Eshttah: Rich & Creamy Life

Spring Garden, with Intention

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Sun, 28 May 2017 15:49:00 +0000

Spring is here. My flower garden is transforming daily.

My bucket of tools.

Favorite garden tools

I bought these leather garden gloves from the Garden Center at Walmart for $5. Highly recommend.

Awesome gloves, $5 from Walmart

Vintage concrete porch

Egyptian-Style Pickled Aubergine, Turnips, & Tomatoes

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 17:30:00 +0000

Egyptian-Style Pickled Aubergine, Turnips, and Tomatoes

Yesterday, I didn’t start my computer and this is what happened... the earth continued to rotate. Oh yes it did.

Instead, I took Creative Health Action towards all things different and intimidating. I spent the day in the kitchen remembering how to make Egyptian mezzas with the fresh eggplant, tomatoes and turnips that were piling on the kitchen counter. Since my husband works the night shift, he left it to me to figure this out. I had to dig deep to find his Aunt Samira’s recipe for pickled eggplant. باذنجان مخلل (I think I spelled that correctly).

And then today, before I started my computer, I took a stab at photographing these drab looking veggies to make them look delicious and appealing. Not sure I made these look as delicious as they were to eat, but I tried and that is what matters. Thank you to my lovely niece, Lisa, who continues to plant all these vegetables for me. (Eggplant or aubergine, tomato, turnips). Your gardening skills are inspirational.

Creative Slump? I encourage you to try something new today.

“To require perfection is to invite paralysis. The pattern is predictable: as you see error in what you have done, you steer your work toward what you imagine you can do perfectly. You cling ever more tightly to what you already know you can do – away from risk and exploration, and possibly further from the work of your heart. You find reasons to procrastinate, since to not work is to not make mistakes.” From the book "Art & Fear" by David Bayle and Ted Orland

Long thin aubergines fresh from the garden

Egyptian-style Pickled Aubergine باذنجان مخلل

8 thin, long aubergines
8 tomatoes, medium size
12 peeled garlic cloves, halved, fresh or marinated
3 Tbs cumin powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp red chili pepper
2 Tbs minced parsley
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbs white vinegar
2 Tbs lemon juice

Directions:
~ Wash and put the aubergines in a saucepan and cover with water.
~ Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil until skins are soft. Don't pierce the skins. Depending on the thickness of the plant, it takes about 10 or so minutes of boiling. Remove the aubergines from the water. Cool. Then trim off the stems.
~ Wash the tomatoes and pat dry with a towel. Score each tomato 3 times without cutting through the tomato.
~ Score each aubergine, making a deep slit on one side of the aubergine without cutting through the entire plant.
~ Make the filling: In a food processor, (or a mortar and pestle) Mince the garlic. Then blend the garlic with all the spices.
~ In a small bowl, add the garlic, parsley and whisk in the oil, vinegar and lemon juice.
~ Smear the filling into the tomatoes and the aubergines. I like to stuff them full. Press the sides together to close them up a bit. Put the vegetables in a small container.
~ Let the vegetables marinade in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.

Fresh turnips from the garden. This is about 1 pound of turnips.

Egyptian-style Pickled Turnips

3 cups of water
1 cup white distilled vinegar
2 pounds of turnips, peeled and sliced into 1⁄2-inch thick wedges or into sticks
6 slices of a peeled beet
3 cloves of garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
1⁄3 cup of coarse ground kosher salt (I adjust this accordingly, more or less, depending on the strength of the salt)
1 bay leaf

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add 2 cups of water, the salt and the bay leaf, stirring until the salt is dissolved. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow to cool until it reaches room temperature. Then, add the vinegar and the remaining 1 cup of water.

Cut the turnips into 1⁄2-inch wedges or into sticks. If you cut them into sticks, make them about the size of French fries. Place a few slices of beet into each jar (this is what will give the turnips their pink color), then divide the turnips and garlic slices among the jars. Pour the salted brine over the turnips, making sure they are completely covered, top off with water if necessary.

Heat your lids in boiling water to get the seal supple. Place the lids on the jars and let them sit at room temperature (in a cool place) for at least one week. Once done, they can be refrigerated until ready to serve. Pickles will keep for months when refrigerated.

Creative Block? Try Something Different

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 00:53:00 +0000

Typically I'm too lazy to go outside to photograph the night sky.

