Life: Through the Lens

Valley of the Gods, Colorado I have always taken pictures.  As far back as I can remember.  My first camera was given to me for my 10th birthday, probably because my dad also took a lot of pictures and I kept borrowing his!  So, for almost 50 years (emphasis on the "almost") I have been holding a camera to my face, looking through the lens, and taking pictures.  Some good, some bad, but I was always doing exactly what I wanted to be doing. Pete's Lake, Munising area, Upper Peninsula Early pictures were of family vacations, friends, camp, and the dog.  Scenery, of course, while on vacation.  Events.  Then kids and our own family vacations, friends, events...etc.  I studied and evolved my skills as I worked toward more fine art photography, really wanting to make a statement with my photographs. Tequamenon Falls in the Autumn, Upper Peninsula The first time I was published was fabulous!  And the first magazine cover...outstanding. American Tree Sp

Unfortunately, our days of outdoor winter photography have changed with our increasing health issues.  So we are getting creative with winter blinds - like this new set-up following the holidays. We start with this, our Christmas tree.   The last few years we've purchased a potted tree, which we decorate with lights, and set on the deck outside the family room window.  Up until this year we have brought it in for a few days around Christmas, so the grandchildren can open presents "beneath" it.   But this year we left it outside and everyone seemed satisfied.  After the festivities, we end up with this. Instead of putting the tree in it's final location, a stand of trees out front where we're beginning a wind-break, we created a spot to anchor the tree just off the deck.  The idea is to create a bird-feeding area where we can get some good bird shots from the warmth of our dining room:).  We have some pretty great windows to work from.  So now we add this

Happy New Year! I know many people make formal resolutions, and I used to do the same thing, but the older I get the more pressure that seems to be!  Yes, I'd like to do some things differently this year, and I'd also like to accomplish a few things which have been on my wish list for years.  But I do think I also want to learn to take one day at a time and enjoy it for what it is. So today I am doing some much needed writing on a project which is very exciting, and the grocery shopping needs to be done.  A salad needs to be invented to take to a pot-luck tonight, and a few house-work items need to be accomplished.  This all seems doable and enjoyable.  A good day. Of course, I can't help but think of a few other things which should be done within the next couple of days.  Like the photos which need to be selected, edited, resized and submitted for competition Tuesday.  Then there's the desk which needs to be swept clean so I can prepare for my first