tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49791615386269252652024-03-12T23:37:12.347-07:00Natalie's Journalnataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-71672995445677174472010-07-20T12:40:00.000-07:002010-07-20T12:40:16.702-07:00MovingWow. I've really neglected this blog. The good news is I'm still posting on my<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.nataliebrookephotography.blogspot.com/">other blog</a></span></b>. After some thought, I've decided to only post on the new one. Even though it's technically a photography blog, most of it is personal. Farewell! It's been a really fun journey....I appreciate each and every one of the comments you all have left me:)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/Screenshot2010-07-18at91919PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/Screenshot2010-07-18at91919PM.png" /></a></div>nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-27150554145520219062010-06-05T22:25:00.000-07:002010-06-05T23:16:11.101-07:00A Weekend Snapshot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIjM-jCI9EU0nK3m_yfP_nZz8cep_-yHdVCz_JSM_I2xAffC_gbcdIHfEJgVaE3X69eJh6Tt-COyHPOHuuUy19OsoMXfFGPF90BKWdda9yTRFtTnWGp8BDuhmnB5ubOV0rtX9HaHG-lGV/s1600/image-preview-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIjM-jCI9EU0nK3m_yfP_nZz8cep_-yHdVCz_JSM_I2xAffC_gbcdIHfEJgVaE3X69eJh6Tt-COyHPOHuuUy19OsoMXfFGPF90BKWdda9yTRFtTnWGp8BDuhmnB5ubOV0rtX9HaHG-lGV/s400/image-preview-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479534195076279234" border="0" /></a>I took my SAT test today. It was boring, important, and hard. This sometimes seems to be the worst combination. If a test is boring, unimportant and easy you can twiddle your thumbs and explore the contents of your purse after you finish answering all the questions. If a test is boring, important and hard you can twiddle your thumbs all you want, but you can't get into your purse, read a book, or even leave your chair if <span>you have any spare time before a section ends. If you're like me, you're lucky to have <span style="font-style: italic;">any</span></span> time left over during a hard test anyway, so that information is really pointless. You are told that calculators are "only to be used for mathematical purposes."<br />You can't talk in the halls. You really can't talk anywhere. If you want to eat during the breaks, you have to quietly exit the highschool classroom and eat like a squirrel in the hallway. But altogether, it was fun. Fun because I was able to finish something I will probably never have to face it again.<br /><br />I can't believe that summer is almost here. (Just one more week of concerts and math finals and I will be done until next year!) Now we just need some good weather here in the pacific northwest. I'm terribly conflicted about this. On the one hand, dry weather is undoubtedly a lovely thing. On the other hand, grass pollen likes to attack my face on sunny June days. I like to see my enemy.<br /><br />Enjoy your Sunday!nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-88777368831228831092010-05-28T21:29:00.000-07:002010-05-28T22:26:06.018-07:00Beach DayThis summer I plan to print out the photos I take and put them in an album. I have thousands of images on my computer that are only- well, on my computer. I miss tangible prints.<a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSC_0094.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0094.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" /></a><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSC_0081.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0081.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" /></a><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSC_0070_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0070_2.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" /></a><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSC_0091.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0091.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" /></a><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSC_0056.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0056.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" /></a><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSC_0079_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0079_2.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" /></a><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSC_0088.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0088.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSC_0102.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0102.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSC_0134.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0134.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" /></a><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSC_0289.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0289.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" /></a><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSC_0104.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0104.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" /></a><center><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSC_0270.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0270.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" /></a></center><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSC_0115.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0115.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" /></a><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSC_0240.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0240.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view¤t=DSC_0224_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0224_2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view¤t=DSC_0315.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSC_0315.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-60328631179553533792010-05-17T19:17:00.000-07:002010-05-17T19:23:19.600-07:00A Photo Blog...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/Screenshot2010-05-15at85328PM.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 725px; height: 475px;" src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/Screenshot2010-05-15at85328PM.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Now don't get me wrong. I'm not deleting this blog. I just needed a new space to blog the photoshoots I do with people. An "official" link to give inquisitive people who want to see the portraits I take. (Ok, nevermind. That was just an excuse to start a fresh blog...)<br /><br />So head over to check out my latest shoot at.....<br /><a href="http://www.nataliebrookephotography.blogspot.com/"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nataliebrookephotography.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">nataliebrookephotography.blogspot.com</span></a></div>nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-51432457710269603272010-05-11T17:23:00.000-07:002010-05-11T17:59:01.700-07:00Hello, blogworld! It's been a bit since I've written about life in general. During the past few weeks I've been working on an end of year essay, attending classes, and planning things for the following months. <a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5604781"><br /><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5604781_77f0f35adf52abaa9265ae9858b55c89_large.jpg" height="502" width="756" /><br /></a>I got a new camera (Nikon D90 FTW!!) and finally finished <span style="font-style: italic;">The City of God.</span> I scrambled around trying to memorize Chopin for my piano syllabus test scheduled for this Sunday, and blatantly ignored my SAT prep book.<br />I'm really excited about the weeks ahead. Two photoshoots with families from school, choir concerts, government testing, SAT, online Summer Shakespeare course, and GB3 summer homework. (Not to mention photography business stuff...) It's going to be fun!