Picture Window

As of Late at A Defined Life

7.02.11 ~ July Sunset

2011-07-02T16:04:00.000-05:00

I'm back! The blog break was much needed as I have been extremely busy, but I sure have missed it! It was so good to go out alone with my camera on Friday evening and take some photos. For the last two months my photo taking has centered around events with family weddings, showers, graduations etc. All wonderful events celebrating the lives of those I love so much. I learned a lot about photography in the process and I have a long way to go in the arena of portrait and event photography! I'm ready to tackle this photography thing with a new vigor! I want to learn more about portrait and event photography especially since there is so much room for improvement, but my first love is still nature and wildlife photography.

Here's a shot SOOC. My camera settings leaving this a little under exposed, caputred the beautiful sunset that enveloped our sky on Friday night.

Glad to be back and am anxious to see your faces back here too!

SOOC Sundays

Sunset Sundays

5.25.11 ~ As of Late

2011-05-26T10:14:00.001-05:00

I've been a way from blogging for awhile, and will continue to be for a few more weeks, but thought I'd check in. If you'd like to know what I've been up to lately, please hop on over to my primary blog and visit today's post.

Miss you guys! I've been checking in occassionally to view your beautiful pictures, but am anxious to get back in the game as soon as my life calms down a bit.

~ See ya soon (hopefully)!

4.24.11 ~ Victory

2011-04-24T18:56:00.002-05:00

HE IS RISEN! And it is that very ressurection that defeated Jesus final enemy - death! And it is this defeat that gives us hope, and for those who place their trust in him - the very same victory!

Death is simply a birth into his presence for eternity. Death has no more sting for his followers. Won't you trust him?

1 Corinthians 15: 51-58

But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.

Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting”

For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Spiritual Sundays

4.19.11 ~ I'll Never Forget

2011-04-19T21:25:00.001-05:00

I'll never forget where I was, what I heard, and what I felt the day the bomb blast shook my house and rocked our community. Today is the 16th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing. The more time passes, the less people remember, but tonight there are parents who are wondering what their baby would look like had he been allowed to live to 16, widows and widowers still saying goodnight to their lost loved one each evening, siblings who are now the only child, and countless people who survived but are permanently disabled by what happened that morning. It took 2 seconds to kill, but the aftermath will last for eternity.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

~ John 1:5

To see more Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial photos and to read my previous post about it, please click here. You can also click on the OKC Bombing Memorial photo album on my right sidebar.

Word-filled Wednesday ~ WW with Project Alicia

4.17.11 ~ The Hurrieder I Go . . .

2011-04-17T22:33:00.000-05:00

. . . the behinder I get!

Camera Critters

4.11.11 ~ King of the Road

2011-04-11T21:18:00.003-05:00

And you thought eighteen-wheelers ruled the road!

In western Oklahoma it might just be a wild longhorn!

Sweet Shot Tuesday ~ Camera Critters ~ Communal Global

4.09.11 ~ Behold

2011-04-09T22:16:00.000-05:00

Behold,

I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice, and open the door,

I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

~ Revelation 3:20

Spiritual Sundays ~ Scripture and a Snapshot

4.06.11 ~ Quill Pig?

2011-04-06T20:23:00.001-05:00

Otherwise known as a Porcupine!

Outdoor Wednesdays

4.04.11 ~ Red-tailed Hawk

2011-04-04T19:21:00.000-05:00

Just hangin' out on a road sign. Takin' in the sights or hunting for prey perhaps.

Sweet Shot Tuesday ~ Communal Global

4.02.11 ~ Glory

2011-04-02T23:04:00.001-05:00

Scripture and a Snapshot ~ Sunset Sunday ~ Spiritual Sundays

3.28.11 ~ Pretty In Purple

2011-03-28T06:34:00.002-05:00

I have no idea what these flowers are. Does anyone know? They sure were pretty so of course I had to snap a few photos!

Also, I just wanted to let you know I'm going to be taking a blog break for awhile. I don't know when I will be back, the importance of the responsibilities facing me in my life right now demand that I take some time away. I'm gonna miss you guys though!

I am going to leave comments on for the next 24 hours and turn them off after that until I return.

Hope to see you soon!

3.25.11 ~ Spring Laughter

2011-03-25T19:45:00.001-05:00

Earth laughs in flowers. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today I'm linking up with Live Every Moment

and Fabulous Friday

3.22.11 ~ Majestic

2011-03-22T19:52:00.000-05:00

Today I'm linking up with:

Communal Global

Wordless Wednesday With Alicia

3.19.11 ~ O My Soul

2011-03-19T20:07:00.001-05:00

Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, my soul. ~ Psalm 146:1

Today I am linking up with:

Black and White Wednesdays

Sunday Snapshot

SOOC Sunday
Happy Monday

3.17.11 ~ Barney Fife, MD

2011-03-16T23:05:00.001-05:00

If you've known me for long, you know I don't have television. When the country made the switch to digital, we didn't switch. We still have the set however, so we sure enjoy watching a good DVD now and then.

Watching re-runs of Andy Griffith is one simple pleasure that I sure enjoy! We have the first five seasons on DVD and will most definitely keep adding to the collection until we have all of them.

