Inspiration

Liberty Water

Well, earlier this evening I did a lot of talking.  My family got together to visit and, well, I was asked a pretty simple question about somethings that have been going on in my little world.  And boy oh boy, everything just kinda spilled out.  And I talked and talked and talked about some frustrations.  So, to those of you that had to listen to it all - thanks for listening.  It's always good to have an ear to hear you.  And since I have already talked a lot, tonight I am going to share several favorite quotes - and they are also very fitting for me right now, or at least very inspiring.  And sometimes you just need to be inspired.

Genius ain't anything more than elegant common sense.  ~ Josh Billings

Money won't buy happiness, but it will pay the salaries of a large research staff to study the problem.  ~ Bill Vaughan

And I think this is my favorite for the evening, and one that will need to be revisited at another time.

It's always too early to quit.  ~ Norman Vincent Peale

All For The Love of Funnel Cake

Me Love Funnel Cake

Okay, maybe not my best work artistically - or is it?  One of the things that I have loved over the years shooting things with my camera, is capturing those moments.  Those times that you may not ever have a chance to see or be a part of again.  I mean, life is all about each and every unique moment, never to be repeated again.  Yes, there are things that are done over and over - commute to work, cooking breakfast.  But the simple fact that these moments take place at a specific time on a specific day - well they are uniquely that moment. 

This photo is one that will always bring a smile to my face.  A long time ago, my entire family, the ones that live all together (my family, my parents, a brother and his family, and another brother) had a tradition of going to a pumpkin festival every year.  Come rain or shine, hot or cold, we were there.  We had the opportunity to watch this pumpkin festival grow and grow over the years until one year was their last.  It was a sad day for us when that time came - in more ways than you will know.  Because by the time the festival came to a close, the numbers of family members that were still going were also getting smaller and smaller.  And there died a tradition.

This photo is from one of the later years.  Enjoying one of my favorite carnival/festival treats - Funnel Cake.  I love the stuff.  It's always something that we put off towards the end of the day.  And, as you can see, my niece and especially my nephew really enjoyed their funnel cake that day.  (I must tell you, it's not that he was being a super messy guy, it was so totally windy that day!  And really, that sugar just goes everywhere!)

Great memories, and fun photos.

Too much of a good thing can be wonderful. ~Mae West

A Fine Dog

That's the Spot

Money will buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail. ~Richard Friedman

There is nothing quite like the appreciation you see in a dog's face when you scratch that one special spot.  The one that makes them melt - and squish their face up in pure joy.  That is one thing I love about dogs, they are not good at masking their true feelings.  When they are happy, you know it.  When they feel cornered and afraid, you know it.  When they are hungry, you know it.  There's not much guessing that needs to go on.  They are pretty simple - lots of food, lots of praise, a warm place to sleep and lots of love.  They are all good.

This is For You

This is For You

This was one of those moments when everything just worked out perfect - to create this one, single, perfect, moment.  Love the lighting, love the expression, love the moment. 

So, a couple of weekends ago, we went through the car buying experience.  One of my favorite things to do.  Not really, not at all.  It ranks up there with buying a house - and quite honestly, I'd rather go through labor again than do either one of those things.  At least in labor you get some really good drugs to help with the whole process.  I'm not sure how I got roped into going along.  Everyone in my house knows that I am no good in those situations.  I just have no patience for the waiting and waiting and let us redo this and that.  Honestly, just offer me the best deal you can up front.  If that doesn't work, then okay, no big deal.  Well after going through this (and yes we did get a car - and yes it was an excruciating ordeal) I have been noticing other vehicles driving around with something on their car and I have always wondered why people do this.  I mean, maybe it's just me, but I don't really think car dealers are really trying to earn my loyalty and so why on earth would I keep their license plate ring on my car?  That has always struck me as a bit funny.  Unless I am related to someone that works there, why should I advertise for the place that just put me through two hours, or more, of buying torture?  Just a thought.  Anyone else out there wondered the same thing or is that just me and my wacky ways?

