Soft and Subtle Textured Blossoms

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Happy Sunday my friends!

I hope you are enjoying a most inspired weekend!!  My oh my, it's quiet online.... it's almost scary. :)  

John actually asked me if my iPhone was broken.... It hasn't been 'beeping' nearly as often as usual! But I figure it's a good thing! It must mean that everyone is busy, busy...enjoying the weekend!

I'm popping in quickly with your weekend texture....  I must say...  I'm in LOVE with this one! Wowzer..... 

I found a scrap of linen in my stash.... and decided to play with some dye....  and oh my....... I'm happy with the results.....  This is the first of several I created.....

I hope you like it!!  

And I just had to try it out on yet another blossom shot. :)  I love the beautiful blossoms.... 'sigh'..... and I have to say....I love these photos just as much or more...without texture... but it's so much fun to play.... both ways!

mouse over to see the textured image

Texture Lovin' Listers, the download link will go out shortly....

Not on the list, click HERE to sign up and start receiving freebie texture right away!

Test Kitchen Members, I will have a tutorial for the first blossom image up later this evening. So do pop over and check that out... You might also find a few new fabulous textures popping up!  

Okay, my friends... signing off! See you back here for Texture Tuesday!  Remember this week... is all about GARDENING....  :) 

For this week's upcoming TT details, click HERE.

xxo,

Birthday Week Finds - And Your Freebie Texture(s) Await....

Hello friends,

Happy Monday!! How was your weekend?

Mine was smashing!!  :) And I have to say I am really glad I took the time to soak it up, enjoy life, my family... fresh air and the sunshine.... because we are in for an entire week of rain....

'sigh'....  

The city just 30 minutes from our little town has been declared a state of emergency... homes are being evacuated, roads into and out of the city have been shut down.... The Canadian army has been called in....

So I have not one thing to complain about! But I am praying the rain stops.... and soon!

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Today I wanted to share my birthday week goodies...  I self-declared this past week, my birthday week....and gave myself a little prop budget.... What could be better than shopping for bargain props?  :) 

I wanted to share a few of my finds with you all. I just know you will appreciate them much more than my house of boys!

So let's get to it..... 

I had some fun processing today's images with one of my fav textures called Sonnet2 from The Studio Collection... along with a new magic texture that I just released to the Test Kitchen members.  If you are a TK member be sure to download the set.  It's pretty fab I must say....I will have more details on how everyone can get it along with the other 3 textures in the magic set in tomorrow's texture tuesday posting. {Or join the Test Kitchen and it's yours for FREE.}

Found this FAB pitcher at Winners (Canada's version of TJ Max)....  I adore the shape and details....

Then I found these sweet little bowls... so pretty... had to have them..... Here they are in Black & White....

and here they are in color..... Okay so I had some fun in photoshop...  they are actually a lovely blue.....  but I couldn't resist muting the tones....

They came in soft green and blue.... So I nabbed what they had.....

I do have a few more treasures to share.... but I will stop here. :)

And now for today's new freebie texture. And seeing as it's Mother's Day Week..... how bout 2 Freebies? I can't wait to see what you all do with these.  

P.S. As a belated Mother's Day offering.... I have a $10.00 coupon code for the Studio Collection. To save, simply key in 'textureloving' in the discount box. Code will expire this Friday.

P.S.S. Texture Lovin' Listers - today's freebie download link is coming your way.... if you are not on the list..and wanna start receiving freebies, feel free to sign up HERE.

P.P.S.S. How could I forget the phone at the top of the post.... a found treasure..... from a local shop... Carol's Time Again Treasures...  'sigh' So much to love....

Weekend Ramblings - Give Away Winners Announced & of course a Freebie Texture

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Hello, sweet blogging friends.  How are you?

How on Earth was your weekend?  Oh my gosh...mine was a little... ummmm, not great!

We had a crazy wind, rain, snow storm hit on Friday night.... The power was out, the wind blew and blew, rain, ice and snow pelted down....  through the weekend..... Mix that with a bit of a stomach flu.  And hey, why not have your birthday in there too....

Let's just say... I'm happy it's OVER. :) 

Oh and what the heck....last year.... I was sick on my birthday as well!! I rarely get sick. Honestly birthday's don't bother me in the least.  I have a hard time remembering how old I am, but it doesn't bother me. I'm officially 43.  :) But what's with the sick thing?  You'd think it's something deeper?  Hmmmmmm.... :)

Let's just say.... so long April!! Hello May. And hopefully hello spring!

