senses of a morning

My morning coffee wakes each sense within me. It begins when my husband begins the coffee making process...the scent drifts up the stairs, as I take my time easing out of bed, and easing into the day. I get up earlier than the kids, so I can have a bit of quiet time to myself, before we begin school. I enjoy {slowly} taking my time, as I put my scattered thoughts together... running my finger tips over my calendar, glancing through some glossies and the newspaper, tasting the depth of the coffee beans, listening for the teens to begin stirring. 

I saw Kuki's photo of crepes filled with whipped cream and chocolate. It's so beautiful, so delicious looking. I immediately wanted to pick a weekend to make them. Pairing the comfort food of crepes, with a dark, french roast for my family to enjoy, as a lazy weekend breakfast. I love mornings.

Warmly, 

Christina {soul aperture}

crepes and cream by kuki

i am a crafter

There really is nothing more relaxing for me, than crafting. The movement of my hands, the working towards finishing a project. I dry flowers in books, paint in my journals, and although I'm not great at sewing, I have made a tablecloth, by sewing in a straight line. : ) Crafting is something I don't rush to get through, it's kind of my time, to diddle daddle in what I love. I create to take my mind off of the daily stress, the anxiety that I allow all too often to find me.

I literally have been knitting a blanket, for two winters now, with all the leftover yarn scraps I have. I don't mind if it takes me three more seasons to finish, the time I spend on it, relaxes me. My handbag is always filled with things to help me create; markers, knitting needles, journal. 

I pulled out my knitting once, while waiting in a doctors office, and a woman leaned over and taught me how to do a pearl stitch. I seriously will never forget that strangers kindness. When I saw ania's photo titled "winter nights"... it was all love. The wooden bowl, the yarn. The photo had a vintage feel, and reminded me that crafting isn't just for me, it is meant to be shared with generations, and people you meet here and there. 

Warmly, 

Christina {soul aperture}

winter nights by ania

wailing in the breezes

I adore music and all it has to offer. Music is a immediate mood changer, a complete spirit lifter. I couldn't even think of doing this post, without thinking of the music of Bob Marley. I remember when I was a little girl, visiting my aunt in Jamaica. My aunts kitchen was always buzzing with stories, pots of rice and peas, and Bob Marley on the radio, serenading each one of us. No matter how low the sound of the radio was, his message of peace, reached our hearts.

To this day, I remember waking to my aunts neighbor, singing, as he picking breadfruit from his tree. It was a Saturday morning, and I woke out of my sleep to hear an amazing wailing in the breezes to Fadda Bob's, "No woman, No Cry". It was one of the most beautiful things,  I have ever heard. Music allows me to go back to that day in my childhood, as often as I would like.  

As a teenager, I must have popped three Bob Marley cassette tapes, I played them so much. These days his words inspire me on my ipod. His voice reminds me where I come from, and that there will be good and bad days. Music does that. I think that's why I love fro's  photo so much. It reminded me of those days where I put the cassette in the deck, and it was all love. 

"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain."

Bob Marley

One love,

Christina {soul aperture}

{day 71} music is what feelings sound like by fro

charm with sprinkles on top

I have been under the weather this week, with a cold. It seems like so many people have the sniffles, of one kind or the other lately. Despite trying to keep a great attitude towards it all, the fever slowed me down. 

One morning I went into the kitchen, to find a sink full of dishes, and a table full of untouched mail, along with two suspicious kids. As my son turned around, he handed me this concoction of sprinkles... and charm. My two kids were so proud of themselves. If you could have seen the smiles on their faces. They charmed me to pieces with their thoughtfulness. We all grabbed spoons and enjoyed the moment. 

A dessert of ice cream and a sprinkle cookie,  a sure way to my heart. I think that's why I loved Ana Corrales, heart locket. The locket sitting there, just waiting for the perfect key, to come along and unlock it. 