I missed the Perseid meteor shower on Thursday night. So, last night, I decided to give night photography a try for the first time. These two shots were taken around 1:30 am. Though I did see (and catch) a few meteors, I didn't see any "showers." But, then again, I only lasted about 15 minutes (and about 10 shots) before I returned to bed.

The light on the horizon behind the barn is not the sunrise, it is the light noise from the Beulah coal plant, about 40 miles as the crow flies. Looking north and east.

The Barn

My suffering of Creative Affective Disorder.

So, another reason that I decided to get my rear-end out of bed in the wee hours this morning is because I have been suffering from creative depression blues. Have you ever hit a plateau, whether it is in weight loss or business or whatever, and you wonder "Why bother?" And then the "why bother" attitude wraps you into a vicious mental circle that keeps dragging you down, down, and down?

Well, the last few months, I have been neck deep in a creative bog. And, like many of you, I am my worst enemy. I was stuck. I was depressed. But, I know it is up to me to help myself and exert the change to feel better and balanced.

One way, I have found, to climb out of a slump is to try something different. It can be to drive a different route, try a different food, or attempt a different creative craft.

Doesn't take much, just a tiny bit of effort.

Willpower, my friend. Willpower is the key to make that change.

The perseid meteor shower

What could I do that is different? I decided to try my hand at night photography. Not because I fancy myself to become a star photographer. No, it was something I had never tried before and it intimidated me.

My night sky pictures are nothing special if I were to compare them to other night pictures. (And, we all know where comparison will lead, so don't go there.) But, what has got me all charged up this morning is my sheer willpower to get out of my comfy bed, set up my camera, and stand patiently in the dark with my camera. This morning, I'm super tired, but oh so satisfied. Little tiny steps.

Willpower.

It's what charges the spark in your creative plug. I hope I can pass that charge on to you today.

North Dakota Mounted Shooters

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 01:15:00 +0000

The North Dakota Mounted Shooter Association demonstrated their talents at the Horsefest in Taylor. I've always wanted to do this...maybe someday.

You can find more photos of the North Dakota Mounted Shooters here:

Bringing home the Mega 30

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 01:31:00 +0000

Lifting Keel Upright

Lifting Keel down for transportation

Horses in Fog

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Wed, 04 May 2016 22:57:00 +0000

In my dream, many white princes surrounded me with light.

Two White Horses

Two white horses nose to nose

Process 1 : Photoshop and Nik Effects

Process 2 : Nik Analog Effects

Process 3 : Nik Silver Effects

Process 1 : Nik Effects

White horse in prairie pasture

Process 2 : Nik Silver Effects

1953 Royal HH Typewriter

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 19:29:00 +0000

Exploring writing moods with a 1953 HH Typewriter.

Dickinson State University, Global Table Presentation

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 18:32:00 +0000

Thank you to the Dickinson State University Global Table committee for asking me to share my stories and pictures of Egypt. I received many compliments and remarks on the beauty and diversity of Egypt. I appreciate all the students, faculty, and staff that took time out of their day to listen to the presentations.

the DSU Global Table committee

Showing my images of Egypt to DSU students, faculty and community.

My presentation

Poster Announcement

Silver Forks Lined in a Row

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 20:36:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I purchased a second-hand Rokinon 14mm F2.8 lens. It is a beautiful lens with clear, sharp images.

Today, I decided to try it out on a project that I'm working on for Don Giannatti's Project P52. Each week, Don gives us an assignment to shoot. This week, the assignment was "forks" and "change."

I found several sets of vintage silver forks in the cellar a few months ago. My mother had bought a big box of silver flatware at an auction sale years ago.
With props in hand, I started to sketch out ideas for "change." In the middle of ideas popping and sketching, I decided an interesting "change" would be a switch from my go-to Tokina 100mm lens to the Roninon 14mm lens.
I think it made for some interesting shots.

SPOTLIGHT VERSION 1
All the forks are lined up on a black-top table. I experimented with small and large aperture settings. I liked the f18 setting and manually blurred the foreground with lens blur in Photoshop. With a few more enhancements in Photoshop, I added a layer of NikEffects bleach

SPOTLIGHT VERSION 2
Same process but opened a larger spot light over the focal point.

SPOTLIGHT VERSION 3
All the photographs were with natural light and long exposures.
Photoshop enhancement, NikEffects film effect and finally, layering a spot of light over the fork.

LINEUP ROW 1
My first test shots. I laid out the forks, but didn't polish or fix them. As much as I like the rustic and worn look of the forks, I eventually polished them and fixed the tines.
Photoshop darkening the edges and contrast adjustment, then NikEffects vintage filter.

