Katrina's 3 Block Photo Walk

POTD 071809, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

I had looked forward to taking part in Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photo Walk for weeks! I loved the idea of joining a group of people obsessed with photography and wandering through Sacramento while others across the globe were doing the same thing. It seems, however, that Ian had other plans for me.

At 4PM he was still sleeping which wasn't a good sign since we needed to be at the Capitol at 445PM. At 500 he was still sleeping. At 530 he was still sleeping. I'd finally resolved that it wasn't meant to be. It was 104 degrees and I probably am still not completely well enough for an almost two mile walk so I let him continue to sleep.

At 630PM one very happy boy woke up with the announcement "I'm done sleeping!" Just happens there was a member event at the Train Museum. So with the promise of cake (because it was a party!) we were out of the house in under 15 minutes! We arrived in Old Sacramento just as the photo walk would be ending.

Thankfully there were cupcakes at the train museum and enough to keep him happy while I shot some ugly indoor photos. (the train museum has horrible light and the ceiling is way too high to bounce a flash). When we left the museum we were greeted with THE BEST light EVER and a happy little boy. (since he'd had sugar!)

I've always loved the wall and alleyway by the grassy field in Old Sac but with light at 801 just pouring beautifully over it I was in heaven. He posed a bit for me and Shea and I attempted to recreate a photo from several years ago. Ian has grown some as the toss completely freaked him out and that part of our shoot was over! The wall though...definitely my favorite!

People often ask how I get him to cooperate. I must admit he is cooperative by nature, but he is also 3 and has a mind of his own. Timing helps, sugar helps and asking him to make funny faces. 

Typically it goes something like this, "Ian do you and dad want to make funny faces?" "Yahhhhh!!" He makes funny faces. I snap and somewhere in between he smiles a real smile and if I'm lucky I grab it! Today I was lucky!

I think my personal photo walk was a success. Next year I'm getting a baby sitter!

11 Days? Seriously...

I typically don't like the, "oh my gosh I haven't posted in X number of days" kind of posts but here I am posting one of my own! Things have been a bit crazy around here! How so, you might ask. Let's see. Planning and cleaning for a fundraiser in our backyard. Hosting said fundraiser. Getting really sick after said fundraiser. And now recuperating with a little boy who keeps asking me if the sick is gone! Yes, the sick is almost gone! 

But so you can see just a bit of what you missed in the last 11 days, I give you photos. (I'll spare you the sick ones, but point out I took a photo a day even while battling a 103 degree temperature! Ok, so I didn't take any photos while my temperature was that high, but I did manage a couple when it got lower. I didn't say they were good pictures though!)

The backyard complete with the new deck Shea built just for the party! (and has now turned into my favorite place for breakfast!)

My brother Justin. I love when he plays.
Ian doing what he loves most (complete with his favorite slice of sourdough bread in hand)
More to come later along with a little idea I have brewing :)

TODAY in the backyard

POTD 070609 - Summer, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

#2 of 16!

How I Select A POTD

Selecting a photo of the day is a mixed affair. Some days as soon as I push the shutter I know, without a doubt, that I've taken THE photo. Other days I sort through photos hunting for something that feels salvageable. And on others days it is a matter of having  a really important story to tell. Something that impacts me. Something that must be remembered. On occasion the one photo is the same as the story. And quite honestly, somedays I just think...ok, that's the one because I need to sleep and tomorrow is another day with more photos!

I love the days when the photo appears instantly for me because of a story. I love the days when the photo may not be perfect but the moment is so important to remember.

Ian loves to stall. Don't all almost 4 year olds? He has two weeks of  "school" left before he gets to spend his days with us. He knows the days I am staying at home and the days I'm off to a client. He can tell as soon as he notices me getting dressed. He'll look at me and say, "why are you wearing THAT shirt?" LOL, reminds me of a similar phrase I often say to Shea as we are getting ready to go somewhere.

This morning he knew it was a stay at home day for me and a go to school day for him. So, of course, he asked for scones. And because it is summer and we had nowhere to be on time, we road our bikes to get scones on the way to school. The best part? He'd eaten two, looked at me and said, "I have one scone left! Take a picture of it!"

Ahh, my sweet child! I do love you! So we had a mini scone photo session before he headed off to school. Proof I didn't have THAT shirt on and proof that he has us exactly where he wants us!

He Calls Himself "Super Diver"

POTD 062909, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

in the sprinkler, the bathtub and the wading pool! He is a super hero!

