Our photography class wrapped up 2 weeks ago but we never stopped shooting and aiming for  picture perfect shots with elements of photography used on the subject.   We’ve learned the basics and hopefully if an advance class will be offered, we will surely grab the opportunity to be part of the Circulo In light workshop once again.

Taking pictures is only one welcome hobby but we have realized that if you will really put your hearts and minds into it you will be amazed on how exciting and fulfilling photography is.  And that is why, hubby is really bent to make good on it.   He never leaves home without his gadget and always ready to shoot an interesting subject of interest.   During our closing ceremony, even though he was a novice in the field, it made him proud that he was included among the top 10 photo entries.  (sigh..I was not among them… ).

Posting here the top 3 pictures and the entry of hubby.

Arches by Angel Tugado

Red flower by Bobby Ikram

drop by Michelle Bollough

Honorable mention (among the top 10) – by hubby

And not to mention... my entry…  lol!

I am not losing hope… achieving the best picture is only within arms reach… just keep shooting and believing… Never surrender!

It took me quite a time to finally give in to hubby’s desire to buy a DSLR camera.   Out of the blue, he became interested on photography and would like to buy high end camera while before he was very much contented with my point and shoot cam… Change of heart?  Or I guess he was inspired with pictures taken by a friend that amazingly came out so well  and hubby would also like  to discover the wonders of photography.

I was adamant to let him buy one for practical reasons… explaining to him that buying one is unnecessary and I even told him that for the longest time I did not see any trace of photography skills in him… lol….  Ouch!  Hubby was slighted but still very persistent (the discouraging words did not work out). Months passed and I thought the desire was long forgotten but 2 weeks ago he came home joyously announcing that he received his Performance bonus – 30% of his monthly salary.   He hinted that he can already buy the cam with his bonus, recounting further that he really worked hard and performed his best and the boss obviously noticed and gave him evaluation that deserved a compensation!   Good job!

papa and cam

It would be too selfish of me not to be touched by hubby’s seemingly over  melodramatic story….so when he mentioned about the cam again… I consented.. he deserved one… like a child that he keeps nagging me about it… so my mother’s heart gave in to his desires.

hands off?

Well, the new D90 DSLR camera is posted here….. Hands off?  No way… I have to use it too!

I received a pair of red dumb bells last Christmas.   For a while I set it aside because I thought I  don’t need it and even wondered why my friend gave it to me!  However, after the long holidays, I am actually convinced now that there should be something to be done.  While I was clearing our bedroom, there’s this pair of  red dumb bell in the corner which caught my attention.  Was it a reminder that I need to start to get fit this 2011!  Actually, my husband kept reassuring me that I look alright but sometimes I have this suspicious feeling that he is just being nice.  I know that I gained some unwanted pounds judging from the fact that I can no longer button my favorite jeans.  It is already tight in the waist and unsightly bulges are noticeable.  Oh dear!  A lot of working out to do again!   This yo-yo weight syndrome is again driving me a little bit cranky!

Time to psyche myself, and that the red dumb bell will serve its purpose from this day forward.   I rummaged my cabinet for my fitness gear which I think has been in the hiding place for quite a time.   Oh no!  I hope that this is not just a burst of emotion.. wanting to get fit… then stop then start again.   It’s unhealthy!

May this pair of red dumb bell inspires  me!

For now, I won’t be saying too much about my plans… it will be a big surprise (again?)!

As the Nike slogan goes….JUST DO IT!

To a Multi Media Arts student like my daughter who chose to major in Photography and 2D/3D animation, here in SAudi Arabia, taking pictures in public is a struggle.  She brought along with her the camera she’s been using in her class but she avoids shooting in the open because Saudis are known to raise concerns to being photographed especially women.  Under their law, there are certain areas and government buildings that may not be photographed citing security reasons.

With the proliferation of “point and shoot” cameras, somehow people here are beginning to open up a bit but there are still some who are suspicious that their pictures are taken and sometimes become emotional and will forcibly stop you for taking pictures.   The only safe way to take pictures here is to make sure that you are not pointing your cameras on people or sensitive government buildings or compounds.   Usually, there is “No Photographs please” sign prominently posted so you will be aware .  Well, on the other hand, there are also safer grounds that photography is allowed like Embassies, the comforts of your housing or your compound but still, we make it a point to be discreet and careful in taking pictures in public so as not to violate whatever stand they had about public photography.

That is why, she told me that there are pressures in taking pictures here and there will never be great outdoor subjects available because of the restrictions.   Since her camera is one of those high end bulky DSLR  camera,  we seldom use it outside but instead we prefer to use my compact digital camera because it will go unnoticed and I can travel light considering its size and weight.  I can just toss it in my bag and used it for every shooting opportunity.  We love photographs!

Unless their society comes to term with this photo art, Saudi Arabia will continue to be one of the challenging countries for photographers like my daughter.

Since “ber” months had ushered in,  many are already comparing notes of possible Christmas gifts to give to a loved-one.  I’ve overheard a lively conversation on how to be in vogue.   The ladies were discussing that these days it is no longer enough to coordinate your clothes, bags, shoes and belts,  but your laptops and smart phones as well along with their covers!   It is a fact, that these electronic sidekicks  (cellular phones, MP3, ipods, laptops ) already have become extension of our lives and we highly depend on them.   We have considered it as indispensable tools.

Nowadays,  ” fashionistas” are called such not only on the style of the clothes they wear but the gadgets they own.   And oftentimes, to become trendy,  it is  not what we wear but rather what model we’ve got.

Technology is evolving in such a rapid pace that trends seems to change from one season to another.   My children casually mentioned about Apple’s iPad and iPhone 4 but I did not paid much attention to it because I don’t have plans to buy them those gadgets.   But I’ve heard that those gadgets have become this season’s must have.

I was somehow intrigued and did my own  research.  I found out “what’s hot” and “what’s not.”

IN                           OUT

laptop with skin plain without cover!

smart phones                    all other phones

Dotties cover                         hard plastic cover

High Perf. headsets            Standard earplugs

Funky USB’s                       Corporate USB”s

Oh well, I am definitely in the “out” list.   I am not much into gadgets.

I was  busy giving left and right instructions to my children but nobody seemed to listen.  I got mad and yelled for I thought I was talking to deafs or they were ignoring me but I found out the culprit.  EAR PLUGS!  The 3 of them are so engrossed listening to their Ipod and unmindful of their surroundings, unaware that their dear Mama has been talking endlessly.  “Excuse me?”  What are you telling me?”  So, they have not heard any single thing that  I have said.   I don’t want to repeat myself… again..

Based on what I have read, hearing loss develops gradually and slowly. Prolonged exposure to high decibel insults to the ear is not healthy and way beyond the recommended safety threshold.   Noise pollution is also a contributory factor.

Of course, my children can’t get rid of the ipods completely but I just hope they will heed my advice to take it easy using those gadgets before it is too late.

“Excuse me?” Are you listening?”