Saturday, February 04, 2012

Postcard Week 5 France

Taken me awhile to figure out Photoshop Elements to enhance my postcard. I just bought a Bamboo tablet with Photoshop Elements, Painter and Color Nik(?) I think it is. Anyway has taken me awhile to install everything. The image I have is a bit washed out so I wanted to enhance the colors. I think it came out nicely and I have a little hair left. So much for whining....

The book I’m using for my postcards is a 2006 weekly calendar spiral bound book of Tuscany and Provence that a friend gave me as a gift. It has amazing images of these two areas scattered through the book. There are four of the lavender fields of Provence. Two images have “Our Lady of Sénanque Abbey” in the background. I thought this would be perfect for my card for France.

While looking for images of the lavender fields and wanting to find out what this architecture was, I found these 2 websites with amazing images of the fields.

This one has a video in the right navigation bar that is beautiful and on the left is one of the photos I’m using with the name of the Abbey. I’m so so excited!

The second one I found on google.com images. More stunning images. Makes me want to take a trip there. oh if only!



Of course, it is perfect for Ruth who is much in need of a quiet and thoughtful retreat. The stunning beauty (I’m imagining this for Ruth in February even though the lavender doesn’t really bloom until August...artistic license...hehehe). Ruth will get plenty of rest, relaxation, inspiration and time to sketch her designs for an upcoming show. She’s thinking of Maddie on her tour of the Silk Road and hoping all is well there. She had a call from Chester, Maddie’s husband, who said he’d heard from her via a note she gave to a young couple to call him and let him know she is doing well and having a grand time. However, her cellphone is useless for calling and other communication is overwhelmed with many tourists and noise.

Here is what Ruth has to say to Maddie. I'll upload the back later. I've had my fill of the computer at the moment. Of to have some wine.

Maddie, looking forward to seeing images and hearing about your adventure on the Silk Road. It is so beautiful here in Provence. The lavender color and scent are intoxicating. I've met several of the monks at the Abbey who are gracious and generous with their time and explaining about their beautiful surroundings. Peaceful and yet so grand. I'm in heaven. Let's make a date for the four of us to get together. I'm sure our sailors would be happy to see each other. Thinking of you, Ruth

14 comments:

Katie said...

I want to run through those fields!!! Beauty!

Darcy Marshall said...

ohhh my that is a stunning image, I want to walk thru those field , reach out and take armfuls to sniff...

Lulabelle said...

What a beautiful photo, I can smell the lavender! Great story too! See you next week!

Janet said...

A lovely photograph and you have done a brilliant job with the colours. I am just learning PS Elements at the moment (at college) and think it is wonderful.

Janet xx

miniroses said...

I could never deal with ps elements, but you are doing wonderfully! I think you brought just the right feel to the picture and I can almost inhale that intoxicating aroma

Jen said...

Fabulous picture, the colour is wonderful. Cam almost smell the lavender.
Jen x

San @ Made in Hem said...

Okay, I'm in! When can I come over for a week of nothing much? Gorgeous photo!!! ♥
I have lavender fields on the tiles in my kitchen. Never get enough of this lovely shade of purple! :)

Halle said...

I saw this image as well when I was researching France. It's so beautiful!

Gina said...

Another place I want to be right now Lol...and lovely bit of insight into the lives of your characters :D XXX

APG Jamie said...

Lavender is 1 of my top 2 fragrances ... the other is patchouli

xoxox

gottahavemoxie said...

Wow, I'm impressed with you PS Elements skills. I just got the program and am still trying to figure it out. Seriously though, the card is beautiful and just makes me want to be there in that field.

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Looks amazing! You did a great job with the PS. :)

mags21 said...

You have done a great job with your postcard.. can smell the lavender...

The Dolphin Inn said...

Wow what an amazingly beautiful image xxx