365 Project - Days 335, 336

"and he has filled him with the Spirit of God with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft." Exodus 35:31-33

I have become enamored with creating interesting photographs by placing glass, crystals and prisms close to or against my camera lens. For fun, I started out with wine and champagne glasses and switched to small aperitif glasses in various colors. I am getting a kick out of this and I literally had to stop myself from continuously pulling new objects out of my cabinets. Upon the advice of famous fashion photographer, Lindsay Adler, during a recent Creative Live webcast and a recent article, I ordered small teardrop chandelier crystals and a glass prism and went creatively crazy.

One of the joys of the creative process is that aside from basic ground rules, we have the complete freedom to exercise our visual and neural muscles in any range of combinations. There is no right or wrong. This is our personal creation. It is up to us as artists to decide whether the work we are creating is appealing. To be sure, not everyone will like it - not everyone likes the paintings of the masters. So be it. As one of my favorite artists, Henri Matisse said, "creativity takes courage."

There is a measure of creativity in all of us. The developmental difference may simply lie in one's yearning and courage to create. The photographs below wouldn't win contests, but were borne of a relentless desire to create something new. The first photo was taken with a wine glass creating the haze at the bottom; in the second there are only 2 real flowers, the rest are created with the use of crystals. I am anxious to see how far I can push these simple tools to create unique photographs.

That's how I am using my burning desire to create. How about you?

Best wishes.

Today's Photos: Crystal Creations

“Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten. Then when you hit puberty they take the crayons away and replace them with dry, uninspiring books on algebra, history, etc. Being suddenly hit years later with the 'creative bug' is just a wee voice telling you, 'I'd like my crayons back, please.' ” Hugh MacLeod

365 Project - Day 323

"Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" Dr. Seuss

I am constantly after my kids about the difference between talent and hard work. My mantra goes something like this: Everyone is given a measure of talent. My children have been given an extraordinary amount (yes, this is their mother speaking!). However, someone with less talent may surely work harder than they and, thus, go further because of the strength of will over the measure of my sons' talent. Talent alone is never enough.

I further believe that the desire to "fit in" has a tendency to drown talent. Fitting in can cause talent to atrophy when individuals choose fitting in over utilizing their talent to become great and stand out. A person's drive to excel is dampened and soon they forget the talent existed. It is essential to be kind and make friends, but that should not impede someone's ability to develop and exercise their talent in big, bold ways. The two are not mutually exclusive. If we are truly properly using our God given talents, He will combine opportunities for both - we must understand the beauty in that mix, discover the balance, and be bold.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Beautiful and Bold

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” Calvin Coolidge






EXIF: Nikon D750
ISO 200
85mm
f4
1/180s

365 Project - Day 320

“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” Confucius

I have to say, I looked at the photos in the folder for today and immediately thought, "oh no, not another flower photograph! What was I thinking? Enough already!" However, as I settled in to select the final one, I was struck by the beauty in these photos and reminded of why I am so drawn to photograph in this small space against these navy blue walls. The late afternoon light from the window into the dark room plays nicely for these photographs and I shot this around 6PM. I did leave the ISO at 1250 from the previous days, but I think it worked quite well. The blue backdrop highlights the natural variances in color in the flowers and this green bottle from the dollar store provides a good support structure, though I wish I had captured a little more.

It is likely that I was as disappointed by my lack of creativity when I set up the shot a few days ago as I was when I first swept through the folder today. I did the best I could with what I had at the time. Often, we do not or cannot or simply will not see the beauty that surrounds us, whether it be grande or simple. That is as much true with people as it is with things. It is as much true with inner beauty as with outer. I am constantly frustrated with this - and clearly, I am not free from guilt.

Finding beauty when we anticipate it, is nice. Finding beauty when we least expect it, is a terrific surprise. Expecting beauty to surround us, creates more beauty. If we create the world we want by our thoughts and words, then expecting and seeing beauty begets beauty. And I certainly sign up for that!

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Simple Beauty

“He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11






EXIF: Nikon D750
ISO 1250
85mm
f4.8
1/8s

365 Project - Day 304

"Simplicity in character, in manners, in style; in all things the supreme excellence is simplicity." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I am not a big fan of this plant when it's in full bloom. It's big and crazy. I much prefer the simple beauty of the few early blooms. This is my favorite time to capture these flowers.

