tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380732556972059212024-03-05T09:10:29.886-08:00Free PeopleJill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comBlogger267125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-11780596986678427592012-06-20T17:57:00.002-07:002012-06-20T18:24:00.440-07:003 little delicate rolly-polly pigs<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/chadspigs1-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="389" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/chadspigs1-1.png" width="600" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<i>left to right: Kassidy's pig, Natalie's pig, lucy's pig.</i><br />
<br />
I thought this was really sweet of my kids. A while back they discovered a little collection of pig figurines that belonged to Chad from his youth. For Father's day they all made him a pig out of clay to add to his collection. While taking this photo the head of lucy's fell off, I had to lick it and stick it back on. Relax people... I liked my finger, not the head ;)<br />
<br />
If you knew someone had a pig collection you might think they really dig pigs, thats what I would think. People were always giving him pigs so it had to be, right?<br />
<br />
Not actually. Come to find out someone gave him a pig thing-a-ma-jogger once and after that everyone always thought he had a thing for them. Snowball effect! I bet he mentioned wanting a pot belly pig once and whammo!<br />
<br />
<b>Pig collection!</b><br />
<br />
p.s.- he even had a pig phone. It's true.Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-45817406874183446072012-05-03T23:16:00.000-07:002012-05-03T23:16:18.054-07:00seeing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a portal to the outside</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/porthole.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/porthole.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a portal to the inside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/jill8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="736" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/jill8.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-43705434535658315532012-02-04T21:56:00.000-08:002012-02-04T21:58:21.706-08:00hair and space and other lovely things.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been itching to sew again. My machine has been packed away for over a year now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's not that I ever really wanted to stop sewing, it's just that I got busy with other things... plus we live in a really small house and pulling out the machine and everything that goes with it is... well, to speak plainly, space consuming. When fully engaged in a sewing project there is much to be found on the floor, add that to the bucket of kid garb you will normally find on my floor and yeah... its major. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let me just tell you, I am a fabric addict. I <b><i>LOVE</i></b> beautiful fabric. I still have drawers full from before but I decided I would start anew with this...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/luluej1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="862" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/luluej1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The apple picking dress from Oliver + S paired with a lovely fabric from Joel Dewberry's <i>Heirloom</i> line.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course I have my favorites when it come to fabric designers, Joel Dewberry isn't usually lumped in with them but oh man when I saw this I could just feel it in my bones! <b>This was it!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I posted <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36980629@N02/6805001461/in/photostream">a couple photos</a> on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36980629@N02/">my flickr</a> and got an amazing response. I was so happy to read such fabulous comments. I think my favorite comment was <i> "</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">This is the first time I have liked that pattern. That fabric is Gorgeous and the girl too."</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mean who wouldn't be excited to hear things such as that!?! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/luhorse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="896" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/luhorse.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh that hair! We talk about cutting it daily, <i>She and I</i>. Somehow we just never get around to it. And we go back and forth, sometimes she's for it and I'm against it, and then other times vice versa. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today it's vice versa.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/luluej3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="896" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/luluej3.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I should probably tell you its not naturally curly and ridiculously awesome. I curled it for her. Normally its just kind of ratty on the ends. It really does need a trim.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/luluej2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="896" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/luluej2.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been spending hours and hours lately pouring over patterns and fabrics. Guess what?! I found a few new fabric designers I am in love with. You see, this is what happens when you go on such a long hiatus! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Laura Gunn has some beautiful stuff in her <a href="http://quilthome.com/Laura_Gunn/Magnolia_Lane">Magnolia Lane</a> and <a href="http://quilthome.com/Laura_Gunn/Poppy_Collection">Poppy Collection</a> that I am pretty excited about. Also really liked many of <a href="http://quilthome.com/Dena_Designs">Dena Designs</a> fabrics. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And how did I ever not know about the lovely <a href="https://store.marthapullen.com/t-tilda.aspx">Tilda</a>? With her I am excited about alot more than just her fabrics! She has all kinds of things to keep me busy :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/luluej.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="896" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/luluej.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I probably never mentioned before how I want to make dolls have I? No, I don't think I have, but now you know! I want to do them with Natalie. I think she could really get into something like that!! She is always asking for my fabric scraps. I hesitate to give them to her wondering how on earth she will make good use of them, occasionally I just find it chopped up in a pile on the floor. Honestly, its painful even if it was a scrap! I could have made a pocket with it! Making dolls could be just what we need ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lucydrama.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lucydrama.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I shot this (or something similar) on film. There is something about how the light hits her face... ah love. Can't wait to see the film image. I kept thinking when I was looking at this that I wished I had focused more precisely. It's hard to tell on this small sharpened image but her face is a little soft.<i> *crossing fingers that I did better on film* </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I woke up with a sinus infection today. It felt like the worst kind of torture ever because it was such a beautiful day today. I don't know why but sinus infections ground me. I am just useless as ever. Anyway I could see how gorgeous a day it was from the windows and it was hard to not be bitter having to lie in bed and watch the day go to waste.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well if I could say one nice thing about today it was that I had some fluffy pancakes with sauteed peaches on top paired with some fresh squoze grapefruit minneola juice. yum. Yes, I fudged on the gluten free today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
oh I guess I may not have mentioned that I went gluten free. Well more on that later, but basically I am doing it in support of my daughter Kassidy, who has many troubles in school. Just something were trying. You've got to try when it come to your kids... you just have to. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
:) J</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-13959772924811766302012-02-01T23:40:00.000-08:002012-02-01T23:40:33.731-08:00coming soon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/mygirl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="896" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/mygirl.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some much needed Lu on the blog.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
+ I've started sewing again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<3 Jill</div>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-4268375107345744672012-01-12T22:40:00.000-08:002012-01-12T22:40:16.260-08:00Things that happened today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
inside</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/inside.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="896" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/inside.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
outside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/gnomes1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/gnomes1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
make sense?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
or in other words...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
one side of the door vs. the other.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<3</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
jill</div>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-23257932814821966112011-12-28T17:46:00.000-08:002011-12-28T18:28:42.394-08:00I have really good ideas.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We did something a little out of the ordinary this year for Christmas. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had <i>such</i> a magnificent plan. (Chad would disagree on the magnificent part)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Poor little Kassidy hates her room. The walls are pink. PINK I tell you!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We would spend all of Christmas eve painting over the pink walls kassidy so detested and surprise her on Christmas morning with pretty new bedding and walls. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If we were going to pull off this surprise we were going to have to be a little sneaky. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Soooooooo... we spent the night at grandma's house.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/stairs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/stairs.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yep, late at night we loaded up our sleigh and hauled everything over to granny's. Except the walls... they were drying. <i>Huge thanks to mom and dad for keeping the girls busy all day while we worked :)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By 2am I was rethinking the brightness of my magnificent plan... also Chad wanted to kill me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And even though it was a ton of work, I didn't get to see my kids much, Chad wanted to kill me, and we got almost no sleep...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
