[Focus on Life Week 8] Monochromatic

This is week 8 of Sally Russick's Focus on Life and the theme is MONOCHROMATIC.

I hardly use black & white and sepia in my photos so Sally really challenged me.  Both of these photos were edited using PicMonkey.  

Focus on Life Week 8
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia, 2012

This was taken in Sydney, Australia in 2011 during our family reunion. My husband and I took a Sydney harbour sunset cruise and it was amazing!  I particularly love this photo because it captures some of the iconic images of Sydney, New South Wales, and Australia:  the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House in the background.   The bridge is also called "The Coathanger" because of its arch-based design.  The bridge is open to tourists who are brave enough to climb it, such as Ms. Oprah in 2010.  My husband and I are working on our "height issues" so its not on our bucket list for now... or ever.

Focus on Life Week 8

I took this photo this week when I saw how the sun shined on the branches of this tree.  Its past mid February and these branches will soon turn green with life - not that it's "dead" now but it will spring with beauty pretty soon.

This exercise in monochromatic photography or editing inspired me to explore more.

I will try to take photos of people and portraits, play with light and such.

Now it's time to check out these LINKS.

Enjoy!

♥  Michelle  ♥

[Card] A Grand Celebration

It's a joy to be invited to very special events such as an infant dedication and a 75th birthday celebration all in one family:  Grandson + Grandfather = Grand celebration!

We do not do infant baptisms in our church but we do infant dedications - it is a Christian parents' way  of making a promise to God that they will prayerfully and lovingly train the child in a godly way, to teach  and to discipline him or her and to help them make a decision to follow God on their own.  Being a parent is a big responsibility and godparents are given the same responsibility too - it goes beyond the birthday and Christmas gifts.

Baby Card

This card is for baby Dean.  I love this baby stamp because it can be used for a girl or a boy.  I coordinated the cuttlebug embossing folder mat with a similar patterned ribbon.  Simple and fun!  

This is for Dean's grandfather who celebrated his 75th birthday.  He is such a sweet, loving and God-fearing man - a truly caring friend.  

Gift Card Tabs

We gave them gift cards that I placed in the card using MS corner bubble punch.

I love how it turned out so I think I will be making more of these since we often give GC's anyway.

Have a wonderful day!

♥  Michelle  ♥

[Earrings] Red Cloisonne

Here's a bouquet of flowers for you.

Happy Valentine's Day, my friend!

♥  Michelle  ♥

[Focus on Life Week 7] Beauty of Flowers

Flowers at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Welcome back!  This week's Focus on Life by Ms. Sally Russick is about the Beauty of Flowers.

Chicago Botanic Garden

I love walking through lush gardens lined with beautiful and colorful flowers.  This photo was taken HERE on my first visit back in Spring 2009.  As an artist, I am often inspired by nature  particularly by flowers.  I am amazed at how vibrant and well coordinated the colors are and it makes me think of how great and awesome our Creator is. 

As you enter the garden, you will be welcomed by a row of flowers and a sculpture of Carolus Linnaeus.

Here's a brief description of the sculpture from the Chicago Botanic Garden Website:

Carolus Linnaeus

Robert Berks, American (b. 1922)
Bronze, 1982
Heritage Garden
A gift from Mrs. Arthur C. Nielsen, Sr.

This figure of Swedish physician Linnaeus (1701-1778) looms large in the history of science and is appropriately placed in the Heritage Garden. Linnaeus established binomial nomenclature, the international system of naming plants and animals that is still in use today.

He is shown reaching eagerly toward the plants in his path with a collector’s enthusiasm. The prominent bird in the sculpture — a golden plover, which can fly for thousands of miles — refers to the many students of Linnaeus who traveled the globe collecting plants for him to name.

We had a wonderful time strolling, talking and taking lots of photos - bless his heart for being so patient 

in carrying the tripod and waiting for me to set-up.  Those memories are forever etched in my heart and mind - 

HHWW (holding hands while walking) and memories of sweet nothings whispered in each other's ear.

Kinda cheesy, huh?  Well, lets make everyday Valentine's day.

Let's see some more flowers HERE.

Take care!

♥  Michelle  ♥

[Origami Heart Card] Valentine's Day 2013

It's Valentine's Day and I made this Origami Heart Card for my dear one.

Origami Heart

I layered it on a mat embossed with a Sizzix embossing folder. 

Origami Heart
Sizzix embossing folder

I stamped the sentiment and added a few hearts inside the card.

I am so glad that he is my valentine today and always.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO YOU, MY DEAR FRIEND!

YOU ARE LOVED!

♥  Michelle  ♥

[Earrings] Blue Cloisonne

Spring is almost here!

Have a sun-shiny day!

♥  Michelle  ♥

[Focus on Life Week 6] Feel the l♥ve

It's Week 6 over at Ms. Sally Russick's Focus on Life and the challenge is to "Feel the love."

Focus on Life Week 6

"Ewe and Me will always be for-e-vaaaaaa!"

Our path may not be green and bright all the time,

but as long as you and I are one, it will always be fine.

Happy V♥alentine's Day, my Dear One!

And to you my friend, may you feel the love today and always!

Let's share the love and keep hoppin' to other blogs.

Click HERE to start hoppin.'

Happy weekend!

♥  Michelle  ♥