Okay, so enough of that line of thinking.  Let me find you a really good quote for the day.  There are a few I've been saving for just the perfect time.  And, well maybe today is the right time for at least one of them.  I have a favorite quote that I try to live my life by every single day.  I'm sure there are some out there that would disagree.  But, hey, I'm still working on it.  I have had this one memorized for like 20 years.  Unfortunately I did not memorize who the author is.  I'm sure a very quick Google search would bring it up, but I guess I'm more interested in the thought at this point.  And it goes like this:

Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.  ~Unknown

True so very, very true.  The past few years have been some pretty great ones for me on a personal level.  I turned 40 last year and let me tell you, that was very liberating.  Such a great feeling finding peace within oneself.  It has also meant a shift in where I want to place my attention and energy.  There is not as much focus on those relationships that seemed so one sided.  And there is more focus on those relationships that are uplifting and inspiring.  The ones that bring me joy and positive energy.  It has been such a joy reconnecting with wonderful friends and seeing the shift in existing relationships to fill a much more healthier role in my life.  Thank you to each of you for your support in my creative endeavors.  I cherish each and every comment that I receive from you - whether on my website, in person, on the phone or in email.  They touch me deeply and encourage me to continue on this path.

Nature and Upcoming Goodies . . .

The Waving Leaf

I hope everyone had a very productive Monday.  I did and then I did again.  Got my work done super quick - which is a very nice treat in itself.  And so I was able to take advantage of some free time - and some percentage off coupons and do some fun clothing shopping.  Good day - and now to a good evening of reading some chapters in my book before starting it all over again tomorrow morning.

I have been working on a couple of projects.  So let me throw out some teasers.  First of all, I am anxiously waiting some Valentine's cards I just ordered.  Can't wait to see the quality and such - and will let you know once they have come in. 

And second, I have a friend that has been wanting to learn some tips on using her new camera.  So, I am putting together an online "getting to know your camera better" class.  As I have more details of the class, how long and fees, I will keep you posted.  I'm very excited about putting this together and would love to hear if anyone out there would be interested in taking this class - let me know!

And here's the quote for the night:

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.  ~Albert Einstein

Long Weekend For Me

Liberty Market

Why is it . . . that when you take some time off you seem to be more tired at the end of that time than you would normally be?  Took a few days off from work to enjoy the weekend and boy, now that it's Sunday night, I am super tired.  But it was all worth it.  Had some fun this long weekend, got some things done around the house that have been needed to be done and spent an entire day visiting three of my favorite restaurants.  This one of those restaurants.  Although, when we were there over the weekend, it was super early in the morning.

I hope each of you had a terrific weekend.  Now it is time to get back to normal life . . .

Still Unwritten

Skipping Rocks

Here is an oldie, never shared before.  Taken many, many years ago during my black and white film days.  I know I've said it before, but I really love traditional black and white film.  So clean, so simple, so . . . . what is the word I'm looking for?  I'm not sure - if you can believe that one.  I am at a loss for words at the moment. 

So, instead,  I would like to share the chorus from a favorite song.  When we were driving around today, doing a little shopping, we had the car radio on and the song Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield came on.  No matter what type of music you enjoy - this one has an amazing message in it.  Take a read:

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

Now, most of you know that poetry is not my thing.  My family is nodding their heads right now.  They had to suffer through every poetry writing assignment I ever had to do - and it was sheer torture.  But, somehow you put those words to music and I can't get enough. 

So, the moral of tonight's post - Live your life with arms wide open because the rest is still unwritten.

Everything You Gave Me

Worn

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.' ~ Erma Bombeck

Two for the Price of One

Rainbow Lights

Row of Lights

Well, well, well it must be two for Tuesday.  I remember a radio station when I was a teenager always played Two for Tuesdays.  That meant back to back songs by the same band all day long.  It was always fun to see what they would play.

And tonight, I included a little bonus material.  The first shot, as well as the one last night, has a little special effects going on.  A few weeks ago, I attended a Christmas lights display and upon entrance, they gave every attendee these glasses to wear.  They looked like 3D glasses, but they were not.  Instead, they let you see all the light displays as a prism.  Pretty cool (just don't try to walk around in the dark with them on - it's a little tricky!)  And well, you know me, I couldn't just enjoy the show the traditional way.  I placed the lens from the glasses in front of my camera lens and had an amazing time photographing those lights.  I just may have to add those glasses to my camera bag for future night shooting.

I wanted you to be able to see the image with and without the glasses.  And so, tonight I have included a shot of the same image with and without.  Hope you have enjoyed seeing the different images.

How 'Bout Some Crazy Lights?

