http://browse.deviantart.com/journals/?order=5&q=by%3ALa-Vita-a-Bella deviantART RSS for in:journals sort:time by:La-Vita-a-Bella en-us Copyright 2013, deviantART.com Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:45:19 PDT deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://st.deviantart.net/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/My-Tree-is-dead-374821803 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/My-Tree-is-dead-374821803 Thu, 30 May 2013 09:25:02 PDT My Tree is...dead. :( nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
:bigthumb60304098:

Then I bought my first DSLR and attached the same filter to the camera and went to the pond to see what the new camera would be like.  Whoah...very red!!!  Such a contrast from the last camera!

:bigthumb67599264:

Then I bought a better D ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Calendar-and-Contest-Winners-342819782 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Calendar-and-Contest-Winners-342819782 Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:57:41 PST Calendar and Contest Winners nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
Also, the winners have been announced for the Magic Trees Contest!  http://r72.deviantart.com/journal/Winners-Affiliates-November-Contest-Magic-Trees-342344676

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Back-in-the-Saddle-sort-of-342122415 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Back-in-the-Saddle-sort-of-342122415 Sun, 09 Dec 2012 21:26:42 PST Back in the Saddle - sort of nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
So, last night I went and bought a Sony NEX 5N.

It's not a DSLR, but it's got a DSLR sensor in it (APS-C) and it shoots in RAW and has full manual controls (and HD video).  :dance:

Definitely not even close to what I am used to using, but ya gotta do with what ya got, right!? :w00t:

On a positive note, it's small and light, which means I can keep it with me.  :paranoid:

Since it's winter and I am too busy right now to do any traveling, I had to resort to some backyard shooting, so here is my first offering with the new camera:
:bigthu ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Feeding-Dragons-341682656 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Feeding-Dragons-341682656 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:03:58 PST Feeding Dragons nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
So, in my usual manner, I will make light of the situation with some humor....  I have since built a moat around my house and filled it with flesh-eating piranhas.  Dragons guard each door and, if any bad people make it past those bad boys, poison darts will shoot i ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/VOTE-for-Affiliates-November-Contest-341179659 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/VOTE-for-Affiliates-November-Contest-341179659 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:38:27 PST VOTE for Affiliates November Contest nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
Here are the Top 10 of the Affiliates November Contest Magic Trees assessed by a panel comprising the Founders of the four participating Groups

:iconOkavanga: :iconRoses-to-Ashes: :iconDpressedSoul: :iconMichiLauke: plus :iconLa-Vita-a-Bella: and :iconIngoSchobert:

The 10  best picks of this jury for a members poll:

:thumb335990428::thumb338004817:
:thumb340481670::thumb338325042:
:thumb337310295::thumb333872155:
:thumb335992340::thumb334172546:
:thumb332536425::thumb339221364:

This competition running jointly by four Affiliate Groups

:ico ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Robbed-339180233 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Robbed-339180233 Thu, 22 Nov 2012 15:15:29 PST Robbed :( nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
I hope all of you, my dear watchers, are having a nice Thanksgiving. I am thankful we are safe and healthy and have a nice turkey dinner that will soon be on the table. I am thankful for so much more than that, but I want to make this short since I'm now reduced to only having my phone to use for everything.

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/My-Weekend-Adventure-in-the-Rain-including-gettin-334920285 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/My-Weekend-Adventure-in-the-Rain-including-gettin-334920285 Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:16:23 PDT My Weekend Adventure in the Rain (including gettin nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
I am back from my weekend in the rain.  You didn't really think I would stay home and watch movies would you?  And disappoint all of you with no pictures?  Oh, the horror! Lol!

Sorry, this is kind of a long read....

