Soccer!

Here is one of the benefits of taking Laura Coyle's Illustrator class at ReneePearson.com - you can find a dragon online as inspiration and then draw it to look just the way you want it.  Of course I had guidance from my son on this one - it needed a pointy tongue and the soccer ball needed to be on fire, plus a horn on his nose, and a longer tail.  What can I say? It was fun to create something with him. I placed his name under his photo.  And of course the city name goes next to Dragons. And my husband was coach so I added his name and kept his photo visible too for you to see.  It was kinda bright for photos but you don't get a choice sometimes. Fill flash courtesy SB800 - camera Nikonn D7000 - lens 70-200 F2.8

He saw that ball and went after it.  Luckily he got away from the kid on the left from the opposing team who kept kicking the kids on our team whether they had the ball or not.  You learn little how to avoid such people - you either out run them or keep yourself on the other side of the field.  We luckily had a good ref this time and he called the kid on it.

 And here he goes, running like lightning.  It was a fun game to watch but Silent Saturday is hard.  We all clapped when the kids scored regardless of this silly rule.

How does your Garlic grow?

Garlic - it's super easy to grow and if you haven't tried it and want to, you should. And deer hate it.  They stay out of my garden they hate it so much.

This year (or rather last fall when I planted it) my garlic is in a row.  I planted all of these from the garlic I grew last year.  You really only have to buy garlic once if you plant enough to collect a few large pieces off of them for the next planting. I have a row garden when square foot gardens are all the rage.  But guess what? My dad brought me all the stuff to make a 3x10 foot square foot garden this year.  I'll tell you about it later. Anyway, back to the GARLIC ... it's awesome.  Just stick a clove in the ground.  Make sure it gets watered well in the fall.  And then here you go.  It sprouts in the spring and then when it starts turning brown in August, pull it up. You can braid it together or cut off the tops and let it dry. The hard neck kind stores really well, almost a year.  And even though powdered dried garlic upsets my tummy, fresh minced garlic does not. 

You know, sometimes it's good to give things a trial run.  When I tilled this originally with my mini honda tiller I followed the slope and walked up and down this plot.  Then when I made my rows for corn I went east and west.  So the other day I decided to try and till between the rows just to see.  OY! Side hill tilling is no fun and kinda painful. So last night I decided to change my rows and moved them north and south.  Eventually there will be bushes and trees, a flat rock spot with a garden bench here but until I can afford all that greenery I am making this my corn patch.  

And because my Honda mini tiller is so incredible we have gotten more done this year than all of last summer and it's only May. Can you see that curvy line dug out of the grass?  Yes, everything to the left is supposed to be flower bed.  I found some disappointing news - the voles used my Rose of Sharon bush for a nest.  I think it will survive as long as they didn't eat all the roots but I will never let the grass grow up around it again.  And I might have to get a couple cats.  outside cats. 

 Here is a photo of the grass greening up in the back and filling in the vole runs.  I love it!

And I tilled the small area on the east side of the garage.  What to plant? I have no  idea.  I just don't want to look at the weeds. So I'll be tilling a lot this year I guess but at least I CAN. Oh and those ugly things are green bunching onions.  I tried to plant them about 4 years ago.  Nothing grew that year but every year new seeds sprout. I didn't know you needed to start them inside in like January. I collect the heads for new seeds and save about $1.50 on green bunching onions that way.

And if you want your garden photos to look better just take my Photo First Aid class.

Photographing your Spring Flower Garden

Can you see the slight vignette I added to this photo?  No? Take a look at the photo below - it's the 'before' photo.  Increasing the highlight, vibrance, and adding a vignette was all that this photo needed to truly reflect the light and color I saw with my own eyes just before dusk Saturday night.  The gorgeous flowers really stand out against the rocks.  I like to call this practical application. It's not always about creating a work of art.  The flowers already are the work of art. This is the first year that they have bloomed like this and they've been here 4 years. I had to record it for my scrapbook. Learn how to enhance your photos in my Photo First Aid class.  

It's the middle of May and my tulips are just starting to bloom on the warmer side of the house.  Craziness. And this little plant that I've seen at the greenhouse but it's a start that my mother in law pulled out and gave me shall go unnamed because I didn't pay attention.  I have learned more plant names since graduating from college than I did in two plant ID classes that I took while in college.  It's different when you want to know what you are planting so that you can get more or make suggestions. So I better get to the greenhouse and figure out the name this year because I'd actually like to know.

Soccer

He is no longer afraid of the ball.  Or getting hit by it.  Daddy has been working hard with his little boy. He is much more aggressive and we found out that he loves playing defender.  And can you see that little girl's cute pink soccer cleats?  So cute! And she is one tough cookie.

