Marching on....

I am officially two months into my 365 and I have no idea how I made it.  There were many days this month that I wanted to throw in the towel, but I didn't.  I forget to remind myself that the goal of the 365 is to make you practice with your camera and not take a great picture.  It is a reason to experiment with photography.

With that being said, here is my final picture for the month of February.  I took this photo of my street while I was walking my dog.  I think the mood of the photo really reflected the mood I was in at the time: Gloomy.

Feb 28, 2011
59/365
Gloomy Streets

In case you missed anything, I made a collage for the month of February.

I hope that March brings better weather and inspiration.  I am really dying to practice my macro photography.

      Aasiya

Sweet Dreams or a Beautiful Nightmare

Today was such a beautiful day.  The weather was nice.  I went to the Magic Gardens with my husband.  I took lots of photographs, too many actually.  We had our friends over in the afternoon and I baked!  I wished today would never end.  

For all of you non-philadelphians, I am sure you are wondering about the Magic Gardens.  The Philadelphia Magic Gardens is located on South Street.  It is a mosaic folk art gallery that showcases the work of Isaiah Zagar.  The Magic Gardens is his largest artwork and took 17 years to complete.  His murals can be found throughout the city.  I see Mr. Zagar roaming the neighborhood.  I also live behind his alleged ex-mistress!  He is an odd looking man.  I can't imagine what was going thorough his head when he designed some of these pieces.  His pieces are very strange, but in a beautiful way.  It's as if you were walking into his dreams and nightmares.  He uses some unusual pieces in his work such as bike wheels, glass bottles, pottery, mosaic tiles and porcelain statues.  There are also lots of naked people and strange faces in his work. 

Before I show you my pictures from the garden, I want to share Saturday's picture of the day with you.  

Feb 26, 2011

57/ 365

Bad Ass Kitty

We have a love hate relationship.

This little kitty's name is Dexter.  He belongs to my friend.  He was my last hope for my photo of the day because I did not pick up my camera all day.  He was very cooperative and cute.  

Now onto the photos from the Magic Gardens!

I am going to apologize now because my husband is in almost every photo.  You may get tired of seeing his face or the back of his hat.  I know I do! 

Random kids running through the Gardens

Notice the scale

Now, I would like to present the photo of the day.  This picture is bad ass.  My husband has always wanted an awesome picture in front of this garage.  It is the coolest garage door I have ever seen.  

Feb 27, 2011

58/365

Dun na na na na na na na Chapmannnnn!!!!!

 Once again, my husband's face didn't make the photo of the day, but he still thinks this is the coolest picture ever.

Aasiya

Mellow Yellow

I really don't have much to say today.  I went on another color hunt while I was walking the dog this afternoon.  I actually listened to my husband's suggestions and went to the local playground.

I found my blue and yellow!

The playground was full of brightly colored items!  While I was there I also found my picture of the day.  So today, I continue my experiment with color.

Feb 25, 2011

56/365

Mellow Yellow

I really love the way the yellow pops!

Until tomorrow,

Aasiya

Colors, Colors, Colors

Yesterday in class we learned all about color.  We discussed the 3 primary colors of a camera: Red, Green and Blue.  This was the basis of my assignment I submitted yesterday.  We had to make these colors the primary focus of 3 separate photographs.  This is what I submitted:

This doubled as my photo of the day!

This week, we must photograph the primary colors with their complimentary color.

Red and Cyan

Green and Magenta

Blue and Yellow

We have to find these colors in the "real world," so no staging photographs at home :(   The images must be exclusively made of these colors.  No other colors are allowed in the frame.  I attempted to find these colors today, but to no avail.

Well actually I found this,

Red and Cyan

... But, I don't consider this to be a well composed photograph.  Maybe it will grow on me!

This assignment is going to be harder than I thought.  I definitely won't be able to put this assignment off until the day before class. 

All of this talk about color inspired today's photograph.

Feb 24, 2011
55/365
Blue Window

I love the color of the brick, but I especially love the different shades of blue in the window.  I also noticed that pop of neon yellow in the bicyclist's glove!

And the rest of the series!!!

 Wish me happy complimentary color hunting!

                                                                                            Aasiya

Black and White or Color? That is the Question

Sometimes, when I am editing my photographs, I can never decide if I prefer the photo in color or black and white.  I know I can do both styles and save them for myself and post them on the blog if I want.  However, I can only post one photo in my Flickr 365 pool.  When this situation arises,  I often ask myself...

 Why did I take the photograph? 

 Was it the color, composition, patten, texture, or a beautiful accident?  Sometimes, this approach helps me make a decision, but not today.   I can't decide which picture to post. 

Yes, I took the picture for the color green as a part of a class assignment, and I really like it!  However, I also like it in B&W.

Therefore, I will share both options with you.


