Life: Through the Lens

My two favorite seasons are Spring and Fall - and I am sure it has to do with color and vibrance.   Spring is softer than fall; gentler.  Nature gifts us an awakening of the senses after being cooped up all winter.  I have spent as much time as possible outside, generally walking the dog and teaching her how to be a photo companion.  She has learned "wait" might be frustrating, but she always gets her reward.  This Spring she learned where the squirrels go when they run away from  her.  It was hilarious! Enjoy this celebration of Spring!

Last year my daughter, Christine, sent me some photos of a visit she made to a wonderful outdoor art "experience," and she wanted us to put it on the list of things to do the next time we visited her.  So much color, so much art, so much fun...for free!  One of the things we have found encouraging is how there really are pockets of the country that support the arts, both in the school and outside of it.   Christine teaches middle school theatre arts - a full schedule - and has been in Texas about 7 years. Christine on her first visit to the Hope Gallery, last year. A few weeks ago we visited Austin over spring break, and spent part of a morning exploring the Hope Outdoor Gallery , in Austin, TX.  It is an amazing 3-story "educational art project," one of the largest outdoor galleries in the United States.  According to the website, "This project was developed to provide muralists, graffiti artists, and community groups the opportunity to display large ...

It seems as if the arrival of Easter is a turning point from Winter to Spring.  Though these two events do not necessarily coincide, and the Easter Bunny definitely comes from a different place than the Crucification and Resurrection...both signal a renewal.  My attitude and mood definitely begin to improve, which is a VERY good thing! So yesterday was a lovely day.  First church, with lots of music and scripture.  Then a delicious brunch out with good friends.   We are at the stage when all the kids are busy with their own families, and activities, and we are inventing who we are as a couple again!  And after that, on a beautiful 65 degree day, we headed to our area nature center for a good walk with Kaycee.  And she had a blast! Ready to run and run and run! Daryl did look over his shoulder now and then, as this was the place where she was injured in the fall when a dog came out of nowhere and plowed into her.  But we had a ver...

April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks Go.  ~Christopher Morley, John Mistletoe Spring isn't always about color, is it?    

What a beautiful day, full of inspiration and family time.  After an uplifting morning at church, we prepared for our traditional egg hunt, and family time.  We were able to open windows, run around the yard, and had a lovely time with children and grandchildren.  As always, we wish ALL could be with us, and missed those who are far away.  They really need to be here, because we invariably end up telling stories of childhood escapades and they should be here to defend themselves! :) Kiersten let's everyone know the rules for the hunt.   A good time was had by all. Each year it seems like there is a special item to include in the goodies.  As the hosts, we simply let it all happen, and then we enjoy being surprised with the grand-kids by what treats they find to fill their bags.  Besides eggs and candy, some years there is a kite, or funny sunglasses, or puzzle.  This year it was kites, yo-yos and silly string.  The weather bein...