Sunday evening, Heather and I were driving back from Austin. We were somewhere between Brady and San Angelo and I'm watching the western sky. There was the sun, making its way down, but off to the right of the sun was a big bank of clouds. And they were moving towards the sun. I told Heather there was potential for a sunset, but it appeared those clouds would block it in the end. She looked over and agreed.
We drove on....we sang songs...and I continued to eye the sunset. It appeared to us that the sun was below the horizon already. That bank of clouds thwarting the beauty that could have been. Somewhere along the way I commented it was probably for the best...with my camera not operational, it would be frustrating to come across a scene I couldn't capture on film.
Then...suddenly...there was a gleam of sunbeam...and we realized the sun was indeed still above the horizon, just hidden by those clouds. Then quite quickly, the dull, blunted clouds gave way to perhaps one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. It was as if God was showing off, since I had doubted the possibility just moments before. We drove on for what seemed like forever with me hollering, "just look at it, Heather....". The sky changed colors, the colors swept over us for a while, giving depth to the clouds that had threatened to drown it in the beginning.
I told Heather...and it was true...that it was almost painful to not be able to take any pictures. I did make her pull out her iphone and shoot a few.
But I also thought of the deeper lesson...even when things look bleak and impossible, God can reach in His pocket and pull out a beautiful miracle just to prove us wrong. Funny how He always has that answer!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, February 17, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
No where to turn.....
I feel exposed.
I feel my crutch is broken.
I feel there is no escape suddenly.
What tragedy has pushed me to this point? Wednesday night I was out chasing the sunset......I hadn't even heard it calling my name, but decided to give it a try. I found the shot. It was so predictable....a windmill....wide-open spaces....just begging me to shoot it. I get out of vehicle....I frame it just right....I push the button. Instead of the comforting sound of a successful moment captured....it was more of a "cluck" sound.
Suddenly, the world began to spin out of control. My vision narrowed to where all I could see was the screen on the back of my camera....my BABY! "Error 30...cannot continue shooting". Nooooooooooooooooo.
Now, the next hours were spent whining, searching (google, of course), bargaining, and yes, praying.
All this over a camera? Let me try to explain....
My camera....and photography....is my escape. I love shooting moments for people. Family shoots....senior shoots....football games....capturing kids as they spin and giggle. Those shoots, though, have to be planned. I have to have people who will seek me out. Since returning "home" to West Texas, I've struggled with the business. In all honesty, I haven't put myself "out there" enough. My shortcoming...something I am working to remedy. So, when "people pictures" aren't possible, how do I satisfy my creative urges? Well....I get still.....and quiet....and I wait. I wait for the call. The call that says, "grab your camera and chase". Chase the sunset. Chase the beauty of this land.
And I usually obey the call. At times my riding partner is my droplet...my daughter Heather. She often has one question before we leave, "do I have to get pretty?" No, usually not. Recently, my son has been riding along. He and I tend to talk on these drives. Something I love! He sees photo ops and points them out to me. He and I share that. Heather and I talk, too. And sing. We sing loud and sometimes off-key. And giggle.
But with no camera, there is no way to answer the call. So I sit. And sulk. And wait for a calm moment to try out the You-tube tutorials that may...or may not....fix the issue.
So, I truly do pray there is a quick fix...or that our tax refund will cover a camera...or that I will be able to sleep through the moments that call me to come capture them.
In the meantime....here are a few shots from my recent shoots.....
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I feel my crutch is broken.
I feel there is no escape suddenly.
What tragedy has pushed me to this point? Wednesday night I was out chasing the sunset......I hadn't even heard it calling my name, but decided to give it a try. I found the shot. It was so predictable....a windmill....wide-open spaces....just begging me to shoot it. I get out of vehicle....I frame it just right....I push the button. Instead of the comforting sound of a successful moment captured....it was more of a "cluck" sound.
Suddenly, the world began to spin out of control. My vision narrowed to where all I could see was the screen on the back of my camera....my BABY! "Error 30...cannot continue shooting". Nooooooooooooooooo.
Now, the next hours were spent whining, searching (google, of course), bargaining, and yes, praying.
All this over a camera? Let me try to explain....
My camera....and photography....is my escape. I love shooting moments for people. Family shoots....senior shoots....football games....capturing kids as they spin and giggle. Those shoots, though, have to be planned. I have to have people who will seek me out. Since returning "home" to West Texas, I've struggled with the business. In all honesty, I haven't put myself "out there" enough. My shortcoming...something I am working to remedy. So, when "people pictures" aren't possible, how do I satisfy my creative urges? Well....I get still.....and quiet....and I wait. I wait for the call. The call that says, "grab your camera and chase". Chase the sunset. Chase the beauty of this land.
And I usually obey the call. At times my riding partner is my droplet...my daughter Heather. She often has one question before we leave, "do I have to get pretty?" No, usually not. Recently, my son has been riding along. He and I tend to talk on these drives. Something I love! He sees photo ops and points them out to me. He and I share that. Heather and I talk, too. And sing. We sing loud and sometimes off-key. And giggle.
But with no camera, there is no way to answer the call. So I sit. And sulk. And wait for a calm moment to try out the You-tube tutorials that may...or may not....fix the issue.
So, I truly do pray there is a quick fix...or that our tax refund will cover a camera...or that I will be able to sleep through the moments that call me to come capture them.
In the meantime....here are a few shots from my recent shoots.....
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Who says you can't go home?
Big news with our family...we are moving out west! West Texas, that is. It's "home" to us....
That word...home...is a hard one to define at times! I grew up all over! People hear that I moved during my 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 8th grades, and I often get asked if my dad was military. "Retail....same thing" was always my answer. It was just natural to us. Yes...it was sad each time we left, but there was always excitement to come!
