» Garden Boy Yellow Jeep Blonde: What do you do AFTER the kids grow up? I COOK!

Garden Boy

This past weekend was . . . odd. After having a very welcomed uneventful week at work, I was strangely different over the weekend. The stress had somehow washed away and I was noticeably more peaceful and more relaxed. It’s just been so long since I was stress-free, I’d forgotten what it was like. I knew that I liked the person that I once was, but sadly she had disappeared with the merger several months ago.

Oddly, I think Donna is finding her way back. Wheee! The fact that it rained NON-STOP ALL WEEKEND didn’t phase me in the least. I was just happy. Normally, rain alone would have put me in a tailspin. But rather than letting it depress me, I cleaned my house without an ounce of resentment for all the cat hair. I rearranged furniture and created a more open and inviting space in my office downstairs. (I was a lot of HGTV) I sorted out piles of crap all over my desks and organized it (somewhat). (I ordered two more filing cabinets to organize the rest) I cooked and thoroughly enjoyed myself. The mounds of dishes (I’m the messiest cook on the planet) didn’t bother me at all either. I also played with Photoshop and didn’t scream in a fit of frustration like I usually do. (Yes, you DO have to be a rocket scientist to figure Photoshop out!) I just played freely. I played with my little garden boy here. Doesn’t he look so peaceful?

I have SO much to learn about my camera and Photoshop! I am a complete work-in-progress. An all-out newbie. I’m not real sure WHEN a photo looks good. When to tweek. When I’ve tweeked too much. I usually like the photo right out of the camera, like this one.

But then I start dorking around in Photoshop and I try a different effect to see what happens.

Then I try other effects.

And I don’t know which one I like better, or which one anyone else would like better? They each have a slightly different effect or combination of effects. And I’ve decided to reach out and get an unbiased opinion instead of freaking out and getting frustrated with myself for being such a moron that I wouldn’t know a good photo if it jumped out and bit me in the butt. Which one looks better to you?

Okay, so maybe this had a little something to do with my zen-ness this weekend.

This picture has two different effects on it too.

Which one looks better to you?

They both tasted equally as good. So in all reality, that’s all the REALLY matters.

Here’s to the fabulous weekend!! Cheers! Only four more days till the next one!!

3 users commented in " Garden Boy "

Andrea said,

in May 18th, 2009 at 9:29 pm

Art is so subjective. I think, as the artist, the photograph is perfect when YOU think it’s perfect…doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Go with your instinct!

MO said,

in May 21st, 2009 at 3:30 pm

I just spent half an hour of my lunch break at my desk, my nose pressed against my monitor, trying to determine which photo was better. You know what I concluded? THEY’RE ALL THE SAME!!! Are you messing with me, Donna? Seriously, there’s nothing different. Of course, I’m the least artistic person on God’s green earth, but….I’m pretty sure all those photos are the same.

And the wine was just too cruel to look at for too long. My poor body went into withdrawals. Couldn’t look. (But they’re the same! I’m just sayin.)

thesleepdeprivedmomma said,

in May 22nd, 2009 at 10:53 am

My monitor is trying to die a slow and painful death so the contrast, brightness and colors are all fu**ed up. I could look from Hubby’s computer in my room, but then I’d have to wake him up and I’m enjoying my quiet morning before going off to Simulation Lab. Hugs and love.