it was worth it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/ohchristmastree-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="906" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/ohchristmastree-1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am positively positive that this will be one of the kids most favorite Christmas memories :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and Kassidy's room looks amazing... when its clean.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
btw, have you ever seen such a huge-normous fake Christmas tree in your whole entire life?!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
me neither.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you scroll back up to the top and take a look at the first picture again, I'd like to point out the horse that lucy is holding, it was a Christmas present from her sweet sister Natalie. Natalie is my crafty kid. She made that out of socks. (seven to be exact) It's actually really cute. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
... incase you wondered where all the matches to your socks are, consider that <b>you too</b> may be living with such a crafty child ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-48843246760330722052011-12-01T20:08:00.001-08:002011-12-01T20:42:25.024-08:00[dis-kuhm-bob-yuh-leyt]<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Somebody informed me that today is December first.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
>..< </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(blink blink)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sigh.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd like to express my general feeling on the matter as described below.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/yarn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/yarn.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/quest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/quest.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>November? Helloo... hellooooo.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>where did you go?</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-29800335567563164522011-11-26T21:33:00.001-08:002011-11-26T22:00:00.914-08:00The key to life.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today is november 26th.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
november.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
it <i><b>is</b></i> november.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Take in a full account of our attire, then send us no flowers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="594" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri14.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today was gorgeous. I lived in the world today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
happily.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri2.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The children are happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri3.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The old man in the chair is happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
happy us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="896" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri4.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="443" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri13.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri7.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
people i love filled with happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="896" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri6.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
sunshine is happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="896" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri8.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
purple sunglasses. longboard. hands up high. on a high. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri9.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
happiness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="860" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri12.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
crashed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri11-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="884" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/suri11-1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is what me and my family did today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Go into the world and <b>BE HAPPY</b>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-4388734259407757752011-11-19T13:29:00.001-08:002011-11-19T14:23:02.849-08:00compare.contrast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Man structure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/production1-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="875" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/production1-1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
God structure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/muirwoods15-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="896" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/muirwoods15-1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I enjoy both.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-61468004778467614332011-11-17T21:54:00.001-08:002011-11-17T23:37:37.723-08:00"View from my Toilet"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Should be the name of a book. yes?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
not mine though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I thought I would share with you my new working process, or in other words... the view from my toilet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/toiletview1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="860" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/toiletview1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I recently found out that my working process needed some improvement. Before it was, shoot > make a contact sheet > choose what to print > make final print.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really just didn't know any better.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But along the lines of not understanding the worth of my work I also have a really hard time knowing which photographs are worthy of printing. makes sense right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is where my critique class has been ever so helpful. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
new process. shoot > make contact sheet > grab ANYTHING that sparks my interest, make a proof print > live with it > make a full size test print > final print.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The moment Jim uttered these word to me I knew it was just what I needed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think the key here is living with the images. In addition to living with them I will be rearranging them, looking at them in different ways, and paying attention to which images speak to which. And all this from my cozy little toilet room. I am certain a new spot is in order, but this is it for now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love this. Anything that slows the process down is a very good thing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I feel perfectly content just making proof prints to live with for the rest of the semester. Shhh... don't tell Mr. W.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just kidding, you can tell him. I've worked my tail off this semester and have <b>plenty</b> to show for it ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>* this girl ain't worried about it *</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-70872915535021295382011-11-11T21:44:00.001-08:002011-11-12T08:50:04.870-08:00A rare glimpse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
at my ugly handwriting. <i>(you can thank me later)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...it's because I'm struggling with something.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am sure I mentioned the critique class I am taking over at Art Intersection, yes? Well...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I found myself going into one of my almost unintelligible rambles last week as I expressed my frustration with finding value or importance in any of my images. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes (alot) I think, <i>how could this possibly matter? </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It seems an awkward position to be in. So much passion for something and yet a questioning of it's value. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My instructor, Jim, thankfully interrupted my ramblings, and asked me to do something.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He told me to write. <i>Take your notebook here and just start writing, </i>he said. <i>Write down everything that comes to mind, anything at all pertaining to the need to photograph. write write write, don't stop. See what happens. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I did.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/journal3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="852" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/journal3.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Is it the final word? no.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was 30 minutes of my brain putting forth effort.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Is it informative? Yes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Things came out I didn't expect.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Will I write more? obviously.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I pulled this part out and gave it a little highlight because reading back through I paused on it, this <i>thing</i> which was pulled from within.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/journalq.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/journalq.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In that statement I find something real. Something I need.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
