A Photo Trip

This morning I went with my photo class up the mountain near part of the Baden Powell Trail to photograph some waterfalls. The weather was blue and crisp and wonderful, but then the fog set it and it began to rain on our parade. I did manage to get a few good shots. I'm not sure they are all that great. Lately I've been hating what I've been shooting. Can you guess the theme?

Maybe you can help me decide which photo is better????

And I'll try to post the rest too but blogger is acting up a lot. Sorry about not being able to put the photos together either!

Feeling Safe

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This weeks Photo Hunt Theme is Safe.

When I first arrived in Switzerland I really didn't know what to expect. I thought it would be a lot like France and really not be all too safe. Well I was dead wrong! After my first couple of day jitters went away, I felt like my new home was as safe as can be. So I'm posting a few photos I've never posted before. =)

Carefree and worry free at all times as children
play in the water at Montreux Quai.

In the area of Gersau on lake Lucern which isn't too far away from Brunnen and Schwyz.

Each photo represents an area in Switzerland that I spent much of my time.

The Beauty of Autumn

The Beauty of Autumn
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

Over the weekend, P took me out to UBC to their Botanical Gardens. It just so happens that they close down to Winter hours during this time which means it's free to enter and explore. We still thought the 2 hour or so tour of this large park was incredible. We say many fruits, vegetables and of course autumn colors. I certainly know that if Ginnie had more time, this would be a place where she needs to go.

Since I was getting tired and hungry, we didn't go to the anthropology museum while heading back via Spanish Banks. I know I should have brought along some peanuts or a snack bar because that would have done the trick. But I'm really glad to have gotten a few great shots.

I'll work on getting more up. But it seems I never find enough time!

Quick Update

So Mr. Twist came home. His big lump was an large infection which just kept growing. It was more than likely the cat who did this to him yet again. They rough house a lot. So he has a tube to get more of the yucky stuff out until this weekend. And of course he has the dreaded cone on his head. Poor guy doesn't know how to back up so he just stays in a corner like a bumper car!

In other news, I'm stressing like mad about this permit status situation. CIC call center can never give anyone the same answer. So I'm apply for a Visitor Status application.

"Inland applications for permanent residence

In situations where an applicant who has visitor status submits an application for permanent
residence to Vegreville and at the same time submits an application for a work permit (pursuant to
R207(b)), the visitor may be considered to have requested an extension of their TR status (in
accordance with R183(5)). They are considered to have implied status as a visitor, until a
decision is made on their WP application.

When no application for a work or study permit is received with the application for permanent
residence, the applicant is obliged to apply to extend their visitor status."

Since I backed out a the last minute doing this, I guess I don't have any choice since I don't have AIP. Oh well. More waiting. Foss notes were sent 4 wks ago and still no response from that either.

The fun part was our night photography shoot for our class. We went down to Lonsdale Key where I took Ginnie and Donica after lunch. The weather was perfect, clear and the shoot was lots of fun with a tripod of course.

I'm off to redue my application now!

Thinking of My Buddy

DSC_0216.JPG
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

Today my little buddy is going in for some minor surgery. On Friday the 13th, I discovered this massive lump underneath his chin. I swear it appeared over night. I know this because he loves having his neck rubbed. The mass (Think large atoms apple and exactly in that place.) didn't heal with antibiotics and is bothersome for him. Yesterday I could tell this but thankfully he's getting taken care of pretty fast.

So I'll be picking him up this afternoon. I'm willing to guess he might have that big lamp shade on his head because he won't be aloud to itch out the stitches...

Yet still he wanted to play like in this photo yesterday. He always does.

What a Difference 10 Years Makes

I haven't done these quizzes in a while and thought this one was rather funny.

You've Changed 68% in 10 Years

Compared to who you were ten years ago, you've changed a great deal. In fact, you're probably in a completely different phase of your life - and very happy about it!

How Much Have You Changed in 10 Years?

Your Career Personality: Detail-Oriented, Observant, and Hard-Working

Your Ideal Careers: Designer Family counselor Independent store owner Interior decorator Museum curator Nurse Preschool teachers Social worker Stay at home parent Teacher

The Quick and Dirty Career Test

Scratching my head thinking...geeze

You Have A Type A- Personality

You are one of the most balanced people around Motivated and focused, you are good at getting what you want You rule at success, but success doesn't rule you. When it's playtime, you really know how to kick back Whether it's hanging out with friends or doing something you love! You live life to the fullest - encorporating the best of both worlds

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

Well 2 out of 3 isn't so bad now is it?

Day Dreaming

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I'm always day dreaming about having my million dollar view back.
This view was just above the vineyards of Montreux, Switzerland.
This is where my heart is.

And in case you want more, here are a few more views of Montreux.

Some Tidbits

I've run across a few interesting tidbits this week so I might as well mention them.

