tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43434720350153635282024-03-12T20:47:38.347-07:00 Artistic Adventurer - Teri Lou The journey of a single woman, purposely living full time as a nomad in a DIY custom van while teaching creative iPhone photography workshops and leading photography tours throughout the USA. Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.comBlogger652125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-19954982571846639462018-06-25T12:06:00.000-07:002018-06-25T12:45:31.183-07:00Best Apps for Finding What to do When Visiting a New City?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gm1975hq0W8/WzE8zXqJDAI/AAAAAAAAmw4/YBjMr3YR-u4qOzSJcDrRRxtHqgo5EB8-ACLcBGAs/s1600/Snapseed%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gm1975hq0W8/WzE8zXqJDAI/AAAAAAAAmw4/YBjMr3YR-u4qOzSJcDrRRxtHqgo5EB8-ACLcBGAs/s640/Snapseed%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Apps for Finding What to do When Visiting a New City</td></tr>
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<b>Vacation vs VanLife</b><br />
Some people plan months in advance when going on vacation but that isn’t often the case when living on the road full time. Many times I find myself wandering from one place to the other because of recommendations by others. This way of travel is exciting and often brings me to places I never would have visited otherwise.<br />
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Often when I arrive I will go to the visitor center and ask questions: What shouldn’t I miss doing or seeing when here? Is there a special event happening this week? Where can I take a shower? Is there free camping? Do you know of a vegan restaurant? </div>
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The answers are often helpful but there are other options that provide much more information. Here is a list of apps I often use as reference.</div>
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<b>Yelp</b><br />
Yelp is most known for finding great restaurant options around you. Not only will you find a large variety of food but each location is rated helping you to weed through the not so good places. Yelp however is helpful in many other ways, try searching: “comedy clubs”, “hiking trails” or “beaches” for things to do. If you are in need of personal care search: “shower”, “haircut”, “pedicure”, or ”laundromat”. The options are pretty much limitless. I like to filter my search with the “open now” option checked so I don’t drive across town just to realize the place is closed. Yelp provides phone numbers, directions, website links, reviews and so much more. If you haven’t yet used Yelp you will soon love it.</div>
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<b>Facebook - Events</b></div>
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If you have never accessed this portion of Facebook you will be amazed at the options listed. Where ever you are or might be going to you can find an abundance of events that are happening, Today, Tomorrow, This Weekend, Next Week or Choose Date. The events are searchable by type if you tap ‘Filter’ and pick from choices like: Art, Health, Music, Party, Food, etc.<br />
The events will provide information on number of people going or just interested, the date and time, location, details and how to get tickets, if applicable.<br />
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<b>Meetup</b><br />
If you aren’t already a member of Meetup you should be. Meetup is an App that gives you access to groups of people that gather for all kinds of activities. Hiking, happy hour, board games, coffee and chat, and photography; are just a few of the 1000’s of options. Each city has their own options.<br />
If you are a planner you can start joining groups all over the country that have like interests and see what activities are planned or join when you arrive at a particular city. Some Meetup groups have fees, but most likely waive it for the first time attendees. Sign up for the activities/events you want to attend. If you change your mind or can’t attend change your status to “not going” as being a no show isn’t polite since you most likely stopped someone else from being able to attend.<br />
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Other Apps<br />
Another favorite suggestion is to search and download apps that the visitor center or chamber in the city you are visiting created. By searching the name of the city you may find a variety of options. Start with the free ones to find “Things to do in ....”<br />
Also Travelocity is a great reference for option of things to do and see in different cities.<br />
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Where do plan to visit next? What will you do there? Who will you meet? Enjoy the adventures that lie ahead!<br />
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Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-21499060818782232352018-06-18T16:45:00.001-07:002018-06-18T17:30:27.180-07:00Top Questions at TinyFest California<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Information Board at TinyFest California</td></tr>
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I just spent 3 days at <a href="http://tinyfestcalifornia.com/" target="_blank">TinyFest California</a> sharing my van build and my vanlife with the public. After talking to about 500 people I have tallied what the top 5 questions were. I will answer them briefly here and continue to expand the information regarding each one in future posts.<br />
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If you have additional questions that you would like me to answer please add it to the comments.<br />
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<b>Where do you sleep?</b><br />
Since my van is very stealth, I am able to park it overnight most anywhere. I never park where it is signed not to because that is just asking to be hassled.<br />
Some places have been: Hospital, Hotels, Apartments, Roadsides, Neighborhoods, Friend's house, Rest Stop, Truck Stop, Campgrounds, Churches, Trailheads, Casinos, BLM Land, Forest Service Land, etc.<br />
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<b>Where do you take a shower?</b><br />
I have an outside shower that I can use if in private location, I have also used: Laundromat, Campground (even if you are just at the Day Use area), Truck Stop, Recreation Center, beach parks (swimming suit required).<br />
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<b>Have you been hassled by the police or security?</b><br />
No.<br />
Before arriving to my location that I plan to sleep for the night I take care of my bathroom needs and anything else that would require me to leave the van. Then I find my location, park, shut my partition between the cab and living space, cover my windows with blackout curtains and THEN turn on the lights. This way I am less likely to attract attention. I also am quiet, respectful and leave in the morning before I would most likely be noticed.<br />
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<b>Do you have a toilet?</b><br />
Not in my van, however I often use a female urinal.<br />
For full disclosure please read a previous post, <a href="http://www.teriloublog.com/2018/01/1-question-do-you-have-toilet-my-full.html" target="_blank">"Do you have a Toilet?"</a>.<br />
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<b>How long have you been living in your van?</b><br />
Since May 2017, just put my house in Washington on the market and have no plans on stopping this lifestyle at present.<br />
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Please follow me: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artisticadventurervan/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram @artisticadventurervan</a><br />
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<br />Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-68085042536019934182018-06-15T09:24:00.001-07:002018-06-15T09:26:03.812-07:00Happily Houseless - Live the Life of Adventure and Opportunity<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teri Lou is Happily Houseless</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">A Happily Houseless Life!</span><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Since my goal is to provide inspiration, guidance and assistance
to those wanting to pursue their dream of living on the road, I am starting a new business.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the next few months I will create several step-by-step,
easy to follow handouts that will guide, educate and empower you. I will schedule workshops that will help with design and the conversion. There will also be live chats to discuss the questions that are currently on your mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whether you are planning to start in several years after
retirement or just want some last minute advice, you will find the answers you
are looking for to move you toward your goal. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Plan, Design, Build, Travel, Live</span></div>
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Some topics:<o:p></o:p></div>
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How much does it cost to live on the road full time?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Is it really safe?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Where can I park overnight?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What vehicle should I buy?<o:p></o:p></div>
