Silence

I am at my most happy when I explore unknown places and stumble upon ...

Purpose

pur·pose

ˈpərpəs

noun

noun: purpose; plural noun: purposes

1.

the reason for which something exists

I exist to:

appreciate the craftsmanship of this

 

fall in love with him

be surprised by this!!

TRULY adore THIS!

plan lunch here

grow these

prepare this

get an awesome shot of him

chart the growth since birth of this guy

and catch this magic moment before the bride goes to her groom

These moments were, at their own certain time(s), my purpose(s).


Sunday Scribbling word prompt: "purpose"

5 Things; Friday

 1)  There is something about paths that drive me crazy! Just the wonderment of what's on the other side of hill, or around the bend makes me feel giddy;

 2) Reflecting: I'm still unemployed; loving the relaxation of it, but every now and then (more now than then), I get anxious about finances. I feel stuck in the middle of the road, trying to keep my mind focused on God controlling my steps. It's a very tight rope to walk at times;

 3) Headed off to son's softball banquet. In spite of the smile, I was SO no in the mood. By the time his sports seasons end, I'm usually ready to take everyone's head off from spending so much time with them. Looking forward to this breather between now and basketball season in a few months ....

 

4) My flowers are still giving off mad blooms & growth. Even though it's very nearly fall, the colors are overwhelming at times!! Don't let the cool weather fool you - potted plants get 10x drier in cooler weather, so watering may be needed more often. I've been keeping my routine going; as much as I love Fall, I will miss this season of flowering beauty;

5)  Lastly, I pulled of being the sole photographer of my nephew's wedding @ the beginning of September. I was so nervous, but it was quite lovely once I got in my zone. I double-fisted it by wearing both the Sony & the Canon around my neck so I wouldn't have to change lenses. The photos were my gift to the new, military (Navy) couple. Even though I am quite amateur, it was A. LOT of work!! Being pulled in every direction, trying to get perfect light & stay creative all at the same time was exhausting. I shot non-stop from 2-5p.m. Overall, I think they photos came out nice. I shipped them off the bride in a very sweet photo album. My gift - WHEW!!! :-)

5 Things; Friday
Pictures: tracey

Solitary & Absorbed

 

In my time of solitary, I am most comfortable. The sound of my own thoughts in my head as I allow myself complete me time soothes me. With nothing between me & nature & the lens, time flies.

My best friend in me keeps me absorbed. :-)

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
- Buddha  

Sunday Scribblings word prompts: "solitary" & "absorbed." Killing 2 birds w/1 stone :-)

"Meal"

I'm an old fashioned chick. I LOVE to cook. I'm not too keen on eating a huge meal, but I love watching others enjoy. I think the detail of marinating, chopping, slicing, dicing, mashing, steaming, frying & making a good presentation of dinner is important. No matter how menial it is, I try to make it look 'pleasing.' Plus, it gives me time to sip a cocktail and go inside my own thoughts w/no interruption. Bliss.

Old fashioned cornbread from cornmeal. Cast iron is the best.

Two boxes of Pumpkin bread mix I didn't know existed.

Hand "smashed' potatoes w/garlic, pepper & butter

Steamed Brussel sprouts. I am addicted. Lightly buttered w/parsley

Crunchy skin courtesy of a touch of Balsamic vinegar marinade.

Sunday Scribblings prompt: "meal"
Internet courtesy

Powerful Beyond Measure

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." - Marianne Williamson

In my life, this quote rings strong and true. If you're anything like me, when your light begins to shine too bright, we tend to dim it. Why? When I get compliments on my pictures, my first inner thought is, 'pffttt...anyone & everyone w/a camera could take THAT!'. Why can't I accept that I saw & captured it

Am I afraid of my power beyond measure?

"Happily ever ... "

 My nephew's wedding went off without a hitch! I was so proud to be asked and so proud to be trusted with such precious memories. Between double shooting with Sony & Canon, I came up with 500 pix. I would say 250+ that I'll use because I like to take burst of three of each shot. This was/is my gift to the young, military couple.

It felt funny to be called "the photographer." Lol. "Oh! the 'photographer' is here, they'd say. I'm glad at the last minute, I decided to use my 20+ year old photo bag to carry all my crap. I felt professional.

