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# Jessica Ortiz Sweeney

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://jessortiz.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://jessortiz.com/blog/) - Jessica's Journal
- [Writer's Workshop: Be Good to Each Other](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-be-good-to-each-other/) - This week, I am following the prompt: Write a blog post in exactly 12 lines. I love being a Rhode Islander. I know that, even in this tiny Northern state that was founded on the principles of religious freedom, there was still slavery early on, and my birthplace, Newport, was a main city involved in
- [Writer's Workshop: Wind Power](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-wind-power/) - This week, I am following the prompt: "Write a blog post inspired by the word: power." Having lived in New England for my whole life, I am not a stranger to the power of the wind. Nor'easters, hurricanes, and thunderstorms are all pretty common, and just a regular day of living by the ocean can
- [Backyard Buddies](https://jessortiz.com/backyard-buddies/) - It's been over 3 years since I last posted here. Life has been going by so fast and the days have been so busy. I often think of things I want to share, and struggle with what exactly I want this blog to be about. Recently, I have had some time to think about that,
- [Writer's Workshop: Benji](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-benji/) - Originally posted on my WordPress siteThis week, I am following the prompt: If you could clone a favorite pet from your past, which pet would you choose and why? I have been lucky enough to have pets around me my whole life, and am currently living with two very good girls - a dog named
- [Writer's Workshop: Making Time](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-making-time/) - Originally posted on my WordPress siteThis week, I am following the prompt: Write a blog post about something you wish you had more time for each day. A recent trip to New Hampshire provided me a great chance to use my camera... and a moose sighting! I wish I had more time to create every
- [On Color](https://jessortiz.com/on-color/) - Originally posted on my WordPress siteI think a lot when I am in the shower. This is a short poem that came to mind while I was there the other day. I really miss writing and am hoping to be able to make more time for it this year. Our society is always telling usBlue
- [Writer's Workshop: The Girls](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-the-girls/) - Originally posted on my WordPress sitePrompt 6: Introduce us to your pets. Where did they come from? How long have you had them? When will you get another? etc. ;) Bailey (aka Miss Bailey, Bales, Baileygirl) My ex-husband and I adopted Miss Bailey back in 2006 from a family who fostered pets. She was found
- [Back to Blogging](https://jessortiz.com/back-to-blogging/) - Originally posted on my WordPress siteIt has been quite a long time since I've blogged, and I'm going to be honest -- it feels pretty weird. About 12 years ago, I started a blog on Google's Blogger platform when I was pregnant with my son, to kind of document the whole process. I had dabbled
- [Wordless Wednesday: Animals and May Flowers](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-animals-and-may-flowers/) - I seem to be getting one blog post in a month lately, so each time I feel like I am playing catch-up. Things have just been crazy, but I hope they will wind down sometime soon. I'm hoping for a relaxing summer, but we will see! On a related note, I opted to not update
- [Wordless Wednesday: Winter After Spring](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-winter-after-spring/) - The weather was still fairly mild near the end of March. Josh and I went to the zoo one day, and the animals were pretty happy. And Easter turned out to be pretty nice. But April seems to be having an identity crisis. And the little man and I have been sick. But at least
- [Wordless Wednesday: Another Great Season](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-another-great-season/) - Another fun hockey season for Joshua is in the books! Linking up with Ruchira for Wordless Wednesday
- [Wordless Wednesday: Back in the Ocean State](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-back-in-the-ocean-state/) - The weather has been unseasonably warm here in New England, and many people have been taking advantage of it, getting outside to enjoy the fresh air and local scenery. I took a hike a couple of weekends ago to a place by the bay called Rome Point. There were no seals (which I only recently
- [Wordless Wednesday: Colorful Colorado](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-colorful-colorado/) - Last week, I took an unexpected trip to Colorado. My grandfather had passed away, so I flew out with my dad and stepmom to be with my grandmother and some other family. I've only ever been there in the summer, so it was nice to see the mountains in all of their snowy glory. It's
- [Wordless Wednesday: Welcome to 2016](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-welcome-to-2016/) - I can't believe it took me until mid-February for a blog post, but here I am! I was hoping things would calm down after the Christmas rush, but they didn't. There is always so much to do and issues to handle, but that is life for you. Better to be busy and enjoying life and
- [Wordless Wednesday: Holiday Fun](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-holiday-fun/) - So, I've been busy. Very busy. I have definitely put the blog on the back burner, which I needed to do for a while, but I am hoping to revisit it in the New Year. I miss writing. I've been a little better at taking time to take photos, but not so good at sharing
- [Wordless Wednesday: Costume Changes](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-costume-changes/) - Halloween was a busy day this year, with it falling on a Saturday. Joshua went through a lot of costume changes that day. From hockey player... ... to swimmer ... ... to pumpkin artist ... ... to Top Gun pilot ... ... he had a blast being them all. But of course, he was best
- [Wordless Wednesday: Spooky Zoo](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-spooky-zoo/) - Keeping up with our autumn / Halloween traditions, we visited the zoo this past weekend -- this time during the day -- for the annual "Spooky Zoo." It was nice to check in on all the animals, and Josh loved the characters and Treat Trail. We also saw some of the Jack-O-Lanterns, and some of
- [Wordless Wednesday: Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-jack-o-lantern-spectacular/) - I'm late again this week, but with a great reason: last night, we went to the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at our local zoo. I wish my photos did it justice: hundreds of carved pumpkins on display, some with creepy or cool faces, others displaying gorgeous works of art. Pumpkins hanging from trees, over the water, and
- [Wordless Wednesday: Around Town](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-around-town/) - Monday was a glorious day -- sunny, warm (but not too warm), and dry -- perfect for taking a walk around town. People were sitting around the docks, just soaking up the sun. I took a nice stroll in and out of some of the shops, and around the homes (possibly daydreaming about living there
- [Writer's Workshop: Crazytown](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-crazytown/) - This week, I am writing following the prompt: 4. Something funny your child said. It was a year ago this weekend that Joshua came up with this gem, which I shared on Twitter: "I was just a kid in Hollywood living a simple life, until a tornado scooped me up and put me in your
- [Wordless Wednesday: Perfect Weather](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-perfect-weather/) - After last week's rain, it was great to welcome some gorgeous weather this week. It's been sunny and cooler -- 60-70F, dropping into the 40s at night -- perfect, in my opinion. Joshua and I (and his kitties) got some playtime in at the playground on Sunday. I was also able to get in a
- [Wordless Wednesday: September](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-september/) - September was incredibly busy, and I spent a good part of it sick. I am just now getting around to posting some of my photos. Here are some of the photos I took during the month, with the last twelve from a recent Waterfire in Providence. Unfortunately, I did not get any of the "Blood
- [Wordless Wednesday: Mom's Night Out](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-moms-night-out/) - I may as well call it Wordless Thursday (or Friday). Wednesdays are apparently hard for me, but I do love to link up with Ruchira's blog for WW. It's neither wordless nor Wednesday, but I'll share a couple of my photos from this week. Last Thursday, my friend and I went to a free concert
- [Wordless Wednesday: Back to School](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-back-to-school/) - It's that time of the year again: back to school! My little guy complained about going back up to the day before, but then it was like a switch when the first day arrived. He was very excited to see his friends again, and once he was at the bus stop, he was happy. He
- [Writer's Workshop: Dishes](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-dishes/) - This week, I chose the prompt: 1. Write a blog post in exactly 12 lines. One chore I never minded was washing the dishes. In fact, even today, I find it somewhat relaxing. It used to be a nice break from my homework, or something to do when I was bored. Quiet and alone in
- [Wordless Wednesday: Vacation Week](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-vacation-week/) - Last week, I took a much-needed vacation from work. Joshua, my mother, and I headed up north for a few days of fun in New Hampshire. First stop was in the Loon Mountain area, where we visited the infamous Clark's Trading Post. We had to take the train ride, of course! Then, we headed across
- [Wordless Wednesday: Baby, You're a Firework](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-baby-youre-a-firework/) - I've been feeling a little down lately. While my Facebook and Instagram feeds are flooded with photos of people having fun in the Summer sun, I have been cooped up at work. But even when I am not at work, I often just want to stay in the house because it's just too darn hot
- [Writer's Workshop: Photo Bomb](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-photo-bomb/) - This week, I'm following the prompt, "5. Photographs can turn a house into a home. Share a photograph that is not on your wall, but should be…if you weren’t so lazy about actually putting it there." When I read this prompt, I thought, now there's the story of my life! I take photographs all the
- [Wordless Wednesday: July](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-july/) - My blogging and photography have continued to take the back burner lately, but I am hoping to be able to re-prioritize that soon. I wish I had more hours in the day! Here's a catch-up featuring some of my favorite photos (so far) of July. All from my smartphone, but I'm hoping to get out
- [Wordless Wednesday: Summer Fun](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-summer-fun/) - Summer only officially started this past Sunday, but we have already been enjoying some outdoor fun and summer sports. I was excited to attend my first polo match a couple of weeks ago. My friends and I hadn't been to Fenway Park in a while, so we got tickets to a Red Sox game a
- [Wordless Wednesday: Hydrangea](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-hydrangea/) - This plant was a gift from my mother for Mother's Day (yes, I got her something nice, as well). Despite the fact that we haven't gotten much rain lately, I have been keeping it watered, along with my hanging plant, and they actually seem to be doing pretty well. Green thumbs up to someone who
- [Wordless Wednesday: Looking Skyward](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-looking-skyward/) - This past weekend was our local air show. I live really close to the base, so I was able to catch a lot of it from my house. I caught some of the US Navy's Blue Angels performance from outside: And some from my bedroom window: The Canadian Forces' Snowbirds were there, as well. I
- [Wordless Wednesday: Memorial Day](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-memorial-day/) - Lately, it seems like every time I get caught up, ready to get back into the groove of things, there's a setback of some sort. For the past couple of weeks, it has been shingles. I am so thankful that it was only a little uncomfortable and not super painful, as it can be for
- [Wordless Wednesday: Fore!](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-fore/) - Spring has finally sprung around here, and we've been enjoying the warm and sunny weather. (Even though our allergies are acting up.) Joshua has started taking golf lessons and has really been enjoying them. He's really good, too, even chipping in from 15 feet at his second lesson. I've seen a passion and confidence about
- [Wordless Wednesday: Sorry I'm Late and Have Been MIA](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-sorry-im-late-and-have-been-mia/) - I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted. I honestly thought it was a couple of weeks ago, and I am shocked at how fast time has flown. Things have been so busy around here. Anyway, here's a few photos from the last month. They're all from my phone because the
- [Wordless Wednesday: More Snow and the Thaw](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-more-snow-and-the-thaw/) - We received several more inches of snow last week, heaviest in the part of the state where I live. It was the kind that sticks to the trees and makes everything look beautiful. Even though we got at least six inches of snow on Thursday, I was out and about and enjoying the view (also,
- [Wordless Wednesday: Winter at the Zoo](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-winter-at-the-zoo/) - On Saturday, I made a solo trip to the zoo, with only my camera, to get some photos of the animals in the Winter. I heard the snow leopards and red pandas were more active in the cold weather, but they were feeling sleepy when I saw them. The buffalo offered a fun surprise, however.
- [Wordless Wednesday: This Week in Snow Photos](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-this-week-in-snow-photos/) - Linking up with Ruchira for Wordless Wednesday
- [Wordless Wednesday: Let It Snow](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-let-it-snow/) - I realize it's no longer Wednesday, but my internet was down last night. I was pretty sure it was a sign for me to get some sleep, so I did. Here's my week in photos, a little late. We had some pretty large snowflakes last Saturday. When we got home from the store, I noticed
- [Wordless Wednesday: Winter Wonderland](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-winter-wonderland/) - In my last post on this blog (a link-up called "Currently"), I was lamenting the lack of snow this winter. Well, apparently the Great Maker of Snow got the message, because we've had plenty of it since! First a blizzard, and then a couple of smaller storms. Woo hoo! Unfortunately, there's also been an abundance
- [Currently: Oh, Snap](https://jessortiz.com/currently-oh-snap/) - Linking up with Lindsey and Randalin again this week, sharing what is currently going on around here. This week's theme words are: starting, looking, listening, snapping, making. I'm finally starting to get into the groove of things again. I took a bit of time off from blogging, photography, and TV during the holiday week and
- [Writer's Workshop: Heart, Melted](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-heart-melted/) - Following the prompt: 1. The last time my heart melted was because… My son is a total sweetheart. He's always telling me how much he loves me and worries about me when we are not together. With pride, he helps me around the house and at the store. He's a mama's boy, and my right-hand
- [Wordless Wednesday: The Good Ol' Hockey Game](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-the-good-ol-hockey-game/) - Since Josh didn't have hockey this weekend, I treated him to a P-Bruins game. He snagged a front-row seat and made sure our lucky pig had a seat on the boards. Hey, where did that puck go? Caught it! (Well, it fell down a hole and the guy next to us got it for Josh.
- [Writer's Workshop: Letting it Go](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-letting-it-go/) - This week, I am following the prompt: "2. If there was one thing you could change about yourself, what would it be? Why can’t it change?" Actually, there are a lot of things. But lately I am choosing to concentrate on the things I can change, and accept the rest. I love the song "Let
- [Wordless Wednesday: Shmorgishborg](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-shmorgishborg/) - I have no idea if I spelled that word right, and I realize it's rather lame to create a Wordless Wednesday post when it's neither wordless nor Wednesday, but I have really missed Ruchira's link-up, so I am gonna do it anyway! Holy run-on sentences, Batman. Here are some random photos from my week. I
- [Writer's Workshop: Where I'm From](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-where-im-from/) - This week, I am following the prompt: 1. Complete the “Where I’m From” poem. (template here) This was a hard one, but something I wanted to complete once I saw the template and examples, as I am on a journey toward higher self-esteem and self-image. There are so many pieces that add up to form
- [Wordless Wednesday: Ornamental](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-ornamental/) - Linking up with Ruchira on this Wordless Wednesday
- [Wordless Wednesday: Festival of Lights](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-festival-of-lights/) - One of our family traditions is to go to the town Christmas Tree Lighting on the first Thursday of December. All of the stores in the village of Wickford create fun window displays and decorate with lights, and it's a gorgeous place to walk around and find some unique gifts. I wish I had remembered
- [Wordless Wednesday: All of His Faves](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-all-of-his-faves/) - Joshua had a good week. Not only did he get to see Santa at the zoo on Saturday, but he got to skate with the Providence Bruins on Tuesday night. Having a great time with St. Nick Visiting some friends at the zoo. It was about 30F that day, so we pretty much had the
- [Wordless Wednesday: Ocean State](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-ocean-state/) - Hockey was once again my main source of photo inspiration this week, but I also made a point to go somewhere I hadn't been in a while to take some different photos. Beavertail State Park in Jamestown, RI is a prime sunset viewing area, complete with gorgeous rocks and a lighthouse. And it's only about
- [Currently: My Math Wiz and Lots of Rambling](https://jessortiz.com/currently-my-math-wiz-and-lots-of-rambling/) - I'm once again joining Lindsey from Ot and Et, Randalin from Harvesting Kale, and others to share what is "currently" going on with us, based on the week's themes. This week's themes are: finding, writing, dressing, thinking, beginning ***** I had to move my desk at work this week, and I have been finding all
- [Writer's Workshop: My Window](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-my-window/) - This week, I am following the theme: 3. Write a haiku about what you see out your window. Cars, a parking lot Neighbors smoking on their deck I miss my old view The old view, last February Unfortunately, sometimes you have to sacrifice some good things and some comfort to get to where you need
- [Wordless Wednesday: Photo Inspiration](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-photo-inspiration/) - Another week went by without me taking a whole lot of photos. I (finally) started my online photo class this week, so hopefully that will change soon. I haven't had much picture inspiration lately, but Josh and hockey always help! Linking up with Ruchira for Wordless Wednesday
- [Wordless Wednesday: Scenes from November](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-scenes-from-november/) - Linking up with Ruchira for Wordless Wednesday
- [Currently: I Want Candy](https://jessortiz.com/currently-i-want-candy/) - I'm once again joining Lindsey from Ot and Et, Randalin from Harvesting Kale, and others to share what is "currently" going on with us, based on the week's themes. This week's themes are: reading, running, sending, liking, valuing I haven't been reading too much of anything, besides Ree Drummond's children's books to my son. He's quite
- [Wordless Wednesday: Random](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-random/) - It's Thursday. I'm late, and this is random. Little man is back in action! Fun with Finz Creepy moon I voted! Linking up with Ruchira for this week's Wordless Wednesday (better late than never!)
- [Currently: Halloween Preparations](https://jessortiz.com/currently-halloween-preparations/) - I'm once again linking up with Lindsey from Ot and Et and Randalin of Harvesting Kale for another edition of "Currently." This week's themes: committing, loving, organizing, watching, shopping I'm committing to go to the gym at least 3 times a week: twice during the week and at least once on the weekend. Lucky for
- [Writer's Workshop: The Joshua Show](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-the-joshua-show/) - This week, I'm following the prompt: 4.) Hand your child a camera and share life captured from their perspective I've done this prompt before, but I felt it was worth repeating, as Joshua always has something interesting to bring to the table. I didn't hand him a camera, per se, but I did go hunting
- [Wordless Wednesday: Autumn Colors](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-autumn-colors/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday
- [A Day (and Night) at the Zoo](https://jessortiz.com/a-day-and-night-at-the-zoo/) - Last Sunday, Joshua and I enjoyed an afternoon at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence. We met up with my mother for dinner, and later returned with her and my cousin's family to see the incredible pumpkin display at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Pumpkins everywhere! Monkey boy Sleepyhead Kookaburra, not laughing Just a random peacock
- [Currently: Go with the Flow](https://jessortiz.com/currently-go-with-the-flow/) - This week's themes are: anticipating, contributing, discussing, listening, deciding I'm not really anticipating anything this week... just trying to go with the flow. I have felt crappy all week, so I haven't been contributing much to anything. My stomach is a mess. I'm not sure if it's a bug, or stress, or something I ate, but
- [Writer's Workshop: What Did You Call Me?](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-what-did-you-call-me/) - This week, I'm following the prompt: 3.) The last time someone called you a name. It was about five years ago. A bunch of my friends and I were in a bar, having a great time, when I decided to fight the crowd to use the facilities. I pushed my way through a bit, until
- [Wordless Wednesday: Meanwhile, Down on the Ground...](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-meanwhile-down-on-the-ground/) - Linking up with Ruchira for Wordless Wednesday
- [Currently: Being Kind to Myself and Promoting Creativity](https://jessortiz.com/currently-being-kind-to-myself-and-promoting-creativity/) - I discovered today that one of my favorite Instagrammers is also a blogger, which was super exciting because I am looking forward to reading more about her two adorable children and all the good times they have. Her son is just three days younger than Joshua -- the coolest little dude -- and his younger
- [Writer's Workshop: My Pumpkin and Our Patch](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-my-pumpkin-and-our-patch/) - This week, I'm following the prompt: 5.) Show us your pumpkin patch. If there is a season my son and I love, it is Autumn. We love the cooler weather, colorful foliage, and of course -- pumpkins! Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin coffee... Autumn is great, but it makes me fat.
- [Flames of Hope](https://jessortiz.com/flames-of-hope/) - One of the most touching tributes to those who have been afflicted with breast cancer that I have seen is the Flames of Hope Waterfire in Providence. It takes place on a Saturday night every October, and includes vendors selling goods to raise money for breast cancer research (and for patients, I believe) and education
- [Frozen](https://jessortiz.com/frozen/) - Back in September, we got all ramped up for our trip to Disneyworld -- and at the same time, for hockey season -- when we went to see Disney on Ice: Frozen at The Dunk. Joshua loved it.
- [Wordless Wednesday: Our Trip to Disneyworld](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-our-trip-to-disneyworld/) - I've been away for a few weeks while enjoying a much-needed vacation, and then recovering from said vacation. Because when you do Disneyworld like we do, you don't get much rest. Here are a few (OK, several) photos from our trip. Magic Kingdom The typical "pose in front of the castle" My favorite princess area
- [Wordless Wednesday: My Hometown](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-my-hometown/) - I meant to post these photos last week of my impromptu photo shoot a couple of weekends ago, but Wednesday came and went and I completely forgot. I almost forgot tonight, but I am quickly posting after staying up late to finish work. I need more hours in the day. Anyway, please enjoy these photos
- [Writer's Workshop: Recess](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-recess/) - I wasn't sure what to write for any of the prompts this week, so I chose one from the week of August 28th, which I had wanted to choose at the time, but never had a chance to write. That prompt is: 5.) It happened during recess... Plus a little rambling. ;) Whenever I post
- [Wordless Wednesday: August](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-august/) - It appears I pretty much took the summer off from blogging, and in some ways, photography (I've tried to keep up with Instagram, at least). I knew I would be MIA for at least a few weeks while moving, but things ended up getting more hectic than I thought, especially in August. Some of this
- [Wordless Wednesday: Seasons](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-seasons/) - Autumn Winter Spring Summer Linking up with Ruchira for Wordless Wednesday
- [Wordless Wednesday: Around Town](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-around-town-2/) - Linking up with Ruchira for Wordless Wednesday
- [Wordless Wednesday: My July](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-my-july/) - Hurricane Arthur dampened (and chilled) our 4th of July. But the weather was perfect for fireworks the next night. I ended my Independence Day weekend with a trip to John and John Quincy Adams' birthplaces and former homes. Of course, my friend and I had to visit Nut Island for another photo shoot. It was
- [Writer's Workshop: Setting Sun](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-setting-sun/) - 3.) A blog post inspired by the words: setting sun Driving home by bridge Sun setting over the bay Goodnight, Rhode Island
- [Wordless Wednesday: Fun at the Aquarium](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-fun-at-the-aquarium/) - Linking up with Ruchira for Wordless Wednesday
- [So Far This June...](https://jessortiz.com/so-far-this-june/) - I've been slacking with the blog lately, and completely spaced on Wordless Wednesday this week (sorry, Ruchira!). It's a long story, and we'll talk about it eventually, but I wanted to give a quick rundown of some of the things that have been going on. With photos, of course! Joshua got a new swing set
- [Random Thought Tuesday](https://jessortiz.com/random-thought-tuesday/) - My best work friend is leaving the company tomorrow, and I am bummed. She's my lunch buddy and one of the few people left there who will hang out with me. Not cool, yo. I miss Colorado. Rapping Brian Williams is my favorite. And Jimmy Fallon, for that matter. I want to kick my insecurities
- [Wordless Wednesday: My Little Graduate](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-my-little-graduate/) - Well, I'm the proud mama of a preschool graduate. Tomorrow is his last day there. He is a bit apprehensive about moving on to Kindergarten next year, and while I can't say that I blame him, I know he will be alright. He's a bright, outgoing child and I know the new challenges will be
- [Wordless Wednesday: Picked](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-picked/) - Linking up with Ruchira for Wordless Wednesday (a day late)
- [Wordless Wednesday: Natural Beauty](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-natural-beauty/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday
- [MixTape: Missing You](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-missing-you/) - This week's MixTape theme is: Missing You or Farewell I have been slacking with the Mix Tapes lately, and really, my blog in general. Life has been sort of chaotic lately, but I am hoping it will settle down soon. I miss writing and taking lots of photos, but other things have to get done
- [Wordless Wednesday: Work in Progress](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-work-in-progress/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday
- [Wordless Wednesday: Bird's Eye View](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-birds-eye-view/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday (a little late)
- [[365/365] NYC](https://jessortiz.com/365-365-nyc/) - It's no joke -- I was in New York City on April 1st to celebrate my friend's birthday. We were there for less than 24 hours and stayed mainly in the Rockefeller Center / Times Square area. We arrived late on Monday night, got a few hours of rest in the hotel, then ventured out
- [[364/365] The Big Apple](https://jessortiz.com/364-365-the-big-apple/) - Upon arrival in the big city. Times Square at night.
- [[363/365] Flooding](https://jessortiz.com/363-365-flooding/) - Normally, it's "over the river and through the woods" to Grandma's house, but we actually had to go through the river to get there today. We have a bit of excess water in the Ocean State.
- [[362/365] Wanna Build a Snowman?](https://jessortiz.com/362-365-wanna-build-a-snowman/) - My son is currently obsessed with the movie Frozen, which I think I have mentioned before. After watching the movie for the first time, he had asked me if we could find a stuffed Olaf (the snowman). We found one at Walmart on Saturday night, the last one on the shelf. (And man, were those
- [[361/365] Peter Cottontail](https://jessortiz.com/361-365-peter-cottontail/) - There's something about bunnies that creep me out. I don't know why. Maybe the Monty Python killer rabbits just ruined them for me.
- [[360/365] Evening Commute](https://jessortiz.com/360-365-evening-commute/) - I can't complain about my ride home from work. It's rather beautiful. I'm glad I get to ride home in the daylight at this time of year, too. There was even enough light to do a little sledding with Joshua when I got home. I think it might be gone after this weekend, so we
- [[359/365] Golden](https://jessortiz.com/359-365-golden/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday
- [[358/365] Bunch of Turkeys](https://jessortiz.com/358-365-bunch-of-turkeys/) - Wild turkeys everywhere. There goes the neighborhood.
- [[357/365] Iced](https://jessortiz.com/357-365-iced/) - It will be gone soon enough. For now, I'll just capture its beauty.
- [[356/365] Trophies for Everyone](https://jessortiz.com/356-365-trophies-for-everyone/) - Joshua had his last two hockey practices this weekend, which included a game today. Everyone gets a trophy for participating and my little guy was very excited. I feel like he deserves it, too. He went from pushing around a milk crate to playing games in about five months. He had such a blast today
- [[355/365] Where Winter Meets Spring](https://jessortiz.com/355-365-where-winter-meets-spring/) - Saturday was one of those days where Winter meets Spring, and we were able to enjoy the good things they both have to offer. The temps were near 60F, but we still have snow in the yard. That meant we could go from bike riding to sledding, and without having to bundle up (I think
- [[354/365] Flare Friday](https://jessortiz.com/354-365-flare-friday/) - A slightly different view than the one from back in January.
- [[353/365] Handsome](https://jessortiz.com/353-365-handsome/) - Joshua was blessed (cursed?) with thick hair like mine. Although his is straight, it can be as unruly as my curly hair at times, particularly in the morning. Bed heads in da house. To combat the monster cowlicks, Joshua asked for a spray bottle filled with water and a comb, and he fixes his hair
- [[352/365] Tip-a-Bruin](https://jessortiz.com/352-365-tip-a-bruin/) - We went out to dinner at the local IHOP this evening, to eat with some friends and meet a few members of the Providence Bruins. They were having a "Tip-a-Bruin" night, which is basically a charity fundraiser for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Joshua had a blast making friends with everyone (and I mean everyone) and entertaining
- [[351/365] The Thaw](https://jessortiz.com/351-365-the-thaw/) - Things are starting to thaw out around here -- slowly in the woods, but surely. It looks like Spring may be on its way. (And please don't hurt me if I've jinxed it.)
- [[350/365] Happy St. Patrick's Day!](https://jessortiz.com/350-365-happy-st-patricks-day/) - We Irish Americans just love to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Often, it's all about the drinking, but the dressing up is fun, too. Joshua got all dressed up in his garb today and marched with his class in their parade. There were headbands, hats, shakers, flags... it was like a kids' Mardi Gras. It was
- [[349/365] Game Time](https://jessortiz.com/349-365-game-time/) - After months of learning to skate and practicing some hockey skills, Josh had his first game today. He was one of the few kids that had recently gotten off of crates to be out there, and he held his own pretty well. He had been nervous about it, and being one of the smaller and
- [[348/365] My Little Friend](https://jessortiz.com/348-365-my-little-friend/) - Saturday was warm (near 60F) and sunny, a perfect day to get outside and run some errands. At the grocery store, we had to stop and say hi to the lobsters (I think Josh could use a trip to the aquarium soon) and one of them crawled right up and was looking at us. I
- [[347/365] Rivals](https://jessortiz.com/347-365-rivals/) - Another Friday night at the hockey game! Providence lost to Worcester in overtime, which meant we had to hear it from the Sharks fans sitting behind us. Sigh. But we had fun, anyway. ;)
- [[346/365] Arctic Life](https://jessortiz.com/346-365-arctic-life/) - As I was looking into pre-ordering Frozen for Joshua (Who am I kidding? It's for me.) today, I realized that it couldn't have come out in a better winter. I almost captioned this, "That's Enough, Elsa," but I honestly don't mind the snow. It was about 15F this morning, and I didn't even feel cold
- [[345/365] Little Artist](https://jessortiz.com/345-365-little-artist/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday
- [[344/365] Frozen Reflection](https://jessortiz.com/344-365-frozen-reflection/) - We're starting to thaw out. We'll get there, eventually.
- [MixTape: Cover Up](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-cover-up/) - This week's MixTape theme is: Great Cover Songs. I was excited about this topic, because I really enjoy hearing different versions of songs; it's fun to see each person's unique twist. Off the top of my head, here are some of the covers I have enjoyed lately. Interestingly enough, I was not a big fan
- [[343/365] The Birds](https://jessortiz.com/343-365-the-birds/) - As I was driving to pick up Joshua tonight, I looked up in the sky and noticed that there were geese everywhere. I could still hear them honking when I arrived at my mother's house. She told me they have been flying around all day. It looks like they're heading back North, but I hope
- [[342/365] Signs of Spring](https://jessortiz.com/342-365-signs-of-spring/) - The weather dropped back down into the 30s today, but there were still plenty of birds chirping, snow melting, and patches of grass appearing. We also set the clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night, so we were able to enjoy more sunlight this evening, which is definitely a good thing.
- [[341/365] Luck O' The Irish](https://jessortiz.com/341-365-luck-o-the-irish/) - Joshua told me that the snowmen decorations around the house were bringing bad luck. Spring would never come with them around, he said, and boy is he ready for Winter to be over. With St. Patrick's Day only a week or so away, I agreed it was time to break out the Irish and Easter
- [[340/365] Black and Yellow](https://jessortiz.com/340-365-black-and-yellow/) - Another Friday, another fun night at the Providence Bruins game. It's become sort of a joke this season, and I need to look at the stats, but it seems like every home game (and a lot of road games) have gone into a shoot out. This night was no exception. Unfortunately, the Bruins didn't win,
- [[339/365] Hello, Moon](https://jessortiz.com/339-365-hello-moon/) - It's been a while since I've photographed the moon. Probably because it's been so freakin' cold outside at night (tonight was no exception; it was about 15 degrees Fahrenheit). But I happened to notice it peaking through the trees and thought it looked pretty, so I took a few quick shots. I wish I had
- [[338/365] Cactus Colors](https://jessortiz.com/338-365-cactus-colors/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday
- [[337/365] Charts and Hearts](https://jessortiz.com/337-365-charts-and-hearts/) - Joshua drew me some "Get Well" pictures at school today. I love the grid, the stamps, and the leaf. He is too sweet. Also, a funny story: as I was dropping him off this morning, he was trying to get one of the little girls (who he considers one of his best friends there) to
- [[336/365] Snowy Dusk](https://jessortiz.com/336-365-snowy-dusk/) - It didn't end up snowing on Monday (the storm tracked much further south) but we still have plenty of it out there.