On Saturday, I drove to Portland and went to the Japanese Garden to visit the oh-so-famous maple tree.  It was looking lovely, although it could probably use about 4 more days to really hit its peak.  While I was there, I ran into fellow dA-er :iconPorbital: and his gang.  It was a pleasure to meet all of them.  We chatted briefly, but I knew they had limited time (as did I) so eventually we parted ways.  Th ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/I-got-a-DD-Contest-332699717 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/I-got-a-DD-Contest-332699717 Tue, 16 Oct 2012 08:33:27 PDT I got a DD!!! + Contest nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella *end edit*

Over the weekend I was surprised by getting a DD (Daily Deviation) for this shot:
:bigthumb330312540:
Also suggested by :iconLaurelin-CosPlay: and :iconcloe-patra: ( Suggested by :iconKeinZantezuken: and Featured by :iconDpressedSoul:  )
Thanks so much to those above the suggesting and featuring it!  And thank you so everyone who commented and fav'd this (and my other work).
I really appreciate all of y ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Is-it-REAL-331705579 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Is-it-REAL-331705579 Wed, 10 Oct 2012 10:42:22 PDT Is it REAL? nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
Many people don't understand what infrared is.  When they see the image, they assume it is winter, or some kind of manipulation.

The camera I use has been converted to shoot only infrared images.  Some people use a filter over their regular camera to get the same effect, but a converted camera simplifies the image-taking process.

I am not going to go into deep detail about infrared because I know that, if you are truly interested in the concept, you will research it.  However, I will say that infrared is a spectrum of light that is beyond the visibl ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/I-Won-Yaaaaaaaay-328594157 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/I-Won-Yaaaaaaaay-328594157 Sat, 22 Sep 2012 10:21:58 PDT I Won!!!!! Yaaaaaaaay!!! nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
Here are the results:

:icontrophyplz: BEST OF SHOW :icontrophyplz:

:bigthumb322615514:

:iconfirstplaceplz: First Place Ribbons :iconfirstplaceplz:
:bigthumb311956542:
:bigthumb323585983:
:bigthumb282484654:

:iconsecondplaceplz: Second Place Ribbons :iconsecondplaceplz:
:bigthumb296712319:
:bigthumb278946556:

Thanks again to everyone for all your support!!! :glomp: :love: :hug:

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Feature-327727300 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Feature-327727300 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 08:20:02 PDT Feature nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella His latest submission really needs to be viewed full screen to appreciate it:

Please comment and fav it if you like it!

More works by Ingo:
:bigthumb176405234:
:bigthumb212159025:
:bigthumb265805767:
:bigthumb165199859:
:bigthumb195393459:

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Thanks-for-voting-in-my-polls-326783626 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Thanks-for-voting-in-my-polls-326783626 Wed, 12 Sep 2012 09:13:05 PDT Thanks for voting in my polls nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
These are the top 6 from the poll that I will be entering:
:bigthumb322615514:
:bigthumb311956542:
:bigthumb323585983:
:bigthumb29 ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Feature-323769269 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Feature-323769269 Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:21:53 PDT Feature nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Help-us-get-an-Infrared-category-321306841 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Help-us-get-an-Infrared-category-321306841 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 08:05:22 PDT Help us get an Infrared category!!! nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella Darkroom -> Infrared  OR -Photography -> Infrared

My vote is for -Photography -> Infrared

I would appreciate all of you visiting this journal http://kaz-d.deviantart.com/journal/Infrared-Photography-Gallery-Your-Thoughts-321265258 to help support us getting this new category!!!  The more responses, the more likely we will get this!!!

Examples of Infra ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Winner-and-Features-319247601 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Winner-and-Features-319247601 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:32:44 PDT Winner and Features nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella Congrats to the winner of Name My Picture!  :iconErozja:

I would also like to thank all the of the people who contributed suggestions!  I have created a feature for all of the artists who gave suggestions.  Thanks so much! :glomp:

:thumb278832474::thumb200680046::thumb285565424::thumb195145818::thumb303926486::thumb192463506::thumb211164491::thumb133497536::thumb307061750::thumb196871028::thumb252947921::thumb277310517::thumb306752506::thumb266691122::thumb139179281::thumb259135641::thumb267053642::thumb209379146::thumb318507180::thumb313608854::thumb190420915::thumb260987639::thumb294068966::thumb290883927::thumb59288954: ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Name-This-Picture-Win-500-Points-317904368 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Name-This-Picture-Win-500-Points-317904368 Mon, 30 Jul 2012 08:27:31 PDT Name This Picture - Win 500 Points! nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
What should the title of this image be?

