Shellee 's Blog

Summer Fun With Floral Photography

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Sat, 03 May 2008 12:04:28 -0500

Spring is a great time for the photography of flowers, yet summer holds some true gems for the lens.

I enjoy using a micro lens to get right on top of any number of small flowers with many hidden beauty's that a close up lens such as the micro will bring out in their full splendor.

And it is time again to bring out the camera into the garden once more now that Moss rose, Hibiscus, and many other fantastic flowers are in bloom.

Here are a few to share with you and please share with us a few of yours!

The Very Best of Austen: My All Time Favorite Jane Austen Movie

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:05:25 -0500

The Very Best of Austen:

The 1996 mini Television Masterpiece Theater production of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice has got to be the best rendition of any Jane Austen book ever brought to screen. It really captures the essence and style of Austen in a way that no other that I have seen has done. It is impeccably well cast and effectively well organized as a screen play.

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No other P&P rendition can even get close to this engrossing and lively adaptation of Jane Austen's best loved novel. If you are an Austen fan, you absolutely must give this film a look without delay!!

Revisit a Great Mystery!

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:54:34 -0500

They've been around for a while but I only discovered Ellis Peters Cadfael Omnibus quite recently. Having rented one of the television adaptations starring Derek Jacobi, a favorite Shakespearean actor, I decided to start reading the Cadfael Mysteries for myself and I love them.

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The series is centered around a Benedictine monk that solves murders in the town of Shrewsbury in the 1100's England. The historical aspect of this series is great, especially as it takes part during the civil war for the crown that is taking place at this time. Peters displays all ranges of human emotion and behavior expertly and in an engaging witty style.

I completely recommend this book series as well as the wonderful television adaptation Cadfael. If you like a good mystery as well as historical fiction Ellis Peters has found a great mix here!

A Heavenly Herb: Rosemary for Every Garden

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:07:10 -0600

A Heavenly Herb: Rosemary for Every Garden

Myself and many before me have experienced a passionate appreciation for the popular herb Rosemary.

Now there are many herbs and all have their fabulous uses, some more than others, but Rosemary would be my pick if I had to choose a favorite. My love for Lavender is a strong one and thyme has got to have one of the best flavors God ever dreamed up, but Rosemary has a fantastic flavor in more than one kind of dish, it has an exquisite smell, and it makes an eye pleasing shrub addition to any garden space. It is also high in calcium and iron.

By removing the sturdy green leaves from the stalk of cuttings taken before the plant has bloomed you may chop them up and add to just about any meat dish such as chicken or pork, to pasta and pasta cream sauces, or potato dishes. Though seemingly subtle the flavor will jazz up your cooking to an extraordinary degree.

Whole sprigs may be dried for any number of uses, including aromatic ones, by binding them with string at the base and then inverting the bundle to hang in an arid place in the house. After they have compleetly dried you may store in jars or freeze in freezer bags for later use.

There is also the wonderful art of oil and vinegar flavoring that is fantastic fun. Certain herbs make wonderful flavored oil and vinegar and with a little patience you can flavor your own dressings and so forth to your exact preference. (I will be providing further info on how exactly this is done in another post).

Rosemary is also easy to propagate. By taking soft wood cuttings and leaving them in a part lit window in about an inch of water they soon develop roots and when they are strong enough may be planted in small planters eventually forming new plants.

There is also of course, the beauty of Rosemary in the garden. It makes a splendid looking shrub that will get quite large if given enough time and even bloom when it chooses to. There are different varieties with a range of flavors but all seem to enjoy the sunshine and heat so they make great plants for more arid gardens that save on the water bill. While Rosemary can get by with little watering new plants will need more watering to become adjusted to the new surroundings. Varieties Albus and arp are nice though all are great. Try Salem variety for colder climates.

As Time Goes By- Television Series Review

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:35:29 -0600

As Time Goes By is a BBC television series of the 90's that I absolutely love!

Judy Dench and Geoffrey Palmer make a fantastic duo in this comedy of lost love rekindled rather late in life.

It is a simple yet charming story that above all is done well. It holds the viewers interest throughout its 9 seasons and into the reunion specials while still leaving one wishing for more.

