མགོན་པོ།: 31/366

Our beautiful Tibetan Mahākāla or Goinbo, meaning "lord" or "protector", mask hangs in our entry and it is the first thing to greet you to our home.

Mahakala is regarded as one of the most powerful forces as in the end all things succumb to the forces of the infinite nature of time itself. … Mahakala is able to swallow the whole Universe. Mahakala is relied upon in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. …

Mahakala is typically black in color. Just as all colors are absorbed and dissolved into black, all names and forms are said to melt into those of Mahakala, symbolizing his all-embracing, comprehensive nature. Black can also represent the total absence of color, and again in this case it signifies the nature of Mahakala as ultimate or absolute reality.

Mahakala is almost always depicted with a crown of five skulls, which represent the transmutation of the five kleshas (negative afflictions) into the five wisdoms.

Mahakala masks are typically hung above doorways to homes or temples in order to keep out evil forces. ~Source

Here is a photo of the full mask on our wall:

Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: ProCamera, PhotoStudio, Camera+, iWatermark




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Tree: 30/366

Tall tree in our yard. Love the height and shape. Lounging on the sofa looking out towards this tree is very picturesque. Your view is above the rooftops and watching birds fly to and fro is so calming.




Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Camera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark



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Waiting: 29/366

Rainy Sunday. When moving here, I was warned of the rain and thought nothing of it. Being raised in fog and much more a night owl than a sun worshiper, I didn't think it would make any difference to me or my mood. After 3 years, all these gray days really do take a toll. Last month sunset would have been around 4:20 pm and sunrise around 8:00 am. That's 15.5 hours of darkness and it gets really dark around here. I can barely see the roads at night. Even for me it's too much gray. It does get sunny in the summer and in July we get a nice reversal with 15.5 hours of daylight. I think my perfect weather is a slightly chilly day, allowing for a fallish wardrobe, with bright sun. Although, I do love to see fog rolling towards me as well. What can I say, I'm a true San Franciscan.






Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  ProCamera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark





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Misfits: 28/366

Discovered the show Misfits today. Brilliant! We started the day devouring homemade waffles with bananas on top and we ended up watching the entirety of Season 1 of this British show. Don't judge, it was only six episodes. Sometimes you just need a lazy day. Lazy day......lazy photo.






Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  ProCamera, Camera+, iWatermark




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Y and Z: 27/366

A snippet of our mantelscape. As some of you know from his blog, my husband goes by Yesmar online, which happens to be his name backwards. My name starts with the letter Z and Z has been a long time nickname from friends and family. Also, when writing out our name together it naturally tends to come out as Ramsey & Zarina. I think you get the idea. Basically since we met, we have been Y & Z. I basically love this and take it as fate more than coincidence.

The owl couple are the sweetest wedding favors I've ever received, given to us at my friend's wedding a few years back. They were handmade in Peru, I believe out of tiny gourds, and have sterling silver accents. So awesome!





Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  ProCamera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark

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Signs Of Life: 26/366

A macro of the tiniest signs of life in our garden today. I have no idea what kind of plant this is but the tiny bright red pods stand out amongst all the bare branches.





Taken with: iPhone 4S, Photojojo Macro Lens for iPhone
Apps used:  ProCamera, Camera+, iWatermark




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Brrrrainsssss!: 25/366

The Zombie Apocalypse beings in our master bath. We love these finger puppets. I positioned them so they kind of look like they are making out and dining on each other at the same time. Yes, I am a bit weird. They live atop a shelf next to my French Milled Skull Soaps, which it seems, I can't bear to use because I love them too much, even though there are four. We've threatened to make a video with our zombie puppets, maybe one day. I can only imagine how silly it would be and how insane we may come off.



Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  ProCamera, Camera+, iWatermark



Until we actually make a video, enjoy the best Zombie ever:

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Honey Bear Don't Care: 24/366

Love these Honey Bear jars we get from local Moon Valley Organics located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain range. The honey that comes inside is the best, yum! They don't come with the cute bonnet, those I get from Zira's Grandma Lucy's freeze-dried treats. The combo makes me swoon and I am starting to accumulate a wee stash since I discovered the pairing. Not sure what I will end up doing with them besides ogling in delight. The Honey Bears don't seem to mind the extra frills or attention.




Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  ProCamera, Camera+, iWatermark






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Hardware: 23/366

Detail of the cabinet pull from our favorite chest. Y gave my three Photojojo iPhone lenses for Christmas and I'm having a bit too much fun with the macro lens. You have been warned.




Taken with: iPhone 4S, Photojojo Macro Lens for iPhone
Apps used:  Camera, Camera+, iWatermark






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Love Me: 22/366

Zira again. She was just too cute asking me to love her. I gave her loads of love and managed to snap a few photos in the process. She really is the sweetest kitty I have ever known. Raised by Y from a kitten, weened too early from her mother, all she knows is love. Before I met her, Y had warned me that she had never taken to anyone besides himself. She took to me immediately and by day three, she was snuggling up between my legs for safety and warmth, she had only done this with Y in the past. Y was amazed but also knew that Zira had basically confirmed what he already knew, that I was The One.




Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  ProCamera, Snapseed, Color Effects, Camera+, iWatermark





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Peppermint Tea: 21/366

We have been drinking our Mariage Frères teas all winter. Above is a macro of the Peppermint whole-leaf tea. So pretty. We went a bit tea crazy in Paris.....that's putting it mildly. We visited two of the Mariage Frères Tea Salons/Emporiums/Museums in Le Marias & Louvre. The Marias location is their main establishment and I highly recommend a visit when you are in Paris.




Taken with: iPhone 4S, Photojojo Macro Lens for iPhone
Apps used:  ProCamera, Camera+, iWatermark




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Gaudi Doll: 20/366

My freaky cool souvenir from Gaudi's Casa Milà in Barcelona, Spain. She's basically a representation of the cool chimneys that top the building. When I saw her, I had to have her. Her white tennis shoes crack me up. She lives atop our dresser and as we pass back & forth each day, she blindly walks across the top as if trying to find her way to a rooftop. She is weighty and strong for a ceramic figure, having survived many weeks travel in a suitcase throughout Europe before flying back home with me. She has also endured several moves but I keep a dish just in her way so she does not commit unintentional suicide off the edge of our tall dresser.

I have to admit, I was very puzzled and a tiny bit creeped out when I kept finding her far from her resting spot.





Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  ProCamera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark





* Here's a photo of Casa Milà's rooftop:

 

Casa Milà

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Cy: 19/366

Cy the cyclops was a gift from Y. I love him. He holds little treasures or important notes for me on my desk. Always making sure my day goes smoothly. Magically.




Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used: ProCamera, Vintage Cam, PhotoStudio, Camera+, iWatermark




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Isis Smiles: 18/366

A souvenir of the Tut exhibit many moons ago in San Francisco when I was a young lass, Isis has been with me ever since. Smiling and reminding me of the magical experience through tents with glowing torches illuminating the golden treasures of Egypt in the middle of Golden Gate Park. I shall be forever grateful to my mother for giving me such a gift at such a young age. My memories of it are pure magic.




Taken with: iPhone 4S, Photojojo Macro Lens for iPhone
Apps used:  Camera, Camera+, iWatermark

It's still snowing here and we are very trapped now (car-wise). Luckily, we did venture out yesterday, when it wasn't too bad, to run a couple important errands that really could no longer wait. It's all fun with a Mini Convertible until it snows. It was really hard to turn the wheel yesterday, what is that about???? I would have never guessed I would end up living where it snowed. The word is, this was the brunt of it for us and hopefully the roads will clear up soon. At least I was smart to have Amazon Fresh deliver supplies a couple of times just when I realized the snow was really coming. All of you that live where this is nothing, just know, I am in no way used to snow or how to prepare as a native San Franciscan. This is also supposed to be rare for where we live, although it's the second time in 4 winters. I'm now thinking an extra fridge or freezer might be a good idea. I also think we should look into getting the new 4 wheel drive Mini Countryman. O, and to those who drive in this with a regular car and speed through the turns, um hello, I saw you nearly take out our front fence. Luckily the kids who had been playing right there had moved on. Seriously, stay off the road.



xo,

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Satsuma Sunshine: 17/366

Prepared a little Satsuma snack for Y today. They looked so pretty in one of the yellow bowls we brought back from Paris. Such a nice contrast to the cold, white, wintery outside. Nice to have a tiny bite of sunshine amidst this winter wonderland.




Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Camera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark




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Kitchen Buddies: 16/366

I bought the hot sauce many years ago in Phoenix.  Never dared to taste. Seriously, did you catch the name? As a skullaholic and lover of heat in my food, I could not pass it up. Bender is one of Y's treasures. These two now cavort in our kitchen, plotting, judging and keeping watch.



Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Camera, Snapseed, Retouch, Camera+, iWatermark


 
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Twilight Snow: 15/366

Looking out again from my studio window, it was just too pretty to pass up. As pretty as this is, I don't like being trapped at home. [sigh]




Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Camera (on HDR setting), Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark



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Connected Only With An iPhone

I've been without a computer for over a month. Thanks to the lovely Apple folks and my darling hubby, my computer is all fixed and running smoothly, YAYs!!!

As posted, I've been participating in Develop's Project 366 for 2012. Luckily, I had decided to only use my iPhone 4S to not only take the pictures (it's always with me) but to also edit them (time to figure out all these camera apps I've loaded on my phone). Not having my computer really kept me on track and I figured out how to upload to my different sites, including blogger, from my phone. This entire time I've done everything on my iPhone 4S. It was a bit challenging at first but has turned out to be quiet an amazing lesson as to how much you can do with just your phone.

My only problem is when posting through the Blogger phone app, I can't figure out how to include text within the body of the post except for at the very top of the post. I wanted to include technical information regarding which apps etc. I had used as well as other tidbits but I really disliked all the text showing up above the image. If anyone knows how to do this, please let me know. Personally, I think if the app limits where text is to be placed when images are included, I would rather have the image at the top, or first, followed by any text.

In any case, I've decided to go through and add the missing information to my posts via my computer. This should help out anyone interested in what I actually used to create the images in my Project 366 set.

Hope everything has started out well in 2012 for everyone. We are experiencing our first snowfall today. Lovely, yet inconvenient, as the Mini really can't navigate in the snow and I had oodles of errands that needed doing today.

Cheers,

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First Snow: 14/366

Woke up to find snow today. I was happy as I knew today's photo was obvious. It's getting harder and harder to come up with ideas everyday.

Above is a shot looking out my studio window. I really love the effect of tilt shift. Turns buildings into little models. Must be the Architect in me.



Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Vintage Cam, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark



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Bridezilla: 13/366

I love my little Bridezilla. Had her for ages, over 20 years. She actually spits out sparks as well while rolling on her wheels, so awesome! She wears a full on wedding gown with veil and bouquet. She does have a groom, Godzilla, perfectly matched in size who happens to be a lighter with the flame coming out of his mouth. Had him for just a few years longer but sadly since about week 3 he never worked again. Tried to have him repaired, even in a fancy cigar shop, that was hilarious. The guy tried really hard but to no avail. Should have seen the looks from the serious cigar connoisseurs, LOL. Never been able to find a replacement either.



Taken with: iPhone 4S, Photojojo Macro Lens for iPhone
Apps used:  Camera, Camera+, iWatermark



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Woollyheads: 12/366

I LOVE Craspedia, L O V E!! Also known as Billy Balls, Billy Buttons and my favorite, Woollyheads. I managed to acquire quite a stash of dried Craspedia, go me! This is from the bunch in our living area. I just love the beautiful yellow color and how modern they look due to their round heads. Plus, as dry flowers go, these look cheery all the time and are real with no maintenance. Win!



Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Camera (on HDR setting), Camera+, iWatermark

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Phở-tastic: 11/366

This is our go to meal when we're not feeling 100% or it's chilly out. You can't help but feel good with all the fresh ingredients in this Vietnamese soup of wonders. I like mine especially spicy and chomp on the Serrano peppers. Yum!



Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Camera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark


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Petit Tour Eiffel: 10/366

This is a pop-up card of the Eiffel Tower in red we picked up during our honeymoon in Paris. It's one of my favorite possessions.



Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Camera, Retouch, Camera+, iWatermark


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Apple: 9/366

Went to Apple today to pick up my iMac which had a fried hard-drive. Thankfully, Y had installed Time Machine the week before it died!!!! Whew!!! When I thought I had lost all my data.....ALL.....ALL OF IT .............EVERYTHING I HAVE EVER DONE IN MY CAREER OR LIFE....let's just say.......tears, many tears, ok and maybe some choice words.

