February 2009

Thanks, as always, to Chad Darnell for creating this fun event called the 12-of-12 - the rules are simple, 12 photos to document the 12th day of each month. For those who want to know more about Chad & his Project (or to see other participants in the 12-of-12), visit his site here.

This month is dedicated to my "kids" seeing as how winter has returned with a vengeance today after a balmy 50-degree day yesterday (yes, temps above freezing are VERY odd for February in Western NY). There's been a nasty mix of snow and rain and wind all day that has made it less than conducive to play outside. Maybe next month I'll have some shots that exhibit more creativity.

Click here to view the February 2009 12-of-12

Here's an intro to the crew:

Mackie is a brindle Mastiff-mix who had a rough start to life... she and her siblings were abandoned at a local shelter one night and found the next day by the shelter staff. Sadly, her sister didn't make it and died of Parvo a few weeks after being found. She came to us at around 21 weeks (her birthday is not known) and had some "issues" at first - like the fact that she was terrified of men. She's almost 5 years old and a total spit-fire. She's super smart and loves to instigate trouble around the house with her "little" brother.

TaterBug is a purebred Bullmastiff who comes from AKC champion bloodlines. He's the little prince who has been totally spoiled since conception. He's a lover, not a fighter and just wants to be held 24-7 (or longer, if possible). We've trained him to give people a "small smooch" since his tongue is 3" wide and can take off many layers of skin if given the chance.

Tsunami is a gorgeous captive-bred Jungle Carpet Python. She's also a total b*tch. When we got her we were warned that she would be different from our Boa in that she would not be as receptive to being handled as he was (arboreal pythons like here live in trees and thus are more skittish than ground-dwelling boa constrictors). So, she has become more of a visual pet (like fish in a take - ya can't pet 'em) than one who likes to hang out and watch TV with you.

And finally the fish - these little guys live in a 5 gallon tank in the kitchen. They used to be in my office when I had a desk job, but now they keep me company when I cook (well... them AND Mackie & TaterBug who anxiously await a morsel that falls to the floor). BTW, check out the 2nd fish photo and look at the little Neon Tetra in the middle of the frame - Do you think he knew I was taking his photo?? What a pose!

Hope you enjoyed this month's 12-of-12. Think SPRING!

January 2009

I was starting to get nervous that I wouldn't be able to get 12 shots today. Today was a Monday, a work day, which meant my creativity level was pretty low, and unfortunately, I didn't see much during the day that inspired me.

That was until I listened to The PodCacher Podcast (show #199.9). On the show, they talk about a website called "The Human Clock" - here, for each MINUTE of the day, there is a posting of a photo of the time, submitted by fans of the site. (Here's a link to the site - it's pretty cool, you should check it out.) Sonny mentioned something about having a photo for each SECOND of the day... kinda crazy, Sonny, but it got me thinking.

This concept of a photo for each minute of the day gave me my idea for my 12-of-12. Since I had only taken 2-3 shots during my work-day today, I decided to scrap those and try to get 12 "good" ones (at least) in 12 minutes. So, at 7:32 I started the timer and off I went around the house to see if I could complete the....

12 of 12 in 12

It's not my most creative set - by far - but it give you all a small snapshot of what goes on after work on a "typical" Monday evening.

Hope you like it!
- Jill (aka TotalNRG)

December 2008

No 12-of-12 this month.... Sorry.

The fun day I wanted to have never happened. Why?
Two reasons:

Well, earlier this month I was "displaced" from my job. After a few days of interviewing for another position within my company, I got a NEW one! BUT... this meant training, training, training. I've been reading and taking assessments all day since Wednesday.

But that wasn't the main reason why the camera stayed in it's case.
My neighbors' dog went missing yesterday. I fond out around 11am and went cruising around the neighborhood trying to find her for a couple hours. I felt terrible for the family. Today is the 13th and she still hasn't returned home. Poor kid.

Sorry for the lack of photos this month. I hope January is better, all around.

November 2008

I've mentioned in my other Blog that I travel for work. I drive A LOT! Everyday, I put somewhere between 100-300 miles on my vehicle.

Today (November 12th) was a work day, so my pictures are taken from where I spend much of my day. I've been calling this set "the view from the driver's seat".

Follow this link.

Enjoy!
- Jill

October 2008

Sunday, October 12th - Day THREE of our long weekend... we spent every day "leaf peeping" as the locals say. Leaf Peepers are (usually) the city folks who head out to the country to see the amazing colors of the leaves.

The pictures were taken in Cherry Creek, NY, USA (a tiny town about 60 miles south of Buffalo, NY). We left the house at Noon and got home around 6pm... my shots are from somewhere in that time-range.

Click on this LINK to see the full 12-of-12 set.

Enjoy!
- Jill

New fun stuff: 12-of-12

Today is October 20th. Earlier this month I participated in the 12-of-12 for the first time.

What is the 12-of-12 you ask? I don't know the whole story (will post when I do), but from my POV, I learned about it from PodCacher. They, from what I understand, "borrowed" the concept from a blogger named Chad Darnell. He's the originator of the 12-of-12.

Soooo... what IS the 12-of 12, Jill?!

Twelve photos
taken on the 12th day
of each month.

Neat concept, eh?

I love photography, so I hope to participate each month. I think my major hang-up will be that I want creative photos for each month.... and some of my 12ths are pretty boring.
I guess we'll see.

Enjoy!
- Jill