- [MixTape: My Soundtrack](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-my-soundtrack/) - This week's mixtape theme is "If My Life Had A Soundtrack…" Rather than looking back at the past, let's start here and look into the future. If I had to pick a theme song for this moment, it would be this (in a literal sense, as well, since I'm ready to be done with this
- [[335/365] We're Going to Need More Tissues](https://jessortiz.com/335-365-were-going-to-need-more-tissues/) - I spent a good part of this weekend resting, trying to get over this sinus infection / cold / whatever the heck it is because the antibiotics seem to have made it worse. Josh is congested, as well, so the scene below is what I have been finding in the morning. So many tissues. Today
- [[334/365] Running Errands](https://jessortiz.com/334-365-running-errands/) - We escaped the house briefly to run some errands. The highlights included Irish Cream coffee (so good), a pretty sunset, and Josh's love of the Easy Button. He was sad because I wouldn't spend $7.99 on one for him (Seriously? Shouldn't they give those things away?). But he got over it when I let him
- [[333/365] Hockey Night](https://jessortiz.com/333-365-hockey-night/) - Another Friday night, another hockey game. I love my weekly (or so) escape from reality, my time to hang out with some friends while we enjoy our favorite sport and dinner afterwards. Even though I was (still) sick that night, I went to the game, anyway. It had been an especially hard and frustrating week,
- [[332/365] Surprise!](https://jessortiz.com/332-365-surprise/) - I don't think anyone around here knew it was supposed to snow today. This was the scene at lunchtime. It was a small storm, but it looks like we might be getting more on Monday.
- [[331/365] Still Winter](https://jessortiz.com/331-365-still-winter/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday
- [[330/365] Sunset Over the Sod Fields](https://jessortiz.com/330-365-sunset-over-the-sod-fields/) - I like how the first photo gives the illusion of looking out over the water from the shore. It's actually a field covered in snow. The sunset colors were beautiful; I wish I could have captured them better.
- [[329/365] Lines](https://jessortiz.com/329-365-lines/) - Following the lines Tired of this lonely road New paths wait for me
- [[328/365] Around Town](https://jessortiz.com/328-365-around-town/) - We had a busy day, out and about. These are a couple of photos I snapped on the back roads of my town. And yes, despite days of rain and temps above 50, we still have snow!
- [[327/365] The Doc is In](https://jessortiz.com/327-365-the-doc-is-in/) - I haven't been feeling well, so Joshua figured it was time I went to see a doctor. He looks a bit concerned, but don't worry -- I'll be fine. Also, the driveway ice has melted. Josh got some splash time in, and we both enjoyed the warmer weather (in the 50s) and fresh air.
- [[326/365] Around the Kitchen](https://jessortiz.com/326-365-around-the-kitchen/) - Running out of things to photograph. :)
- [[325/365] Iced](https://jessortiz.com/325-365-iced/) - Rain on Wednesday followed by freezing temperatures that night resulted in this -- my walkway and driveway turned into sheets of ice. I was tempted to break out the skates, but I had to get to work. Maybe next time.
- [Writer's Workshop: Should've Been in Sochi](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-shouldve-been-in-sochi/) - 2.) If you had to choose a sport to compete in the Winter Olympics, which sport would you choose and why? For as long as I can remember, I have been a huge fan of the Olympics, and particularly the Winter games. Perhaps it's because I am more active in the Winter. Cold temps and
- [[324/365] Drop](https://jessortiz.com/324-365-drop/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday
- [[323/365] Peace](https://jessortiz.com/323-365-peace/) - We've had a few deaths this past week -- my mother's uncle, her cousin's daughter, and her neighbor (my former bus driver). Three of the sweetest people you'd ever meet. I wasn't particularly close to any of them, but all three were always ready with a smile and a soft-spoken cheerfulness every time I saw
- [[322/365] Snowy Sunset](https://jessortiz.com/322-365-snowy-sunset/) - The days are slowly getting longer, which means being able to catch the sunset after work. It's nice to not have to walk out to pitch black at the end of the day.
- [[321/365] Ice Ice Baby](https://jessortiz.com/321-365-ice-ice-baby/) - Greetings from the land of ice and snow! Well, one of the many right now. Got icicles? Ready to play Marshmallow world What child labor laws? This is probably not good. Digging out White woods That time when the ice started to rip the gutter off the house. Sigh. And then I went inside to
- [[320/365] New England Winter Day](https://jessortiz.com/320-365-new-england-winter-day/) - We missed the US vs Russia Olympic hockey game this morning (but Go USA!). We supported USA Hockey in our own way, watching future players learn the game. It snowed again today. The roads got slippery rather quickly, even with just this little bit of snow. I can imagine how snow like this would shut
- [[319/365] Goalie Love](https://jessortiz.com/319-365-goalie-love/) - Nothing says Valentine's Day like a hockey game, eh? At least there was a lot of love after the P-Bruins won.
- [Writer's Workshop: Love and Oatmeal](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-love-and-oatmeal/) - 2.) A blog post inspired by the word: love As I went to make a bowl of oatmeal for myself this morning, I noticed the heart shape on the side of the Quaker® package, indicating that the product was heart-healthy. But beyond that, it reminded me of something I've learned recently -- how real Quakers
- [[318/365] We Love Snow](https://jessortiz.com/318-365-we-love-snow/) - I took these photos while the snow looked amazing, coming down in huge flakes, transforming my back yard, once again, into a winter wonderland. And then it started to rain. ACK. I love the snow. The slush? Not so much. At any rate, I appreciated the lazy snow day. I had to work, but it
- [[317/365] Night Lights](https://jessortiz.com/317-365-night-lights/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday
- [[316/365] It's Cold Outside](https://jessortiz.com/316-365-its-cold-outside/) - Enjoying the view of ice and snow from inside my nice, warm home.
- [[315/365] Jeep Tricks](https://jessortiz.com/315-365-jeep-tricks/) - When life gives you a pile of snow, show off your Jeep? I should have gotten this photo a few days prior; that snow pile was twice as high and the Jeep was practically vertical.
- [[314/365] Sunday Funday](https://jessortiz.com/314-365-sunday-funday/) - Fun at the hockey game. Joshua especially loved his new Geico mask. He even wore it on the Jumbotron. ;)
- [[313/365] Winter Wonderland](https://jessortiz.com/313-365-winter-wonderland/) - Despite temperatures in the 20s today, the sun felt very warm. I soaked it up as much as I could, even driving with the windows open for a bit when my car warmed up.
- [[312/365] The View from Here](https://jessortiz.com/312-365-the-view-from-here/) - The living room window at my mother's house, her lovely decoration, and the frozen landscape. I tried really hard to get a photo of the trees looking frozen, and icicles hanging from the power lines, but had no luck. It was just gorgeous in the sunlight.
- [[311/365] Barren](https://jessortiz.com/311-365-barren/) - There's not much farming going on during this time of year.
- [Chores](https://jessortiz.com/chores/) - I really enjoyed this article over at Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms the other day. The article was in response to another article, which claimed that letting kids do chores was harder than just doing the chores yourself. Clearly written by a perfectionist, the article claimed that children are just not capable of doing chores correctly.
- [[310/365] Inside Looking Out](https://jessortiz.com/310-365-inside-looking-out/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday
- [[309/365] Winter Morning](https://jessortiz.com/309-365-winter-morning/) - The sun felt great today, nice and warm, and there were beautiful blue skies. Tomorrow, we will be getting more snow, with another storm expected for Sunday. I predict more snow photos in the near future.
- [[308/365] Nature's Icing](https://jessortiz.com/308-365-natures-icing/) - We got a new shipment of snow in on Monday. Everything was covered in a thin coating of white. Just gorgeous.
- [[307/365] Super Fog](https://jessortiz.com/307-365-super-fog/) - Sunday was Groundhog Day and the Super Bowl. The groundhog supposedly saw his shadow, so we'll have six more weeks of winter. Was there ever any doubt after the polar vortex took over this continent this year? Sunday was unusually warm, though. It was about 56 degrees Fahrenheit when I looked at one point in
- [[306/365] Fifty-Eight](https://jessortiz.com/306-365-fifty-eight/) - He's just flying across the ice with his new (properly sized) skates.
- [[305/365] Sunset](https://jessortiz.com/305-365-sunset/) - The sun is staying out a little later these days. I'm looking forward to getting to see more sunsets.
- [[304/365] Danger](https://jessortiz.com/304-365-danger/) - Workplace hazard.
- [[303/365] Morning Commute](https://jessortiz.com/303-365-morning-commute/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday
- [Writer's Workshop: Legends](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-legends/) - 2.) Share one of your "did that really just happen to me" life moments. Sometimes I feel like my life has been a series of surreal events, usually in the sporting and political worlds. From attending the world premiere of Fever Pitch at Fenway Park, to hanging out with my bestie at a Kennedy birthday
- [Mirror, Mirror](https://jessortiz.com/mirror-mirror/) - Last night, a bunch of my favorite Mama bloggers began to post photos of themselves, in honor of Award Season and the #365FeministSelfie project. "The #365FeministSelfie is all about showing women as they are, no filter, no primping, no perfection, and perhaps no makeup." So they asked each other, "Who are YOU wearing?" on the
- [[302/365] Field and Trees](https://jessortiz.com/302-365-field-and-trees/) - Pretty self-explanatory. :)
- [MixTape: Songs for a Friend](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-songs-for-a-friend/) - One of your friends is feeling down and needs to feel better. Make a mix to make him/her feel better. This can be songs you know your friend will love or songs meant to cheer someone up. You decide. Dear Friend, I'm sorry you've been having a rough time lately. I understand how it is
- [[301/365] Catching Light](https://jessortiz.com/301-365-catching-light/) - Going simple tonight. Seeing as I keep dozing off as I try to post this, I think I should go get some sleep!
- [[300/365] Blue Skies](https://jessortiz.com/300-365-blue-skies/) - The skies were gorgeous this morning on the way to and from Joshua's hockey practice. Too bad the temperature was in the teens and the wind chill was even colder. We stayed in once we got home to do some major cleaning (including finally taking down the Christmas decorations). It got gray later, with some
- [[299/365] Snow Fun](https://jessortiz.com/299-365-snow-fun/) - Joshua and I bundled up and headed outside on Saturday morning. The temperature was a balmy 36 degrees Fahrenheit, and there was snow in the yard to enjoy! We ended up staying outside for over two hours and didn't realize it had been that long. I'm hurting today from running up the hill (several times)
- [[298/365] View from the Home Office](https://jessortiz.com/298-365-view-from-the-home-office/)
- [[297/365] Tiny Bubbles](https://jessortiz.com/297-365-tiny-bubbles/) - I take photos of pretty much anything. Some more snow photos, as well:
- [[296/365] Winter Wednesday](https://jessortiz.com/296-365-winter-wednesday/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday
- [[295/365] Surprise Snowstorm](https://jessortiz.com/295-365-surprise-snowstorm/) - I knew it was supposed to be cold today, but I didn't realize we were supposed to have a big snowstorm. In fact, everyone seemed surprised as the news began to circulate late yesterday afternoon. The snowfall predictions keep increasing as the storm goes on. Right now, we're up to about six inches. Let it
- [Invisible](https://jessortiz.com/invisible/) - I wanted to share with you a video that I discovered last night -- "Invisible" by Skylar Grey. I listened to the words and it was one of those "Yes! That's exactly how I feel!" moments. And then I thought, I bet we're not the only two who feel this way. In fact, there's probably
- [MixTape: (My) History of Dance](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-my-history-of-dance/) - We have a special Mix Tape this week. The topic is: Favorite Dance or Club Music. This list was suggested by our own Kir from The Kir Corner. Her younger brother suddenly passed away last month, but through this tragedy she has a bright spot in her heart. Her brother was a DJ and loved
- [[294/365] Winter Sky](https://jessortiz.com/294-365-winter-sky/) - Nothing too exciting, just the sky on my way into work this morning.
- [[293/365] Time to Bake](https://jessortiz.com/293-365-time-to-bake/) - Sunday was a chilly, lazy day with not much to do besides watch the Bruins and Patriots games. Since my child had zero interest in the games (well, maybe a slight interest in the hockey game) and was all, "Play with me!" all day, I did my best to keep him entertained. Baking, board games,
- [[292/365] Foggy Morning](https://jessortiz.com/292-365-foggy-morning/) - I cheated here, because I actually took these on Friday morning. It's been hard to get (good) photos every single day, but there are only 73 days left in my 365 project. I think I can, I think I can...
- [[291/365] Why Can't We Be Friends?](https://jessortiz.com/291-365-why-cant-we-be-friends/) - There wasn't much in the way of brotherly love last Friday at the Providence Bruins game. But what else is new?
- [[290/365] In the Cookie Jar](https://jessortiz.com/290-365-in-the-cookie-jar/) - Joshua's favorite: maple leaf cookies. Only one left... we need a refill!
- [[289/365] Morning Glory](https://jessortiz.com/289-365-morning-glory/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday
- [[288/365] Little Rhody](https://jessortiz.com/288-365-little-rhody/) - I tried to get a couple of photos on Tuesday, but it was rainy and crappy and I was busy and blah blah blah. So here's the adorable cover of RI Monthly magazine, taken as I waited to get my car serviced on Wednesday.
- [[287/365] Rivalry](https://jessortiz.com/287-365-rivalry/) - As I was packing my hockey bag Monday night, I threw in the bandanna I always wear under my mask, then the hat I usually wear out of the rink. Fitting, since they'll be playing each other in the playoffs this weekend. Then I prayed that I wouldn't get my butt kicked for wearing the
- [[286/365] I Wanna Drive the Zamboni](https://jessortiz.com/286-365-i-wanna-drive-the-zamboni/) - Joshua had a blast at the hockey game on Sunday afternoon. We sat in the front row (so spoiled) and felt like we were part of the game. His favorite part, though, was the Zamboni. I guess if his hockey career doesn't work out, he can drive the Zamboni. Or perhaps he'll be the photographer.
- [MixTape: New in 2013](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-new-in-2013/) - This week the theme of our MixTape is - The best new songs you’ve heard this past year. Can be oldies or new songs, either way they are new to you! This was one of those hard mix tapes, because I love so many songs. I decided to avoid songs I've already used in my
- [[285/365] Entertainment](https://jessortiz.com/285-365-entertainment/) - It doesn't take much to keep Joshua entertained; just some simple prompts and his active imagination.Today was rainy and windy -- pretty stormy. So we just ran some errands and were lazy around the house later on, watching a movie and playing a few games of Chutes and Ladders.The temperature reached 61F today; a new
- [[284/365] Black and White Commute](https://jessortiz.com/284-365-black-and-white-commute/) - It was snowing Friday morning, and I snapped a few photos on my phone during my morning commute. I thought they looked better cropped wider, and in black and white. Unfortunately, rain later in the day and tomorrow has washed the snow away.
- [[283/365] Chia Cat](https://jessortiz.com/283-365-chia-cat/) - Joshua's Chia cat grass has sprouted up rather quickly. I guess that makes it a good plant for kids -- little water, light, and work, and quick results. When this is about another inch taller, the cats will get to enjoy it, although one of them already got into it a bit the other night.
- [MixTape: Mistakes](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-mistakes/) - This week, Jen suggested: "As everyone is looking forward to a New Year and talking about resolutions, this week's theme will be Past Mistakes (not necessarily love related)." This was a tough one, until I thought about some of my resolutions for this year. They include being kinder to myself, more thoughtful to others, and
- [[282/365] Family History](https://jessortiz.com/282-365-family-history/) - My mother has a project going on right now, framing old photos of her family to display on her wall. These two are my great-grandparents, James and Lillian Kyle (aka, Nana and Grandpa Kyle). There is a local place that does photo restoration. We're hoping they'll be able to help us with the photo of
- [[281/365] Hockey Mom](https://jessortiz.com/281-365-hockey-mom/) - After a four month or so hiatus, I returned to hockey on Tuesday night. Even better: I was back skating with a group I haven't seen in about a year and a half. We had a blast. I'm so excited to be back, and happy that I wasn't completely dead by the end of the
- [[280/365] Foggy and Soggy](https://jessortiz.com/280-365-foggy-and-soggy/) - It's been raining the past couple of days, melting the snow and making a soggy, foggy mess. Today's temperature was in the 50s, but will head back into the 20s tomorrow. I'm sad about the snow, and my sinuses hate these changes in temperature, but I guess I can be thankful it's not in the
- [[279/365] 2014](https://jessortiz.com/279-365-2014/) - Because it's never too late to celebrate the new year.
- [[278/365] Mini the Snowman](https://jessortiz.com/278-365-mini-the-snowman/) - The snow that fell this week was very dry and fluffy, due to the extremely cold temperatures. It's great for skiing, but not so great for sledding (in an inner tube, anyway) or building a snowman. We tried to sled and sunk right into the snow. After packing down a couple of sled trails, we
- [[277/365] Winter Fun](https://jessortiz.com/277-365-winter-fun/) - Joshua was home from school because of the snow, and I was home from work because of vacation, so that meant a morning of watching movies (Fox and the Hound is his new favorite -- thanks, Netflix!) and an afternoon of playing in the snow. Although, by afternoon, I mean about an hour, because it
- [[276/365] Snowy by the Sea](https://jessortiz.com/276-365-snowy-by-the-sea/) - It was a cold and snowy day in New England today. Joshua went back to school and was able to celebrate his birthday with his classmates. I helped by going in to read one of his favorite stories, Click Clack Moo, and he was asked to bring in five of his favorite things (all stuffed
- [[275/365] A New Leaf](https://jessortiz.com/275-365-a-new-leaf/) - Oh, this kid and his Maple Leafs. He just loves them, and says he is going to play for their team someday (and "win the trophy and drink it up!"). He was pretty happy that they won on his birthday, and at the Winter Classic on New Year's Day. I bought him that puck at
- [[273/365] Raindrops](https://jessortiz.com/273-365-raindrops/) - I didn't take any photos on Monday (I've been slacking), so here's another one from Sunday.
- [[274/365] New Year's Eve](https://jessortiz.com/274-365-new-years-eve/) - I spent New Year's Eve in Boston with a friend, where we attended the Bruins game. Despite the Bruins' loss, it was a great time.
- [[272/365] Five](https://jessortiz.com/272-365-five/) - Joshua turned five on Sunday. He was almost more excited for his birthday as he was for Christmas. Zero One Two Three Four Five! It no longer feels like yesterday since he was born, but I still can't believe how big he has gotten in the past five years. Looking back at his photos, I
- [[271/365] Learning to Skate](https://jessortiz.com/271-365-learning-to-skate/) - Joshua got some new hockey socks for Christmas, and look at how well they're helping him skate! He's quite proud of himself, and so am I. He's excited about hockey, and motivated to trade in the crates for a stick.
- [[270/365] Play Day](https://jessortiz.com/270-365-play-day/) - Some days, you just need to be lazy and play with toys.
- [[269/365] White Christmas (A Day Late)](https://jessortiz.com/269-365-white-christmas-a-day-late/) - There were a few quick snow showers on Thursday, which paired nicely with the Christmas music still playing on my radio.
- [[268/365] A Merry Christmas](https://jessortiz.com/268-365-a-merry-christmas/)
- [[267/365] The Night Before Christmas](https://jessortiz.com/267-365-the-night-before-christmas/)
- [[266/365] Red and Green](https://jessortiz.com/266-365-red-and-green/) - I worked from my mother's house today while my car was being serviced (and more needs to be done... I really need to win that lottery). This is some of her holiday decor, and some of Joshua's below. There are two things that Joshua has said to me this week that really struck me. First,
- [[265/365] Thaw](https://jessortiz.com/265-365-thaw/) - This picture is actually from Saturday, but both days this weekend were unseasonably warm (into the 60s). The snow was steaming, and is now gone. How odd that it was snowing and in the 20s last weekend, and this weekend -- the first of Winter -- was so warm. That's New England for you.
- [[264/365] LaSallette Shrine](https://jessortiz.com/264-365-lasallette-shrine/) - We visited LaSallette Shrine on Saturday night. Every year, they have a festival of lights for Christmas, and it's just gorgeous. It was slightly spoiled by the hour and a half we were stuck in traffic, the crowds and the mud, but we managed to enjoy it. I like all kinds of Christmas traditions, but
- [[263/365] In the Zone](https://jessortiz.com/263-365-in-the-zone/) - On Friday, I had a couple of holiday work events, which meant I had to be social. Well, I guess I didn't have to, but I wanted to. While I like the people I work with and enjoy their company, these types of events really stress me out. I always feel so shy and awkward,
- [Writer's Workshop: Pajamas](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-pajamas/) - This week, I chose the writing prompt "1.) Write a blog post inspired by the word: pajamas." When I think of pajamas, I think of comfort. I think of being young and worry-free. Of feeling protected and happy. Secure and loved. Relaxed and warm on a cold winter's night. Safe from the harshness of the
- [[262/365] Santa Claus is Coming](https://jessortiz.com/262-365-santa-claus-is-coming/) - Linking up with Ruchira from Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday
- [[261/365] Let It Snow](https://jessortiz.com/261-365-let-it-snow/) - More snow last night, and no complaints here. Maybe Santa will bring me a pair of cross country skis.
- [[260/365] First Gift](https://jessortiz.com/260-365-first-gift/) - My little elf brought home a gift from school today, but I can't open it until Christmas morning. The suspense is killing me! :) Today was his Christmas concert at school and then we took a field trip to IKEA. So much fun, and way too many cinnamon rolls. Mmm.
- [MixTape: Christmas Part 2](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-christmas-part-2/) - I warned a couple of weeks ago that I'd be back with more Christmas music this week, as the theme is "Dealer's Choice." With my holiday spirit in full swing, here are a few more of my favorite songs for this time of year. Michael Bublé and Thalia - "Mis Deseos / Feliz Navidad" I
- [[259/365] Winter Wonderland](https://jessortiz.com/259-365-winter-wonderland/) - After about 3-4 inches of snow fell last night, it started to rain, which lasted into late morning. Luckily, it was just a drizzle, and didn't wash away the snow. It left a crispy layer on top of the snow, however, and once we had that packed down a bit, it made for some good
- [[258/365] Little Elf](https://jessortiz.com/258-365-little-elf/) - We had a very busy day on the agenda for today -- one of those times when everything gets planned for the same day. But Mother Nature had her own plans and brought us a snowstorm. We made it to a family Christmas party earlier in the day, and then came home when the snow
- [[257/365] Victory](https://jessortiz.com/257-365-victory/) - I finally felt better on Friday. Still not 100%, but so much better than the rest of the week. I beat the bug! I was glad, because I really wanted to go into work and enjoy the company Holiday Party with my friends and colleagues. I also wanted to go to the hockey game; I
- [[256/365] Winter in the Air](https://jessortiz.com/256-365-winter-in-the-air/) - It's not technically Winter yet, but it feels like it around here.
- [[255/365] Powdered Trees](https://jessortiz.com/255-365-powdered-trees/) - Linking up with Ruchira over at Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday.
- [[254/365] Sparkle](https://jessortiz.com/254-365-sparkle/) - It snowed yesterday, and while I felt awful (it's my turn for the stomach bug), I was glad to at least have something beautiful to watch.
- [[253/365] Peek-a-Boo!](https://jessortiz.com/253-365-peek-a-boo/) - I had way too much fun taking photos tonight. It's just too bad I am allergic to trees. Achoo!
- [MixTape: Might As Well Face It](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-might-as-well-face-it/) - This week's Twisted Mix Tape theme is: "I don’t just love you, I’m addicted to you!" These were some of the songs that came to mind when I saw the theme and well... sadly, they're rather heavy and tragic. Addiction can be that way, I suppose. So here's a bunch of beautiful women going crazy
- [[252/365] Gingerbread Train](https://jessortiz.com/252-365-gingerbread-train/) - Joshua suffered a minor set-back this morning -- his stomach is apparently still really sensitive to most food. He may be living on Goldfish crackers and Ramen noodles for the next couple of days, but at least he was feeling better by late afternoon. We vegged for most of the day (I was really tired,
- [[251/365] My Sunshine](https://jessortiz.com/251-365-my-sunshine/) - After another rough morning, Joshua had quite a dramatic turn-around (ironically, he was fine once I called his doctor, without doing anything different) and is feeling much better. Hooray! To celebrate, we went to pick out a Christmas tree. It was nice to see him smiling and joking again.
- [[250/365] Oh, Deer!](https://jessortiz.com/250-365-oh-deer/) - Day Two of Joshua's stomach bug, and I think we're both getting a bit delirious. Hopefully, we'll get out of the house tomorrow.
- [[249/365] Mother and Child](https://jessortiz.com/249-365-mother-and-child/) - The plan for today was to work in the morning, pick up Joshua from school, get some Christmas errands done, and catch the town Christmas tree lighting in the evening. None of that happened. Joshua lasted about fifteen minutes at school before I got a call to go pick him up. Stomach bug. My poor
- [[248/365] Santa's Village](https://jessortiz.com/248-365-santas-village/) - And a random bonus: Linking up with Ruchira over at Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday.
- [MixTape: Christmas is Coming](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-christmas-is-coming/) - This week's MixTape prompt is Christmas music... my favorite! The hardest part will be limiting myself to five songs. I doubt I will be able to do that, but the next "Free for All" mix is in a couple of weeks. Expect to see more Christmas music then! :) John Denver & The Muppets -
- [[247/365] Hello, Sunshine](https://jessortiz.com/247-365-hello-sunshine/) - It was so nice to see the sun again today, although I should probably find some new subject matter. Hopefully, I'll have time tomorrow night to take some different photos.
- [[246/365] Foggy](https://jessortiz.com/246-365-foggy/) - I couldn't get a great photo of the fog yesterday (one that really did it justice), but it was as thick as peanut butter (or pea soup, whatever you like to eat). In other news, I got a new phone and I am pretty happy with it. It takes decent photos, eh?
- [[245/365] Santa's Little Helper](https://jessortiz.com/245-365-santas-little-helper/) - After we finished our Christmas decorating this afternoon (Day 3 of the decorating, that is), Joshua begged me to bring him to a store so he could get a Santa costume. We found this in one of our bins and I told him that would have to be good enough for now. Crazy kid.
- [[244/365] Meeting Santa](https://jessortiz.com/244-365-meeting-santa/) - We had the timing down right to see Santa at the zoo on Saturday. There was a small crowd to begin with (the 33F temperature probably had something to do with that), and we went in the afternoon, missing the morning rush from when Santa arrived for a holiday parade. Joshua had hockey in the
- [[243/365] Sunset](https://jessortiz.com/243-365-sunset/) - After a long hiatus, I was able to catch a sunset tonight. Unfortunately, the photos don't look as good on my laptop as they did on my iPhone, but I was too lazy to take photo of something else. It's been a lazy weekend for an exhausted Jessica.
- [[242/365] Thankful](https://jessortiz.com/242-365-thankful/) - It was a low-key Thanksgiving this year, and that was just fine with me. I have so much to be thankful for, especially this little nugget of joy. :)
- [[241/365] Rain, Rain](https://jessortiz.com/241-365-rain-rain/) - I didn't get any photos capturing the buckets of rain coming down today, or the gusty wind, but it was quite a nasty day. The high temperature was in the 60s, so it wasn't too cold for Joshua to have a quick play in the puddles before I brought him home. Sadly, this was taken
- [[240/365] All the Leaves are Brown](https://jessortiz.com/240-365-all-the-leaves-are-brown/) - It was still a bit chilly today, but temperatures got into the mid-40s, so it wasn't quite as cold as it has been. Tomorrow is supposed to be around 60F, and then back to the 30s on Thursday. Gotta love that New England weather. I've had a lot on my mind again and I am
- [[239/365] Freezing](https://jessortiz.com/239-365-freezing/) - The temperature around here has been in the 20s (Fahrenheit) for the past couple of days, and the pond is starting to get a nice layer of ice. It is supposed to warm up later this week, so it won't last long, but it's a sure sign that Winter is on its way.
- [[238/365] Teamwork](https://jessortiz.com/238-365-teamwork/) - I caught the Sunday matinee game today. Unfortunately, the P-Bruins lost this time, 5-2.
- [[237/365] Dusting](https://jessortiz.com/237-365-dusting/) - I have been totally slacking with the picture-taking this weekend. I didn't take any photos at all on Saturday, so I took these on Sunday morning. The light dusting of snow from the flurries last night, and some visitors in the backyard (taken quickly through a screen; they moved too fast for me to get
- [[236/365] Nice Shot, Man](https://jessortiz.com/236-365-nice-shot-man/) - It was another rough game in Providence on Friday night. The P-Bruins won in a shootout, 4-3.
- [[235/365] Grumpy Cat](https://jessortiz.com/235-365-grumpy-cat/) - Apparently, I am annoying her again. I tend to have that effect on people (and animals). Silly Lily.
- [[234/365] Skating with the Bruins](https://jessortiz.com/234-365-skating-with-the-bruins/) - Every once in a while, the Providence Bruins organization rewards us for our loyalty as season ticket holders. The annual Skate with the Players event is one of those times. We have the chance to skate at the Dunkin' Donuts Center with the team. It's always a good time, although at this point, I am
- [[233/365] Remote Control](https://jessortiz.com/233-365-remote-control/) - While I was in the kitchen yesterday, I heard a noise. At first, I thought it was one of the cats, but as I walked into the living room, I realized it was one of Joshua's remote control cars (the bus pictured here). It had apparently moved itself halfway across the room. (Did I mention
- [[232/365] Scattered](https://jessortiz.com/232-365-scattered/) - Sunday's rain and wind storm dumped more leaves. The ones from Mom's Japanese Maple looked lovely on her steps, but I don't think she was too happy about having to rake them up... again.
- [[231/365] Cold Killers](https://jessortiz.com/231-365-cold-killers/) - At the first sign of chest and sinus congestion and a temp of 100F, I turned to some favorite home remedies -- chicken soup, salsa, garlic pills, and Airborne. I hope something helps. So far, the sinuses have cleared a bit but I mainly feel like I've been hit by a bus. Stupid germs.
- [[230/365] A Walk in November](https://jessortiz.com/230-365-a-walk-in-november/) - Saturday was a gorgeous day, a perfect day for a walk. It was nice to take in some fresh air and get in some exercise. I haven't been getting either nearly enough lately.