There has been a constant cacophony in my brain lately. It seems it never stops stewing or working or solving something. Even when I try to sit quietly, it moves. So today as I read this insightful article that popped up in my Flipboard this morning by Eric Kim, "Having No Choices is the Ultimate Freedom", discussing the need for and value of simplicity, I felt compelled. I will never get down to 2 pair of boxers or 2 shirts, but the article rings true. Simplicity forces us to see life, love and beauty differently, perhaps more the way God intended. I like the idea of removing things I know I don't need, like apps on my iPad or iPhone, particularly because then I might find the ones I do need. Or, removing distractions and alternatives so that I focus more on what's important. And, no, I didn't need Kim to tell me these things in his very colorful way, just a little nudge.

Interestingly, unlike Kim, I have more cameras now that I ever imagined I would and I noted two things as I read his blog. The first is having two cameras made my trip to the zoo this week both easier and more challenging. When you don't have choices, you make do with what you have. And, secondly, as I looked at the photos from Day 304, I saw something interesting. I am still getting comfortable with my new Nikon D750. I have not really pushed the ISO as high as I should to get the shot that I need. On this day, however I pushed (but could still have used a bit higher ISO). I was sitting in the shadows shooting birds in my back garden, I needed to push the ISO up to adequately capture the birds in the trees. As I finished, I had forgotten the ISO was at 2500 and shot photos of the flowers in the garden just as I had when I first stepped outside. The first photo below is shot at 200 and the second at 2500. I cannot tell the difference.

Having the good fortune to shoot with virtually no consequence at 2500 could simplify my photography. It would certainly keep me from being anxious each time I press the ISO. Naturally, having strong light made a good deal of difference, but still.

As I looked for simplicity quotes for this blogs, I was truly moved by the words of so many. I suppose that is a sign that I need to get on with the business of simplifying my life. It may take more time, but doing great things simply, often drives unique innovation (the intersection of intelligence and creativity) and that should be our perpetual aim.

Blessings.

Today's Photos: Simple Beauty

“I do believe in simplicity. It is astonishing as well as sad, how many trivial affairs even the wisest thinks he must attend to in a day; how singular an affair he thinks he must omit. When the mathematician would solve a difficult problem, he first frees the equation of all incumbrances, and reduces it to its simplest terms. So simplify the problem of life, distinguish the necessary and the real. Probe the earth to see where your main roots run. ” Henry David Thoreau

365 Project - Day 298

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will ever let the righteous be shaken." Psalm 55:22

Confession ... I've gotten so far behind in my 365 blogging that I lost a day somehow and the Limes below were skipped. I have a lot on my mind and I suppose the combination of the high key limes and the whimsical flowers may be a bit of a reflection on my state of existence now.

Perhaps I just have a little too much of this going on? “I can never read all the books I want; I can never be all the people I want and live all the lives I want. I can never train myself in all the skills I want. And why do I want? I want to live and feel all the shades, tones and variations of mental and physical experience possible in my life. And I am horribly limited.” Sylvia Platt

If so, I'm not sure I'm ready to narrow my work, yet!

Best wishes.

Today's Photos:

High Key Green (the real Day 296)

Whimsy in Red (Day 298)

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1Corinthians 10:31

365 Project - Day 293

“In the short term, it would make me happy to go play outside. In the long term, it would make me happier to do well at school and become successful. But in the VERY long term, I know which will make better memories.” Bill Waterson, Calvin and Hobbes

On the eve of a new school year and just moments away from dropping the eldest off at college, I thought a little Calvin and Hobbes would be fitting. The summer is over. There is no debating that now. The loveliness of the garden and the warmth of the sun may tell a different story, but the frolicking must cease and the seriousness commence.

It has been a fabulously full fun summer that none of us truly want to end. The next days mark the beginning of an entirely new normal for our family. It will be exciting and scary, refreshing and daunting all at once.

