Photos by me from this weekend (untouched)

Just a few of the things I love about Scammon, KS

Colors

This came to me through e-mail but it is a very soothing presentation so I wanted to share it. Especially if you like photography!
Colors

New Orleans Photos!

I made several collages to make it easier to post some pictures. I had a ball just taking photos so I really got carried away. New Orleans is rich in history and architecture. You can actually "feel" the old. I loved it! I think this is the oldest city I've been to so I would go CRAZY in Europe!! That is my dream vacation! I hope my readers enjoy my photos. They are followed by a couple of fattening, sweet local recipes from NOLA! Yummy!

This first collage is of a couple of New Orleans' above ground cemeteries. New Orleans is famous for those because the city sits below the water table and if they bury the dead they don't stay buried. These were in the French Quarters but there are several through out the city. I really fell in love with all the iron work.

I absolutely loved the gas lanterns and lamp post! So pretty!

This is my fun collage of my friend Robin and her family and me having the time of my life! Ahhh, to feel like a kid again (but not have to ask Mom & Dad for anything) is grand! I wish Jim could of came with me but maybe next time. He would not of liked all the shopping but did you see that fish I caught?!

This next New Orleans collage is all about Art and Entertainment. There were carrots as big as zucchini, street performers, sculptures (adore the bunnies, can you tell?!), beads hanging from trees (and though not shown here, they were on a lot of other things too!!)from years of Mardi Gras celebrations (and NO, you don't have to show your "pillows"). Also, I don't eat clams (or any seafood for that matter) but loved the photo of the clams and beer in the window. Also note the water meter cover. Those have become really famous and I don't really now why. They are replicated in jewelry and home decor. The silver mannequin with the blue feather boa is sitting in front of some amazingly framed photos. I loved how the artist/photographer mounted them between what looks like plexi glass and patinaed the metal behind. Hope you can see them better when you click on the collage to enlarge it. I just had to capture the window with the crab pants too. Who really wears those?! Too funny!! Did you find the giant VooDoo doll?

This collage is buildings in the French Quarters of New Orleans, LA (NOLA) Very quaint!

My last collage is all the neat signs in the French Quarters of NOLA (and one off the beaten path that says "Dixie Beer") I love digital photography!! I never would of been able to indulge in taking 100's of pictures of old signs, lanterns, buildings, etc. if I had to buy film and pay to develop it.

And now my friends, just so you get the full experience of NOLA here are the promised recipes that are favorites of the area:

Beignets:

1 envelope active dry yeast

1 1/2 cups warm water

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp. salt

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup evaporated milk

61/2 - 7 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup shortening, softened

Oil for deep frying

Powered sugar

In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over the warm water; stir to dissolve and let stand 5-10 minutes. Add the sugar, salt, beaten eggs and milk. Mix well, add 4 cups flour and beat until smooth. Add shortening and blend in remaining flour. Cover and chill 4 hours to overnight. Roll out on floured surface to 1/4 to 1/2 in. thickness. Cut into 3 inch squares. Heat oil to 360° Deep fry a few at a time until lightly browned on both sides. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve immediately. Makes 24-36 beignets.

Pecan Pralines:

3 cups firmly packed light brown sugar

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

1/8 tsp. salt

1 cup whole milk

2 tbsp. butter

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/4 cups pecan halves

Combine sugar, cream of tartar, salt, and milk in a heavy saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Wipe crystals occasionally from side of pan. Cook to 238° or until mixture forms a soft ball in a cup of tap water. Cool to 220°. Add butter, vanilla extract and pecans. Beat until creamy. Drop from a large spoon onto a buttered surface or waxed paper. Makes 1 1/2 - 2 dozen pralines. Store individually wrapped in air-tight container.

Photoshop

My original photo- untouched. my photo after using Fabian's tutorial:I wanted to recommend a very good tutorial website for photoshop. You have to purchase the tutorials but they are really inexpensive & very, very helpful! I have never taken a Photoshop class so everything I know is self-taught using books, the Internet, & eventually Fabian's tutorials. I found Fabian Barajas a couple of years ago and have bought all his Photoshop for newbies as they came out . They are super easy to follow and have been a huge blessing! Here is the link: http://www.photoshopnewbies.com/photoshop_magic_volume_three.htm

My other "goal" is to take a class from Jim Zuckerman. His website is: jimzuckerman.com

Sign up for his newsletter, you won't regret it! He has several classes: on line, in his home and all over the world. I'd LOVE to do the African Safari class someday but I'd have to hit the lottery! One day I may go to a photo seminar if he comes back to my area but for now I can dream. I'd also like to have the CS2 (at least) version of Photoshop but since I'm not a professional I'll have to make do until my hobby can support it's self.

I have learned a lot from http://www.shuttermom.com/ as well. It's for all levels of photography and really gives tips on opening your own business. I'm not sure I'll ever go that route but it's good information. She has links to free tutorials, (that is how I found Fabian's website) and she also has a newsletter. I hope this helps someone. You will have to leave me a comment if you found any of it useful.