Owner: One Day At a Time URL:http://lyndawalldez.blogspot.com Join Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2007 15:19:19 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: The personal blog of Lynda Walldez. My best photography featured in every post, Loaded Questions meme hosted every Wednesday, and insightful posts on my life, reflections, art, writing, photography, and the Internet. I also feature my own prose and recipe Site statistics:Click here
Lessons in Keeping Your Peace 2007-04-24 21:19:13 The photo in this entry is Flattered Blush. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.One of the things that many people do not realize about maturity is that it is not meant to be portrayed seriously all the time. It is balanced with joy and an outgoing sense of composure. Sometimes the trouble is finding that balance. Humbleness is part of that maturity, and is shown in keeping your peace no matter what. It is exemplified when people seek to reconcile, realizing their wrongs, after being at odds with another. I believe that someone who truly keeps their peace will always turn the other cheek.Some people don't realize the blessings of suffering. They miss out on their blessing when they don't tolerate suffering because of their pride. Although, there seems to be a thin line between suffering for the right reasons, and suffering for the wrong ones. Depression is an unnecessary way of suffering. While being picked on for reading the Bible is suffering for better reasons.Unnecessar Read more:Lessons
, Peace
Some of My Smoothie Recipes 2007-04-24 03:01:21 The photo in this entry is Reconciliation. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.I began making my own smoothies because I didn't want to buy overpriced ones at certain places that were already formulated a certain way. I think making my own smoothies is cheaper and healthier. I know exactly what goes into them, and I have more control as far as portions for ingredients and the beverage itself. I also like blending. :D So I'd like to share some recipes of the smoothies I created as experiments that turned out real favorites with my family.Lynda's Berry Smoothie6 strawberries, sliced4 oz. whole blueberries3 whole blackberries1 small banana, sliced10 fl. oz. Martinelli's Apple Juice3/4 can Kern's Peach Nectar1 large scoop of vanilla yogurt1 large scoop of Dreyer's Rainbow Sherbert7 ice cubes, crushedCombine ingredients and blend until pureed. Yields about 3 servings.Lynda's Peachy Smoothie7 frozen peach slices1 small banana, sliced1 can Kern's Peach Nectar1 large scoop of
Barriers to Creativity 2007-04-22 23:51:27 The photo in this entry is To Leave Away. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.A writing prompt inspired me to write about what blocks my own creativity. Sometimes it is feelings of frustration, lack of inspiration, or thinking too logically about something.When I am frustrated, I am too stuck in my own fretting to create something worth creating. When I am uninspired, I can't even rely on my own imagination to get my creative juices flowing. In a logical state of mind I get too technical with my ideas, and therefore lose my vision of being creative.Other times it can be that I may have a mentality too rigid at the time to allow me to loosen up and create something. Or I can have my own expectations to high for what I want to create. Moodiness can also contribute to lack of creativity. If my emotions are unstable, I am not focused enough to express my creativity. I usually have to be in the artistic spirit to draw something or make a collage, anything visual. Although being c Read more:Barriers
, Creativity
Expressing Myself Through Photography 2007-04-21 06:49:49 The photo in this entry is Of A Delicate Nature. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.I have photographed many flowers and roses as subjects for my photography. In doing so in these past few months, I have observed something key to my fascination with them. I love photographing them because they have the ability to portray and evoke emotions, ideas, and thoughts in such a subtle and unique way. Most of the photos I have taken of roses and flowers have titles that sometimes describe what the particular photo makes me feel, think, or what it seems to convey. Such as the photo in this entry. The photo is of a white rose with a single dew drop on one of its petals. I named it "Of A Delicate Nature" because the dew drop makes the rose appear so fragile. The petals look delicate, especially since it is a white rose. White signifies innocence and purity to me.When you can look at my photos and understand why they are titled the way they are, you can get an idea of my emotional workin
