Photo Feedback: Friday Night at the Horse Show

I have a problem. I have piles of photographs and no one to critique them. Some of the photos are funky, and some of them have flopped.

If I post them, do you think you could critique them? I don't care what qualifications you have (or don't have), because everything helps! Maybe it is the content, or the lighting, or whatever. If you would change it, I want to know.

Of course, if you think it is the best thing you've ever seen and you would pay millions and millions of dollars just to hang it in your home, don't hesitate to give me a shout. Hey, it's going to happen. I'm amazing.

And finally, if you are like me, and want something constructive shoot me a photo and we'll get it up here (with due credit and links, of course).

First up, I have a couple of shots I took at a horse show last weekend. I really liked them, but they seemed to have flopped.

Too bad.

Ideas?






And finally, everyone's favourite:



If you want to see the other five shots I really liked, check out my Flickr page. Do you have a photography website or Flickr page? Let me know where!

Creating criticism,

L

Watch Your Tongue, Newfoundland!

In other news.... I caught Newf saying "whatevs" today.

I told him if he keeps that up he is going to have to eat the at the table with the rest of the sixteen year old girls.

Let's just say, he didn't like that. I had to make my own lunch. It was delicious: peanut butter on whole wheat.

Serves me right, I suppose.

Do you have any throwback sayings? I'm a big proponent of "eh". What can I say, I'm a proud Canadian.

Getting saucy with the spouse,

L

The Bomb: In More Ways than One

Hesitation… ambivalence… doubt… indecision. Uncertainty.

To you nasty little feelings that creep up into my mind and make Swiss cheese of my otherwise sunny side, to you, I say good day.

It's not you, it's me; I just don't feel it anymore.

It is time to announce that we (that nasty little worm of wariness and I) are no longer.

But, alas, like any good love story, this one is not easily ended. Like many a breakups, this one will be long and drawn out and it will take time to find my new position in the world.

That is okay. I am okay.

Or am I?

Damn you uncertainty, I already kicked you to the curb. No friends-with-benefits either.

None at all. I will learn to enjoy spending my Saturday afternoon in my undies, napping, noshing and needlessly repainting my nails. I will enjoy the silence of the house, save for a snoring dog and a ticking clock.

That ticking is not a time bomb, and neither am I.

But uncertainty? Well, it certainly is a bomb and I'm not about to let it blow here. If I wanted to talk bombs, I'd give my favourite pirate a shout (maybe even a leg up).

Smee… Smee… Smee, I just had a sublime vision. All the jagged parts of my life have come together to form a complete and mystical whole. An epiphany.

My life is over.

Yes, goodbye.

Goodbye, Smee.

No stopping me this time, Smee. This is it. Don't make a move, Smee. Not a step. My finger's on the trigger. Don't try to stop me Smee.

This is is. Don't try to stop me this time, Smee. Don't try to stop me this time, Smee. Don't you dare try to stop me this time, Smee. Try to stop me. Smee, you better get up off your ass get over here Smee.

This (if you haven't guessed it) is my favourite Captain Hook speech! You gotta respect a man who stuffs a giant alligator and turns him into a clock - all with one hand.

Rest assured, alligators are not endangered in Neverland.

Smiling with Smee (on Saturday),

L

A Post Secret Project

Happy weekend my pretty people!

I hope all is well in your land, and either way, know that I am sending you some love.

This weekend, Linnie gets Laced has a lovely little experiment to announce, and no, we won't be growing any mould today.

You may or may not recall that my parents are crazy people (hey, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree). Instead of working to buy the big things they retired early and bought a boat. Then, they moved onto that boat.

They haven't lived a normal life since. Their life is spent sailing south of the 30th parallel (north). As we speak they are crossing the Gulf Stream, on their way to the Bahamas.

This lifestyle has some ups and some downs, but it suits their adventure seeking hearts.

For Christmas, I presented my parents with three of the Post Secret books. If you haven't checked out the Post Secret project, I highly suggest you do. It is one of my most highly anticipated blog feeds.

In a nutshell, Post Secret is a personal art project fuelled by the population at hand. Anyone can take part. Simply put your burning secret on one side of a post card and mail the card to Frank. The anonymous secrets are posted on the Internet for everyone to see. You can read the whole story here.

Well, my mother has taken it on herself to drop each one of the books in a different country. She has posted a note into each cover, asking the receiver of the book to read, enjoy and leave it for another to find. She, very thoughtfully, left my blog address with her note.

It will be interesting to see if we hear from anyone along the way.

Mom has just dropped the first book in Vero Beach, Florida.

If you have received a book, drop me a line, let me know whatever you want to. And please, pass the book along.