LINEUP ROW FLIPPED
Flip the image in Photoshop, then added NikEffects Analog vintage camera

LINEUP ROW 2
Photoshop enhancement in contrast, then added NikEffect Supercross pop.

BTS: The foreground fork was centimeters away from the lens.

Following the Winter Tracks, Motivation to Train in the Winter

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 17:38:00 +0000

Overall, we've had a very mild winter here in western North Dakota. But, there have been a few days when the temperatures have dipped below zero. Getting outside to take a daily walk can be challenging some days, but I have found a few things to look forward to on my walks through the pastures, like finding animal tracks.
I love seeing all the footprints after a fresh snow. We had a few inches of snow and then the temperatures warmed up. All the animals seemed to make their journeys out of their dens to find food.
How many tracks can you identify?

Winter, snow, and cold should not get in the way of your fitness routine. Just be smart
about dressing properly and taking care during sub-zero temperatures.

Creativity, Commitment, and Crap: Distracting your Muse from Perfection

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 21:52:00 +0000

What do you do when your muse dumps you?

Last month, I fell into the creative black hole. I think we've all experienced that void space: Overworked. Overloaded. Overused. I was over the precipice of a foul funk hole. But, I still had three weeks to the end of the semester. It took my every effort eek out any creative functions to deliver final lessons, exams, student project critiques, and lastly personal projects.

Something had to give. With no energy to muster ideas...creative or cliché...I gave up on my personal projects.

After the semester finished, my energy was spent. But, over this last year, I've trained myself to refuse dwelling in foul funk holes. It gets me nowhere except on the spiral down to deeper self loathing.
I've learned to cultivate my inner determination...whether it's my daily exercise or my daily creative spark. It was time to nurture my tired muse. But how?
Enter a long-time quiet on the perfection front.
For the first few days of holiday break, I paused and asked for different, experimental ways to allow myself to decompress and enjoy.

Time for Something Different

I decided to start going through my storage boxes. I reminisced through boxes of journals, slides, travel notes and photos. It was in one of the boxes where I discovered a La Sardina Virginia is for Lovers lomography camera that I bought last year. I never took it out of the box. I never used it. I bought it on a wim and so didn't really care to find the time to use it.

La Sardina Virginia is For Lovers. Lomography Toy Camera.

Film Roll Number One: Undaunted Action

I decided it was time to break free with this little toy camera. I loaded a roll of film. I was set.
Over the first few days of holiday, I constructed "Lomo-worthy" scenes to photograph. I took my time. When I finished the 24-exposures, I was excited to get it processed. Luckily, we have a lab in North Dakota that still processes film, in-house. 1-hour film processing!! Hurray. Bob's Photo in Bismarck.
It's a 90-miles, (one way), for me to drive to Bismarck. But, it is one of my favorite cities, so I visit there a couple times a month to shop and enjoy. Groceries, petrol, everything is cheaper in Bismarck, away from Bakken boom gouging territory.
I dropped off the film at Bob's and then went shopping. When I returned, they handed me the envelop and said there were no images to print. Being awesome service people, they offered to look at my camera and repair it, if it needed. No need. Toy camera.

Negatives were clear. Creative victory defeated.

I went home and reviewed the manual. What did I do wrong? Load film. Pull out lens. Twist. Turn. Shoot. I decided to try again and loaded film number two.
This time, I was less constructive with my image set up. Nonetheless, I took time taking pictures. Outdoors, I captured the beautiful snow frosted trees. Indoors, I captured pretty Christmas decorations. Each shot I imagined would look awesome with the Lomo effect. A few days later, I had to drive to Bismarck to stock up for Christmas dinner. Bob's Photo was my first stop. Shopping and a few hours later, I returned. Once again, they handed me the envelope, no images. Maybe you need to throw away the toy camera.

Film Roll Number Two: Negatives Clear. Blank. Nada. Nothing.

I was pissed. Even though I got the camera on a discount, I still paid $50 for the thing. I was determined to get this cheap little sardine box to pony up some images. Screw the creative process.

Why are my negatives clear? Lomography La Sardina Camera

I started search strings: "why are my lomography camera images blank" "negatives clear lomography camera" ...etc.etc.etc.
The official Lomography site offers little insight into such questions, no matter how I formulated the infinite ways.

I knew it wasn't because I was overexposing or underexposing.

