New Life

Even though it’s only 14 degrees outside, winter can’t seem to stop my houseplants from doing their thing.  This is a new leaf bud on my philodendron plant, caught with that new macro lens I can’t seem to set down. 

St. Paddy’s Preview

I have a shamrock plant that sits on my kitchen counter that came into bloom right as my birthday rolled around so I used it to get in some more practice with my new macro lens. 

I cropped it in PSE, added a “Paint with Light” action and then did a little smudging and blurring around the edges.

El Numero Uno

Here it is…my first macro shot with the new camera and the new EF 100mm f/4L macro lens.  Want to know why I’m so excited?  Because I shot this indoors at night with no flash and just an overhead light for illumination.   And look at those colors!  Okay, must get back to practicing!

   

Changes

I’ve been going through a rather long discernment process over the past couple of years.  I’m nearing the end of my 40’s and have been busy wondering what I might want to be when I grow up.  I never did find what I was looking for during my short stint at college or in the work force.  I’ve kept moving though, trying to put the pieces into place, trying to make sense of this life that I’ve been leading. 

Last January I got my hands on a Canon S3 IS and my life took a dramatic turn.  With that camera in my hands I got a little glimpse of what my life could be.  I started to see so much beauty where others walk right by.  That $300 point-n-shoot camera has altered my life in so many ways over the course of the past year that I can’t even begin to count them.  The only reason I tell you all of this is because today was a very big day. 

A very big day. 

And, because it was a big day, I really wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who come here, who glimpse for a moment what I do with that little camera.  I watch as God points out the beauty of His world to me and I hold that camera in my hands and I do my best to pass on what He shows me.

But things, they are a changin’.  Life is about to take me on a new spin around the block. 

Tonight, I wanted to acknowledge the One who makes all things possible in my life…whose dreams for me are far bigger than my own dreams for myself…whose power and glory sustains me in both the good times and the bad. 

Three years ago, I was in a mental gutter, wanting nothing but an easy way out of all my pain.  Now, here I am, a sponge that soaks life in with every breath I take.   It’s a miracle, really.  My life has become a testament to His existence.  I am a living, breathing, walking miracle. 

And so are you.   

Are You Out of Your Gourd?

Because, if you are, I might know who’s got it…