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Bokeh and You!

2010-08-12T23:51:00.000-07:00

Recently I asked my fans what they wanted to see more of in my photographs - was it portraiture? Was it fashion? Was it landscape.. etc. One of my good friends suggested bokeh. Now, I've seen other photographer friends try bokeh before and I never really "got" it. So my immediate response to Jeff was: "sell me on it, and I'll give it a try." He proceeded to give me multiple links with examples, "best of" and even suggestions on how to create your own bokeh photograph. Needless to say, I was sold...and immediately started to play with my camera to see what I can come up with. It's a whole new world of possibilities - seriously! And now that I've opened my mind to this 'new' style, I am seeing it everywhere. For example, a co-worker of mine recently took this photo (don't hesitate to check out the rest of her photographs! She's amazing). The results are stunning.

Have you tried it before? Do you like it? Check out Day 59 of my Three Sixty Five Photo project to see my results for that evening.

Dots

New Camera, New Inspiration

2010-07-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

I finally did it - I got myself the 7D. It's not quite the Marks but it'll do in a pinch ;). I am so extremely excited to start getting out there and using this beautiful new machine...but what to do with my old camera? I'm considering selling it, but the cost would be such a blow to how much I paid for it originally. Do I keep it as a back up? I have been attempting to also keep up the 365 blog - which you can find in my posts below. It is coming along nicely - check it out!

.:Dots

365 Project

2010-06-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

Well, my ThreeSixtyFive project is well under-way for the first two days! Check it out here to see my results. So far it has been an easy project as I've been taking pictures of everything and anything that comes in my way - the next week will be tougher as I am back at work - but I'll be doing my best to take at least one worthy photo a day. This is so much fun!

Day 1 of 365

2010-06-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

Today, I was able to capture my first photograph for the 365 project (A photo a day). Can't wait to have a chance to upload it and post it for the world to see - although I think I will create a separate blog for this project and connect the two pages together. I should have that posted tomorrow sometime ;) Meanwhile, here's the link to the blog where things will be posted!

Wish me luck and motivation to keep this up for a whole year.

Photography Slide

2010-06-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

Hi world - I haven't forgotten about you. It has been crazy busy in my life and I *gasp* let my photography slide. I'm thinking of starting a 365 project - where I take a photograph every day and document my life that way. What do you guys think?? It seems like every one is doing it .. ;)

Do you craft?

2010-05-04T21:00:00.001-07:00

Take this survey and please, let us know!
Click here to take survey

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

2010-04-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

I think this is such a brilliant idea - and I support this wholly. I've been on a mission for a few years already to cook healthier, wholesome and fresher meals so I feel like this "movement" of Jamie's hits close to home for me. This year I'm growing my own tomatoes, basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, chillies and chives. I hope to expand this one day when I actually have a "garden" to call my own, but so far so good!

Check out Jamie's Revolution and try to do the same in your kitchen!

Fireside Grill - Review & Photos

2010-03-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

Today we tried Fireside Grill - one of the many restaurants on the Dine Around Town, Victoria which has $20.00 and $30.00 menus. We tried a bit of both. (Also, we already tried Smuggler's Cove last week - but it wasn't worthy of a blog - the food was nothing more than typical pub fare and while it tasted great, it didn't blow me away). I apologize in advance about the quality of photos, I tried to be quick. The locale was amazing, with beautiful and warm atmosphere.

First of all, here is our $20.00 Menu (for the $30 Menu, check out the website above):

Our choice of food was:

Saanich Carrot and Camembert Soup

Followed by my Duck Confit:

Alex's Veal (from the $30.00 menu):

And Kory's Braised Lamb:

For dessert I played around with the menu and chose from the $30.00 section for a few extra bucks...

Hazelnut Burlee

Kory's choice was the Raspberry Tart

All in all, the meal was extremely filling, flavourful and amazing. The only "complaint" I would have is pairing the braised lamb with tomato sauce. I find lamb has enough of its own yummy tastes without needing to mask it with tomatoes - it's not a choice I would have made in my kitchen.

Highly recommended from the bottom of my heart. <3

Spring in British Columbia, Westcoast Style...

2010-03-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

Only in B.C. ... Only in Victoria can we have spring this early in the year! I hope the sleepy bees can keep up. Check out what I came across today on my stroll in our back-yard.. <3 love this town.

