Welcome to Project Alicia! Just click here or here to learn more about me and my little piece of the blogosphere. I live for projects. Project Alicia is dedicated to photography, scrapbooking, photoshop, and life projects of all kinds. If you would like to book a photo session in the Columbia, SC area or advertise here, email me at callmelish(at)gmail(dot)com. I'm excited to announce a Poetic Winter Photography Challenge coming Feb 3rd - Feb 24th... an inspiring 4-week photo challenge aimed at capturing the poetic beauty of winter through photography. Mark your calendars!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

WW: Deja vu?

We said our goodbyes to Iowa right at the peak of autumn. My eyes were fixed on the passing landscape as we made our exodus. I wanted to savor every last leaf... but little did I know then.

Just take a peek for yourself. (This is the road near our lakehouse.)

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South Carolina is not only home to the yummy pine...

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but also deciduous trees in abundance. Who knew? The best of both worlds if you will.

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It's strange to have two autumns back to back. At times it felt a little like I was in Groundhog Day. But I have truly enjoyed the last few weeks as the leaves have slowly transformed into magnificent shades of reds, yellows, and oranges here in the beautiful state of South Carolina. I've been given a second chance to really savor this phenomenal miracle.

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Unlike Iowa, the temps have been heavenly and we've been able to get out and explore our new surroundings.

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The greater Columbia area is little slice of heaven.

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If I didn't know better I'd have mistaken some of our last weeks for summer break at times... shorts, treasure hunting, boat rides, walks...

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And if that wasn't deja vu enough, today was my kid's first day of school.

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Same reluctance to have a picture snapped. Same rainy day. Same emotional wreck of a mom.

It was like I was sending my 12 year old 7th grader to kindergarten all over again. But that was easier... This time I was throwing him to the wolves, aka the other 1100 students in 7th and 8th grade. I did my best to fight back tears but the counselor must have seen it in my eyes because she leaned over and gave me a hug and whispered, "He's going to be fine."

After some disappointing setbacks with our home that we had planned to purchase the end of December, we've had to resort to long term rentals. Not an easy task in this coveted school district. But school was the priority. And we couldn't wait another day. So we settled on a home.

We will be moving our things from storage and transitioning in mid December from the lakehouse. Nothing like a little more craziness for the holidays.

I actually hosted Thanksgiving here for a hunk of my family at our temporary lakehouse rental. And would you believe I have only a couple pics to show for the entire time?

This is one I managed to snap.

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I was met with much resistance for photos and sometimes you just want to retire the camera and kick back and avoid all and any whining.

I did manage a couple on my iphone. Yes, I've joined the world of instagram despite my many efforts to avoid it. It's easy. And sometimes those make for the best kind of photos. If you follow instagram, you can find me at projectalicia. And if you don't do instagram, you can still FOLLOW ME HERE. (Also found on my right sidebar.) You can even subscribe via email or print them. Isn't technology amazing?

Thank you so much for stopping by. Life seems to be a perpetual rollercoaster as of late and I certainly appreciate your visits and kind words.

Oh, and because I haven't been gabby enough...

If you are a photographer or photographer wannabe or just an admirer of great photos...


Please join the Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge Fabulous Giveaway Finale! All you have to do is link a favorite autumn photo. It could even be the same one you use for WW today. That's it. And the prizes up for grab are from some amazing sponsors... Clickin Moms, Florabella, Simplicity the photography of Faith Raider, Life-n-Reflection, Mist & Lilies, Get It Scrapped! and Pretty Ink Designs. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity. Go grab a photo now! Old, new, anything goes.

Wordish WednesdayLive and Love...Out Loudseven clown circusBetter in Bulk
The Paper Mama NapTime MomTogand then, she {snapped}



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Friday, November 25, 2011

Fantastic Giveaway Finale {Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge}

The Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge has reminded me to open my eyes and partake of the beauty that is often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of life. I hope that you have also been awakened to the beautiful shades of autumn.

Thank you so much for participating and wowing me with your beautiful photos. Your passion is infectious. Your talent is inspiring.

I'd also like to take a moment to thank Kristi and Rebecca for hosting with me. They are both remarkable women and I'm so thankful for their friendship.

If you missed some of the challenge, here's a quick recap...

