Playing Outdoors

It is funny how the sounds of nature can bring such joy

I feel like August Rush finding music in the wind

from insects, birds, and frogs, to the far off cry of a lamb

I love to sit outside and just breath

it clears my mind, my anxieties

and fills me with inner peace

I hope we never have to move back to the city

country life suites us both so well

as a child I would dream of city life

of the busy streets, the endless shop windows

and the unique rhythm of day to day life

But now I know I am a more quiet soul

I enjoy the slow pace of country life

the traditions and friendliness of a small town

and the beauty of watching the land change all around me

with the seasons and the labor of an honest days work

Oh I miss Ptown in many ways

I miss Knittn Kitten, Scrap, Pix, and Masu

just to name a few...

If you live in Portland or are planning a visit

I would highly recommend you visit these local businesses!

Most of all I miss my friends and family

but I have started to make new friends here in Emmett

and that is such a comfort :)

Digi Kits from:

Ittybittybirdy - Kitschy Digitals

- Gunhild Storside - Pugly Pixel

We are very lucky that the property we are renting

is so beautifully landscaped

it's quite the yard - the lawn takes me around 2.5 hours to mow

and I have quite given up on all the weeding

I'm enjoying practicing photography

in my own back yard

as well as some photo editing with Photoshop

(click on the image to view the free flickr texture I used)

Before

After

Isn't that just amazing!

I'm still pretty new at using textures and actions

you might visit Maybe* Mej

her last post was dedicated on how to create soft textures

and she has some great free actions to get you started on that too

(used on my top photos^^)

I've recently received a few comments asking me how I edit

my photos and what software I use

I'm still really new to all forms of editing

so I haven't really found my favorite tools

but mostly I think its a matter of patience

and the willingness to learn new skills

for those without Photoshop

I would recommend Picnik

As always I wish you all happiness!

~Chelsea Ann