CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-05-19 14:28:46 (20 comments, 0 reshares, 17 +1s)

You all are fantastic, really. I adore my G+ community.

Google right now, however, is frying my brain. It keeps trying to merge my emails into one account, which inexplicably has me posting in G+ as a different version of myself. There's the infamous album issue which has me terrified to try to post pics normally.

I have to go to one-column view to account for my own inability to cope with the visual overload that is the new multi-column view (for me). But, it's boring. There's no middle ground... that doesn't require some level of instruction.

And then... if you dare say something, there are the G+ cheerleaders who feel the need to defend and protect G+ against all nay-sayers. (Often somewhat passive aggressively, I might add. Which is just creepy... to me. And unnecessary. And probably what has weirded me out the most about all this. Programs change.... more »

2013-05-19 02:34:49 (15 comments, 2 reshares, 29 +1s)

relics
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like me...

2013-05-16 16:36:00 (11 comments, 0 reshares, 14 +1s)

I feel like I missed the kool-aid truck or something.

Ugh.

2013-05-16 15:39:04 (33 comments, 0 reshares, 9 +1s)

Maybe I'm missing it (because I can only handle the new G+ in small sessions) but is anyone bitching about "Auto Enhance" and "Auto Awesome" and "Hashtags" ("Add related hashtags from Google on my newly created posts." - not pictured)?

Because if they're not, I will. It will be visually pleasing in the new grey font... But I'll still bitch about it.

I love Google. I get that, with their collective photographic genius, they probably even know how to awesome and enhance my photos. But, I don't want them to opt me in to that.

I'm perfectly comfortable with my current level of awesome and will be happy to let them know when I'm ready for an enhanced awesome upgrade.

#WhatHashtagShouldGoHereGoogle ? Argghhhh!!!

2013-05-16 01:22:47 (22 comments, 0 reshares, 12 +1s)

I'm so confused... It's pretty. But things keep popping out at me and some things are big and some things are little.

And... I'm confused.

2013-05-12 04:01:16 (14 comments, 0 reshares, 27 +1s)

because daisies
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"Because... lifetimes are made up of moments like this one." And... a few others on the blog - http://www.restorelight.com/because/ - or in your life, whatever... ; )

#RestoreLight   #DaisiesMakeMeHappy   #EvenIfIHaveToDonateMyBloodToSuckingInsectsToPickThem  

2013-05-10 15:14:05 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 39 +1s)

reminding myself who I am
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Sometimes I write because it's in me and I like it, so I want to share it. Sometimes I write because I know I'm not alone in something that needs a voice. This is one of those times. http://www.restorelight.com/reminding-myself-who-i-am/

Brene Brown has a quote that has stayed with me this week when I've felt like being silent and fading away: "Shame derives its power from being unspeakable."

I don't dig knowingly giving power to shame.
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#LifeIsLifeEveryDay #EvenOnFridaysWhenItIsSupposedToBeGroovier  

2013-05-10 13:55:45 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 22 +1s)

queen for a day
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Shouting out to the cracker jack #FloralFriday team. waves and smiles

Y'all have fun with your trending selves. ;-) +FloralFriday ... +Tamara Pruessner, +Kiki Nelson, +Beth Akerman, & +Eustace James.

2013-05-09 02:55:12 (30 comments, 1 reshares, 27 +1s)

indecision

2013-05-05 13:53:49 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Sunday bloggedicity
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I share images and words here (and elsewhere). The images are so much easier to put out to the world than the words are. I think it has to do with how much of myself I'm conveying in each.

The images are my working with other things to convey a feeling that is largely about the scene. The words are just me - on paper (or screen). My thoughts, feelings, rights, wrongs, ramblings, grammar snafus... They leave me vulnerable. Which is icky.

I wonder how you feel about presenting yourself to the world this way - in words or in image. When is it difficult for you - and why?

(That doesn't really have anything to do with the blog post attached. But, feel free to answer here, anyway - or comment about the post - or whatever. We'll sort it out.)

