365 Project - Day 242

"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, the one who called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you." 1Peter 5:10

It seemed the line of cars ahead of me was never-ending. I could not fathom where all of these people needed to be in the middle of a Saturday afternoon. I had just dropped my parents off at JFK Airport and the traffic home was crawling when it moved. We were moving so slowly that I took iPhone photos as my planned 365 Project for the day. I was not in a hurry, but did have a party to go to that evening. And I grew so very tired that sitting in traffic was threatening my ability to remain wide wake!

Very late that evening, I took a new set of daily photos. I had a choice to make: Focus on the afternoon's unpleasant traffic jam or find something I enjoyed far more. Anxieties and disappointments are simply, facts of life. As such, we choose how we react.

We can choose to dwell on our difficulties or we can choose to change our attitude. And while it is not always possible to "snap out of" a bad situation, when we can, we must. When we can't, adapting our perspective to an attitude of gratitude will set us on the course of change.

Just allowing ourselves the freedom to choose to focus on positive things can alter our outlook and shift our entire countenance. Lucky for me, I have a house full of flowers at the moment. Since daisies are absolutely the opposite of bad stuff, changing my attitude came easily. As Thomas Jefferson said, "Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; Nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Positive Vibes

EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 400
50mm
f2.8
1/20s

365 Project - Day 241

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1Peter 4:10

"When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked them. 'You call me "Teacher" and "Lord," and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should also wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.' " John 13:12-15

As we celebrated my son's high school graduation with a day long party, my husband and I spent the day serving our guests. We chose to actually serve dinner as well. In doing so, we had the opportunity to see everyone at dinner time. Though we had just a moment with them as we served their meal, we were pleased we had that brief moment. It was a nice to connect with each of our guests and offer a small bit of service.

Earlier in the day, my 83 year old father was recovering from a leg injury he suffered the prior day. My mother massaged his legs and feet to improve their condition. It seemed an unpleasant task from my perspective, but she gracefully and selflessly offered her services. Her efforts paid off and she gave us all the gift of a happy, pain-free gentleman that evening. The flowers below were given to my parents for their anniversary by the NYC hotel in which they stayed for their anniversary. Such a lovely gift and terrific way to honor 60 years of service to one another.

I believe we are often happy to give as long as we are in control of the size and conditions of our service offer. The two verses at the top of this post, however, suggest a more free and limitless approach to giving. The first is a reminder that all we have is designed to be a blessing to others. And the second is ensure we understand that we must give deeply and personally. There can be no such thing as impersonal giving, if done as intended.

The awesome insight about giving, though, is that there is as much, if not more, receiving when we give as there is giving. In fact, whatever we offer to others, we redeem ourselves. So that we are clear, all that goodness inside of you was never intended for you to keep just to yourself. God and nature require you to share. Therefore, go ahead and give more - Then notice your abundant return.

Blessings!

Today's Photo: Shared Life - Shared Giving

"Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back - given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity." Luke 6:38






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 640
50mm
f2.8
1/90s

365 Project - Day 240

"Stars
In your multitudes
Scarce to be counted
Filling the darkness
With order and light
You are the sentinels
Silent and sure
Keeping watch in the night"
From Les Miserables, "Stars"

We are very excited for the Sabrina's Encore Productions Summer Series show, Les Miserables coming to our local stage in July. This week the cast had the opportunity to preview a few of their Act 1 songs at a carnival. The kids were fantastic and there is still a month remaining before the actual production.

The work they accomplish during the remaining month will be a testament to the value of practice, commitment, order and focus. While they sounded wonderful, this was a vocal review, rather than the full production. The latter will require much more of each of them.

This week, my mother mentioned a former professor of hers who had told students that setting a goal they could achieve was simply not good enough. If we think about this, once we can execute the basics well, if we continue to learn and grow and push ourselves exceptionally hard we can achieve something far beyond what we believed was possible. And then, “Maybe everyone can live beyond what they're capable of.” Marcus Zusak

This cast is capable of producing an amazing show. They are phenomenally talented and with another month to go, they will achieve far beyond what they imagine. It's unlikely a more talented group of seniors has gathered together on stage. This is their moment.

We are each given these remarkable moments, some more legendary than others, but all are opportunities to push ourselves to achieve far more than we believed metaphysically possible. It is up to us to ... Shoot for the stars!

Today's Photo: Stars

“All that is important is this one moment in movement. Make the moment important, vital, and worth living. Do not let it slip away unnoticed and unused.” Martha Graham






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 400
50mm
f2
1/250s

365 Project - Day 239

“The men of experiment are like the ant, they only collect and use; the reasoners resemble spiders, who make cobwebs out of their own substance. But the bee takes the middle course: it gathers its material from the flowers of the garden and field, but transforms and digests it by a power of its own.” Francis Bacon

My garden is buzzing with hummingbirds and bees, making today's photo selection a difficult one. To top off the challenge, I chose to photograph flowers as well. I had 3 categories of photos to choose from!