Though I have seen little that Judy Dench has played in that I do not love, this series is a certain favorite. The Charicter of Jean seems to have been written especially for her. The same may be said for Geoffrey and the others.

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The cast is superb and the writing is rather the best I can remember seeing in a sitcom in all.

It is charmingly romantic in nature while laugh out loud funny at the same time.

I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys British comedies as one of the best ever!

And sense this sitcom is a bit older most library's have a copy you can barrow.

So give this one a look; I am sure you wont regret it.

Masterpiece Theater's New Twist on Northanger Abbey

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:57:08 -0600

A Review of Masterpiece Theater's New Twist on Northanger Abbey

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All right ladies, as most of you who like this movie will be ladies, this one is one to check out most especially for any of you who are proclaimed Jane Austen lovers. This film adaptation does a pretty good job of conveying the mode and feel of the original book, especially that strange Gothic fiction feel not seen in her other major novels. This is unusall to find as most mini series or movies deviate greatly away from the books and their cohesive tone. This movie does a good job of hitting all the right points being carfull not to chop away at the book too much while still being rather short in viewing time.

The choice of lead actor/actress was superb (Felicity Jones + JJ Field) They worked great together and it made the film very enjoyable. I simply cant watch a film like this when it is poorly cast or the charicters are made unidentifiable.

All in all it was a great little watch and i do recommend it earnestly. (Though I must say, no Jane Austen adaptation yet can match the 1996 mini series Pride and Prejudice staring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.)

It recently aired on PBS, but if you missed it, it is also now out on DVD.

Famous Quills Game of Quotes- come and join some book fun!

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:12:46 -0600

Famous Quills Game of Quotes

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It's simple enough really and just a fun little game to get our minds off work and safely tucked back in between the pages of our favorite books. So here is how it works:

Someone gives a quote from a viably well known book without stateing who wrote it. The next person comes along and provides the name of the author of said quote and then provides their own quote to be guessed at within the same post. For example:

Post one: "Quote" by Shellee

__________________________________________________________________________________

Post two; Author's Name & Book title of Shellee's quote + new "Quote" all by you

So if you guess the last quote given you must provide the next to be guessed at and so forth and so on!

Alright so I will provide the first quote to get things going and one of you must guess where it came from and then give us a go at guessing one of yours- good luck and have fun!!!

"One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them"

Wizards and Wraiths: The World of JRR TOLKIEN and The Lord of the Rings

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:29:30 -0600

JRR TOLKIEN'S The Lord of the Rings is an exceedingly well known and loved trilogy that arguably put the genre of fantasy fiction on the map. Few modern day authors have accomplished the depth and scope that is the world of JRR Tolkien. Tolkien published many works including The Silmarillion and The Hobbit but it is the LOTR series that catches the majority of peoples imaginations as masterful and unforgettable.

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The Lord of the Rings trilogy captured my imagination and interest with a fervor that few books ever could or have. It is certainly the only one of a Fantastical nature to have done so. The very depth of Tolkien's world is unrivaled in many respects. It is said that he desired to make an English Folk Tale that was truly English and not stolen from other nations stories as was Arthur and his round table. He seems to have pored his every talent into creating the mythology, including that of language. As a linguist he went further than most authors by actually creating new languages that correspond with the races of men, elves, orcs and other peoples of middle earth within his narrative. For instance, a Tolkien fanatic could choose to learn Elvish is he or she so wished. There are also many other volumes, many of which where published after his death, that go into extensive and meticulous detail about the history and other aspects of the world that he created in The Lord of the Rings and other stories. They remind me some what of The Iliad and like works as regards their scope and detail. I must also say something of his ingenious prose. He produces an expert flow of words that simply lift the text right out of the book and into the imagination, if not the heart itself. There are so many unforgettable passages and keen use of language throughout the books that one can not help but want to read more and more. I find LOTR to be particularly relaxing to me and I even listen to it in the car sometimes as I never tire of the story no matter how many times I read it.

Perhaps some consider LOTR to be a children's story, but whatever the opinion, I heartily recommend the trilogy to any one that enjoys a book that can make the English language beautiful.

