For Kim

I’m not sure how I found Kim Klassen’s blog and TextureTuesday but I was amazed by her style of photography and the idea of adding textures to a photo.  Then I found that little link to subscribe to her free textures.  Something free, who could resist. It was on January 15, 2011 that I downloaded my first free textures.  While following along with her and visiting all the blogs linked to Texture Tuesday I was introduced to the use of textures and a new style of photography and art.  I never would have guessed at that time, Kim would have had such an influence over my photography and blogging.  

A few months ago, Kim’s husband was diagnosed with cancer.  Being a Canadian, I know her husband is being very well taken care of in the hospital.  The best of medical care is available to him.  The one thing that is not offered is help and support to the caregiver, Kim.  Being put into the position of the caregiver, the strong one, can stress out the strongest of people.  I’m sure this time has been filled with ups, downs and feelings of being alone.  But she has not been alone.  Many of us think of her daily and pray for her husband’s recovery.

During a course offered by Kim I met an amazing group of ladies “The Groupies” who share and support each other.  When one discovers a new website or course, it’s posted in the Facebook group. Photoshopgrunge.com was one of the interesting links posted recently. The course which many of us Groupies are doing right now, Photoshop Artistry is taking us through a different thought process of using textures. Many artists have contributed to this course with “freebies” and of course Kim was one of the generous artists. Our challenge this week,  was to simply, send some love to Kim.

So Kim, just to let you know many of us are grateful to you for the so many things you have done for so many.  You are always in our thoughts and prayers.  Stay strong, have faith and know that you are not alone.

Textures used Kim Klassen's Cherish and Letgo.  Sharing with Texture Tuesday.

Shooting Grosbeaks through the window.

During the winter we have a little bird feeder outside the window where we feed the Chickadees.  They've become little piggies and spill as much as they eat which has been a good thing as it has attracted a family of Pine Grosbeaks.  This afternoon they arrived for their feeding while I was near the window with a camera near by, so I did the natural thing and stated shooting.

Saturday Morning Visitor

This year we bought a new bird feeder for the Chickadees.  The last one we had was made of wood and was in need of replacement after the deer chewed on it.  Careful consideration was taken in trying to find a place to hang it so the deer, cat and squirrels would leave it alone.

This is what it was meant to be used for.  Sometimes we have dozens of these little Chickadees flitting about to get their seeds.

This little guy showed up Saturday morning and asked if he could please have some seeds too.

He then let us know how cold it was outside with the blowing snow.

After climbing the house and making the jump to the feeder he felt quite at home and began to fill his little belly.