Project 365 - Day 42

"You'll know when you have it. It's like little bugs biting at you." -Kenneth Davis

Clinicals start again tomorrow. Always an exciting time. Still, it's nerve wracking to be back in a new place. Little fish in a big pond... like this little worm. Yes, it's a worm. I know that it may look like bird poop or something. They are little fuzzy worms or bugs. I believe they are called Mealybug Destroyers. They are kinda cute.

Project 365 - Day 41

"Some things don't last forever, but some things do. Like a good song, or a good book, or a good memory that you can unfold in your darkest times, pressing down on the corners and peering in close, hoping you still recognize the person you see in there." -Sarah Dessen


I'm sorry about the sparse quality of my blogs for the last week or so. I have had some things going on in my life this past week. Not to mention, I not only had to get back into the school routine, I also had to get Eli into one too. I think at this point I am emotionally exhausted.

What do you do when the very things you've built your life around are challenged? All your plans for the future possibly changed. How do you just deal with it enough to go on with all your daily doings? It seems like I am doing am okay job, but I find myself distracted a lot, thinking about it all.

I can just pray that we can get through this in one piece. That the truth will be shown to me and I will know the way but still keeping in mind that somethings don't last forever. It's the sad, unfortunate truth. But will I still recognize me?

I heart faces - photojournalism

This tells a story. It tells of a fight, of courage, of hope, and of love. It tells of life and death. It tells of loved ones lost, and those left behind.

Project 365 - Day 40

Project 365 - Day 39

"He whose wisdom exceeds his works, to what may he be likened? To a tree whose branches are numerous but whose roots are few. The wind comes along and uproots it and sweeps it down." -The Talmud

Project 365 - Day 38

"The means to gain happiness is to throw out from oneself like a spider in all directions an adhesive web of love, and to catch in it all that comes." -Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy

I'm tired. Goodnight.

Project 365 -Day 37

"The Ladybug wears no disguises.
She is just what she advertises.
A speckled spectacle of spring,
A fashion statement on the wing....
A miniature orange kite.
A tiny dot-to-dot delight."
-J. Patrick Lewis, "The Little Buggers"

Saw this cute little bug out and about. It's only the second lady bug I've seen all summer. I almost didn't think it was a ladybug when I first spotted it, because it had no spots. Yea, so I googled it and some species have no spots, so it's not some freak of nature or anything... but a ladybug's spots are it's trademark! When you think ladybug, you think spots. It's like milk and cookies! Do you think it feels different from other ladybugs?

Sometimes I feel different from people my age. My life is so different from most 22 year olds. I a mother, a wife, and a full time college student. My life experiences have made me grow up and I don't feel like I relate well to people my own age. Which makes it doubly hard to make friends since I already suck at that. I'm just not a people person. I don't like to talk on the phone with people. Nobody. Doesn't matter who it is. I don't like to entertain people at my house. I feel uncomfortable. I don't really like to meet new people. I come off wrong to people. People will think I am rude or mad about something when it's really nothing like that at all. I just feel uncomfortable. I'm like the ladybug... different.

Project 365 - Day 36

"I want to run down the street with the kids and fly kites and cook dinner and still have enough energy to wash the dishes." -Kim Freeman

Me: Where do you get all this energy from, kid?

Eli: I don't know

Me: What do you mean you don't know? Where can I get some?

Eli: Uh... from Wal-Mart.

Me: Oh, Wal-Mart huh? Well how much is it, because I don't want to spend a lot of money...

Eli: This many *holds up 5 fingers*

Me: Oh well that's not too bad. Can I just borrow some of yours?

Eli: No, you cant!

Me: Well why not?

Eli: Because I can't get it out of my bwain!

Project 365 - Day 35

"It's like if you plant something in concrete and if it grow and the rose petal got all kinda scratches and marks, you ain't gonna say, "damn look at all the scratches and marks on the rose that grew from the concrete.." you gonna be like "damn, a rose grew from the concrete?!" -Tupac Shakur

Not every picture you take is going to be beautiful. Not every picture you take is going to be technically perfect. Give me a picture that is technical and give me a picture that isn't perfect, but it captures emotion. That is interesting... and it will win me over every time. Just like this photo. Technically, it's not perfect. The end of the petal isn't completely in focus the way I'd have liked. But there is still something about the composition of the photo that draws me in. I looks like solitude to me... loneliness. The cracks of the paint say "weathered." It adds texture to the photo.

