Photo Challenge | Before & After - Texture Thursday

It's been a little while since I've posted, and I sure have missed it!  We've had a lot going on here, not to mention storm after storm that has blown through.  Wednesday was one day I'd not want to repeat any time soon, or ever!  I've been off more than on the computer these days because of the constant warnings.  Lightning and computers do not go together, but thankfully, we've had nothing as serious as other parts of the country.  So much devastation, and loss for so many ... they all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers!

Well, needless to say, I've missed a few of these photo challenges.  I've wanted to get back here to share some before & afters, and some textured images with you, so I thought I'd do both today.  I enjoy browsing through antique malls, and when I came upon a booth full old cameras, I couldn't help but stop to look over a few of them and snap a couple of quick shots for old-time memory's sake!  Here is one of the images I took but as you can see, it's not very appealing when it comes to composition, or lighting.  It was a bit dark and shadowed in the area where these were, so I had before me the challenge of giving this image some much needed character ... oh, but I do love an editing challenge!  First, I straightened and cropped it up a bit then went to work on fading out the color, adjusted contrast, and lighting, then finally added the texture layer to give it an even more 'weathered' look ... reminds me of something you'd find in an attic!  To add your own creations, or to see more 'Before and After' and 'Texture Thursday' images, just click on the links below.  Hope you all enjoy a blessed weekend!

Before ... SOOC

After ... Vintage Cameras Textured

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge | May Flowers

Flowers so pretty, well, they pretty much speak for themselves!  This week's photo challenge over at I Heart Faces is yes, you guessed it .... flowers!  I chose these tulips that my sweet husband brought home to me.  I love flowers, especially the ones he blesses me with!  To see more gorgeous colors of spring, or to share your own, click HERE!  I know I could spend hours over there myself!  Have a wonderful week!

Photo Challenges and finally ... Spring!

It's been a good day ... this Friday.  Busy indoors with housecleaning, laundry, dinner ... but the best part was spending the afternoon out in the sunshine with my dear sweet husband who first of all, blessed me by bringing home one of those yummy mocha coconut frappaccinos from Starbuck's after work!  If you don't know yet, it's what they call "happy hour" from 3:00 to 5:00 every day from now until the 15th ... hallelujah, they're half price!  You only have until Sunday, so you had better get there quick!  Honestly, I've never had one, that is until a friend introduced me this last week.  Thank goodness it was for the happy hour discount ... at the regular price they're as much as a gallon of gasoline these days!  After enjoying every last little drop of what may be my last one for awhile, and looking through some scrumptious gardening magazines, I got that coffee-kick giving me extra energy to plant some lavender with my hubby.  He's good at gardening ... at least someone in the family is!  He's taught me a lot, and ever since, I've enjoyed getting out there and getting my hands dirty ... especially when there's lavender around! :)

 

It was inevitable ...
winter has finally given way to spring's arrival ...
warm sunshine, blue skies, gentle breeze, flowers, birds,
the smell of fresh cut grass, bees 'a buzzin',
backyard barbeques, and yes, dirt ...
it's the promise of growth, and new life ... 

oh, how I love Spring ...

... and did I mention lavender?

... oh, and yes the sunflowers ...
mustn't forget about the sunflowers!

{another little 'gift' from my darlin' husband!}

And finally ... I'm entering a couple of photo challenges with the following images over at 'Before and After', as well as, 'Black and White Wednesday' ... this is my great niece (what you can see of her, that is), and my two, oh-so-cute, great nephews!  They all live out of state, and it's such a joy being with them when they're able to be here!  To see more, black and white, and before-and-after images, or to add your own, click on the buttons below. 

Hope you're able to get out and enjoy the weekend ... we're hoping this one won't be a total wash-out with all the rain we've been getting.  Today was exceptional, and we hope we get more sun tomorrow to completely dry things out around here.  We'd also like to browse some of the early spring garage sales and stop at a couple of farmer's markets.  There's a new one this year with lots of organic produce, honey, homemade soap, and flowers ... lots of flowers! :)

- sooc -

  

 - Canon 30D - Lens 24-70mm f/2.8 -
I warmed it up just a bit ...
hmmm, maybe just a bit too much,
but, you'll have to forgive me, I'm finding my way around Lightroom 3.
It's been a bit confusing since I've only used Photoshop Elements.
If anyone knows of any good tutorials for LR3, do let me know!

I also converted this image to b/w. 
I love how it brightened up the boy's faces here.
Be sure to check out the other entries ...
the link buttons are below.
Enjoy the sunshine, and have a blessed weekend.