a million different settings

That's what my camera is capable of however, I mainly shoot in the auto and the "no flash" settings.

To learn more about SLR basics I attended a workshop last weekend.

Now, I've been told about the basics of my camera before by my husband who knows a lot about SLRs and has taken classes for work.

But, I think I needed to learn from someone (like Jen) whose aim was more in line with mine e.g., to make things -- like my Little Wickies -- look pretty and fun.

That's not really my husband's goal when he takes pictures for work.

The workshop set up was ridiculously cute (if you follow Ruby and Danni's blogs this is not a big surprise).

Not my best shot of the day, but these were our lunches, and I had to show you.

The food and goodies were as good as they looked.

I know I ate way too many macarons which were really, really good.

Outside of what the hosts brought for us to take pictures of, the location itself was really beautiful.

The old craftsman house was super cool. I have a penchant for wrap-around porches. If I had one, I would paint its ceiling just like this one.

And, of course the goody bags were fun inside and out.

Among the goodies, I'm loving my new camera straps from iMo and knitty bitty (yes, two - I had decide which one to put on first!)

More pictures here, here and here.

To more pretty pictures in "M" mode!

summer reading

While I have a stack of books in my "to be read" pile under my nightstand, I generally have an audio book or two on my iPod for when I go running, or when performing something mundane like dishes.

I tend to download classics, because they are free.

I just finished Orlando by Virginia Woolf. Before now, I had never tackled anything by her. To be honest, I was a bit intimidated. But, I have to say I really enjoyed this book. It was funny and interesting.

To sum it up it's about a man named Orlando in the 16th century. He lives a very quirky life, oh, and he never grows old. And, then about a hundred or so years in, he wakes up as a woman -- and his/her life gets even quirkier. The book goes through "present day" (which is 1928).

I need some more classics to download on my iPod.

Do you have a favorite classic novel?

today the beach looked like this

But this girl didn't seem to care too much.

Mo drawing whiskers on a cat.

getting patriotic - redux

what big sis learns, mo knows too.

old haunts

Just got back from an extended weekend trip to the City. Funny to see the what was once every day through the eyes of a "tourist" now.

first high rise I ever worked in.

ferry building

I ate lunch at Justin Herman Plaza all. the. time. and never noticed people walking through the fountain there.

Oh, the things that go unnoticed when you're busy dressing in suits, worrying about "the market" and such.

Last week, we walked through the fountain at Justin Herman Plaza.

Specialties didn't have my beloved almond chocolate chip cookies anymore, but the peanut butter chocolate chip was pretty good.

I read the Tales of the City series after a guy I worked with told me those books were the reason he moved from a small town in Massachusetts to San Francisco.

If you haven't read them they are great, fun -- really fun -- reads.

Me and some girlfriends saw the musical this weekend which is based on the first two books. To be honest I was expecting to be disappointed but ended up really enjoying it.

If you're going to San Francisco anytime soon, this should definitely be on your "to do" list.

the ceiling of the A.C.T Theatre

laura + daddy

My friend Laura visited this weekend.

Katie: Mama, I'm glad Laura is not going to sleep with Daddy.

Laura, who is sitting in the room begins to choke with laughter.

Me (trying to stay composed): Why's that honey?

Katie: Because daddy snores so loud, she wouldn't be able to sleep.

Me: Then it's a good thing.

Me and Laura at the 4th of July parade downtown

happy fourth!