A Call to Independence 2007-04-21 03:08:42 The photo in this entry is Being Alone. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.In recent days I have felt overwhelmed by certain pressures in my life and have been stressed about practically everything. My health is even getting worse, which is rather extreme for me. I'm usually able to handle myself well. Lately, there have been circumstances established in my life which have led me to realize that my irritability stems from all the pent up anger I have.I'm not the kind of person who can express my anger outwardly. I don't scream, fret, or physically do anything. All my life I've bottled up my anger and expressed it by staying quiet and maybe having a frown on my face. In the few times I've felt rage in my life I've simply gone places really far to retreat and relax. I'll take a small trip or just ride my bike for a while. I'm a timid person, although I'm not very shy. I have social anxiety and my nerves are pretty sensitive, so you could imagine how I am when I feel Read more:Independence
Loaded Questions #9 2007-04-18 11:22:30 The photo in this entry is Spotted Ruffles. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.Number your posts as I have, not from the order you began participating in the meme. Please link back in your post to the Loaded
Questions Meme, not this post. You may use the following chicklet to link back in your post or your blog:Leave a link back to your post as a comment letting me know that your answers are up. If you don't have a blog to post your answers, just leave them as a comment.This week's questions with my answers below them:Hypotheticals: If you were an evil dictator, where would you rule?Hard to imagine me as such, but I would probably pick America.Anything Goes: What was the most important issue in the last presidential election?I'm not sure, but I bet it had to do with the war in Iraq.No-Brainers: What is your favorite breed of dog?The Afghan HoundsPersonals: What is the worst grade you ever received? What class was it for?F's, for many, many classes. But I still managed to
Being on Auto Mode 2007-04-18 02:50:49 The photo in this entry is Dramatic Flares. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.These days, because of all the sleep I'm getting, everything around me seems to be unfocused. Journaling, cooking, and going certain places on a regular routine seems to have made everything else rather ordinary. Although I'm usually quite alert when I'm not sleeping, nothing grabs my attention or interest that would otherwise make me feel that it was what made my day different and special in some way. At least blogging gives me an opportunity to really get out of my rut for a bit to focus on having a different perspective.I really don't like regularity or routine things. I have always had the tendency to thrive on imbalance and spontaneity. I guess it just goes hand in hand with how my mind works. Although my days don't seem boring, they feel dull. I am someone that very rarely gets bored, perhaps one day out of the year. So when I get bored, I'm seriously deprived of anything interesting t
My Blooming Garden 2007-04-17 04:07:38 The photo in this entry is Sharp Yellow. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.Since Spring began and the showers of rain have come and gone sporadically, my garden has had a chance to bloom abundantly. Among the new plants are some big brightly striped red flowers that I assumed were tulips at first, and some vivid orange flowers that look similar but have smoother petals and are smaller in size. Although the winter blooms are dwindling, the ones that are akin to the warm weather are eager to come out and take in the sun.The rose in this entry is one of the rare blooms in my garden of yellow roses. I took advantage as best I could of photographing as many of the best blooms available. You can get an idea of the variety in my garden by looking at my Flickr sets, Roses and Flowers. This is definitely my favorite time of year now. All the vibrant colors in flowers and roses, along with the bright sun and warm air gives the world around me a sense of abundance. There are also some Read more:Blooming
, Garden
The Value of My Maturity 2007-04-17 03:43:42 The photo in this entry is Essence. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.I recently had a conversation with someone about the history of one's life. We spoke about how the events in our lives affect us from childhood. We also spoke about the maturity that certain hardships bring and the humbleness that some people can't help but have because of them. The person I was speaking to was very surprised at the experiences I have had at such a young age. When brought to light, I realized that I am the way I am not only because of my mind, but the life I have lived as well.I grew up a very precocious child. I could have reacted very differently to the events in my life or gone about certain things another way, but I don't regret my life. Many older people get surprised at my demeanor for my age, I just turned 21. If only they knew the life I've lived, it has molded me to be as mature and wise as I am. I'm still very young nonetheless, with lots to learn and a long road ahead. Alt Read more:Value
, Maturity