As you can see by my photo, I was taking pictures of my television screen tonight. I don't know which was more fun, watching Barney or playing with my camera! Yes, I am easily amused!

You just gotta love Barney Fife, MD (Mayberry Deputy). He evokes so much emotion. He's had me laughin' and cryin' all at the same time.

Today I'm linking up with:

You Caputre - Emotion (black and white)

Simple Pleasures

3.16.11~Wild Longhorn

2011-03-15T22:34:00.002-05:00

Another animal I didn't want to get too close to! I was on one side of my car, and he was on the other!

Unlike the longhorns of my 3/10 post which live on a ranch, this is a wild, free-ranging longhorn of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

Do longhorns run wild in your neck of the woods?

Today I'm linking up with:

Communal Global

Wordless Wednesday at Project Alicia

3.12.11 ~ Never Alone

2011-03-12T11:57:00.002-06:00

. . . I will never leave you nor forsake you. ~ Joshua 1:5b

Do you ever feel alone - abandoned by God?

Do you feel like you are far from home and can't find your way back?

My father used to always say, "God is not in the forsaking business! If there is any forsaking going on, we need to look at ourselves."

Have you wandered off?

Were you looking in the wrong direction and suddently realized you weren't where you wanted to be?

All it takes is a whisper of his name and a humble heart. There is power in the name of Jesus. If you call on him, you'll see him and find that he was right there all along.

Today I'm linking up with:

Sunday Snapshot

3.10.11 ~ At the Watering Hole

2011-03-10T21:52:00.000-06:00

Everyone seems so anxious to usher in spring as they get excited about the first blossoms appearing. And I'm sure these longhorns are thrilled with the thaw of their favorite watering hole. I on the other hand am mourning the end of winter. Yes, I'm weird, but there is a peace and tranquilty about winter that I love. I hate to see it go.

3.06.11 ~ From Beginning to End

2011-03-05T21:27:00.000-06:00

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world,

from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

~ Psalm 90:1-2

Grace and peace to each of you this Sunday!

Today I'm linking up with:

Sunday Snapshot

Sunset Sunday

3.02.11 ~ American Bison

2011-03-01T21:21:00.001-06:00

We were at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge where Bull Elk, Longhorns, and Bison, to name a few, run free. Meaning - approach wild animals at your own risk!

We parked and walked, and walked some more . . .

and then we saw this . . .

We walked a little farther and found this . . .

a way to cross over!

And then we held our breath . . . and tiptoed.

This was one of many shots I took of this bison as he roamed through the grass feeding. The closest I got was about 30-40 feet. The closer I got to him the more he stared at me, so I backed off a bit. Quite amazing to be so close to this creature. It was kinda scary too, knowing that he could charge (Those big brown eyes can fool ya!), but I think he knew we were harmless.

Today I am linking up with:

ABC Wednesday - G is for grass (and this guy ate lots of it!)

Wordish Wednesday

Not So Wordless Wednesday

3.01.11 ~ Fisherman

2011-03-01T07:00:00.001-06:00

Yes, I took a lot of pictures on our trout fishing trip. I think I'm finally starting to wind down on these though. You must be getting tired of seeing the Blue River! I couldn't resist this one though because I can rarely participate in I Heart Faces photo challenges as I usually do nature, wildlife and landscape photography. It's rare that I have a face to share so since today's challenge didn't require a face, here I am!

Today I'm linking up with:

You Capture - Things That Start With L (Lake)

Communal Global
~and~

I Heart Faces

2.27.11 ~ A Good and Perfect Gift

2011-02-26T21:29:00.000-06:00

James 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

This photo was taken on our last trout fishing trip at the Blue river. For other photos similar to this one, please visit the recent post on my primary blog, A Defined Life.

Today I'm linking up with :

Scripture and a Snapshot
Sunday Snapshot

2.26.11 ~ Whatcha Lookin' At?

2011-02-26T00:00:00.003-06:00

Today I'm linking up with:

TN Chick - Mostly Black

2.22.11 ~ Icy Blue

2011-02-22T20:23:00.002-06:00

One of the fun things we did while we were at Quartz Mountain on Valentine's weekend, was spend time at the lake trying to spy bald eagles. The lake was frozen solid. There had been a blizzard not long before and temperatures well below zero. In the picture below it looks as if the area beyond the ice chunks is thawed, but the water in this entire picture is frozen. ~ One of the neat features of my camera is that the display/monitor swivels. It can be pulled out and rotated in different directions. I can then put it in Live View mode instead of using the view finder, and take pictures from different unreachable or difficult angles like this one. The camera was almost on the wet ground and I didn't want to get my clothes wet and muddy by lying down there with it (which is what I would normally have done), but I did want a close up shot of the ice from that angle. I simply put my camera on live view, flipped the monitor out so I could look down at my shot without having to get on the wet ground to look through the view finder, and then I snapped!

I mentioned bald eagles. Well, we did see some from a distance, but I managed to get a bit closer to this Blue Heron. The strongest zoom lens I have is a 55-200 so this was as close as I could get without disturbing him. It was fun to watch lots of birds just standing all over the frozen lake.

We usually think of spending time at the lake in the summer, but there was something so beautiful and serene about being at the frozen lake in the middle of the day with the bright sun overhead.

