Andrea's 365 Blog

14/365 Pleasure

2010-01-14T18:08:00.008-05:00

Two of my favorite things: A good cup of coffee and a good book.

An inordinate passion for pleasure is the secret of remaining young.
-Oscar Wilde

12/365 Books

2010-01-12T16:37:00.006-05:00

Trying something a little different with the image above. I want to use this space to experiment and I think I'll be okay if I fail a few times. There's nothing worse than not moving because you're afraid to fail, right.

One of my many passions is reading! I'm generally reading 3-5 books at a time, not to mention the one a month I read to my constant companions. No matter how old they become, I think I will always enjoy this part of our day. The time when we cuddle up with a good book just before bed. Right now we're reading the Mysterious Benedict Society and loving it!

So many books...so little time.

You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.
~Paul Sweeney

11/365 Grateful

2010-01-11T21:28:00.004-05:00

I suppose I knew this day would come. The oldest of my constant companions told me that I should let go some and not coddle so much. I know my job is to give wings so they can fly, but I didn't expect the time to come so soon. Perhaps the time actually came long before now, but I was the only one who did not notice.

I'm grateful for days like today. Days when they feel confident enough to tell me what's on their hearts. Grateful that I can hear and not be hurt. Grateful for the big, unsolicited goodnight hug from the one who is ready to fly solo. It was as if I was being assured that letting go really isn't such a bad thing.

Above you will see the result of a science experiment (right) and part of an unfinished art project.

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.
~Thornton Wilder

10/365 Aloof

2010-01-10T21:45:00.002-05:00

9/365 Collection

2010-01-09T14:38:00.003-05:00

As I prepared to do laundry a few weeks ago, I checked the pockets of one of my constant companions. I was pleasantly surprised to discover a wonderful collection of huge leaves, berries, and pieces of tree bark. The entire collection has been sitting on my bathroom counter because I cannot bear to toss them out. This is just a portion of what I discovered.

Truly wonderful the mind of a child is.

-YODA, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

8/365 Reveal

2010-01-08T18:47:00.003-05:00

Working on living more authentically. Slowly revealing all. Feeling the fear and moving ahead anyway.

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.

--Albert Einstein

7/365 Layers

2010-01-07T14:43:00.004-05:00

I love the way all of the layers on the pine cone come together so that you get this simple object. The cone represents people in a way... All of the different layers of our personality work together to make us the one unique being we show to the world each day. Each of us is multi-layered. Far too few of us expose all of the layers the way the cone does. Far too often I will judge based on what I see and I won't bother to go any deeper.

This year, I'm living with purpose. It sounds like a cliche, but I've never lived on purpose before! I'll be peeling back the layers in all of my relationships while also getting to know me a little better. I'm looking forward to living a deeper, richer life.

When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.
--William Arthur Ward

6/365 Simple

2010-01-06T18:42:00.004-05:00

Last year I became a bit stressed out trying to think of things to photograph. This year I am feeling more relaxed. I have a plan--sort of. I'm just going to look around me and see the beauty that is right in front of me. As a photographer I'll just have to find a way to make the simple things more interesting. Should be easy enough! :-)

I found this hanging from the armoire at a friends home. Simple. Beautiful.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
--Leonardo da Vinci

5/365 Commitment

2010-01-05T22:16:00.004-05:00

So, I dropped off my last attempt at 365 and here I am to start anew in 2010!

This is my wedding ring. I've always loved the emerald and did not want a traditional stone, setting or band. Although I don't believe you have to have a ring to show that you are married, I do like the ring as a symbol of my commitment to my staunchest supporter of 12 years. Wow! Has it been that long?

My work improved last year and then I see that I hit a plateau of sorts. I hope I will spring out of my rut and create some new things that make me smile. I am committed to the success of this project!

153/365 Vow

2009-09-07T22:04:00.004-04:00

I got to meet the sweetest couple yesterday as I did my last wedding as an "intern".

The groom did not get a ring for this eclectic ceremony. The bride received a ring as well as a a diamond bracelet. I got to practice some ring shots.

I'm trying to be more creative by bringing in color and texture for these detail shots. The stone may have been too small for my ideas and I may have over powered the ring. I'm not sure if these are interesting enough. I'll keep looking at them for a few days and see if they grow on me. It was a good lesson. I need to be able to make quick adjustments on the fly.

152/365 Dress-up

2009-08-25T23:57:00.004-04:00

I saw this cutey dressed up in his version of an Arabian Prince. He had beautiful locs tucked under that scarf along with large dark eyes. Handsome.

Lesson:Children make you want to start life over.
~Muhammad Ali

151/365 Two

2009-08-24T01:48:00.003-04:00

We were slammed with bad news last week (literally every day) and it's good to have each other during good times and bad. I actually hate to say bad because it's a fabulous opportunity for growth and growing is not a bad thing. Too tired to go any deeper with that one right now. Suffice it to say, life is ---still---good!!

This was taken from my garden just before they were harvested. Apparently moist soil is conducive to mushroom growth, so I'm greeted almost daily with some new variety of mushroom. I think these are my favorite so far, they are beautiful and delicate.

Lesson: In every adversity, there is the seed of an equal or greater benefit.
Napoleon Hill

150/365 Vintage

2009-08-23T00:09:00.004-04:00

Yes! I'm still alive and doing well. Just incredibly busy these days and that's both good and bad. I desperately need to learn how to manage my time better so that I can complete things that I start and build my business!

This is a shot from a recent workshop. I've been wanting to learn how to use lights now for about a year, but have been terribly intimidated. I finally got a spot in a workshop I've had my eye on for months and I was more than satisfied with the willingness of the instructor to share his heart and his love for his art--so refreshing!

The most memorable piece of advice I took away was for me to find my own style of shooting and to realize that finding my style may take days, months or even years. The fun will be in the process.

Lesson: How long should you try? Until.
--Jim Rohn, Speaker

149/365 Light

2009-07-23T23:33:00.002-04:00

When I took my first photography class with my first film slr years ago, I was taught that you should never shoot down on children. Some rules are made to be broken!

I love the light reflected in her little eyes and I love the way we connected. I've known her since she was a few days old. Time flies!

Lesson: You can't break the rules until you know how to play the game.
--Rickie Lee Jones, singer and songwriter

148/365 Dinner

2009-07-22T22:38:00.004-04:00

One of these days, my constant companions won't have the desire to tuck their LEGOS into their pockets each time we leave our home. One day they won't think to line them up on the side of the pool so the LEGOS can watch them swim. They will forget to plop them down beside a plate so they can share a meal. One day they won't have a desire to share every thought, dream or disappointment with me while we relax at a favorite restaurant. One day they will be on their own and will not be my constant companions. I'm so glad that day has not yet come!

