Fun with Photography 'Apps'

 Don't get me wrong, I love my camera and the photos it takes.

 But recently, I discovered that I can change the look of my  photos

using a myriad of 'apps' on phone , tablet or computer.

 I was, of course,  aware of photoshop and that it could do lots more but, at first,  I was too timid to experiment with it.

 What I didn't realize was that there are scores of 'art' apps and photo editing apps that will alter photos to look

like watercolors 

or oil paintings.

and literally hundreds of other styles too.

I have been creating haiga using my photos for several years but recently began to experiment with altered photo images, such as these.

It is very enjoyable for me to put the photo through several 'apps' to get different effects.

Once I find the most pleasing image,  I use another program to add the poem to the image.

 These photos were taken last fall during the leaf-peeping season and depending on the mood I want to create



















                  they can be very vibrant or muted.

I am not an artist but I do take some pretty good photos  and it has given me great pleasure to learn how to turn the pictures into 'works of art.'

Here is a completed haiga which was

published in the Winter 2014 edition of  Akitsu Quarterly


Take-Away - it is never too late to learn new tricks.

Two Years Old And Still Living In The Moment!

So, guess what?  The Healthy Nut is two years old!   My first post, went live on March 30, 2012.  Since then I have written over 200 posts here.

As I reread my original post about what was important to me in 2012, I realized that the act of making that list at the outset (Welcome to the Healthy Nut) was instrumental in keeping me on track---with my life as well as with the blog. Writing helps me figure out what I am thinking.

My goal to establish a consistent writing practice has been realized. I am writing poetry everyday.  Along with a new-found interest in making art in conjunction with my poems by digitally manipulating some of my photos, this daily practice brings great joy and many gifts into my life.  It is amazing to (re)discover an interest that was long dormant and begin to 'play' with art materials again.  Is this what is meant by a second childhood?  I hope so. My poems have found a home here - Wabi Sabi---poems and images.

In the past four years, since retiring, I have completed a formation program in Spiritual Direction. I have grown and continue to grow into this ministry in ways that are not easy to articulate.

 Spending time in contemplative prayer nourishes me as I try to carry the love and compassion I receive from a merciful God with me throughout the day.  I look for God in all things, and often find evidence of this Creator in the natural world around me. Whenever I have the opportunity, I take photos of these grace-filled moments. I post these meditations on another site, which is a rather new project, still evolving.  If you want to peek at that journey or come along with me, you can find my meditations here: Take Off Your Sandals.

As for this blog, as you can see,  I have given it a bit of a cosmetic make-over for spring.  I will continue to post here willy-nilly and write about the  things that bring me joy and contribute to my healthy outlook on this second half of my life.

My family, especially my husband, children and grandchildren,  gardening, photography, hiking in the woods and at the beach, looking for birds,  growing and using herbs for health and seasoning, reading, exercising and staying healthy.....all of these activities as well as updates on the adventures of Amma and Pappa, will continue to receive attention on these pages.

This morning, it was raining at six AM, hailing at seven.  By eight it had started to snow. We had an inch of slushy snow on the ground by ten.  Now,(3 PM) the snow is gone, the sun is out and the temperature is heading for 50.  Which only proves one thing. Life can change at a moment's notice. Why not embrace whatever comes and discover the joy in it?

March 31 AM

March 31 PM

Take Away - Accept whatever comes, with open arms.

Embracing and Letting Go

This has been a long summer for me, a summer of  letting go of what  no longer  is and embracing what, very much is!  I have been recovering from abdominal surgery....had to let go of a large chunk of my insides which was putting me constantly under the weather. Thankfully, I don't have any diagnosis which would necessitate further treatment or worry!

 I learned, first hand, from the patient's point of view, about what it means to be kind to yourself and allow the healing to take place, slowly, in its own time.  I learned to let others care for me and I learned to trust in God that I was right where I should be. 

And I also learned that walking really IS the best exercise no matter what your pace or distance.  It brings strength and lifts the spirits. I am still not back to my daily four miles but I am slowly getting there.  My legs have lost a lot of strength and regaining it, at my age, IS HARD WORK!

I've had lots of time to think, to meditate, pray and write.  My book of poetry is coming along and most of my poems still hide out on my other blog (so far, my secret blog.)

A Walk in the Woods - Altered Photo and Text ©2013 BK

 I am experimenting with a new art form, altering my photos with a program Daughter Artist shared with me, called PicMonkey.  I have never fancied myself an artist, but I am having fun creating or rather recreating my photos.  The camera goes everywhere with me. (One advantage of a slower pace - I notice more of the Creation.)

At the same time this summer brought me the singular joy of grand-parenthood- a second grandson.  This is where all the embracing comes in.  Michael arrived three weeks early (on July 11) surprising his parents and everyone else too! I am, of course, in love again. After the stress of the NICU for eight days, his Mom and Dad brought him home. He was a tiny one but his mother put her mind to nursing him and he quickly caught up and now looks like the healthy two month old he is! 

Every morning, I thank God for him, for his wonderful parents,  and for all of my blessings.  



Thought for Today : My cup runneth over!