It's Getting to be that Time of Year ! CREATIVE ARTS THREE-DAY WEEKEND … November 26, 2021
Yup! THAT time of year.
© A. Mac/A.G.
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Time to get it goin'.
Morning Mac.. Lovely photos..Snow scenes always look so spectacular. Especially at Christmas time.
Looks cold!
Love the shout out to NT in the intro. Snow scenes are really lovely, but, for me, the real stuff is too cold. (Brrr)
So Winter has finally happened - and those 3 are all great depictions of it.
Where we are now, frost and snow do not happen, but from when we were farther north in Zhengzhou, it did, and melted in a day.
The first snowman my wife had ever made (her hometown is where we are now).
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Snow-capped mountains in the distance towards the far western China.
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A Christmas card image?
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Memories of a Canadian winter - the ravine behind my brother's home in Dundas, Ontario, Canada.
Lovely snow photos, Buzz. Looks like your beautiful Bride had a fun time building her first snowman. Well done!
Nope.... not a single snow flake here either...sun blue sky and rotten strong wind...but we can't have everything...
Poor Fozzie bears will be hanging on. There are five here in the trees at the moment...
No more frost, ice and snow for the rest of my life as well.
Morning...I did not take this photo...It is sunrise at a small sea side town called Port Fairy...I love going there...
Power of the magic hour.
Beautiful, shona.
Very nice!
This is was in our local newspaper and the link was sent to me by another of our members, Katpen. I'm quite sure this is our community of Stone Creek.
Amazing colors.
Red sky at night, sailors delight...
Anoon Kavika.. stunning..we are lucky we get such brilliant sun rises and sunsets in our parts of the world ..
The colors are truly amazing. Even a great artist would be hard pressed to compete with Father Sky in the awesome color combinations he shares with us.
Yes, Kavika. The Ocala newspaper did say "Stone Creek". "The Sandalwood Phase of Stone Creek in Ocala".
Thanks, Kat.
Zhouzhuang Courtyard
Beautiful, G. Love the effect, it really brings out the colors.
Thanks. Raven Wing. I'm glad you like it.
I'm sure you're having a lot of fun playing photo-editor. That one is really effective.
Yup. A lot of fun.
Thanks!
...flashback...
Friday's here at last.....
The Three Sisters? Whether or not, quite striking.
Yes, that is another version of "The Three Sisters.", Buzz. Various Tribes have their own version based upon their own Tribal style of artwork. For those who are not familiar with the story of "The Three Sisters", it is basically how each 'Sister' represents one of the three basic Native American food staples, Corn, Beans and Squash. These foods can be grown together and compliment each other. They also work together to help nourish and support each other. The image below shows how the plants grow together.
That is really interesting. It's a great image, and knowing the story behind it makes it that much better.
Back in Canada we had a small statuette of The Three Sisters carved from an antler. Before leaving for China I gave all our paintings and artifacts to my ex-wife, knowing that one day they will end up with my kids.
Thanks G. Glad you like the artwork and the story.
A very wise decision, Buzz. I am sure they will appreciate what you have left to them, a part of you that they will remember.
Although I posted the article much later than usual, we are off to a fine start.
Well, THANKS for GIVING it to us.
Anoon Mac.. perfect timing for me as I am usually late on the scene..but not this Saturday for a change...
I'm thankful for this happy place.
Me too. And not only for a place to share my own artwork with others, but, to enjoy that of others and their own contributions to the group.
It definitely is a 'happy place'......
Sometimes, I get carried away with a particular image … like with this one.
Trial Island Lighthouse, British Columbia, Canada
© A. Mac/A.G.
WOW. That is a fabulous image. They've been having a real tough time in British Columbia lately.
That is a fantastic image, Mac. The cloud formations and coloring are really amazing. A lot of power in them, as if challenging the light of the lighthouse.
Very well done!
Almost exactly two years ago I attended my second Expat Thanksgiving Banquet at the finest hotel in downtown Chongqing. It was not held this year nor last year because of everyone being super-careful about crowding indoors, even though there have been almost no cases of the coronavirus in our city-state of Chongqing. But here's to the memory of it, the only days I've eaten turkey and all the trimmings for many years.
Both the turkey and the ham were delicious.
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Cream-cheese stuffed salmon rolls and chopped veggie salad. A few different salads as well.
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Many varieties of cheese. Chinese people rarely eat cheese, and I think only know about the cheese that's in a McDonald's cheeseburger, and on a pizza. Even the supermarkets only carry processed cheese slices and cream cheese. I have to go to the big METRO box store to get a variety of imported cheeses.
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Dessert Table. There was also an ice-cream cart with various Haagen-Das flavours, and cakes and pies, including pumpkin pie and apple pie.
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This was my FIRST plate of food, followed by another and maybe even more. Turkey, ham, creamed pasta, sauteed mushrooms, green beans, delicious stuffing underneath, cranberry sauce, delicious bread rolls (already almost finished). Didn't bother with mashed potatoes with gravy because I could get that at home, did have some cream of mushroom soup first.