This petal ended up on the porch after a rainstorm. Just this single petal away from all the others. A little rough around the edges. Maybe that's why it seems lonely? When you say rose you think love. When I see this picture I think heartbreak... broken love. The loneliness, the cracks, and drops are tears. This picture is just sad to me. Sad and beautiful.

Project 365 - Day 34

"But I will miss you!" -Elijah Lowery, age 4

First day of school today. For me and Eli. He was really excited this morning to go. In the car on the way there, he got a little anxious. He ever did cry, but his big blue eyes welled up with tears a few times. We dropped him off at his class and we hugged and kissed him bye and told him we loved him. We reassured him that his daddy would be back to get him. He was reluctant to see us leave, but still did not cry. I was very proud of him. Wish mama and daddy could say the same, lol. We both cried on the way out.

He said he had a good day. When I asked him what he did he said, "uh, ate cerweals, drawed my name, and pwayed." We'll do it all over again in the morning. I hope it goes as well. This is him this morning, sitting on the front steps of the school with his "happy" face on.

My first day back was okay. I did get to do something excited today. I got to apply for graduation. Oh, it's so close! December, hurry up!

Beach Fun photo challenge!

This picture of my son was taken at one of our many excursions to the beach this summer. He is such a water baby! He just loves it. What says fun more than a kid at the beach diggin' in the sand?! Hope you enjoy this photo, and head on over to iheartfaces.com to see more entries!

Project 365 - Day 33

"I'm still hungry." - from The Very Hungry Caterpillar

I found this little guy out munching on some leaves today. A lot of leaves! The had little caterpillar bites allllll over them. I'm not sure what kind this is, my google magic hasn't worked yet...

We had steak fajitas last night for dinner. Best. Idea. Ever. It was a group effort. Me, Tonya, and Donald cooked it up. 'Twas delicious!

School in the morning! Ah! But it is my last semester! YAY! I'm excited! I will be like this very hungry caterpillar and eat up all the knowledge to step out into the big world when it's time! I will get my wings! :D

Until tomorrow...

Project 365 - Day 33

"The death-bed of a day, how beautiful!" -Philip James Bailey



Ever gotten any news and you aren't really sure what to think about it? It's like the sunset. Everything is so beautiful. And you don't want it to end. So... do you really want to know the answer?

Project 365 - Day 32

"Deep in the sun-searched growths the dragonfly, Hangs like a blue thread loosened from the sky." -Dante Gabriel Rossetti

Dragonflies are cool creatures. When I think about it, a picture I took of a dragonfly is the picture that really got me wanting to delve deeper into photography.

I have a lot of pictures of dragonflies. One reason is that they everywhere at my house. And they are beautiful creatures and they really catch my eye. They are great subjects to photograph. They aren't really that skiddish. There are so many colors of dragonflies, too! I have blue and green and yellow and black dragonflies pictures. I don't have a red one... yet. Also, I love all the detail in dragonflies! I mean, look at those wings! Amazing!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the photo of this beautiful blue dragonfly. Until tomorrow...

Fix it Friday - I heart faces

On Fridays, is Fix it Friday on iheartfaces.com. It's a little challenge of where everyone can edit the same picture. It's interesting to see what everyone comes up with. I tried to think out of the box a little bit. Here is what I can up with. To see more edits, head on over to iheartfaces.com.
Original:

My Edits:

Project 365 - Day 31

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." -1 Corinthians, Ch 13 verse 4-8


My Dondie,

Happy Anniversary. Today, four years ago, we said I do and promised to love, honor, and cherish for all of eternity. There are a few things that I want to tell you that I neglect to let you know.

1. I love you. I love you everyday and all the time. I love your smile, and your eyes, and your kisses. I love your humor, your optimism, and your dedication. I love your love.

2. Thank you. Thank you for support. Thank you for believing in me, no matter what. Thank you for loving me when I am unlovable. Thank you for all you do, everyday.

3. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for being the way I am. I'm sorry for being selfish and moody. I am sorry for being less than the perfect wife you deserve. I'm sorry that I don't tell you how much you mean to me everyday.

