Fox & Fall Fotos … Creative Arts Thursday/Friday
Nature Paints Way Better than I do.
© A. Mac/A.G.
Don't feel locked into creative posts that begin with the letter "F" … feel free to use the entire alphabet with regard to subject matter …
… any F'n images, videos, poetry, commentary, et al are welcomed.
WIFE UPDATE: Yesterday was one of those days I’d call, “A Reality Day.” While my wife's recovery is progressing at a better rate than we anticipated, it is not without some of the realities of a cancer patient who is hoping for what is referred to as, “permanent remission” as opposed to a “cure”. My wife does not complain but I can tell when her discomfort (comprised of multiple discomforts) is acute; and yesterday was the first day (of which I know for a fact) that she experience depression based on the fact that she has cancer. The middle of her day was the best when several friends were at the house for Mahjong … but even that, while a pleasurable diversion, left her tired (a common phenomenon in the first 30 days after a bone marrow transplant, and, possibly an intermittent one indefinitely). More Mahjong this Friday, walks around the neighborhood on nice days, and, a second post-transplant appointment with her doctor a week from this Friday.
Thanks to each of you for “being there” … it helps. A. Mac
Show your f'n creativity from A to Z!
I'm happy to see that you are now usually including something man-made in your magnificent photos.
Although I'm not Peter Sellers, you know that I'm there with you during your wife's travail.
Naturally Mah Jong is very popular here. My mother taught me to play it when I was a little kid. I've since forgotten how, but these folks have not:
In fact there are pavilions where they play Mah Jong.
Beautiful pictures Mac, as always. Love the Fox. Colors and so amazing.
That is beautiful Amac. In fact I've browsed most of the pictures so far and everyone of them are excellent. I wish I had more time to participate. You many not see me that often here, but every day, some time is spent for you and your family. Thank you for being here.
Gidday Mac..Was wondering how Mrs Mac was going as I have had a slight set back..Managed to cop a dose of gastro and it sure has knocked me flat. Ended up in A and E as I was dehydrated etc and they shoved me on fluids and asked did I want to stay in hospital for the night??..Errrr no when I chuck up, I like to do that in the comfort of my own home and surrounds...
So home I came and been a slow process to get back to where I was before getting crook..Would say I am about 90% there. Feel really good one minute then bloody awful the next. I am now basically waiting to hear from St Vincent's in Melbourne to go and get my cells back...I am meant to go to Melbourne next Monday 11th but think I will cancel as not up to the trip 5 hours one way. Plus I have a feeling I will just get home and then I will get the call to go back...So will see. I have to go for a "Vamp session" as I call them (blood test) tomorrow and I think they should be happy with that. So far I have not let the word "cancer" get to me..when told I never broke down or fell apart..Some how my more "reasoning/stupid??" side kicked in and thought right can't change it, get on with it...But I still like the way my specialist told me...Looked me straight in the eye and said..."We can't cure it, but we sure as hell can put it to sleep"..that has stuck with me and that is what I go by...Yep we are all going to cark it one day, yep some will go before others and none of us know how long we will walk this earth for...But with the grace of God (whatever whoever you perceive that to be) I for one intend to be here for as long as I can and no doubt the same for Mrs Mac...Yes there will be good days and bad and I know what is coming in the next few weeks..But with good family, friends and courage...we will get there...together..Have courage we have got each others backs....
Wishing your wife and you continued strength to fight this battle and win!!
A grateful "thank you".
This is a cross stitch I made a few years back.
Impressive, comforting in a traditional, nostalgia-evoking image.
Thank you.
Very pretty.
That is an embroidery? Magnificent.
Thank you Buzz, it is slightly different than embroidery. It’s actually a Lot of sewn little x’s, called cross stitching.
Wonderful use of coloured threads.
This is another one I did.
Again, a peaceful, traditional motif … and a welcome relief from the current, awful time.
I can just picture creations like those hanging in a warm cozy cottage with a wood burning fireplace lighting up the room. They virtually broadcast "warm" and "cozy" to me.
That's quite an accomplishment !
Thank you. I really enjoy it.
JaneDoe, those are really nice. When I look at these photos and art, I realize no camera can take the place of being there. You are very talented.
I appreciate the kind words. Thank you.
Happy Halloween!
Yes, those photos certainly do the job of evoking Hallowe'en.
Thanks Buzz. I'm trying to get into the spirit of things, but I feel a little thin.
The bird photo makes me think of the line: "Quoth the Raven, Nevermore."
Those are very nice Evilgenius. Load up on carbohydrates. That will take care of that "thin" thing.
That's great news Mac! Except it is hard to witness your spouse in pain. I know all too well. It's such a helpless feeling. Hats off to her strength in beating this ugly monster! You too! Cool on friends participating. It sure helps but I imagine in her state of healing right now it is easy to tire. Love your fox and fall! Happy Halloween!
One day at a time. I am cancer free now for 8 years.
Just take it one day at a time.
