plants. It was spectacular. Here is a piece of the show.

What's Not to Like About the Oregon Coast...

2011-04-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

I love the opening photography of CSI: Miami. This LO was totally inspired by that work. Too bad I can't animate it like they do. But then, this would not be nearly as simple and peaceful.

Peace out!

On Favorite Colors

2011-04-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

When asked about my favorite color, there was no pause... I have never found a shade of blue that I don't like. Marry it to a cheddary orangy shade and life is good. What's your favorite color?

Volunteers

2011-04-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

I love this LO, especially how the swirl wraps through the title. But in the end, I really like the concept of volunteering. What are you doing for your community?

My Seven Wonders

2011-04-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

When asked the question "There are seven wonders of the world. Which are mine?" I answered:

Favs of Mine

2011-04-07T22:55:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite LOs of all times. The question posed was to scrap my strengths...

Back in the Day...

2011-04-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

These are some of my favorite scrapbook pages. They are examples of how I like to digi book. Begin with a good story and grab the photo memory. Then add digi supplies to support the script. Create a good focal point and then arrange all in an artful way through use of good design principles.

I hope you enjoy the review. Feel free to leave a comment. They are free :)

The Berlin Wall Falls

2011-04-05T00:04:00.000-07:00

This is another thing that I plan to include in each year, a summary of the things happening in the world and at MILRECAN World Headquarters in St. Louis. It's fascinating to remember what was actually happening then.

A family mug, 1989

Photo Collages

2011-03-31T23:04:00.000-07:00

I love photo collages. It is my intention to begin and maybe even end each year with a collage of my favorite pics for that year. Memorable events or just that great smile captured. All sizes, cropped however.

Here is 1989.

Love me some laughing, 1989!

Remember the Blue Minivan

2011-03-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

You gotta love the minivan era. Our first one was blue; it was replaced with a red one. Both were Caravans. How perfect for hauling the tribe around. We took many trips to Libertyville to visit Gramma and Grampa. Here are a few photos of one such trip. I love the background photo in this layout. It is the perfect use for the not so sharp photo.

August, 1989

Wheelies

2011-03-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

This is one of my absolute favorite photos from this era. I love how children make work both harder and more fun. Often, it takes a bit of time and reflection to truly realize how special this moment is. I am so glad I captured this bit on this day. It has created a lifetime of memories.

August, 1989

One fish, Two fish, Small fish, First fish

2011-03-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

Fishing at the golf course. Now that's a new concept... Dad's friend, Bruce Carl, suggested it. I think he misses having little ones around. It was his gear, of course. Otherwise you would have been fishing with a 3 iron. You two took to Bruce and the fishing. It was a perfect day!

August, 1989

2011-03-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

I think this LO is quite fun. Creating an artsy hand print and the draping flag were too cool. They seem to celebrate what is going on in this photo. My son, at 3, is in his first year of preschool. Always keenly interested in all things new. Trying out all the tools. Making art at the easel.

April, 1989

Zoo-Ado

2011-03-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

St Louis has the best zoo in the country. It is every bit as good as the San Diego zoo and the best thing about it is that there is no (as in nada) admission fee. With little ones, this is awesome because you don't feel the need to stay all day. We cruised the zoo often and in small increments. Check out all this horsing around or maybe it is hippo-ing around. HA HA I totally love the STL skyline that was added to this page.

August, 1989

Comments are free so leave one.

Annuals at the Botanical

2011-03-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

For many of the years we lived in St Louis when the kids were little, Rod and Delse would come from Chicago to visit for the weekend. Delse and I swapped tales of the challenges of working and mothering. We laugh now at how tired we always look in these old photos and how young. LOL :) The cousins always got a chance to play and get to know each other in between the family reunions.

One thing we did a lot was go to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Mostly I think we started this because Rod owns a landscape business but we found it to be a place where the kids could run and be noisy with out bothering everyone else. So yes, for years we were the "Annuals at the Botanical". Don't you just love a play on words!

March, 1989

Let's Go Fly a Kite

2011-03-14T23:33:00.000-07:00

Most of the photos I have from when the kids were small are really bad. The focus is whacked out and the compositions are truly funny. For this one, I had two photos and each son looked good in one of them. What's a mother to do? HA HA

Simple! Just extract Son One from photo 1 and move him over to photo 2 --piece of cake. Then make a LO with grungy texture and no one will know the difference. HA HA HA

March 1989

Sweethearts Squared

2011-03-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

My sweethearts loved their Sweethearts. This love affair of theirs only grew stronger as they learned to read. But in this instance, the candy was more than enough...

February, 1989

Funny Faces

2011-03-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a more advanced Photoshop class at Jessica Sprague and decided to scrap images from 1989. This is the first and is the story of my boys and their "Happy Meal" toys. I really love the humor of children. They think they are so funny and their laughter becomes infectious. HA HA!

February, 1989