4. You complete me. Without you, I am not me. I am the car, but you are the engine. You can always make me smile. Always. Even when I want to strangle you until you turn colors! You still give me butterflies.

5. I can't live without you. I can't wake up and you not be there. Don't go. Because I can't live a day without you. I don't care if it's selfish. I already know you will love me anyway. I need you here, with me. I don't know how to be without you anymore. I miss you when you are only at work. I count the minutes until we are together again... even if I fall asleep before you get there. You can't go. I need you too much.


Love always,
Your loving wife. Xoxo

Project 365 - Day 30

"I have a deep love and respect for children and I cannot imagine photographic life without them playing a major part. I hope that through my work as a photographer, I have been able to pass on my appreciation of their beauty and charm." -Anne Geddes

I love photographing children. I love their realness and their excitement and passion for life. It's natural that I love it. It's not easy though! Especially for ones like this independent one year old. This little beauty is Braylyn. I feel like this picture captured her essence more than a smile or her looking at the camera because this is what she does all the time lol. She has such attitude and spunk! She's a handful, a beautiful handful though. :)

Until tomorrow...

Project 365 - Day 29

So I am doing something a little different for Project 365 today. This photo is actually going to be for a photo contest for iheartfaces.com. This is my first time entering a challenge. It has to be in by 9 and it's 8:41 so I'm cutting it close. In this week's theme it had to have a face and sunglasses and I came up with this. I probably won't get many views seeing as how I'm running late, but there is always next week. For all you interested, you should check it out and enter next week. It's fun! :)

Until tomorrow...

Project 365 - Day 28

"Music takes us out of the actual and whispers to us dim secrets that startle our wonder as to who we are, and for what, whence, and whereto." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

If ever it was real, music would be magic. Music speaks to places deep inside. It soothes and heals. There are few emotions that don't find solitude in music. I usually have a genre of music to suit my needs. I have a very broad taste in music. For example, if I put my mp3 player on shuffle, these are the first 5 songs:

1.Pickin' Wildflowers by Keith Anderson
2.Energy by Keri Hilson
3.I Miss You by Blink 182
4. Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven
5.Don't Stop Me Now by Queen
So yea, there is a little bit of everything in there. When I'm angry or excited or wanna get pumped up I turn on the rock. When I am happy I usually just hit shuffle and skip what I don't feel like listening to. When I am sad, I listen to sad songs. I know, sad songs when you are already sad?? It just makes me feel better. Then there is classical music for when I want to relax or study. I can study with all music usually, but sometimes when I listen at the same time when I take notes, I write the song and not the notes lol.

Even though I really can't carry a tune in a bucket, I love singing. Not in front of people but me and my sister do turn the radio up loud and sing like Beyonce... just not as good. Singing is a great stress reliever, too. Belting out a few notes is like scream therapy. It's good for the soul. Songs can take you back in time to a special place or make you think about the future. And sometimes, words to a song just says exactly what you can't. It makes you feel less alone knowing that somewhere out there, someone knows exactly what you are feeling.

I can't play an instrument either. I've always wanted to, and still do. I want to learn the play all instruments lol, but I think I will just choose piano. I wish I could make beautiful music. I can only imagine how joyous that would be. I've always wanted to know what is going through Beethoven's head when he wrote his 5th Symphony. It's hard to fathom that a single person is capable of creating something so magnificent and dynamic.

Music's whispers head right to the heart. Gets right down to the soul of you. But it may say something different to each person. Melodies and lyrics surround you and wrap you in blankets of peace. Relax in it's warmth, let go, and just be.

Project 365 - Day 27

"Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth." -Buddha

Honesty. It sounds simple enough. Tell the truth. Do not lie. These days I guess it is difficult to practice. It's a forgotten value.

Too many people don't listen to that little voice inside their heads called a conscience. People tell little white lies and do things they really shouldn't do because "it didn't hurt anybody." What if your the one being lied to? What if they are justifying their actions with the exact same reasoning? That is just people rationalizing their behavior that they know is wrong. It's sad that people are surprised by honesty these days! Like when I am undercharged or given too much change at a restaurant or store I do the honest thing. I give the money back. It's doesn't belong to me. Oh, it's their fault for making that mistake, is it? There you go rationalizing your behavior again so that it suits you.
I appreciate honesty. Sometimes it's hard to hear and it hurts feelings, but it's necessary. I do however, believe that their is a time for it. I also believe their are times when it's better just to not say anything at all. Don't tell your best friend that her baby is ugly. That's not being honest. That's being mean. But in the same aspect, don't ask questions you don't want a true and honest answer to and then get mad. You asked for it. I think the hardest person you can be honest with is yourself. Even when you know you can't hide anything from yourself. You just ignore it.

