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