My husband's family WAS military...then later on they just seemed to move with the jobs...like my family. Because of this nomadic way of life...and thanks to the good Lord's hand in our lives...both families wound up living on Ann Drive in Big Spring, Tx. Mark was my paper-boy. The rest is history. But bottom line is that we both graduated from "dear old Big Spring High"...a year apart. Interestingly...almost immediately after we finished high school, our families left the area, making visits "home" few and far between.
College came next...then jobs...then transfers and more transfers. When we moved from the Galveston area to Central Texas area, I used to claim we were trying to get back to west Texas and just stopped along the way. Then we "settled" in Lorena. My "Mayberry". The kids made friends, Mark got involved in local government, I proceeded to photograph all the small-town moments that I love so much. We were content.
Then along came opportunity. Which meant moving back "home" for us. But wait! Home? We have no family there. Close by, but not THERE! And sure, we have some friends there...but would they accept us back? Did they even know we left? We were just kids then. Now we are old! We are different people. And so are they. And what about the friends here? They haven't known us as many years, but they know the "grown-up" us that we have become. They have been there through our trials and tribulations. Will they miss us? Even notice when we are gone?
I don't know the answers to these questions. But I do know that "social media" has already helped us out. I have kept in touch with a lot of friends from West Texas and those are the same people I'm turning to with questions about the move...the town...jobs for me....etc.
My kids...this will be rough on them. I know that. I struggle with that. But they are being so brave about it. I have been reminded that THIS is their hometown...something I understand. Something I already miss. But there will be contact...daily....with everyone we are leaving.
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
That word...home...is a hard one to define at times! I grew up all over! People hear that I moved during my 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 8th grades, and I often get asked if my dad was military. "Retail....same thing" was always my answer. It was just natural to us. Yes...it was sad each time we left, but there was always excitement to come!
My husband's family WAS military...then later on they just seemed to move with the jobs...like my family. Because of this nomadic way of life...and thanks to the good Lord's hand in our lives...both families wound up living on Ann Drive in Big Spring, Tx. Mark was my paper-boy. The rest is history. But bottom line is that we both graduated from "dear old Big Spring High"...a year apart. Interestingly...almost immediately after we finished high school, our families left the area, making visits "home" few and far between.
College came next...then jobs...then transfers and more transfers. When we moved from the Galveston area to Central Texas area, I used to claim we were trying to get back to west Texas and just stopped along the way. Then we "settled" in Lorena. My "Mayberry". The kids made friends, Mark got involved in local government, I proceeded to photograph all the small-town moments that I love so much. We were content.
Then along came opportunity. Which meant moving back "home" for us. But wait! Home? We have no family there. Close by, but not THERE! And sure, we have some friends there...but would they accept us back? Did they even know we left? We were just kids then. Now we are old! We are different people. And so are they. And what about the friends here? They haven't known us as many years, but they know the "grown-up" us that we have become. They have been there through our trials and tribulations. Will they miss us? Even notice when we are gone?
I don't know the answers to these questions. But I do know that "social media" has already helped us out. I have kept in touch with a lot of friends from West Texas and those are the same people I'm turning to with questions about the move...the town...jobs for me....etc.
My kids...this will be rough on them. I know that. I struggle with that. But they are being so brave about it. I have been reminded that THIS is their hometown...something I understand. Something I already miss. But there will be contact...daily....with everyone we are leaving.
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Why Do I Do What I Do?
I am awaiting Friday night like a kid awaits Christmas morning. The first Friday night football game of the season! When I think about the game, the excitement in the air, the sounds of the crowds cheering, it's almost as if all is right with the world.
How can that be? I grew up with a football crazy brother, but rarely paid any attention to it. Cowboys rule! Big Spring Steers rocked (even if the stats didn't always reflect it...). But still....I barely knew a touchdown from a.....a.....hmmmmm....field goal.
Then two years ago, I ran across a photo from Friday Night Lights...the movie. I've actually never seen the movie. I've always claimed I didn't HAVE to see it...I LIVED it. Grew up in west Texas in the 80s, Big Spring to be exact, and our team played Odessa Permian. Even then, I loved the atmosphere...the crisp air...the friends laughing and cheering. Yes...even sitting close to my date and holding hands. It was all magical.
When I saw that single photo from that movie, my mind started whirling. What a powerful shot. What memories it evoked. The sounds, the sights, the smells...they all came about in that one shot. I wanted to TRY to do what I do....to capture the moments myself.
Within days, as luck would have it....I heard "The Boys Of Fall" by Kenny Chesney on the radio. I was on the access road heading north...then on the bridge...then driving up I-35, listening intently, turning it up louder and louder. Then my plan started evolving. I just wanted to step outside of my comfort zone a bit...just wanted to try my hand at shooting a game. It was....sorry for sounding so sappy....a "calling". So I made my contacts and arranged to shoot my first game. I WAS HOOKED!
Once I got past the embarrassment of feeling like I was "on display" on the sidelines, it was pure adrenaline rush. My GOAL is to preserve these moments for these guys....OUR guys. I don't worry about getting the perfect action shot....though I will shoot for those, and celebrate what I capture. Mostly, though, I want to capture the passion these boys have. The cheers, the tears, the leaps and hugs. All of it requires PASSION for the game...passion for the team...passion for their school.
And if there is one thing I know that these teenagers CAN'T know yet...it is that they are making memories they will cherish forever. Even the tears will carry a memory...and hopefully a story to be retold!
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Sunday, June 24, 2012
Again....
It's been a while....again....since I last blogged. Geez...that sounds like a confession or something..."Forgive me readers, for I have sinned....." ha....my question is....are there any readers even out there. Ha
Craziness has been the word of my world lately. May, of course, was filled with the end-of-school stuff. Seemed like a new awards ceremony every evening. Like a bad mom, I didn't even take the camera to some. Plumb wore out.