Just to entice people a little more for ideas, I'm offering 500 points for the winning title. :iconlapointsplz:

Suggestions so far:

A Dawn in Heaven
A Memory of Mine
A Snap of Life
A Timeframe
Acidic Tendencies
After the Apocalypse
Aftermath
Alone in the Crowd
Another Day a Different Dawn
Arterial
Bare
Beautiful day in Nether
Beautiful Death
Beautiful Nightmare
Beauty and Beyond
Beauty ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Help-a-friend-311542375 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Help-a-friend-311542375 Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:36:41 PDT Help a friend! nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
Voting ends soon so hurry!!

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Photography-a-family-affair-308971671 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Photography-a-family-affair-308971671 Sun, 17 Jun 2012 13:26:29 PDT Photography - a family affair nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella I got a note from my dad this morning saying, "I love all of the reviews. People were so kind on their reviews. Thank you for posting it."

I just wanted to thank all of you for the comments and fav's on his picture.  You really made his day!  My dad has cancer and doesn't get to get out of the house much, so little things like this really brighten his world!  Thank you again for your support!!! :glomp:

**end edit***

I called my dad last night to beat the Father's Day rush.  We talked for 2 1/2 hours, which is a common length of a conversation with him.  I think everyone on my dad's side of the family is long-winded.  Most of t ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Three-States-in-Three-Days-305090365 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Three-States-in-Three-Days-305090365 Tue, 29 May 2012 08:47:58 PDT Three States in Three Days nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Catch-my-200-000-pageview-amp-win-200-points-299290158 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Catch-my-200-000-pageview-amp-win-200-points-299290158 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:47:47 PDT Catch my 200,000 pageview & win 200 points nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella :iconlapointsplz::iconlapointsplz::iconlapointsplz::iconlapointsplz::iconlapointsplz::iconlapointsplz:

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/200-000-and-New-pics-296439595 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/200-000-and-New-pics-296439595 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:22:00 PDT 200,000 and New pics nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
It seems my pictures are always feast or famine.  After being pretty inactive throughout winter, I just got back from vacation and then spent the past weekend shooting tulips.  I now have thousands of images to sift through, process, and post (not thousands to post.....probably only a handful will ever see the light of day). ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Facebook-288961659 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Facebook-288961659 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:10:38 PST Facebook nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella It's only been up for about a week so I'm still working on it.
I wish there was a way we could have just one page so we didn't have to keep up with so many sites.....sigh....maybe someday.

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Thank-you-277371815 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Thank-you-277371815 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:49:11 PST Thank you!!! nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella Imagine my surprise and delight when I logged on yesterday and found so many messages from all of you!!!
:iconeeeeeplz:
I know I have been pretty quiet on here lately....just so many other things going on right now that I haven't had time for DA.  
I will try to have more time soon and be back to posting pictures.

:hug:

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/My-calendar-is-finally-up-and-for-sale-274023887 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/My-calendar-is-finally-up-and-for-sale-274023887 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:27:31 PST My calendar is (finally) up and for sale nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Contest-to-win-Photoshop-for-Life-266617619 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Contest-to-win-Photoshop-for-Life-266617619 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:11:33 PDT Contest to win Photoshop for Life nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/I-m-a-Winner-in-the-Fella-Around-the-World-Contest-264609991 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/I-m-a-Winner-in-the-Fella-Around-the-World-Contest-264609991 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:29:26 PDT I'm a Winner in the Fella Around the World Contest nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
Yay! :dance:

I don't think we get to choose which plushie we get as a prize, but I hope I get the Super Llama. :D

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/YOU-could-help-an-at-risk-music-program-263086852 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/YOU-could-help-an-at-risk-music-program-263086852 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:37:17 PDT YOU could help an at-risk music program nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
Each winning school will receive up to $50,000 for their music program.

All they need are VOTES!

You can vote once a day until the end of the contest (November 7th).

Click on the link below to support the school in my area.  If you choose to vote for a different school, that is fine, too. :)
http://www.gleegiveanote.com/vote_details.php?id=110

BTW, you don't have to sign up or register....just click the VOTE button.

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/A-Nice-Ending-263062397 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/A-Nice-Ending-263062397 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:47:56 PDT A Nice Ending... nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
I took it one day when I was driving through the Olympic Peninsula.

I didn't know the dog.  I didn't know the owner.

I just took the shot (well, several shots) and then went on my way.

