Simple Days » Nature

My Year in Photos: 2011 Part 2

Erica Lea — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:41:51 +0000

July

Janna hosted an epic bridal shower for Beth.

We spent a few fun weekends at the cabin.

…

Uncle Tom had to show up the youngsters by skiing on a canoe paddle.

August:

Watched Reuben & the guys play golf. You can watch the video here: {link}

September:

We managed to squeeze some veggies out of our garden, despite my broken wrist and voracious rabbits.

We spent a week camped at a jobsite – the boys worked from sunup til sundown, and we women cooked.

Experimenting with the “Macro” setting on the “little” (non-DSLR) Sony camera.

October

I got my new camera. LOVE it so much. But not as much as I love this handsome dude.

Little Ellie. She’s getting so big and learning to talk so well.

I baked some awesome, no-knead bread. I’ll be sharing the recipe sometime on my cooking blog.

November

I tagged along and watched Reuben hunt this year.

We got our first Christmas tree.

Decorated.

Went skating. See the video here: {link}

December

More skating. The guy in this photo recently served in Afghanistan, the girl is his wife. They had never had a chance to skate with each other before.

Hockey! See the video here: {link}

Melanie visited from Ireland.

Christmas at the B. Family’s!

I’ll never forget Elinor’s reaction to opening “Hair CLIPS!” See the video here: {link}

I hope you all have a wonderful year!

Love,

Erica Lea

Our First Christmas Tree

Erica Lea — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:51:25 +0000

On Saturday we acquired our first Christmas Tree!

The woods were gorgeous that day. It had rained the night before, and there were little droplets frozen onto the branches of the trees.

Into the truck.

We had so much fun decorating the tree together. I still need to get a skirt and a topper for it, but we’re pretty happy with how it looks.

When are you getting your tree?

Longing for Spring…

Erica Lea — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:01:24 +0000

These days, I find myself longing for spring. There is still so much snow on the ground. But patches of grass are beginning to show…

Here’s a bit of cheer: I just purchased this adorable dress from eShakti, my new favorite online clothing store.

What brings you cheer this time of year?

My Project 365, Week 2

Erica Lea — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 18:05:03 +0000

January 8-14

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Don’t forget to add your own photo from last week for a chance to win! Make sure to read the rules first:

Rules:

Only one photo per person per week is allowed.
The photo must be from the previous week.
Only those committed to doing a 365 or 52 project are allowed to enter. It’s okay if you miss a day or so in your project, but you must have decided on a 365 or 52 project to be eligible to enter.
Winner will be announced on the first Saturday of each month.
Spread the word! You must include a link to this post in your photo post.

Go ahead: Enter!

My Year in Photos 2010, Part 2

Erica Lea — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 21:17:31 +0000

See Part 1 for January – June.

July

Fun at our friends’ cabin.

Watching the fireworks from our pontoon boat.

Skiing & kneeboarding at our family reunion.

Splash!

Dad found a skink, one of his favorite animals.

We went camping on the North Shore.

August

We attended a ladies’ tea party.

September

Gorgeous fall colors.

A walk in the woods.

October

Sitting around the campfire.

Lovely sister.

November

Frozen pond. Yes, it gets that cold here in November.

Frosted world.

Cool sister.

December

Christmas lights bokeh.

Little Elinor on Christmas Day.

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My Year in Photos 2010, Part 1

Erica Lea — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 21:28:21 +0000

January

My little niece, Elinor, came for a visit.

Grandma taught us how to make Banana Cream Pie.

February

Grandma also taught us how to make Chocolate Crepes…

…and a Roast Beef Dinner

Mom cut my hair.

We went alpine skiing several times. I am determined to get some actual skiing photos this year. Here, Katelyn waxes a ski.

A favorite winter pastime: Polish Ping Pong. Dad’s the best.

March

Grandma taught us how to make bread & cinnamon rolls.

We hosted a Middle Eastern dinner for friends.

We tapped maple trees at a neighbor’s house to collect sap for maple syrup.

Dad took the little Honda motorcycle out and gave Elinor a ride.

Fire on the lawn.

April

Easter at Uncle Ken & Aunt Becky’s house.

We attended a local TEA party rally and got on our local evening news.

May

Snow – in May!

Our favorite summer sport: Volleyball. We built the court ourselves and are very proud of it. That’s me in the bright salmon shirt & khaki pants.

June

Fishing on Wolf Lake.

Hail.

I’ll be posting photos from July – December later this week.

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A Quick Photography Lesson – Lighting

Erica Lea — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:04:50 +0000

I do not claim to be an expert. I do not claim to have advanced beyond amateur in photography. But I would like to share a few things that I have learned in my 3+ years of snapping photos.

**End of Disclaimer**

Light. The essence of photography. It doesn’t matter how expensive your equipment is. If the light in which you are shooting is horrid, your photos will reflect it.

Here is a quick example of how lighting can go from boring to magical.

One day early this spring we set off in search of mushrooms. I decided to bring my camera along in case we found anything. As we strolled down the path, I snapped a few pictures, like the one above. Not a horrid shot, but kinda boring.

Then, I saw light shining through the trees on the trail ahead. I readied my camera.

Here’s the photo SOOC (straight out of camera). See what a difference a little light can make? See the awesome rim lighting on Katelyn & Dad? The leaves dancing with light? Beautiful.

Photography is about waiting for that perfect moment. It’s about being alert and aware of your surroundings. So next time you’re out shooting, take your time and search out some lovely light.

Yours ever,

Erica Lea.

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Jump!

Erica Lea — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:55:15 +0000

This week’s I Heart Faces challenge is Scenic BW. In this photo, my sister jumps barefooted on the craggy shores of Lake Superior. Make sure to stop by I Heart Faces for more gorgeous black & white photos.

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I Am Thankful For…

Erica Lea — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 08:46:25 +0000

Salvation, so rich and free.

Family to love. Friends to laugh with.

A home for warmth.

A camera for pleasure.

A piano for practice.

Snow for skiing. Yarn for knitting.

“O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD,
Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.”

~ Psalm 95: 1 and 2

What are you thankful for?

My Frosted World

Erica Lea — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:51:50 +0000

The snow has finally arrived. My world looks sugar frosted.

To keep you company on a cold day:

antiquity :: Oh Joy! :: Watercolor Wings :: Grayhaven :: Rebecca :: Oragnized