Okay, I better get on with the show..  I have a sweet texture for you!  And of course it is time to announce the give away winners.  

So let's begin with the texture.  I call this one portrait.... Simply because I think it will work well with portraits. :) But I used it above....and love the effect it created.  I used 2 layers..... one set to soft light 100% and one at multiply 38%.

Here's a peek at the texture. 

If you are on the Texture Lovin' List.  Your link is on it's way in just a bit.

Before I announce the winners....I have to address an issue that has come up several times this past few weeks.  I am getting messages saying that people are not receiving my texture emails. The majority of people with the issue have been gmail users.  My email list company says the emails are being accepted by gmail.  So PLEASE check your junk/spam folder. It is possible Gmail is filtering the messages as spam. The list is large and it goes to many.  This could be causing it to be junked.  Also, if that's not the problem...another possibility is your email service provider is bouncing/rejecting the email.  Or your spam filter is blocking it completely. There's not a lot I can do.  You could try contacting your email service provider and see if they have any advice. Or, you could try a different email address.  I wish I could be more help.  

Kay, that was a mouthful..... :)

Al right here are the texture collection winners.

The Studio Collection - #72 Sharon

The Past Favs Winner #1 - #19 Daisy

The Past Favs Winner #2 - #65 Deryn

Please contact me to claim your prize ladies....

I think that covers it....for today.

I can't wait to see your coffee/tea images on Tuesday.  If you missed the challenge details, click HERE to check them out.

I have some exciting stuff up my sleeve.... hope to reveal it later this week. Stay tune....

Here's to you...and you.... and a fabulous May week ahead! 

xxo,

 

Happy Easter Sweet Friends

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May You Make Beautiful Memories

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Today's Texture is called Luminous.

Texture Lovin' Listers - The link is coming your way. :)

Not on the list? Sign up HERE and start receiving your freebies today.

xxo, 

p.s. The Essentials Class Starts on Tuesday - Click HERE for the details.

Inspiring Quotes ~ Reader's eDition

Happiest Sunday, Sweet Friends.

How are you?  How was your weekend?

Thank you so much to each of you that shared your reassuring quotes in the comments of Friday's post. I was going to add them as a follow-up below the post.  But they are all so powerful, I thought I would include them in today's entry.

But first, above is a photo of the beautiful book, One Thousand Gifts. I have referred to it often here on my site.  Since Friday's post, several readers have emailed or commented that they too love the book. It really is life changing.  I love the cover statement 'a dare to live fully, right where you are!'  Isn't that powerful?

I wanted to host a little impromptu give away.  I'd love to share a hard copy or the audio version of One Thousand Gifts with two lucky winners. Each winner can choose which version they prefer. The author, Ann Voskamp narrates the audio version and I have to say, it's beautiful to listen to. I'm a huge audiobook junky. It's really the only way I can fit 'reading' into my schedule. But I also love to hold a book in my hands. And I have to say, this book is truly beautiful, both inside and out.

To enter, simply leave a comment below.  I will leave the give away open until Thursday.  So if you would like an opportunity to win a 'copy', say hello in the comment section. 

Sound good? :) 

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Okie doke sweet friends.  I have a new texture for you today. I call it 'serendipity'.  I used it on both photos in today's post.

Check it out.

Texture Lovin' Listers, your download link is on its way.  Not on the list? Click HERE to sign up and get immediate access to today's freebies...along with a few extras as well.

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Inspiring Quotes ~ Reader's eDition 

Everyone has a siren song. Something fluid, beautiful, all yours. ~ Kim Antieau

Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling. ~ Margaret Lee Runbeck

I never stop to wonder why I'm not like other people. The mystery to me is why more people aren't like me. ~ Florynce Kennedy

When You're By Yourself.. You're On Your Own.

A single rose can be my garden, a single friend, my world. ~ Leo Buscaglia

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Everything happens this moment.

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness. I am off traveling and photographing the world and sending prejudice far, far away. ~ Mark Twain

Seek Him with all your heart and you will receive His comfort, His presence. 

Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it. ~ Mary Oliver

The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.~ Henry Ward Beecher

The doors we open and close each day decides the lives we live. ~ Flora Whittemore

Thank you all for sharing your inspiration! I'm truly grateful.

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I think that's it for today. I need to make my way into the kitchen. I can't believe it's 6:00.

I'm looking forward to this Texture Tuesday's challenge. If you missed the details, click HERE to get the scoop.

Here's to a fabulous week ahead!!

xxo, 

Check out my upcoming classes below.

The Beauty of Silence

Happiest Sunday!

How are you?

OH my goodness....  the need for a digital break, hit me like a brick this weekend! I mean BOOM!!  

Wow.... I had no choice but to just walk away from the studio...  take deep breaths, soak up some silence....and under-stimulate my senses.

It's been awhile since my last digital break - the one that lead me to a temporary addiction to watching reruns of Mary Tyler Moore. :)  It was time for another.  

The difference this time was a lot of simple silence was involved....  Just time to sit and reflect and be alone with my thoughts.  It was REFRESHING.

I have to say, I adore the quiet.  I think best, create best, do best, when I surround myself in oodles of quiet.  I long for it, I need it!! I cherish it!

I love being with just me  I honestly do.  The more time I spend with myself (and Ben), the more I need. I'm a self-professed loner! I make no apologies for it! It's just who I am. I love the quiet of my own thoughts. 

Anyone with me on this? I can't be the only loner! 'sigh'

I honestly believe silence allows me to dig deeper into the artist inside me...the creativity flows freer... The thoughts and ideas come easier!

 

I know, not everyone feels this way. Many of us love lots of interaction, conversation, stimulation...

If that is you.... can I give you a little tiny nudge....consider test driving just a little 'silence' each day.  You may be surprised what it does for you! In exchange, I will do my best to fit in a little more social time (now and then)......

Deal? 

insert 'smile'....

In honor of silence.... I created a lovely texture for you all... I call it Silence. :) Check it out!!

I used it on each of today's images. It's one of those textures that just seems to work... on pretty much anything it lands on.  

'sigh'  

I hope you like it.  :)  Texture Lovin' Listers, it's on it's way.... Not on my list ... feel free to sign up HERE...and start getting freebies almost instantly.

I'm off to enjoy a little more 'silence'....  

xxo,

p.s.  Oh my gosh..... can you believe how many amazing images were linked up to last week's Texture Tuesday Party? 216, to be exact! How completely fabulous!  Thank you all so much!!  This coming Tuesday, there is not specific challenge...simply share your FAV textured image.  Oh and I'd love your thoughts.... challenge?  or no challenge?  what do you prefer? Do tell!

p.p.s. I'm seeking new students for my eCourse - Art of Texture - the Secrets Revealed.  If you are interested, you can find the details HERE. 

Sharing Some Love, Texture Love That is!

Happiest Saturday....

I hope you are enjoying your weekend.... I do believe spring has finally arrived in our little corner of the world! How bout you? I realize we aren't all in the same season. What's your weather like? :)

(hmmmm, that'd be a cool texture tuesday challenge...show us your little corner of the world.....weather-wise that is... sorry...just thinking out loud.)

Anyhow, yay for spring... not so Yay for Ben's white coat and all the mud... 'sigh'....  

But this too, shall pass...   the mud that is.... not the white coat...

I'm popping in quickly to share a little texture 'love' with you all!

Today's texture is called.... 'love'....  Check it out!

 

Texture Lovin' Listers...  your link is on its way.  Wanna get your hands on some 'love'....  simply sign up for my list HERE and start receiving freebie textures right away.

If you haven't had a chance to check out my post from yesterday... take a peek.... there's some savings and give away info involved.... 

I'm signing off...  the laundry, vacuuming, dishes and reality.... await. :)

xxo, 

P.S. 

I'm on facebook...but I haven't done a great job of utilizing it!  That's going to change.  So pop over and like me.... pretty please.  :)  More to come on that soon.

P.P.S.

Don't forget to come back on Tuesday and link up your WarmSun Textured image.  Wow, the response has been AWESOME!  Thanks guys.  Click HERE for the details on this Tuesday's challenge.

P.S.S. 

Last weekend, I asked you all if you would be interested in the Art of Texture - Secrets class....and I had a great response.  Registration is now open...and class is just around the corner. Get the scoop HERE.