Well, after entering the picture in the fair, I was left with owning an 11x14 print.

My friends were saying how cool it would be if I knew the owner(s) and could send them the shot.

I knew I had other shots, so I went through them and found one with a house number.

Long story short, I found the owner and she would love the picture.

She says the dog's name is Sheena and that it was probably waiting for her to come home from work.

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Book-Cover-262216667 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Book-Cover-262216667 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:41:42 PDT Book Cover nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
This time, however, the person contacted me in advance because he wanted a specific picture that he had seen here on dA for a book he was writing.  So, I uploaded the picture to the microstock sites I belong to, and then let him know when it was available.

The book is ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Points-and-Feature-261880684 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Points-and-Feature-261880684 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:47:46 PDT Points and Feature nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
I would like to feature those who donated:

:iconspotlightplz:FEATURE:iconspotlightplz:

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/New-Avatar-Donation-Pool-and-Feature-260819939 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/New-Avatar-Donation-Pool-and-Feature-260819939 Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:42:08 PDT New Avatar, Donation Pool, and Feature nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
Second, I started a donation pool for anyone who would like to donate points that would go towards subscriptions to worthy deviants, contests, or other worthy causes around dA.  These points would NOT be used on myself.  I occasionally donate points for contests and give subs to people with my own money, but thought if anyone had points they wanted to donate, I would add them to the cause.

Also, just wanted to apologize for being quiet and less active lately.  I needed a break ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Fair-Entries-RESULTS-259848977 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Fair-Entries-RESULTS-259848977 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:24:43 PDT Fair Entries - RESULTS nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella This year I entered 7 photos.  
Each shot is judged on it's own merit with either a Blue (1st), Red (2nd) or White (3rd) place ribbon. This year was the first year that many images didn't even place.  There is no limit on the number of ribbons given out.
Then they take a shot from each category to be the "Best in Class"
And then they pick the best shot out of all of them, which gets "Best in Show"
Shots that were in the running for "Best in Show" get "Honorable Mention"
I only entered two categories (Scenic and Animals).
(As a side note, I think they had new jud ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/A-Nice-Day-Hike-251778266 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/A-Nice-Day-Hike-251778266 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:25:42 PDT A Nice Day Hike nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
This past weekend I was craving a good hike.  I hadn't been out in a few weeks and the forest was calling!

So, we settled on the Crystal Lakes hike....only six miles round trip, but with a 2300 foot elevation gain.  And the promise of alpine flowers and a lovely pair of lakes as a reward!

As we passed by Tipsoo Lake on our way to the trailhead, I saw that the lake is still iced over....rare for this late in the year:

A short while along the path through the forest gave us this nice view of Mt. Rainier and t ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/My-fourth-DD-218387250 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/My-fourth-DD-218387250 Mon, 30 May 2011 19:54:32 PDT My fourth DD!!! nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
Thank you so much to :iconpurplehope: for suggesting it!
:thumb202254848::thumb183270953::thumb197508849:

Thank you so much to :iconanoya: for featuring it!
:thumb79436522::thumb63902066::thumb28796865:

What a great surprise!!!  Thank you to them and to all of you for your support!!! :iconthank--you:

And if you're still reading this, I want to tell you that I got to pet two baby Bengal Tiger cubs and a baby African Black Leopard this past weekend!!!! :dance:
]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/I-looooooove-spring-218702347 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/I-looooooove-spring-218702347 Tue, 17 May 2011 12:00:18 PDT I looooooove spring! nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
This past weekend I had the pleasure of shooting some waterfalls and some animals.  My arm is so sore from holding my monster telephoto lens.  Again, I can feel the sympathy from everyone! lol!