Warmly, 

Christina {soul aperture}

“...Y recuerdas haber visto el amor, por el ojo de una cerradura.” by ana corrales p

muse university- photographing books

By now you might get the idea that I love photographing books, as much as I love reading them. It's true. I could spend hours placing pages, in just the right amount of light, to get the photo I am going for. I never tire of the beauty that finds it's way into my lens, when shooting books.

I tried a few shots of this book and my daughter, not really coming up with what I wanted. When I began moving around and trying different angles, I shot over her shoulder. I captured a photo that made me smile, and that my daughter can look back on.

I love these open books plain, but when I added a prop, it really popped the books, while keeping the soft look I love.

I usually choose a smaller aperture number when book pages are open, then I set my camera to Al servo or One shot, to see what gives me a more blurry and funky look for the words on the pages. I am constantly playing around with my camera settings, it's the only way I have come to get the photos I am most happy with.

I have often propped a page open with a paper clip or tape. I used a glue dot to hold the string and heart in place for this valentine photo.

Some of these old books were gifts, some I found in second hand stores. There are time I see old photos of my grandparents, from the 1940's and 50's, and if there are books in the background, I have been known to take a magnifying glass, to read the titles. That just interests me, I love to know what others love to read. 

Placing flower petals on old tattered books, makes the books even more pretty.

To convey the story you are telling in your photos, sneak books in to help the story along.

Give a peek into your cookbook as you share a recipe.

Here I showed the books my son was reading, for the last couple of months of his being 16. I hope one day he looks back at this photo, and remembers what a star counting, dreamer he was. 

Place books in morning light, it will surprise you every time. A casting shadow or a haze, can make all the difference in creating a pretty mood for your book photos. 

This post isn't really rocket science, it's filled more with an approach than direction I suppose. To this day, I still carry my camera manual with me. Say it loud and proud, I still rock with my camera manual! lol
I am a passionate book loving, camera toting kinda girl. I hope I have encouraged you to pick up your camera and have fun taking photos of what you love. 

Do you have a favorite item or trinket that you photograph? Please share with us in the comment section, I would love to read your words.

Warmly, 

Christina {soul aperture}

the calm of water

I need water. Not only for nourishment, but for my livelihood. When I have an appointment at the spa, for a manicure, I adore every second of it. Everything from the scent of the cucumber water, to the way they spritz my hands with Evian, before I leave. Water calms me, immensely. 

My mother has a bowl that's called a rose bowl. She has bought roses, every other week, for as long as I can remember. And each time her roses begin to fade, she places the petals in her rose bowl. I have taken up with this tradition, as well. I place the petals of flowers, to float in a bowl of water on a table, right by our entryway. There aren't many people that come in to our home, that don't mention how much they like the water bowl. 

Water is an essential part of what makes me happy. A walk along the water, changes my mood to peaceful, no matter where I am in my life. I think that's why I loved, Red Kiwi's photo so much. The sun dancing along the water, the flare, the sky. I can just hear the gentle waves. 

Warmly, 

Christina {soul aperture}

trapper keeper landscape by red kiwi

a love for words

I was a late reader. I struggled with words as a kid, and frustration set itself right beside my heart, for quite a while. When reading finally clicked within me, there was no stopping my passion for words. I read everything I could get my hands on. I wrote stories, poetry and even made up crossword puzzles, for friends to do. Words became my life. And with these words that came tumbling out of books, plus a little imagination, I would travel near and far. That statement alone, reminds me of a favorite childhood read, Gertrude Chandler Warner's, "The Boxcar Children".

Still today, I adore words. Snail mail, sends my heart soaring. The handwritten words, spilled across an envelope... it never gets old. I am the first one in front of the tv, when the Spelling Bee is about to begin- "Akellah and the Bee" is one of my favorite movies, and I rarely leave an antique store, without an old, tattered book in hand. My collection of books, really makes me smile. It is a true love affair that I have with words.

"All our words are but crumbs that fall down from the feast of the mind."

 Kahlil Gibran

I have never forgotten those days of being a little girl, struggling with reading. It's one of the reasons, why I am so proud to volunteer, at a adult literacy program. It brings me an amazing amount of joy, to assist adults in learning how to read.