Growing UP

With the heat reaching 106 and brand new air conditioning on the fritz we needed a cool alternative! So what better than a movie? Last year we couldn't have considered it and would have just suffered through. How strange to pull up to the theatre as a family. Buy three tickets (ouch $$$) and head in.  Ian was excited to go announcing, "this is going to be so exciting" as we got out of the car. With only my iPhone for photos they are a little blurry, but I have proof of the day!

In the theatre I think he was just as excited at seeing the gigantic Transformer display as he was to see the movie. He would have gladly walked in to see Transformers if we'd let him!

As we walked into our theatre he kept asking, "where are we going?" The dark long hallway must have been a little strange! He walked right in, found a seat and then we moved three times. Too close. Not right. Too reclined thus eating a three year old bottom. It was pretty funny, the reclining seats kind of swallowed him right up! Finally we found the perfect seat and he was very pleased to move the seat up and down trying to simulate the swallowing of the prior seat. No booster for him, he was doing this big boy style!

Lots of commercials. He was a little confused by those asking when the movie was going to start. Since we don't have a television in our house the whole commercial thing is a little weird to all of us!

And then the movie started. Silly movie, I was crying within the first 10 minutes. The first time the audience laughed Ian laughed right along with them and then looked at me saying, "what's so funny?" LOL Trying to explain humor in the dark is fun! Only a few spots that scared him "just a little" with lots of movie that kept him entertained and in his seat for the entire time!

So exciting and so strange to have entered the new world of movies as a family!

It Was His Idea

Ian is obsessed with cupcakes. And because on a whim one day we stopped at a cupcake shop he now feels he's entitled to a regular cupcake excursion. Yesterday, after waiting as patiently as an almost 4 year old can for an entire day, he finally got to get a cupcake with dad. 

Of course, that is really not what this post is about.

While photographing his cupcake, which is a requirement anytime you are going to pay over $2.00 for a baked good, he put his little index finger in the air in that funny way he does. He then announced, "I have an idea! Let's take a family picture." When I said, my arm isn't long enough with this lens, he said, "with the thingy."

Of course! The thingy! So we got out the thingy. Set the camera up and got two shots. Well worth the trouble of setting up the thingy because can this kiddo see great light or what?!

Not focusing on the things I'd change about it (and me) but just loving it for the moment captured! And the cape? Yep, as soon as the tripod came out he insisted that he needed to get his cape as well. Perhaps just memories of this day?!

Reach for the Sky

Perhaps you remember this shot from April 30th. Today I was playing in the garden and took this shot. 

Yes, that little plant is now almost 9 feet tall! It still has 3 to go. What I failed to consider in planting 16 of these in my backyard (purely to take photos of them) is that they'd be 12 feet tall! That requires a ladder...and me on it with my camera. I don't know if that is going to happen! I know there is a flower growing but am not overly excited about asking Shea to drag the ladder to the backyard every afternoon to document the progress. So today a shot from below with my 50mm lens. Knowing that I'm 5'3" that gives you an idea of its size! When the flower gets larger it will flop down and I'll be able to shoot it then! For now I'll just continue to watch it reach for the sky!

Arrrrrr

POTD 062009 - Arrrrrr, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

Today was Leo's 4th birthday party! Ian was excited about having cake and seemed simply amazed that Leo was going to be the same age Ian is turning next month!

His cake excitement was almost matched by the excitement over getting his very own pirate sword and parrot from the clown at the party!

He used my lens to see the reflection of his pirate imitation...so of course I had to snap it!

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And in our garden tonight? Squash...loads of squash! Our very first meal from the garden. Yum! Now if the tomatoes would just ripen a little faster!

Simon Says...

I found a new way to get photos of Ian! So excited about this since it was so easy!

We took him to the park to play tball, run the bases and just goof. He loved it! We ran, we tagged each other, he kicked up a lot of dirt. Tball evolved into "snowball" fights which led to other three year old games that only he knew the rules to! After a quick remade version of Red Light-Green Light he asked for Simon Says. He still doesn't quite understand the rules so he just does anything you say! Pretty funny I have to admit!

The best part? I said, "Simon says lay on the ground and smile so mom can take a picture." And complied perfectly!

Would You Believe...

he really is a well behaved child? It just seems he's becoming a real boy. Today he announced his burps, got really dirty outside and followed it up with a little showing of his frozen yogurt and mochi!