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Delicious Dumas

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:09:11 -0600

Another fantastic classic author, Alexandre Dumas won my heart not with his dashing Musketeers or iron masks but through the life of a Count. The Count of Monte Cristo is perhaps one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It is so wonderfully rich in tale, culture, and mystery that it is impossible to put down. It is an adventure like no other I have yet come across and there is something undeniably romantic in its style of writing. The infamous Edmond Dauntes is such a thorughly well drawn out and individualistically tempered character that he holds the readers attention and respect throughout the book.

This book published in 1846 has not been called, "The greatest tale of betrayal, adventure, and revenge ever written" for no reason. I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone. It is simply excellence!

Just a little SCI FI chat

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:12:00 -0600

Some thoughts on the Science Fiction novel...

Although its not my #1 favorite, I can be caught reading a Science Fiction Novel from time to time. Some are enjoyable despite their simplicity and some are way to complex to catch my interest. I find some to unbelievable or laughable to stomach, while others I find can be down right irritating. This is mainly because my first love is the Historical Novel and my second the strait and factual world of Historical Non-fiction. In fact, the only Sci-Fi genre that interests me enough for me to actually make it all the way through a book would be STAR WARS. I have had a weakness for all things Star Wars sense I was a girl growing up with a SCI-Fi obsessed brother. We would watch Star Wars constantly and I would dream of being Princess Leia. I suppose it is the nostalgic remnants of that love that allows me to pick up a Star Wars novel today. Recently, I enjoyed reading The Cestus Deception, a quick and easy read that follows one of Obi Wan Kenobi's early adventures before the time of Luke, Han, and Leia. It is was a fun little escape that finds you far aloof from this world and its daily trials.

So what Sci Fi good and bad have you encountered?

I know little enough about the genre so I thought to spark up a discussion!

Christmas Kittens... Oh my!

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:53:13 -0600

Ok so I needed a Christmas Kitten like I need five more Holiday pounds but both seemed unavoidable!

My husband found a family of cats behind a dumpster eating garbage and with much difficulty managed to catch one little bitty one about 6 weeks old. He brought it home as a Christmas kitten for my three year old and she is delighted with him. She has named him Percy after one of those Tomas the Tank Engine trains and he is a sweety.

So what is one more cat when you already have two cats, two dogs, and a bird? He will have a much better life with us than on the street eating garbage, even if he must put up with the over-zealous attentions of a three year old.

Bird Feeders for Winter Fun and Curb Appeal

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 11:40:45 -0600

If you haven't already done so, It's high time to fill up the bird feeders!

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Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes and can be very eye catching, pleasing additions to the front or back yard.

They are also a joy to have around, as depending on the feed one can attract a wide range of wildlife. Granted, it is inevitable that you will attract more than just birds.

Squirrels and even meddlesome Raccoons have been known to visit my feeders; but my new squirrel proof feeder, complete with a metal slide that shuts with any heavy weight, works wonders for keeping the squirrels from gobbling up the feed.

Any Wild Bird Store will carry a range of fancy Bird Feeders but Lowes hardware store and Target have good selections too!

Here in Texas, Morning Doves, Cardinals, and the ever present Sparrow can be seen at feeders in full force. Starlings, Martins, and other less prevelant bids will be showing there faces very soon. So now is the time to fill up your feeders.

If you are especially fond of Cardinals, choose a feed that is mostly comprised of sunflower seeds as this seems to be their favorite.

Remember to hang feeders up high as not to tempt the neighborhood cats. Also, is is nice to have some bird houses about to shield your regular visiting birds from the cold.

Happy Bird Watching!

Contemplating Gulliver's Travels

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:15:18 -0600

Do you recall Gulliver's Travels?

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Having recently reread the classic work Gulliver's Travels by Johnathan Swift, I have come to question its generally being held as a children's book. I certainly don't think Swift would be very enthused at its being categorized as such. Reasoning for my musings begin at the works overtly satirical nature. Swift uses tactful humor and subtle references to make attacks on both modern learning and of British and European Society of the early 1700's. First Published in 1726 the work remained controversial for some great time and was vastly censured.