The bees were crazy busy while working on the lavender. I was thrilled that they paid little attention to me as I photographed them. I was not anxious to be stung or even harassed by the bees. Watching them work was fascinating. Their process, while exceedingly quick also appeared frenetic and inefficient as they seemed to flit back and forth amongst the stems. To my untrained eye, the whole pollen gathering process looked chaotic. At the same time, I was entranced. And, as you can see in this photo, in the blink of an eye the bee landed, delicately grabbed hold of the flower and gathered what it needed. If only we all worked as feverishly, delicately, and focused and then contributed as much to support our global good.

I am adding a second photo because I felt it represented my own little chaotic world during the last few weeks. No effort to organize the flowers could add uniformity. They are lovely, but messy. That's life!

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Chaotic Goodness

"Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos." Stephen Sondheim







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 400
250mm
f4
1/1000s


ISO 125
35mm
f5.6
1/2s

365 Project - Day 238

Today we celebrated my son's graduation and his impending entry into New York University. I'm exhausted, but he and his friends enjoyed the day long party and that's what is important!

When I went to the dollar store to buy balloons, they were sold out of both grad balloons and balloons in his high school colors. We were forced then, to focus all of our decorating energy on NYU. The home was ablaze in purple! The plums below are a fair tribute to the NYU school colors. When I allow myself time to think about it, it's impossible to fathom him away. Yet, the time is nearly here. I am fortunate to have been so booked up with activities that leave no time for melancholy.

Given the association of purple with privilege and royalty, my son's fast approaching future seems well positioned. So rather than waste energies on anxiety, I will shift to the anticipation of his magical, illustrious future. I'm sure it will be great!

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Plum Greatness

"The path to happiness starts by following your passion, not dollar signs. Find what you like to do and immerse yourself in it. Don’t take precious time to smell the roses while you are still young —you can always garden when you retire."
—Phil Baran, Darlene Shiley Chair in Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute (from "If I'd Known Then: NYU Alum Advice for the Graduating Class)






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 100
50mm
f4.8
1/125s

365 Project - Day 237

"Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

My parents celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary today. When I picked them up from their excursion into New York City, this happened: "Well, hello pretty lady," my father said coyly to his bride. To which she grinned and responded, "Robert! Just get in the car, please." I have watched this slow dance my entire life. I have been truly blessed by the richness of their relationship and the fullness of their love.

My mother asked me if I had written about their anniversary in my blog. I told her I had not, but then thought I should. As I struggled to remember which photographs I had taken for today, I was panicked by the thought that I had nothing appropriate to celebrate my parents nor their 60 years together. I do not, but I will try.

The day I took this photograph, I had decided I had an affliction I needed to resolve. Holding steady. I move far too much when I hold my camera. This has been troubling me since the very first time I picked up a camera at the age of 16. I have compensated for it, even overcome it, but I have not conquered it. I need to stop looking around once the camera body is up to my eye, trust what I see, understand and cultivate depth, shape the composition, place the subject in the best light, be still and then hold fast. Interesting, isn't it, that these activities are also essential for long-lasting relationships?

As I witness this milestone with my parents, I am inspired by their focus on each other and on their family and impressed by their ability to hold steady despite life's most interesting bits. I am indeed a grateful witness. Happy 60th Anniversary!

Best wishes.

Today's Photo: Hold Steady!

"Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things. Love never fails." 1Corinthians 13:7-8







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 400
280mm
f4
1/1500s

365 Project - Day 236

"Motion or change, and identity or rest, are the first and second secrets of nature: Motion and Rest." Ralph Waldo Emerson

After a two week hiatus, I refilled the bird cages. The birds have been slow to reappear, but it has been nice to sit, relax and enjoy the garden. Though it has been raining quite a bit, I have had an opportunity to get out, walk around the garden and photograph the flowers. In the midst of this crazy busy time, I have been thinking about my personal need for pure rest and relaxation. We are blessed by an abundance of fun and joy with graduation, parties, my parents, NYU activities, summer shows.

I need to constantly remind myself to order the activities of my life. It is okay to be in motion as long as my priorities align with my purpose and as long as I also build in, not steal, time to rest. I am a walking example of what happens, given my recent broken leg, when I do not. Whether the busyness is good or troubling, the Lord has promised protection for the small price of acknowledging Him. It's that simple, but it does requires change and motion!

As I worked on the photo below, I could sense the lavender in motion. Each time I turned back to my monitor, I was a bit startled as the blooms seemed to sway on my screen.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Motion and Rest

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress,'
my God, in whom I trust.'

Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, 'The Lord is my refuge,'
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him salvation.' "
Psalm 91

365 Project - Day 235

“The eyes are the mirror of the soul and reflect everything that seems to be hidden; and like a mirror, they also reflect the person looking into them.” Paulo Coelho

Perhaps my favorite part of headshot day is capturing and illustrating so many pairs of eyes of the youth. They are vibrant, colorful, lively and they all foretell a brilliant future. I am incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity, this moment in time, to reveal their truth.