When I saw the winter colors, and inspiring words that pthurmund1 captured in her photo below, it really spoke to me.  How lovely! Only six words, but such powerful and inviting words.

Warmly,
Christina {soul aperture}

beyond layers "6 words" by pthurmond 1

looking out at the kid in me

I felt like a kid again when I came upon this old ice cream shop. I eagerly looked into the counter wide eyed, with my camera dangling from my hand. Ice cream and sherbert flavors all lined up, the scoops waiting in warm water, to dish out customers favorites. And that creamy, sweet scent lingering in the shop. It was a magical find, it really was. It brought me back to a time in my childhood, where my family would go across town, doing our weekly shopping. You should've seen us kids, trying to hold on to every bit of goodness we had within us- hoping to earn a scoop or two of our choice. Those times were the best. 

When I saw, lizzards_nyc, photo of a vintage record store, I fell hard. All the inviting colors, the gold haze and the rainbow colors along the side walk, reminded me of the ice cream trio in my photo. Our theme for the last two weeks, really made me stop and take a deeper look into to forgotten treasures, of the good old days. The old time creamery parlor, record stores that sell actual vinyl. I loved slipping into moments of my childhood, with grown up eyes, if only for a moment in time. 

Warmly,

Christina {soul aperture}

stray vintage by lizzard_nyc

mosaic muse {winter in black and white}

These images of winter black and white, absolutely took my breath away. Stunning. I could have kept choosing from the flickr pool all day long. The shade of white softening a baby's eyes, the way the color black slipped into the beautiful nooks and crannies of a museum. The faces, oh the faces, and this sweet pea, there are no words for such beauty. Black and white eases photos, into amazing art pieces. 

1. xx, 2. nat-hist-2, 3. foreshadowing, 4. Day into Night, 5. Lines & Shapes, 6. black hat :), 7. december sun, 8. i heard a bird sing in the dark of december...we are nearer to spring than we were in september..., 9. Snow in b&w, 10. Untitled, 11. Untitled, 12. Untitled, 13. winter days, 14. snow and nostalgia, 15. Happy New Year ♥ ..., 16. i've been kindled

Now its time for you to share your interpretaions of winter in black and white. Please share with us your winter black and white shots, by using the linky box below. The tool will be open until Sunday evening. And feel free to grab a mosaic muse badge for your blog as you link up with us. I can't wait to see your photos over this weekend. 

Warmly, 

Christina {soul aperture}

mosaic muse {fresh}

Fresh, we have seen fresh fruit, a carton of fresh eggs laid by urban chickens, the freshness of the color white... a simple chair, a fresh blanket of snow. ...Yellow, how could we forget the fresh smell of citrus?!  All such beautiful reminders to me, that the lens can capture, many takes on the word fresh. Have a look- see, at the photos I fell in love with, throughout our flickr pool. 

1. Just Two, 2. morning peace gratitude, 3. Chair, 4. With silence, 5. A few quiet moments to myself {30 Days of Gratitude}, 6. "life", 7. day 20: grateful for filling up another journal with struggles, dreams, and messages to the Universe #30daysofgratitude #morningpages, 8. when life gives you oranges..., 9. eggsciting, 10. yellow rose., 11. today I´m thankful for lemon juice, 12. #22 of 30, 13. The Help, 14. Grateful for walks on the beach..., 15. Fox on Sox, 16. apples in the bedroom

Fresh! Now it's your turn to show us your interpretation. Please share with us your favorite photos of fresh, by using the linky box below. The tool will be open until Sunday evening. Grab a mosaic button for your blog, when you link up. I can't wait to see what photos you choose.

Have fun,
christina {soul aperture}


<center><a href="http://mortalmuses.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/6036986994_81c277cf91_o.jpg"/></a></center>

many muses musing - SHARING

'tis the season pa- favorite things by shutterbug 1018

“Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.”