That being said I think I need to bring up the difference in honesty and opinions. People seem to get confused sometimes. Just because it is your opinion about something, doesn't mean it's the truth. It's your opinion. It's what your think about a situation and just because that is what you think about it, doesn't make it right. Of which you can express without being rude. Yes, it's possible. Because seriously, it's annoying when people claim to just be "opinionated" and are actually just nosy and rude.

No, I don't think you should tell your six year old child the answer when he asks where babies come from. But, you don't have to lie... just don't give him more information than he is really looking for. No, I don't think you should should withhold the truth just to spare people's feelings, but you don't have to be brutal. The truth hurts enough. And it always comes out in the end.

Project 365 - Day 26

"Without enough sleep, we all become tall two-year-olds." -JoJo Jensen

As you know if you read my last blog, today has been rough. I am still soooo sleepy even after a nap that I just woke up from. I could have kept right on sleeping, but duty called. Eli woke up. You might as well be trying to sleep inside of a box being hit with sticks if you think you are going to sleep around Eli and Kira.
We can do some weird things when we are sleepy and don't notice... Like this photo... I just went to go and find it so I could post it here. I looked where I keep all my pictures after I edit them and it wasn't there! I end up putting it in a completely different place that I never have used to keep my pictures. Why? I don't know... that's exhaustion for you.

This little guy I believe is called a leaf footed bug (and Fallon). It's only a nymph (baby bug). We found him hanging out at our table today at DeLeon Springs. He sure did amuse us for a while, until he met an untimely death in a glass of Mountain Dew. Eli's birthday party was good. We all have a good time despite being overly tired. I'd do it all over again for him. I was so upset, and still am, about the pictures from his birthday party. I ruined them on accident. I had forgotten that I was tinkering with the settings on my camera and forget that I had turn the ISO setting as high as it would go. I never changed it from like 3200 back to auto so my picture quality is crap. It's full of darn noise :(. That was disappointing...

Now, it is time to go and watch some of Eli's new dinosaur movie he got from his Aunt TT, Kenzie, Kira, and uncle Dave. Until tomorrow...

Project 365 - Day 25

"Some days are just for living. Others are for getting through it." -Malcolm Forbes


The date on the calendar is Friday the 13th. I use to think that it was just another day. I am not a superstitious person, so I never saw it as a bad omen. Friday the 13th is suppose to be an unlucky day. This is not something new either, the number 13 has been unlucky for centuries... why I don't know but I think I might be understanding a little of why people hate this day.

In the photo the bee, with it's head cocked like that, looks like "huh?" That's is what I am sayin' too. It's just been one of those days! Nothing turns out right! I'd like nothing more right now than to climb into my bed and sleep but there is going to be none of that since I have to finish packing to make a 3 1/2 hour journey down to Donald's parents house tonight. Donald doesn't even get off until midnight so that puts up getting down there at about 4 in the morning. Then we have to turn around and get up at 8 because we have to get everything ready for Eli's birthday party on Saturday.

I know all I've done is a bunch of complaining but sometimes a girl needs to complain. Hopefully I've been back to the more cheerful version of myself as opposed to this moody, brooding me. I'm going to go and wish that I was sleeping. Enjoy tonight's huh?! photo.

Until tomorrow....

Project 365 - Day 24

"It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not." -Anonymous

I love weddings. It's such a happy time! Everyone is just bubbling and overflowing with love. People so happy they are almost giddy! And let's not forget all the beautiful things like flowers, scenery, dresses, and faces. Being able to share someone's special day is so wonderful. Especially when you are the photographer. You are now in charge of documenting a very, very special time in two people's lives. No pressure now...

Now, you are probably all wondering where this blog is going and where it is all coming from seeings as how I am already married. A girl that I graduated high school with recently approached me about photographing her wedding in the Spring. Me?! Yea, that was my first thought, too. I have never photographed anything for money. I have never photographed people that weren't my family. Again... me?! I was very flattered and honored for her to have asked me but I didn't think I was the right person for the job. I was really considering just telling her no. I was afraid. What if they didn't like how the photos turned out? What if, what if, what if.