Compassionately cheeky,

L

Wordless Wednesday: My Newfs, With Words

I have some quick photos to share. A rare glimpse into the life that is mine.

The Beast and the Newf, aloof and without bribes.

The Beast and the Newf, much happier, after being bribed with fish.

Never underestimate the power of a Newf's stomach.

Have a good one.

It's a wonderful Wednesday,

L

Showing My Geeky Side: Gaming Giggles

Good evening my darlings, how was your weekend?

Did you enjoy the extra hour of sleep this morning?

I sure did. So much so, I got giddy and decided to share a few pics that (actually) made me laugh out loud.

Enjoy, and happy Sunday.

Surfing on a Sunday,

L

Small Things: Ads CAN Make you Smile

I saw this ad yesterday while streaming some Mantracker online.

I love it. Not only is it clever but the faucet is pretty cool too. Problem is, if I owned it I would spend hours turning it on and off, just because it was fun.

The two-button water-saving toilet entertained me for days when we moved into our current place.

Small things, simple things.

Enjoy.

It gets me right at ". . . even make a pizza pie!"

Do ads and commercials ever make you smile? What's your favourite?

Amused by ads,

L

Wicked Wednesday: Pop Art Poetry

Good afternoon my lovelies,

After arriving home late last night I have used today to catch up on laundry and SLEEP. However, I have a delightful little tidbit for you! The other day I stumbled upon a fantastic little poem that I wanted to share. I do believe it will become my new mantra for life.

Please enjoy the quick but thought provoking read, "Self Pity" by D.H. Lawrence:

     I never saw a wild thing

     Sorry for itself.

     A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough

     Without ever having felt sorry for itself.

I could certainly take a page from the little birdie's book.  Like a dog's unwavering loyalty, I do believe there are a number of traits that we, as humans, could use a little more of.

What are your thoughts? Do you have a specific view or love for poetry?

Bye bye (birdie),

L

SMILE! (Always Love Yours)

Love your smile (even if it's a little crooked).  Hopefully that little head is big enough for you!

Taken while headed Westbound on the 401 through Toronto

Never underestimate the power of a smile, whether it be yours or someone else's.  Smile when you are in a bad mood, smile when you are approaching what seems to be a nasty person and smile when you are on the phone.  It really will make you sound happier and you may just find that the nasty person is just as unsure as you.  

This little guy put me in a good mood for the rest of day.  Hopefully it perks yours up too!

Positively yours,

L

Welcome to the Wild West (You are in for a rough ride)

This blog, I hope, someday will be the blog everyone loves to hate.  Just like that loving mother, best friend or partner in crime, I hope this blog will provide you with that much needed pat on the shoulder and an even harder kick in the ass.

A brief introduction of myself: I am young and with it.  I like music and clothing and always aim to make a statement.  Currently, my apartment in Toronto is shared with The Newf, my odd ball but dearly loved husband, and The Beast, a big black dog.  The Newf and The Beast both have Newfoundland in their blood, The Newf was born and raised on the rock and The Beast is a big, hairy Newfoundland dog.  They keep things interesting and they keep me sane, most of the time.

That is all you need to know, for now.  I have little in the way of credentials, but enough opinions to last a lifetime.  My experience is limitless (or so I like to think) and I firmly believe in avoiding boorish behaviour while causing a stir to be remembered.  I want to be a lady shrouded in mystery and I aim to surround myself with like-minded people.

This is the easiest way to get into trouble and avoid the nasty consequences.  Polite people are always farther ahead, so are those who live on the edge.  Nice is relative but naughty is a whole new kind of fun.

Topics to be discussed are pretty straightforward: life, luxury and language.  How to build your image and truly live (not just exist), how to enjoy a state of great comfort and extravagant living (despite your wallet contents) and the language (mind, body and verbal) that will get you there.

Etiquette, music and appearance are my mainstays but I tend to throw things out there as I see fit.  

One thing to get straight - I am not here to tell you what you are doing wrong.  There are enough negative people in this world, I doubt the last thing you need is another.  I am here to build your confidence, make you feel oh so good and tap into that side that makes you say, "Oh yeah baby, I AM a big deal."

As always, I am open to suggestions , questions and comments.  Drop me a line, let us chat about anything we see fit.

To succeed and grow this blog needs you.  It needs you to read between the lines and blur them a little when necessary.  In return, I guarantee that I will put as much useful (and accurate) information up here, I just cannot guarantee that you'll like it.  But then, I suppose, you can't guarantee that you will like either.

Welcome, my friends, to my world.  Let's make it a good one.

Until next time,

L