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How much does it cost to convert a vehicle?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What size of vehicle do I need?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Should I bring along my pet?<o:p></o:p></div>
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How about kids, is this lifestyle a good choice for them?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Where do I start?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What happens if I don’t like it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Should I sell everything I own?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What about personal care?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Don’t want to wait until the business is up and running…. No
problem.</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Until I have the handouts, blogposts, workshop schedule and
the rest of the business plan set up, I am providing free one hour
consultations. Please email me at <a href="mailto:teri@terilou.com">teri@terilou.com</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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This adventure is going to be one of my best!<o:p></o:p></div>
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For daily inspiration go to Instagram @artidticadventurervan</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-28377050201116129552018-01-31T16:44:00.000-08:002018-01-31T16:44:51.557-08:00Solo Women Van Dweller - Do you feel safe?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why I love van dwelling!</td></tr>
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Do I feel safe?</div>
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Before answering this question I would like to share some of my history. </div>
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As a child I was never a girly girl. In fact the one photo of me playing with dolls as a child was posed. I preferred to play outside, run, climb trees, ride bikes, and build campfires in the many campgrounds we visited in Washington State. </div>
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In my teens I sometimes rode a unicycle to jr high school and a motorcycle to high school. I dreamed of becoming an interior designer or an architect. However instead I got married at 19 to my highschool sweetheart, helped build a software development company, <a href="http://www.comtronicsystems.com/" target="_blank">Comtronic Systems</a> and had my first of two daughters at 22. </div>
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After my second daughter was born I took on the role of full time mom, became President of the PTA, started a reading program at the elementary school, volunteered tons and in their high school years watched them play years of tennis. </div>
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Life changed in 2002 when I got divorced. It was a time of change in many ways. It was time to discover who I was, besides mom. I once again considered going to school to become an architect but instead pursued photography because it freed me to travel.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many trips - Utah</td></tr>
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In the summer of 2004 I packed up my X5 BMW SUV and took my first car camping trip to Banff and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies. I slept in my car even though I had a tent since I felt safer that way. Also in 2004 I took my daughters and mom on a 2 week European vacation where we stayed in Zimmers (private homes). What an adventure that was! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truck and Camper - Idaho</td></tr>
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I graduated to a truck and camper in 2006, traveling by myself as far away as Iowa. While on a trip to the Sawtooth Mountains in October of the same year the stock market crashed and I was momentarily scared. Scared that I might lose my house and scared that I wouldn't have enough savings. A couple hours later I paused, in the middle of my self imposed pity party, to realize that I was truly happy for the last week with very little - my camper, my computer and my camera. </div>
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It was in that moment I realized that my happiness needed to be reassessed. Yes I needed to make deep cuts in my spending and at that time I decided to VRBO my house to help with payments but I knew that happiness wasn't tied to things, it was a way of being.</div>
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In 2010 I went back to car camping and sleeping in my car after a painful breakup with my boyfriend, he owned the truck and I owned the camper. In September of that year I flew to the east coast, rented a car (not a SUV) for 6 weeks and drove from Baltimore to New Hampshire to Long Island, to DC, down the Blue Ridge Highway to the Smoky Mountains and back up the coast to Baltimore. It was a fabulous trip. </div>
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I remember being concerned only one night on that entire journey. I was sleeping in a parking lot along the Blue Ridge Highway. There was not a "no parking" sign but I felt like I shouldn't be there. It was dark and raining, and I was tired. So I parked in the back of the lot, kind of in the shadows, crawled to the back seat and curled up in my sleeping bag. I remember rearranging my pillow a few times, while listening to the rain, thinking I can't fall asleep. Next I knew it was morning. Once again a successful nights sleep in my car!</div>
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Other nights I remember well include:</div>
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A night in Escalante when the full moon seemed like a beacon pointing directly just on me. After that I got nightshades. </div>
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Waking up in a packed Starbucks parking lot at 7:30am because a car door had slammed. That was a little awkward.</div>
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Parking on the street in Monterey, CA wondering if anyone would notice and since no one seemed to care doing it again the next night.</div>
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Arriving to a camp spot on BLM land in Utah at night and waking up to the most incredible view. </div>
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Barely pulling off a gravel road with a commanding view in New Zealand to watch sunset and then sunrise.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting lost in New Zealand</td></tr>
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Parking on the beach, in the woods, in the desert, in hotel parking lots, rest stops, truck stops, neighborhoods, by a cemetery, near city parks.</div>
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Listening to silence, staring at the milky way, sitting by the campfire, being visited by a fox, watching the eclipse of the sun and the moon, dancing with the Aurora Borealis.</div>
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The memories are priceless, my life fulfilled by so little when I am on the road. </div>
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So back to the question: Do I feel safe? YES! I have had moments of concern that cause me to pause and evaluate if I am in a safe place, if in doubt I move. I have never been approached by someone that felt threatening. The plan is that if something spooks me I can easily get into the driver's seat and leave. </div>
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My life as a vandweller came in baby steps and I have lots of experience sleeping in vehicles. However I have never lived in fear. I believe the majority of people are good and that I am safer in the woods than in the city. I lock my doors at night and keep the key by my bed. </div>
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If you are fearful of this life style consider taking baby steps yourself. If the thought of a night in a hotel room by yourself is scary for you, evaluate why. Maybe you don't have experience navigating outside of your city, perhaps take a drive with a friend one day and repeat it by yourself the next. If you are scared for your safety take self defense classes and find out how real the dangers are. Concerned your car might break down, become a AAA member. </div>
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In other words empower yourself, believe in yourself and take charge of your life. No one else will do it for you.</div>
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Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-58393846335484786972018-01-07T12:28:00.000-08:002018-01-07T12:30:29.041-08:00My Intention - Continue Inspiration, Positive & Honest<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This morning's intention at yoga.</td></tr>
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Purpose, Intention, Breathe In and Breathe Out.<br />
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Yoga has been a wonderful addition to my schedule while in Austin, TX. I am so grateful to <a href="http://austin.wanderlustyoga.com/" target="_blank">Wanderlust</a> for their special 30 days for $39 that includes unlimited yoga and showers. I took full advantage of both, sometimes engaging in back to back classes and always spending luxurious minutes under loads of water.<br />
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My life is very sweet right now as I live as a vandweller. It is a life I have wanted for a long time. Before vanlife I travelled often in my car sleeping on a foam pad in the back with the seats folded down. It was while on a solo 6 week trip to New Zealand in 2015 that I decided to make vanlife a serious goal.<br />
