'Tis the season....

...of traffic jams
...of long lines at the checkout counter
...of tree farms being closed by 6:30
...of no more school for a couple weeks
...of warm family get togethers
...of fires crackling in the fireplace
...of reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the things the next year will bring
...of new beginnings


I'm going to look at Christmas lights tonight to try to take photographs....yes those will be posted later. I'm looking forward to a relaxing two weeks! I'll try to blog more frequently, but no promises...lots of family coming in for Christmas.

Lions and tigers and babies

Today I went back to the Fort Worth Zoo for another photo adventure...this time in the 50 degree weather. While I was looking at the website for the zoo this week, I saw that they had the baby tigers and lions!!! I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO pumped to get to go see them!! So this morning we trekked off to the zoo, cameras in tow. Since it was cooler we weren't sure what which animals would be out. At the primate house the only thing out was what was inside, and hard to see through the glass at that. After several stops, we made it to the big cats! The white tiger was not out...my guess is that it would have made momma Malaysian tiger very upset since she has 3 adorable, and VERY playful cubs. The lion cubs were cuddling looking, but not as photogenic. Daddy lion was VERY upset that he could not get over to where the other lions were and he very vocal in his discontent. What struck me in watching the two different cat mothers was how the interacted with their cubs. The tiger momma was playing with her cubs, chasing them, showing them the innate survival that a tiger in the wild would need. I noticed that these cubs were very similar to house cats in how they play and interact with each other.

The lioness on the other hand was very paws off! (HAHAHA) She didn't want to be bothered, separated herself from the cubs, and let the cubs play with each other. If a cub came over to her and was being playful she just ignored the cub.

I can't help but think how similar human mothers are to these two cats. There are mothers who have no problem interacting with her offspring and she takes great pleasure in doing so. Her children are her pride and joy and she will do anything for them. There are also mothers who, in a sense, let her children raise themselves because she is too busy taking care of her needs and she doesn't want to be bothered or won't take a few minutes to interact with her children. Just my thoughts....

Anyway, below is a slide show of some of my latest photos. Enjoy!

Politics and Religion

Politics. A tricky subject not brought up in many Christian circles for fear of what feet we my step on or whom we may get into a heated discussion with. Why is it that so many people, so many Christians more specifically, turn away from discussions of this depth? I, for one, believe it is because they feel their voice won't be heard. That they are a minority so their opinion doesn't matter. That ultimately God is in control, therefore what I think doesn't really matter. It is true that God is in control and is sovereign. Just because God is ultimately in control does not mean we should sit around and let the world around us crumble.

As Christians we are called to stand up for what is right. For what is holy. For what is going to further the kingdom. So why can we NOT say the negative about politicians when that is the truth? We should be a very vocal group when it comes to politics however we go about our daily business in our meek and mild manner, some only rely on faith to see them through each day. We shouldn't be so heavenly focused we are no earthly good. We should be able to firmly defend our positions, to see that the government runs as our forefathers of faith intended. I believe that if our founding fathers were alive today they would be up in arms about today's politics. There is greed, corruption and worse amongst today's politicians. Where is the public outcry? We pay tax dollars to help OUR government and since we pay we have a voice. Our voice hasn't been silenced yet. Let your voice be heard.

Memory Lane...

I attended my ten year high school reunion this weekend. WOW! What a walk down memory lane. There were those people you recognize right away and then there were those whom you were struggling to remember. There were those who had grown up and were working to be successful adults, and those who were acting like they were still in college. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone and find out who was doing what and living where. Sadly, we didn't have even half the class there. As standard, here is a slide show. Enjoy!

Pictures, pictures, pictures

This week began, and ended with photographic adventures. On Monday, a friend and I ventured out to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. The day started nice (as nice as it can for a late July day in Texas) and by the end of the day, I was simply dragging, ready to get some food and some air conditioning. Minus the heat, it was a beautiful day full of new photo experience.

