Day 212: He'd Have Been a Pretty Girl

He's probably going to hate me for this one in 20 years time...when he's 21, and I'm...42...Jeepers. But, it was the only bib left in the house, so what were we supposed to do?! Heh heh heh. He doesn't look completely like a girl though, he's a real boy!

I took some photos of him on my gorgeous new (floral) patchwork quilt this afternoon too, but this photo was actually representative of today's events. So I'll post the other photos on the Business Facebook page :)

Day 211: Wii bit of banter

Our Aunt Anne is up staying with us for a few days at the moment, we got her in on some Wii hilarity this morning when Sarah, Dave and Fin popped round. I have a game called Ravin Rabbids TV Party, or something like that, and one of the games involves dancing...too funny. But, sadly, the only photos of people dancing, weren't taken by me, as I am in them all, so I can't use them for today's photo. This photo was taken during one of the Rock Band stylie games. No where near as difficult as Rock Band, you just shake the wii remote...yet, still surprisingly difficult for some.

We watched Unkown tonight...the main character is basically an older, less attractive version of Matt Damon. It was good, but The Bourne Trilogy far surpasses it! I hope this doesn't ruin it for anyone who's not seen it yet...but...just don't bother, go watch Matt Damon instead! Ha.

Day 210: Happy First Birthday Finlay!

This is Sarah, Dave, and Finlay celebrating Fin's First Birthday, in the sunshine, on the first day in their new house, in their first back garden! So many reasons for cake!! It was a lovely day, albeit rather busy with moving all of their junk from our house to the new house, and making enough food to feed all the partiers/movers. I wanted to get Fin one of those massive cupcake cakes, and take photos of him smashing it to pieces. But there really wasn't any time to do that! So, we'll do it next week, because really, it has to be done.

Any excuse for more cake.

Happy Birthday Fin! x

Day 209: Cloudy Days

Don't you just love how one day it's completely overcast, totally dull, really cold. Then the next day it's gorgeous and toasty. Then the next day it's completely overcast, totally dull, but rather warm. Summer time in Scotland is amazing. And I really don't mind how the weather's been this week, because I managed to take advantage of the glorious evening yesterday, and I was happy to look out the window and see dull skies as I worked on the hilarious photos!

Oh, did you know that tomorrow my nephew turns ONE YEAR OLD?!! I think I might cry.

Day 208: I Love My Job!

Tonight's post is a little late because I've been sat here looking through all the amazing/hilarious photos I took this evening of Matthew and Catherine! I couldn't decide which one to post. And in the end, I've chosen two. I absolutely LOVE my job. Tonight was so much fun, for me at least, I really hope they had a good time too. And I am really looking forward to their wedding, in three weeks today!!

Day 207: Dinner with the WorthingtonFranz Family

I had such a lovely evening at the Worthington residence tonight. I was showing Lynsey's wonderful Mom, Jill, the photos I took of Lydia the week after she was born, and enjoying a delicious meal with them all. I always love how much laughing I do when I'm with these guys! And it was so great having Jill there to add to it all. When I informed them that I wanted to take a photo of us all for the blog, Lynsey mentioned their family tradition for vacations; everyone putting a different hat on for the photo. So, while I set up my camera, they wandered off and appeared again with a variety of hats. I was loving it! How super cute are the hats the girls are wearing!? Love. It was hilarious.

And what made the evening even More amazing, was our special guest who appeared just after I took the first photo...Wilmaaaaaa! So, of course, we got her in on the action too :)

Thank you for a wonderful evening. I love you guys!

...I seriously love Anya and Lydia in these photos! They're just so cute in those hats!!

Day 206: Pre Wedding Banter Bench Monday

So, tonight was the night of Catherine and Matthew's "pre wedding" shoot. I met them out at Castle Fraser, my new love, after work...in the rain. We wondered around, and took a few snaps, but in the end the rain just got too thick. So, we've rescheduled to Thursday night...and having just this moment checked the weather forecast...it doesn't look very positive either! Haha.

Before we headed back to the cars we HAD to get my Bench Monday photo. Matthew, shockingly, had never heard of my Bench Mondays. They weren't bad for first time Bench Monday-ers! And, of course, we had to get a silly shot...

Yeup, this is me...and my next Bride and Groom :D Check the Facebook page later for the few photos from tonight!

Day 205: We Popped Along to the Gym

What can I say about this photo...I really am struggling for words. Haha. This is Sarah getting some exercise in my local park...they installed 5 or 6 of these exercise stylie pieces of equipment over half a year ago now. We've been along a few times, and they never fail to make us laugh! The one just beyond Sarah in the photo is a rowing stylie machine. I would LOVE an actual rowing machine in my garden. Or better yet an ACTUAL ROWING BOAT, and a river.