Olympics 2010

2010-03-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

I have stayed pretty quiet about the 2010 Olympics here in Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond. It's not that I don't care about them - it's just that I was too busy cheering for Poland and Canada! But in the end, I managed to make it down to the chaos and beauty of patriotism in the heart of Vancouver - and even got to see the Closing Ceremonies. Saying goodbye to the world athletes was hard, and I'm not going to lie...I woke up feeling fairly empty the next day thinking "Now what?"... But here's a quick summary of my amazing stay and what I got to see:

Seattle by Night

2010-02-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

These photos are a little bit dated, they're from September 2009. I haven't had a chance to go through and edit them - so since I was in bed this morning with a sore back I thought I would do something a little more useful rather than just stare at the ceiling! We walked about 4km from our hotel downtown toward the famous Space Needle. We kept our eyes on the destination since we could see parts of the needle the whole way there. It kept us going despite the blisters on both mine and my mom's feet. (A shoe exchange solved the problem for a few short steps, but did not help in the long run).Seattle is beautiful. I hope to go back there again this summer with some friends! The bottom photo is a ceiling on our cruise ship in Seattle - just thought it had a really fun composition :)

Beauty All Around Us...

2010-02-19T20:14:00.000-08:00

I love this weather we've been having! I just can't get enough of it...

Spring is here!!

Happy New Year of the Tiger and Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T14:45:00.000-08:00

Based on how today is going, I'm going to go out on a limb and say SPRING IS HERE!!! What an amazing day to celebrate such wonderful times! I had the privilege to check out the Victoria Tea Festival today - unfortunately I didn't bring my camera with me (what the heck right?), but I highly recommend it to anyone who might want to go next year or the years after that... I hope it'll only get bigger and bigger from now on, and while doing my exit-survey I made sure to let them know that we'd love to see MORE!

My favourite pick from the Tea Festival:
If you want to try something yummy for a cozy day at home, then may I suggest a fairly-traded black tea from India called "Madhupur". It is naturally grown, hand-picked and crafted and it tastes amazing! It has a really nice, smooth, smoky taste to it. You can read more about these wonderful teas and people here. (the blog doesn't seem all that up to date, but it has all the info necessary to get the gyst!). I am drinking my cup of Madhupur with milk and sugar right now! (This particular picture was not taken by me - I borrowed it from the website above).

Meanwhile, our garden is starting to feel a lot more spring-y! Check out my Crocuses that are in full bloom already! I took these pictures as soon as I got home from the festival :)

My roses that I received from Kory <3 They are gorgeous. The weather was so beautiful outside that I had to take them out there and photograph them in the natural light. The photo does not do any natural thing justice, but this will do in a pinch!

I even had a visitor while I was taking pictures of another bouquet of flowers I received from Kory yesterday! (I know, he must really love me or something!!).

Yep... spring is definitely here!!

My dedication to Alexander McQueen

2010-02-11T21:27:00.000-08:00

To someone who had guts in the fashion world, where everyone else remained "beige". To someone who created a bond between art and fashion. To someone who's genius mind and creative spirit were taken away from us much too soon.

Alexander McQueen

1970-2010

And let's hope that Gaga keeps his art displayed for many years to come

iPhone applications worth mentioning..

2010-02-08T14:29:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been trying to find applications (apps) for my iPhone that will encourage me to use it more for what it really is, rather than just a phone or music player. I have narrowed it down to a few apps that I think everyone should have. I tried to keep this on the topic of photography, but ... as you see... it's a variety of things.

The apps that everyone should have, or at least, try once:

1) Iron Camera - a camera simulator, that allows you to zoom-in/out, add vignette, set a timer and choose your own size. And all that BEFORE you even take the picture. Once the picture is taken, you have the option to choose a frame, a filter, add blur, or even some cute little stamps. The reason I liked this app was because it takes a picture MUCH faster than the standard camera on the iPhone would. The processing takes longer, but the snap is much faster (perfect for fast moving subjects

Here are some examples of photos I've taken with this app:

2) Histamatic - another camera app that simulates old school cameras out of the 50s and 60s. Each photo is completely different - and right from start you have the option between three different lenses, and three different types of film (you may purchase other "hisptapaks" allowing you to have more options with film and lenses..) Each film and lens combo produces a completely different result - making this camera completely unpredictable and extremely fun. It even has a "flash" button, which makes the winding real sound, and adds a little bit of brightness to your photo. Here is the same subject, taken with two different types of lenses:

vs.