<br />And did I mention that three of my cousins are staying for a week starting Wednesday? I'm very excited. Nine children. Evening Pop-Tart fests. We might even make a movie!<br />(I know this seems like a kind of hyperactive post....but it's really all I have to say.)<br /><br />Hope you all enjoy your week!nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-22783511946431108972010-05-01T17:58:00.001-07:002010-05-01T22:38:07.305-07:00CampingMy dad camped somewhat frequently as a child, so my family tries to venture out into the "wilderness" at least once a year. I love camping. I attribute this love, however- to my Oregonian background, rather than that intrinsic passion which so many "outdoorsy people" exhibit. I don't like bugs. I don't like smelling like smoke. But I love hiking- rain or shine. I love sitting around a campfire listening to my brothers educate me on the 50+ ways to roast a marshmallow. (Actually they roast anything they can get their hands on.)<a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5583429"><br /><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5583429_044adc56cf80546447b18e4e71fa13dc_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>While we were cooking dinner Friday night, Jerome disappeared inside the car and somehow got his sweatshirt hooked on Gabe's fishing line. Have you ever tried to unhook a two-year-old from a line? It's nearly impossible.<a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5583426"><br /><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5583426_a189dc1308ba0d1e3c6c7cfaec3db03e_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>We actually camped beyond the lake, right in front of a dam that keeps countless tons of water from flooding the valley. Andre and I spent a lot of time speculating how quickly our campsite would be washed away if the dam broke. That's us, always thinking of the worse case scenario;)<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5583425"> <img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5583425_5142ba2fbac4587f947b7789fe2eb7aa_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /></a><br />While Susanna and the boys chucked rocks in the lake, I read a book and took pictures.<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5583416"> <img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5583416_7a6883cd655d46358175f46e26f7dea4_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /></a><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5583760"><br /></a>I'm going to say loud and clear so there will be no doubts: we are hilariously inept campers.<br />Years ago, one of my brothers (who shall remain anonymous) only brought one pair of pants and ended up in my sister's pink leggings on the way home.<br />A few years ago a couple raccoons decided to investigate the back of our suburban. THEY TRIED TO EAT MY BAGELS. NOT OK.<br />Then there was the time we forgot a sleeping bag. Or the time the handle to our frying pan malfunctioned and next thing we knew we were looking at the contents of the pan lying in a miserable little heap covered in dust.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5583760"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5583760_1800a4424b6fb93d5a8eb4023894d8b2_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>This picture of my sister makes me smile. Susanna loves camping, as long as no fire ant hills are involved. She is petrified of fire ants. And frankly, I don't blame her.<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5583790"> <img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5583790_ec93eb4d5d332d5c854b214bdc12b942_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5583415"><br /><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5583415_81bb9d8370ae62185efa49588f727fa0_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5583424"><br /><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5583424_6d5a6a6f29f47e7513188027d7719b4d_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-52873577390629996592010-04-24T20:06:00.000-07:002010-04-24T21:32:50.596-07:00Hike Up The ButteLast Sunday we went on a short hike. Susanna reminds me of Heidi in these pictures. It's not every day you see a girl climb up a hill wearing her church clothes.<a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSCN8335.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSCN8335.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />We had had blue skies all morning, but by the time Jerome woke up from his nap and we all piled into the car it was at least 4:00, and the clouds had returned. Still a great afternoon for a walk.<br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSCN8338.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSCN8338.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />To me this seems like a lovely place to study. Except that on nice days there can be as many as fifteen people at the top just hanging around eating sandwiches, etc. As you can imagine, that would be very distracting. Going up, I overheard a guy mutter something about a "super highway."<br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSCN8337.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSCN8337.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />Lucy made quite the effort to get to the top. Lucy is basically the definition of a couch potato. Or a "floor potato" as my mom says, seeing how Lucy is <span style="font-style: italic;">never</span> allowed on our couches. (I resent having to share a seat with an animal.)<br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSCN8217.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSCN8217.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />Jerome's a trooper. He walked halfway up all by himself, refusing to be carried. I mean, if your three brothers were far ahead of you blazing new trails, would <span style="font-style: italic;">you </span>want to be carried to the top? That's just not cool.<br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSCN8257.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSCN8257.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=DSCN8323.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/DSCN8323.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-21895181611552830202010-04-22T14:29:00.000-07:002010-04-22T15:21:31.982-07:00iFly to Old Gas StationsI love those random little things that make my life a tad bit more exciting. A few months ago I received a Flickr message from "Sebastiaan," who apparently collects photos for<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.iflymagazine.com/"> iFly, an online magazine</a> the Royal Duch Airline company (KLM) publishes. (Completely random, considering that I have absolutely no stock photo connections.) Apparently the mag team was putting together a spread on Oregon and needed some images to entice their readers to fly halfway across the world.
<br />To be perfectly honest, I was somewhat puzzled. I mean, Oregon is really gorgeous- but out of a multitude of Flickr photos, they selected a shot of a gas station out in the sticks of Eastern Oregon?
<br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=Screenshot2010-04-22at24253PM.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/Screenshot2010-04-22at24253PM.png" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" /></a>Don't get me wrong- I <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> old gas stations. If I could photograph only one thing for the rest of my life, I'd seriously consider primordial gas stations. It's just that when I took this picture, I wasn't exactly envisioning upscale Dutch traveling magazines. I was just in awe of the dusty, rugged, stunning land that stretched on for miles. (I was also aware of the poor quality of the outhouse behind the convenience store.)