:) jill</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-77044783266041927532011-10-31T22:11:00.000-07:002011-10-31T23:22:43.095-07:00zombies i love + on a sugar high<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/boo-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/boo-1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm really lucky.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Natty B. likes to play school. even dance school.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She<i> teaches</i> Lucy dances over a period of months and then she has a recital.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
yesterday was the recital.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">song: Monster Mash</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">location: trampoline</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">costume and makeup by Natty B.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
girls, girls, girls...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
just one more. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
ok, in</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>3... </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>2...</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>1...</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/boo1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/boo1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
nice one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HAPPY HALLOWEEN!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-877460329368552952011-10-21T22:32:00.000-07:002011-10-22T12:05:43.266-07:00it counts.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>today me and lucy played a game.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>it was called <i>guess what animal I am</i></b></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'll start...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">j: i start with b, i'm black, and i'm blind</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">l: A BAT!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ok you go...</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">l: I start with j</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">j: jackrabbit?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">l: nope</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">j: giraffe </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>(she's only 5)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">l: noooooo </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>(but smarter than i thought)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">j:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">jack russel terrier?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">l: ok its jrrr</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">completely. impossibly. stumped.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">j: i dont know, what are you?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">l: A JRAGON!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ah, mystery solved.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-80949466559935093082011-10-19T23:06:00.000-07:002011-10-21T22:33:01.049-07:00In a beautiful world.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Looking out the window of our San Jose hotel room Monday morning, I found myself a titch disappointed. Oooooof course. It just had to get rainy on us. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I distinctly remember looking at the 5-day outlook and it had a big yellow sun on <b>each and every</b> day. <i>Promises had been broken</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know you know what rain does to my hair. It's frizz-diculous is what it is. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So I knew it was going to be an ugly day (me, not the city) I accepted the fate and drove myself and kassidy into San Fran for our last day. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you've never driven into San Fran it is the most amazing sight. You come around the corner and suddenly there's hills and hills of beautiful buildings as far as the eye can see. It is gorgeous!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Over the city that day was lots of pretty fog. Why do I love fog? I do not know, maybe I don't get the pleasure often enough, but I find it really beautiful.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We really had no plan to speak of. What we did was, we saw tall buildings, exited the freeway at a random street, then drove aimlessly down it until we stopped at a random meter, in front of a door, connected to a building, of which we didn't know what was behind. But on the street next to our car happened to be a sandwich board advertising an art show they had on display. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I thought, hmm... I love art. How convenient. And that is how we began our last day adventure in San Francisco! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now I want to tell you that even though it misted (not rained, misted) on us the WHOLE bloody time, and my feet sloshed in my shoes with every footstep, and my hair was a frizzy mess, and I was wearing a jacket over a hoodie over a sweater, over another sweater over my t-shirt... the moment I stepped outside my vehicle I knew we got lucky. Ohhh so lucky. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lucky for the fog.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lucky for the rich beautiful saturated colors.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lucky for the people walking by with their umbrellas.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lucky for the lights reflecting off the street.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was going to be a great day.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/sfo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/sfo.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/sfo3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="805" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/sfo3.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/sfo1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/sfo1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/sfo2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/sfo2.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I cheater posted these color film shots on facebook, but the photo below, the one with Kassidy in it, I saved just for you, my favorite blog reader :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/chinatown.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="768" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/chinatown.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some favorite moments:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.goldenboypizza.com/">Golden Boy Pizza</a>. Away from the mega hustle and bustle, sitting at the wall covered in stickers and graffiti with my girl Kass, letting my feet dry, waiting for my pesto vegetarian pizza. totally cheap. totally yum.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Paying for parking just to find a bathroom. I had to go so bad, every store we went into pointed us out the door. When we finally did find one we also found a photo booth. <b>*worth all 500 pennies*</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
eating a coconut macaroon dipped in chocolate made by the guy who dropped my change 3 times because... ahem.... I made him nervous. (?) No idea, but I'm thinking it was the big hair. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Getting lost. like really lost, and laughing at ourselves when we ended up back in chinatown whilst trying to locate our car. <i>(We were at Chinatown earlier in the day, and we thought we were in a completely different area, but apparently in all our circling/driving the wrong way down one way streets, ended up parking one block from it.)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have you ever been lost? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After I tell you this you're going to want to go out and buy an ipad. It saved our lives.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We drove round and round trying to find a place to park. We were somewhere in the middle of all the really tall buildings, thats what I knew. I finally found a spot on the street at a parking meter, just like I wanted. Then we started walking, aimlessly. we turned about 2 or 3 corners and I thought oh no! What street did we park on?? Kassidy didn't know either. So we noted the current location, figured it was pretty close right? Corner of blank and blank. Yeah... because we forgot <b>that</b> about two shakes later. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're a sad case.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One lucky thing. I remembered when we parked, as soon as I got out I started looking around for something interesting to photograph. There was a bridge that went over the street. I only noticed it because people were walking across it with their umbrellas. And I also knew I took a photograph on California st. (see above) so I zoomed in really close to that area and found the bridge that crossed over the street! I dropped a pin and hit directions. led us straight there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Did I mention I drove the wrong way down a one way street?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We may not be welcome back. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I <3 you SF.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I coming back.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-38622398969141763962011-10-15T13:17:00.000-07:002011-10-15T13:22:54.279-07:00The all new ART paper by Ilford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I woke up this morning and the first thing that went through my head was<i> I gotta do a blog post on the new <a href="http://ilfordphoto.com/products/product.asp?n=68&t=Photographic+Papers">Ilford Art 300 paper</a>.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not that I am in anyway qualified to do a real live review on any product, but it's something I bought, used, and have opinions about. Maybe someone out there is on the fence about buying it since it's description is, well, confusing to say the least. They throw out words like <i>matt</i> and <i>eggshell</i> in the same sentence. huh? exactly.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lets start with the extreme buoyancy of this product. <b>This stuff floats.