365 Project - Day 181

"We can be knowledgeable with other men's knowledge but we cannot be wise with other men's wisdom." Michel de Montagne

I have been spending much time in the pursuit of wisdom recently, on a wide variety of topics. I've found that we often confuse wisdom with knowledge. In many ways, wisdom comes only from experience, from trial and error. However, we could save ourselves from the agony of trials and actually trade trial for triumph by pursuing wisdom from God. "Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding. 'I, wisdom, will make the hours of your day more profitable and the years of your life more fruitful.' Wisdom is its own reward, and if you scorn her, you only hurt yourself." Proverbs 9:10-12

The Bible clearly conveys access and importance of God as our source of wisdom: "For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding. He grants good sense to the godly - his saints. He is their shield, protecting them and guarding their pathway. He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time. For wisdom and truth will enter the very center of your being, filling your life with joy." Proverbs 2:6-10

Yet more often than not I find myself searching for knowledge in both institutional and experiential ways, foregoing seeking God's wisdom. I am working to shift this dynamic. I know from experience that life is so much sweeter when I trust the word of God. "The man who knows right from wrong and has good judgment and common sense is happier than the man who is immensely rich! For such wisdom is far more valuable than precious jewels. Nothing else compares to it. Wisdom gives: a long, good life, riches, honor, pleasure, peace." Proverbs 3:13-17 Hey! I absolutely want my life to be full of these things. Don't you?

Proverbs repeatedly insists common sense and good judgment are coupled with wisdom - sort of a golden triad. So, wisdom is complex. You must trust God and not be foolish! Gotta love that. "Have two goals: wisdom - that is, knowing and doing right - and common sense. Don't let them slip away, for they will fill you with living energy and bring you honor and respect." Proverbs 3:21-22 ”Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And with your wisdom, develop common sense and good judgment.” Proverbs 4:7

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Seek Wisdom from the Lord

"If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don't ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success." Proverbs 3:3-6






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

365 Project - Day 180

We are moments away from my son's 18th birthday. It startles me to think somehow he has grown from the tiny joy pulled from my abdomen and incubated 18 years ago into this larger than life, brilliantly talented, kind young man. For the past year, I have regularly wondered: Did we teach him enough? Is he ready to be an adult? The world can be harsh and mean. And he has continued to be "incubated", if you will, in a largely loving, caring and gentle environment. Does he have the survival skills for this unpredictable world?

I also worry over the small things as I nag him about his clothing, about practicing and about watching videos. I argue that if he were a Kennedy, he would have to spend more time playing outside and reading and less time playing his electronics. Yep, I really do say that. To which his rebuttal is almost always, "Mom, if I were a Kennedy, I would have a shorter lifespan!" You might guess my response, "But the quality would be fantastic!" And so our discussion carries on.

He is anxious to fly. I am not ready to separate. If I could hug him tighter, I would. If I could shield him more, I would. If I could keep him forever, I would. But he yearns for freedom and his own source of light.

I am forever grateful for the past year at home. Now, I must trust that and the 17 years prior were enough and that God will handle the rest.

Here's how I will pray for him (inserting his name):

"God help our children to seek and find Your words and ways, trustworthy friends and loving companions to share their days.

Guard them against the poisonous arrows of malice and violence and drugs and hate and arrogance and sloth on their journeys to adulthood.

God please help our children on Your straight and level path." Marian Wright Edelman, from Guide My Feet

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Love and Inevitable Separation

"And how happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family! 'And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don't ignore it; Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, watching for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death.' " Proverbs 8:31-36






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 125
50mm
f8
1/3

365 Project - Day 179

"Every moment of light and darkness is a miracle." Walt Whitman

In the middle of the night, in the darkest moment, light can be both the most challenging and the most inspiring. Regardless, it is always the most crucial.

This photo op took place late at night after a busy day. I was tired, frustrated and admittedly initially lacked creativity. After trying a few photographs with and without my speed light - it appeared I was doomed. It seemed I would simply have to choose the "cream of the crap" for today's photo. Ready to call darkness the winner, I noticed my small shoot-through umbrella in the corner. I did not have the energy to set up a light stand. Instead, I set the timer on my camera, held the umbrella in my left hand and the light in my right (I'm sure I looked rather silly). Voila! After seeing the results of the first few photos, I was instantly refreshed, saved by the spread of light. A funny thing happened, though. I decided to try a few photos with this setup angling the light and umbrella up from below. Turns out I prefer the contrast of the dark and light, resulting from this arrangement over the broad brush of light. I should note however, that the black and white I've added here, is the broad light version. I'm sharing simply because I like this artistic black and white.

So, while I was despairing of both the darkness and the light, it took a fresh perspective to create the inspiration I needed. I am grateful that I did not give in. In this situation, as in all, I learned from both the darkness and the light. And, in the end, the best photograph was the illustration of the light overcoming the dark, not removing the darkness.

(Footnote - my one regret is not using a smaller aperture to capture all of the flowers in focus)

Blessings.

Today's Photos: Hope in Contrast

"Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light." Madeleine L'Engle








EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 800
50mm
f8
1/125

365 Project - Day 178

When my son asked if I would take photos at his senior prom pre-party, the request seemed simple enough. I was anxious, but I am always anxious. As the days grew warmer, my anxieties lessened and I was assured that we would take the photos outside. No need to make this a big deal and all official, particularly given there would be swarms of parents taking photographs as well. I considered my role to be as much an organizer as a photographer.

Then it snowed. I couldn't get my head wrapped around what would come next. My anxieties returned; my blood pressure soared. To top things off, my son was not ready on time and "someone" neglected to bring the corsage, sending one car back home about 5 minutes away from our destination. In the end, we took a mix of indoor and outdoor photographs. The lighting and space was difficult indoors and it was cold and cloudy outdoors.

