Getting Out and About

Hopefully, I gained some inspiration by attending the local Baggs Square photography show last weekend. It was wonderful to see other photographers' work. I had many "aha" moments when I view the photographs of local scenes and areas of interest. For example, the same old building looked entirely different to me because of a lens a photographer chose to use.

Now I would like to just get out and about with my camera this weekend. I would love to explore such local scenes as the train station, main street, and old buildings in seach of such elements as haunting reflections, time-worn textures, as well as the colors of everyday life.

Of course, life seems to have the habit of getting in the way of my photograpy plans. However, I have to make the time this weekend to enjoy this art of photography.

For Arts Sake

On Friday evening, I attend the opening of a local photography show. A group of local citizen is working on improving the quality of life in our small Central New York city. This enthusiastic group is called "For Arts Sake". The focus of their efforts is different types of artistic forms, including photography.

I entered their first juried show (held at Baggs Square) and had my photograph accepted! The photograph is entitled "Art and Architecture". (I have posted it here on my blog several times). It is a real honor to have my photography displayed with local photographers whose work I really admire. (I posted a photo I took with my point and shoot camera. It isn't the best, but it will give you a chance to see the show.)

I had a wonderful time at the opening. I was able to chat with some friends. In addition, I had the opportunity to see my photography teacher. (He was the judge for this show.) I could feel all of the creative energy in the air!

Here's To Better Days

Spring, it seems, has finally decided to stay here in Central New York State. We have enjoyed two gloriously sunny days with highs around 75 degrees F (24 degrees C.) Peferect weather at last!

On Friday night, I attended the opening of a local photography show. My photograph was accepted for this juried show! I was thrilled to see my photo hanging in the show. I will write more about this show during the upcoming week.

I had a lot of chores to do this weekend such as cleaning the car and raking the lawn. However, I did take a few photos that I hope to post here soon.

My computer at home is still being repaired. I hope to get it back soon. I really miss posting photos here! I will be visiting your blogs again very soon!

Fallen Heroes

It has been grey and gloomy here in Central New York State for so long lately. Recent tragedies, both locally and nationally, have certainly added to my sense of despair. One week ago a local police officer was shot and killed over a routine traffic stop. This young man was just doing his job of protecting and serving our small community. This totally senseless act by was committed by a coward who is still on the run.

This Tuesday we learned of the national tragedy that occurred on the Virginia Tech campus when over 30 people lost their lives to a lone gunman (who turned out to be a student.) Words cannot properly describe the deep sadness I felt when I learned about both horrific tragedies.

How can people have so little regard for human life? It is beyond my comprehension.

One of the reasons that I enjoy making photographs so much is that the creative process allows me to celebrate life: the miracle of a spring bud, my nephew's tiny hand, the glory of a summer day, a quiet sunset, the beauty of a single snow flake, and rich hues of autumn leaves. There is something very special in picking up a camera and really seeing the beauty of all of God's creation. And it is in that creative state that I feel closer to God.

I wish that people could find such creative outlets instead of choosing violence and destruction. I know that this may sound naive, but I believe that there are ways to lead a better life.

"To everything turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn. And a time for every purpose under heaven."

Today the sun returned and the spring breeze is gentle and calm. The birds are calling and the temperatures are mild once again. And so I hope to get out with my camera this weekend and really see the glory of God's creation.

Longing for Sunny Days

Spring just does not want to stay here in Central New York State. We have been experiencing a storm called a Nor'easter here for two days. The moisture is coming up along the Atlantic coast. The storm system first raced across the Midwest part of the US before gaining more strength along the Atlantic Coast. So, we have had rain, wet snow, freezing rain and now plain rain. The temperatures have not been higher than about 3 degrees C (37 degrees F). There is a slushy accumulation of snow on the ground now, but at least I have electricity now!

I would like to thank my wonderful friend Julie (CG) for recently nominating me for a Thinker Blog Award. Julie, you made my day! This photo of the yellow tulip is for Julie. The yellow color reminds me of the beautiful bonds of friendship, even when life seems a bit stormy. Friendship is indeed a treasure to be nurtured and cherished!