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Along the way I have been told two things often, "You are so brave." and "You are such an inspiration." So when at yoga this morning and it was suggested to set an intention I came up with, "Inspiration" then "Continue Inspiration" then to make it very clear to myself, "Continue Inspiration, honest and positive."<br />
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So here it is for all to witness and keep me accountable to.<br />
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<br />Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-42527477437135788582018-01-06T17:46:00.000-08:002018-01-06T17:46:50.109-08:00#1 Question - Do you have a toilet? My Full Disclosure<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many portable toilet options if you want one!</td></tr>
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This blog post might be too much information (TMI) for some, even though it is the number one question asked of me. I’ll warn you that blunt honestly is to follow.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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The majority of the people I share my van lifestyle with are concerned about where I will pee and poop while on the road. </div>
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They don't quite ask me in that way, instead they ask, </div>
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<b>"Do you have a toilet in the van?"</b></div>
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The question still surprises me because I came from sleeping in my car for weeks at a time and never needed a porta-potty then. Besides, don’t you want to know all the awesome places I have visited instead of how I empty my bladder? I guess not!</div>
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Is it that we have become so domesticated that we can't imagine anything but sitting on our own private throne at home to do our business? I suppose that is partially true.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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Did you know that not every female sits on a toilet? I have seen signs in women's bathrooms, that have a large Japanese tourist population, showing women that they must not squat while standing on the toilet rim in the USA, sitting is instead required. Also, I recently read in a Lisa Sees book how a young woman, who grew up in a remote village, couldn't image why city dwellers would want to sit on the same seat that many others before them have sat on instead of squat. To each their own I suppose.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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So back to the question. Normally I answer one of two ways, depending on the person asking. 1. Nope, I did make room for one however if in the future I want one. 2. Yes, it is stored under the bed (not truthful but makes some people more comfortable.) These answers satisfies most people and the issue is dropped.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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However I believe the questions should continue so here is complete disclosure, for me personally, as I wouldn’t dare guess how others remove the waste from their bodies.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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<b>How do you avoid the need to pee in the van?</b></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Before I enter my van in the evening I do my best to empty my bladder, if in nature I usually squat nearby the van. If in the city I find a restroom, most of the time. Honestly, dogs pee on bushes and I have too. I have also peed In alleys, in dark corners and in the middle of the night. Okay now that I have revealed that, I have always wondered why a guy can and a girl </span>shouldn’t?</div>
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<b>What happens if you have to pee in the middle of the night and don’t want to go outside?</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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If I just can’t hold it any longer in the middle of the night I’ll use a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZMVMXL/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">portable urinal</a> that I bought at Amazon.</div>
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It works great, doesn't leak and has a large capacity - but I hate to clean it out in the morning so I avoid it if at all possible.</div>
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<b>Have you ever had a bowel movement (my mom calls it that) in your van?</b></div>
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Nope I have never pooped in the van. Pooping is always, in my case, in the woods, where I dig and cover, or a public toilet.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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<b>When you first wake up don’t you really have to go?</b></div>
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Most mornings I wake with an urgent need to pee. However I usually lay there, write my Morning Pages, check emails and read social media postings.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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When I do get up, I dress first, when in the city, and by the time I complete that task and make the bed I am surprised how the urgency has diminished, sometimes so much so that I stay in the van for an hour or so longer without relieving myself. Okay this is not a good option for many because it is my understanding that <a href="https://www.sciencealert.com/watch-what-happens-when-you-hold-in-your-pee" target="_blank">“holding it” too long can lead to a UTI </a>but so far that has not happened to me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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Also, another disclosure, I am not a “need to drink coffee first thing” girl so that helps with the need for number two first thing in the morning.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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When in the city I park near a coffee shop, cafe, gas station, hotel lobby, Walmart or 24 hour services; just in case I do need to use their facilities first thing or last thing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> When traveling from place to place I often spend the night at a Rest Stop. </span></div>
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Bottom line, I suppose, is that I never stress over it. I just make it part of my life and don’t feel inconvenienced. Thankfully I have never had the flu or illness that might make the issue acute. If the need was acute, I suppose, I would either be in a mess of trouble, possibly rely on ziplock bags or quickly rent a hotel room.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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So now that you know that I don’t have a toilet, don’t want one and am totally happy with my arrangement, maybe, just maybe, you can be a little less concerned for me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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<span class="s2">Now if I did have one I may get the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Head-Contained-Composting-Quarters/dp/B009Z7EKIC/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1515286568&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=composting+toilet&psc=1&smid=A1MN0Q6CDKIQT" target="_blank">composting toile</a>t kind but they must be vented which means air exchange, cold air at night in many cases. Brrrr!</span></div>
Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-27566199365669348282018-01-05T11:50:00.001-08:002018-01-05T11:58:10.435-08:00My Journey as a Solo Woman Van Dweller<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teri Lou and her Artistic Adventurer Van</td></tr>
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My life dramatically changed in 2017 and so it was time to expand teriloublog.com to better express my artistic adventures. This blog now includes: vanlife, photography and other thoughts as I meander through life. My goal is to educate, encourage and inspire people to fulfill their dreams.<br />
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At one time, as my daughters grew up, I was a more traditional woman with routines that didn't change much day to day, year to year. Then everything changed in 2002, I got divorced and my daughters were in high school; it was time to figure out who I was.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DaMte1rUDRQ/Wk_TJESCq1I/AAAAAAAAYBc/MuDClfU_XJwS8OKdK8al-hGe8uGuP_mRgCLcBGAs/s1600/BUTTON%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DaMte1rUDRQ/Wk_TJESCq1I/AAAAAAAAYBc/MuDClfU_XJwS8OKdK8al-hGe8uGuP_mRgCLcBGAs/s200/BUTTON%2B3.jpg" width="200" /></a>The journey has been full of: travel to amazing locations, incredible people who have given to me unselfishly, heart ache and hard work, variety of creative endeavors, and self discovery that lead to a very happy and content Teri Lou.<br />
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I am now a very non traditional woman as a full time solo van dweller who as a professional photographer prefers the iPhone because I can express myself in emotionally creative ways anytime, anywhere. My days are rarely the same and so I see this blog meandering as I do.<br />