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<br />I didn't get paid anything, of course- but looking back I should have tried to get some tulips out of this deal.nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-67611652926108163622010-04-20T21:30:00.000-07:002010-04-20T22:13:10.092-07:00A Monday AdventureMonday afternoon, after my classes ended, my mom and I drove up to Portland for Ree <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Drummond's</span> book signing that started at 6:00 at a local bookstore. We were both ridiculously excited- both of us are hardcore <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PW</span></a> fans. Completely and utterly obsessed.<br /><br />I'm not usually interested in book signings. Twilight? Harry Potter? Thanks but no thanks- I'll be hiding in the poetry section. You can come find me when the hordes of maniacal teenage zombie zealots dissipate. <span style="font-size:85%;">(No offense to my friends who read these books.)</span><br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=Screenshot2010-04-20at73905PM.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/Screenshot2010-04-20at73905PM.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgje9g4JKyXNRjAQZncCmt1VuSrWUgP02Hpfn1_tx3zaLRyY1RB6oI_FqNyxT_k6KvIs3NNkLZtfVOERdmzn1ALYJIYT7FmaE9e1XCCzGO_s765CarV4Q8ujaBv7-O7QbQqyjlxwzj2d3cG/s1600/DSCN8732.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 305px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgje9g4JKyXNRjAQZncCmt1VuSrWUgP02Hpfn1_tx3zaLRyY1RB6oI_FqNyxT_k6KvIs3NNkLZtfVOERdmzn1ALYJIYT7FmaE9e1XCCzGO_s765CarV4Q8ujaBv7-O7QbQqyjlxwzj2d3cG/s400/DSCN8732.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462454375646345890" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Drummond</span>, from what I could tell, is just as kind, gracious and funny as she is on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">internet</span>. Since over 500 people showed up, my mom and I had to wait a good while to get our book signed. We went and had dinner, shopped a little bit, and found a good frozen yogurt shop. At ten we drove to my <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://writtenwritings.blogspot.com/2009/11/there-are-some-people-in-my-family-who.html">aunt and uncle's house</a>- nearly getting lost in the process of navigating urban highways.<br /><br />But back to the actual signing event. Before the PW arrived, the bookstore staff guy who was organizing the event felt the need to tell a crowd of 500 women that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Drummond</span> was detained because of that "cloud over Iceland" and that she wouldn't be able to make it.<br />If I remember correctly, no one laughed. Until, of course, PW showed up.nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-41133124002489421332010-04-16T19:18:00.000-07:002010-04-16T22:49:09.003-07:00Of Tyrants and Tea Parties<span style="font-size:180%;"><br />"Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."</span>-George Washington<br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=1271470841354_d264b.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/1271470841354_d264b.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />During the past week or so, I've had mixed feelings about the tax day "Tea Parties." Excitement, because I love the feeling of protesting unjust government. Discouragement because I live in a very liberal area of the country. And maybe a bit of disdain, because to be honest I <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> don't like Sarah Palin or McCain or Sean Hannity or Bill O'Reilly- a few big names commonly attached to the tax day protests.<br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=1271471044863_fa5dc.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/1271471044863_fa5dc.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />After a late-afternoon piano lesson on Thursday, my family and I went downtown to join the crowd that had congregated in the area in front of the old courthouse. Normally this area is the sanctum of hula-hooping hippies (no, I'm not kidding) and former beatnik bums who play the "drums of peace" for an appreciative audience every Saturday.<br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=1271471191574_c062f.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/1271471191574_c062f.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />On this particular night, however- we listened to congressional candidate Art Robinson give a speech.<br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=1271471369769_24d64.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/1271471369769_24d64.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />Robinson is currently president and research professor at Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine and is decidedly pro-life. I know my readers are spread far and wide, but if you live in this area I would highly recommend checking out <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.artrobinsonforcongress.com/issues.html">his website</a> and voting for him in the next election.<br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=Screenshot2010-04-16at104335PM.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/Screenshot2010-04-16at104335PM.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(And yeah...I did just endorse somebody on here. I told you this was a random blog!)</span><br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=1271473134447_c53e3.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/1271473134447_c53e3.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />I could photograph these faces all day without becoming bored. Intense expressions everywhere.<br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=Screenshot2010-04-16at81205PM.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/Screenshot2010-04-16at81205PM.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=1271475040840_45835.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/1271475040840_45835.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />"Mr. Gorbachev...tear down that wall!"<br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=1271475281454_98a1c.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/1271475281454_98a1c.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=1271475579946_6f3b4.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/1271475579946_6f3b4.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=1271475959149_afad0.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/1271475959149_afad0.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=1271476094580_a2694.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/1271476094580_a2694.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=1271476993290_ebbf2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/1271476993290_ebbf2.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=1271477318815_56f2e.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/1271477318815_56f2e.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>What do <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> think of the Tea Parties?nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-18148896264817946422010-04-13T19:00:00.001-07:002010-04-13T19:10:14.513-07:00Ranunculi<a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=Screenshot2010-04-13at65516PM.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/Screenshot2010-04-13at65516PM.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=Screenshot2010-04-13at65855PM.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/Screenshot2010-04-13at65855PM.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/?action=view&current=Screenshot2010-04-13at70221PM.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/nbrookep/Screenshot2010-04-13at70221PM.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Texture <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brenda-starr/4402400045/sizes/l/in/set-72157617225085977/">here.