A few weeks ago was one of my favorite activities....THE KOSSE RODEO. I prefer the small town Texas rodeos. Not the huge productions. Problem is that small town usually equals low lighting situations, but I've learned to deal with it!
ANYWAY....this year I got brave and got up into a booth right above the chutes on Saturday. To me...that was like winning the super bowl! I think, perhaps, that the rodeo workers have about decided I am a stalker. I swear, I'm not! I just love to capture those moments. Those guys (and the majority ARE men) LOVE what they do. From the kids to the stall cleaners to the rodeo clowns. They enjoy the work, and it shows.
There is a photo somewhere in my world of my Grandpa riding a bucking
bronc waaaaaaaayyyyy back in the day. It fascinates me! That was probably what got me started in the pursuit of rodeo photography...that photo.
I may never get the perfectly clear shot of the bull bucking "just so"...but that's ok. I like to shoot for the FEEL of the event...the feel of the tradition...generations following generations....history!
Craziness has been the word of my world lately. May, of course, was filled with the end-of-school stuff. Seemed like a new awards ceremony every evening. Like a bad mom, I didn't even take the camera to some. Plumb wore out.
A few weeks ago was one of my favorite activities....THE KOSSE RODEO. I prefer the small town Texas rodeos. Not the huge productions. Problem is that small town usually equals low lighting situations, but I've learned to deal with it!
ANYWAY....this year I got brave and got up into a booth right above the chutes on Saturday. To me...that was like winning the super bowl! I think, perhaps, that the rodeo workers have about decided I am a stalker. I swear, I'm not! I just love to capture those moments. Those guys (and the majority ARE men) LOVE what they do. From the kids to the stall cleaners to the rodeo clowns. They enjoy the work, and it shows.
There is a photo somewhere in my world of my Grandpa riding a bucking
bronc waaaaaaaayyyyy back in the day. It fascinates me! That was probably what got me started in the pursuit of rodeo photography...that photo.
I may never get the perfectly clear shot of the bull bucking "just so"...but that's ok. I like to shoot for the FEEL of the event...the feel of the tradition...generations following generations....history!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Music and Memories
For the past week or so, I've been in a bit of a contemplative mood, partly brought on by music. I've been spending some time tweaking my music collection, making playlists to fit my every mood. When I think back over memories, there is usually a soundtrack playing in my mind.
I love hearing a song and instantly be delivered to a moment....a memory. My daughter humors me with this. I feel like Sophia from "Golden Girls".....I'll say, "picture it....Big Spring, Tx, 1987..."
Then there are songs whose words conjure up an image.... "Later on we'll sit around,
Bellies tight from supper, Telling all them stories That we just can't get enough of, And somewhere in an honest laugh, It'll finally hit me that I'm Home". The first time I heard this Tim McGraw song, I fell in love with it...especially the phrase "somewhere in an honest laugh......". In MY mind....I picture 518 Elm, my dad, uncles, aunts, cousins, sitting around telling and retelling stories. "Honest laugh"? What a perfect description...
Another of my favorites....."If Heaven" sung by Andy Griggs....Written by Gretchen Peters...
"If heaven was an hour, it would be twilight
When the fireflies start their dancin on the lawn
And suppers on the stove, and mammas laughin
And everybodys workin day is done
If heaven was a town it would be my town
On a summer day in 1985
And everything i wanted was out there waitin
And everyone i loved was still alive"
Perfect....when I hear these words I can "feel" the scene....
What songs bring back memories for you?
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I love hearing a song and instantly be delivered to a moment....a memory. My daughter humors me with this. I feel like Sophia from "Golden Girls".....I'll say, "picture it....Big Spring, Tx, 1987..."
Then there are songs whose words conjure up an image.... "Later on we'll sit around,
Bellies tight from supper, Telling all them stories That we just can't get enough of, And somewhere in an honest laugh, It'll finally hit me that I'm Home". The first time I heard this Tim McGraw song, I fell in love with it...especially the phrase "somewhere in an honest laugh......". In MY mind....I picture 518 Elm, my dad, uncles, aunts, cousins, sitting around telling and retelling stories. "Honest laugh"? What a perfect description...
Another of my favorites....."If Heaven" sung by Andy Griggs....Written by Gretchen Peters...
"If heaven was an hour, it would be twilight
When the fireflies start their dancin on the lawn
And suppers on the stove, and mammas laughin
And everybodys workin day is done
If heaven was a town it would be my town
On a summer day in 1985
And everything i wanted was out there waitin
And everyone i loved was still alive"
Perfect....when I hear these words I can "feel" the scene....
What songs bring back memories for you?
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Thursday, March 15, 2012
St. Patrick's Day Story....
Last year, I posted this story that told a bit about my daddy's wallet.
To recap it quickly...my daddy died in January of last year. He died suddenly in his truck.....at his job, as he was about to head home. While he sat there in his truck for the short amount of time before a co-worker discovered him...someone stole his wallet off of his body. Yeah...you read that correctly. Evil exists among us. But let's not dwell on that. That person does not deserve my energy.
From the beginning, I "knew" we would get the wallet back. Somehow....some way...! I pictured it showing up on Christmas Day...a "Christmas Miracle" is what I envisioned. And since he died in January, I figured we had 11 months for the wheels to get in motion for this miracle.
But then, last March 17th...St. Patrick's Day...our miracle came early....my brother got a call that the wallet...and its contents....had been found in the middle of a work yard at a recycling plant. No explanation of how it got there....or where it had been for two months....
But it was there! So...you see....I was right to believe in miracles...I just didn't put enough faith in the impact of my Irish roots!
Christmas has the traditional reading of "The Night Before Christmas" and the telling of the Christmas story.... For as long as I live I will likely tell my "St. Patrick's Day Miracle" story to any who will listen! And even to a few who just can't get away fast enough!
Wear green on Saturday!! I know I will!