Today I'm linking up with:

Simplicity - Weather (ice-freezing temps)

Midweek Blues

ABC Wednesday - F is for Frozen
Watery Wednesday

Wordish Wednesday

Wordless/ful Wednesday

2.21.11 ~ Hughes Crossing

2011-02-21T21:25:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago my husband and I went trout fishing at the Blue River in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. I've shared some of those photos here and on my other blog. Hughes Crossing is a low water bridge that crosses the river at one point. The river flows across the bridge, and you have to drive right through to get to the other side. On our last visit, I took pictures as we crossed.

This first shot is taken as we watch the pickup in front of us begin his cross over the bridge.

As we began crossing the bridge this was the view out my passenger side window.

And the view inside my rear view mirror!

This shot, taken through my front windshield, is after we had crossed, turned around and started back in the direction we came. Yes, I made my husband cross the low water bridge, then turn around and come back just so I could take pictures!

And last but not least, the view out my passenger window as we came back the other direction.

Such beautiful scenery and so peaceful at the Blue River.

Today I'm linking up with:

Communal Global
The Happiness Project

2.19.11 ~ The Silhouette of Christ

2011-02-19T03:00:00.005-06:00

The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. ~ Psalm 97:5

This photo was taken at the Holy City of the Wichitas in Oklahoma, the site of the world's longest running passion play. This white marble statue of Christ overlooks the surrounding mountains and city below. Definitely a sight to behold anytime of day, but especially at sunset with the contrail of a plane marking the sky.

The dictionary defines a hero as someone with remarkeably brave character. I can't imagine anything more brave than willingly submitting yourself to humiliation, scouraging and death for another, much less the whole world. Could there be a greater hero?

This weekend I am linking up with :

The Photo Hunter - Silhouette
Twisted Fate Photography - Heroes

Scripture and a Snapshot
Spiritual Sundays
Sunday Snapshot
Sunset Sunday

2.16.11 ~ The Southwest

2011-02-16T01:00:00.009-06:00

I stopped and took this photo on the way to Quartz Mountain last week. I love Oklahoma. We have every kind of landscape imagineable - plains, mountains, forrests, and more shoreline than any other state. If you've never gotten off of the federal highways when passing through Oklahoma, you really haven't seen Oklahoma at all. Horses however are pretty typical here! I hope to show you more shots of Oklahoma in the days to come. The area where this photo was taken was so quiet and peaceful. I hope I captured that.

Today I'm linking up with . . .

Outdoor Wednesdays

ABC Wednesdays - E is for equine
Captivus Living Photo Challenge - Serene
Wordish Wednesday
Wordless/Wordful Wednesday

2.15.11 ~ Redneck Security

2011-02-15T00:25:00.004-06:00

There's just no tellin' what you'll find when you get off the beaten path . . . and believe me I didn't stick around for long!

Camera Gab 3 ~ Color Space

2011-02-14T14:17:00.000-06:00

It's been awhile since I did a Camera Gab post; you know, the post where I ask you questions and also air my thoughts about photography. I took a blog break and just haven't gotten back to the Camera Gab post until now. Anyway . . . I just discoverd something about my camera that I didn't know. And to be honest, I'm completely clueless about it so I need your help. I was studying my camera manual last night and came across a portion about color space. My camera has two settings. I can set it on sRGB or Adobe RGB. The manual recommends setting the camera on Adobe if you process your photos a lot or if you plan to publish them. It says to us sRGB if you plan to keep the photo as is and don't plan to publsih. So, my question is, "What is this all about?"

The only "publishing" I have done up to this point is a 2010 calendar and a 2010 photo book. I'm still waiting for the photo book to come in the mail so I don't know yet how it will turn out. Anyway, I hope to get into more publishing by entering my photos in contests and submitting them to magazines etc. I'm just wondering if I should have my camera set on Adobe RGB rather than sRGB. All of my photos have been taken with sRGB up to this point. I noticed when I had my calendar published that although it came our very well, the colors seemed darker and more saturated than what I had viewed on the screen. Is this because I shoot with my camera set on sRGB?

Well, as you can see I am just completely uneducated about it and need some help. Any expertise that any of you can lend would be greatly appreciated! What is color space? What is the difference in the two settings I've mentioned above, and when should each of the settings be used?

2. 11. 11 ~ Quartz Mountain Sunrise

2011-02-11T08:09:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone! Hop on over to my daily blog, A Defined Life, to see what I woke up to this morning!

Have a great day!

2.08.11 ~ Empty Nest

2011-02-08T21:45:00.000-06:00

"If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain. If I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain, or help one robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain." ~ Emily Dickinson

That's my favorite quote and also my aim in life. If there are to be empty nests in the lives of those I love, I want it to be because their wings have taken them to new and better places, not because they have broken wings and can't make it home again.

Today I'm linking up with:

2.06.11 ~ Scavenger Hunt and More

2011-02-06T19:22:00.003-06:00

It's time for Scavenger Hunt Sunday with Ashley Sisk. I haven't participated in quite awhile so I'm glad to be joining in today. This post also includes my entry for Project 64: Out of the Box, and Show and Tell with Paper Heart Camera.