She will get better. Happy Halloween!
Awesome! My husband is almost 6 1/2 yrs cancer free.
Good to hear Jane.
We don't really get many fall colours. The popcorn trees (invasive species) do lose their leaves.
De-saturate the colour and you can make it Hallowe'en scary, like this one:
I don't think I have any of that on my laptop. Only paint.
You are a lot better at that than I am.
Load Photoscape on your computer. It's free, and you can do all the things I just did. and a hell of a lot more.
Does change the mood. Thanks.
I need to download it yet I am lazy. Haha
Plus I need a new laptop. This one was a Vista unit. Redid the harddrive to Windows7.
Now I got a notice Windows 7 will no longer be updated or have support come the new year. Not sure what this thing can handle as far as an operating system. Ha
I have Windows 7 on my computer as well. My ancient laptop uses XP. My computer is on its last legs anyway.
So, as you have seen, Photoscape works fine on Windows 7.
Being part of the Microsoft Technical Beta Testing team I have had every new version of Windows on my laptop. However, I reverted back to Windows 7 as all the newer version are aimed at the new devices which I don't have and don't need. And I like the ease of using the Win7, and it is compatible with mots all software programs and apps.
So even though there will be no more updates or support, I am sticking with Win7, at least for the foreseeable future.
Yeah, I like this system. My concern is more on the security side. Without support will I be vulnerable going on the web. Well, maybe more so than I am now. Haha
Not if you have a good AV and Malware protection on your laptop. I have never depended on Windows built-in security system for keeping me safe. I use an average Anti-Virus program and have never had a virus. However, I am careful where I go on the Internet as well. If I am not sure of it I don't go there.
Same here, Buzz and Ender. Windows 7. January 14, 2020 is the end of support for updates or anything for Windows 7. I'm looking for another computer now. It still works great, or somewhat great. I'm sure I will be happy to get a new one with all the new programs out there. I just installed a SSD a few months ago.
I kind of feel like you Raven. It still does the job that I use it for, but I have an idea a new one would be an aggravating change, but I would adjust. I have a hard time changing my mobile phones. I'm still using a Samsung Note 4. They say it's old. The main thing I like is when the battery starts failing, I can take the back off and put a new one in it. The newer phones don't have that convenience.
I agree, Six. Win7 is a very easy to use and compatible operating system. Unless a person has some of the new "Cloud", hand-held and/or watch devices, which I don't, Win7 is the one I will continue to use. It just works like I want it to, not like it wants to. That is all I need. I have never depended on Microsoft for support anyway, so there is no loss there for me. And many of their updates did more damage to my Win7 than it helped, so I stopped updating some time ago anyway.
A Quiet Stroll in the Woods.
© A. Mac/A.G.
Nice! Mac. I learned a whole new thing about photography this morning - mordancage. I found it rather interesting.
Please share any/all of what you learned with us, EG.
I had never heard of mordancage, just checked it out, but I didn't think you could apply that process using digital photography.
Great overlay Halloween picture Mac. Very interesting concept.
But not for long if I saw him like that while walking through the woods. You have really progressed Amac.
Mordançage is an alternative photographic process that alters silver gelatin prints to give them a degraded effect. The mordançage solution works in two ways: it chemically bleaches the print so that it can be redeveloped, and it lifts the black areas of the emulsion away from the paper giving the appearance of veils.
I Don't see why this "look" can't be achieved digitally once it is understood what that "look" is supposed to look like! I might give it a shot.
If you do, describe your digital process please.
I'm going to try it too, but I've been so busy I can't even find much time to get out with the camera let alone work on new editing techniques. I'll get to at some point though.
Copco Lake, Northern California.
T for " T orn " !
Gotta Love "LIFE".
Or "T" for Thunderstorm.
Good to hear of the progress that your Mrs is making. While it may be hard for her, and you, at times when she has bad days, it is all part of the process and expected. So she is still on the right path. I hope she will be feeling better soon. Many good wishes and prayers to you both.
Here is my creation for this week.....
To me it says "Don't f*ck with me."
Thank you Buzz. I wanted the power of the Warrior to be the center of attention, thus, I just worked the framing and let the image speak for itself.
A powerful representation of "powerful"!
Thanks Mac. That is exactly what I wanted to present. The determination and fearlessness of the Warrior says it all.
Here is something a little less intimidating.......(smile)
And so it is, not only less intimidating, but absolutely lovely.
Thanks Buzz. This was a really fun piece as well.
I love art! All of these are amazing!
I'm pretty sure that's the guy who took down Custer!
LOL!! He very well could be.
Whatever you're doing, Raven, they always look fantastic. Are these paintings? They're perfection.
Thanks Six. No...the are not paintings. They are digital images I create on the computer, blending various types of images, and backgrounds from wood burls, wind carved canyons and caves, and landscapes using a variety of techniques.
It is a very time consuming process of combing and blending them all together into one image.
I am very happy that you like them. I truly appreciate your kind words.