</a></div>nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-66808581524243607022010-04-10T16:19:00.000-07:002010-04-10T21:30:52.299-07:00A Saturday DriveMy mom, sister and I went rode out to the country today. My mom wanted to pick up some flowers at a plant nursery, and I wanted to scout out possible locations for photoshoots. I know I've been posting way too often, but I just had to show you these sheep:<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5529349"> <img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5529349_8b2d5f7ee4aba03230881d672358171f_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /></a><br />I've been down this road countless times, and always enjoy seeing these creatures- some of whom usually seem to be in a comatose state. I really do like sheep, but my attitude towards them can be summed up using the eloquent words of American general George S. Patton: "Follow me or get out of my way." (Technically, he said "Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way," but the idea of being led by a sheep is not particularly appealing to me.)<br />Looking at the picture above, I remember a civil war reenactment I witnessed a few years ago. To present an accurate picture of a battle during that time, the actors fell to the ground like possums and played dead. They did a remarkably fine job, and so did these sheep.<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5529356"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5529356_7c2037bcea716c2dcd829985ff6c38be_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>My favorite color combination.<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5529355"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5529355_3f28a80c8eb2bc92b2e4b493475b734d_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5529354"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5529354_bf0a31dc4f41e43d2e6b0f57a228f376_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>I want to go sit in this field and read a book. But I might get distracted by the sheep that are probably hiding in the bushes. Terribly distracting situation, wouldn't you agree?<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5529352"><img src="http://www.2http//www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=49791615386269252653hq.com/23666/5529352_2f59dac3ed31ce14e8ebcfa5b6298de3_large.jpg" height="508" width="756" /></a><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5529352"><br /><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5529352_2f59dac3ed31ce14e8ebcfa5b6298de3_large.jpg" height="508" width="756" /></a><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5529353"><br /><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5529353_fc4326c2f9568f4dbfa3f07b9d2160af_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /></a><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5529366"><br /><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5529366_ffa71b8e47f2cc2d8b2f648daf449590_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /></a><br />This orchard may look lonely, but in the fall- hordes of children congregate for the harvest festival. The highlight of this event is undoubtedly the free apple cider, although some may argue for the concert given by a couple of middle-schooled girls dressed up in pig suits. One of my brothers made the acute observation that we have no way of knowing the age of these people. My mom was then forced to point out that no other age demographic would do something like that.<br /><br />Orchards are <span style="font-style: italic;">so</span> much better in the spring, don't you think?nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-78974386757224718302010-04-09T21:51:00.000-07:002010-04-10T08:51:30.305-07:00Music Fur Ur Ears<span style="font-size:78%;">NOTE: This post is part of a series that shall hopefully be continued in the following weeks. I'm going to be working on new and wild photo-projects soon, but for now you get my harebrained thoughts on music.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqVs9Duquy7kUgz9Ix_WYgQzheR2nWW5LCHlg4kT99MwdPBPH7Dir2W2yZfB4DiX-jVCYJkjkYiWwciTIOGkeo1ZV_lybaVfh16K9-0Rf1G896bLAO_SVpA7MXRO95kDbJHvE03cZ0LjI/s1600/beethoven-06.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqVs9Duquy7kUgz9Ix_WYgQzheR2nWW5LCHlg4kT99MwdPBPH7Dir2W2yZfB4DiX-jVCYJkjkYiWwciTIOGkeo1ZV_lybaVfh16K9-0Rf1G896bLAO_SVpA7MXRO95kDbJHvE03cZ0LjI/s400/beethoven-06.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458388440681476706" border="0" /></a>Fur Elise is probably one of the most-played songs in recitals around the country (and for good reason). Impressively, Americans can say the name of this infamous song and still avoid sounding like Huckleberry Finn. (Must be the European association.) In an imaginary conversation, however, things can take a disastrous turn:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >"You gonna write a song for Becky Thatcher, Tom?"</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >"Shore. What should I call it?"</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >"I dunno. How bout, 'Fur Becky?'"</span><br /></div><br />Thankfully, Beethoven did not dedicate many songs.<br /><br />If I were the dictator of the piano world (provided that position does exist) I would send Fur Elise into exile for <span style="font-style: italic;">just</span> four years. Fur Elise would be the George Foreman of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pianoland</span>, and in a mere half-decade make a triumphal entry back into recital halls around the country. If little pieces of music like Fur Elise behaved like the fashions of the '80s, everything would be right in the musical world. They go in, they go out. You might miss the little suckers for a spell, but if you plan on becoming an octogenarian, you are guaranteed to see them make a comeback at least three times. And each time they come into fashion again- you're glad to see them! They are new, refreshing, <span style="font-style: italic;">sensational.</span> (Sorry, sometimes I just have to share my earth-shattering ideas with you.)<br /><br />Once when I was younger, I watched a dramatization of the life of Beethoven. I only recall a very angry lunatic flinging a plate at an unsuspecting waiter before marching home to write one of the greatest symphonies of all time.<br />I wish my bad days ended like that.<br /><br />Unfortunately, composition was the last thing on my mind last Wednesday when I fell down the stairs and later had a grisly encounter with my arch nemesis, the cheese grater. I have come to the grand conclusion, however, that my lack of inspiration and talent is perfectly acceptable. After all, Beethoven once said "There are and will be a thousand princes; there is only one Beethoven."<br />No doubt Beethoven was a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">egomaniacal</span> crackpot, but let's all confess: he was a <span style="font-style: italic;">really talented</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">egomaniacal</span> crackpot.<br /><br /><br />Oh, yeah. And I forgot to mention...<a href="http://www.examiner.co.uk/leisuretime/2010/03/04/fashion-shoulder-pads-are-coming-back-but-you-don-t-have-to-wear-them-86081-25957324/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">shoulder pads</span></a> are coming back. I'm going to go hide in my closet. If you want to periodically bring me water and food I'd sure appreciate it.nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-44394796419326886002010-04-08T16:06:00.001-07:002010-04-08T18:28:33.072-07:00Fun In The Street<a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5524579"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5524579_3b73d739d0ef470b003f3d044d9e4bbe_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /></a><br />Sometimes when friends come over for the afternoon, it's fun just to wander around the neighborhood and take random photos. These shots were taken just before a hailstorm.