Cardinal in Flight January 31, 2010

, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

The beautiful Cardinal pair were in my backyard again today. They would come and go, check the feeders and watch from the trees. They seem to be comfortable here now. I feel so blessed. These beauties are rare here and in visiting with others in the community we believe this is the only pair in the area. I am honored that they've chosen to grace my yard from time to time.

I pray you see the little graces in your life each day!

Blessings~

Hand Woven January 30, 2010

on Etsy

Hand Woven, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

For all but 2 or 3 of the last 31 years we have been meeting my parents at Rollag, MN for the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion. You can check it out here http://www.rollag.com/ It has become a family tradition we enjoy. There are old tractors, buildings, steam and gas engines, a parade, great food, a train to ride, old time music and a ladies activities building. Several years ago we met a woman in the ladies building making round rugs on a metal ring. She called them Wagon Wheel Rugs. I found it interesting, I've always loved handcrafts and this was something new. I was to learn later that it was not new but rather an old art.

Year after year we would visit with the woman and I got braver about asking questions and one year I said to my mom, "If I could find a ring, I think I could do this." Mom looked at me and asked "Well, do you want grandma Mabel"s?" This was the first that I had any idea that my dad's mother had made rugs like this. Dad and Mom dug it out of an old outbuilding, I got it, cleaned it up and got started weaving! It is in reality an old iron buggy wheel rim.

My first rug took more than 36 hours to complete and many yards of fabric. Since then I have made several dozen using recycled cotton and poly cotton sheets. The large size, my buggy wheel rim, takes 3 full size rugs and the smaller is 30 inches (pictured) and takes 2 full size sheets. The one pictured is made on a round piece of scrap iron my hubby found and I also have used bike tire rims.

I have been fortunate to demonstrate the rugs at art shows, threshing shows and community days. Another connection with my past. Grandma didn't teach me how to do this but it's something of hers I can share with this generation.

I don't know much about the history of these unique rugs but I did find that it is believed they were made by the women on the wagon trains as they crossed our great country. I would love to learn more, if you have info, please pass it on!

Blessings~

Berrylicious! January 29, 2010

Berrylicious!, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

I love summer and summer fruits. It's still January in ND so we have months to go before summer. I found these beauties in the store and couldn't resist! They are just delish. Almost as pretty to look at as they are tasty to eat. I also got the blueberries and strawberries but I was looking for raspberries. Oh well, it's all good and each Berrylicious Berry brings summer a little closer . In the meantime, stay warm and safe.

Blessings~

Moonscape January 28, 2010

Moonscape, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Here in ND when you get a winter storm with blizzard conditions, that wind can be blowing at 50 miles an hour or more. It amazes me that little bitty birds aren't blown across the state. The creator has given them an amazing ability to ride out the storm. The wind can do terrible damage sometimes. Uprooting trees, carrying debris great distance and other damage can be expected. The wind also has the capability of creating beauty. Sometimes it piles up snow in lovely soft pillows as it fills in ones back yard. The strong wind blows tiny snowflakes into the trunks and bark of trees and in the sunlight they look to be wearing frosting. As a kid it would fill in our huge roadside ditches giving us a great place to slide and on the prairie it creates beautiful sculptures, each a unique, one of a kind masterpiece.

Sometimes in the midst of a winter blizzard you can't see what's a few feet away because of the snow being blown about. Yesterday a strong wind blew thru my life, my day. It was destructive, in part because I allowed it. I did and said things I regret but can't take back. I couldn't see the truth because of the fear, resentment, anger, frustration, fatigue and other factors swirling about. Later apologies were made, but damage had been done. I pray that God will heal the hurts I caused others to feel. It is my prayer too, that God will use this destructive wind to bring about something beautiful. I pray He uses it to teach me, to change me, to sculpt and mold me into the woman He would have me to be. In the meantime, I will draw ever nearer to Him whose love endures forever and whose mercies are new every morning.

Blessings

Wild Rice River in Winter January 27, 2010

Wild Rice River in Winter, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Another sunshiny day here in North Dakota and quite cold. I took a run to town and on my way home I stopped to shoot this beautiful barn: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9199449@N08/4309902879/ I also took some of the Wild Rice River that the farmstead sits next to. As I was going thru the photos and playing with the black and white on some I got to thinking about how the river and the barn would look in spring. That thought led to planning to shoot both in each season. There are other ordinary spots, fantastic trees,old barns, buildings, parks and so on that could be photographed each season. I'm going to start a list and if I need inspiration for my pic one day I can just check my list.