- [[229/365] Keith Urban](https://jessortiz.com/229-365-keith-urban/) - Friday night was concert night. I went to see Keith Urban, with opening acts Dustin Lynch and Little Big Town. To be honest, I was most excited about Little Big Town, and they didn't disappoint. I love all of their music, and their harmonies are just incredible at times (and they sound just as great
- [[228/365] The Colors of November](https://jessortiz.com/228-365-the-colors-of-november/) - I love when I work from home and have time at lunch to walk around the yard and take some photos. Especially at this time of year, when I miss most of the sunlight. However, I need to remember to take the photos after I eat; it was hard to keep the camera steady because
- [[227/365] Playtime](https://jessortiz.com/227-365-playtime/) - Linking up with Ruchira over at Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday.
- [MixTape: Story Songs](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-story-songs/) - This week's MixTape theme is: "Epic tunes, I'm looking for songs that are in a story format. Not just poetic words that share an emotion, but songs that stray from the norm. I want a beginning middle and end." I'm not sure if this is going to be epic, but here are some songs that
- [[226/365] Let It Snow](https://jessortiz.com/226-365-let-it-snow/) - We had our first snowfall of the season this morning. Joshua was beyond excited. Not much accumulated, but I was glad that some of it was still around for me when I got back home. It was dark, but I grabbed a flashlight to get some snow pics. I may not have seen the sun
- [[225/365] Peek-a-Boo Moon](https://jessortiz.com/225-365-peek-a-boo-moon/) - My Veterans' Day mainly consisted of taking advantage of some sales and teaching Joshua how to play checkers. (I also introduced him to fortune cookies, which he thinks are the coolest cookies ever. Well, maybe second to maple leaf cookies.) Nothing too patriotic, although we did take a moment to send my uncle a photo
- [[224/365] Boom](https://jessortiz.com/224-365-boom/) - It was a crazy P-Bruins v Hartford Wolf Pack game this afternoon. There was a whole bunch of fighting, including a goalie fight. And a whole bunch of scoring on the P-Bruins' side. They won, 6-0. It was definitely an entertaining game, although I was slightly disturbed when the Hartford goalie took an extra-hard slapshot
- [[223/365] Crafty](https://jessortiz.com/223-365-crafty/) - Joshua and I have been feeling less than 100% this week, so we decided to have a lazy day today -- breakfast at Cracker Barrel, a quick errand run, and then home to bake some pumpkin muffins and make some of those silly rubber band bracelets. Oh, and a nap on the couch while watching
- [[222/365] Leaf Collection](https://jessortiz.com/222-365-leaf-collection/) - I think this week's "Finish the Sentence Friday" topic was my favorite of this link-up ever -- and they always prove to be entertaining. There are a lot of people with amazing mothers out there, and it's really interesting to see how many of us have similar childhood stories (even similar electrocution stories -- just
- [[221/365] Bare](https://jessortiz.com/221-365-bare/) - I've felt compelled to write more this week, and in turn, have been slacking on the photos. I usually get the shakes when I haven't taken a photo in like ten minutes, but I didn't seem to have the bug over these past couple of days. I guess it doesn't help that I haven't been
- [FTSF: When I Was a Little Kid...](https://jessortiz.com/ftsf-when-i-was-a-little-kid/) - When I was a little kid, I thought I was invincible. I learned to ski when I was four and would just barrel down the slope like I was going to take off into the air at the bottom, and crashed into huge piles of snow like it was my job. Of course, that would
- [[220/365] Number Two](https://jessortiz.com/220-365-number-two/) - Because sometimes you can't sleep, and you run out of things to photograph, so you take pictures of pencils. Totally normal. Linking up with Ruchira over at Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday.
- [Writer's Workshop: Giving Back](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-giving-back/) - 3.) Write a 16-line poem about a moment from your childhood that changed your life for the better. I can't think of one particular moment from my childhood that changed my life for the better, but I do remember a series of activities that helped me change others' lives: community service projects. I played with
- [MixTape: The Pick Me Up Mix](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-the-pick-me-up-mix/) - I've had a bit of a rough patch again lately. There have been some great days, but still some tough emotions. Fun with Joshua, but also feelings of anxiety, stress, frustration, and loneliness. So, when I saw that this week's Mix Tape was a "Dealer's Choice," I decided I needed some feel-good songs. Music has
- [[219/365] Falling](https://jessortiz.com/219-365-falling/) - The trees are shedding. In some places, the ground is covered in a colorful blanket of leaves. In others, there are just a few scattered splashes of color. As the days get colder, the trees get more and more bare. The geese start to fly south. We'll be hiding inside soon enough (unless there's snow,
- [[218/365] Morning Light](https://jessortiz.com/218-365-morning-light/) - So lovely, while shining down on my neighbors' creepy Halloween people.
- [[217/365] Making a List](https://jessortiz.com/217-365-making-a-list/) - One minute, he tells me how disappointed he is that Halloween is over because Christmas isn't as much fun; the next minute, he declares, "I need to start writing my Christmas list for Santa!" Ah, so now you remember the magic of Christmas. ;)For the record, he's hoping Santa leaves him some bananas in his
- [[216/365] Sports Day](https://jessortiz.com/216-365-sports-day/) - While the Red Sox were celebrating their World Series Championship with a parade in Boston, Joshua was busy playing his own sports. It's time for a season switch. Goodbye, soccer. Hello, hockey! So far, hockey is going a bit more smoothly than soccer, but I still wonder if swimming will be his sport, since he
- [[215/365] In Like a Lion](https://jessortiz.com/215-365-in-like-a-lion/) - The first day of November was rainy and very windy. Perhaps it had itself mixed up with March, only it was much prettier.
- [[214/365] Treat](https://jessortiz.com/214-365-treat/) - It was a treat to be able to take some time off of work to watch this little cowboy march with his schoolmates in their annual Halloween parade. He was so excited about Halloween this year; I haven't had this much fun with it in a long time.
- [MixTape: Halloween Edition](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-halloween-edition/) - From Jen: This week's topic for our Halloween week is Scary songs. You may take full liberty with this topic my friends. Scary because of the content? The appearance of the performer or the song is just that darn bad. Or maybe you have some definition I haven't thought of yet. Get on it. I
- [[213/365] Wet](https://jessortiz.com/213-365-wet/) - There will be lots of these popped in Boston tonight. Congratulations, Red Sox! B Strong!
- [[212/365] Hair](https://jessortiz.com/212-365-hair/) - This poor scarecrow is falling apart, but it's still wicked cool. Go Red Sox! I am fighting with my own hair lately, just wearing it up because it's so unruly. Actually, that's nothing new. It's always been wild and curly. I've always wished it were straight. Every time I want to complain about it, though,
- [[211/365] Just For You](https://jessortiz.com/211-365-just-for-you/) - Sometimes, I have those thoughts. The ones that say I'm not good at anything, that people don't like me, that no one cares about me, that no one is on my side. The ones that make me hate myself. That make me doubt my writing, my photography, and everything else I share here. That make
- [[210/365] Peaceful](https://jessortiz.com/210-365-peaceful/) - We spent the afternoon at our home away from home -- the zoo. They were having their "Spooky Zoo" celebration, and we wore our costumes (cowboy gear). The water in the Moon Bear exhibit was rather peaceful. Joshua always likes to stand here and look "under the sea." We got to take a look at
- [[209/365] Depth of Field](https://jessortiz.com/209-365-depth-of-field/) - There's a lot of beauty on the ground during this time of year.
- [[208/365] Welcome](https://jessortiz.com/208-365-welcome/) - I certainly felt welcome in the city of San Francisco. But it was nice to be welcomed back into New England this morning. Even despite the frigid temperatures (in the 30s when we landed).
- [[207/365] Dark](https://jessortiz.com/207-365-dark/) - After training today, I took a quick walk across the street to the piers before it got dark (see what I did there with the theme?). It seemed that everyone was there to either fish, run, or take photos. Of course, I was in the last group. Did you know the Great Pumpkin is from
- [[206/365] Your Mood Today](https://jessortiz.com/206-365-your-mood-today/) - A little foggy, especially this morning before tea, but peaceful, cheerful, and happy (maybe a little festive?). I'm enjoying my trip so far. I'm learning a lot in training, and tonight I got to hang out with three of my cousins who live in this area, two of whom I have not seen in 24
- [[205/365] Change](https://jessortiz.com/205-365-change/) - Location change! My flight chased the sunset from coast to coast yesterday evening.
- [[204/365] Then + Now](https://jessortiz.com/204-365-then-now/) - Then: Sunset, taken July 5, 2013 Now: Sunset, taken October 21, 2013 I somehow managed to get these lined up pretty close. It's interesting to see how far down the horizon the sun is setting now, and of course the colors are much more vivid. Maybe I'll have to stop by in the Winter, as
- [[203/365] Open](https://jessortiz.com/203-365-open/) - Open pumpkins (two, for Jack-O-Lanterns). Open can of pumpkin (for making a delicious pie). Open flowers (for the bees to eat and rest). Open land (so we can enjoy its beauty).
- [[202/365] A Good Day](https://jessortiz.com/202-365-a-good-day/) - A soccer game, a birthday party, and a fire pit, complete with s'mores! Someone had a good day.
- [[201/365] Still](https://jessortiz.com/201-365-still/) - You need not do anything. Remain sitting at your table and listen. You need not even listen, just wait. You need not even wait, just learn to be quiet, still and solitary. And the world will freely offer itself to you unmasked. It has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.
- [[200/365] First World Problem](https://jessortiz.com/200-365-first-world-problem/) - Those darn dishes won't clean themselves. Sun in my eyes! Ugh! Missed another deer photo opportunity. (But did get a cool creepy Halloween-ish photo!) Yet another doctor appointment. But I got good news: I don't need surgery, and medicine should help improve my issues. I'm so thankful for that, and for the fact that I
- [[199/365] Leafy](https://jessortiz.com/199-365-leafy/) - Linking up with Ruchira over at Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday.
- [[198/365] Secret](https://jessortiz.com/198-365-secret/) - "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
- [[197/365] Favorite Space](https://jessortiz.com/197-365-favorite-space/) - We went back to Joshua's favorite space on Monday -- the zoo. The animals all seemed happy in their spaces, too. Maybe because it was such a gorgeous day. Yes, that's a bat. We don't normally visit the area with the bat cave, but Joshua has been so obsessed with them lately, I had to
- [[196/365] Watching](https://jessortiz.com/196-365-watching/) - Were we watching the pumpkins... or were the pumpkins watching us? Bwa ha ha! The theme of this year's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular was "Pumpkinville USA." There were pumpkins representing states across the country. This was Rhode Island's. It was the perfect way to celebrate my mother's birthday. Unfortunately, we completely missed out on the Flames of
- [[195/365] Below](https://jessortiz.com/195-365-below/) - On Saturday, my friend and I took a field trip to Danvers and Salem MA to get our history on. Our first stop was to the Rebecca Nurse homestead. Rebecca was one of the victims of the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. Here we learned that most of the trials and activity actually took place
- [[194/365] M is For...](https://jessortiz.com/194-365-m-is-for/) - Manchester Monarchs Mouthguards Masks More photos here. (If you're interested.)
- [[193/365] Hands](https://jessortiz.com/193-365-hands/) - Hands are perfect for eating peanut butter sandwiches (and later, a slice of pumpkin pie). They're also good for taking photos, although I missed my target here. I took a walk down my street at lunchtime on Thursday. As I was walking, something ran right in front of me, maybe about ten feet. It was
- [Writer's Workshop: Through My Son's Eyes](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-through-my-sons-eyes/) - I haven't participated in the Writer's Workshop for at least a few weeks now, either because none of the prompts really spoke to me (no offence, Mama Kat!), or I didn't feel like writing for whatever reason. This one is perfect, though: 4.) Hand your child a camera and share life captured from their perspective.
- [MixTape: The Sountrack Edition](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-the-sountrack-edition/) - I'm linking up with Jen for Twisted MixTape Tuesday. This week's theme is: "I wouldn’t love these songs so much if they weren’t part of a Soundtrack. Your favorite songs from soundtracks, could be anywhere from pop music you love to original scores, you decide. Try and use the point of view that it was
- [[191/365] Corner](https://jessortiz.com/191-365-corner/)
- [[192/365] Pink](https://jessortiz.com/192-365-pink/) - Linking up with Ruchira over at Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday.
- [[190/365] What You Saw Today](https://jessortiz.com/190-365-what-you-saw-today/) - I saw a rainy, but beautiful New England Autumn day. I saw colorful leaves covering the ground. I saw so many pine needles in my driveway, that Joshua said we'd have to shovel them and I agreed (I'll get that photo tomorrow). I saw my work cave (unfortunately). I saw corn fields. I saw my
- [[189/365] 8 O'Clock](https://jessortiz.com/189-365-8-oclock/) - OK, so technically none of these photos were taken at 8 o'clock, but I am going with close enough on this one. (Rules, schmules.) At 8am, I was reading to Joshua because "I need you to read me this book because I can't read yet!" and at 8pm, we were watching the rest of Octonauts
- [[188/365] Afternoon](https://jessortiz.com/188-365-afternoon/) - A local pet store sponsored an "Animal Appreciation Day" today, so of course we had to go down and check out the animals after Joshua's game this afternoon. He was in animal heaven (and cowboy heaven, when we went into the tack shop), and I am getting more and more used to the smell of
- [[187/365] In Motion](https://jessortiz.com/187-365-in-motion/) - I have a confession to make: I often feel compelled take photos in the car, sometimes when I am driving. Please don't turn me in. I know it's wrong, but I am apparently some sort of photo addict. Most of the time, they come out blurry, so it's hardly worth it. It's a "point the
- [[186/365] You today](https://jessortiz.com/186-365-you-today/) - I got my herrr did (is that how they say it?) tonight, so you don't have to see how ridiculous I looked earlier with it half straight and half curly, due to my hair dryer catching on fire in the middle of my getting ready this morning. Sparks were flying everywhere.Aww, yeah.Ironically, Joshua is learning
- [[185/365] Light](https://jessortiz.com/185-365-light/) - The warm weather, sunny skies, and beautiful foliage seem to be the only things helping me keep my sanity these days. I'm glad I had the time to take a walk today; if only I could have relaxed and stayed in the moment while I did so instead of thinking about all. the. crap. The
- [[184/365] Something Colorful](https://jessortiz.com/184-365-something-colorful/) - I need some inspiration to help me through my 365 project, so this month I am going to use the Fat Mum Slim Photo A Day Challenge list. I'm also going to attempt to play along over at Instagram, if anyone's interested!
- [[183/365] Arrgh](https://jessortiz.com/183-365-arrgh/) - This was the only photo I took yesterday, an attempt to capture the pirate scarecrow at a local farm (pretty cool scarecrow, eh?). Arrgh. That pretty much summed up my Monday.
- [MixTape: Me Music](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-me-music/) - I'm playing along with Jen for Twisted MixTape Tuesday. This week's topic is: "The (5) seminal songs who made you the person you are today. The shutter-openers, the wakers, the 'I can see clearly now the rain is goners.' The tunes that forced you to look in the mirror and say, 'Hey good-looking, you seem
- [[182/365] Mystic](https://jessortiz.com/182-365-mystic/) - A couple of months ago, I bought a Groupon for Mystic Seaport, thinking Joshua may enjoy going to see the boats. It's only 30 minutes from our house, and since the Groupon expires next week, we decided to go down today. Joshua had a complete blast exploring the boats, playing captain, and even building his
- [[181/365] Hockey's Back](https://jessortiz.com/181-365-hockeys-back/) - Hockey returned to Providence on Saturday night with a P-Bruins preseason game against the Worcester Sharks. Providence won, 3-1. Hooray for hockey season! Just another reason to love Autumn.
- [[180/365] Scarecrow](https://jessortiz.com/180-365-scarecrow/) - Another lame offering of my autumn decor. Sorry, but I feel like craaaaap (the technical term) today. I'm hoping things will turn around tomorrow, because hockey is returning to Providence (yay!) and I have a game to attend. I can't wait. You have no idea how much I need hockey right now. It would be
- [[179/365] Foliage](https://jessortiz.com/179-365-foliage/) - Joshua collected some pretty leaves. I love the colors of this season.
- [MixTape: License to Chill](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-license-to-chill/) - I'm playing along with Jen for Twisted Mixed Tape Tuesday. This week's theme is: "Relaxing slow jams. You wanna chill, you want your friends to chill. Any genre from rock to jazz to hip-hop, but it’s gotta be slow-jams." Yes, I realize I am a day late for this party... better late than never, I
- [[178/365] Autumn Decor](https://jessortiz.com/178-365-autumn-decor/) - Linking up with Ruchira over at Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday.
- [[177/365] Harvest Sun](https://jessortiz.com/177-365-harvest-sun/)
- [[176/365] Morning Moon](https://jessortiz.com/176-365-morning-moon/) - On my ride into work, the moon was peeking out over the pond. I'm glad I had decided to grab my big camera before I left this morning.
- [[175/365] Cat Nap](https://jessortiz.com/175-365-cat-nap/) - It was a lovely and lazy day. Lily spent a good part of the day on the couch. In fact, she's still laying there right now. She had some company -- Joshua's stuffed cats, Gilbert and Mittens. Call me crazy, but I even let Joshua take some photos of her with the D-SLR. This one
- [[174/365] Rose](https://jessortiz.com/174-365-rose/) - A beauty out in the garden. Pink roses always remind me of my Nana.
- [[173/365] Moth Man](https://jessortiz.com/173-365-moth-man/) - This giant moth decided to land on the screen door long enough to get my cat Lily all riled up, then flew away to the outside light. I followed it out there to snap a couple of photos (of course) before he hid around the other side of the gutter.
- [[172/365] In the Harvest Moon](https://jessortiz.com/172-365-in-the-harvest-moon/) - I got a few lazy photos of the Harvest Moon last night (i.e., instead of breaking out the tripod, I used the table and my arm as props). There was a lot of light from the moon, but I still had to use an ISO of 1600 to avoid a really slow shutter speed, and
- [[171/365] Learning](https://jessortiz.com/171-365-learning/) - Please excuse me while I slack on my blog, photos, and sleep for the next month or so. Well, maybe not the photos. ;) Linking up with Ruchira over at Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday.
- [MixTape: Free For All](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-free-for-all/) - I'm playing along with Jen for Twisted Mixed Tape Tuesday. This week's theme is: "Free for all! [...] Make a mix, any mix! Whatever speaks to you is AOK with me. Maybe you have a theme in your head, an idea to showcase. WHATEVER YOU WANT!" Here are some songs I've had in my head lately...
- [[170/365] Big Boy](https://jessortiz.com/170-365-big-boy/) - It's been wonderful to watch Joshua grow from a baby to a toddler to a little boy. He just started his second year of preschool, but he seems years older (and several inches taller) than last year. He's so much more self-sufficient (and helpful!), and the conversations with him have gotten more in depth and
- [[169/365] The Backroads](https://jessortiz.com/169-365-the-backroads/) - Funky clouds and gorgeous scenery on the way home today.
- [[168/365] Back to the Zoo](https://jessortiz.com/168-365-back-to-the-zoo/) - It was another gorgeous weekend. Joshua wanted to go to the zoo again, so we did. We are getting our money's worth on that season pass. Then, we headed back to the domestic animal. Unrelated: the sky was really cool that night.
- [[167/365] Something's Brewing](https://jessortiz.com/167-365-somethings-brewing/) - Joshua has been into two things lately -- Halloween decorations and Christmas specials (on DVD). The holiday season is right around the corner!
- [[166/365] Texture](https://jessortiz.com/166-365-texture/) - Joshua has been collecting all sort of leaves from outside. I liked the design of this one.
- [[165/365] Autumn is Coming](https://jessortiz.com/165-365-autumn-is-coming/) - And I cannot wait! Best time of the year. :)
- [[164/365] One Small Step](https://jessortiz.com/164-365-one-small-step/) - Linking up with Ruchira over at Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday.
- [[163/365] A Gift](https://jessortiz.com/163-365-a-gift/) - Lately, Lily has been leaving us "gifts" around the house. Last night, she meowed until I acknowledged this bird she brought to me. Luckily, her gifts are just toys.
- [MixTape: Beautiful Songs](https://jessortiz.com/mixtape-beautiful-songs/) - This week, I'm playing along with Jen for Twisted Mixed Tape Tuesday. The theme is "Beautiful Songs." I am new to this link up, but I always enjoy reading others' contributions, so I figured I'd give it a whirl. That and I have been home, sick, all day (my stomach hates me) and this will
- [[162/365] Domestic Boy](https://jessortiz.com/162-365-domestic-boy/) - I had to work from my mother's house for a little while yesterday afternoon, while she went to an appointment. When she came back, she and Joshua made pumpkin muffins while I finished working. Josh put on his little apron and mixed with his little wooden spoon. He cracked eggs by himself. And of course,
- [[161/365] Outside](https://jessortiz.com/161-365-outside/) - Today was another gorgeous day, perfect for outside time. I only had the iPhone with me, but took a bunch of photos at my mother's house, and later during a walk by the pond. Happy bee Monster sunflower If there is such thing as a chameleon spider, this must be one. At least, I think
- [[160/365] Zoo Day](https://jessortiz.com/160-365-zoo-day/) - It was a sunny, warm and dry day. Gorgeous weather, and perfect for a trip to the zoo.
- [[159/365] Back to School](https://jessortiz.com/159-365-back-to-school/) - First full day of school. He was just as excited as the day before.
- [Writer's Workshop: Back to School](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-back-to-school/) - This week, I'm following the prompt: 4.) First day of school! My heart was happy today. Joshua was nervous about entering his second year of preschool, but as soon as we stepped into the building this morning, all fears were erased. He saw a few of his favorite friends from last year and just lit up
- [[157/365] Soccer Practice](https://jessortiz.com/157-365-soccer-practice/) - It's official: I'm a soccer mom. Linking up with Ruchira over at Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday.
- [[158/365] Hoot](https://jessortiz.com/158-365-hoot/) - I just love autumn decor.
- [Self Worth](https://jessortiz.com/self-worth/) - I am my own worst enemy. It has become apparent that I have a core belief that needs to be changed: I believe that I don't matter. I guess I have always known this, but thinking about it now, I see how ingrained in my life it has become. I don't feel like my opinions
- [[156/365] After the Rain](https://jessortiz.com/156-365-after-the-rain/) - Driveway in the road Waterfront property Mutant bugs (the length of my phone!) Bees in hiding Hidden raindrops Beautiful sunset
- [[155/365] Rain, Rain, Go Away](https://jessortiz.com/155-365-rain-rain-go-away/) - It rained today. A lot. So much, in fact, that there was flooding around the state -- a washed-out street near my home was just shown on the local news, and my neighbors are also missing a good chunk of their driveway. Because of the flash flood warnings, we just spent the day in the
- [[154/365] Girls' Day](https://jessortiz.com/154-365-girls-day/) - Pedicures. Lunch at Chipotle. Fantastic movie (The Butler, I loved it) in a theater with recliners for chairs (beyond cozy). Relaxing by the beach. It was a great day out with my bestie.
- [[153/365] Neighborhood Watch](https://jessortiz.com/153-365-neighborhood-watch/) - I wonder if this turkey vulture found any good eats on my street? Also, I am saving up for a good zoom lens. I'm not happy with the quality of this (lowest-end kit lens) one, and it's frustrating me. I'm getting to be a camera brat. :)
- [Writer's Workshop: Papa](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-papa/) - This week, I am (very loosely) following the prompt: 4.) Something your grandfather told you. My grandfather, Papa, was born and raised in North Carolina. I'm not exactly sure how he ended up in Rhode Island, but he was in the Navy and later worked for them as a civilian, so I suppose that had something
- [[152/365] I Scream, You Scream](https://jessortiz.com/152-365-i-scream-you-scream/) - Joshua made me a Play-Doh treat. Mmm, pistachio in a waffle cone. With a carrot? It wouldn't be a Josh creation without the color orange.
- [[151/365] The Old Ballgame](https://jessortiz.com/151-365-the-old-ballgame/)
- [[150/365] Tangled](https://jessortiz.com/150-365-tangled/) - Within the past few days, the spiders (spider?) have completely taken over my back deck. There are four big webs out there. There have also been some black flies/gnats swarming, so they are eating well. I can't keep my windows open because those gnats are small enough to fit through the screen (gross), so I
- [[149/365] Novica Rings](https://jessortiz.com/149-365-novica-rings/)
- [[148/365] Fall Decor](https://jessortiz.com/148-365-fall-decor/)
- [[147/365] Hard Worker](https://jessortiz.com/147-365-hard-worker/)
- [[146/365] Hiking](https://jessortiz.com/146-365-hiking/)
- [[145/365] Pretty in Pink](https://jessortiz.com/145-365-pretty-in-pink/) - This hasn't been a very good week. I suppose that's bound to happen sometimes. But as I left hockey tonight, I saw this gorgeous sunset. (Which I wish I had captured better, because it was just amazing.)Red at night, sailor's delight.Yeah, I think tomorrow is going to be a much better day.
- [[144/365] Corn in Progress](https://jessortiz.com/144-365-corn-in-progress/) - I just love this little farm. Except maybe when it's time to fertilize (with manure). Then, it's pretty stinky. But I still think it's cute.
- [Writers Workshop: Photo Junkie](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-photo-junkie/) - This week, I am following the prompt: 3.) Open your picture folders, close your eyes and pick a random photo to share and write about. If there's one thing you must know about me (and can probably discern after about 10 seconds on this blog), I am a photo-taking junkie. It is one of my most
- [[143/365] Hum](https://jessortiz.com/143-365-hum/) - Linking up with Ruchira over at Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday.
- [[141-142/365] Sunsets](https://jessortiz.com/141-142-365-sunsets/) - Apparently, I forgot to post a photo for Monday. And take one, actually. The only one I had taken was of the sunset on my way home, so that will have to do. I also took a sunset photo on Tuesday. So predictable. I threw in a bench photo to mix it up a bit.
- [Monday Listicles: The Favorite Meal List](https://jessortiz.com/monday-listicles-the-favorite-meal-list/) - Today, I am joining up with Stasha's weekly "Monday Listicles" (see link below for more information). It's been way too long! TOP 10 FAVORITE MEALS You can probably guess my heritage by this list. Or, at least the part of it with yummy food. From my German and Danish sides, I pretty much only appreciate
- [[140/365] County Fair, Part 2](https://jessortiz.com/140-365-county-fair-part-2/) - There was more fun to be had at the fair on Sunday afternoon. Josh enjoyed the rides, and his favorite feathered friends. At one point, he asked for a certain stuffed animal, which you had to win at the "shoot the water gun at the clown's mouth and be the first to get your monkey
- [[139/365] Oh Deer](https://jessortiz.com/139-365-oh-deer/) - The deer have been out and about quite a bit lately during the day. They normally turn and run away as soon as I slow down the car, but this one stayed for a minute and let me attempt to get a photo with my iPhone.
- [[138/365] County Fair](https://jessortiz.com/138-365-county-fair/) - This weekend was the Washington County Fair, Rhode Island's state fair. My family goes every year and enjoys the food, animals, rides, competitions, and concerts, in addition to made-in-RI items for sale. This year, I entered the photo contest for the first time and actually won a few ribbons! We were also able to see
- [FTSF: I Used to Love...](https://jessortiz.com/ftsf-i-used-to-love/) - I am trying a new link up this week: Finish the Sentence Friday (FTSF). I used to love... ... "Toot Toot Baby" (my musical doll), Yogi Bear, Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Ponies, The Muppets, Fraggle Rock, Little House on the Prairie (the books and the TV show), GI Joe, Transformers, roller skating, rock music (classic
- [[137/365] Evening Walk](https://jessortiz.com/137-365-evening-walk/) - I bunked Zumba tonight and went for a walk instead. The weather has been so gorgeous lately; I just wanted to enjoy it and all the beautiful scenery. I caught some of the lovely sunset on the way home, as well.
- [Writer's Workshop: I Got Better](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-i-got-better/) - This week, I chose the prompt: 3.) What were you blogging about last year at this time? What has changed? I love this movie. And this post desperately needed some funny. Last year, at this time, I was not blogging. I went from a list of things for which I was thankful in mid-July to a somber
- [[136/365] Hummingbird Central](https://jessortiz.com/136-365-hummingbird-central/) - The hummingbirds were out in full force today as I worked from home. There were at least two out there, chasing each other around the backyard, stopping to take drinks at the feeder and from the flowers. I captured some photos of one of them (I believe just one) at lunch time. A very pretty
- [[135/365] Weeds](https://jessortiz.com/135-365-weeds/) - Josh picked me some flowers yesterday, with grandma's help. "What kind of flowers are they?" I asked. "I don't know. I think they're some sort of weeds." Prettiest weeds I've ever seen. :)
- [[134/365] The Back Roads](https://jessortiz.com/134-365-the-back-roads/) - We had our Rhode Island-only holiday today (Victory Day). I worked for a little while and then packed up some photos to bring down to the site of our state fair, which is coming up in a couple of days. This is my first photo contest, and I am excited. Nervous, too. I hope my
- [[133/365] Partner in Crime](https://jessortiz.com/133-365-partner-in-crime/) - I have a couple of old point-and-shoot cameras that I have been letting Josh play with for the past couple of weeks. He's loving it, and even though I have seen more than enough photos of his feet, I am enjoying seeing the world through his lens. We went out to shoot some photos of
- [[132/365] Happy Little Fruit](https://jessortiz.com/132-365-happy-little-fruit/) - Nice little surprise in the produce section. :)
- [[131/365] Drink Up](https://jessortiz.com/131-365-drink-up/) - Not too much picture taking happened on Friday. After work, I had two hockey games and then indulged in a delicious meal with a side of sangria. I still ended up under 693 calories and down a pound. I need to play hockey every day!
- [[130/365] Calorie Counting](https://jessortiz.com/130-365-calorie-counting/) - I'm starting to put on the pounds again, so I had to go back to counting calories. It's tedious work, but apps like Lose It make it so much easier. Total First World post, eh? You know what else could save calories, and make logging easier? Skipping a meal, and donating the money to Oxfam:
- [Writer's Workshop: Brave](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-brave/) - This week, I am choosing the prompt: 3.) Write a post inspired by the word: brave. I was tempted to choose 2.) The first concert you ever attended (Madonna, when I was 9) or 5.) First crush (Indiana Jones... er... Harrison Ford... if that even counts), but I thought I needed to do this one
- [[129/365] Bee-autiful Day](https://jessortiz.com/129-365-bee-autiful-day/) - It was another gorgeous day, sunny and dry with temperatures in the 70s. I worked from home the past two days, so I was able to open the windows and enjoy some fresh air. And after work, I was able to sneak downstairs for (you guessed it) more flower photos! This sweet little bee kept
- [[128/365] Ranch Wear](https://jessortiz.com/128-365-ranch-wear/) - Joshua has been asking me when we are going back to Colorado. "Why did we have to leave? Why can't we just stay there?" He told me he wants to move there. "Next time we go back to Colorado, we should bring our house so we can live there." That's the same way I feel
- [[127/365] Manual Labor](https://jessortiz.com/127-365-manual-labor/) - Hopefully, this will be the last night that I'll have to do dishes by hand (well, all of the dishes, at least). New dishwasher comes tomorrow! Yay!