My Journaling Habits are Evolving 2007-04-14 11:36:55 The photo in this entry is Feather Tickle. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.Since I started the journal I'm currently writing in, I have been able to explore more of myself than in previous journals. I began this journal with the intent to be more honest with myself in an effort to break through my typical method of writing. I knew if I wanted different results from my writing, I needed to take a different approach. Nearly 100 pages later, I'm really glad I did.Although I have done a lot of self exploration in journaling in the past, this new approach involves being more raw and personal than I have ever been. I'm actually more comfortable with more things in my life, and I have a boost of confidence. I've been realizing some deep aspects about myself and my life as well. I guess if you dig deep enough, there's always something to find. Previously, I would only scratch the surface in my efforts to learn more about myself and my world.There are two things that I remain Read more:Journaling
The Pleasures of Cooking and Why I'm So Creative 2007-04-13 14:22:49 The photo in this entry is Cockatiel Greeting. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.I recently realized the reasons I do some of the things that interest me. I write when I'm inspired, I draw when I'm bored, I sing when I'm happy, I play piano when I'm sad, I cook when I'm energetic, and I photograph when I'm feeling creative. Does this have any significant meaning? I don't know.My journaling has slowed down a bit, as well as my photography and drawing. I have been cooking and sleeping more than anything. I'm drafting ideas to write about in my journal so I can get my thinking hat on and keep it on. I have a few art pieces in mind to start, but I need to get a hold of some good tracing paper. So that's in the works as well. I want to make a sort of collage of different and colorful things. I love bold colors.I started out cooking making everything myself, but since I have a limited budget and my fridge is packed with food that can be put together in various ways to m
Cooking, College, and Possible Employment 2007-04-12 22:16:35 The photo in this entry is Star in Sapphire. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.The last few days I have been cooking a lot. I recently decided to start cooking for my mom everyday. She is diabetic, so I am fine tuning my cooking to cater to her needs. I eat the same meals as well, so I'm hoping to get healthier. I don't necessarily need to lose weight, but my health does need a boost. Cooking has been pretty fun for me. It used to be a drag, but now I have a few good motives to cook. It helps me to be focused and busy.I also finally applied to ELAC and got my registration dates for the Summer Session and Fall Semester. I just need to file my Governors Fee Waiver, and wait to register. If I don't qualify for the fee waiver, its only $60 per class; which can be paid by credit. I have 4 class choices I would like to sign up for; Drawing I, Life Drawing I, Perspective Drawing I, or Lettering I. Registration is in May and classes start in June. I can't wait. :)I recently ret Read more:College
, Possible
Loaded Questions #8 2007-04-11 11:24:34 The photo in this entry is Amazingly Twisted. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.Sorry for not posting last week's Loaded
Questions, I'll try not to let that happen again.Number your posts as I have, not from the order you began participating in the meme. Please link back in your post to the Loaded Questions Meme, not this post. You may use the following chicklet to link back in your post or your blog:Leave a link back to your post as a comment letting me know that your answers are up. If you don't have a blog to post your answers, just leave them as a comment.This week's questions with my answers below them:Hypotheticals: If you had to spend the rest of your life in one place, where would it be?Where I am now; Bell Gardens, CA.Anything Goes: At what age did you have your first boyfriend/girlfriend?7No-Brainers: What do you consider the biggest turnoff?ArrogancePersonals: What do you bring most to a friendship?Advice on anythingTechnorati: meme, weekly meme, Wednesday me
Simplifying My Drawing 2007-04-10 14:03:26 The photo in this entry is Twilight. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.I recently read an older article in Artist's Magazine about drawing from life. In it a sentence read, "Eliminate all details and work toward making a statement with as few lines as possible." This statement struck me as great advice. I'm someone who usually gets too complicated with my drawings.Keeping things simple is usually hard for me because my creativity has characteristics of extravagance with a sense of flourishing. My mind has abundance, and I try to share it in my art. I have seen examples of art that is so simplistic yet powerfully impacting. I'd like to achieve such results. I believe to do this, I must follow the statement in the article.I like details, but sometimes they can be overwhelming. I think my instinct to include as many details as possible to my artwork may be a result of having a complicated mind. Or I could just be trying to express as much as possible in a seemingly limited