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Please join me on this artistic adventure. Subscribe through email - see link on left column.<br />
Who knows where it will lead us to.<br />
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<br />Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-74494274974896357352016-07-06T23:43:00.001-07:002016-07-06T23:45:39.782-07:00iPhoneography Art Show in Moscow - Art Affair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will be showing and selling my Palouse images at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/567788756734020/" target="_blank">Art Affair</a> July 13th 2016. </div>
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Hope to see you there.</div>
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There will be over 20 different images available. Prints in barn wood frames, metal prints, luster paper prints and postcards. Come pick a few!</div>
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<br />Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-84416263091577217552016-07-02T09:41:00.000-07:002016-07-02T09:52:13.079-07:00iPhone Photography - iPhoneography - Workshop for All Skill Levels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SItOGwVVEEk/V3fuNj3aTzI/AAAAAAAAOwY/cCfCKSOpCEgCmhJqb9qRt8yP-5NNbPT3gCLcB/s1600/Oct%2BLake%2BTahoe%2BWorkshop%2Bblog%2Bpage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SItOGwVVEEk/V3fuNj3aTzI/AAAAAAAAOwY/cCfCKSOpCEgCmhJqb9qRt8yP-5NNbPT3gCLcB/s640/Oct%2BLake%2BTahoe%2BWorkshop%2Bblog%2Bpage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teriloublog.com/p/iphone-creative-adventurers.html" target="_blank">iPhone Creative Workshop</a> will be awesome. Be sure to find time to join Lynette and I in Lake Tahoe this October. It will ignite your creativity in a whole new way. Let's grow and learn together!<br />
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Click<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> <a href="http://www.teriloublog.com/p/iphone-creative-adventurers.html" target="_blank">here</a></span> for all the information.<br />
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<br />Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-7821184697505228842016-02-24T15:45:00.002-08:002016-02-24T15:45:30.592-08:00iPhone Photography Processing - Sunshine to Rain<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2vJ2s1CxCM/Vs48f0JTQgI/AAAAAAAALNA/Y0mQU9TvQ8s/s1600/Snapseed_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2vJ2s1CxCM/Vs48f0JTQgI/AAAAAAAALNA/Y0mQU9TvQ8s/s640/Snapseed_2.jpeg" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Processed with DistressedFX, Rainy Daze and Snapseed</td></tr>
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Take a look at yesterdays blog post of my first serious iPhone photo. The image of the beautiful blue sky and gorgeous fall colors.<br />Today I processed that image with a challenge in mind, how to create a moody rain storm. The photo has now taken on a very gloomy appearance. Amazing how just a few processing steps can change the mood completely.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DistressedFX</td></tr>
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First step that came to mind was to use DistressFX to add texture and tone down the saturated colors. See above for the setting that were chosen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMI_9_GvDXA/Vs4-cIAvIbI/AAAAAAAALNU/Gaf-1Hbkg9I/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMI_9_GvDXA/Vs4-cIAvIbI/AAAAAAAALNU/Gaf-1Hbkg9I/s640/IMG_1241.JPG" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy Daze</td></tr>
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Next the image was processed in Rainy Days. Don't you love the way the trees glow? An unexpected bonus.<br />
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The final photo at the top of the blog was also processed in Snapseed, desaturating the colors and adding structure for more definition to the rain drops.<br />
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Try it yourself.Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-77550019411242056612016-02-23T11:52:00.000-08:002016-02-23T11:52:18.948-08:00My iPhone Photography Beginning - September 2010 iPhone 4s<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unedited ProHDR Image from 2010 </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;">My AH HA moment</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;">I have been going through several old hard drives looking for images to put on Dropbox so I can access all my iPhone photos in one place, when I came across this photo. iPhone 4s - Sept 2010</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;">The scene:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;">I am in New Hampshire at a photo workshop with my Nikon camera when </span><a href="http://johnbarclayphotography.com/" target="_blank">John Barclay</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"> informs me of an app called ProHDR that I must install on my iPhone. Ok I think, I'll give it a try. Then a fellow student Dan let's me borrow his iPhone holder for a tripod. (crazy looking thing).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;">As you see by the photo it is a gorgeous day. I set up my iPhone Camera next to the shore of this river, opened the app ProHDR, tapped the button, watched the screen saying 'calculating, hold still' and then a few seconds later this incredible HDR processed image appears on my screen.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;">For the next several months (embarrassing to think back on sometimes) I was a crazy girl, thrusting the iPhone in anyone's face that was nearby to show them my latest photo and exclaim 'WOW, look at this, amazing, it was taken with an iPhone, can you believe it?" I was hooked and became know as the App Queen as I absorbed everything iPhone Photography.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;">What a great journey it has been. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;">I must also mention<a href="http://harrysandler.com/" target="_blank"> </a></span><span style="color: #3b5998;"><span style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; line-height: 19.32px;"><a href="http://harrysandler.com/" target="_blank">Harry Sandler</a></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"> as he is my gracious mentor and friend that guides me to learn so much about photography.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;">There are many others that influence and inspire - a few include: <a href="http://imadigitaldiva.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lynette Sheppard</a>, <a href="http://karenmessickiphone.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Karen Messick</a>, <a href="http://dewittjones.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Dewitt Jones</a>, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/isnob/" target="_blank">Laura Peischl</a>, <a href="http://bobbi-mcmurry.squarespace.com/" target="_blank">Bobbi McMurry</a>, <a href="http://www.fabulens.com/" target="_blank">Helen Breznik</a>, <a href="http://www.danburkholder.com/iphone-artistry.html" target="_blank">Dan Burkholder</a></span></span>Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-25910150234214190912016-02-07T12:21:00.001-08:002016-02-07T12:26:38.182-08:00Night iPhone Photography Comparison<p>Since ProCamera just released the in-app purchase 'LowLight+' I went to the Portland Winter Light Festival to capture some comparisons between different camera apps.</p><p>I am the visual comparison type, not the technical type so this comparison is purely visual for you to decide for yourself what image you like better. If you want to find out how the different apps are technically capturing the image I am sure there is plenty of opportunities to find out through a Google search.</p><p>The first image in each pair is the original capture focused and exposed with a tap on the center of the flower. The second image was processed in Snapseed with two folder settings: HDR Scape - Nature - 100 and Details - Structure - 100. This processing technique was to show the noise not as a suggestion for the best processing option.</p><p>There are obliviously differences in the results. I can see that LowLight+ has much smaller noise particles, with an interesting pattern in this example. However to accomplish this the image is much softer. </p><p>I was most surprised by the Native Camera and SlowShutter (by Cogitap) results. Even though without processing they all have very little noise.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AzvKxQl7SRM/VrenVFLWKTI/AAAAAAAALFY/bSjj4MfAl2g/s2048/Photo%25252020160207122133386.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AzvKxQl7SRM/VrenVFLWKTI/AAAAAAAALFY/bSjj4MfAl2g/s500/Photo%25252020160207122133386.jpg" id="blogsy-1454876791496.186" class="alignleft" alt="" width="376" height="504"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4aFScBhSaC4/VreoNk-YJXI/AAAAAAAALFo/HS6MqL_Z6dE/s2048/Photo%25252020160207122522356.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4aFScBhSaC4/VreoNk-YJXI/AAAAAAAALFo/HS6MqL_Z6dE/s500/Photo%25252020160207122522356.jpg" id="blogsy-1454876791491.6772" class="alignright" alt="" width="378" height="504"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone Camera Night with Snapseed</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pvkxVIQXobU/VrenWo6J3II/AAAAAAAALFc/_sPqzrnY__4/s2048/Photo%25252020160207122133421.