Sloth--Not!!

For those of you who think that I've just been kicking back enjoying my leisure time . . . THINK AGAIN!

As I alluded to in my last post, I have become addicted to Photoshop, of all things. Since that post, I've spent an inordinate amount of time playing with the powerful features the program possesses. Of course I haven't even scratched the surface, but at least now I have a rudimentary understanding of both layers and actions. It's not an exaggeration that several evenings now have lasted until 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. because I've become so involved in learning "just one more" facet of the program. (Can you say obsession?)

Even more important than that, I have been gifted with the opportunity to spend some real quality one-on-one time with favorite grandson Hunter. He and I played at the park on Friday while Farida went to get a TB test--and we had a great time.

Yesterday I got to pick Hunter up from school, and we hung out at his house while Farida and Jason attended to Farida's first paying photography assignment. Those of you who remember how gifted Farida's photography was way back when she was in high school--and way-too-conservative mom offered her insights into how difficult it would be to make a living being a professional photographer--will understand the monumental step this is.

Time, circumstances and Farida's own talents have perfectly positioned her to recapture those dreams..

Years later she's rekindled her photographic passion and is setting about to make it pay off. (YES, Farida, you can say "I told you so!")

You go, girl! You have the eye, you have the passion, you have the talent and you are gaining skill by leaps and bounds. Leap for all you can achieve!


(Obviously "passion" is a big deal to me this morning, having used the word abundantly.)

Farida, any time you need an Ani to try to entertain Hunter, just ask!)

By the way, Jason, too, is an excellent photographer, so they really make a great team. I can see Hunter, too, getting into the "family business" as he grows. It's exciting to see all the opportunities coming their way.


Love to everyone! More soon.

Confession is Good for The Soul

I confess. I haven't been blogging because I have been "playing."

With Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.

I'm not often intimidated by computer software, but Adobe programs are so intensive that they really have a long learning curve. Up to now I've learned the bare minimum to do what I need to but not really using anything like the real capabilities of the programs.

Because of my new passion for photography, I've been following several photographers whose work I really admire. What a blessing that G. Dan Mitchell just happened to post a brief "tutorial" on making frames for online photos. That's something I'd asked daughter Farida about, but she didn't really give me a lot of help, probably because no one has ever shown her the tricks--or because she's never been interested.

After reading Dan's blog post, I screwed up my courage and decided to give it a try. It worked! In the process I learned a lot more about layers in Photoshop and Elements, which is an essential part of using the power Photoshop is famous for. Now I'm addicted and can't wait to learn about other features I've been avoiding.

It feels sooooo good to reach even a small Photoshop summit! Thanks, Dan, for the inspiration.

Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa

When I started blogging, not that long ago, I promised myself that I would post regularly--my goal was at least three times a week. For a while it worked, then I caught the galloping crud (or whatever it was) and lost all energy, at least for writing. I did find enough strength to make an expedition out to the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, a journey to Yosemite Valley and yet another out to the Yosemite High Country. But I didn't have energy enough to write.

By some miracle best-friend Betty, who lives in Israel, caught me online today and said, "what's the matter? Got writer's block? I've been watching for a new post for WEEKS!" It pleased me more than you can imagine that she looks for my posts--and made me feel guilty as well.

The trek out to the Yosemite High Country (Olmstead Point, Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne Meadows) was extra-special because my companions were roommate Carol, daughter Farida and favorite grandson Hunter. It was Farida's and Hunter's first view of my favorite part of the park, and I loved showing it to them. What made it even better is that Farida was a geology major in college and delighted in describing all the geologic features and processes that shaped this incredible place. I confess that I don't remember all the terminology, except for "cryobiotic soil" . But this place has always fascinated me, and I want to know even more.

These boulders are "glacial erratics," left in place by the glaciers as they moved through the Valley.

That big hunk of granite in the background is called Clouds Rest and has been a hiking target of mine for several years. It's a 14-mile round trip from the Sunrise trailhead to the summit, and the views are supposed to be incredible. The summit, at 9,930 feet, is higher than the summit of Half Dome.

This area of Yosemite National Park is chock-full of granite domes and magnificent peaks just begging to be explored.

What I most enjoyed, however, was watching Hunter play. He may be a budding rock climber, based on the way he tackled the boulders he came across.

What I would most like is to be able to share with him my very favorite mountain hike of all time--Mt Dana, right at the eastern entrance to Yosemite. The second-highest peak in the park, it rises to a magnificent height of 13,056 feet. I confess I didn't make it to the top, but I came fairly close--probably within 100 vertical feet. The talus boulders at the top were just too large for my short legs to negotiate. But I did get to the point where I could see the Dana Glacier and Couloir as well as Mono Lake and the Kuna Crest. It is quite amazing to start a hike with mountains towering around you--and end up at a height ABOVE them. It is at once humbling and empowering. I really hope to be able to share that feeling with Hunter and impart to him the love I have for mountains--any mountains.

I think there's hope!

P. S. I really DO intend to get back to Khyber Dreams within a few days. Thanks to those who've shared with me that they've been enjoying it.