38/365: My boys arrived today*. After a rough week, I couldn’t wait to get myself a dose of cuddles and kisses. Once the love fest was over, Bosco secured his place on the chair next to James. The very expensive, {gasp} white {gasp} chair**.

* My ex and I share them. We’re lucky to have a good relationship still so it works for us.
** I’ve given up trying to keep these chairs clean. I’ve no clue what I was thinking buying them in white as most of the fabric covered parts are non-removable. Once I get more confident with my sewing machine (read: when my mam arrives in the summer – she’s an amazing seamstress – and can help me) I’ll be churning out some slip covers so I don’t have a shed a silent tear every time I look at them.

37/365: I finally won the mental battle with my sewing machine today. It’s been a few years since I’ve sewn anything so I was a little nervous. But, I put all that aside and just went for it. The result? Two fab pillow cases for my living area. Photos coming soon!

36/365: I was all set to do some sewing today but procrastination and indecision took over. Oh, and the fact I’m afraid to cut my material. Someone pass me some sewing cahonos please.

35/365: I had naturally wavy hair as a kid which straightened out as I got older. Yet, every once in a while my hair will just naturally curl. Today was one of those days which I welcome as it means no styling whatsoever. I like that.

34/365: In a scramble to take my photo late at night, all I got is random bathroom accessories. ;)

33/365: In an attempt to take a break from the computer today I pulled out my sketchpads and Prismacolor pencils. It was just one of those days where the creative juices had run dry and I was more productive making pencil shavings than I was sketching.

32/365: I had an appointment downtown today. I typically walk everywhere so couldn’t resist an opportunity to snap some shots on the TTC. I’m really happy with how this shot came out. I had no idea what would be captured as the camera was sat on my knee. Not bad eh?

31/365: A Zebra massage thingy. That’s all your getting today. It was late, I was tired and it was all I could think off. Roll on February and hopefully more creative photography!

30/365: Still not feeling love with my photography creativity.

Psst… this photo wasn’t taken on the 30th – boo! I totally forgot all about it and even though I made a mental note at night to get on it, before I knew it, I was off to the land of the sleep. However, as I’d already figured out what to take for that day, I simply took it on another one so I’m not counting it as failing. :)

29/365: Has a case of cabin fever today so I headed out to a local coffee shop called Second Cup (it’s actually a chain over here in Canada). I pretty much spent the whole day here. It was nice to take breaks from working to do a little people watching and just lose myself in the hustle and bustle of activity. This location will be my new working home over the coming weeks.

28/365: I rarely untie my shoes when I take them off. Do you?

27/365: Had a bunch of errands to run tonight. My enthusiasm for photography has waned a little lately (mostly due to lack of creativity and leaving it until night time) so I quickly snapped this on the way home and marked it as done!

26/365: Completely forgot to take a picture today. Thankfully a game of Monopoly saved me. Sadly this throw of the dice officially bankrupted me and gave the game to James. Oh well, at least I didn’t fail at Project 365, so I did win with something.

25/365: A rainy day here in Toronto. Need I say anymore?

24/365: It was a cold and rainy day in Toronto. Perhaps the perfect end to a long and stressful week. Though now I’ve reached the decision to close up shop for a bit, I see some light at the end of the tunnel.

23/365: His ‘n’ Hers essential bathroom accessories. ;) And no, I still haven’t started this bloody book.

22/365: Movie night popcorn! We watched 500 Days of Summer. I really enjoyed it. While not a “OMG, go watch it now” movie, it was definitely the type of movie I needed. It has a great score and soundtrack by the way, including the song above which I love!

21/365: Seems I take a shot on this corner (Yonge/Dundas) every week. This is definitely my favorite so far. I love the results you get with an high ISO sometimes.

20/365: I really didn’t want to take a photo today and probably took this just before midnight. The fact I took one of myself is actually ironic I suppose as I’m rarely in front of the camera. P.S. Self portraits are harder than they look.