3) Stanza : an electronic book reader for your phone. Would not give this up for anything. I've already read about 4 books this way and it cannot get more simple than that. This app is free with the iTunes App Store and gives you access to hundreds of classics for free! The pages turn with just one touch, and you have the ability to change font size, style, choose chapters, and best of all: define words that you're unsure of RIGHT THERE AND THERE~! Love this app. I have also been able to find some torrents with e-books that Stanza is compatible with (yay free books). The picture below shows what it looks like, and the bars on top and bottom disappear after about 5 seconds

4) Loseit: a nutritional database that allows you to track your calorie and exercise intake. They have an EXTENSIVE list of foods and exercises, allowing you to do this accurately. I love it because it has made me aware of portions and how many times a day I eat. Also, for people who are into it, the app allows you to track your nutritional intakes as well: sugar, cholesterol, fat, etc. Not just calories.

5) Jamie Oliver's 20 Minute Meals: How amazing is having Jamie Oliver PRACTICALLY in your kitchen while you're cooking? Well that's what this app feels like for me. There are lots of videos, step by step instructions, hundred's of recipes to choose from, ability to make shopping lists based on your choice of dish, and voice-overs from Jamie as you're cooking. Love it. Jamie Oliver took his time making this one - adding personal videos teaching us everything from: how to choose your herbs and cut them properly, to how to stock up your fridge, and how to cook your pasta. Apparently the app is constantly updated with new recipes and videos, so there is no possibility of getting bored of his meals! Highly recommended.

I hope my reviews and information has given you guys some food for thought! These kinds of "secrets" just need to shared. LOVE IT.

xoxo

Dottie

"Vancouver City" by InnerLife Project feat. Linda Ganzini

2010-02-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

Amazing, absolutely worth watching, and ... pretty much leaving me speechless.

Enjoy!!

Dezine: Local Drum n' Bass Goodness

2010-02-04T21:31:00.000-08:00

I have the pleasure of knowing and being able to listen to Dezine, a Victoria local who plays some awesome tunes at venues around town. Check out my official, and first, interview with Matt - the man behind Dezine. Best of all, I had the pleasure of photographing his show February 3rd, 2010 @ Hush. (aka. Dudes with Dreads Dropping DnB and Dubstep!)

Q: What inspires your music making?
A: I've always been big into music, even though I never actually learned to play any instruments. My mom said she would put head phones on her pregnant belly to make me stop fussing in utero. So I particularly enjoy musics ability to completely change one's emotional state. A bad day can be ended simply by hearing certain notes arranged in a pleasant fashion. Or a good day can be soured by the opposite.

Q: What type of music do you play?
A: I play a type of music called 'Drum and Bass' or sometimes 'Jungle'. It started as Hip-Hop's answer to the House and Disco music that was so prevalent in the early 90s rave and club scene. Drum and Bass, at its core, is essentially just Hip-Hop beats running at double time to give a more punchy dancing feel to them. Since those early days however, it's now a genre that incorporates everything but rocking heavy metal to smooth light jazz. It's definitely this range of sounds and styles that drew me towards the genre.

Q: How long have you been DJ-ing
A: I've been playing records for about 4 years now, and doing studio productions for the past year.

Q: What's your influence? And your inspiration?
A: I'm definitely heavily influenced by a lot of the music that my mom listened to when I was growing up. Mostly old folk stuff like Paul Simon and anything with powerful female vocalists like Jan Arden or Tracey Chapman. So needless to say I never found commonality with any other kids on issues of music. When every one else was listening to Green Day, Metallica, and Blink 182, I was decidedly on a different musical path.
My inspiration today comes from all the new artists that show up in the scene on almost a weekly basis. Specifically the likes of two artists, one called 'Netsky' and another 'Bop'. Both are also extremely new to the scene having only shown up in the past year. While Netsky has taken the sounds and styles of artists that have come before him and put his own unique touch to it. Bop however, is championing a sound unlike anything anyone else is making anywhere. Both are amazing artists that I highly recommend looking into, even if you don't fancy yourself a fan of of electronic music.

Q: What's your favourite track (out there right now)?
A: My favourite track right now would have to be a remix of the 'Snow Patrol' song Open Your eyes, with 'Dj Marky and Bungle' on remix duties. The sound of this track is almost indescribable, combining equal parts powerful emotional male vocals with destructive bass lines and synths. I have found that anything with a recognizable vocal in it always works well on a dance floor. Even while dancing people want to be able to sing along, even if they don't know the words.

Q: What's your favourite track of all time?
A: This would definitely be the track Drowning by 'Cleveland Lounge' with a remix by 'AK1200'. This was one huge tune from back in 2000 made even larger by one of the pioneers of Drum and Bass. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Dave “AK1200” Minner, and was lucky enough to get my vinyl copy of the track signed by the one and only.