My wish, however, is that my time with the kids would be more than a fleeting moment. These sprint headshot sessions are challenging. Yet, I am grateful even for that brief time. To look into the eyes of the future, always gives me hope and pause. The former is obvious, the latter is a reminder of my responsibility in nurturing that future and its possibilities.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: The vision of the soul

“Voici mon secret. Il est très simple: on ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Le Petit Prince







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 125
50mm
f5.6
1/180s

365 Project - Day 234

"Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice and hold fast to him." Deuteronomy 30:19

We recently celebrated my son's final voice recital. I remember years ago, when he first jogged off of the football field and onto the stage, thinking I'm not sure how this whole vocal thing is going to turn out for him. And, then he morphed into an award winning vocalist and into someone whose voice I love and long to hear. So, this time, I did cry.

Every moment is bittersweet. Too much is happening all at once and time is marching on far too quickly. My parents are here with us to celebrate both my son's graduation and their 60th wedding anniversary. And then for my son's final theatre performance, we will have a full house. For now, I am trying to continue to enjoy each moment as it arrives.

I chose this photograph of my father with my mother in the background since we just celebrated Father's Day. My father is a hoot and he strives to be. It can be awfully trying on the children of someone who wants to be the funniest and cleverest guy around, but I've grown accustomed to it. Now I am simply enjoying how happy he seems. I would love to believe that 30 years from now, I could lean back and laugh out loud as though I had neither a worry nor a care, wouldn't you?

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Happy Dad!

"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." Psalm 68:3







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 125
35mm
f4.5
1/125s

365 Project - Day 233

"If you were born with the ability to change someone's perspective or emotions, never waste that gift. It is one of the most powerful gifts God can give - the ability to influence." Shannon L. Adler

Yesterday was another headshot day. This time the headshots were spread out over a long period of time, but since I was shooting during rehearsal each person still needed their individual headshot taken in under 5 minutes. The beauty of the day was two-fold, however. I always enjoy headshot day. Spending time with the kids, no matter how harried, is a treat. We were short on help, so I enlisted small children as assistants and that was a blast. They were wonderful and did a far better job, frankly, than my own older children. And these kids were 9-11 years old. I would call this a bonus for all of us! Also, during the breaks in between, I got a kick out of watching the owner / director of the theater studio working with the children. I thought she might pull her hair out, but she was amazingly patient, even as I laughed out loud at the craziness with which she dealt. Being in that environment simply made me smile.

I have learned over the years that no matter how tough a child may appear, they are all fragile. All of them. Playing a small part in encouraging them, even for the few minutes I have with them and to create a photograph that illustrates the best in them, is my responsibility. So while the focus may appear to be simply on taking a picture of the face, my best work comes from shifting my focus to capturing the wholeness of the little person.

With people and with things, we grow and deliver our best when we can shift focus beyond the subject to the content that lies beneath and to the source of the thing. Be more than surface dwellers!

Best wishes.

Today's Photos: Still Life Flowers and Their Source

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ" Philippians 1:9-10

365 Project - Day 232

“Tell me with whom you consort and I will tell you who you are; if I know how you spend your time, then I know what might become of you.” Goethe

This is one of my favorite still life photographs. I was fortunate to have the yellow flowers on hand when I chose to develop the still with lemons as the central focus. The combination of both yellow objects with the blue works very well. The hardest part, frankly, was getting the blue stones spread out properly.

Here's why I'm really excited about this photo: the reflections in the stones. I am enjoying the variance in tone and light. This serves as an example of the fact that we can be a reflection and serve as a reflection. The question is what kind of reflection are we? Are we reflecting positive light and are we a positive reflection for others? If we are living the life we are intended to live, the answer will be yes. As difficult as it may be, the choice is always ours. When we surround ourselves with positive light by the friends and activities we choose, and represented here in the yellow colors, we lessen and do not have to bear our burdens on our own. Instead, we can absorb and reflect the positivity of others. Likewise, when we are positive, we provide that same cushion against negativity for our friends.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: My reflection

"As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart." Proverbs 27:19

365 Project - Days 230, 231

"You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you." Isaiah 26:3

This has been an amazing journey from kindergarten to graduation. I have so enjoyed watching this kid grow into the young man he has become. Day 230 was cap decorating day and Day 231 was graduation. I thought it fitting to combine the two subjects. He conceptualized, organized and completed his cap entirely on his own. Getting through 13 years of graduation, with a community service pin and Honors cords, required a village.

He absolutely worked hard to get here. Soon he will be off to claim his purpose and place in this world, his inheritance if you will, and I could not be happier. I am thrilled with his determination and conviction. And his talent is clear. He recently concluded an AP Literature course focused on relationships by conceiving and filming a music video to Hozier's Jackie and Wilson as his senior project. This is an outstanding tribute to his teacher, the class, his colleagues and the music itself.

Since he chose the more compelling and challenging collegiate path of NYU's Tisch School, he will work hard over the next years, hone his craft, learn a lot and set himself up for a fantastic career in the film industry. Having declared his purpose with definiteness provides clarity now and in the years to come.