Lesson: While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt

147/365 Focus

2009-07-14T23:19:00.004-04:00

Trying to regain my focus. It is so hard for me to concentrate with clutter all around and my home has been a mess since I returned from vacation--two weeks ago! I just dumped my luggage and tried to pick up where I left off. Wrong! The clutter started to close in on me and I felt my creativity just shut down. So, I took the day off and just cleaned and I'm feeling so much lighter! Hopefully my Muse will return now that she sees I've cleared a spot just for her!

I had the pleasure of photographing a party this past weekend and one of the children stopped to pose for me. Unfortunately I still had my macro on from a previous shot and I generally manually focus the macro. I was not fast enough in focusing on her little face, so the eye is not sharp! However, I still like the shot. Her slight smile and beautiful brown eyes held me captive for a moment and this shot reminds me of that moment.

Lesson: You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.
--Mark Twain

146/365 Center

2009-07-09T22:01:00.003-04:00

I spent Wednesday evening with a local photography group and I must commit to meeting with them more often. There is nothing more exhilarating than being in the company of like minded artists. Being there helped bring me back to center--a place of balance.

Lesson: Make time to do those things that are important to you. Those things that help you become more of who you were created to be. Make time to cultivate your gifts.

145/365 Street

2009-07-07T22:16:00.002-04:00

What a wonderful surprise to find the church waiting at the end of a busy street.

The cars were coming to often and too quickly for me to stand in the middle for very long, but I tried!

Lesson:A story to me means a plot where there is some surprise. Because that is how life is-full of surprises.

--Isaac Bashevis Singer, writer

144/365 Curls

2009-07-06T22:39:00.001-04:00

143/365 Church

2009-07-05T18:11:00.003-04:00

I had the idea to shoot part of this church through a vast cornfield. I'm not so sure I got the effect I was after and I'd love to hear the thoughts of other photographers. So, if anyone passes by tonight, tell me what you think of this shot. Is it working? No? Why not? How could I have made it stronger?

My idea was to show a beautiful structure emerging from rows of corn. I cropped in from the bottom because I thought I had way too much corn and the eye would get lost and miss the church altogether. Perhaps I needed to be closer to the church to capture the image I saw in my mind? Hmm...?? I took a chance and wanted to do something different.

Lesson: Trust your own instinct. Your mistakes might as well be your own, instead of someone else's.

--Billy Wilder, filmmaker

142/365 Cheerful

2009-07-04T21:41:00.004-04:00

Not much to say tonight. I think I jumped back into my normal routine too soon. One really does need to take a vacation after the vacation! Tired but happy tonight and continuing to remind myself that living a live of balance is essential.

Lesson:Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.
--Source unknown

140/365 Solo

2009-07-03T22:47:00.006-04:00

As an only child who spent much time alone and who now spends very little time alone, I crave my solo time! Being a self-proclaimed loner, I surprised myself by agreeing to go away with TEN other women for rest and relaxation. We all had separate agendas: to shop, to read, to sleep, to workout, to be pampered. When I wanted to be alone, it was not a problem. When I wanted companionship, I had 10 very engaging women with whom to connect. A perfectly perfect week.

Now I am ready to embrace my constant companions at home with a renewed gusto and a renewed appreciation!

I *think* this was a corn field and I'm not sure why the tree was in the center. Maybe it's used to help the farmers navigate the large space? I was climbing a mountain and looked down on this wonderful, peaceful site.

Lesson: Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.

--Source unknown

139/365 Vulcanizadora

2009-07-02T21:51:00.003-04:00

One of the things that struck me most was the very simple lifestyle of the people in this small Mexican city. I'm certain I would not find a repair shop near my home where the owner would unashamedly hang laundry out to dry at the business entrance. Some of us would be embarrassed to hang wash out to dry at all--even in the back of a very modest homes.

I went out with a guide at 7 a.m. most mornings for an hour long walk. On this particular morning we went through the city and then up into nearby mountains. This repair shop (vulcanizadora) was the first building I saw--perfect! Out of all of the beautiful sites in the mountains, I was most enamored by the people. What gracious and humble people! Something about them has changed me in ways that I didn't even know needed to be changed.

Lesson: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
--Leonardo di Vinci

138/365 Vaquero

2009-07-01T15:42:00.002-04:00

The Spanish equivalent of cowboy, in case anyone is wondering.

I was shopping for jewelry when I saw this beautiful man riding down the street on his horse. Later that day I spotted him again sitting on a wall, but I didn't realize (until I put this storyboard together just moments ago) that it was the same man. There were several men on the wall with their horses, but I was drawn to this one. I thought he was incredibly handsome in all of his white. His white hair topping his brown skin just added to his distinct look. I was so happy when he agreed to share his image with me.

Lesson: Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.

--Eleanor Roosevelt

137/365 New

2009-06-30T22:04:00.003-04:00

Back from vacation and feeling renewed! I was excited to see that the garden is already starting to produce fruit! A tomato makes its debut!

Being away from the fast pace of the city really helped me to put some things in perspective. I live in a relatively small place, but vacationed in an even smaller rural area in the mountains of Mexico. Wow do Americans have things backwards when you compare our way of life to the way others live. Lots on my mind, and I'll share over the next few weeks.

Lesson: Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

--Howard Thurman

136/365 Garden

2009-06-17T22:19:00.002-04:00

A vision that I've held for about a year manifested today with the help of Martin! Martin has started a new business that I hope will take off exponentially! He's building and helping people to maintain their own raised beds. He filled mine today with veggies for the summer. Yes, we're a little late getting them in, but that's okay! As I said, it's a dream realized and I am elated! Thanks Martin!

Lesson: Our dreams truly are illustrations of coming attractions. Hold tightly to them and never let them go!

135/365 Relax

2009-06-16T22:04:00.002-04:00

I actually laughed out loud today! It's been awhile since I laughed after hearing a little person tell a funny story. My schedule is much too tight when I don't have room to laugh, would you agree?

My constant companions are away this week at camp and they are loving EVERY. MINUTE! I'm so relieved! It's been great just hanging out with me and making plans for me. Just 4 more days and I'll be off with girlfriends for some more me (and them) time. I don't know if I can stand all of this....freedom!

Every time I see a flower, I will remember to relax and laugh!

Lesson: Earth laughs in flowers.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

134/365 Ugly

2009-06-11T22:57:00.002-04:00

I was out with my constant companions today when one of them spotted this moth stuck to the wall. I ran to get my camera because I was curious about what the head of the moth really looked like. As I focused with a macro, one of my companions said, "It sure is ugly". How do we decide what is beautiful and what is not? Experience plays a roll of course, but what else?