Last but not least, I'm joining Sunday Snapshot for the first time.

So here are my takes on this weeks items.

~ Water ~

~ Quote ~

~Window ~

This photo was take from inside my house while the blizzard was going on last week. The snow was blowing so hard it was filling up the space in between the screen and the glass. It was quite a storm! I'm also entering this photo in Project 64: color gray.

~ Activity ~

You may be getting tired of water and fishing posts lately, but my husband and I went on a 2 day fishing trip and I have lots of pictures I've been going through. I also posted this picture earlier today for Scripture and a Snapshot. You can look at my previous post to see the shot with the scripture. I'm also entering this in Paper Heart Camera's Show and Tell.

Yes, I'm missing my last photo. I got page 25 from a magazine picked out, but haven't gotten the shot done. I may add it tomorrow. Sorry!

Well, that's it for now!

2.06.11 ~ Fishers of Men

2011-02-06T07:50:00.000-06:00

Today I'm linking up with:

Project 64: Robin's Egg Blue

2.03.11 ~ Keepin’ it Clean

2011-02-03T13:44:00.001-06:00

You wouldn’t think that people would need to be told, but I suppose a little reminder can’t hurt.

And when I look at this . . . I have to wonder . . .

What in the world is wrong with some people?

Today I’m linking up with:

Thursday Photo Challenge

You Capture

2.02.11 ~ Vintage Scoreboard

2011-02-02T00:20:00.001-06:00

My husband and I were driving down Main street in Tishomingo, Oklahoma last week when out of the corner of my eye I caught this old scoreboard on the side of the road . . . right in the middle of town.

I asked my husband to pull over so I could get some photos. I've been told it's best not to take pictures in the middle of the day because of the poor lighting. I even had a professional phtographer tell me once that he doesn't even carry his camera during certain hours because of the harsh lighting. Well, you never know what you'll see in the middle of the day that you may want to remember. If you don't have your camera you can't. If you do have your camera you can. I played with the editing and did some cross processing. Not sure how well I like it, but it works Okay.

We asked some of the locals where this scoreboard came from and how in the world it got in the middle of town.

The story goes that this was the original scoreboard from the high school football field. We're not sure exactly how old it is, but probably from the fifties. In the seventies, the high school got a new scoreboard, and for some unknown reason the old one was sent to the middle of town next to the Dairyland. As you can see from this next picture, the scoreboard faces a parking lot on Main street. The white building to the left is the old Dairyland.

I was fascinated by this old scoreboard. I was intrigued by the old blue lightbulbs and got excited when I realized they were Robin's Egg Blue which would fit into my Project 64 theme! Anyway, one lady told us that after the new scoreboard was put in, the old one was lit up on main street to let the people in town know what was going on at the game. I thought that was pretty cool, but then another man said it wasn't on all the time, but only during the state championship game. Still fun either way!

Such a serendipitous moment to find a vintage scoreboard right in the middle of town!

Today I'm linking up with:

Midweek Blues

2.01.11 ~ Winter Fun

2011-02-01T00:00:00.004-06:00

When you think of winter fun, picutres of sledding, ice skating, or building snowmen might be what comes to mind. But for my husband and I, we spent the last few days of January (and some 70 degree weather) trout fishing at the Blue River. What drastic difference there would be in these pictures if taken today because we are now in a severe snow storm warning, the ground is white, and we are expected to have the coldest temperatures in 15 years. So, if it's cold where you are, I hope you enjoy these warm winter photos!

(Shadows)

(Winter Fun)

Today I'm linking up with :

Shutter Love Tuesday - Shadows

Perseptive Perspective - Winter Fun
The Happiness Project

1.30.11 ~ Fishin' Break

2011-01-30T15:24:00.000-06:00

I just got home late last night from a two day trout fishing trip. After a few hours of wading through the river fishing, I found a comfy, shady place to rest on the banks underneath a large tree.

In this photo you'll see my new wading boots and a bit of my brown neoprene waders. The river runs in the background.

Today I'm linking up with Paper Heart Camera and the theme: Self Portrait - Brown

1.25.11 ~ Life Giving Words

2011-01-25T15:00:00.003-06:00

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. ~ Proverbs 18:21

I've been thinking a lot lately about how powerful my words are. They have power to heal or hurt. I don't have the right to steal another's joy through my words or actions. At Grace is for Sinners, Serena had this to say, "If you can't respond in love, don't respond." Good advice and very convicting. I hope my words will be life giving, and like this beautiful fruit in the midst of winter, I pray my words bring color, joy and healing.

Linking up with:

Word-Filled Wednesday

ABC Wednesday (B is for Berries)

Cloud Nine

1.23.11 ~ Chestnut

2011-01-23T21:05:00.000-06:00

I'm excited about a new photo challenge that I came across the other day called Project 64: Out of the Box.

Project 64 is based on a 64 count box of crayons and each week a new color challenge is posted.

This week's challenge is "chestnut." I've posted a horse picture similar to this one before, but couldn't resist posting this to fit the chestnut theme.

1.15.11 ~ More Favorites From 2010

2011-01-15T18:07:00.002-06:00

I'm still trying to wrap up 2010. I'm preparing photos for photo books and getting my blogs ready to publish my 2010 blog books. In my previous post I shared many of my favorites from 2010, but thought I'd add a few more here. Hopefully I'll have some new photos to share soon.