</b> Like if you wash in a vertical washer it sticks up a good inch out of the water. Its not really a problem, I just wasn't expecting it. I mean it is a problem, in that you need to find a way for it to stay under, but it's not that difficult to solve. I just laid some plexiglass pieces over the tops to hold them down.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I printed 3 of my images on this paper. I scanned them to give you a bit of a visual but again its not really fair because its a scan... and scans are crappy, but then also the paper has this texture which makes it look quite grainy in the scan, when in fact it is not at all a grainy image. You can see that I included the whole of the image, all the way to the edge of the paper, and it is indeed textured.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are they...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/LEJ-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/LEJ-1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/toepoint.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/toepoint.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/basketcase.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="477" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/basketcase.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the way these printed up. This paper does a really beautiful job with the blacks and contrast. I mean really beautiful. The tones are perfect. In the description it says, it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">has <i>a cool base colour and warm image tone. </i>I wasn't sure what that meant. The example photo on the box looks really warm. Kind of a rich brown, I don't find that to be the case in real life. I can see that its not a cool black, but its not brown either. its a warm black and thats really the only way to put it. But <b>definitely black</b>. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thing that throws me off about this paper is the texture. If you look at the print straight on the texture is really noticeable. And <strike>sometimes </strike>usually I don't really like all that texture. It seems to give it this furry look. Really hard to put in words. But then if you take the print and tilt it, and look at it from an angle, even a slight angle, it transforms into shimmery wonderfulness. Honestly, any furriness it had disappears completely and you are left looking at a gorgeous print, almost as if the light picks up the little slivers of silver. It's really something to see! That particular quality about it <b>excites</b> me. But the texture not so much.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it is also very heavy/thick, which is nice.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So is it worth the $1.42 per sheet, plus shipping and/or tax?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I say yes. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I won't print all, or even most of my images on this paper, but I think certain images will look really beautiful on it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if you're a darkroom printer I think its definitely worth a shot. I mean, you just <b>HAVE</b> to see the gorgeous silvery shimmer. It's like nothing I've ever seen, not that I've seen much of anything really.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For reference, the paper I usually print with is <a href="http://www.adox.de/english/ADOX_Papers/MCC/MCC.html">Adox premium fiber based paper</a>. Which I do quite love.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I have any film shooter, darkroom printer,<i><b> blog readers</b></i> out there, I'd <b><i>LOVE </i></b>to hear back from you how you feel about this paper.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My local camera store doesn't carry it. I ordered it online from <a href="http://www.freestylephoto.biz/">Freestyle Photo</a>. I use them quite a bit, they are really great, I get all my paper from them and a good lot of my film.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also... lots of exciting things happening in my little world of photography that I will talk about more later, but I just started a critique class over at <a href="http://artintersection.com/index.html">Art Intersection</a> with Carol Panero-Smith and Jim Hajicek. <b>AND</b>... I also just signed up for wet plate collodion workshop with <a href="http://www.collodion.org/">France Scully Osterman</a>! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">yeah yeah, more later :) !!!!!!!!! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(I can hardly wait)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-89731547157557353452011-10-12T21:41:00.000-07:002011-10-12T21:41:26.316-07:00saved (for later)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/flossy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="1023" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/flossy.jpg" width="483" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that's disgusting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/rainbowbridge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="445" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/rainbowbridge.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been soaking in the charms of </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
San Francisco.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Never in my entire life have I seen anything like it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm in love.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have to go back.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>note to self : bring floss 'ems</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-90319933536509094872011-10-02T22:35:00.000-07:002011-10-02T22:38:58.727-07:00See how she looks at him. Looove that.<br />
While looking through folder after folder of old photos in search of something particular...<br />
<br />
I found a photograph of my mom and dad that made me smile from ear to ear.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/Myhero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/Myhero.jpg" width="674" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm the middle child.<br />
<br />
I don't particularly look like either of my parents.<br />
<br />
People usually settle on me being a "good mix" of the two...<br />
<br />
but just this one time I see a little bit of myself in my mom <3 !!<br />
<br />
I've seen this picture before. Looking at it always makes me wonder...<br />
<br />
<b>What is the dealio with the matching outfits?!</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
hehe.<br />
<br />
MOM: if you're out there, please explain.<br />
<br />
Love your guys's guts.<br />
<br />
jill<br />
<br />
<i>{Disclaimer: now that I've come out and said I don't look particularly like either parent, I am quite positive I will get all kinds of you look just like your ......... !!!!! Don't believe it. All my life I've been the mix. }</i>Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-58878226172364625362011-09-25T00:17:00.000-07:002011-09-27T16:59:15.032-07:00WANTED<b><i>opinions!!</i> </b><br />
<br />
for all those who care to dish it.<br />
<br />
one is film. one is digital.<br />
<br />
I <i>was</i> going to make you guess which one is which<i> but</i> since to me it's so obvious which is which (its really not fair to the film image, scans of images are so horrid) I will just tell you...<br />
<br />
the top one is digital and the bottom one is film.<br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">There just something different about film, they say. I can't put my finger on it. its just different. analog.</span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">(if you ever wanted to see a side-by-side of film vs. digital you're in luck... I got one right here :))</span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">furthermore if you ever wondered what a crop sensor is doing to your photos this is a prime example. Both images shot with a 50mm lens (or the equivalent... don't make me go into the specifics of shooting medium format) my digital is a crop sensor. Both images taken from the exact same spot. Look at all the real estate you're missing out on!</span></i><br />
<br />
The question is... which do you prefer and why?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lpfav1-51.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="860" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lpfav1-51.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lucystandingbytherockatsunrise.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="754" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lucystandingbytherockatsunrise.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I feel like the scanner did an exceptionally terrible job of scanning this one in. Wooo doggies.<br />
<br />
I can assure you with certainty the actual print does not have a blown out dress.<br />
<br />
You don't have to be a photography expert to have an opinion. I welcome all opinions :) !!<br />
<br />
Chad and I have differing opinions on this one. And incase you wonder why I have one on digital and one on film, my film camera is a Pentax 6x7 and I don't trust the light meter <b>one iota</b>. And since I don't want to put out the money for a hand held light meter I use the digi to proof the shot.<br />
<br />
This photograph very much belongs with the sunrise collection from the previous post.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<i><b>Talk to me people!!!</b></i><br />
<br />Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-75616113229181331252011-09-23T22:13:00.000-07:002011-09-23T22:15:03.056-07:00how I make my case for sunrise vs. sunset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lpfav-50.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="847" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lpfav-50.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lucerocks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="855" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lucerocks.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/flowers1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="728" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/flowers1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lpfav3-50.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="854" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lpfav3-50.png" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lucebeach-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="854" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lucebeach-1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
I rest my case.<br />
<br />
If you've never ventured out into the breaking morning light I strongly urge you to try it.<br />
<br />
It's the prettiest light of the day.