The macro view of this flower is an attempt to reflect the sense of openness to new beginnings, yet with a touch of conflict. It is nice to see that angst can yield a beautiful photograph; a terrific sign of hope.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Hope and New Beginnings

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 400
50mm
f4
1/180s

365 Project - Day 291

"When was the last time you did something for the first time?"

At my age, you would think this a seldom occurrence, though lately I seem to be doing something new at a fairly robust pace. And, oddly, I see little signs of this slowing down. The bad news is that this feverish pace has left me running behind in some important areas. The good news is that, at the same time, I am way ahead in others. As always, the world operates "in balance"!

For today's photograph, I chose to try light painting. This was insanely challenging. I chose a small handheld flashlight as my light source and turned off all of the nearby lights. The difficulties were in 1) selecting the strength and placement of the light and 2) getting the focus set in very low light. I tried several different light positions, all hand held, and with a little patience achieved a look I like. One more tech note: I had to slow down the shutter speed to 3 seconds to capture enough light.

Is it not true, though, that when we fumble in the dark, these are our natural difficulties: Finding, directing and even determining the strength of a source of light, while also sharpening our focus? May I suggest, that slowing down, shaking things up and trying something entirely new that stretches us beyond our comfort zone, can allow us to see ourselves, our environment and our situations differently? And in the midst of that new perspective, we just might find new light and new strength.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: New Direction

"Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new." Brian Tracy






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 400
65mm
f8
3s

365 Project - Day 273

"Ah, great it is to believe the dream as we stand in youth by the starry stream; but a greater thing is to fight life through and say at the end, the dream is true!" Edwin Markham

I know. I have been warned that it's a bad idea to capture so many flowers in a single photograph. Yet, I do it anyway and one of my favorite paintings in my home is a massively disorganized giant floral bouquet. So, what gives?

My objective here was to capture a few flowers in focus - a sign of moving forward with focus and intent, despite any noise (out of focus flowers in the background) - both positive and negative.

At some point, we have to ingest faith, suit up and step out, if we're to end up where we're meant to be. The good news is, the Bible tells us over and over again that God works all things together for good. We might just want to truly believe. Then, when we make our move, the universe will move the necessary widgets in place to support us. I'm pushing myself to realize the quote above. Are you ready?

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Stepping out!

"Scripture reassures us, 'No one who trusts God like this - heart and soul - will ever regret it.' It's the same no matter what a person's religious background may be: the same God for all of us, acting the same incredibly generous way to everyone who calls out for help. 'Everyone who calls, "Help, God!" gets help.' " Romans 10:11-13







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
50mm
f2
1/90s

365 Project - Day 272

"Don't magnify your problems; magnify your God." Joel Osteen

I enjoy unusual flowers. Roses do not fall into that category, but I decided to play with this one. This adaptation made me smile.

Just a thought ... what if, we could be happy despite our circumstances? Said differently, what if being happy makes us happy? We know that being negative or being around negative people and bad influences makes us negative. Surely the opposite is true as well, right?

Try this on: Make the decision to be happy. To let God takeover and manage our troubles. To envelop yourself in positive experiences, friends and acquaintances. And, soon you will be happy. Nah - it cannot be that easy, right? There's no way the difficulties we face each day could be overcome by relaxing in the comforting knowledge that He's in control. It makes far more sense to wallow in grief, sadness and our view that nothing good ever comes our way!

I believe that we get hung up on "what makes us happy" and then disappointed when those things or persons do not come through. Leading a life based on faith, shifts our focus: God is in control, therefore, why not be happy? Is that difficult? Absolutely! Here's where we might dig in and avail ourselves of the adage, "fake it till you make it."

We do not know how a distraction, delay or disappointment is being orchestrated into our grand plan or how our diversion may help another. So, we could choose to be content. From where I sit, I prefer that over sadness, despair and depression, particularly given the promises of God. Getting to contentment, though, does require less me, more Him.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Contented Rose

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1Thessalonians 5:16-18








EXIF: Nikon D810
ISO 800
50mm
f8
1/6s

365 Project - Days 264, 265

"Lord, hear my prayer, in my need you have always been there." From "Bring Him Home" Les Miserables

We are heads down, all in, preparing for this weekend's performances of Les Miserables The Student Edition by Sabrina's Encore Production. This is my eldest son's final performance with the company and my youngest son's 20th musical overall (his first was with Sabrina's when he was 6 yrs old). One of the things I like about this show is its constant, deliberate reference to the Lord. And now as always, I am looking for both strength and peace from the Him.