2013-05-03 13:47:37 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 35 +1s)

safe passage
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"What I've come to learn is that the world is never saved in grand messianic gestures, but in the simple accumulation of gentle, soft, almost invisible acts of compassion, everyday acts of compassion." ~Chris Albani

2013-05-02 17:42:43 (16 comments, 0 reshares, 15 +1s)

The higher the stakes, the happier I am, the better I will be.

2013-05-02 13:39:27 (18 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

I try to pay attention to uncanny things - timing. This post is a result of some of that today. Social Media + Rumi + Me = A rant that ends well.

(Many thanks to +Stephanie Fecik for the lovely post that helped me figure out my less lovely post. Once again I'm struck by how little we know about the scope of our impact in this highly connected world. We need each other. Even when we're tired... ; )

2013-05-01 13:50:35 (46 comments, 1 reshares, 36 +1s)

How long must dino dance alone, +kimberton pemberly?

He doesn't like my Elaine-dance, Poleberton. Picky giant reptile just wants you. Sigh. But he assured me he'll dance for free as long as you need him...

Feel better soon, girl. I haven't spit coffee on my screen much lately. I miss you. #WeLoveYouPemberton

(I stole this gif from someone on here Monday and can't remember who. If you're reading this and it was you - thanks! I never knew how much I could enjoy a pole-dancing dinosaur.)

2013-05-01 01:59:37 (16 comments, 0 reshares, 40 +1s)

it is possible to love a tree
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+Tree Tuesday ... #TreeTuesday  - late, sorry. +Shannon S. Myers, +Christina Lawrie, +Allan Cabrera, & +Ralph Mendoza. ♥ this theme!

2013-05-01 01:38:17 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 31 +1s)

i wish
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Blogdiggity --> http://www.restorelight.com/i-wish/

"I wish I could kick out the memories I don’t want, thereby creating an awesome memory suction thingy that brought back the ones I’d love to have. There’s got to be a treasure trove in there."

#IWishALot  

2013-04-30 18:21:12 (11 comments, 1 reshares, 30 +1s)

act natural
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An outtake from my son's prom shoot. His sister was a junior helper for the evening, so wanted in on the shoot, too. I told them to "act natural".

This is most def natural for them. :-)

(For #PortraitTuesday and their FUN theme today. Thanks to +Laura Balc & +Tana Teel)

2013-04-28 22:54:26 (19 comments, 0 reshares, 35 +1s)

be love
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http://www.restorelight.com/be-the-love/ <-- Sunday bloggedness

"Instead of swinging open and receiving love – I picture my heart and mind swinging open and sending love. It’s corny. But I’m mostly okay with it."
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About the pic: In keeping with part of the theme of the post - willingness to change as we grow and learn - it's a re-edit of a shot already in this album. I've learned how to work with light more in editing (using luminosity masks in Photoshop). It's a subtle difference, but one I think works better for the shot.

#SpiderWebsAreBeautiful   #DoNotBeLured   #TheyHouseBloodSuckingCreepyCrawlyCreaturesOfDoom  

2013-04-28 18:11:55 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 34 +1s)

unpacking paradoxes
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Title stolen from Richard Rohr's blog by the same name. Here's a sample: http://richardrohr.wordpress.com/2012/07/18/danger-of-a-lifelong-story-line/

#ZenSunday  +Zen Sunday ... +Nathan Wirth (Hi, sir.), +Charlotte Therese Björnström, & +Simon Davis-Oakley 

2013-04-26 01:23:59 (26 comments, 0 reshares, 56 +1s)

rhythm

For a while tonight, I sat and tried to remember the sound of gently crashing waves and match the rhythm of my breathing to the memory of that sound.
*
"Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to." ~John Ed Pearce
*
I need a road trip.

2013-04-19 13:05:33 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 21 +1s)

Safety of Grace
( More on my current favorite topic: http://www.restorelight.com/safety-of-grace/ )
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"I will always be like those broken shells. The missing pieces and jagged edges may soften, but the holes will never repair themselves. Instead, they are my many and large places to be filled by grace."

#RestoreLight

2013-04-17 22:26:46 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

Sweet Things

I have spent time populating my life – physical, spiritual, mental, emotional… virtual – with people and connections that are striving to be authentic, open, honest, and loving. That paid off for me this morning... http://www.restorelight.com/sweet-things/ <-- Bloggedness for Wednesday

Hint: I mention "Sweetest Thing" by U2. 

