Life: Through the Lens

The students had a great time showing off their project to a community gathering. We arranged photographs to highlight where they went to pick up garbage, and they displayed letters they'd written and the sign they created. When I asked the class about the reason they should take pictures of the environment, and share them with others, most children knew the answer. They needed to raise awareness and model for others how to take care of the world in which we live. You tell them!

The day began with a typical spring thunderstorm, and worries we wouldn't be able to join our camera club on a day excursion to shoot tulips prior to the Tulip Festival in Holland, MI next week. Waiting for a call, we continued to get ready very early...and left the house still a little unsure. We met up with another couple for a 6:45 a.m. breakfast then hit the road. The closer we got to our destination, the clearer the weather became. Yes! Meeting the rest of the group on Windmill Island, we planned the day, including which sites were recommended and when we would meet for late lunch/early dinner and share stories of the day. Then the storms started moving back in. The tulips, those few which were starting to open, were constantly moving - with 30 mph winds very common. The weather has been cool, so not many blooms. Moving inside to some of the shops and model villages helped, but we eventually took shelter from a downpour which appeared to be settling in. Off to the rendevous po

I so enjoy working with young people, and helping them see the world in a different way. This last week it was working with a group of 5th graders who wanted to clean up their town. They had signs made which said, "Litter Bugs Me" and we went out in groups of 5 and cleaned up different spots around town. We left behind a sign which was placed in a prominent location, hopefully encouraging others to be aware. The students were amazed at what people threw on the ground - from tires to diapers, cans and bottles to washing machines! Next week they will be recognized, along with other school groups who chose a community-based cause. I can't wait to see what some of the other projects were. I'm very proud of the children, who are now fired up to bring their own garbage bag, and a friend, and clean up more of the town. Way to go, next generation!

The day before Easter, and we are definitely on the right road to spring time. The semi-annual Easter Egg Hunt took place at our house, and the grandkids had a great time. As did their parents. It seems like not so very long ago when we were arranging egg hunts for our kids, not grandkids! One of our daughter's favorite things is to arrange these activities, so she and her almost-9 year old came out early to plant the eggs for the littler ones. What a great time. In the process, our son noticed flowers - wild flowers - growing just where they should. Over the septic tank:). It has been a lovely day, for snapshots and family time. Not all photos need to be ready for publication anywhere else than in family newsletters, photo albums, or on blogs. Happy Easter!

Meet Dickens. Not normally a photographic subject, she occasionally comes through when I need something different. The Lensbaby class I took was just such a time. She's a very needy creature, desiring to be held all the time. A leach, really. This photo happens to capture one of her more appealing expressions, so she warranted a highlight here. A "muse" she is not, but a "creature of interest" she most certainly is. We have another feline companion...not as needy, but just as peculiar. She is also elusive. We do not have a good photo of Meesha since she went from cute kitten to crazed cat. Her most engaging characteristic is a purr you can hear in the next room. Motor, is more like it. Her least engaging characteristic is her need to bite at the least opportune times. Like while working diligently on your writing and she happens to be curled behind the lap-top, ready to strike when your hand moves in her direction. Lovely. Moving from felines, we find the prefer