And if anyone ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Feature-218964302 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Feature-218964302 Thu, 05 May 2011 15:00:04 PDT Feature nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella I hope all of you are doing well!  Thanks so much for all the support, watches, fav's and comments!
:icondanbothankuplz:

:iconspotlightplz: FEATURE :iconspotlightplz:
:iconwoxys::thumb141778129::thumb206111794::thumb128060150:
:iconkayaksailor::thumb205659696::thumb125293250::thumb151520152:
:iconcatch---22::thumb174080216::thumb179537652::thumb174614096:
:iconwebworm::thumb129763118::thumb177002749::thumb177003535:
:iconraymaker::thumb207233380::thumb200155627::thumb137053132:

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Promised-Features-and-Question-219220629 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Promised-Features-and-Question-219220629 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:06:16 PDT Promised Features and Question nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
My user-name is the Italian phrase, "La vita è bella," which means "Life is Beautiful."  I used to have it stuck to my monitor and, when I logged on to dA to make an account, I saw it and used it....but the correct spelling was taken so I misspelled mine.  :shrug:

For those of you who took a guess at where I was when I went on vacation, you get a feature.  I didn't say you had to guess right (although my clue made it nearly impossible to NOT get it), I just said you had to guess!

So, without further ado......

:thumb141345862::thumb203200547::thu ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Did-you-miss-me-219369563 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Did-you-miss-me-219369563 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 15:20:52 PDT Did you miss me? nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
I just got back from two weeks of "Holiday" and am suffering from MAJOR jet lag! :faint:

Many pictures to come! :excited:

Take a guess at where I've been and get a feature (please include one thumb code of the shot you want featured)(HINT: "G'day, mates!")

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Interview-and-Features-220111741 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Interview-and-Features-220111741 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 07:45:58 PDT Interview and Features nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
How did YOU get into photography (or whatever art you are into?) I'd love to hear your stories! :hug:

:spotlight-left: FEATURE :spotlight-right:
:thumb194162899::thumb197986366::thumb200210465::thumb199471649::thumb198476997::thumb200689442::thumb200087201::thumb200195576:

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Take-two-asprin-and-call-me-in-the-morning-220384959 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Take-two-asprin-and-call-me-in-the-morning-220384959 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 07:38:19 PST Take two asprin and call me in the morning nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella I have the flu.  
I probably won't be on for the rest of this week.  :(
]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Valentine-Feature-220946130 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Valentine-Feature-220946130 Sun, 13 Feb 2011 20:52:34 PST Valentine Feature nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
And now for my Valentine feature....whether you are expressing love for a boyfriend, girldfriend, husband, wife, child, mother, sibling, friend or other dear person....may the day fill your heart with love for those you treasure!

:heart: WHO ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR IN YOUR LIFE? :heart:
]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/February-Feature-221120266 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/February-Feature-221120266 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:02:00 PST February Feature nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella Yeah, that's where I'm at right now.  
Great....really great idea......but don't know how to execute it.
Ugh!

:iconspotlightplz:FEATURE:iconspotlightplz:
:thumb196057926::thumb164094254::thumb191351128:
:thumb177197921::thumb121163865::thumb195506243:
:thumb196438877::thumb150735269::thumb168985204:

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/The-Chopping-Block-221261225 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/The-Chopping-Block-221261225 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:02:34 PST The Chopping Block nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
Perhaps I'm feeling nostalgic about the images and the memories associated with them when I took them.

I find that sometimes the feelings a I have about my own image, whether it be because it was really hard to get to the spot, or I was having a good time when I took the shot, sometimes skews my perspective of whether or not it's a good shot for the viewer.  Which is also why sometimes I am surprised when certai ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Feature-and-Question-221316252 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Feature-and-Question-221316252 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:44:51 PST Feature and Question nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2011-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
:iconspotlightplz:FEATURE:iconspotlightplz:

Fav it.  You know you want to. :nod:

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Inspiration-222155217 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Inspiration-222155217 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:36:53 PST Inspiration nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/MERRY-CHRISTMAS-222239457 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/MERRY-CHRISTMAS-222239457 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 10:28:13 PST MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
:thumb105330376::thumb147729896::thumb188204095:
:thumb72065066::thumb44789203::thumb145499431:
:thumb108421091::thumb72875700::thumb72181939:

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Features-222291182 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Features-222291182 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 11:44:48 PST Features nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella :thumb189977539::thumb187911749:
:thumb190351136:
:thumb189362354::thumb26239520:
:thumb183652094::thumb169186524:

Oh, and don't forget...my calendar is up and ready for sale!
You know you want one! :D http://www.lulu.com/product/calendar/my-calendar/14014952

:hug: A big THANK YOU to those who have already purchased! :glomp:

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Is-it-just-me-222325085 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Is-it-just-me-222325085 Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:26:29 PST Is it just me? nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella My friends keep accusing me of not responding and I am getting frustrated!