For the past two days I've been thinking about how I would see the world if I only had a short time to live. Ones perspective really changes when you *know* your time on the planet is limited. Experiences become richer and those things that usually get a casual glance are somehow worthy of study, like this moth. There is a need to take everything in because you may not see it again. One of the things I love about being a photographer is finding the beauty in all things and in all people.

Lesson: Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.
--Confucius

133/365 Delightful

2009-06-08T23:01:00.002-04:00

This image makes me smile.

132/635 Confusion

2009-06-06T22:16:00.004-04:00

The leading lines take the eye to the stamen that appear somewhat entangled. The soft fold of a petal contrasts with those same leading lines that surround it. This is how I've been feeling for the past couple of weeks--a bit jumbled, not very creative and just confused about where I need to be heading as a photographer. It could just be fatigue that's clouding my thoughts, but I'll be taking some time to get things sorted out and find my focus once again!

Lesson: The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire not things we fear.

--Brian Tracy

131/365 Reach

2009-06-03T22:59:00.003-04:00

Playing with negative space again and trying to get back into the habit of one image a day! Things got pretty busy for a moment!

130/365 Up

2009-05-29T21:49:00.003-04:00

I felt like playing around with negative space today and I knew I wanted some abstract object as my focal point. The challenge was to find an object that was near a colorful or interesting background. This weather vane was the most abstract thing I could find up against a beautiful background--the sky! The sky was gorgeous today, but I decided to take the color away. This is how I saw the scene in my minds eye.

Lesson: All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

129/365 Perseverance

2009-05-29T00:49:00.001-04:00

I have a vacation coming up soon and boy am I ready. It's been tough trying to keep all of the balls in the air, but it's been worth it too.

Lesson: It's in the cookie!

128/365 Profile

2009-05-27T22:12:00.004-04:00

I was reading one of my photography books and the author mentioned how photo ops are all around all the time. Well, I haven't been feeling like that lately! I decided that I could find something to shoot today and then I spotted this weed. Instead of shooting it the way I normally would, straight on, from the top, from the bottom, I shot the profile! How's that for thinking outside of the box! :-)

Lesson: Life is "trying things to see if they work".
--Ray Bradbury

127/365 Happy

2009-05-25T17:25:00.006-04:00

My time as an apprentice to a wedding photographer has come to a close. I will be on my own very soon, but still continuing to learn all that I can about my craft (specifically about lighting and all of the details involved in shooting weddings). My happy ending marks their happy beginning as a married couple.

Instead of looking at this day as just an ending; I also see it as the beginning of something new for me. I'm looking forward to a new adventure, with all of the ups and potential downs that make life worth living.

In this image the groom was attempting to lift the bride onto his back and she was loving it!

Lesson: Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.
--Seneca, Roman Philosopher

126/365 Daisy

2009-05-24T00:58:00.003-04:00

These were growing wild on the front lawn of an abandoned home. I've had my eye of them for a few days and finally captured them on this overcast day. They are my favorite flower so far. I think I'm drawn to the simplicity of the flower most of all. Lovely. Simple.

Lesson: Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art.
--Frederic Choppin

125/365 White

2009-05-22T02:48:00.003-04:00

This is a difficult age to photograph. A good way to contain them so that you have time to actually capture the beauty is to pull out a chair. I happened to have one that matched her outfit. I'm not sure about the pillow, so I took some without. Photography is about experimenting. You don't always know what will or will not work, so you just try a few things out.

Lesson: Good photographs are seen in the mind's eye before the shutter is tripped...

--Source Unknown

124/365 Married

2009-05-21T01:11:00.006-04:00

I love to capture those moments when people think they are alone. Sometimes they are aware of being watched and don't care. Other times, they are so immersed in one another (or in what they're doing) that the crowd seems to fade to black.

Here he seems to breathe a sigh of relief. The days and months of preparing for this day are behind them. He can settle in with her and just be...

She was happy before him and will be just as happy (maybe more so) with him. She will be his support...

Lesson: Success in marriage is much more than finding the right person; it is a matter of being the right person.

123/365 Mail

2009-05-20T20:30:00.004-04:00

One of the highlights of my day...going out to the mailbox alone. It's one of the few places during the day that I don't hear the precious voices of other humans. :-)

Today I took the little chick with me and he agreed to model.

Lesson: I lived in solitude in the country and noticed how the monotony of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.
--Albert Einstein

122/365 Berries

2009-05-17T22:06:00.003-04:00

One of my constant companions loves strawberries and I MUST keep them in the house when they're in season.

Today as I drove to meet a friend in the city, traffic stopped in front of a church. I glanced at the church and could see that service was over and people were starting to leave. At the moment I turned, a very young woman was slowly coming down the front steps supporting a much older woman who wasn't able to move as fast. I was reminded of how fragile life is and how quickly time passes. I felt happy that the older woman had someone in her life who was willing to support her at this stage of her life. Not too long ago, she was probably helping the younger woman navigate steps in the same way.

Lesson: Do not resent growing old. Many are denied the privilege.
-- Author Unknown

121/365 Winner!

2009-05-15T19:09:00.005-04:00

Well, well, well, it was worth it after all! Baking cookies for what ended up being 4 hours (just for 36) turned out to be a good thing! We won for *Prettiest Packaging*! Two different friends gave me the idea for the container. I shared the idea with my entourage and they liked it. They picked out these boxes and wanted to add chopsticks and panda bears. We couldn't find panda bears, but did find "bamboo" mats! Hey, pandas eat bamboo!

We were up against some stiff competition. Beauty all around! We had a great time connecting with friends, swimming in the lake, canoeing, doing canon balls off of the pier, and eating lots of cookies!

Lesson: A quitter never wins and a winner never quits.
--Napoleon Hill

120/365 Cars

2009-05-14T21:24:00.002-04:00

I considered crying, but didn’t really have time. I have 2 weddings to finish proofing by the 18th of this month.

At 6:00 p.m. I sent my constant companions outside so I could bake 36 cookies from a recently acquired recipe book. By 9:00 p.m. I was dumping the cookies into the trash and pulling out the prepackaged cookie dough, ready to begin again. I am not a cook. It took me 2 years (literally) to learn how to bake bread. I don’t have 2 years to learn how to whip up cookies from scratch. These need to be ready for an early morning cookie swap. Oh joy!

Lesson: Do or do not. There is no try.
--Jedi Master Yoda

119/365 Unexpected

2009-05-13T00:31:00.005-04:00

I spotted this as I walked through a wooded area today. Someones idea of art--an old church steeple, plopped down in the midst of a clearing. I liked it, very much. This image will remind me that when I come upon unexpected things while moving towards my destination, to just roll with it! To make the best of life's unexpected surprises.