Brian Tracy

During the holiday season, we like to open our home to friends and family by sharing a meal, laughter, and tradition. Many times we light a fire, reach for our holiday books and read our favorites. As you might guess, the gifts I tend to share most during the holiday season, are books.  I would like to share this gift with you as well, by giving away a $20.00 Amazon gift card.

Please link your blog or flickr url in the linky tool provided below and/or leave a comment on this post for a chance to win the giveaway. You can share your hopes for 2012, or just leave any old comment to enter! (max 2 entries per person)

I look forward to seeing your submissions for the prompt SHARING. Our holiday giveaway winners will be announced tomorrow.

Best of holiday wishes to you and your family ~
xo
Christina {soul aperture}

Please feel free to grab the button below to add to your blog posts and sidebars!

Copy and Paste Code:
<a href="http://mortalmuses.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src=" http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l637/soupatraveler/manymusesmusing.jpg" border="0" /></a>

and the next theme is... FRESH

A new year is right around the corner, and a fresh slate of new beginnings, await us. Many of us will set goals, fill in new calendars, or feed our souls with balance. Maybe a walk near the water to stand in stillness, as you listen to the beauty, of the waves.

water watching by lucy.loomis

Will you load up the van, hit the road and take the trip, you've always wanted take?

austrailian caravanning by gemma marwick

How about seeking out nature, and all it has to offer?

these little treasures by hnxing

No matter what your plans are for a fresh new year,  in my heart, I know you will shine. ; )

shine by doc unc

Here's to new beginnings! I look forward to seeing all your FRESH photos in our flickr pool.

{Our festive musing and giveaways will  resume tomorrow with the creative prompt announced yesterday...GREETINGS}

Warmly, 

Christina {soul aperture}

on the subject of warmth

Warmth is finding the book I wanted to read {on our first snowy day} waiting for me at the library. The glow of the yellow spine, warming the winter white vase, on my desk. Open me now and settle in, the book whispered. The tea kettle getting ready to whistle away, a handmade quilt on a chair. I have craved warmth this past week, especially with the darker days finding us, before I am able to get supper made. 

The glow from taralees photo, gave me the cozies. The light bouncing of the table- caught by the rim of the cups and place mats. I found her photograph to be quite soul warming, and lovely. 

Warmly, 

christina {soul aperture}

by candlelight by taralees

the light danced within her palms

Light! Ask any photographer and they will tell you, light can make or break their day. Capturing the perfect light for a photo, can send me to the moon and back. But bad lighting, can send me running for the hills. I waited until about 4pm before accepting the idea, that the sun might not make it's appearance, for me to shoot "light fantastic." So I went for the string of fairy lights and made do. The lights bounced within my camera, the more I worked my lens. I focused just enough, to get the outline of my daughters hands, and fingers. All along, I hoped the jar of lights, would excite me. Soon enough, the light danced within her palms, they told the story I wanted to share, as she outstretched her hands toward me. 

Light is always trial and error for me. I tend to favor light that is natural and softens... light that glows. That's what I saw within dawndh's photo. It's brilliance and natural light, took my breath away. 

Warmly, 

christina {soul aperture}

by dawndh

a home

I am a homebody, and that's always been fine with me. Give me an option of a night on the town or pizza and a movie at home, home it is! It's a funny thing, I can pass up a pair of shoes, a handbag or clothes shopping, but a warm throw for our corner reading chair, or a bag of dark chocolate cocoa, for welcoming guest- yes to that! 

Home is everything to me.  Our home by no means, is a fancy one, it's rather lived in. We homeschool at an old farm table in the kitchen, we roll cookies and bread out, on a rickety butcher block. And if you were to stop by {especially during this season} the tea pot would be simmering, books would be sprawled all over, our teenagers might be bickering and fairy lights glow, from many corners. 

I don't worry if you spill your drink or mind if you wear your shoes, it's a comfortable home, and there is always room for one more, at our dinner table. 

When I saw Skiingrn1 photo, I felt at home. The quilt, the book, this photo warmed my soul and welcomed me in, that's what home is all about for me. 