I found this link:
La Sardina for Starters: Remember the Twist and Pull.
So, I decided to trigger the shutter mechanism with a small eyeglass screwdriver. I did the "twist and pull" lens, then triggered the shutter. It wasn't working. I could see that the lens wasn't completely cocked into place.

Inside the La Sardina camera. The lens is pulled and twisted, but not engaging the shutter.

Looking on the lens of the La Sardina camera. The lens is pulled and twisted, but not engaging the shutter.

I gave the lens a strong sturdy twist...there it was: the lens snapped into place. The shutter triggered.
aaahhhhh....

Inside the La Sardina camera. The lens is pulled and twisted. The shutter is engaged.

Looking on the lens of the La Sardina camera. The lens is pulled and twisted. Notice where the silver button aligns with the word "You." The shutter is engaged.

Film Roll Three: Third Time is a Charm

I loaded my third roll of film. "Twist, pull, and firm click into place"

This time, I shot like a three-year-old with her first camera. I shot anything that fancied me. I finished the roll of film in about 15 minutes. I was on my way to Bismarck that day. My first stop was Bob's Photo. This time, I returned to the store in an hour with more determination and anticipation. And, I wasn't disappointed. Success. Crappy images, but I have images!

A stack of images from my third attempt with the La Sardina camera.

Now...on to creativity. Evoke the Muse.

Crappy images, but hey...no clear negatives.

To be continued...

I'm taking more time with my fourth roll of Lomography film. I can't believe how an unexpected photography challenge turned into a liberating process. I completely unhooked from perfection and worrying about "making" an image. I wanted to "see" an image...literally! A toy camera and technical conundrum gave me the "different" way to connect to the creative process.

Commitment + Determination = Creativity

All this from a flippin' sardine can camera!

How do you awaken your hibernating muse?

I'm a proud Highpointer! 31 of 50 State Highpoints under my feet.

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 02:04:00 +0000

I decided to collect and preserve my highpoint photos on Flickr.

This week, I found a box of slides, negatives, and photographs from my highpointer adventures. Neatly tucked on top of the mess of photos, was my well used "Highpoints of the United States. A Guide to the 50 State Summits" written by Don W. Holmes.

I decided to get scanning and try to preserve my high pointing adventures. All this nostalgia has made me get excited to start training again and bag those last 19 peaks!

Highpoint's of the United States: Guidebook

My signed copy of the book. I was delighted to climb (and summit) Mount Whitney with Don.

An example of the type of notes that I wrote to remember my climb.

My last highpoint attempt was Mount Elbert in 2010. My husband took the hike with me, but when we passed 12,000 feet, he started to exhibit all the symptoms of altitude sickness. It took us almost two hours to descend. He was sick for almost 24 hours. Altitude is nothing to mess with.

It's Not the Peak. It's the Adventure.

I've been a member of the Highpointers Club since 1994. Since then, I've summited 31 of 50 United States geographical state high points. Almost all of these photos are scans from film, negatives, or slides. All the photos of me are self-portraits; back in the day of auto timer and no preview LCD screen. I had one, maybe two shots at the most to document my position and make a decent face.
And, all of my hikes were navigated by a paper map, topo map and compass.

Highpointing is the sport of ascending to the point with the highest elevation within a given area. Examples include: climbing the highest point of each U.S. state; reaching the highest point of each county within a specific state; and ascending the highest mountain on each continent. I climbed my first highpoint in 1994. At the time, the Highpointers Club was just a small group of krazy klimbers founded Jack Longacre.
You can find more about the Highpointers Club here.

My Highpoint List: Summits both successful and unsuccessful.