This pic a day project has been great so far, early into it yet I know. I always have my camera and both lenses with me. If I hadn't today, I would not have driven back to the old barn and the river bank. It's a peaceful, quaint spot to visit and today, just what I needed. Shooting in manual has become much more comfortable. I even figured out the little meter in the viewfinder and I can change my settings without taking my eye away from the viewfinder! I have much to learn and for me doing is the best teacher.

Blessings~

Good bye to the day~January 26, 2010

Good bye to the day~, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Here it is, time for bed again and we say good bye to another day. I have a beautiful view from my front window of the day slowly coming to an end. This day ended in splendor. After days and days of fog, clouds, rain, snow, storming it was a joy to see the sunrise this am, the bright sun as I walked home after work and the evening glow as the sun set. A beautiful goodbye to a beautiful day.

Some days end that way. we look back on our day and it was full of sunshine, full of joy, with no regrets. Other days are not so. We look back at clouds of fear or anxiety, the dreariness of being alone or a storm of anger. We say good bye to the day with regret for words said or not said. And we fear the mistakes and failures of today will follow us into tomorrow.

As this day ends I bring it to my Lord. I lay before Him my failures,confess them ask His forgiveness. I show Him my hurts and ask His healing touch. I revel in His goodness, thank and praise Him for the many blessings bestowed on me this day.

Tomorrow is a new day. Will it be sunshine or storm? I don't know about tomorrow but I know who holds my hand. He's never failed me.

Blessings~

Weft and Warp January 25, 2010

Weft and Warp, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Several days ago, my photo for the day was of the warp wrapped snugly and neatly on my loom. Since then I've threaded both the heddles and the reed. (Pics will come sometime in the future!) After a couple false starts today I was able to finally get started weaving. This is my starter, it's made of used flannel sheets dyed in the washer. I use one packet of dye and fill the washer with fabric or clothing. Dark dye gave my a nice country denim like blue. This rug turned out to be about 50 inches long.

I remember as a kid, going to grandmas after school. She would have me sewing strips together or clipping the excess for her. I didn't think much about what she had me doing then. She was keeping me busy. I don't think either of us realized how much she was teaching me, how much of the instructions and the hands on lessons were going to stay with me for nearly 40 years!

I still miss my grandma Ida, she loved Jesus and she loved me. She taught me more than weaving, she taught me about faith and faithfulness, about giving and honesty, she modeled a love for God's word and showed my by example what walking with Jesus looks like. She prayed for me (for everyone of her family members) and she's waiting for me. Wonder if she's got carpet rags in heaven, gold and silver threads I bet!

Blessings~

A Party in my Backyard! January 24, 2010

My first Cardinal to visit my yard, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

After putting my feeders out several days ago, I still haven't had much activity around them. Somewhat discouraged I was gazing out my back door and a Woodpecker caught my eye. Grabbed my camera and slid the patio door open just a bit to try and capture my little visitor. After a few shots he flew away, I closed the door and put my camera down. Out of the corner of my eye I say them!! They flew past and landed in a tree between our home and my mother-in-laws. Boy did I grab my camera quick and started shooting! My telephoto lens is a 70 x 200 and it's better than my old point and shoot but not nearly what I would have like to have. My cardinal pics are severely cropped so to get a better look at these beautiful birds.

I put out more seeds in my back yard, some suet, some apple, I have berries in the freezer I may dig out too. With a little luck my first visit won't be my last.

Sometimes we go about our lives doing what we must, doing what we should, trying to keep up, trying to get ahead and it can get tiresome. We need a surprise, a treat, a mini vacation. I was feeling a little blue today and God sent me a surprise, a treat a little party in my back yard from some friends I'd never met before. Those of you who follow, read and comment on my blog are gifts from God as well. Thank you for your visits and encouragements. I pray that something you find here is a blessings, a surprise, a treat.

Blessings~

Winter Beauty January 23, 2010

After an evening of freezing rain we woke up Saturday to a beautiful snow scene! The flakes were huge some as big around an a n egg! They were wet and heavy, the temps near freezing. They landed and clung to the ground, the trees and branches and each other. The result is a dreamy beautiful scene. Looking out into it can be deceiving however. Just past this tree, past my back yard, the conditions for travel are very dangerous. Ice beneath new wet snow makes for very slippery roads. Wet heavy snow on the highway (slush) can pull your car, make you lose control and put you in the ditch or worse. I am safe with my loved ones, tucked in our homes and so we appreciate the beauty of the storm.