{GREEN}
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{YELLOW}
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{ORANGE}
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{RED}
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{PURPLE}
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{BROWN}
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{WHITE}
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A special thanks to the following sponsors for their generous prize donations. Prizes will be awarded individually and winners will be chosen at random. Here's a breakdown of the amazing prizes we have up for grabs...

Florabella Collection

Florabella Collection is overflowing with gorgeous Photoshop and Elements actions, textures and more; a photographer's dream. Owner, Shana Rae, is offering a $50 gift certificate to her shop!

Simplicity - My Life in Mostly Photographs

Simplicity is an inspiring hub for photographers of all skill levels; featuring personal mentoring and photography classes online from talented owner and photographer, Faith. Faith is offering up her expertise to one lucky winner by donating a seat in one of her fabulous e-classes!

Pretty Ink Designs

Pretty Ink Designs is your one-stop shop for simple and elegant custom invitations and announcements with a modern flare. Owner, Kelly, is donating a $50 gift certificate to her lovely shop!

ClickinMoms

ClickinMoms is a community of 8,000 women photographers who share a passion and commitment to honing their craft. It's a great place for professionals and hobbyists alike to connect and learn from - and with - each other. ClickinMoms is offering a 1-year membership to their online photography forum, valued at $50!

Mist and Lilies

Mist and Lilies is a great place for photography and blog design inspiration. Owner, Shaunna, is offering a custom blog design valued at $50 to one lucky winner!

Get it Scrapped

Get it Scrapped is a fabulous resource for scrapbooking enthusiasts. Katrina Kennedy's online holiday mini workshop, Capture Your Holidays Through the Lens, is up for grabs and valued at $24; perfect for photographers looking to capture those wonderful holiday memories!

Stylish Beach Bum

Stylish Beach Bum is your go-to shop for stylish handmade camera straps. Owner, Gina, is giving her beautiful Coronado strap valued at $29 to one lucky winner!

Designs by Life-n-Reflection

Designs by Life-n-Reflection is a fabulous resource for beautiful custom invitation, announcement and album templates. Owner, Kristy, is offering her lovely 2012 Venetian Desktop Calendar Set template, valued at $20. What a lovely gift this would make!

Rules: The linky will be open from Friday, November 25th – Wednesday, November 30th. Submit your favorite autumn photos to be entered into the drawing. Link directly to your blog post or Flickr photo, not your blog’s homepage or Flickr photostream. Link back to the Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge in your post. One entry per household, please. All are welcome regardless of experience, time commitment and whether or not you’re experiencing fall at the moment. Eight winners will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, December 2nd.



Thursday, November 24, 2011

Top Pics of the Week: White {Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge}

White week rocked. You guys nailed it. What a way to end! Thank you so much for participating in the Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge!

I am elbow deep in Thanksgiving preparations surrounded by family. Life is good. But I'll spare you the details and get right to it.

This was no easy task. You are all winners to me, but since we have to narrow it down, here are some of our favs in no particular order...

Top Pics of the WeekPhotobucket
Submitted by Live. Love. Travel

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Submitted by A Little Bit Crunchy A Little Bit Rock n' Roll

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Submitted by Deanna Leigh Photography

Thanks for joining Rebecca of Bumbles & Light, Kristi of Live and Love Out Loud and me in the Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge. We’re overwhelmed by the amazing turnout and beautiful photos that have been pouring in throughout the challenge! Don't forget to join us for the Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge Finale on Friday, November 25th. We've got fabulous prizes up for grabs! Just stop by and share your favorite autumn photos. Anything goes! All are invited regardless of skill level or time commitment. As always, additional details and a complete list of upcoming themes can be found on our Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge page.

And don't forget...

We still have our Shades of Autumn Flickr Group set up for you to share your photos as a community if you wish. And for our fellow Pinterest-addicted Shades of Autumn participants, our Shades of Autumn Pinterest Board is still going strong!

Rebecca, Kristi and I have been pinning away like crazy; adding our favorite entries onto the board each week. If you're looking for some colorful inspiration, the Shades of Autumn Pinterest Board is chock full of beautifully inspiring images!

Thanks again for joining us throughout the Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge. We're looking forward to seeing your favorite autumn images in our Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge Finale on Friday.

And once again, thank you to our wonderful sponsors for their generous donations to The Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge Finale!


May you have a Happy Thanksgiving filled with family/friends and fabulous food!

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