Spring Flowers and a Blog Tour

This weekend we were blessed with ample sunshine and most importantly, very little wind. When it's still outside, I grab my camera and capture those spring blooms before they fade away.







My blogger friend Susan Licht, recently invited me to take part in a virtual blog tour. I connected with Susan through a mutual blogger friend, Kyla Hunzinger via Flickr. Upon viewing her fantastic photos, I realized I recognized many of the places she frequented. We exchanged emails, and it turns out Susan lives in the town I grew up in - in Massachusetts. Her children attended the same High School I attended, and her son played in the same youth orchestra I played in. It still amazes me how small the world really is - we're all connected, if not by similar pasts, then at least by similar life experiences and passions.

For this blog tour we were asked to answer the following questions about our creative process.

1) what am i working on?
2) how does my work differ from others of its genre?
3) why do I write/create what i do?
4) how does my creative process work?

1) What am I working on?
What a loaded question.... The short answer - I am working on ME - to be a better person, a better friend, encourager, wife, mother, artist, runner, and contributor to this thing called life. Photography is but one avenue of many I employ for self improvement. The process of taking a photo forces me to slow down, observe and marvel even before clicking that shutter. Once the shutter is depressed, I've preserved a finite moment in time - one that won't repeat itself, and that is so satisfying, whether that moment exudes happiness or pain, serenity or discord. I am working on capturing emotions and memories - in order to grow and improve.

2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I attempt to capture the simple beauty I see and feel - I'm not sure if that sets my work apart! I am blessed to live on the flat prairie, where the sunrises and sunsets seem to go on forever, often with the most amazing cloud formations in the sky. There is an austere simplicity to it all that I am drawn to. Recently, I have been capturing what I see while I am out running - maybe that makes some of my work different.

3) Why do I write / create what I do?
Sometimes I write so I won't forget - I can be hopelessly sentimental, but looking back sheds perspective on my personal and creative journey. Other times I create because it makes me feel good, and hopefully in turn, makes others feel good.

4) How does my creative process work?
My philosophy - always live in the present, be observant, and be aware of the light around you. Always carry a camera and don't be afraid to use it. There may be times when you can't use your camera and that's OK - those times are for simply enjoying the moment.

As part of the blog tour, I get to introduce you to other artists I admire, and hopefully they will have time to answer the same questions posed to me.

Puna at Lifesignatures blogs about life, photography, food and family. We have a lot in common, including daughters obsessed (in a good way) with horses.

Tina at Tinajo at Home, lives in Sweden and I've had the privilege of meeting her in real life. She blogs about her little rascals and things that strike her fancy.

My blog's sidebar lists numerous blogs filled with inspiration and photographic beauty - places I routinely visit. I hope you will take time to visit them, too.

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Interviewed by Lee

Today I am being featured by my friend, Lee, on her blog, Embrace Life. For those who don't know Lee, she is a wonderful photographer (we collaborate weekly on Team Up Thursday's photography challenge), writer and memory keeper.

Lee is running a series of weekly Interviews, modeled after the Proust Interviews from Vanity Fair. I am honored to be a participant in her series, and my Interview questions and answers are below and at Lee's Blog.

What age did you start keeping a journal?
I recall writing in one while in Middle School and High School, but I was never consistent with writing. I transitioned to recording daily events in college, using a desk calendar. Not a journal of deep personal thoughts, but still a record of the daily rhythm of my life. This continued until I started my Project 365 Blog in 2009, and since then, my main repository of events and occasional thoughts are played out in one of my two blogs.

Who’s diary/journal (dead or alive) would you like to read?
That’s a hard one, because I’m a fairly private person and think most people are the same and wouldn’t want their innermost thoughts read by a complete stranger.

Who have you suspected of reading your diary?
I’m a pretty trusting person, so I don’t suspect anyone of reading my journal. That’s my hope, at least!