But.... I did WANT to do it. I just wasn't sure if I could. Well, not even that. I could do it, I just don't know if they'd be pleased with it. I wasn't sure I could please myself either. I am a bit of a perfectionist... Even one of my nursing instructors during an evaluation told me "There is nothing that I can say to you about your performance. You expect more of yourself than we do." And, I guess it's true.

Well, I figured (finally) well, why not! I will try my very best and it will just have to do. It will be an amazing experience and if I ever do it in the future, I'll never do it for the first time again. I can't hold myself back. If I do, I'll never know. She obviously sees something in my work and she likes and honestly believes in me or she wouldn't have asked. I am just going to have to trust in her judgment and believe in myself.

Project 365 - Day 23

"Nursing is an art: and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation, as any painter's or sculptor's work; for what is the having to do with dead canvas or dead marble, compared with having to do with the living body, the temple of God's spirit? It is one of the Fine Arts: I had almost said, the finest of Fine Arts." -Florence Nightingale

This fall I will graduate from RN school. I have loved every minute of the crazy, stressful adventure. It has been a long time coming and I am glad that it is almost over. I am truly satisfied with my career choice. Even as much as I have come to love photography, it will probably never be something that I will do solely as a profession. Maybe someday I will do random side jobs and I do it for my own enjoyment, of course. I have an education now, granted it's only an AS degree, but it's a degree. I can get a job and work while I continue my education from here.

I love nursing. It is dynamic and diverse with a plethora of options and opportunities. It feeds my passion for learning because it is ever-changing. I love to learn and I am always learning here. It is one of the most rewarding careers on the planet. I feel so thankful and blessed that my job is to help people. Whether that is giving then a pill, hooking up an IV, or just talking to my patient, the feeling is the same. But as I learned these past almost two years, nursing isn't for everybody. This is what I will do on a daily basis: I put on a uniform and comfortable shoes, I give many, many medications in all routes, I measure emesis, I document bowel movements, I stick needles and tubes in my patients, change dressings on nasty wounds, and I do lots of paperwork. But I also touch, reassure, and listen. I feed those who can't feed themselves. I meet interesting people from all backgrounds and places and I learn something new everyday...even sometimes about myself.

It's special to me to see that I've have touched the life of someone and made a difference. If this is what I've done, then I can be happy with myself. I can look in the mirror and be proud and tell myself that I did a good job.

Project 365 - Day 22

"Why did you leave me? When did you leave me? Where was I when this happened?" -Tigress Luv

What a life. This little bug living on a sand spur. Maybe they do it to protect themselves? I mean, I can understand why they'd chose to hang out on a sand spur. They hurt. They would probably deter anything trying to eat them. As I was watching this little guy and contemplating why this bug would choose to live here it made me think of someone I was talking to today. Someone that I've asked countless times why she chooses to live where she does. The way she does. With who she does. Because she is scared like this little bug. Scared to be without security. Scared of what it will do to her boys. So like the little green bug, she walks around on pins and needles all the time waiting for something better to come along. But I don't think she'd know it if it smacked her in the face. She deserves so much more than anything he has ever been willing to give her. I think the real reason she stays is that she is afraid that SHE will forget about HIM so easily if she moved on. She says she "loves" him, but she doesn't. She's not IN love with him, anyway. Of that I am absolutely, positively sure. No matter how much she gives and gives and gives him, she can't bribe him to love her.

One day I hope she will look at the times she felt unloved or uncared for as a result of her relationship and see that she's rejecting herself as much as he is rejecting her. She isn't allowing herself to be loved like she deserves. Only when she releases what she is clinging to can she feel joy again. I can hold her hand, and I can tell her that I love her, but I can't uplift her soul again. Only she can do that. She has to leave the safety of the spur and live again.

Project 365 - Day 21

"Boy, n.: a noise with dirt on it." -Not Your Average Dictionary

Today I wish my son a happy 4th birthday. The photo is of the cupcakes we made together. I've been so blessed to watch him grow. He surprises me everyday with something new and I am amazed at all he is capable of. Four years ago today, at 7:16pm, he came into my life. It has been non-stop ever since, he always go, go, go! But that's okay, he keeps me on my toes. There is nothing in the world like being a mother and being able to see your child's smiles and hearing their laughs and comforting them when they cry. An experience so special, I'm not sure how to put it in words. He (and any future children) is my life's work. My magnum opus. The greatest thing I can ever achieve in my mortal life. My masterpiece.