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To recap it quickly...my daddy died in January of last year. He died suddenly in his truck.....at his job, as he was about to head home. While he sat there in his truck for the short amount of time before a co-worker discovered him...someone stole his wallet off of his body. Yeah...you read that correctly. Evil exists among us. But let's not dwell on that. That person does not deserve my energy.
From the beginning, I "knew" we would get the wallet back. Somehow....some way...! I pictured it showing up on Christmas Day...a "Christmas Miracle" is what I envisioned. And since he died in January, I figured we had 11 months for the wheels to get in motion for this miracle.
But then, last March 17th...St. Patrick's Day...our miracle came early....my brother got a call that the wallet...and its contents....had been found in the middle of a work yard at a recycling plant. No explanation of how it got there....or where it had been for two months....
But it was there! So...you see....I was right to believe in miracles...I just didn't put enough faith in the impact of my Irish roots!
Christmas has the traditional reading of "The Night Before Christmas" and the telling of the Christmas story.... For as long as I live I will likely tell my "St. Patrick's Day Miracle" story to any who will listen! And even to a few who just can't get away fast enough!
Wear green on Saturday!! I know I will!
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Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The Little Things...
Last Friday was Texas Independence Day...for those who did not know... Therefore, I had the day off from my "day job". Once I got my kids off to school, I pulled my
hair back in a ponytail and took off...in search of SOMETHING to assure me that Spring was indeed right around the corner. So...the Carleen Bright Arboretum it was.
Funny thing about the Arboretum...you can drive there, circle around their driveway, and never see the beauty of it all. If you aren't looking, that is. I used to do that...do a quick drive-thru, see no wonderful blooms out in the open, and take off. But then one day I went there and just needed peace and quiet. So I got out, lugging the camera along with me, and found a world of beauty hiding in the shadows. What looks like wet grass from the driveway is actually an entire world of glistening diamonds and lakes and rivers...at least from a bug's perspective. I am sure I must look quite funny...I will walk down a path, leaning this way and that....trying to find the right light. And when I do.....I go into super-shooter mode! I have currently misplaced my tri-pod so I have to rely on a steady hand to get the shot...therefore, I shoot....ummmmm...perhaps a million shots...of a tiny droplet!!
Occasionally, I am truly blessed and a "critter" (what I call any living, animated thing) will stop by to take a drink or to load up on pollen. This past Friday, I had no such luck. But soon enough.....there will be bees and lady bugs and road runners....OH MY!!!
Go enjoy some nature!
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hair back in a ponytail and took off...in search of SOMETHING to assure me that Spring was indeed right around the corner. So...the Carleen Bright Arboretum it was.
Funny thing about the Arboretum...you can drive there, circle around their driveway, and never see the beauty of it all. If you aren't looking, that is. I used to do that...do a quick drive-thru, see no wonderful blooms out in the open, and take off. But then one day I went there and just needed peace and quiet. So I got out, lugging the camera along with me, and found a world of beauty hiding in the shadows. What looks like wet grass from the driveway is actually an entire world of glistening diamonds and lakes and rivers...at least from a bug's perspective. I am sure I must look quite funny...I will walk down a path, leaning this way and that....trying to find the right light. And when I do.....I go into super-shooter mode! I have currently misplaced my tri-pod so I have to rely on a steady hand to get the shot...therefore, I shoot....ummmmm...perhaps a million shots...of a tiny droplet!!
Occasionally, I am truly blessed and a "critter" (what I call any living, animated thing) will stop by to take a drink or to load up on pollen. This past Friday, I had no such luck. But soon enough.....there will be bees and lady bugs and road runners....OH MY!!!
Go enjoy some nature!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Who Knows Ya, Baby?
In a Facebook post the other day, I told one of my friends to give me a blog topic...saying that she knows what goes on in my head more than most.... That got me to thinking....who, in our transient world, knows me the best?
Right off, I will eliminate family. Not because they don't know me, but they shouldn't count. So let's look at friends. I think because i have moved around a lot in my life, I always categorize my friends...there are childhood friends, work friends, school friends, family friends, church friends, photography friends, and my kids' friends' parents... I hope that doesn't sound offensive, the fact that I have categories. I also have what my husband and I refer to as "lifetime friends"...anyone from the other categories can, at anytime, also hold a spot in this category.
If you know me on a friendship level at all, you know certain things about me....I love photography. I am a rule-follower. At least when it comes to some things (I rarely speed and never call in sick when I am not for instance) BUT...I also like to break other rules at times. I do not worry about wearing the latest fashion...I wear the same boring style shoes for a year at a time...day in and day out...(I also claim that funky shoes are my mid-life crisis, which actually breaks my own rule about boring shoes!!). If you tell me I can't, I will sure try to prove you wrong... I don't talk religion or politics, but have a very strong faith and my own opinions of government. I'm a tough mama who hands out very little sympathy to my kids.....but if you cross them ya better watch out...MAMA BEAR CAN GET MAD!! Also....if you haven't noticed, I type as I speak...some pauses, overuse of commas and periods.... (see what I mean) but I am also naturally talented in the area of grammar....I just choose to break those rules.
My two oldest friends (in terms of years known) are twins...a good thing about that is I never have to worry about that friendship "competition" thing....after all...they shared a womb...I just joined them as soon as I could. Ha! Somewhere in this world, we have recordings of us being kids, carrying on about boys and dramas of pre-teen life. These recordings were made in a tent one night during a sleepover. We also have our references that others just would not get...if one of them texts me that they are stressed with life....I just send back "coo-coo pigeon" and KNOW that I made them smile. Star-gazing, hot-dogs, marshmallows over the fence, the Fantasy Van, the clubhouse, coke through the nose, Dirti, Ditzi, Mr. Bubble....there's a story to each of those!! We have our differences at times and we all live too far apart, but they would be there in a minute if I needed them to be.