Alabama, Cheaha Mt., 2,413-ft / 735-m. Summit w/ friend April 21, 1997
Arizona, Humphreys Peak, 12,637-ft / 3,852-m. Solo summit July 29, 2001.
Arkansas, Magazine Mountain-Signal Hill, 2,753 feet. Summit w/friend April 9, 1997
California, Mt. Whitney, 14,505-ft / 4,421-m. Team summit June 29, 1994.
Colorado, Mount Elbert, 14,433 ft. Summit attempt to 12,000 ft, August 2010
Florida, Britton Hill, 345-ft / 105-m. Summit w/friend April 20, 1997.
Georgia, Brasstown Bald, 4,784-ft / 1,458-m. Summit w/ friend April 23, 1997 in total fog.
Illinois, Charles Mound, 1,235-ft / 376-m. Summit w/ friend May 8, 1997.
Indiana, Hoosier Hill Point, 1,257-ft / 383-m. Summit w/friend May 2, 1997.
Iowa, Hawkeye Point, 1,670-ft / 509-m. Summit w/friend May 10, 1997.
Kansas, Mt. Sunflower, 4,039-ft / 1,231-m. Solo summit August 28, 2004.
Kentucky, Black Mt., 4,145-ft / 1,263-m. Summit w/friend July 28, 2006.
Louisiana, Driskall Mountain, 535 feet. Summit w/friend April 11, 1997.
Massachusetts, Mt. Greylock, 3,492-ft / 1,064-m. Summit w/friend Sept. 13, 2006 in rain.
Michigan, Mt. Arvon, 1,979-ft / 603-m. Solo summit September 7, 1998.
Minnesota, Eagle Mt., 2,301-ft / 701-m. Solo summit September 6, 1998.
Mississippi, Woodall Mt., 806-ft / 246-m. Summit w/friend July 25, 2006.
Missouri, Taum Sauk Mt., 1,772-ft / 540-m. Summit w/friend April 3, 1997.
Montana, Granite Peak. 12,799-ft. 1999 Unsuccessful summit. Solo climb, made it to Granite-Tempest Saddle.
Nebraska, Panorama Point, 5,424 feet. Summit, solo April 6, 2000.
Nevada, Boundary Peak. Unsuccessful summit. Got to the base of the mountain, but spent too much time trying to find trail, lost daylight.
New Hampshire, Mt. Washington, 6,288-ft / 1,917-m. Summit w/friend Sept. 11, 2006.
New Mexico, Wheeler Peak, 13,167-ft / 4,013-m. Two Solo summits, September 1994 & August 2005
North Carolina, Mt. Mitchell, 6,684-ft / 2,037-m. Summit w/friend April 24, 1997 in freezing snow.
North Dakota, White Butte, 3,506. Summit w/friend Sept 14, 1997
Ohio, Campbell Hill, 1,550-ft / 472-m. Summit w/friend May 2, 1997.
Oklahoma, Black Mesa, 4,973-ft / 1,516-m. Summit w/friend May 6, 2006.
South Carolina, Sassafras Mt., 3,560-ft / 1,085-m. Summit w/friend April 24, 1997.
South Dakota, Harney Peak, 7,244-ft / 2,208-m. Solo summit February 14, 1998 in snow and freezing weather.
Tennessee, Clingmans Dome, 6,643-ft / 2,025-m. Summit w/friend April 25, 1997.
Texas, Guadalupe Peak, 8,751-ft / 2,667-m. Solo summit May 27, 2001.
Utah, Kings Peak, Unsuccessful summit. Solo climb, made it to Dollar Lake. Camped 2 nights in rain. Returned on a very soggy trail. 1995.
Wisconsin, Timms Hill, 1,951-ft / 595-m. Solo Summit: September 8, 1998
Virginia, Mt. Rogers, 5,729-ft / 1,746-m. Summit w/ friend: July 30, 2006
Vermont, Mt. Mansfield, 4,395-ft / 1,340-m. Summit w/friend Sept. 11, 2006

PEAKS TO BAG
NORTHEAST REGION
1. Connecticut, Mount Frissell
2. Delaware, Ebright Azimuth
3. Maine, Mount Katahdin
4. Maryland, Backbone Mountain
5. Pennsylvania, Mount Davis
6. New Jersey, High Point
7. New York, Mount Marcy
8. Rhode Island, Jerimoth Hill
9. West Virginia, Spruce Knob

WEST REGION
1. Alaska, Denali / Mt. McKinley
2. Colorado, Mount Elbert, 14,433 ft. Summit attempt to 12,000 ft, August 2010
3. Hawai’i, Mauna Kea
4. Idaho, Borah Peak
5. Montana, Granite Peak. 12,799-ft. 1999 Solo attempt, made it to Granite-Tempest Saddle.

6. Nevada, Boundary Peak. Unsuccessful summit. Got to the base of the mountain, but spent too much time trying to find trail, lost daylight. July 2005.

7. Oregon, Mount Hood
8. Utah, Kings Peak, Solo attempt, made it to Dollar Lake. Camped 2 nights in rain. Returned. 1995.
9. Washington, Mount Rainier
10. Wyoming, Gannett Peak

Sailing Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 19:37:00 +0000

Preparing to launch from Fort Stevenson State Park. Garrison, North Dakota

Leaving the marina on a Mega 30' sailboat

Most people think that North Dakota is one big wheat field…or a land of hicks and oil.

