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!