Week 32 of 52 - Catching Up

Two weeks have passed and finally I'm blogging again.

Cause of absence?  Camera issues.  Here's how it all began:  I shot happily with the same camera for a couple of years, then chose to upgrade this year.  I saved my hobby money, made some Craigslist sales, and proceeded to buy a newer model.

Then trouble began.  I am extremely picky about focus and I began noticing my new camera* was front-focusing with two of my lenses.  After several tests, tears, and emails to my photography buddy, she agreed, and even the manufacturer agreed.   I sent it in for repair.

A few weeks passed, another camera is in my hands, and the previously-new camera was repaired and sold - with full disclosure to its new owner of course.  I'm enjoying my hobby again and able to "focus" on everything besides focus!

Between shipping cameras and selling gear for less than I paid, I lost a sizable chunk of my saved hobby money.  And I missed two weeks of my 52-week project.

I'm still sorting out my lessons learned, but eager to jump back in to what I love.  So a little scuffed and humbled, I charge forward.


This Week in Photos

I chose this photo because Colton reminds me of photos I've seen of my dad as a boy.  I never saw a resemblance until this photo.  So I loved it, despite being a tad overexposed... black/white to the rescue.

Giggly George.  They were playing with water guns and he was contemplating drinking the water out of his gun.  Why?  Because Samuel did.  I love that all the boys are captured in some way. 

Eagerly trying to figure out this whole water gun deal, Samuel paused to look my way.  Shortly before he gave up and drank the water out of the gun instead.

I could write an entire blog on this lady.  Former professor, friend, and extended mother.  She always speaks her mind to me - and my life is better for it.  She has been Christ's hands, feet, and mouth when I needed His love, encouragement, and help.  She has a new puppy Bud and wanted some photos to send her extended family.  She is holding her older dog Sunshine in this photo.

*I'm purposefully not mentioning any camera brands/models.  This can happen to any brand and typically is a function of the lenses rather than the camera.  In my case, the manufacturer concluded the camera needed adjustment. 

Week 17 of 52 - Easter Sunrise

Thankful for the chance to watch a beautiful Easter sunrise over those Smoky Mountains with my mom and G.  She commented that she almost expected to see Him in the clouds.  "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.  And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other."  Matthew 24:30-31

I have to share something that warmed my heart this weekend. In my hometown is a Christian family that has worked hard and profited immensely from their efforts.  They have given back so much to my town - a performing arts center that showcases Christian recording artists and jaw-dropping local talent, a factory converted to a huge playroom for kids and restaurants, as well as multiple stores and businesses that employee many people.

On Saturday, they opened two buildings to the community's children for egg hunts.  This photo does not do justice to how many eggs were in this room.  Each egg was filled and many contained prizes for larger gifts. Perhaps some would scoff and remind this isn't why we celebrate Easter.  Of course it's not, but every direction my eyes turned, I saw laughing children. I have to think God was enjoying those smiles and this act of generosity.  Thank you Drake family for all you give to your community and how you shine Christ into the world.

Decided that starting this month, I will capture a family photo of us each month.  Here's my first.  Most will be just capturing life versus a posing moment, but since we were all cleaned up...

And a few more favorites...