365 Project - Day 165

There are 2 things I love about this photograph. The first is that my son is not on an electronic device and the second is that he is working. I also love that he had to get his hands dirty, something he absolutely dislikes. He is now accusing me of breaking child labor laws for making him plant seeds. Such difficult work for a 14 year old!

He planted 72 seeds of a mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, green beans, basil, cumin, oregano and marigolds. While he sees his efforts as hard labor now, I believe he will be excited as the seeds grow. Sowing is a challenge, but necessary to reap the reward. This is the lesson I hope he will learn and keep in his heart.

Best wishes!

Today's photo: To Sow

"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly, will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully, will also reap bountifully." 2Corinthians 9:6

"Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders." Henry David Thoreau





EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 250
50mm
f4.8
1/90

365 Project - Day 164

Today temperatures finally reached above 60 degrees, nearing 70. The skies were cloudy, but the sun peeked out this afternoon and I drove with my sun roof open. Yay! For awhile it seemed this day was just a dream. We're not entirely in the clear, though. We do still have snow on the ground, serving as a reminder that winter lingers. Thankfully, spring is fighting to show itself.

When I look at this photograph, I see flowers dancing, a fanciful reminder of the joy of spring. And, at the same time a gentle reminder that my angst over this never-ending winter will soon seem like a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of things. I have had flowers in my home nearly every day all winter as beautiful decorations, as photo ops for my 365, and as a sign of hope!

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: The Dance of Spring

"Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:4-5






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 250
50mm
f11
3s

365 Project - Day 163

"You must either modify your dreams or magnify your skills." Jim Rohm

One of my joys is photographing headshots of teenagers. I typically use strobes (flashes) for this work. I wanted to practice with natural light so I pulled out my "model," Kyla. She worked out wonderfully. This photo was taken in my favorite little spot, the dining room. The good news with Kyla is that her look is always perfect. That leaves me to focus on just the technical aspects.

It is a delight to have the opportunity to sharpen the saw! It is our responsibility to continue to develop our gifts and talents and I'm enjoying having the time to work mine.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Kyla

"A person is a poet if his imagination is stimulated by the difficulties inherent in his art and not if his imagination is dulled by them." Paul Valery





EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
50mm
f6.7
7/10s

365 Project - Day 162

I took the vase of flowers outside to photograph since there are no flowers blooming, no trees budding. Perhaps I thought the presence of flowers in the outdoors might make Spring seem real? The day was cool and windy. And I grew colder and colder as I awaited the resting wind before pressing the remote shutter release. It was a tedious exercise, but I was anxious to get outside and desperate for color. I know I am repeating myself when I say this is the winter that will not shove off and allow Spring to finally arrive.

I am impatient for the arrival of springtime. Here are a few of my reasons why, I'm sure you can think of others:
Spring is a time of both sowing and blooming;
I require the rejuvenating effects of sunshine;
I want to fill my lungs full of fresh air;
Spring is symbolic of rebirth and refresh;
I'm tired of being cold ;-)

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Yearning for Spring

"No Winter lasts forever; no Spring skips its turn." Hal Borland (she whispers, "thank you")






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 320
50mm
f8
1/250

365 Project - Day 161

For today's photo, I tried several different food objects against a white background. I haven't used a white backdrop, except for headshot work, for some time. This was a good exercise.

I like the interest resulting from color and size dimensions in this garlic photo. It took a little work to arrange the composition, but I enjoyed the practice in composing. In fact, I was not displeased with any of the photos from the day's work. The photos included tomatoes, a yellow onion and a combination of the lot. I'm working on composition as a challenge.

I am living da Vinci's poetic version of "practice makes perfect": "God sells us all things at the price of labor." Leonardo da Vinci

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Fancy Garlic

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Leonardo da Vinci






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
55mm
f8
1/2s

365 Project - Day 160

I have just read this quote and keep reading it over and over. It's too long to fit into 145 spaces on Twitter. So, here we go:

"Your life has the potential to fulfill your purpose. If, however, you imprison that potential, you rob your life of its purpose and fulfillment. You and every other individual on this planet possess an awesome treasure. Too much of this treasure is buried every day, untapped and untouched, in the cemeteries of our world. Much talent, skill and creativity have been lost to the world for want of a little courage. Many obscure men and women enter eternity pregnant with potential, with a stillborn purpose. Living with ability brings responsibility. Dying with ability reveals irresponsibility." Dr. Myles Monroe

Oh my. This so clearly says what I so completely believe. I am particularly attached (can't think of a better word) to the last 3 sentences. Wow!

I read much about "going big" today as well. And as I was processing my photographs for today, I worked on this one in black and white and then decided to go for a "bigger," over-processed color version. I prefer the lighting, colors and depth in this one. This is quite a dead piece of wood, that seems to have more life now. Perhaps, when we believe we are at our wit's end, we need an extra push to find the courage to engage or reclaim our talents, skills and creativity, as referenced in the quote above. It is with that push, that we can then embark on our definitive purpose.

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Reclaimed Purpose!

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
62mm
f5.6
1/180

365 Project - Day 159

"You don't have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

Easter - the foundation of our faith ... Christ has lived. Christ has died. Christ is risen!

I wanted this photograph to illustrate the focus of Easter, our risen Lord, while highlighting the celebration. I hope I made the point.

Blessings!

Today's Photo: He is Alive!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
- From "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" by Charles Wesley





EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 160
50mm
f5.6
1/4