Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival

I will be selling my art at the 15th annual Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival this weekend. If you are near the coast, come by and say hello. The information is here. There's going to blues, jazz, cajun music, wine, beer, yummy seafood and of course lots of art.

Today's iPhone Polaroid

A New iPhone Photo App That I Love

I have a new photo app that I am really enjoying. I think it is especially good for photographing kids. The above picture is from the QuadCamera web site. With this app you can do continuous shooting, creating a series of 4-8 shots in one image.
The control panel is very easy to use. You can adjust the shooting time to your specific needs, choose between four layouts and six color effects. This app is a winner. It has a 4 star rating on iTunes.

QuadCamera $1.99

Today's iPhone Polaroids

Bodega Bay Church

Another great area near the wine country is Bodega...actually there are two little towns about 5 miles apart. There is the town of Bodega and the town of Bodega Bay. Bodega is where Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Birds. Bodega Bay is a working fishing harbor. Both are very tiny but charming towns.

It's a beautiful rural drive from either Petaluma or Sebastopol. From Sebastopol you drive through Bodega and then turn right on Highway 1 to get to Bodega Bay. You'll pass the signs for Doran Beach before you get to the harbor and marina. Doran Beach is great place to hang out for the day or for camping. They allow dogs on a leash and Lola loves it.

Rest In Peace Senator Kennedy

Favorite iPhone Apps

I like hearing about favorite iPhone apps. I thought this might be a good place to share my favorites and those of my friends and family.

Last night Krissy was showing me some of her favorites. All three are FREE!

Bump Bump lets you exchange contact information and photos with other iPhone users by simply "bumping" your phones together.

Google Mobile No need to type in words to search google. This app works by voice recognition. Krissy says it takes a little while for it to get used to your voice, but then is really simple to use.

Shazam Do you ever hear a great song on the radio, on tv, at a movie, in a store, and want to know the name. All you have to do is point your iPhone towards the music and click "tag". How cool is that?

Do you have a favorite iPhone app? I will be adding more apps soon - especially my favorite photography apps.

Sugar Free Tuesday

3 1/2 hours left of sugar free Tuesday (week seven). I am not going to have ice cream. I am not going to have ice cream. I am not going to have ice cream. I can have it tomorrow morning for breakfast!

It suddenly dawned on me why I was obsessing about ice cream. I had been reading about the Brownie Cup Pan in the Sur La Table Magazine that came today.

This reminds me of when I used to go to Weight Watchers with my friend Judy. We would stay on program all week - go weigh in, and then celebrate our weight loss by going to Big Boy's restaurant and having a hot fudge brownie sundae. We did that each week for probably two months. Boy were those sundaes good.

A Late Start This Morning

High Heel Blossoms

I am getting a late start on my blog this morning. I stayed up way too late last night reading visitors' comments. What a fun day being SITS featured blogger.

Many people posted about dancing around their kitchens. I especially love how moms are dancing with their kids. It seems clear from all of the comments that dancing for a few minutes not only lifts women's moods, but also the moods of their children. I am playing with ideas on how we can encourage each other to dance - even if it's just to one song or for 5 minutes. I love the thought of women all over the world dancing around their kitchens and living rooms.

I'm A SITS Featured Blogger!

Wow. Today I am honored to be the SITS (The Secret Is In The Sauce) featured blogger. SITS is a terrific group of very supportive women bloggers. If you don't know about them, go here to check them out.

Thanks to all of you who are coming by to say hello and a special thanks to Tiffany and Heather for all of their efforts on behalf of women bloggers and for featuring my blog today.

Win - Two Daisies and Inspiration

Win a 16 inch by 16 inch canvas wrapped print and inspire yourself with your favorite quote. All you have to do is leave a comment. I will put all the posts into a bowl and draw out one winner on Friday August 28th.

Today's iPhone Polaroid

This morning I had coffee with my friend Tricia at the wonderful Michelle Marie Bakery in Santa Rosa. They have the most delicious bread pudding. They had this cake with the sugar flowers on display. . . so, I took a polaroid shot with my iPhone.

Keep On Dancing - Day Seven

Today I Danced around my kitchen...
time of day -evening
for how long -20 minutes
mood before -5.5
mood after - 7
(The mood scale is in the left column under the clock. That's a 15% increase in just 20 minutes.)

Today's Go To Song - I have listed this one before, but I like it and it really gets me moving.
Stitched Up - Herbie Hancock and John Mayer

iPhone Polaroid Limited Editions Available On Etsy

A number of people have asked about buying my iPhone Polaroids. They are now available in limited editions of 25. Each is numbered and signed. They are high quality, giclee prints. The image is 12x12 printed on 16x20 archival board. Each print is $25. Click here to visit my new iPhone Polaroids Etsy store. Check back often as I will be adding more editions over the next week.

Please Vote For Danielle

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens (or women bloggers)* can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has". Margaret Mead

*my addition to the quote

I just received an email from fellow blogger Danielle. She needs our help to get her on that ship to Antarctica as the official blogger. This is what she says in her email...