1.02.11 ~ Memories, Dreams, and Reflections

2011-01-02T23:46:00.004-06:00

Ashley Sisk has challenged us to post an end of year gallery of sorts. She has provided words and phrases to prompt our picture selections. I have been out of the blogging game for a few weeks, so I think this is a great way to showcase 2010 and begin a new year. Some of the photos I have posted before, some I haven't.

Me - A picture of yourself. What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2010?

I am most proud of surviving 2010 with my sanity in tact! It's been a very difficult year, but God's grace has been sufficient to see me through. Photography has been a new hobby and an outlet for me.

I started using a 7 year old Canon Rebel back in January of 2010. I bought my first very own DSLR in June of 2010. It is a Nikon D5000. I'm proud of the progress I've made with my photography.

I Love You - Picture of your husband etc.

This picture was taken out in the middle of a blueberry farm. We enjoy going to pick blueberries every year. He prefers that his face not be posted on the internet, thus you only get to see the back of his head here, but I really like this photo.

Still Laughing - A moment you're still laughing about now.

This picture was taken by my husband just before my niece was about to go down to the front of this auditorium to accept an award. She had been eating strawberries at the reception before she came in. She turned to me and said, "Do I have anything in my teeth?" she then smiled real big. I got so tickled because she had little black strawberry seeds stuck in between her teeth. It was just one of those moments where you had to be there!

Winter Wonderland

I was inspired . . .

This is a photo of the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial. I had begun to realize that photography was going to be a fun hobby that I would enjoy, but the evening I spent taking pictures at the memorial; I realized how photography would truly change me, and how I could use it for a greater good. I see life through a lens now, and I see so much more than I ever did before.

Spring Fever

Travel or Vacation - A picture taken on vacation.

Summer Days

A Day in My Life

This may seem like an odd picture for this category, but we have been going through a house rennovation for almost a year and a half now. Each day brings some new project, tool, or material to my yard. This is what part of my house looks like right now.

All Smiles

Autumn Harvest

Family

This is a picture of my father telling a story at Thanksgiving. My niece is also in the picture. My father was just diagnosed with an agressive form of prostate cancer last week, ending the year with one more difficult hurdle to overcome, but God's strength has not failed us yet and I know he will continue to walk with us.

Celebrate - A picture the represents a celebration.

This picture was taken at the Star Spangled Salute which is an air show at the Air Force base near my house. It is a pre-July 4th celebration.

Let's Do it Again - A picture of something you'd like to do again.

We went to a watermelon festival in a small town this summer. We had so much fun we are planning to go back next year. This little one had some difficulty getting the seed to leave her mouth during the seed spitting contest!

I Miss You - a picture of something or someone you really miss.

I think this picture represents many people I miss. I think of the people that have passed away and are no longer on the bench with me or those who have moved away and who I think of often. I can sit here and think of those I am blessed with and have been blessed with in my life. I look forward to the next time I see them, either here on this earth or in heaven.

Beautiful

Since picking up photography I have really enjoyed taking pictures of sunsets however this picture is of a recent sunrise by our house. Just beautiful.

Dress Up

Macro - Share your favorite macro image.

Holidays

This was our Thanksgiving table.

My Favorite

This is the 3rd time I've shared this photo this year. It means a lot to me because it was a candid shot that I took when my husband suprised me at the back door after he had been working outside. I like the technical aspects of the photo, but love the sentiment, and it perfectly represents my marriage.

Don't Ever Change - Something that you love about yourself or someone that you never want to change.

One thing I like about myself is that I am as comfortable out shooting with my husband, fishing, or hanging out in my jeans and a ball cap, as I am dressed up and eating at a tea room. I don't fit in one niche, and I like that.

Just Because . . . So There - Share any picture you really want to share.

Hopes and Dreams - Share what you hope to come in 2011

I just pray that I will depend on the Lord for the love, grace, and strength that I need to accomplish whatever it is he has planned for me this year.

This is the favorite photo I took of my puppy this year.

12.24.10 ~ Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T09:57:00.001-06:00

May you be blessed this year by seeking and finding the savior of the world.

Emmanuel - God with us.

12.02.10 ~ Clear Skies With a High Near 70

2010-12-02T06:35:00.001-06:00

That's what the weather man said . . . . a perfect day for lunch at the park!

Something good to eat, a park bench, a pond, and some picture taking.

A true simple pleasure.

This photo was taken a couple of weeks ago and oh how the temperatures have changed!
It was a beautiful day to take a break at the park. Too cold to do that now.

I'm taking another break today as well . . .

I am going to be taking a blogging break from both of my blogs for awhile. I don’t know for how long or to what extent. I may be gone for a couple of weeks or a couple of months, I'm just not sure yet. I need to take some time away to dig in deeper with my faith, take care of all the things I have been putting off for weeks, and take care of my family. I’m gonna miss you guys while I’m gone, but I’m sure I will be checking out your blogs from time to time just to see how you are doing. I hope my faithful blog friends will keep in touch with me through email as well! I also hope when I return I will not have lost all of my followers and that you will still remember me, but I really feel this is something I need to do at this time. Hopefully when I com back I will be invigorated and have some rich reading and quality photos to share.