I'm not a "party gal" kind of girl, AT ALL, so a lot of my friends are made through work, kids' activities, etc.... These friends may not know all of my historical details, but they know my immediate concerns. These are the friends who know my day to day concerns about work, my photography, the days I have energy (they often pray for their own strength when I am hyper), and the days I can barely make it home at night because I am exhausted. They give me rides home when I get sick, they rally around me in daily struggles....sometimes they even make dinner suggestions. They lecture to me when I need it and let me pout when I don't like the lecture I just got. They roll their eyes...which is alright by me...and most of all...they let me be me.
There's a group of us "lifetime friends" that get together as often as possible....friends since childhood, their spouses and children, and even some of our parents....This group started with a group of guys in scouts...in the 70s and 80s. There is such a feeling of belonging when we get together...we hang out at the campfire...tell old stories as well as new....enjoy watching the kids play together....we'll enjoy good food, good laughter and take at least....ohhhh....about 1,000 photos of the weekend. We've had to miss a few years due to some issues of life getting in the way...but I know we'll pick back up again soon.
So...back to the question....who knows me best? I don't have the answer.....but I do know I am blessed to have the friends in my life that I do....old ones, new ones, silly ones, serious ones.....all I ask for are honest ones!!!
Who knows YOU best?
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Right off, I will eliminate family. Not because they don't know me, but they shouldn't count. So let's look at friends. I think because i have moved around a lot in my life, I always categorize my friends...there are childhood friends, work friends, school friends, family friends, church friends, photography friends, and my kids' friends' parents... I hope that doesn't sound offensive, the fact that I have categories. I also have what my husband and I refer to as "lifetime friends"...anyone from the other categories can, at anytime, also hold a spot in this category.
If you know me on a friendship level at all, you know certain things about me....I love photography. I am a rule-follower. At least when it comes to some things (I rarely speed and never call in sick when I am not for instance) BUT...I also like to break other rules at times. I do not worry about wearing the latest fashion...I wear the same boring style shoes for a year at a time...day in and day out...(I also claim that funky shoes are my mid-life crisis, which actually breaks my own rule about boring shoes!!). If you tell me I can't, I will sure try to prove you wrong... I don't talk religion or politics, but have a very strong faith and my own opinions of government. I'm a tough mama who hands out very little sympathy to my kids.....but if you cross them ya better watch out...MAMA BEAR CAN GET MAD!! Also....if you haven't noticed, I type as I speak...some pauses, overuse of commas and periods.... (see what I mean) but I am also naturally talented in the area of grammar....I just choose to break those rules.
My two oldest friends (in terms of years known) are twins...a good thing about that is I never have to worry about that friendship "competition" thing....after all...they shared a womb...I just joined them as soon as I could. Ha! Somewhere in this world, we have recordings of us being kids, carrying on about boys and dramas of pre-teen life. These recordings were made in a tent one night during a sleepover. We also have our references that others just would not get...if one of them texts me that they are stressed with life....I just send back "coo-coo pigeon" and KNOW that I made them smile. Star-gazing, hot-dogs, marshmallows over the fence, the Fantasy Van, the clubhouse, coke through the nose, Dirti, Ditzi, Mr. Bubble....there's a story to each of those!! We have our differences at times and we all live too far apart, but they would be there in a minute if I needed them to be.
I'm not a "party gal" kind of girl, AT ALL, so a lot of my friends are made through work, kids' activities, etc.... These friends may not know all of my historical details, but they know my immediate concerns. These are the friends who know my day to day concerns about work, my photography, the days I have energy (they often pray for their own strength when I am hyper), and the days I can barely make it home at night because I am exhausted. They give me rides home when I get sick, they rally around me in daily struggles....sometimes they even make dinner suggestions. They lecture to me when I need it and let me pout when I don't like the lecture I just got. They roll their eyes...which is alright by me...and most of all...they let me be me.
There's a group of us "lifetime friends" that get together as often as possible....friends since childhood, their spouses and children, and even some of our parents....This group started with a group of guys in scouts...in the 70s and 80s. There is such a feeling of belonging when we get together...we hang out at the campfire...tell old stories as well as new....enjoy watching the kids play together....we'll enjoy good food, good laughter and take at least....ohhhh....about 1,000 photos of the weekend. We've had to miss a few years due to some issues of life getting in the way...but I know we'll pick back up again soon.
So...back to the question....who knows me best? I don't have the answer.....but I do know I am blessed to have the friends in my life that I do....old ones, new ones, silly ones, serious ones.....all I ask for are honest ones!!!
Who knows YOU best?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Learn something new everyday
Soooo....I've been trying to find a way to write my blog when it's convenient for ME... I started last week, while waiting outside at one of my son's activities. I wrote it in my Noteshelf app, waited till I got home to my WI FI, and then went into Safari, opened my Blogger page, copied and pasted. Worked ok...but had to forgo the photos because I wasn't sure they would work. So this week, I followed same procedure, but added photos. Previewed the post, saw the photos, and submitted it. Now I can't see the photos. Boo!!
Last night I was winding down for the day and found BlogPress. Downloaded the app, and tested it this morning....so far...so good....
So...perhaps I'll blog more often with this convenience. For now...let me post a few things to celebrate tomorrow....Texas Independence Day...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Last night I was winding down for the day and found BlogPress. Downloaded the app, and tested it this morning....so far...so good....
So...perhaps I'll blog more often with this convenience. For now...let me post a few things to celebrate tomorrow....Texas Independence Day...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
I have a theory about leap-day...that once-every-four-years day that will make its appearance tomorrow. When I was young I had a hard time remembering which year was leap year. I also had a hard time remembering which year was a presidential election year....and for that matter, which year had the Olympics going on...back when the winter and summer games were in the same year...GUESS WHAT...THEY WERE ALL THE SAME YEAR!!!
My theory is that we had SO MUCH going on that they had to add an extra day. Of course, as I've grown older (and much much more weary) I am convinced we have the extra day so that we can be TORTURED by politicians....ugh!