I just want to tell a good story...what I think I can do if I win the Antarctica trip. There are about 5 weeks left in the competition. I'm still in 8th place and I still need votes. The guy in first place has his own radio show (yeah for him) and has managed to get local TV programs (in Portugal) to rally for his position. . .He has some guns on his side. So please, please help me get several thousand votes!! Visit here. Remember to register and confirm your votes.

http://www.blogyourwaytoantarctica.com/blogs/view/224

Please go vote for her. She will do a great job and totally deserves it (She is dedicated to getting kids excited about science.) Let's help another woman blogger beat "Mr. Big Guns - the radio talk show guy."

I Cut Bangs - A Mistake?

After seeing the picture of Katie Holmes I cut bangs. Then I saw this picture and wondered if I made a mistake. Of course I would need major botox shot into my forehead to look half this good. Actually I would need botox for the entire face and neck. However at least she doesn't look like a pirate. I found a scarf folding guide here.

I like how they put the scarf through a little hoop before tying it under her hair in back.

Hermes has these scarves called a silk Twilly that are 33 inches by 2 inches. Sounds perfect for the hair. But, they are (cough, cough) $125. Yikes!

Something Fun On Etsy

I am a devoted fan of moleskine journals. However it's always fun to look at artists' hand made journals. Here is one I found on etsy. The front and back covers are old bingo cards. How fun is that?

Today's iPhone Polaroids

Stopped at the neighborhood market (while walking this morning ) to take a couple of photos with my iPhone. Click here to see more photos from my morning's walk.

Today's iPhone Polaroid

I have been meaning to post my "find" at the Alameda Flea Market (aka Antiques By The Bay) this month. I have a collection of pitchers on an open shelf in my kitchen and thought this Toucan pitcher made a great addition. The next show is September 6th. There are about 800 dealers there. It's really huge. I have to use my iPhone app iCarPark to find my car at the end of the day. (Very cool app by the way.) You can get it via iTunes

Head Bands and Head Scarves

The media is reporting that Hillary is bringing back her headbands. I think she looks good although I've never been a head band person. However I like scarves. Yesterday I was having a particularly bad hair day and tied a scarf around my head. I kind of liked it.

I like the look on Katie Holmes...

So what do you think?

Head bands - a fashion hit or fashion mistake?

Scarves tied around your head - very Katie Holmes and Jackie O? Or will I just look like a pirate wannabe?

When In Doubt...

Keep On Dancing - Day Six

Today I Danced around my kitchen...

time of day -evening
for how long - 15 minutes
mood before -5.5
mood after - 6.5
(mood scale in left column under the clock)

I've noticed that if I want to improve my mood more than about 10% I need to dance 20-30 minutes. Still great results for not much effort and a lot of fun. I can improve my mood by 20% in just 30 minutes of "shaking my bootie" around my kitchen. How cool is that?...It's cheaper than therapy plus all of my pants are getting loose.

Go To Song - If I Can't Have You, Etta James

Flour Free Thursday

Less than an hour left of (week six) Flour Free Thursday and I am not only day dreaming of infinity pools. I'm dreaming of cookies.

Today's iPhone Polaroid

Art Journaling Magazine - Autumn 2009

My copy of Art Journaling arrived in the mail today. If you like looking at artists' journals, you will like this magazine. This is just the second issue. The premier issue sold out really fast so if you are interested you might want to buy a copy soon.

I don't journal as much since I started my blog. I hope this will inspire me to spend a bit more time working on my moleskine journals.

Creatively Fit

I found a very cool community of women bloggers who are combining their passion for photography with their daily walks. It's fun seeing what other bloggers' walks look like in different parts of the country and world - on the same day. Click here for the link to Creatively Fit.

Today's iPhone Polaroids

On today's walk, Lola and I came across these two old cars. I really like the color of the rust with the blue on the first one. Lola thought they smelled pretty interesting.

Keep On Dancing - Day Five

Today I Danced around my kitchen...

time of day -evening
for how long - 30 minutes
mood before -5.5
mood after - 7
(mood scale in left column under the clock)

My Go To Song - The Way I Am, Ingrid Michaelson

Infinity Pools

Is this not an incredible pool? I love infinity pools that look out at the ocean. This one is from the Hotel Caruso in Italy. Why am I posting this? Got me. I just want to be stretched out on one of those chaise, under an umbrella, drinking something exotic with a little umbrella in it.

If you could go on a vacation anywhere...where would it be?

Sigh...oh well...guess I will go dance around my kitchen and have a diet coke.

Today's iPhone Polaroid

Today is week six of Sugarless Tuesdays. I've done well all day with no sugar...I think it's getting a little easier each week. (How hard can one day a week without sugar be you ask? Well kinda hard - I seriously have a chocolate problem.) When I saw these "white" cherries at the store I thought their natural sweetness might help and they're good...not white chocolate good, but certainly white cherries good.