<br />
<br />
<3 jillJill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-43114718605542630172011-09-21T22:00:00.000-07:002011-09-21T23:26:32.149-07:00It runs in the familyThis is like sooooo mommy blogger of me but...<br /><br />I DON'T CARE<br /><br />because I am a mommy that bloggers. <br /><br />Used to be <span style="font-style:italic;">(the good old days)</span> I would click on my gmail link up in my bookmarks bar and my email would pop right up. <br /><br />Not so much now. I click my link and what I usually get is Kassidy's email popping up. Which is annoying because you know, logging out and all that good stuff. Oh and by the by... I can't help but notice that kid's password is like 45 dots long? an essay password, innovative.<br /><br />A few days ago I popped her email up on accident and before my eyes was this beautiful email she had sent to one of her friends. <br /><br />It was so sweet. You see her friend got a bird a few weeks back and out of no where the bird keeled over dead. She is very sensitive about animals <span style="font-style:italic;">(hence we don't talk about how G-pa ran over 3 cows last week on his way home from the farm)</span> so to make her friend feel better she made this drawing of 'Sunny' for her. <br /><br />I was looking at it and was just taken by the artistry of it. I love the gesture of the wings. And look at that face! That is a happy peaceful face. <br /><br />such feeling in the work of a 13 year old.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/sunnydays.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 330px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/sunnydays.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />and I just marveled at how she did this using a mouse. <br /><br />I am such a clutz using the mouse. or a pencil. Just ask my photography teacher. We used to have to draw what we photo'd to record how we printed it and... well... my drawings were laughable. <br /><br />yes. out loud laughable.<br /><br />see below.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/deadbird.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 756px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/deadbird.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />It's a darn good thing I don't have a friend with a bird.<br /><br />and then poor Lucy was so bored today. I could hear her whining and boobing from across the house. <br /><br />Kassidy left her art site up and Lucy decided to take a whack at it. (found this up after dinner)<br /><br />Her picture cracks me up.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/kittycatty.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 363px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/kittycatty.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I guess her sweet little feelings and worry show in her artwork! Poor baby.<br /><br />That kitty just seems so dejected. But again, a 5 year old did that with a mouse? is it because I'm left handed that I can't properly control the mouse? No, because give me a pencil and bam. Still rotten.<br /><br />But then earlier today<span style="font-style:italic;"> (oh were jumping all over the place here)</span> when we were happier, Chad let her draw in his sketch book and she was so pleased to get to do so.<br /><br />She drew this portrait of Natalie...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/portraitofnatty.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 402px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/portraitofnatty.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Honest to goodness when I look at that I am in awe of how my 5 year old drew her facial features. We're cooking up some artists over here.<br /><br />I should tell you the one on the right is Natalie. I'm not positive who the one on the left is but if I had to guess by looking I would have to say either Bob Marley or ME. <br /><br />I bet it's me.<br /><br />Don't you feel sorry for me? I had an ugly day and someone recorded it. <br /><br />fantastic.Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-64318906702157940782011-09-15T22:15:00.000-07:002011-09-16T22:56:58.737-07:00Someone carved Jesus's portrait in the sand. Coincidence?When was the last time you embarked on an epic slot canyon hiking adventure?<br /><br />What? <br /><br />Never?!?!?!!! <br /><br />How can this be?<br /><br />Today I am going to talk about the quirks, exhilaration, sheer majesty, and terror that the slot canyon hike envokes in your life as well as how it ties in with what I like to call<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Howard Stern Effect</span><br /><br />So I'm going to admit right now that I haven't listened to Howard Stern in over ten years BUT that doesn't matter. The effect is the same. You see back in the day (were talking on before sirius) every so often they would have a commercial promoting The Howard Stern Show... which was ridiculous because I was obviously already listening to it! But anyway the commercial went something like this...<br /><br />( no quoting me, this is OLD memory were tapping into here)<br /><br />Why do so many people that love Howard Stern listen to the show? They want to hear what he's going to say next. Why do so many people that hate Howard Stern listen to the show? They want to hear what he's going to say next.<br /><br />basically what I think were trying to say is that <span style="font-weight:bold;">love it</span> or <span style="font-weight:bold;">hate it</span> you get sucked in by wanting to know what he's going to say next!!!<br /><br />I have found ways to apply this same theory to many things. haha. Yep. And you're about to find out how it applies to slot canyon hikes!<br /><br />ok so for those that don't know exactly what a slot canyon is (thank you wikipedia) A slot canyon is a narrow canyon, formed by the wear of water rushing through rock. A slot canyon is significantly deeper than it is wide. Some slot canyons can measure less than one metre (3 ft) across at the top but drop more than 30 m (100 ft) to the floor of the canyon.<br /><br />or <br /><br />a narrow canyon carved into sandstone or slick rock by centuries of rain and flash flooding. Slot canyons are often filled or partially filled with water and can be extremely dangerous to navigate through.<br /><br />words or phrases to hone in on <span style="font-weight:bold;">*flash flooding</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">*extremely dangerous</span> ;)<br /><br />Ok so as per our great love of slot canyon hiking goes, we took off in the ski boat toward the end of Mountain Sheep Canyon. Generally speaking jet skis are the preferred method to get to the end of the canyon but we didn't have those this time so we made do. We took the shark with us.<br /><br />Shark: <span style="font-style:italic;">long skinny towable device with a menacing grin that can be the cause of many laughs as well as many tears. Seats 6 <span style="font-weight:bold;">un</span>comfortably, seats 3-4 much more comfortably, but you could still die. </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/shark.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 703px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/shark.