I'm still reading The Last Lecture and learning a great deal more about life and living. The lesson I gleaned today comes from a quote I took from the book.

Lesson: Through the whole ordeal, I don't think we ever said to each other: "This isn't fair." We just kept going. We recognized that there were things we could do that might help the outcome in positive ways... and we did them. Without saying it in words, our attitude was, "Let's saddle up and ride."
--Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

118/365 Vintage

2009-05-11T20:04:00.003-04:00

I had a couple of ideas in mind to shoot a unique bouquet that I picked up from the market yesterday. The first idea involved colorful ribbon. Since I didn't make time to stop by a craft shop for ribbon, I went with the second idea and that is what you see here. I then played with some "vintage" color to give the image an old feel.

117/365 Buttons

2009-05-10T22:49:00.004-04:00

I spent the morning with a cute 2 year old and the afternoon with my biggest cheerleader. Mom and I had brunch together at an awesome Mediterranean restaurant in the city today. The food was excellent. We were both beyond pleased!

We reached the restaurant about an hour before our reservations, so we decided to pass the time by visiting some of the local shops. We finally just sat on a bench and began to discuss The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. She had seen the movie weeks ago, I had recently rented the DVD. The overall message for mom was that we have to enjoy the time we have and to live without regrets. I'm still thinking about all of the lessons I learned and about the things I enjoyed about the film. Sometimes lessons hit quickly and other times they surface over a period of days.

This dusty miller plant was growing in a pot beside our bench. I pulled out my handy macro and focused on the flowers. Yellow is my favorite color and the light was perfect in this spot.

116/365 Chair

2009-05-09T20:55:00.003-04:00

I like to keep fresh flowers in the house. I rotate them out every week, but these have been around for about 3 weeks now and they still look great. The petals have a rich velvet appearance that I love. I wanted a different way to photograph the flowers so I threw them in a chair that I need to use for an upcoming session. I got to test the chair and snap the flowers.

What am I reading now? The Last Lecture. I'm just up to chapter six so I won't share my thoughts just yet. I will say that it's very thought provoking and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

Lesson: “I take photographs with love, so I try to make them art objects. But I make them for myself first and foremost - that is important.”

--Jaques-Henri Lartique

115/365 Favorites

2009-05-08T13:23:00.005-04:00

After hearing many sighs and groans while my constant companions practiced their musical instruments we had a short talk about gifts. Specifically we talked about not comparing ourselves with others who may be coming along faster or who may find mastering something easy.

In the past I would compare my photography to others and I would become so discouraged! Their work was great and mine was... (We won't go down that road now). The reality is, we're all different and though we may have some of the same gifts they manifest differently!

I am learning to just appreciate the talent of fellow photogs and to learn from them while I grow. The more room I make for my gift, the more it expands. I am grateful for growth.

Here are two things that one of my constant companions currently LOVES. The ever present LEGOS (just a few) and another new skateboard! I have the pleasure of helping to put this skateboard together. Ahh....the joys of learning new things!

Lesson: If a day goes by without my doing something related to photography, it's as though I've neglected something essential to my existence, as though I had forgotten to wake up.

--Richard Avedon, American Photographer

114/365 Bride

2009-05-07T02:18:00.005-04:00

It was difficult to get this young woman to relax. She cried off and on during her bridal session; you can see the handkerchief in her left hand. Finally she took a moment to detach and reflect. I moved to one side and took the shot. I'm still trying to decide if I really like it.

Lesson: Always be prepared to shoot when the client thinks it's over. You may be pleasantly surprised by what they share.

113/365 Giggle

2009-05-06T02:20:00.004-04:00

We were playing an impromptu game of hide and seek! I love the easy laughter of children. I was just telling one of the members of my entourage yesterday that this is the time to really enjoy being a kid! No responsibilities! Just eat, sleep, and play. What a life!

Love this: “If every word I said could make you laugh, I'd talk forever...”

--Source Unknown

112/365 Tear

2009-05-05T21:43:00.005-04:00

A dear friend of mine will be burying her father next week and another friend buried hers last week. Even though death is a part of the natural order of things, it can still be a difficult part to face. I thought of those friends when I saw this image. It was one of a handful I took today. I had a vase of flowers and I was actually wanting to focus on a flower (and not the bud). I turned the vase and down it splatted. When I picked the flowers up they were all wet--a happy accident. I put them back in the vase and found that I liked this one best of all.

My wish for you:

I wish you bluebirds in the spring, to give your heart a song to sing,
And then a kiss, but more than this, I wish you love.
And if you like lemonade to cool you in some lazy glade,
I wish you health, and more than wealth, I wish you love.

I Wish You Love, Lyrics by Charles L. Trenet

111/365 Passion

2009-05-04T20:19:00.002-04:00

110/365 Twirl

2009-05-02T22:21:00.002-04:00

What is is about little girls in big girl dresses that makes them want to twirl? She wasn't aware that anyone was paying attention, but I was... Click.

Wouldn't it be cool if we all just twirled, just because...

Lesson: While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.
--Unknown source

109/365 Older

2009-05-01T19:15:00.004-04:00

Today we went on a treasure hunt. One of the members of our entourage is now a year older, so off we went to collect some special things as a way of celebrating! Our first stop was a skateboard shop where this member chose all of the parts for a custom board. It was such a cool experience; the oldest entourage member even wore the new helmet out of the store and didn't take it off until we stopped a few minutes later for lunch. Of course we added new LEGOS to our large family as well! :-)

It's been a joy learning from, and with, our first born. Boy have I made mistakes, but I'm not lamenting. We didn't have a clue about how to parent. We simply jumped in with our hearts wide open and gave it our best. I look forward to all of the days, and special moments ahead of us.

Oh! I came up with my elevator speech at about 11:45 p.m.! Success! Yay!

Lesson:Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.
--Albert Einstein

108/365 Thinking

2009-04-30T19:54:00.006-04:00

I have been trying to come up with an elevator speech (regarding my business) for a few weeks now. Granted, I've never dedicated a certain amount of time just to focus on that one task, but today I did! I still don't have one. Why is it so hard to sum up what I do and how I can help others in just a few words? At any rate, I'm not giving up. By midnight I will have something that I am proud to share with potential clients!