Q: How did you get into DJ-ing?
A: Well when I first started getting into the scene and collecting any and all music that could be classified as “electronc”. I found that most DJs I would go out and see weren't playing any of that music that I enjoyed. The stuff I was hearing was frankly giving the music I loved a bad name. Fitting into all the negative stereo types that are touted by the general public; too repetitive, no melodies, and just plain sounding bad. So I spent quite a few years locked away in my room with a pair of turn tables trying to make a go of it.

Q: What's the best memory you've got involving music?
A: Most of my good memories involve music, but if I had to pick just one it would be when I was having a conversation with a complete stranger about the local electronic music scene. He had mentioned a recent demo mix he had got his hands on, and how he'd had been listening to it on repeat ever since. So as it turns out it was actually one of my mixes that he'd been listening too. This was the first time the knowledge that my music was impacting people I didn't even know hit me full force.

Q: What's your latest mix/set and what inspired it?
A: My latest mix is the final installment in a four part seasonal series I worked on last year. I created a new mix for the beginning of each season, starting with spring and ending with winter. Each mix was meant to encapsulate a feeling associated with the given season. Spring was bouncy and up beat, Summer was kind of a joke mix of some of the most cheesy pop influence stuff I could find. Fall was very dark and moody, and then Winter was filled with melodic and smooth sounds. The intent was to have it be the musical accompaniment to sitting inside with some hot coco and watching the snow fall.

Q: What do you want people to get from listening to your sets?
A: I could be all deep and say that I want people to experience some sort of emotional connection with the music that I play. But in all seriousness I play dance music, so as long as I've got someone taping their feet or bobbing their head, my work is done.

Q: Are you working on anything right now?
A: I'm currently trying to get a full album of self produced tracks together. However with no formal music training and self teaching all the software, the learning curve has been pretty steep. The results so far have surprised even myself however, and I hope to have something final within a year.

Q: Where can your fans find your tunes, or where can they see you play?
A: Well you can become a fan on facebook pages under “Dezine”, all my recent mixes are update on there as well. If facebook isn't your thing I recently had the privilege of being asked to join the liquidfunk.ca website. This is a locally hosted, but world known site for Victoria and area Drum and Bass DJs. As for playing out, I can be seen usually once a month at Hush nightclub, dropping some of the most tear out tracks you've ever heard. If the club isn't your scene I can be found under Lyall's Place playing something with a smoother vibe at The Whitebird Lounge. [Dottie's note: And they have an amazing martini - The Geisha, that I highly recommend!]

Harley

2010-01-26T11:01:00.000-08:00

We wanted to welcome to our family the newest addition: Harley. She is a 5 month old Tortoise DSH, extremely agile, and has the longest tail I've ever seen. She purrs non-stop...and I mean...NON-STOP! Her name suits her prefectly.

We adopted her from the S.P.C.A. here in Victoria and are happy to say she is getting along with Dawg - although they are still getting used to each other. Dawg will have to give up a lot of his territory for this hyper-purring soul!!

Here is Dawg. He's a friendly longer haired kitty also adopted from the S.P.C.A sometime about a year and a half ago. He's probably the most relaxed cat I've ever been around, although he's scared of his own shadow! You can only imagine the affect that Harley has had on him, especially with her strong personality.

We hope to see them both snuggling together soon...as today was almost a success!

Snow covered peaks and cinnamon hearts..

2010-01-24T19:19:00.000-08:00

I just spent 4 days in paradise...

Mount Washington was amazing. We spent the time right on the mountain with a view of the slopes. Perfect doesn't even describe the weather - we had sun with just a tiny bit of cloud cover to keep it from being too bright on the fluffy, powdery, fresh snow. The skies were blue with gorgeous wisps of clouds. The temperature was cozy, and never too cold to freeze our toes or too warm to melt the snow. And best of all, I spent it with 12 of my closest friends and the love of my life. I know, I know...I'm rubbing it in...but I am just on top of the world right now and I'm trying to escape the reality of work tomorrow by bathing myself with these memories. So.. here's the cole's notes version in picture form:

Flower Study

2010-01-20T10:37:00.001-08:00

I am lucky enough to almost always have fresh flowers in my house thanks to my love, so since today is a gorgeous day and I had a little time to spare before work - I decided to play around a little bit with the natural light. My subject was less than happy to co-operate, but we managed in the end ;)

Rithet's Bog Conservation Area

2010-01-13T13:47:00.000-08:00

The three kilometer stroll around Rithet's Bog today proved to be fruitful! I have a couple of images that I found interesting, and worth posting, so I hope you guys enjoy them as well :) I love how all of the images have that gloomy, yet very warm and earthy, brown tone to them - so typical of our West Coast winters, but also giving us that hint of Spring. It must be just around the corner, because I already have some flowers peaking in my garden!