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I chose this especially non-spectacular image to showcase the menacing grin on the shark face. <br /><br />Ok now don't be mad. I didn't take my camera. I pined and whined over this but having been on many slot canyon adventures in the past I knew the likely fate of the camera if it were to accompany us so no photos. so sorry.<br /><br />We had gone as far as we could in the boat. the canyon was just too narrow and it was time to jump on the shark. With skis as paddles (hey, we make do remember!) we shoved our way down the windy canyon. Heres the trouble we ran into right off the bat. tight turns. You see when a 10 foot long floaty tries to maneuver the tight turns it gets stuck. this is because it is not bendy. We heave ho'd our way through 2 of them but eventually we had to jump in and and get the dreaded wet <span style="font-style:italic;">(wont be the last time)</span><br /><br />ok so this is where the Howard Stern Effect starts coming into play.<br /><br />We're looking at this cold water and its full of all kinds of debris. like who bloody even knows what. dead rats? maybe. mostly sticks and bugs but as you trudge forward unseen things wrap around your legs and your shorts fill up with the debris which can be quite uncomfortable. Striders (far to similar to spiders) flit across the top of the water. Plus am I the only one that thinks murky cold water filled with debris is a bit eerie? No worries we were only chest deep. (sarcasm)<br /><br />And so why do we do it? We want to see whats around the corner of course!! and there's <span style="font-weight:bold;">ALWAYS</span> another corner to want to see around. <br /><br />This canyon was gorgeous though. So worth it. <br /> <br />The fun part about these hikes are the many challenges you come to, at each one you ask yourself if you're gonna man up and get through it. <br /><br />These usually include (but not limited to) super slimy mud holes followed by a tall smooth wall you may have to wedge your body up to get over, sinking mud, lots of bugs, frogs, sometimes mice, lakes of chocolate milk thats been in the cold part of the fridge, and the ominous choke stones- gigantic rocks that are wedged between the canyon walls making either a huge drop off or an almost impassible wall before you... depending on if your going up or down ;)<br /><br />One of our biggest challenges was that we had little Lucy with us. She can be a bit slow but she trudged though with the rest of us not complaining just enjoying.<br /><br />So in the beginning of the hike I made the humongous mistake of striking up a conversation about flash floods. As I glanced up the endlessly tall canyon walls to blue skies speckled with a puffy white cloud here and there, I said to my dad...<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">so no way is there a chance of flash flooding today right? the sky is so blue and mostly clear.</span><br /><br />Well actually, he says... <span style="font-style:italic;">(oh no, please no)</span> it is possible to get caught in a flash flood with blue skies... this is because the storm that feeds the flood can be miles away. <br /><br />Now heres the thing, several years back a couple from Germany were killed hiking through Antelope canyon when a flash flood unexpectedly hit. They were with an experienced guide. Could this be why it was on my mind? possibly.<br /><br />We unfortunately continued to discuss the particulars of why you WILL DIE if caught in a canyon during a flash flood. Basically it is a huge wall of water mixed with all kinds of things it has picked up on its way to meet you like, trees, sticks, animals, cars... well maybe not cars, who knows though. all kinds of debris rushing a high speeds towards your head and where do you have to go? There is no escape. That is all. You die. <br /><br />I heard my dad say from behind me... <span style="font-style:italic;">we have reached our suggested turn around time.</span><br /><br />Thats great, but we NEED to see whats around the bend. <br /><br />So on we went, and then again I hear him say, <span style="font-style:italic;">we're 11 minutes past out suggested turn around time.</span><br /><br />At that point what stood before us was a section of deep cold murky water with a gigantic choke stone at the end. I wondered if we could even get the little ones over that one. We sent Chad and Ben to scout it out and see how difficult it would be. Chad had a really hard time getting over that one and Ben, well sadly he didn't couldn't quite get up. I took this as a sign that we were at the end of this particular adventure. <br /><br />But I was wrong.<br /><br />oh yes. so so wrong. <br /><br />I voted to turn back. People listen to me... or maybe it was their gut. but we started heading back. <br /><br />I kid you not, the moment we turned our bodies around we heard a faint thunder off in the distance, (and then some swear to a rush of water) not me though I only heard the thunder, and it was enough. I went into a kind of panicky state. To tell you the truth I was shaking quite a bit. I had my two babies in the canyon and I was picturing my mom (whom we left on the houseboat with Kassidy) finding out a huge chunk of her family died at once and then going kind of crazy and turning into a hoarder... I know, the hoarding thing. haha. It scares me though. The hoarding does.<br /><br />The thunder continued to roll. <br /><br />We were moving fast. What was before careful calculated steps, so as not to twist ankles or rip off toe nails, were now quick and un-calculated steps. Jumping into the freezing section of what looked like the river of chocolate in <span style="font-style:italic;">'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'</span>, was no longer a hesitation. After a few minutes I asked everyone if we could stop for just a minute and say a prayer. My dad offered it. It was this sort of serene moment of peace and trust in the lord.<br /><br />I don't think I talk about Chad nearly enough on my blog. The dude is like my personal hero. Just an amazing gentle man of <span style="font-weight:bold;">greatness</span> willing to do any and all for those he loves. He doesn't complain he just works it out. He picked Lucy up and carried her the whole way back. In our half running state, this was not an easy task I am sure. Oh how I love that man. <br /><br />The sight of the shark was like Christmas morning when I was 9!<br /><br />It was still wedged in the crack right were we abandoned it. We swam out to it but this time instead of getting on it, the boys shoved it out sans humans. And even though we treaded water for what seemed like forever, this was the faster way to go about it. Well actually we did originally put Lucy on it but in all the hustle and bustle she got flung off... didn't cry or anything. She's such a good doobie.<br /><br />I took a picture of the Sky when we got back to the boat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/stormysky.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 402px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/stormysky.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />not so clear blue anymore eh?!