- [[126/365] On the Lake](https://jessortiz.com/126-365-on-the-lake/) - We spent the afternoon with family friends on Sunday, at their home on the lake. It the perfect day for swimming, canoeing, picnicking and lounging. Despite a brief rainstorm at dinner time, the weather was gorgeous. It has been much cooler and dryer. I love it. Josh traded in his cars for boats for the
- [[125/365] Red Panda](https://jessortiz.com/125-365-red-panda/) - Josh and I had quite a busy day today. We brought the cats to the vet for their check-ups, went in search of a particular "Switch and Go Dino" because Josh had filled up his chore/behavior chart with gold stars (we couldn't find the one he wanted, but he ended up settling on a different
- [Writer's Workshop: Stuck](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-stuck/) - This week I'm following the prompt: 3.) A time somebody got stuck. I'd like to say thank you to Mama Kat for the shout out last week; I was so surprised and humbled to be one of your favorite entries! I'm so glad that people liked my limerick. (Maybe my 7th grade teacher wasn't full
- [[124/365] Look Up](https://jessortiz.com/124-365-look-up/) - As usual, my head is in the clouds. I just can't get enough of them. Back on Earth, a friend of the family fixed my air conditioner today. Turns out, when the dealership installed my alternator, they forgot to plug the a/c back in. Doh! I'm so glad to have it working again, and thankful
- [[123/365] Movie Night](https://jessortiz.com/123-365-movie-night/) - Zumba, homemade Mexican food, and a good, thought-provoking movie. Perfect recipe for a relaxing, "get out of your funk" kind of night. I have been reminded all day, from things that I have read or seen, that my troubles and worries are nothing compared to what some people face everyday. This movie just drove that
- [[122/365] Fresh Flowers](https://jessortiz.com/122-365-fresh-flowers/) - Brought a bit of the outside garden into the kitchen. Although, I guess they're not completely "fresh," since they're starting to lose petals. At any rate, they're pretty.
- [[121/365] Tractor Boy](https://jessortiz.com/121-365-tractor-boy/) - We were busy dishwasher shopping on Tuesday night (yay!), but Josh provided me with some photo opportunities. He loved this orange "tractor" (riding mower, whatever). "Let's get this!" Sure, in 14 years, when you're paying for it! He tells me he needs it to drive to Cracker Barrel on his own. Y'all, I'm raisin' a
- [[120/365] Evening Reflections](https://jessortiz.com/120-365-evening-reflections/) - It was peaceful and quiet down by the pond tonight. Still a bit humid, but that's supposed to change by tomorrow. The drier, cooler air will be more than welcome.
- [[117-119/365] New Hampshire](https://jessortiz.com/117-119-365-new-hampshire/) - This weekend was girls' spa weekend, dubbed by my friend as "Operation: Evacuation and Rejuvenation." We relaxed, ate and drank way too much, were pampered at the spa, and really enjoyed the scenery and mountain air. We also reminisced about camp days (but not band camp) with s'mores over a campfire, and an ax throwing
- [[116/365] Eating Out](https://jessortiz.com/116-365-eating-out/) - Thursday was one of those days where your car breaks, and you have to get a ride to the garage in a tow truck with a driver who looks like John Malkovich (but was very nice). And the next day, after you spend $500 on a new alternator, you get halfway to NH and realize
- [[115/365] Chasing Dragonflies](https://jessortiz.com/115-365-chasing-dragonflies/) - It cooled down a bit this evening, so Josh and I spent a little time on the deck. I swear to you, every time I tried to take a photo of an insect, they turned their back to me. They and my cats probably complain about me and my paparazzi ways. At least someone around
- [[114/365] Summer Storm](https://jessortiz.com/114-365-summer-storm/) - From creepy clouds to a gorgeous sunset, tonight's errand run and ride home was a bit more beautiful than usual.
- [[113/365] More Flowers](https://jessortiz.com/113-365-more-flowers/) - Since it was Macro Monday, I decided to take more flower photos. Besides, the highlight of the day was going to the dentist, and I'm pretty sure no one wants to see that. Although, when I was looking up at one point, I thought it would be cool to have a photo from that angle
- [[112/365] Cleaning Day](https://jessortiz.com/112-365-cleaning-day/) - Today was supposed to be a beach day, but a few things happened when I woke up. 1. It was later than I wanted. 2. It was cloudy outside. 3. The radar showed that it was raining at the beach. 4. Joshua was quite enthusiastic when he suggested, "Let's clean the house today!" So we
- [[109-111/365] Catching Up](https://jessortiz.com/109-111-365-catching-up/) - Here's a round up of the past few photos for my 365 project. I went to see The Lone Ranger and ate at Longhorn Steakhouse on Thursday night. Yee haw! It really made me miss the west, though. This was the scene as I left hockey on Friday night. This weekend is the Hot Air
- [Writer's Workshop: Dinner at the Beach](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-dinner-at-the-beach/) - This week, I am following the prompt: 5.) Write a limerick! Tonight we dined down at the beach Some fruit, and a sandwich for each The seagulls, they tried They begged and they eyed But we kept the food out of reach
- [[108/365] Evening at the Beach](https://jessortiz.com/108-365-evening-at-the-beach/) - One of the perks of living in the Ocean State is the close proximity of beaches. I am also lucky enough to work pretty close to most of our beaches. I had the brilliant idea to have my mother and Josh meet me at the beach this evening, after I got out of work. It's
- [[107/365] Shade Tree](https://jessortiz.com/107-365-shade-tree/) - Driving by the farm.
- [[106/365] Painted Sunset](https://jessortiz.com/106-365-painted-sunset/) - It looked better on my iPhone (and in real life), but the sunset was awesome tonight. I also just missed a great photo of a bird sunning itself on my deck this afternoon. It was too cute. Better luck next time.
- [[103-105/365] Birthday Weekend](https://jessortiz.com/103-105-365-birthday-weekend/) - I spent this past weekend in Boston, celebrating my birthday and attending the Jason Aldean concert at Fenway Park. It was wicked cool. Our group had representatives from RI, CT and ME. Birthday drinks were on the agenda for Friday. Lots of them, at one Irish pub for lunch and another for dinner. Let's just
- [[102/365] Flower Power](https://jessortiz.com/102-365-flower-power/) - When in doubt, photograph the flowers. :)
- [[101/365] Geese on the Move](https://jessortiz.com/101-365-geese-on-the-move/) - There were two things happening at the lake when I drove by at lunch: people fishing and geese waddling. Looked like a pretty good time was being had by all.
- [[100/365] Music Mix](https://jessortiz.com/100-365-music-mix/) - I slacked with the photos last night, as I was out with my family celebrating my and my brother's birthdays. But I did find this great music mix from the year 2000 (remember when Conan O'Brien used to do those skits?). My taste in music has always been rather eclectic.
- [Writer's Workshop: Deep Thoughts](https://jessortiz.com/writers-workshop-deep-thoughts/) - I am choosing two of the prompts for this week's Writer's Workshop. Hi, I am an overachiever. Want to play along? Click on the logo at the bottom of this post for more information. 2.) Write a post in just 12 lines. We all come from different backgrounds, have had different experiences, and have different
- [[99/365] Comfort Food](https://jessortiz.com/99-365-comfort-food/) - Mom and Josh baked some blueberry bread this afternoon. Definitely not gluten-free, but exactly what I wanted tonight. And the strawberries make it totally healthy! Actually, I ate too much gluten today, and have been eating badly in general. My stomach is mad at me, and I've gained a few pounds. Time to go back
- [[98/365] Summer Blooms](https://jessortiz.com/98-365-summer-blooms/) - I did one of those photographic no-nos and took these shots in the middle of a very bright (and super hot, I might add) day. Pretty flowers, but I have no idea what they are called. :) They just bloomed over the weekend.
- [[97/365] Jump In](https://jessortiz.com/97-365-jump-in/) - Sometimes, people run across your view while you're trying to take a photo, and later you want to thank them because they made your photo much more interesting. Not that the view wasn't stunning without them. It was a gorgeous day in Newport, filled with the company of family and friends I hadn't seen in
- [[96/365] Simple Sunset](https://jessortiz.com/96-365-simple-sunset/) - It's so nice to see the sun again, and to be able to enjoy such vivid sunsets. Too bad it's still hot and humid as Hades. Even around 8pm (when these photos were taken). I kept cool at work today. It was pretty boring, since I was the only one there (also, dark... motion lights).
- [[95/365] Beach Day](https://jessortiz.com/95-365-beach-day/) - No better way to spend a warm, sunny Fourth of July in Rhode Island than by the sea! "Linger by the sea, where worldly cares are few."
- [[94/365] A Splash of Color](https://jessortiz.com/94-365-a-splash-of-color/) - I just love it when I am working from home on the day before a holiday, and am told to sign off early for the day. What did I do? Grabbed the camera, of course. I was almost hoping to see "The Bear" that is currently roaming around RI. It was in my neighborhood last
- [[93/365] A Break in the Clouds](https://jessortiz.com/93-365-a-break-in-the-clouds/) - I saw blue sky today! It didn't last too long, but there were some cool clouds along with it that were rather "low flying." I didn't quite capture them as well as I would have liked, and I probably shouldn't take photographs while I drive (aka, point the camera phone at random angles and shoot
- [[92/365] Made in Canada](https://jessortiz.com/92-365-made-in-canada/) - Happy Canada Day to our neighbors north of the border! Oh, sorry, I mean neighbours. Eh!
- [[91/365] Happy Birthday, Lily](https://jessortiz.com/91-365-happy-birthday-lily/) - We celebrated Lily's 8th birthday today, more for Josh's enjoyment than hers. We gave her a stuffed bird cat toy (filled with catnip - her fave), sang "Happy Birthday," and let her enjoy some leftovers (chicken, which she practically inhaled). This probably makes us a bit strange, but she's a good cat, and we're glad
- [[90/365] Girls' Night](https://jessortiz.com/90-365-girls-night/) - Because girls' night should always include dinner at a burger joint owned by singer/actor brothers from Beantown that we had crushes on when we were like 13. And don't forget dessert! Much needed, and so good.
- [[89/365] Back on Ice](https://jessortiz.com/89-365-back-on-ice/) - I returned to hockey tonight, skating with a pick-up group. I hadn't played in about 10 months and I was awful, but I had a great time. I felt like I had never left; goaltending was like riding a bike, like they say. But man, do I need to get back into shape!I didn't get
- [[88/365] In a Fog](https://jessortiz.com/88-365-in-a-fog/) - The weather has been foggy, muggy, warm ... just gross. I'm ready to go back to Colorado! Funny how I could breathe deeply at 7,000 feet, even with (very minor) wildfire smoke, but I come back to sea level and feel like I'm drowning.
- [[87/365] Geese Crossing](https://jessortiz.com/87-365-geese-crossing/) - As I paused for these guys on the way to work this morning, for once I didn't feel rushed or anxious for them to pass by. I enjoyed every moment of their cute little waddles. It put a smile on my face for the rest of the day. Isn't nature great like that?"There are moments
- [[86/365] Evening Shower](https://jessortiz.com/86-365-evening-shower/) - By the time I got home tonight, it was starting to get dark and a light rain was falling, but I grabbed the D-SLR and went outside to shoot, anyway. It had been too long since I used it -- since before I left for Colorado -- and I figured I was due for some
- [[85/365] Summer at Fry Pond](https://jessortiz.com/85-365-summer-at-fry-pond/) - Clouds were rolling in for a brief thunderstorm this evening. From the radar, it looked like the northern part of the state took the brunt of the storm, but we still enjoyed a 15 degree cool-down. Very welcome after a humid day in the 90s. Is it autumn yet? :)
- [[84/365] Super Moon](https://jessortiz.com/84-365-super-moon/) - Caught a rather large rising moon as I left Walmart tonight. It was gorgeous last night, as well, but my attempts to photograph it were not successful. I enjoyed it, anyway. :)
- [[83/365] Narragansett Towers](https://jessortiz.com/83-365-narragansett-towers/) - Back at sea level.
- [[82/365] Boots](https://jessortiz.com/82-365-boots/) - Josh wasn't the only one who got boots on vacation. ;)
- [[74-81/365] Colorado](https://jessortiz.com/74-81-365-colorado/) - I'm playing catch-up on my photos and 365 project tonight. I was away in Colorado for a week, and took over 900 photos. I now wish I had brought my laptop to keep up with the photos everyday (and my D-SLR, so I could have gotten better photos) but the break was nice. At least
- [[73/365] Goodnight, Moon](https://jessortiz.com/73-365-goodnight-moon/) - I took this one quickly tonight, using the 1600 ISO (so I could keep the shutter speed fairly quick and not need to use a tripod) and it came out very grainy. It was a beautiful night, though. Nice and cool, with the moon peeking through the trees and the fireflies dancing around under some
- [[72/365] After the Rain](https://jessortiz.com/72-365-after-the-rain/)
- [[71/365] Sunflower](https://jessortiz.com/71-365-sunflower/) - I took a whole bunch of photos using manual focus this evening (auto focus wasn't working quite the way I wanted), only to discover that it's not the best thing to use when you're visually challenged like I am (even when wearing my glasses). So... here's Josh's plastic sunflower. Enjoy!
- [[70/365] Little Hummer](https://jessortiz.com/70-365-little-hummer/) - The hummingbirds are back, and have been hanging around the yard, despite the fact that they apparently do not like the store-bought food we have offered them. They fly to the feeder and fly right away. I guess I'll have to make them the good stuff -- homemade sugar water. This little guy kept me
- [[69/365] Touched by an Angel](https://jessortiz.com/69-365-touched-by-an-angel/) - We, unaccustomed to courage exiles from delight live coiled in shells of loneliness until love leaves its high holy temple and comes into our sight to liberate us into life. Love arrives and in its train come ecstasies old memories of pleasure ancient histories of pain. Yet if we are bold, love strikes away the
- [[68/365] Robofish](https://jessortiz.com/68-365-robofish/) - Josh's teacher informed me that this guy was a huge hit at Show and Tell today.He's not swimming in this photo (he's just on the counter) but I like how the blur makes it look like he is.
- [[67/365] Around the Yard](https://jessortiz.com/67-365-around-the-yard/) - Just a few shots from around the yard this evening. I had a little company, too. ;)
- [[66/365] Another Sunset](https://jessortiz.com/66-365-another-sunset/) - I couldn't help it, the sunset was so gorgeous last night. One of these days, I'll catch it with my D-SLR, rather than my iPhone. But thank goodness for camera phones. :)
- [[65/365] Bubbles](https://jessortiz.com/65-365-bubbles/) - Josh's bubbles provided some photographic inspiration tonight. If it's a bit psychedelic, you can blame it on the excessive amounts of allergy and cold medicine I've had to take for the past couple of days. The wind blows and you can see the pollen swirling around outside. GROSS.
- [[64/365] Hope](https://jessortiz.com/64-365-hope/) - They say, "People will let you down, but God never will." I am trying to put my hope into this. "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." - Psalm 42:11
- [[63/365] Pollen](https://jessortiz.com/63-365-pollen/) - The bad thing about leaving your windows open on a beautiful but windy day? You come home to to a pollen-covered house. Good thing Josh and I are all stocked up on allergy medicine. I've been playing around with light metering, auto focus, and other manual mode settings on my D-SLR, trying to apply what
- [[61-62/365] Swampy Sunsets](https://jessortiz.com/61-62-365-swampy-sunsets/) - I haven't been too happy with my SLR photos lately. I've been trying some new techniques I learned in my photography class, but I need a lot of work. So in the meantime, please enjoy some sunset photos I've captured with my iPhone. :)
- [[60/365] Fallen](https://jessortiz.com/60-365-fallen/) - The flowers that Josh picked for me are starting to shed their petals. This is kind of how I envision my life lately -- with parts falling off and scattering all around. I'm trying to put it all back together, and make it more beautiful this time.I guess it's time to go out and pick
- [[59/365] Domesticated](https://jessortiz.com/59-365-domesticated/) - I had to break out the ol' sewing kit tonight to patch up one of Josh's stuffed animals. Every time I do so, I think of my Nana, thimble on her index finger, sewing, knitting, cross-stitching (in fact, I found one of my old cross-stitch pieces in there). My great-grandma was a seamstress and I
- [[58/365] Reliving My Youth](https://jessortiz.com/58-365-reliving-my-youth/) - On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to try to relive a part of my youth. My friend (who I met in high school at a taping of the Mickey Mouse Club, in Florida, only to find out we lived two hours apart) and I went to see Boyz II Men, 98 Degrees and NKOTB at
- [[57/365] Memorial Day](https://jessortiz.com/57-365-memorial-day/) - “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” ― George S. Patton Jr.
- [[56/365] USS Salem](https://jessortiz.com/56-365-uss-salem/) - I explored Quincy MA and the surrounding area with my friend on Sunday. She used to live near the USS Massachusetts in Fall River. Now she's found a new battleship to live near.
- [[55/365] Playtime](https://jessortiz.com/55-365-playtime/) - Joshua's friend had a birthday party at the Providence Children's Museum today. We had a blast playing in all of the exhibits.
- [[54/365] Raindrops](https://jessortiz.com/54-365-raindrops/) - Rainy days can be beautiful, too.
- [[53/365] Hula](https://jessortiz.com/53-365-hula/) - Josh came home from Grandma's with a new solar dancer toy. He was excited about his hula girl. And so it begins...
- [[52/365] The End](https://jessortiz.com/52-365-the-end/) - The Providence Bruins lost Game 7 against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (apparently, I had their name backwards before) last night. So sad to see the season come to an end, but I can't complain about the extra month of hockey. And, of course, there's always next season. ;)
- [[51/365] Reunion](https://jessortiz.com/51-365-reunion/) - It's been almost 20 years since my family's last reunion. Looking forward to going back in less than a month.
- [[50/365] Better Luck Next Time](https://jessortiz.com/50-365-better-luck-next-time/) - The Providence Bruins were up 3-0 in this second series of the Calder Cup playoffs after three games, but have lost momentum since then. Monday night was Game 6, an overtime loss for them. Game 7 is scheduled for Wednesday. Crossing my fingers that they can get the puck past the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Penguins' goaltender,
- [[49/365] Take a Hike](https://jessortiz.com/49-365-take-a-hike/) - Finally got a chance to explore an Audubon Society trail about 5 minutes from my house. It was the perfect day for a hike, and the perfect way to help clear my mind for a while.
- [[48/365] Sit a Spell](https://jessortiz.com/48-365-sit-a-spell/) - I had a lot of opportunity to enjoy nature this weekend. Just what the doctor ordered.
- [[47/365] Beach Collection](https://jessortiz.com/47-365-beach-collection/) - Josh's shell and rock collection.
- [[46/365] Kitchen Light](https://jessortiz.com/46-365-kitchen-light/) - I need some subject matter inspiration. :)
- [[45/365] We Are All Patriots](https://jessortiz.com/45-365-we-are-all-patriots/) - Wondering if Mr. Kraft took the time to sign all of these thank you letters personally. Either way, it was a nice gesture by his organization. You're very welcome, Mr. Kraft. I was glad to help out the victims of the Marathon bombings.
- [[44/365] The Path Less Traveled](https://jessortiz.com/44-365-the-path-less-traveled/) - "I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken
- [[43/365] Snack Time](https://jessortiz.com/43-365-snack-time/) - Josh grabbed a quick snack, and I snuck in a few more minutes of the Bruins game before putting him to bed tonight. He was in the mood to have me take a few photos ("Take a picture of this!") so I happily obliged. He is always finding random "treasure" on the playground at school.
- [[42/365] One Lucky Mama](https://jessortiz.com/42-365-one-lucky-mama/) - Happy Mother's Day! I had a wonderful three-day weekend filled with family time, hockey, and (besides yesterday's) gorgeous weather. I could not have asked for more. While I was helping Josh with something or other in my mother's back yard today, I noticed something in the grass. A four leaf clover! Maybe I ought to
- [[41/365] Hockey Hockey Hockey](https://jessortiz.com/41-365-hockey-hockey-hockey/) - I was so tired after watching three playoff hockey games in four nights this week. I can only imagine how the players must have felt. I love playoff hockey, though. It's so exciting. And three victories in three games? We'll take it! You can view the complete album on my Flickr page.
- [[40/365] Score!](https://jessortiz.com/40-365-score/) - We saw a lot of these victory huddles on Friday night as the Providence Bruins started their second round of the Calder Cup playoffs against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Penguins. The final score was 8-5, so there was a lot of scoring on both sides. Some other images from the evening: Warm-ups save Starting line-up introductions Worst
- [[39/365] Gifts](https://jessortiz.com/39-365-gifts/) - Did some Mother's Day shopping tonight. Shhh... it's a surprise!
- [[38/365] Winners](https://jessortiz.com/38-365-winners/) - The Providence Bruins won their first round of the Calder Cup playoffs last night, beating the Hershey Bears. The series and the game were very close -- definite nail biter material! Thankfully, my team came out victorious. Some runner-up photos: If you're into this sort of thing, you can see
- [Rainbow](https://jessortiz.com/rainbow/) - It's the last day of the "ROYGBIV 2.0" event, and today we're mixing all of the colors up into a rainbow. I found an IKEA rainbow in my cupboard: And for Day 37 of my 365 project, I found a rainbow on the wall: And the runner up, a rainbow on my floor:
- [Blue/Indigo and Violet](https://jessortiz.com/blue-indigo-and-violet/) - Two for one "ROYGBIV 2.0" entry today, since I didn't get to work on it yesterday. I'm kind of sad that tomorrow is the last day (this has been fun), but starting today and lasting all month, I have an online photography class to take. I'm so excited. Anyway, here is my pick for Blue/Indigo
- [Green](https://jessortiz.com/green/) - Day 4 of the "ROYGBIV 2.0" event focused on the color green. I found a lot of green around, and chose this photo of a decoration to submit to the page: I chose this photo of these beautiful leaves for Day 34 of my 365 project: And a few runners up:
- [Yellow](https://jessortiz.com/yellow/) - Yellow turned out to be an easy color to photograph for Day 3 of "ROYGBIV 2.0." In fact, I took too many photos and had a hard time deciding which one to use. I chose this one. Thanks to this bug, who was nice enough to pose for me. I chose this one for Day
- [Orange](https://jessortiz.com/orange/) - Day 2 of the "ROYGBIV 2.0" project should have been a piece of cake. Orange is Josh's favorite color, and there is plenty of it around the house. I had a hard time capturing it, though, but I ended up choosing this one -- a lantern that Josh picked out at Kohl's, insisting we needed
- [Red](https://jessortiz.com/red/) - I joined up with some fellow photography enthusiasts on Google+ for "ROYGBIV 2.0," an event where we take a photo of a different color everyday for a week. Today, we kicked it off with the color Red (of course). I managed to get a few red tulip photos that I liked. I chose this one
- [Feeling Blu](https://jessortiz.com/feeling-blu/) - I'm joining up with Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop again this week. I had plans to write something really great and inspirational, but alas, I am so very tired. It's been a stressful week. I'm following this prompt: 3.) Chances are you've heard of the Reasons My Son Is Crying tumblr page...write your own version. I actually
- [[30/365] Be Our Guest](https://jessortiz.com/30-365-be-our-guest/) - This spider found quite an interesting place to make its bed.Josh didn't find this nearly as amusing as I did.
- [[29/365] Precious Moments](https://jessortiz.com/29-365-precious-moments/) - After dinner tonight, I noticed five deer out in the yard. I wanted to grab my camera, but I also wanted Josh to see them, so I grabbed him quickly and opened the door (as quietly as possible) and brought him outside. I had to hold him so he could see them, and for a
- [The Acronym List](https://jessortiz.com/the-acronym-list/) - Acronyms. So popular in American corporate and texting culture, perfect for those of us who are too lazy to type. At work, I could probably write an entire email with acronyms alone, and most people there would probably understand it. Jennifer suggested that we list our favorites this week for Monday Listicles. I'll spare you
- [[28/365] Hold on to Your Hat](https://jessortiz.com/28-365-hold-on-to-your-hat/) - Providence Bruins playoff game #2. Most of my photos came out blurry today... playoffs are too intense. :) Unfortunately, the Bruins lost again. Crossing my fingers for two Bruins wins in Hershey next weekend! One can hope.
- [[27/365] Beach Day](https://jessortiz.com/27-365-beach-day/) - Slightly chilly, but gorgeous day. Perfect for a walk on Easton's Beach in Newport.
- [[26/365] Playoffs](https://jessortiz.com/26-365-playoffs/) - It was the first game of the Calder Cup playoffs on Friday night. The Providence Bruins lost, 5-2, against the Hershey Bears. Hoping they fare much better in game 2 on Sunday!
- [[25/365] Patterns](https://jessortiz.com/25-365-patterns/) - I keep falling into the same patterns, ones that are keeping me from being happy. It's time for a new pattern: walk with head high, smile, be confident, see good things happening around me. Rinse, repeat.
- [[24/365] Forsythia](https://jessortiz.com/24-365-forsythia/) - Today was my 13th anniversary at my job (not sure how that happened, because I am certainly not that old!) and I spent it being entirely stressed out while troubleshooting issues. On the bright side: it was a gorgeous day, and I was working from home, which meant I didn't have to spend it in
- [Faith](https://jessortiz.com/faith/) - Linking up with Judy at CoffeeJitters for Wordy/Wordless Wednesday.
- [Night](https://jessortiz.com/night/) - I love the night sky --The stars with all their patternsAnd my favorite, the moon I've never been much of a morning person. I've always preferred staying up and waking up late. It's not that I don't like the daytime or soaking up the sun -- until it starts to burn my sensitive skin, at
- [[23/365] Bring Out Your Dragons](https://jessortiz.com/23-365-bring-out-your-dragons/) - I may or may not have been playing with Josh's toys tonight. In honor of St. George's Day, I present to you this knight and his dragon. Although, St. George wasn't as friendly with his dragon, from what I hear.
- [[22/365] Earth Day](https://jessortiz.com/22-365-earth-day/) - "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."
- [The 30 Minute List](https://jessortiz.com/the-30-minute-list/) - You have thirty free minutes -- no kids, no chores, nowhere in particular to be -- to do whatever you want. What do you do? There are so many things I would love to do, and I could use a bunch of these thirty minutes throughout the day. It would be nice to be able
- [[21/365] He Wants to Drive the Zamboni](https://jessortiz.com/21-365-he-wants-to-drive-the-zamboni/) - But really... who doesn't?
- [[18-20/365] A Visit to the Zoo](https://jessortiz.com/18-20-365-a-visit-to-the-zoo/) - I didn't like the photos I took on Thursday, and I didn't take any photos on Friday. So, I am using three photos from Saturday's trip to Southwick's Zoo to catch up on my 365 Project. [18/365] Elk [19/365] Gorilla Hug [20/365] Black Swan You can view the complete album of my zoo photos on
- [[17/365] Down the Drain](https://jessortiz.com/17-365-down-the-drain/) - Inspired by dish cleaning this evening.
- [Wordy/Wordless Wednesday: Boston Edition](https://jessortiz.com/wordy-wordless-wednesday-boston-edition/) - I'm joining Judy's Wordy/Wordless Wednesday link-up this week. I need to be a little wordy today. :) Photos I took on a happier day in Boston -- the Bruins' 2011 Stanley Cup victory parade. We love our sports in the greater Boston area. Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, Revolution. Even the pro lacrosse team, the
- [My Aching Head](https://jessortiz.com/my-aching-head/) - This post was inspired by Mama Kat's Writing Workshop. I used the prompt "1.) Something that gave you a headache." Over-thinking, worrying and being depressed about this stuff gives me a headache, and a myriad of other ailments. (So does my job and that microscopically small maze that Joshua wanted me to help him with
- [[16/365] Morning Light](https://jessortiz.com/16-365-morning-light/) - The light was lovely, but the window... not so much. Time to clean, I think. :)
- [[15/365] Alone](https://jessortiz.com/15-365-alone/)
- [[14/365] Looks Like Spring](https://jessortiz.com/14-365-looks-like-spring/) - It was a bit chilly this weekend, but Spring is definitely here -- as the flowers and my allergies can confirm. It's taking a lot longer to arrive in other parts of the country, where they are still getting snow everyday.I haven't put any of my snow gear away, though. Just in case.
- [[13/365] Back in Town](https://jessortiz.com/13-365-back-in-town/) - I didn't take any good photos on Saturday, so I am cheating by using another photo from Friday. My project, my rules. ;)I was happy to be back at the Dunk (Dunkin Donuts Center) to see some hockey, after the team was on the road for the past two weekends. We were excited to be
- [[12/365] April Showers](https://jessortiz.com/12-365-april-showers/)
- [[11/365] Go Sox](https://jessortiz.com/11-365-go-sox/) - I need to get out more. I'm obviously running out of inspiration for this photo challenge. :)
- [Other People's Words](https://jessortiz.com/other-peoples-words/) - "If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney This week, I've decided to link up with Mama Kat's Pretty Much Famous Writer's Workshop. She posts a list of prompts every week. Fellow bloggers chose one, write about it, and link their posts to her site on Thursday. Sounds fun. I chose
- [Wordless Wednesday](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday/)
- [[10/365] Holding On](https://jessortiz.com/10-365-holding-on/) - "Frodo: What are we holding onto, Sam?Sam: That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo... and it's worth fighting for.”― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers
- [[9/365] On My Table](https://jessortiz.com/9-365-on-my-table/) - Fake flowers (my favorite... no pollen, no dying when I forget to water them, no temptation for cats who insist on trying to eat the real thing) and the tablecloth my Nana used every Easter (which I need to get back to my mother before said cats destroy it... they are evil).
- [The Bright Side of Life](https://jessortiz.com/the-bright-side-of-life/) - I've come to the conclusion that my son is like the little boy version of Pollyanna. I used to love watching that movie, about a vivacious little girl who came to town and brightened everyone's lives. This morning, as Josh looked out the window, he declared, "It's raining! I can wear my rain boots today!"
