Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Michigan Cotton AKA Snow!


Winter is my favorite time to take photographs. Especially after a snowstorm, the next day the sun is perfect. Since cotton doesn't grow in Michigan, I thought this is the closest we will get to it.

From My House to Yours ~ Happy New Year to All, have a safe and prosperous New Year.


Hopefully, this year I will be able to keep my blog up to date!

Cathy 12/ 28 / 2011

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all my friends out there!

Swans in Winter




Maple Leaf - First Snow


I have reworked my First Snow print and have a 3 card set of Mute Swans in winter.

Everyone have a great Holiday!

Cathy

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Monday, November 22, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!


It is in the 60ties today in Michigan. Hard to believe, when it is November 22nd., the Monday before Thanksgiving Day. This like black squirrel was peeking in my window to say hi.

I just wanted to say hello to everyone out there, and those of you in the States, Happy Thanksgiving!


Cathy 11 / 22/ 10

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Vote Today!


Don't forget, get out and vote today!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Not Your Father's Election!




Photo Info



It is time to step out of voting along strict party lines. Time to vote for the best person to
bring this country back to prosperity. To get beyond great speech makers, and those who want to give us the old sports mantra of next season, next year, but not today or tomorrow. Vote for people who will get the job done. Look beyond the blue and red, beyond being a Democrat, Republican or TEA Party member. We need to vote for the person who will do the best for our state and our country.

Please get out and vote on November 2, 2010


Cathy October 25, 2010

Sunday, October 10, 2010

American Heros - Fire Prevention Week #2





Our local fire department held their Open House on Saturday. As we waited for our tour
of the new building, two of the trucks were called out on a run.

We cuaght them in action just as they were leaving.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

FIre Prevention Week


The fire department in the town south of us had an open house today for the beginning of Fire Prevention Week. I like going to their small downtown area, it gives me a good excuse to have lunch at the Shamrock Pub. Not that I really need one, I do try to eat more than burgers and fries.

Above is a simulation of taking a car apart to get the passenger out.


Cathy October 3, 2010

Saturday, September 11, 2010

September Boat Trips!


I had the chance to do an autumn lighthouse tour on Lake Michigan and the next day Lake Huron. Sounded good when we booked the tour in early summer. Unfortunately the weather turned cold and windy. Our trip on Lake Michigan was canceled. On Thursday the weather improved and the boat left Mackinaw City heading first to Mackinac Island and then out to Lake Huron. It was fun while the boat was going slow around Round Island Light, pictured above. When the boat got going out in Lake Huron it was bitter cold.

I have never used the hood on my jacket before, I had to pull it up over my hat and tied it on to keep the wind out of my ears. All and all, the trip was great. Our last day in Mackinaw City was my birthday, we got a chance to see the old fort and go out to an old mill. We celebrated later at an Irish Pub.


Cathy Sept. 10, 2010

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Mouse Trouble! No not that kind of Mouse!

Iceberg off of L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland




No, not the kind with whiskers and a tail. The kind you use with your computer.

I love the iMac my partner helped me purchase last Christmas. The 27" screen is wonderful for graphic work.

But the wireless mouse eats more batteries then my cat Finn eats cat food. What to do? I ordered a USB wired mouse, but I miss the ability to scroll up and down with ease. It isn't an Apple mouse so it isn't as efficient as my wireless one. So I located the battery charger I bought to use with my Dimage camera and started charging. It took about 6 hours to get them fully charge.

So far, so good. I will see how long these batteries last before I have to recharge them. At least I won't have to buy more.

Cathy 8/ 27 / 10

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Vintage Style Photography








Vintage Style Photography seems to be the rage on Etsy and other online sites. Sometimes I love it, and other times I don't. I would love to hear other opinions on the subject of a vintage look added to digital and film images.

Friday, August 6, 2010

From Ireland With Love





I have visited many parts of our beautiful world, fun places that I would love to go back to. One of my favorites is traveling by car through Ireland. I haven't been there in several years. But I would go there in a minute if my partner said "Let's go!"

This photograph is of my favorite castles and pub! Bunratty Castle and Durty Nelly's.

Bunratty Castle & Durty Nelly's


Cathy - 8 / 6 / 10

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Metallic Paper Something New For Me




I am just beginning to print some of my images on metallic paper. I like the slight 3-D effect it gives and the pearl like look it give your image. Unfortunately, you can't see how great it looks on this Zebra Butterfly. It just doesn't translate to your computer or Etsy shop.

I shot this Zebra butterfly in South Dakota in a wonderful butterfly house. I have photographed them in the wild down in Flamingo in the Everglades. I textured and created the fringe edge on this image.

Cathy 8/1 /10

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Come Visit Me At Grant Park



All those in South-Eastern Michigan, come visit me at Grant Park this weekend, Hahn St. & Van Dyke in Utica Michigan

Last week was the kick off for Celtic Cat summer shows. Here in Michigan we are looking forward to a great summer.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Well I Decided to Take The Plunge!