I tried, but couldn't sit long enough at my computer to decently edit a pic. Ugh.

#RestoreLight #AwesomePeopleAreAwesome

2013-04-14 16:00:27 (11 comments, 0 reshares, 62 +1s)

flattering the Almighty
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For #ZenSunday  ~ +Nathan Wirth, +Charlotte Therese Björnström, and +Simon Davis-Oakley .

#Imitation   #iPhoneography   #LottsaPhotoshop  

2013-04-13 19:21:40 (13 comments, 0 reshares, 47 +1s)

glaringly
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Before I knew better, I used to shoot straight into the sun – no filter – just my little Canon Powershot and lots and lots of light... http://www.restorelight.com/bright-light/ <-- Only a few songs and thoughts today. Oh! and Gizmo.

2013-04-11 22:05:58 (32 comments, 3 reshares, 59 +1s)

all washed up
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a/k/a a labor of love

I threw my back out on Monday morning... brushing my hair. Yep.

This is the first time I've been able to sit at my desk long enough to edit anything since then. My attitude needed the creative time - badly - but I'll pay for it. Aging sucks.

#TimeToRestMyAgingSacroiliac  

2013-04-06 16:35:58 (25 comments, 0 reshares, 35 +1s)

light reflected
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+Jake Johnson has been handing out assignments/challenges to people for motivation. I'd hit a stale spot in processing and asked for one. Which then fried my brain for over a week:

Lynne Goodwin -  On your blog you posted this video - Imagine a World Without Hate (Official Video) - I love it... Please continue with the theme and create an image showing a world without hate.

Most were taking new images for the assignments. I just kept remembering shots I'd not yet processed as I thought about mine. I have this habit of shooting hearts wherever I find them - graffiti, rocks, vines. It seemed that blending some of the ones I hadn't worked with yet would get across the "world without hate" idea. But, it didn't. It looked formulated - stale. Which is what I was trying to snapou... more »

2013-04-05 23:00:22 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 26 +1s)

"Take me away to that secret place where you never have to wake up.."

#natureartthursday  +Trisha Standard +Dane Clingan +NatureArtThursday 
#close2home  +Pia Raben +Rebecca Johnson +David Pond +Close2Home 
#thirstythursdaypics  +Giuseppe Basile +Mark Esguerra 

2013-04-04 14:49:09 (24 comments, 2 reshares, 64 +1s)

walk on
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"It is a curious thing, the death of a loved one... It is like walking up the stairs to your bedroom in the dark, and thinking there is one more stair than there is. Your foot falls down, through the air, and there is a sickly moment of dark surprise as you try and readjust the way you thought of things."
~Lemony Snicket

I find that people are very uncomfortable with other people's grief. April is a difficult month for me since the death of my grandfather. People are even more uncomfortable with a grown woman grieving for her grandfather.

People can be stupid.

#Yep  

2013-04-03 01:21:31 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 44 +1s)

good-bye

2013-04-02 16:44:55 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 14 +1s)

The latest "Grace" Post --> http://www.restorelight.com/grace-in-human-form/

A dear friend of mine has graciously allowed me to share on my blog part of what makes her such an incredible example of Grace to me. I just hope the post does her justice.

Trust me, it's worth the read. If you're in a rush, scroll past my words until you get to hers.
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About the Pic: Re-edit and then reshare of "Stay" from my "Life" album.

Two words: Luminosity Masks. Seriously. I'm addicted.

#RestoreLight   #GraceCanBeDifficult  

2013-04-01 23:54:41 (4 comments, 1 reshares, 35 +1s)

The latest "Grace" Post --> http://www.restorelight.com/grace-in-human-form/

A dear friend of mine has graciously allowed me to share on my blog part of what makes her such an incredible example of Grace to me. I just hope the post does her justice.

Trust me, it's worth the read. If you're in a rush, scroll past my words until you get to hers.
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About the Pic: Re-edit and then reshare of "Stay" from my "Life" album.