- [[8/365] Cars Fan](https://jessortiz.com/8-365-cars-fan/)
- [The Superhero List](https://jessortiz.com/the-superhero-list/) - It's Monday, and that means it's time for Stasha's weekly link-up, Monday Listicles. I'm joining up again this week after a small hiatus. Stasha asked us to tell everyone about the things we have done that have made us feel like superheroes. It made me think, how does a superhero feel? I think they like
- [[7/365] Little Yellow Bird](https://jessortiz.com/7-365-little-yellow-bird/)
- [[6/365] Tulips](https://jessortiz.com/6-365-tulips/)
- [[5/365] Spring in My Backyard](https://jessortiz.com/5-365-spring-in-my-backyard/) - It looks like Spring has finally sprung in my neck of the woods. Today was a gorgeous day with temps around 60F, and this weekend promises to be great, as well. I enjoyed some time outdoors this afternoon (my boss was kind enough to let us go early to enjoy the day), crawling around on
- [[4/365] Light a Candle for Peace](https://jessortiz.com/4-365-light-a-candle-for-peace/) - Candles for relaxation and serenity. This crazy world has me all shaken up.
- [[3/365] Big Dipper](https://jessortiz.com/3-365-big-dipper/)
- [[2/365] Lily](https://jessortiz.com/2-365-lily/)
- [[1/365] New Life](https://jessortiz.com/1-365-new-life/)
- [Wordless Wednesday](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-2/)
- [Spring Renewal](https://jessortiz.com/spring-renewal/) - Last year, I completely surprised myself by making and keeping a New Year's resolution. I lost about 35 pounds between January and June. An accomplishment of which I was very proud! This year, I started with good intentions of losing the last 10 pounds to get into a healthy BMI range, and to take some
- [Why Marriage Equality is Important to Me](https://jessortiz.com/why-marriage-equality-is-important-to-me/) - Warning: I am about to go all political and spiritual on you. I tend to stay away from these kinds of topics on my blog, but I just need to say a few things. Obviously, this is just my opinion, but I feel strongly about this. If there is one thing I care about in
- [Wordless Wednesday](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-3/)
- [Spring Sledding](https://jessortiz.com/spring-sledding/) - No longer fluffyThe snow has turned to ice, butStill welcomes my sled On Sunday, Josh and I made the most of the slush still left in our yard, perfectly spread out over a small hill on the side of the house. It turns out, sledding in the Spring is most delightful -- with temperatures around
- [I'm Putting the Blog Back Together](https://jessortiz.com/im-putting-the-blog-back-together/) - A few weeks ago, I had the bright idea that I was going to delete this blog. I wasn't happy with it. I felt like my content was useless and I was not contributing anything to this world by sharing it. But I did miss writing, and when I thought about the reason that I
- [The Little Things List](https://jessortiz.com/the-little-things-list/) - I love the topic for Listicles this week (thanks, Wendy!). I've been thinking about how the smallest things have been making me upset lately, but this helped me remember that small things make me happy, too. I know, I am just a moody 12-year-old at heart. Maybe someday, I will grow up. Until then, here
- [Wordless Wednesday](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-4/)
- [The When I Grow Up List](https://jessortiz.com/the-when-i-grow-up-list/) - Late again for the Listicle party. Sorry, Stasha! This week's Listicle topic was chosen by Wendy (whose Instagram feed I enjoy daily). I really enjoyed this, looking back and trying to remember what I wanted to be when I was a child. It really made me think about who I was then and who I
- [Wordless Wednesday](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-5/)
- [Wordless Wednesday](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-6/)
- [Random Thoughts: A Month After Sandy Hook](https://jessortiz.com/random-thoughts-a-month-after-sandy-hook/) - Note: I started writing this very random post a couple of weeks ago. I'm still not sure exactly what it is I want to say. Words cannot describe how much this tragedy has hurt me, and I didn't even know these people. I can only hope and pray that God will take the bad and
- [The New Year List](https://jessortiz.com/the-new-year-list/) - Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. I got a cold for Christmas and spent the whole week (a vacation week from work) hanging around the house in my PJs. I had a million plans for the week, all out the window. But I am choosing to be positive and
- [The Christmas Song List](https://jessortiz.com/the-christmas-song-list/) - As many of us probably are this week, I am writing this week's list with a very heavy heart. What happened in my neighbor state of Connecticut last Friday was unbelievable, unbearable. We can't believe that someone could do something like that to anyone, let alone kids so little. But the fact of the matter is,
- [The Awesome List](https://jessortiz.com/the-awesome-list/) - I was going to cop out of this week's list meme and make a list about why my son is great. I mean, when Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas, his response was "A penguin Dream Lite, for Mommy." How sweet is he? But I talk about how he's awesome all the time,
- [Two Lists for the Price of One](https://jessortiz.com/two-lists-for-the-price-of-one/) - Happy Holidays! Although this is a really stressful time of year, it's also my favorite. Right now, it's snowing outside, our white lights are sparkling out there, and it's just gorgeous. I love finding the perfect gifts for people (especially children), but do wish that Christmas were more about family, friends, music, and Jesus than
- [The Thanksgiving List](https://jessortiz.com/the-thanksgiving-list/) - I have been away for far too long. I've been under the weather literally (a hurricane and a nor'easter), physically, and mentally. Just: blah. I don't know quite know how to answer Anja's topic this week (10 THINGS JAMES BOND OR ANY SECRET AGENT OR 10 FICTIONAL FACTS ABOUT YOU (BUT ONE MUST BE TRUE
- [So Sensitive](https://jessortiz.com/so-sensitive/) - And with one article, I now understand myself so much better. Just: wow. This is totally me. I went looking for some information about my son's sensitivities and ended up finding some answers for myself. And maybe him, too. http://m.psychologytoday.com/articles/201107/sense-and-sensitivity Any other HSPs out there?
- [Throwback Thursday](https://jessortiz.com/throwback-thursday/) - My father gave me a CD of old photos tonight -- he had some old slides scanned at Walmart. They came out pretty well considering the age of the photos. Which I will not disclose. :) Here is evidence disproving my former belief that my hair was actually sort of calm when I was younger.
- [The Then and Now List](https://jessortiz.com/the-then-and-now-list/) - I'm back and ready to participate in Monday Listicles! Thanks to Christine for the great topic. I missed the topic "10 Compliments" last week. We were traveling back from the lovely state of New Hampshire on Monday and there was much house-cleaning and laundry to be done in the days following our vacation. It was definitely
- [Wordless Wednesday: NH Edition](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-nh-edition/)
- [The Fall Favorites List](https://jessortiz.com/the-fall-favorites-list/) - Today's list from Stasha's Monday Listicles link-up is about a subject near and dear to my heart: autumn. Oh, how I love this season! October is one of my favorite months, and I am so glad it's here. This list will be easy. Top 10 Autumn Must-Haves 1. Pumpkin Bread 2. Apple Crisp 3. Pumpkin Coffee
- [Addendum](https://jessortiz.com/addendum/) - We'll call it Video Friday... no, I need some alliteration... Favorite Friday. Um. Well, anyway. Here's another song I love. I'm adding it to my list from Monday. I had the pleasure of seeing Alison Krauss and Union Station perform last year. It was an amazing show; they are all so talented, and the harmonies
- [The Playlist](https://jessortiz.com/the-playlist/) - Stasha will be proud; I'm actually writing my list on a Monday this week. :) Cassie chose a great topic - a list of 10 songs. It's hard to choose just ten; I love so many songs. Here's a playlist off the top of my head. 10 Songs 1. "Draw Me a Map" by Dierks
- [The School List](https://jessortiz.com/the-school-list/) - Monday Listicles on a Thursday? Fashionably late, as usual. ;) This week, since the kids are all heading back, Stasha has asked us to make a list related to school. So, without further ado, my list of 10: 1. My best subject was math. I think it will be Josh's, as well. He loves to count and is
- [Keeping it Real](https://jessortiz.com/keeping-it-real/) - I've been avoiding writing for a while now, actually contemplating deleting this blog. But that's how I get when I am in this kind of a funk. I get caught in a fog of depression and come to irrational conclusions, and say and do things I don't mean. I don't know how many times I've
- [The Thank You List](https://jessortiz.com/the-thank-you-list/) - It's Monday Listicles time again! This week, Stasha is asking us to put together a list of 10 Thanks. I don't always appreciate things as much as I should, so I think this will be a good one. :) 10 Things for Which I am Thankful 1. My son. I couldn't have asked for a
- [The Birthday List](https://jessortiz.com/the-birthday-list/) - OK, so it's not really a birthday list, but as I prepare to add a year to my age tomorrow, it seemed appropriate that the list chosen by Deborah this week would cause me to reflect a bit on my life. So here you go: 10 things I would or would not miss if I
- [Stasha's List](https://jessortiz.com/stashas-list/) - Hi! I'm back! :) I had a bit of free time, so I'm participating in this week's Monday Listicles. I've missed it. We should be all moved in a few weeks or so, and then I hope to get back into the Sunday Scavenger Hunt, as well. Here's a list of 10 questions (and their
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday (Or Tuesday)](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday-or-tuesday/) - Trying to get my Sunday Scavenger Hunt entry in at the last minute. The house is officially on the market; crossing my fingers! Busy busy busy. :) These are all from my iPhone; not my best work, but hopefully we'll be settled in a new house soon and I can get back into the groove
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday/) - Well, it's not quite Sunday. Technically, it's Tuesday. And I'm kinda cheating this week. The first photo is from this week, but the third is from February, and the others from last weekend. I need to pick up on the photography again. Hopefully, I'll have time to soon. At any rate, here are my findings
- [The Book List](https://jessortiz.com/the-book-list/) - Hello again from the resident slacker! I needed some time off last week because things have been hectic, and my allergies and back pain are acting up again. I felt guilty about it, except, not really. I needed the rest. Now back to list making! This week, we are making a list of books. I
- [The Car List](https://jessortiz.com/the-car-list/) - Stasha is requesting a list of anything having to do with the road for this week's Listicles. I'm going with... 10 Things You Will Find in My Car at Any Given Time 1. Car seat. Little Man's ride. 2. Ice scraper. I've only used it once in the past year, but you never know. 3.
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday-2/) - Happy Easter, everyone! I hope you are all enjoying the Spring and the beauty it brings. Here are my Scavenger Hunt finds for the week. 1. New New flowers. 2. Life New life is springing up everywhere! 3. Fragrant I'm assuming they are; I can't smell a thing with my allergies. 4. Pink Pink eggs!
- [Guilty Pleasures List: Diet Edition](https://jessortiz.com/guilty-pleasures-list-diet-edition/) - As soon as I read that Miss Marina Star (via Stasha) was asking us for a list of Guilty Pleasures, I thought about food. I am currently on a diet and going strong. I have lost 20 pounds so far and have about another 20 to go. I never thought I would be so motivated to lose weight,
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday-3/) - I've been a slacker blogger lately, but I am back this week with my Scavenger Hunt findings. I am trying to get back into using my D-SLR, because I am noticing a difference from when I took photos everyday. I feel out of practice. But now that my macro lens is fixed (yay!) I hope
- [Scavenger Hunt](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt/) - It was another crazy week, so I still haven't gotten my favorite lens fixed, or gotten back into the groove of taking photos. However, with all the growing that has been going on around here (temps were around 70F today), my flower photos will be starting sooner. Unfortunately, so will my allergies. Here's what I
- [A Tribute](https://jessortiz.com/a-tribute/) - For this week's Monday Listicles, Stasha has asked us to come up with a list of 10, anything related to women in celebration of International Women's Day. (My co-workers snickered at this holiday, by the way. That's what I get for working with men.) I am pretty much a tomboy, far from being a girly
- [Scavenger Hunt... Tuesday?](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-tuesday/) - So, technically, it's Tuesday. I'm a little late for Ashley's Scavenger Hunt Sunday, but I guess it's better late than never, right? Here are my interpretations from this past weekend. 1. Water Wetlands Trail at the zoo. 2. Light Looking forward to more sunshine. 3. Chocolate Josh and I aren't really into chocolate. Goldfish crackers, on
- [The Rubbish List](https://jessortiz.com/the-rubbish-list/) - Happy Monday, everyone! It's time for a list, brought to us by Stasha (topic chosen by Jessica). Top 10 Things I am Rubbish at. This ought to be an easy one! I'm going to switch it up a bit, though, and make it Things I Wish I Were Better At. 1. Singing. I love to sing,
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday-4/) - Time once again for Scavenger Hunt Sunday! I never got my lens fixed this week (the stomach flu didn't give me a moment of rest), but I got out the lens that came with the camera, as well as my iPhone, and came up with this set. :) 1. Routine Routines went out the window
- [The TGIF List](https://jessortiz.com/the-tgif-list/) - I totally missed Monday Listicles this week. We've had an unwanted visitor in our house since last Sunday -- the stomach flu. It has hit Josh the hardest, and the ordeal has even included had a quick trip to the Children's Hospital ER at 3am Thursday morning. He was fine after that trip until last
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday-5/) - It's very early Sunday morning, and I can't sleep. Scavenger Hunt time? Sure. Although I'll regret the late night when Josh wakes up early tomorrow morning. Sigh. I'm going all Instagram again this week because I had an accident with my camera. Being as graceful as I am, I dropped it and the lens cap
- [The Dirty House List](https://jessortiz.com/the-dirty-house-list/) - This week's Monday Listicles is the easiest one yet: "10 Things I Would Rather Do Than Clean the House." (Thanks, Wendy!) I could list just about anything. It's not that I have anything against cleaning -- on the contrary, I like things neat and orderly, and every once in a while, I'll have a cleaning
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday-6/) - Time once again for Ashley's Scavenger Hunt Sunday! 1. Love The Sunday School children made everyone in the congregation a Valentine last week. 2. Duplicated I had no idea what to do for this... so here are twin cows. 3. Trend or Trending #WeWereCoolUntil you stole my chair, lady! (That hash tag was trending last night.) I
- [Sunset](https://jessortiz.com/sunset/) - I'm a little late. :)
- [Picture Inspiration: Weeks 51, 52, and 12](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-weeks-51-52-and-12/) - Today, we received our last prompt for Picture Inspiration. I am going to miss it, but am looking forward to learning more about photography elsewhere. And I just ordered Adobe Lightroom. Can't wait to get it! Week 51: Our Milestone We were asked to take photos of a celebration to celebrate this past year. The
- [Scavenger Hunt, The Instagram Edition](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-the-instagram-edition/) - Time once again for Scavenger Hunt Sunday. I've been having some fun with Instagram this week, so I decided to go with an all-Instagram version of the Hunt. Please enjoy and have a great week, everyone! 1. Facial Feature Those lashes! I tried for a better picture but he either didn't sit still, or hid
- [The Passion List](https://jessortiz.com/the-passion-list/) - Um, not THAT kind of passion. This Monday Listicle post is WAY overdue, thanks to being busy (catching up from Girls' Weekend) and Josh not sleeping well. I am tired. This week's topic is Passion, in honor of Jackie's friend Marilyn. So sorry for your loss, Jackie. It sounds like your friend was a wonderful
- [Queens River Baptist Church](https://jessortiz.com/queens-river-baptist-church/) - Took a drive at lunch today to run a couple of errands, and decided to snap a photo on my way back. This church was built in 1911 (according to records I found online). You can see its cemetery in the back left. Taken with my iPhone and edited in Camera+.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 50](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-50/) - Theme: For the Love. Photos of our cameras.These are my two cameras. Nothing fancy. Taken with my third camera, my iPhone, and edited in Instagram.
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday-7/) - Well, make that Tuesday. I had a fun, sports-filled weekend with my friends. Hockey on Friday and Saturday, football on Sunday. The hockey went better than the football. Ahem. I am just catching up on laundry and blogging (I need more hours in the day) but it was well worth it. 1. Strike a Pose
- [Wordless Wednesday](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-7/) - So, now that the Christmas decorations are finally down (yay!), I went ahead and put up some Spring decor. Why not? It was 60 degrees today and I went for a walk to get lunch wearing a t-shirt and a light Spring jacket. I'd personally rather have a foot of snow on the ground and
- [It's a Start](https://jessortiz.com/its-a-start/) - I loved Stasha's post today (isn't she gorgeous?), but it does make me sad. Being the amateur photographer in these parts, I am in very few photos. The ones I am in, I just want to delete because I can't stand how I look. I won't even let other people photograph me. "When I lose
- [The Soundtrack List](https://jessortiz.com/the-soundtrack-list/) - In my opinion, Monday is only good for one thing: Stasha's Listicles link-up. Time to play! This week's list was suggested by Bruna, who seems pretty awesome, even if she is a Canucks fan. ;) Her mission? “If they were to make a movie of your life what would the soundtrack be like? Share 10
- [Picture Inspiration: Weeks 48 & 49](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-weeks-48-49/) - Week 48 Theme: Winter Light I saw Josh playing by the window and caught some of that lovely sunlight in his hair. Week 49 Theme: Recuperation My poor little guy has been sick, and was super sleepy at Nana's tonight. I only had my cellphone with me, but had to capture this photo. He just
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday-8/) - This week's Scavenger Hunt Sunday was a bit challenging, but Josh helped me capture some photos on Saturday. 1. Smile Happy customer. 2. Stand Alone There was a tree I wanted to photograph, but never had a chance. The moon will have to do for now. 3. Rusty or Something Old Rusty And old. 4.
- [The Before I Die List](https://jessortiz.com/the-before-i-die-list/) - Yes, I am incredibly late with Stasha's Monday Listicles this week. It's been one of those weeks. But I still wanted to participate, so here I am. Better late than never, I suppose. Anyway, this week's list (chosen by Ally) is "10 Things I'd Like to See Before I Die." It was actually a bit
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday-9/) - It's about 45 minutes into Sunday, and that means it's time to share my finds for this week's Scavenger Hunt. First of all, I'd like to say congratulations to host Ashley (check out her blog too see her exciting news)! And now, the photos. Just wanted to share that I finally found my Winter Wonderland (from last week)!
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 47](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-47/) - Theme: Outside Looking InI went with the opposite, which was OK, as long as there was a window involved.He really wanted to go outside, but it was too cold (high of 20 that day). So he played with the window clings instead.
- [The Never Say Never List](https://jessortiz.com/the-never-say-never-list/) - This week's topic is "I'll Never...": The Top Ten Things You Said You Would NEVER Do And Have Caught Yourself Doing, suggested by Greta. I could basically just copy Stasha's list, but I'll try to think of some others. I'm sure there are plenty. 1. Talk to myself. My grandma used to do this and
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday-10/) - I'm a little late for this week's Scavenger Hunt. Nothing new! I took most of the pictures on Saturday, but spent yesterday at church, looking at a pre-school for Josh, and playing two hockey games. Whew! Anyway... here's what I found. 1. Stacked Up Cold beverage, anyone? 2. Winter Wonderland Our biggest snowstorm so far
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 46](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-46/) - Theme: Say Something SweetThe assignment was to tell a story or convey a message using everyday objects. I had no idea what to photograph until I saw these "eyes" in my cereal. I added the mouth and got a smile. :)
- [The Resume List](https://jessortiz.com/the-resume-list/) - So, it's Monday (+ 40 minutes in the EST zone) and that means it's time for Monday Listicles. This week, Stasha's guest list picker is Squashed Mom, who would like us to discuss the "Top Ten Strange (odd/unusual/funny/interesting) Jobs" we've had. Unfortunately, I don't have much to contribute here; I can't even come up with
- [Sunday Scavenger Hunt [1/8/12]](https://jessortiz.com/sunday-scavenger-hunt-1-8-12/) - It's time once again for the Sunday Scavenger Hunt! Well, technically, it's Tuesday, but who's counting? I only thought to look at the list on Sunday, so I caught a few things around the house. Here we go. 1. One Color The blank slate before the little guy started drawing. 2. Laundry My hockey laundry
- [Speak Softly](https://jessortiz.com/speak-softly/)
- [The 2012 Resolution List](https://jessortiz.com/the-2012-resolution-list/) - It's Monday (well, technically, Tuesday) and that means it's time for Stasha's Monday Listicles. This week's list is 10 New Year's resolutions we will never keep (suggested by Mountain Momma). I'd like to think that I might keep some of these, but we'll see. I'm REALLY trying to keep #1. 1. Relax more, worry less.
- [[365/365] Happy New Year!](https://jessortiz.com/365-365-happy-new-year/) - My New Year's Eve wasn't too exciting, but there were noisemakers involved earlier in the day (when Josh could participate).This photo is the last in my 2011 365 Project. I have another month left with Picture Inspiration, and then I am going to start devoting some time to online tutorials. I think I need to
- [[364/365] Happy Holidays](https://jessortiz.com/364-365-happy-holidays/) - We had a lazy day today, which was nice. Just hanging out and taking fun pictures like this one.I'm also going to use this for Picture Inspiration: Week 45. The theme is "Full Circle."
- [[363/365] Happy Birthday, Joshua](https://jessortiz.com/363-365-happy-birthday-joshua/) - Joshua turned three today. I cannot believe how fast time is going by. We brought him to see Disney on Ice, and then had a small family lunch back at the house. Josh requested that I bake him a cake, hence the terrible frosting job. But he was really happy with it, and that's what
- [[362/365] First Pair of Skates](https://jessortiz.com/362-365-first-pair-of-skates/) - Josh got his first pair of skates today, for his birthday. I can't wait to get him out on the ice; hopefully, he will like it. I'm also using this picture for Picture Inspiration: Week 44. The theme is "Don't Forget."
- [[361/365] Mickey](https://jessortiz.com/361-365-mickey/) - Disney on Ice is in town, and they had a special Mickey appearance at the zoo on Tuesday. I brought Josh down and his face just lit up when he met Mickey. It was so precious.
- [[360/365] Fireman Josh](https://jessortiz.com/360-365-fireman-josh/) - A friend of ours was nice enough to give Josh a tour of his fire station on Monday. Josh enjoyed "driving" the big trucks.
- [[359/365] Merry Christmas](https://jessortiz.com/359-365-merry-christmas/) - Someone had a great day. :)
- [[358/365] Patriots](https://jessortiz.com/358-365-patriots/) - My friend and I spent Christmas Eve Day at Gillette Stadium, watching the Patriots. It was cold, but with these great seats and a victory, we didn't mind one bit! This was my first Pats/pro football game, that I didn't have to work. (I used to be a beer pourer at Gillette.)
- [[357/365] Decorated](https://jessortiz.com/357-365-decorated/) - The gingerbread house, after decoration. Other views: Josh did a great job with the roof decorations. Roar! Side note: At some point, I messed up on the numbering of my 365 Project photos, so I don't have a 356. I think this happened sometime in September when we went away, but I am too lazy
- [[355/365] Gingerbread](https://jessortiz.com/355-365-gingerbread/) - I got the house set up tonight; tomorrow we decorate! Also: I know this is not the neatest icing job ever. I won't be quitting my day job to become a pastry chef. :)
- [[354/365] Sleeping Cutie](https://jessortiz.com/354-365-sleeping-cutie/) - It was a very lazy night. Sleepiness all around.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 43](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-43/) - Theme: Connecting ColorThis was a hard prompt. I used these mini soaps my friend gave me for Christmas. Different patterns with repeating colors.
- [[353/365] Happy Hanukkah](https://jessortiz.com/353-365-happy-hanukkah/) - We don't celebrate Hanukkah, but somehow we ended up with this pretty cool menorah. Also, Mom and I had latkes with dinner last night, while Josh sang the Dreidel song. Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate it.
- [[352/365] Countdown](https://jessortiz.com/352-365-countdown/) - How did this happen? Less than a week!
- [[351/365] Star Bright](https://jessortiz.com/351-365-star-bright/) - Taking pics of the decorations again.
- [[350/365] Moon Over CT](https://jessortiz.com/350-365-moon-over-ct/) - The moon was huge as we were driving home from Connecticut on Saturday night.
- [[349/365] Warm-ups](https://jessortiz.com/349-365-warm-ups/) - Please excuse the dirty glass, but this photo cracks me up. Bartkowski is all skating as fast as he can, and the others look like they're just standing around, watching him.
- [Lipton List](https://jessortiz.com/lipton-list/) - Stasha says, "let’s see what you would say if you were a guest Inside The Actor’s Studio With James Lipton." Well, it was actually Bridget's idea. At any rate, here we go. Short and sweet this week. :) Happy Holidays to all! 1. What is your favorite word? Currently: boots, the way Josh says it.
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday-11/) - It's Sunday, and that means church, Patriots football, and Scavenger Hunt Sunday! Here are my submissions for the week. 1. What is it? My bokeh tree! 2. Children/Fur Babies Sleeping I pulled this one out of my archives from this summer. It's one of my favorites. 3. Joy Pretty card. 4. Window That tree bokeh
- [Flare Friday](https://jessortiz.com/flare-friday/) - I took this a couple of weeks ago, but just rediscovered it. I love the way the sun is shining through the tree.
- [[348/365] Nutcracker](https://jessortiz.com/348-365-nutcracker/) - This was always one of my favorite Christmas decorations at my grandparents' house. I am so glad I inherited it. I can still remember it, standing on top of the TV, while the whole family (distant cousins included) gathered together on Christmas Eve. Those were good times.
- [[347/365] Peek-a-boo!](https://jessortiz.com/347-365-peek-a-boo/) - A happy snowman peeks out of the tree.
- [Scavenger Hunt](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-2/) - This week has been so hectic. Shopping, Christmas activities, illness (unfortunately), etc. What I am trying to say is that I didn't have a chance to take all of the photos for the Scavenger Hunt. In fact, I only got as far as "Holiday Lights." So I am adding quite a few archive photos. I
- [[346/365] Frosted](https://jessortiz.com/346-365-frosted/) - Taken while waiting for my car to defrost this morning.
- [[345/365] Mirror](https://jessortiz.com/345-365-mirror/) - I took one similar to this a few weeks ago, when there were still leaves on the trees. I like the winter version, too.
- [[344/365] Biggest Tower Ever](https://jessortiz.com/344-365-biggest-tower-ever/) - Josh wanted to build the "Biggest Tower Ever." We did what we could with all of his blocks.
- [[343/365] Edaville](https://jessortiz.com/343-365-edaville/) - On Saturday, we took Josh to the winter wonderland that is Edaville Railroad. We went on rides, looked at the lights, and rode on a real steam train, complete with a conductor and men shoveling coal into the engine. Needless to say, Josh had an absolute blast.
- [[342/365] Good Game](https://jessortiz.com/342-365-good-game/) - Providence Bruins players congratulate their goalie and each other after a shoot-out win on Friday.
- [Little Rhody Listicle](https://jessortiz.com/little-rhody-listicle/) - This week, Stasha's guest Amanda has asked us to create a list of 10 things about our hometown. Since my state is probably about the same size as most of your hometowns, and I've lived in four of the towns here, I'm going to share a little about my state, Rhode Island. 1. The show
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 42](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-42/) - This week's theme was "The Picture Within" -- a picture within a picture. I choose this one of my grandmother (Nana), which my mother hangs on her tree every year. Nana loved Christmas, and we have all since divvied up her decorations (there were plenty to go around). I love taking them out every year
- [[341/365] Sparkle and Shine](https://jessortiz.com/341-365-sparkle-and-shine/) - Snowflake hanging at my mother's house. She has all kinds of funky winter decorations in her dining room. This one's my favorite.
- [[340/365] Ornament](https://jessortiz.com/340-365-ornament/) - Snowman Angel Button. Something like that. I'm digging the garland.
- [[339/365] Santa Duck](https://jessortiz.com/339-365-santa-duck/) - SuperDuck's cousin, no doubt.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 41](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-41/) - This week's theme: Picture Plenty. We were to photograph something in abundance.There were plenty of trees at the Christmas tree farm this weekend!
- [[338/365] Santa Train](https://jessortiz.com/338-365-santa-train/) - One of Josh's new ornaments. Santa, a train, and a penguin. Minus a monkey, it has all his favorites in one.
- [Wherein I Totally Cheat on My List](https://jessortiz.com/wherein-i-totally-cheat-on-my-list/) - For our Monday Listicles this week (I know, it's Tuesday), Stasha has asked us to share our Christmas lists. Well, there's really only one thing I need... the winning ticket for a large lottery jackpot. But I have already done that list. I suppose I could add more time in the day, and also to
- [Scavenger Hunt](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-3/) - Sorry, I'm a little late with this week's Scavenger Hunt. You know, Christmas and all that. 1. Portrait Meet Calle Ridderwall. I skated with him and the other Providence Bruins at a Season Ticket Holders event last Wednesday. He was nice enough to pose for this photo. 2. Nostalgic My mom and I took Josh
- [[337/365] Red Sky at Night](https://jessortiz.com/337-365-red-sky-at-night/) - Not a bad view on our Polar Express ride. Santa has a nice place up here.
- [[336/365] O Christmas Tree](https://jessortiz.com/336-365-o-christmas-tree/) - We picked up the Christmas tree on Saturday. This isn't the one we tagged; I'll post ones of that one when it's all decorated.
- [[335/365] Moon Waxing Gibbous](https://jessortiz.com/335-365-moon-waxing-gibbous/) - It was a nice, crisp, clear night tonight, perfect for photographing the moon. It's pretty incredible that you can see all of the craters so clearly from here.
- [Cheese!](https://jessortiz.com/cheese/) - Time for the Paper Mama photo challenge of the week. This week's challenge: Smile. It doesn't get much bigger or cheesier than this!
- [[334/365] Decorated Storefront](https://jessortiz.com/334-365-decorated-storefront/) - Tonight was the annual Christmas tree lighting in Wickford. We watched the children's chorus sing, saw the tree lit up, watched Santa arrive in a firetruck, and walked around a bit to look at the window decorations. This one was my favorite.
- [[333/365] Fallen](https://jessortiz.com/333-365-fallen/) - I brought my car to the garage up the road for some work on Wednesday, and walked home to work for a while. On my walk back to the garage, I took a few phone pics of the foliage. I liked the way this one came out, in particular.
- [Hello, Moon](https://jessortiz.com/hello-moon/) - The moon looked amazing as I left work Monday night - just a sliver, but large and swimming in a sea of dark clouds. I feel like I need to start carrying my D-SLR and a tripod with me where ever I go; the phone pic I took did it no justice. Still, even with
- [[332/365] Penguins](https://jessortiz.com/332-365-penguins/) - I love penguins.
- [[331/365] Polar Hockey](https://jessortiz.com/331-365-polar-hockey/) - Doesn't get much cuter than a penguin and a snowman playing hockey.Speaking of polar, I may or may not have teared up during one of the new Coca-Cola polar bear ads. Such beautiful animals.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 40](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-40/) - This week's theme: Grateful Day. This was taken the day after Thanksgiving. I was grateful for the company of my son, the beautiful sunshine and warm weather, the gorgeous zoo and park that we were so lucky to be able to enjoy, the quiet and peacefulness of the path at that moment, and the fact
- [Joshisms](https://jessortiz.com/joshisms/) - I'm having so much fun with Josh this Christmas season. He just adores Santa now, and has also taken an interest in church, so I'm using the opportunity to try to teach him the real reason for the season. We had a great Thanksgiving break together, and had some interesting conversations. I wish I could
- [[330/365] Nativity](https://jessortiz.com/330-365-nativity/) - I bought this Peruvian tea light holder at Ten Thousand Villages (www.tenthousandvillages.com/) this weekend. Most of our Christmas decorations are up now; that was no small project.