As a parent, I believe that one of my roles was to help him find and then support that purpose with as much enthusiasm and commitment as he has in living out his dream. I am not here to simply help him survive, I am here to ensure he thrives. And, helps others likewise.

Blessings.

Today's Photos: He's on his way!

"You are who you are for a reason.
You're part of an intricate plan.
You're a precious and perfect unique design,
Called God's special woman or man.

You look like you look for a reason.
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You're just what he wanted to make.

The parents you had were the ones he chose,
And no matter how you may feel,
They were custom-designed with God's plan in mind,
And they bear the Master's seal.

No, that trauma you faced was not easy.
And God wept that it hurt you so;
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into his likeness you'd grow.

You are who you are for a reason,
You've been formed by the Master's rod.
You are who you are, beloved,
Because there is a God!"
- Russell Kelfer

365 Project - Day 229

"Be sure to use the abilities God has given you." 1Timothy 4:14

My son was delightful to watch in the dance recital this year. He was clearly talented and having a great time. I wondered why there were so many extra rehearsals and then discovered that his class was performing the opening act. It makes sense that the studio owners wanted the opening act to be executed perfected and my son and his colleagues did a beautiful job.

I am always going on about the amount of practice necessary to complete an effort well. So I'm still a bit stunned that he pulled this off with little practice and what felt like little passion. I can only imagine his level of talent, should he practice a few times a week! Nevertheless, I'm thrilled we discovered this capability and hope he continues to enjoy it for a long time. His favorite class is Tap & Jazz. He will likely drop all other dance classes next year and focus only on this.

I believe in trying a wide variety of activities to discover that which you enjoy and are the most skilled at performing. I also believe once we've given an activity a solid try, we have to be willing to let it go if it doesn't work. Doing so allows us to make room for the ones that do. Yet, too often, we hold tightly and then we miss or delay opportunities for new blessings. This one is hard, I know.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: He'll dance for you!

"Since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what were made to be" Romans 12:5







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
52mm
f19
2s

365 Project - Day 228

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has to be one of the funniest shows I have seen. I had no idea. Shortly before leaving for call time opening night, my son asked for help pulling together the costume he needed to portray Jesus. I had no forewarning so it took a moment to sink in. My son also played Mitch Mahoney, ex-convict grief counselor performing community service by comforting the losers of the spelling bee.

This was a student produced and directed show done by one of my son's best friends as his Senior Capstone project. It was a delightful evening with a terrific cast. The show was beautifully directed event.

The scene below is one of my favorites. This is when Marcy, an extreme overachiever who is tired of always winning, calls on Jesus for the okay to not do her best. Jesus meets her on her terms, speaking to her in one of the 6 languages she speaks and telling her that winning the spelling bee is not the kind of thing he really cares about.

This is important stuff. Are our areas of focus aligned with His? When we get all knotted up, frustrated and Type A are we sure our energies and anxieties are in the right places? For me, the answer is not always or the more complete response is, not often enough. If He doesn't really care about it, then why should we? Now, there's something to think about.

Best wishes.

Oh - the line I consider the most brilliant: "if you took the W in answer, the H in what, the extra A in aardvark, and the T in listen, you could keep saying, "WHAT?" and no one would hear you because the whole word would be silent." Olive Ostrovsky

I am still thinking about that one.

Today's Photo: Focus on the right things

EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 800
70mm
f2.8
1/90s

365 Project - Day 227

I have experienced a lot of firsts the past year and recently had the opportunity to sit through a dance recital rehearsal for the first time since I was 16. This was more fun as a parent than I recall as a child, although I'm not sure my mother would agree. I wanted to capture the spirit of this rehearsal. Parents watching in the dark in the auditorium, having received their child's costume. The leader and instructors on stage with last minute coaching. The kids almost, but not quite there.

This is two days prior to the recital for Lisa Mennilli's Dance Academy and the kids are working on the closing act. Perhaps my favorite part of the photo are the preschoolers. There is nothing more adorable than small children absorbed in their own worlds. It looks like they want to pay attention and participate, but they simply cannot. There's so much to see and experience.

I wish we could extend that sense of wonder far longer into our lives. As my 14 year was begging to steer the car recently, I asked him not to be in such a hurry to grow up. "Please," I pleaded, "enjoy this time of being young and full of curiosity and awe before you jump into being responsible and that is stolen from you." My mother reminded us this evening of how he and his best friend in preschool used to giggle and play on the soccer field without paying a moment's attention to the game. That's what I want him to hold on to for as long as he can. As adults, we can recapture wonder if we allow ourselves to live fully in the moment, without harsh distraction and without judgment. I encourage you to be in awe at least once every day, it refreshes the soul.

Best wishes.

Today's Photo: Time to Dance!