Please enjoy the moments of this Christmas season as you celebrate the birth of Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the greatest gift we have been given and the greatest gift we can pass on to others. If you know him, share him with boldness and confidence so that all might be saved. If you don't know him, then seek Him and you WILL find Him.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

I'm linking up with Simple Pleasures today!
See you soon!

11.29.10 ~ Camera Gab ~ 2

2010-11-29T06:07:00.001-06:00

It’s time for my second Camera Gab post! This is where I take some time out to write about my photography journey and hopefully get your feedback along the way! So, here is what is on my mind today along with a few illustrations:

Get ready!

{1}

Post processing. I can’t live with it and I can’t live without it. As I’ve mentioned to some of you in previous conversations, I just don’t have much free time on my hands. I work full-time and have other responsibilities outside my home. So, I truly feel like it is imporant that with the little photography time that I do have, to spend it learning and practicing the art of picture taking. I want to get it right in the camera so I can elminiate as much post processing as possible. I do enjoy the creative aspects of post processing, but I really want to learn to take good pictures. This may be a wrong assumption, but I assume that figuring out Photoshop takes a lot of time that I don’t have. Therefore, I do 99.9% of my processing in Picnik and Picassa. I usually only make exposure tweeks, but do at times play with the more creative aspects of Picnik. I hope that someday I will get into portrait photography more, and I do believe this type of photography lends itself more to the need for extensive post processing knowledge. Especially if I am to be hired to record those events that have lasting memories and emotions attached. Because of this, I will eventually have to find the time, or make the time, to learn Photoshop or another portrait editing program. But for now, time just does not allow it.

I also think the other reason I am not pressuring myself to learn more about Photoshop is because I want my photos to look as natural as possible. I am drawn more to photography that tells a story and that looks “real.” I believe there is such a thing as overprocessing. I’ve seen it, and I just don’t ever want to fall into that.

What are your thoughts on post processing? Were you ever standing in front of a mountain called Photoshop, looking up, trying to figure out how you’d get to the top? Was the climb as hard as it sounds to me, or just intimidating? Do you edit extensively or just make little tweeks?

Get set!

{2}

I’m still a bit shy as a photographer. I’m told I need to be more bold if I’m gonna get the shots I want. I’m getting there, but being more reserved means I fear being viewed as pushy or overbearing. I also don’t like drawing attention to myself. (Which causes me to ask myself why I blog - hmmm?) This aspect of photography has been difficult for me, unless of course I’m alone on a country road somewhere. I find myself seeing a great shot and hesitating because of where it’s going to take me, or who may be in my way. It is getting eaiser the more I do it, and most people are very understanding, but it is still difficult. You can’t even walk around with this camera in your hand without drawing attention to yourself, much less when you are pushing your way to the front trying to get the best shot. The photos in this post are an example of that. My husband and I went to a small town festival. At the festival there was a Daschund race. I got right on the finish line to take pictures of these Daschunds at the races. My husband had to push me up front because I just didn’t feel like it was my place to be right at the finish line taking pictures. I was literally on the chalk line, dog owners on either side of me calling their dogs to the finish. Who’s spot was I hogging? Which owner couldn’t see their little pup cross the line because of me? I don’t know, but I got some great shots that I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise, and it was a lot of fun to boot!

Go!

{3}

On a similar note, I’m wondering about permission. When is it necessary to ask permission to take a photo of someone or on someone’s property? Always, sometimes, depends? What do you think? I prefer to get pictures of people in their natural environment with natural expressions. I don’t like posed pictures as much. This means I have to try and capture the shot without them knowing and usually from a distance with my zoom lense. And what about location? My niece recently went out to have her engagement pictures taken at a pecan orchard that the photographer had used several times before. He evidently had never gotten permission because the owner wouldn’t let them stay to take photographs on this occasion. They had to leave and find another location. I was surprised to find out he didn’t have permission, but also surprised to know that he has used the land many times before without a problem.

First place!

Well, those are my thoughts for this week. I gotta run, but I’d be so glad to hear your opinions or advice about these topics or any others. Thanks for stopping by to Gab! Have a great post-Thanksgiving week!

11.27.10 ~ Bridge Closed

2010-11-27T01:27:00.001-06:00

A "bridge closed "sign was just an invitation for me to get out and take a picture. I got as close as the blockades would allow me to get. I have driven across this bridge many times in my life, but now it's uncrossable.

Have you ever felt this way about God? Like you were on one shore and he was on the other and there was no way to get to the other side? The wonderful truth about God is that he provided Jesus to stand in the gap for us. Jesus bridges the canyon between God and man. The canyon that man created. If we believe this and we belong to Christ, then there is nothing that can separate us from Gods' love. It doesn't matter what you see or feel because God's love isn't based on a feeling or circumstance. It is pure, and it is true, and it is constant.