Anyway....let's not dwell on that.
Guess what??? I have "SPRING FEVER". I am trying not to...knowing that there is likely bad, cold weather ahead of us, but have you FELT the vibes lately? I take my daughter in at 6:30 most mornings....and I grumble about it a lot....but by the time I get back to the house, I find myself amazed at the birds chirping and the fresh smell in the air....beautiful.
As a photographer, I am usually fighting stereotypes....we all do. But photographers are SUPPOSED to like wildflowers and spring scenes and longer days. I confess...each summer, as the remnants of the last flowers are withering in the hot sun, I take stock of my spring shots and decide that SURELY I have enough photos of bluebonnets and Indian blankets to last a lifetime. I swear that NEXT YEAR I will forgo the urge to run out to the Arboretum and snap away. But guess what....I always return. And I find myself taking deep breaths and nudging whoever I dragged along with me and saying, "Just SMELL that.....have you ever smelled anything so beautiful?"
Two years ago I went out after a rain and found droplets of water on the daisies, reflecting other daisies. You would have thought I scored a touchdown! I've got some shots of our football guys running off the field after a great win, and they are 2 feet off the ground, pumping their fists in the air....that was me after getting the shots of the daisies and water droplets.... Just goes to show that there is always room and time for one more look, one more shot.
Last year, with the drought in Central Texas, I kept waiting and waiting for the flowers, and basically they never showed up. Therefore, I am doubly anxious this year to spot the first bluebonnet peeping through the ground.....stay tuned....
In the meantime, enjoy some from years past. And remember....if you are going to take shots in the bluebonnets....seek out the patches in parks and the ones that are WAY OFF of the road.... SAFETY FIRST!!!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Ok. So I have been neglecting my blogging. And I hate that. So I challenged my friends to challenge me, and they have...so I shall blog.
What to blog about? It's not as if I have no ideas for blog entries. I have those ALL the time....driving down the road, fixing dinner, in the grocery store....I'm just never near a computer. Yeah....that's my excuse.... Wait! Isn't that why I got my iPad? So I could do things when not near a computer? My next excuse....hmmmmm....because I may have nothing of interest to say..... Wait! That won't work....I often have nothing of interest to SAY yet I talk every chance I get....I could go on and on finding excuses, but perhaps I should start blogging instead.
Still trying to define this blog. (that is another excuse)... And my definition will be this....it will be a DEENA BLOG. I am part photographer, part social worker, ALL wife and ALL mom, part cook, part crafter-wanna-be, ALL Christian, disgustingly (at times) optimistic and unapologetically honest (about myself and my crazy thoughts) Not true...I apologize a LOT....sorry about that!
So....I've blogged about blogging....not a bad re-start to the blogging thing. (are you shaking your head and rolling your eyes and my ability to ramble yet???)
I will soon be connecting up to some friends' blogs....and reconnecting with my sisters blog. Want to hear a secret? I secretly worry about reading other people's blogs, for fear of stealing their ideas.... It's not that I intend to steal ideas, but if their blog inspires me to contemplate things, and if I plan to blog about things I am contemplating.....well, you see where I am going....
I again challenge anyone reading this to challenge me to post again before the week is up....and I'll even try to include some photos next time....
Monday, February 28, 2011
Miracle Moments
During the minutes immediately surrounding my father's death in January, a "person" stole his wallet off of his body. Almost unfathomable, isn't it? We have a pretty good idea of the person responsible...but still no wallet.
The mental image of someone doing that to my father was almost more than I could handle. I felt physically sick. I plotted revenge. I swore that I would find justice. Nearly two months later I can honestly say that all of those feelings are still present to some extent, but it is getting better.
The loss of money was not really an issue. Daddy kept his cash in a separate pocket. Credit cards were cancelled within hours....and thankfully none had been used. Daddy's name was not by any means a common name, so the chances of identity theft are slim. Even security was arranged for my parents' house during the time we were gone for the funeral. With all of those concerns taken care of, you'd think it wouldn't have been a big deal.
But I wanted the wallet. Not for the money, or the credit cards, or the license and social security card. I wanted the wallet back because for as long as I can remember, whenever Daddy would pull his wallet out in front of me, I'd inevitably take it from him and flip through the photo inserts. I knew that my dad had some photos of all of us growing through the years. I clearly remembered the photo of us on the couch. Try as I may, I could not let go of the image of the "person" who stole the wallet finding no money in it and throwing it to the ground, photos and all. I imagined cars driving over it, rain ruining it over time. My brother, on the other hand, immediately remembered the $2 bill that Daddy had carried most of his life "for luck". THAT is what he wanted back. As much as I mourned the photos, I could tell that my brother equally mourned the loss of that $2 bill.
Daddy's co-workers searched the area for the wallet. They searched dumpsters and checked the ditches. They did all they could. The police interviewed the "person", but as you can imagine, with no proof, there was nothing they could do. So we moved on. Still with the images in my mind.
Then about 4 weeks after his death my mother was putting the phone on the charger and looked up on the shelf in their office and saw something. Curious, she reached up and pulled down three sleeves from a photo insert. From my daddy's wallet. They were no longer connected to each other, and the best we can figure is he put them there on the shelf until he could get a new insert to replace the old, worn-out one that had fallen apart.
Those particular inserts, miraculously, contained the photos I remember so fondly, photos of the grandkids....and the $2 bill.
Mom came for a visit last weekend. I took the wallet inserts and scanned them into my computer so that I will never forget the mysterious world we live in.
Some moments are just too precious not to share.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Things my daddy taught me...(the first in an infinitely recurring series)
This past Christmas, last month, I drew my daddy's name in our Christmas gift exchange. Not an easy task to buy for him. But back in October, he had expressed interest in some of my "framed" photography so that was a thought. The problem with giving my photos as a gift is that I never like to presume that any of my shots are worthy of someone else's "taste" in art. So, though I had a slight idea of what to give him, I had no specifics.