Now I have to think of a list of bloggers whose work really makes me think. Most of my favorite bloggers have already received this fantastic award, but I will do so more searching!

I so enjoy creating my blog entries. Hopefully, the weather here has to improve at some point, so that I may get out and about with my camera again. Stay tuned!

Waiting...

I am still using the laptop to do my blog entries. The computer tech at work as generously agreed to look at my hard drive. So, I will drag the machine into my school's computer lab. The computer tech said that he would look at the computer since the office supply store charges $50.00 just to look at the machine. I am grateful that the computer tech is will to at least look at my computer.

The weather here is still wintry. We had a mixed bag of precipitation this morning in the form of a rain/snow mix. Luckily, the snow didn't accumulate on the ground and it wasn't icy. However, I am so looking forward to getting out and about in nature with my camera! And it has been so dark and gloomy that it has been very difficult to do any indoor photography using natural light.

I hope that everyone is having a good week. Let's hope that there is enough natural light (inside or out) for me to take some photos this weekend!

Inspiration from Children's Art Work

I thought that I would use my point and shoot camera and the laptop in order to create a blog entry today. Today I spotted a display of children's art work in the hallway just outside of my school library. So, I decided to take a photograph of this colorful display.

I find myself going back to look at the children's artwork several times. Many of the children don't have these right vs wrong rules about creating artwork. They seem free to explore and discover without the fear of failing. I love their nature senses of color. They are willing to experiment with different shapes, textures, and colors. There are times when they seem to see the same objects using different perspectives than adults do.

Indeed, the children have lessons to teach all of us. First, I am reminded to take the time and really experiment with different photographic processes, even if I am not pleased with my first attempts. Also, I am reminded to look at objects using several different perspectives.

I am grateful for the lessons which these young artists continue to teach me!

Computer Woes

My desktop computer at home is providing me with problems at the moment. I think that it is a spyware problem. I am going to take it to the "computer doctor" to see if he can fix it. Luckily, I have backed up all of my photos and files on DVD.

So, I am using a laptop to blog today. My photo editing software is on my desktop, so I am not able to process the Easter photos. I miss photo editing. I actually find it relaxing. Hopefully, I will have the desktop up and running soon.

The weather here is still not cooperating. We have had another day of snow flurries and below average temperatures. I can't wait to get out and about with my camera again!

Please be patient with me until I get the desktop up and running again. I hope that it won't be too long!

Computer Woes

My desktop computer at home is providing me with problems at the moment. I think that it is a spyware problem. I am going to take it to the "computer doctor" to see if he can fix it. Luckily, I have backed up all of my photos and files on DVD.

So, I am using a laptop to blog today. My photo editing software is on my desktop, so I am not able to process the Easter photos. I miss photo editing. I actually find it relaxing. Hopefully, I will have the desktop up and running soon.

The weather here is still not cooperating. We have had another day of snow flurries and below average temperatures. I can't wait to get out and about with my camera again!

Please be patient with me until I get the desktop up and running again. I hope that it won't be too long!

Easter Joy

"Do not abandon yourselves to despair. . . . We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song."~Pope John Paul II

Happy Easter! Pope John Paul II's beautiful words reminds me of all of the blessing in my life: my supportive parents, my precious nieces and nephews, loyal friends, and work that gives me a sense of purpose. I am grateful to have hobbies such as reading and photography that give me a sense of accomplishment. And my Steve, my best friend and love of my life, continues to teach me what forever is all about.

It is a cold and blustery day here in Central New York State. The temperature barely reached 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) here today. The snow shower continue and the spring flowers are not in bloom yet. However, the laughter of my nieces and nephew here at my parents' house is like a light in the darkness. They really enjoyed their Easter egg hunt and I have a few photos for their scrapbooks.

One of my students gave me an orchid recently. I just had to take a close up photo of this beautiful bloom. Now I have another flower to add to my photography collection.

I hope that each of you had a joyous Easter. Thank you for visiting my blog. I treasure your friendships!