Sarah, Dave, and Fin have headed up north to Lobster (Lybster), to stay with Dave's folks for a few days, so the house is very quiet. But, they'll be back Thursday evening, and then we'll be hauling boxes from our house to their new house the next couple days.

Oh, and, Fin's turning one. No biggy...just my nephew's FIRST BIRTHDAY!!

And if that doesn't make this coming week exciting enough, tomorrow I'm photographing Catherine and Matthew's pre wedding shoot :D So, come back tomorrow for a sneak peak of that!!

Day 204: I hope I don't get arrested for doing this...

You might remember me mentioning, when I got back from Lewis, that I'd received a letter about Jury Duty. Well today I received a letter informing me my wonderful presence was required at the end of August. Not those exact words were used by the way. So, aye, I'm slightly nervous, but rather excited at the same time! That excitement might wear off rather quickly, if I have to spend 4 days just sitting waiting for my name to be called for a case. At least I'll get some time to read my book!

On another note, I noticed the second Harry Potter movie was on the telly tonight, but rather than have to stop for ad breaks every half an hour, we decided to put the DVD in. But then we decided we could watch the first one instead! So, we did that, and now we're on to the second one. HA. Sad lives. We'll see if we make it through the whole thing.

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend!

Day 203: Date Night

The house is pretty full at the moment, with the Morrisons here until they get the keys to their beautiful new house, and Mum now back from Glasgow. But the main problem is, my nephew is too darn cute to ignore, making getting work done quite difficult!

But, today, they all went in to town, and I got quite a few projects done! Hooray. I'm pleased. And tonight Mummy and Daddy have gone out for dinner, and to the movies to see the last Harry Potter, and the cutie was left at home with Aunty and Granny, being bathed and put to bed.

Day 202: New Textures!

I am getting a little bored of taking poser photos of myself. This was a blooper from the shoot, but it's just far more exciting than the others. I'll never learn to smile with my eyes...and whatever else they have to do on America's Next Top Model.

Anyway, moving on! The reason there's yet another photo of me on the blog, is because this morning I was taking photos of new textures. I tried to create some old scratched paper using some of Dave's left over coffee. And I was telling Sarah I wanted some scraped metal or glass, next thing I knew there were baking trays and pans covering the breakfast bar...DUH. Why didn't I think of that?! So, the above photo has both my paper, and one of the baking trays over the top of it. I'm pretty chuffed!


Don't ask why I appear to be attempting to chop my head off.

Day 201: A New Discovery!

Happy Wednesday everyone! :) How are we all? Today's blog photo was taken out at Castle Fraser, at 9:30pm! The evening was passing by, and I had yet to take my blog photo. Fin was pottering around, being as cute as always, but that's the easy way out.

Sarah asked if I wanted to go out for a drive. Woohoo! So, off we went, not having a clue what I was going to take a photo of. We were heading west, and I thought about going to Castle Fraser, but thought it would be too dark by the time we got there. Until I saw a sign saying it was only 3 miles away!! I could definitely get there before it got dark.

I am SO glad we went! I'd been around the castle itself, but I'd never been around the grounds, through the "play park" and the pretty gardens. I was loving it! In complete awe. And gutted that it was too dark to take amazing photos. So, definitely going back there. Maybe even tomorrow! Ha. There are LOADS of benches, and doors through yummy brick walls, and pathways between trees, and archways, and a CASTLE. Seriously. Love. Love. Love.

Day 200: Sarah Ate My Cake

Sarah, Dave, and Finlay came back from Glasgow tonight, and...they brought me back some of Granny's Chocolate Cake. One piece of Granny's Chocolate Cake. Or should I say, half an eaten piece of Granny's Chocolate Cake. You see, Sarah couldn't resist a bite or two on the journey home. Despite, no doubt, having eaten every other piece of the cake.

Anyway, it was tasty. 

Day 199: Ginormous Bench Monday

I feel like a giant in my new boots, normally I avoid chunky boots, for this exact reason. But I like them! I'll just have to get used to scaring the little people.

Hope you like today's Bench Monday. I sure had fun making it!

Day 198: I Love A Bargain!

This dress cost me £7 in the Topshop sale yesterday. Yes...I made time for a spot of shopping at Glasgow Fort on the journey home. Got myself another dress, and a pair of boots too. All for the price of one of Topshop's non sale dresses. Ha. I really do love a bargain!

