Click It Up a Notch | Favorite Photo - February 2012

This smile totally makes me melt.

Poetic Winter Photography Challenge | Calm.

This week, I've been reflecting on the word calm and what it means to be calm. Calm defined: freedom from motion or disturbance; stillness, freedom from agitation, excitement or passion; tranquility; serenity.

I have determined that I am not naturally a calm person. I feel the need to be busy all the time; matters are urgent and I'm always in a hurry. I can be easily stressed and feel anxious.
 
I suppose this is a common quality in mothers. While I realize not all mothers are like me, I can imagine that in the bustle of getting ready for school, the torrent of activity that occurs when the kids arrive home, shuttling them to and from sports and lessons, coming home, fixing dinner, baths and then the bedtime ritual, there isn't much time left for calm and relaxation. 

However, as times goes by, I have found the importance of finding calm even in the midst of all the flurry of activity and taking that time to relax. Whether its refusing to be hurried on occasion (which is difficult for me), stepping back from a harried situation, stopping to take a deep breath or simply stepping away for a bit ... its important to take some time for YOU.
This week, I found the quote below on Pinterest. It really hit me. I realized that even in the midst of all the distractions and busy-ness of life, you can still find "calm" in the thick of it.

I find photography calming (most of the time). I certainly did as I took this week's photos. Even as I was taking photos, I was taking some time for me, doing something I love. And in the process, I set up a mini spa in my bathroom. I soaked my feet and painted my nails. I have to say, it's something I don't normally take the time to do, but I genuinely enjoyed it! 

I took this last series of photos on a whim. I bought the cute chalkboard labels above as well as the chalk ink pen to write with on Etsy for my daughter's 13th birthday party this past summer. Aren't they fun?!

Then I whipped up (again ... in a hurry) this tag with some card stock I had. (I just love the typewriter font!!)  



I dare you ... find some calm this week, even in the middle of the busiest part of your day. I'm certainly going to work on it. 


Have a great weekend! 
- tish  xoxo

 

Wordless Wednesday | Scenic winter

Project 64: Out of the Box | Sky Blue

I thought these beads were a great match for sky blue this week. They are part of my daughter's beading kit. She could spend hours at a time beading bracelets and necklaces.

Poetic Winter Photography Challenge | Passion.

What is passion? 


Websters states that passion is "a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept."






Last winter, just over a year ago, I made a discovery. There was a passion within me, lying dormant, just waiting for the opportunity to become active. I really had no idea. 


I had a DSLR, I used it occasionally. My husband surprised me with an incredible upgrade and a new lens. I was so surprised and unbelievably excited. It was at that point, I became determined to learn about my new camera, how to really use it. At that moment, unbeknownst to me, the passion that lay dormant within me was awakened.





I am continually reading my camera's manual. I scour photography blogs and can spend hours pouring over books. And the more I read and learn, the greater the passion. I am in love with photography and this incredible journey I'm on. 




I admit, its not easy to learn, I get stumped at times. White balance threw me for a loop. I decided to give manual white balance a try. Ugh...disaster! My photos suddenly had a yellow hue or a blue appearance. I dug out my camera manual once again, and I searched the web for photography bloggers with helpful tutorials. I am now learning Kelvin! My photos still aren't always perfect, but just learning how to manipulate white balance on my own is a victory.




Opray Winfrey has said, "Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you."

This is spot on. I get energized when I learn something new, overcome something that has stumped me or capture that image. It fuels my passion. I can't get enough. 

Wordless Wednesday | Gymnastics Competition

The girls had a home gymnastics meet this weekend. They have both had some struggles this season, but they have worked so hard to get through them. I am so proud of them both. 
"M" was the first to compete, Saturday evening 5:00 p.m. She had a great meet, improving most of her scores and earning two medals ... one from vault and one from bars!







"A" competed Sunday morning, 8:00 a.m. She was up and ready to go. She also did very well, improving a few of her scores from her previous meet. She earned a 2nd place medal on vault! 







Though I was never a gymnast myself, as the mother of two gymnasts, I have learned just how difficult this sport is. The girls each put in approximately 12-15 hours of practice per week. It takes a lot of determination, bravery and strength. My husband and I are so very proud of our girls and all they have accomplished in this sport!

 

Poetic Winter Photography Challenge | Warmth

When I think winter, the first word that comes to my mind is usually C.O.L.D. If you know me at all, you know I am not a fan of the winter season. In fact, I am quite the opposite. I am a warm-weather, sunshiny, flip-flop-wearing kind of girl. But what I have realized is that though physical temperatures plummet to freezing, so much warmth can be found in our day-to-day living. 


My favorite spot in our home during these LONG winter months is right smack in front of our fireplace wrapped up in my favorite blanket. Here I relax and unwind as I allow the warmth to envelope me. 


I can get swept away in the pages of a well-written, heart-warming story.

What probably keeps me warmest during this season is the incredible love of my family and even our pets ... they bring so much love and warmth to my heart.

Warmth can also be found in the comfort of a hot latte shared with a friend on a bone-chilling day.
Simply put, warmth is ... a state of mind.