Romans 8:35-38

"Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.” No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord"

11.23.10 ~ Reaching

2010-11-23T18:40:00.000-06:00

Psalm 57:10-11

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I'm linking up with these great folks:

Simplicity

Shutter Love Tuesday

Perseptive Perspective

On Cloud Nine

Lovely Photo

Did You Bring Your Camera

11.23.10 ~ A Bit About Me and Some Stylish Bloggers

2010-11-23T09:17:00.007-06:00

My Captiviating Images has given me a blog award! Wow! Thanks! It sure is nice to get positive feedback about your blog.

As part of this award she has asked that I share 7 things about myself and honor 13 other bloggers that I think are pretty great by featuring them on my blog. So, here goes. . .

~1~

I started using a DSLR in January of 2010. It was an old Cannon EOS 300D Digital Rebel that my husband bought at an auction. He used it to take pictures for the web and then I took it over as a hobby. I went into the camera store in June of 2010 to see about getting a new lens for it and wound up walking out with a new camera for an early birthday present. That’s when I got my Nikon D5000 - a great camera for a beginner, yet stout enough to take me further in my photography for some time to come.

~2~

I work full-time and have worked in higher education administration for 20 years. This wasn’t my goal in life, I always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, but God had different plans for me. He sent me to a mission field right in my own backyard.

~3~
Unlike most women, I don’t enjoy shopping. I like to know what it is I want to buy and then get in and out of the store as soon as possible. I cannot grasp the concept of window shopping. That sounds like torture to me!

~4~

My favorite lunch meat is liver cheese. This grosses most people out, but give me a good old liver cheese and miracle whip sandwich and I’m doing just fine!

~5~
I love, love, love, hot tea! On a good day with plenty of tea bags and Splenda available, I will drink 4-5 mugs throughout the day. On a slow day, maybe 2.

~6~
Those of you who read or follow my primary blog have to know that I am an aunt because I talk about it so much, but if you don’t read that blog then maybe you didn’t know it. I love being an aunt! I have 11 nieces and nephews ranging in age from 1-33. They are spread clear across the world in Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Pennsylvania and Israel.

~7~

I think I probably come across more out going on my blogs than I am in real life. I would say I am somewhat reserved although not painfully shy like I was when I was growing up. I express myself best in writing and hopefully in photography, but not as well in person. Public speaking makes my knees knock, but I have had to do it on occassion. Maybe that’s why I enjoy my hobbies so much. They seem to give me an outlet for expressing myself!

You might be able to find out more about me at my "About Me" page listed at the top. You'll even see a picture of me shooting with something other than a camera!

That's enough about me! Now please visit these blogs that belong to some terrific photographers. I have selected blogs that have an emphasis on photography since this is my photography site, and these are some of my favorites in no particular order:

Kathleen Connally Photography

Lucky Number 13

Red Willow Photography

Photo Freak

And the final 4 listed are some teenagers that are quite talented whom I've learend from and enjoyed getting to know through blogland. Photography lives on . . .

Aspire

Pastor's Girl's Ponderings

Allie Photography

Memory Catcher

That's it! If you are featured in the post I don't want you to feel obligated in any way to post the award or pass it on because I know some bloggers like this sort of things and some don't. But if you have time, please visit some of these photographers I've mentioned here. I think you'll like what you see.

Happy Thanksgiving!

11.22.10 ~ Camera Gab ~ 1

2010-11-22T00:01:00.002-06:00

You read it right. Camera GAB, not Camera BAG. I’ve been thinking for some time now about starting a regular Monday post on this blog just to share my random thoughts about my photography journey. I really don’t know what all this post will contain, but I wanted to write about what I’m learning, or not learning; what I’m observing, or not observing; what I know I’m doing wrong and wish I could figure out how to do right; and maybe ask you questions along the way as well. Who knows, maybe one of these days I’ll know enough about what I’m doing to add some tutorials. Feel free to leave feedback in the comment section. We are gabbing after all, and that’s hard to do by yourself!

{1}

I love night photography even if I don’t know exactly what I’m doing. I see it as a challenge and the results of night photography can be quite beautiful. Cityscapes with light sources coming from many different directions can provide a wonderful dynamic. But taking a picture of the moon in an otherwise pitch black setting is something I find much more difficult. Does anyone have any good advice for shooting the moon? I took 50 some pictures of the moon tonight. Most of which were lousy. Of course I post the best of the bunch here. This leads me to another random thought. . .

{2}

Is it normal to take 50-100 shots of some thing or some event to wind up with only a few shots you are satisfied with? When I take photos, I always take a lot. I know if I only take one or two there is a big chance when I get them uploaded to my computer, I may not have one I am pleased with. If I take lots of photos, the chance I’ll have something I like is much greater. I guess this stands to reason, but I wish I could just take one or two and know they will be good. My thinking is: if I were a really good photographer, I could get it right with just a few shots. Am I being too hard on myself, or is this pretty accurate? In time will I be able to take fewer shots and come up with what I want?

{3}

I’ve found recently that I have been letting photo challenges drive my photography. If a certain challenge said to go take a picture of something square, I went and took a picture of something square just so I could link up. I’m trying to get back to being myself and taking the pictures I want. If they happen to fit into a challenge then I will link up. I’m much happier with this and feel much freer to just be me. Photo challenges are great for getting you out of a slump though, and for getting you out and using your camera. I just don’t want them to drive my photography choices all of the time. I want them to be something I do for fun and to supplement my regular photo taking.