What is your idea of the perfect journal?
Certain aspects of the Perfect Journal for me have changed over time – I’ve gone from fancy bound books to writing in a spiral notebook, from pocket sized books to the standard 8.5”x11” book. But I am extremely picky about the paper – it has to be thick enough not to bleed through when using a fountain pen. And the paper must “feel good” as I am writing on it. The pen is as important as the journal – I prefer the micro-ball or fine fountain pens - smooth, dark ink.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse (in speech and/or writing)?
In writing – the conjunctions and, and but. In speech – “Do [fill-in-the-blank] Right Now, Please”, which gets repeated at least 5 times with threats of varying degrees before my kids actually move.

What quote most speaks to you?
I have a quote in the sidebar of my blog - “Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some,” by Robert Fulghum. I think it’s stayed on my blog all these years for a reason.

Who (or what) inspires you?
The beauty I see in front of me (it’s all around you – you just have to recognize it). Nature. Music. I am inspired by anyone who creates harmony and/or expresses beauty, regardless of the medium.

Who is your favourite fictional character?
Mulan (and Hermione Granger) – strong women who didn’t let their gender or circumstances get in the way.

Who are your favourite writers?
When I was little, I loved Laura Ingalls Wilder. I still love the Little House series (which was re-kindled when my daughter read the books). Nowadays, I like contemporary women writers. For example, I’ve read all the books Amy Tan, Jennifer Weiner and Katherine Center have written – so at least those three are included in my current favorites.

Which natural talent would you most like to be gifted with?
Empathy. And Patience.

What is your greatest creative talent?
In music, I have excellent pitch. I pick up music quickly – like that new song they are trying to teach in you in church – I get it after the second time I hear it. I like to think that In photography, I have a good eye, but most likely that has been developed over the years.

What is your greatest creative challenge?
Telling the story – whether that be through music or photography (or other medium). Translating what I see in my mind’s eye to the photograph. The human eye and the brain that processes vision is so complex and nearly impossible to mimic with a camera sensor. I don’t like post processing, but I do find it can be a creative outlet.

How I got to know Lee - I first met Lee through a scrapbooking bulletin board and I got to know her and her lovely family through her blog. We've had the opportunity to meet, back in 2009:


I'm so glad we've maintained our friendship over the years - Lee is an inspiration and a person worth getting to know.

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I ♥ Faces - All Things Babies

This week's I ♥ Faces Photography Challenge is "All Things Babies" - not just limited to little babies, either - baby animals, baby accessories, anything baby!

Since I just visited my sister and her cute little newborn, I have lots of pictures of little Felix to choose from. I chose a B&W version of me holding Felix by the window. My sister, Michele had tagged the photo as a "Favorite" in flickr, so she must like it.



If you have any photos that are baby related, be sure to enter!

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102/365 - Featured on The Pioneer Woman!

I opened up my email this morning to the most exciting news - my friend, Lee, congratulated me for being featured on The Pioneer Woman's Photography website! She is running a Macro Challenge and picked one of my photos:



I am totally blown away by this honor, especially looking at the other incredible entries. Go check them out!

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Wrapping up 2009, Moving into 2010

Once in a Blue Moon

Wow, how can it be the eve of yet another new year? What’s in store for 2010 (I’m going to call it “twenty-ten” instead of “two thousand and ten” – less syllables – simpler)? I’m hoping for more fun and adventures, with a heavy dose of family angst as the kiddos transition more into their adolescence years. I finished up Project 365, and plan to dive straight into Project 365 – Volume 2. This year, I’ll allow myself some latitude and I may miss a day here and there, but my general goal will be to continue growing in the photographic documentation of our little lives out here on the prairie.

I also plan to participate in Weekly Gratitude and add in a monthly (maybe even weekly) photo mosaic. I may scale back on my monthly 12 on 12 (maybe move it to a 8 on 8). We’ll just play it by ear.

And what about my One Word for 2010? My One Word in 2009 was “Balance” and I still contend it is a very appropriate word in our busy, hectic lives. For 2010, I seriously considered “Focus”, after all, Focus allows one to see clearly, adds discipline and order. But I realize I already have “Balance” and “Focus”, and I what I really need to do is “Relax” more. There, I said it. Relax. Chill. Stop Stressing over stuff. I think I’ll be happier for it, and the entire family, too.