True that we have all of that…but unless you live here or have visited, you will never know the beauty of North Dakota. And, the awesome people that live here.

On Sunday, we took our Mega 30' sailboat out on the water to soak up the last few weekends of great summer weather.

Sailors were out in numbers today. There were 8 sailboats and a catamaran enjoying the hot summer day.

One of our marina neighbors enjoying the last glimpses of summer.

Lake Sakakawea is named for the Shoshone-Hidatsa woman Sakakawea who guided Louis and Clarke through the western territory.

The lake is the largest man-made lake in North Dakota and the third largest in the United States, after Lake Mead and Lake Powell.

The lake averages between 2 and 3 miles (3 and 5 km) in width and is 14 miles (23 km) wide at its widest point (Van Hook Arm).

Lake Sakakawea marks the maximum southwest extent of glaciation during the ice age.

Lake Sakakawea has many beautiful coves where you can anchor in peaceful bliss.

The winds made it perfect to glissade across the water.

Heeling at 45% with the Mega 30 foot racer sailboat

Say's Phoebe by my door: from eggs to birds

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 15:29:00 +0000

Robins in my tree: watching robins grow from eggs to first flight

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 18:10:00 +0000

Spring Showers brings Flowers and Baby Calves

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 16:20:00 +0000

Tribute to Michael Graves. Architecture in El Gouna, Egypt

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 01:31:00 +0000

A stairwell in the Steigenberger Golf Resort

I was sad to hear of the death of Michael Graves, renowned architect and designer. On March 12, Mr. Graves died of natural causes in his home in Princeton, New Jersey. He was 80.

Over the years, I could recognize Mr. Graves' designs or architecture all over the world.
His design was distinct and had a big impact on me. I remember the first time that my husband and I drove down to the El Gouna resort in southern Egypt. We had reservations at the Steigenberger resort. I had only seen a tiny photo of a room, so I had no idea that this entire golf resort was designed by Graves.

On the approach to the Steigenberger, I was pleasantly surprised to see the weird group of buildings with beautiful smooth lines, shapes, and subtle desert colours.

It was fascinating to be surrounded in his quirky style, all open for me to explore. Stairwell are cleverly disguised like castle towers. Tagine- topped towers dot the banks of the surrounding lagoon.

The lagoon surrounding the Steigenberger Golf Resort

Our stay at the Steigenberger was so good that we returned many times whenever we visited the resort.

Entrance to the Steigenberger Golf Resort in El Gouna

Steigenberger Golf Resort in El Gouna

Mr. Graves' work can be found all over the Orascom development in El Gouna, Egypt.

Villas in El Gouna

The tagine topped villas of El Gouna.

El Gouna Villa

Steigenberger Golf Resort in El Gouna

Villas in El Gouna

Entrance to a Villa in El Gouna

A view of a Michael Graves villa in El Gouna, Egypt.

The Coptic church inspired by Michael Graves design

DIY: Secure a Wood Photo Panel with Picture Hanging Wire

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 20:16:00 +0000

How to Prepare a Frame with Hanging Wire for Photo Show

Some time ago, I decided to enter a few photo pieces into an art show. It wasn't until after I paid the entry fees and read the fine print that I realized that all the artwork entries were required to be mounted with wire.

For my framed images, this wasn't a problem. But, for the solid wood panel that I printed at Snapfish.com, it proved to be a little challenge.

My DIY solid wood photo panel hanging system at the art exhibit.

First, I attempted to get a nail into the slotted openings at the back of the picture. It didn't work because the backing is nearly impossible to penetrate and I was worried that I would damage the image.

Command™ Wire-Backed Picture
Hanging Hook.
Turn it upside down to create
the hook for the wire.

After many google searches to find DIY help, I didn't find any suitable results. I decided to visit the local Walmart picture framing section to see what I could find.

With my makeshift wire hanging supplies in hand, I took to creating my own DIY photo panel wire hanger.

My goal was to make the hanging system hang securely through 3 days of the show.

Here's what I used:

3M Command Wire-backed picture hanging tabs , braided picture wire and duct tape.

Instead of the hooks being stuck to the wall, they are turned upside down,
and affixed to the back of the photo panel.

First I centered the picture hanging hooks on the back of the panel. I turned the hook upside down wrapped the wire a few times around the hook, like a lasso. I secured it with duct tape so the wire didn't slip off the hook.

Next, I measured the wire so that it would land about 1-1/2 inches from the top of the frame. I wrapped the wire around the second hook, then cut the wire. Again, I secured it with duct tape.

