there are a lot of maybes in this post

I've been feeling pretty uninspired lately. Maybe it's because I have the move and packing on my mind or maybe it's cuz I haven't been feeling well this week or maybe it's cuz I bit my lip at some point this week and it hurts like crazy and it won't get better and it's totally bumming me out (it really is. I can't even tell you how irritating it's been).

Anyway, I had a moment of inspiration on Wednesday and took out my film SLR and started taking pictures with it again. Since I've been lacking in post ideas this week, I was really really counting on this one idea to completely inspire me, but unfortunately, it's only reminded me that I've forgotten everything (or what little I did know) about taking pictures with that camera.

When I saw the results, I felt completely deflated. I guess feeling professional while using a great camera doesn't necessarily equal professional looking photos.

I scanned all of the pictures into my computer, because I hoped I could fix at least a few of them in Picnik. Let me show you some before and afters.

Aren't those befores terrible? The afters aren't that much better, either, though I think I'm a bit better at manipulating photos than actually taking them.

Now, I'm extra considering taking a photography class (that means I've been considering it a lot this week). I think a lot of my better pictures have only been lucky breaks. So I could really use a course that teaches me how to use a camera rather than just relying on my ol' push some random buttons and hope something turns out well routine. I'd really love to find one that also covers composition. I could totally use some help in that area, too. There are a lot of great courses offered in Edmonton, I just have to find the right one. Right now, there seem to be more digital SLR courses than photography in general. Maybe I should get a digital SLR. Christmas is coming, right?

And I should mention (because there's nothing better going on in this ramble) that those were the first persimmons I've ever bought. I thought I'd be adventurous and try them out. I actually had to look up how to eat one. I really didn't have any idea! I peeled them, and I guess you don't have to, but the skin was a little chewy (and not in a good way). The only thing I'm still unsure about is how soft they're supposed to be. Mine were quite firm, but they were still nice and sweet. I think they'd make a really great jam or chutney. Maybe I'll buy them again. Maybe.