Day 197: CreyC Rain, Harry Potter, and Goodies in the Mail!

Well, I'm back home in banter filled Aberdeen now, after a few interesting moments of seriously torrential rain on the drive home. Like, so heavy that the window wipers were pretty much pointless. Good times. But before coming home, Ali and I headed to Wagamamas for dinner, and then went to see Harry Potter!! Note the incredibly attractive Harry Potter 3D specs on my head in the photo. Oooh yeeeeah.

Once I got home, I was welcomed by a few goodies in the mail pile, one package was something I ordered last week...and really really, REALLY, wanted to include in today's blog photo, but it's a surprise. You'll see it in a couple weeks...heh heh heh. And another package, contained the item I have in my hand in the photo. Not the cuppa, ho ho ho, the amazing wall hanging! From my beautiful friend Laura. I look forward to it being the centre piece of my future home, the shack on the beach :)

Day 196: An Excellent End to the Week

You'll need to click on the image to see it bigger, and fully appreciate the view! This is THEE hill you can see from our house. Dave, Ali, and myself were up at about half 9 tonight, with my tripod and camera bag. Prepared to take some beautiful photos. I didn't factor in how windy it would be up there, considering it was already pretty windy back at the house. So, I'm pretty chuffed with the results of this panoramic. I had Dave and Ali gripping the tripod to the ground, as firm as they could, and I was about to give you all the technical chat about the settings I used, but I think I'd just end up confusing a few folks. Ha. So, if you're interested, ask!

It's our last night in Keswick, so I thought a trip up the hill to see the view would be a perfect finish. And Keswick deserves this blog dedication; look at that view! I headed down beside the lake on my own after we got down the hill, and by that point it was about half 10...and rather dark, so I didn't walk as far as I planned. I just sat down on the nearest bench, and enjoyed my surroundings, in the dark. Ha. I'm not a huge fan of the dark, but I just couldn't bring myself to get back up. I love being by the water. It wasn't until the wind picked up quite a bit that I thought I should probably head back to the car.

Hope you've all had a good week! Happy Final Harry Potter Day! No idea when I'm gonna see it though!

Day 195: Experimenting With Sunset Silhouettes

Well, today's been a busy day! After a rather lazy morning, we packed the cars, and drove through the wonderful windy country roads of the Lake District. I love them! Ha. Made a pit stop at a waterfall, clambered around on the rocks there, taking photos from various locations, and giving an Englishman tips on photography! Then we headed off again, and had lunch on a secluded beach on the shores of Ulswater Lake, and did a spot of paddling/wading/swimming. And took more photos. Then we hit the road again, and went to a near by town, to get a steamer boat out on Ulswater Lake, more photos. I love me some boat banter! Theeeen, we headed home, fed and bathed Fin, went out again to get Fish Suppers, and enjoyed them beside Derwentwater. More photos. Then we headed back to the waterfall Dave, Ali, and myself visited on Sunday night, to take more photos, in the lighter evening light. But my photos aren't really much better as it's been so incredibly dry, and sunny, and warm, this week, that the waterfall had dried up a bit.

Oh, and I missed out the part that involves today's chosen photos. Totally did that on purpose...

Before heading to the waterfall, I wanted to try taking some fun silhouette photos of the Morrison family on a grassy hill beside the lake, in the sunset. Needs a bit of work, but it's something I've wanted to try for a while, so I'm glad I've tried it now at least. I couldn't choose between these 3, so I decided to just put them all on, in storyboard styley. The one in the middle is the look I was going for, proper silhouette, but next time I'll need to get the subjects positioned somewhere that there's not anything behind them, so I can see their full silhouette. Did that make sense? Anyway, I need to get to bed. Enjoy!

Day 194: Sleepy Boy

As I'm writing this post, I can hear Finlay giggling in the bath. I love that sound. It's been wonderful having him around every day, all this week, providing us all with great entertainment. But, every entertainer on tour needs their rest...

Day 193: Dave Always Entertains

Today's 365 post requires two photos, so I can put across just how amazing and highly amusing the moment was! You see, at 9 o'clock this evening, Dave decided to go climb the hill that we can see from our housie. None of the rest of us were in the mood to do it at the time, so off he went on his own. It's not a long walk, so he was up and on the phone to us in no time...we ran out to the balcony, and I grabbed the most telephoto lens I own...