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On another note...it seems the purging and taking photos with greater intention is sapping me of my creative ability. I've taken fewer photos this week than I have in years. I miss it. I'm not liking anything I do snap. It is a nice feeling to be clearing up space. I just really really want my creativity back!

73 photos deleted from my hard drive today, 24 taken today

What Day Is It?

POTD 061509, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

Today was Shea's first day of summer vacation which means I've now entered the "what day is today zone?" I've reminded myself more times than I'd like to admit that it was not Sunday and I'm not the one on summer vacation!

Of course having him around makes many things easier but I also get to share space with him as he crunches food in my office (I hate listening to people crunch if I'm not eating), have my routine with Ian disrupted, and have someone else in my space all day! I have space issues, can you tell? I however cannot overlook the benefit of having someone to make me breakfast (and lunch if I ask), entertain Ian, cross off items on my home to-do list, and share space with me.

It's going to be a good summer!

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Purging update

Only 44 photos from the weekend. A new record low for me! Four that I love and capture the days perfectly. What more do I need?

And to make space for those 44 I deleted 129 old ones from my computer!

Progress

spared

Photo purge step 2. In the last 10 minutes I deleted 35 photos, that's about 210mb freed up. I realized I probably have no need for 5 photos of the kitchen aid bowl with flour in it, 10 photos of the same tea pot from different angles, 15 blurry photos of Ian swinging taken in an attempt to perfect a technique, and 5 random blurry things.

I feel better. It's a new me.

What are you purging lately?

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in other news

My friend Jennifer has started a fun new blog! Cheap and Cheerful

Leave a comment at Linnea's Lights for a chance to win a yummy Papaya soy candle. Beautiful site and the odds look good!

Want to doodle with flair? Check out Michelle's great class Oodles of Doodles I'm loving her instruction and will show you my doodles soon!

"boots+3 years old+with dad"

I had the opportunity to listen to the talented photographer MeRa Koh speak today. One of her main points was to shoot with intention. Slow down. Think about your shot. Put your camera down and experience your surroundings. 

Thinking about it all day in relation to how I shoot made me wonder if I need to change something. I tend to shoot with intention. I like to see a shot before I take it. In fact most of the shots hanging in my house, the ones I truly love, I saw before I ever held my camera up. BUT, the thing I have to change is keeping all of those other shots. About a year and a half ago I

 started shooting everyday. On average about 50 shots a day, sometimes the same thing from 50 different angles!

In 50 years (here's hoping for long life) will Ian want to sort through 200 terabytes of photographs? Will it mean anything to him? Will this shot matter to him?

The 4 so so shots before and after certainly won't. Will he want 200 photos of our garden in 2009? Will this kind of fuzzy cluttered shot mean anything to him?

I can't answer that question. Today I know my photos exist as a visual journal of my life. All of the moments saved before they pass by. All of the tiny details captured so I can remember the boots he wore, the too short shorts, the Diego backpack, the red car that is leaving our driveway soon. All of those things caught. So maybe I'll delete a couple and hope that in 50 years technology has changed enough to hold 200 terabytes on something the size of a thumbnail with a really cool search feature that finds "boots+3 years old+with dad".

40 Trips Around The Sun

PersonOTD 050109 - Smiley, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

That's a lot of miles for one person :)

Found Treasures

I love looking through my photos for that one particular shot and stumbling across something I'd forgotten about. And then loving it even more than the first time I saw it!

And another...

This Boy

If it wasn't for this little boy I wouldn't have

• become a mom
• slowed down (to speed up in other ways)
• understood that some things are hard wired
• become obsessed with photography
• understood fashion from a 3 year old perspective
• gotten over sticky fingers and runny noses
• scrapbooked daily and met a community of amazing people
• learned to appreciate big gooey mouth kisses
• learned to love naps, both taking them and watching them
• discovered the world through a little boy's eyes!

Side To Side

There are drawbacks to living across the street from a park, but I believe they are outweighed by the benefits! Our summer events have begun! Yesterday was a concert with Music Matt.  When Ian saw them setting up he began asking to go. When he heard them doing sound check he announced, "we are missing it!"

Across the street we  went. You might remember Music Matt from last year. This time we were prepared with video camera, front grass seats, and a cleared card in the camera. Sure enough. Two songs in, his little hand shot in the air when MM asked for volunteers!

