Taking Photographs to Record "Life"

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 Sparrow

However, I also now take more photographs with the goal of recording and remembering things! The older I get the more I may find myself doing this, too:). You have no idea how many bird pictures I have just because I want to record how many we see during a given period of time, and figure out which species they are!

Tufted Titmouse

In my new year's post I posted a photo of a stack of quilts - yes, because I thought the stack was a little artsy looking, but also to remember what I did for whom over the past year! With 6 children and 10 grandchildren, I want to make sure everyone receives their just due over time. And I also wanted to remember which designs I created, and which I liked best (which sometimes translates to which were easiest).

Granddaughters and their Christmas quilts. Kailey, on the left, received a T-shirt quilt and Emily a quilt made in a fall class, called strip-tease. You can't see it very well, but the patterned pieces are girl scout themed.

An easy strip quilt, twin bed size, with matching pillowcases for a grandson. (Not a Christmas gift - a "moved into a new house"/early birthday gift.)

My daughter with the music-themed throw she received for Christmas.

As per the request of a good friend, I am including these expanded versions of some of the quilts, along with some of the recipients. As cold weather sets in for a while, I am already planning my next project, and I think it's for me!