New Camera - House Pics

Three of my readers, MaryLynne, Brandee and Joanne, are gifted photographers.  I am hoping that each of them will weigh in on this post, and help me to determine what the strengths of my new camera are, and what the difficulties may be.  I know, of course, that the person behind the lens needs to learn more than a few things, but just looking at this as a point-and-shoot, please share what you see and observe.

I bought a little Nikon Coolpix from Costco the day before Christmas.  I miss the old Nikon D-300 that went with Brett.  I particularly miss the depth of the pictures it took, and the fact that I could snap it hundreds of times and keep up with the action (this is particularly true of pics of Izzy).

I had been so disappointed with the pictures of the house that my Iphone took, that I decided to retake a number using my new Nikon Coolpix.

I had not taken any pictures of the dining room in my first post because I feel it is still a work in progress.  I am waiting for the right art piece, or mirror to take the place of the too-small picture by Waterhouse.  I am also struggling to find the right pieces for the buffet . . .

My new dining room is significantly smaller than my last.  I am still wondering if I am going to keep the formal table here, or if I am going to sell it and put my glass round kitchen table here instead.  I don't ever sit at this table by myself, but it is perfect when people come over (not often).  On the other hand, I feel the glass table is much less formal and I would definitely sit there every day - but, would have to seat guests on the sofas if I had more than six . . .

I really like the open feeling of the main floor, and that is the main reason I fell in love with this house in the first place.  The architects made good use of space, and I feel very comfortable and at home. I tried to go much less formal in this house than in the last house, hence the touches of whimsey in the lighting.

 This picture captures the scale and layout of the rooms as they relate to one another.

The living room opens into the main office; although the rooms aren't particularly large, the open cutouts make everything feel more spacious.

Below, is the main office, that I use for my design business.  I had the opportunity of taking off of Edward Jones last week to work exclusively with clients from Virginia, and it was a wonderful experience.  Each day, my "creativity bucket" was filled, and I was much happier as a result.  The 134 fabrics we chose for their home are spread over the desktop.

Upstairs, there is a large landing that accommodates several pieces of furniture from my former home:

Upstairs, is my writing library.  I haven't actually done any writing there lately, but it is certainly an inspiring place, and I am eager to get the opportunity. (The aforementioned round glass kitchen table is in this room, with it's large glass top hidden behind library shelves.)

The guest room overlooks the park (pictures below):

Kids' room (also overlooks the park):

The Master from the upper hallway:

The Master is by far the most spacious room in the house, and pure luxury.  I don't spend much time there, but when I do, I feel very blessed.

During one of my darker days, I felt the whisper of the Lord give me a two-word path to follow: "Pursue Beauty."  It seemed appropriate to put that phrase in a prominent spot to remind me on a daily basis:

My client and friend, Laura Buchthal, presented me with the house-warming gift of this beautiful chandelier.  What a luxury!

I really love my kitchen, and am particularly grateful to have gas again, after living with an electric range.

 The park across the street, and visible from the Guest and Kids' rooms:

My backyard has just been completed by the landscapers.  I hope all the tender plants survive the snow and ice!  I can't wait to see everything blooming in the Spring!!

Christmas 2012

After uploading the pictures, I see that this post is going to be quite heavily lopsided towards Faith.  That was certainly not my intention, but I suppose that Faith's antics this year just drew the camera lens more than any other subject.

As mentioned in an earlier post, all Faith asked for was a red motorcycle for Christmas.  Well, Santa seems to have heard her loud and clear.  The red motorcycle had a predominant location in front of the fireplace when we all returned from Christmas Eve mass, and from the moment it was spotted, there didn't seem to be much else that got any attention.

Faith knew exactly what she was supposed to do, and how this bike was supposed to work.  She had dreamed about it so long, that she took to it like a real natural.

How is it possible to look so delicate and yet be so tough?  This is quite the contrast: velvet and silk astride a flashing motorcycle.

If only Faith had an unlimited, wide-open space to go full-throttle:

Part of the look was a new pair of "shades" so that the rider can look really cool . . . or is that hot?

A little peek-a-boo to take a glance at the remaining presents under the tree:

Every biker chick needs to have a motorcycle jacket; and this one scores (even though it is pink):

Faith giving me her loving smile (taken from another cameraman).  She melts me every time:

Dear Austin was such a sweetheart, and didn't seem to mind all of the attention on Faith and the motorcycle.  Here, he is very happy with the remote helicopter that Uncle Travis and Aunt Carma had sent him:

 Lisa, THREE WEEKS out of surgery.  Beautiful and radiant, although still quite sore:

 

 There is something about this little elf that just keeps me captivated:

 Austin finally gets his chance for a ride, and gentleman that he is, graciously accepts a back seat:

This took real restraint on Austin's part; he was dying to have a solitary ride:

Me, draped in a Christmas scarf purchased in India:

Little Izzy, my constant companion, wishing that she could have some Christmas gifts, too.  Unfortunately, all of the photos from my camera were like this, because it had the "soft" setting on (unknown to me).

At the end of the evening, Izzy and I headed home together, grateful to have been included in all of the fun.

Night at the Nutcracker

One of my favorite traditions is to go to the Nutcracker ballet.  I was delighted to find out that Lisa's new beau, Jeff, was raised with the same tradition, and that it is still ongoing today.  Jeff's mother, Judy, kindly purchased all of our tickets this year to enjoy a Russian production of the ballet in Tacoma.

Austin and Faith all dressed up for the event:

Faith in her new cape:

The kids and I at the theatre, anxious to go in and see all of the magic.

 Lisa, TWO WEEKS out from her heart surgery, Wonder Woman extraordinaire.  No one would believe how painful the event was for her . . . like running a marathon:

Austin and Faith took in every detail of the event this year, and easily followed the story.  Faith amazed me with her ability to distinguish the characters from one another, even when there are two "Claras" on the stage.  She sat on my lap much of the time (oh, joy!), and danced with the music.

Austin was very impressed with the theatre, and was pointing out the carvings in the old building.  He is such a handsome guy, and a real gentleman.  I am so proud of these two!

We had a delightful time, and were grateful for Lisa's ability to make the drive and sit through the performance.  I feel so much gratitude for Jeff and Judy, who included me in their family event, and made it possible for me to go and enjoy a lifetime favorite!