Here is Part 1 (I've had to move out on to the balcony as the Internets not strong enough inside tonight...brr)

The camera's not really picking Dave up in this image, if you zoom in super duper you can slightly make him out, but our wonderfully made eyes could see him at the top of the hill...and just to be sure we were seeing him, and not a tree, we asked him to do side steps...and star jumps...

Which leads to Part two...

This is as zoomed in as my most telephoto lens can do, and zoom on Photoshop did the rest. It.Was.Hilarious seeing this for the first time...and every time after that to be honest.

I'm glad I didn't decide to go up the hill with him, as I would've missed out on this comical moment, but we'll maybe go up another night, as the view up there over the lake and Keswick is pretty nice I believe!

Day 192: Double the Bench Monday Banter!

You all have the luxury of TWO Bench Monday photos this evening, as we weren't sure Sarah and Fin would be able to join us on our quest for a bench that includes some awesome background scenery, so I got a photo of Sarah and Fin after we'd had our swim in the Lake. But then decided that rather than wait till evening to return to the viewpoint we were at last night, we'd just go now...or then, so everyone could go. So anyway, here's the photo of Sarah and Fin...

And here's the more unconventional Bench Monday at the viewpoint...

We're all there; Ali, Dave, myself, Nana Jana, Sarah, and Fin...being a teenage boy with his belly on show, and his trousers below his underwear. Ha. There was an old couple watching and waiting at the side as I ran back and forth pressing the self timer. I later offered to take a photo of the two of them, and Mum and I got chatting to them. Turns out they're in Keswick for the Convention, and they have friends who moved up to Point. Haha. Oh, and they're celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary! I love it.

Oh, and also, check out that view!!

Day 191: Too many beautiful sites!

I've managed to get the internet connected right beside the patio doors INSIDE tonight. Thankfully. Or I'd have had to take ma duvet outside!

It was a difficult choice, picking one photo for today's post, because Dave, Ali, and myself went out for a wee drive after supper and found a pretty incredible viewpoint up a hill. I got a rather beautiful photo of the purple sky across Derwentwater Lake, and then we went to check out a waterfall down the hill, and I got a few photos of it...at 30 second exposures cause it was in the middle of a forest at 10:25pm! Ha. They're pretty impressive, considering. However, I chose this one I took this afternoon, near a stone circle at the top of the hill past our housie, as it's simply beautiful! I love the way the sun's shining across parts of the valley, and ma wee stone wall and gate. Pretty much perfect!

We'll be visiting both the viewpoint, and the waterfall, later on in the week, at a slightly earlier time. So check back for, hopefully, some beautiful photos of them too!

Day 190: Hellooo Keswick!

I’m posting today’s blog post from outside, on the ground, on the front balcony of our self catering cottage. It’s the only place I’ve found a signal for BT Openzone. But, I don’t mind too much since I’m looking out at some beautiful hills, as the sun sets, with a cup of tea in hand.

Today’s photo was taken down at a lake called Derwentwater, which we visited for half an hour or so just before dinner. It didn’t take long to fall in love, and I’m looking forward to going back for a swim, and/or some boat trip banter!

Now...I'm debating whether to stay and watch the sun set completely, or go to bed, because my head's throbbing! I think I'll go to bed, so I can enjoy the wonders of God's creation better tomorrow.

Day 189: Au Natural vs Photoshop

I've decided to talk BEFORE today's photo...even though when I post this you'll probably still see the photo before the text, but anyway. I'm actually slightly scared of today's photo! I decided to leave my hair to dry naturally this morning, with a bit of curling spray, but no hair dryer. And it made me think about that photo I took earlier on in the year, of me wearing make up etc, and just generally looking weird, and not my usual self. Ha.

So I thought I'd do the opposite of that today, and take a photo of ME, and not edit the photo in Photoshop at all, no sharpening, or brightening, or anything! But, then I started thinking about posting an edited photo beside it, showing what Photoshop can do...I've never really tried using the 'Liquify' tool before, and I have an action that you can use to soften people's skin, I've mentioned it before, but I hate using it photos. Today, I did it all!.

Now, before I post the photos, I'd like to say I only spent about 10 minutes on the after photo. I could have gone so much further with it, but what I've done in that space of time is pretty scary! And also, may I assure you, by no means do I wish my face actually looked like this.

What I've done to the after photo is - suck in my cheeks under my cheek bones just a little, pushed in the width of my face a bit, made me lips....bigger, and adjusted the shape of my upper lip, made the bridge of my nose a bitty slimmer, lifted my nose slightly...brightened my eyes, softened my skin...I think that's it. Oh and I removed the scar under my lip. It's nothing really.

