Update - War and Pieces

Earlier, I posted some pics of a project I am working on for my Sociology Class this semester. The class is Peace and Conflict Studies and we can choose our own final project (much better than just writing a boring old paper....I do plenty of that already...lol).

Anyway, I decided to do an art piece that would depict the ways that both war and peace are seen and how the two can intertwine and be connected.

This project from beginning to end has lasted almost 14 weeks so far (from conception to it's near completed state, and of course, I haven't worked on it every single day, but a few hours here and a few there.) I am getting really excited about the progress, and with the encouragement of a very incredible lady, I am going to post the updates as I go....

I won't post the finished product though, that will be unveiled in April (or December 14th if you are in my SOC class). Just an F.Y.I., I do accept some forms of bribery in regards to viewing the finished project.

Without further adieu, here is War and Pieces: The progress....

The WOW Factor

Today has been the first weekend day I have had off work so far this semester. Not that I am complaining, but it would be nice to have a weekend off once in awhile. I guess I can't say much since I am requesting a four day weekend for Thanksgiving. It will be nice to spend some time with family and friends, since I don't get to see people too often during the semester.

I have also come to the conclusion of where I would like to do my volunteer work for my religion class this semester. I really want to volunteer for a place called the Beach House. It was opened in 1921, and it is Toledo's oldest shelter for homeless women and children. It has, since that time, become a shelter for single fathers and families as well. It sounds like an amazing place for people to get a brand new lease on life. I am hoping they will be able to work with me. If you would like to find out more about The Beach House please go to :
http://www.beachhousetoledo.org/   or visit them on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Beach-House-Family-Shelter/144369802533?v=wall

On a super cool note, I went out to WoodChucks last night to celebrate my dear friend's last night bar tending and wanted to get some pictures of karaoke night....Not wanting to possibly damage my nice, new camera, I took my old point and shoot. Today when I went to look at the pictures from last night I discovered that there were also pictures I took at the Wood County Fair earlier this summer. I completely forgot they were even on my camera.  I was so wow'd by it that I am posting some of the pics and edits that I did.
 
All-in-all, it's been a productive schoolwork day as well as letting me have a little time to relax (and nurse a hangover).
I hope you enjoy.
Until next time....

Lovin' the Nightlife

I had a little bit of free time this evening after the sun made its descent across the western sky. With it being Veteran's Day, the I-280 bridge was lit up to resemble the American Flag. Luckily it wasn't too cold.


I am having so much fun with my camera....I love it. Here are some shots that I took this evening.

The last photo was kinda of a crap-shoot...I was trying to take it at a stoplight, but then the light turned green and the vehicle was moving as I tried to take a picture. While people may say it looks ridiculous, I say....I like it! I like the way the camera focuses on the one way sign and the pedestrian sign, but everything else is blurry and moving....
Enjoy the night!

Feeling Festively Feisty

The other day, I went out with my camera and took about 500 pictures. It was a gorgeous, sunny, autumn day. While I wish that every single one of them were good...I know better. It was a breezy day, and I am still pretty new with my camera since I don't get to get out very often to enjoy it. I would probably say there were about 50 really good/interesting photographs. On my way home, I stopped at Parker's Pumpkin Patch. It is a small locally owned pumpkin patch that, of all things, sells pumpkins for Halloween. I spoke with the owner, Jim. His family has been running it now for 5 years. He is saving the proceeds for his son Parker's college fund. I thought that was really awesome!
Jim was very happy to let me take pictures of his pumpkins. I took at least 50 more pictures at the patch. Then I bought some pumpkins and soy candles (yes, there were more than just pumpkins at the pumpkin patch). When I got home, I took several different pictures of pumpkin collages. There are pumpkin pictures everywhere.

Today, I am sharing a creation that I made called Pumpkintini Anyone? I hope that you enjoy. If you would like to find out more about Parker's Pumpkin Patch please visit them on Facebook.

Now to find the time to get around editing all the pictures I took...lol.