I don't feel like crying tonight so I won't keep going. Today is a happy day, so no tears! But I must remember that watching my child grow up is a privilege that can be taken away at anytime. RIP Christie Deas, who can now only watch her precious triplets and her son grow from Heaven. Thank you Lord for giving me another day.

Project 365 - Day 20

"The most insignificant insects and reptiles are of much more consequence, and have much more influence in the economy of nature than the incurious are aware of; and are mighty in their effect from their minuteness, which renders them less an object of attention; and from their numbers and fecundity." -Gilbert White



I have come to enjoy the company of bugs. They make great models for photographs because they usually sit very still, their are many varieties, and they look interesting. This bug is called a milkweed assassin bug (thanks Google!) It's fascinating to be able to see things in pictures that you never noticed before because you don't get close enough to see or you aren't able to get close enough to see. I have a new appreciation for bugs now that I learn more about then. These bugs are very beneficial to have in your garden as they prey on common garden pests. There was a time when I did not know this, nor did I take the time to learn this. I probably would have just smashed it. Now I try very my best not to kill any bugs (I'm still having issues with spiders, they are just freaky). The more I kill, the less I get to photograph.

I'm not saying that I just run out and hug bugs now, but I do think that everyone should have a better appreciation for what insects do. From this bug to a house fly. Many things bugs do our for our benefit and we don't even know. I think we could learn a thing or two from insects. After all, they've survived a lot longer than us humans.

Project 365 - Day 19

"Yea, um... I had an adrenaline rush. It's very common. You can Google it." -Robert Pattinson (as Edward Cullen)





This spider is called a green lynx spider. I know that because of the amazing power of Google. I love Google. You see, I like to be informed. When I photograph things, like this spider, that I have no clue what they are, I try and find out. And with the epic awesomeness of Google all I had to do is type something very intellectual and smart into it, oh for example, "green hairy spider" and it returns to me "about 1,030,000 results (0.33 seconds)". Thankfully, I found my answer on the first click.

Ten years ago Google wasn't even a word. Now it's a noun and a verb!

Project 365 - Day 18

"I think it's really important to use your hands and get close to materials. To be up close to real things like rain and mud; to have contact with nature." -Robin Day

It rained again today. But you can get some pretty neat photos of water drops right after a good shower before the Florida sun comes back out and dries it all up. You can see right through this drop of water to whats on the other side. It's not a reflection because if it was you'd see me and my camera instead. If you click the photo and make it bigger you can really see the little details in the water drop. I don't really mind the rain. It makes it cooler, the sound on my tin roof is nice, it's good nap weather. So as long as it doesn't thunder and lightning. Thunderstorms make me paranoid. I hate thunder and lightning. :/ Yes, I get scared go on and laugh if you want. It makes me think of tornadoes and then I get even more freaked. It's just not good all around. Now if you make it a thunderstorm, a really loud one, with lots of lightning and wind, with a tornado warning, AND I'm alone with my child. Then you have one thoroughly scared, bordering on hyperventilating, mama.

Call me a baby, call me what you will. I don't like storms. I like the rain just fine and it makes for a good picture afterwards. Here's proof.

Until tomorrow.

Project 365 - Day 17

"Come watch with me the shaft of fire that glows in yonder West: the fair, frail palaces, the fading Alps and archipelagos, and great cloud-continents of sunset-seas." -Thomas Bailey Aldrich

I love sunsets. Donald had the day off so I tried to go down to the beach to photograph it, but again, things came up. I really wanted to get a picture of the sunset today so I tried improvising. I think the result is really beautiful. It is really peaceful watching the sunset. Watching the sky change colors. I'll admit that I wasn't in the best mood today (I know...what's new, right?). It helped to just sit and relax and watch the day come to an end. This is my favorite lighting to photograph in. Everything is bright and illuminated and has a little extra... something special. Maybe it's just me and my imagination. :)

Cutting it short. Enjoy the beautiful sunset!
Until tomorrow...