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pvkxVIQXobU/VrenWo6J3II/AAAAAAAALFc/_sPqzrnY__4/s500/Photo%25252020160207122133421.jpg" id="blogsy-1454876791566.5476" class="alignleft" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pj_LOnXu2Hs/VreoPNJVy7I/AAAAAAAALFs/LlW02FIzrG0/s2048/Photo%25252020160207122522396.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pj_LOnXu2Hs/VreoPNJVy7I/AAAAAAAALFs/LlW02FIzrG0/s500/Photo%25252020160207122522396.jpg" id="blogsy-1454876791559.4893" class="alignright" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camera+ Night with Snapseed</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XXRbxRtHG9Q/VrenXl06t4I/AAAAAAAALFg/V_BBLEAnr50/s2048/Photo%25252020160207122133456.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XXRbxRtHG9Q/VrenXl06t4I/AAAAAAAALFg/V_BBLEAnr50/s500/Photo%25252020160207122133456.jpg" id="blogsy-1454876791528.143" class="alignleft" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TUxASCgwMds/VreoQTnHqZI/AAAAAAAALFw/AyXznEIUoDk/s2048/Photo%25252020160207122522440.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TUxASCgwMds/VreoQTnHqZI/AAAAAAAALFw/AyXznEIUoDk/s500/Photo%25252020160207122522440.jpg" id="blogsy-1454876791572.6865" class="alignright" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ProCamera LowLight+ with Snapseed</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MZnCj6xawnA/VrenY8Wf-II/AAAAAAAALFk/wpI0RYlJiUo/s2048/Photo%25252020160207122133485.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MZnCj6xawnA/VrenY8Wf-II/AAAAAAAALFk/wpI0RYlJiUo/s500/Photo%25252020160207122133485.jpg" id="blogsy-1454876791535.8862" class="alignleft" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dw2wkZclUbM/VreoSLXb9yI/AAAAAAAALF0/PKVctQNdHfg/s2048/Photo%25252020160207122522479.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dw2wkZclUbM/VreoSLXb9yI/AAAAAAAALF0/PKVctQNdHfg/s500/Photo%25252020160207122522479.jpg" id="blogsy-1454876791497.6885" class="alignright" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SlowShutter Night with Snapseed</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p>Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-13446844725145135212015-11-23T12:10:00.001-08:002015-11-23T12:10:55.207-08:00Morning Has Broken<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-njTkWiDV8RA/VlNywb8owzI/AAAAAAAALB8/qiaXEyLDuMg/s640/blogger-image-1622406466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-njTkWiDV8RA/VlNywb8owzI/AAAAAAAALB8/qiaXEyLDuMg/s640/blogger-image-1622406466.jpg"></a></div>Morning has Broken</div><div><br></div><div>As I sit in my warm car in between rain squalls I am looking out at the Okarito Lagoon. The air is moist and everything is cast in gray, a stark contrast to the brilliant greens in the gorge the day before. </div><div>The mood is quiet and still, even with the birds fluttering about. </div><div>Among some brilliant mountain peaks that were meant for a less cloudy perfect sunset location. However even last night the showers and mist prevented a peak at their grandeur. </div><div>A small boat house is sitting proudly at the shore of the lagoon. A simple 'Information' sign is at the top of the ramp. </div><div>The rain has stopped for a moment, perhaps I'll have a closer look. </div><div><br></div><div>The processing for this image includes a texture later from the boat house siding. I captured the image with the hope that it would be fun to use. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c6Qq9OZT6-4/VlNyzE7KnjI/AAAAAAAALCE/9s86KBBuTH8/s640/blogger-image--288942819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c6Qq9OZT6-4/VlNyzE7KnjI/AAAAAAAALCE/9s86KBBuTH8/s640/blogger-image--288942819.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-83793092531643447152015-11-16T10:06:00.001-08:002015-11-16T10:06:13.719-08:00Smash Palace - New Zealand<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lt5HLyOQ0Pg/VkoZrSGiYNI/AAAAAAAALAY/M5Af2L5T8IM/s640/blogger-image--1816072193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lt5HLyOQ0Pg/VkoZrSGiYNI/AAAAAAAALAY/M5Af2L5T8IM/s640/blogger-image--1816072193.jpg" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div></div><br></div><div>What is this girl going to do when she's driving 100 km down a country road at 8:30am and sees a sign pointing turn right now for 'Vintage Car Museum'? Put on the brakes fast, but not fast enough and figure a safe place to make a U-turn.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0OosVtCB1-E/VkobEjthl6I/AAAAAAAALBI/odVd4Vv7zJg/s640/blogger-image-1924554479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0OosVtCB1-E/VkobEjthl6I/AAAAAAAALBI/odVd4Vv7zJg/s640/blogger-image-1924554479.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BXNzljR0eqA/VkoZceCeO6I/AAAAAAAALAI/Ag-6clY6DVo/s640/blogger-image--804545677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BXNzljR0eqA/VkoZceCeO6I/AAAAAAAALAI/Ag-6clY6DVo/s640/blogger-image--804545677.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>As I approach I saw rusty vehicles everywhere, acres of them. Piled high, rusting into the ground, with ferns growing out of them, with wooden wheels, most with steering wheels on the left and there were even sheep milling about to keep the grass down-how awesome is that. </div><div>A dream come true. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p5tlEq0JS_M/Vkoa1il6_-I/AAAAAAAALA8/d9Hu0tJujCY/s640/blogger-image--84074471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p5tlEq0JS_M/Vkoa1il6_-I/AAAAAAAALA8/d9Hu0tJujCY/s640/blogger-image--84074471.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I find rusty fascinating. The patterns, textures and color as they deteriorate The models of cars here in New Zealand vs the places in the US were so new and different. Many small cars, few hot rods, even the trucks and buses were tiny. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CP4H9vzscGE/VkoZhF05EmI/AAAAAAAALAQ/RU3E6PK908E/s640/blogger-image--35851765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CP4H9vzscGE/VkoZhF05EmI/AAAAAAAALAQ/RU3E6PK908E/s640/blogger-image--35851765.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U5ozMnfiFys/VkoZwx2dJCI/AAAAAAAALAg/pyV17NS0CoU/s640/blogger-image--1338984596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U5ozMnfiFys/VkoZwx2dJCI/AAAAAAAALAg/pyV17NS0CoU/s640/blogger-image--1338984596.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div>After spending only 1.5 hours outside I finally went into the 'museum' for a $5 donation admission charge that was promised would go into a fund for the 'new' museum. </div><div>I walked up a narrow steep stairwell and found what can only be described as: a car part hoarders dream! Millions of organized chrome gems. Starters, grills, license plates, chains, hub caps, head lights, carburetors, electric wiring, radios - every piece from those gutted shells in the junk yard outside - AMAZING! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MqaSz3qjbhs/VkoaFME9z-I/AAAAAAAALAo/paynlGVj5eM/s640/blogger-image--1298824570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MqaSz3qjbhs/VkoaFME9z-I/AAAAAAAALAo/paynlGVj5eM/s640/blogger-image--1298824570.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Walking around I was quite careful, even tiptoed when observing the floor bowing under the pile of complete motors. Wondered how the building didn't collapse under the weight of so much metal. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OqwcyTApBzY/VkoaZyMtm6I/AAAAAAAALAw/utCrlAiNWgQ/s640/blogger-image-2144123240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OqwcyTApBzY/VkoaZyMtm6I/AAAAAAAALAw/utCrlAiNWgQ/s640/blogger-image-2144123240.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dhRkNBp1A54/VkoateIBZzI/AAAAAAAALA4/nxptVZ2iUwM/s640/blogger-image-1194933449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dhRkNBp1A54/VkoateIBZzI/AAAAAAAALA4/nxptVZ2iUwM/s640/blogger-image-1194933449.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>What a rewarding morning I had!</div><div><br></div>Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-30557023264208896332015-11-13T20:57:00.001-08:002015-11-13T20:57:18.472-08:00To Paris with Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_GKhm6pmDBo/Vka_LGAOHBI/AAAAAAAAK_Q/LEpH_BOWUKU/s640/blogger-image-1767681548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_GKhm6pmDBo/Vka_LGAOHBI/AAAAAAAAK_Q/LEpH_BOWUKU/s640/blogger-image-1767681548.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Feeling very sad that there is such cruelty in the world. Caused me to pause and appreciate my life a bit more. Hug the ones you love, life is uncertain. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-79486175847084281542015-11-13T10:25:00.001-08:002015-11-13T10:43:27.477-08:00Fear Not - Adventuring in New Zealand<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-802biDobXos/VkYrNN4_kvI/AAAAAAAAK-c/bbHLUDkJye8/s640/blogger-image-320431711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-802biDobXos/VkYrNN4_kvI/AAAAAAAAK-c/bbHLUDkJye8/s640/blogger-image-320431711.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Fear not the unknown my friends, </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Celebrate the adventures,</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Discover your limitations along your journey,</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Not through an imagined barrier. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Seek with confidence, love whole heartedly,</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Find happiness, contentment and joy</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It is all within you.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Now go!