"At the time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.' " Matthew 18:1-5










EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 1000
40mm
f3.5
1/125s

365 Project - Day 226

Tomorrow is the big day! It is hard to describe the swirl of emotions. Everything was complicated by the fact that my parents, who were too busy to arrive early, missed their flight today. I called them 5 hours before departure. They were packed last night - good news, but had not checked in despite my calling last night to remind them - bad news, and my dad was chasing errands - the worst news. I know this situation well. It has been repeated numerous times, but we always hope, "just this once". Now, I have to hope they will make it to the graduation ceremony. To be candid, I could not even speak to them when I heard the news. I suspect the Lord knew how this was going to play out because I left the house without my cell phone. So it was up to my husband to break the news when I came home with our Chinese take-out.

Back to today's photo ... this photograph invokes a flood a memories, like walking down the block with him when he was 5 years old and those big eyes looking up at me upon hearing a man shouting the words, "shut up!" to his dogs. My son said, "mommy what does that mean?" Or the local children's musician referring to him as "the Mayor" because he saw my son at all of the birthday parties he booked. And the first day of school in Paris when he was so excited to see a charter school bus, rather than our traditional yellow school bus. The football games, recitals and theater productions. And, the most beautiful and infectious laughter ever. He is a spectacular young man. And while I am excited about his future, I'm sure I will mourn this past a little bit tomorrow.

I have held up remarkably well during this senior year. I have the luxury of another one at home and I have tried to soak up every moment, not wanting to be lost in sadness and melancholy, but thrilled for each and every opportunity. My children are extraordinary gifts. I am fortunate to have been chosen to guide them on this journey of life and hope I have prepared them well (or at least well enough). These are talents bestowed upon me to nurture, develop and mature and then deliver to the world to make a better place. I would be remiss if I did not do that well.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Done!

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






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
50mm
f2.8
1/15s

365 Project - Day 225

"Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy." Psalm 33:3

My husband has a last day of school ritual and he's out of town. He texted me asking for confirmation that it was the last day of school. Without thinking of the implications, I answered. And then came the series of instructions. Let's be clear: I do not have a last day of school ritual with our children, however, since my husband is away tending to family matters, I thought I should attempt to oblige.

The instructions were something like, find the water gun in the garage; fill it; hide in the woods; jump out and spray Brooks when he gets off the bus; video with your phone!

Say what?

As a businesswoman traveling all over the world for weeks at a time, being home on the last day of school was not a priority. I needed to be home the first day of school, for major school events and theatre productions. Not for the last day of school. That set of instructions reminded me why.

I found the pump action water gun. I spent time trying understand how to pump it and film at the same time. What you see below is the gun and where I hid while waiting for my son to get off the bus. I chose to film the event on my DSLR. I turned my camera on as soon as I heard the bus approaching, pumped the water gun and crouched low. I then shuffled out to attack Brooks when he headed up the driveway. It must have been a silly sight. There is little of it recorded, since my primary focus was the attack and I had so much fun squirting him.

The older son was a bigger challenge. Since he had rehearsal after school, I didn't see him until later in the day. We went out shopping for a costume, so I hid the water gun in the garage before we left. When we returned, he parked his car outside and I hustled into the garage, picked up the water gun and waited for him to step inside. I got him. This is not recorded, but it was done. And that is good enough!

Success!!

I enjoyed seeing the smiles on my children's faces, a reminder of the joy and healing of play! I am thankful to have had that moment with them.

Best wishes.

Today's Photo: Last day of school

"The body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter and the spirit heals with joy." Proverb






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 250
35mm
f5.6
1/30s

365 Project - Day 224

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Galatians 6:7

I've been anxious to spend time photographing flowers in my garden. I remain astonished at the amount of growth since I planted the garden a year ago. When I started my garden project last year, I was hopeful, but also realistic. Planting 70 flowers was hard work. I lifted rocks from the beds, tilled the soil, added fertilizer, watered and continued to nurture the flowers through the summer. I expected to enjoy one good season. Little did I know my investment would pay off so nicely, in spite of the long and harsh winter, or perhaps because of it.

This photo was taken as the skies were darkening, a moment before a heavy downpour. I continued to photograph while standing under the eave of our front porch. Despite the clouds and rain, the beauty of the flowers was still visible. In fact, the dark dreary weather appears to have highlighted the flower's beauty.

In the same way, when we work hard, committed to our plan and investing more than is necessary, we reap more than expected. And though we may suffer through harsh seasons and heavy storms, these are moments in time with opportunities for renewal and growth, and even enlightenment.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Weathered Flower

"Make a pact with yourself today to not be defined by your past. Sometimes the greatest thing to come out of all your hard work isn't what you get for it, but what you become for it. Shake things up today! Be You...Be Free...Share." Steve Maraboli






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 500
50mm
f6.7
1/125s

365 Project - Day 223

At the time, this made perfect sense to me. Lovely deep red flowers, an interesting bottle to serve as a vase and a mix of fruit to add interest and additional color. The photo session had all the usual limitations: the space was tight as I wedged the bottle between the edge of the table and the painting on the rear wall. Nonetheless, I was happy with the photographs as they appeared on the back of my camera.