<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5524591"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5524591_2ae78c24fc1aeaadf28f2209f099753a_large.jpg" height="310" width="723" /></a><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5524605"><br /></a>Still trying to get that perfect "jumping shot."<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5524642"> <img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5524642_2f32a1693502ec16b60f1c04ce445c11_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>Jessica loves photography. If you haven't already, you should go <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.jessicasnotebook.blogspot.com/">check out her blog.</a><br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5524605"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5524605_20c7400792d0be19156272381eaa75a4_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5524641"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5524641_50524a46f40bc247c0e1dd422bb00e47_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>Kathryn, her sister, loves all the little kids at our church. (She is always willing to pose for me, too.)<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5524607"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5524607_19f59d64a395a2ecf76338995dc73db0_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /></a>nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-39394719852096619142010-04-05T16:56:00.000-07:002010-04-06T22:38:05.594-07:00A Commentary On Poetry[DISCLAIMER:<span style="font-size:78%;"> Despite what I'm going to say, I still love Alice, I don't hate ALL Victorians, and I'm not totally bashing nursery rhymes. So don't freak out;)</span><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5518083"><br /><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5518083_f3727279f3a0774fe806c16dfeecb3e5_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>When I was a bit younger I was terribly prejudiced against poetry. In my mind, there were two choices. On one end of the spectrum were the mushy Victorian sonnets and stale nursery rhymes. On the other end were the drug-induced (so my original theory went) compositions of Lewis Carroll and his ilk. (If anyone knows where I can find a "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Vorpal</span></span> Sword" please notify me immediately.)<br /><br />I was mildly interested in poets like Emily Dickinson, but became irritated when one of her quotes was conspicuously hung in the produce section of my local grocery store. "How luscious lies the pea within the pod." I suppose peas are often luscious, but I never feel tempted to lavish <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sentimentalities</span></span> on them in the grocery store. "Prithee, mother, look at the charming pea! We ought to purchase such a fine specimen while it is still on sale!"<br /><br />I don't know what Lewis Carroll was smoking, but it must have been something very strange. Since Sherlock Holmes has never fallen down a rabbit hole, however, we can conclude that visions of imbecilic card guards and harebrained rabbits are not clinically proven side effects of smoking opium.<br />Needless to say, I nearly gave up on poetry.<br /><br />A few years ago, however, I discovered the "Raven." I immediately loved it. Ravens are a special part of my life. They have picked apart my garbage almost as often as the family dog has. One rainy day in July, when a horde of hungry crows had congregated around our green dumpster, my mom threw a leftover smoke-bomb firework out into the driveway to disperse the mob.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,<br />Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">`'<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tis</span></span> some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Only this, and nothing more.'</span><br /></span></div><br />I can <span style="font-style: italic;">totally</span> understand why a raven would come rapping at someones door. If I was a large, hungry crow who had been permanently traumatized by a smoke bomb, <span style="font-style: italic;">you bet</span> I would go rapping at a particular person's door. No question about it. Poe was lucky to escape with his life, I tell you!<br /><br />I recently started reading the poems of <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Pasternak">Boris Pasternak,</a> the chisel-faced Russian novelist and poet whose career was somewhat impeded by Soviet authorities. My interest was piqued because one of his poems (not sure which) is referenced in Regina <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Spektor's</span></span> "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Apres</span></span> Moi," and these days lyrics that <span style="font-style: italic;">assume intelligence</span> on the part of the listener are something novel. (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">OK</span>, sorry. That was kind of soap-boxy.)<br />Pasternak's poetic style is indeed morose. But since he is not a Victorian woman swooning over peas, I can forgive a lot.<br />I could go on about the wonderful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T.S._Eliot"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">T.S. Eliot</span></a> and <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Pushkin">Alexander Pushkin</a>, but I won't. You have probably read them and can appreciate their eloquence.<br /><br />Poetry conveys something that mere prose cannot. Perhaps this is why God ordered sections of the Bible to be in poetic form. Many of the "poems" of David and Solomon are full of the sad and tragic themes we see in the works of the Russian, American, and English poets. But they have a far greater meaning, glorifying God and pointing us towards Christ.<span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> JOB 5<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />6 For hardship does not spring from the soil,</span><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > nor does trouble sprout from the ground.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > 7 Yet man is born to trouble<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > as surely as sparks fly upward.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > 8 "But if it were I, I would appeal to God;<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > I would lay my cause before him.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > 9 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > miracles that cannot be counted.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > 10 He bestows rain on the earth;<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > he sends water upon the countryside.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > 11 The lowly he sets on high,<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > and those who mourn are lifted to safety.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > 12 He thwarts the plans of the crafty,<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > so that their hands achieve no success.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > 13 He catches the wise in their craftiness,<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > and the schemes of the wily are swept away.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > 14 Darkness comes upon them in the daytime;<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > at noon they grope as in the night.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > 15 He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth;<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > he saves them from the clutches of the powerful. </span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>I think I like poetry.nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-71111609361274141642010-04-03T16:37:00.000-07:002010-04-03T17:27:51.459-07:00A Walk In The RainMy younger brother Gabe and I went for a walk in the rain today and wore rain boots so we could trudge through a muddy cemetery up to the park.