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365 Project Day 301: Different
Posted on 29. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
Different
Canon 5D Mark ll, 70-200 2.8L, 180mm focal length, 6.3 aperture, 1/30 shutter, 250 ISO. I used a tripod to prevent camera shake at a lower shutter speed and a remote to get the shot.
I am different.
I am the little girl who dawdled, walking with shoes untied and flowers in her hands. I am the one who got my dress dirty as soon as my mother put it on me, because I couldn’t resist the mud puddle at the end of the driveway. Sitting in the summer dirt is still one of my favorite things. I am still that little girl, but now I live in a grown-up world that doesn’t seem to appreciate these behaviors. I sometimes wonder if I will ever catch up, to be on time, to be the grown-up I expect myself to be.
Will I ever fit in exactly right?
Irresistible Reflections
I get caught up, marveling. I lose all track of time when the sun hits a certain place on the horizon, casting her glow across the earth. I am spellbound. And when light streams in and shimmers on rain-soaked leaves after a storm? I am all in, lost in the moment. When I hear the high pitched giggle of a child in a crowd, or see the chubby legs of a toddler trying to keep up with the stride of her daddy, what then? Time slows and I have lost my place in the book somehow. Where was I? Everything, all things beautiful must be held, captured, shared. “Did you see that?” I often ask whomever is close enough to hear.
Do You See?
There it is
But sometimes I hear people joking about these tendencies. They laugh, probably not in a critical way, but I still cringe just a little. Am I so different? Is my dress dirty from my puddle sitting? Did I embarrass someone or myself by my inability to stay focused on the things at hand? I feel self-conscious and wonder if I will ever fit in.
I run to my Father who made me this way.
You Are Unique
Never Hide
He comforts me. There is grace for me in Him. If He made me this way, then it must be good. He tells me to shine. Always shine and never hide.
I know some of you are hiding too, afraid your differences will cause you to stand out. Go ahead and stand out. Shine. I look forward to seeing your brilliant light coming out from the shadows and the world will never be the same.
Shine.
Shine
Isaiah 60:1 ~”Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”
“Why are you trying to fit in when you were born to stand out?” ~ What A Girl Wants
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365 Project Day 300: The Men in my Life
Posted on 28. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
Favorites
Canon 5D Mark ll, 70-200 2.8L, 150 mm focal length, 8.0 aperture, 1/160 shutter, 100 ISO. Alien B800 at 1/8 power in 50 inch soft box to camera left and Alien B800 at 1/16 power in 60 inch shoot through umbrella to camera right.
Just look at them. Both so handsome. So different and so alike.
I asked them if they would let me photograph them tonight for my project and they both kindly agreed. (Even thought it was midnight.) They are the constants in my life right now. I wanted a portrait to remind me of this season, with the girls both gone away to school, and Johnny here with us for just a little while longer. I know the time is short and I want to remember and treasure it. My son is becoming a man right in front of me.
Every time I asked them to change positions, they would do it at the same time and in the same manner. I had to laugh. There it was, right in front of me. Greatness being passed on to another generation. I am so grateful I can say that I hope Johnny will be like his daddy. I can see both our dads in there too. Quite the magic formula I would say. Looks, talent, loyalty, and best of all, a heart for God on both sides.
Yes, how I love the men in my life. All of them.
Psalm 23:6 ~”Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Naturals
So Much Alike
Blue Steel
Love These Two
My Men
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365 Project Day 299: Cowboy Goes Abroad
Posted on 27. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
Cowboy Ready
Canon 5D Mark ll, 24-70 2.8 L, focal length 59mm, 6.3 aperture, 1/160 shutter, 100 ISO, Alien B800 at 1/16 power in large soft box to Cowboy’s right.
Cowboy has been very patient this month while I traveled to Indiana and then to Virginia. He didn’t like it, but he allowed it. However, when he overheard me telling someone on the phone that I would be traveling to England to see Annie at Oxford, he took that big furry paw of his and drew a line. Before I knew it, he had gone upstairs, found his suitcase, and packed his favorite leopard print squeaky toy. He even put on some English-style clothing (all he could find) and walked around saying ”tally ho!” even though I told him that wasn’t really what English people did.
Cowboy can’t really go to England. Sadly, he doesn’t have his passport. Let’s not spoil it for him though. I thought I would let him enjoy the moment. He is such a sport.:)
What Time is the Flight?
Should I Pack More?
Cowboy Wants Fish and Chips
Cowboy is Serious about Going
Cowboy Waiting
Have a wonderful Thursday, everyone!