- [[329/365] Here Comes Santa Claus!](https://jessortiz.com/329-365-here-comes-santa-claus/) - Santa, arriving at Garden City shopping center. Josh was very excited to see him, but did not want to wait in the long line to sit on his lap. We went to the mall later that night, at dinner time, and saw Santa with no line. Josh had a great time, and I'm glad to
- [[328/365] Ducks](https://jessortiz.com/328-365-ducks/) - Ducks on the pond in Roger Williams Park Zoo. We had an unseasonably warm day in the 60s, so Josh and I enjoyed some time outside, rather than going anywhere near the shopping madness.
- [[327/365] Dig In](https://jessortiz.com/327-365-dig-in/) - Yum!
- ['Tis the Season](https://jessortiz.com/tis-the-season/) - For this week's Monday Listicles, Stasha has asked us to share 10 favorite photos. As you might be able to tell from my blog, I am always taking photos, so to pick only 10 seemed like quite a challenge. I decided to go with 10 favorite photos taken during an online workshop I took last
- [Scavenger Hunt](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-4/) - It's Sunday and that means it's time for another photo scavenger hunt, hosted by Ashley. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! 1. Waiting The table before Thanksgiving dinner 2. Foliage There's a sort of contradictory landscape around here lately. Flowers/greens from the unseasonably warm weather mixed with fallen leaves. 3. Candid He said he
- [[326/365] Hay Field](https://jessortiz.com/326-365-hay-field/) - Using the Crosshatch filter in Photoshop in an attempt to cover up the grainy original. :)
- [[325/365] BFFs](https://jessortiz.com/325-365-bffs/) - Josh and I played Little People farm tonight. And Little People airport, and Little People trucks... someone is easily distracted.
- [One and Only](https://jessortiz.com/one-and-only/) - Time for Monday Listicles, part two this week. This week's topic is "10 reasons why you do or do not want more children," which was selected by guest list-picker Jen. I have been getting some pressure lately about having another child, mainly because I am already 35 and if I am going to do it,
- [California Dreamin'](https://jessortiz.com/california-dreamin/) - I'm a whole week late on this one. I had grand plans for it, and no time to implement said plans, so it sat around until the week was gone. Where do my weeks go? Anyway, Stasha (with help from guest list suggester Hopes) has asked us to make a list of things that make a great
- [[324/365] Native Mouse](https://jessortiz.com/324-365-native-mouse/) - One of mom's Thanksgiving decorations.
- [[323/365] At the Hockey Game](https://jessortiz.com/323-365-at-the-hockey-game/) - Josh had a great time at the game today, but his favorite part wasn't the goals or skating or exciting overtime and shootout. It was the part where the maintenance crew came out and repaired the glass during the third period. He especially liked our friend Bobby (he enjoyed watching him remove "snow" from the
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 39](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-39/) - This week's theme was "Leaving Textures" and it was all about finding "seasonal" textures. I went with the literal interpretation (leaves) for two of the shots, and one of a birch tree shedding. I actually took quite a few photos that I liked, but went with these three because I felt they were closest to
- [[322/365] Cookies](https://jessortiz.com/322-365-cookies/) - We had a pretty lazy day on Saturday. Josh and I went to the grocery store, and he got it in his head that we should make sugar cookies with blue sprinkles. I found some pre-made dough (see: lazy) and blue sprinkles, and we made the quickest snack ever. Pretty yummy, too.
- [[321/365] Colorful](https://jessortiz.com/321-365-colorful/) - I'm not sure what kind of a bush this is, but I love the colors. It looks like some of the buds are still blooming because of the warm weather we've been having. The day I took this photo, it was only in the 40s, but it was 70 just a few days before.
- [[320/365] Hard at Work](https://jessortiz.com/320-365-hard-at-work/) - He's all, "I hate it when I can't get IE to display my CSS properly!"
- [Scavenger Hunt](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-5/) - It's time once again for this week's photo Scavenger Hunt, hosted by Ashley. 1. Mainly One Color I took some pictures outside this week, including this of a dried up flower in the flower box. 2. Around the Home I went a little crazy at the candle store last weekend. 3. Reflection Trees reflected in
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 38](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-38/) - I went with the "alternative prompt" again this week, since I only loaded Photoshop onto my laptop last night, and have not had a chance to play with the texture files. In fact, that may have to wait until after Christmas. I am hoping to take some online Photoshop and photography classes then, too. The
- [[319/365] Dried Flowers](https://jessortiz.com/319-365-dried-flowers/) - These flowers still look beautiful, even all dried up.
- [[318/365] Fall](https://jessortiz.com/318-365-fall/) - Mom's Japanese Maple tree is finally shedding its leaves. They're such a brilliant shade of red.
- [[317/365] Puzzle Time](https://jessortiz.com/317-365-puzzle-time/) - Some of Josh's favorite toys lately are his puzzles. We just got this one this weekend and have already put it together about 10 times. He has one 40-piece puzzle that he puts together by himself, and a 24-piece one that he literally put together in 5 minutes tonight. There was a 100-piece puzzle of
- [[316/365] Alumni Game](https://jessortiz.com/316-365-alumni-game/) - I had a blast at the Bruins alumni game in Providence on Sunday. The Boston Bruins alumni played the Providence Bruins alumni (Boston won). It was great to see some Boston legends, as well as some of Providence guys from the year they won the Calder Cup (1998-99). I can't believe that was 13 years
- [Scavenger Huntin'](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-huntin/) - It's Sunday, and that means it's time for another scavenger hunt with Ashley! It was quite a crazy week for me, so this edition is brought to you by my iPhone. The pictures aren't as good as they might have been with my D-SLR, but it was mighty quick and easy to put this together.
- [Paper Mama Photo Challenge: Fall](https://jessortiz.com/paper-mama-photo-challenge-fall/) - He told me he wanted to help rake up the leaves, but he had an ulterior motive: to jump in them!
- [[315/365] Eagles in Autumn](https://jessortiz.com/315-365-eagles-in-autumn/) - Bald Eagles at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, next to some lovely fall foliage. Josh and I enjoyed the beautiful weather today, then visited the library for some books once the sun went down.
- [[314/365] Eleven](https://jessortiz.com/314-365-eleven/) - Photos taken on 11/11/11. Top left: 11:11pm. Bottom left: Game 11. Right: Happy Veteran's Day! Taken at 11:11am.
- [[313/365] Autumn Moon](https://jessortiz.com/313-365-autumn-moon/) - Full moon tonight. Despite the clouds, the moon was still able to peek through and say hello.
- [[312/365] Hello there, Pilgrim](https://jessortiz.com/312-365-hello-there-pilgrim/) - I love that Schartner's Farms transformed their witch scarecrow (www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/6228550067/) into a pilgrim one for Thanksgiving. How fun!
- [[311/365] Fall Folliage](https://jessortiz.com/311-365-fall-folliage/) - The tree leaves around here are finally starting to change color and fall, very late for New England. We had temperatures near 70 on Monday. Hard to believe we had snow a couple of days before Halloween.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 37](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-37/) - This week, we are starting a series on texture. We have an assignment to integrate provided texture files into one of our photos, but I need to get Photoshop first. I could not figure it out in Gimp. So, I went with the alternative prompt: "Smooth."
- [Go Skippers!](https://jessortiz.com/go-skippers/) - I'm joining in on Stasha's Monday Listicles again, this time on Tuesday. Actually, it's technically Wednesday. I need to get to sleep. Sleep is something I rarely got in high school, especially in senior year, when I liked to stay up late to watch Conan O'Brien. My friends and I went to see a taping
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday-12/) - Time for another Scavenger Hunt Sunday, hosted by Ashley! 1. Food My archive photo for the week: blueberry cobbler at the Big E. Yum! 2. Purple Frosty purple flowers in my front yard. 3. In Disguise This little SuperDuck was the inspiration for my son's Superman costume this Halloween. 4. Shapes This is stretch, I
- [[310/365] Sad Pilgrim](https://jessortiz.com/310-365-sad-pilgrim/) - Put my Eeyore Thanksgiving decor up, 'cause that's how I roll. "Thanks for noticing me."
- [[309/365] Squirrel](https://jessortiz.com/309-365-squirrel/) - Josh and I saw this squirrel while taking a walk today. He just sat in that tree, nice and still, and waited for us to walk away before he finished gathering some food.
- [[308/365] Autumn Potpourri](https://jessortiz.com/308-365-autumn-potpourri/) - I spent most of Saturday cleaning the house in preparation for some friends to come over for dinner. While I was cleaning, I rediscovered this potpourri. I loved the colors, and decided it would make a really nice photograph.
- [[307/365] PBruins v Monarchs](https://jessortiz.com/307-365-pbruins-v-monarchs/) - I didn't get too many good photos at the game on Friday, but I did like this action shot.
- [[306/365] Sunset](https://jessortiz.com/306-365-sunset/) - The sunset was extremely vivid and beautiful -- purples and pinks and reddish-oranges. I wish I could have captured it better, but I did enjoy it while it lasted.
- [[305/365] Dusk](https://jessortiz.com/305-365-dusk/) - Keeping it simple.
- [[304/365] Sleepyhead](https://jessortiz.com/304-365-sleepyhead/) - Josh wasn't feeling too well today, but thankfully, the cold waited a day so it didn't ruin his Halloween. He fell asleep on the way home from my mom's tonight, and I couldn't resist a photo of my cutie.
- [Halloween List](https://jessortiz.com/halloween-list/) - It's time once again for Stasha's Monday Listicles. This week's assignment: Halloween List. Ten Costumes I've Worn 1. Strawberry Shortcake - my favorite childhood character. 2. Cheerleader - when I was 5 and still cute. 3. Clown - once as a baby (we had hand-me-down costumes hand-sewn by my great-grandmother), and once when I was
- [[303/365] The Loot](https://jessortiz.com/303-365-the-loot/) - It was a blast trick-or-treating with Josh this year. He really enjoyed walking around the neighborhood with his cousins, and even seemed to enjoy his costume. He was also excited to get all of these treats. Maybe we'll even get him to try a peanut butter cup! Ha ha, we'll see about that!
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday-13/) - Somehow, this week left me exhausted. So, here is my submission for Scavenger Hunt Sunday, in a few words. :) 1. Macro/Close-Up This is my archive selection, taken 10 days ago, when it was still warm. 2. Found Texture Texture from both the ice and screen. Hopefully, I got this one right. 3. Home A
- [[302/365] Snowtober](https://jessortiz.com/302-365-snowtober/) - Apparently, that was the official hashtag on Twitter for yesterday's storm. We got mainly rain and sleet in our area, with just an inch or so of snow. Up in Douglas, our friends and former neighbors reported 9 inches of wet, heavy snow. Add to that strong winds and trees still full of leaves, and
- [[301/365] Harbor Seals](https://jessortiz.com/301-365-harbor-seals/) - Mom and I took Josh to the zoo today for their annual "Spooky Zoo" Halloween event. Unfortunately, it had been canceled, and we only got about a half hour to walk around before it started raining. We did enjoy watching the seals eat their lunch, however. Here they are, attacking a block of icy fish.
- [[300/365] Pink in the Rink](https://jessortiz.com/300-365-pink-in-the-rink/) - Tonight's Providence Bruins game raised money for breast cancer research. The guys wore pink jerseys and some even used pink tape on their sticks. Even though they lost the game, it was a fun night for a great cause.
- [[299/365] Monster Boots](https://jessortiz.com/299-365-monster-boots/) - Josh has been obsessed with boots lately, especially rain boots (you know, so he can go outside and jump in the puddles). My mother made his day (year, maybe) when she bought him these. Plus, the little monsters are SO adorable.
- [[298/365] Remedy](https://jessortiz.com/298-365-remedy/) - I was busy cleaning last night and forgot to take a photo. Except for this one I shared on Twitter of my remedy for this chest cold that's been nagging me.
- [Rookie Mama](https://jessortiz.com/rookie-mama/) - Time for Stasha's Monday Listicles again. Better late than never, right? This week's list: 10 Tips for New Moms. While I still consider myself a "rookie" (good website, by the way), there are a few things I have learned along the way: 1. Cloth diapers make the best burp cloths. And you will need lots
- [[297/365] Halloween Ducks](https://jessortiz.com/297-365-halloween-ducks/) - The Halloween ducks (SuperDuck and "Punkin" Duck), modeling our new bathroom sink. As Josh would say, "Oooh, that's bewy nice!"
- [Scavenger Hunt Sunday (Err, Monday)](https://jessortiz.com/scavenger-hunt-sunday-err-monday/) - Time for Scavenger Hunt Sunday, brought to you by Ashley Sisk. I may be late, but at least I didn't cheat this week. Brand new photos! Well, except for one, but we're allowed. Enjoy! 1. Words The pumpkin has spoken. 2. Under String of wishes from my cousin, hung under a shelf in the
- [[296/365] Sunset Over the Field](https://jessortiz.com/296-365-sunset-over-the-field/) - Hay in a local sod field. The sunset was lovely this evening, but I wish I could have captured it better. I need to work on the sunset photography!
- [[295/365] Tree Farm](https://jessortiz.com/295-365-tree-farm/) - We went on our annual trip to tag the Christmas tree at Henry's on Sunday. Josh had a blast hiking around in his boots and walking through the mud.
- [[294/365] PBruins at Portland](https://jessortiz.com/294-365-pbruins-at-portland/) - Road trip! I went with a few friends up to Portland to watch the Providence Bruins on Saturday. I brought my big girl camera to the game, since they allow any camera (woot!). We had a blast. Karel St. Laurent (pictured) made his first professional start and got a win thanks to his and the
- [[293/365] Flower](https://jessortiz.com/293-365-flower/) - One more flower shot before it starts to get too cold. :)
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 35](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-35/) - This week's theme: "Oh My Gourd!" We were asked to shoot pumpkins in particular. I also used today's 365 image.
- [[292/365] Jack-o-Lanterns](https://jessortiz.com/292-365-jack-o-lanterns/) - Mom and I took Josh to the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence tonight. The pumpkins were amazing, as usual. Josh had fun, and called it "very creepy!" That was a compliment. :) Update (10/27/11): This photo made an Editor's gallery in Flickr. Woot! Check it out; there are some amazing carvings
- [[291/365] Bathtime](https://jessortiz.com/291-365-bathtime/) - While Josh was playing with his toys in the bubble bath tonight, Mama was snapping some photos. Duckie was more than happy to pose for me.
- [[290/365] Pumpkin](https://jessortiz.com/290-365-pumpkin/) - Josh's "baby pumpkin." I've been playing around with some editing software on my phone tonight, and decided I still like Camera+ the best. Added some focus/blur and a border to this one. I'll have to take another photo when it has a face. :)
- [Joining the Hunt](https://jessortiz.com/joining-the-hunt/) - I want to take part in Ashley's Sunday Scavenger Hunt for the first time this week, and just realized I have about an hour and a half before it closes. Yikes! Time to paste some photos up quickly. Warning: I am cheating this week. I didn't know the list, or how to play, until tonight.
- [Guilty](https://jessortiz.com/guilty/) - Time for Monday Listicles! Jacqui was the guest topic-picker, and chose "Guilty Pleasures." I really have no idea what to write, but let me try... 1. Sweets. Evil, evil sweets. I would not feel guilty about eating them, except for the fact that I am fat and should not be eating them. Oh well. 2.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 34](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-34/) - This week's theme was "Hand-Held." An easy one. Above is my hand holding a leaf by Barber's Pond. Below are two photos I took with the assistance of my very patient hand model. :)
- [[289/365] Barber Pond](https://jessortiz.com/289-365-barber-pond/) - Another beautiful autumn day. I stopped to take a few photos of this lovely pond on my way home from work.
- [[288/365] Old Corn](https://jessortiz.com/288-365-old-corn/) - Another corn maze today, this time at J&D Farm in Johnston. Temps were in the 60s today, so this maze experience was much more enjoyable. It's finally starting to feel like autumn, and I couldn't be happier. File this photo under "Things that should be gross but are actually sort of beautiful."
- [[287/365] Rays](https://jessortiz.com/287-365-rays/) - It was nice to see the sun again after the past few rainy days. It was a bit windy, with temps in the mid-60s. Perfect.
- [[286/365] Empty](https://jessortiz.com/286-365-empty/) - Enjoyed a Guinness at the hockey game tonight.
- [[285/365] Rainy Day Mums](https://jessortiz.com/285-365-rainy-day-mums/) - I know it's day 3 of mums, but I snapped this quickly before heading to work this morning. I knew I wouldn't have much time to take photos after work (we went out to dinner for Mom's birthday). I love how the rain makes them even more interesting and beautiful.I was looking at some photos
- [[284/365] Hipstah Mums](https://jessortiz.com/284-365-hipstah-mums/) - The other mum plant we bought on Sunday, edited with the Hipster app for iPhone.
- [[283/365] Mums](https://jessortiz.com/283-365-mums/) - One of the lovely mum plants we purchased on Sunday. I'm not sure if they're considered pink or purple, but I loved the color.
- [We Are Family](https://jessortiz.com/we-are-family/) - Holy cow, I am actually posting my response to Monday Listicles on Monday! Well, it might be technically Tuesday, because it's close to midnight. Close enough, I say! This week's topic: random family tree facts. Let's see if I can dig up a few. 1. My dad's mom is Mexican and Scotch-Irish. She's lived in
- [[282/365] Gourds](https://jessortiz.com/282-365-gourds/) - Some of the gourds we bought for decoration yesterday at the farm.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 33](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-33/) - Theme: Long and Tall. I shared this tall leaf from a corn stalk, and these long reflections in the water.
- [[281/365] Pumpkin Picking](https://jessortiz.com/281-365-pumpkin-picking/) - We went to Schartner's Farm to take a hayride, walk through the corn maze, and pick out some pumpkins and mums. We had fun, but it never fails -- every year when we do this, it is unseasonably warm. High 80s today. We could have gone to the beach instead!
- [[280/365] Sunset in Bristol RI](https://jessortiz.com/280-365-sunset-in-bristol-ri/) - This lovely harbor was the backdrop to my step-cousin's wedding on Saturday. It was a beautiful evening; they could not have asked for better weather or a more gorgeous place to be married. Drinks, delicious food, and dancing to an Irish band were the other highlights. A wonderful night for two amazing people.
- [[279/365] Opening Night](https://jessortiz.com/279-365-opening-night/) - It was opening night for the Providence Bruins tonight. It was great to be back at the Dunk and to see everyone. It actually felt like I never left, but we were there a couple of weeks ago to see the Boston Black and Gold game. I was excited to see David Aebischer in net
- [Word to the Wise](https://jessortiz.com/word-to-the-wise/) - When I was in high school, my best friend, who knew and understood my love of inspirational quotes, gave me this notebook in which to collect them. We were both into politics and Saturday Night Live, so I appreciated the humor of a blank book called The Collected Wisdom(e) of Dan Quayle. We were also
- [[278/365] Spiderweb](https://jessortiz.com/278-365-spiderweb/) - We have quite the spiderweb next to the side steps.
- [Picture Inspiration Weeks 31 & 32](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-weeks-31-32/) - Week 31: Extreme Crop Technically, this week was supposed to be about taking a photo and then cropping it in an interesting way, but I just took an extreme close-up of the "giant golf ball" at Epcot. I was being a little lazy on vacation week. Week 32: Fly on the Wall I used another
- [[277/365] Muppets](https://jessortiz.com/277-365-muppets/) - One of my favorite magnets.
- [[276/365] Pumpkin Time](https://jessortiz.com/276-365-pumpkin-time/) - Getting out the Halloween decorations.
- [[275/365] Souvenir](https://jessortiz.com/275-365-souvenir/) - This was my souvenir from Disneyworld. Three characters to scratch my back. :)
- [[274/365] Pig in Mud](https://jessortiz.com/274-365-pig-in-mud/) - Josh wanted to "see the animals" today, so I took him to the zoo for a bit. All of the animals were out and playing -- even the kangaroos were out hopping near the fence, which I never see. This little pig, however, was just enjoying the sun, soaking it all in.
- [[273/365] Chili Pepper](https://jessortiz.com/273-365-chili-pepper/) - We left a jalapeno on the counter when we went on vacation, and came home to a dried red chili.
- [[272/365] Hello, Hippo](https://jessortiz.com/272-365-hello-hippo/) - It was our last day in the parks. We went to Animal Kingdom in the morning, so Josh could see the animals. We went on the safari and two walking paths to see elephants, giraffes, hippos, gorillas, tigers, and many other animals. The hippos were huge; I knew they would be big, but didn't realize
- [[271/365] Thunder Mountain](https://jessortiz.com/271-365-thunder-mountain/) - Back to Magic Kingdom today. We caught some rides that we missed the first day (including the train for Josh) and went on some others again (like Josh's favorite, Pirates of the Caribbean).
- [[270/365] Tea Time](https://jessortiz.com/270-365-tea-time/) - Pool time, tea, and Epcot countries today. Josh was called a Prince at tea while on his best behavior, and then was treated like one at Epcot when a woman at the UK shop made him a crown (we were hiding out from the "scary" fireworks). His fave was still the Mexico boat ride, though,
- [[269/365] Animal Kingdom](https://jessortiz.com/269-365-animal-kingdom/) - Animal Kingdom & Downtown Disney today. Josh loved the musicals at the park. I'll be bringing him to the PPAC someday.
- [[268/365] Epcot](https://jessortiz.com/268-365-epcot/) - Epcot today. Josh loved the Nemo ride and aquarium (of course), Figment (my fave), and Mexico boat ride. He met his first character (Donald) and did not freak out. Woot! I loved Soarin' and the Test Track.
- [[267/365] Magic Kingdom](https://jessortiz.com/267-365-magic-kingdom/) - We had a great time. Josh loved the pirates, haunted house, castle, Space Mountain games, Small World and country bears. Later, we had dinner at the ESPN Club, where Josh had a blast at the arcade.
- [[266/365] Welcome to Florida](https://jessortiz.com/266-365-welcome-to-florida/) - From our first day of vacation. Josh did really well on his first plane ride. We arrived at our hotel, Old Key West, and then took the boat over to Downtown Disney to eat at the Rainforest Cafe.
- [[265/365] Shelf](https://jessortiz.com/265-365-shelf/) - Nautical figures on the shelf above my desk at home.
- [[264/365] Down the Road](https://jessortiz.com/264-365-down-the-road/) - Playing around with the editing tools in Camera+. Also discovered my fave photo app from the Droid, Picplz, has an iPhone app. Fun! Still, I need to work on getting some better original photos. I think I need to do some exploring to get inspiration for new photos. Vacation should help with that. :)
- [[263/365] Change](https://jessortiz.com/263-365-change/) - First glimpse of an autumn leaf in my yard.
- [[262/365] Big Bug](https://jessortiz.com/262-365-big-bug/) - Saw this guy on the sidewalk in Providence, near my car, after the Bruins game. He had to be like 4-5 inches long; hard to miss!
- [[261/365] Field of Dreams](https://jessortiz.com/261-365-field-of-dreams/) - Is this Heaven? No, it's Schartner's Farms. Had a hankering for fresh corn on the cob so I stopped by after work. Mmm, it was delicious!
- [[260/365] Providence](https://jessortiz.com/260-365-providence/) - Josh and I walked in the CVS Downtown 5K in Providence this morning. Well, he rode in the jogging stroller while I walked. We had a great time, and I caught this photo of the skyline overlooking Waterplace Park before we left.
- [[259/365] Fair Food](https://jessortiz.com/259-365-fair-food/) - Traveled to West Springfield, MA to the Eastern States Exposition (aka The Big E) for a day of eating and drinking with some friends. We had representatives from RI, CT, MA and more. I was looking forward to the apple crisp in the Vermont building, but ended up going with the blueberry crisp from Maine.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 30](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-30/) - Theme: "Hands On." Tiny Tabasco in my hands.I also used this photo: www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/6020412059/
- [[258/365] Sunset](https://jessortiz.com/258-365-sunset/) - Brilliant sunset tonight; it's too bad my windshield is so dirty!
- [[257/365] Tiny Tabasco](https://jessortiz.com/257-365-tiny-tabasco/) - I got this at a restaurant a couple of weeks ago. Thought it was so cute, I just put it on display in my kitchen.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 29](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-29/) - Theme: From Where I stand. Taken in Boston's Quincy Market. This is not from this week (it's from the Bruins' victory parade in June), but I included it for fun.
- [[256/365] Curtains](https://jessortiz.com/256-365-curtains/) - One of those nights when I don't have any idea what to photograph. Here... this looks cool!
- [Cha-ching!](https://jessortiz.com/cha-ching/) - Once again, I missed Monday Listicles, so this week, it's Tuesday Listicles. I hope Stasha will forgive me. ;) Her assignment: make a list about changes. Since I like to dream about it, I will list 10 things that would change if I won the lottery. 1. I'd pay off all the bills and be
- [[255/365] Hola, Jalapeno](https://jessortiz.com/255-365-hola-jalapeno/) - Our garden has finally yielded some of these bad boys. Now we have tomatoes, cilantro, chives and jalapenos. Time to make the salsa!
- [[254/365] Monday Night Football](https://jessortiz.com/254-365-monday-night-football/) - Patriots season opener tonight. Go Pats!
- [[253/365] Moment of Silence](https://jessortiz.com/253-365-moment-of-silence/) - I took Joshua to see more animals today, at our local zoo. Since it was the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I wanted to get some photos of the bald eagles. In this one, it looked to me like the birds were observing a moment of silence for the victims of the attacks.
- [[252/365] Jaws](https://jessortiz.com/252-365-jaws/) - Road trip to Boston today! We took Josh for the first time and headed over to the New England Aquarium. Like Mama, he loved the penguins, but we also enjoyed watching this shark in the big tank. We watched the shark again later and he just kept staring... I think we were making him hungry.
- [[251/365] Narragansett Blvd](https://jessortiz.com/251-365-narragansett-blvd/) - Trees overlooking the RI Yacht Club on Narragansett Bay. Hurricane Katia is to the east of us, out at sea, and has only let her presence be known via some clouds and rip currents. And that is just fine by me, thank you very much.
- [[250/365] Fenway](https://jessortiz.com/250-365-fenway/) - My friend and I went to see the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and the Dropkick Murphys play a concert at Fenway Park. It was wicked awesome.
- [[249/365] Snack Time](https://jessortiz.com/249-365-snack-time/) - It was late at night when I realized I hadn't taken a picture yet... so I took one of my snack. Mmm... Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 28](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-28/) - Theme: She's Got Legs. In this case: He's Got Legs. I chose to photograph some cute legs. Josh's fit the bill.
- [[248/365] Rainy Day Flowers](https://jessortiz.com/248-365-rainy-day-flowers/) - Plenty of refreshing water for the flowers today.
- [[247/365] Heavenly](https://jessortiz.com/247-365-heavenly/) - Pretty clouds. My favorite.
- [[246/365] Paw Sox](https://jessortiz.com/246-365-paw-sox/) - More baseball tonight, this time the Red Sox's AAA affiliate in Pawtucket RI.
- [[245/365] Go Papi!](https://jessortiz.com/245-365-go-papi/) - Red Sox game tonight at Fenway. I loved this photo I got of David Ortiz running.
- [[244/365] Sailing](https://jessortiz.com/244-365-sailing/) - Sailboat decoration. One of those nights where I didn't have anything in particular to photograph.
- [Happy Places](https://jessortiz.com/happy-places/) - Monday Listicles has become Friday Listicles this week. We finally got power last night after Hurricane Irene came through on Sunday. So with no illness and crazy weather, things are going much better. :) There seems to be two lists in the post this week, so I will take part in both. Here we go.
- [Picture Inspiration: Weeks 25 to 27](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-weeks-25-to-27/) - August was a crazy month. Between illnesses, a hurricane, and even an earthquake (which was nothing, but was interesting), I fell behind on my "Picture Inspiration" workshop. Here are the pictures I chose for the last few weeks. Week 25: Well Balanced The assignment was to take photos of things that are balanced in nature.
- [[243/365] Sunflowers](https://jessortiz.com/243-365-sunflowers/) - Sunflowers on Mom's table. She got power back on Tuesday night and we had power back by late Thursday afternoon. Hooray!
- [[242/365] Making Light](https://jessortiz.com/242-365-making-light/) - Light courtesy of the flashlight, not the ceiling fan. Thank you, DeWalt (http://www.flickr.com/photos/goaliej54/6104839951/).
- [[241/365] Dark and Light](https://jessortiz.com/241-365-dark-and-light/) - Half of the neighborhood got power back on Tuesday. We weren't so lucky, but the stars were brilliant in the other direct. Usually, we can barely see them because of the street lights.
- [[240/365] Sunset](https://jessortiz.com/240-365-sunset/) - I think I actually took this on day 241, but shhh... things were a little hectic this week.
- [[239/365] By Candlelight](https://jessortiz.com/239-365-by-candlelight/) - We lost power during Hurricane Irene, but were lucky to be spared any significant damage to the house. Candles and flashlights were our friends for the next few days.
- [[238/365] Penguins](https://jessortiz.com/238-365-penguins/) - I took Josh to the Mystic Aquarium this morning. We had plans to go this weekend, and I figured we had some time before the storm started. Also, we'll be stuck in the house tomorrow, so I wanted to let him get out for a while. He loved all the fish (esp. the "Nemos"), and
- [[237/365] Clouds](https://jessortiz.com/237-365-clouds/) - The last of the blue skies before the tropical weather rolls in.
- [[236/365] Bag](https://jessortiz.com/236-365-bag/) - Working on my "Picture Inspiration" assignment for the week; this week, it's all about bags. I might have a slight obsession with Vera Bradley bags. This is my current fave.
- [[235/365] In the Clouds](https://jessortiz.com/235-365-in-the-clouds/) - Lots of funky clouds tonight. These make me think of a Mama polar bear with a couple of cubs sliding around in the snow. I probably watch too much Nat Geo. Which is also the reason why the earthquakes yesterday freaked me out so much. Maybe sometimes it's better not to know what's going on.
- [[234/365] Tomato](https://jessortiz.com/234-365-tomato/) - Lots of these guys coming out of the garden. I think it's time to make some salsa.
- [[233/365] Toothpicks](https://jessortiz.com/233-365-toothpicks/) - Taking random photos around the house again. :)
- [[233/365] Moo](https://jessortiz.com/233-365-moo/) - Josh, checking out a cow at the Washington County Fair.
- [[232/365] By the Lake](https://jessortiz.com/232-365-by-the-lake/) - Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield, RI.