So now why do we consider this masterful work of satire and insightful work of literature as a mere book of fantasy for children? Should it not instead be reviewed along with Swift's Modest Proposal in College Literature courses? I for one think it should sense it took me some time to decipher his meanings and, indeed, to look up some unfamiliar vocabulary. And I have no doubt that many jibs and inferences where lost upon me throughout the course of the work.

All in all, an interesting look back into history and well worth a reread if one has read it, and a first read for those who have ignored it as a mere imaginative tale of fantasy.

Just A Reminder for Harry Potter Fans

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:34:59 -0600

ATTN: All Harry Potter Fans... Just in case you missed the big news...

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Movie #5 comes out on DVD next Tuesday December 11th

I enjoyed this movie exceedingly more than #4 and I am excited for its release. If you like the books but haven't checked out the movies, you should! They are fun and entertaining, and best of all, you can watch them with the kids. I love having the movies handy for when there is nothing else the family can agree to watch, because they are something both my three year old and my husband can watch and both enjoy. You may be thinking that they are too scary but the monsters are her favorite part. Though, admittedly, the last bit of #4 (Goblet of Fire) I make her leave the room for because Voldemort is a little too intense for her in that scene!

Just a Reminder- Enjoy!

Attn. All Historical Fiction Readers

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:17:48 -0600

So you read and enjoy Historical Fiction? Good, thats me too!

I will try just about any Historical Fiction author at least once and a select few I go back to for more.

My most recent discovery is someone who has been around a while and is rather a big name in Historical Fiction, Philippa Gregory.

I tend to avoid main stream authors sense my taste often differs from most but I found great enjoyment in Philippa's book The Constant Princess. It was a well researched and presented novel that I enjoyed quite well. It follows the story of Cathrine of Aragon the first wife of Henry VIII of England. You don't have to know a lot about Tudor England to enjoy this book, but I found knowing the outcome did not spoil the story at all.

Many of Philippa's books follow some tale or other set in Tudor England. So if Tudor England, (Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, etc..) is a period that interests you this is an author you want to check out. Next on my list is her novel The Queen's Fool. I expect it will be a good read!

Happy Reading!

What Makes a Magazine or Journal A Favorite?

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:22:38 -0500

I know my favorite Magazines/Journals have to have the fallowing:

-Fantastic and Colorful Photography (because as A Photographer I value them precious)

-Engaging and Useful Articles and Tips

-Accurate Historical and Well Written Articles or

-Entertaining and Informative Articles

-Worth the $$$$$!

So here are a few I recommend taking a look at and why:

BBC History Magazine- Among the most concise and engaging of all Historical Magazines and Journals. Includes Great Articles for all areas of Historical interest.

Birds and Blooms Magazine- Perhaps the most beautiful full color photos of birds in any magazine or Journal anywhere. No Adds and No mess... just plain fun for anyone who loves backyard birding and gardening!

The Outdoor Photographer- Great full color shots for inspiration and diverse articles on the latest effects and techniques in the outdoor world of photography.

The English Garden- Incredible garden photos from around Europe and useful garden tips for the more experienced gardener. Few adds and a joy to read!

Fine Cooking Magazine- Superb photos and recipes presented in a clean and delightful manner. One of the best cooking magazines money can buy!

Realm- If you have a love affair with Europe and in particular Brittan, Ireland, and Scotland than Realm may be worth a look. Great Historical and Travel articles and full color photos of gardens, manor homes, castles, and various places of interest.

Period Living- Is a great home decorating and living magazine that is charming and useful. Anyone into Home Staging should take a look at this magazine. It is nothing short of inspirational!

What are some of your favorites and why do you like them so much???

Mums for Fall Color and Extra Curb Appeal!

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:04:08 -0500

MUMS- Great for Fall Color + Curb Appeal!

Here in Texas, Mums are in full bloom and many house holds are adorning them in gardens, window boxes, and porch pots. They are easy to maintain and most variety's are perennials so you may enjoy them year after year.