So look for some additional ramblings and more pictures. If I miss a day here or there, it's because I'll trying to "Relax". Best wishes for a prosperous New Year!

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I ♥ Faces Photo Challenge - Pets Only

I actually have an entry for this week's I ♥ Faces Photo Challenge. I don't normally shoot faces (probably because my closest subjects have become allergic to the camera), but this week's theme is Pets!
Of course, I have plenty of Hannah pictures to choose from, so Erica and I perused through our collection to pick this classic:



So check out I ♥ Faces and enter your pet photo!

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160/365 - Morning Light

At Shutter Sisters, today's blog entry challenged the reader to take pictures in the morning hours, inspired by the photography collection, A Year of Mornings - 3191 Miles Apart by Stephanie Congden Barnes and Maria Vettese.

I personally love mornings - so peaceful and serene, full of promise of the day to come. It's my preferred time to hit the road with my running shoes. I am blessed by each sunrise I experience and then by the warm light that emanates from the ball moving upwards in the sky.

So today, after my morning run, I took these pictures of the water iris in our pond.

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137/365 - Favorite Greens

Today I took pictures to fulfill a challenge to take pictures of all things green - green being my favorite color.

With Spring in full force, it is not hard to spot all shades of green, and I sought to capture different hues - light, dark, forest, chartreuse, lime, just to name a few.

A few from the garden:

The leaves of the cranesbill (flowers may be seen here).


The parrots feather survived the winter in the pond.


Variegated hosta

Then some pictures while I watched Brian's baseball game (unfortunately, they lost again, but Brian hit a single and a double while at bat).

My favorite fizzy drink - lime, of course!


Earphones tucked in my camera bag. Yes, I picked them because of the color!

All in all, another busy day. What's your favorite color? Challenge yourself to capture it in images.

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The Word

The end of the year brings out all sorts of lists: Best of...., Worst of...., Favorite this and that...., Goals and Resolutions for the coming year, etc, etc. I'm not one to make resolutions, but goals and "forward looking" aspirations are fine, and I was happy to find a fun, yet thoughtful spin on making more of oneself in 2009 on Sheri's blog - One Word for 2009. The concept of One Word originates from Ali Edward's Blog:

Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2009?

It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.

I didn't have to think very long or hard about what My Word should be, probably because it's been My Word for a very long time. The Word? Balance. Something I have strived for over my life as a daughter, sister, friend, student, musician, employee, wife, and mother. Something I continue to work at. Balance between work and play. Balance of my finances, my home, my hobbies, myself. In a world of extremes, Balance keeps it from teetering over the edge into the abyss.

What's your Word going to be? My hope is that Your Word is not just for 2009, but becomes a part of You.

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Choosing Joy - December's Challenge

Sherry, who initiated November's Gratitude Challenge has issued a new challenge for December, and I am excited because it is such a great concept. She also added a twist that dovetails perfectly into my "Photo of the Day (POTD)" endeavor.

Here are the details, copied directly from Sherry's Blog Post:

1. This will officially start on December 3rd and will end on December 31.
2. The challenge of this blog will be similar to our Gratitude Blog idea. Look for JOY each day and blog about it. It might be something as big as attending a wedding or as small as how cozy your slippers feel...it's up to you. CHOOSE to find joy.each.day.
3. There are a few extra challenges for this one too...don't worry - don't stress....have fun! Those that complete the journaling AND the photos will be able to be have their name in the drawing for the prize TWICE.
Each week, you must post at least 3 photos based on the themes below.
Week 1 (Dec. 1 - 6) - LOVE
Week 2 (Dec. 7 - 13) - RED
Week 3 (Dec. 14 - 20) -GLITTER/SHINE
Week 4 (Dec. 21 - 27) - FAMILY
Week 5 (Dec. 28 - 31) - PEACE

I hope you will join me or at least stop by once in a while to see what Joy we find this holiday season.

Peace and Blessings!

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Gratitude Post 23 - Gloves and Hats and Scarfs (oh my!)

