I Guess the Purse Gene Still Lingers

Guess what followed me home today?

Behold, my new kristin spectator willow bag.

It's been a loooong time since I've cared for anything that has come out of Coach. Most of their designs the last few years have been on the same level as Juicy Couture. And I don't meant that as a compliment.

But lately they've been really updating their look. Clean lines, simpler colors, more classic details. Fewer logos splashed everywhere. My love affair may have just been lying dormant.

The craftsmanship is remarkable on this one. The zippers are solid and it hangs perfectly, it tucks in right below the ribcage. The bag heft is perfect- it's not going to roam off your shoulders while you're shopping, and if you need to wear it lower, a simple pull on the straps will allow you to do just that. And it has just enough room to organize exactly what I need.

Perfectly spaced compartments for keys and my HTC G2. And my fat wallet. I'll be upgrading my wallet soon, though.

And on the other side, there's enough room to pocket my little 35mm Diana Mini.

I love this bag. So much. In fact, haiku!

Sweet little grey bag
Holds just what I need and love
Brings joy to routine.

Meet the Dianas!

Remember my internal struggle regarding the Diana F+ and/or the Diana Mini? I now have both. I have yet to master the F+, as I've been having entirely too much fun with the Mini.

Things I've learned so far:

1. Processing film is expensive. Even run of the mill 35mm color film.
   
2. Take your film to a specialty processing lab.
3. Black and white film is incredible. The tonal range is gorgeous.
4. ISO 400 film is my friend.
5. I like life more through a plastic lens.

B&W ISO 400:

Color ISO 400, split exposures:


Color ISO 800:

I got my favorite picture out of my photo experiments, too. Here's my family, all in one 4x6. Something about a plastic lens makes the photos turn out more relaxed and lovely... People don't get all weird about getting their picture taken if the camera is incapable of capturing every tiny flaw.


And the best part about this photo? It was taken the same day. At the same table. The first time my family has had a meal together in at least two years. It was a great day!

My Introduction to Film

The husband brought home an adorable Diana Mini for me to play with Tuesday night, along with four types of film. I stuffed my nose into the manual, loaded up my camera, and patiently waited for the skies to brighten enough to take decent pictures.

I wandered around for several hours loading up my film with thoughtfully composed images. Wandered over to one of the largest camera shops in the Seattle area and presented my film. The guy took one look at it and informed me they don't process black and white.

What. The. Heck.

Black and white film is relatively easy to process- my brother used to process his own films in our basement. After three different stops in Seattle, we finally found a place to process it. And apparently they're so backlogged they won't have it ready until Saturday.

Hmmph.

I guess part of the joy of film is the development of patience. Each little click of the shutter has to be deliberate. I know my composition skills will improve because of this, but it doesn't meant that I have to enjoy that process.

Oh, and the husband bought me three rather pricey rolls of the wrong type of film- medium format film. I guess I'll have to buy the regular Diana now... It'd be such a shame to waste it.