Life: Through the Lens

I've been a bit under-the-weather lately, but wanted to wish everyone a joyous weekend - the last one in August! Find something to do which makes you smile:).

Isn't it amazing how many people take their little idea and turn it into an empire? We talk about those entrepreneurs out there...those people who not only have the vision but know how to carry it out. There was a television program a few months ago highlighting Michigan entrepreneurs, and low and behold I recently found myself walking into the brainchild of one of these talented idealists. Sweetie-licious Bakery Cafe is a delightful blast from the past. When you walk in to this bakery in downtown DeWitt, MI you are engulfed in the aroma of fresh pastries. Cookies, muffins, and the famous pies. The decor is definitely 1950's - with all employees wearing aprons, pearls, cute and perky headbands, and wide smiles. Pony tails? Sure:) And curls. An EZ-Bake Oven is perched on a partition, vintage cookbooks, aprons, pictures and other memorabilia are tastefully displayed around the shop. The woman who founded this well-known empire is Linda Hundt, and she has been featured on...

I do know we're not even close to Halloween, but I was in the mood to play today. It's been an unispiring summer so I had to dig through a number of folders before I found something to "do." I took this picture last year after a member of our photography club created a splendid haunted house photo using this exact house. The deserted house is on my work route, and I shot it from a number of angles. Photoshop and I have a rather tentative relationship. I can remover color from a photo and create a basic black & white. I can then increase constrast and play with light and dark...but I still can't change colors within a photo. This is something I had in mind to do with this shot, actually. I want to learn to change the dark windows to earie light. However, I remembered another site I've had fun experimenting with so decided to go there... Picnik. Basic usage is free, and there's an upgrade which only costs $25.00 a year. Very reasonable for all th...

This has not been the year of the garden. Last year I had lots of help, and lots of time...two things in short supply this summer. I always have this grand idea of what my garden should look like, and how much time I will spend photographing gorgeous blooms. But first it's heat and drought, then it's heat and humidity, and add in a vacation...well, a few things are doing okay. For instance, my new planting - cone flowers. I'm waiting for the butterflies to find them so I can get some of those fabulous photos. And last year I planted these vivacious beauties...which are attracting ants, and bees, and haven't had their close-ups this year either. But I'm so excited to have something bright and eye-catching at my entry walk. But here's the real story. In June we were working at a hanger/garage sale fundraiser at the airport and a gentleman stopped by to look. We all got to chatting and he said he had some tomato plants in the back of his truck if we were interested...

It's unbelievable that today is August 1. Where have June and July gone? It's time to cram in the sailing, flying, biking, and other outdoor activities we enjoy so much when the weather is warm and the breezes are balmy. However, stronger breezes are in order for sailing. Daryl loves to see the rail in the water, where I happen to love a gentler heel. The wind filling the sails, the water lapping on the bow, and the ability to sit back and bask in the motion, and the silence, of a ship under sail. Our own boat is not in the water this summer, but we were able to enjoy a sail recently on the tall ship Friends Good Will , based in South Haven, MI. If you haven't had the opportunity to sail on one of these historic vessels, look for the nearest port and sign up for a fabulous experience. Friends Good Will is a replica of an 1811 ship, chartered by the U.S. government to transport military supplies to Fort Dearborn (Chicago). The ship was captured by the British after being...