365 Project - Day 158

As I mentioned yesterday, we were in Rochester, NY this weekend. One of the schools my son is considering for college is Rochester Institute of Technology. They have an impressive College of Imaging Arts & Science and their animation program is highly rated. I had to chuckle when the Dean said that, given the focus on telling a story is the same, during the first semester all of the students in the Film & Animation program take the same courses, "even if you are thinking you never want to draw a thing." This is exactly the precise thought I know was crossing my son's mind as the Dean spoke. He hates drawing. The very thought of it makes his fingers swell such that he cannot hold a pencil. He will have to sketch out ideas, I imagine, as the Director of Photography, but he just can't fathom a class in animation. It is funny to watch his reaction to these things. My other son, who will also study film is not so queasy as he enjoys every aspect of film making. He is picky about other things.

One of the many choices my son will have to make is the importance of what NYU referred to as a "leafy campus" versus a city campus. While you cannot see the leaves in this photo - it is still largely winter here - RIT falls in the former category.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Campus Arches

In case you're interested, this is the Bausch & Lomb Center at RIT


Much is debated today about the value of a college education. Where else will you have the opportunity for access to such varied subjects, experts and diverse people in a compact environment? I have challenged my son to select a college that will give him the best education in both his field and subjects that will make him both more interesting and more interested, and that will expose him to the smartest colleagues. And, when he leaves, I will ask him to find opportunities to do the most good. As I said to my younger son this evening, he has super powers, indeed. It is his quest to ensure that he develops those God given talents (aka super powers) for the good of others.


"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1Peter 2:9




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365 Project - Day 157

We spent much of this weekend at accepted/admitted college visits for my son. Experiencing this process is interesting. I want him to make the best decision for himself. Yet, I want him to make the best decision. Sometimes, those seem like two different things. The good news is he has promised to make a list of criteria against which he will measure the six colleges to which he has been admitted! It is wonderful to have the blessing of abundance, but time is running out as he must make a decision by May 1st.

Since we were headed to Rochester, NY for one of the visits, I was convinced there had to be a film / camera / photography museum somewhere nearby. My family moaned and groaned at the news that I would force them to another museum. After living several years in Europe and lots of travel to Europe and elsewhere, they are used to my museum excursions so I do not understand their surprise each time it comes up. Nevertheless, I sprung this one on them when they were tired.

I discovered the International Museum of Photography and Film, aka the George Eastman House. With two children who love film and photography, as soon as we walked through the doors, they were hooked. We enjoyed both the museum and the house. And, they took fantastic photos that are now home screen photos on their iPhone 6s.

This is one of my favorite photos from the visit. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend spending time here. Our only disappointment was that it was too cold to spend time in the gardens surrounding the house. I'm sure they're lovely.

Today's Photo: Celebrating Film!

"Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography." George Eastman

"What we do during our working hours determines what we have; what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are." George Eastman







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365 Project - Day 156

Happy Easter !

My photographs are a few days behind the date, therefore, I'm sorry to say that today's posting, doesn't match the theme, precisely. You could call it poor planning on my part.

I offer this from the song, "Forever" by Kari Jobe

The ground began to shake
The stone was rolled away
his reckless love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting?
Our resurrected King
Has rendered you defeated

Forever He is glorified
Forever He is lifted high
Forever He is risen
He is alive, He is alive!

We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome

Resurrection Blessings

Today's Photo: Easter Bunny Food?

"Don't be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. He is risen!" Matthew 28

"Christ the Lord is risen today," Sons of men and angels say. Raise your joys and triumphs high; Sing ye heavens, and earth reply." Charles Wesley







EXIF: Nikon D7100
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365 Project - Day 155

I read a link to a blog on Twitter recently in which the blogger described Jesus as a great man who was persecuted for being outspoken about his beliefs. They discussed their research and wrote that they admired Jesus' inquiries into understanding the nature of man, shared their belief that the Bible is inaccurate and also wrote that they could not grasp the focus of Christians on the cross.

I want to be clear ... Christianity is focused on the RESURRECTION. To be a Christian, you have to understand the death on the cross. It is there that Christ bore our sins and suffered death on Friday, in our place, for those sins. But that was not and is not the end. This is where the blogger was confused. I can certainly understand that confusion. However, Jesus rose on Sunday and that is what we celebrate on Easter. Our focus is on the risen Jesus, not the suffering. Had He not arisen on the third day he certainly would have been, as this blogger suggested, just a great man. His suffering matters because He arose. And, the light simply always overtakes the darkness.

The fact remains he suffered, he died ... he arose. Wearers of the cross remember that their sins are forgiven, but can only truly be forgiven by the risen Lord.

Happy Easter!

Blessings!

Today's Photo: Light Trumps Darkness!

"Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, 'Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." ' " Luke 24:1-7








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365 Project - Day 154

This is evidence that you cannot, must not fret over that which burdens and torments you. We, I must trust that if I endure and have sown well, whatever challenges those well-planted seeds face, they will overcome.

Yesterday, I whined and agonized over another snowfall. Yet today I trekked to the edge of our garden and found these bulbs sprouting from the earth. Not covered deep under snow, but growing and rising in spite of the longest winter ever.

I am thankful for these and the hope they represent, particularly on this Good Friday. If you look closely you will see another sprout in the distance. Spring is on its way!

Blessings!

Today's Photo: Christ's Hope for Today and Tomorrow

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8






EXIF: Nikon D7100
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365 Project - Day 153

This is a photograph that IMHO is worth a thousand words ... 42 degrees and snowing. I see the likeness of tears in the snowfall. My tears. My anxiety over more snow from a woman who has been inside for too long, given the event of my broken leg. I am anxious for sunshine, fresh air, long walks and exploration. Yet, it snows. Now you see why the snowfall resembles my tears?

To focus properly, however, I am asking myself, "what am I to learn from all of this?" If you have read earlier blogs, you are aware that it is important to me that I learn my lesson from falling down the stairs and breaking my leg. So, again now - I ask, "what am I to learn from this never-ending winter?" The Lord must know I need heat and sunshine to survive. So, what then?

Perhaps something along these lines:
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." Helen Keller

I am looking forward to a strengthened soul, inspiration and abundant success. I hope you are as well.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Melancholy Awaits Bliss

"Tears are prayers too. They travel to God when we can't speak." Psalm 56:8
"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." Psalm 56:8





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365 Project - Day 152

I was searching for inspiration today and at the top of this list of words of wisdom, I found:

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other." Abraham Lincoln

Being reminded that we control our destinies, will certainly rev up or restart your engine, energizing us to pursue our dreams.

Another quote that excited me is from Pablo Picasso, "Everything you can imagine is real."

Just stop and think about that for a moment. If this is true, then the art of the possible takes on an entirely new dimension. Creative and innovative ideas soar in far reaching, yet not impossible ways. It is encouraging to simply ponder this thought. Thank you Mr. Picasso.

And, with these 2 quotes in hand, I am invigorated with renewed inspiration. There is much to give and much work to be accomplished. Pun intended - And, just like that, I have a "spring" in my step!

In case I might think I'm not enough to make a difference, there's this, "If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito." Betty Reese

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Spring Ahead

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12






EXIF: Nikon D7100
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