Life: Through the Lens

We have had a spectacular adventure, one full of surprises.  That's one of the special things about going somewhere new, where everything you see is new and engaging.  You operate on your loose agenda, in our case, and then are amazed as you stumble upon the unexpected.  Such was the case in Oxford, England. Our itinerary became a little tight as we made our way from Cornwall, the southwestern area of England, with two stops prior to our time in London.  The first stop was Bath, the second Oxford.  Both stops would be relatively short, so we knew we would have little time to fully explore these towns.  In Oxford, we had one full day, so we set off for the visitors center to get a town map and formulate a plan to see some of the colleges which make up Oxford University.   It's always great fun to explore someplace new... and the history and literary atmosphere in Oxford is so rich.  We happened to be there on graduation day f...

Ready to Shoot We had a lovely day in Holland this week...Holland, MI.  Every year there is a huge Tulip Festival, a week-long event.  You would think that the festival activity would mostly be on a weekend.  Well, not so.  We were there on Wednesday, and as we pulled in to the first tulip gardens we counted approximately 12 buses, from all over the country, and Canada!  Who knew?!  However, we counted ourselves lucky to have  a perfect spring day, where the sun was bright, the air was warm and our spirits were full of joy.  A day to photograph and experiment and create...so rewarding. I spent the day testing equipment.  What photographs could I get using my new point-and-shoot, the Canon G15, as well as my Lensbaby gear.  The Lensbaby is a selective focus lens I received a few years ago, but never got the hang of using.  In April I took an Online class through the Picture Perfect School of Photography whic...

Vibrant Setting on the Canon G15 I can NOT believe I haven't posted since February!  This has been a very uninspiring winter, with long, cold days and a very busy work schedule.  But one exciting thing to look forward to is our wonderful adventure this summer!   We are taking my Bucket List trip to England - a trip I have wanted to take since I was a little girl.  You know, back in the day when I knew I would be strolling along the banks of a scenic river in rural England and happen upon Prince Charles, who was quite appealing in those days:).  He would be fly fishing of course, and we would strike up a conversation, have a picnic lunch which I would have brought with me, of course.  And that, as they say, would be that. Fish Eye View,  Shot in My Office Now, however, I may still want to stroll through the picturesque countryside, but this time I want to capture images, not a prince.  My real-life prince will also be on this adventur...

With Linda Kaye Daugherty in The Sound of Music Gratiot Community Theater  We went to the Wharton Center production of Sister Act last night, and I haven't tapped my toe or laughed so hard in a very long time.  The music was fresh, the choreography amazing and the set design superb.   The drops for the interior of the church were breathtaking.  Each actor did a fabulous job of portraying their role, and exemplified what can be done through hard work and dedication.  If you can't tell...it was a joyous evening. And today I was thinking about nuns.  No, nothing in the sermon at church this morning really stood out as something which would direct my thinking that way, but last night's show may have brought back some of my girlhood memories of wanting to be a nun.  Yes, it's true.  I once thought this was my vocation - and probably because there just weren't any female church leaders at that time.   A nun was the onl...

Field Trip! And it has finally come to pass - the opportunity to get out and take pictures.  We finally have the kind of winter weather which just screams "Look at me!"  Those of you who know me know that I have Reynaud's Syndrome, which basically means I get cold very easily, and very thoroughly.  Not just a little cold, but the kind of cold which turns my fingers and toes white, and also can hurt. Manageable most of the time, I do tend to avoid being outdoors very much.  But I have been thinking lately that there has to be a way for me to participate more - to get outdoors (carefully) and spend time doing what I enjoy doing.  So... New coat, rated for below 0 weather - check. New boots, rated for below 0 weather - check. Thick socks - check. Hat, whether or not attractive - check. Mittens, thick,wool - check. Hand warmers - check. Camera - check. Cable release - check. Tripod - check. And voila:     I will do this ag...

I don't mean to complain, but I just don't like to be cold.  On days like today, when the wind blows and the shutters rattle, I think about warm weather and sunshine.  I don't take photographs as much this time of year, either, and I am thinking of ways to try and rectify that problem.  I mean, how many bird pictures can a person take from their window? So if anyone has any suggestions for finding motivation to get out in the cold, please let me know.  I'm looking for my muse - has anyone seen her?

Wishing all of my friends, family and readers a very Merry Christmas.  Enjoy time with family and friends, and remember that we are truly blessed.  Pray for those who are hurting, that there may be a moment of peace and comfort in their lives. Today what I am doing?  Preparing "the meal" and entertaining family.  Candlelight service at church tonight helps settle me into the spirit of this holiday season, and a lovely morning with my husband, by the fire, to look forward to tomorrow.   I love my life:).  Love yours!