When I processed them, however, I noticed that my set up was out of balance. Since the lemons were larger than the delicate flowers and were positioned in front, they overtook the scene, making the flowers a less important component. I had the same issue with every photograph. To resolve the imbalance, I adjusted the crop, cutting off part of the lemons to resize and reduce their impact. In doing so, I improved focus on the flowers, but it still didn't feel strong enough. In the final version of today's photo, I sacrificed the lemons altogether, despite the amount of time I had already invested.

Isn't this a lot like how we try to deal with the very things that shift our lives out of balance? We often don't recognize the impact or even the source initially, we just know that at some point the wrong things started taking up too much of our time. And then we declare we must get control. So we cut a bit and are marginally pleased with that improvement. Yet, we've generally left our lives in tact, when the best action would have been a drastic elimination of the very thing throwing us out of balance. Had we done that, we would have been truly happy and at peace.

It was difficult to make the decision to crop out the lemons, but the 2nd photo is just better. This drastic measure was the right option. Sometimes you simply have to lose something to gain something better.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Proper Balance - Still Life Flower with or without Fruit

"The right thing to do and the hard thing to do are generally the same" Steve Maraboli

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening - it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained this way." Hebrews 12:11




EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
35mm
f13
7/10s

365 Project - Day 222

I have an affinity for straight lines. I'm just not a big fan of circles. In fact, when purchased our home, I did not like the huge round chandelier in the foyer and immediately replaced it with an equally large rectangular one. I follow the same straight line approach when photographing. If I choose a different perspective, I've noticed that I pause to make a conscious adjustment and then take a deep breath. This is simple. I'm a highly creative square.

During Scott Kelby's Shoot Like a Pro session, I was intrigued by his focus to get the best photo, unencumbered by the angle required. I thought I should push myself out of my comfort zone and worked my way up to this photograph. I began with my typical landscape approach, standing up, looking down. Then sat / laid down on the ground for the rest of the photos. The first angular attempt actually made me dizzy. I shook it off, caught my breath and stuck with it.

I'm glad I did. I am pleased with the results. The next time, though, I might try to improve my basket contents with actual picnic treats and a few ants! I also believe a board under the blanket would keep it from looking messy.

Focusing on illustrating the story through incorporating content in a different way allowed me to successfully stretch my limits. I realize that when I am not shooting headshots and still life, I'm not challenging myself enough. What's important is whether I am forced to think through the photograph and develop or expand skills. If the exercise takes little thinking, I am not improving. 10,000 hours of walking for a runner will not make them a world class runner. Achieving expertise requires full-on exercise of the essential muscles for the sport. Increasingly pushing and stretching those muscles is the only sure way to mastery.

Best wishes.

Today's Photo: Fixin' to Picnic

"If an ax is dull and one doesn’t sharpen it first, then one must exert more force. It’s profitable to be skillful and wise." Ecclesiastes 10:10






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
45mm
f16
1/30s

365 Project - Day 221

“Man’s mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

My husband was out of town and my children were both tied up in school all day and busy with after. It was a bit risky, but I decided to drive an hour to attend a rare opportunity to see Scott Kelby's Shoot Like A Pro Reloaded event. I doubted he would ever be this close again, so I took the chance.

I enjoyed his openness and candor. One the most entertaining moments was when he walked us through the realities of a seasoned professional's photographic moments. He was comical in sharing what really happens behind the scenes. The great shot, he said, does not happen in 4 or 5 takes like most believe. It is almost as iterative for him as for me! Perhaps the biggest learning moment, however, was when he illustrated how to take photographs outside or in a garage without backdrops that look like they have been shot in a studio. My favorite was a photograph of the chrome of a car with a jet black background that had been taken in a garage filled with other cars, automotive accessories, people and bright lights. Now if I could just get my kids to wash my car!!

I decided on a mini-tryout of these techniques to photograph flowers in my garden. There were two problems with this: I cheated on nearly every important dimension (I guess I really needed to lug all my gear outside) and it's very hard to transform a garden to an in-studio look. I might have been a bit over my skis on this one. While I did not get the results I wanted, I do have a better understanding of the process.

One of the reasons I love photography is that I am in constant wonder. Whether it be because of the moment I am capturing or the challenge of capturing the moment, all of my senses are engaged. More than anything else I do, my photography forces me to practice mindfulness. I am present, open, free and often filled with breath to embrace the moment.

I am also perpetually learning. Since everyone sees, feels and experiences events differently, there seem to be as many ways to capture and process images as there are photographers. I believe you can be influenced and guided, but you must determine your own style and unique vision. I remember being in a group of photographers capturing an event and asking, "how will we know which of our photographs will be published?" The response was, "you will know because you know your own eye."

Whether we are photographers, musicians, film makers, actors, business people, homemakers or something else, we are each uniquely special. In all professions, we must use the full extent of our gifts to bring our unique vision, our own eye to the marketplace.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Faux Studio

"To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.” Winston S. Churchill







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
45mm
f22
1/125s

365 Project - Day 220

"Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I am permitted to hold for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." George Bernard Shaw

My father-in-law passed away the day I took today's photo. I was driving to a photography workshop when my husband called with the news. At 87 years old, his father was very active, continuing to burn his torch brightly. His life was full and loving and giving. He was a kind and strong man, a wonderful patriarch of his large and growing family.

