On Tap for April

I've been in a blogging funk. Have you noticed?

To snap out of it I've decided to join a little blog hop. I mean if I can't get the energy to create one post, why not commit to a full month's worth of work, right? Seems totally logical...

Arlee Bird came up with the blogging from A to Z challenge back in 2010. In the past few years it's grown leaps and bounds. This year, I was #1321 to jump on board and the list keeps growing.

Here's the beauty of joining the Blogging from A to Z Challenge, it kills 3 birds with one stone.

1. It's a way to light a fire under my bloggy bum and push me to get content published
2. I've picked a theme that will help me cross an item off my day zero listy list
3. I'll {hopefully} connect with a few new blogger buddies - which is always inspiring

Each day of April - except Sundays - I'll be posting a Chicago photo corresponding to that day's letter. By the end of April, I will be able to cross #59 "Take a Picture for Each Letter of the Alphabet" off my day zero list.

That would really be good because my 1001 days end in July and I'm only 24% complete. YIKES!

Have any blogging plans for April? Have I got an idea for you...

Photo Challenge - Days 18, 19 and 20

Day 18 - A picture of you and a best friend

Here’s the thing, this isn’t an awwwwwww moment. This is a confession moment. I didn’t marry my best friend. I married my boyfriend. When we were dating, engaged and even newly married I had several really close girl friends who shared the title of best friend. The handsome hubby was my boyfriend. BIG DIFFERENCE. Sure, he was my friend too. But he was NOT my best friend. It has only been because of our marriage that he has become my best friend. As our marriage grows through the good, bad and ugly so does our friendship.

Day 19 - A favorite picture of yours

This picture is one of my favorites for several reasons. First, I love the subject. How amazing is this sculpture (Igor Mitoraj’s Eros Bendato)? Second, I love the setting. As you can see from the Cardinals propaganda in the background, it was taken in St. Louis – a place for which I am feeling particularly nostalgic today. But, I think the main reason I love this picture is because it was taken while I was enrolled in a photography class, so I had a LOT of fun taking pictures that day and was really thinking about composition. I’ll admit it isn’t a brilliant photo, but it is special to me.

Day 20 - Any picture that you want

I chose this picture because it was a surprise. As I sat watching my nephew in awe at the Tennessee Aquarium back in 2007, I had to capture the moment. I had turned the flash on my camera off for some reason and “mistakenly” snapped this picture. His silhouette was a revelation and an unexpected gift. I had just wanted to capture him in a quiet moment, but because of my “oopsy” I got so much more than I bargained for… kind of a metaphor for my life.

TA-DA

I did it! I finally finished the 20 day photo challenge(in 2.5 months!!). I said I’d finish it by the end of August and I was able to meet my goal. Okay, so here’s what's next. You need to head over to Krystal’s blog Village (first to check out her adorable new header) and then to encourage her to host ANOTHER photo challenge. Who knows, maybe this time I’ll even play by the rules!

But before you go, tell me... Did you "marry your best friend" or is that just something we've been trained by Hollywood to say?

Photo Challenge Days 16 & 17

Day 16 – A Picture of Me more than 10 Years Ago

Mardi Gras (in STL) 2000

This picture is kind of a perfect indication of where I was 10 years ago. See that girl? She’s at the beginning of the journey toward rock bottom. …and apparently carrying 10 extra pounds on her journey.

Day 17 – A Picture of what you wore Today

This is why I could never be a full time Fashion Blogger

Sometimes I really enjoy wearing cutoffs, flip flops & old t shirts. Plus most summer days I leave my hair in a messy bun and hardly wear any makeup or jewelry. Regardless of my “fashion don’tness”, I am pretty stoked about this picture. Both Lexi & the handsome hubby are out of town, so I figured out how to use the timer on my camera and get a full body shot WITHOUT the aid of a tri-pod. This might lead to many, many more self indulgent self portraits. Consider yourself warned…

You guys! I'm almost finished with the photo challenge. It’s making me a little sad! Just one more day and I’ll have to come up with a whole new reason to sort through old photos and tell you guys to visit Krystal’s blog Village.  I'm just trying to enjoy it while I can.