Even though the beginning of November spoiled us with temperatures in the 70's, it is now "business as usual" - cold, sometimes damp, sometimes sunny, but always windy (that's what you get living on the edge of a cornfield). Now is the time I am grateful for all of those gloves / mittens / scarves to help keep us warm.

But more important is my cold weather running gear:


At a minimum, I wear my running pants, a base top layer under my windbreaker, an earband and gloves. The past Saturday, with the temperatures barely hitting 20 and a stiff southerly wind, I wore a 2nd layer of pants, and two long sleeved layers under the jacket. It's the wind around here that really makes it tough to stay motivated. But my winter gear makes it possible and keeps me warm. Once you get going, it's not too bad!

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Gratitude Post 21 - The Extra Refrigerator

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I spent an hour in the grocery store today, weaving my way around the numerous food gatherers, holiday displays and stock boys. Yeah, the store was definitely crowded this afternoon.

Once I got all of the food back home, I realized how useful our 2nd refrigerator is during the holidays when an abundance of food is prepared. Our 2nd refrigerator sits in the garage and it now full with a big turkey, lots of drinks and other "overflow" from the main fridge. In fact, I don't know how my mother ever managed with a single fridge (they probably didn't keep cases of soda on hand!). All I know is the 2nd refrigerator will be pretty full these next two months. And that's why we hold on to it!

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Gratitude Post 19 - The Library

We are fortunate to have a wonderful library system. In addition to a brand new library building, we are able to request books, magazine, DVDs, and CDs through the website that houses a database of all the local library systems. This means if our city library does not have a particular item, it searches the other libraries in the area.



Another nice service is the Bookmobile - the Library on Wheels. The Bookmobile stops in several neighborhoods, including ours. We bring the kids and they browse and check out books. When I request an item, I have it sent to the Bookmobile where I pick it up. I don't have to drive out to the library (although it is a nice facility).

I am thankful for these services and resources that enrich our lives.

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Gratitude Post 18 - Brian's 3rd Grade Class

And his awesome teacher.

I received the dreaded "I'm not feeling good, Mommy" around 9:30 this morning. By the time I reached the school, Brian was sitting in the front office, looking quite peaked. We went to collect his belongings from his class, but while doing so, Brian's tummy turned for the worst and, yep, he "urped" a bit of his breakfast up on the classroom floor.

His teacher, Mrs. O, was totally unfazed - she was so concerned and sympathetic for Brian's predicament. A total class act. Brian's little episode created only a little bit of excitement in the class, and Mrs. O maintained the students' focus on their classroom tasks.

Later on (after more puking, dry heaving, puking and finally a nice nap), Brian's friend George delivered a stack of "Get Well" cards made by each of the students in his class. This thoughtful gesture was initiated by the students themselves. The cards are really cute - I'll have to scan one or two in tomorrow. It speaks volumes for the kids in his class, that they are concerned about the well being of their fellow student.

Mrs. O also called us at home this evening to check on Brian. Again, what a nice gesture that made all of us feel good inside. It's now 8pm and I am happy to say that Brian is back to his normal self and we end today more appreciative of his little 3rd grade classmates and wonderful teacher.

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Gratitude Post 17 - My Daily Cup

Ah, it's time for the coffee gratitude post.

Just last night, Scott was accosting me about my vast collection of coffee flavoring syrups. I have 5 different flavors - Almond, Hazelnut, Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice and Mango (even though the Mango is strictly for iced tea).
To be honest, in the past year, I have developed into a bit of a coffee and tea snob.
For coffee, it has to be Starbucks coffee. Just recently I decided that whole bean is superior to the pre-ground stuff.
For tea, it has to be loose leaf, and I really enjoy Fortnum and Mason's teas.

Here is what I am currently drinking - Sumatra blend.



Decaf - because I weaned myself off caffeine when I was pregnant and decided to stay off caffeine as much as possible. If I have a regular cup of coffee, I am a total spaz.

I grind in the Magic Bullet just before brewing in my french press. Nice and strong. 1/2 and 1/2 and a shot of flavor. Perfect for cold November mornings.

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Gratitude Post 15 - No place like home

Doesn't look bad, eh? That's because you can't see the plethora of cars!

