Wish

Most of what I write here is inspired first by an image. I've always felt a little guilty as a mom for not getting more video of my children, but I'm beginning to truly understand the impact of a photograph and why I prefer still pictures. There is something about freezing time that evokes a thought, emotion or memory and causes it to linger there for a while. Everything stops in that moment allowing you to savor it. A photograph is open-ended... leaving you also to wonder what happened next, or how life goes on...and wanting a sequel! Photographs invite you to participate emotionally and develop your own interpretation of the subject. You can write your own story around the way a picture makes you feel and it will be uniquely yours.

I was looking at this dandelion photograph today. The flower itself makes me want to take a deep breath, blow and make a wish. The blue backdrop reminds me of the sky and its infinity and the privilege we have to indulge our dreams. To me, each of those little seeds represents one of those dreams, that if given the opportunity, can take root and grow. This photograph makes me feel peaceful and hopeful. It reminds me of all the possibilities in life and the gift of another day to realize them. But, that's me.

Thank You, Julie!

Today's post is written to thank my dear friend Julie Pishny of Prairie Thistle for all her advice, encouragement and support. She pushed me out of my comfy little nest and encouraged me to start writing and sharing my photography. Most of us are our own worst critics, and its so essential to have someone in your creative corner to tell you that you are mistaken when you have those moments of doubt.... that your work is meaningful and worth sharing and deserves the chance to grow. Thank you Julie.

The above photo is one of Julie's creations, a vintage spoon transformed into a bracelet stamped with "Joie De Vivre" or Joy of Life. This embodies who she is and I gotta tell ya, if you spend any time with her at all, she is contagious!

This month she is celebrating her 400th blog post! Please take some time to visit her and experience her amazing work. There is a link to her online store at the top of her blog page http://gardenology.blogspot.com/. Don't forget to shop with her for Mother's day this year, as she has something for everyone and what better gift for Mom than a special piece of art made by loving hands?

Life Is Good

The sixty degree weather this week is definately a welcome change! We are loving it here - the pups included! This is my Great Dane, Anderson. He is not an outdoor dog...atleast not in the winter time. But, yesterday it was like new life had been breathed into him. He was running and rolling around in the grass... Talking about a hard guy to photograph! I like to get pics at his eye level, but when I get low, he thinks its an invitation to play. "Play" to him means pinning me to the ground and holding me there as long as he likes...and licking my face and biting me in a fashion similar to nibbling rows of corn-on-the-cob. Its insane...laughter and panic all rolled into one! He plays and loves enthusiastically!

Finally he located an old bone in the yard - from who knows what or where - and I get a few shots. For him...pure bliss. Warm weather. Soft grass. Tasty bone. Life is good.

Embrace Spring

Here's to spring... but will it ever arrive? Its still cold and dreary here, and I'm amazed how the lack of sunshine affects our mood and perception of most everything. I'm so ready for redbuds, dogwoods and daffodils. I'm ready for renewal, which is what spring is about for me. Its about waking up after a long winter's rest and shedding old layers. Its about new life. Spring is a fresh start - like God's grace. And for that I'm blessed and eternally thankful!