Lesson: How long should you try? Until.
--Jim Rohn

107/365 Soar

2009-04-29T17:44:00.004-04:00

I have not owned a full length mirror for many years now and today I remembered why! I went shopping in preparation for an upcoming trip and had the pleasure of trying on swim suits. I love to swim and I'm determined to swim on this trip, but I need to look good doing it--for me! I was shocked when I looked in the mirror and immediately stepped to one side so that I could try on my clothes without the added benefit of having that stranger stare at me. After getting over the shock, I peeked at the stranger and saw that it was indeed me. An older me, a little heavier me, but me. I took all of her in, embraced her in my mind and smiled.

I'm not where I was, but I'm not here to stay! My time in the fitting room gave me the boost I needed to really kick my health plan into another gear. It's time to soar once more.

One of the members of my entourage set this up and I thought it fit.

Lesson: It's so important to be comfortable with ALL of me. If one part gets left behind then I cannot move ahead as a complete person. That's my goal, to grow. Completely.

106/365 Maze

2009-04-28T20:11:00.003-04:00

I feel like I'm spinning in several directions, but not actually getting anywhere! Things are looking up though and that's a good thing. My office is neater, dinner is cooked, bread is baking, the kidlets had school, I'm crossing things off of the massive TO DO list and I went to the gym! All of that before 5:00 p.m.!

This will not become a flower blog, I simply have not set aside time to really think about what I want to shoot before I pull out my camera. Today was actually the only day I pulled out the camera JUST FOR ME in about 3 days. Even though I shot just for myself today, I still did not give my subject much thought. I just walked to something close and focused on the bud that called out to me in the loudest voice.

Lesson: Life is a journey, enjoy the ride!

105/365 Waiting

2009-04-28T00:11:00.003-04:00

One opportunity I expected this month, may not come at all. I'm trying to balance the desire to do what I want with doing what may be best.

Lesson: I'm learning to wait.

104/365 Expecting

2009-04-26T22:51:00.003-04:00

I had the pleasure of hanging out with this engaging and beautiful couple this weekend. They are expecting their first baby very soon now! These are just two of several inspiring people I had the pleasure of meeting and I wanted to remember this day. Meeting all of the new and like-minded people this weekend reminded me of all of the people I've been blessed to meet over the past three years as a result of walking around with a camera! Life is good!

I'm not that pleased with the black and white image, but I can't put my finger on what's missing so I'm not sure how to fix it. Ah well...you can't win them all!

Lesson: Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.
--C.S. Lewis

103/365 Muse

2009-04-23T23:19:00.006-04:00

Webster defines the word muse as a source of inspiration. There are many people who inspire me and yesterday I found an object that really spoke to me as I took a closer look at a little shop that I pass by frequently. The object is a work of art, a woman made of iron who seems to be filled with energy and has really crazy hair. On the front of her body you can see the words "DREAMS DO COME TRUE". She reminded me of me! I will have her one day soon and she will stand in my home and eventually near my home studio. She will remind me that I am pursuing a dream.

The owner of this wonderful antique store is standing next to my muse. I enjoyed chatting with her and listening to her story about how she came to acquire this house filled with unique art. I had to capture this moment in time! The spunky owner agreed to be photographed and thought it would be cool to stand next to my muse. Click!

Lesson: Dreams are like stars...you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny.
--Unknown Source

102/365 Emerge

2009-04-20T22:48:00.005-04:00

Just playing around with one of the images from today.

101/365 Rings

2009-04-18T22:25:00.005-04:00

I'm test driving the idea of moving into another phase of photography. A local wedding photographer has agreed to take me under her wing for awhile and I am grateful. This is my first ring shot.

Lesson: Photography appears to be an easy activity; in fact it is a varied and ambiguous process in which the only common denominator among its practitioners is in the instrument.

- Henri Cartier-Bresson

100/365 Crack

2009-04-17T17:55:00.005-04:00

Some things are just determined to grow where they are planted and will not be denied! I took a stroll in one of the local artsy neighborhoods and looked up! I might have missed this had I not changed my perspective. A tree appeared to be growing through the crack of this abandoned building.

Michael Jordan is definitely a talented basketball player, but is he one of the best in the world? Perhaps he is simply one of the best out of those who actually embraced their potential and sought out ways to develop that potential. Can you imagine all of the super talented basketball players in the world who simply stopped taking one. step. at. a. time.

It's not about being the best in the world, it's about being YOUR best. It's about pushing through and beyond obstacles.

Lesson: The drops of rain make a hole in the stone not by violence but by oft falling.
-Lucretius, Roman poet

99/365 Pots

2009-04-16T19:41:00.003-04:00

What an interesting day! I parked in front of a row of shops with nothing in mind really. No plans, just being open. As I stepped out of the car, I realized I was in front of an art gallery that had not been in that spot just 3 weeks ago. I wanted to get a closer look at the art, so in I walked. About 30 minutes later I was walking out again after being asked to bring some of my work to be juried by the gallery owner. If he liked it, he would hang it and sell it. Wow!

Now, I don't know what will come of this at all, but I'll step through the door that has been unexpectedly opened. It may well be that the owner decides that he doesn't like any of my work and it will not hang in his gallery! I am expecting a great lesson in this process regardless of his final decision.

Lesson: Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.
--Dorothy Thompson, American journalist

98/365 Dario

2009-04-15T20:17:00.006-04:00

Why Dario? Everyone knows that Spanish tennis players are some of the most gifted players in the world! If not the most gifted, they are some of the cutest!

I saw this little guy pressed to one of the doors of our home as I went to grab by camera for today's outing. No need to look any further, Dario had the job to represent us for Day 98!

One of the most fun things about taking an image a day is learning to appreciate the beauty that is close to home. It really makes me come to terms with how I define beauty. My definition is broadening for sure and that's a good thing!

Lesson: The most beautiful view is the one I share with you. (source unknown)

97/365 Lines

2009-04-13T23:09:00.006-04:00

We enjoyed a museum day today in order to check out the Terra Cotta Warrior exhibit.

After the touring the exhibit we took a brief break. As we lingered, I happened to look out of a nearby window and observed all of these cool lines coming together.

Lesson: Staying awake for life is one of the most fulfilling things I've ever done. It's such a joy sharing things I love (art) with the people I love most in the world.

96/365 Wisteria

2009-04-11T23:53:00.005-04:00

95/365 Swirl

2009-04-10T18:45:00.005-04:00

Serendipity \ser-ǝn-`dip-ǝt-e\ noun: the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for

I love the texture in the image above. The texture in the pavement and the texture in the gum ball. It's also interesting to see the colors that are in the concrete. We walk over concrete all of the time and probably never really notice the small flecks of color that come together to make the solid rock beneath our feet.

I spent time with a friend and her children today and we casually talked about the business of photography. By the end of our time together she invited me to join her for a free learning opportunity right in my own backyard. I get to shadow her at an upcoming wedding in a couple of days! Yahoo! One of my dreams is unfolding.