Then I remembered..... THE PICTURE!! All of my life, I have known of THE PICTURE. It is a beautiful work of art done by my Grandmother, my daddy's mom. She passed away before I was born, but the art has been rotated amongst the families for as long as I can remember. I also remember years ago that Daddy worked very dilligently (before Photoshop) shooting photos of the picture.
Here is where one lesson my daddy taught me comes into play. While I've often been told to find a specialty area with my photography, my daddy told me when I first started shooting, "Shoot everything!" I listened to him! Soooooo, two years ago (I believe) while waiting for the annual 42 Championship Game to be determined at our Family Round Up, I saw THE PICTURE on my cousin's wall. So, I switched around some lenses and shot probably 20 shots of it in about 10 seconds. Low light, poor preparation, reflections on the glass...but like Daddy said, shoot it all...ya never know.
I was at my "day job" when I had this idea for the gift, and I could hardly stand it until I could get home, sort through 1 million (or so) disks, and find the images I shot of THE PICTURE. I found it. Then I played with it. Worked on the lighting, sharpened it up...tried to remove the reflection. Then found a frame of approximate dimensions in my stack of frames (I do things backwards...find the "frame" and then scale the photo to match). Then for the next 6 days, I fretted and worried, and planned and thought. One thing I loved about the process...it involved 4 generations. My grandmother's work. My idea to "reproduce" it, my son and daughter helped with the planning and putting together of the frame, and my husband did the spray-painting of the frame. And, of course, Daddy would be getting the gift.
He seemed to like it. Had bought the hanging supplies a few days before he passed. I regret tremendously that I didn't get a shot of him with the gift. Well, I kind of got one, but as you will soon see, it was one of those "from the hip" shots. But again, I followed his advice, not only to shoot everything, but also to NEVER destroy a negative (or original version in this day of digital). So I found the imperfect photo. Just a captured moment on a crazy Christmas Day....that I'll never forget.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Change...
Could NOT believe how long since I've updated. And how much has changed since that time. Perhaps the changes have provided me with some explanations as to the poor updating!
Since July...
My wonderful mother-in-law, Janice Richardson, passed away in August. She had been diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma about a year and a half earlier, in April of 2009. She fought hard to live so she could meet her newest grandchild, my niece Alexanda. She met her, she held her, she fell in love with her. The remainder of the summer was beyond rough. But through that tears, we got to say things we might never have said. That was good.
Then came fall. Fall was fun and busy and though our lives had changed, we kept on going, in "our new reality". That was a phrase that I started using to describe our family during the summer. I think I tried to put some normalcy into our world with that phrase.
I even wrote a note on my Facebook page at the end of 2010, detailing some of the changes, good and bad, exciting and scary.
Then came January 12th. Started out bad. Had a sick puppy. Doesn't sound like the end of the world to most, but considering we had lost our last puppy back in October, it struck fear in our hearts. I even posted some silly, tough sounding Facebook status that referred the fact that 2011 had better "back off" with the bad luck...I was going to have none of it.
Little did I know. That afternoon, I got a call from my mom. Daddy had died. Suddenly, unexpectedly, minutes after clocking out from his job because he felt sick. My daddy. My mom's "sweetheart" for nearly 50 years.
Naturally, the next few days, and now nearly 2 weeks, have been painful. On the one hand, he did not suffer. He didn't have to suffer so many things that he feared with his health. He was just gone. I have no doubt he is in Heaven. No doubt at all. On the other hand, there was no time for goodbyes. No holding his hand and assuring him I loved him, and thanking him for the life he has given me.
I've also been reminded of the importance of family....And I don't just mean the immediate family. The cousins, the aunts, uncles, 2nd cousins, 3rd cousins, the whole clan. The importance of lessons taught. The importance of so many things.
My brother says we will be forever changed but we will make it. How true. Forever changed, but also forever the same because we were raised on a solid foundation, thanks to Mom and Dad.
Hug your loved ones. Tell them you love them.
Since July...
My wonderful mother-in-law, Janice Richardson, passed away in August. She had been diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma about a year and a half earlier, in April of 2009. She fought hard to live so she could meet her newest grandchild, my niece Alexanda. She met her, she held her, she fell in love with her. The remainder of the summer was beyond rough. But through that tears, we got to say things we might never have said. That was good.
Then came fall. Fall was fun and busy and though our lives had changed, we kept on going, in "our new reality". That was a phrase that I started using to describe our family during the summer. I think I tried to put some normalcy into our world with that phrase.
I even wrote a note on my Facebook page at the end of 2010, detailing some of the changes, good and bad, exciting and scary.
Then came January 12th. Started out bad. Had a sick puppy. Doesn't sound like the end of the world to most, but considering we had lost our last puppy back in October, it struck fear in our hearts. I even posted some silly, tough sounding Facebook status that referred the fact that 2011 had better "back off" with the bad luck...I was going to have none of it.
Little did I know. That afternoon, I got a call from my mom. Daddy had died. Suddenly, unexpectedly, minutes after clocking out from his job because he felt sick. My daddy. My mom's "sweetheart" for nearly 50 years.
Naturally, the next few days, and now nearly 2 weeks, have been painful. On the one hand, he did not suffer. He didn't have to suffer so many things that he feared with his health. He was just gone. I have no doubt he is in Heaven. No doubt at all. On the other hand, there was no time for goodbyes. No holding his hand and assuring him I loved him, and thanking him for the life he has given me.
I've also been reminded of the importance of family....And I don't just mean the immediate family. The cousins, the aunts, uncles, 2nd cousins, 3rd cousins, the whole clan. The importance of lessons taught. The importance of so many things.