So...there you have it. That's today's totally random photo! Now, I must go pack for yet another holiday. Feel free to share your thoughts on the above! Ha.

Day 188: Overdue Cuppa

This morning I visited Emma and had a long overdue cuppa and a catch up, and as usual, ended up staying longer than planned! But, when I did get home, a few hours later, I got a lot of work done! So it's been a very wonderful, and productive day all in all. I'm pleased! And I've left this blog post very late, due to all my focus and hard work on clients photos, so am now in that rambling, and talking nonsense state of mind...

...I'm waiting for photos to upload on to my business page, and because I've selected the higher quality option, it's taking forever! I'm tempted to put on an episode of 24 season 6 (which I've managed to set aside for a couple months!!) while I wait. Might be a bad idea...oh well, hello Jack Bauer!

Day 187: Food Colouring Banter

I've always wanted to try this, and since the BBC failed to provide me with the thunder and lightning I was looking forward to this evening, I decided to give it a go! It really is fun! Maybe I'll go buy a massive fish tank, and try creating a colourful masterpiece...I wonder if I could create a cupcake shape? Highly unlikely! Unless...a straw might do the job...or Photoshop.

Day 186: Joanne's Graduation!

This afternoon I went to photograph my friend Joanne after her graduation ceremony at the fabulous Kings College...

Congratulations girly!! I love all the photos from this afternoon :) Hopefully you'll be seeing them soon...perhaps I'll even post a few more on the Facebook page tonight...oooh. Hope you had a lovely afternoon!

P.S. You're rockin that gown!

Day 185: Lazy Bench Monday

Technically, it's not been a Lazy Bench Monday at all! I got home at 7pm, having left work at 5, gone off hunting for the Bench Monday photo I had visualised in my head this afternoon, and failed to get it, or the one I thought of while driving home. I did take a couple attempts, but they were boring. I had visions of a bench in a nice woodland area with the sun streaming down...but sadly the woodlands that I went to, had no benches!! Fail. What's with that. And then I thought I'd try the bench on the walk out to Skene from Westhill...and realised that there might be cows in the field behind it, and if they came over to say hello, that would be an amazing photo! But, sadly, the cows were havin none of it.

So, when I got home, I decided to throw on my joggers and see if Mumsy wanted to watch The Proposal with me. But, I then got the urge to tidy up the masses of clothes I have thrown around my room, from my various outings this past couple weeks...ha. And also do some washing while the machine was free! And then I thought I'd throw all my evenings antics together and do my Bench Monday photo on my faithful bench in the back garden.

Good story, huh!

I actually quite like the photo. I used one of Dad's amazing old cameras to show that I have been taking photos this evening...yeup. And there is in fact another basket of washing out of shot...it looked a bit much having both of them in view...Ha. Ok, so, I've done enough talking! Toodles.

Day 184: Two Cities, Two Beaches, In One Day!

I cannot believe how hot it was today!! 23 degrees according to JD as we were finishing up our fun afternoon in the sunshine at Broughty Ferry. It was absolutely gorgeous, despite the masses of people EVERYWHERE.  And it was lovely getting to spend some time with my oldest bestest babe.

I got back from Dundee shortly after 9 o'clock, and received a phone call a while later asking if I fancied a wee trip to Aberdeen beach...I couldn't say no! Ha. Despite having to be at work for 8:30 tomorrow/this morning...and that is the reason I'm up so late doing today's/yesterday's blog post...and probably talking a heap of rubbish. I'm going now.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend! I certainly did!

Day 183: Party Time Again!

The die hard fans of the blog will remember me photographing Emma MacLelland's birthday party back in January. Well, now it's her little sister's turn! I photographed Kate and her friends at Pirate Crazy Golf morning, and thankfully they had beautiful weather for the occasion! There was a lot of fun and laughter, along with many many putter swings. Haha. It was a lovely morning!

And now, I'm in the slightly less fun and laughter filled place...known as Dundee. Ha.

Day 182: An Easy Job

Today was the day that Sarah and Dave completed the move out of their flat in Banchory, and now they're off on holiday for a few weeks, before getting the keys to their new house, on FINLAY'S 1st Birthday!! Anyway, on arrival at their flat this morning I saw Fin asleep on the big bed, then asked Sarah if she wanted me to help load stuff in to the car.
"Nope, go watch Finlay, and make sure he doesn't roll off the bed or something..." she replied.
I sure didn't need much persuasion!

Fin's been on the blog a lot this week, but he won't be in at all next week, until we're reunited again next Saturday at the Lakes :)

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!