Lesson: When the student is ready, the teacher appears. (Buddhist Proverb)

94/365 Bouquet

2009-04-09T20:51:00.006-04:00

I had an idea for my picture of the day, but it didn't come out as I planned. I had no plan B this time, but thank goodness for random acts of kindness! This little girl saw me and decided that I needed flowers! She picked them from her yard and brought them over to me. I was instantly thrilled that she thought of me although I am (was) a complete stranger! A smile crept across my face where a scowl had just been. I was feeling particularly grumpy today--probably due to a lack of quality sleep! At any rate, I wrapped the raffia around the bouquet and asked her to hold the wonderful flowers for me. Since I didn't know her and could not have her sign a model release I did not include her face. The colors of her clothing make a wonderful backdrop for her gift.

This image serves as a reminder to me to practice random acts of kindness everyday, starting in my own home.

Lesson: You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

93/365 Lovely

2009-04-08T13:45:00.004-04:00

I love this quick capture of dad and daughter together. Wouldn't this be great to pull out on her wedding day. I couldn't get her attention, there was a man with a wonderful voice singing camera left and that was much more interesting to her! I still love it and wanted to share! I'm catching up in proofing sessions today and had to pull from the archives. Back on track tomorrow.

Lesson: A daughter is a day brightener and a heart warmer. (source unknown)

92/365 Peek

2009-04-07T22:03:00.003-04:00

It's fun to look closely at things that I've never thought of looking closely at before. I know I've said that before, but it's fascinating how beautiful things are when we take the time to dig a little deeper.

I look forward to going deeper this week; to continue to look below the surface in all of my relationships. I will continue to get to know me.

Lesson:

91/365 Blue

2009-04-06T22:33:00.003-04:00

The Feast of Unleavened Bread begins in a few days. It's coincides with the change of the season--spring--when everything begins again. It's a time to cast off those habits, thoughts, and ways of being that have not served you and to begin with new resolve.

Lesson:
"The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are." (source unknown)

90/365 Circa 1905

2009-04-05T23:52:00.004-04:00

This wonderful house was owned by an Obstetrician. He lived upstairs and delivered babies downstairs. Now it's a gift shop and home furnishing store in the artsy part of town.

I rescheduled a session today because of the weather. Since I was working this afternoon, I spent time doing things just for me. I started with an hour long deep tissue massage, then off to lunch with a good friend.

Lesson: A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are. (unknown source)

89/365 Soft

2009-04-04T21:46:00.003-04:00

Having fun with cotton today. I wanted to try fruit, but we ate the fruit I really wanted to use. Here's plan B.

The lesson today was gleaned from a movie that I watched as I edited some of my recent images. It's a good reminder for me.

Lesson: You're an artist. Your job is to break through barriers. Have the courage to fail big and stick around. That's true greatness!
(Claire, Elizabethtown)

88/365 Dancer

2009-04-03T22:53:00.009-04:00

This is one of the students from my first Photography Funshop. I asked the kids to bring an object with them today that had some special meaning to them. My goal was to incorporate that object into unique portraits. This is Sofie's portrait. Sofie has aspirations of becoming a professional dancer and she is well on her way! I asked her to hold her shoes and she did the rest. I only got two shots of each student, so this isn't the sharpest image, but it captures her personality. I thought to clone the camera out of the image, but it's a part of who she is as well.

This is David's portrait. The future cyclist who is dreaming of being a sports photographer.

We had a great time learning and then practicing the things we learned. I was truly inspired by the enthusiasm that emanated from these great young artists!

Lessons: Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great. (Mark Twain)

87/365 Welcome

2009-04-02T23:13:00.003-04:00

Meet the newest member of our entourage! This is Chick-Chick!

A dear friend gifted my children today! They each received a gift of a baby chick made of soft colorful yarn. I enjoyed showing Chick-Chick around our home. She helped me wash a load of clothes and then explored the bookcase. My youngest constant companion advised that a chick would never be in a tree, but I liked the green around Chick-Chick, so she agreed to sit in the tree for her very first portrait.

Lesson: Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. (Mother Teresa)

86/365 Purple

2009-04-01T21:25:00.003-04:00

These vines with the purple blooms have been showing up everywhere I look. I've been longing to get close, but could never find them in a public place or in a place that didn't call for me to walk into a woody, overgrown area. I'm pretty adventurous, but I still have some limitations. Today I saw them growing on the side of an old building and found the juxtaposition interesting. As I drove a bit further, I saw some close enough to the road that I could just snip a branch off to take with me. The goal was to find a creative way to shoot it at home! After taking the vine out of the car, I discovered that most of the blooms were still closed and I didn't like them closed. I spotted one that was open and as I moved close to photograph that one, it feel to the ground. Arghh!!! Instead of trying to glue it back on, I just plopped down on the wet cement and met the bloom where it landed.

Wouldn't it be great if the people in our lives always met us where we were instead of trying to fix or change us first? It would be even better if we met ourselves where we are; being equally comfortable when we're swinging from the vine or hitting the ground with a thud.

Lesson:Truly loving another means letting go of all expectations. It means full acceptance... (unknown source)

85/365 Close

2009-03-31T17:10:00.002-04:00

84/365 Bird

2009-03-31T17:08:00.002-04:00

83/365 Sam

2009-03-29T02:55:00.003-04:00

I met her two years ago. When our time together started, she would not leave her mothers side. As the session progressed she became more comfortable with me. Slowly she let me into her world and gave me her eyes. I clicked.

This is not technically perfect, but it represents my beginning. The time that I learned how to connect with those who weren't so sure they wanted to connect.

Lesson: Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow - that is patience.
(source unknown)

82/365 Trash

2009-03-27T20:05:00.006-04:00

This section of a larger building actually had beautiful colors and reminded me of something you'd see in China Town. I was initially discouraged because of the trash bags right outside of the door, but once I got home I decided I liked the trash. It makes the image more real. The colors would compete too much with the black trash bags, so I converted to black and white. I'm not sure if that was the best choice, so I may change that...

I had quite a few hours alone today and my thoughts drifted to A Wrinkle in Time. We just finished it a few days ago and there was an interesting lesson in unconditional love, among other things. I suppose learning to see what's in front of you and loving it in spite of the *trash* is much like offering unconditional love to the people in our lives.

Lesson: The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.
--Thomas Merton

81/365 Dress

2009-03-26T20:21:00.006-04:00

While I was out perusing the area to find something of interest to photograph, one of my constant companions found a vine of honeysuckles. After announcing the great find, my young companion then proceeded to make a dress out of the honeysuckle for one of the members of our entourage--Raidia, a female LEGO.