<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5510534"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5510534_03dd0cc639829857fe7761f85689bc31_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Rainy-day light can be so soft and exquisite.<br /></div><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5510540"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5510540_5d0a9b5b32f05c32f70b8de5ce74e195_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>We met an old guy at the top of the hill walking two small dogs. He noticed my camera and proceeded to tell me how he frequently shoots rainbows and sunrises at the top of this hill.<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5510582"> <img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5510582_d3d1d6ea19709cfeed58157a6c49143c_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>We soon became wet.<a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5510546"><br /><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5510546_74676c1c21206de411d18b8975b540ba_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /></a><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5510550"><br /><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5510550_5a11aa5a79c7ae4c24bc73a256f5407a_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /></a><br />Is our Creator artistic or what?<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5510575"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5510575_7eb3e5a312be6d821e4b29ab6dd3588d_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>He didn't find any snakes this time. Perhaps in the summer we'll find some basking on the large rock at the top of the hill.<a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5510562"><br /><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5510562_90cd27444a36b8b9d48beab7fa26fe2c_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /></a><br />From here we can see the city and various other hills.<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5510594"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5510594_0033f77bbfa645958eb075bfc4144ea2_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>I love my boots. When we were a few blocks away from home, however, I took them off and walked barefoot since my feet were hot.<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5510606"> <img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5510606_012f55640688328d100b76a01d40e177_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /></a><br />Naturally, the sun came out as soon as I got home. At least it never hailed.nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-21019265414858652982010-03-30T15:13:00.000-07:002010-04-05T21:13:22.364-07:00Of Novels and ScriptsNOTE: <span style="font-size:85%;">The <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8078381@N03/2683229088/">manuscript</a> below does not belong to me, unfortunately. It is merely being used here to entertain you while the page loads. Or something. Anyway, it fits the general theme of this post. Also, I am not responsible for scandalous epistles reproduced on this website. Read this charming Victorian handwriting at your own risk. Remember the little lectures I gave you, children? <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://typewrotemisquotejournal.blogspot.com/2009/05/blog-post_23.html">Here</a> and <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://typewrotemisquotejournal.blogspot.com/2009/05/seance-photography.html">here? </a></span> <span style="font-size:85%;">You never know what these people may do.</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4478116042/" title="words by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4478116042_e53bb597df_o.png" alt="words" height="598" width="763" /></a>Some of you may know of my love for <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">National Novel Writing Month</a> and <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://scriptfrenzy.org/">Script Frenzy</a>, two related programs encouraging the general populace to turn off their TV's for a month and actually <span style="font-style: italic;">write </span>something. No school book reports. And NO scholarly dissertations on the organization of Wildebeest colonies throughout Africa.<br /><br />I attempted the novel program back in November 08. I never finished- by the time Thanksgiving rolled around I realized it was futile to attempt to finish my 11,000 word manuscript. Part of this was due to the lack of plot. I've always had a difficult time creating a coherent story line. When I was younger I'd frequently skip to the end of books to read the last paragraph. Climactic parts have never been my favorite. Certainly I get wrapped up in novels- but I tend to focus more on the characters and the general style of the book I'm consuming.<br />Needless to say, when I tried to write myself, I tried so hard to make the characters just as I wanted them- instead of concentrating on the action. I naively assumed that plots were somewhat dispensable. This was a mistake. My novel was a whirlpool in the midst of Editor's Hell- duplicate characters wrecked havoc in a strange new world full of word deadlines and "pep talks" that were emailed out by the writing "staff" to all those brave souls who somehow found themselves involved in this massive literary expedition.<br /><br />Suffice it to say, I now have greater respect for The Plot- something that would have kept my novel alive.<br /><br />April '09 came quickly- time for the script writing challenge. I chose to do an adaption of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. I'd never read this book in its entirety, but having read bits of it, assumed it was the ideal book for me to mess with.<br />The stage script that result was epic. Not epic in the sense of being "awesome," rather epic in that it required a grand total of 70+ actors. I finished, feeling very satisfied, and a bit overwhelmed- due to my massive cast.<br /><br />Altogether, Script Frenzy had been a good challenge- something to occupy my time. I would go to my theater rehearsals and write while I waited to go on stage.<br />I'd work on it in the evenings and during the day when I had a spare hour. Since portions of Bunyan's work is actually in "play" format, much of my job was simple organizing words.<br /><br />So will I finish the script challenge this year? It has been neither confirmed nor denied that I will triumphantly write that last page and receive a insignificant little badge that pronounces me a winner.<br /><br />But until I find out, it's sure going to be a lot of fun. Want to join me?nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-90297026403846449192010-03-29T20:46:00.001-07:002012-03-06T19:29:58.533-08:00Spring OuttakesRandom springy pictures that were originally discarded. I love the colors.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4465778165/" title="1269666804113_63dce by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img alt="1269666804113_63dce" height="532" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4465778165_4832be0046_o.jpg" width="724" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4466534944/" title="1269666187894_99ca1 by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img alt="1269666187894_99ca1" height="532" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2800/4466534944_ba21dd4720_o.png" width="724" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4466558534/" title="1269667252015_ca3a3 by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img alt="1269667252015_ca3a3" height="532" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4466558534_5242ca7fe1_o.jpg" width="724" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4475562110/" title="1269666420192_c3a9d by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img alt="1269666420192_c3a9d" height="532" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4475562110_100aaeeb26_o.jpg" width="724" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4474768915/" title="1269667552405_86dfc (1) by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img alt="1269667552405_86dfc (1)" height="532" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4474768915_16690d7b65_o.jpg" width="724" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4475576360/" title="Screen shot 2010-03-26 at 11.12.22 AM by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img alt="Screen shot 2010-03-26 at 11.12.22 AM" height="467" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4475576360_3b2e966114_o.png" width="649" /></a><br />