Carousel of Many Colors

And, now for something a little bit different.  This is a carousel as it spins.  I figured it might be a little mean of me to post this one and ask you to guess at what you thought it was.  It was quite an experience seeing lights in this manner.  And I do have to admit, I really got a kick out of photographing them this way and seeing exactly how the camera would capture the image.

Go as far as you can see; when you get there you'll be able to see farther.  ~ Thomas Carlyle

A Warm Glow and Good Life



Warm Glow

So I woke up this morning about 4:00 with the song Good Life by One Republic running through my head.  I have to tell you that is a really good way to wake up.  It's such an uplifting and inspiring song.  I'm not sure how anyone could listen to it and not start tapping their toe and feeling as if they can accomplish anything!  I may have to set that as my wake up song for tomorrow morning.  I did, however, immediately put that CD in my car stereo and we listened to it as I was taking my son to school.  I wasn't listening to it as I started typing, and just had to put it on right now.

Okay, so we've talked about some of the things that really inspire me - books, reading and quotes are a big part of my life and always have been.  I honestly cannot understand people who say that they don't like to read.  There is so much you can do in the pages of a book.  So many experiences and adventures you can have - many of which you most likely never, ever would.  I am the world's slowest reader - really I am.  But that is because I love to savor every single word I am reading.  It is usually the last thing I do every night before my head hits the pillow.

But that is not the only thing that truly inspires me.  There are many to choose from.  I am inspired by just about everything I see around me.  I am inspired by people that live life fully.  And, I am inspired by music.  I'm honestly not sure which one I am more passionate about - music or photography.  They run pretty darn close to each other.  And that really is saying something.

So, on to the good part of the post (right?) the quote of the day:

You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.  ~Henry Ford

You know, I used to be a little concerned that I would end up repeating a quote.  And then I thought, well that should be okay, because if you are like me, you get something different out of a quote every time you hear it. But, if I should, however, repeat myself . . . I hope that you will just smile and realize that that is just me - sometimes I get excited about things that I really enjoy and tend to repeat myself in the process.

Glow

Glow

Wisdom doesn't automatically come with old age.  Nothing does - except wrinkles.  It's true, some wines improve with age.  but only if the grapes were good in the first place. ~ Abigail Van Buren

It Was A Little Dilemma

Three - In Color

As happens to me sometimes . . . I could not decide which I liked better - color or black and white.  And then I decided why choose, share them both.  I hope you do not feel cheated when I do this, but to me it's always fun to see the differences between the two images when the only difference is color.

And this quote put a smile on my face, I hope it does the same for you:

Indecision may or may not be my problem. ~Jimmy Buffet

Quick Thought

Three

A light night tonight, I think.  No pun intended.  I think a quick quote for the evening and then it is time to relax and recharge for tomorrow will be here before I know it.

A man is what he thinks about all day long.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

More candles and lighting

The Wick

Blessed are those who believe, for indeed they shall fly.  ~Grimble from Guardians of Ga'Hoole

Here it is, another evening, another posting.  Where does the time go?  I've got some new projects bouncing around in my mind, just need to start working on them.  One is a Valentine's idea.  You would think that means plenty of time to work on it?  Oh no, got to get moving now in order to have them shot and ready for posting in about a month's time.  Last year I had fun with some candy.  This year, well I have an item that we actually received for Christmas that I think is going to work out pretty well.  I will find out once I get working on them.  No matter what, it should be fun.  I mean I get to play around with my camera - what more can I ask for?

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  And, have you gotten used to writing 2011 on things?  I have not.  2010 just keeps slipping out.  Happy Sunday evening/Monday morning everyone!

Sometimes You Just Have to Go With the Moment

Concentration

Finally.  Sometimes you just have to go with the moment.  Well, actually that should probably happen more often than most of us let it.  We should have the presence of mind to enjoy the moment as it is happening and not get caught up in the future, or even worse the past. 

I have a favorite sentiment that I share with others, probably much to their dismay, but it goes something like this - everything always works out in the end.  It may not work out the way you imagined it would.  It may not work out the way you hoped it would.  And even better yet, it may not work out the way your feared it would.  But one way or another everything always works out in the end.  And usually, no one but you will know if the "end" is how you were hoping it would be.

I have talked in the past about many of my "happy mistakes" when photographing.  And quite often those "happy" mistakes have become some of the pieces that I am most proud of.  So, it worked out in the end.  Even though, in the process I was probably pretty stressed out that I was not getting exactly what I was hoping for. 