This morning, EARLY, this same friend and I ventured out to Lake Grapevine to try to catch the sunrise and hike around for a couple hours. The breeze from the lake was about the best part of the day other than the conversation as we walked. We parked my car at one end of the trail, the end, and took his car to the start of the trail to catch the sunrise and begin our adventure. It was a blessing to have shade most of the morning. My feet hurt, but I got some very wonderful photographs and had excellent companionship this morning, and Monday as well. Here are some of my favorite photographs from this week. Enjoy!

Zoo

I spent my entire Saturday at the zoo this past weekend. What a way to practice photography! Over 500 images were captured of creatures of various shapes and sizes. While looking through my lens, I couldn't help but find beauty in God's creation, and realized that even if the animal wasn't perfect in appearance to us, it was still perfect in God's eyes. How much like that is God's love and passion for us? It was a day well spent. Enjoy the pictures!

Grapevine

....what a wonderful town! It is a hidden treasure of beauty. I spent the morning with a friend taking pictures at the botanical garden, Nash Farm, and the train depot. What fun it was! I think I'm beginning to see things differently through the lens of the camera. I created a slide show of my favorite pictures. Enjoy!

Experimenting with photographs

Since I got my new camera, I find myself LOOKING for places and things to take pictures of. I often drive past a place in Flower Mound called Square. They have a nice fountain close to the road. Tonight I decided I wanted to go take pictures of it. One of the techniques we were told about in my photo class was how to get that "silky water" look so I thought I'd give it a shot.....and I did it! After I was finished there I went to mom and dad's to water plants then dashed home to grab my dog and take her to play before it got too dark. I got distracted by one of the prettiest sunsets I have seen here in a long time. Fortunately, I had my camera with me! HAHA Imagine that!

The cats seem to be adjusting to having the dog around, what they don't know is she goes back to mom and dad's Monday. Both of them have spent more time than normal on the opposite end of the livingroom. Enjoy the photos!

The visitor

I was awaken at my parents house this morning at 5 so that I could "take" them to the airport more like drive back and go back to sleep. I decided while I was up and the sun was coming up, like any photographer, I'd see what I could do to capture the sunrise. So I was looking and walking around outside and was in the back looking at the rose bushes when I spotted a praying mantis. As mean as those bugs can be I decided to take pictures of him because, well I had camera in hand.

My parents kindly house my dog. I actually think they enjoy having her around. So since they're gone and no one else is around to take care of the dog, that's what I get to do. It's not hard work. She's easy. But since I didn't have horses to take care of or anything else, I decided she could some stay with me while they're gone. I knew my cats probably wouldn't be happy with me, but they will get over it. They always do. So we walked in the door this afternoon and Sassy was laying on one of my side tables and couldn't decide if she wanted to stay or run away to the bedroom. I knew Oliver was most likely in the bedroom, so I ran and shut the door to deal with him later. Sassy was absolutly fine with Haley being here. I think she's still curious as to what exactly that thing I brought through the door is. Oliver, as always was hiding at first but I made him come out with us. I let him go do his hiding thing like he always does when he's scared, then when I was ready, I got him out and made him go see Haley. There were no growels or hisses more of a curiosity than anything. So all is peaceful, for now. Oliver has gotten brave and as I sit here and type this Oliver thought my leg would make a good play toy and has since gone to his perch on the back of the chair.

pictures, pictures, pictures

So I have this thing for taking pictures. I've been told by a lot of people I could make money off them but I don't feel I could sell them only having a compact digital....until today. I bit the bullett and bought a digital SLR. It's amazing! I'm taking a photography class at my church and I don't think I would have been as anxious to get one if I hadn't been in this class. I have already figured out a lot of the features because it is the same brand as the point and shoot I had before (which I still have.) So enjoy the slide show and comment away!