Spring and getting outside

Can you see the difference in these two photos? I added more punch to the color and increased the contrast. That's something you'll learn in week 1 of my Photo First Aid class. Then I added a photo of clouds to the top so you could actually see them. Yep, that's something you'll learn in my Photo First Aid class in week 4.  

It was a gorgeous Saturday morning and my children were excited to get outside and enjoy the sunshine while Daddy mowed the lawn. The flox is just starting to bloom and I love the colors.  The medium pink starts first.  Then the purple goes next.  After that the brightest pink shows its colors. I've been transplanting some of the sedum around, especially the one with pink blooms.  It's great between the rocks and grows like crazy this time of the year.  Can you see the bottom step? That means that the grass has finally grown to its mature height. It's as tall as the step.  Of course, ignore the big patches the voles took out this year.  I think when it gets hot that they should fill right in again.

Transplanting Tomatoes and those blue green garden ghosts

I hate filling Walls of Water.  I do.  They work so well that I have to.  This year has been so wet and cold that I was nervous about trying to get my tomato plants used to the outside weather.  The nice thing about these is that they prevent sunburn, they warm the plants and the ground around them, prevent hail damage, and they let you plant your tomatoes earlier than normal giving their roots a chance to really grow.  I plant them sideways in a trench filled with a hand full of egg shells.  I had an entire gallon bag saved and it was nearly gone in two days. The egg shells prevent blossom end rot (the black rotten bottom on the bottom of the tomato that forms when there is a lack of calcium).  I planted 12 early girl tomatoes - great for canning.  And then 7 roma tomatoes.  And lastly 1 dill.  Romas don't need cages but the early girl tomatoes do. I started them inside.  My supplies cost me about $7 to grow 30 tomato plants from seed.  You can buy 1 tomato plant from the green house for a minimum of $2 on a good sale. That's $60 for 30 tomatoes.  That means I save $53 starting them on  my own. 

The trellis on the end is for peas.  They are just starting to sprout. 

You can see the pipe for the drip line I made here.  I plugged two spots this year to make a wider row for my tomatoes.

And the thing about digital is you can take more photos.  So walk around your garden/plants/etc and take photos from many angles.  You'll be surprised what you thought you'd like and what you actually see.

And here is a great view of the rows.  I can't wait to plant my green beans and lemon cucumbers.

I love this view of the mountains behind the garden.

And my pea trellis is just a cattle panel that I cut the bottom horizontal row off of and stuck it in the ground.

For more photography tips and also great ideas on enhancing your digital or scanned photos check out my Photo First Aid class at ReneePearson.com

Local Happenings

We drove up the Canyon with my in-laws and my husband jumped out and took a photo of this.  They haven't seen the spillway like this since 1983 when all of the floods happened. I was either in Panama (the country) or Alabama at the time but I am too lazy to try and figure it out right now. It's been much warmer since this photo and I'd like to see it again.  

At least one this is for sure, they have learned from 1983 and they built up the sides of the river banks in town. And they sand bagged.  It's seeping out into the fields now and they are having to sand bag homes farther away from the river now but at least its happening slowly.  It's amazing to watch and I am grateful we live up on the hill and that the snow near us melted slowly so that we didn't get mudslides. It's been a crazy spring.

Guess who is giving away a seat in my class today?

Y'all remember that I'm giving away this Bundle of Basics tonight during my Photo First Aid class 

LIVE CHAT? Well, it gets even better.  Want to know how?

Becky Higgins is also giving away a seat in my class today on HER BLOG! So head on over there and leave a comment about how much you want that seat in my class along with your name and location.

Oh and sorry, I start talkin' southern when I'm super excited about sumthin'. It's a mixture of the Texas and Alabama in me.

You're today's To-Do list additions:

#1 Leave a comment on Becky's Blog

#2 Add me as a Friend on Facebook

#3 Watch the video to learn how to enter tonight's live chat

#4 Have a wonderful day

#5 Join me at 10pm Eastern on ReneeTV - everyone will win something.

And I promise to share a few garden photos again soon!

Correction - 5x7 Brag Books for Everyone!

Jeanine DeOre is super sweet and let me know that she is giving away one 5x7 brag book to each person attending tonight's LIVE CHAT for my Photo First Aid class! Everyone a winner - I like the sound of that. Check out the prize list on the ReneeTV page. If you want to know how to  join us for the chat make sure you watch this quick video HERE. And add me as a friend on Facebook to get the latest details!