Photo Challenge - Day 14 & 15

Day 14 – A Picture Taken using my Phone

Vance

(our VERY hungry Cat)

I had SUCH a hard time picking the picture that I wanted to share from my phone. I have bazillions of them on there, so it was tough to pick just one. I'm not sure if it’s the same for you but most of the photos on my phone require a little explanation. So, I chose this one because I’ve already told the story behind it. You can read its super short explanation HERE.

Day 15 - A Photo that You Edited

My Beautiful Sister & her wonderful husband on their Wedding Day

Yes, yes, I know. You’ve seen this picture already HERE. But, here’s the thing. I'm not an expert at photo post – production work (shoot I'm not an expert at photo PRODUCTION). The photos are few and far between that I doctor much beyond a simple crop. Considering I use Picasa for all my photo editing, that’s probably a wise choice. It’s wonderful FREE software, please, now, don’t misunderstand, I looooooove Picasa. It is just not in the same ballpark as photo shop or the other big guns. It doesn’t do the heavy lifting that the more fancy schmancy software does. So, my options were limited in the "Photo that You Edited" department.

When I took this shot I wanted to include as much of the sky as possible because it was a gorgeous day! But once I saw it on the computer I realized that I wanted Erin’s gorgeous smile to be what pulled your eye not the clouds. I feel like washing out the blue blue sky and softening the image up a little bit accomplished what I wanted.

Alright, guys, I'm in the home stretch of Krystal’s 20 day photo challenge. Just five more days! Head to Village for more photo challenge fun!
You’ll just probably have to check her archives since she finished it weeks and weeks ago…

Photo Challenge - Days 12 & 13

I'm going to double up days in the hopes of finishing up the Photo Challenge THIS MONTH!
 I was absolutely tempted to join another Photo Challenge today, but figured I should finish the one I've started first.  

Day 12 – A Black & White Photo

SNOW DAY!!!

Snow fell in Chattanooga a couple of times this year and I was in heaven. Even though it usually melted by lunch time, just seeing the flakes fall made me smile. I’ve told the hubby a million times how much I miss wearing all my super duper adorable winter hats, scarves and mittens. Thankfully, last winter I got a chance to pull them out of storage.

Day 13- A Picture from Last Summer

Jellyfish at the Tennessee Aquarium

I actually posted this picture last summer along with a few others that I took at a Jellyfish exhibit hosted jointly by the Tennessee Aquarium and the Hunter Art Museum. I heart Jellyfish.


Wondering what all this Photo Challenge business is? Check out Krystal’s blog Village for more information and general merriment.

Photo Challenge - Day 11

Day 11 - The Oldest Picture in Your Files

Me (a looooong time ago)

So, I didn't take this picture because, ummmmmm, it's of me.  You see, back in the day we didn't do the whole hold the camera and take a pic of yourself thing all that often.  Plus, I was pretty little and perhaps not capable of operating my grandfather's camera anyway.

But it is DEFINITELY old. Like 30ish years old.

And it is one of my favorite pictures ever taken of me.

I keep on chugging along on Krystal’s photo challenge. Hey, I've got an idea.  You should head on over there and check out her fantabulous blog, Village, for the challenge round ups and all sorts of other fun stuff.  As if that isn't enough, Krystal's guest posting over at After I do today.  She's all over the place, which I find super exciting.

Photo Challenge - Day 10

Day 10 – A Picture that you took at one time that you Love

Maya – age 4

Day 10?!? “But what happened to day 09,” you ask? Whelp, I had to put Day 09 into the corner in a time out. He’s been tormenting me over the past few weeks.  His antics have been keeping me from moving forward and finishing this challenge. Who knows, I may let him out eventually. But for now, I don’t like his attitude. So, he’s staying put.

