February Month Long Challenge: Day One

Day One: Self Portrait

So, in an attempt to blog more I've decided to join one more daily themed adventure. I cannot remember where I got this from, but essentially I report here everyday for a different topic. Some are photos and some are text based. So for starters is a Self-Portrait. It's been a long day, but I still look a bit cute... if not dishevelled. I must admit that I find it incredibly hard to take a picture of oneself without looking, well... not like oneself. It also doesn't help when I believe that the front camera on an Iphone is evil, or at least isn't good with angles. This is also featuring my goofy, half-smile. It's a smile of "ya know I really should smile" rather than the usual "cheese". Oh well! I think we've got a good start. If not a babbly one!

Musings: Photo Challenge January

I was originally sceptical about doing a photo challenge. Does anyone actually care? In all honesty I find the Instagram family to be quite supportive. Each day had a topic for what your posted photo would be. It caused you to think critically at least once a day. Sometime you ended up with something absolutely amazing. I'm especially happy with the way my "light" challenge turned out (the little thumbnail doesn't do it justice). And sometimes it was a bit crappy. Either way you got to see what others were seeing each day, and appreciate/be appreciated for amazing shots. Needless to say I am continuing on with this for the month of February. This time it is #FEBPHOTOSKILL tag with ideas such as shadow, still life, and abstract. So excited to see what each day will bring! Follow along, or join in!

Book Review: Home

Home: A memoir of my early years by Julie Andrews
It all started with Mary Poppins being on TV during Christmas vacation. Watching it in my PJ's having breakfast with my family brought back so many memories. Particularly how my personal copy had been taped from the television (VHS BABY) and I remember having the daunting task of fast forwarding through all of the commercials (particularly this horrible McDonald's one with clapping hands that irritated 5 year old me). I realised how much I loved Mary Poppins. She was really practically perfect in every way.
A wise man once told me to read biographies of people you admire. Figure out how they got through troubles and triumphs. How they learnt and grew. To me Julie Andrews is the epitome of grace, poise, and gentleness. Seriously... gimme some of that! So I ordered this from my local library and got introduced to the start up years of her amazing career. I'm not sure what I expected to read. Perhaps stories of an amazing childhood baking cookies and riding unicorns. That was not what I got. Julie Andrews had a very sad and difficult upbringing. Her mother was into Vaudeville in WWII and wasn't really around. She had to live with a horrible stepfather when she had a perfectly good father within driving distance. She was sucked into Vaudeville to help support her family because of her amazing voice. She essentially took jobs to ensure her family didn't loose their home. She had boys that loved her, but she was shy and "bandy kneed." She was the original "My Fair Lady" before the movie on Broadway. Really I could type about this for hours, but I'll just say READ IT! It will help your girl crush on Julie Andrews grow. She is and was one amazing woman.