Is It Possible to Love Two People At Once? 2007-04-09 21:08:04 The photo in this entry is Fragile Beauty. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.I forgot how I first came upon this idea, but it struck me as interesting. Some people believe that it is possible, and even that it is permissible to love more than one person at once. Others believe that you can only love one person at a time, or that it is immoral to do otherwise. Then there are those that dare to say that if you love more than one person at a time, it is not true love. What do you think?I used to believe that it was possible to love more than one person at a time. In the years that I was fully immersed and lost in the world, I was led by so much confusion. My idea of sharing my love was part of that confusion. Since I began my efforts to change my life around, my ideas of love have evolved. I no longer believe that it is possible to love more than one person at a time.Based on my own observations and experiences, I think that people feel like they love two or more people the sa Read more:Possible
What I Lack in Artistic Ability 2007-04-09 08:40:58 The photo in this entry is A Glow of Boldness. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.I have been practicing my sketching everyday, and in showing my work to others I'm able to get feedback on the good and the bad of each piece. Most recently I showed a sketch that is unfinished, but has taken me two days of work so far, to my mother. She suggested that I work on the values of light and dark to establish shadows in my sketches. This helps make form in my subjects and keeps them from looking flat on the page.My mother also suggested that I attend an art class to learn about traditional techniques in drawing to achieve certain effects. I have a pretty light hand when it comes to sketching, so applying shadows to the areas that need it might be hard for me at first. My mother said that I have a really good eye for perspective, but I lack the ability to determine the lighting of my subjects. She told me about how her art teacher taught her about drawing what you see, not what you w Read more:Artistic
Getting Closer to God 2007-04-07 14:19:17 The photo in this entry is Divine Conversation. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.In the past few weeks, I have felt a pull from God. As if He is calling me to become closer. My heart feels a burden to know Him more. I know I have never felt this before, but I am embracing it. My prayer life is more raw and powerful. It is as if I have taken on a burden for God that has overwhelmed my heart.Each day I think about how much more I can be connected to God. I try to learn what the voice of God sounds like in my own life. Sometimes I feel His touch or presence, other times I cannot help but admire who He is by what I already know of Him. I find myself gradually yearning more and more to be with Him, to constantly feel His companionship. I've learned that I must reveal myself to Him so that He knows my heart better.Before, I kept parts of my heart closed off to God. I had not realized it until recently. I am finally grasping the idea of allowing my heart to express itself to Him
Sketching, and Loving It 2007-04-07 05:03:55 The photo in this entry is Splendid Rosy. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.While exploring my options in sketching projects, I have a few ideas formed about what I want to do. Most recently I have been doing sketches of places more than anything, just when I have the opportunity to focus on my surroundings. I've read a book about drawing flowers in pencil as well, but I need to get the tools of the trade to achieve certain effects.I finally finished sharpening all 132 colored pencils in my Prismacolor Premier set. I even went ahead and organized them by color group. Using them is another story. I'm thinking of ways to use them. Perhaps I can use them for coloring books to practice my blending, or apply them to the drawing techniques from the flower drawing book.I have a few pages filled of my sketchbook, some color sketches, others are just pencil sketches I've done with a mechanical pencil. My brother told me that mechanical pencils are the best for sketching. I tried Read more:Sketching
, Loving
Gaining Stability After a Shaky Time 2007-04-06 05:19:59 The photo in this entry is Tenderness. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.The last few days have been pretty hard. A few more situations of crisis came up, but they are all nearly taken care of now. My health has taken a toll as well. So I have not been online for about 3 days, even missing the chance to post this week's Loaded Questions Meme.I have been journaling, and even getting a few sketches done by pencil. Although my photography work is backed up, I have plenty of time to gradually work on it. Hundreds of my photos are waiting to be edited and published online.Besides this update, I don't really have much else to say. I do hope to post more regularly from now on though. :DI encourage comments on my writings. Visit the site to leave your feedback. :D
