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!