Free Hiking and Walking Program (here in Victoria and surrounding areas)

2010-01-12T08:49:00.000-08:00

So when I was waiting for my fitness class to start yesterday morning, I came across a pamphlet that gets groups of people together and goes for walks/hikes/etc...All programs are free, no registration is required!! I love this, and am absolutely going to take advantage of it. I hope that some of you will find the time to do the same, and explore some of the Island trails with me.

There are three types of walks: "Gentle Walk", "Discovery Walks" and "Sunday Hikes"

Most of these you need a car for, but some have a designated meeting spot somewhere on bus route, and the rest is car pooling. Very efficient, especially since some places charge for parking!
For more information about these walks: call 250-475-5408, or pick up a pamphlet @ the Commonwealth Rec Centre.

Here is their schedule for the Spring/Summer:
"Please meet in designated areas"

Gentle Walks

Thursdays, 9:30-11:00am with Karen Reid

March 4, 2010: Colquitz to Hyacinth Park - Meet at Colquitz Creek Park sign near Silver City Theatre at Tillicum Mall.
March 11, 2010: Centennial Trail & Blenkinsop Greenway - Meet at parking area on Lochside Trail in front of the Don Mann Excavating, north of McKenzie at Borden.
March 18, 2010: McMinn Park to Lohbrunner - Meet at McMinn Park, beside tennis courts, off Maplegrove St.
March 25, 2010: Gyro Park to Mystic Vale - Meet at Cadboro Gyro Park, bottom of Sinclair St.
April 1, 2010: Lochside Park to Doumac - Meet in Lochside Park parking lot off Cordova Bay Rd, past Mattick's farm.

.... more gentle walks to be updated closer to their time....

Capital City Discovery Walks

Wednesdays, 9:00-11:00am with Karen Reid

"Meet at designated location at 9:00 am and we will carpool to site"

April 28, 2010: Gore Park & Oak Haven Park - Meet at Commonwealth Place parking lot. First left turn into parking lot.
May 26, 2010: Thetis Lake & Seymour Hill - Meet at Tillicum Mall, near Montana's Restaurant, Colquitz River. Parking at Thetis lake is $3.00

....more Discovery Walks later....

Sunday Hikes

Sunday, 1:00-3:30pm with Penny Stevens & Karen Reid

"Although these hikes follow mainly chip trails and pavement, there may be some rough or steep sections so please wear sturdy and supportive footwear"

Feb 14, 2010: Lochside Trail to Martindale - Meet at Lochside Park on Lochside Drive, north of Cordova Bay Road, past Mattick's farm.
March 14, 2010: Marigold/Panama Flat- Meet beside tennis courts at Hyacinth Park on Marigold, near Interurban.
April 11, 2010: Parks of Strawberry Vale & Knockan Hill - Meet at Strawberry Vale Community Centre on West Burnside. Park on the street.

....more hikes in future blogs!....

Hope some of you will be able to take advantage of these free opportunities to see other parts of Victoria you may have not yet discovered. Otherwise, maybe just another excuse to get out of the house and get some fresh air! I always have a hard time gathering people together for a walk or a hike, so this solves my problems haha.

.:Dottie:.

Tea Lovers Unite

2010-01-11T13:05:00.000-08:00

So thanks to google's searching for key words in my blog and emails, I found this awesome website with teas and tea-stuff and all sorts of awesome information about all-things-tea. I am so in love. <3

.:Dottie:.

P.S. Does anyone else watch How I Met Your Mother? Today is their 100th episode and I can't wait to watch it. I finally caught up on all the previous episodes - 4 and a half seasons in less than a month! Kory and I have been tv-watching-machines!

Walking is good for you..

2010-01-08T19:12:00.000-08:00

Especially if you do 10 kilometers of it! Today Jesse and I went for a walk around Elk/Beaver Lakes which is a 10 km trail. It runs along the highway for a short part of it (which is a bit of a bummer) but the rest of it is foresty/lake front gorgeousness! Unfortunately today was a rainy day, which proved awesome for the photographs, but it also wasn't enough to stop Jesse and I from taking a stroll. Enjoy the photos!

Today's Inspirations

2010-01-05T21:54:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga Barbie Dolls

How cool is that? I think it's amazing, and potentially a little crazy - but got to give the Barbie doll maker props for being original. I love Lady Gaga.

Silk Road Tea mmmmm

"Jasmine Dragon Tears Green Tea"

My favourite tea of all time, and although overly overpriced at Silk Road, it is soooooooooo good and absolutely worth trying. It is my little secret, but I am willing to share ;) Special Tea's also carries it at a lower cost but same quality. <3 it.