I remember being in the home of a new friend for a play date years ago. The children were coloring something (details are fuzzy) and the mom beside me was growing increasingly more frustrated as each minute passed. Her 3 year old just would not color within the lines no matter how much she admonished him to do so. I understood her frustration, it comes from wanting or maybe needing to fit in with the crowd.

Watching my little one today create this cool dress made me smile. I'm so glad I've never encouraged my children to color inside of the lines.

Lesson: "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."
--Steve Jobs

80/365 Art

2009-03-25T23:47:00.003-04:00

I didn't see anything today that really excited me and I think that's because I didn't get enough sleep! It's challenging to think creatively when all you can think about is taking a nap!

I thought this was an interesting way to enhance (or cover up) a fence. This image is from my outing yesterday.

Lesson: One man's junk is another man's treasure. It's all about perspective.

79/365 City

2009-03-25T01:25:00.004-04:00

I actually tried to position myself so that the children would not appear in the frame and then before I clicked I realized that including them would actually make the image more interesting. They provide balance and make me smile!

Both groups are equally engaged and equally (seemingly) unaware of the other! Wouldn't it be great if we always took our leisure time so seriously!

Lesson: Be intentional about scheduling downtime!

78/365 Mentors

2009-03-23T21:35:00.005-04:00

"Let your photography stand on it's on..." Zack Arias

Now the above quote is not profound, but it's a great reminder.

I have noticed that the photographers I admire most have a keen eye for composition. They don't use lots of props or darkroom "actions" to enhance their images. They think about what they want to capture and actually see it before they shoot it--at least that's how it appears to me. They sometimes study the subject ahead of time and think about how to manipulate the light or how to include the light in the image. Their work is very often simple and timeless. Simple subjects, handled in unique and interesting ways.

I am thankful today for all of my mentors and look forward to meeting those who have not yet arrived!

Lesson: Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it. (Michelangelo)

77/365 Open

2009-03-22T18:03:00.003-04:00

Be open to possibilities. You never know when they will spring up, so be prepared and decide that you will at least consider it before tossing it aside for someone else. Someone else will surely have the courage to gather it up and treasure the gift.

I was presented with an opportunity to do something that I've said for years I'd love to do! Now that I have the chance, I seem to be dragging my feet. This dragging is also called RESISTANCE. RESISTANCE is my current nemesis. I recently read that the greater the resistance, the more you know that you must do THE THING that you resist. Now I don't think that will always be the case, but in this instance, it's true. I have the opportunity to live one of my dreams and I've decided that I will step up to the plate. Sink or swim, I'm goin' in! We'll see what happens.

Lesson: “Live life so completely that when death comes to you like a thief in the night, there will be nothing left for him to steal.” ( source unknown)

76/365 Fragile

2009-03-21T21:13:00.005-04:00

I took such care with this weed. I wanted to get close. I was concerned about every step I took toward it. It seems that the wind always blows when I want to do outside macro work, so I approached my subject expecting wind at any moment! The wind never came and I was able to hand hold and focus on just the spot of interest.

I have the honor of sharing a home with a little person whose heart is just as fragile as today's subject. However, I don't always approach that little person with the same care and thoughtfulness. Sometimes I'm tired or distracted and my words are careless or my actions downright rude! This image will serve as a reminder to be more mindful of how I interact with those I profess to love. To be more gentle with tender hearts.

Lesson: Love is patient...

75/365 Death

2009-03-20T22:14:00.004-04:00

This was not on my mind this afternoon when I was thinking about my photo of the day. As I drove through the streets of a nearby city, I felt as though I was being pulled in this direction, so I decided to just go with it. As I walked through the oldest part of this historic cemetery I was struck by the peacefulness of it all. I wanted to pay attention to my thoughts, my thoughts about being here. How was my body responding? Was I nervous? Afraid? I found that I was okay with the environment. As I thought about death and dying, I was okay with those things too. I felt at peace and really enjoyed being there.

As a child I loved horror movies and because of all of the things I chose to take in when I was younger, I had some scary thoughts and feelings attached to death and dying. I suppose today was the day that I actually confronted the last of my fears surrounding this issue.

Lesson: “One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching.”
(unknown source)

74/365 Peace

2009-03-19T21:26:00.006-04:00

Today was one of those days when I just felt like being whisked away if only for a moment. This image seemed to match that emotion. It wasn't a bad day, just busy...a little too busy.

This is one of my mom's images (from her trip to Switzerland) and I have the honor of editing them! I just added a little *punch* to this one, so it's sort of my image too! :-). Can you believe this was taken with the Canon Powershot? Not too shabby!

Lesson: Today I learned about boundaries. When to relax them and knowing when to put them firmly in place in order to maintain balance, peace of mind and physical safety.

73/365 Royalty

2009-03-18T21:47:00.005-04:00

I missed another day! I guess that makes me human, although I so want to be SUPERhuman!

We went out to eat today and our constant companions, LEGOS, joined us. One of my children began to draw circles on the table. The characters were then divided up and placed them inside of their defined circle. Notice there is one character all alone in the circle marked ROYAL.

It seems so much easier to stand in the crowd and go virtually unnoticed. It takes so much more courage to stand alone, so I suppose that's why very few ever make it to that circle. This scene reminds me of lines from one of Nelson Mandela's speeches:

Our deepest fear is not that we are
inadequate, our deepest fear is that we
are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that
most frightens us.

I too believe that it is our fear of greatness that keeps us from stepping away from the crowd and into that circle of great success; the circle of abundant life, the circle where royalty stands, no longer going unnoticed.

Lesson: Learn to be comfortable even when you have to be alone in a crowd. Alone because you dare to step into your full potential when others do not.

72/365 Courtyard

2009-03-16T20:33:00.004-04:00

This reminded me of a New Orleans Courtyard. It's tucked away in a small business district. I've passed by this spot for years and have never noticed this place. Yes, my awareness of the world around me is increasing. I love the look of the wet sidewalk and street.

Lesson: Be flexible as a photographer and never lose your sense of adventure. Be willing to invest the time it takes to see things differently. It's wonderful to see how the same scene changes with the seasons or with the time of day.

71/365 Weed

2009-03-15T17:33:00.005-04:00

I'm pretty certain that this is some type of weed. I wanted to stay close to home and create something from whatever I had on hand. I also wanted to see what things looked like after the rain. It's amazing to see the beautiful things that are emerging from the ground. They've always been there, I've just never noticed. That's the other amazing thing, once you make the commitment to capture the world around you, you actually begin to awaken to things, places and people like never before. At least that's my experience.