Keep On Dancing - Day Four

Today I Danced around my kitchen...
time of day -evening
for how long - 30 minutes
mood before -5.5
mood after - 7
(mood scale in left column under the clock)

I just recently discovered Madeleine Peyroux via that wonderful iTunes feature the "Genius Sidebar". She reminds me a little bit of Billie Holiday. Although contemporary, I imagine her singing in a little, smokey, jazz joint in Paris in the 50s. Here are several songs that I like.

Instead

Dance Me To The End Of Love

Careless Love

My 300th Post

Wow. I can't believe I have 300 posts. It's been five months since I started my blog and it is so much a part of my daily life now. I can't imagine not blogging. It blows me away that people from all over the world come to my blog to see my photographs, to check out what I have to say. There is such a great community of artists and women bloggers out there who are encouraging and supportive of each other. Thanks to everyone who stops by to visit and to all those other bloggers who have so inspired me.

Summer in the Wine Country

The vineyards are so beautiful this time of year. One of my favorite things to do in summer is to drive along the back roads taking pictures. The "crush" will start before too long and the smell of crushed grapes in the air is pure pleasure.

Two Winners

I'm a little late posting these, but I have winners from two give-aways. I put all the folded up posts in a bowl and my brother-in-law (aka computer guy) Joe drew out the names. Thanks to all who entered, especially those of you who voted to send Danielle as the official blogger for the Antarctic trip. There is still time, if you haven't voted for her yet. Go to...

http://www.blogyourwaytoantarctica.com/blogs/view/224

The winner of the $25 Starbucks Card, toy penguin and book is Donna at Blessed Nest.

The winner of the Sunflowers give-away is Heather.

Keep On Dancing - Day Three

Today I Danced around my kitchen...

time of day -evening
for how long - 30 minutes
mood before -6
mood after - 7
(mood scale in left column under the clock)

Go To Song - Bubbly - Colbie Caillat,

Lola's New Brothers, Sister and Cousins

Friday I went to photograph Lola's new siblings and cousins. They are six weeks old and so adorable. You should have seen me down on my hands and knees trying to photograph puppies running every which way. . .so much fun! They are....

Top Row - Banner, Frankie, Lily and Dandy

Bottom Row - Lucy, Mary Lou, Laura and Elizabeth

They are Havanese, which is a terrific breed, a great family dog and good for anyone with allergies (and no shedding). They are for sale and will be ready to go to new homes in 2-3 weeks. If you are interested you can email Alicia at aln76@pacbell.net

Today's iPhone Polaroid

Today my iPhone Polaroid subject was inspired by Today Is Pretty. Be sure to click on her video Bird Drunk if you want a very nice moment.

Today's iPhone Polaroid

Today's iPhone Polaroid

Yesterday was Flour Free Thursday and I did great until a few minutes before midnight when I got a big time craving for Starbucks' petite vanilla scones. The good thing about not having Sugar Free and Flour Free Days everyday, is I held out and got my scones this morning!

Jet Blue

I love to fly jet blue (It's the only time I enjoy flying. I dread it on other airlines.) and just discovered at A Cup Of Jo that they are offering a "fly wherever you want for a month" pass for $599. I would love to grab my camera, iphone (wouldn't this be a terrific project with iPhone Polaroids?) and suitcase (and passport?) and head out for a month of traveling. I'm thinking a 10 cities in 30 days blogging/photography project. Anyone want to sponsor me? I promise I will post about everywhere I go...and pictures, lots and lots of pictures.

I just discovered Denise Reis over at CEOmum. Reis is a Brasillian singer and trumpet. Yes I said it correctly. She's the trumpet. How cool is that?

Flour Free Thursday

It's nearly midnight and I've made it through week five of Sugar Free Tuesday and Flour Free Thursday. Tomorrow morning I am going to Starbucks for a latte and petit vanilla scones and then off to photograph 6 puppies (pictures to follow).

Julie and Julia - The Movie

I just got back from seeing Julie and Julia with Merle Streep and Amy Adams. I loved it - loved it. If you are a Merle Streep fan, my guess is you will too. She was brilliant. Amy Adams also did a terrific job and I kept thinking how she's introducing Julia Childs to a whole new generation. I particularly got a kick out of the "blogger" part of Adams' role and how excited she was when she first started getting comments.

However, there is no doubt that Streep steals the movie (doesn't she always). This is a movie that's plain old fun. I think I will grab a couple of friends, go see it again, and then out for some fattening dessert or cocktails. Bon Appetit!

Update

Tricia loved it too. Check out her review.

San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art

Monday Richard and I went to the San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art to see the Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams Natural Affinities exhibit. It runs through September 7th. The two friends both worked to create art that captured their affection and admiration for the natural world...thus the title "Natural Affinities."

No photography was allowed in the Adams/O'Keefe exhibit, but I did manage to get a few iPhone polaroids in other parts of MOMA. One of my favorite photographic subjects is people looking at art.