Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Gathering of Thoughts

Pardon the rambling nature of this post - I have some ideas rattling around in my head, but a case of the flu keeps me from being my most eloquent.

First of all, I played with some textures for the above photo. What do you think?

I recently read my January 2009 horoscope and it says the coming month will be a good one for that creative endeavor I have been thinking about recently. Now I certainly don't start big projects on the whims of astrology, but I am a most fervent believer in signs and fate. So this forecast of my future, if you will, is encouraging.

Here we sit on the eve of a new year and being the sentimental writer that I am, I always take stock of what has been and what I hope will be. This was a very good year in many respects. My family and I are healthy and happy and employed which, in this financial climate, is no small thing. There were challenges this year, some I did not meet with as much resolve as I would liked. But I followed my instincts and never compromised my integrity, even if that made it harder for me to succeed in some ways. At the end of the day I could always sleep soundly. There were things I didn't get done this year that I should have: saved more and spent less, paid off those damn credit cards, lost that damn weight, etc. Things very similar to what others planned for, I'm sure. But tomorrow starts a brand new year, and I'm looking forward to taking another shot at my goals.

The most valuable thing I can take away from 2008 is the same thing I took away from every year before it: the lessons learned. I learned that it's sometimes better to be kind than to be right; that though my restless spirit feels I am not reaching my goals as fast I would like, I am, at this moment, right where I should be; and most importantly, what I want isn't always what I need and realizing that can make all the difference.

So, I wish you all a new year filled with everything you need, even if at this moment you don't know exactly what that is. Happy New Year, my friends.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Merry Christmas!

Better late than never, right? I hope this Christmas brings you joy and wishes fulfilled.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Falling Water


Lightner Museum - St. Augustine - June 2008

Monday, December 8, 2008

Firesky

Neighborhood Sunset - November 2008

Monday, December 1, 2008

Night Photography

So this is a typical no-flash nighttime shot from my Nikon D40. I love, love, LOVE this camera, but I cannot figure out how to take a good, low-light photo. With the flash it looks washed out, without the flash it's blurry and/or grainy. Any hints, tips, advice for an amateur? You guys are the best!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Grateful

I am big on gratitude. I think it is the cure for almost everything. Taking just a few moments to think about my life in large and small scope, and consider all that I am blessed with, makes any anxiety or bitterness disappear. In today's climate of depressing news and genuinely unfortunate circumstances around the world, being grateful makes all the difference.

So, in honor of tomorrow's holiday:
A Short List of the Things For Which I Am Thankful (in no particular order)

- my family (always)
- that I am healthy and strong
- that I haven't lost my sense of humor (or my sense of hope)
- my nephew's giggles
- honest-to-God fall weather in Florida in November (hallelujah!)
- music and photography
- never-ending inspiration from my favorite artists (see blog list to the right)


Happy Thanksgiving!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Wisdom Cards


This morning it seemed I needed twice as much wisdom, so I pulled two cards instead of my usual one. I like them both.

Thursday, November 20, 2008



Desert Rose
Selby Botanical Gardens - Sarasota, FL - April 2008

Monday, November 17, 2008

Starting . . . Again



This is my third try at blogging. The first was a casualty of circumstance and the second was a casualty of finances (namely being a lack there of). I'm hoping this incarnation makes it a little longer than its predecessors.

My goals for this blog are simple: to share with whomever may be looking some of my photography, some of my words and some of the things I find on the web and in the world.

I welcome all comments, critiques and suggestions. I hope everyone can find a little something here to interest, amuse or enchant them. Or, perhaps, all three.