Well, at least I can look at the photos this year.....
That all looks like a grand feast, Buzz. Hopefully they can resume the Thanksgiving feast again next year.
Anoon...a foodies heaven...what a spread...
ham? wtf?
I'm nonsectarian, dev. There is a mazuzah on our doorpost and a Buddhist shrine in the living room. I love oysters, scallops and shrimp, and if you didn't eat pork you would starve in China.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Kavika's house. Master Chef was Red, with support from Judy (SIL) and Elaine (neighbor)
For Buzz, there is a sweet potato with Mandarin orange.
LOL. I've got sweet potatoes coming out of my ears. My wife had bought about a bushel of them, and I eat a mandarin orange every day. What I really want is stuffing, good old fashioned bread stuffing....
There was plenty of bread stuffing on that plate as well, Buzz.
I'm with you. I'd be happy with just a plate of stuffing smothered in turkey gravy.
I'll take Grandmother's cornbread stuffing and turkey gravy. I made it myself for the family Thanksgiving dinner since I was 20 y/o, as I was the only one in the family who could make cornbread stuffing like Grandmother did. And I was the official turkey baker since I was 25. Sometimes it was a pain, but, it was really an honor.
But, now that it is only me and my Yoda Girl kitty, I have passed the recipes on to my Granddaughter, and she does her Grandmother proud as well.
What a great spread, Kavika. Red and her helpers really laid out a grand feast. I love sweet potatoes.
Bon Appetit!
The World Esquarian Center in Ocala is decked out for the holidays. I love the sign.
Morning Kavika... one thing you mob always do well over there is Christmas lights etc..be it in the cities or neighbourhoods..and especially when there is snow around...
It is so good to see the Christmas spirit is still very much alive and well..the trees look fantastic...
Thanks shone, the few photos here do not do it justice. There is so much more on the next trip there, it's only 4 miles from the house, I'll take more photos of the decoration in the hotel, simply, outstanding.
Looks like a fun place to visit. Lots of cheerful decorations.
Great decorations. But are they going to start celebrating Easter during Christmas? Now that I think of it, Americans are being told to buy their decorations early because of the supply chain tieups.
Morning buzz...we cop hot cross buns here on boxing day...the supermarkets say it is due to customer demand...
Yet to see anyone demand them on boxing day... one year they put Easter eggs out on boxing day at the entrance as you walk in.. Someone kicked the whole display over.... they have never done it since....
There seem to be plenty of Christmas decorations in all the stores, I haven't seen any empty shelves.
An oldie for Saturday. Hope you enjoy it....
Sure do enjoy it.
Thank you Kavika. Glad that you enjoy it. (smile)
I don't recall seeing it before (but remember that at my age I'm starting to forget things) and I do think that the frame creates a feeling of action and excitement to the inner image.
It has been a good while since I first posted this one. I think it is the first time I have posted this one to the Creative Arts group.
Beautiful work of art, Raven Wing.
Thank you very much, G.
The Beauty of Winter along a Woodland Stream.
© A. Mac/A.G.
That's a real beauty, Mac.
That certainly is the beauty of winter. Glad I'm seeing it in a photo and not standing there, although I guess I do miss the crisp air on a day like that, and how it used to feel like it was pinching my nostrils. However, for me, the absolutely most beautiful scene of winter was a freezing sunny day after a freezing rain has turned the barren tree branches and everything else into a sparkling crystal paradise.
That's a beauty. Love the sky.
Heading into Sunday, so here is one that is not so old....
Dreamy.
Thanks, Buzz. Glad you like it.
Another beautiful piece.
Thank you, G. I'm very glad you like it.
And one more for Sunday....
This one is different than most of your artwork. I like it.
Thank you, Kavika. I'm really glad you like it. It was one of my experiments with framing, and it just seemed to fit this one of the Shaman.
That's what I was thinking, too. It looks like a painted portrait.
Pretty cool, RW. I like it. I don't think I've ever seen a Native American with a beard like that.
Wonderful accomplishment on your part.
Thank you, Buzz. That is one Shaman you would not want to fool with. (grin)
He has a great look on his face with what appears to be a bit of a grin.
Thanks, G. It would not be wise to ignore his divinations. (grin)
IMO he looks wary.
Maybe, like many Native Americans, he does not like his picture being taken.
One for yesteryear … it was old when I photographed it, but, I could not resist changing the color and surface texture appearance. I like it better than the original. I believe the viewer can see the passenger car's soul.
It is indeed very impressive, Mac. And your effects added to the antiquity of the passenger car. One can almost see the passengers on board enjoying their travels.
Very well done, Mac. You did the old passenger car proud.
Superb choice of colour, and your method in making the subject stand out. Nostalgic.
What is the name on the car?
"Catskill Mountain Railroad," (New York State)
I think I can replicate this effect to varying degrees and am thinking about trying it on some of my restorations from the early 1900's and before. A great thing about digital.
Maybe next article.