All is right with the world again. YAYs!!!



Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Camera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark


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Sunday At Home: 8/366

My Niece was spending the weekend with us so I broke out the waffle iron. Holy smokes these turned out yummy, if I do say so myself, and I do. First time I put strawberries and powdered sugar on top. Fancy. Pinterest is having an effect on my food presentation skills, hah hah.



Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Camera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark



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Munchkin: 7/366

My Awesome Niece

Had fun with my lovely niece creating this image. I wanted to capture her playful spirit. She's holding a bunch of Prismacolor pencils and wearing her new favorite shoes which we got her for Christmas. They're Converse lace-up boots with sparkles. They also have very handy zippers for easy on and off. I totally want a pair.



Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Camera, Diptic, Camera+, iWatermark



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Z: 6/366

My Half

After doing Y's photo I came up with the idea of doing my half as well. I'm very happy with how these turned out and I hope to get these printed out and framed. It was very difficult to try and match my face to Y's and to get the tones to coordinate. The difficulty with matching my face mostly stemmed from having to take an "end of the arm" photo of myself. Made for a very different image size to work with. However, taking this kind of photo was much easier on the iPhone 4S with its reverse camera. I could at least make sure most of my face was in the shot. This original image is now my new avatar most places (see my profile pic).

We took these in front of our Robin Hager painting entitled, Indian Warrior,  which Y purchased when he used to live around the corner from him in San Francisco.



Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Vintage Cam, Diptic, Camera+, iWatermark

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Y: 5/366

My Other Half

This started as just an unplanned last minute photo idea. It was after 10pm and I had forgotten to take a photo for the day. Y was wearing a pumpkin colored shirt and I noticed when he walked into the room how well it went with our painting. I basically begged him to let me make him the subject of today's photo. Very reluctantly and making me promise I would be quick about it (he was in the middle of coding), he conceded, not excited about it at all.

I'm so glad he did as this is now my favorite image and with my follow up image tomorrow, it's turned into a meaningful project piece.  Y really likes it as well and is very happy with how it all turned out.



Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Vintage Cam, Diptic, Camera+, iWatermark



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Moravian Star: 4/366

We hang this Moravian star every Christmas. It was a gift from Y's mom on my first visit to Winston-Salem, NC. The Moravians had a large presence in Winston-Salem and traditions still influence the town. Old Salem is still preserved with all of its historic buildings and roads. There are little shops filled with all kinds of traditional goodness.

I wanted to show off the star without any of the background competing. Turing it into a black & white image was the best way I could accomplish this on my iPhone.



Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Camera, Camera+, iWatermark



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At The Wheel: 3/366

We had just dropped off my computer at the Apple store. I had planned to take a photo at/in Apple as my photo for the day but totally forgot once we got all wrapped up with the Genius Bar peeps discussing what was wrong with my computer.

Literally stopped at the red light, as I lamented what was I going to do for my photo, I looked up and saw the beautiful street in front of me with all the trees lit up with little lights. I then saw it through my steering wheel and scrambled for the phone. Only enough time for one photo and my flash went off. Doomed.

This image was seriously pushed and prodded with to get it to look like this. The funny thing is, as I worked on it on my phone, I thought those were stars in the night sky. I worked so hard to get them to show. Hah! It turns out, now when looking at it on a bigger screen,  those are actually dust particles on my windscreen.




Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Camera, Snapseed, Retouch, Camera+, iWatermark




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Zira: 2/366

Our Sweet Baby

Zira was a bit perplexed as we tried to get her to look in certain directions. She's looking at Y in this photo who is distracting her from the fact that I'm snapping images to rival paparazzi standards. She's so sweet that most of the time I try to take closeup photos of her, she just sniffs and rubs on my phone or my head while purring.

Both my loves have the most beautiful blue eyes.




Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Camera, Snapseed, Camera+, iWatermark



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Home: 1/366

Home sweet home, it really is. We love every minute here. It's our first home together. We were married in the house as well. Loads of love inside these walls.

I woke up to a new year and sun! A miracle in this part of the world. I snapped up this shot knowing it might be awhile before the sun comes back out. Plus, it seemed an appropriate photo to being this project.

I really love how the miniaturize effect makes the house look like a tiny model of itself.




Taken with: iPhone 4S
Apps used:  Camera, Camera+, iWatermark

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