Psalm 68:3 ~ “But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.”
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365 Project Day 298: Sammy Finds a Friend
Posted on 25. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
Friendship
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 1.4 aperture, 1/400 shutter, 100 ISO
If I could give you a snapshot of me as a little girl, it would look a lot like this. Elisabeth loves horses and they love her back. It is a gift that God has given her. She reminds me so much of myself at this age. All I wanted in the world was to be with horses. I didn’t care if I got to ride. I just want to be near them, touch their their soft noses, breath in their horsey-smell, and tell them my secrets. I knew that all secrets are safe in the ears of a horse. Elisabeth knows this too.
She and her family moved into the neighborhood this past year and she has become fast friends with my old horse, Sammy. I brought him over to see her and her pony Patches, today. Sam soaked in her attention. It was so sweet. I think Sammy feels stronger and a little more heroic around Elisabeth. He seems to stand taller, as if he is seeing himself through her eyes. Yes, he becomes Sammy the Strong as well as Sammy the Gentle when he is with her.
Little girls need horses and horses need little girls to believe in them. It is a relationship designed in heaven. At least it was for me, and I think the same is true for Elisabeth.
Here are a few more of Sammy and his new friend, Elisabeth.
Psalm 16:11 ~”You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Happy Together
Sharing a Moment
Cowgirl
Follow Me
Bright-Eyed Sammy
Chatting
Content at the End of the Day
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365 Project Day 297: Bubble Tree
Posted on 25. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
- Ripe for the Picking
Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 2.8 macro, 3.2 aperture, 1/125 shutter, 100 ISO
I was so happy to see the bubble trees I planted in full bloom today. Their iridescent orbs were so ripe, they blew freely into the sky in the most gentle breezes. This particular species of bubble tree is very special. The bubbles last a bit longer than most, and as soon as the ripe fruit is picked (or blown in the breezes), a new one forms in it’s place.
How I love my bubble trees.
If only.
Maybe there are bubble trees in heaven. I enjoyed pretending today anyway. This is an encouragement to never lose your childish imagination. You never know what may grow when you see the world through the eyes of a child.
1 Corinthians 2:9 ~ “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Gathered Fruit
Sparkle and Color
Happy Tree
Iridescent Orbs
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365 Project Day 296: Well Chosen
Posted on 24. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
Apples of Gold
Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 2.8 macro, 4.0 aperture, 1/160 shutter, 100 ISO, Alien B800 at 1/16 power and a 60 inch shoot through umbrella above subject.
Every time we open our mouths to speak, we are making a decision for ourselves and for others. We have the ability to bless or curse, to speak life or death. (Proverbs 18:21) Sometimes I wonder if we really knew the power that we hold, would we make other choices when we speak? We are created in the image of God Himself, who by the power of his words, created the world in six days. He spoke it into being.
My heart shudders at the thought of lives that I could have impacted for the better had I chosen to bless instead of curse. Each time I open my mouth, whether in the presence or absence of the one I am speaking about, I am impacting them and myself in some way. Am I imparting life or just the opposite?
I want to bless.
Lord, help me to bless! I envision those I am speaking about coming to life as I speak words of blessing before the Father and to others about them. I will choose (Lord help me choose!) to bless, to always bless, and forgive me for the times I have not. Forgive me for the furrowed brow and the bitter tongue. Forgive my debts as I forgive my debtors.
Choosing our words wisely is like choosing the best fruit from the tree. I hope to choose well today.
Proverbs 25:11 ~”Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances.”
Blessings
For You
Golden Reward
Romans 12:14 ~”Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
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365 Project Day 295: Katie in Carolina
Posted on 23. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
Cutie on Campus
Canon 5D Mark ll, 70-200 2.8L, 95 mm focal length, 4.0 aperture, 1/125 shutter, 100 ISO
My favorite part of today was spending the afternoon with Katie on the campus of Wake Forest University where she is a graduate student. I am so proud of her. It was a perfect day to meander around and take photos of my lovely Katie. She is my quality-time girl. She just likes to spend time with the people she loves, and I soaked up every moment. The leaves are just beginning to change color and we had fun playing in the ones that had fallen. I miss her so much, but it was good for this mother’s heart to walk the earth where she is spending so many hours right now. I can envision her there now when I think about her and pray for her, seeing her walk the paths we walked today. How I love my Katie girl. I pray she enjoys her season at Wake Forest.