By the way...I now have a <a href="http://www.formspring.me/nbrookep" style="font-weight: bold;">Formspring.</a> Yes, I have succumbed. Sometimes I get questions about where I get my photo textures, etc., so if you have any questions about stuff, shoot away!nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-46522531973530364502010-03-27T21:35:00.001-07:002010-03-27T21:47:53.165-07:00A Summer Memory<span style="font-size:85%;">I have some fun posts almost ready to be posted, but due to some photo editing problems, I'm going to wait to share them! In the meantime, here's an old Oregon beach photo I found while creating some art portfolios. Isn't the water lovely? </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4469123568/" title="Screen shot 2010-03-27 at 9.27.50 PM by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2733/4469123568_cc858a0153_o.png" alt="Screen shot 2010-03-27 at 9.27.50 PM" height="487" width="728" /></a>nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-39223902858070766922010-03-23T20:31:00.001-07:002010-03-23T21:03:12.454-07:00Free Food and a Mini PhotoshootToday we took advantage of Starbuck's Free Pastry Day. You buy a coffee, and get a free baked good. A few of my brothers contemplated buying a frappuccino to accompany their doughnut.<br />My mom and I pronounced this to be an awful idea.<br />Buying a frappuccino and a donut is worse than drinking a huge fountain drink with your convenience store "biscuits 'n gravy" early in the morning. (Don't ask me why convenience stores sell biscuits and gravy. It was just a bad, bad idea to begin with.)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4459180888/" title="1269401040859_85cab by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4459180888_b459651e9a_o.jpg" alt="1269401040859_85cab" height="522" width="721" /></a><br />In the end, we all chose lattes.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4458427031/" title="1269401952957_f824d by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4458427031_9e3faba8e5_o.jpg" alt="1269401952957_f824d" height="232" width="721" /></a><br />But the fun wasn't over yet. A "Free cone" event was happening at an ice cream shop located approximately 1 mile from our house. The deal ended at 8:00 PM.<br />At exactly 7:55 three children and one adult vaulted into a suburban and were met by a very confused dog who had at some point been banished to her "jail" during the course of the evening.<br />She never questions why we do things like randomly jump in the car and drive away. No one tells her anything.<br /><br />She ought to be thankful she has such an exciting life.nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-24160675864598762172010-03-20T17:52:00.000-07:002010-03-20T20:13:38.555-07:00A Saturday CommentaryI think this weekend has been equal parts depressing, terrifying, fun, and inspiring.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4448641133/" title="traffic by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2694/4448641133_8432d03baf_o.png" alt="traffic" height="530" width="723" /></a><br />Depressing, of course, because this is the weekend when our politicians will most likely pass that unfortunate health care bill that will sink this country into debt and probably transform this country into the New Canada. (Not that it wasn't before- this is just the finishing touch.)<br /><br />Terrifying, because we watched The Village last night after the younger kids had gone to bed. (My brother and I are still trying to figure out how a movie can be <span style="font-style: italic;">more</span> scary after you find out that the "monsters" are just people.)<br /><br />Inspiring, because my family and our two young friends attended a protest today against wasteful state spending. Our brilliant governor decided that he wanted to use a quarter-million of our taxpayer dollars to rename a local highway after a philanthropist who just <span style="font-style: italic;">happened</span> to donate thousands of dollars to his campaign years ago. I could bore you with details about legal loopholes and hordes of angry citizens- but I'll spare you.<br /><br />This weekend has been fun because we made it on two local news stations tonight for standing on an overpass waving neon signs. Unfortunately, as my mom pointed out, no one really watches the local evening news except for hospital patients.<br /><br />On another note- it is Spring Break next week! Hopefully this will give me sometime to start my <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://scriptfrenzy.org/">script draft</a>....and some other stuff. I can't wait for April. Fun writing projects, a tea party...and probably tons of new photo opportunities.nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-30664789567229895792010-03-19T16:32:00.001-07:002010-03-20T20:50:54.673-07:00Sour Cream Blueberry Scones and Blueberry Oat MuffinsI baked today.<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5456601"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5456601/original" height="511" width="725" /></a><br />I used <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,184,152170-238196,00.html">this recipe</a> and <a href="http://chefinyou.com/2009/02/blueberry-scones-with-sour-cream/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">this recipe.</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5456633"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5456633_ffa32f1de16d9cd8e376af95e5e618ae_large.jpg" height="278" width="756" /><br /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">[That white background, contrary to what you may suppose- it not my <span style="font-style: italic;">flawless</span> white counter. *sarcasm* White office paper to the rescue! Seriously, it makes a fantastic background for tons of stuff.)</span><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5456649"><br /><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5456649_eeb2ccc2404ad86850b97a3b31818ecb_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>These scones actually turned out pretty good. I was disappointed in the dough- it was somewhat tough and leathery. However, I was <span style="font-weight: bold;">very</span> pleased with the final product.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4446772818/" title="Screen shot 2010-03-19 at 4.43.08 PM by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4446772818_f63acfc448_o.png" alt="Screen shot 2010-03-19 at 4.43.08 PM" height="540" width="721" /></a><br />Behold the brobdingnagian muffin.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4446780582/" title="1269042353673_631ba by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4446780582_041dcb57c2_o.png" alt="1269042353673_631ba" height="542" width="725" /></a><br />Don't you love the...randomness? My measuring spoons have character!