The photos from these two days, are one of the reminders of our preparation, preparing both our external and internal home and bodies as we ready for one of the most exciting seasons for our family. We will be welcoming family and friends to join us for the performances. And by the end of this, we expect to be quite emotional. For now, we're hoping for more blessings, joy and a little relaxation along the way.

Best wishes!

Today's Photos: The Preparation

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9

365 Project - Day 263

"Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude." Ralph Waldo Emerson

I have been fervently trying to capture my husband's marigolds. My attempts have been largely futile. While hearty plants, they are too tiny for my lenses to crisply capture. I do not have a true macro lens, so this has been an exercise in daily pursuit. I have learned, however, to be simply grateful for their adornment of our garden. I'm more casual in my attempt now and think more about the full composition of the photograph, less about the individual flower.

I often try to think about life in that way as well. Be present enough to clothe myself in gratitude for the moment and also provide myself with enough space to think less about an individual annoyance and more about the big picture, the full composition.

To be sure, those more composed thoughts don't always come in the midst of the frustrating moment. Sometimes, I just can't clear my head. I do, however, try to force the clearing quickly, remembering that all things, good and not so, contribute to my well-being. And a habit of gratitude, I'm convinced, begets more opportunities to be thankful.

Blessings.

Today's Photos: Composed Marigolds

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 400
50mm
f2.8
1/100s

365 Project - Day 256, 257

"It's not the tragedies that kill us, it's the messes." Dorothy Parker

I am all absorbed with completing the headshot boards for this week's Sabrina's Encore Productions shows, Beauty and the Beast and Thoroughly Modern Millie. When I get like this, I am mostly numb, and can do little else than make multiple trips to the printers to fix photos and then, measure, print, cut, tape, repeat.

The only time I am not fully consumed and anxious is when I am watching the bird activity and wandering amongst my garden. Something odd is happening with the birds. From my perspective, it's inexplicable. I have a daily rush hour in my garden. Throughout the day, there will be short segments of time when lots of birds will swoop in grab a bite, hang around on a limb and walk around the rocks. I expected fewer birds when the squirrels down-sized me to a single feeder, but there are more. I have fewer goldfinches and several of the larger birds are gone, replaced by hoards of titmice, nuthatches and woodpeckers. More cardinals are here all day and the mourning doves are hanging around in a nice, tight pair. Everyone seems to be getting along and taking turns, but the squirrels still bully the birds my swinging from the branches to jump on the feeder. And, that's irritating.

I'm surprised by the calm that overcomes me as I watch the activity. Even a few moments with the birds is enough to regroup and reset. Perhaps observing their frantic activity, helps me release and forget my own. At the end of the day, I know I get this way when I don't take enough time to pray and rest - something I know intellectually, but in the thick of things am not always great about making the time - and creating the environment that would envelop me in peace. Yet, tomorrow is a new day!

Blessings.

Today's Photos:

Active Garden - Day 256

Active Garden - Day 257

"God cannot give you happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." C.S. Lewis

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

365 Project - Day 254

"Along with the sunshine, there's gotta be a little rain sometimes." Lynne Anderson, Rose Garden

So I am dating myself, but when I was a teeny tiny itsy bitsy girl, I used to choreograph dance routines to this and other songs like Harper Valley PTA. Not joking. We would perform our little dance routines for anyone who was willing to watch. I'm sure it was a hoot! I can still remember pulling down the shades during our Harper Valley routine. Okay so - you might have to look up the lyrics!

Rose Garden came to mind today as I looked at this photograph and thought about my day. I have tried multiple times to procure quality headshot prints from a local shop that everyone tells me they use. After repeated attempts and successive failures. I give up. And, actually the problem isn't just with headshots. Any color print process fails. Today I was in tears from the combination of pure exhaustion, frustration and abject failure. Actually, why did I assume this time would be any different?