I am going to join a folio site to list and have buyers, friends, and relatives look at my photos.
I have already added a slide show to my blog and will be adding one to my website.

As soon as this new site is ready to go, I will post a link here.

Cathy 7 / 14 /10

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Light At The End Of The World!

This is Cape Spear, Newfoundland the most Easterly point in Continental North America.
On New Years Eve, the new year comes in at 10:30 PM due to the time difference.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Tir Na Nog! Notes From the Road!


I am on a trip to Philadelphia. My trips are mini now, due to my cat who is sick and needs a shot twice a day.

Our first stop: Hershey, Pennsylvania, the chocolate capital of America. It is the first time I have seen the gardens in bloom. I even saw a hummingbird. The weather was beautiful, so after touring the gardens we had a nice relaxed lunch on the terrace of the Hershey Hotel. We had dinner at What If in the lower level of Howard Johnson Motel, the second night we went to Houlihan's Grill.


Then it was on to Philly. We stayed in Willow Grove north of the the city. It cost us $5 a day for the train and parking. The trolley was a bargain too. We went to the Art Museum, Franklin Institute, and visited Logan square, which is actually a circle. Of course we stopped by to see Rocky. After all these years we were surprised you had to line up to take a photo.

So you are wondering what does this have to do with Tir Na Nog, The Land of Eternal Youth. It is also an Irish Pub near 16th and JFK. It was raining smartly and the gift shop at the Art Museum was kind enough to give me a plastic bag to put my camera, phone and extra battery in and the kindness of a stranger we made it to the pub. We had a nice dinner and drinks, while we waited for the rain to stop. It didn't, fortunately, we weren't far from the train station when we were ready to go back to Willow Grove .

Cathy 6/ 15/ 2010

Saturday, May 29, 2010

The Prince of Cwillan?!?


My friend, Mary Catherine Campbell, is in the final stepsof having her novel edited. It is Celtic Quest, called 'Time Journey".

Her editor suggested that she rethink the name.

Below you will see several of his choices for a new tile.

I am asking for comment on his/her choices!


The Road To Cwillan

Cwillan’s Heir

The Prince of Cwillan

The Sons of Déaglán


Cathy 5 / 29 / 2010

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Be Happy Treasury East

"Be Happy" Favorite Animals! Everyone in the States have a great weekend!

Cathy 5/ 25/ 10

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Teasury West On Etsy!


I love T-West and the Main Treasury on Etsy! I will hate it when they go away. Treasury East takes a way a lot of the fun out of getting a slot in the first place!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Born On The Bayou!


I have family that live in Louisiana. It is a shame what is going on there with the loss of jobs and wildlife habitat if the oil spill comes on shore. I took this photograph down in Venice last February when we took a trip all the way to the end of the road.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

The Last Frost For This Season!


Here in Michigan we hope we have seen the last frost!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

It Is That Time Of Year Again - Art Shows 101

Sign Of The Times:

Here in Michigan we have had are first scamming of Artists. A promoter I have never heard of listed a show for April in Bay City. He gave the names of two known promoters as references. When the artists showed up they found that they had been scammed, there wasn't a show, and the promoter was long gone. Artists need to turn their canceled check into the State Police Fraud Div.


Art Shows 101:


Spring is here and it is time to start thinking about Fine Art and Art and Craft shows. I do both, even though Photography is really a Fine Art. One of the biggest expenses after your art supplies is show fees. I always suggest to beginners is do smaller shows to start, shows that will run from $50 to $85 dollars.

Selling your artwork face to face isn't for everyone. Try it out first. The public can be down right rude when going through your artwork. Every summer I think I have heard it all, only to be surprised at what people can say to you.

For outdoor shows, you need a good waterproof tent, and a way to weigh it down. There are huge weights you can buy, I prefer to use large plastic kitty litter containers with 20 pounds of sand at each corner with tie-downs for street shows. On grass I use dog stakes and tie-downs. Many quality tents come with only a top. I recommend zippered sides. I do not recommend inexpensive tents you can get from Sam's Club or Costco. It took a lot of love and time to create your art work, keep it safe. Here in Michigan it has gotten windier, if a tent fills with air it can elevate and roll.

Carry enough change and bills for the show. If you run out of change the best place to break a $20 is with a food vendor. Have someone come sit with you for at least part of the show. So you can take a break. Two people watching your booth is better than one. Make friends with your neighbors.

The show promoters aim is to get you in their show. Do your own research on a show before you commit. I go around to different shows before I sign a contract for the next year. Keep a record of your sales, sales tax, supplies, show fees, and gas, it makes it easier when you do your taxes in April. Here in Michigan we need to know how many miles we traveled.

Any promoter who is still looking for artists a month from the show date hasn't filled it and there may be a good reason why they can't. From past experience, I never sign up for shows where someone hands me a contract at a show.

Good Luck everyone at your shows and online!