19/365: Feeling bogged down by some decisions today so James coaxed me into a game of Monopoly. Hoping I’ll wake up with some get ‘n’ go tomorrow!

18/365: I woke up with a case of the blahs today and spent much of the day lost in my own thoughts. At times like this, tea is my friend. What do you seek comfort from when feeling a wee bit down in the dumps?

Hey guys, I’m starting a new series. Since becoming active on Flickr, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some amazing photographers that are motivating me to push my photography further and I want to share them with you too. So, my new series Captured will focus solely on photography and will include mini -interviews and hopefully eventually more educational stuff. Yah!

Please welcome my first guest, Arlyne VanHook, who’s Flickr stream has been making me drool all week since becoming contacts.

What camera(s) do you shoot with? Nikon D300s

What lenses do you own? Nikkor 18-55mm and Nikkor 50mm f/1.4

Which one could you not live without? 50mm

How long have you been shooting? 6 Months

What program(s) do you edit with? Lightroom and Photoshop CS4

When natural light is not on your side, how do you get around it? I manually adjust shutter speed, ISO, aperture and, white balance until I get the right exposure.

What’s your favorite subject to shoot? Still life photography has become my favorite subject recently. I also love fashion photography would love to do more of that!

Who inspires you the most on your Flickr stream? Wow…there are many and they are ALL so unique in there art. I would have to say that the first person to inspire me on Flick was F. Prestes, for her creativity in the graphics, Rebecca Lily for her stunning composition and tones, Siebe for his stunning tones and creativity, Steven Brisson for his clear focus and composition, and lastly Ava for her stunning work.

What are your favorite online photography resources? Google… hahahah! Deviant Art is a great place for actions, art and, textures but I would have to say that Flickr is my biggest resource. Everything from presets, actions and textures can be found for free or for a good price on there.

What’s the most useful tip you’ve received about photography? Go manually as hard and scary as that might sound. It’s been the BEST advice given to me!!!!

Lastly, what does photography mean to you? Photography to me is inspiration, life, beauty, art… I can go on!!!!!

ARLYNE VANHOOK ELSEWHERE
Flickr | Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Images © Arlyne VanHook

17/365: It’s been too long since I lounged in bed and just read a book. Used to do it religiously. Today was supposed to be that day (and we have the perfect overcast day for it) but I’m just busy exploring. Oh well, I’m having fun and that’s all the matters. The book can wait.

16/365: James went to a local outdoor rink today to skate so the dogs and I tagged along. I have a feeling they would of preferred being on the ice rather than sitting on the side lines with me. This is a rare, sweet moment I was able to capture as they waited for James to come back around. They spent most of the time howling/talking in impatience, as did Bosco, who was likely still being impatient in the background as I took this.

15/365: I was finally able to capture the flowers James bought me in all their glory. I love them. No roses for this girl. They just don’t do it for me, but these sure do.

14/365: Today was my 1-year anniversary for opening up my Etsy shop. Hard to believe a year has passed already. James (who never forgets anything) surprised me with the cutest flowers to celebrate. As today was another long and busy day, I didn’t get to put them in a vase until later at night. But, as I wanted to capture the gesture, I took some of the pretty daisies and thew them into my light-box. I love the results.

13/365: Today was a long day. I think I worked close to 12 hours. As a result, dinner was an after-thought (again!) but thankfully James brought me home a delicious Smoked Corned Beef sandwich with Matzah Ball Soup from Yitz’s. It was delicious and as someone that has previously avoided Matzah Ball Soup (I’m not really a brothy soup kinda gal), I have to wonder why.

12/365: Heading down to a nearby pub for some down time after work. Once again, my 365 was an after-thought but I managed to snap this along the way. More action at Yonge/Dundas. ;)

11/365: The problem with Project 365 is you often forget to take a picture until you find yourself scrambling to do so at night. This was that night and I suspect it’ll happen often and that you’ll see dinner shots often. I had chili.