So why not use them to their full advantage while trying to sell your home in fall? They are easy growing, inexpensive eye catchers that help bring the warmth of the Holiday season home. Just make a trip to your local hardware/garden center and pick your favorite colors. Arrange them in pots about the front door and walk. With their brilliant colors they can not fail to attract a buyers eye to your home. It is often these little attentions that people notice and can make a big difference in the first impression of your home. Even if your not big on the garden scene you should at least have a few Mums around when selling your home in the Fall. GOOD LUCK!

Aston Book Review

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:53:51 -0500

Title: Mr. Darcy's Daughters

Author: Aston, Elizabeth

Genre: Fiction Early 1800's England

As one of several Aston Novels this is the first I read and perhaps my favorite. It obviously is written in the style of Jane Austen and is well written over all. Aston is the first author writing in the style of Jane that I have read so far that I have found truly engages the reader with her own individual style while still holding on to what we love of Jane's world at the same time. This may have something to do with the fact that she has created a whole new set of her own charicters that are lively and readily identifiable.

The story follows Elizabeth Bennett and Darcy's children's lives rather than a continuation of their own. We never see either parent in the flesh at any time during the story. The fun does not stop at one book though as various charicters from this first are carried over into her other novels: The Second Mrs. Darcy, The True Darcy Spirit, and The Exploits & Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy.

All in all I quite liked this book and would recommend it as a good light hearted read to anyone who enjoys the novels of Jane Austen!

Stress? Crosswords Good for Mind and Body

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:08:35 -0500

Stressing out much lately? No time for books or extensive outdoor activities?

Have you tried a crossword puzzle?

Trust me this works... just take ten minutes out of your busy hectic day to sit down with a handy book of crosswords and make yourself finish a puzzle. You will involuntarily take your mind off of what ever million things it was contemplating and focus on a puzzle instead. This works great for calming the nerves and relieves a little stress in the process. Some times the hardest thing for me is to stop thinking about whatever it is that is most bothering me and crosswords have really helped a lot.

If a crossword seems like too much of a waste of time to you try looking at it as a tool for sharpening your mind and vocabulary. It makes for good common sense that using your brain to think of "that word" will activate the mental function of recalling. I know many amongst my elder acquaintance that use crosswords and other puzzles as a fun and diverting deterrent to Alzheimers disease.

There are so many puzzle collections now days to choose from that there is a book of puzzles for everyone and many magazines and papers include them as well. I, enjoying History, love to brush up on various facts while doing a crossword. I use SPUZZLES History crosswords from SPARKNOTES. And i often catch myself blurting out loud... "Ah I knew that"! But there are tons of different ones to choose from ranging from humor to television and everything in between. I have even come across a "naughty" crossword book, but chose not to inquire as to what exactly it refered to!-lol Point is, there is something for everyone and you've just to stop at your local book store such as Barnes and Noble for a great selection. Give them a try, it really will release some of that Holiday and Work stress that is already upon us.- Happy Puzzling!

Barrett Book Review

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:15:50 -0500

Title: Presumption

Author: Barrett, Julia.

Genre: Fiction-Novel late 1700's England

This will be a short review as I am not completely sure what all can be said of this book.

First off it is important to know that this is a ghost writing or continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

It is a rather short easy read without too much complexity. The language and tone are acceptable and the plot entertaining, though not altogether gripping or engaging. The book is, in short, very relaxed and though well written does not capture any of the lively wit and talent of Jane herself. It follows the story of Darcy's sister Georgiana and her claim to love and happiness. It is both predictable and light hearted.

In conclusion I would have to say this book disappointed me a bit, though in fairness this is easy to do when trying to capture something of so untouchable a story as Jane's best loved work. I must say that I have read much worse in the line of works by writers that work in Jane Austen's shadow.

For those of you looking for a good author that works in the style of Jane Austen try: Aston, Elizabeth. I have read three of her four novels and will be posting a review of her work shortly.

"I do not want people to be agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of liking them" Austen, Jane.

Why Pet Portraits?

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 15:00:06 -0500

So why should you have Pet Portraits made?

That should be an easy question to answer for anyone who loves their pet as much as I do. But in case your not sure here are a few reasons:

They give us-

Unconditional Love
Merriment and Laughter
Companionship
Stress relief
Protection
Heath and Longer Life
Joy and Amusement
Knowledge
Exercise and so much more...