The good news is that I know there is a fantastic lesson in here - I just need to hold on, dig in, discover the truth and use it to gain future success. I just need to hold on ... Yep. That's the struggle. I know.

Yet, all day long I have been reminded of Napoleon Hill and Ralph Waldo Emerson and their views "that every adversity brings with it the seed of equivalent advantage." I couldn't even wail for thinking for this and that the more important points today may have been these -

Emerson: "Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.”

Hill: “When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal.”

Was it a drag to pick up the photos and see something altogether different than what I see on my fully calibrated screens? Of course, but I know there is more to this than the store can't print my stuff. I went back to all 110 photos and reworked them a bit. I have learned a final lesson, though, from this particular shop! It and I do not do well together. I will move on to another print shop and I'm excited about that.

Today, I lived the adage, "we live and we learn" and am adding to it, "and we grow". And to grow, we need both rain and sun.

Blessings!

Today's Photo: After the rain!

Needed this: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 ... Thank you Lord!








EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 400
52mm
f9
1/125s

365 Project - Day 253

"Your results are the product of either personal focus or personal distractions. The choice is yours." John Di Lemme

This beauty was a surprise. As my husband, insensitively, filled this section of my garden with mulch he told me that if my lovely Calla Lilies had not reappeared by the time he was ready to mulch, they were not coming back. Boo-hoo!

In my garden, however, my plants persevere with amazing fortitude. Not one can be called "done". They have all survived little attention, a horrendous winter and now, being completely covered by muck. It is wonderful to see the Callas burst forth out of the mulching muck to emerge stronger and more beautiful than ever. If only we should persist as such, huh?

I photographed at twilight. And just for fun, I chose to minimize the amount of the flower in focus and fade out the background. This was my attempt to illustrate the need for focus on the right things in our lives, despite the amount of noise the rest may make. Too often we let the muck steal our joy and our focus, losing sight of what is most important.

So from this day forward, I am choosing to minimize the distractions caused by the muck so that I can major on things that create joy and beauty and peace. Join me?

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Pinpoint Focus

“Be on guard. The road widens, and many of the detours are seductive.” David Foster Wallace

365 Project - Day 251

"An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all." Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde spoke volumes with that quote. I love how it pushes us to the teeter on the edge.

I spent yesterday morning with kids who are preparing to participate in upcoming productions with the 1214 Foundation. We have a team of leadership consultants that have been orchestrated by Yale University to help the kids develop their strengths, work through emotions and gain confidence. I am blessed to have this opportunity to serve as a volunteer facilitator. As I was leading a component on embodying our strengths yesterday, several of the students selected creativity as their core strength. It was wonderful to watch and listen as they described how creativity comes to life for each of them.

One of the great things about the exercise was realizing both that we have different strengths and for those who have the same strength, understanding that we each experience, express and live it in different ways. And since creativity was the strength I used to demonstrate the exercise, I can confidently say that all natural creatives beings are always living on the edge. I would go so far as to say that my rampant creativity is constantly exploding with ideas that often crash and burn, but that's half the fun! I meant to share that yesterday - bummer.

Albert Einstein said, "Creativity is intelligence having fun." I wanted a brilliant, more exciting backdrop for my flower photo the other day. My dining room walls, while lovely, are tiring and starting to bore me. So I had the clever idea of taking the daisies outside to photograph in the garden. Yes - I was cheating. Even so, the situation was not ideal. It was late in the day, but I was determined to capture a creative shot, in as few shots as possible since I was still using my son's camera. It's passable and creative!

How are you embodying your strength today?

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Daisy Creative

"Creativity doesn't wait for the perfect moment, it fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones." Bruce Garrabrandt






EXIF: Nikon D3200
ISO 400
200mm
f8
1/250s

365 Project - Day 250

"Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men! Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for power equal to your tasks." Phillip Brooks

I am exhausted.

I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but I suddenly have found myself oversubscribed and pressed. Somehow, there's too much to do and far too little time. And the work at hand gets more and more complicated.