Despite the promise to myself to have more “me time” this year, I didn’t do such a great job of it this week. The shop was busy so most days I’ve been processing orders, uploading new goodies and keeping on top of admin. Thankfully, I did find a few hours on Tuesday to start a new hat called Slouched Tuva. Progress is slow as I didn’t get to pick it up again until last night, but I’m hoping to dedicate some time to it (and myself) this weekend.

I’m also itching to play around with my camera over the next few days. While I found my Project 365 a little hard this week – mainly because I left it until later at night – the motivation this project has given me to improve my photography is quite amazing. So, to push myself a little further, I’m going to be starting a new series called Explored (or perhaps Exploring). Basically, I’ll be picking themes every few weeks that will be driven by subject matter or technique.  The main results of this will be shared on Flickr but of course I’ll post some of my favorites here too.

What are you plans for the weekend? Anything fun going on? Whatever you do, have a good one friends!

P.S. For any fellow knitters out there, feel free to add me on Ravelry. I like me some friends. :)

10/365: Another lazy day ahead. James gets to play XBox 360 while I play online and do some work in-between.

9/365: Today was a lazy day. James had to work so I just chilled out at home and wasted far too much time online. Thankfully, the day wasn’t totally unproductive. I eventually pulled it together and responded to emails, cleaned the condo and finished a knitting project. When James got home he made me hot chocolate. Seems fitting that a little love heart formed (see inside the mug near to the handle) within it.

8/365: Lunch today was leftover chicken curry from last night. I always thought dishes liked this tasted better the next day but not this time. It was good nonetheless and much better than my usual quick fix of a sandwich or cereal.

7/365: James and I are making more of an effort to get out and about this winter. I have a habit of hibernating at this time of the year. So going for a walk everyday most days is becoming a ritual I look forward to. I was sorry to see the snow fall we had earlier this week was melting. Come back!

6/365: Today was just one of those awesome days that required a wee bit of celebrating. As James and I headed out to indulge in a few drinks we got immersed in the rush hour traffic that can be found at Yonge & Dundas.

5/365: Still feeling mentally clouded today so I went for a walk with James to clear my head. We had the most beautiful of snow falls all day long and while the high traffic areas where covered in dirty slush, within the parks it was easy to find undisturbed beauty.

4/365: Exhaustion + headache + an achy body called for a low key day around here. While the day itself appeared to be on fast forward, I spent much of it feeling mentally clouded and at a stand still. At times like this, I’m thankful I can set my own work hours.

In honor of my Project 365 endeavors, it seemed only fitting that this week’s Etsy Hunt showcased the work of photographers I admire.

1. Autographic by f2images 2. American In Paris by Kristybee 3.Vintage Photos, Military Honors by sadieolive 4. County Fair by urbandesign
5. Lemon Still by kristinenoel 6. Camera Love by LolasRoom 7. Fall Morning by Kristybee
Images © of their respective owners.

3/365: After spending most of the last 48 hours indoors, both James and I were hit with cabin fever. While still not the warmest of evenings, we ventured out anyway and found refuge in a pub on Church Street. Sadly, the homeless chap we chatted with that evening didn’t have the same luxury. Hopefully the few dollars we gave him, plus the hot coffee, helped a little.

2/365: Today was as cold as could be and resulted in a severe weather alert for Toronto. Besides venturing outside for the weekly groceries, the rest of the day was spent indoors in our PJs playing XBox 360, watching movies, working on knitting projects (for me) and then ended with a lovely roasted chicken dinner made by James. My contribution to dinner was some homemade fruit filled (read: strawberry jam) oatmeal bars topped with some good old English custard, albeit rather lumpy custard, but oh well.

1/365: January 1st, 2010, delivered the first real snowfall for Toronto. So, James and I hit the street for a nice walk as it fell. Don’t you just love walking outdoors as the snow falls from the sky? It was quite lovely to see everything covered in a blanket of white.