 I was shaking with nerves all morning the day of the wedding. Probably because I was the 'main' photographer; no one else. Once I got started, I fell into my zone.

Love this instead of the boring traditional, corney, man/woman cake topper

Sweet details

I'm now in the process of processing & getting the photos ready to send off to the couple. I HATE being this late, but what can I say; I want to make sure each photo is great. I sending off in a couple of wedding albums (hoping not to offend w/my own choice), w/lots of special touches. Who knows where it could lead? Presentation is everything :-)

Play

 "People tend to forget that play is serious." ~David Hockney, Contemporary British painter.

Who Am I? Who Are You?

Cut and paste  your answers onto your own space & leave a comment so I'll know to check you out. I like how the questions made me think for a sec. :-)
 
Yourself: Crazy funny
Your partner: High strung, quick to anger
Your hair: right now: shoulder length, super curly
Your Mother: Lacking self-love & holding onto the past. Big time.
Your Father: "father(s); biological & step; both deceased. No 'real' father/daughter relationship with either
Your Favorite Item: my bike. flying with the wind!!!!

Your dream last night: Talking to a long-time girl friend I haven't been in touch with. This is a sign that I need to connect with her
Your Favorite Drink: Lipton Citrus Green Tea
Your Dream Car Truck: Chevy F-10

Your Dream Home: A huge farm house w/separate small house for my mother to live with me, and enough room for everyone to come to chill out/vacation whenever they wanted/needed to.
The Room You Are In: Living Room
Your fear: my autistic son being harmed
Where you Want to be in Ten Years? I don't plan that far into the future

Who you hung out with last night: myself
What You’re Not: Mean or petty
Muffins: No thanks.
One of Your Wish List Items: A large spare room for my creative mind to roam
The Last Thing You Did: Paint my nails with clear & glitter.
What You Are Wearing: Old tank top and basketball shorts

Your favorite weather: Any thing b/tween 75-80.
Your Favorite Book:  Jesus Calling. Keeps my crazy mind on track.
Last thing you ate: 2 Jack 'O Link beef jerky sticks. 
Your Life: I'm wondering the same thing.

Your mood: Pleasant

Your Best Friend: Myself.
What are you thinking about right now: If there is anything else in the house besides Jack 'O Link Beef Jerky; if I will do a super great job photographing my great nephew's wedding; what will I wear? I want to stand out. Hoping I will do a good job @ Lisa's yard sale tomorrow. I want her to accept my money instead of giving me the stuff. Am I blocking my blessings?; will I ever go on vacation?; what's my purpose?; why haven't I ever framed & displayed my pix in my own house?, etc., etc., etc.....
Your car: Toyota Corolla

What are you doing at the moment: This.
Your summer: Dead, excitement wise, but a great summer for flowers/plants. Lisa asked that we dig up her Perrenials & take what we want. Swoon.

Relationship status: Long. Will I ever let it be or will I always ignore the little voices that battle inside me, daily?
What is on your tv: Law & Order reruns.
What is the weather like: Overcast, warn & humid.
When is the last time you laughed: A second ago? I crack my own self up!!!!

Red Barn Studios

Five Things Friday

Inez "Nell" Aldridge

1. A random stop @ the Historical Society Resale Shop made me fall in love with "Nell", in honor of my grandmother
2. Dreading yet another fight with a very useless insurance company over my roof. I know one needs to stand up for their rights, yet the tension wears me out
3. Lately having an overwhelming feeling of not being able protect son as he grows further into manhood. Leaving all that at God's feet
4. We won't be attending 'State' this year due to the distance. I wonder will I ever be able to conquer 'freeway panic' again?
5. I didn't get a good vibe from this last interview. Hoping they don't call. Is that wrong?

Five Things Friday

Summer Update, Part VI

Beautiful childhood friend, Lori!!!

"Frick 'n Frack", together again :-) (Excuse my look - it was the wine. Lol)

A childhood friend that I reconnected with on Facebook a few years ago showed up at my door. We literally had not seen each other since we were maybe 12/13. After talking on F.Book about what types of wine we like, she showed up about 2 days later, with no notice, with that exact bottle of wine! And what makes this visit so much more special, is that Lori is a breast cancer survivor!!! I followed her journey all the way to her wellness - she is now cancer free!!! So needless to say her journey from Florida to Ohio was all the more special. We are so blessed!!