1. The Dove Evolution Video is out. It's an incredible, elapsed 10 hour, look at how unreal the media portrays women and models in general. Billboards get photoshopped too! I guess I began learning this from Flickr too. It's definitely opened my eyes. But why do many of us still want to look overly perfect??


2. Some time ago, I found a great Travel Blog which is both humorous and informative. This couple rocks and is very humorous! They happen to mention things like Avril and boobs and find people visiting their sight because of such names. They display their photos on flickr too. I'm secretly inspiring to get back to this type of life.


3. GL found my solution to my winter blues. Why not have a sunrise alarm clock. Thanks GL, now I'll just have to figure out when and where I can get it!


4. I think my blues have also been coupled by the news that I get to wait 3 months before more contact with immigration. That makes it over a year right now in the waiting. Not a fun experience. If anyone is reading and considering Canadian Immigration, go outside not inside! It takes too long, among other problems I'm not faced with.
   

The Lonely Window

The Lonely Window
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

Waking up in the morning has been a lot harder. P usually wishes me goodbye shortly before 6am and it always makes me feel guilty that I am being so lazy.

I've been waking up at 7:07 am lately sans alarm clock. But what's getting harder is that it is still pitch dark out. I remember while living in France, I at least had the flourescent lights from outside to make it a little easier to come out from a slumber. With all of the trees around our place, I feel like this lonely window. I don't like having less sun, but I'm dealing with it and am counting down the days until we have long nights and time to watch beautiful sunsets again.

By the way, I finally found that window shot in Vancouver over the weekend. This is it... To me it looks so European...

300,000,000

That's one large number and it's also now the population of the US. But it got me thinking, doesn't that also include all expats who aren't living in the country? Sort of funny when you think of it that way...

If it was according to the last census, I still would have been counted because I lived in California in the year 2000. But I'm also counted in the Canadian census which is against the law not to fill out. They've still had their fair share of problems getting those forms back by the way...

It also got me thinking that how small of a population exists in Switzerland, only 7.5 million. And what's even stranger or harder for me to fathom is the US already had a population of about 70 million back in the 1800's...

What's harder to fathom is that most kids think they need a mobile/cellular phone. WHY?? Probably because most kids these days have no since of what things cost!

On one last note, we had some 31cm of rain from Sunday to Monday. That amount was actually more than we had all summer. I'm sure the trees are really happy today. I'd just be happier if I had more time to photograph the picture perfect sunsets we've been having.

Bonked

Just a short announcement.

Well I finished my first bad swim workout. You know it was just one of those days where if I tried it only got worse. I was laughing lots about it though and so was the coach. Really I can't remember the last time it was that bad but I guess my muscles have been tired from some of my workouts lately. You'd probably wonder what was happening if you were watching me. It was Baaaadddd.... Talk about being like a turtle or a snail. That's me today...

Now back to normal programming...

When It Rains It Pours

Well after a foggy Saturday today we finally got our first official day of rain.
What have I done so far today, eat and be on the computer...

I guess there could be more things I could accomplish but why on such a rainy day outside.

Now I guess I should add a great photo to share... But which one???



This was taken in Comox, Vancouver Island last Dec. I really like it...

Lost in Paradise

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This weeks Photo Hunt Theme is Lost.

Getting lost in a beautiful view. Seen from the 16th Floor.


Click on photo to view large.

Photo Class Update

Last night was another photo class for me. Although during the entire ride home and my quick departure to class, I was wishing I had skipped class to photograph the most perfect autumn colors of the evening. I was in heaven but sad I was going indoors and missing it. Ginnie and Christina certainly know what I am talking about.

Of course I wasn't going to miss my class and it was very interesting indeed. We touched upon one great tip the entire class which consisted mostly of checking out photos from fellow classmates. Their photos were outstanding by the way! I'd rate mine lower than theirs.

So what makes a good photo? The Rule of Thirds. Here's an example

This photo shows a lot of foreground before you get to the lake. Your eye is drawn to everything around. When taking a landscape photo get as much in the photo as you can. Having a wide angle lense certainly helps. But this photo was taken with my tiny camera and not some professional one, so anyone can do this. I hope this is one tip everyone will follow.

We then proceeded to look at the work of Ansel Adams, which really helped me figure out what makes an interesting photo.

Check out these examples:

Stream, Sea, Clouds, Rodeo Beach (you can buy the original for only $16K!)
Tetons and Snake River
Mono Lake

There was also another famous church which was set on a flat road but happened to look like it was on a hill, almost 3 dimensional...

Busy All Over Again

This holiday weekend was in short, busy. It went a little like this.

1. Friday - Leave, lunch, photograph, tour, eat, go home.
2. Sat - Leave, photograph, walk, more photos, get hungry, go home, eat.
3. Sun - Leave, forget to eat lunch, visit IKEA, wish I had camera in tow, eat a wonderful dinner but never notice we are sitting across from Steve Darling, miss not having camera to photograph the most perfect evening landscape.
4. Mon - Leave, eat Thanksgiving dinner with P's aunt, visit gardens, photograph to my delight, photograph more, go home.
   