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4446790708/" title="1269042741593_e37e0 by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4446790708_a3bd48b483_o.png" alt="1269042741593_e37e0" height="532" width="725" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42710038@N03/4446042601/" title="1269043533720_6af56 by nbrookephotography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4446042601_c6bbe1172d_o.png" alt="1269043533720_6af56" height="539" width="725" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">OATMEAL BLUEBERRY MUFFINS</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">1 1/4 c. oatmeal</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1 1/4 c. flour</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1/3 c. sugar</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1 tbsp. baking powder</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1/2 tsp. salt</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1 c. milk</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1/4 c. oil</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1 egg, beaten</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">3/4 c. blueberries</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2 tbsp. sugar</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2 tsp. cinnamon</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Combine dry ingredients. Mix milk, oil, egg. Add to dry mixture, stir only until moistened. Fold in blueberries. Put in muffin cups. Combine sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle on top of muffins. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.<br /></div><br /><br />(For scone recipe- see link at beginning of post.)nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-34612188520761453912010-03-15T21:46:00.001-07:002010-03-15T22:01:00.914-07:00A Collage<span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">{Let's just </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">pretend</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> the sun shines all the time. Because we all know it doesn't.}</span><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5446706"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5446706_a429363c883ff8011da4dd2a225e8d41_large.jpg" height="543" width="725" /><br /></a><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Hoping you all have a happy and productive Tuesday!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">{Damask pattern <a href="http://r2krw9.deviantart.com/art/Orange-Gold-Damask-110268014">HERE.}</a></span><br /></span>nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-39874395626167809322010-03-14T19:03:00.000-07:002010-03-14T20:32:24.603-07:00Aperture<div style="text-align: left;">I understand posting 8-month-old photos is a little like bringing stale cookies to a party. Most everyone has seen and tasted them and has probably assumed they were gone for good- but here they come again!<br />If I talk about aging baked goods for too long, I remember an unfortunate incidence years ago at a bake sale I was holding with some friends where I immaturely (and loudly) told one of our customers exactly how old the cookies were. The cookies weren't stale in the least, but it just sounded...bad.<br /><br />But let's face it- both cookies and photos age quite well.<br /><br />Since I received Aperture 3 last month, I've been flipping through my iPhoto archives finding old photos to fix up. (Almost all the following copies have not been posted here yet, however.)<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5444192"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5444192_e78b9f54ca68a8440d6ec811a85dc7bf_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /></a><br />I love Aperture's "Toy Camera" effect.<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5444261"> <img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5444261_9998db671f5d38e22ba940c192cf0c2d_large.jpg" height="499" width="756" /><br /></a><br /></div><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5444269"> <img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5444269_ffbb25acdbee67d92b2b9e2d16e942f9_large.jpg" height="514" width="756" /><br /></a><br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5444276"><br /> <img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5444276_1ce6b5de1bc139b725209577a504f0e3_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4979161538626925265.post-67974211632592770442010-03-12T17:59:00.000-08:002010-03-13T00:04:16.429-08:00Goats- or "I Hope I Can Go To Sleep Tonight"<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >[Note: All following photos were taken last summer. They ended up in a rather alarming Facebook album, but never made it to my blog. So I'm using them now.]</span><br /><br />OK. I have a confession to make.<br /><br />I think I may have a phobia.<br /><br />I don't have "Russophobia," which is the phobia of Russians. (Sarah Palin <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/clips/couric-palin-open/704042/">taught me what to do</a> if they show up at my back door.)<br /><br />I don't have "Automatonophobia-" the phobia of wax statues. (I am only mildly put-off by them. I wouldn't be scared unless I found a life-sized wax figure of al-Gaddafi in my bedroom closet on a dark and stormy night.)<br /><br />And I definitely do not have "Papaphobia," which is a fear of the Pope.<br /><br />But I do have a phobia....<br /><br />I fear intoxicated goats. Last summer I visited a little commercial farm and saw...<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5438588"> <img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5438588_ac175f3bdffaf4c7eaa37ee68b122654_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>...this.<br /><br />"Hello, my name is Archibald."<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">[Lesson #999: Don't show up at Alcoholic Goats Anonymous hungover. This message brought to you by Mothers Against Drunk Dromedaries. Due the the benevolence of these kind ladies, the program has been extended to help care for goats, as well as camels.]</span><br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5438599"> <img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5438599_e334c006af5392763103f16bd0a26e83_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>Some goats aren't necessarily scary, they're just plain homely. Like the one above. There is the slight possibility that you might find it lovely, charming, or just plain "caayuuute-" but I trust you side with the 99% percent of the population who thinks this animal needs...something (What that something is I don't know).<a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5438597"><br /><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5438597_f7b38a7823a09d58dcc956b437149e1c_large.jpg" height="567" width="756" /><br /></a>I think there is a very good reason why Red Bulls are Red Bulls and not Red Goats. It's just a slight suspicion, of course.<br /><a href="http://www.23hq.com/nbrookep/photo/5438617"><img src="http://www.23hq.com/23666/5438617_aefd995af75773ea7f2c773a1c103c22_large.jpg" height="756" width="567" /></a><br />Figure 4: the Mephistophelean goat. "ICH WERDE SIE ESSEN!"<br /> <br /><br />I know for certain that the phobia of birds is called "Ornithophobia." Why do we have a name for the fear of small feathered animals if we don't have one for the fear of large, hairy, uncouth beasts?<br /><br />My piano teacher once had a friend who lived in mortal fear of birds. She once had the terrifying experience of witnessing a bird slam into her windshield.<br />Just think how would she have felt if a herd of goats had cavorted around her car before crushing the hood- just like the hooligans did to European cars back in '80s when the French won the World Cup? This my friends, is a great question- and one that must be answered.<br /><br />These photos may be from last summer, but there are many goats who roam the face of this earth striking terror into the hearts of children (and adults) everywhere. Don't say I didn't warn you.nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16293558340782526203noreply@blogger.com4