Feb 23, 2011
54/365
City Barn

Which would you choose?

Aasiya

Snow Snow Go Away

I can't believe it snowed again...6 inches!  I was hoping to never have to use those rain boots as snow boots again.  I seriously believe I jinxed myself with my post yesterday.  I think the weather Gods are taunting me.  They really fooled me, and probably everyone in Philly, with those two beautiful days last week.  I have been dreaming of spring, rain, blooming flowers, and macro photography for months.  The snow we received today makes me think that spring will never arrive :(  

Damn you groundhog!

Damn you!

(I am shouting this while I type)

Damn groundhog has fooled me for the last time!

(I am shaking my fist in the air as I write this)

I hope this will be the last of the snow photos I take this year. 

Feb 22, 2011

53/365

No Dogs Allowed

This gate is located at Pennsylvania Hospital (where I work).  It is situated at the entrance of the hospital's garden.  I  was roaming around I hopes that I would find pictures for my class assignment, instead I found my photo of the day.  I have taken pictures of this gate many times, but never liked the way they turned out.  I gave it another try and applied the Lomo camera effect, an orange filter and a little vignette  in Photoshop.  I really like it this time.  I hope you like it to.



                                                                                                                 Aasiya

This is what happens when you wait too long to take a picture...

I took today off from work and did absolutely nothing.  I spent the day critiquing my husband's and his friends' list of the 15 hottest women.  I must admit, it was pretty entertaining.  I didn't pick my camera up until we went out for dinner.  I was so ready to take a picture at the restaurant, but once again, I turned my camera on and the screen read....NO CARD.  I cursed the heavens.

As soon as I came home, I started looking for things to photograph.  It was not easy.  I just used the rain boots I had sitting near the front door.  It is not a very exciting picture, but here it is! I even incorporated my website logo!


Feb 21, 2011
52/365
These Boots Weren't Made For Snow

I'm really hoping I won't need these for snow for the rest of the season.  I hate snow!


                                                                                      Aasiya

Lazy Sunday

I haven't accomplished much today.  Maybe that is because I didn't get up until noon.  I am still trying to recover from celebrating my friend's second consecutive 29th birthday last night.
The highlight of my night -- the disgustingly good chili cheese dog from 7-11.  I inhaled at 1:30am!

After hours on the computer today, my husband suggested we go on a dog walk/photo hunt.  I reluctantly agreed and ventured out into the cold.  I managed to get a couple of good pictures even though my dog refused to do what I wanted him to do.  He is really stubborn!
  

Feb 20, 2011
51/365
Iggy in the City

I love the colors and Iggy's expression in the photo!

Once again, my husband's face is cut out of the photo.  I'm sure he is disappointed. 

An empty market

Sunset at the Italian Market

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Aasiya

Philly Aids Fund

Today I spent the afternoon volunteering for the Philly Aids Fund.   I helped set up for GayBingo at the Gersham Y on Broad and Pine.  Tonight's theme is Express Yourself: Madonna Bingo!  Apparently, it is their most popular theme.   I decided to volunteer after attending GayBingo in January.  I tagged along with a friend.  I even brought my mother and sister.  We had such a great time.  Those potty mouth Queens were hilarious!  It is such a great way to raise money, especially because its not your typical fundraiser, plus you can win $$$$$.  So, if you are in the Philadelphia area and you are looking for a good time, you should definitely check it out! Floor seats are $25 and balcony seating is $20.  It's for a great cause.  I promise you wont be disappointed!

Any who.......

While I was volunteering, I took a couple of pictures.  Most of them came out blurry because the lighting wasn't that great. However, I did manage to get my photo of the day.

Feb 19, 2011
40/365
The Staircase

I love the lighting! The shadows gives this photo an eerie feel.

Here are some more picture.  They were not photo of the day worthy, but I like them!

Rows and Rows of ink blotters

Rehearsing for their stage performance

Reminds me of a painting

                                                                                                         Aasiya

Come on Ride the Train

The weather was so beautiful today!  So I decided to take Iggy to the dog park.  He behaved himself for the most part.  There was the occasional booty sniff and he marked his territory as usual.  After about 15 minutes, he REALLY started to pay attention to a couple of other beagles in the park.  Like his dad, Iggy is not the type to stick to his "own kind," but I guess there was just something that attracted him to them.  (By his "dad," I mean my caucasian husband.)

Here is what you need to understand about Iggy.......

He hasn't been to the dog park since September.  More importantly, he can be very aggressive when it comes to getting what he wants.

Here is a picture of the two cute little beagles playing together.

Aren't they cute.

Then, Iggy came along.  He introduced himself with a polite booty sniff, but he soon realized that he liked what he was sniffing!!!!

Then, this happened!  Again and again and again....