<br /><br />I wish I could show you this one extremely beautiful spot. Oh how I wish I could have brought my camera. Around one bend we came to a natural spring seeping form the slick sandstone rock about 20 feet above our heads. Right where the water started there was this gorgeous greenery clinging to wall. it was so beautiful, I took a picture with my eyes, not that that does you any good. Not like I have the right lens to capture that kind of grander anyway. <br /><br />You should go check it out for yourself. Mountain sheep Canyon at Lake Powell. Take a picture for me!<br /><br />p.s.- due to the fact that it is 1:55 am, I would rather die in a flash flood than proof read this right now. soRry fur teh typos.Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-83552895685711850672011-09-14T23:31:00.000-07:002011-09-15T00:07:41.936-07:00PSAThis is a public service announcement to let you know<br /><br />that my kid<br /><br />(the one with the big mouth) has a gigantic mouth hole.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/rollercoasterslide.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 896px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/rollercoasterslide.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />and she's not afraid to use it.<br /><br />also, it should be noted that these adorable children look as if they are riding a most thrilling roller-coaster, when in fact they are merely sliding down a typical <span style="font-style:italic;">run-of-the-mill</span> playground slide...<br /><br />because children are magical like that :)Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-2964109680085778412011-09-10T23:28:00.000-07:002011-09-11T00:17:45.004-07:00If you must know, it was the middle finger.I was just sitting here finishing up<span style="font-style:italic;"> (wasting time, really)</span> all the little things I had intended to do when I first plopped into the chair in front of the computer.<br /><br />All at once it seemed really lonely. Everyone has gone to bed except me.<br /><br />and my tummy is growling.<br /><br />Sometimes I am super awesome and make my family a really delectable feast. <br /><br />Not today though. Today I didn't make dinner at all.<br /><br />I went into the kitchen to search for something to fix this problem and all I could agree on was a boxed mix of blueberry muffins... <span style="font-style:italic;">thank you Betty Crocker.</span> <br /><br />but then my dramatic side kicked in and I fretted about it being midnight by the time they were done. And how I just DID NOT want to stare at the kitchen timer until midnight. Plus I would probably be dead by then anyway.<br /><br />on second look it was only 11:19pm, and the box said '17-21 min.' which if I calculate correctly <span style="font-style:italic;">(sucked at math)</span> means it will be done sometime BEFORE midnight. <br /><br />So whist I waited, I decided to hop on my blog and tell you about how I've been meaning to tell you all about one particular adventure at Lake Powell... The one with the Howard Stern effect.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Do you know what the Howard Stern effect is?</span><br /><br />That's ok if you don't. I will surely tell you all about it in my next post.<br /><br />ahh the magical beeping from the kitchen!<br /><br />The muffins are done and it turns out my calculation WAS correct! It is 11:49pm which <span style="font-style:italic;">is</span> sometime before midnight. It's possible I forgot to calculate cooling times (not on box!) so it turns out I will be eating at midnight after all.<br /><br />I think its really crappy of me to not make anyone dinner and then wait until they are all slumbering in their bed to whip out my super gourmet box of Betty Crocker muffin mix. The nice thing to do would be to save them some for breakfast and all... But I'm not making any promises this late at night.<br /><br />and I feel bad that you read all the way through this semi-pointless blog post, so I have decided to reward you with a wipe-out shot of cousin Ben at Lake Powell.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/wipe.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 442px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/wipe.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/wipe5.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 617px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/wipe5.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Lookie at that! Two photos. It's your lucky day.<br /><br />So what do you think? <br /><br />not that great?<br /><br />Yeah well, I burned my finger putting the muffins in the oven so I will blame it on that.<br /><br />nighty night.Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-59496174040671994682011-08-30T21:17:00.000-07:002011-08-30T22:58:00.953-07:00on the very last night.It was so so hot.
<br />
<br />Like drowning in sweat hot, but considering the spider situation I forced the sheet to swaddle itself around my body and occasionally over my head.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">and as long as no one so much as touched me in the slightest I was ok.</span>
<br />
<br />and besides, the winds were fairly strong.
<br />
<br />There was a storm coming.
<br />
<br />Not that it mattered, it stormed to some degree every night we were there. Lake Powell.
<br />
<br />The next thing we heard after slipping into sweet slumber was the voice of my mother following a loud crack of thunder.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">'are you awake now'</span> she said. I can only assume she was standing there trying to wake us minutes before. She was worried about us. We sleep on the top deck of the boat. It's cooler up there and who doesn't like falling asleep under the milky way?!
<br />
<br />We had a lightning storm move in right on top of us. It was close. Chad grabbed Lu, and I picked up the bedding and headed down stairs. I went back up to get Kassidy. She was just lying there. I told her she needed to get up and move downstairs.
<br />
<br />She argued with me. Can you believe it?
<br />
<br />And then the biggest bolt of lightning I ever <span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">seen/heard/felt</span></span> cracked through the sky and suddenly as if by magic she seemed to know what I was talking about. (She claims she was still asleep while I was talking to her, pshhhhah)
<br />
<br />Once we were all downstairs safe and sound (well... as safe as you can feel sitting in a metal boat in a pool of water) I pulled out my camera. Chad hung around with me.
<br />
<br />The great thing is, I didn't even see this bolt.
<br />
<br />I hit the shutter, the sky lit up, hair stood on edge, and me and Chad busted through the screen door as fast as we could.<span style="font-style:italic;"> In that exact order.</span>
<br />
<br />Funny how we thought we could out run lightning. ha! we're so rad.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lightning.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 402px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lightning.png" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />Did I mention our rad-ness?
<br />
<br />You wanna see something almost as nifty?
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lionsnose.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 700px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/lionsnose.png" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />
<br />Have you ever seen a nose wrinkle up like that? haha!