When Matt picked him, Ian ran without hesitation up on stage, introduced himself to the crowd, and waited for direction! His roll? Sing "side to side" after Music Matt sang "front to back." 

He missed his cue a few times but was bending his little knees in time with the music! Adorable! And the end? He bowed! A real, arm at his stomach, half lean forward bow!

I couldn't decide which photo captured it best, so here you get to see several! And tomorrow? Video :) I'm such a proud Mom!

(click on this one to see it LARGE...it makes me laugh!)

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Still a little space in my Captured Through the Lens class.  Class starts tomorrow and I've added a weekly video to class!

Happy Birthday Kylie!

Enjoy your day! Thanks for making me smile for 16 years!

So now I'm wondering, how did you spend your 16th birthday? Can you even remember it?!

Frame by Katie Pertiet

Corn Maze

Ian discovered the corn makes a pretty good hiding place!

When The 3 Year Old Is Away...

We sent him away Thursday @ 640AM. He more than eagerly jumped on the train with my mom, his Mumzy, and away they went. No tears. No sadness. Just his eager shouting of "this is so exciting." 

It seems I was the one with tears as I saw this pull away from the station. So strange to have him so far away. 

We went to work without the preschool drop off. Came home without the pick up. Sat around with no demands to play up stairs, no requests for water, or goldfish. No protests over bath time or bed time. No good night hugs and kisses. No little boy laughter. (sigh...)

It seems we aren't completely good at being without him. We talked about him (a lot). We wondered what he was doing. We spent FOREVER trying to decide what do/where to go for dinner. It didn't seem right to stay at home. So finally we decided on this.

and this

And a Friday night outing for dinner with Justin & Breena and this

as we listened to him play great cover songs!

Oh and of course I took some to time for a little photo excursion. I love that this was next door to the Pyramid Alehouse!

A great two days...but now I'm ready to go pick the little man up! And my mom said she tried to take photos of everything they did! She knows me too well!

Take Me To The River

What a great weekend! It was just the right combination of business and do nothingness. We started with a visit from Shea's mom and aunt. A nice visit and also the catalyst for the house cleaning of all house cleanings! They left Sunday morning and I just wandered the house saying, "can you believe how clean it is?! We need your mother to visit more often!"

Today we spent most of the day at home. More gardening. The last 4 beds were constructed today! Total=11 It looks great and is GROWING! I discovered cute little green beans beginning to replace the flowers from last week. And, well, I may have squash madness soon! Anybody want some?

Ian really wanted to see the new dog park that opened on Saturday. In the midst of our mad cleaning we forgot about the grand opening so made it up to him tonight. No. We do not have a dog. No. We are not getting a dog. Ian thinks he is. But he also sometimes thinks he is a monster, an alien, a jedi master, and sometimes even a girl. So I'm not too worried. He enjoyed the dog park but was a little confused about the absence of a slide! We left when he told us he was going to " 'tend he was a dog" and got on all fours.

The river is just a short walk/bike ride from the dog park so we headed to a spot a neighbor had mentioned would be perfect for Ian. Down this trail or the "forest" as Ian pointed out.

The sandy bank was perfect, the water was freezing, and the light was amazing (to me anyway!)

POTD 052509 - Discovery, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy. (click to see it larger, so much better!)


He LOVED it! Bucket after bucket of water either dumped on our feet and a big hole nearby. He shouted, "I'm filling up the Nile!" A little protest over leaving, but now he's out!

A good weekend. And tomorrow my mom visits! And my house is already clean! 

Proof I Take My Camera Everywhere

This not very focused photo is proof I take my camera everywhere, slung across me ready to shoot! Today as we were riding home along the Capital sidewalk (notice the sign indicating the legality of our route) I decided I needed to capture my frequent view from behind Shea as he pulls Ian in the trailer. I love the shadows from the palm trees. And if you look at the bottom you'll notice my basket and to the left my shadow. Nope. I didn't stop. And yep, I just held it up and took a guess about where they might be. It makes me smile :)

My Top 10 Photography Subjects

I snuck a little scrapbooking time in today. A few of my favorite things to photograph! I love photos against a black background. It just makes the colors sing! Everything from Designer Digitals. Credits and journaling here.

Floral Fireman

POTD 052009 , originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

When we picked Ian up from school today he'd found a new hat! He willingly modeled it for about 60 seconds! I don't know what I love most here, his big eyes, his funny expression, the hawaiian print, the hat. Well, maybe I just like it all!