Easter Photo Opportunities

I am visiting my family for Easter. My parents had a Easter egg hunt for my nieces and nephew today. The festivities were held inside since the temperature barely reached 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) today and there were snow flurries in the air. The kids had a lot of fun, though.

So, I had a chance to take some photos of the kids. I had to use the flash since there wasn't enough natural light. I have to process the photos, but I was able to get a few good ones. The photos will be good to use for scrapbooking.

Tomorrow I will post a floral photo for Easter. I will post some of the kids' photos here soon. I hope that everyone has a joyous Easter surrounded by family and friends.

Photography Club Workshop

I attended a workshop at my local camera club this evening. The presenters were two camera club members. They showed photos of local places and events that provide interesting scenes to photograph- everything from old barns, waterfalls, wildflowers as well as the balloon fest.

The women did a great job. The photos were inspirational. They even gave printed directions for all of the locations. Hopefully, I will be able to visit some of these places once the weather improves here.

The presenters reminded us that photographic opportunities are all around us, including our own backyards. I took this photo of an antique car at a local antique car show that is held annual at the local museum.

I am going to take more notice of local events, festivals, and celebrations for their photographic opportunities. In addition, I am going to go to local places such as the train station and the zoo for more photographic ideas.

Another Possible Entry

Here is another possible choice for an entry for a local photography exhibition. The theme of the show is "Central New York State". I took this photo at a local pond. The title of the photograph is "Twilight on Twin Ponds".

I took the photo at sunset on a clear November day. I really liked the reflections on the barren tree branches on the water as well as the rich hues of blues and pinks.

I just hope that this photo is not a generic type of nature photo for the theme. I will post the local of the photo along with the title. What do you think?

Well, we have had another wintry day here. The temperature never got above 0 degrees C (32 degree F) here today and we have had snow showers. The snow hasn't accumulated on the ground yet, but we are suppose to have the same kind of weather for the next few days. It looks more like Thanksgiving (celebrated in November) than Easter!

A Local Photography Show

I just found out that a local arts organization is sponsoring a juried photography show. The chosen theme has to do with life here in Central New York State. The entries are due in a few weeks, so I am in the process of deciding what I could enter for judging.

I am going through some of the photos that I have taken that have to do with the theme. Some of you may remember the photograph posted above. I call it "Art and Architecture". I actually shot through the glass to create this collage effect. The photograph was made at our local museum. The glass corridor connects the modern art museum called Munson-Williams-Proctor with Fountain Elms, a Victorian era building.

I think that I will be taking a chance by submitting this photograph because of the collage effect. However, I like the effect and I think that it will hightlight our local musuem.

In addition, I would like to be able to get out and about with my camera and take some photos of the local area. However, the weather is still not cooperating. We may even get 1 or 2 inches of snow tomorrow!

What do you think about entering this photo into the judging process? I appreciate your thoughts!

Stuff and more stuff

I could get a photo to upload in my blog, so I thought that I will still post here. I have started to go through my house in order to decide what to keep. Oh, do I have a lot to discard, sell, or give away! It is going to take me some time to go through everything.

Actually, I am suprised that I don't seem to be attached to so much stuff. I just want to pare down and keep what is really important to me. My camera equipment and some cherished photos are at the top of the list. The photos include family photos as well as ones that I have had in local art and photography shows.

I also want to keep some of my favorite books. It is true that I have to go through my collection as I don't need to keep each and every paperback, but there are some that I will definately keep.

Of course, Belle, my cat will come with me! That is a given!

So, I will have to take some time out and take some photos! We may get some daffodils and tulips to bloom here soon!

New Life

There is always something new to see at Root Glen, a local nature center. I captured this little fern just peeking out of the ground. It is incredible to see new life after the 7 feet of snow that we had in this area during February!

Now I look forward to walking and hiking at Root Glen in the spring and summer. Some of the paths are still too muddy to use, but that will change soon.

This tiny miracle gives me hope that better days are yet to come. I hope that everyone has a good week. I am looking forward to celebrating Easter next Sunday.