</span></div></div>Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-62598915302477875892015-11-12T02:14:00.001-08:002015-11-12T02:14:14.633-08:00Morning in Fantasyland<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rVbOJZviyOU/VkRmdE1-KaI/AAAAAAAAK-M/RiCo-yMZwmo/s640/blogger-image-78682632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rVbOJZviyOU/VkRmdE1-KaI/AAAAAAAAK-M/RiCo-yMZwmo/s640/blogger-image-78682632.jpg"></a></div>Today I was a canvas being painted over and over again. The motions were smooth and precise, a wonderful practiced rhythm with just the right amount of pressure. The paints were silky at times, cool then warm, slightly scratchy then sticky. The smells were incredible; pleasantly floral, light and heavenly. I even once licked a slightly sweet honey from my lips. </div><div><br></div><div>I encouraged myself to be present and in the moment. To allow complete relaxation while not falling asleep. To be appreciative of each stroking touch. </div><div><br></div><div>I was rewarded by feeling lighter, a weight noticeably pulled away from me, replaced with a peaceful smile through me. The sensation was one I never experience before and long to feel again. </div><div><br></div><div>An hour Timeless Facial at the Polynesian Spa was a unforgettable experience. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-4569236816119125892015-11-08T23:42:00.001-08:002015-11-10T01:03:35.338-08:00Moment Lenses Comparison at Cape Reinga<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NDJTb0KnDqA/VkBOXyB-J6I/AAAAAAAAK9I/OhnbDHAol8Y/s640/blogger-image-477233574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1DZShcQDsvg/VkBOR4Mg2_I/AAAAAAAAK84/pMB9fdpfDJc/s640/blogger-image--1980217165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1DZShcQDsvg/VkBOR4Mg2_I/AAAAAAAAK84/pMB9fdpfDJc/s640/blogger-image--1980217165.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Native Camera Lens</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WoKpOa3Hq5I/VkBOT419cVI/AAAAAAAAK9A/coYlCevk6FY/s640/blogger-image--357495394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WoKpOa3Hq5I/VkBOT419cVI/AAAAAAAAK9A/coYlCevk6FY/s640/blogger-image--357495394.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">18mm Moments Lens</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fc3a3I1b82s/VkBOQBNBQwI/AAAAAAAAK80/-CMUi6DtYfM/s640/blogger-image-7948273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fc3a3I1b82s/VkBOQBNBQwI/AAAAAAAAK80/-CMUi6DtYfM/s640/blogger-image-7948273.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">60mm Moment Lens</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Cape Reinga</span></div></div><div><br></div><div>Being a spiritual person I enjoyed my too brief visit to this place on earth. I was ever so grateful to read the Māori beliefs that this most significant land held. </div><div>A simple pōhutukawa tree that survived on a rock cliff for so many years, is known locally as the kahilka. Significant for many reasons, one is that it has never blooms and more importantly its roots help guide the dead to their final resting point. </div><div>So many other plaques shared the Māori tales of awe and wonderment. </div><div><br></div><div>To tourists the most obvious site is the lighthouse as it contrasts white among the greens and blues. I too was captivated by the scene. </div><div><br></div><div>I used vividHDR to capture these images. The first one is without any lens attachments. The second is with Moment 18mm and the third is Moment 60mm. In my opinion, the Moment lenses are the best in the market. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lt4JyrB4ODE/VkBOVwrsJyI/AAAAAAAAK9E/6uQPFKTth0c/s640/blogger-image-583701709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lt4JyrB4ODE/VkBOVwrsJyI/AAAAAAAAK9E/6uQPFKTth0c/s640/blogger-image-583701709.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>For fun I also included this mileage sign post that can be found at the base of the lighthouse. </div><div><br></div>Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-55584095741483040502015-11-08T23:18:00.001-08:002015-11-08T23:18:54.019-08:00New Zealand Giant Dunes<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vykFR9NFCsc/VkBI23M98eI/AAAAAAAAK78/ZbAKsvPKD18/s640/blogger-image-1600426462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vykFR9NFCsc/VkBI23M98eI/AAAAAAAAK78/ZbAKsvPKD18/s640/blogger-image-1600426462.jpg"></a></div>Te Paki Stream and the Giant Sand Dunes</div><div><br></div><div>Excited is how I felt when driving the 3km from the main road to the Giant Dunes, hoping to explore both the dunes and access Ninety Mile Beach. Arriving about 8:30 am there was a couple eating breakfast at a picnic table and a photographer returning to his car, otherwise empty in this expansive landscape. </div><div><br></div><div>At the end of the dirt road I was confronted with whether or not to drive down a sandy bottom stream to access the beach. The option was intimidating, so I chose to be smart, park the car and walk. Ugh... Even though I hate defeat, this girl knows her limitations. </div><div><br></div><div>Along the shore there was evidence of many birds that spent their morning looking for morsels. Some prints were 4 inches long, while others were merely three dots clustered together. </div><div>The stream was shallow, only 4" at the deepest point, with a firm bottom of rich red sand that had various patterns sculpted in it. Gorgeous!</div><div><br></div><div>After walking for about 15 minutes I had yet to reach the ocean nor could I see it, so I climbed up one of the massive dunes. Taking small steps and being mindful of my recent sprained ankle, it took some effort to reach the point to where a glimpse of the Tasman Sea was present. </div><div><br></div><div>With the dunes still towering above me and the sea so far in the distance I felt very small, very humble. I sat. While sitting I began to hear so much:</div><div><br></div><div>A slight breeze </div><div>Trickle of the stream</div><div>Ocean waves crashing in the distance</div><div>Faint sporadic variety of bird calls </div><div>A fly buzzing past</div><div>And at the same time it was almost silent. </div><div><br></div><div>After a few moments the artist in me was anxious to take some playful photos. So off I went with a photographer's eye looking at angles and for subjects. </div><div><br></div><div>With all this searching about the dunes were quite messy with the presence of my butt and scattered foot prints. However the evidence of my adventure was only fleeting, as Mother Nature would easily blow away all evidence of disturbances in her dunes so simply, making the elegant patterns complete once again. I just love that!</div><div><br></div>Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-50958721373554458242015-11-08T03:02:00.001-08:002015-11-08T03:02:59.662-08:00New Zealand Bush Tour<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i1MnQrVokY8/Vj8rz3wMKPI/AAAAAAAAK6w/BVePwlKIkIo/s640/blogger-image--1698256910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i1MnQrVokY8/Vj8rz3wMKPI/AAAAAAAAK6w/BVePwlKIkIo/s640/blogger-image--1698256910.jpg"></a></div>Farmer Wayne's Tour</div><div><br></div><div>New Zealand is full of eye candy around every bend. The rolling hills are full of every shade of green. Reminders of past travels to Hawaii, Chile and Costa Rica are seen within its lush vegetation. While driving I scan the surrounding for scenes that speak to me to capture them. </div><div><br></div><div>And so I was positioning my tripod in the perfect location to capture an old building surrounded by trees among the lush grassy hills where cows were roaming, when Wayne drives along the shoulder to tell me that this was his farm. To which I replied, "I love it!" </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_eQLQUl_JqA/Vj8rx4tuLLI/AAAAAAAAK6s/8U7ZquFl1r4/s640/blogger-image-20026992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_eQLQUl_JqA/Vj8rx4tuLLI/AAAAAAAAK6s/8U7ZquFl1r4/s640/blogger-image-20026992.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Wonderfully his response was, "Would you like to take a tour." To which I excitedly responded by following his car into the gate. We then chatted a bit about his farm and how he was going to let me take a nature walk through the bush. He explained that he first needed to move the cows to a new pasture and I was welcome to follow him in my vehicle. </div><div>So off we went past some wild sheep - very few are in New Zealand. You can tell because they are brown not white and they will run if they see you approaching. Next we drove through a few gates, up and over grassy hills to where the cattle were. </div><div>Wayne proceeded to opened the gate and yelled, "Come On!, come on!" Drawing out the "on." The cows were slow to respond as they positioned themselves closer but not through the gate. "Cone on," he kept repeating and finally one cow stepped through and they all started to follow, mooing loudly and proudly. Most followed the first, but two stepped out of line to which Wayne quickly responded with a confident stride that even cause a bull to back up while in his ready to fight stance. It was quiet impressive. - see Facebook video posting </div><div>Next Wayne took me to where I would start my 400m tramp. He explained what I would see and that nothing dangerous is in the New Zealand bush, no snakes. "Or grizzly bears", I added jokingly. Then he explained his idea of giving tours and wanted my opinion. I was honored and anxious to get started. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VbogeMXp2Dk/Vj8r4dYMEVI/AAAAAAAAK68/qArRKEaJnzo/s640/blogger-image--875652100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VbogeMXp2Dk/Vj8r4dYMEVI/AAAAAAAAK68/qArRKEaJnzo/s640/blogger-image--875652100.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The tramp started up the grassy field to a gate where I was to go through. Once the gate was closed behind me the path was clearly defined as it was often used as a road. Since I hadn't been in the bush before I took my time embracing the sights and sounds. The plant variety was amazing. Soon I wished more information was provided - to know their names, did they flower?, produce fruit?, how old were they? do any of them have medicinal qualities?</div><div>While continuing to walk the sound of many birds singing their various songs filled the air. Sadly few were visible. So now I wished to knew what the birds looked like so maybe just maybe I could match them with their melody when I spotted them. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bEKGbpf4gp4/Vj8rr32ZRCI/AAAAAAAAK6g/LWBPaz6KiZo/s640/blogger-image--2096612964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bEKGbpf4gp4/Vj8rr32ZRCI/AAAAAAAAK6g/LWBPaz6KiZo/s640/blogger-image--2096612964.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>All of the sights and sound were wonderful but nothing prepared me for the beauty in seeing the magnificent 150 year old trees toward the end of the path. I just stood there in awe, while my eyes followed their weathered, wrinkled trunks, to the wonderful broad canopy so high in the sky. Yes I thought, a tour would be wonderful!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t42Hzu2WZVA/Vj8ru6N_SuI/AAAAAAAAK6o/2yTmeKzZTwg/s640/blogger-image-495200443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t42Hzu2WZVA/Vj8ru6N_SuI/AAAAAAAAK6o/2yTmeKzZTwg/s640/blogger-image-495200443.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After spending time just absorbing the tranquil environment, the photographer in me took out the camera. </div><div>Lots of ideas for tours continued to pour out: activities for kids - a treasure hunt perhaps? Can those vines hanging from the trees really be used as Tarzan ropes? What about making a project with plant leaves? And let's not forget a tree hugging photo as long as everyone understands the importance of respecting the elder giants. </div><div>In conclusion, I think a tour of the bush for tourists and local school age children would be a wonderful idea. I believe that educating along with fun adventure is always a welcome option. Maybe you will have a chance to visit Wayne too someday. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q_k6_lIHz6o/Vj8r2XUyikI/AAAAAAAAK60/LhCoAWsaWKA/s640/blogger-image--1104084700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q_k6_lIHz6o/Vj8r2XUyikI/AAAAAAAAK60/LhCoAWsaWKA/s640/blogger-image--1104084700.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-58550084147435835972015-11-05T10:57:00.001-08:002015-11-05T10:57:43.708-08:00The Dawning of Friendship<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4dhEvNUlV3g/VjumpZs2ZGI/AAAAAAAAK5k/zjRZJYZtxCM/s640/blogger-image--536660742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4dhEvNUlV3g/VjumpZs2ZGI/AAAAAAAAK5k/zjRZJYZtxCM/s640/blogger-image--536660742.jpg"></a></div>Good Morning Bay of Islands</div><div><br></div><div>Woke this morning much too early, 4:15am. The newly purchased air mattress lost enough air that my hip was getting sore. Since sunrise was in two hours the search for best location in the dark commenced. </div><div>Parked along a sandy beach in Paihia and waited until dawn broke and glimpses of sailboats in the bay among small islands covered in trees appeared. I smiled knowing that this spot was full of photographic opportunities. Got out of the car and slowly (my ankle got very swollen in the airplane and is a bit stiffer than I hoped) walked down the beach to some rocks along the shore. </div><div>Started setting up the tripod looking at the angles, positioning the sailboats, checking the app 'StarWalk' to make sure of where the sun was rising, when 5 girls in their early 20's approached and proceeded to the end of a rocky bulkhead. </div><div>Continuing, I walked around the area trying to decide if the shot was of the sun itself or of the scene it would illuminate. When turning back toward the sun, the perfect subject presented itself. </div><div>Now with a subject to focus on, the rest of the time was spent positioning it into the best composition. Walking the shore, climbing up and down the rocks, positioning tripod legs up and down and racing to beat the sun as it approached the horizon. </div><div>Using the 60mm Moment lens with vividHDR I started to shoot, now just making minor adjustments to the tripods location. Clicking before, during and after the sun past the horizon. Got it!</div><div>Now to approach the girls and share this intimate moment with them. But first to decide on the best shot and processed it in Snapseed, no need to share the many test shots that were captured. </div><div>Approaching, thoughts of 'What happens if they are upset with me for taking their photo without permission' and 'Maybe I should just leave' came to mind. Bravely, walking closer and excusing myself for the interruption, confidently and proudly I shared the image with them. </div><div>Happily they squealed their appreciation as the camera was circulated among the group. One even apologized for being in the shot. My response let them know they made 'my' morning by being in it. We then exchanged email addresses so the image could be shared among the group. </div><div>Interestingly they just met a week ago on a group tour that will take them to both the North and South Islands. Fast friends already. All are from Europe on extended holiday. How great is that!</div><div><br></div>Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0Paihia Paihia-35.284775 174.095786tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-50199312101805480452015-11-02T08:58:00.001-08:002015-11-02T08:58:41.686-08:00New Zealand Gear List - iPhone<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">iPhone Gear List to New Zealand - 42 days</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4ToJqxWx7Ek/VjeWOmtPWoI/AAAAAAAAK4c/kYgJPJX54F4/s640/blogger-image-424613051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4ToJqxWx7Ek/VjeWOmtPWoI/AAAAAAAAK4c/kYgJPJX54F4/s640/blogger-image-424613051.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Complete gear </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-462nlPUg-zI/VjeWP1FCwqI/AAAAAAAAK4g/Kxo6QP2PJyU/s640/blogger-image-1902915530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-462nlPUg-zI/VjeWP1FCwqI/AAAAAAAAK4g/Kxo6QP2PJyU/s640/blogger-image-1902915530.jpg"></a></div>What I'll bring when backpacking. </div></div><div><br></div><div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">So excited for this adventure. I hope you enjoy virtually traveling with me. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Tomorrow I fly to New Zealand for a 42 day car camping/backpacking adventure on the North and South Island. I will arrive on the 5th after a stop over in SFO and the time change. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I am planning on first exploring the tip of the North Island spending 10 car camping along the way to Wellington. The remainder of my days will be on the South Island with two 5 day tramps planned and the remainder of the time car camping to wherever my heart desires. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I hope to blog when I am connected to WIFI along my journey either on my iPhone or iPad. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Here is my gear list:</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">iPhone 6s Plus 128gb with Apple Case</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">iPhone 6 Plus 128 gb - as a back up camera in Tigra water resistant case</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Moko waterproof case </div></div><div><br></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">iPad and case</span><br style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Velbon Carbon Fiber tripod -2006</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Slik SBH-100DQ ball head with two plates. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">RetiCAM iPhone holder</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">(Yes the tripod is big and bulky. I have tried others that are lighter and therefore many times less sturdy or not as tall or not adjustable. So I keep using the Velbon.)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">SanDisk Ixpand 128gb Flash drive - for backup. I also backup to Dropbox when connected to WIFI</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Moment Lenses 60mm and 18mm</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">3 Jockery battery packs - 12000mAh, 6000mAh and 3200mAh</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">2 cords to charge battery packs </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">iPod </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">2 earbuds</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">2 - 6" charge cords</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">1 - 3' charge cord</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Olympus Pen E-P5</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Olympus 14-150 mm lens with hood lens</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">2 Olympus Batteries with wall charger </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">2 - 32gb Sandisk Extreme sd cards</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Tiffen Neutral Density 1.2 filter</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Tiffen Neutral Density 3.0 filter</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Think Tank Digital Holster 5 - camera case</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">SD card reader</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Adapter to transfer sd card images to iPad so I can use the iPad to process the images. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Towel to wipe off moister</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">(The Olympus has been a camera of mine for 2 years now. I rarely use it. I am bringing it on this trip because I recently bought a new lense for it and maybe now I'll use it more. I am looking forward to having a 150mm telephoto lense.)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">FujiFilm instax share sp-1 printer with 40 prints</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Business Cards</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Eagle Creek case to hold all the little items. </div></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Hope this list is helpful to those who are planning a similar adventure. I will let you know how it worked out for me. </div>Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0Americas (null)45.533136 -122.349909tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-9486738271523057562014-10-20T11:59:00.001-07:002014-10-20T13:43:16.596-07:00Capturing Quality Light - iPhoneography<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e1d9BJlnwXI/VEVblaMdriI/AAAAAAAAKTc/KADg0Ka_Y0o/s640/blogger-image-1685170799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e1d9BJlnwXI/VEVblaMdriI/AAAAAAAAKTc/KADg0Ka_Y0o/s640/blogger-image-1685170799.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Image captured just after the sunset</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yesterday while at this iconic location in Yosemite, a photographic tour leader made comment about iPhoneographers, tripods and the seriousness of photography when he saw me and my iPhone yielding tripod amongst those with $5000 cameras and $2500 tripods. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As those of you who follow my blog know, I am a very serious photographer who just happens to love taking photos with my iPhone. It really doesn't surprise me however that I am not taken seriously as most people who take iPhone photos capture a snapshot of a scene. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I arrived to capture my iconic Yosemite Valley image about 1 hour before sunset. A few photographers had already staked their claim, tripod poised, shutter release in hand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I walked around using my tripod to balance as I walked through the rocks looking for my favorite location. Once I settled I actually found the light quite harsh and the image quite uninteresting. I took a few shots and waited.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was waiting in anticipation to capture the alpine warm glow on the granite cliffs just as the sun crossed the horizon. The glow never came. However just as the sun set the harsh light was gone and the beauty (IMHO) emerged. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After I finished capturing what I believed was the best shots of the evening, I noticed that everyone had packed up and was walking to their cars. They missed the beauty that I saw. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While packing up ourselves, Mark and I discussed how photographers prided themselves on arriving well before dawn to capture wonderful morning light, but few seemed to appreciate nor wait for the post sunset light to emerge. Why is that?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-11HSSDdtOfw/VEVz4aRgMaI/AAAAAAAAKTs/nwDEiTncw7Q/s640/blogger-image-1642104168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-11HSSDdtOfw/VEVz4aRgMaI/AAAAAAAAKTs/nwDEiTncw7Q/s640/blogger-image-1642104168.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The image I found to be uninteresting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-68468272163670454342014-10-08T04:32:00.001-07:002014-10-08T04:32:48.984-07:00Car Camping in the Palouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EiRiGBBULxQ/VDUg3fCs5hI/AAAAAAAAKTM/p7xvC8l7B20/s640/blogger-image-820092735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EiRiGBBULxQ/VDUg3fCs5hI/AAAAAAAAKTM/p7xvC8l7B20/s640/blogger-image-820092735.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Car Camping 3:45am</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wake up, look up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A billion, trillion, zillion stars I see,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One moon that glows blood red.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So quiet and then,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Two packs of coyotes howl and yippee.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How wonderful, how joyous to be embraced in Mother Natures wonders,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While parked next to the Lone Tree in the draw of Tennessee Flats.</div></div>Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4343472035015363528.post-89324443125097929172014-09-26T06:00:00.000-07:002014-09-26T06:00:07.756-07:00Palouse Abandoned House Photography Tour<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iy6SSTvFSVA/VCUP_Knkk8I/AAAAAAAAKSE/ifX-cLcHrdE/s1600/Mirrored%2BHouse-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iy6SSTvFSVA/VCUP_Knkk8I/AAAAAAAAKSE/ifX-cLcHrdE/s1600/Mirrored%2BHouse-small.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palouse Photography Tours with Teri Lou</td></tr>
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It was a busy summer and therefore my blogging came to a stand still. My goal for next month is to get back to it! As most of you know who follow my Facebook posts I became a grandma to Brayson John and my youngest daughter was a bride just last week. I also was thrilled to visit the Palouse several times as a tour leader.<br />
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Speaking of touring the Palouse... I recently launched a <a href="http://www.palousephotographytours.com/" target="_blank">new website</a> that I hope you all choose to follow. I also have a <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Palouse-Photography-Tours-w-Teri-Lou/" target="_blank">Palouse Meetup</a> group anyone can join and of course a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PalousewithTeriLou?ref=hl" target="_blank">Palouse Facebook </a>page that many of you 'liked' already - thanks much. In other words I am loving everything Palouse! and I get to visit next month since I am leading a private tour - lucky me!<br />
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Since I love the Palouse and leading tours I have recently announced 5, yes 5, Palouse tours for 2015. (and as always I am available for private tours all year long). The Shades of Green tour is being offered 3 times since May and June is such a popular time. Then in August I am offering the Abandoned House Tour and the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Palouse-Photography-Tours-w-Teri-Lou/events/205797982/" target="_blank">Harvest and Family Farm Tour</a>. Please check them all out since they each have unique opportunities.<br />
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Today I am highlighting the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Palouse-Photography-Tours-w-Teri-Lou/events/205798692/" target="_blank">Abandoned House Tour</a> since it was just announced and is available to only 4 participants. So I wanted you loyal blog followers to get the first opportunity to sign up. Please contact me if you have any questions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eR3h9i7I6W8/VCUVRMxolJI/AAAAAAAAKSk/RvKivgvn97A/s1600/Ediths%2BChair-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eR3h9i7I6W8/VCUVRMxolJI/AAAAAAAAKSk/RvKivgvn97A/s1600/Ediths%2BChair-2.JPG" height="612" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I call this one Edith's Chair - Palouse Abandoned House</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zu7uUj4k76Y/VCUVOJ8QqNI/AAAAAAAAKSc/cyLk50YyOqs/s1600/IMG_6537-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zu7uUj4k76Y/VCUVOJ8QqNI/AAAAAAAAKSc/cyLk50YyOqs/s1600/IMG_6537-2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have captured this chair in many different ways over the last 5 years. Palouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oh7xKQzUddk/VCUVLT4yr0I/AAAAAAAAKSU/CgekCwh_V2g/s1600/Kitchen%2BWindow-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oh7xKQzUddk/VCUVLT4yr0I/AAAAAAAAKSU/CgekCwh_V2g/s1600/Kitchen%2BWindow-2.JPG" height="640" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treasure in Palouse Abandoned Houses - come tour with me in August.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWrYqlVaOCE/VCUVSo8l6WI/AAAAAAAAKSs/OALjB3eCVas/s1600/My%2BBackside%2BFarm-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWrYqlVaOCE/VCUVSo8l6WI/AAAAAAAAKSs/OALjB3eCVas/s1600/My%2BBackside%2BFarm-2.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teri Lou loves the Palouse - can't wait to visit again!</td></tr>
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<br />Teri Louhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458873186380689690noreply@blogger.com0Colfax, WA, USA46.8801654 -117.364349546.8367574 -117.4450305 46.9235734 -117.2836685