Inspired by World Magazine 1970ish

Do you remember the back cover of World* Magazine? They had wonderful close up detail photos and you had to guess what each photo was. I loved that. So here is my version using photos from my Weekend in The Life project inspired by Ali Edwards.  I used her Grid Template and This Is The Day Word Art.

How many can you guess?

*As 1970ish was a few decades ago I claim all right to not remember the correct title as I was a mere adolescent it has nothing to do with my recent inability to remember anything at all.

430 Alarm

POTD 051809 - Waiting, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

After a tough night and a long napless day the alarm on my phone went off at 430PM with the notice "Carousel Opening @ Zoo." We almost forgot! We quickly piled into the car, drove across town and were the 2nd in line for the grand opening of the zoo's new wooden carousel. Ian was so excited and had his animal picked before we got on -- the polar bear.

Once we were on the polar bear just wasn't it for him and he quickly moved the praying mantis. Around we all went. We got in line a second time and he was determined to get the eagle, but someone beat him to it so he happily settled for the ant eater next to my ostrich.

A quick ride around again only to notice the line was now SUPER long! A trip to the chimpanzees and the lion and we were on our way home again.

What fun! What a great photo spot it will be!

Something For Everyone - Photo Extravaganza!

So my garden photos were slightly more in demand than the other categories, but given the results were so close I thought I'd throw out a little something for everyone!

So first, join me in the garden.

Squash

I can't recall if this is the ruffled or yellow crook neck!

Sweet Corn

I may have not planted enough rows for it to pollinate so we'll see if I get more than photos!

Sunflower

We have an entire bed of sunflowers and a garden full of lady bugs! They are everywhere this year!

And for those of you (mom) who wanted to see Ian. Here he is spied through the fence at school before we picked him up and before anyone little shouted "Ian's mom and dad!" I love how excited they all get when we arrive. They don't ask me why I have my camera anymore, now they just ask if they can see their pictures!

And one from last night!  Walking to Thrifty for ice cream season has begun in our house. Before we left Ian decided he wanted to try brown ice cream (thank goodness, before it was the neon blue completely sugared cotton candy grossness). He was so proud of himself for eating it all! I was happy to know half of it fell off and another quarter of it appears to be on his face and clothes!

Now off to the garden for a little photo taking and planting fun! More photos later today! I'm just in that kind of mood!

Viewer's Choice

POTD 051309 - Reflected Reflection, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

Feeling like changing things up this week! I took an average number of photos this week. Had an average week. Nothing too exciting. Nothing horrible. Just average all around.

With that, I'm giving you a choice. Tell me which category from the week you'd like to see and most votes wins. I'll post photos tomorrow afternoon!

How Does Your Garden Grow?
Food & Beverages
Seen At The Park
Found Around

Flash Back Two Years

Today this made me happy

In The Garden

There are a few things in life that bring me great joy.

• Photography
  
• My boys
  
• Collecting memories/thoughts/words
  
• Reading
  
• Beer
  

Not always in that order :)

I have to add gardening to my list. I've planted vegetables before. Messed with a few things here and there. But this year we have the space and have made the time to create a true garden! After removing 20 years worth of tree growth from the back yard, Shea has essentially leveled most of the garden space with a shovel. I figure it is a nice alternative to gym dues.

POTD 051109 - Looking Up, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

I now have 7 raised beds. 8 more to be completed soon. I wake up in the morning and it is the first place I want to go. I love seeing the progress that each plant is making. I love seeing the garden take shape each day. I love watching the sunflowers follow the sun throughout the day. And strangely, I'm finding joy in smooshing the silly asparagus beetles before they eat anything. (and yes, I'm proud to have identified them using this website)

Most of the garden was grown from seed which has been such an amazing process. I know, I'm waxing sentimental over a little dirt, water and sunshine, but it is truly like watching a miracle unfold without all of the pain of child birth.

Speaking of children... Ian likes being out there with me in short 3 year old bursts. He now has a board over a spot that a root was removed so he can walk the plank, board his ship, or whatever works at the moment! Watering is his favorite thing, but unfortunately only with my wand not the purple watering can he insisted on when I really wanted the red one! Later this week I'm building a teepee for my edamame to grow up complete with an open space so he can crawl inside! Hoping to find ways to keep him interested in staying out in longer stretches!

So if you don't hear from me for a while you know where I am.