I started another book today, The War of Art. This is a must read for artists, writers or entrepreneurs who are struggling with moving forward in their craft. I have only completed the first part of the book and I had the things I've learned today in mind when I photographed the gorgeous colors of this weed. It's a visual reminder of where I find myself at this moment in time. Breaking away from the weeds and becoming something different, hopefully something colorful and beautiful (inside and out).

I thought this line from the John Lee Hooker blues song fit nicely here so I'll share it with you! I was introduced to it in the War of Art:

One night I was layin' down
I heard Papa talkin' to Mama.
I heard Papa say, to let that boy boogie-woogie.
'Cause it's in him and it's got to come out.
--John Lee Hooker, "Boogie Chillen"

Lesson: Live the life you were created to live and let go of those things that hold you back. Consider even letting go of people who don't support your vision.

70/365 Sweet

2009-03-14T23:22:00.006-04:00

I had the pleasure of spending time with this little lady and her family today. I met her when she was about one month old and today (7 months later) she was christened and I was invited! She really is one of the sweetest babies I've met and oh so personable! Her family is one of the warmest families I've yet to meet and it was a joy hanging out with them today.

There was live music, great food and sweet treats for all.

Lesson: Be the type of person people actually want to be around. Practice kindness, love and acceptance.

69/365 Kids

2009-03-13T22:15:00.004-04:00

Do you ever have those days when you just want to be still, but the kids (and the dog) still run circles around you?

Lesson: Enjoy every minute with them, they really do grow up way too fast!

69/365 Me (3)

2009-03-12T20:00:00.003-04:00

A few months ago (has it been a year??) I listened to a friend as she spoke about her experience with her self portrait. For her it seemed empowering and enlightening. She encouraged me to give it a try and today I did! I will challenge myself to do a different one every 2 weeks or so to see how much of myself I will feel comfortable revealing. It was fun and I was able to see how my clients must feel when I'm pointing a big lens at them and asking them to relax! Yeah...right...relax!

I finished a small project today and rewarded myself with a tall white chocolate mocha! Yummy!

Lesson: Reward yourself for even the small accomplishments!

68/365 Live!

2009-03-11T20:20:00.004-04:00

"I shall get well! I shall get well!" he cried out. "Mary! Dickon! I shall get well! And I shall live forever and ever and ever!" Those are the words spoken by Colin as Chapter 20 of The Secret Garden closes.

I was reminded of Colin when I saw the house in my picture of the day. When we first meet him, he's very sick and close to death. He is angry, sad and uncared for like this house. By the time the close of the book draws near, Colin is very much like the buds to the right. He becomes vibrant, with ruddy cheeks and a new person blooms where the old one once lived. What changed? The very basic answer: his thoughts. He began to confess that he would live and not die. He began to believe in the deepest crevices of his heart that he would get well. Each day Colin began to confess what he believed to be true and then he would "act" as though it were true. In time, his body began to line up with his thoughts and his confessions. Colin learns to live

I placed a textured layer over the image above. The black color in the layer helped to bring out the saturated colors in the grass and sky. The tree branch that held the buds to the right was swaying in the wind when I tried to capture it by hand holding the camera. Because of the movement, I had difficulty finding a place to focus. I am starting to understand why it's suggested that one use a tripod with the macro lens. My images are much more pleasing when I take the necessary steps to do things the "right" way. :-)

Lesson: If you're unhappy with your present circumstances, create new ones.

67/365 Shrooms

2009-03-10T22:34:00.007-04:00

I had to lay down on my stomach for this one. I'm trying to move out of my comfort zone. So, in the park with lots of people around, I had one of my kids stand over me with a reflector while I got down into a pile of ants to shoot the brown fungus emerging from the damp earth.

This image is more about me growing as a photographer than capturing something beautiful. Am I willing to do what it takes to get the shot? Prior to today, I would say, not really! However, I'm starting to become less self conscious as I move closer to the 365 goal.

I just cropped the photograph using the rule of thirds, ran midnight sepia and called it done! This shot doesn't move me, but it will serve as a symbol of growth!

Lesson: Challenge yourself once in awhile, you might actually love the results that come from being just a tiny bit uncomfortable.

66/365 Park

2009-03-09T21:41:00.004-04:00

Today I pulled out the macro lens at the park and started out at this tree with white blooms. I focused and enjoyed the intricate details. Then I turned and looked back at my children and wondered when the last time was that I really focused on the intricate details of their lives. Sure we're together all the time, but I have not taken the time to really focus on the details in quite some time. I have been focusing on the details that make me, me.

I have discovered that I live my life in extremes. I go from one end to the other and slowly work my way back to the middle--a place of balance. I'm coming back to the middle with my family. I'm learning to enjoy my time alone, but understanding the need to enjoy being *with* the people in my life and not just taking up space.

I'm not sure what the bud is below, but I liked the contrast of it against the green leaves behind it. As I shot, I made sure to position myself so that I would have a pleasing background. The other shot is sand art. I don't know who the artist was, but I really liked what the artist created.

Lesson: Balance is key to living a full life.

65/365 Attitude

2009-03-08T23:48:00.002-04:00

I had my first OPLove session today with this gorgeous couple. You should see the baby!!
I'll post some of my favorite images on my new business blog this week, but this is one of the first ones I've edited and I wanted to get it posted.

Lesson: If you don't love what you do, do something else! :-)

64/365 Hidden

2009-03-07T22:39:00.003-05:00

For many years I was like this old barn, hidden behind lots of clutter. Many of the things that covered me needed to be pruned away in order to expose the new growth. One of the things that was hidden was the fact that I enjoy solitude. I enjoy being alone. For years as a mom I would feel so terribly guilty for wanting to leave the house just to hear my own thoughts. I felt as though I was abandoning my children instead of just giving them time to bond with their father while I went away to get refreshed. I simple paradigm shift helped to shed the guilt, but the shift didn't happen over night.

Now I understand that while there may be moms who never need to be away, I am not one of those moms. I'm just getting to the place where I can be okay with that part of me. I'm okay with being different from the other moms who only need an hour or two in the bathtub. Calgon does not take *me* away! I often need much more than a long bath before I can feel ready to rejoin my beloved children and husband. And that's okay!

Lesson: The unexamined life is not worth living. (Socrates)

63/365 Things

2009-03-06T22:12:00.006-05:00

I turned off of a main road today and found some interesting things in a fascinating place. A monastery operated by monks at the end of a long road. A huge seemingly uncared for field with an old barn that doesn't appear to be used anymore. Interesting rocks hanging from a ceiling. A slice of my day.

Lesson: Be open to exploring. You never know what you may find or how it may stir your heart.