Two words: Luminosity Masks. Seriously. I'm addicted.

#RestoreLight   #GraceCanBeDifficult  

2013-04-01 17:29:13 (18 comments, 0 reshares, 57 +1s)

beginnings
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"Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark. Begin at the beginning. Tell Gregory a story. Makes some light."

~Kate DeCamillo, "The Tale of Despereaux"
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Stoked to actually have something to contribute to #MacroMonday  this week (theme = buds).The +Macro Monday folks are such lovelies ... +Kerry Murphy, +Kelli Seeger Kim, +Jennifer Eden, and +Jake Easley ... So much awesome in one theme. ♥

2013-04-01 04:15:00 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 25 +1s)

"A path is a prior interpretation of the best way to traverse a landscape." ~Rebecca Solnit, from "Wanderlust: A History of Walking"

This spot is within sight of the wrought iron fenced cemetery I mentioned in yesterday's blog post. You can't see the periwinkle forest/slave cemetery from here. But you can bet you're walking over ground they worked.

The other side of this state park is dedicated more to the American Indian tribe (the Occoneechee) that used to live here. There is a burial ground for them somewhere in the expansive woods of the park. Though, I have no idea where and, chances are, many of their important sites are in the middle of the adjacent reservoir - which flooded an island that bore their name.

That's one interesting thing about knowing my local history... I never feel totally alone as I wander about. Even in our... more »

2013-03-31 01:44:06 (14 comments, 0 reshares, 35 +1s)

equality
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Not your classic Easter-y post, but it works for me: http://www.restorelight.com/whats-it-to-you/ <-- Blog post. That's two in one week. Hope I'm not causing some damage to the fabric of the universe...

And... for the pic peeps: Taken today along a trail that passes an old, unmarked slave cemetery in rural Virginia. Periwinkle covers the site of the graveyard and spreads throughout the surrounding forest. I never walk through here unaffected by the reality of the lives that ended here.

#PeriwinkleIsPrettyButCreepy   #RestoreLight  

2013-03-28 14:28:44 (11 comments, 0 reshares, 26 +1s)

Where I say too much and lose a night's sleep over it --> http://www.restorelight.com/peace-of-me/ (new blog post)

And... if you've circled me just for the pictures ~ This shot is a reshare from my "Life" album entitled "self". Not as in self-ish, but as in my-self.

Something about the hazy fireball sun seemingly rooted and growing out of the earth, forming the base of a triangle spoke "self" to me. <-- sentences like that are why I shouldn't try to explain my abstract images.

But, it needn't say that to you. Let it be whatever you want it to be. That's why I share them. ♥
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More technicalities: I've said I want to post differently here than on other sites. I really didn't this time. I don't have another way to say what I said up there and I don't have anythingd... more »

2013-03-28 13:03:55 (34 comments, 0 reshares, 35 +1s)

Warm weather, please.

2013-03-22 13:39:48 (11 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

Pssst... +Sarra Robinson
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!



Don't spit on the cake.

#SpecialBdayHashtagForSarraThatIsReallyReallyLongAndSlightlyObnoxiousAndLoudAtInappropriateMoments #DangIDidNotKnowHashtagsDoNotWrap
#ThatIsOneLongArseHashtag  
#Wait #ItDIDWrap #JustNotBeforeIPosted #HashtagsAreMysterious  

2013-03-21 17:00:16 (18 comments, 0 reshares, 18 +1s)

The Tao of Bathroom Graffiti

1. I have a blog again. It never really went away. But it did get hacked because I didn't pay attention to it. Dormant sites are to hackers as vacant houses are to crack heads. (Are they still called "crack heads"?)

B. Yesterday I wrote this post: http://www.restorelight.com/hope/

3. Today I found this video: http://www.upworthy.com/i-never-thought-a-1-minute-video-could-punch-me-in-the-heart-yet-here-we-are-3?c=bl3 .

Timing is a remarkable thing...

#LoveIsAllYouNeed #HackersMakeItHardToLoveThem
#RestoreLight  

2013-03-18 02:06:43 (33 comments, 1 reshares, 20 +1s)

By request

St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl (Saturday) ... and street preachers ... downtown Charlotte, NC. I don't really get it.