My husband spent the last week with his father. That was a blessing. There was a debate about whether he should make the trip now or wait since his father was doing well. During the past week, he busily took care of his father and step mother. Though he did not know it in the moment, his presence served as his most enduring gift and as a tribute to his father.

It is clear that we should not put off what we can do now. One of our greatest gifts is our time. Making the time now for someone else is a most precious gift, for both the giver and receiver.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Tribute

"God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list? 'Walk straight, act right, tell the truth.' " Psalm 15:1-2






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
50mm
f16
1/125s

365 Project - Day 218, 219

“Whether we fall by ambition, blood, or lust
Like diamonds we are cut with our own dust”
― John Webster

It's been a crazy week and since I have two days in a row of still life, I'm doubling up.

I am exploring color and texture in both photographs. Getting the right balance and mix of color and texture became more important to me than overall composition. Since the available space is small and crowded, I've chosen not to anguish over composition, but rather obsess over other details. There will come a time when I will have enough space. At that point, I would like to know that I have sorted out everything else. Abundant space without understanding color, texture and exposure does absolutely no good. Perfection, therefore, is not my aim. While my confined space is frustrating, I am certain I gain if I am able to "see" differently and strengthen my skills in the midst of this challenge.

Tonight was Tony night! We enjoyed full-on entertainment. The Tony Awards are always such a colorful and joy filled event and tonight seemed especially so. It is interesting that both the winner of Best Play (The Curious Incident of the Dog in Nighttime) and Best Musical (Fun Home) were born out of difficulty. As I was thinking recently about challenges and adversity, one thing became crystal clear: challenges, adversity, failure and defeat can either define you or refine you. Those who understand how to engage adversity as a refining power, shine brilliantly - not in spite of the difficulties in their lives, but because of them. Tonight seems proof of this.

Best wishes.

Today's Photos: Still Life Days 218 & 219

"All sacrifice and suffering is redemptive. It is used to either teach the individual or to help others. Nothing is by chance.”
― A.J. Russell

365 Project - Day 217

"A generous person will proper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

This photo is part of the series for my son's vision book. I am excited for him as he readies to embark on his filmmaking career. As a Director of Photography, he will stand at the center of one of the most creative aspects of the industry, the intersection of directing and imaging. He translates written stories into the visions we see. We actually experience those stories through his eyes. His is a powerful task and an awesome responsibility.

I like to remind him of that amazing power. I have drilled him on "the point or the moral of the story"; "what is it," I ask, "that you want your viewers to understand, learn or do," as a result of the film. He will regularly make choices between good and evil. He will have to make a very obvious daily choice about using his power for good.

The truth is we all do. In large and small ways throughout every day we make a choice to build up or tear down. We silently or publicly judge (Caitlyn Jenner?). We add to or subtract from the greater good in tiny ways all day long (I impatiently honked at a car that was too slow at street lights). And since everything we do to and for others, we do for ourselves, we increase each time we choose to add in positive supportive ways. In the same way, each time we subtract through negative and judgmental actions, we diminish our own value.

The moral here is making the choice for good and sharing our time and talents, increases our power.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: The Power to Create Good

"Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing ... Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and everyone else." 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14-15







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 500
50mm
f3.2
1/20s

365 Project - Day 216

"To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of an artist." Robert Schumann

This week is flanked by the Connecticut High School Musical Theater Awards (CTHSMTA) and The Tony Awards on Sunday. It is difficult to think of a more idealistic way to start and end the week. We had a wonderful time at the CTHSMTA black tie gala earlier this week. And though we did not win nearly enough awards for our fantastic show, the evening was filled with music, dance and laughter. It was a joy to see our children on stage giving perfect performances, delighting the audiences.

We will soon gather in our Family Room for a casual and quiet but equally entertaining evening to watch the Tony Awards. We watch all award events and even discuss what it will be like when we all go to the Academy Awards together, but we secretly enjoy the Tony's the most. The evening is akin to watching a condensed version of the best of Broadway and the West End in under 3 hours. What's not to love about that?

We look forward to the entertainment of these events more than the recognition. Seeing incredible young CT talent come alive on stage fills the soul with beauty and hope. Watching the professionals during the Tony's ignites dreams and excites passions.

When we settled into our seats at the Palace Theatre for the awards this week, the organ pipes caught my attention. These are captivating - so majestic and grand. They elegantly represent the dreams of the artists on stage. It would seem only the very best music could exude from here, opening up the hearts and minds of the audience. A graceful reminder of the juxtaposition of our dreams and responsibility to affect others.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Musical Dreams

“If you were born with the ability to change someone’s perspective or emotions, never waste that gift. It is one of the most powerful gifts God can give—the ability to influence.” Shannon L. Alder







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 640
70mm
f4
1/45s

365 Project - Day 215

"For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning."
Psalm 30:5

I have mentioned the trials and tribulations of photographing my sons. I thought a visual from Brooks' session during last weekend's cast photo session would make my point. The photos below are his first (unedited) and eighth (finished). Quite a substantial improvement in 1 minute! This is our norm. His was the longest session at just under 6 minutes. We had one person for 4 minutes, but the bulk were 2-3 minutes.

