Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Christmas Excitment

A belated Merry Christmas and an early Happy New Year!

Jon and I just enjoyed a wonderful week at my parents' house in Minnesota. Almost everyday was busy with get-togethers or errands, but it was so wonderful to be able to spend time with everyone.

I got completely spoiled with gifts this year. My sister really surprised me with a Modern Quilter illustration from Ariel Eldridge (on flickr and etsy)!! I was just gushing about how I love this series and lamenting that she didn't have any more for sale. Little did I know that the reason was because my sister already bought the last one!

So excited!!
Modern Quilter No. 3


I got some really beautiful books about Gee's Bend Quilts from my aunt and uncle. There's way too much inspiration!!

New Books


And finally, I really got spoiled with a new camera from my parents. I have a good point and shoot, but lately, I've been getting frustrated by the limitations that come with a small point and shoot.

New Camera!!


I asked for a DSLR so that I could get better control over colors, better low light photos and so I stop missing the moment waiting for my camera to respond. I'm definitely going to get that and a whole lot more. I have no idea what I'm doing with it and have only used it in full auto mode. I'm already soooo happy!!

Here's a little direct comparison with indoor light (my biggest frustration).

Old Camera
Old Camera comparison 2
Me and my dad
Old Camera comparision 1
My sister and her husband

New Camera!
New Camera comparison
My sister laughing
New Camera comparison 2
My aunt and uncle
SistersSisters!


And here's a fun moment that I caught (and wouldn't have caught with the old camera) at a family get-together with my dad's extended family. My dad's cousin had set up a way to race little bait fish and here's one of the races. There was also a costume contest if you're wondering about some of the outfits. :) By the way, bait racing is really fun!

Bait Racing


I'm going to take a 6-week class at a local art center on how to use a DSLR camera and I can't wait to get started January 25th!

12 comments:

  1. I am so excited for you and can't wait to see all the beautiful pictures you will be taking :)

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  2. Those are all perfet, bloggy/quilty Christmas gifts! What fun - and that costume contest and fish race looks like a blast! Who came up with that tradition?

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  3. Hilarious picture!! It was SO great seeing you!!!

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  4. It really looks like you have been having a great Christmas! Those Gees Bend books look like lots of fun. We don't live all that far from there and I've gotten to meet some of the Gees Bend quilters once.

    Your photos with your new camera look great already even without a class. What I really notice is how much more "pop" they have to them which I think is because they look really sharp and have better contrast. You are going to have a blast with it!

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  5. What a wonderful Christmas. Nothing better than spending time with family (most of the time!) Happy Holidays

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  6. that is an amazing camera. they make such a difference. i should study the book we have about ours but a class sounds even better.

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  7. What fantastic pressies! The pics from the new camera look much more vibrant. Good luck with your class :)

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  8. Wow! It looks like you had a great holiday with lots of fun! The new camera looks awesome and the photos look amazing (you really can tell the difference between the old and new in your pictures).

    Happy New Year!!! :)

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  9. That is way cool! the art, the camera and the fish! Oh by the way I got your pics and they will work just fine!

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  10. what great gifts!! i love the modern quilter's illustration.. i've been eyeing them.. and the camera.. now i'm super jealous!

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  11. I just got an XSi for Christmas, too! I'm pretty pumped about how all my photos have been turning out.

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