Read more:Gaining
, Shaky
Art Lessons from Some Experts 2007-04-03 08:30:12 The photo in this entry is Simple Pleasures. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.I finally received my Prismacolor set of 132 colored pencils. I paid a lot less than the retail price, and even got a free large art bag as a gift for my purchase, to carry my stuff. I'm sure I'll be putting it to good use. I was pretty excited about jumping right in to use my colored pencils, but I'm still working on sharpening the new points before I do. So far my mother, and one of my brothers, have already used them. They taught me a lot of basic, but essential things; to get the most out of my colored pencils.I realized, a little too late, that I actually did not need all these extra colored pencils to achieve what I want. My mother suggested that with basic colors, I could blend them to create a different colors.The new set I have simply has those blended combinations already made. She also showed me how to layer certain colors down to bring out different strengths of a color. My mother Read more:Lessons
, Experts
My Greatest Photography Work Yet to Achieve 2007-04-02 13:33:05 The photo in this entry is In a Jungle. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.I somewhat have my photography back on track. My access to a camera is more limited, which means I won't be able to carry on the projects I previously planned on working on, except for One Window to the World. I may just replace some of the projects with new ones I know I'm able to work on with limited camera access.I recently was given the assignment of photographing my brother's wedding. Although he will have other photographers as well, I will have the sole responsibility of capturing some of the more exclusive moments. I'll be taking on the great task of photographing the entire day, not just the wedding and reception. It surely makes the entire day more special to cherish, rather than just the highlights.My brother actually got really creative and fun with his ideas of photography for his wedding and reception. He will be having me, my mother, and brother Guy from our church photographing the Read more:Greatest
The Beginning of a Journaling Journey 2007-04-02 05:55:57 The photo in this entry is For You. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.Since I am not doing photography right now, I am replacing that creative task with writing. I bought myself some moleskines yesterday and started writing and writing, I filled 5 pages. Since I have so much to express, and it has been bottled up within me for so long, I decided to start journaling again.As much as I wish I could write in this blog without restraint or judgment like I would in a personal journal, I don't have that privilege. So I'm writing my heart out in my new moleskine. Moleskines are surely worth the money they sell for. I probably won't go to much into creativity as many moleskine fans do, but I love being inspired by the examples of others' journals. It is really interesting how using a moleskine can allow you to participate in a phenomenon of art and writing popularity that opens up a whole different avenue of social community.Although yesterday was my first day in my new journa Read more:Journaling
, Journey
Being an Artist Again 2007-04-02 05:55:43 The photo in this entry is Beaming. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.I was recently inspired to take up drawing again. Only this time, I'll be adding more color to my art. Many years ago I was well known for my work of sketches and poster drawings. I stopped drawing to pursue my writing more, but was left unable to regain my skills for a very long time.I feel I'm ready to unleash my creativity on paper with my colored pencils, not just pens and pencils. I have enough stability in my writing skills to take on drawing at the same time. This should hold me over in the meantime as I try to get my photography back on track. There is a lot of planning involved.I bought a Moleskine sketchbook today and hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to purchase a Prismacolor Premier set of 132 colored pencils. My brother Juan advised that I start out with a project in mind. So the project I want to start with is to draw 100 of my best photos to fill up my sketchbook. Since I specialize in rea Read more:Artist
, Again