Sin, can be like the winter storm. As an observer, it may look harmless, appealing, mysterious. Like the storm, it's dangers may be hidden. A friend of mine uses the phrase "slippery slope" when one flirts with sin. Like the icy roads of the storm, sin can pull us, drag us, and we find ourselves at the bottom. There are no "sin advisories" from the media like when a winter storm hits, but God has given us very clear warnings in the Bible as to the danger and the consequences of sin. Would that we study the Bible and listen to the wisdom therein.

I have on occasion, traveled during a winter storm. I've run into trouble, ending up in the ditch or stranded due to no visibility. Someone has had to come rescue me, so thankful I had someone to call (my hubby! we have a Wrecker LOL!.) The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. He also tells us that we can call on Him to save us (my Savior, He died on a tree!)

Enjoy the beauty beware the dangers.

Blessings~

Freezing Rain

Afternoon Rain

Freezing Rain at night, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Evening Rain

Another quiet day in our home. The big news, there is a storm on it's way. First layer is to be freezing rain. There will be a nice thick, slick coat of slippy sliddy on everything! Second layer will be a heavy carpet of fresh new snow to hide all that ice from those walking or driving along. Lastly the wind will pick up, blow some of that snow around and polish the ice so it gets even more slippery! Things will then improve with high temps below zero!

Feeling better maybe normal in the am :D

Blessings!

My Faithful Friend January 21, 2010

My Faithful Friend, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

My doxie Gussy spent the day with me today. I've had the flu and we both slept all day.

Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Blessings~

Waiting to Drop

Waiting to Drop, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

The trees in our front yard are full of these seeds. The leaves all fall off before winter hits but these seeds hang on tight! They're pretty hanging on the tree in clusters and contrast beautifully against a bright blue winter sky. I know however that once the snow is gone, the grass turns green, new leaves and new seeds appear on the tree, the old seeds will finally fall to the ground. And then, I will be pulling up baby trees all summer long from my flower beds, the curb, the sidewalk, even the rain gutters. Anywhere the seeds may land!

As a Christian, I am kinda like this tree, I have seeds of faith to share with the world around me. For a season I may hold on to them, sometimes tightly, stubbornly. It's my prayer that I would release those seeds of faith, of encouragement and blessings. I pray they are more plentiful than those on my trees and that they land everywhere in hearts and lives that need a touch of heaven. May they find soil where they can put down roots and grow and in due season, repeat the process!

Blessings~

Little Red Shed January 19, 2010

Little Red Shed, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Another frosty day in the neighbor hood! Usually the frost we have in the am is gone by noon. About 4pm this afternoon, I went for a drive in the country just looking for things to photograph. I had fun and got quite a few fun winter pics. I found an old house hidden amidst the frost laden trees. My favorite ancient cottonwood tree that stands guard over the prairie was covered with the heavy frost. Our little country road on the way to church was lined with trees whose branches were heavy with the frost. Beauty everywhere I looked, maybe because I was looking for it.

To some, this old weathered shed and its rundown peers is an eyesore. Something outdated, useless and ugly that should be removed, perhaps replaced. Without the contrast of the red of the little shed, this scene would be far less interesting. I'm glad it's still there, hope it stays there for a long time so that I can photograph it again and again as the seasons change.

If you'd like to see some of my other winter pics you can find them on Flickr

Blessings!

Frost strings January 18, 2010

Frost strings, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Job 37:10
By the breath of God frost is given (KJV)

I don't quite know what it is about frost but it is such a delight to me to see. I love how it's beauty covers everything, how it sparkles in the sunlight, how it pops against a bright blue sky, how it falls from the trees and dusts the ground beneath. God's breath covering everything. He has been here, this close to me decorating my world for a brief moment knowing it delights me! He is always here, near me, with me. His breath whispering "I Love You, Child".

He's whispering to you too, in the sunrise, a flower, the giggle of a child, a breeze, a snowflake, the call of a bird, the rustling of the grass, the smile of a stranger, the touch of a friend, the waves of the ocean, the stars, a sunset, some delight, big or small He whispers and He thunders "I Love YOU child".