Also, I'm still trying to help Ian Plant :iconian-plant: win a contest to send him to the North Pole!  He needs votes!  Thank you to those who have already voted.  And if you posted a journal asking people to vote for him, a double thanks is in order! :w00t:
Please take a moment to vote for him!  He's a great photographer and I'd love to ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Send-Ian-Plant-to-the-North-Pole-222452910 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Send-Ian-Plant-to-the-North-Pole-222452910 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:48:18 PST Send Ian Plant to the North Pole! nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella He needs as many votes as possible!
Please take a moment and vote for him!

Here is a link to his journal: http://ian-plant.deviantart.com/journal/36895833/
And here is a link to the page where you can vote: http://www.blogyourwaytothenorthpole.com/entries/139

And if you want to be extra nice, you could post a journal asking others to vote for him!
:iconian-plant: Send Ian Plant to the North Pole!!!

Oh, and don't forget...my calendar is up and ready for sale!
You know you want one! :D http://www.lulu.com/product/calendar/my-calen ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Hidden-Comments-DIY-and-Shopping-222538245 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Hidden-Comments-DIY-and-Shopping-222538245 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 09:56:47 PST Hidden Comments, DIY, and Shopping nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella I found that a lot of people see them as clutter.
One thing you might want to know, though, is that when you hide a comment, the person can no longer respond to it.  Some people take that as a very rude gesture.
Also, many people see it as suspicious activity and will be cautious about you.  Or they may decide to pass on watching you or talking to you because you look like a person who doesn't like comments.
But thank you for enlightening me as to why you guys hide them.  I never thought about it being a "clutter" issue!

:dance:And now for some fu ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Question-and-Feature-222588600 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Question-and-Feature-222588600 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:37:39 PST Question and Feature nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella I understand the occasional hide...you said something you didn't want the whole world reading or someone wrote something you thought was innapropriate.  But I've been to many pages where pretty much EVERY comment is hidden.  
Why?
I'm just curious.

When I see a page like that, I always wonder what the person is trying to hide....:confused:

Oh, and lately we've been watching Top Gear on the BBC channel.  Dang that show is funny! :laughing:

:spotlight-left: FEATURES: :spotlight-right:
:thumb187403942::thumb188191227::thumb76952445::thumb186023628::thumb185882013::thumb186 ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Birthday-Feature-222664158 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Birthday-Feature-222664158 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:08:44 PST Birthday Feature nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella :deviation: Please show him some dA love and fav a bunch (or even all) of his pictures. :gallery:
:cake: And tell him Happy Birthday! :cake:
:spotlight-left:Birthday Boy: :spotlight-right:
:iconingoes:

:thumb184931951: :thumb141766865::thumb183816500:
:thumb155782153::thumb165199859: :thumb173891652:
:thumb186543731::thumb148846001: :thumb167665922:
:thumb153294952::thumb145951216: :thumb156751568:
:thumb152710389: :thumb152597019: :thumb149718145:
:thumb180868800: :thumb140936580::thumb177818478:

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/100-000-Feature-222756319 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/100-000-Feature-222756319 Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:04:40 PST 100,000 Feature nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
Secondly, if you've noticed that I haven't been posting much lately, it's because I've been giving myself a little break...a chance to get caught up on the rest of my life, to read up on new photography techniques, and to just give my brain a break from things.  I spent part of this past weekend reading The Hotshoe Diaries because flash photography is an area of weakness for me.  Light is so.....complicated...yet it's what makes the best photos.  All I can say is that it's definitely out of my comfort zone and ma ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Winner-Winner-Chicken-Dinner-lol-223075196 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Winner-Winner-Chicken-Dinner-lol-223075196 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 09:18:01 PST Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! lol! nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
Here are all the winners and honorable mentions:

FIRST PLACE: :iconcomefosse: :thumb183673699:
SECOND PLACE: :iconfotolympus: :thumb142936454:
THIRD PLACE: :iconla-vita-a-bella: :thumb179885965:

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
:icondimensionseven::thumb184093930:
:iconghopper99::thumb143157604:
:iconglasperlenspielerin::thumb144794732:
:iconal-baum::thumb141823688:

Thanks to everyone who voted for me and congrats to all the other winners! :w00t:

]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/ART-THIEF-223107222 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/ART-THIEF-223107222 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:29:06 PST ART THIEF nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
And thank you to DeviantArt for a quick response in dealing with the offense! :w00t:  You guys are AWESOME!