The picture above was taken recently of my cousin Princess Maya. She had her 5th birthday just this week, but I captured this moment earlier this summer at my sister’s wedding. I'm pretty sure Maya knew I was taking her picture – I believe we share the photographissawareness gene – but she played along and pretended she didn’t. I love that she appears to be lost in her own imaginary world. My guess is she’s figuring out what adorable attention grabbing performance to present next. I'm quite certain between nurture and nature this one is destined for super stardom.

I'm now at the half way mark of Krystal’s super fun photo challenge. Even though she finished it WEEKS ago, you can still check out her blog, Village, for challenge round ups and all around general good times. There are still a few of us lagging behind but I intend to finish VERY SOON. (I promise, Krystal!)

Photo Challenge - Day 08

Day 08 - A Picture from Your Commute

Tennessee Riverpark as seen from my phone before Yesterday's Run

I was reminded by Krystal over at Village that I am still in the midst of a Photo Challenge.  (I guess I got a little sidetracked with Fashion Week & Giveaways.  But, I'm back on track now.

By the way, speaking of commutes, there is more news on the job front coming next week!

Until then, have a lovely weekend all.

Photo Challenge - Day 07

Day 07 - Post a picture from a Recent Vacation

I love NY
Enough. Said.

Did you know that Krystal over at Village is in Switzerland?

Check out her BEEEEautiful vacation pic here. 

And you can learn more about the Photo Challenge while you're at it.

Photo Challenge - Day 06

Day 06 - A Picture that Inspires you

OK, ok, so I didn't take this picture.

But I {heart} it and the website where I found it!

Saturday I began a special brand of torture.  I started running.

I've tried to be “a runner” a couple of times in the past with very little success. (Probably because I HATE RUNNING) But since I put that pesky, "Run a Half Marathon" on my Ultimate To DO list I'm trying it again.  I figure, I'm 34 in my 30s now and not getting any younger.  It certainly will not be EASIER to run a half marathon when I'm 40 than it is today, right?  So, there's no time like the present.

I've run 3 days this week using a super cool app called C25K (Couch to 5K, cute, no?).  It's made the first stage of endurance building a lot easier because it does all the thinking and planning for me.  And Lordy knows that if I'm exerting the energy to run, I'll be damned if I'm going to think too.  No way. No how. I figure I’ll take small steps toward the big goal. I'll run a 5K first, then a 10K and if I'm not dead or bored then I'll run the half marathon to cross that sucker off the list and return to my life o'sloth.

Which brings us all up to date and begins to explain why I'm so inspired by the picture above.  Right now, every minute that I'm running is torture.  I'm hot, winded and waiting for the end to quickly come.  But, after I've finished - when I'm home and the sweat has finally stopped POURING out of every pore in my body and I'm properly re-hydrated looking back - I love running.  I love that sense of accomplishment.  I love how energized I feel.  Looking back makes me look forward to the next time I get to go out there.  This picture is the exact thing that has motivated (and will hopefully continue to motivate) me. The runner isn't this picture’s subject; the road she's already completed is the star of the show. That’s just like me! The road that I've traveled is my inspiration. The miles that I've already run make me want to run MORE. Now, I ask you, is this picture PERFECT or what?

*This fantastic photo can also be found here.  Thank you, Caity, for this inspirational shot!

Ladies and gentlemen, check out more inspirational photos over at Village.  Krystal and company are taking some great shots!  Don't miss out.

Photo Challenge - Day 05

Day 05 - A Picture from Your Morning
We had the most relaxing end to our holiday weekend today.
My morning started on our front porch.
Gorgeous Weather. Leisurely Reading. Cup of Coffee.
Heaven.

Can't get enough of this photo challenge?  Well, lucky for you, there's tons more over at Village! Go by for a visit and tell Krystal, "Howdy!"  She's a lovely gal and would really appreciate your kind comments.