Blessings~

Drip drip Drip January 17, 2010

Drip drip Drip, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

We have been a little warmer the last few days and what a treat! Temps in the 30's and some sunshine on your face can make you feel great! I took my camera out and stood in the sun next to the house waiting for a Sparrow or Chickadee to find my feeders. I heard this noise and it was annoying at first. I looked for the source and found that the snow on my roof was melting and the water had found it's way to the gutters. It was just enough to drip, drip, drip from the pipe.

This turned out to be a good opportunity to experiment with aperture and shutter speed. I wanted a fast shutter speed to catch the droplets and have them fairly in focus. I left the aperture fairly big to allow more light in. I've read several sources trying to understand the two and how they work. For me the best way to learn something is by doing it. Sometimes I have to do it over and over to get the hang of it. I guess that's called practice! And they say that practice makes prefect. I may never be perfect but I will be the best that I can be!

Blessings~

The table is Set~January 16, 2010

The table is Set~, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Last week I shoveled a path thru two feet of snow to my bird feeders out back. I wanted to bring them to the front of the house hoping to entice some of my feathered friends back to my yard. I rescued my best feeders and filled them, hung them in the tree out front and waited. And waited. The feeders are still full after several days. Not even a squirrel has ventured near. I will continue to wait, to hope that the birds will slowly find their way to the feeders.

I can be like the birds at times. There is a banquet set for me. Psalm 23 says God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies! Yet I am too busy, too comfortable or too proud to come and feast at the Kings table. The Lord has promised to provide for my every need. We ask Him for our daily bread and then break our back trying to provide for our selves. We live in loneliness, fear, despair, grief, poverty and defeat when God has fellowship, peace, hope, joy, abundance and victory waiting for us. His table is set, would that I go to His table, to His Word, to Him for all that I need this day, everyday.

Blessings~

Just Before Dawn January 15, 2010

before daylight, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

This morning when I got up and looked out I could see that we had another frosty morning. Trouble was I had to be to work before daylight again. It was kinda bugging me as I tromped off to work. I had my camera with me just in case I could sneak out for a few minutes after the sun came up. I could always photograph the trees along the street. As I walked toward work my eyes were drawn to the church. The light was shining on the snow that had accumulated on the roof and the frost on the trees caught some of the light as well. I tried a couple different settings hoping one would turn out. Later I did sneak out and took a few of the trees and the church. The heavy hoarfrost was beautiful. What a delightful surprise the Lord sent. Not only did He allow me to see and enjoy a beautiful morning I was also able to capture it with my camera. I can return to these beautiful surprises anytime I choose as often as I wish. Feel free to join me anytime!

Blessings~

Abstact branches with frost

Abstact branches with frost, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Yesterdays fog became this mornings frost. I had to go to work before daylight and was so disappointed that I wouldn't be able to photograph the frost. I took my camera with me and took a couple under the street lights. it was a little too dark, I didn't have my tripod so a long exposure was out. After adding some fill light, auto contrast and auto color then cropping severely this was the result. Sometimes photography is about creating an image. Today I created an abstract image. One that I like.
Blessings~

Fog Magic January 13, 2010

Fog Settles January 13, 2010, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

When I was in elementary school (a very long time ago!) I read a book called Fog Magic. It was a story of a girl who would walk into the fog and find herself in history. She was befriended by a family and learned about their way of life, the joys and struggles of a pilgrim family. I have
since loved the fog. It is mysterious, beautiful, magic!

Today's fog came midday, unusual for us. It didn't take long to accumulate on the trees in delicate frost After running a few errands, I grabbed my camera and went for a little drive. I had an old barn and this cemetery with the adjacent church in mind. I had fun this afternoon running around in the fog, snapping pictures and capturing some of that Fog Magic!

I'll have more fog magic pics on my flickr page

Blessings~

Like Stone January 12, 2010

Like Stone, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Today the sun was shining! What a treat. After work, I took my camera outdoors and took a short walk. The snow has been drifting in on the path I walk to work. This is a shot of the top of the snow bank. I tweaked it some in picasa, just a little contrast and warmed it up some. Reminds me of limestone. You can see a few more of the shots I took today on my flickr page. There are some unedited and a couple black and white. Snow makes such fun abstract pictures. I'd love to hear what YOU see.