Before you look at these, keep in mind that the owners of the two other beagles encouraged me to take these pictures.  They thought it was hilarious.  Apparently, so did a few other people in the dog park. 

I can't help but to laugh at the dog in the front.  His expression is priceless. 

Iggy taking him down like Ben Roethelisberger at the bar on your local campus.

Iggy pitching and catching.

This went on for a good 20 minutes.  I decided I had enough and took Iggy home.  

I really wanted to make one of those pictures my photo of the day, but thought it would be inappropriate for my photo group.  I chose the picture of this beauty instead.

Feb 18, 2011

49/365

Black Beauty 

I really love the way this photo looks in black and white.  The dark background and the black dog really make this photograph more interesting.

                                           

                                                                      Aasiya

He Only Buys Me Flowers When.....

Sorry I didn't make it back yesterday to post my picture.  I am going to post in a minute, but first let me tell you about it.....

My oh so "sweet" husband bought me flowers the other day!

I know you are saying to yourself "How sweet!" but I am going to stop you right there.  

He bought these flowers as an apology  for being mean to me.

Here is a list of all the things he did:

1. I came home early because I was sick.  He was sicker and wanted me to take care of him and was mad at me for being sick. 
2. I was in his workspace, which is actually mine, when I went to check my email before heading to bed.  I was also coughing loudly and frequently.
3. When I awoke I decided to try and eat something.  I sat at the computer to try and finish my homework before class while I ate.  Apparently I was making a lot of noise when I was eating my soup and crackers.  He keep giving me "the look" and angrily told me he would return to his work area once I finished.
4. I threw up the soup.  I guess this is when he realized that I was actually sick. 
5. Prior to this, on my way home from work I stopped at the store.  I bought myself soup because I couldn't stomach anything else and bought him Fridays Quesadilla  Rolls since I knew I wasn't making dinner. I thought I was being a good wife, but he was upset because I forgot the sour cream. 

The conversation went something like this:

• Justin:  Where's the sour cream?
• Me: There's none in the fridge?
• Justin: Nope.  You forgot the sour cream. You know I can't eat these without sour cream and I already put them in the oven.  
• Me: Why don't you use the salsa?
• Justin: I don't like salsa.  I want sour cream.  You can eat them and throw them up.
• Me: Well excuse me for trying to be nice and considerate by getting you something from the store.  Why don't you just pick up some from the store? (We live 2 blocks away from Super Fresh)
• Justin: I don't want to go to the store.  I'm sick.  Do you think CVS has some?
• Me: Nope!
• Justin: Well I already put them in the oven.  So I have to go.  Just take them out of the oven when they are done.  If you let them get burned, I'm going to be pissed.

He returned from the store with sour cream and flowers!  He apologized for being mean.  He told me that he was mean to me because he wanted me to take care of him because he wasn't feeling well.  I didn't say that you right away.  I just laughed and told him he is an ASS, but I said it with a smile on my face.   (I later learned that he bought the flowers because they were half price now that Valentine's Day passed.  In case you were wondering, I did not get flowers on Valentines Day).

Yesterday's Photo of the Day

Feb 17, 2011

48/365

Sunflower

I took this picture in my living room.  I just sat the vase in front of a window that receives indirect sunlight.  I didn't get to enjoy the nice weather yesterday :(

                                                                                                 Aasiya

All You Need is LOVE

There are many different types of love.  Love can be: generic pleasure, interpersonal attraction, romantic, familial, platonic, and religious.  Its diverse use and meanings makes LOVE the most difficult emotion to define. 

Why all this talk about love????

I know I know...... Valentine's Day has passed.

Maybe it's all the love I feel when I look at the photos from this weeks photo assignment on The Pioneer Woman.  In honor of Valentine's Day, she chose LOVE as the theme.  She asked for readers to submit photos that say "Love".

I submitted a few photos this week, but they never made it to the finals.

There were so many great submissions.  Photographs of brothers and sisters, husband and wives, friends, pets, etc.  However, none of them moved me like the photo submitted by Janet's Daughter.  Her photograph literally brought tears to my eyes.  I know this may seem cheesy, but I can really feel the years of love between her mother and father. This is a truly beautiful and poignant photo.

If you don't believe me take a look for yourself!

                                       Make sure you have your tissues ready!

Janet's Daughter - Love is: 40 Years of Marriage


So, what are your thoughts about this photo???


Now that I have made you cry, here is yesterdays photo of the day.

Feb 16, 2011
47/365
Vertigo

I took this as apart of my class assignment.  We had to take a Bird's Eye Photo.  This was the one I chose. I took this from the top of the staircase in the historical portion of PA Hospital.  I did not get the opportunity to present this in class because I was to sick to attend class last night :(

                                                   Come back in a couple of hours to see today's photograph!
                                                                                                 Aasiya