With all of the things they do for us each every day without ever being asked and for always bringing a smile to our faces no matter what kind of day we've had, why wouldn't you want to remember them in a special way?

A beautiful artistic photograph is a great way to do this, and its something you will always have to remember them by. Many are the framed pictures of my dog on my desk and I will treasure each and every one forever.

So whether you choose to do your own family portraits or have them professionally done, please don't forget the family dog, cat, bird ..etc... Because trust me they deserve it and so do you!

Some times mere memories aren't enough!

Helpful Hints on the Self Portrait

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 09:48:58 -0500

The Self Portrait

Recently some inquiry has been made as to what it takes to make an effective self portrait. So I have thought it right to post a few hopefully helpful hints on how to achieve a more artistic touch.

If you want to take pictures a little outside the frame than you may want to start practicing with a self portrait. No one can prove a more patient model for learning than ones self. Keep in mind that a good lens length for any portraiture would be between 80-100 mm unless you are angling for an extreme close up. You will obviously need a tripod, most especially if you are shooting indoors and in low light. Your camera should be equipped with a timed shutter release function what releases automatically or, by my personal favorite, a hand held cable shutter release that you depress manually for head shots. The rest is left to ingenuity and personal preference. Here are a few suggestions:

Lighting- For an artistic touch I often shoot in low light, or dark room, so that the lights I do use have a more dramatic effect.
Lamps- I do not always use professional head lamps as their light is very crisp bright and commanding. Playing around with different everyday lamps and lights that you have lying about the house can yield surprising results as to the sort of shadow and light tone you can create. This is most effective in black and white photography.
Positioning- the use of doll, dummy. or stand of a proportionate size to yourself can be very useful. I myself love to take portraits manually as I find I can control the depth of field, or distance of focused objects, more readily and to my specific desire. While taking a picture manually does not have to be difficult it will require the use of a dummy to focus on. I have been known to use a particularly large stuffed teddy bare before!
Inspiration- My suggestion is to try it all. Let your innermost character, you know the one you wouldn't dare show if someone else was in the room, come out and define the emotion of the photograph. Perhaps the best bit of self portraiture is that you may shoot without inhibition and camera shyness should just melt away. Do whatever poses you can think of and be as creative as you like. Sometimes what feels the silliest comes out looking most impressive.
Props- My preferences tend to lean toward minimalism where it comes to props, but sometimes the use of favorite objects can enhance a photo. In the picture above I used a shawl made of a shinny gold fabric with intricate black lace work in between. The effect may seem understated in a black and white photograph but it really did add much needed depth and contrast to the canvas area. My suggestion to achieve this effect is to choose fabrics or objects that have a high level of contrast, light/dark, white/black, shinny/dull...etc.

Most important is to experiment and enjoy yourself. Most cameras being digital now days, you can just hit the all to familiar trash button and no one will ever be the wiser. If you are working with a 35mm medium than it is best to be more cautious; the rising cost of professional grade film gives a particular stop to shutter-happiness in film photography.

Hedwig Hall- A Discussion of All Things Harry Potter

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 10:28:19 -0500

Hedwig Hall Discussion 1

Harry Potter has fast become a household name and whether you love him, hate him, or just aren't to sure yet, chances are you have more than heard of him a little. J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series are above and beyond famous, but why? Is it J.K.'s gift for imaginative story telling, gripping plots, or just plain old engaging writing that attracts you? Or is it the imaginative Characters we love so much that keep us coming back for more? Whatever it is, I want to know your opinion and how much you loved the books. Lets not talk to much about the ending though, as everyone may not have had a chance to finish the story yet. We can save that for future discussions, because believe me, I have an opinion or two to share!

I can tell you strait up that my favorite of the lot was Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I loved it for its darker qualities and all the great interaction between charicters I have become all to attached to. I liked them all, but this is the one I keep going back and rereading parts of when I need a Potter fix. This book in particular holds a special vividness in my imagination; and It is a great thing to be so enveloped in a book that you laugh out loud at the funny bits. For me it is a major sign that the book I'm reading is the creation of an accomplished author. I would recommend this series of books to anyone, young and old; because they each of them have something to offer all audiences. Now that is something that can't be said about just every book out there sitting on a shelf some where.