Blessings all

Colorful Scrap January 11, 2010

Colorful Scrap, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Today was another gray day. The temps are much warmer but it made for a gray, hazy day. I needed a little color today so I went looking thru my craft closet. I checked out my beads and pearls, pencils and markers, stickers and papers. I found these little strips of scrapbook papers. After playing with them, stacking and fanning them Ifound I liked this best.

Kind of like friends, all a little different, each having a special place and adding just the right amount of color to your day.

Blessings~

Coffee Time! January 10, 2010

Coffee Time!, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

I so enjoy the weekends! I try not to have to be anywhere. I sleep in, stay in my jammies and brew a pot of coffee that I can drink at my leisure. I started drinking coffee when I was just a kid. I would go visit my grandma after school and she loved it that I would have coffee with her! Sometimes that coffee had been in the percolator for hours. We would go visit an old fella that my dad rented land from and he always insisted that we have coffee and a gingersnap. It was instant and very very thick! We still refer to strong coffee as "Oscar Coffee"! Probably why I like my coffee strong and black.

When I go visit my mom, one thing I can count on is a pot of egg coffee while I'm there. Egg coffee is made by mixing one third cup coffee grounds with one egg. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in your coffee pot and then add the egg mixture. A glass or old enamelware coffee pot make the best coffee. Watch closely as the coffee has a tendency to boil over. Once it will boil with out going over the top, let it boil a couple minutes. The coffee should go from cloudy to clear. Remove from heat and let the grounds settle. Pour the coffee thru a mesh strainer and enjoy! You can adjust the recipe to taste.

So is the coffee on?

Blessings~

Pink Glass January 9, 2010

Pink Glass, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Something a little different today. A piece of my antique pink depression glass. I have many pieces of the pink, a few of the green, a couple of gold and two of the deep blue. I remember my grandmothers having and using the pretty bowls and plates. We would have sauce in the little green bowls. Sweet salad was presented in the pretty pink bowl. They were used only for special occasions and handled very carefully.

I have a couple pieces that had belonged to my grandmothers, the rest I have purchased or received as gifts. I use them whenever I can, I so enjoy them! We all have treasures. Some things may be valuable in dollars but if we never use them, look at them, enjoy them, that's a shame! I hope your treasures bring you pleasure!

Blessings~

Sun Kissed Birch January 8, 2010

Sun Kissed Birch January 8, 2010, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

I love the white of the birch tree. Especially against the blue of the winter sky. We had a glorious sunset tonight but I live in the city limits and there are houses that obstruct my view and it was toooo cold to go hiking to the edge of town. I started looking around to see where the light was landing. Not much right by the house, too many houses and trees across the street. I looked up at my mother in laws birch tree and those beautiful white trunks were sunset kissed. They seem to be reaching toward the sun, soaking up and savoring the suns rays.

Even tho I was unable to enjoy the entire sunset due to the clutter between me and the sun, I still got a glimpse of it. This image, the trees touched by the light of the sun had a lesson for me today.

I can't see all of heaven, there is too much clutter between me and my heavenly home. There are the distractions of life, of living, of making a living and the constant pull of the world for my time and attention. But every now and then I get a glimpse of heaven, a reminder of all that is waiting for me. It may be in the smile of a friend, the helping had of a neighbor or the kind words of a loved one. The words of a song lift my heart to heaven or a passage of scripture take me to the heart of my Heavenly Father. All around there are glimpses of heaven, reminders that I am undeniably, indescribably, unconditionally loved. One day I will not only see; I will experience heaven. For today a glimpse is enough.

Blessings~

sun on the snow January 7, 2010

sun on the snow, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Yesterday we had snow, snow, snow, falling, falling, falling. Today the wind was still blowing but the sky was clear of clouds and it was the temps that were falling, falling, falling. We are well below zero here, add some wind and you have "quick freeze your skin" conditions! The older I get the more I dislike the cold and the more I feel it in my bones.

So on this very cold day, what do I do? I head outdoors with my camera! And not just once but three times I went chasing sun dogs! That's what a good cold clear day is good for. The last walk took me to the edge of town where across the field I could view the sun dogs and the sunset. The wind still blew snow across the drifts and the setting sun kissed the snow with pinks and orange. Such a beautiful goodbye to the day! I'm glad I didn't sit indoors bemoaning the cold and wishing for warm temps. Instead I opened my eyes and found surprises!