Looking forward to seeing them, Mac. I really like the antique effect that really brings out the real life look to the older items.
The Twilight Zone effect....
I love it....
It hasn't snowed here yet, but here's some from last winter.
I was a Blue Jays' fan even before the baseball team - from watching them from my bedroom window during my childhood. The sky in the third photo is stunning.
Anoon Buzz..think you just answered my question to Dig..
Anoon dig... fantastic photos..is the bird a Blue Jay??
Yes, color isolated on a black and white background.
This is interesting. You answered Shona 1's question 2 minutes before she asked it.
Must have been some kind of bug. No crystal ball here.
Those are gorgeous Dig. Thank you for posting them. I also really enjoy your photo essays of your garden.
Thanks. Sorry that the garden blog got cut short this year. None of my fall stuff wanted to grow except for the peas, even after a couple of different plantings in different places. I blame the seed, lol. I was so frustrated with everything that I just said to heck with it. When things don't want to grow my heart just isn't in it.
I liked you garden reports, hope you do them next year.
I am thinking about next year's garden and have big plans.
I dug up several small tomato plants and have them in a window with a grow light, don't know how they will turn out
Big plans? I'm looking forward to hearing about that next year.
Good luck with your winter tomatoes.
Wonderful photos, Dig.
Very "Ansel Adams"! Nice work.
Very beautiful, and very amazing images, Dig. Very nicely done.
Thanks RW. Everyone else, too.
Thanks RW; When I made the changes, I was thinking about the “cars memory of thousands of passengers” - ghosts of decades of travelers. I did not write that thinking it would be far fetched! But you sensed that and made me very happy. Thank you so much.
You are very welcome, Mac. I love your artwork, no matter kind it may be. Much of it touches my heart, and my Soul.
I am very glad that my comment made you happy. I could 'feel' the true happiness that the passengers must have felt when riding in that car, and I could almost see the smiles on the faces of the many passengers that the car itself seemed to exude.
Again, you are most welcome. (smile)
A sunset and good night from Stone Creek, Ocala FL.
Magnificent!!!
Absolutely amazing, Kavika. Love the silhouette of the bird in the lake, and the trees outlined on the far side of the lake. The fire in the sky is in contrast to the soft blue of the very calm water surrounding the bird. Just gorgeous.
That is a really good shot, Kav.
Awesome.
That truly is magnificent and absolutely amazing.
Woo Hoo! I just ordered PaintShop Pro Ultimate 2022, the brand spanking new version of my photo editor. It's supposed to have the latest and greatest AI (for magic wand borders, making things sharper, removing noise, etc.) I hope it's a noticeable improvement over my older version. If not I'll be pissed.
I got a 50% off pop-up notice on my screen earlier, for Cyber Monday I guess. The Ultimate version includes a bunch of free stuff like Aftershot 3 for working with raw images, Painter Essentials 8, several artistic brush and effect add-ons for the main program, WinZip 25 compression software (which will hopefully make resizing easier than the way I do it now), some coloring book thing that I think makes comic strips (not sure about that, though), and some other stuff.
I have like 20 products to download now, just from that one purchase. Christmas came a little early, lol.
Half-off makes the ultimate version only $50 at the moment, and the non-ultimate version is only $40. Here's the link if anyone might be interested — PaintShop Pro 2022.
Click on the 'learn more' buttons there for more info. It's basically a cheaper alternative to Photoshop, but even the 2019 version I have now is jam-packed with tools and features. The new one should be even better. It's also a one time purchase and you own it, not a monthly or yearly recurring subscription like so many other companies are trying to sell these days.
Way cool, Dig! Sounds like a really great editing tool and more. And what a great price!
Now...when it come, don't open it. Put it away until Christmas Eve. Then take it out and put it in your stocking, or under the tree, as a gift from Santa. Then on Christmas morning you can open it and then install it. Then play with all the great new stuff. (yeah, like you can wait that long to play with your new toy.
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We will expect to see some of that new stuff in the following weeks artwork you share with us. (big grin)
Have fun, we look forward to seeing some real amazing stuff from you. A new camera and now new software. You are on a roll!
Haha. It's all electronic delivery (downloads), no hard copies to put under the tree.
I've already installed the new version of the main program and started poking around. It does seem noticeably better. More powerful and smarter. There's several new features, too. I'm diggin' it.
I haven't installed the add-ons yet, or any of the other programs. I'll get to that stuff later today.
Don't hold your breath, though. I still feel like I'm learning, and there's still an awful lot of luck involved for me when it comes to getting really good pics to work with. The light quality really seems to matter with my camera, because of the small sensor, I suppose.
The camera isn't so new anymore. I'm trying my best to wear it out. Over 14,000 shutter operations so far, in less than a year. That may not be a lot for the pros, but it sure is a lot for me. I've taken so many that sorting through burst groups and deciding what to keep and what to delete actually feels like work sometimes, instead of a fun hobby. It can be downright stressful, lol.
Closing it down after another great participation!
See you all on Friday … AND THANK YOU ALL!