Project 365 - Day 16

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." -Henry David Thoreau

Tried my hand at taking some of my brother's senior photos this afternoon. It was a little difficult because of the heat because sweat doesn't look good in pictures. Not to mention he is a little bit picky. We may do some more tomorrow. I can't believe he is going to be a senior. I'm very proud of his accomplishments. I will try my best to support his with whatever he wants to do in his life. Within just over a year my mother will have had all her kids graduate. Jessica graduated with her AA degree in May, I graduate nursing school in December, and then Justin in June. She should be a proud mama :). I know that she is.
I'm full of nervous excitement for my own graduation. It feels like it's been a long time coming and going way too fast all at the same time. I'm just a mess. I get scared when I think about it sometimes. But I'll be fine. Right? Yes? Maybe? Guess I'll sleep on it. :)
Until tomorrow...

Project 365 - Day 15

"Let come what will, I mean to bear it out, And either live with glorious victorie, Or die with fame renown'd for chivalrie: He is not worthy of the honey-comb, That suns the hives because the bees have stings" -William Shakespeare

The first thing I thought of when I saw this photo is, "Man, that is a scary lookin' face!" I even named with photo when I saved it "scarybeeface". But then I figured why should I be afraid of the bee's face when it's got a stinger. This is like life. Life has all these twists and turns that you don't really understand, but is all part of a master plan. Things happen that can get you down. You get sick, you get a flat tire, or your car just flat out breaks down. There is no good time for things like this to happen, but they do. That's life for ya. It's discouraging all right. But like the bee's face, why think about them when life could really sting us? We could lose a loved one, your house could catch on fire, your family go hungry. Without things this to keep us in check, we'd forget to appreciate what we have. Sometimes your have to get sick to be thankful when you are in good health. Sometimes you have to get up and go to work when you really want to stay in bed to be thankful you have a job. And sometimes your car breaks down, but at least you have a car for it to be able to do that. These are all very small things in the big picture of life. Know things will get better, and they sure can get a lot worse. Be thankful you have the support of friends and family to get through bad times. When you look life in the face and you are scared, remember that life has a stinger, too.

Project 365 - Day 14

"I love fishing. You put that line in the water and you don't know what's on the other end. Your imagination is under there." -Robert Altman


There is my little fisherman! We went fishing today in a little lake down the road. We all love to go fishing and Eli is no exception. Whether its here at a little pond or out in the big ocean, fishing is always fun even if the only thing I catch is a sunburn.
There is nothing like being on a boat in the middle of the ocean, away from it all. With your pole in the water and the breeze blowing on your face, life is good. You can think about things, or you can not think about things. Whatever you feel like you need to do. And that's the beauty of it... you are just sittin' there waiting for a bite and nothing else. It is you and water. There is a tranquility that comes with fishing.
It's important to show kids (girls, too!) how to fish. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from fishing. Like patience. Like how cast a line and bait a hook. It gives them something they will remember how to do for a lifetime and keeps them out of trouble when they are older. Tackle boxes are like treasure chests to little eyes. With shiny hooks and sinkers and bright bobbers. It is an experience they will enjoy and aren't likely to forget.

So, even in the heat of the day Eli was still a little down when it was time to go. He is so proud of the little fish he catches and doesn't like to see them get released. I snapped this when we were walking back to the truck. :) He insisted on carrying the worms, too.

Project 365 - Day 13

"No Spring nor Summer Beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one Autumnal face." -John Donne

The long, hot summer days have made me long for autumn. Me and mom started talking to day about all the things we would do once the weather was cooler. She wanted to go to a flea market. Summertime is almost miserable in Florida if you don't have any water around to cool down in. Me and mom talked about leaves and hay. Scarecrows and pumpkins and cinnamon brooms! Autumn is her favorite season. It's one of mine, too.
I saw this leaf on the ground and it made my longing stronger. It's so beautiful to watch the changing of the leaves. And then when they all fall off and winter is edging closer, there is something beautiful about the loneliness of it all.
Autumn weather is so much more comfortable. Not too hot, and not too cool. We love to sit outside on the porch in the evenings and drink coffee. Even though we do have to worry about hurricanes more here in Florida.
But autumn I will still be waiting for your return! For when you bring pumpkins and hay and scarecrows. Halloween and hunting season. Hurry on your way!