The duct tape keeps the wire on the plastic hook and
it keeps the wire from fraying or cutting someone.

Exhibits or galleries using a wire system require that the wire on the back of the artwork is at least three inches from the top of the piece. Usually a single wire is used for lighter pieces and two wires for heavier bulkier pieces.

The wire lands about 1-1/2 inches from the top of the frame.

Since many art shows require art entries to be hung on gallery hanging systems, I hope this might help someone out that needs to securely mount a photo panel or wood-mounted image.

End Result

The photo panel hung securely for the entire weekend of the show. After the show, it hung on the wall for almost 8 weeks before the adhesive from the 3M hook came loose.
It worked great. The event coordinators were excited to see my DIY handiwork. And, I was able to exhibit the photo.
Hope this will help you too. If it does, please let me know.

ps: sorry for the crummy pictures. It wasn't until someone asked me how I mounted the wood panel that I realized I should have taken better behind the scenes pictures.

My upcoming class "Photoshop Basics for Photographers" in western North Dakota

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 18:08:00 +0000

If you're in the Dickinson, North Dakota area, consider signing up for class. I'm teaching Photoshop Basics for Photographers. 2 pm to 3:30 pm, Saturdays 14, 21 and 28 February and 7 March.

Registration page for CommUniversity

Fracked in the Bakken

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 06:07:00 +0000

Political pundits have been waxing poetic about the economic boom in western North Dakota from the surge in hydraulic fracturing.
They get all frothy when they talk billion dollar budgets and low employment rates. Across the country, people retweet signs that Walmart is paying $17 an hour for starting salaries and have up to $1000 sign on bonuses.
For many of us living in the area, who are not beneficiaries of the oil boom, we have to deal with the day-to-day economics.

I accept many things that the universe offers me, but it is difficult to accept the gouge from the mechanic. I paid $220 for an hour of work to install a starter on a 2006 Chrysler van.

GOUGERS

Charbonneau Auto Center in Dickinson North Dakota may have once been a family operated honest place for business, but after one year of increased gouging from this business, I am left to drive 90 miles east to Bismarck or even to Fargo for service.
I highly recommend anyone in this area to do the same.

Snow What! No Need to Hibernate

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 16:47:00 +0000

As winter solstice slides us into the deep winter months, gray skies and colds temps don’t need to drop us into hibernation. Some of the most exhilarating outdoor adventures can be found when snow is knee deep and temperatures nip the single digits. So, grab your poles and head for the hills.

Snow pack roads are still drivable. Just take it slower.

When planning for an off-road winter trek, prepare for an early start since days are short and hiking or skiing in snow can be long.

Getting away from the Bakken oil trucks is a great reason to retreat to the backcountry.

Always check weather and road conditions for your entire route. In north country, it can be sunny and calm in one area and whiteout blizzard conditions a mere thirty miles away.

The surprise of deer, antelope or buffalo is always exciting.

Snowshoeing the rolling hills of western North Dakota can feel like most mountainous areas and is the best way to discover the surprises of winter environments.

Early morning snow hikes offer beautiful diamonds.

But, cold temperatures and snow present very vigorous challenges. If a three-mile hike is a cinch in the summer, be sure to double or triple the time for a winter hike. Loose snow and ice can slow down even the most ardent hiker.

Hiking or backcountry skiing in extreme weather demands proper equipment. Invest in good equipment and dress like an onion with plenty of layers.

Though it feels frigid at the trailhead, your body starts to generate heat after just 10 to 15 minutes of walking, especially if you've chosen a strenuous trail. Dressing in layers will allow you to balance your internal temperatures by adding or removing hat, gloves or jacket. When you get indoors, your body will be ready to handle the warm air.

A breathable ski mask is preferred. Try to find a wicking material that won't crystalize in cold temperatures.

While no trek is the same, neither is a trekker's favorite gear. But, there are basic items that every winter hiker should have before hitting the trail. Winter hikers invest in high-quality foundation items.

A good pair of water proof snowshoes is a must.

Start with a good pair of snow boots that are fitted to snowshoes that support your weight. Add another layer of protection with knee-high gaiters.

Next, keep your body warm with wicking underwear, another layer of breathable clothing and top with waterproof trousers, Finally, an insulated jacket system with an inner and outer jacket, hiking poles, warm hat, liner gloves with outer-gloves or mittens, and goggles or polarized sunglasses.

Skis, backpack, hats.