Also, it's a wonky shot. I have cracked iPhone cam lens. :-(

#SignSunday  +Sign Sunday ~ +Janice La Mere Hackney, +Lori Carey, & +Gary Posner 

2013-03-15 13:45:23 (23 comments, 0 reshares, 64 +1s)

a moment in time

2013-03-12 14:08:45 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 44 +1s)

home
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+Tree Tuesday ~ #TreeTuesday ... +Christina Lawrie & +Shannon S. Myers 
+TuesDecay ~ #TuesDecay (on official hiatus until 4/2) +Ian Ference

2013-03-11 00:47:47 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

Added photos to The Selfy Sunday Project.

2013-03-11 02:28:46 (17 comments, 0 reshares, 31 +1s)

damsel in distress taking care of business
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#SelfySunday  ... Film Noir ... Too much good stuff in one place: https://plus.google.com/u/1/events/civbj9il1ggmm2cfnqj4h3vg9qo


2013-03-09 23:07:33 (26 comments, 1 reshares, 53 +1s)

beauty's where you find it
...some folks find it everywhere.

+Robin Griggs Wood is one of those folks. She takes it one ginormous step further, though... she helps others find it everywhere, too. That's how you light the world, you know - one person shares their light with others --> they share their light with others --> they share their light --> and so on... and so on... --> and THEN

The whole world is lit up.

From one spark - from one person with a vision to change the world by finding the very best in every situation and every person they come in contact with and sharing it.

That's the trail my friend, Robin, blazes. And, I am honored to be a flame somewhere along her path.

♥

#AppleForTeacher   #RobinLovesFeathers  

2013-03-07 14:49:56 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 37 +1s)

Dance of the Ents

New cover photo in response to the huge space now given for it. The bigger an image, the simpler I want it. This is one of my personal favorites.

http://www.restorelight.com/ <--- New blog post ~ where I wax more eloquently about the virtues of the dancing Ents and try to decide between licensing options (that is less eloquent.)

#EloquentWaxing <- #ShouldBeASpaName  
#RestoreLight #CreativeCommons

2013-03-06 18:55:20 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 43 +1s)

Fiddling with the new layout. This will probably change again...

2013-03-06 01:24:01 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 50 +1s)

excuse me, where's your bathroom?
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More light-wrangling in PS. Giddy dance of joy!



#TuesDecay  +TuesDecay  ~ +Ian Ference 
And... I could creatively throw this in for...
  #LonelyChairTuesdays  ~ +Rachel Tine ;-)

2013-03-05 14:44:33 (11 comments, 3 reshares, 45 +1s)

going back in time
http://www.restorelight.com/   <--- Blog link, if you're interested. It's not just a rehash of what's here. I'm trying to avoid that. It irritates me.

So... continuing with the "I'm totally geeking-out over learning new Photoshop shiz" ... A 2010 shot from the old, trusty (until this weekend when it crapped out on me) Canon Powershot. I would love to have this same shot in RAW for tweaking, but that would require a time machine. So, luminosity masks (light and dark) to the rescue.

The water in the Trent River of Eastern North Carolina is dark and tannic. The Spanish moss drapes over Cypress trees leaving them looking as though they're dressed in robes - keeping watch over the river. It's an incredibly rich scene, deserving care in processing and telling its story.

I haven't captured it perfectlyh... more »

2013-03-04 04:32:20 (35 comments, 0 reshares, 36 +1s)

vision
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What it looks like when I'm teaching myself new stuff.

#BecauseILoveIt  

2013-02-28 03:15:57 (20 comments, 1 reshares, 55 +1s)

learning light

Yesterday, on another social network (shhh...), someone posted something about luminosity masks in Photoshop. I have great affection for the word luminosity ... it just sounds lovely.

One of the frustrations I have with images is not being able to target light areas and have them do something close to what I want.

This image is a jpeg from my Canon Powershot. SOOC, it's dull - not horrible, but the light gets lost. This quick edit isn't perfect - but, dang!, it's better than what I could do before.

I love the internet...