Here are a few more of our time together today.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 ~”For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
Making a Memory
All the Colors
So Much Like Me
Spreading Joy
Free Spirit
Elegant Katie
Campus Magnolia
At Reynold Gardens
Classic Beauty
Love this Face
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365 Project Day 294: A Dog Named Daisy
Posted on 21. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
Camera Shy
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 1.2 aperture, 1/125 shutter, 100 ISO
This is Daisy, a Boston bulldog who happens to be my dad’s constant companion and best friend. She is a little camera shy, as you can see in these photos, but she is full of personality and open with her affection. Those soulful eyes can convince anyone to stay just a bit longer to stroke her head or take her on a walk. Whatever she wants, really.
In the pictures I have seen of my dad when he was a little boy, he often had a dog by his side. They were part of his growing up years, and mine as well. We raised miniature poodles when I small, and I remember how excited I felt when the puppies were born. Dad has always wanted a Boston bulldog and finally realized this dream when he got Daisy. I am so glad he has her. She has stayed by his side through many health issues in her lifetime. He says she is “good company” and indeed she is. I know how much my own dogs mean to me, and I have no doubt that Daisy’s companionship has contributed greatly to his health and well-being. This is priceless to a daughter who lives so far away.
I am grateful for Daisy. The two of them make quite a pair, don’t they?
James 1:17 ~”Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Sweet Daisy
Good Company
Are You Done?
Friendship
A Man and His Dog
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365 Project Day 293: For This Moment
Posted on 21. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
Shining Moment
Canon 5D Mark ll, 16-35 2.8 L, focal length 24 mm, 7.1 aperture, 1/125 shutter, 100 ISO
I had two goals today: to visit with my dad and find something beautiful to photograph unique to Virginia. I believe I accomplished them both fully. When we discussed our plans for the day, I asked him if we could make sure we were in a prime location to view the the sunset. A fellow lover of sunsets, he knew exactly where to go, and what time to be there. That’s my dad. He loves beauty in nature also, but uses paint and canvas to capture it rather than a camera. Over the years he has developed an astute ability to know where to look for beauty. I love that about him. I hope to see the world as he does.
We had a wonderful day together, as he and my stepmom gave me a tour of the area in which I grew up. It has changed much, but it still just as lovely as I remember. But, and I love this part, we kept an eye on the time all day, knowing where we wanted to be for the sunset. They were speaking my love language, honoring something I valued. He chose the Lion’s Bridge , which borders the James River in Newport News.
I missed my dad’s 80th birthday in July, because I got sick. My sisters flew up to see him but I had to stay at home. I was intensely disappointed and I find it interesting that I likened it to missing a beautiful sunset on day 190 of this blog. Tonight I did not miss the sunset or time with my dad. God is so kind to me and redeems things as only He can.
Beautifully and completely.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 ~ “ He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
Shimmering at my Feet
Golden Waves
Sun-Kissed River
How the Path Shines
By the Sea
Homesick for the Ocean
Last of Today's Glory
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365 Project Day 292: High Cotton
Posted on 20. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
High Cotton
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 2.5 aperture, 1/200 shutter, 100 ISO
My favorite moment of the day today was this one. It rained most of the day during my drive to Virginia, and I was beginning to wonder if I would be able to find anything inspiring to photograph. It was so dreary. Then suddenly the clouds broke, and I saw an amazing cotton field on the right side of the road. It it seemed to stretch on for miles and right in the center was an old barn, weathered and wonderful. I passed it but quickly did a U-turn and pulled in right next to it. Cars buzzed past me as I stepped softly in the sandy soil, sinking up to my ankles with a big smile on my face. My heart began to fill as I bent down to touch and photograph the fluffy tufts of cotton, still soaked from the rain.
View from the Center
Then I got another surprise. My phone rang, and Annie was calling from England. “Hi!” I answered excitedly, ” I’m in the middle of a cotton field!” Instant favorite moment of the day. Maybe the week. I was having an adventure of my own, and then it was if Annie dropped by to join me from across the ocean. I stood under a substantial oak tree, taking it all in. Happy moments were tumbling one into the other. The sound of my daughter’s voice, my sandy wet feet that reminded me I was alive, and the view of the fields, popping with color and texture. All so wonderful to me.
The phrase “high cotton” is often used to express that things are going very well. I was in high cotton today indeed.
I cannot wait to see what other adventures await me on this trip to Virginia.
Sandy Skippies
Guardian of the Path
Texture and Color
Surrounded in Cotton
Beautiful Crop
Sunset over Cotton Fields
Psalm 118:24 ~”This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