Cathy 4/ 12 / 10

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Can You Help Me Name This Photographs



I would love some suggestions on what to call this photographs!

Cathy 4 / 6 /10

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Car Lots vs. Classic Cars








I am not a new car buff. Even though I come form a Ford Motor family, father, cousins and late-husband were Ford men. Going through a car lot looking at cars is to me cruel and unusual punishment. But when it comes to classic car shows. I love walking among the old cars, taking photographs of what I call car detail. Since I am a Ford person, I have a lot of Ford photographs.

Everyone have a wonderful Easter! Cathy 4/1/10

Friday, March 19, 2010

Thank You 'The Briar Rose Gate'! I Won the Sunshine Award!


I want to Thank Linda of Artwolf and 'The Briar Rose Gate' for awarding me the Sunshine Award. I am pleased and honored to get this award.

Six thing you don't know about me!

1. I am very shy

2. I used to be a painter

3. I am Irish

4. I am an accountant by trade

5. I have 2 sisters, both older

6. I live with 3 cats and Macman.

The Six great artists I pass this award on to:

This could be a much longer list, but time and my problem with linking
limits me to 6 -

Kenna of ....Beholden To Nature

Julie of ......Julie Mager Soulen Photograpy

Judi of .......Judi FitzPatrick Studio

Anna of ..... Living Glass Art

Rhonda of . Rareimage Photography

Allie of ........Allieart: Photogarphy 4 Children


~And now, Sunshine Award Guidelines http://allieart4children.blogspot.com/

1) Please thank the person who gave the award to you.

2) Copy the logo and place it in your blog.

3) Link the person who nominated you.

4) Name 6 things that no one would really know,about yourself.

5) Nominate 6 bloggers, or a number 1,2,3, etc of your choosing

6) Post links to the blogs you nominate
.
7) Leave a comment on each of those blogs letting them know you have nominated them for the Sunshine award.


Have a Great Weekend - Cathy 3 / 19 / 10

Monday, March 15, 2010

For Those of Us That Our Irish.....


And Those who are Irish for a Day......have a Happy St. Patrick's Day, and drink responsively!

Cathy 3 / 15 / 10

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Do You Know Who I am?











Do you know who I am? Do you know where I live or what I am?

Please let me know what you think about me!

Cathy 3 / 10 / 10

Saturday, March 6, 2010

The Winner Is! Drum Roll Please!



Maribeth Corona-Evans won the card! Maribeth's shop is Brief Moments on Etsy and 1MK.


Thank You everyone who left a comment. There wasn't a right or wrong card. I appreciate your feed back!


Cathy 3 / 6 / 10

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Photo Card Contest







It was a slow day in my studio, started out learning more about adding text to an image and ended up with content. I have never understood content and I am not sure if learned anything
about it I can use in the future.

So I made up about a dozen ideas for cards. Kept 6 with my winter image and one for V-Day which I will use next year.

Here is the contest part, rather than add all 6 cards to my blog I posted them on Flickr. Please go to my Flickr Photostream and see which one you like the best. Post the one you like the best here on my blog, everyone who posts will be added to virtual hat and in two weeks the winner will be notified and I will send them one of the cards. I have not seen these cards printed yet so I don't have a favorite yet.

Sorry! My Bad! Pick the letter on one of the top 6 images, that you think would make the best card on my Flickr page.

Cathy 2/ 15 / 10

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Snow Snow Go Away!




Here in southern Michigan we really can't complain. This is the first big snow fall for the the winter of 2009 & 2010. I just thought I would show my Apple tree on Monday, which was very spring like, more like late March than February. I took another photograph on Tuesday.

It snowed all night Tuesday into Wednesday. I was lucky my neighbor came over and shoveled my drive and sidewalk. So I went out again and took a few more photographs.

Those of you who live further east and have really been clobbered this winter, look at it this way, next winter we will probably get all the snow.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

It Is Official!




Michigan Finn, Whorton Willy and of course Punxsutawney Phil all agree that this morning they saw their shadow and we will have 6 more weeks of winter.

Well we are on the down side of winter and by St. Pat's Day it will be warm again.

Have a great week everyone!

Cathy 2/ 2/ 10

Monday, January 25, 2010

Comfort Food At Its Best!



Comfort Food can mean many things to different people. It can be Mac & Cheese, or Pizza. On a cold Michigan day my favorite comfort food is a slice of pie. Not just any pie, a slice of pie from the Grand Traverse Pie Company. All their pies are awesome, from Apple to Pumpkin.

Today I ordered a cup of soup ( their soup and sandwiches are great too!), coffee and a slice of blueberry crumble pie, heated just a little. It is wonderful. They now even have a small selection of breakfast items.

If you live in Michigan check out their website for a location near you. Below is the one closest to my house.

Grand Traverse Pie Company

SW Corner of Hall Road & Schoenherr

Sterling Heights, Michigan 48313

586-323-2743 - www.gtpie.com


Cathy 1/ 25/ 10

Sunday, January 24, 2010