A Word of Warning: Some may be tempted, so I just want to say that I do not intend this discussion to offend any religious sensibilities that anyone may harbor. I hope I may safely say that the majority of readers are able to completely separate these books from religion and for this discussion lets keep things light and fluffy. In other words lets not go there... this is meant to be fun. If you genuinely did not like the books however, please feel free to share why (just don't be surprised if I disagree with you...lol)!

Tea and Books Group Info

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 17:14:10 -0500

I just realized I never provided a happy link for my newly opened Tea and Books Group. So for all you book lovers out there here is your chance to come unwind and relax after a hard days work! Don't forget our rule though, NO WORK ALLOWED. Just have fun and get away from the office for a little while; yes i know this may be much to ask as most of you practically live there, but do try! *here's the link*

Come and join our discussions and or post your own review of your favorite or not so fond book. you know that one you read even though you thought it throughly disagreeable! And don't forget to share your favorite tea suggestions. Nothing beats a good hot cup of soothing tea for jumbled nerve syndrome! -See you soon!

Jane Austen Review

Shellee Ashmore (The Inner Iris Real Estate Photography) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 16:21:05 -0500

Jane Austen Review #1

Lets start with Jane Austen for our first review. I hope that pleases at least some of you out there! And just for fun lets pick her most popular and vastly circulating novel Pride and Prejudice. Though it is arguably not her best achievement, it has been an instant favorite amongst folks sense the time of its conception. So lets get started...

Book: Pride and Prejudice

Quote: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife" (Austen, Jane: Pride and Prejudice).

Note on the Author: Austen, Jane (1775-1817)

Witty, intelligent, and undeniably female, Jane was something of an unusual author in her time. She wrote of the country social class of which she belonged having grown up in a modest Parsons House hold. One of eight children, Jane developed a love of writing early on and would go on to complete seven full length novels in her lifetime. Though considered mostly as a romantic writer, Jane keenly observed and expressed sharp ended opinions of the English society in which she grew up and lived. In her works there may be found many references to class consciousness, politics, and her own reflections on war. Despite these underlying tones, her works are filled with a romantic presence not reflective to that of her own life. Jane never married, and was in fact very much affected by a failed engagement that did not come to pass due to the gentleman’s family disapproval of her. Perhaps this 1802 engagement helped spark some of her literary skill or it may have had little baring at all. We will never know for certain as to her true and full character due largely to her family’s, and in particular her sister Cassandra’s, unfortunate destruction of many of Jane’s correspondences. It is not known what exactly was written in those letters to have sparked her sisters design in destroying them; but we can only assume that some of Jane’s wit and mercilessly sharp tongue where revealed in what her sister must have considered an unsavory manner. Whatever the case, her novels remain to the very great pleasure and appreciation of a vast and growing majority of readers.

Genre: Literary/Fiction

Published: 1813

Comments: If you love historical Fiction, Period Pieces, or simply a well written Romance than you will undoubtedly love this book; given, of course, that you have not already enjoyed it several times as is probably the case. This book has long been considered a classic, and is well deserving of its praise. First published in the early eighteen hundreds, this book embodies certain social consciousnesses and prejudices of the time. Yet the attitude of this book is light even humorous at times. This aspect of the book is gained chiefly through its excellent, if sometime ridiculous charicters. The witty Miss. Elizabeth Bennett is someone the reader immediately identifies with and supports as the heroin throughout the book. Her series of unfortunate but well drawn out and lovable family members serve as her major hindrance to making an amiable match in marriage. As a story of the difficulties that face love across social and economical boundaries it is both lightheartedly enjoyable and a literary window into the social behaviors of two distinctively separate societies of the past. Though perhaps not my personal favorite of all Jane Austen's novels, this one certainly does stand out of the bunch. It has been adapted for stage and screen many times, including an excellent, and personal favorite, 1995 A&E television mini-series directed by Simon Langton and staring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. But don't pick this video out as a quick substitute for the book because you'll find it lasts over 300 minutes. It is well worth the time however.

Rating: Its a classic, whats not to love!? 7/10