Sojourner

My new friend Debra started her blog with one post in February.  As you read through her blog, you can see her grow more courageous with each post and watch her evolve as a blogger.  Especially with her photographs.   From the beginning, Deb has blogged "like nobody's reading" (a nod to Molly for this great phrase).   Deb and Just Jules are great friends and it was Jules who encouraged her to blog in the first place. 

Deb's blog appeals to me because it is unpretentious and uncomplicated yet creative.  I simply like the feel of Deb's energy...her beingness.

Her blog took an interesting turn in July when she decided to step out of her comfort zone of seriousness and come to better terms with her inner clown.   She followed Spud's lead and took the 30 secrets in 30 days challenge.  Deb also has her 30 days photos on flickr here.  

With nothing more than a 1.5 megapixel Olympus and a few clever props, Deb really stretched herself (quite literally, too, since she hadn't yet discovered the self-timer and held the camera out at arms length.  Amazing.  You can't even tell), allowing her playful inner child to emerge.

I love this brave shot:

I know Deb would like a new camera (Spud teases her that most cellphones have more pixels than her camera ) and I can't wait to see what she does with a new one.  

If she can create a digital collage like this with a 1.5 pixel point-and-shoot and picnik, what would she actualize with a powerful Nikon?  To learn how she created this effect, go to her tutorial here.

So pop on over to Sojourner and see what Deb is up to.  I think you'll like what you find.

My Love Ya Award(s)

 Yesterday I was awarded the "Love Ya" award by not one but two sister bloggers, Deb of Sojourner and McGillicutty of Inner Rambling of a Mid Life Mama.

I'd be telling a bald lie if I said I don't get a wee thrill from these awards.    To be acknowledge by a fellow blogger in any way positive is so validating.  My greedy ego gobbles it up, smacks her lips and licks her fat little fingers!

Thank you ladies!

The parameters and rules of the award are thus:

"This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers.

Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

Since as a rule I'm a poor rule-follower (what?), I'm going to bestow this award to just one person rather than eight:

Michelle of Michelle My Belle because she is full of life and her art inspires me.   Michelle is teaching three workshops at Artfest 2010.   

You can see a complete list of the Artfest classes here.

Samples of the workshops Michelle will be offering at Artfest 2010