Following on the heels of my Wicked, Chicago post (really, it was a post about the SUV, but it involved driving to Chicago), I am grateful for the little college community we live in, amongst the corn and the soybeans, the flat, windy prairie, but most of all, for the traffic (or lack there of) here.

The traffic in Chicago, is in a word, crazy. I don't know how people commute into the city every day. And it doesn't matter what time of day, night, weekday, weekend - the traffic is always crazy.

More like reality

Compare the above with our "rush hour":


Yeah, no comparison.

My commute is a 25 mile easy jaunt down the highway. The biggest thing we have to worry about is the combine and grain trucks during the fall harvest. And they are easy to pass.

That's why I am grateful for our own "windy city".

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Gratitude Post 14 - A sweet ride

This would have been Saturday's post, if I had more time and access to the computer.

On Saturday, a group of us "double X chromosomes" traveled to Chicago to see the longest running Broadway Musical for the Windy City, "Wicked". I had seen the musical in 2007, and since the show is in its last 10 weeks of production at the Oriental Theatre, thought Erica would enjoy it. We took her friend Kathleen, Kathleen's sister and Kathleen's mother along.

This is where the gratitude comes in - depending upon traffic, it can take 3 hours to get up to Chi-Town's Theatre. 5 people in a cramped car just doesn't cut it. So we were all thankful we had the Tahoe to take us safely there and back. The girls stayed entertained with "in-flight" movies which allowed the two moms to relax and chat.

An added bonus is that it didn't cost us $120 in gas to drive there - our gas prices are below $1.80/gallon now, a price point I don't recall seeing in the past 3 years.

Overall, we had a great time at the show - I enjoyed it more this second time around and the girls enjoyed their first professional theatre experience. We even got to see the Christmas decorations at the Macy's (former Marshall Fields).


Wicked only runs until January 25, 2009. If you can get to the beautiful Oriental Theatre, you have a short time before it flies out of the Windy City.

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Gratitude Post 13 - TGIF!

I had to get up early yesterday (5:00) and today (5:30), so I am glad today is Friday!
Even though we had a day off on Tuesday, it still feels like it has been a long week.
Hope your Friday has been a good one.

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Gratitude Post 12 - The Daily Grind

The title sounds negative, but it really isn't meant to be - today I am thankful for my job at a company called Cabot Corporation, founded in 1882 by Godfrey Lowell Cabot. (no, it's not the cheese company, but I Love Cabot Cheese)

Scott and I came to Cabot 6 years ago, after 13 years with the behemoth known as General Electric. The sheer chance of both of us landing jobs at the same time for the same company made the decision to leave GE easy. (I have since come to realize the odds of this occurrence are really slim). I have the added bonus of working 30 hours a week, which allows me to be at home when the kids get out of school.

Our facility manufactures a product called Fumed Silica which is used in paints, caulks, cosmetics, printer toners, pharmaceuticals and computer chip polishing slurries. Working in a manufacturing facility is quite fascinating - making product every day, around the clock - one feels a concrete sense of accomplishment. The pictures at the top of the post represent the Fumed Silica and its various applications.

My job has afforded me numerous opportunities to work with people around the globe, and I have had the good fortune to travel to Germany, the UK, and China. Funny thing about my job vs Scott's job - I get to travel and he doesn't, but he doesn't want to travel! So I guess that works out well for us.

I chose today's gratitude after hearing about the news that Creative Memories has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. This is a scrapbooking company with ties to many people who, like me, preserve photographs and their stories through scrapbooks.
I know the various scrapbook bulletin boards are buzzing with this news - this news, plus the myriad of other bad economic news "du jour" (name your company - Circuit City, Ford, GM, even GE) adds anxiety in an already jittery atmosphere.

Yeah, Cabot is not 100% immune to the current economic landscape, but I have reason think positively. And for that, I am grateful.

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Gratitude 11 - Friends

"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."
- Abraham Lincoln

Today I am thankful for the friends in my life - they are there to support me, help me and tell me the truth (even if the truth hurts).

I wish I could write something more profound, but the profound has escaped me today. I just know that I can call on my friends and know why they are my friends.

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