Photo Challenge - Day 04

Day 04 - A picture of where you went today

I let my passport expire.
I went online to attempt to renew it but got real skeerd real quick.
I had a name change. 
I had an expired passport. 
But it hasn't been more than 15 years since its date of issue.
With those complications I had no idea which of the 100 billion forms to fill out, which documentation to send in and how much I needed to pay.
So, today I took a trip to the post office so that the EXTREMELY NICE postal worker (we really do have incredibly nice postal workers in this town) could help me.



For some incredibly beautiful photos you should check out the Village.  This photo challenge is being hosted over there.  And yes, I am waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay behind.  But, that hasn't stopped me from being completely blown away by the other participants.  Seriously, you should check them out!

Photo Challenge - Day 03

Day 03 - A picture of your Street

How about that street sign? 

That eye sore is in front of my neighbor's house which means it also sits in front of our house. Translation: it welcomes me home every day.  I promise you, smiling at the video camera is not the first thing that comes to mind when I see it.  I can even tell you something to make the sign MORE unattractive.  A Children at Play sign was removed to put it up.  There are currently 11+ children living on our street in addition to a Girls, Inc.! So, I think maybe it wasn't the wisest choice.  Unfortunately, I wasn't consulted.

Thankfully, they also have that stunning crepe myrtle that I get to enjoy.  

Which kind of makes up for it. 

Just to clarify, the sign is front of this neighbor's house, not this neighbor's house.   

I'm loving participating in this photo challenge.  Have you visited Village yet to enjoy the other participants?  The more I see the other pictures the more impressed I am.  There are some incredibly talented artists taking part! Hurry, go see. 

Photo Challenge - Day 02

Day 02 - A Beach Photo

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Naples, Florida

Happy (Almost) 3 Year Anniversary!!

Check out the happy couple's boutique Flirt Fashions

Photo Challenge - Day 01

I discovered another new blog today.  (Actually, it found me... but I'm not gonna split hairs)  It's called Village.  The lovely blogger, Krystal, behind Village is in the middle of a 20 Day Photo Challenge.  Being the joiner that I am, I'm jumping on board.  I've always been a picture person, but recently I've discovered that I like taking pictures as much as I like looking at them.  So, while it sorta stinks that she's already 6 days into the challenge, I'm so eager to play along that I'm looking past that particular issue. 

Let the photographing begin.

Here's the deal.  I'm not sure that I'll be able to do 20 photos in 20 days... (who am I kidding, I'm quite certain I won't be able to do that) but I do still intend to post all 20 photos right here over the coming weeks.  Back off, I got permission from Krystal, so stop judging.  Let's call it a summer mini-series here at A Foreign Land.

So now without further ado, I bring you day 01 of my 20 Day Photo Challenge.

Day 01 - A picture of yourself

This shot was taken on my phone.

Is my Canal Street Fedora super cool or what?

How about how my face is melting off?

To wet your appetite, here's what's on the menu for the rest of the summer:
(It's also proof that you won't have to keep looking at pictures of my mug on a regular basis)

Day 02 - A beach picture that you have taken

Day 03 - A picture of your street

Day 04 - A picture of where you went today

Day 05 - A picture from your morning

Day 06 - A picture that inspires you

Day 07 - Post a picture from a recent vacation

Day 08 - Post a picture from your commute

Day 09 - Take a picture today that showcases motion

Day 10 - A picture that you took at one time that you love

Day 11 - Post one of the oldest pictures you have in your Picture folders

Day 12 - A black and white photo
Day 13 - A picture from last summer

Day 14 - A picture taken with your cell phone

Day 15 - A picture that you edited

Day 16 - A picture of you more than 10 years ago

Day 17 - A picture of what you wore today

Day 18 - A picture of you and a best friend

Day 19 - A favorite picture of yours

Day 20 - Any picture that you want!

Come on, doesn't that sound like fun?!?

If you want to play along it isn't too late! 
You can join in the fun over at Village. 
Or just stop by over there to see other blogger's submissions.