Here’s the original:

Here are my three edits in color, vintage and black and white:

PS Action: S-Curve Pop from Coffee Shop

PS Action: Simply Vintage from CoffeeShop

PS Action: Super B&W from Set 2 Me

All photos have been boosted in brightness and contrast by 35% before actions were applied. To see everyone else’s edits, head on over to I heart Faces.

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I got bored shooting people this week, photographically speaking that is. Plus, even if I wanted to take pictures of people, I’ve come down with a nasty chest cold that no one wants to be around. Sick or not, I felt the creativity bug bite again today and decided to give myself a break from the recliner I’ve been sleeping in all weekend. I chose to challenge myself by doing  one of the Digital Photography School weekly challenges. There are plenty of themed challenges to pick from. Maybe I’ll do them in order. Probably not.

The challenge I chose for today was called “10 Minutes From Home”. The instructions were to walk or drive exactly 10 minutes from your house, stop and take photos exactly where you are. It doesn’t matter if there is a better location 11 minutes down the road. Make do with what you have. It was a fun exercise. And at least 10 minutes from my house, I could take photos of things I couldn’t infect. You can view individual photos here in the set or check out the slide show below.

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When I was younger…

…I used to laugh at people who counted calories or watched their weight. I thought it was silly and frivolous. Now, I’m older and my hips are fat magnets. I don’t mind so much but I also started exercising. Shhh… Don’t tell the younger me.

…I used to complain about other people’s children and what undisciplined brats they were. I even made statements like “Well, when I become a parent…” or the ever popular “If that were MY kid…” I’ve learned that those statements don’t get you anywhere. It’s just critical. Plus, kids are great at keeping things interesting and throwing curve balls. I wouldn’t trade ours for anything. Ever.

…I used to have an ego the size of Canada. It worked for a while (or so I thought) but I ended up missing out on a lot of other wonderful surprises because of my own big head.

…I thought friendships with girls were only gossipy and boy-crazy times where we’d all just wait around for the next cat fight (because you KNOW it will happen). I’ve been surprised at some of the closest friendships I have. They are way better than I ever could have dreamed.

…I used to look up to those who were older than me. I still do.

…I dreamed of what I’d be like when I was older. I’m nothing like I thought but I like who I am.

…I had a list of things I wanted to accomplish. That list is almost done. Time to make a new one.

…I dreamed of finding the perfect husband who I could join forces and conquer the world with. I found him (well, he found me!). We haven’t conquered the world but I love the little world we’ve got together.

What about you? When you were younger, fill in the blank.

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Laminate

We have been very busy ripping up carpet and installing laminate flooring. Yes, we actually are becoming handy! It was a long process but surprisingly easy. We are finishing it up this weekend but for now, here’s a sneak peek:

Kevin

We sponsor a child in Honduras named Kevin through Mission Of Mercy. He’s ADORABLE!!!! Two weeks ago, a team of 22 (“the crew of 22″) from our church, went to Honduras on a missions trip. Our friends, Jennie and Jordan, were gracious enough to deliver a package to him from us. It was his 7th birthday. We’ve been writing letters back and forth with Kevin for a while now. We were super surprised when our team came home with a video of Kevin just for us. I turned into a blubbery mess! Hearing him talk, seeing him interact with his friends, seeing where he lives… I cried like a baby.

Kevin (in the red shirt) lives in a very simple, block home with his mother, older sister and younger brother. He shares many of the same interests as our son, Ethan, and they are almost exactly the same age – just days apart. We’ve all become quite the pen pals. We weren’t able to go this time to Honduras but if schedules and funds allow, we’d love to go next time if only to hug this little boy.

(Jennie on the left in the blue shirt. Kevin in the red shirt. His sister in the blue shirt. His mom on the right in the red tank top and his skin and bones dog in the middle.)

Lard

I mentioned a while ago about having some new medication to treat my Fibromyalgia. After a total disaster of actually taking the new medicines, we quickly found out that I was allergic to them AND I’d been also been given the wrong dosage without titration packs (small doses that are gradually increased). Forceful vomiting for 12 hours straight, a case of dehydration, three attempts at an IV, a bunch of fluids and 2 GIANT bruises later, I said forget it and decided to: 1. Find a new doctor and 2. Try some of the more natural therapies for fibromyalgia. I thought for SURE that I was going to die before the day was over. I have never felt so bad in my life! Two of the previous medicines had weight gaining side effects. I gained 60 pounds while on these drugs. Since I’ve been off of them and have been doing different treatments, I’ve lost 17.5 pounds! WHOO HOO!

Photography

I’ve always had a love for photography. I spent my summer job money saving up to buy a nice 35mm SLR camera when I was in high school. After a few years, it suffered a mishap of getting dropped down the stairs by someone. I never had the money to replace it or fix it. This past month, my husband, John, surprised me with a new DSLR camera and I have been having an absolute blast picking up an old hobby. I’ve joined a Ladies Photography Club taught by my friend Jill at Raindancer Studios. Here are just a few shots from this month’s “play time”:

Anyway, I’ll close for now. I promise next time won’t seem like a slide show of what I’ve done this summer. Maybe it will be a more serious post. Who knows? I’ve got a few ideas rolling around in my head. As for now, I must head to bed. It’s 2:30 am and I’m a sleepy girl.

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