- [[231/365] Beast](https://jessortiz.com/231-365-beast/) - I went to Trinity Rep in Providence to see the play "Beast" tonight. My cousin Matt wrote the play about his battle with cancer, before he passed away in 2009. The show was amazing. My cousin was incredibly talented. Not only did he write this wonderfully inspirational play, but he wrote music to go along
- [[230/365] Piglets](https://jessortiz.com/230-365-piglets/) - We brought Josh to see the animals at the Washington County Fair tonight. These little piglets were a big hit. SO cute.
- [[229/365] Dragonfly](https://jessortiz.com/229-365-dragonfly/) - I wanted to get a closer photo of this guy, but those insects are so darn hard to chase. Thought this one came out OK, though.
- [[228/365] Bubbles](https://jessortiz.com/228-365-bubbles/) - Bubbles in my cup. I was definitely stir crazy at this point. And several days into the cold medicine.
- [[227/365] Choo Choo](https://jessortiz.com/227-365-choo-choo/) - At this point, I had been stuck in the house for 5 days, so I turned to Josh's toys to photograph.
- [[226/365] Clicker](https://jessortiz.com/226-365-clicker/) - My friends for the past few days: an easy chair and the remote control.
- [[225/365] Entertainment](https://jessortiz.com/225-365-entertainment/) - Josh kept me entertained. Here he is, demonstrating how to fix his ark with a pair of pliers.
- [[224/365] Inside Looking Out](https://jessortiz.com/224-365-inside-looking-out/) - It was gorgeous out that day. I opened all of the windows, trying to air the house out and get rid of some of the germs.
- [[223/365] Busy Bee](https://jessortiz.com/223-365-busy-bee/) - I spent about 10 minutes trying to get a picture of this bee. He kept moving from flower to flower, very fast. Very busy.This was the day that my cold took a turn for the worse. I am catching up on my photos now, because for several days, I didn't do anything.
- [[222/365] Flower Pot](https://jessortiz.com/222-365-flower-pot/) - I was at home, sick today, and got a little stir crazy, so I went out to take some photos in the yard. It was hard to pick a favorite, but I think I like this one of a little flower in a flower pot.
- [[221/365] Self Portrait](https://jessortiz.com/221-365-self-portrait/) - See, kids, this is what happens when you take cold medicine. You start taking goofy pictures of yourself while doing laundry. And also, I need to get out more.
- [Millie](https://jessortiz.com/millie/) - I was thinking today about how I am always grumpy and standoffish when I think others don't like me, and how it's probably because of that attitude that they don't like me. Kind of a vicious cycle. So maybe it's time to stop worrying about what others think of me and just be happy. If
- [Yuck](https://jessortiz.com/yuck/) - I realize it's Monday Listicles, not Tuesday, but I was sick yesterday. Actually, I am still sick today, but I was smart enough to take medicine. Ah, glorious medicine. So, this week we are making food lists. Any kind of food list. I have no appetite today between the meds and a sore throat (which
- [[220/365] Clouds](https://jessortiz.com/220-365-clouds/) - My head is in the clouds again today. A nice escape from reality.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 24](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-24/) - The theme this week: Shoot for the Stars. I found this "star" in my cereal. Stars on Josh's toys.
- [[217/365] Lavender](https://jessortiz.com/217-365-lavender/) - Fresh from the garden.
- [[218/365] Bee](https://jessortiz.com/218-365-bee/) - Out in the garden.
- [[219/365] Thomas](https://jessortiz.com/219-365-thomas/) - It was a rainy, lazy day. Good day to watch TV and play with trains.
- [[216/365] Feeding the Chickens](https://jessortiz.com/216-365-feeding-the-chickens/) - Josh, feeding our friend Gigi's chickens. Hard to believe we were at the hospital just a few hours after this was taken. When we got home, Josh's temperature spiked up to 104 and we had to go to the ER. He was a champ, though, and luckily the temp was easily controlled with medication.
- [Picture Inspiration: Weeks 22 & 23](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-weeks-22-23/) - The theme for Week 22 was "Finding Our Tribe," and came with some information/advice about careers and (in career, creative pursuits, and personal life) being with people with qualities we admire and who support us, etc. I feel somewhat lost in this department -- not sure where I am headed, often feeling like an outsider
- [[215/365] At the Ballgame](https://jessortiz.com/215-365-at-the-ballgame/) - The dugout was empty because the boys were on the field, celebrating their Championship win. :)
- [[214/365] Clouds](https://jessortiz.com/214-365-clouds/) - I know, I should take photos of something other than clouds. Another stormy night.
- [[213/365] Crazy Skies](https://jessortiz.com/213-365-crazy-skies/) - Our area missed the big storms to the west, but the clouds and the color of the sky were wild. Very yellow/green, marshmallowy clouds. When the sun got lower, the sky was an extremely vivid pink. The ground and the houses in the neighborhood all reflected the color.
- [LOL](https://jessortiz.com/lol/) - Time for Monday Listicles! Today's theme: What makes you LOL? Well, if you know me, that would be pretty much anything. Except Shark Week. I may have some nightmares from that. But here are some of my favorite LOLs: 1. Josh (my daily entertainment) and other family and friends 2. Craig Ferguson 3. Monty Python
- [[212/365] The Animals of RWP Zoo](https://jessortiz.com/212-365-the-animals-of-rwp-zoo/) - Took Josh to the zoo today, and got a few good photos of the animals. Josh was disappointed that he couldn't get into the cage and play with the monkeys (I was not surprised), but he had a good time, anyway. Collage created with Picnik. More zoo photos here.
- [[211/365] Butterfly](https://jessortiz.com/211-365-butterfly/) - The butterfly bush attracted this little fellow for a while the other day. Luckily, long enough for me to grab my camera and get a few shots.
- [[210/365] Carnival](https://jessortiz.com/210-365-carnival/) - A little blury, but I was also holding a 2.5 year old at the time. He was too short to go on any of the rides (min 36", and he's only 34"), but had a blast playing some of the games.
- [The Week in Josh](https://jessortiz.com/the-week-in-josh/) - Josh has been quite the character lately (except for the past few nights, when he's been crying and unable to sleep), so I want to make an effort to keep up with blogging about the things he says and does as he grows up. You know, for blackmail later in life. We'll see if I
- [[209/365] Giraffe Reflections](https://jessortiz.com/209-365-giraffe-reflections/) - Josh's giraffe, checking himself out in the reflection of my iPhone.
- [[208/365] Josh's Sunglasses](https://jessortiz.com/208-365-joshs-sunglasses/) - Josh loves his sunglasses; like Mama, he has eyes that are very sensitive to the sun. I found these adorable glasses at Children's Place. They were only $2.50/pair, so I bought three different colors. So stylin'.
- [It's Not Easy Being Green](https://jessortiz.com/its-not-easy-being-green/) - Monday Listicles, anyone? A day late, but it's the thought that counts, right? This week's list: Green. Here are some green things from my 365 Project (so far). 1. Kermit 2. Mint 3. Irish Placemats 4. Branches 5. Evergreens 6. Tennis Balls (sort of) 7. Plants and Trees 8. Grass 9. Vines 10. Whatever this
- [[207/365] Storm Outgoing](https://jessortiz.com/207-365-storm-outgoing/) - From my mother's front door, after a thunderstorm this evening.
- [[206/365] Ceiling Fan](https://jessortiz.com/206-365-ceiling-fan/) - Taking random photos around the house with my macro lens. Hoping to have the chance soon to take it outside and try to get some good flower shots.
- [[205/365] The Bandstand](https://jessortiz.com/205-365-the-bandstand/) - Taken while driving through Roger Williams Park in Providence RI.
- [[204/365] Mint Leaves](https://jessortiz.com/204-365-mint-leaves/) - After I dumped and rinsed out my mojito glass, these mint leaves lingered in my kitchen sink.
- [[203/365] Boston](https://jessortiz.com/203-365-boston/) - Went to Boston for an appointment yesterday morning. The plan was to bring Josh along so we could go to the aquarium afterwards, but he was sick and the temperature was record-breaking (my car thermometer topped out at 104F). So, maybe next time.
- [[202/365] Birthday Gift](https://jessortiz.com/202-365-birthday-gift/) - This necklace was a gift from my mother for my birthday. I love the beautiful dried flowers inside. And this photo was taken with a lens I purchased with birthday money (a Canon compact macro). Hooray for toys.
- [[201/365] Bee Dinner](https://jessortiz.com/201-365-bee-dinner/) - I was taking photos of this echinacea plant when this bee stopped by for dinner.My macro lens is in, and I will get to pick it up tomorrow. I CANNOT WAIT!
- [[200/365] Geese Crossing](https://jessortiz.com/200-365-geese-crossing/) - Ho hum. Might as well take a photo while I am waiting.
- [[199/365] Boston Brewin'](https://jessortiz.com/199-365-boston-brewin/) - Part of my birthday present from my mom. Perfect. Coffee and the Bruins are two of my favorites!
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 21](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-21/) - The theme this week was "From the Heart." Of course, this little man has my heart. Surrounded by all of the stuffed animals that he loves, he looked so precious the other morning. It was a shame I had to wake him!
- [Joshisms](https://jessortiz.com/joshisms-2/) - From the mouth of my 2.5 year old: 1. Upon inspecting the floor: "On no! We have a piece of lint in the house!" 2. During our nightly before-bed conversation: "I want to put on a hockey hat, and hockey skates, and a hockey shirt, and play hockey." (Proud moment!) 3. Upon watching the video
- [[198/365] Back to the Beach](https://jessortiz.com/198-365-back-to-the-beach/) - Beached it again today. I'm enjoying these relaxing summer days. Sandcastles, swimming in the ocean, sitting on a chair and people-watching. Josh loves to just sit in his chair, eat a snack, and watch everyone. Sometimes while singing. If I can get him to swim with me when he is older, he will be a
- [[197/365] Five Cents](https://jessortiz.com/197-365-five-cents/) - I loved this nickel. The reflection of the lamp on the table added a funky touch.
- [[196/365] Sunset](https://jessortiz.com/196-365-sunset/) - I cannot resist sunsets, clouds, and trees.
- [[195/365] Strawberries](https://jessortiz.com/195-365-strawberries/) - Catching up on a photo contest I am entering, where I have to submit a photo of a certain color each week. Last week's color was red, so I photographed these yummy strawberries. And then they became my snack!
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 20](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-20/) - The theme this week was "Excavation," and I took it literally. We were actually to look back on our photos from the class (so far) and see if anything stood out to us, if we discovered anything about ourselves by reviewing our photos. Looking back on my photos from this year (from this class and
- [[194/365] Itsy Bitsy Spider](https://jessortiz.com/194-365-itsy-bitsy-spider/) - Back to work today. I went outside to take some photos of the clouds after a rainstorm at home, and caught this little guy climbing around this flower. With my birthday money, I now have enough to buy a macro lens. I cannot wait.
- [[193/365] Crab](https://jessortiz.com/193-365-crab/) - Another day at the beach for my birthday. A seagull caught and dropped this crab on the shore.
- [[192/365] Beach day](https://jessortiz.com/192-365-beach-day/) - Traded in the ice rink for the sun, sand and surf today. It was gorgeous out.
- [[191/365] Bruins Development Camp](https://jessortiz.com/191-365-bruins-development-camp/) - Kept cool inside the rink for a bit this morning. Drove up to Wilmington, MA to see some of the Bruins rookies during their development camp. I don't normally get hockey this close to my birthday, so it was a treat.
- [[190/365] Starfish](https://jessortiz.com/190-365-starfish/) - Visited my dad and stepmother today at their home near the beach. This is one of their starfish decorations.
- [[189/365] Storm Rolling In](https://jessortiz.com/189-365-storm-rolling-in/) - Worked from home, and there were several thunderstorms throughout the day. Here's a photo of the clouds rolling in during one of the storms.
- [[188/365] Rays of Light](https://jessortiz.com/188-365-rays-of-light/) - I'm addicted to taking photos of clouds. I realize that doing this while I am driving is not a smart idea.
- [[187/365] Remnants of a Fun Night](https://jessortiz.com/187-365-remnants-of-a-fun-night/) - Wine, sangria, margaritas, Chinese food, and some good conversation. Had a great time catching up with my friend tonight.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 19](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-19/) - This week's theme was "Dig In." We were to move in close to the ground to see what was going on there. Pretty bad week for this assignment, as I injured my knee in hockey and getting down to the ground was not easy. But I managed to get my iPhone close to these carrots
- [[186/365] Feeding the Chickens](https://jessortiz.com/186-365-feeding-the-chickens/) - Helping our friend Gigi feed some corn to "the girls."
- [[185/365] Sunset](https://jessortiz.com/185-365-sunset/) - The sunsets have been gorgeous lately. Loving the sunny weather.
- [[184/365] Black Eyed Susans](https://jessortiz.com/184-365-black-eyed-susans/) - Peeking up through the cushion-less glider out back.
- [[183/365] Clouds Over Narragansett Bay](https://jessortiz.com/183-365-clouds-over-narragansett-bay/) - Driving over the bridge to visit a friend in Barrington.
- [[181/365] Through the Flowers](https://jessortiz.com/181-365-through-the-flowers/) - Peeking through the flowers, using some funky colors in Camera+.
- [[182/365] Buds](https://jessortiz.com/182-365-buds/) - More flower photos.
- [[180/365] Happy Half Birthday](https://jessortiz.com/180-365-happy-half-birthday/) - Nana bought Josh the talking Lightning McQueen last week, and had made him choose between Lightning and Mater. One of the lines Lightning says is, "Where's Mater?" When Josh heard that, he cried, "Oh no! Where's Mater?" I said, "I don't know. Where do you think he is?" And Josh replied, "At Target!"Little man turned
- [[179/365] Chocolate Covered Strawberries](https://jessortiz.com/179-365-chocolate-covered-strawberries/) - A little treat from my mom. Yum!
- [[178/365] Beach Bum](https://jessortiz.com/178-365-beach-bum/) - I took a long lunch today and met my mom and Josh down at the beach. I also bought a season pass, which I think will be put to good use because this little man was totally loving it.It was absolutely gorgeous out today. So glad I got to enjoy it, even for just a
- [[177/365] Peeking Through](https://jessortiz.com/177-365-peeking-through/) - This lovely flower was peeking through the railing to say "Hello." Or maybe, "Get me outta here!"
- [[176/365] Raindrops](https://jessortiz.com/176-365-raindrops/) - While playing outside with Josh, I noticed this patch of raindrops in the grass, perhaps settled on a spider's web.
- [[175/365] Blocks](https://jessortiz.com/175-365-blocks/) - More of Josh's colorful toys.
- [[174/365] Markers](https://jessortiz.com/174-365-markers/) - Some days, it's hard to come up with something to photograph. Raiding Josh's markers this time.
- [Picture Inspiration: Weeks 16-18](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-weeks-16-18/) - Playing catch-up with my Picture Inspiration online workshop this week. I have all this time on my hands now that the NHL playoffs, Glee, and American Idol are done. I still have to catch up on The Voice and 30 Rock. Maybe this weekend. Week 16: CouplingI borrowed Josh's monkeys for this one. We were
- [[173/365] Creepy](https://jessortiz.com/173-365-creepy/) - My goalie equipment looks creepy through the kitchen window. Especially with that creepy filter I used on the photo.Josh loves the equipment, though. He affectionately refers to it as "Mama's Hockey."
- [[172/365] Watered Flower](https://jessortiz.com/172-365-watered-flower/) - Taken in my backyard.
- [[171/365] Broken](https://jessortiz.com/171-365-broken/) - Another broken glass. Pretty soon, I am not going to have any left. Thank goodness for my plastic cups. :)
- [[170/365] Stick Practice](https://jessortiz.com/170-365-stick-practice/) - "Bruins! Hockey! Baby play, too!" It wasn't the Bruins, but sure... baby can play, too.
- [[169/365] Bruins Victory Parade](https://jessortiz.com/169-365-bruins-victory-parade/) - I was one of a million who went to see this parade on Saturday. WE GOT THE CUP!
- [[168/365] Laundry](https://jessortiz.com/168-365-laundry/) - Our lovely basement, as viewed from the washing machine knob.
- [[167/365] Flowers](https://jessortiz.com/167-365-flowers/) - Pretty flowers with some funky filtering in Camera+.
- [[166/365] Go Bruins!](https://jessortiz.com/166-365-go-bruins/) - Stanley Cup Champions! WOO HOO!
- [[165/365] Weeble](https://jessortiz.com/165-365-weeble/) - It was there, and I wasn't sure what to photograph.
- [[164/365] Let's Go Bruins!](https://jessortiz.com/164-365-lets-go-bruins/) - I attended Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Monday night. The Bruins won and forced a Game 7. One more game to determine the champion.
- [[163/365] Black Bear](https://jessortiz.com/163-365-black-bear/) - We saw this not-so-little guy at Clark's Trading Post in NH.
- [[162/365] Condo Decor](https://jessortiz.com/162-365-condo-decor/) - A little decor in the condo where we stayed up in NH.
- [[161/365] Heading to the Mountains](https://jessortiz.com/161-365-heading-to-the-mountains/) - Heading up to NH for the weekend with some of my friends. Girls' Weekend!
- [[160/365] Cruisin'](https://jessortiz.com/160-365-cruisin/) - I was trying to out-drive the nasty thunderstorm heading our way. I made it to my mom's house just as the storm was starting. There was more damage up where I live; trees and even billboards were knocked over, snapped in half from straight-line winds.
- [[159/365] Believe](https://jessortiz.com/159-365-believe/) - Sign hanging in my house.
- [[158/365] Worst fortune ever?](https://jessortiz.com/158-365-worst-fortune-ever/) - Or maybe just the worst photo of the day ever. :)
- [[157/365] Indoor Plant](https://jessortiz.com/157-365-indoor-plant/) - Last-minute iPhone photo with some tweaking in Camera+. Love that app!
- [[156/365] Bee's Eye View](https://jessortiz.com/156-365-bees-eye-view/) - Taking some pictures of our new flowers.
- [[155/365] Greenhouses](https://jessortiz.com/155-365-greenhouses/) - Bought some more flowers, veggies and herbs at Schartner's Farm.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 15](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-15/) - The theme this week was "Double Vision," with the assignment to create a diptych of two photos of the same object taken from different angles. I used this vase full of potpourri.
- [[154/365] Potpourri](https://jessortiz.com/154-365-potpourri/) - Taking some pictures of the potpourri for Picture Inspiration this week. I liked this close-up.
- [[153/365] Hot](https://jessortiz.com/153-365-hot/) - I mentioned to my dad that Josh knew how to spell "hot" -- his rubber duck is supposed to display "hot" when the water is too warm, but it shows all the time. So Josh went over to the fridge, got the correct letters, and spelled out the word. "H-O-T spells hot!" The kid is
- [[152/365] I Love Rock n Roll](https://jessortiz.com/152-365-i-love-rock-n-roll/) - I was trying to show Josh how to sign "I love you," but he wanted to rock out instead. Rock stahhhhh!
- [[151/365] Car Box](https://jessortiz.com/151-365-car-box/) - Josh uses this box to transport his cars to Grandma or Nana's house during the week.
- [[150/365] Memorial Day](https://jessortiz.com/150-365-memorial-day/) - Flags at the RI Veteran's Cemetery
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 14](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-14/) - The theme this week is "Bird's Eye View." I used a couple of photos of my favorite little man.Happy Memorial Day!
- [[149/365] Wickford](https://jessortiz.com/149-365-wickford/) - Took Josh down to see the boats after church. It was a hot and muggy day, but there was a nice breeze down by the ocean.
- [[148/365] Bloom](https://jessortiz.com/148-365-bloom/) - The flowers on the Christmas cactus have really opened up.
- [[147/365] Fallen Flower](https://jessortiz.com/147-365-fallen-flower/) - The one flower on my plant fell off. Definitely a bummer.
- [[146/365] Crash Landing](https://jessortiz.com/146-365-crash-landing/) - I noticed this huge bee on the ground near my car after work. The picture does not capture how huge it was, but it was big enough for me to notice it in passing.
- [[145/365] Keys](https://jessortiz.com/145-365-keys/) - Bruins keychains, of course. :)
- [[144/365] Peeking Out](https://jessortiz.com/144-365-peeking-out/) - Looks like this little flower is peaking out of the leaves to see what's below.
- [[143/365] Cactus Blooms](https://jessortiz.com/143-365-cactus-blooms/) - The flowers on the Christmas cactus are starting to open.
- [Picture Inspiration: Weeks 11-13](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-weeks-11-13/) - I've gotten way behind on my Picture Inspiration photos lately. Some of the themes have been a real challenge to me, but in a good way. Week 11 I shared a couple of photos from Schartner Farms. The theme was "In the Distance." The second is my favorite, and I got some nice comments on
- [[142/365] Bubble Time](https://jessortiz.com/142-365-bubble-time/) - It was cold and cloudy again today, but I made sure we had some time to play outside. Still trying to cleanse ourselves of these germs. I love how Josh's bubble mower leaves the bubbles all over the grass. I tried for a more interesting perspective here, based on the theme of this week's "Picture
- [[141/365] Penguins!](https://jessortiz.com/141-365-penguins/) - It was a gorgeous day, so I brought Josh to the zoo. It was pretty warm, so we found a nice shady spot near the penguins. I think the two of us could have stayed there all day, watching them. He actually asked to go back to see them after we saw some other animals.
- [[140/365] Looking Up](https://jessortiz.com/140-365-looking-up/) - The sun came out for the first time all week this afternoon, and Josh and I are starting to feel better. We went outside for a few minutes to get some fresh air. Go away, germs.
- [[139/365] Sick Day](https://jessortiz.com/139-365-sick-day/) - Josh and I stayed home, sick, today. We spent most of the day napping together, along with Penguin (or "Mama," as Josh calls it). Unfortunately, this looks very grainy because it was dark in the room -- looked a lot better on my phone. :)
- [[138/365] New Mater](https://jessortiz.com/138-365-new-mater/) - Ran to Target for diapers and cold meds, and came home with this. All of the new Cars 2 toys were out. Josh has been wanting a Mater car, so he was pretty excited. I have to admit, I was pretty excited to see him excited, too.
- [[137/365] Christmas Cactus](https://jessortiz.com/137-365-christmas-cactus/) - I thought this was supposed to bloom around Christmas, but it's blooming now. At any rate, it looks pretty.
- [[136/365] Rain, Rain, Go Away](https://jessortiz.com/136-365-rain-rain-go-away/) - Poor little guy just wanted to go outside and play today. We went out for about 15 minutes, but it was cold and started to sprinkle.
- [[135/365] Lily](https://jessortiz.com/135-365-lily/) - She was just sitting there, looking so cute.
- [[134/365] A Boy and His Cars](https://jessortiz.com/134-365-a-boy-and-his-cars/) - I remember when we used to prop him up in the corner of the couch to get him to sit up. We'd use the Boppy so he wouldn't fall to the side. Now he climbs onto it by himself to sit and play with his toys. He's getting so big.
- [[133/365] Mama Bird](https://jessortiz.com/133-365-mama-bird/) - Mama bird in a tree at my friend's house
- [[132/365] Save the Bay](https://jessortiz.com/132-365-save-the-bay/) - We had a day "off" at work today to do some community service. My team's project was to help Save the Bay install these markers near drains in the surrounding area, to remind people that what they do on land has an impact on the ocean.
- [[131/365] Bubbles and Moon](https://jessortiz.com/131-365-bubbles-and-moon/) - Josh and I went outside for bubbles after work today. He was so excited when the bubbles floated up high. "Bubbles and moon!" he exclaimed.
- [[130/365] A Smile at the Bottom of My Pitcher](https://jessortiz.com/130-365-a-smile-at-the-bottom-of-my-pitcher/) - Taking pictures of random things again. When I looked at this one later, it looked like a big smile on the bottom.
- [[129/365] South County Bike Path](https://jessortiz.com/129-365-south-county-bike-path/) - The weather was so nice today -- temps in the 60s, dry, sunny -- so I decided to go for a walk on the bike path at lunchtime. I took a few photos (of course), including this one. I applied a couple of filters to the photo in Camera+ on my iPhone to get the
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 8](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-8/) - The theme for week 8 was "totally random." I am always taking pictures of random things, but for some reason had trouble with this assignment. I finally found a couple of shots this week, including this one of a random flower in the bottom of my carriage at the store. I also included this one.
- [[128/365] Bloom](https://jessortiz.com/128-365-bloom/) - We bought a bunch of flowers and vegetables to plant today. My sinuses are now killing me, but the house will look nice and we'll have some fresh veggies this summer.
- [[127/365] Ribbit](https://jessortiz.com/127-365-ribbit/) - This frog was having a grand old time swimming in the pond.
- [[126/365] Go Bruins!](https://jessortiz.com/126-365-go-bruins/) - Did the happy dance as the Bruins won their second round in the Stanley Cup playoffs. It's the first time they've advanced to the Conference Finals since 1992. So exciting!
- [[125/365] Fiesta!](https://jessortiz.com/125-365-fiesta/) - My delicious Cinco de Mayo dinner. Not pictured: the yummy margarita I had to drink with it. Delicioso!
- [[124/365] Moo](https://jessortiz.com/124-365-moo/) - I needed a photo for Week 8 of Picture Inspiration (the theme was "Totally Random"), so I took a picture of this cow car near my mother's house.
- [[123/365] Farm](https://jessortiz.com/123-365-farm/) - Passing by a farm near work, on my way back from lunch today.
- [[122/365] Colors](https://jessortiz.com/122-365-colors/) - It's more fun when you use four crayons at once.
- [[121/365] Soak Up the Sun](https://jessortiz.com/121-365-soak-up-the-sun/) - We had such a gorgeous weekend. I spent more time with Josh and the bubbles outside. Birds were chirping, butterflies were fluttering, the sun was shining, lawns were being mowed ... it was totally groovy.
- [[120/365] Bubble Boy](https://jessortiz.com/120-365-bubble-boy/) - Another nice day. Not as sunny and warm, but it was nice enough to spend some time outside with Josh before heading to my hockey tournament in the afternoon. Chasing bubbles has become his favorite activity. From the time he wakes up, he keeps asking to go outside to pop bubbles.
- [[119/365] Cat Nap](https://jessortiz.com/119-365-cat-nap/) - It was an absolutely gorgeous day. Sunny, dry and in the upper 60s. I worked from home -- in the recliner, next to an open window -- while Lily napped in front of the door. I also liked this photo today. The tulips have opened.
- [[118/365] In the Kitchen](https://jessortiz.com/118-365-in-the-kitchen/) - I worked on my Week 10 photos for "Picture Inspiration" tonight, which was all about items in the kitchen. This is a close-up of a couple of strainers hanging from the baker's rack.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 10](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-10/) - The theme this week is "Dishing it Out." We're taking pictures in the kitchen. I went for shiny objects, like the items on this baker's rack.This mixer is also shiny, and my favorite "toy" in the kitchen.I also added in this one of the K-Cup holder. Ooh, shiny!
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 9](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-9/) - This week's theme was "Observation Mode." We were asked to take some photos of our everyday life, documentary-style. I took this one of Josh, playing with his favorite toy -- the car race track. His other favorite toys (Handy Manny tools) are in the background, and there's a hockey game on TV. Pretty good Saturday
- [[117/365] Tulips](https://jessortiz.com/117-365-tulips/) - Some of the pretty flowers growing outside of our house right now.
- [[115/365] Bubbles](https://jessortiz.com/115-365-bubbles/) - The weather has been nice, so I've been taking Josh outside to play. One of his favorite activities is to chase bubbles. He'd probably run around the yard like a madman, anyway, but at least he has something fun to chase.
- [[116/365] Weeds](https://jessortiz.com/116-365-weeds/) - We have a ton of weeds out in the backyard. Some are actually very pretty.
- [[114/365] Beautiful Day](https://jessortiz.com/114-365-beautiful-day/) - The weather was gorgeous today -- about 70 degrees and mostly sunny -- a beautiful day to celebrate Easter.
- [[113/365] Easter Eggs](https://jessortiz.com/113-365-easter-eggs/) - Colored eggs with Josh for the first time today. He was pretty excited about it. It was also my first time making hard boiled eggs, so we'll see how that worked out when I try to eat one tomorrow! :)
- [[112/365] Easter Egg](https://jessortiz.com/112-365-easter-egg/) - I bought this egg for my mom in NH, and she has it hanging in her dining room. I thought it looked cool with the mirror in the background, and I did some post-processing on my phone to make it all fancy.
- [[111/365] Playoffs](https://jessortiz.com/111-365-playoffs/) - Laying on the couch, watching hockey. This will most likely continue until someone wins the Stanley Cup.
- [[110/365] Believe](https://jessortiz.com/110-365-believe/) - I just liked this sign. Wordless Wednesday? Sure, we'll go with that.
- [[109/365] Purple Flowers](https://jessortiz.com/109-365-purple-flowers/) - I like the fake kind. No pollen.
- [[108/365] Tennis, Anyone?](https://jessortiz.com/108-365-tennis-anyone/) - You can tell I am running out of things to photograph. But there's sort of a purpose here. The weather has been so nice for the past couple of days. Definitely time to get outside and play.
- [[107/365] K-Cups](https://jessortiz.com/107-365-k-cups/) - Mmm, I love my coffee and tea. I needed a picture for the day, so I took this one at random. I love the way the metal rack looks.
- [[106/365] Mojito Saturday!](https://jessortiz.com/106-365-mojito-saturday/) - Dinner and drinks with Becky. Just what we needed after a Boston Bruins playoffs loss.
- [[105/365] Sleepy Girl](https://jessortiz.com/105-365-sleepy-girl/) - Lily found Josh's pillow pet. This made her one very happy cat.
- [[104/365] Out of the Box](https://jessortiz.com/104-365-out-of-the-box/) - That's how we're living these days.
- [[103/365] Migration](https://jessortiz.com/103-365-migration/) - Loaded up the cats to bring them back to RI. We're officially moved out.
- [[102/365] Josh's First Fridge Art](https://jessortiz.com/102-365-joshs-first-fridge-art/) - Josh drew this lovely picture to hang on the fridge. The blue part looks to me like a dolphin waving hello. I told him that, and he gave me this look like, "Mama, you're crazy." Get used to it, kid.
- [[101/365] Side Mirror](https://jessortiz.com/101-365-side-mirror/) - More scenery, and some fun with the "lightroom" in Camera+.
- [[100/365] Lackey Pond](https://jessortiz.com/100-365-lackey-pond/) - Taking some photos of the scenery up north before we head back to our old house.
- [[99/365] Coca Cola](https://jessortiz.com/99-365-coca-cola/) - Also used for Picture Inspiration: Week 6.
- [[98/365] Bruins Goal](https://jessortiz.com/98-365-bruins-goal/) - Enjoyed my last Providence Bruins game of the season. Bummed that they didn't make the playoffs. Maybe next year!