<br />
<br />It looks like a lion's nose.
<br />
<br />grawr!Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338073255697205921.post-72609026063624424012011-08-13T09:22:00.000-07:002011-08-18T21:03:03.239-07:00truly.I took a personality test last week.
<br />
<br />Have you ever known something you're whole life, but then someone tells you and its like a whole new discovery? Me to.
<br />
<br />I'm an introvert.
<br />
<br />So THAT'S why I hate parties so much! right right. makes sense.
<br />
<br />Also, you know that weird girl that that won't eat just anything. Annoying isn't she?
<br />
<br />That's me.
<br />
<br />Those that know me well know that I will not eat ground beef, cows milk, or fast food. And those that know me REAL well know I also won't eat shellfish, cheapo chocolate, margarine or things that say <span style="font-style:italic;">'light'</span> on it. And then there's a whole nother list of things that bother me greatly and its only a matter of time before I nix. Artificial sweeteners and colors are extremely high on that list!!
<br />
<br />All I'm sayin is I'm not the cheapest date in town ;)
<br />
<br />But this summer I kicked something else out of my diet and actually out of my whole families diet. I don't usually push my weirdness on my family but after reading about High Fructose Cornsyrup I decided it was time for it to get the boot.
<br />
<br />Imagine taking your 5 year old to the store to buy popsicles and then you get to stand there watching her cry for 10 minutes because we can't buy the Popsicle brand popsicles and for what ever reason the Dole pops aren't going to cut it.
<br />
<br />Me again!!
<br />
<br />Haha. I have to say though that I have no regrets ousting that one. And actually Lucy and Natalie have both been very good at reading labels to see if there is High Fructose Cornsyrup in stuff I buy. I've thrown out whole loaves of bread because I forgot to check for it! The thing we learned is that you really don't have to go without, there is always some brand that doesn't use it, with the exception of snow cones (one of my kids favorites)
<br />
<br />But the hardest thing for the majority of my family was the soda! Chad got a little huffy with me on this one because (and he's right to some extent) I already don't drink soda so for me it wasn't giving anything up. I forgot to add soda to the list above. haha. I will occasionally drink rootbeer but on the whole I probably drink less soda in a year than most do in a week, possibly a day depending on the individual.
<br />
<br />About a month after getting rid of HFC I took my kids to Miami/Globe, AZ to photograph them and it was hot. I mean really really hot. They were eyeing the public pool big time hot!! So I took them to a convenience mart and let them get any frozen treat they wanted. I didn't restrict anything. It was painful but I watched Lucy pick out a giant rainbow popsicle... 100% HFC! And let me just tell you how my little angel turned into a gigantic monster from the deep! It was then that I decided no matter how good they were being the restriction must always apply! There was one other time after this that couldn't be helped and again angels turned to monsters. noticeable behavior change!
<br />
<br />and why am I telling you all this again? oh yeah, I was going to share with you the magical wonders of making your own almond milk at home!
<br />
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(Don't tell my kids but the plan is to slowly ween them off cow milk and get them on something much more nutritious and natural)</span>
<br />
<br />So here's what you need:
<br />
<br />1 cup of raw almonds
<br />4 cups of water
<br />
<br />If you want to add sweetener you can. I use agave to sweeten. just a tablespoon or 2 depending on how sweet you want it. A little cinnamon or vanilla won't hurt it either!
<br />
<br />Soak the almonds in filtered water over night in the refrigerator.
<br />
<br />I drain this water and add 4 cups of fresh water, I haven't decided if I prefer draining the water or using the soak water so I drain it for now.
<br />
<br />Pour in high powered blender ( I use a vitamix)
<br />
<br />Strain through a nut milk bag. I've used cheesecloth before but it leaves too much grain for me so I prefer the nut milk bag which you can make yourself if you sew. I made mine out of a loosely woven fabric I found in one of my many drawers of fabric.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/almond.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 869px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/almond.png" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />Here we are, we've just poured our blended mixture into the nut milk bag lining a glass bowl.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/almond2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 896px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/almond2.png" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />And now we just grab the string and cinch it up lifting it up so the milk can drain.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/almond6-1.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 589px; height: 813px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/almond6-1.png" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />We let it continue to seep till it slowed down then we started twisting the bag putting a squeeze on it to get ALL the milk out.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/almond3.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 896px;" src="http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/isonjill/almond3.png" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />Fresh raw almond milk!
<br />
<br />For now I am sweetening my milk so I can get my kids to drink it and hopefully I can slowly back off the sweetness without them noticing. Thats my plan anyway.
<br />
<br />If you're interested in macadamia nut milk check <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8Oe8nqtH88">THIS</a> out! I tried this, it was delicious. loved the addition of coconut oil!
<br />
<br />I take some flack in my family for my somewhat particular views on food. When I say family I mean my mom, dad, sisters and their husbands. Like last month while talking to my dad he told me they think I am snobby when it comes to food. ha! Can we just replace the word snobby with choosy? or careful? or enlightened? or smart? caring? genius? <span style="font-weight:bold;">Come on! </span> nutrition isn't a gimmick!
<br />
<br />I didn't get an A in most of my classes in culinary school but guess which one I did ace?!
<br />
<br />NUTRITION!
<br />
<br />I've always been interested in nutrition. And I guess you could say I don't like to live in the middle. When life is good I want it to be incredibly good and when its bad I allow myself to <span style="font-style:italic;">feel</span> it so that when we get back to good it feels <span style="font-weight:bold;">OH SO AMAZINGLY GOOD! </span>
<br />
<br />Just for fun you should go take the personality test and report back to me what your 4 letter code is.
<br />
<br />Mine is ISFP (the I stands for introvert btw)
<br />
<br />You can take the test <a href="http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp"><span style="font-weight:bold;">HERE!</span></a>
<br />Jill Isonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17537517510619950952noreply@blogger.com