That being said, I had promised my husband a break this afternoon since the boys were in the city were their theatre group. My husband and I went to see "Spy". It was a delightful, laugh-outloud movie. I was stunned I stayed awake because my husband told me I fell asleep in the middle of our conversation on the way to lunch near the theater. Melissa McCarthy's character fully embodies the quote above throughout the movie. I loved seeing her character rise above.

So as I think about all that I have to do, I could want for less and/or for easier tasks. But what's the fun in that? I believe that too often we give up on ourselves too early and toss the tasks we decide we are incapable of fulfilling. Instead, I am going to pray for the talents, skills and resources necessary to excel and rise above every one. I will be grateful that I am more than enough and also get ready for the next wave of complex (and exciting) tasks ahead.

Along the way, I will reenergize by stopping to smell the flowers, like these fantastic purple and white daisies!

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Show-Stoppers

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13







EXIF: Nikon 3200
ISO 800
50mm
f13
1/5s

365 Project - Day 248

"But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well." Matthew 6:33

As I struggled with my first attempt to create a "painterly" effect with one of my photographs, I was reminded that this was a simple secondary task. And while I could spend a lot of time working to perfect the look, I have bigger assignments. So, why was I spending so much time here? The answer was clear - because it was easier to procrastinate and rationalize agonizing over my "fun" daily project, than work my tougher assignments.

When I read today's Bible App verse above, I knew my priorities were mixed up. Something I needed to resolve. By the way, the way I see it, the more I want, the more of His work, I need to accomplish. It's really not difficult at all. It just is.

Best wishes.

Today's Photo: Painted Ledge Flowers

"[God] has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do." Ephesians 2:10







EXIF: Nikon D3200
ISO 200
34mm
f8
1/200s

365 Project - Day 246

"Freedom lies in being bold." Robert Frost

Happy 4th of July! It is Independence Day.

My camera is in the shop for its annual cleaning - something I did not know I needed until recently. I'm also having the autofocus checked. I feel a bit naked without it, but I'll manage. We have a lot of point and shoot cameras in the house. Surely I'll be okay for a few days.

We spent the afternoon at the beach. When we arrived, the clouds cleared and the sun came out. We enjoyed a beautiful afternoon and a lovely evening. I had forgotten the largess of these fireworks. These fireworks displays last about an hour and are in every direction you turn. We were told that at couple was marrying today at one end of the beach and the father of the bride had spent $100,000 on their fireworks. Of course, we kept our eyes peeled. So since there are fireworks everywhere, eventually huge rockets exploded right above my head, arching starlets and raining bright colors across the sky. I jumped many times, worried a dud and/or ashes would land on my head.

I thought this flower was fitting for today since it resembles a sparkler. Taking the photo as a close-up (this is uncropped) gave the flower more dimension, strength and boldness. Similarly, tonight's various fireworks displays along the beach were close-up - bold and beautiful. The displays I have been used to in the past were tame, two dimensional 15 minute shows with the explosions off in the distance. Imagine a homegrown fireworks competition. That's what we experienced tonight.

I think it's fair to say that these families were determined to deliver the best possible evening's entertainment. They stepped up and delivered. Not bad !

Best wishes.

Today's Photo: Sparkler

"If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place." Nora Roberts







EXIF: Panasonic DMC-FP7
ISO 100
47mm
f3.7
1/60

365 Project - Day 243

"God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain and into the most holy place. Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and he is our high priest forever" Hebrews 6:18-20

As I photographed and processed this Gerbera Daisy, my mind fixated on "clarity." I was surprised, but I seemed drawn by this somewhat imperfect, yet crisp, flower to center my thoughts on getting to a degree of clarity that would yield sense of calm. I felt that once I cleared out the cobwebs and settled in, I could shift to "trust." An interesting series of thoughts, right? I simply pulled this singular daisy from a bouquet and felt a bit transformed as I worked through my photographic process. However brief, it's always nice to have that moment absent of fear, anxiety and worry. A moment filled only with hope.

Sometimes, those moments of clarity | trust | hope are more than enough.

Best wishes.

Today's Photo: Hope Secured

"Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all." Emily Dickinson

"Fear betrays our ability to help ourselves by thinking clearly." Wisdom of Solomon 17:12






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
50mm
f13
4s

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