I have now had time to reflect on this event and I'm frankly pleased, stunned and disappointed all at the same time. When I look at the product, I'm pleased. I am still aiming for a high degree of perfection, but given the rapid fire circumstances, these are good. When I evaluate my ability to thrive, not just survive, in this situation I'm stunned. Every time I think about the waiting line out the door, coupled with giving every child just 2-3 minutes of time, I am disappointed. There's no time to individually adjust the lighting. No time to talk to each child and give us both time to relax. No time to refer to my notes if something is not working for one person. No time to step back and breathe. I literally ate half a sandwich when I asked one of the students for 5 minutes before we moved on to his photo. Every moment was hurried and harried. And I neglected a few simple techniques.

So I'm left with a choice - anguish over what could have been or rejoice over what was. I choose the latter. The session was far from perfect, but it was, nevertheless, joy filled. I cannot let my own anxieties, impatience and fears trump my opportunities for joy. I confess, I am a perfectionist and myopic focus on "right" can cause me to miss the "light" on the periphery. Often, joy and love exist in the periphery.

Rather than dwell in the land of anguish, I must choose to celebrate the excitement of that imperfect moment, and live for the tomorrows that will invoke the lessons I learned today. What "imperfect moment" is stealing your joy? I encourage you to find and celebrate the joy in its midst. Then look for the learnings in those fears and anxieties and store them away, as though precious gems, for later use.

Best wishes.

Today's Photos: Trial and Tribute

"Every evil to which we do not succumb is a benefactor." Ralph Waldo Emerson







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 125
50mm
f5.6
1/180s

365 Project - Day 214

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' " Matthew 25: 37-40

Because sometimes He whispers and sometimes He shouts, I am compelled to begin with this: Please do not read the above literally. It is not intended to be so. We hunger and thirst for more than food and drink. Invitations and clothing go beyond personal and physical warmth. Sickness and imprisonment are not only physical confinements. The world is not changing because, while we might provide something to eat or wear, these do not address deeper needs. We're working the easy ones - The ones we can see.

This is the verse for today's Apple Bible App. When I read the iPad App notification this afternoon, I immediately knew this would be today's focus. We've likely all read or heard this verse. In fact, I just heard it at a recent local Godspell performance. What I understood today is that delivering joy requires much more.

I am very proud of my son, Brooks, who served as a student leader for the inaugural session for Newtown High School's Unified Theater. Unified Theater pairs students with and without disabilities to build an inclusive performance. The photos below are from the group's production. The teams write the scripts and serve as cast and crew. I had a little trouble taking photos. My seat wasn't great, but the bigger issue was the surprise performance of my son as the sassy Princess Shanniqua. No idea. Stunned, but he owned it.

I asked Brooks about his experience. He said he wants to expand access to musical theater and is grateful that he had the opportunity to bring theater and music to a group of students that would not have had the opportunity. He also said he learned about teaming with students with disabilities. That working side-by-side works best. And, of course, as you can see by these photographs, they had a lot of fun. He seems on the path to understanding what the Lord intends.

Giving joy, gives back more than what you paid!

Blessings.

Today's Photos: Expanding joy thru theatre!

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

365 Project - Day 213

It's raining today and for some reason, the garden is extremely busy. The doves seem to be here to stay, birds have been constantly in and out. The feeders, though one is empty and the other nearly so, have been filled with birds. And though I wasn't sure we would attract them, I hung a hummingbird feeder and that, too, is well, humming!

I have grown weary of chopping down tree branches and chasing squirrels off the feeders. I told my husband the other day that once the bird seed I have is gone, I will call this phase of my life done. The squirrels have won; I'm tired of them stealing bird food. Yet, I do love watching the birds. It's just those crazy, cunning squirrels that are making me absolutely nuts.

For those of you that know this frustration with squirrels, there is one benefit. Doves, Cardinals and Robins appear to prefer to eat off the ground. It may be that they are simply too large for the feeder, but most of the time they are strutting low, rather than soaring high. I'm fairly certain that the small birds are not chucking enough food down to the ground. Yet when the squirrels jump and miss or when I chase them down, they shake enough loose. In fact, this morning the doves were completely unfazed by me clapping the squirrels away. The doves just patiently waited for me to go back inside and kept eating.

The moral of this is that while I might not like them, if I want to enjoy every type of bird, there is some advantage to the devilish thieves. Truth. And, nature again has its way. Have any "squirrels" in your life?

I like the way the squirrels are depicted in this photograph. It seems a vibrant illustration of part of Emerson's Law of Compensation.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Thieves!

"Everything has two sides, a good and an evil. Every advantage has its tax. I learn to be content." Ralph Waldo Emerson






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 400
240mm
f4
1/180s