I have heard it said that photographers should pick and stick. Choose an area of specialization and be that photographer. This evening was proof enough for me! I have lost a lot of sleep the last few days thinking about the Prom experience and its meaning. My favorite photog things are headshots and shows. Those and what I learn during this 365 Project are pure joy. All else just adds stress and feelings of inadequacy to my life. Yet, each time I try something new, I learn and grow.

I have often counseled colleagues about the virtues of stepping out of their comfort zones to follow different paths to arrive at their ultimate destinations. I am a firm believer that even a specialist is wiser, more innovative, more creative and stronger when they have lived wider lives. These alternative, often awkward events inform, instruct and serve as foundations for future innovations. On the contrary, a narrow, singular life is restrictive, lacking context, color and contrast where growth can be limited or at best, difficult. So I say, live your life full of off-beat, awkward moments. They fan the flames that help your mastery flourish!

"It's impossible!" said pride.
"It's risky." said experience.
"It's pointless." said reason.
"Give it a try." whispered the heart
(as seen on Pinterest)

Blessings!

Today's Photos: It's Prom: Live, Love, Laugh, Smile ... Be Elegant and Have Fun!

"When you find your path, you must not be afraid. You need to have sufficient courage to make mistakes. Disappointment, defeat, and despair are the tools God uses to show us the way." Paulo Coelho

365 Project - Day 177

I mentioned our birds the other day. We have robins nesting on our front door. I feel for them. By now, the trees should be filled with leaves creating plenty of comfy space for these birds to build homes, yet old man winter hangs on. I commend the robins for their creativity. Luckily, we have not taken down our Fall wreath and they built their nest on top of it. My husband noticed twigs and hay at the base of the front door the other day, looked up and saw the nest. The day before I had been outside looking for birds to photograph and could find none. In fact, I felt as though they were taunting me. I could hear, but could not see any birds. It was making me crazy. I was in and out of the front door several times anguishing over not being able to track down the birds that I knew were nearby. Oddly, they waited until I gave up and then they went to work constructing their family home on the very door I had been slamming just moments before. Surely there's a sermon in there somewhere.

I have been making my family nuts. I want the robins to nest in peace. I've placed a sign on the door. The front door off limits. I asked my husband to put caution tape across the front walkway and told my son that he could (had to) go outside to play but he was banned from the front yard. This is largely because I caught him walking up to the nest, cell phone out, taking a photograph. Yep, like mother, like son. Only this time, though it slay me, I am leaving the birds to do their thing.

We cannot see the nest from inside. So, that's a bit maddening. We're not 100% sure they are still there, but we are hoping our home is working out for their home. It has been cold and windy. That little wreath is not all that sturdy. I hope it holds together for them when the eggs are laid and the chicks arrive.

PS - This photograph was taken when I tried to sneak outside to catch the robins before locking down the front yard. I used my 70-20mm along with the 1.4x teleconverter, but the robins saw me, flew away and did not come back. I got cold and weary waiting. I would not survive as a bird photographer. Here's how it will work for me: as soon as it's nice and sunny, I will set up a comfy chair in the back; fill the bird feeder and sit quietly in the warmth of the sun, armed and ready to photograph while the birds chow down. No waiting!

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Mi casa es su casa

"How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young -
a place near your altar,
Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you."
Psalm 84:1-4






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 640
280mm
f4
1/125

365 Project - Day 176

"Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy." Guillaume Appollinaire

It's not entirely apparent to me why, but I've had to drag myself away from yellow and blue and as a combination. Wait - could it be my subconscious wresting with its desperate need for sunshine and blue skies? No joke - I only thought of that this very moment, as I was pondering my obsession with yellow and blue.

I am enjoying this still life with these color combinations, channelling sunshine and keeping this photo simple. It is the simplicity in both color and content which improves this photograph's success. Please don't be mistaken, simple is not the same as void or empty. I believe what works in this photo is color repetition in several objects.

"Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity and not in the multiplicity of things." Isaac Newton

Best blessings!

Today's Photo: Happiness Captured in Yellow and Blue

"Simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.
Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being.
Patient with both friends and enemies,
you accord with the way things are.
Compassionate toward yourself,
you reconcile all beings in the world.”
Lao Tzu







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 320
50mm
f13
3s

365 Project - Day 175

Yikes - it's snowing again and very, very cold. This truly is the winter that will not end. While I am troubled by this, I am far more stressed about the birds who have no leaves in the trees in which to build their nesting spots! More about that later.

I am trying to find grace and gratefulness in this never-ending winter, but that is a challenge. The good news is there was "a day" when Spring appeared and I went for a walk. I went to a nearby field with paved walkways and strutted my newly bionic leg. It took a moment to restructure my gait from limping to an upright walk, but I found my way and enjoyed both the walk and the fresh air. I can't wait for more opportunities.

The photos below were taken on my walk. The first is of my treasured limbs and the second is a stream I passed during the walk. As I look at this stream, I am reminded of the beauty of the twists and turns of life. Far more joy results from the adventure of an altered path. The shortest distance between two points may be a straight line, I like to say, but you will learn less, love less and laugh less. Where, then, is the beauty in that?

I am also reminded of two things: 1) once again, have I learned all I was to learn during my season of the broken leg or do I still have more to gain and, thus, the weather keeps on? And, 2) this winter, like all agonizing delays, will make the gratification of continuous sunshine so much the sweeter. Both the broken leg and the longest winter appear to be alterations on my path, however, I bet from Heaven, that path looks quite straight.

Best wishes!

Today's Photos: Altered Walk

"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." 2Corinthians 4:16-18