Photos

So I finally purchased my first digital camera. Yes. That's correct. My first digital camera. I went back and forth about whether I was ready for a DSLR to begin really tuning my photography skills or if I just really wanted a plain old point and shoot camera so I could enjoy the everyday moments of life without having to lug around and whip out the big one. I decided for right now smaller is better.

So I went with a Sony Cyber Shot. Its got lots of great features on it including an optical zoom of 10x. The zoom was a must for me. Yes I wanted a small point and shoot camera but I wanted something a little more versatile. So far the camera is doing great. Granted it can't do everything. But for a little point and shoot camera I'm happy. I've been taking panoramic, videos, snapshots here and there. I can't wait for more events to pull it out and test it out.

Here are a few shots I've taken since I've begun playing with it.

Dreams

The DH and I frequently dream about where we would like to be and what we would like to have around us in 5 years. Currently I think our situation is less than ideal but we make it work nonetheless. But some days are just plain hard and stressful when you know the time and energy you put into living is just much more than its worth.

So some of our dreams are...

To buy a piece of land- a few acres outside of the city, but not in the middle of suburbia either

Grow some of our own food without dealing with pesticides, etc

Chickens and maybe a horse or two- the DH insists we must have chickens which makes me glad he at least grew up with them and knows exactly what to do because it will surely be a learning process for me. And horses are a love and hobby of my DH, but that might be in the 10 year dream!

Build our own small home on that piece of land and use reclaimed materials. I never liked the feel of brand new homes. The character of older, worn materials attracts me and maybe just reminds me of my childhood.

The list goes on but those are just a few of the more frequently discussed. I look forward to making the dream a reality, little by little.

Finding the creative energy within

Its been a long time since I've posted anything. I admit I'd like to create perfect little blurbs about the workings of my mind, but the truth is I just don't find myself being creative in writing (I must have missed that class in high school, just like I missed speech. Public speaking makes my body go limp). I would not say I couldn't do it if I put my mind to it, but if I'm not feeling it then what's the point? But the creative outlet I do find myself enjoying immensely is photography. Ever since I was in high school I wanted to get into photography. I even convinced my parents to help me buy a nice camera at that time. I started taking a class at a photography store but quickly found myself lost in the technical terminology that I was not ready for. I wanted the basics to taking good pictures, eventually I would learn the technical stuff along the way. So what happened? I slowly abandoned that endeavor. It lay dormant beneath all the other interests that had taken priority for the moment. However, gradually my interest has been piqued again and here I am, without a digital camera (apparently I missed the fact that we're in the 21st century or maybe I just haven't been able to afford the one I really want?) attempting to learn the basics. So far I'm content with my progress. I've started a photo blog and I've actually been taking photographs. It makes my heart smile.

Photography is how I can express myself without using words. Its a way of looking, seeing, and capturing what is right in front of us. It allows the details to be seen that might otherwise be overlooked. It captures the essence of that thing. It captures the beauty that some at first glance might think is ugly. Photography captures a piece of life in a single shot. The more photos you take the pieces come together. So I'll keep taking photos.