Things are Getting a Bit Fishy in Here!

“For me, the camera is a sketch book, an instrument of intuition and spontaneity.” 

For anyone who's known me throughout my photography career, it's been no secret that I've always longed for a fisheye lens. When I started my adventure into the art of photography, I gathered the basics. A camera with an 18-55mm lens. Then ventured to a telephoto lens, then an off camera flash. I spent years building up my gear collection, but a fish eye lens always seemed out of reach for me. It was a bit too expensive, and wasn't very practical for the type of work I did.

But Christmas came a little early for me this year! My boyfriend got me a fish eye lens for Christmas! I was so ecstatic to open it and I've barely put it down since! So here is a blogpost full of ridiculous fish eye pictures, mostly of my favorite subjects! My Dogs!!! Enjoy!

Thank you so so much to my amazing boyfriend! You're my entire world and I could never thank you enough for all you do for me!

Merry Christmas everyone!! 

(Shove it to those "politically correct" douche bags that are now offended by me saying Merry Christmas!) 

A Baby Blanket for Baby C!

"A baby is a little bit of heaven on earth"

I've ALWAYS wanted to make a baby blanket, but never had a baby to make it for. When my boyfriend's friends recently had their baby I thought it to be the perfect opportunity to start knitting my little hands to the bone. I have to admit though that I hate "baby" colors. Pink for girls and blue for boys. Who cares? A baby isn't going to be like "Woah hey now, I can't use this blanket man. The color is totally off!" So....I put my own little earthy twist on the blanket. I made the body of the blanket light grey, with a gold border and then bright knitted flowers going along one side. It took quite some time, but I'm so happy with the outcome and I was very excited to give the blanket to baby C's parents last night. I hope this is a blanket that baby C will grow into and love for years and years to come!

Miss Purl was a little sad to see the blanket leave!

I found the pattern for the flowers on the internet a few years ago when I knit a hat for my sister. I can't remember where I found it, but heres the pattern for all you crafty little knitters out there!

Cast on 4 sts leaving 3" tail

Row 1: (RS) Knit in front and back of first stitch (increasing one stitch), k3 (5sts).

Row 2: Knit in front and back of first stitch (increasing one stitch), p4 (6sts).

Row 3: Knit in front and back of first stitch (increasing one stitch), k5 (7sts).

Row 4: Knit in front and back of first stitch (increasing one stitch), p6 (8sts). Cut yarn and leave sts on needle, leaving 2-3" tail.

Make 4 more petals (casting on the first four sts on the needle holding the prior petals).

Don't cut the yarn after making the fifth petal.

Row 5: Join petals by knitting 40sts. Anchor tails as you go along.

Row 6: (P2tog) across (20 sts).

Row 7: (K2tog) across (10 sts).

Row 8: (p2tog, p3 tog, p2tog, p3tog) (4 sts).

Cut yarn leaving a 10-inch tail. Thread yarn onto tapestry needle and run through the four sts. Pull tight and anchor thread. Continue with same thread (on purl side) and sew open edges of 1st and 5th petal together loosely. Work thread back to center of flower.  Fasten off and cut thread close to the flower.

Self Discovery Through my Paintings.

“It takes courage to endure the sharp pains of self discovery rather than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives.” 

I think I can accurately say that I'm a very selfless person. I love making other people happy, and I constantly put others before myself. I'm not sure if that's totally healthy, but it works for me and my lifestyle. However, through my painting I've done some self-discovery that has shocked me slightly. 

* Firstly, I have a secret talent for painting with watercolors that I never knew existed. I have tried in the past to paint with acrylic and hated it. I couldn't manipulate the paint the way I wanted to. One day I had this urge to try out watercolors. I've always been drawn to the look of watercolor paintings, so I figured "Hey, why the hell not?". 

* Secondly, I really only like to paint at night. I'm a bit of an insomniac. I often have trouble falling asleep unless I'm SUPER tired. I'm not sure if this is why I only like to paint at night, but I think painting definitely helps me relax. I guess it's like having someone sign you a lullaby to fall asleep.

* Thirdly, I am INCREDIBLY selfish with my paintings. I've discovered, to my shock and amazement, that I hate painting for other people. I mean, I really despise it. I don't like being told what to paint. I don't like having a time-limit on my paintings. And honestly I don't like having the pressure of peoples judgement put on me. 

Now....just because I don't like painting for other people doesn't mean that I won't, or haven't. But I can definitely tell that the quality of my art is significantly lowered when I have to paint for someone else. I think this is because I don't get to pick out what I want to paint. So my heart just isn't in it. I have to push myself when I paint for other people. I have to say "Ok girl (yes I say Ok girl to myself), time to sit down, pick up your paint brush and get this over and done with.". I hate feeling like my art becomes a chore. But sometimes that's the case. I guess that's with everything in life though.

I'm hoping if I keep painting for other people then it will squash this negativity that I have towards it.

The second watercolor painting that I have ever done was for my mom. My intentions were good. She loves frogs, and I love making her happy, so I decided to paint her a frog. All-in-all, for my second-ever painting it came out pretty good. But in my eyes I know I didn't try my hardest. I could have done so much better.

I decided to put my signature in the eye. I hate when an artists signature takes up half the painting!