On New Years Eve, I decided to burn these handmade candles that I've had for several years.  They were fun to watch burn.  A few days after New Years, we let them finish burning.  And as I was playing in the melting wax - as I cannot resist doing that (and if  my mom was there, we would have been making wax fingers I'm pretty sure), I had to get out my cameras and had a great time trying to capture the beauty of the candles and the flames.  It's always challenging working with flame as your light source, but the results you get can be very dramatic and totally worth it.  So, over the next little while, I'm sure you will be seeing more of these fun candles.

Okay, just one more please

At least for now that is . . .

Untitled

So, I told my brother and dad when we were walking this morning that yesterday was the last of the Coke pics for a bit.  And yet, here I am, posting just one more.  What's wrong with me?

Well, in my defense - I mean I have to defend myself, no one else is going to do the job so I guess I better - yesterday was the last of that, specific Coke picture.  This is indeed a Coke bottle, but a very, very different style - a little more modern if you will.

But, that's not the worst part . . . I told them that I had worked on some new photos and that my brother Kelly was going to enjoy them very much.  And, now he will just have to wait a bit longer to see what I am talking about.  I'm pretty sure he'll be okay with it though - I mean he's pretty used to my ways by now.

Hopefully tomorrow night.  I just didn't want to post until I had some time to spend on getting the pictures processed just right.

And now, I am off to read . . .

Motion and Action, Talking and Meaning

Circa 1899

Never mistake motion for action.  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

So, is it just me or have you known people that fit that quote quite nicely.  Hopefully that person is not you.  I think the same feeling can be said about not mistaking people that are talking for those who have something to say.  And I have definitely known one too many a person that fits that way of thinking.  And if you have known someone like that . . . hopefully that person is not me.

I'm Just a Little Excited

Refreshment in a Row

I think I've discovered the secret of life - you just hang around until you get used to it. ~ Charles M. Schulz

I feel like a kid in a candy shop.  This morning I went for my walk with my brother and my dad.  It's been awhile since I've walked with them.  Winter colds, winter break and an overabundance of work has kept me from walking for longer than I would like to admit.  And so I went today, ready for a good workout and some pleasant conversation.  Little did I know I would be leaving with a book of quotes.  Do I need to tell you how excited I am?

My brother Kelly and I share books back and forth all the time.  He mentioned this book to me about a month or so ago that he wanted to loan to me because he knew it was right up my alley.  And after reading my "explanation" last night it reminded him to bring it to me this morning.  Yeah! 

He told me to read the preface first, but I just couldn't help myself and flipped through some of the pages to read a few of the quotes.  Love it!  I can't wait to share some of those little nuggets with you.  But first, I must finish reading another book that Kelly loaned to me and one that my son bought for me to read.  So, I am off to bed to get some reading in tonight.  I've only got three more chapters in the book from my son.  Good night all . . . until tomorrow.

Quotes - I've got some explaining to do . . .

Enjoy

First of all, let me just say - Happy 2011!  Can you believe a new year has begun?

And, here is the first quote of the year:

All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on. ~ Henry Ellis

So, over the past several weeks, I have been asked about my quotes.  Mostly the question has been where do I find them all.  And I would like this to be a pretty simple answer - but if we've ever met, then you know I can't give simple answers.  So, let me share with you my love of quotes.

As long as I can remember I have been a quote collector.  I have heard them or read them and write them down.  The really, really great ones I commit to memory.  Right after high school as I was preparing to go off to college, a friend of mine, gave me this cute, tiny little book.  She had filled it half way with all sorts of quotes and gave me the explanation that the other half was to be filled in by me.  I held onto that book for many, many years and added quite a few quotes of my own to it over the years.  Currently, I have setup a word document for keeping all of those wonderful quotes - the funny ones, the inspiring ones and the ones that just give you chills to think about them.  And that is where I pull my quotes from.

Now, where do they come from to get put into my little old Word document?  From books that I read, from shows and movies that I watch, from posters that I see in the stores, from songs, from friends and family.  Basically from anywhere that things are happening.  That is where my quotes come from.

And just like my photos, I never know which quote I am going to share until I sit down to write out my posting each night.  Sometimes it is from things that have happened during the day.  And sometimes it is from thoughts that have been rattling around in my brain.  But mostly it is just from reading through my quotes until I come across one that makes me smile - and that is the one that gets shared at that moment. 

I am glad that you are enjoying them.  I know I do.