Photo First Aid Live Chat class Preview and Give Away is AMAZING!

If you'd like to keep up with my latest classes and give aways add me as a friend on facebook by following THIS LINK.  

I will be giving away one of each of the following products during my Photo First Aid class preview LIVE CHAT on ReneeTV May 11th at 10pm Eastern. Below you will see a preview of each product, a little bit about it, and a link to learn more.  You have to be present to win. Everyone will walk away with something - see below. If you are confused about how to join us for the live chat see the instructional video I made HERE.

For those of you want to simplify how you document life and preserve memories you'll find that Project Life is a must! Becky Higgins has created this wonderful high quality product and I'm giving one entire Bundle of Basics away for her during my live chat. 

She will be giving away one seat in my Photo First Aid class.

Follow her instructions when she posts about it on her blog May 11th.

Bundle of Basics – Turquoise edition binder, 4 pkgs pocket pages (12 each), 2 boxes of journaling cards (100 Each). Simply pair your photos and journaling with the striking, pre-designed components from the kit and you'll end up with a stylish masterpiece that represents your life or whatever occasion you choose to record. With Project Life's beautifully simple, all-inclusive format, deciding what supplies to use will become obsolete, leaving you more time to experience life.

To learn more about Project life go HERE. 

I will also be giving away one copy of The Best of Digital Scrapbooking by Creating Keepsakes. (USA residents only) We will be giving another one away during our May 30th Live Chat as well.

And this book Real Women Scrap by Tasra Dawson which I have read and love.  

(USA residents only)

 And this beautiful Live in Color Paper Pack by the super fun and talented Susan Weckesser  in Canada. (USA and Canada residents only)

Or win a post bound custom cover album from Heritage Makers:

For those special projects that require removable pages, try the new post bound album at Heritage Makers! Your scrap pages can easily be added or removed to create the perfect sized book for you. Plus, our covers are completely customizable to match any occasion or event. 12x12 inches Completely customizable cover. Includes posts and 10 page covers that hold up to 20 pages. Give away does not include pages.  We will be giving another one away during our May 30th Live Chat as well.

And from Jeanine DeOre Designs

One winner will enjoy this Digital Download 5x7 brag book from the vibrant Poppies Collection. Includes four designer 5x7 brag book pages in both .png and flattened .jpg format, and 3 extra patterned backgrounds.  Just add your photos and you are done. We will be giving another one away during our May 30th Live Chat as well.

I will draw one winner during my Photo First Aid Live Chat May 11th for a $10 gift certificate from Cottage Arts. Check out what's new at Cottage Arts. We will be giving another one away during our May 30th Live Chat as well.

I will be giving one winner the Digital Download Photo Clusters Set 1 during our May 11th Live Chat from The Ettes.  And guess what?  Every person attending the Chat will also receive a code for 25% off any purchase of $5 or more which doesn't expire until June 1st!  Everyone will walk away with something!

We will be giving the Digital Download Photo Masks Set 1 away during our May 30th Live Chat as well.

E-scapeandscrap.net will give away a $20 gift certificate during the live chat.  We will be giving another one away during our May 30th Live Chat as well.

And for those of you who live in the Cache Valley Utah area you are eligible to win a Pedicure from Valhalla Salon and Spa! It's a beautiful salon and a great place to relax while they pamper you. (Cache County Utah USA residents only)

And for those of you who love to blog I will also be giving away one pre-designed blog template from One Happy Momma.  The winner will be able to take their pick from a few of her Designs.  She will contact you with the details. Aren't they fabulous?

Want to take the class but you don't have the software?  This class is available for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements Users. And last of all Expercom will give a $20 coupon code to everyone that takes part in the live chat for Photo First Aid May 11th and May 30th, but not only that the box will ALSO include a $20 rebate form.  (USA residents only)

After coupon and rebate it would be $59 for PS Elements 9.0. 

 Here is the Rebate Form.

Alright, got it all?  I hope you take a moment to check out each vendor.  And don't forget to join us for the live chat where the products, coupon codes, gift certificates, blog design, and digital downloads will be given away.  You have to be present to win.  If you are confused how to join us for the live chat see the instructional video I made HERE.

How to visit my live chat May 11th at 10pm Eastern

If you're like me and you get confused when you get to try something new, then this video is for you.  Step by step simple instructions on how to enter my upcoming LIVE CHATS where I'll preview my upcoming class Photo First Aid and answer your specific questions LIVE!

Join me on ReneeTV May 11th at 10pm Eastern time. We will be giving away several fun prizes during that LIVE CHAT.  Want to qualify?  Just sign in and watch the chat - you'll automatically be entered. 