The Progress of My Art and Writing 2007-04-02 05:55:28 The photo in this entry is High and Mighty. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.I was unable to get the Prismacolor colored pencil set I had my eye on yesterday. I plan to use my current set until I get the next one this upcoming week. Since the moleskine sketchbook did not come out as I expected, I will be getting a plain notebook instead. I'm still going to use the sketchbook for my art project, but I need a plain notebook to work on my pencil sketching.I have been consistently journaling for a few days now, filling up many pages a day. Using the methods I have applied to keep it interesting, I have been able to enjoy it more than I did before. I have also come to realize what it is about journaling that has reignited my interest in taking it up again. When I journal, I write as many details as I can for what I write about. This serves to better serve my memory when I reread entries many years from now. No matter how insignificant something may be, it could be a cherished
Balancing My Creative Endeavors 2007-04-02 05:55:04 The photo in this entry is Feline Comfort. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.The photo featured in this entry is one of the latest I have photographed, using a Nikon D50 that my mother owns. It is of a beautiful stray cat that hangs out in my area. He is friends with my cat Shadow. This cat decided to come into the house yesterday because he was so hungry, so my sister offered it some cans of food. We were unable to let him stay for long because my mother doesn't want any other cats around besides Shadow. He might stick around outdoors for a while.Although I had big plans for getting my own professional camera and how I would use it, plans have changed. I'm going to reserve my photography as a personal creative endeavor. I simply don't have the funds or equipment to pursue something greater than what I can already do. So I'm going to try balancing photography, writing, and art instead of focusing on just one of them. I'll have to settle for using my mother's camera wh Read more:Balancing
My Black Bean Burrito Recipe 2007-04-30 00:35:31 The photo in this entry is Psychedelic. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.Since I have been making regular bean and rice burritos everyday for the past few weeks, I decided to mix things up a bit. Thus, making some really great Black
Bean burritos. I'd like to share my recipe, its a real treat. :DLynda's Black Bean Burritos2 flour tortillas2 tablespoons olive oil1 small onion, chopped1/2 red bell pepper, chopped2 tablespoons chopped cilantro1 teaspoon minced jalapeno pepper1 teaspoon garlic salt1/2 teaspoon salt (or other spices)1 (15 oz.) can Bush's Best black beans1 ( 14.5 oz) can Del Monte diced tomatoes and green chilies3 oz. sour cream1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shreddedTapatio hot sauce1) Warm tortillas in the microwave for 30 sec. Leave until filling is done cooking.2) Heat olive oil in a 10 inch skillet over medium heat. Place onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, and garlic salt in skillet, cook for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Pour beans into skillet and cook for 3 min
A Clue to the New World Order 2007-04-28 07:03:07 The photo in this entry is Baby Glory. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.I recently took a look at PostSecret, where postcards are displayed of secrets people mail in. One of the postcards that caught my attention was this one, of a startling message. It reads "U.S. Internment Camps exist. I helped to build the REX 84 facility....UNDERGROUND."I learned not too long ago that this was going to happen, although it is beginning sooner than I thought. The facilities are being put into place, some are visible while others remain virtually undetectable. I don't mean to be vague, but I'm afraid of writing something that will get me in a lot of trouble. This is a clue to the coming New WorldOrder
.There are many that do not believe that a New World Order will exist. Others do, and like myself, are being watchful of the clues. I'm not a paranoid fanatic of conspiracies, nor a crazy naive wench that was born yesterday. I have knowledge to back up my standing. Whether we choose to
My Concerns About Journal Privacy 2007-04-26 19:42:31 The photo in this entry is Radical Simplicity. Photographed and edited by me, Lynda Walldez.I recently learned a few things about the value of keeping what you write in your journal private. I've been keeping my current journal for two months, so far only granting two people permission to read it. Although, a few days ago I found myself in a sensitive position that threatened to take my control of my own privacy. Which has led me to the decision to never let anyone read my private writings again.I previously shared my older journals with other people, those that I trusted and confided in. Although they are no longer in my life, I was glad that they were never too curious of my writings or pressured me to let them read my journals. There was a respect established for my privacy and integrity of writing.I believe that the content I write about in my journal should remain private, simply because I write for my own purposes. There have been some who have not respected my privacy and were Read more:Journal
, Privacy
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