My brother says we will be forever changed but we will make it. How true. Forever changed, but also forever the same because we were raised on a solid foundation, thanks to Mom and Dad.
Hug your loved ones. Tell them you love them.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Worth It All
So, as I've said in another post, I love reliving moments by going through the photos after the event....Sometimes, you just have an awesome set of circumstances that allows one to witness the moment, live the moment, and ALSO Capture The Moment in pictures.
We had just that moment last Tuesday night. Let me back up.....Monday night, my husband (coach) and son's ALL-STAR team lost 25-0. Not a great night. Though, I must say that even with that loss, I was proud of our boys. One moment that stood out in my mind was OUR pitcher walking over to third base line to give the other team's player a high five after he hit a homerun.
Then there was Tuesday. It just seemed like a magical night. One of our guys got a homerun, and from that point on, we were on our game. Unlike Monday night's game, these two teams were evenly matched. It was back and forth all the way. Ended up going into extra innings, and though they were last at bat, we ended up winning by ONE.
Now, I am a mom that doesn't usually yell during games. Always afraid I will yell the wrong thing, if truth be known. But Tuesday, I yelled, I rooted, I jumped up and down, I hid my eyes (and even hid the camera lens a few times, not wanting to "jinx" it), I thought I was going to have a heart attack.
There were so many moments that thankfully were captured.
The undeniable thrill of hitting a homerun....WALKING ON AIR across home plate!
Coach taking the time to say "Great job!".
Exuberance!!!
The thrill of the win fades with the next loss. But the photos are there forever. To remind us of how blessed we are!
We had just that moment last Tuesday night. Let me back up.....Monday night, my husband (coach) and son's ALL-STAR team lost 25-0. Not a great night. Though, I must say that even with that loss, I was proud of our boys. One moment that stood out in my mind was OUR pitcher walking over to third base line to give the other team's player a high five after he hit a homerun.
Then there was Tuesday. It just seemed like a magical night. One of our guys got a homerun, and from that point on, we were on our game. Unlike Monday night's game, these two teams were evenly matched. It was back and forth all the way. Ended up going into extra innings, and though they were last at bat, we ended up winning by ONE.
Now, I am a mom that doesn't usually yell during games. Always afraid I will yell the wrong thing, if truth be known. But Tuesday, I yelled, I rooted, I jumped up and down, I hid my eyes (and even hid the camera lens a few times, not wanting to "jinx" it), I thought I was going to have a heart attack.
There were so many moments that thankfully were captured.
The undeniable thrill of hitting a homerun....WALKING ON AIR across home plate!
Coach taking the time to say "Great job!".
Exuberance!!!Boys not afraid to offer a hug of congratulations!
Fun and fellowship.
The thrill of the win fades with the next loss. But the photos are there forever. To remind us of how blessed we are!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Glass Family
Had a great time with the Glass family on Sunday. Perfect weather...overcast so no shadows to worry about. Not too hot, not windy...just right. Only slight problem I had at the beginning was this sweetheart. She was very shy to start with.
That's when the telephoto lens comes in handy....Sent her off to go play with her brother while I "spied" on her with my lens.
Slowly she started coming around...at this point I had gotten closer, but she would only look at me if she was "connected" to mom or dad. She didn't even respond to my normal lame jokes!
We had fun! Lots and lots of photos.
That's when the telephoto lens comes in handy....Sent her off to go play with her brother while I "spied" on her with my lens.
Slowly she started coming around...at this point I had gotten closer, but she would only look at me if she was "connected" to mom or dad. She didn't even respond to my normal lame jokes!FINALLY, she figured out I wasn't so bad after all. And I figured out her favorite word...."CHEESE!"
We had fun! Lots and lots of photos.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Feeling Blessed...
I was editing some of the photos from the first weekend of baseball season in our household. I love baseball season. It's so....AMERICAN, I guess. :-) I came to realize that my boy, at the ripe old age of 11 is one of the "big guys" out there. It's fun to watch the t-ball players looking up to the older ones with such respect.
It's also fun to watch the boy t-ball players trying to impress the girl t-ball players. It's times like that when I wish I had a video camera in my bag.
I also love the old fashioned values....taught by all the parents to all the players....
Remove your hat when saying the pledge....
Always take an opportunity to provide instruction and encouragement....
Be enthusiastic.....
Give it your all....
Congratulate a job well done!
Yes, there is a lot of reason to be concerned with the goodness and safety of the world sometimes, but then again...there's a lot of reason to be thankful!
It's also fun to watch the boy t-ball players trying to impress the girl t-ball players. It's times like that when I wish I had a video camera in my bag.
I also love the old fashioned values....taught by all the parents to all the players....
Remove your hat when saying the pledge.... Always take an opportunity to provide instruction and encouragement....Be enthusiastic.....
Give it your all....
Congratulate a job well done!Yes, there is a lot of reason to be concerned with the goodness and safety of the world sometimes, but then again...there's a lot of reason to be thankful!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The Imperfect Necessity
I get a bit wrapped up sometimes in getting "professional" shots. Ones that have some value for potential customers. I find that I sometimes forget to get the day in and day out snapshots. I sometimes take the shot, but then don't feel they are "technically correct" enough to share.
Today, I'm sharing from our weekend. Just some snapshots. In imperfect places with imperfect lighting, and typically zero time to prepare.
Today, I'm sharing from our weekend. Just some snapshots. In imperfect places with imperfect lighting, and typically zero time to prepare.
At the Blue and Gold Banquet....some of the Cub Scouts visiting with my father-in-law, inquiring about his patches.
My boy getting recognized later in the same banquet.
It was a big day for him....Here he is "getting some leather" from the Baylor catcher after he threw out the first pitch at the first baseball game of the season for Baylor Baseball.
Here he is on Saturday evening. After the above events AND a church lock-in, he was tuckered out!
Perfect moments deserve to be captured. Perfectly or not!
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