I would like to feature all the responders:
:thumb102267168::thumb96530354::thumb112546338::thumb156006824::thumb113534977::thumb184938645::thumb167927942::thumb149224116::thumb180645909::thumb183042088::thumb45104499::thumb185437912::thumb173808329::thumb185130345::thumb184652360::thumb180077550::thumb157709391::thumb173005077::thumb183279320::thumb175249360::thumb182234391::thumb182625975::thumb183878624::thumb101338640::thumb149582525: ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/I-ve-been-interviewed-and-Features-223216045 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/I-ve-been-interviewed-and-Features-223216045 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:58:15 PDT I've been interviewed! and Features nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella :iconbummiesplz:
They also did an interview with me and you can read the blog here http://pacific-northwest.deviantart.com/blog/36045405/ or News article here http://news.deviantart.com/article/134635/

:bulletred::bulletred::bulletred::bulletred::bulletred:

I will continue the same feature since they haven't even been up a whole day yet, plus I added some new ones throughout the day so make sure you check the bottom for ones you might have missed!

:spotlight-left: FEATURES! :spotlight-right:
:thumb152710389::thumb181659726: :thumb162468117 ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/FEATURES-223225096 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/FEATURES-223225096 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:21:02 PDT FEATURES!!!! nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella :iconbummiesplz:
So, go on a faving spree and show some love for all these great shots!
C'mon....you can do it!  Fav them!  I dare ya! :D

:spotlight-left: FEATURES! :spotlight-right:
:thumb152710389::thumb181659726: :thumb162468117: :thumb167063275: :thumb173005077: :thumb182688369: :thumb96070958: :thumb179856192: :thumb183907717: :thumb168171117: :thumb151392791: :thumb151520152: :thumb165048502: :thumb53397770: :thumb145907734: :thumb179984898: :thumb158923978: :thumb182345946: :thumb1721 ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/QUESTION-Recent-Poll-Results-and-Feature-223258248 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/QUESTION-Recent-Poll-Results-and-Feature-223258248 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:59:10 PDT QUESTION, Recent Poll Results and Feature nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
It seems that many of you want me to celebrate my 100,000 pageview milestone by getting drunk and eating cake! :drunk::cake:

But currently, the number one choice is to do a big feature, so that is what I will do! :boogie:

11 of you told me to leave DeviantArt.  You guys are brutal!  :rofl:

No one said I should give up photogrpahy, but some thought I should bury my camera or take the most epic picture that results in my death.  I'm glad you all have a good sense of humor!  You ARE kidding, right ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Question-and-Feature-223405203 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Question-and-Feature-223405203 Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:08:12 PDT Question and Feature nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
Now I have been on dA for over 5 years and I will soon reach 100,000 pageviews.  I know it doesn't mean anything in terms of how great your talent is, but it's still a milestone that I feel like celebrating.

My question is, what is the best way to celebrate such a milestone?  I can't possibly feature every one of my watchers, and I'm sure many of them have moved on and are no longer on dA.  I thought about offering a subscription to the person who captured the 100.000 pageview...but that only benefits one person and it' ]]> http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Saturday-Feature-223687465 http://la-vita-a-bella.deviantart.com/journal/Saturday-Feature-223687465 Sat, 09 Oct 2010 16:00:57 PDT Saturday Feature nonadult journals/personal La-Vita-a-Bella http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/l/a/la-vita-a-bella.jpg?2 Copyright 2010-2013 *La-Vita-a-Bella
:thumb177204993::thumb181938677::thumb176820953::thumb175447712::thumb170014415::thumb181293884::thumb175051363::thumb181258726::thumb143110070::thumb151520152::thumb178246263::thumb141183003::thumb112690941::thumb121007916::thumb99486628::thumb159432253::thumb162468117::thumb160831872::thumb86962986::thumb153678322::thumb141509881::thumb68457856::thumb181139954:

]]>