You can see more sun dog and winter pics on my flickr acct. Just click the link!
Blessings

broadway, Abercrombie January 6, 2010

broadway, Abercrombie, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Well today is a typical winter day in ND. The snow was falling when I got up, and it is still snowing at 4 in the afternoon. The wind is going to pick up and then we will really have a mess on our hands! Good day to stay close to home. I love watching the snow fall. It brings a blanket of new to everything. I took a little walk thru town to get a few pics and two things stood out to me. First, the blanket of snow that covers over the old. It is fresh, white, untouched. Reminds me of what Jesus has done for me. He loved me, died in my place, paid my debt, forgave me and made me His child. All the old of me has been covered in the newness of Him. Bible says I am a new creation! My scarlet stains have been made white as snow.

The second thing that struck me was where kids (big and small) had played in the new snow. Run thru it, kicked it, even rolled in it. Reminds me to take each new day I am given and really live in it, whatever the day may hold. And occasionally we may even get the chance to frolic in it!

One thing I want to do this year is learn to use the manual setting on my camera. The pics I took today turned out a little grey. I hit the auto contrast on this one, neither is exactly how the day looks. You can see more of the weather around Abercrombie on Flickr.

Blessings~

Rug Warp January 5, 2010

Rug Warp, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

I recently "warped the beam" on my Union 36 rug loom. The loom had belonged to my grandmother and a few years ago I got it after it had been stored for several years. In the last couple years I have learned how to warp the beam, thread the heddles and the reed. I have had to make a few minor repairs and replace a few parts. All in all things have gone well. I have learned how to weave rugs that my mom said "Grandma would have been proud"! Most of this by trial and error. By making a mistake, having to redo something and trying again.

I do remember Grandma making rugs but she died in 1977. I was in my first year of Bible College. When I was younger, I would go to her house and she would let me sew the strips together on her old treadle sewing machine. There is a right way and a wrong way you know.... She tried to teach me to wind the sewn strips into balls. Hers were tight and nice and round or shaped like a football. Mine still are soft and somewhere between round and a football. She always said you have to weave them tight. I remember mom looking at homemade rugs and saying "Nope, they're not tight, they won't last." So, my goal was to get them good and tight. And they are. Again by trial and error. But Grandma would be proud!

That's how I'm learning photography as well, by trial and error. I try something and it may work, if not, try again. When all else fails i guess I could read a book!

Blessings

Bowl full of Sugar January 4, 2010

Bowl full of Sugar, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

Here in ND we had another cloudy dreary day. That makes shooting outdoors hard. The snow looks gray, the sky is gray, trees, roads even houses are gray. So what to find to shoot inside without the wonderful sunlight I had yesterday. I don't like to use my flash so how do I get enough light? I wanted a little more than the ceiling lights will give me and I don't have a soft box. However, I do have an Ott-Light.. I have not tried this before but I think it worked ok. I set the bowl of leftover candy under the light and used the manual setting on my camera. I like the result. That's the point of this project. To learn, learn, learn!

It is the middle of winter, there will be plenty of dreary days, I will probably do this again!
Blessings~

Carmel Corn is Calling January 3, 2010

Roses Remember January 2, 2010

Roses Remember, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

I am a collector of things. Pretty things, old things, new things, special things, funny things and even a few strange things! These things have special homes within my home. Many of my favorite things are in the hutch I bought my first year of marriage nearly 30 years ago. These scented wax balls in their pretty dish have been in the hutch since I got it and they still smell like roses. The roses have not been there quite as long but they have all accompanied me on this journey of life, love, and family. As the years pass, I will add more treasures to my collections. My treasures are really reminders of the blessings God has bestowed on me. Life, love and family. Gifts, talents and abilities. Freedom, peace, joy, eternal life. The roses remember......

Something New! January 1, 2010

Squiggles, originally uploaded by picturethepromises.

I have so enjoyed getting acquainted with my new camera the past several months. Shooting with a DSLR is so very different from shooting with my little point and shoot. I use the Auto setting most of the time but venture out every now and then to the M setting. In Colorado, I tried to get the smooth looking water, some of them turned out fine. Today we celebrated Christmas with my oldest son and his new wife. I found the "bulb" setting and we had fun playing!

It's good to step outside one's comfort zone, to try something new, to learn something new. We have a brand new year ahead and it's like a field of freshly fallen snow. Each day we can leave a footprint in the snow. Where shall we step today and what new things will we experience? I want to explore the entire field, leave my prints all over the place. I don't intend to miss a thing.
Blessings~