 If you win a prize, I'll ask you for your email address which you can share with me privately so others viewing the chat will not see it. Make sure you are paying attention or I'll have to give your prize to someone else.

What am I giving away? I'll post photos and links to each vendor later tonight so that you can get familiar with everything before the live chat.

See you May 11th at 10pm eastern on ReneeTV

What does this class cover?  It's a 4 week class and I'll be sharing step by step video and written guides: 

In the first week you will learn how to manipulate the light and color of your images. In week two you will learn professional techniques for retouching faces. In Week Three you will learn how to retouch backgrounds, clothing, and group photographs. And during Week Four you will learn current and classic trends in creating works of art with your photographic images, including sports collages.

Photo First Aid 2011

Never miss out on another class, event or discount again.

Sign up for email notices HERE.

Registration for my Photo First Aid class begins Monday - hurry because the early registration discount ends May 15th.

Oh and I'll be showing you a preview of the class LIVE online May 11th and May 30th at 10pm Eastern on ReneeTV! Show up 3 to 5 minutes early to sign in.  

Along with the help of a few local peeps and some far away, we will be having a fabulous Give Away! I will preview that on my blog on May 9th and May 28th.

Sprout Count

Like I shared before, we have onions, kohlrabi, garlic, cabbage, and lettuce out in the garden.  But I thought I might give you a count of what I am growing inside - my sprouts. 

I guess I haven't really kept track of what I've been up to and there is still more to sprout after this. I went through my seeds this morning and wow! 

So here goes (sprouts growing as of May 2, 2011):

Genovese Basil: 6 

but waiting on 18 more (just planted last week)

Bell Peppers: 12

Jalapenos: 18

Early Girl Tomato: 17

Roma Tomato: 13

DX-52-12 tomato: 12 

New This Year

Chives: 1 gallon pot

Dill: 12

I plan on putting the basil next to the house in a flower bed.  I've been very inspired but the edible garden I saw in last month's issue of Better Homes and Gardens and genovese basil is a gorgeous plant.  I can almost taste the bruschetta thanks to Udi's gluten free bread.  

I just recently removed the heating pad from beneath the jalapenos and bell peppers.  They take about 2 to 3 weeks to sprout.

And here is one of the new items I am giving a try this year. Dill. Oh and chives - did you know chive flowers are gorgeous and edible?  I'm not sure I'm game on eating flowers.

 My amazing friend Tera recommended that I grow dill.  You certainly don't need 12 - unless you grow 100+ cucumber plants.  But I've never grown dill before and I wanted to make sure a few sprouted.  I hear that not only are fresh dill sprigs great for dill pickles, it's great on halibut which I could practically eat all summer because it cooks on the grill and keeps my house cooler. 

And guess what???

Dill attracts tomato horn worms - they like dill better than tomatoes - and they are easier to catch because horn worms are wide and dill plants are much more slender than tomato plants.  I am going to try and add the paper towel rolls around the tomato plant base stems. - they are better than styrofoam cups and are biodegradable.

 So I'm going to be giving away a few tomato and dill plants this season.  There is a widow down the road that I bring a few to.  I love visiting with her and it's become tradition.  This will be the 3rd year. I'm sure my mother in law will take some.  She has the magic touch when it comes to growing tomatoes and she can keep them alive longer than anyone I know. 

What's next - in a few weeks - pumpkins, squash, zucchini, cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumbers.  You should only keep them inside for 2 weeks or so or else the plants just don't want to grow.

IF YOU THINK YOU DON'T HAVE ROOM, YOU'RE WRONG.  ALL OF THESE PLANTS HAVE BEEN GROWING IN WINDOW MY DINING ROOM AND LIVING ROOM WINDOW SILLS.  

Gorgeous Vegetable Garden Idea

I'm drooling! You can find this and more info about it at This Old House. I can almost see this in my backyard.  One day I'll have a small cement wall built and covered with the same stone on the front of my house.  Then, I would like to add a fence around it like this one - LOVE the gate - oh my.  

Why the cement wall? I'm hoping to keep the voles out and because my backyard is sloped, I want to raise the north end of the garden up to level things out a bit.  Also, I'd like to double the width of my garden. I can just see it - it'll be wide enough to sit on and rest.  I can see the vegetables drooping over the edge.

And here is a photo of the metal fencing used around the garden. They credit the dog with keeping the deer out.  You'll need a 6 to 8 foot fence to keep them out otherwise.  Can you imagine all of the pole beans and other vine crops growing up the south side of the fence? Truly function meets beauty in this garden.