Independence Day

Happy Independence Day America! What a wonderful country we live in. May we never forget the greatness of our country and the blessing of our freedom! I got to play with the Flower Mound Symphony tonight before the firework show (which was cut short due to wind blowing debris of the fireworks onto us in the stands...nothing like wearing the fireworks!) Before we started the show, I looked back over my shoulder and there was a rainbow. I texted dad sitting in the stands and he took the picture.

fresh paint

Ok so my living room got painted today...well just one wall but it looks fantastic! Nothing like the smell of paint inside.

ahhhh summer

So, things have started to slow down somewhat. I have a concert Friday night with the local city orchestra, and after that I haven't decided if I'm going to play with them again, at least for now. Sunday, my sister left for a new adventure and chapter in her life. She is off to South Dakota to begin working on a couple ranches training horses. It's always been her dream. As much as I'm going to miss her, I'm happy for her, and proud of her for doing it.

So now that I have things slowing down, I've decided I'd like to take a little vacation by myself. Not to anywhere exotic or even out of the state. I think I want to explore places I've always heard about going, but never have, like the botanical garden in Grapevine or go visit a winery. Just get out and explore, have fun, and learn to be more independent. So that being said, any suggestions?

Have a fantastic rest of the week!

blahhh

I was in the ER back in April because of some pretty severe pain and a fever after I'd had a female surgery. So I waited and waited and waited for the lovely bill to arrive. I not only got one, but TWO separate bills. One from the hospital and one for the ER doctor.....are you kidding me?? Doesn't the hospital pay the ER doctor?? The nurse did more than he did! So as I was griping about this to mom she said that was pretty standard. What a waste of paper! Soooo not efficient! Personally I think it's because government thinks they have to have their hand in every tiny aspect of our lives!

Government...what was the original design intent? I don't believe it was to be in every aspect of our personal, private lives, controlling areas we're not even fully aware of. Government fees and regulation for gas, for food, for phones and for every thing else imaginable. If we, as THINKING American citizens, aren't careful, they are going to start telling us when we can go to the bathroom, where we can work, or even when we can and can't eat. They have already told us what kind of light bulbs we can buy and eventually limit the kind of cars we can have (has to do with MPG).
Government was designed to keep peace and a strong nation not regulate every aspect of the citizen's lives. Government was intended to fully believe that the people of this great nation were wise, able to make their own choices and able to accept whatever consequence might happen whether positive or negative. I believe today's government has lost sight the original intent.

Congressmen didn't used to make a career of being in congress. One person thought he could help make a difference in the country, would run on that premise, get elected, work on making the said change, and go back to being a private citizen. If more congressmen and women would do this, I can't help but wonder how much different things would be today?

So now I've given my two cents, so what say you?

Photo class

Since I mentioned the photo class I thought I would add some of my pictures I've taken so far in the class.

ahhhhh Saturday

My week was INCREDIBLY busy. I had a workshop all day all week in nothing other than math.......my favorite subject....NOT! What a draining week! Monday I had workshop, orchestra practice, math homework; Tuesday: workshop, work on photos for photography class, math homework; Wednesday, workshop, dinner at church, photography class, math homework; Thursday: workshop, math homework; Friday: workshop, NO homework (well it is over today afterall) concert. Oh and I tried to work in time with mom and dad, too.

The weekend is FINALLY here! What a week! Now I can relax right? HAHAHA nope! I need to clean, I need to work on something for church, I need to catch my breath. I need a nap. If there were only 36 hours in a day! No, I'd probably find a way to still not do what I know I need to do. Ok, I've had long enough break from working on the living room, I best get back to work, but maybe I should get something to eat first......

Summer

As a teacher, there is not much more that I look forward to than summer. This year, it seems I am not having one. From spending the week after school got out to helping with one of my sister's dogs who had surgery, to constant professional development, I'm just tired. I don't even get this tired during the school year. Now, I did do the professional development to myself, but I also have to have a certain number of CPE hours every five years to keep my certificate. Oh, did I mention I'm taking a photography class, just because? Yeah, that's fun!
Oh, I can't forget that my car died well at least I thought it had. I also have a concert Friday. Let's see what else I can add to my week.


I still have to finish my homework for tonight for my workshop tomorrow. Math was never my strong point, but I try. Off to drawing 30cm perimeter shapes....oh joy!