The Number 2 Edition

* please mouse over to see the SOOC shot *
Kim said be creative with the number 2, so instead of sharing a picture with two objects or subjects, I decided to go for this - a picture of my sister flashing the "peace" sign... or could also be showing "Number 2." I took this Christmas midnight last year, while testing my camera's settings for our annual Christmas family photo shoot.

Steps I did to come up with this edit:

• Scaled image to 640x480.
  
• Converted the image to Black and White, using the Black and White Film script, selecting the "Kodak Tmax 100."
  
• Ran the "Simple Duotone" script.
  
• Added a layer of Kim Klassen's "Shades of November" texture, set to Screen at 35%.
  
• Added a layer of Kim Klassen's "Word" texture, set to Soft Light at 75%.
  
• Ran the National Geographic script, set to my own preference.
  
• Ran the Manny Librodo Sharpening script, set to default.
  
• Added watermark, flattened, then saved image.

Yes, the image looked old, which was why when I showed this to sister, I told her I'm going to keep this picture and show it to her grandchildren in the future. Hahahaha. A combination of old and the new, why not?

Eating is Always a Decision

The last time I posted for Quotography, I shared an image of food. Coincidentally, I am going to share another food picture this week, because this really is my favorite photo from October, reason being, I used my cell phone to capture this.


I am now (technically) on my 2nd month of my weight loss journey, and even if I am doing good with my choice of food, there were a few times that I gave in to my desires - including cooking and eating this dish.

In case you're not familiar with it, this is pork leg cooked in some fish sauce and vinegar. I really love eating pork and high caloric, high cholesterol food. However, since losing 6lbs. last month, I don't think I can eat this food for the longest time because I don't want to lose track of my journey.

I am now eating more vegetables, and I have recently switched to eating whole wheat bread. I met a new friend who is really strict on me when it comes to eating and exercises, and thanks to him, I am more sensitive about certain food. True, the key is moderation, but really, there are some things I needed to let go - like soda / cola, chips, and fatty food. I still allow myself to eat most food, but I seriously would take proportion into perspective.

If you have tips to share - about healthy eating and overall wellness, feel free to share.

Haystack Fun

I wasn't able to join last week, so allow me first to thank Lori for choosing my "Leaves" picture as the Photo of the Week. :)

This week, it's about "straw," and since I can't find this drinking straw picture I took from last year, let me just share these pictures instead.

March of 2008, the whole family traveled dad's hometown to visit dad's grave in time for his first death anniversary. We stayed at the cemetery until after lunch, and since Aunt Lorie came with us, I asked brother if we could come with them to their house, just so we could make the most of this vacation.

When we got there, cousin Mai was asked by our Aunt to get the goats at another farm. Since people here basically know each other, some farmers let other farmers to let their goats stay in their farm, just so they won't eat precious crops. I liked the idea of exploring (especially that I am loving my cell phone and I just started my travel blog), so I came with my cousin. Obviously, brother and some of Mai's nieces came with us as well.

Near where the goats were, the kids say this haystack and started playing. I just loved how carefree children can be, so this precious moment I had to capture. Brother got a little jealous, so handing me his camera he asked me to take pictures of him.

Of course, would I let the moment pass without experiencing it? Of course not!

It was so nice to feel like a child again.... although having the rashes after that playing at the haystack for about 3 minutes weren't fun at all. Still, given the chance, I'd play here again!

Edit Me! Challenge | Week 24

This week's photo is by Branson, one of the hostesses of the Edit Me! Challenge. I love the earth tones of this picture, so I decided to go light chocolate for my edit:


I still haven't checked the GIMP Plugin Registry to check if there are new scripts and actions, so for this edit, I just go for what's available. This was a very easy edit, by the way - I didn't want to do much as the image was already awesome as is.

• Scaled image to 640 on the longer end.
  
• Ran the "Summer Heat" action, then adjusted the levels to make the tones a bit lighter.
  
• Ran the "National Geographic" script, set to my own preference.
  
• Ran the "Brauer's Warm" filter, set to default.
  
• Ran the "Burn" tool, set to shadow at 20%.
  
• Ran the "Unsharp Mask" tool, set to 0.20.
  
• Added the watermark, flattened, and saved the image.

... And Then Some Edition

* please mouse over to see the SOOC shot *
I am happy to say that the month started good because I was able to walk to and around Colinas Verdes today. I am very thankful that a person I met online just the other day turned out to be a very strict fitness buddy, so even if I woke up with a throbbing headache, I was able to get out of bed to get myself walking.

I took this picture near the Clubhouse. From afar, that "something pink" caught my attention, so walked near to take a look at it. I wasn't able to take that much pictures because it was windy, but this, I liked.

Getting to this edit, I took these steps:

• Scaled image to 640x480.
  
• Ran the "Photocopy" script, set to my own preference, then adjusted levels.
  
• Ran the "Purple Hue" action.
  
• Added a layer of Kim Klassen's "And Then Some" texture, set to divide at 100%.
  
• Added a layer of Kim Klassen's "And Then Some" texture, set to Multiply at 100%. This layer, I ran the "Ancient Warmth" action, followed by the Cooling Wratten 80 filter.
  
• Merge all layers, then ran the "Manny Librodo" sharpening script, set to default.
  
• Added watermark then saved the image.