- [[97/365] Empty](https://jessortiz.com/97-365-empty/) - Busy packing, making good progress. We have way too much stuff; I'm so tired!
- [[96/365] Welcome Back](https://jessortiz.com/96-365-welcome-back/) - While I was cleaning in the kitchen of our old house (aka, the one we need to move back to because we could not sell it), I noticed this crane hanging out on one of the shelves. I don't remember making it, but assume it is from the origami-a-day calendar I had a couple of
- [[95/365] On the Road Again](https://jessortiz.com/95-365-on-the-road-again/) - Cruising down route 146. Did a lot of driving back and forth today, between getting my car fixed and moving stuff back to our old house.
- [Picture Inspiration: Weeks 6 & 7](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-weeks-6-7/) - This week we're trying to frame reflections. I just went back and read the assignment and realized I missed a big piece -- she wanted us to incorporate both the reflection and the object being reflected ("Seeing Double" is the title, so that makes more sense). Going with this for now, but looks like I
- [[94/365] Bloom](https://jessortiz.com/94-365-bloom/) - Inspired by today's Flickr Blog. Did my best without a macro lens. Hoping to get one this summer.
- [[93/365] Grapefruit](https://jessortiz.com/93-365-grapefruit/) - Having a little snack and relaxing before bed. It's been a long day, packing and moving. And getting a flat tire in the process. Crazy weekend. Hopefully, the chaos will be over soon.
- [[92/365] Crazy Clouds](https://jessortiz.com/92-365-crazy-clouds/) - Driving down the highway, taking pictures of the clouds. Weee!
- [[91/365] Slapshot](https://jessortiz.com/91-365-slapshot/) - I would have liked to center this more to the right, but these guys move so darn fast. This is Wade Redden from the Connecticut Whale, taken at a game in Providence. He used to be one of my faves when he played for the Ottawa Senators. The Providence Bruins beat the Whale, 3-2.
- [[90/365] Snow-Covered Railing](https://jessortiz.com/90-365-snow-covered-railing/) - More snow tonight. Sure, why not? The ground didn't look right without the white.We are going to be moving back to RI within the next month, since we could not sell our house there. I will really miss the scenery here as we go back to the city. At least we will be close to
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 5](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-5/) - The theme was "Infinity and Beyond" this week. We were asked to work with diagonal lines and repetition. This road and these trees seemed to do the trick.
- [[89/365] Moo](https://jessortiz.com/89-365-moo/) - Visited the cows at Wright's Dairy with Josh at lunchtime today while picking up some milk. He was so excited when they mooed back at him. Yes, he mooed at them first. :)
- [[88/365] Evening Commute](https://jessortiz.com/88-365-evening-commute/) - Snapped another photo on my way home tonight. I love being able to drive home while it's still light out. I also love having such a scenic commute.
- [[87/365] Sunset at the Cemetery](https://jessortiz.com/87-365-sunset-at-the-cemetery/) - Stopped quickly to take this as I was driving by St. James Cemetery in Manville, RI. I thought the trees looked beautiful against the twilight sky. I probably should have rolled my window down, though -- the glass is a little dirty and left some spots on the bottom of the photo. Or, are those
- [[86/365] Rescue](https://jessortiz.com/86-365-rescue/) - Playing with Josh's toys... again.Runner up photo: Train cars, taken when getting off the Mass Pike near Worcester.
- [[85/365] Bear Cup](https://jessortiz.com/85-365-bear-cup/) - I've had this cup ever since I was a little girl. I remember playing outside in the snow until I was freezing cold, going inside and getting a hot chocolate from my mother, and drinking it down until I could see the little koala's head. Warm memories.
- [[84/365] Sunny Day](https://jessortiz.com/84-365-sunny-day/) - The sun was so brilliant, and deceiving... you wouldn't have known it was only in the 30s outside. Brrr. Runner up photo: Couldn't help but to snap this photo of the Worcester Sharks mascot and a little girl. So. Cute.
- [[83/365] Barber's Pond](https://jessortiz.com/83-365-barbers-pond/) - We only had a dusting of snow, not the 3+ inches they were predicting yesterday. It was just enough to be pretty but not disruptive, and it was mostly melted by lunchtime. I snapped this on my way into work. I have a bad habit of taking photos while driving. Shhhh.
- [[82/365] Flower Card](https://jessortiz.com/82-365-flower-card/) - I found this card tonight and had a little fun in Instagram with it. I feel like it's sort of cheating, photography-wise, but I am tired today. Dealt with a sick toddler while working and feeling a bit under the weather myself today. Also, it's nice to look at these flowers while it's snowing outside.
- [[81/365] Keyboards](https://jessortiz.com/81-365-keyboards/) - The past two days have been about collages and diptychs on Shutter Sisters. I decided to do my twist on the left brain / right brain diptych and display a couple of keyboards I use often -- the left for work, the right for play.
- [[80/365] Fortune](https://jessortiz.com/80-365-fortune/) - Got this in my fortune cookie today. I thought it was a great message.
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 4](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-4/) - The theme this week is "How Things Stack Up." We were challenged to make our own stacks. I used these colorful bowls from Ikea. Josh helped me with this one, "stacking" Easter decorations.
- [[79/365] Prayers for Japan](https://jessortiz.com/79-365-prayers-for-japan/) - Folded an origami crane to show my support and offer a prayer for the people hurting in Japan. You can add yours to this Flickr group: www.flickr.com/groups/1000cranesforjapan.
- [Little Man (A Josh Update)](https://jessortiz.com/little-man-a-josh-update/) - Josh's personality is really starting to come out lately. He's very silly and has a great imagination. He is starting to speak so much now, and will repeat just about anything anyone says. Which can be dangerous. But in general, it's been a good thing. He is very happy when someone understands what he is
- [[78/365] The Hay Wagon](https://jessortiz.com/78-365-the-hay-wagon/) - Went to this quaint restaurant in Uxbridge for dinner. It's located on a farm, they play country music, and the food is delicious. Also, it's very family friendly -- Josh and his friend Matt were free to be (a little) loud. We will definitely be back. Side note: this was a terrible photo, but was
- [[77/365] Playing Outside](https://jessortiz.com/77-365-playing-outside/) - Most of the snow in the backyard has melted, and for the past couple of days, we have had temperatures in the 60s. This squirrel was out exploring today, stopping to play on Josh's swing set.
- [[76/365] Irish Vase](https://jessortiz.com/76-365-irish-vase/) - Belleek vase made in Ireland, which is currently holding some green flowers. Happy St. Patrick's Day! :)
- [[75/365] Tea Time](https://jessortiz.com/75-365-tea-time/) - It was all about food over at Shutter Sisters today. I went for something a little less healthy than Kristin pictured, however. A little Irish soda bread and tea for an afternoon snack. That's Smart Balance on it, at least. Yum.
- [[74/365] Bit O' Green](https://jessortiz.com/74-365-bit-o-green/) - Figured I'd do a few St. Patrick's Day themed photos. Erin go Bragh!
- [[73/365] Flowers](https://jessortiz.com/73-365-flowers/) - I keep taking photos of those flowers on my table. If I could have Spring without the allergies, I'd be all, "Get here right now!" (Inspired by today's blog over at Shutter Sisters)
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 3](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-3/) - We're focusing on patterns/motifs this week. Top of a wood stove Pattern on the top of a wine bottle
- [[69-72/365] New Hampshire & Home](https://jessortiz.com/69-72-365-new-hampshire-home/) - Just a quick 365 Project update. We were in New Hampshire for a short get-away from Thursday to Saturday. It was nice and relaxing -- I love the friendly, casual atmosphere up in North Conway. I kinda wish we were still there. Today was spent relaxing at home, playing cars with Josh and, at hockey,
- [Wordless Wednesday: Ladybug](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-ladybug/)
- [[68/365] Blueberries](https://jessortiz.com/68-365-blueberries/) - Christmas decorations are finally down, and Spring/Summer decor is up. I love this blueberry-themed one. Mmm, blueberries.
- [[67/365] Panic!](https://jessortiz.com/67-365-panic/) - Some days, I feel like my head might explode.
- [[66/365] Cheshire Cat's Grin](https://jessortiz.com/66-365-cheshire-cats-grin/) - "Oh you can't help that," said the Cat: "we're all mad here. I'm mad, you're mad." Last month, a friend of a friend tweeted that she loved "when the moon is a cheshire cat's grin." I thought that was a fun description of the moon in a crescent phase. When I left work today, there
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 2](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-2/) - This week's theme is "Finding a Little Rhythm." I found some patterns in the kitchen which said "rhythm" to me: At first, the idea seemed a little abstract. I understand rhythm in music, but in photography? I just looked for what felt right. I guess you can't really get this type of assignment wrong. Update
- [[65/365] Warmer Weather](https://jessortiz.com/65-365-warmer-weather/) - What a messy weekend. Warmer weather (temps in the upper 50s) and rain have been making a slushy mess of the snow up here, and there are some river flood warnings. However, the warmer weather does feel good, and I'm looking forward to some warm, sunny days. (Remind me of this when it's 90 degrees
- [[64/365] Goal!](https://jessortiz.com/64-365-goal/) - The Boston Bruins celebrated after David Krejci scored with 33 seconds left in the third period to tie the game. The Bruins lost in overtime, 3-2.Lots of hockey again this weekend. I volunteered with the Boston Bruins Foundation last night at one of the 50/50 raffle tables, and got to stay and watch the third
- [[63/365] Victory!](https://jessortiz.com/63-365-victory/) - The Providence Bruins celebrate after scoring a goal. They won tonight, 4-2.
- [[62/365] Bath Toys](https://jessortiz.com/62-365-bath-toys/) - Josh's favorite bath toys -- "Fish cup," "Duck Duck," and "Hippo." I thought it would be cute to do a collage like this to hang in his bathroom.
- [[61/365] Stump Pond](https://jessortiz.com/61-365-stump-pond/) - Got outside for a bit at lunch time today, and stopped to take a few quick pictures at Stump Pond on the way home from a doctor appointment. It was sunny for most of the day, with temps in the upper 40s. So nice. Later in the afternoon, there were some random snow squalls. Not
- [[60/365] Go, Speedracer!](https://jessortiz.com/60-365-go-speedracer/) - Josh has enough cars that I could take a picture of a different one every day for a year. Or, at least, it seems like that.I was thinking about those Matchbox cars we used to have when I was younger that had the crash panels. I Googled, and from what I can tell, they don't
- [[59/365] The Mask](https://jessortiz.com/59-365-the-mask/) - "Sometimes I'm nervous. It probably doesn't show. I've got my mask on. I can do whatever I want." - Martin Brodeur If only I could wear it all the time. ;)
- [Picture Inspiration: Week 1](https://jessortiz.com/picture-inspiration-week-1/) - "Picture Inspiration" is the name of the year-long photography workshop I am taking, starting this week. Our challenge for Week 1 is the dreaded (in my opinion, anyway) self-portrait. I used my iPhone and Instagram (of course) and took a photo of myself in the car -- where I spend a lot of time, but
- [[58/365] Signs of Life](https://jessortiz.com/58-365-signs-of-life/) - More snow today, about 4-5" of it. However, there has been a lot of melting over the past week, so some of the vegetation is starting to re-appear. We made it outside for a little while today; Josh asked to go out and play in the snow. I am exhausted from running up and down
- [[57/365] City by the Sea](https://jessortiz.com/57-365-city-by-the-sea/) - Went back to sea level to have a lovely dinner with some friends tonight. It's been a while since I've been down to the ocean. I miss it. Frozen pond * Newport, Instagram-ed * Dinner "We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or
- [[56/365] Rescue Cars](https://jessortiz.com/56-365-rescue-cars/) - Lazy again. But, at least I thought about the composition a bit for this one. I was thinking the other day about how, as a child, I was always creating. Drawing, playing with Legos, making crafts (I loved cross-stitch), folding origami animals, writing stories and poems. Cutting up my grandmother's magazines to make collages. Taking
- [[55/365] Necklace](https://jessortiz.com/55-365-necklace/) - Got lazy and went with an Instagram photo again today. I'm so tired. I signed up for a year-long online photography workshop / community website that started this week. We will receive weekly "inspirational" emails on Thursdays, which are basically prompts for photo projects to work on throughout the week. I have done two similar
- [[54/365] Kermit](https://jessortiz.com/54-365-kermit/) - Playing with the iPhone picture apps tonight. Instagram is fantastic.
- [[53/365] Orion](https://jessortiz.com/53-365-orion/) - My attempt at astrophotography was not very successful tonight. It's a challenge trying to see the stars through the viewfinder, and to properly focus (I cannot use the auto-focus when it's this dark; it doesn't want to work). It was easier with the full moon.I tried to get a photo of Orion because it's my
- [[52/365] New Toy](https://jessortiz.com/52-365-new-toy/) - Upgraded to the Apple iPhone 4 today. I am trying to get used to it (I had an Android before), but so far so good. Looking forward to downloading and trying out some photo apps.
- [[51/365] Line Up](https://jessortiz.com/51-365-line-up/) - The Providence Bruins (in throwback Reds jerseys) watch as a teammate takes his turn in a shootout to determine the winner of the game. It was the third shootout for the PBruins in as many nights. Unfortunately, this one didn't end in a victory for them.
- [[50/365] Outdoor Hockey at Rentschler Field](https://jessortiz.com/50-365-outdoor-hockey-at-rentschler-field/) - Sunset and an outdoor ice rink at the home of UConn's football team.Went with two photos today. Here's the close-up of the action. The PBruins defeated the CT Whale, 5-4, in their second shootout victory in as many nights.
- [[49/365] Say a Little Prayer](https://jessortiz.com/49-365-say-a-little-prayer/) - Providence Bruins goalie Michael Hutchinson pauses before playing in a shootout to determine the winner of the game. The PBruins won, and Hutchinson was named the number one star of the game.This weekend is USA Hockey's Hockey Weekend Across America. I happen to be going to three PBruins games this weekend, so I thought I'd
- [[48/365] Happy Birthday, Papa](https://jessortiz.com/48-365-happy-birthday-papa/) - A photo of my Papa, displayed in my mother's house. Today would have been his 93rd birthday.
- [[47/365] Spring Fever](https://jessortiz.com/47-365-spring-fever/) - While I'm still enjoying hockey, I am excited about baseball Spring Training being right around the corner. The warm weather on Monday really gave me a case of the Spring Fever, as well. It's supposed to be warm again tomorrow and Friday, then cool off just in time for the outdoor hockey game I'm attending
- [Wordless Wednesday: Big Dipper](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-big-dipper/)
- [Josh Update: 2 Years](https://jessortiz.com/josh-update-2-years/) - It's been a while since I've posted anything besides my photos, so I thought I would give a Joshua update. It's not that I don't like to write (on the contrary, I do) but it's rare that I take the time (and get enough quiet time) to do so. (As soon as I started writing
- [Wordless Wednesday: Snow Blanket](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-snow-blanket/)
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 31](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-31/) - Yesterday was the final day of the "Picture the Holidays" online workshop. We were asked to think about our intentions for 2011. I know my biggest intention is to smile more and worry less, so I gathered a bunch of smiles for this photo. I'd also like to continue working on my photography, and to
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 30](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-30/) - Today, we were asked to look forward to the future as we get ready to start a new year. For our photos, we were to show moving forward. For some reason, the idea of train tracks came into my head first. So, I grabbed Josh's toy and got my shot. (Thanks, Josh.)I am not usually
- [Picture the Holidays | Days 28 & 29](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-days-28-29/) - Yesterday's assignment was to use glass to create an interesting photo. I took one photo with a wine glass (kitchen in the reflection), and another through the glass of my hutch. Today's assignment was to toast, or celebrate something. I celebrated my son's second birthday today. So, I toasted in a Peanuts mug -- he
- [Wordless Wednesday: Happy Birthday, Joshua!](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-happy-birthday-joshua/)
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 27](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-27/) - Today's assignment was to go outside and take a breath of fresh air. And of course, to photograph something out there. I took this photo quickly while playing with Josh. He had his first real snow experience today. We went sledding (i.e., I pulled him around the driveway in his baby sled), made snowballs, and
- [Picture the Holidays | Days 24-26](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-days-24-26/) - I am up way too late tonight, but Josh's toys are finally out of the boxes and assembled, and I've gone through all of my holidays photos (they'll get posted tomorrow). The wind is howling outside, as we're in the middle of a blizzard. I'm hoping to sleep in tomorrow; should be a lazy day,
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 23](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-23/) - Today's assignment was to photograph a sweet treat. Home-made egg nog ice cream? Yes, please!
- [Wordless Wednesday: Brr](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-brr/)
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 22](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-22/) - Today's assignment was to capture rest. This pose lasted about 2 minutes. Busy, busy, busy! Really wishing I had taken some time off of work this week.
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 21](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-21/) - Today's theme was "Attitude Adjustment." As in, giving ourselves a little nudge to get out of any funk we might be in from the busy, stressful holiday season. I think the instructor was looking for something a little more sassy, but I think the Grinch might know a thing or two about adjusting the attitude.
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 20](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-20/) - A wrapped present? Yeah, we only have one of those in my house right now, and the only reason it's wrapped is because it's too big to hide. It's for my mother, who is coming over tomorrow. So, I went with the procrastinator, I mean busy person's shot of the day.
- [Picture the Holidays | Days 18 & 19](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-days-18-19/) - Yesterday's assignment was to show how we "recharge" ourselves during the holidays. It's not exactly relaxing, but hockey sure does help relieve some stress. I played tonight for the first time in four months, and had a blast. After running around like a crazy woman all day, I didn't think I'd have the energy for
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 17](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-17/) - Light one candle for all we believe in That anger not tear us apart And light one candle to find us together With peace as the song in our hearts - Peter, Paul & Mary, "Light One Candle" All about candles today, and taking time during this busy holiday season to reflect.
- [Picture the Holidays | Days 15 & 16](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-days-15-16/) - Yesterday was craft day in the workshop. We were given some suggestions on creative ways to use our photos during the holidays -- one of which was making personalized gift tags. I didn't have time to actually make tags, so I found some tag templates online. I dropped in my photos and added the "To:
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 14](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-14/) - Today was all about cards, handwritten letters, and the like. There's not much that is handwritten floating around my house, so I took a photo of some of the cards we have gotten so far. I also took a photo of a box we have from an ornament that was my grandparents'. I believe it
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 13](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-13/) - Today, we were asked to capture something that symbolizes the divine to us. I love nativity scenes, but have already used my Willow Tree one in two photos. Then, I remembered this ornament that my mother brought back for me from Mexico. So cute and colorful.
- [Picture the Holidays: Days 11 & 12](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-days-11-12/) - Yesterday, we were asked to look for something in nature that reminds us of something else. Every time I look out my window at this tree, it reminds me of a deer. The nose is on the bottom left of the trunk, the eye up to the right of the nose, and the upper right
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 10](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-10/) - Today was all about fun with lights. We were challenged to try a shutter drag. I took a bunch of pictures, and this was the best. But I am not entirely thrilled with it. I also submitted a photo I took the other night of the Christmas tree. I just love the glow of the
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 9](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-9/) - Today, we were asked to look for signs or messages. The one I found was this message from a fortune cookie. Unfortunately, the cookie itself was smashed, so it wouldn't look good photographed with the fortune. So, I tried to find a symbol of what the fortune was saying. I figured Joseph and Mary know
- [Wordless Wednesday: Happy Hanukkah!](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-happy-hanukkah/)
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 8](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-8/) - Today's assignment was to use a reflective surface in the photo, and I thought this ornament would be perfect. Turns out, about half of the other participants used the same kind of ornament, but at least everyone had their own unique take. I only had about 15 minutes in between work and Christmas shopping tonight
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 7](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-7/) - Today, we were asked to express ourselves in a photo. I chose not to go the self-portrait route (ack!), and instead portrayed my other favorite hobby, ice hockey. I am itching to play again, which usually happens when the days get colder. I love winter, and winter sports.
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 6](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-6/) - Today, we were asked to pay attention to the "tiny wonders" all around us -- the ones that bring us a little bit of enchantment on even the most ordinary day. I didn't get as macro as I would have liked, but I knew I wanted to take an ornament picture. Despite the fact that
- [Picture the Holidays | Days 4 & 5](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-days-4-5/) - Yesterday's assignment was to capture something that helps me to relax when the holiday season gets too hectic. That would definitely be music, especially this album. It's been my favorite since I was a little girl. A warm room, dark except for the glow of the Christmas tree, is also very relaxing during these cold
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 3](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-3/) - Today, we were supposed to focus on the symbol of love -- the heart. The only heart I noticed today was the Kiss Cam at the Dunk, but I remembered that I had taken this photo when we went to tag our Christmas tree last month. Works for me.
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 2](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-2/) - Today's assignment was to creatively use a frame in our photo. I saw an entry on the Flickr Blog recently where people used Instax instant camera photos as "windows," so tried to do something similar with my cell phone. It came out OK, but it is definitely easier said than done when trying to line
- [Wordless Wednesday: Shiny](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-shiny/)
- [Picture the Holidays | Day 1](https://jessortiz.com/picture-the-holidays-day-1/) - I didn't plan on signing up for a photography workshop during the holidays -- I figured I'd be busy enough -- but I've found that I have been slacking and haven't been taking any good photos lately. I guess I'm not very good at motivating myself, or at least, I miss the daily prompts from
- [Full Moon](https://jessortiz.com/full-moon/) - It's kinda boring, but I really liked this photo. I love the glow of the moon in it. I tried to take some more creative shots through the trees, but they didn't come out all that well. They looked pretty awesome through the viewfinder, and it frustrates me that I can't get the photos to
- [22.5 Months](https://jessortiz.com/22-5-months/) - Yes, that is my child running around the yard in circles, screaming at the top of his lungs like a wild man. I might worry about him, but I know he can now count to 20, recite his alphabet, and tell you what color you're wearing. He loves his Leap Frog alphabet magnets. He'll look
- [Wordless Wednesday: Trees at Dusk](https://jessortiz.com/wordless-wednesday-trees-at-dusk/)
- [Snuggles](https://jessortiz.com/snuggles/) - Today on Shutter Sisters, we were asked what our focus is right now. Like the author, my focus is often on capturing my son (and cats') everyday moments. When Josh and Bailey were playing tonight, I couldn't help but break out the camera and take a few adorable photos. There wasn't much "focus," though. Those
- [Sisters](https://jessortiz.com/sisters/) - I've been slacking with my photography, which I figured would happen. (This is why I am not starting my 365 project until January.) I haven't done anything for the 30 days of gratitude group, either. I've been kind of blah this week, although I have been trying to find something for which I am grateful
- [Gratitude](https://jessortiz.com/gratitude/) - Today, I took a nice walk at lunch through the path near work. I just brought my phone with me, but decided to use the FXCamera (Toy Cam Emulator) app to take some pics. I liked this one the best. The blue is pretty.I was very tired and feeling sick and stressed, but it's amazing
- [Picture Fall | Days 30 & 31](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-days-30-31/) - This weekend marked the end of my month-long online workshop. I wasn't too thrilled with these pictures -- I was busy, and only had time to snap a few shots. But, in the future, I plan to revisit the assignments I feel I "failed." Yesterday's assignment was to capture the magic of a Halloween costume.
- [Picture Fall | Day 29](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-29/) - Today's assignment was to photograph sweet treats. We don't have candy (no trick-or-treaters), so all I had in the house to work with was the pumpkin bread I baked last night. Yum. Maybe I should have also photographed the delicious pumpkin pancakes I had at IHOP tonight, too. So good.
- [Picture Fall | Day 28](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-28/) - It was pumpkin picture day. I put my efforts into making pumpkin bread tonight, so I did my assignment quickly. I liked this one of the stem the best. Will have to take another photo after I carve it. :)
- [Picture Fall | Day 27](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-27/) - Today we were tasked with taking a "different" kind of leaf photo. Mother Nature helped me out here. The trees around the house are now bare from a few days of wind and rain, and my mums are completely covered in leaves. With the raindrops added, I thought they looked pretty cool.
- [Picture Fall | Days 25 & 26](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-days-25-26/) - Yesterday's assignment was to capture some fall colors. I have been trying to do that all month, and especially liked a picture of my mums that I took on Saturday. So, I used that. Today's assignment was to seek out some openness. The basic idea was that we all pack our days so tightly, that
- [Picture Fall | Day 24](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-24/) - "Ugh," I grumbled as I read today's assignment. Using the self-timer. That meant I had to be in the picture. Gross.But, I decided to have some fun with it and took some pictures of me and Josh playing on the swing set this afternoon. I have a policy of not posting photos of people (besides
- [Picture Fall | Days 22 & 23](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-days-22-23/) - Yesterday, we were challenged to do a little photo editing to enhance a picture of a silhouette taken at dusk. I tried to edit a couple of shots with Photoshop. Left: Before, Right: After with yellow added Left: Before, Right: After with magenta added Nothing major. I like the way the second one came out.
- [Picture Fall | Day 21](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-21/) - I didn't exactly capture an act of kindness for my assignment today, but I did capture a result. I've been wanting to make Swedish Apple Pie, but haven't had a chance. So my mother asked me to bring some of my apples to her today and she made the pie. While watching my son. And
- [Picture Fall | Day 20](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-20/) - Today, we were asked to "capture a connection ... that makes you happy." This dog was supposed to be Joshua's, but Bailey quickly claimed it for snuggling. I think it's the cutest thing.
- [Picture Fall | Day 19](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-19/) - Today's assignment was actually to show something other than leaves scattered, but I only had time to take a few photos at lunch time, so this will have to do. Also, this was taken using my regular point-and-shoot, because taking these photos was a last-minute decision, on my way home from dropping off Josh. One
- [Picture Fall | Day 18](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-18/) - Today's assignment was to photograph something that has been a source of inspiration for me lately. My son and nature fit the description, but I chose to photograph the D-SLR I bought with my birthday money this summer. Experimenting with it has definitely inspired me to take more pictures, be more creative with my photos,
- [Picture Fall | Days 15-17](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-days-15-17/) - Friday's assignment was to "seek out the message you need to hear most today." When Joshua wanted to read the "fishie" book by Dr. Seuss, the quote on the first page caught my attention. Why is this the message I needed to hear most? Because I have been too worried, stressed, sad and serious lately.
- [Picture Fall | Day 14](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-14/) - Today's assignment was to find a simple, everyday object (something from a bookshelf, junk drawer, etc.) and photograph it, giving it some "wonder and enchantment" and focusing on its details. My first choice was a little figurine my mother had given me that used to sit on my desk -- a little gnome drinking tea.
- [Picture Fall | Day 13](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-13/) - Today's assignment was to use objects with bright colors as "sunshine substitutions" to "transform the gloomy grays" that come as winter approaches. I don't think I got it quite right. Today was a beautiful, sunny day around here, so I actually captured the sunshine in my picture. I also submitted this photo, which I took
- [Picture Fall | Day 12](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-12/) - Today's assignment was to slow down and take some time out to do something we enjoy, something relaxing. Easier said than done when Josh wouldn't fall asleep until almost 10pm, but I was able to find time for a quick, easy Sudoku puzzle. I find number puzzles in general very relaxing. Along with photography, it
- [Picture Fall | Day 11](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-11/) - Today's assignment was to find something with interesting texture, use light to accentuate the texture, and then remove the color, post-processing, so the texture is highlighted. I think I managed to do that with this pumpkin.
- [Picture Fall | Days 8-10](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-days-8-10/) - Day 8 Friday's assignment was to use light to illuminate a simple object. It took me about two hours to find a good object and get the photo right. Simple does not equal easy. Day 9 The assignment was to find "something that just isn't willing to let go." I read the assignment before going
- [Picture Fall | Day 7](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-7/) - Today's assignment was to gather and photograph fallen leaves, adding "visual interest." I brought my camera today in hopes of getting a quick photo after work. Luckily, the weather cooperated and I was able to get the shot I wanted, at a pond on the way home.
- [Picture Fall | Days 4-6](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-days-4-6/) - I feel like the past three days of this workshop have been a complete failure on my part. Day 4 (Monday)'s assignment was to photograph the "morning light," something that reassures us and prepares us for our day. Well, I haven't seen much morning light for the past few days due to the rain. Also,
- [Picture Fall | Day 3](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-3/) - Today's assignment was a challenge, to "seek out the beautiful in starkness." I have been admiring (and taking many photos of) these flowers in my front yard since they bloomed. Even near the end of their lives, they still make for interesting photos. I think my next challenge should be to find out what they're
- [Picture Fall | Day 2](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-2/) - Today's assignment was to photograph a place where you feel most comfortable and "at home with yourself."I don't think this picture accomplishes that at all, although it is the most comfortable chair in the house, and I do like a nice cup of tea to relax. If I had been able to get there today,
- [Picture Fall | Day 1](https://jessortiz.com/picture-fall-day-1/) - Today was Day 1 of the online photography workshop I am taking, "Picture Fall." The assignment: photograph a fallen leaf. I was working from home and it was pouring out most of the day, but I managed to take a quick break while heating up my lunch and snap some photos outside on my front
- [21 Months](https://jessortiz.com/21-months/) - Joshua turned 21 months on Wednesday. Three more months, and he'll be two. That's crazy! I was looking at some photos tonight of him from a year ago, and it's amazing what a difference a year makes. He looked like such a little baby then. Now, he's looking more like a little boy. He's still
- [Happy Harvest](https://jessortiz.com/happy-harvest/) - I've been obsessed with the FXCamera app on my phone lately, especially the "Toy Camera Emulator" filter. I loved the way this picture of the mini pumpkins came out. Fall is my favorite season. I devour delicious food made from pumpkins and apples. I bask in the crisp, cool weather. I enjoy Halloween, hay rides,
- [This is Your Life](https://jessortiz.com/this-is-your-life/) - (via CoffeeJitters, gabrielle loves, and maine momma)
- [Toddler Time](https://jessortiz.com/toddler-time/) - Being the slacker that I am, I haven't done a Josh update since February -- although I write about him a lot on Twitter. He's now 20 months old, and a totally different child since that last update seven months ago. He wasn't even walking then, and now he's running. All over the house. And
- [Say Cheese](https://jessortiz.com/say-cheese/) - Throughout my life, I've wanted to be a number of different things, but never quite found my niche. Granted, I've done well with web development -- and it seems to be a good fit for the girl who used to cut out pictures from her grandmother's magazines to arrange into newsletters, whose main use for
- [Waste](https://jessortiz.com/waste/) - Originally uploaded by randommusings
- [Self-Esteem](https://jessortiz.com/self-esteem/) - I received this email the other day from Dove, promoting their "Movement for Self-Esteem:" Do you remember what it was like to be 13? I do. I yearned to be gorgeous and thin and popular... My anxiety about my appearance sometimes kept me from doing the things I really wanted to do, like auditioning for

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