Do you see a theme somewhere??? Photography possibly...

Now I've gotta sort it all out for you to enjoy. So bare with me but I should have some new photos up soon. The first one so far is posted on Flickr. Talk about a great weekend for photos.

I do hope everyone enjoyed Columbus Day. It was really nice to have 4 busy days off.

Bloggers Meet

Friday was a very exciting day for me. I finally got to meet Ginnie and Donica. And let me tell you, it was well worth the wait! Although we were together about 8 hours, I could have had a thousand more! Donica played chauffeur as I played navigator and Ginnie as official photographer. It was a perfect match...

We started out here in North Vancouver at our apartment. Then we jetted off to Lynn Valley where I pointed out some of the sites of where I live including views of down town Vancouver. First we headed for a quick tour of the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge and a view of our back yard paradise. It's a bit smaller than the Capilano Bridge which I would like to visit when I have more time to enjoy the Harvest Festival. Yes there are many sites in or near Vancouver which I have never visited. I'd rather do it when I've got friends in town to play tour guide with!

The above pic is of the Lynn Canyon Bridge.
Ginnie and I went to the center to check out the water fall.
It's smaller than Capilano but it's just as beautiful.



A look at our view, after eating lunch at the Lonsdale Quay (pronounced Key).
I took this pic on a different day however. We did not have all too much time to look around so we just looked at the city and were off to the other side of town.
More pics here.

After a quick lunch we were on our way off to Stanley Park.

Lost Lagoon

Then a look at down town with Inukshuks.
This is the lifesize statue which just borders Stanley Park.
It's also where you can see many of the July Fireworks.
We also had to go visit the Bronze Statues in Queen Elizabeth Park.
The sun was going down so the pics weren't as exciting. But it was nice to be back to where P and I had our wedding. Donica and Ginnie could see why we fell in love with the venue.

I'm sure Ginnie will have many more photos for you.
I've got many to come too. Tonight I wished I could stop over the Lions Gate Bridge to take a few photos as the sunset was more than perfect.
And you all know how much I love sunsets.

Catching The Boys

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This weeks Photo Hunt Theme is Sleeping.


Walked into the house and caught my cute boys snuggling and sleeping together.
They are best friends, playmates and sleeping buddies..
How cute is that!!!!

Stay tuned for my incredible visit with Ginnie...

Autumn Colors

Autumn Colors
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

Well today is a bit overcast but I'm ready to race off with Ginnie and Donica for a great time.

We've got reservations tonight where P and I had our wedding reception last year. The place is so quaint with incredible food.

Over the weekend, I plan on taking more photos so overall I'm going to be on cloud nine no matter what.

As well, photo class consisted of learning about studio lighting and tripods. Sort of neat. Here's a piece of what I learned.

Since most of us don't have "professional" lighting for photographing, use a window. With the window, take a white piece of large cardboard and put it to the side of a person or under a persons chin. This would be out of the focal area of course. You can also change lighting through small filters. Everyone is now changing age lines in photoshop to get rid of all of those unwanted blemishes...

So It's not a big hint but really it was so useful to see the difference a white piece of cardboard made!

Have a great weekend!

The Things We Think Of

Just a quick announcement....

Since I really haven't met many of you in person, you probably have never seen P and I at our best. This usually happens when we are together, just the two of us. And last night was one of those nights. We just bond so well together. And at times we come up with the quarkiest ideas.

While we were having cuddle time, we both couldn't stop laughing. I stunk like Chlorine from my swim earlier in the day (it just doesn't come off after 1 showering), And P stunk like French Onion Soup from his lunch. With his eagle ear hearing and my eagle nose, we make a match made in heaven.

And we've come up with a new flavor Chlorine and Onion Chips. You like???... Well we liked the idea when we thought of it... Somehow I just don't think it will work though... LOL...

I'm getting so excited because Ginnie and Donica will be seeing ME/US tomorrow! We have rain or shine plans which should be fun no matter what. I just can't wait to snap some more pics and get out and enjoy our long Canadian Thanksgiving weekend!

Betty Bossi Creator Dies

Since many of you live in Europe and follow Betty Bossi receipes, I thought you might want to know about her death. Emmi Creola-Maag was the creator of Betty Bossi. She died just outside of Zurich at the age of 94.

Emmi Creola-Maag invented Switzerland's most popular kitchen character of the 1950s, basing her kitchen fiction on the success of Betty Crocker in the United States. She was known for her "Betty Bossi" receipe newsletter starting in 1956, followed by the first cookbooks in 1973.

A few links of Betty Bossi FR or DE.

Two Shadows

Two Shadows
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

I have my second photo class tonight. It involves bringing tripods and possibly acting as the Guinea pig for the night. I'll tell ya more tomorrow if there's anything interesting to say...