Warmly,

christina {soul aperture}

comforts of home by Skiingrn1

a passion for blur

Blurred photos, ask me, I know all too well about them. Back in the day, I often produced photos that were out of focus, without trying, only to walk away disappointed. I can't help but laugh now, because today, I have a passion for blurry photos. Blurred photos have become, the new black. These photos can be art, they hold a certain mystery to them, the blurred effect, outlines the story, I want to convey. And I love that many of these photos, with questionable focus, decorate my home. 

A heavy blur can hide secrets, a slight blur can act as a frame, softening an image to perfection. That's what I saw in kat3no3l photo, Blueberry Blur. The blurred background, along with the light, became a frame for the gorgeous, centered blueberry. I must admit, it's so freeing to see so many photographers, embracing the blur. ; )

Warmly, 

christina {soul aperture}

blueberry blur by kat3no3l

macro within the lens

Macro photography can be glorious. As we pick up the camera to bring eyes closer to the subject, so much can happen, behind the lens. The glorious bokeh, that can be found throughout the photo, is just magic. Macro photography can be tender, yet strong, and always inviting- like an out stretched hand, welcoming us along for the ride, within the lens. 

I adore when a photo allows me to get lost for a moment, in its layers. When I saw the photo below, from Rain City Girl, I wanted to wrap it around my shoulders. The material, the intricate design, it was as though this photo was close enough, for me to run my hands over its texture... or walk along its grand bokeh. 

Macro photography, is a most beautiful invitation, to share photos. 

Warmly, 

christina {soul aperture}

zigzag by Rain City Girl

of faces and stories

Faces are fascinating, aren't they? We search for a familiar face, when meeting an old friend, or search in a cafe, with a face of anticipation, when meeting a new friend. Faces tell stories of happiness, sadness, fear and love. There are times I look at a woman, and am intrigued by the story her face shares. The beautiful laugh lines, a path of freckles... These beauty marks, can be just the beginning of a story I may never know, but am glad I was introduced to. 

Recently I found myself intrigued with a book cover. This girls face haunted me, but comforted me, at the same time. After a bit more reading, I found out that this cover photo, is of a young woman from Wilno, Poland- 1926. The photographer of this woman, was Jan Buhlak. He was a well - respected photographer, from Poland. 1926, this was five years after my grandmother was born, into her Polish family, near Warsaw. Oh this gorgeous face drew me in, inviting me to find out more. and I am glad I did.  

You can imagine the excitement in my heart, when I saw the glorious photo "emmy's look", by DorteF. Her beautiful face, framed by wispy hair, gorgeous bokeh and a scarf.  I fell deep for this photograph. She is lovely. 

warmly, christina {soul aperture}

emmy's look by DorteF

within a photograph

The negative space within a photograph is sheer bliss. The space can be calming and peaceful, allowing a place for the eyes to rest, while taking in the photo. A park bench of sorts, within the photo, for the admirer of photography. 

I found this very type of soulful space, nestled above, in between and below, my flowering tea pot and red cup.  The soulful feeling continued when I saw "View" by Red Kiwi Photography. The cotton candy sky and jeweled color water, welcomed me in, allowing me to admire it's beauty.  

Warmly,

Christina {soul aperture}

View by Red Kiwi Photography

come on in

Well hello there. My first post here. And I must admit, I am super excited, but I was also a bit nervous. So I went into my kitchen, to make some goodies. The kitchen is where I seem to relax most. I pulled out the mixer and started whirling batter, adding lemon and rosemary. I sure hope you like lemon, I made these two cupcakes (or a dozen) for me and you. ; ) Yes you! So come on in, we can laugh until we cry, and have a good time.

Maybe a bicycle ride afterwards? The image below from viva deva, reminded me to take advantage of beautiful bike rides under hazy skies, while pedaling along the green grass.

Warmly,

Christina {soul aperture}

                                                                                                                                                                          218 /365 by Viva Deva