{4}

Most of all, I want my photography to honor God. I want to really learn to be sensitive to what is around me. What stories need to be told? What glories need to be recorded? Who can I bless with my photography? Where can God be seen? How can I share who he is by the choices I make when I snap a picture? How can I capture the essence of his greatness?

I’ve gotta run, but I’m anxious to get your feedback. Thanks for stopping by to gab!

11.20.10 ~ Be Still

2010-11-20T18:55:00.001-06:00

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him . . . " ~ Psalm 37:7a

Spiritual Sundays
Scripture and a Snapshot

11.16.10 ~ Uplifted

2010-11-16T22:02:00.000-06:00

Lovely Photo

Photo Freak
Scripture and a Snapshot

On Cloud Nine

11.14.10 ~ Scavenger Hunt 2

2010-11-14T18:35:00.000-06:00

I'm so glad to be joining Scavenger Hunt Sunday again this week. I've missed it! The words we've been given this week to hunt down are: self-portrait, handmade, orange, candle, and traffic signal. Here are my interpretations of these words.

Self-portrait

I don't like being in pictures, having my picture made, and I've never taken a self-portrait. So, I've sorta cheated here by removing myself from the photo as much as possible. I've noticed that it seems many photographers have taken a picture of themselves holding the camera, so that was what I did for this assignment! I've been wanting to get a new photo for my profile picture since my other one is a year old, and I think I like this one well enough to use it for that!

Handmade

I'm digging in my archives from a couple of weeks ago for this one. Sorry! My husband makes great handmade (or perhaps homemade would be a better word in this case) pizza! Care for a slice?

Orange

Candle

Traffic Signal

I took this picture the other day on my way home from work before I even knew that traffic signal was going to be one of our words today. This intersection, which is about a half mile from my work place, has been taken over by birds. Do you see all the black specks? There is one on top of the traffic signal and even some on the street light. They have just been swarming around this area lately.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

11.13.10 ~ Forget Me Not ~ 2

2010-11-13T09:50:00.002-06:00

I decided to repost this picture for Photo Freak's "My Best Photo." I don't know that it's my best photo, but it sure is my favorite. I love the sentiment of this picture. You can read this post over at my other blog, A Defined Life, to discover the story behind it. This was a true random act of kindness by my husband. How did I respond? "Don't move! Let me get my camera!"

"I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine" ~ Psalm 6:3

11.11.10 ~ Red Autumn

2010-11-11T01:00:00.002-06:00

We're finally getting some color in my area. I thought we were going to miss it this year. What a difference a few days can make!

Thursday Challenge

11.10.10 ~ Blessings to You

2010-11-10T06:44:00.001-06:00

Lovely Photo
On Cloud Nine

11.07.10 ~ Beware

2010-11-07T21:49:00.002-06:00

Dog on premises . . . .

and evidently he knows how to unlatch the gate!

I came across this site while on a walk. I didn't know whether to run or laugh. Well, with no deadly guard dog in sight, I had to snap a few shots. So glad I'm learning to take my camera with me everywhere!

11.06.10 ~ Nothing Special

2010-11-05T20:10:00.001-05:00

Psalm 8:3-4

When I consider your heavens,

the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which you have set in place,

what is mankind that you are mindful of them,

human beings that you care for them?

When I first looked at these shots, I saw nothing special. I had been shooting in the shade and then forgot to make adjustments to my camera settings before I began shooting in the sunlight. As a result I overexposed some of the shots. But as I look at them now, I am reminded of how God made something out of nothing special when he made me. After all, mankind did start out as a handful of dirt! But it was in whose hand the dirt lay that made all the difference in the world. Of all of his beautiful creation, he is most pleased with us. When you become awestruck by the beauty of a tree, a moon, or a mountain, remember; God made you in his image, and you are more valuable to him than any other created thing that came from his hand.

Photo Hunt - Alive

11.02.10 ~ Forgiveness

2010-11-02T18:56:00.002-05:00

I went for a walk down a neighborhood street a few days ago and happened upon this serendipitous sight.

Had a remorseful soul come to seek forgiveness after a quarrel?

Colossian 3:12-14

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

Lovely Photo
On Cloud Nine

10.31.10 ~ An Evening at the Lake

2010-10-30T22:17:00.000-05:00

Matthew 13:1

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake.

I smiled when I read this verse, taking it alone and outside of the full context in which it was written. Such an ordinary thing for Jesus to do, but he needed time alone with his Father, and I need time alone with him.

I love the beauty of this created world, and I love being in it. I think the next time I go to the lake and sit down on the shore, I'll smile and remember that Jesus did the exact same thing; and then I'll spend some time alone with him there, talking and enjoying what he made.

Sunset Sunday

10.26.10 ~ All Horses Go to Heaven

2010-10-26T11:57:00.000-05:00

Somewhere in time's own space

There must be some sweet pastured place

Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow

Some paradise where horses go,

For by the love that guides my pen

I know great horses live again.

~Stanley Harrison

Lovely Photo

10.23.10 ~ Guard Dog

2010-10-22T23:22:00.002-05:00

My heart is His home, and I wonder; do I guard my Master's house as fiercly as this dog guard's his?

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. " ~ Proverbs 4:23