Well, I Wish I Were That Good.

Recently, as I was browsing around for formal gowns, I happened upon this classy number. I'm normally not one to be enthralled by hours and hours of clothes-shopping, but this one really caught my fancy. It's just... elegant.

Now, as it just so happens, I'd bought this delicious crinkled/pleated fabric some years ago in this spectacular blend of lime and celery green (I've spent a great deal of time messing with the white balance, but to no avail. This is as close as I can get the color). It's nearly the exact same material as the skirt portion. Now that I have inspiration and an actual use for the fabric, I think I'll have a go at it. As the only sewing machine I am in possession of is currently dysfunctional, well, let's just say this'll be one heck of an interesting experiment.

A Sunrise

It's finally been getting to that point where the sunrise starts its subtle glow in the early hours in the morning again. I still wake to a dark sky but by the time I leave it doesn't feel quite so... desolate, for lack of a better word.

Where I live, most plants haven't budded sufficiently to make it look like it's spring, though it officially has been for week or so. However, the improving weather, in conjunction with the onset of spring break (meaning a week off classes starting today) has put everything in a considerably better light, personally. 

Traffic- Feedback Please!

Traffic analysis tools have become very helpful in determining what sort of things people are looking for when they visit. Please help me by leaving some feedback. I'm not going to beg for attention, but the more you let me know about what you're looking for, the better I'll be able to adapt. Now:

I've noticed that most of you who arrive on Darkglow come from one of three places:

1. Google searches for craft-related items, mainly paper mache. You usually end up here. I'm impressed that I show up high enough on the results to be getting so much traffic for the same thing, but is this single post what you need? Should I expand? Are you disappointed by the content of the rest of the site, most of which has little to do with what you searched for?
2. Skywatch. I enjoy participating, although those posts cater to a narrower audience. I've noticed that if you came from Skywatch, you've only ever commented on Skywatch posts. Does this mean you read exclusively for it? If the posts relate to something else, do you just not read it at all?
3. Facebook. Okay, if you came from Facebook, I probably know you, and you know me. It'd be nice to have some honest feedback. Would you return? Is there anything you are particularly interested in that you'd like me to write more about?

Skywatch No. 10

Still experimenting with night shots. Maybe it's just the inexperience of an amateur speaking, but I find it extraordinarily difficult to focus on a dark sky. Either way...

I still prefer my last night sky photo though.

The night is bitterly cold, but clear, which is what counts. I went out with the intention of shooting the stars; there's something to be said for the less-oft-photographed night sky. Instead, I became distracted with the moon. The moonlight is surprisingly bright- enough to light landscapes under longer exposures- but that's a project for next time.

Here Comes the Sun

The weather is beautiful today. Sunlight, fifty-seven degree high, melted snow, the finally-visible greens of conifers and hardy mosses, the whole deal. Even the insects, birds, and squirrels are out. This is the only "nice" day, per say, for the time being. Spring, we must continue to tell ourselves, begins this month. 

Daylight savings time also begins this weekend. I find it unfair how it always occurs just when it's starting to get a little light in the morning. For those of us who are forced to rise at six, it's often a relief to be able to recognize mornings as being mornings (as opposed to the middle of the night) when looking out the window. 

Also, I am not a fan of post-daylight savings time beginning-Monday mornings. Just thought I'd share.

Remember to adjust your clocks.