Any off-trail hikes, snowshoed or not, are likely to be rigorous, especially in deep, powdery snow, If the going gets tough, be prepared to turn around. Focus on the entire adventure, not just a destination or trails end.

Extraordinary landscapes of western North Dakota

On the trail, you want to hydrate with water or electrolytes. After the hike, a local micro brew or warm drink is a welcomed warmer-upper.

Everything tastes better after a hike.

Add caption

A vigorous hike deserves a delicious reward. Treat yourself to a great meal. Plan to visit your favorite spot to fill you up with comfort food. Whether it is a cozy bar with great burgers, or a lively pizza hangout, find a place where you don’t have to worry about your appearance or aroma.

After coming in from the cold, it is tempting to chow down on everything. But, keep your food and alcohol intake in moderation.

Hiking in the cold will dehydrate you and it is easy for your body to cramp up. A good serving of water will hydrate you and open your appetite for a meal well deserved.

Western North Dakota is geared for the outdoors, so it is easy to find a great pub that serves up delicious comfort food and award winning regional micro brewed beers.

Ribbon at the Badlands Regional Art Show

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 17:06:00 +0000

Last week, the 40th Annual Badlands Regional Art Show took place. There were many delightful entries from beautiful oil paintings to dimensional sculpture.

As part of a class requirement, I asked my university senior art students to enter the show. In the spirit of collaboration, I agreed that I would enter two of my photographs. It was fun to walk through the exhibit and find a 3rd place ribbon on my photograph.

"Raking in In" took 3rd place out of more than 40 photography entries

This is a photo of movement of the hay rake. I took the picture this summer as the guys were preparing to bale hay. I was out early one summer morning taking pictures when I saw them baling hay. I decided to watch and take some shots as they rounded the field. I stood right inline with the tractor and rake as my nephew passed by me and my camera. No long lens. This is either a testament to trust or stupidity.

The Veil is Lifted. Embrace Your Shadow.

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 00:12:00 +0000

Modern Halloween is often associated with the Celtic festival of Samhain. Whether you celebrate Halloween or Samhain, in the northern hemisphere, the holiday heralds the end of autumn and signals the dark days of winter.

Spirits. Souls. Sparks.

The belief is that during Samhain, the living could visit with the dead and the dead could walk among the living. Other celebrations such as All Souls Day and Día de Muertos honour loved ones who passed from the earth. We were all born and one day we will all die, these celebrations of death help us acknowledge and internalize the beauty of death so that we can live our lives with more awareness and meaning. Our soul’s desire is to live and create.

Self. Shadow. Source.

As the winds of autumn flutter open the thin veil between worlds, it is a time of extraordinary opportunity to explore your shadow side: the parts you keep hidden, the qualities, behaviours, and motivations that may be difficult for you to acknowledge. Your shadow separates you from your full Self, your creative source, your muse. Connect with your shadow. Ignite your muse. Take this time to rest, meditate and gather your creative fertility, embrace your shadow self and live like you’re going to die.

Emotion, Commotion, Motion

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 01:12:00 +0000

Sadness.
Depression.
Loneliness.
We are all on this path together, yet in our own individual ways.
We walk.
We rest.
We move ahead, or not.
Ultimately, it is our choice.

Western Desert of Egypt

noreply@blogger.com (ishttah) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 20:22:00 +0000

The White Desert:

The White Desert in western Egypt is stark, stunning and fascinating. Rock formations jut out from a stark white landscape. The formations are a combination of chalk and limestone shaped by wind erosion. Large balls of stone balance precariously on columns.

The most photographed formation in the White Desert of Egypt: Chicken and Mushroom. These formations are quite tall. The "chicken" is almost 2 metres high.

Hot Springs Oasis

There is nothing more healing then the hot springs in the western desert of Egypt. One of the advantages of owning your own jeep, you can get to some of these secluded hot springs.

Remote hot springs in the oasis of Egypt

Agriculture Valley in the Desert

Dakhla Oasis (الداخلة ] called the inner oasis, is one of the seven oases of Egypt's Western Desert (part of the Libyan Desert). Dakhla is organized around the main town of Mut, a settlement that dates back to pharaonic times. Dakhla sits in a depression surrounded by pink cliffs and sand dunes.
There are about 30,000 acres of cultivated land. The farmers constantly fight the battle of the dunes that threaten their fields and orchards. The fields and gardens are filled mostly with mulberry trees, date palms, figs and other citrus fruits.

Dakhla Oasis الداخلة Farming